A year ago Obama
introduced a bill to pull combat troops out of Iraq with a deadline. Campaigning for president he said he would have the troops out by the end of 2009.
Now in an interview with Steve Kroff on 60 Minutes he backs away from a firm timeline if he’s in charge.
Quote:
"At a time when American casualties are down, at a time when the violence is down, particularly affecting the Iraqi population, is that the right time to try and set time tables for withdrawing all American troops? I mean you talked about…the end of 2009," Kroft remarked.
"Yeah, absolutely. I think now is precisely the time. I think that it is very important for us to send a clear signal to the Iraqis that we are not gonna be here permanently. We're not gonna set up permanent bases. That they are going to have to resolve their differences and get their country functioning," Obama said.
"And you pull out according to that time table, regardless of the situation? Even if there’s serious sectarian violence?" Kroft asked.
"No, I always reserve as commander in chief, the right to assess the situation," Obama replied.
Barack Obama Makes His Case, Steve Kroft Interviews The Democratic Presidential Candidate - CBS News |
So Obama reserves the right to assess the situation and be flexible with a deadline. Clinton has said several times that she would withdraw the troops in a responsible manner. We are currently on track to draw down 42,000 troops by July of this year. The situation is under constant assessment to draw down in a responsible manner without committing to a deadline.
So what is different? Nothing. The Dems would be more than happy to see things fall apart on Bush’s watch. They are more than happy to tell you what you want to hear and play politics with a war. But if one of them is in the driver’s seat they ain’t about to let things fall apart on their watch and take the blame.