Warner On Iraq...Sounds Like HRC On Iraq
In New York today, VA Gov. Mark Warner rejected calls by many Democrats to set a target date to drawn down U.S. troop levels in Iraq, saying he prefers a gradual approach that links troop withdrawals to benchmarks achieved by Iraqi forces.
The AP quotes Warner: "'This Democrat doesn't think we need to re-fight how we got into (the Iraq war). I think we need to focus more on how to finish it,' Warner said.....'To set an arbitrary deadline or specific date is not appropriate ... It is incumbent on the president to set milestones for what he believes will be the conclusion."
That's similar to what Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton of New York said last week.
She rejected an immediate pull-back but, like Warner, said no more troops were needed.
And she also endorsed a benchmark approach, distinguishing her from potential '08 opponents like Sen. Russ Feingold (D-WI).
Clinton: "My approach is we tell them we expect you to meet these certain benchmarks and that means getting troops and police officers trained, equipped and ready to defend their people."
Good one, be the anti-Hillary by being Hillary?
Time for some foreign policy advisors Mark.
Wow, looks like you guys have a bad case of Warner-rhea.
Let's see:
Evan Bayh called for benchmarks back in June.
John Edwards, too, is for benchmarks, although he wants you to know that he feels bad about voting for the IWR.
Joe Biden is for follow-my-plan or get out.
Wesley Clark is a "follow-my-benchmarks" guy.
Richardson is pro-"it's time to make withdrawal plans."
Kerry is an "OUT NOW!" guy.
...And of course Russ Feingold, the man who started it all,is now middle-of-the-road, being merely pro-timetable, Dec. 31, 2006, to be exact.
"This Democrat doesn't think we need to re-fight how we got into (the Iraq war).
Mark Warner, you lost my respect with such a boneheaded comment. Accountability is not that important according to you, Mark.