Wednesday, January 24, 2007
Mixed Messages
This discussion between Hagel and Lieberman reflected the frustrations over Iraq. Both bright and effective speakers, this was a substantive if short discussion. Hagel, the more animated of the two, was emphatic and sincerely convinced that the non-binding resolution condemning the “surge” was the right thing to do.
Lieberman countered, “If members of Congress are opposed to the troop increase, then I think what they should do is to use the power given to Congress by the Constitution, and that is to directly try to cut off funds for additional troops in Iraq… we're sending a mixed message here, to both confirm General Petraeus, and then to say we're not for the plan and the support he says he needs to achieve victory or success in Iraq. I think that's a mistake.”