November 18, 2005

Voting to Leave Iraq

What has happened to the GOP leadership lately?

    House Republicans, sensing an opportunity for political advantage, maneuvered for a quick vote and swift rejection Friday of a Democratic lawmaker's call for an immediate troop withdrawal from Iraq.

    "We want to make sure that we support our troops that are fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan," said Speaker Dennis Hastert, R-Ill. "We will not retreat."


Bush fights back, Cheney fights back, the Dems with Cong. Murtha volley back, now we'll see where we stand.

Are the Republicans going to start acting like a majority?

The Dems might regret this vote. If they vote "wrong" they will be labelled a) pro-war by the left or b) "cut and runners" by the right.

The final count won't be close. We'll stay in Iraq to finish the job.

Congress Posted by AlexC at November 18, 2005 4:47 PM

I think it will be good to get an accounting of those who voted to "cut and run;" this might be a good campaign issue for the GOP.

Posted by: jk at November 18, 2005 5:13 PM

If the measure fails, what will speak louder to the "Arab street"?

a) The country is behind the war again, officially.
b) Dissent gets an up or down vote.
c) What vote? A Congressman, Jack Murtha wants us to leave Iraq.

Posted by: AlexC at November 18, 2005 5:30 PM

The cut and run caucus has two Democrats and one Republican in it.

Posted by: AlexC at November 18, 2005 11:38 PM

No, I think the dishonor may be contained by the aisle: "Three Democrats, Jose Serrano of New York, Robert Wexler of Florida and Cynthia McKinney of Georgia, voted for withdrawal. Six voted present: Reps. Jim McDermott of Washington; Jerrold Nadler, Maurice Hinchey and Major Owens of New York; Michael Capuano of Massachusetts and William Lacy Clay of Missouri."

http://pajamasmedia.com/newsml/html/politics/2005/11/19/6441149_Lawmakers_Reject.shtml

Posted by: jk at November 19, 2005 1:18 PM

Damn. I coulda sworn I heard a Georgia Republican vote YEA. Damn you C-SPAN!

Posted by: AlexC at November 19, 2005 2:59 PM

I'm not crazy! But the brave GOPer that voted YEA later changed his vote!
http://www.noendbutvictory.com/?p=39

Posted by: AlexC at November 19, 2005 4:28 PM

Profiles in Courage, eh?

Posted by: jk at November 20, 2005 11:54 AM | What do you think? [7]