The Politik of Tork

Senate Republicans Doing Something?

Not really. I woke up yesterday morning and started watching the Today show like I normally do. There was an interview with Frist, and they were talking about this big plan the republicans were pushing concerning the war in Iraq. Then this morning I get a chance to read this article. Here's a little snippet concerning the plan itself.

The measure was drafted largely by Democrats, but GOP leaders removed language that would have called for a flexible timetable for a possible American pullout from Iraq.

Basically, Republicans butchered the whole measure. I don't exactly understand why. From what I am reading it was a non binding measure. Oh! Wait! I know why! GOP leaders in the senate seem to be wanting to distance themselves from an unpopular war and an unpopular president without actually doing it, and if the measure doesn't sit well with people, they can then blame it on the Democrats who were the original authors. I guess for Republicans it's a win win situation.

Still though, Senate Democrats are calling this measure getting adopted a victory. Here's what Senator Harry Reid said about it.

But because its stated purpose was "to clarify and recommend changes" to U.S. policy in Iraq, Senate Democratic leader Harry Reid called its adoption a vote of "no confidence" in the administration and said "staying the course will not do."

"The administration's strategy is aimless, and sadly, it's rudderless," said Reid, a Nevada Democrat. "[The vote is] a victory for our troops and the American people."

I agree that even though the stronger language wanting a "flexible timetable" for withdrawl is not in there it is a vote of no confidence. It's basically saying that the presidents policies suck and now he is getting a bit of oversite. It's that whole checks and balances thing you know.

Here's what President Bush said at a news conference in Japan.

"I, first of all, appreciate the fact that the Senate, in a bipartisan fashion, rejected an amendment that would have taken our troops out of Iraq before the mission is complete," Bush said. "To me, that was a positive step by the United States Senate."

Was it really bipartisan rejection or was it really just the majority, aka Republicans, saying screw you to the Democrats? That's what it seems like to me since the original measure wasn't defeated in a landslide. I think the president needs some clarification on what bipartisan means.

All this coupled with Bush wanting to veto anything with McCain's no torture language in it just gives me one last thing to say. Long live the Bush dictatorship!

posted by Matt @ 12:16 PM