The candidates on Iraq and 4,000

adam/Brooklyn New York City — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 17:58:01 GMT

The blood is on your hands, Hillary.

The candidates on Iraq and 4,000

Jim, Santa Cruz — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 18:02:40 GMT

and McCain's comments are ....?

The candidates on Iraq and 4,000

Emma, Logan, Utah — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 18:06:41 GMT

The candidates on Iraq and 4,000

Nj — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 18:07:29 GMT

Clinton- Blah, blah, blah....
She is such a Pander-bear.........
Obama- Right to the point..

Has anyone noticed how Hill always talks about herself in every instance??? She is a horrible person

The candidates on Iraq and 4,000

karen bourland overland park ks — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 18:08:07 GMT

The candidates on Iraq and 4,000

BL, Cincinnati OH — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 18:10:00 GMT

Typical Clinton. Using this to promote herself. Her statement would have been perfect... without the last paragraph where she tries to use the death of 4000 servicemen as a campaign promotion. But then I'm not really surprised. She's always been only about herself, it was obvious during the early 90's even when I supported Bill Clinton. This isn't some new realization for me. Too bad more people don't see that.

The candidates on Iraq and 4,000

mike ca — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 18:12:15 GMT

i think our miltary was stronger when we had cold wars not hot ones

The candidates on Iraq and 4,000

LT Dan — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 18:12:21 GMT

We don't need any politically based meaningless praise from either the Clinton or Obama campaigns. We know why were here; apparently you don't.

The candidates on Iraq and 4,000

sean, atl, ga — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 18:12:38 GMT

I think McSame's comments will be similar to Dick's:

"so."

The candidates on Iraq and 4,000

Pat Huntington NY — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 18:13:16 GMT

Obama's comments are those not of a commander in chief, but of a heartless political opportunist. We already know your position on the war, that you supposedly opposed it from the beginning [although you continued to approve its funding with no strings attached]. So,why now, why bring up the fact this war should've not been started when we remember all those who sacrificied themselves for a cause others, and themselves, believed in? Oh, yes, you are a politician. At least Hillary showed empathy for the fallen and their families. Maybe that's from a bit of guilt for approving the war resolution [but then again, who would have thought it would last this long with this many casualties]. Where's your sense of humanity? You have none, Barrack Hussein Obama of the America Hating Trinity United Church of Christ!

The candidates on Iraq and 4,000

we thought Hitler was evil? — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 18:17:01 GMT

The killers bush/cheney the worst DEATH duo EVER!

Pin a medeal on them,
THE BUTCHER/CHOPPER DEATH AWARD! THE blood runneth over.
SO!

The candidates on Iraq and 4,000

YCM - NYC — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 18:18:50 GMT

If I was the parent of one of the 4000 dead or 29000 wounded (many permanently), I would write Hillary Clinton (and everyone else who voted for the war to be authorized) to kiss my you know what...her vote helped this whole mess happen. Now she wants to act like she didn't realize she was being mislead - while a significant number of her colleagues managed to figure that out. The lies she tells are astounding...

The candidates on Iraq and 4,000

Mark Mora, Albuquerque, NM — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 18:19:46 GMT

No amount of posturing by HRC at this juncture will ever remove the stain of her responsiblity for voting for this war without ever reading the NIE that advised against it or even asking the question. Instead, both she and Bill either supported the war or said nothing for fear of hurting her chances in her run for the presidency. They didn't want her to appear "weak on national security". They are politicians through and through. Politicians worry about the next election, statesmen worry about the next generation. Can we really afford another "politician" in the White House right now?

The candidates on Iraq and 4,000

Mark Mora, Albuquerque, NM — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 18:19:51 GMT

The candidates on Iraq and 4,000

donna, pgh., pa. — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 18:22:05 GMT

Let's talk straight Senator Clinton. You, and Pres. Bush asked our unwitting troops to invade Iraq, and quell the threat of their nuclear weaponry. There was none. As a result, they came home either dead,(for-no-good-reason), or tragically wounded, (to a Commander and Chief indifferent toward caring for them properly), because you, and he, kept changeing the objective there.(See list above). We see you Madam.
Pulling for Obama '08

The candidates on Iraq and 4,000

Gary - PITT — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 18:22:09 GMT

Could Hillary Clinton have beeen at home this past weekend thinking about her chances, hearing from "party elders" and worrying about her image and future standing in the party? As entitled as she feels, as unwilling as she is to ever stop fighting, she is not stupid. It's hard to imagine her ever seeing a path to a nomination that would be anything beyond an awfully pyric victory. Imagine her standing with the party, the electorate and the press if she were to step out for her party and "the country's sake" to do her all to get a Democrat in the White House. Imagine the unity she could engender with a positive, supportive and rousing speech (with Obama at her side?). This would be the time for such an action... before PA. If she wins PA in a big way Obama supporters will claim backlash from Rev. Wright & that this could last thru No. Carolina & Indiana, but that he'll have plenty of time to recover before November. She cannot pass him in delegate count, and I bet she's exhausted. A move like this would cement her leadership role in the party, at the convention and in the Democratic controlled Senate. Also, if Obama should lose she will be the #1 Dem going forward for four years. Musings from a political junkie...feel free to post on politico.com as your own.

The candidates on Iraq and 4,000

NO MORE WAR — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 18:23:01 GMT

Well, I guess blame should be put where blame is due.

With that being said;

Hillary Clinton and John McCain are just as responsible as GWB.

Sad but true.

At least McWar takes responsibility for his vote.

Can't say the same for Billary.

She just spins like a top.

What a travesty.

Disgusting.

Obama 08

The candidates on Iraq and 4,000

Andrew, TN — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 18:23:12 GMT

Hillary Clinton is personally responsible for every one of those dead and wounded.
If she had any content to her character she would have at least read the SNIE.
Unfortunately she could not be troubled with such mundane tasks.
This just demonstrates, along with Bosnia & Northers Ireland that Hillary's foreign policy gravitas is pauperism.

The candidates on Iraq and 4,000

Class Warrior, D.C. — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 18:25:12 GMT

Five years on the way to 100, if McWars is elected!

The candidates on Iraq and 4,000

Vote the BIG "O", Tampa, FL — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 18:25:54 GMT

If only Hillary would have used good judgement and read the NIE leading up to Iraq. It may have been possible for her to use some influence to have other Dems to vote against Iraq. I am sure she regrets her vote with every casket that comes back from absolutely stupid war. I told my wife before the first volley was thrown at Bagdad (she gets sick of hearing it) that we would lose more soldiers than people killed on 9/11.

McCain.....WRONG and old, tired.
Clinton....WRONG and old, tired.
Obama......RIGHT and new, energized.

BTW, I am married, white, sixty, Catholic and Viet Vet.

Richardson also used judgement in his decision to support Obama. Remember, loyalty over the last 8 years have gotten us where we are today.

The candidates on Iraq and 4,000

Stop the spin — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 18:26:46 GMT

Gee Billary, do you also remember, how five years ago, YOU helped start this war. Do you remember how YOU gave GWB the go ahead and the authorization to kill thousands of people?

I guess you have been spinning so much you are to dizzy to remember any of that.

Oh wait, thats right. You didn't read the authorization and you were tricked into it. You didn't know. It wasn't your fault.

Pathetic and disgusting.

Obama 08

The candidates on Iraq and 4,000

Bill, Rochester, NY (no stepping stone for HRC) — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 18:29:07 GMT

Senator Clinton you voted for this fiasco.
You did it for political positioning, no more,no less.
You did it because you wanted to show that you could be tough like one of the boys.
You have triangulated, and focus grouped your stance on this war to death. I still have yet to hear you apologize for your part in this.
I still have yet to see ANY RESULTS from your empty promises made to upstate NY during both your senate races.
Mike Gravel was quite correct when he said "shame on you" for your Iraq war vote.

The candidates on Iraq and 4,000

Leftist.org — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 18:29:09 GMT

Let's have a draft people. For all of those people who support the Republicans and the war in Iraq, send your sons and daughters. I protested the war in Viet Nam and I protest the war in Iraq. I believe that Bill Clinton knew about the terror threat and did nothing about it. I believe that the flight of TWA 800 was more than is being told. Let's vote for the man who never supported the war in Iraq. Come on people, let's vote for the man who sees things clearly, Barack Obama.
karen bourland overland park ks (Sent Monday, March 24, 2008 2:08 PM)

Karen, you can become a Obama precint captain for because of your anti-military stance and support for the enemies of America. It's only with Lefists like you that we can keep our troops under attack and trash America at the same time. Barack and Pastor Wright say GD America and thank you Karen.

The candidates on Iraq and 4,000

Dee Jackson, Columbia, TN — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 18:29:14 GMT

We must honor every life lost to this needless war. I know that every American soldier in Iraq is performing their duty to the best of their ability. Four thousand dead is a significant milestone that warrants pushing the War in Iraq back into the spotlight. There is no other issue more important to me than this issue. In my firm opinion, all of the problem facing America all lead back to the War in Iraq in some way, a war that should have never been authorized or waged. Hillary Clinton and John McCain along with every other Democrat and Republican that gave President Bush a blank check to send our brave women and men in uniform into a endless war have the blood of each and every brave soldier on their hands!

The candidates on Iraq and 4,000

Vote the BIG "O", Tampa, FL — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 18:29:22 GMT

Hey Emma,
We dont have enuf people who want to fight in the war. We out of troops, nil, zilch, zero more to fight let alone reinforce. Maybe you should enlist.

The candidates on Iraq and 4,000

J. Merle Stanley, Westchester, NY — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 18:31:28 GMT

It's typical of the Obama crew to politicize the deaths of our American Troops, and to use this sad occasion when the number of those who have so courageously made the supreme sacrifice upon the alter of freedom reaches 4000, to make a political statement rather than an expression of condolence and one of appreciation for the job they did in Iraq.
But then again, wouldn't you expect that from someone who refuses to disassociate himself with a preacher who says "God Damn America?"

Hillary For President 2008
God Bless America, and...
God Bless, Preserve and Keep Our Wonderfully Courageous Troops and Their Amazing Families!!!

The candidates on Iraq and 4,000

Pat, Boston, MA — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 18:31:41 GMT

Hillary Clinton, John McCain, Sean Hannity, Rush Limbaugh, Geo. Bush, Dick Cheney - go to Berlin. There you will come upon a rotary and in the middle of this rotary is the most beautiful memorial. This memorable is dedicated to United States General Lucias Clay, who was in charge of the Berlin Air Lift after the Soviets shut down all roads and rails into West Berlin. Never will you feel more proud of our country than you will when looking at this memorial and realizing the pains our leaders and especially our soldiers took to ensure there would be no more war on the children of Berlin.

This is the type of leadership our military deserve.

This is the America the world and its citizens want back.

This is the America we all grew up believing in.

The candidates on Iraq and 4,000

jesse St.Paul Minnesota — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 18:33:02 GMT

" I didn't read the intel-report" do you think it would have helped?4000 plus died, Over one trillon spent ,and you still will not admit your misstakes.

The candidates on Iraq and 4,000

SSgt Tom Adams, Kuwait — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 18:33:16 GMT

We don't want your thanks since it doesn't mean anything to us. McCain '08

The candidates on Iraq and 4,000

Notafraidofclintonanymore, USA — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 18:35:36 GMT

Hillary really said:

"I recall the great honor of hiding behind our brave men and women who sheltered me in Bosnia. I am always struck by how, no matter how great my suffering lies, no matter how grave my injusticies, I always say the same thing to them: "Promise that you'll take care of my lies. They're everywhere. Promise you'll keep them safe."

The candidates on Iraq and 4,000

Andrew, TN — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 18:35:37 GMT

The troops are honored by serving! It is their job, it is their pride, it is what they want to do! Taking them out will not only be refusing them the capabilities of finishing their job, but it will put the entire country at risk. There is no question that 4000 lives lost is a solem number, however, when compared to wars of the past, 4000 is a drop in the bucket. Our troops need our support, support the troops by sending in more reinforcements to help them finish the job rather than pulling them out and not allowing to finish the mission they started!

Emma, Logan, Utah (Sent Monday, March 24, 2008 2:06 PM)
-------------------------------------
My dear Emma,
As a 100% disabled veteran I could not agree more with the basic premis of your post.
The sad fact is that under presidents Clinton and Bush we have reduced our uniformed military capacity by nearly 45% and changed the guard & reserve from a strategic reserve to an operational reserve. With the result that most states could not properly respond to a natural or man made disaster today because these forces equipment replenishment has been sorely lacking.
The situation is so dire with the active duty forces that to keep the pace of deployments in Iraq & Afghanistan what they are today we will destroy our active forces within 18 months and make the "hollow force" of 1976-1980 a reality once more.
With the increased pace of the surge we have taken our "rapid deployment forces" off the table as they are now deployed. An emergency deployment would now take 10-14 days to muster. Not the 18 hours we enjoyed previously.
Finally, with our forces at the condition they are in and conflict with another "major regional player" ie, Iran or North Korea would have to rely upon tactical nuclear weapons simply because we lack the forces in boots to deploy.
Yes Emma, your thoughts would be just the ticket if we still had an active duty army of 780,000 rather than the 420,00 we enjoy today.
So much for the "peace dividend" and our current president's unwillingness to address the desperate need for additional active duty numbers until last fall.

The candidates on Iraq and 4,000

Sue, Bloomington, IN — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 18:35:52 GMT

While I'm an ardent Obama supporter, the bottom line is that both democrats will get us out of Iraq. McCain may just get us into Iran!

The candidates on Iraq and 4,000

Disgusted — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 18:36:38 GMT

This woman has NO SHAME and she thinks America is stupid.

Hillary, you must have forgotten that YOU sent our children, our husbands, our wives, our sisters and brothers to DIE.

You and McSame stood hand in hand with GWB and sent our loved ones straight into WAR.

A STUPID WAR.

YOU are responsible for those 4000 dead troops.

The world will NEVER forgive you or FORGET this travesty.

Sorry Billary and you too McSame.

Your "words" mean nothing.

But your actions speak LOUD AND CLEAR.

YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR 4000 DEAD!!!

Now spin spin spin

Disgusting

The candidates on Iraq and 4,000

Jack H, Long Beach, CA — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 18:37:16 GMT

I notice, Emma (Logan, UT), that you are not in Iraq. It is very easy for someone to be for the war if you are not being shot at, blown up or watching this happen to your comrades. And for what? All of the 'official' reasons given for being there have been shown to be lies. And still our young women and men are dying for the likes of Bush, Cheney, Halliburton, et al. It is more than shameful -- it is criminal.

The candidates on Iraq and 4,000

Moderate dem — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 18:38:28 GMT

Obama is totally clueless. Hillary knows exactly what she is talking about. But, because Obama is a man, people only THINK he knows. He knows less than nothing.

The candidates on Iraq and 4,000

Keith in PA — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 18:39:47 GMT

I don't believe a word out of her mouth.

The candidates on Iraq and 4,000

Lee in CA — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 18:41:16 GMT

"Now she wants to act like she didn't realize she was being mislead"

Are you saying she wasn't? The Iraq war was the biggest PR job in history, but like Homer Simpson, you believe it takes two to lie: one to lie, and one to listen.

The candidates on Iraq and 4,000

LMK C. WA — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 18:41:20 GMT

We the People need to know the truth about Hillary Clinton!

http://www.hillarythemovie.com/trailer.html

The candidates on Iraq and 4,000

matt — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 18:42:27 GMT

Hillary's pleas over Iraq will forever sound hollow as long as Obama's consistent oppo is around. Still can't imagine her standing up well to McCain in the general.

http://www.political-buzz.com/

The candidates on Iraq and 4,000

Blaine — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 18:42:48 GMT

Clearly, the vote to authorize military action in Iraq was as big a mistake as the USA has made in a long, long time. If only more people had heeded the position of then Senate Minority Leader Tom Daschle we wouldn't be in this predicament today. A catastrophic failure in diplomacy has destroyed the crediblity of our great country and cost us way too many lives and families..

The candidates on Iraq and 4,000

FL — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 18:42:53 GMT

You break it...You own it!!!!!!!

The candidates on Iraq and 4,000

Sierra, SF — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 18:44:12 GMT

...One big fact has largely been lost in the recent
coverage of the Democratic presidential race: Hillary
Rodham Clinton has virtually no chance of winning...'

Other than THAT, she's a great candidate !!

From Politico.com:

'...Story behind the story: The Clinton myth
By JIM VANDEHEI & MIKE ALLEN | 3/21/08 1:32 PM EST

Clinton's campaign rests increasingly on a game of
make-believe.

One big fact has largely been lost in the recent
coverage of the Democratic presidential race: Hillary
Rodham Clinton has virtually no chance of winning.

Her own campaign acknowledges there is no way that she
will finish ahead in pledged delegates. That means the
only way she wins is if Democratic superdelegates are
ready to risk a backlash of historic proportions from
the party’s most reliable constituency.

Unless Clinton is able to at least win the primary
popular vote — which also would take nothing less than
an electoral miracle — and use that achievement to
pressure superdelegates, she has only one scenario for
victory. An African-American opponent and his backers
would be told that, even though he won the contest
with voters, the prize is going to someone else.

People who think that scenario is even remotely likely
are living on another planet.

As it happens, many people inside Clinton’s campaign
live right here on Earth. One important Clinton
adviser estimated to Politico privately that she has
no more than a 10 percent chance of winning her race
against Barack Obama, an appraisal that was echoed by
other operatives.

In other words: The notion of the Democratic contest
being a dramatic cliffhanger is a game of
make-believe.
Story Behind the Story

Why news gets covered the way it does

Politico’s top editors draw on their experience at the
nation's largest news organizations to pull back the
curtain on coverage decisions and the media mindset.

* Obama's pastor: The backstory
* How the sausage gets made
* Why reporters get it wrong

The real question is why so many people are playing.
The answer has more to do with media psychology than
with practical politics.

Journalists have become partners with the Clinton
campaign in pretending that the contest is closer than
it really is. Most coverage breathlessly portrays the
race as a down-to-the-wire sprint between two
well-matched candidates, one only slightly better
situated than the other to win in August at the
national convention in Denver.

One reason is fear of embarrassment. In its zeal to
avoid predictive reporting of the sort that
embarrassed journalists in New Hampshire, the media —
including Politico — have tended to avoid zeroing in
on the tough math Clinton faces.

Avoiding predictions based on polls even before voters
cast their ballots is wise policy. But that's not the
same as drawing sober and well-grounded conclusions
about the current state of a race after millions of
voters have registered their preferences.

The antidote to last winter's flawed predictions is
not to promote a misleading narrative based on the
desired but unlikely story line of one candidate.

There are other forces also working to preserve the
notion of a contest that is still up for grabs.

One important, if subliminal, reason is self-interest.
Reporters and editors love a close race — it’s more
fun and it’s good for business.

The media are also enamored of the almost mystical
ability of the Clintons to work their way out of tight
jams, as they have done for 16 years at the national
level. That explains why some reporters are inclined
to believe the Clinton campaign when it talks about
how she’s going to win on the third ballot at the
Democratic National Convention in August.

That’s certainly possible — and, to be clear, we’d
love to see the race last that long — but it’s folly
to write about this as if it is likely.

It’s also hard to overstate the role the talented
Clinton camp plays in shaping the campaign narrative,
first by subtly lowering the bar for the performance
necessary to remain in the race, and then by keeping
the focus on Obama’s relationships with a political
fixer and a controversial pastor in Illinois.

The candidates on Iraq and 4,000

M Wells San Diego — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 18:44:29 GMT

Amazing comments here. As if Sen Clinton's vote was the very vote that pushed the AUMF over the line. Sen Clinton (like Sen Kerry, who supports Obama) gave a lengthy speech in which she specifically stated that her vote was meant to bring the inspectors back into Iraq. And that it should not be taken as an authorization to invade.
A Hillary supporter, I have taken the trouble to read Sen Obama's speech (given at an anti-war protest rally in his district). Have the Obama supporters taken the chance to read Hillary's speech?

The candidates on Iraq and 4,000

No More War — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 18:53:05 GMT

This is a dumb war and it need to stop, now. When are they going to stop this ridiculous war?

The candidates on Iraq and 4,000

Kris STL — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 18:53:07 GMT

Hillary talks as if she did not want to go to war. She knew what was up with Bushie and she let it happen.Mark Mora you are absolutely right. She did not want ot appear weak on national Security and everyone just assumed that it would be a cake walk and by the time she was running for Prez everyone would applaud her for being tough. Well what she does not understand is that being tough does not mean going to war and fighting. Sometimes being tough means standing up against tyranny and not going with what is politaically savvy at the time.

The candidates on Iraq and 4,000

Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 18:54:36 GMT

Senator Clinton, its not just soldiers. Though I'm sure to someone with such a cursory understanding of these things, everyone over there in uniform is a "soldier."

The candidates on Iraq and 4,000

Charles, Ft. Walton Beach, Florida — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 18:58:55 GMT

Senator Clinton said “As president, I intend to honor their extraordinary service and sacrifice of them and their families by ending this war and bringing them home quickly and responsibility as possible." How about this scenario Hillary. Why didn’t you say as senator, I am against giving the president free gratis to attack Iraq? We have no proof of a clear and present danger to the US or our allies? Senator Obama however was against it from the onset. He says, "Each death is a tragedy, and we honor every fallen American and send our thoughts and prayers to their families. It is past time to end this war that should never have been waged by bringing our troops home". We need a president that will make the right judgments and not allow poor advisements to result in thousands of casualties’ later. Clinton couldn't say NO, nor McCain. Both had war with Iraq on their brains. Vote OBAMA 08!

The candidates on Iraq and 4,000

Chris, Dorr, MI — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 18:59:03 GMT

This is for:
Emma, Logan, Utah (Sent Monday, March 24, 2008 2:06 PM)

Where to you get off telling our military it is their job? Spoken like someone who has never served our country.
As a veteran, I am insulted by your assumptions. "A drop in the bucket"? How dare you!
Have you ever put your life on the line for anything?
Once you have, then I will entertain your fantasies.
Our troops have done everything asked and more. There is nothing more to do except get out and make Iraq take care of itself.
President Obama will end this "lie to America" and bring our troops home with honor.

The candidates on Iraq and 4,000

Marie,NH — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 18:59:05 GMT

We have now lost 4,000 black and white men and women in this war.Fighting side by side and watching out for each other.But some believe a black man or women can die for this country but should never expect to be elect president.UNITED WE STAND
AS THE SONG GOES "GOD IS WATCHING US, GOD IS WATCHING US, FROM A DIATANCE

The candidates on Iraq and 4,000

HILLARY, NEEDS TO REGISTER REPUBLICAN! — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 19:03:28 GMT

M Wells San Diego

YES, WE READ IT...WHERE'S THE APOLOGY?! I CAN'T BELIEVE SHE GAVE A SPEECH...THAT IS BENEATH HER. SHE NEEDS TO GET OUT OF THE RACE!

The candidates on Iraq and 4,000

Mitchell Feldman, Vestal, NY — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 19:05:52 GMT

I'm glad Lt. Dan knows why he's there because I certainly don't. Although, I know that our troops would fight bravely on any mission given to them, and certainly have done so, the politics that have led us to this war are shameful.

Sadam was nothing more than a toothache according to Colin Powell and he certainly was not associated with 9/11. We caused a catastrophic collapse of Iraqi society and unleashed a civil war that although presently, somewhat quieted, will again rise in amplitude unless a political solution can and will be achieved (not only unlikely but not made any more likely by the presence of our troops). We have been distracted from chasing Al Qaeda in Afghanistan and in the mountains of NW Pakistan and have allowed the thugs to reconstitute. Through the chaos created in Iraq we have encouraged the formation of Al Qaeda in Iraq and aggravated the enmity of much of the Islamic world.
And while our troops continue to make their sacrifices by following the orders of the CInC, we have launched a surge in troop deployment that has not brought us any closer to a political resolution in Bagdad (according to General Patreous); in fact much of the success in the last 8 months is due to the self-induced action of the Sunni insurgents distancing themselves from Al Qaeda.

Will our withdrawal lead to more violence? Perhaps. But I can also see a scenario where our withdrawal might result in the alleviation of a catalyst for sectarian hostilities; I'm not sure how our presence solves the long standing animosities that have led to this civil war and meanwhile our troops are seen as a constant reminder of the malignancy of an occupying western force (even though we don't see ourselves in that way). So, Lt. Dan, with all due respect and I really do support your bravery and commitment and know that without soldiers like yourself, our armed services would be less than the remarkable fighting forces that they are...I must say that, I am not convinced of any value that might be attributed to this mission and I feel that it is best to admit a mistake once it has been made rather than continue the carnage for a cause that has failed to define itself as valuable.
Obama '08

The candidates on Iraq and 4,000

this won't get posted, either — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 19:08:02 GMT

"We don't want your thanks since it doesn't mean anything to us. McCain '08 "

Thanks for what?

The candidates on Iraq and 4,000

KYObserver — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 19:09:02 GMT

I heard this a.m. that Americans are no longer interested in the Iraq War. Iraq is on the back burner now. The truth is that the MSM are not reporting anything about it. I'm still just as interested as before, but the media have dropped it and declared that Americans are more interested in the economy or whose pastor said what that was anti-American. Who cares about pastors? Where's the fourth estate? Where's Peter Arnett?

The candidates on Iraq and 4,000

Paul, West Lafayette Indiana — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 19:10:34 GMT

"Can we really afford another "politician" in the White House right now?"
The clear answer is NO! I can't believe the American people have become so duped by the media. I wish they (the Media) would challenge American viewers to do their own research, rather than rely on the media telling US how to think and feel.
When I read about protestors being escorted from Obama's church my heart sank. Maybe people don't understand the nature of the American people, but that may just be the beginning. We may see soon enough hate crimes committed and act of persecution on members of that church. I do not wish for such a thing, but I do realize that their are some crazy people in this world. It is the saying, "Weapons don't kill people, STUPID people with weapons kill people" that makes me worry.

Barack clearly stated he is not against war, but rather a DUMB war! And George Bush was the stupid person who waged this war along with a senator from New york state. I don't care if Barack wasn't in the Senate to vote for the war, He clearly came out as a politician against the war. Its like letting someone watch your precious child every night for a year. You soon get familiar with this person you are letting your child be watched by. One day the sitter ask to take your child on a weekend trip they have been planning for a long time. The trip is out of the states. You're IFFY but you say yes. You have good faith that you're sitter has gotten everything together and well planned for DAY 1 And DAY 2 of this weekend trip. Unfortunately the two drive to the airport and the sitter realizes she can't take your child on the trip with her, but she really wants to go still. So rather than invading your trust she decides to ask one of her friends to watch your child(without consulting you). So she leaves for the weekend while your child is left in the states with someone she doesn't know but is supposed to trust. But on the way home the friend and your child get into a car wreck and your child is injuried and looses a leg. Yes, it could have been worse, but also its unreversable. Thats the difference between Hillary and Barack. Im not sure which way Barack would have voted, but I know he came out against the war when many politicans supported it. But I've put my trust in the Clintons for far too long now, and rather than looking into the interest of the AMERICAN PEOPLE she wanted to look strong on national security. Well, my sons leg is irreversable and you are in part to blame Madame. And as a American patriot Im looking into the interest of the next generation and my vote goes to BARACK OBAMA. Discernment is a blessing.

May God Bless this Nation.

The candidates on Iraq and 4,000

Enrique, Chicago — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 19:11:48 GMT

Hillary Clinton and John McCain gave George W. Bush the authorization to wage this needless war that took these 4,000 lives. For all of the experience that Hillary claims to have, it did her no good as she signed this blank check over to Bush. We now find ourselves losing more lives and spending billions of dollars in Iraq. Hillary Clinton has failed us.

The candidates on Iraq and 4,000

skg from Towanda, PA — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 19:13:54 GMT

maybe if chelsea had been drafted, other people's children would be alive and home right now. . .it's too easy to vote for war when you know it will never visit your own door step with a military chaplain. . . i am sure those parents thank you for your sympathy if not your vote to authorize force, mrs clinton

The candidates on Iraq and 4,000

Sierra, SF — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 19:16:14 GMT

M Wells San Diego : '... she specifically stated that her vote was meant to bring the inspectors back into Iraq. And that it should not be taken as an authorization to invade...'

Sorry, M the name of the bill was 'Authorization to use Military Force in Iraq'
'to use Military Forece' !!
What do YOU think that means ?
'use military force' ?
Any guesses, M ?

She DIDN'T READ the NIE
Her vote was purely 'political positioning', trying to look 'strong' in preparation for a later Presidential run

That's low life politics
The Klintons are pure political opportunists

The candidates on Iraq and 4,000

ellenb, woodlawn va — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 19:16:57 GMT

Apparently McCain is not a candidate. I guess he can almost be considered the winner, so it makes sense.

The candidates on Iraq and 4,000

Joanne, Delaware — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 19:20:34 GMT

Can someone in the political process please explain to us "again" why we are fighting in this war? Reassure the people as to why we are contiuing to fight and dying for this war. I am sure many people in the United States of America would "truly" like to know.

The candidates on Iraq and 4,000

Pat Huntington NY — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 19:25:52 GMT

Hillary is not responsible for the 4000 dead soilders. BHO supporters who say so are disgusting people. If anyone is responsible, its Bush, not Hillary. But, if we're going to make Hillary responsible, then so must we do the same with many BHO supporters, like Kerry, who voted for the same resolution. And I am sure, if BHO was in the US senate at the time of the war resolution vote, he would merely vote "present" because BARACK HUSSEIN OBAMA IS A BIG FAT COWARD!!!!! Or else he would've back his words with real action by voting against any Iraq war funding.

The candidates on Iraq and 4,000

R.Merrell — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 19:27:14 GMT

It's Bush's War, It's Cheney's War. McCain wants it to be his War. They all talk about "winning the war" but can never explain what "winning" means or when, if ever, "victory" will occur. Hence McCain's
100 year statement. He, like Bush, obviously has no plan to ever leave Iraq. Their only plan is more U.S. lives, more billions of dollars. At least for the next 100 years.

The candidates on Iraq and 4,000

Willhemina Slater, NYC — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 19:27:24 GMT

Here we are crying about the 4000 Iraq War Dead...boo hoo boo hoo...yet, what about the millions of unborn babies murdered by their mothers and abortionists every year since Roe? Does anyone shed a tear for them?

The candidates on Iraq and 4,000

MK,MO — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 19:30:25 GMT

'Obama is totally clueless. Hillary knows exactly what she is talking about. But, because Obama is a man, people only THINK he knows. He knows less than nothing.'
Moderate dem (Sent Monday, March 24, 2008 2:38 PM)

please, I guess if you are vaginaless your opinion should be disregarded, you sexist chicks crack me up, if you noticed hillary does not say anything about getting our troops out of iraq soon, but as usual makes a noncommittal statement saying 'after a responsible end to this war' she will bring the troops home, even though I don't have vaginal powers I suspect she doesn't intend to bring an end to iraq at all, thus keeping all the defense contractors she has sold out to happy, anyone that thinks different is being silly, anytime one of the Clintons makes a statement it has to be deciphered from their twisted viewpoint to figure out what they mean, a straight answer has never left the mouth of either of those two jokers

The candidates on Iraq and 4,000

Diane from Illinois — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 19:32:57 GMT

Hey, Emma,

Tell the parents of those 4,000 dead soldiers that their sons and daughters were just a "drop in the bucket".

The candidates on Iraq and 4,000

Barbara C, - Fort Lauderdale, FL — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 19:37:09 GMT

My step-son is heading over to Iraq in November...the same month we vote for a president...Hmmmmmmmmm

The candidates on Iraq and 4,000

Felix, CO — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 19:44:05 GMT

Hillary ought to be glad this milestone happened this weekend, not two days before or after. Otherwise the video of her being greeted with flowers by children in Bosnia while she claims she was dodging bullets, running for her life, no time for no stinkin' ceremony, would be getting MUCH more attention.

The candidates on Iraq and 4,000

Gary Schear, Bozeman Montana — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 19:44:51 GMT

Emma, Logan, Utah (Sent Monday, March 24, 2008 2:06 PM)

K Emma, It is their job to go where they are told and do what they are told. They do it well, thank god.
It is our job as citizens to make sure that the policy they execute is correct.
Ya see, sometimes the people we elect make mistakes. Sometimes they REALLY make mistakes that usually result in a monument with a lot of names on it of people who died for ...a mistake.
The troops didn't sit around the barracks and decide one day to hop on the transports and go "do" Iraq. They were ordered to do that by their Commander-in-chief either for his own eco-political reasons or because he is a hubris filled swaggering fool. It certainly had nothing to do with the real enemy.
We elected Richard Nixon in 1968 because he had a "secret plan" to get us out of the mistake called Vietnam. At that time there were 20,000 KIA. His secret plan, his peace with honor cost us 30,000 more dead Americans and gained us NOTHING.
To delay ending this mistake of Iraq and allowing more Americans to die for another mistake would be a god damned disgrace!
To be so stupid and self involved as to not be able to learn from our mistakes makes us and our nation completely worthy of the contempt we are held in by the rest of the world.

The candidates on Iraq and 4,000

Santos — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 20:09:28 GMT

M Wells San Diego - Hillary's advisers want a paycheck and will keep this going as long as possible! All at the voters expense! Each dollar she receives from loyal voters pays these people for their work on her campaign. Work that is almost at the "shuffling" the papers stage...just to look busy.

The candidates on Iraq and 4,000

Lin Lo — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 20:10:30 GMT

M. Wells - then she was stupid! So she gave a speech about what her vote meant. The vote was for "AUTHORIZATION TO USE MILITARY FORCE IN IRAQ." What part of that didn't she understand? She didn't even read the intelligence reports. Is this the kind of judgement we want from our CIC? I DON'T THINK SO.

The candidates on Iraq and 4,000

Eric, Washington, DC — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 20:16:18 GMT

That was a pretty slick transition Hillary made from "this is a terrible milestone" to "elect me."