Lugar: Bush Must Consult Congress Over Escalation Or It ‘Could Get Ugly’
Lugar: Bush Must Consult Congress Over Escalation Or It ‘Could Get Ugly’
Today on Fox News Sunday, Sen. Richard Lugar (R-IN), the outgoing chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee, said President Bush should have congressional support before he announces any plan for escalation in Iraq. “[I]n the past, the administration has been inclined not to disregard Congress but to not take Congress very seriously. I think this time Congress has to be taken seriously.”
If Bush ignores Congress, Lugar said he should expect “a lot of hearings, a lot of study, a lot of criticism,” and “demands for subpoenas.” Fox host Chris Wallace said, “You’re saying this could get ugly.” Lugar replied, “Yes, it could.” Watch it:
Center for American Progress Senior Fellow Larry Korb, former U.S. assistant secretary of defense under President Ronald Reagan, said last week that “Congress should intervene to block another troop surge unless the administration could adequately explain to it why such a policy was necessary.” Read American Progress’ full memo to Congress.
Full transcript:
Do you support sending in more troops?
LUGAR: Well, I don’t know whether I do or not. And I say that because my prayer is that President Bush will take the advice that has come frequently, and that is with people being there on the takeoff, they have to support you on the landing.
Now, in the past, the administration has been inclined not to disregard Congress but to not take Congress very seriously. I think this time Congress has to be taken seriously. There’s been an election; Republicans lost the election. There’s going to be a change in leadership in my committee and likewise on the House side.
What I would advise would be maybe a retreat — it could be right here in Washington — but for several hours, in which the Foreign Relations Committee, just to take our group, really studies what is the president’s plan, understands specifically who is to be trained, how would the politics affect what we’ve just been talking about, the devolution of the country, the oil money or anything else, the contact group.
In other words, that there be at least some study of this by all of this before, suddenly, we are all asked to comment, Are you in favor of surge? Are you in favor of withdrawal? Six months? Three months? — all the cliches. These are not going to be relevant.
WALLACE: But you’re saying do this before the president addresses the nation.
LUGAR: Yes, that would be advisable, so that…
WALLACE: And what if he doesn’t do that? What if, basically, you know, he calls a group of you in, has the meeting around the Cabinet Room…
LUGAR: Which is the usual course.
WALLACE: Yes. Then what?
LUGAR: Then he can anticipate, not endless hearings, but a lot of hearings, a lot of study, a lot of criticism. In other words, as opposed to having a Foreign Relations Committee that really now is well-informed, understands, may not agree but understands how you get from place to place, we have an assortment of invitations, demands for subpoenas, all sorts of situations in which administration figures perhaps reluctantly come to the committee or don’t come to the committee or various other experts discuss…
WALLACE: You’re saying this could get ugly.
LUGAR: Yes, it could. And it need not.
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Mr. Lugar, it’s been well beyond ugly for quite some time. Get your head out of your ass.
December 31st, 2006 at 1:03 pmOr to declare a war…
December 31st, 2006 at 1:04 pmEven if he decides to listen to Congress’ views consciencely, he should be charged for war crimes. I’m very weary about this President and his administration.
December 31st, 2006 at 1:14 pmpromises, promises…
December 31st, 2006 at 1:15 pmWell then Sen. Lugar needs to also be willing to impeach Bush and Cheney, if they tell the Congress to screw themselves!
December 31st, 2006 at 1:16 pmThat ain’t Daryll.
December 31st, 2006 at 1:17 pmThe decider has already decided to up the ante and this will be only the first reinforcements for all-out escalation by Bushitler. Stalingrad again.
December 31st, 2006 at 1:20 pmLugar is one of the rubber stamp buddies of Dumbya. It would have gotten “ugly” two years ago if he would have been man enough to stand up to this lunatic, our President.
Most of the Republicans in the Congress will continue to give Bush their unconditional support, which will lead to an even larger majority in both the House and the Senate in 2008.
Besides, to characterize real oversight of this war as “ugly” is an insult to the American people. Conducting real hearings versus rubber stamp hearings is called democracy, not ugliness.
December 31st, 2006 at 1:21 pmI hope it gets ugly. I want to see Bush’s smirking face when he is dragged from the White House in chains.
December 31st, 2006 at 1:25 pmThird try — really pared down comment:
If it comes down to a vote, Lugar will vote the party line. **yawn**
December 31st, 2006 at 1:27 pmI wish I could believe those like Lugar, Specter, who often say one thing in interviews, and then slink off to give Bush what he wants in the end.
December 31st, 2006 at 1:29 pmThey have no credibility — I will believe it when I see it.
I heard on the radio this morning that conservatives are blasting Dems for not attending Gerry’s funeral. W. stayed in Texas to cut ’shrubs’ and not attend, nor did many other Repubs, yet the conservatives are not up in arms about their not going. Hypocrisy anyone? Double standards?
December 31st, 2006 at 1:32 pmThat can’t be Daryll.
The real Daryll would be saying, “Bush does not need a godless congress. God speaks directly to Bush and Bush does God’s will. God bless Bush and God bless America.”
December 31st, 2006 at 1:32 pmThat ain’t Daryll.
Comment by ForTruth — December 31, 2006 @ 1:17 pm
got me confused now too… i had hopes…
December 31st, 2006 at 1:33 pmcould it be “marco”?
Hypocrisy anyone? Double standards?
Comment by Uncle_Ho
Yes. And is anyone pointing out the error? Dems? News people?
Didn’t think so…
December 31st, 2006 at 1:33 pmAs we saw yesterday, it can too easily be portrayed not just by Sunni sectarians in Iraq but by anti-Western opinion throughout the Arab and Muslim worlds as victor’s justice.
December 31st, 2006 at 1:36 pmHiya Zooey! Happy New Year!
December 31st, 2006 at 1:36 pmmaybe “darryll” has decided it’s time to give up the charade…
December 31st, 2006 at 1:37 pmi’ve always thought he was a parody… pretty good one too…
Please Lugger explain why Bush needs to consult with the rubber-stampers.
December 31st, 2006 at 1:40 pm#11 Verbal
I want to be inside when it happens so I can watch his bleeding arse take the first step to Leavenworth.
December 31st, 2006 at 1:42 pmWhatever it takes to bring down Shrub and his wreckless Administration.
December 31st, 2006 at 1:44 pmHiya Zooey! Happy New Year!
Comment by Uncle_Ho
Hi Uncle Ho! Happy New Year? I wonder why there’s no War on New Year’s? Hmmm.
Is there football today? :-D
December 31st, 2006 at 1:46 pmIt’s me, I’m weary because of the choices that our President has made within his tenure. I believe those decisions will effect us negatively within the decade. I’m tired, I’m tired, I’m tired! Even the majority of the American citizens that are considered Republicans have turned against Bush. If nothing changes within the next few months, I believe America should ban together to seek impeachment.
December 31st, 2006 at 1:46 pmZooey, lots of football today, and the next few days. Go Blue!(Michigan).
December 31st, 2006 at 1:52 pmThis Daryll is too articulate to be Daryll. Nice try, though.
December 31st, 2006 at 1:53 pm“could get ugly” = Impeachment hearings = begin rebuilding America’s credibility Worldwide
(Fingers crossed)
December 31st, 2006 at 1:53 pm3000 YES YES YES YES YEEE HAAA HAPPY NEW YEAR I CAN REALLY ENJOY TONIGHT
December 31st, 2006 at 1:54 pmgood on you, daryll…
December 31st, 2006 at 1:54 pmread this, and pass it around:
http://www.zmag.org/content/showarticle.cfm?ItemID=11704
3000 Happy new year
December 31st, 2006 at 1:56 pmThis Daryll is too articulate to be Daryll. Nice try, though.
Comment by Republicans Are The Fear And Smear Party — December 31, 2006 @ 1:53 pm
It’s me, it’s amazing what 2 weeks of vacation can do for you. Working for the consulting firm and creating my personal business has completely drained my mind. This is a well deserved vacation (Indiana/Las Vegas).
December 31st, 2006 at 1:57 pmDaryll, It’s also amazing that in two weeks you went from a 10th-grade vocabulary to a Master’s in English. And you went to the “City of Sin” for your vacation! Congrats!
December 31st, 2006 at 2:01 pmIs there football today? :-D
Comment by Zooey — December 31, 2006 @ 1:46 pm
A virtual football fiesta for the next few weeks. A cornucopia.
December 31st, 2006 at 2:04 pm
Lugar has betrayed the moderate and rational wing of the Republican party he used to represent at every stage of the Bush Residency in the White House. He has voted to enable the criminal acts and the Constitutional deconstruction of the Union on every key vote, from the act enabling the Bush war at whim philosophy, to the Patriot Act, to the Rape and Torture and Suspension of Habeas Corpus Act of 2006. Lugar has failed the American people. He has failed the citizens of Indiana. I have not hesitated to tell him this by email at least once a week for the past couple of years. I cannot yet tell whether it has sunk in for Lugar yet what a desparate hole for America he has helped dig. Maybe this is the first inkling.
December 31st, 2006 at 2:04 pmDaryll, It’s also amazing that in two weeks you went from a 10th-grade vocabulary to a Master’s in English. And you went to the “City of Sin†for your vacation! Congrats!
Comment by Republicans Are The Fear And Smear Party — December 31, 2006 @ 2:01 pm
Your brain can only record so much information. For everyone, if you haven’t taken a substantial amount of time off, do so.
December 31st, 2006 at 2:06 pmIf nothing changes within the next few months, I believe America should ban together to seek impeachment.
Comment by Daryll
Sorry, dont buy it. Anyway, its nice to have a far more open-minded Daryll.
December 31st, 2006 at 2:11 pmZooey, lots of football today, and the next few days. Go Blue!(Michigan).
Comment by Uncle_Ho
A virtual football fiesta for the next few weeks. A cornucopia.
Comment by [B!]
Oh good! Thanks for the warning, I’ll watch a movie.
Have fun with your Testosterone Fest!
December 31st, 2006 at 2:15 pmSorry, dont buy it. Anyway, its nice to have a far more open-minded Daryll.
Comment by Juan C — December 31, 2006 @ 2:11 pm
Don’t discourage him.
December 31st, 2006 at 2:16 pmSorry, dont buy it. Anyway, its nice to have a far more open-minded Daryll.
Comment by Juan C
I think Daryll got his ashes hauled in Vegas. :-)
December 31st, 2006 at 2:16 pmGosh, good thing we didn’t have the internet and mathematical capabilitites of “Bush the Executioner” during the Civil War, WWI, or WWII. With such a person clanging their bell, we’d still have slaves and be speaking German……
December 31st, 2006 at 2:21 pmReported U.S. Deaths Pending DoD Confirmation: 12
Total 3000
http://www.icasualties.org/oif/default.aspx
December 31st, 2006 at 2:22 pmIf George Washington had NOT led America’s Continental Army to victory over Britain in the American Revolutionary War and become the 1st President, would this have been written into the Constitution:
I think NOT.
December 31st, 2006 at 2:23 pmWith such a person clanging their bell, we’d still have slaves and be speaking German……
Comment by mighty aphrodite
Shut your pie hole, Hagette.
December 31st, 2006 at 2:29 pm“Have fun with you Testosterone Fest!”.
Comment by Zooey
That too !
December 31st, 2006 at 2:32 pmReported U.S. Deaths Pending DoD Confirmation: 12
Total 3000
Comment by mrJJ
My condolences to the families.
What a terrible waste….
December 31st, 2006 at 2:36 pmThe Vatican denounced the execution as “tragic.” Officials in Chile, Spain, Ireland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Austria, Hungary, Italy, Switzerland, the Ukraine and the Netherlands all denounced the use of the death penalty. Many tempered their criticism with condemnation of Saddam’s crimes, and hopes for a stable Iraq.
In Berlin, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said that her country “respects” Saddam’s conviction, but added her voice to the protest against the use of the death penalty.
Dutch Deputy Prime Minister Gerrit Zalm called the execution “barbaric” and said in a radio interview that he would have preferred to see Saddam imprisoned for life.
The death penalty “should not have been applied in this case either, even though there is no doubt about Saddam Hussein’s guilt over serious violations against human rights,” Foreign Minister Erkki Tuomioja of Finland, which holds the rotating EU presidency, said in Helsinki.
Russia, whose president, Vladimir Putin, vocally opposed the U.S.-led invasion that toppled Saddam, expressed regret that international opposition to the execution was ignored.
“The political consequences of this step should have been taken into account,” Foreign Ministry spokesman Mikhail Kamynin said in Moscow.
December 31st, 2006 at 2:40 pmSo daryll, like Lily VonSchtupp, is tired>?
December 31st, 2006 at 2:45 pmWelcome to the we’re so tuckin fired it’s ridiculous club!
“My condolences to the families. What a terrible waste….”
Comment by Zooey
*******Zooette, Being the prolific poster you are, I MUST have missed your heartfelt, emotion-laced condolences for the victims of Islamic terror bombings……
December 31st, 2006 at 2:54 pmUnkkkle Dick told Chimpy he was immune to “subpeenas” , so the idea of congress having checks over him still hasnt sunk in..
December 31st, 2006 at 3:15 pm*******Zooette, Being the prolific poster you are, I MUST have missed your heartfelt, emotion-laced condolences for the victims of Islamic terror bombings……
Comment by mighty aphrodite
Yeah, I guess you did miss that, Hagette. I expressed those condolences for you too, since you are incapable of such heartfelt emotion — even for your own alleged dead child.
Noodles….
December 31st, 2006 at 3:28 pmFirst we get this from MA…
But a funny thing happened on her last birthday – I was outside gardening and two of my children came up. I had been crying and they could see my eyes were a mess. One of my sons said, †You know Mom, I know you’re sad because it’s our sister’s birthday…but maybe it’s better she died early – I mean what if she grew up and became a bank robber and was not allowed to go to heaven??†His sister just ahead of him, chimed in, “Or worse, Mom,…what if she grew up to be a DemoRAT???†I went on to tell them I was a recovering DemoRAT….Aren’t some kids just too precious????
Wishing you and yours a wonderful Easter!!
Comment by mighty aphrodite — April 15, 2006 @ 2:38 pm
then came this yesterday…
When it gets right down to it – Golda Meir had it right, “There will only be peace when the Arabs love their children more than they hate us.â€
Comment by mighty aphrodite — December 30, 2006 @ 7:26 pm
Mighty Hypocrite,
I guess it’s safe to say that, “There will only be peace, justice, love and tolerence when Republicans love their children more than they hate us (progressives).”
Your stupidity would fascinate a drooling moron.
Pustules…
December 31st, 2006 at 4:07 pmThe only reason Lugar is mouthing off is cause once the hearings start it would show the wanton misconduct the Last Repuke led congress endorsed.hence all the puff from Lugar and Specter.These 2 were the head of committees what the heck did they investigate ?Zilch thus giving the WH cover for the crap our country faces now.
December 31st, 2006 at 4:25 pmNOW you call for Congressional Oversight? Where the hell have you been for the last 6 years?
December 31st, 2006 at 4:57 pm[...] [...]
December 31st, 2006 at 5:06 pmBefore sending more troops one question MUST BE ASKED
What are the Plans for Victory so we can leave ?
This way The Iraqis Know
And the Americans Know
And The Coalition
And the rest of the world
Without the question answered honestly there will be just more obstacles
December 31st, 2006 at 5:36 pmGosh, good thing we didn’t have the internet and mathematical capabilitites of “Bush the Executioner†during the Civil War, WWI, or WWII. With such a person clanging their bell, we’d still have slaves and be speaking German……
Comment by mighty hypodcrite
You’ve used that “we’d be speaking German” hackneyed blather several times already. And, as has already been pointed out several times here, Dumbya Bush’s grandfather Prescott was a banker to the Nazis until the FDR administration froze his assets.
December 31st, 2006 at 5:41 pmTHIS is the classic line:
“What I would advise would be maybe a retreat — it could be right here in Washington” — Sen. Lugar
Hey Wingnuts! Dick Lugar thinks the warmongers should RETREAT!!!
Waking up to smell the booze in Bush’s coffee can’t be a good experience.
December 31st, 2006 at 6:47 pmMIGHT get ugly?
That’s like saying Donald Trump MIGHT have a F*&ked up comb-over.
Comment by robert — December 31, 2006 @ 6:33 pm
December 31st, 2006 at 6:49 pmComment by Whitey HermAphrodite — December 31, 2006 @ 3:48 pm
Well said. :-)
December 31st, 2006 at 7:43 pmimpotent = ugly!!! there is nothing you or congress can do now
December 31st, 2006 at 7:46 pmThe only thing that would be uglier would be watching Tony Snow-job try to justify the past 6 years of this Bushco Clusterf*ck!
2007 can’t come fast enough!!
Happy New Year to one and all!!
December 31st, 2006 at 8:53 pmThe only thing that would be uglier would be watching Tony Snow-job try to justify the past 6 years of this Bushco Clusterf*ck!
Comment by upside00
I’d sure like to see that, though. :)
Happy New Year to you and yours, upside00!
December 31st, 2006 at 9:19 pmThat’s like saying Donald Trump MIGHT have a F*&ked up comb-over.
Comment by robert — December 31, 2006 @ 6:33 pm
Comment by robert
Hey, robert, you have a big ego. You post your own posted comments. Heh. :)
Zoo!!! Happy New Year!!!
December 31st, 2006 at 9:26 pmSorry that the world is a mess with millions of people suffering and I am here celebrating just the coming of the new year…but Happy New Year to you, lady!!!
And to all brilliant and funny posters in TP, Happy New Year too. :D
Happy New Year Everyone. We can only hope, for Peace.
December 31st, 2006 at 9:36 pmAnd to all brilliant and funny posters in TP, Happy New Year too. :D
Comment by Juan C
Juan,
I believe we must find the joy within ourselves in order to be able to help those who suffer.
Peace & Blessings in the New Year!
December 31st, 2006 at 10:22 pmLugar has been nothing if not consistent for his criticism of Bush not including Congress in his Iraq policy. Lugar gave a speech in IN in Feb of 2003 in which he criticized Bush for not informing the Senate of either the cost or the post-war plan for Iraq. It turns out that there was no post-war plan. The last time Lugar was too far off the reservation, they gave his committee chair to Jesse Helms. Message delivered to Lugar: “Stray too far and you are gone”. This intimidation is the way the GOP works. Give the GOP grownups some space to break.
January 1st, 2007 at 12:51 amYeah, this all sounds so great. Now Richard will get his new orders from the Bush millionaire mafia, and this will all be forgotten.
January 1st, 2007 at 9:43 amAnd I hope he doesn’t expect much support from the Dems. They are still too afraid of being called traitors from the moving mouths in the right wing media. They will stand around with their hands in their pockets, shuffeling their feet, and looking toward the ground. They will come out with some brave statement like, “Well, we don’t want to rush into not supporting our president”.
Look folks, if they don’t hear from regular Americans in a large volumn, they will continue to let the criminals in Washington do whatever they want.
Basically, Bush has ignored Lugar. Lugar was hamstrung between having to support the troops, supporting a president of his party’s choosing and hanging on to his chairmanship that could easily have been handed to George Allen or Norm Coleman. The Gingerich revolution was all about concentrating power in the hands of party leaders by ignoring senoirity and punishing committee chairmen that did not fall in line.
Lugar allowed Bolton to be hung out to dry. Senate hearings were routinely ignored by the media. I think Lugar resented Bush ignoring Congress, but did not have the backing by his party to do anything about it. What could they have done barring a major revolt? Even the Dems did not launch a major revolt. Lugar wants Congress to have a say and he is someone that will support holding the hearings and someone the Dems can work with. Lugar knows that Iraq policy is a mess. Lugar will not Bush bash, but he will work constructively to end the mess, even if it means challenging Bush.
January 1st, 2007 at 10:33 am[...] liberals war on terror iraq [...]
January 1st, 2007 at 11:02 amIsure wish these guys would quit flip-flopping. The people voted in November to get out of this Iraq Civil War and bring our soldiers home!
January 1st, 2007 at 12:03 pm#52 – “Mighty Hypocrite, I guess it’s safe to say that, “There will only be peace, justice, love and tolerence when Republicans love their children more than they hate us (progressives).†Your stupidity would fascinate a drooling moron. Pustules…” – Comment by dixie blood
********Wrong….again. But it IS safe to say that I thank God everyday for putting Progs and Progettes on earth for my entertainment.
January 1st, 2007 at 12:15 pm“Hey, robert, you have a big ego. You post your own posted comments. Heh. :) ”
Juan, no ego, just sloppy cut and past because I originally mad that post on the wrong thread. that’s what happens after a few Margaritas.
Warning to all: Don’t drink and type! :)
Happy New Year to all!!!
January 1st, 2007 at 12:40 pmThat’s sweet, Hagette. We thank the Universe for you, too, whether you like it or not. You provide hours of entertainment around here. Thanks.
January 1st, 2007 at 12:41 pmIsure wish these guys would quit flip-flopping. The people voted in November to get out of this Iraq Civil War and bring our soldiers home!
Comment by William
Really, I didn’t see that on the ballot I filled out. Someone better tell Pelosi before she authorizes more funding.
Morning, Zoo, glad YOU are feeling good today.
January 1st, 2007 at 12:59 pmMorning, Zoo, glad YOU are feeling good today.
Comment by robert
Heh. Well, I didn’t have an anniversary to celebrate last night. :)
And frankly, that keeps me sober! I hope you and Mrs Robert had a nice anniversary celebration.
January 1st, 2007 at 1:02 pmWe did, thank you! And thanks to you (and many other posters) for the good wishes.
17 years of Marriage
19 years together
3 GREAT kids together
as you would say: “OY!”
Still, I bet I feel better than Vance!!
January 1st, 2007 at 1:13 pmStill, I bet I feel better than Vance!!
Comment by robert
I think Gerald Ford feels better than Vance. Oy.
Heh.
January 1st, 2007 at 1:27 pmWarning to all: Don’t drink and type! :)
Comment by robert
Oh, dont ruin all the fun, robert. :}
Happy New Year to all!!!
January 1st, 2007 at 1:40 pmHappy new year!!
Lugar doesn”t quite understand what i said on Nov.11. Keep up the same old bull and you will go along with the dems. in the next election. I AM watching you guys very closely.
January 1st, 2007 at 1:50 pmWarning to all: Don’t drink and type! :)
Comment by robert
Oh, dont ruin all the fun, robert. :}
Comment by Juan C
All things considered, it’s better to drink and type, than it is to drink and dial. You can always says someone hijacked your name if it’s in writing…
January 1st, 2007 at 1:51 pmIt was on the ballot robert. Every name on the ballot that had a “(D)†behind it was a vote for getting out of Iraq. Or didn’t you get that memo?
Comment by Spudge_Boy
Sorry, missed the memo. I thought it was about more than just Iraq.
BTW, what about all the (D)s that supported Iraq and were still re-elected? OOOPS, there goes that theory.
January 1st, 2007 at 2:04 pmIf you really believe that a vote for the Democrats was a vote to get us out of IRAQ you are deluded. Now is the time that the Democrats will ensure that all of their corporate political supporters get the big government contracts to suck as much money from the Treasury as possible for supporting the ongoing operation in Iraq.
January 1st, 2007 at 2:58 pmWhen Lugar said it would get ugly he wasn’t referring to the mess in Iraq, he was referring to inside the beltway of DC.
I don’t know about everybody else but all the (D)s I voted for were for pulling out the troops.
January 1st, 2007 at 8:52 pmLet’s get our own country set up as a Democracy, instead of the dictatorship it is now.
January 1st, 2007 at 10:13 pm[...] liberals war on terror iraq [...]
January 2nd, 2007 at 11:31 am[...] On a separate, political level it isn’t the Democrats who stand to lose from two more years of war. If nothing changes or if things become even worse than they are now (which seems like a safe bet) the GOP bloodletting in ‘08 could be catastrophic. By now it ought to be obvious that the President’s agenda is focused exclusively inwards on his own narcissistic navel. The President’s party is on their own. So what will they do? At least two prominent Republicans, Heather Wilson and Gordon Smith, have jumped ahead of the flip-flop curve, though both have served in Congress long enough to know how deeply the President cares what they think. Via Steve Benen, GOP Senator Dick Lugar takes it a step further: [...]
January 2nd, 2007 at 6:07 pm[...] liberals war on terror iraq [...]
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January 10th, 2007 at 12:35 pm