Reply #32: That sentence refers to the "naive and irresponsible" flap over talking directly to dictators [View All]

[BeyondGeography]

That is unrelated political point-scoring by Obama. As for this amendment, there is a real difference of opinion between the two on its advisability. The OP's emphasis on the IRG designation is NOT THE ISSUE; Obama and Clinton actually agree on this matter and Obama has been straightforward about that.

The disagreement between the two, and it is substantial and legitimate, is over the portion of the bill that creates contingencies between our military presence in Iraq and the so-called threat from Iran. Those who oppose the amendment say this language can be used by Bush to prolong the stay of the military on Iraq and/or launch an attack on Iran from Iraq. Obama agrees with Biden and Dodd that this portion of the bill could potentially give Bush legal cover to begin another war.

The most charitable interpretation of Hillary's position is that she is comfortable that the amendment can not legally be interpreted as authorizing an invasion of Iraq so she voted for it. The more cynical view is that she's just striking the hawk pose again and figures she can escape without much harm if Bush misbehaves (after all, IWR doesn't seem to be a big issue anymore, at least, I'm sure, not to her).