Bush Does the Right Thing, Dems Don't

When President Bush vetoed the war funding bill that the Democrats designed to ensure a defeat for the United States of America in Iraq, he sent a strong message to the nation's enemies -- our enemies in Iraq, our enemies in al Qaeda cells around the world, and their allies here at home, the Democrats.

Bush refused to play political games with the lives of our troops, the lives of the Iraqis, and the long term future of the Middle East and our country.

He put the enemies of America on notice -- The U.S. will not surrender.

In an address to the nation, Bush explained his veto and the consequences of the Dems' strategy.

Transcript

THE PRESIDENT: Here is why the bill Congress passed is unacceptable. First, the bill would mandate a rigid and artificial deadline for American troops to begin withdrawing from Iraq. That withdrawal could start as early as July 1st. And it would have to start no later than October 1st, regardless of the situation on the ground.

It makes no sense to tell the enemy when you plan to start withdrawing. All the terrorists would have to do is mark their calendars and gather their strength -- and begin plotting how to overthrow the government and take control of the country of Iraq. I believe setting a deadline for withdrawal would demoralize the Iraqi people, would encourage killers across the broader Middle East, and send a signal that America will not keep its commitments. Setting a deadline for withdrawal is setting a date for failure -- and that would be irresponsible.

Second, the bill would impose impossible conditions on our commanders in combat. After forcing most of our troops to withdraw, the bill would dictate the terms on which the remaining commanders and troops could engage the enemy. That means American commanders in the middle of a combat zone would have to take fighting directions from politicians 6,000 miles away in Washington, D.C. This is a prescription for chaos and confusion, and we must not impose it on our troops.

Third, the bill is loaded with billions of dollars in non-emergency spending that has nothing to do with fighting the war on terror. Congress should debate these spending measures on their own merits -- and not as part of an emergency funding bill for our troops.

The Democratic leaders know that many in Congress disagree with their approach, and that there are not enough votes to override a veto. I recognize that many Democrats saw this bill as an opportunity to make a political statement about their opposition to the war. They've sent their message. And now it is time to put politics behind us and support our troops with the funds they need.

It makes perfect sense. The President had to veto the bill.

Anyone should be able to see what the Dems have done and why.

Anyone should be able to understand that it's time for the Dems to quit playing political games.

Anyone should be able to see that the Dems are refusing to behave responsibly. Instead, they're putting personal political expediency ahead of principle.

Here's how some of the Dems responded to Bush's veto, only the second of his presidency.

HARRY REID: "If the president thinks by vetoing this bill he will stop us from working to change the direction of the war in Iraq, he is mistaken. Now he has an obligation to explain his plan to responsibly end this war."

JOE BIDEN: "I favor a relentless push on the president, with every penny the troops need, because this guy is not going to change until the Republicans up here crack. That is happening, but it may take until September."

JOHN EDWARDS: "Congress should send him another bill with a timeline for withdrawal, and if he vetoes that bill Congress should send him another until we end this war and bring our troops home."

ROBERT GIBBS, SPOKESMAN FOR BARACK OBAMA: "Senator Obama is focused on putting pressure on members of Congress to override the president's veto. It's obvious now that the president is too stubborn to move and the only way to change the direction of his war is to change Congress."

PHILIPPE REINES, SPOKESMAN FOR HILLARY CLINTON: "She is focused on the current efforts to enact the legislation that provides funding for our troops while changing course in Iraq."

CHRIS DODD: "He will continue to seek opportunities to stand up to the president on his failed policy, end the war and bring our troops home."

Simply put, as the Dems continue to push for defeat in Iraq, they are making it clearer to the public that they're not fit to handle foreign policy.