Sen. Gordon Smith (R-OR) Doesn't Backtrack From Comment That Iraq War "May Even Be Criminal"

[JABBS]

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According to the Associated Press, Smith's spokesman tried to backtrack from the "criminal" line the next day. But Smith himself did not backtrack from the comment on yesterday's edition of ABC's This Week.

Should we believe Smith, or is his better-late-than-never sentiment a recognition that voters ade a clear statement in the mid-term elections about Iraq, and might do so again in 2008? (Smith is up for re-election in 2008.)

Here's a thought: Actions speak louder than words. Smith, if his speech Thursday truly reflect his thoughts on Iraq, should take the next logical step. He should introduce, or be a co-author, of legislation setting forth a clear redeployment plan for our troops.

[Radical Activist]

1. He should vote to de-fund the war and

support real investigations. I won't hold my breath.

[iconoclastic cat]

2. Of course, don't hold your breath---BUT

if I recall my history correctly, isn't this how Nixon was brought down? Of course, the Dems were credited/blamed for forcing Nixon out, but wasn't it really the Repubs who played along and kicked him out?

[berni_mccoy]

3. Smith has cut a deal with Dems... Dems can say Impeachment is off the table

UNLESS a Republican forces the issue... then it's back on again...

That way, Dems look good politically, and Repubs in Congress are given a second chance (not that they deserve it, but if they are willing to take down BushCo...)

[musiclawyer]

4. Got to hand it to him. He's smart

He knows his seat is in jeopardy, and any equivocation now will be held against him. He wants to be reelected and knows that he's toast unless he spends the next two years begging forgiveness acting like a democrat. Orgegon is a blue state.

[JABBS]

8. i have to figure that plays into it

although it'd be nice to think he just had a change of heart, like the Republican NC congressman who coined "freedom fries," but then became a bush basher.

[originalpckelly]

5. WOW! SOB! That's kind of cool.

I mean I know it's a cheap political ploy, but it's going to fuck with the freepers puny little brains.


:rofl:

:bounce:

The freepers are screwn.

[rodeodance]

6. a caller from OR said yesterday he votes with Bush but 08 is coming up.

[central scrutinizer]

7. Rank oppportunism

Sorry Smitty, this is way too little and 2935 dead GIs, 20,000 wounded GIs, 600,000 dead Iraqis, $300,000,000,000 and 50,000 newly minted terrorists too late. While you had the majority, you were a reliable rubber stamp, a reliable blind eye, and a reliable conduit for Karl Rove's talking points. You voted for impeachment of Clinton and lent your voice to the up-or-down-vote chorus. Now, with the political wind blowing against you, all of sudden the scales have dropped from your eyes? Why not resign now, so we Oregonians can elect somebody to finish out your term who might actually want some accountably and put the good of the country ahead of the good of the Republic Party.

(edited to add some zeros - got my millions and billions mixed up)

[JABBS]

9. you'll get your chance in 2008

any idea who might run against him?