McCain, Lugar, Hagel and Biden all Rip Conduct of Iraq War

[Mort from NewYawk]

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=615&e=2&u=/nm/20040919/pl_nm/iraq_usa_policy_dc

These three Republicans and one Democrat want to expand troops in Iraq, and conduct ground invasions of insurgent-held areas, including Fallujah.

This is could be bad for Bush, but only if Kerry could capitalize on it and somehow convince voters that he agrees with the rather strong prescriptions of these guys, which would be much too hawkish for his base.

On the other hand, if the White House begins to acknowledge reports of plans for upcoming military offensives, what will the political repercussions be for Bush?

[A18]

There will likely be a military offensive, but not until after January's elections.

[12th Doctor]

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=615&e=2&u=/nm/20040919/pl_nm/iraq_usa_policy_dc

These three Republicans and one Democrat want to expand troops in Iraq, and conduct ground invasions of insurgent-held areas, including Fallujah.

This is could be bad for Bush, but only if Kerry could capitalize on it and somehow convince voters that he agrees with the rather strong prescriptions of these guys, which would be much too hawkish for his base.

On the other hand, if the White House begins to acknowledge reports of plans for upcoming military offensives, what will the political repercussions be for Bush?

Kerry can't use it.  If he stated that he would send in more troops, he would lose a large portion of his base.

[Nym90]

I doubt he would really lose the base. Losing the base is not Kerry's problem in this election....he'd be better off going to the middle.

[mddem2004]

There will likely be a military offensive, but not until after January's elections.

Pardon Me, but that shows how much of an idiot you are on this issue.

There can not be elections until there is security, there can be no security until this president's election is over and won't be accountable to the voters ever again and won't have to face the political cost of an offensive. Nov and Dec IS NOT enough time to secure the country the way it needs to be for the Jan elections.

Get a Grip.......

[A18]

November and December are actually plenty of time to secure the country. We could do it in 2-3 weeks. But as for really crushing the rebels, that won't happen until after the elections.

The Iraqi government isn't going to want to go down in the flames for supporting an offensive right now. Once it's an elected government, it has more credibility.