Reid on why pulling timeline wasn't a defeat for Democrats

[ProSense]

Reid: "We Now Have The Timeline The Repubicans Have Set"

By Greg Sargent | bio

Here's a transcript of Harry Reid on MSNBC explaining why the Iraq funding bill with no withdrawal timelines isn't a defeat for Dems:

QUESTION: How about exit dates and timelines or withdrawal strategies or language in the bill? Isn't that a significant concession by your side?

REID: First of all, it hasn't been determined what we're going to have in that. But keep in mind the progress that we have made. Even the Republicans now have timelines. Remember, they wouldn't accept our timelines in the bill that was vetoed? And they're talking now about a plan B, which basically is what was in the vetoed bill. So I think we have to look at the progress that has been made. We now have the timeline that the Republicans have set, and that's this September. And that's the very least. And then, as I've indicated, the defense authorization, we're going to start right where we've left off with this bill, continuing our push to change direction in the war in Iraq. And now we're being joined by Republicans.

"We now have the timeline that the Republicans have set" -- oh, dear.

Even if you accept that the Republicans will actually begin bailing on the President in September -- which is a pretty big If -- the political perils for Dems are clear here. If Republicans, eyeing 2008, do end up bailing, they will try to be seen as the ones who finally forced the President's hand -- as the ones who set the timeline, as Reid generously put it. And everyone will forget that it's the Dems who forced the foot-dragging, Bush-shilling, head-in-the-sand Republicans into coming around in the first place.

A vigorous effort will be required to prevent everyone from agreeing to forget this.

[mnhtnbb]

1. What a bunch of hs.

[mnhtnbb]

2. or maybe I should have said donkey sh*t

[EFerrari]

16. I myself respest donkeys too much to make such a statement. nt

[spanone]

3. Harry should know, perception is everything.

The media is calling it 'democrats cave' 'democrats blink'

[ProSense]

7. Not just the media

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=132&topic_id=3275906&mesg_id=3275906">A Collapse for Democrats

direct link

[FVZA_Colonel]

19. In some ways, I think the media is right.

I am deeply concerned that when the time comes for this again, it will be cast as if the Republicans, and not the Democrats, were the driving force behind a time table, which, as was explained elsewhere in this thread, would never have come about under any circumstance if not for the Democrats.

[Rude Horner]

4. Yup, mark my words.

Eventually it will be the Repubs running for office that will start shouting about a timeline and benchmarks, and they'll be shouting out to every microphone within distance that it was the Republicans who forced the issue. Dems will be remembered for having caved. Public perception is key, and the Dems don't look good for caving in. No matter how much frosting Harry Reid tries to put on it.

[endarkenment]

5. yes! this is exactly what I voted for!

I am so proud of our stalwart opposition party.











Do I really need a :sarcasm: ?

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

6. That bird you hear quacking and see swimming and waddling isn't a duck...it's victory.

[DinahMoeHum]

8. Harry, Harry, stop trying to polish this turd.

It's still a piece of shit.

:argh:

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

9. Did the lobbyists get to him?

Seems the simplest explanation to me.

[TwilightGardener]

10. "And now we're being joined by Republicans"--uh, which Republicans

would that be, besides the usual two suspects, Harry?

[AndyTiedye]

11. Defeat Would be Easier to Take than Surrender

[Bjornsdotter]

12. *cough* bullshit *cough*

....yeah right, Harry.

:eyes:

[AndyA]

13. Message to Dems: Enjoy your short time in power.

With stunts like this, your base will be staying home in droves.

This isn't much of an improvement over the GOP.

[Raven]

21. That is exactly what I told my Congressman today...I and many others

who worked to get you elected last Fall, will "sit out" the next round.

[irish.lambchop]

14. Just finished calling

the offices of Speaker Pelosi, Congressman Hoyer and Senator Reid. I feel so fucking betrayed! I told the staffer in each office that I expected I could not speak with the person I was calling as they were down at their local recruiting office enlisting so others could finally come home! I said the people spoke in November - did NO ONE HEAR?! What is it called when you're coming up on 50 years old and you feel the rug has been pulled out from underneath you? Delusional? Stupid? I don't know - but the tears, they overflow!

[liberalnurse]

15. Just go to every Presidential Candidates website....

You will see that the War makes great campaign action. Every one has the Iraqi War a Primary Issue. It sells!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

No way will this change until 08.

[jtrockville]

17. Is he DIZZY from all this SPINNING? Bah!

[Sukie1941]

18. Bunch of crap

I am so disgusted with Democrats in Congress I could puke.

Looks like we might have a Republican for our next president. I wouldn't be surprised.

[global1]

20. This Cock And Bull Excuse Is Just That Cock And Bull.......

the ones that will be most harmed by this "cave in" by the Dems (and this is me saying it and not the MSM) will be the Dems running for the Presidency in '08. They have the most to lose. Especiallly if the Repugs take up the banner that they were the ones that forced the hand of *.

If I were Hillary, Barack, John or any of the other 2nd tiered Dem Presidential candidates - I'd be furious with Reid and Pelosi right now.

[in_cog_ni_to]

22. Yes. A time line the repukes have set contingent on what Petraeus says in September!

If Petraeus says things are going swimmingly in Iraq...we STAY! If he says we need to get out, the psycho will still do whatever the fuck he wants and we're back to where we are now! The ONLY option the Dems will have in Sept. is to stop the MONEY FLOW. As gutless as they appear to be, I don't see that happening.:( SO...all those soldiers will die because no one has the freakin' balls to stand up to this regime NOW!:grr:

[Larkspur]

23. Reid and Pelosi losing the PR battle over Iraq

They made Bush look strong. Someone needs to fire those DC consultants who advise our Dem leaders.

[BlooInBloo]

24. Reid on why that dick in his ass really isn't a dick in his ass.

[Kagemusha]

25. Isn't this how that horrible Habeas Corpus stripping bill was passed?

The Democrats allowed McCain and other "well-meaning" Republicans to negotiate with the White House, and then, when McCain and the others folded like cheap seats, the Democrats had nowhere to turn, so Congress gave its formal legal approval to another extra-judicial horror?