Sanford: We Shouldn’t Listen To ‘A Particular Person’s Opinion In Baghdad’ About Withdrawing From Iraq
Sanford: We Shouldn’t Listen To ‘A Particular Person’s Opinion In Baghdad’ About Withdrawing From Iraq
Yesterday on CNN’s Late Edition, South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford (R) admitted to “drawing a blank” when asked whether there are any “significant differences between” Bush and McCain on economic policy. (Sanford may want to take his cues from another McCain surrogate Roy Blunt, who said previously that McCain is offering a third Bush term on the economy and “that’s a good thing.”)
In the same interview, Sanford — rumored to be a leading vice presidential contender for McCain — was asked by host Wolf Blitzer how he responds to Iraqi government officials who are calling for a timetable for withdrawal. Sanford implied the U.S. president shouldn’t listen to Iraqi opinion:
The decision will ultimately be made by the next president of the United States. And as a consequence, you know, people’s view on that particular subject, I think, will drive a good part of the decision-making that’s ultimately going to be done in Washington, D.C. In short, the decision, I think, will be made in Washington, D.C., rather than as a consequence of a particular person’s opinion in Baghdad.
Watch it:
Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki and National Security Adviser Mowaffak al-Rubaie have made clear in recent weeks that they want a firm timetable for the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq, thus putting a severe dent in John McCain’s plans for a 100-year-plus occupation.
Sen. Barack Obama writes today in the New York Times, “Instead of seizing the moment and encouraging Iraqis to step up, the Bush administration and Senator McCain are refusing to embrace this transition — despite their previous commitments to respect the will of Iraq’s sovereign government.” Obama lauds statements from Iraqi officials as “good news” and argues that “we should seize this moment to begin the phased redeployment of combat troops that I have long advocated.”
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the Iraqi government wants us out, the Iraqi people wants us out, the American people wants us out, therefore, Bush/Cheney/McPutz will ensure our staying there for all time.
July 14th, 2008 at 10:24 amMark Sanford makes Dan Quayle look like Mensa material. Sanford’s VP chances augered in at high speed into the toilet with yesterday’s brain freeze.
July 14th, 2008 at 10:31 amFrom Obama’s speech:
July 14th, 2008 at 10:35 amIt’s a terrible realization to have ‘brain freeze’ on live media.
But, the fact McSmoke regularly has them, & now one of his ‘VP short list’ experienced the same, shows all of us how these plans are smoke & mirrors.
Balance Bush’s deficit in 4 years? Right.
Restore auto worker’s jobs in Michigan? Right.
‘Victory’ in Iraq? Right
The Recession is really just ‘mental’? Right.
Health care reform, using the insurance industry? Right.
I don’t know what Sanford & McCain are smoking, but it’s NOT cigarettes.
July 14th, 2008 at 10:37 amOur fight for democracy in Iraq has nothing to do with the rights of Iraqis to exercise their democratic rights.
Can you say hypocrisy??
July 14th, 2008 at 10:38 amWe’ll stay until the Iraqis ask us to leave. But when they ask, we’ll tell them to STFU.
July 14th, 2008 at 10:41 amThe continually escalating Republican Insanity boggles the mind! How is it possible for ‘responsible’ adults to perform these mental gymnastics? I know its only too human to ignore reality, but, sooner or later, reality Cannot be ignored. It’s Their country and we Don’t belong there! Let’s make the best of a bad situation and move on. That may not be popular with the Powers That Be, but it’s still the right thing to do.
July 14th, 2008 at 10:42 amImpeach Pelosi, Cheney and Bush and Save the Constitution!
Of course, we don’t want to cut-and-run from Iraq. All the members of Congress that have investments in the Military would not get their dividend checks each month. All the profits for Blackwater USA, Haliburton, Bechtel would plummmet.
We must stay in Iraq so the Military Economy thrives. We must remain in Iraq so we go into the next Unleashed Hell On Earth piece of the PNACian puzzle: Iran.
We continue to stay in Iraq so our civilian economy plummets, our infrastructure continues to crumble and out Moral Standing in the World (secret prisons, prisoner abuse) — continues to erode.
We must stay in Iraq at all costs. And don’t let the Sheeple see the Nightly Carnage like was shown on TV during Vietnam. Let’s continue the Corporate Bought and Sold Press continue to ask the tough journalistic questions like why isn’t one presidential candiadate wearing a flag pin.
Let’s stay in Iraq while the Sheeple stay Soma-fied to their video games and American Idle.
Vote Green: McKinney.
July 14th, 2008 at 10:43 amYeah, that’s the kind of freedom we’re spreading to Iraq. Sure you can have your elected government, but we’ll still force you to sell us your oil, and won’t leave when you want us to.
July 14th, 2008 at 10:44 amOf course, we don’t want to cut-and-run from Iraq. All the members of Congress that have investments in the Military would not get their dividend checks each month. All the profits for Blackwater USA, Haliburton, Bechtel would plummet.
We must stay in Iraq so the Military Economy thrives. We must remain in Iraq so we go into the next Unleashed Hell On Earth piece of the PNACian puzzle: Iran.
We continue to stay in Iraq so our civilian economy plummets, our infrastructure continues to crumble and our Moral Standing in the World (secret prisons, prisoner abuse) — continues to erode.
We must stay in Iraq at all costs. And don’t let the Sheeple see the Nightly Carnage like was shown on TV during Vietnam. Let the Corporate Bought and Sold Press continue to ask the tough journalistic questions like why isn’t one presidential candiadate wearing a flag pin.
Let’s stay in Iraq while the Sheeple stay Soma-fied to their video games and “American Idle”.
Vote Green: McKinney.
July 14th, 2008 at 10:45 amThere is a weekly 2008 Vice President poll at http://www.votenic.com so see who America thinks should back the candidates. New “Undecided” Option and Talk Forum!
July 14th, 2008 at 10:46 am‘brain freeze’ on live media. 10:37a
With Republicans it’s a ‘nature’ and nuture thing…yes, sadly they are born that way plus brainwashing.
July 14th, 2008 at 10:53 amunbelievable:
Thanks for posting Obama’s quote.
July 14th, 2008 at 10:57 amIf you think Obama is going to get us out of Iraq, you are only fooling yourself.
Sorry to say.
July 14th, 2008 at 10:58 amWould someone please point out that our troops have done everything, completed every administration goal in Iraq. So victory has been achieved by our men and women on the ground. So the only reason the U.S. is staying is oil, oil, oil. Just be honest mccain, blunt and the other war mongers. A war brought about by old men for oil.
July 14th, 2008 at 10:59 amObama, like McCain is part of the “Elite System” in place. Change you can believe in: McKinney. But, she doesn’t have a chance because we are living in a broken system that panders to these 2 parties. Democrats and Republicans are the same just different sides of the coin.
July 14th, 2008 at 11:00 amWell Kay at least Obama doesn’t say outright he plans to stay 100 years like your man. How many children do you have in Iraq or Afganistan ?
July 14th, 2008 at 11:00 amA vote for McKinney is a vote for McCain.
I say this as someone who voted for Nader in 2000. And I live in Florida.
I, too, was sick of the machine, convinced there was no significant difference Gore and Bush.
Mine was a colossal mistake, one I sincerely regret and one I won’t repeat.
Democrats who vote for anyone but Obama are helping the Republicans.
July 14th, 2008 at 11:01 amMcCain is NOT may man. Cynthia McKinney is my gal, read what she has to say.
July 14th, 2008 at 11:01 amI am not thrilled with Obama either but a unknown liar against a proven liar I will take anyday.
July 14th, 2008 at 11:02 amFrosty Cupcake Says: Thanks for posting Obama’s quote.
I’m still mad about his stances on FISA and the faith-based iniatives, but I think it’s important to remind ourselves that he’s still the best candidate running, by a mile…
July 14th, 2008 at 11:03 amUh-oh: I opened up another can of worms. Democrats in denial that Obama is going to do any good.
McCain and Obama are the same. They both trample on the Constitution: see the FISA Amendment Act of 2007.
July 14th, 2008 at 11:03 amActually I have read and can’t see the qualifications. We need a intelligent person that can work with many different cultures and will employ competent, experienced advisors versus a good ole friend.
July 14th, 2008 at 11:06 am“McCain and Obama are the same.”
Were Bush and Gore the same?
Would this country not be greatly better off if Gore had won in 2000?
July 14th, 2008 at 11:07 amKay,
The worms are in McCain’s can.
I surely don’t see Obama as an elitist, a good old boy or the same, tired old politicians D.C. excretes.
I also think healthy debate by bloggers on issues is a good thing, so please don’t think I’m trying to change your mind.
The only thing I recall about McKinney is her slapping someone.
July 14th, 2008 at 11:08 amWho was that, and why did she feel the need to slap them?
Obama is going to win the Presidency.
But, I honestly don’t see any great change happening. Just my opinion.
I don’t think people have actually grasped what the overreaching consquences of Obama’s vote last week on FISA are.
We are going down a dark, dark road. And, yes, with Obama at the helm.
July 14th, 2008 at 11:09 amKay, I like McKinney, but she can’t get us out of Iraq because she doesn’t have a chance of being elected. If you think Obama wouldn’t be significantly better in every respect than McCain, you are only fooling yourself. No offense.
July 14th, 2008 at 11:11 amThe only thing I recall about McKinney is her slapping someone.
Who was that, and why did she feel the need to slap them
Of course that’s what the Lame Stream Press wants you to remember about her. Not her vision and continued fight for the Truth (9/11) and defending the Constitution.
July 14th, 2008 at 11:11 amFrosty Cupcake Says: A vote for McKinney is a vote for McCain. Democrats who vote for anyone but Obama are helping the Republicans.
I agree.
As much as I like to vote for Green Party candidates (and used to do so when I lived in California and they had a shot at winning), this election really will come down to either Obama or McCain as viable choices.
I won’t risk McCain winning by default because I voted for McKinney, even if it bothers me that I’m once again voting for the lesser or two evils bewteen Democrat and Republican.
July 14th, 2008 at 11:12 amWe are going down a dark, dark road. And, yes, with Obama at the helm.
Then we really are in trouble, if he’s planning on sailing the American ship of state down a highway.
July 14th, 2008 at 11:12 amZimzone:
It was a DC police officer and the incident had something to do with security at the Capital Building.
July 14th, 2008 at 11:13 amSometimes I feel like an abused wife on this site when I mention that I am not voting for Obama and that I am throwing my support to McKinney.
Maybe I should just shut the hell up: keep my opinions to myself -or- just go where people agree with me.
July 14th, 2008 at 11:13 amKay:
I feel the same way about Common Dreams. ;)
July 14th, 2008 at 11:15 amIn a way, Kay is right. It doesn’t matter who is in charge if the Congress continues to waffle and support their own private agendas (and pocketbooks) rather than the Constitution. However, this applies to McKinney as well as to Obama and McCain.
Which means that you have to have a President who can organize the electorate to help reform the Congress from the rubber stamping entity it is now into what it was supposed to be from the beginning, one of the three cornerstones of the United States political system.
And frankly, I think that the person who can do that is Obama, not McCain and not McKinney.
July 14th, 2008 at 11:15 am#30:
Then we really are in trouble, if he’s planning on sailing the American ship of state down a highway.
I don’t get it.
July 14th, 2008 at 11:16 amI will give points for McKinney going against mainstream, but McKinney can’t always have it just her way, she doesn’t know how to compromise. And come on, we all saw, not just read, the loss of temper when asked for her badge to enter and her subsequent temper fit. We already have had the spoiled, temper tantrum throwing for 8 years.
July 14th, 2008 at 11:16 amI feel the same way about Common Dreams. ;)
July 14th, 2008 at 11:17 amwhat?
Kay, or you could accept the fact that people disagree with you and are pointing out the flaw in voting for McKinney as you prefer or Nader as JJ espouses.
Obama pissed me off with his vote on FISA and I don’t agree with everything he stands for, but if you think a vote for Nader or McKinney isn’t a vote for McCain, I think (with all due respect) that you are wrong.
July 14th, 2008 at 11:18 amThanks, Frosty
Kay, I’m not arguing or putting you down. You should be able to voice your opinion here anytime you feel like it. I honestly don’t know anything about her. You may be right about ‘what the media’ wants me to know, but my opinions aren’t formed solely on what the media says.
I would be interested in hearing more about her ‘green’ platform, however.
July 14th, 2008 at 11:18 amI have to give Obama credit: He fooled everyone regarding his “prgressive” views then once getting the nomination quickly moved to “center field”
Now, that’s hutzpah
July 14th, 2008 at 11:19 amKay, I for one, welcome your opinions. You probably want about the same future that I want. I just have a different opinion on tactics.
July 14th, 2008 at 11:20 amraynman Says:
“you have to have a President who can organize the electorate to help reform the Congress from the rubber stamping entity it is now into what it was supposed to be from the beginning . . .
And frankly, I think that the person who can do that is Obama”
Obama referenced this in an interview with Rolling Stone - the desire to use his campaign’s internet organizational tools to keep voters in the loop and engaged after (hopefully) he’s elected.
July 14th, 2008 at 11:21 amThen we really are in trouble, if he’s planning on sailing the American ship of state down a highway.
I don’t get it.
One usually is at the helm of a ship, which usuually doesn’t ply the roadways.
July 14th, 2008 at 11:22 amThis b.s. from the administration, and those who want to follow in their footsteps, proves that declaring Iraq a “sovereign nation” was simply a smokescreen for the war profiteer. Idealistic statements about bringing freedom and democracy to the Middle East were a cynical cover for an opportunistic grab for profits and a leaping-off point to launch “preventative” wars against any country in the area who bucks the U.S. I sincerely doubt that even Saudi Arabia is safe from such predations.
July 14th, 2008 at 11:23 amI also recall a story about McKinney that occured during the 2000 runup to the presidential elections. Didn’t she publicly call out Al Gore for what she perceived was a lack of desire to have black people around him on the campaign trail?
McKinney, “Al Gore’s Negro tolerance level has never been too high. I’ve never known him to have more than one black person around him at any given time.”
This despite Gore having a black woman (Donna Brazile) as his campaign manager.
July 14th, 2008 at 11:23 amKay Says:
I feel the same way about Common Dreams. ;)
what?
———————————————
http://www.commondreams.org
They are all waaay on the McKinney bandwagon - you should check it out. :) But I feel the same way there that you do here. Obama supporters are in the minority on Common Dreams.
July 14th, 2008 at 11:24 amI think Obama is at heart an idealist and in mind a realist. He would have little chance of winning if he didn’t move to the center during the campaign.
July 14th, 2008 at 11:25 amZimzone Says
July 14th, 2008 at 11:08 am
The only thing I recall about McKinney is her slapping someone.
Who was that, and why did she feel the need to slap them?
____________________________________________________________
Some say it was a slap, others (like Wikipedia) claim it was a closed fist to the chest. Basically, it stemmed from a security guard not recognizing who McKinney was as she sidestepped the x-ray machine on her way into work.
http://en.wikipedia.org/ wiki/ March_29%2C_2006_Capitol_Hill_Police_Incident
July 14th, 2008 at 11:27 amWhat’s the surprise here…?!!!
Bush is not listening to our Congress; so Ford thinks why should Bush then listens to Iraq’s president Al-Maliki.
July 14th, 2008 at 11:28 amHooray for the Iraqi`s for telling the Shrub to get the phuck out and stay out, time to bring our heroes home and fix the phuck ups of the Shrub and his crime family……
Old man Johnny has not got a chance in November with the crew he has assembled for his campaign…….
Whiner`s to Gramm, stick it up your Wazoo……….
July 14th, 2008 at 11:29 amKay - you want your views known expect questions and disagreement, I take my drubbing on illegal immigration on this site. I would totally like to see a viable 3rd party candidate but McKinney doesn’t have the diplomacy to sway enough voters, pedal softly and carry a big stick. She just carries a club.
July 14th, 2008 at 11:32 amChristopher, I wish Johnny BomBombs didn’t have a chance, but much of the public is misinformed and easily driven by fear.
July 14th, 2008 at 11:38 amjabberjaw Says:
Ralph Nader would engineer a complete corporate and military withdrawal from Iraq in 6 months. Why wait an extra year or so with Obama, or 100 years with McCain?
Why waste a vote on Nader, who has as much chance of getting elected as you do?
July 14th, 2008 at 12:18 pmSanford’s translation:
“We don’t listen to those that disagree with us”
which is a corollary to Bush’s dictum, that he doesn’t talk to those who don’t agree with him.
July 14th, 2008 at 12:26 pmI prefer Obama, the one with a chance of winning, to McCain and the Republican-backed, cannot-win Nader.
Say hello to your friends at the RNC for me.
July 14th, 2008 at 12:43 pmjabberjaw Says:
54. You asked a question. I’ll provide an answer. Nader is currently polling at 6% and momentum is clearly growing (he qualified in two more states today). Once he gets to 10%, he’ll be invited to take part in the Google/YouTube debates. Won’t a three way debate including a true progressive be more meaningful than a two way debate with two flip-floppers (McCain and Obama) racing for the middle? Once it becomes a true three way race, anything can happen, and the progressive voice will finally be heard. Here are your choices on getting out of Iraq:
According to the Zogby poll more recent than the CNN poll, Nader is pulling 2%. Barr, on the other hand, is pulling 6%. So, assuming your scenario plays out, there will be a four-way debate.
It will never be a “three way race” because neither Nader or Barr has a chance in hell of being elected. We may see Nader’s massive ego drain votes from the Democratic candidate and, thanks to people like you, McCain elected — unless Barr continues to pull votes from the Republican side.
July 14th, 2008 at 12:52 pmAnd just how can Nader be certain he can pull troops out in 6 months. We all like to hear that, but realistically it is a fairy tale and now with Generals begging for more troops in Afganistan Nader is talking in the wind.
July 14th, 2008 at 1:00 pmjabberjaw Says:
gummich: Libertarian candiates always poll higher than what they eventually get. Check your history and you will see Libertarian candiates usually ending up at about 0.25% of the vote, as most of their backers in the polls actually end up voting Republican.
Except this year the Republican candidate is widely disliked by conservatives and libertarians alike. If you’d like to cite some numbers comparing pre-election vs. election numbers for the Libertarians, please do so.
July 14th, 2008 at 1:09 pmjabberjaw:
July 14th, 2008 at 1:10 pmHow long have you been working to support Mr. Nader and in what capacities? Thanks. I commend you in advance for your humanity and citizenship
#61 - Wanting something and being able to do it are two different things. Nader, McKinney might be really good people with good intentions but can they work within a power structure and motivate others to work with them ? A President has to be able to work with contrary ideas, swallow pride and persuade with diplomacy not anger.
July 14th, 2008 at 1:14 pmjj - realize too, this power structure has been slowly built over years and years, it didn’t happen just with georgie. There is a cartel of wealth behind politics moving for their best interest well meaning individuals are not part of the plan.
July 14th, 2008 at 1:20 pmMr. Sanford is basically right about the decision being made in Washington, not Baghdad. He made a fatal mistake in wingnut politics, he told the truth. We like to pretend we’re “liberators” but we are an occupying force. Occupying forces are not subject to the whims of the people they’re occupying. If we decide to leave, it will be because we don’t want to be that occupying force anymore, not because some guy in Baghdad waves his regal hand.
July 14th, 2008 at 1:37 pmJabberjaw says:
“Obama: 16 months, but willing to reconsider more time if commanders on the ground want it
McCain: 100 years.
Which do you prefer?”
Ahh…But Obama cannot be trusted to keep his word. He’s “post partisan” remember? Apparently post partisan translates to willing to compromise on anything/everything. I wouldn’t expect this to be any different. We’re screwed no matter who wins in November. Obama has no core principles. He runs from confrontations and will be weak and ineffective president. The perfect embodiment of our current Democratic Congress. McCain isn’t a wimp but he is a Republican and as such we can expect bad ideas poor ideas badly executed. Nader is an egotistical fraud who spends as much time raising money from the corporate interests he so despises as any politician. He runs because he knows he won’t be elected. If he ever was elected, he’d shoot himself. The last thing he wants is to be President.
July 14th, 2008 at 1:52 pmWell we now have a President that allows the VP who wasn’t voted in, running the show while georgie shakes the hands of children. A President that allows NO dissent and less input from his advisors because he doesn’t like deep thinking. strategy. He puts incompetents into high level decision positions that have destroyed every department created for the good of the country. Salmenella anyone ?
July 14th, 2008 at 2:04 pmIn short, the decision, I think, will be made in Washington, D.C., rather than as a consequence of a particular person’s opinion in Baghdad.
In other words, we do not recognize Iraq as a sovereign nation. They are now a wholly owned subsidiary of the Republican party.
Unfortunately for Bush and Company, Barack Obama has no intention of continuing to occupy Iraq against the will of the people.
July 14th, 2008 at 3:34 pm#Kay Says:
Obama, like McCain is part of the “Elite System” in place. Change you can believe in: McKinney.
You know Kay, in your own way you are turning into a troll. Fortunately most people here are way too smart to throw away their vote on anyone, much less Cynthia McKinney. If you choose to throw away your vote and help ensure that we have another four years of Republican rule, I guess that’s your right. Between your 911 conspiracy theories and your incessant posts trying to convince us that Obama is a fake and McKinney will some how save us, I have consigned you to troll status.
July 14th, 2008 at 3:39 pmKay Says:
Maybe I should just shut the hell up: keep my opinions to myself -or- just go where people agree with me.
Works for me.
July 14th, 2008 at 3:40 pmjabberjaw Says:
texaslady: Ralph Nader was always against the war in Afganistan as well.
So Nader was for allowing Osama and those who did us harm to just walk away with no consequences. I didn’t know that about Nader. Now I have a good reason to not respect him.
July 14th, 2008 at 3:43 pmjabberjaw Says:
Ralph Nader would engineer a complete corporate and military withdrawal from Iraq in 6 months. Why wait an extra year or so with Obama, or 100 years with McCain?
Right, he could move 130,000 men and women and all their accompanying gear in 6 months. That would be 21,667 soldiers a month or 722 a day. Not possible. And don’t forget the equal number of contractors who will have to be removed. I don’t think that our contractors will want to be left behind at the mercy of the Iraqi’s, who they have been abusing for 7 years. So, double all the numbers and you will see that it is quite impossible to get our people out of there in 6 months.
Obama came up with the 16 months because that was the amount of time the Generals told him it would take to safely and responsibly move our soldiers out of Iraq.
July 14th, 2008 at 3:51 pmVote Green: McKinney
July 14th, 2008 at 4:19 pmIt’s all about oil, oil, oil and no sovereignty for the Iraqi’s as far as their oil is concerned.
July 14th, 2008 at 4:36 pmMcKinney and Nader: A vote for McCain.
July 14th, 2008 at 5:14 pm#70:
The 19 Muslims responsible for 9/11 is another conspiracy theory.
July 14th, 2008 at 5:41 pmSC has never, never, never elected an intelligent person to public office…
Now, dat, rite, dar is your problem…
July 14th, 2008 at 7:57 pmI have consigned you to troll status.
So, I guess voting one’s conscience is by definition, troll status.
Then, by all means, I am glad to be a troll.
July 15th, 2008 at 8:48 am