Rangel says Bush will soon declare victory in Iraq again and begin scaling back troop levels

[NNN0LHI]

http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/newssentinel/news/editorial/17309043.htm

WASHINGTON - President Bush will declare victory in Iraq and begin scaling back troop levels in the coming months because Republican lawmakers will repudiate him if he doesn't, Rep. Charles Rangel said Thursday.

"The president knows it's over," Rangel declared in an interview with the New York Daily News Editorial Board. "The Republicans know it's over."

"I think the president's going to come up with some compromise, and he's not going to admit failure. He'll probably say we've won, but it's going to happen . . . and I don't know how many soldiers die while it's happening."

"Republicans are going to make it happen - no, Americans are going to make it happen," he said.

[atreides1]

1. I really do like Congressman Rangel

But whatever he's smoking, I want some for this weekend!!!!!!

[KurtNYC]

8. or was he doing parody and it is lost in the transcription

Rangel (winking): "so B*sh will start withdrawing troops soon..." (audience laughter)

"..because the Republican's will make him do so.." (louder laughter)

"... no wait (Rangel laughing himself now also) ..wait, get this... he will withdraw the troops because he is listening to the will of the American people."

Cut to shot of audience member falling out of chair laughing, others holding their sides, slapping of knees.

[gratuitous]

12. I'm on that train, too

I'm persuaded that Atrios is absolutely right: The troops are in Iraq until at least the end of the Bush administration, and for probably another two years afterward. Every announced timeline, benchmark, prognostication, hypothesis, or wild-assed guess has come and gone for the last four years, and troop levels are as high as ever, as are casualties. Bush isn't bringing the troops home, he isn't ending this war, he isn't doing anything but kicking the can down the street. Rangel, who's generally a smart guy, has been watching this stale show for years. He's either on some powerful hallucinogens, or he's trying to call some reality into being, shaming his Republican colleagues into taking some action.

I sure hope it's the latter, even if it's ineffectual, as I think it will be.

[OregonBlue]

2. I used to like Rangel but from what I'm hearing of the "trade" bill, he's sold out to

big business. I don't know that he can be trusted.

[babylonsister]

3. I wish I shared his optimism, but I don't. Mr. Rangel forgot what

a stubborn, petulant little asshole he is.

[Phredicles]

9. I'm baffled that Democratic officeholders in general keep carrying on as if

Commander Guy were a reasonable person who takes reality into account and can be negotiated with.:banghead:

[JHB]

4. Or he'll soon start a war with Iran...

I think Rangel's prediction rests on the false notion that WH decision-making processes make sense to anyone outside the Inner Huddle.

[kimmylavin]

5. SAYING that "we've won"...

doesn't make it true.

[bryant69]

6. He could be right

You have to assume that at least some in his party wish he would. Iraq is going to be noose around the Republican Parties noose in 2008.

Bryant
Check it out--> http://politicalcomment.blogspot.com

[bananas]

7. "It is as though the demons actually take over, and children and mothers are no longer important."

"The Republicans want to get reelected," he said. "I don't know if any of you know the burning desire to get reelected. It is as though the demons actually take over, and children and mothers are no longer important."

[OHdem10]

10. I have believed this from the mention of a surge.

In different ways and worde, from Generals to pundits,
we will draw down troops well before the next election.

When the group of Republicans sent to confront the president
it was reported on more than one channel that GWB told
them (the Repubs) that he would not leave Iraq for the Dems
(if the Dems win in 08)

All top tier Repubs are running on GWB's Iraq War and Terrorism.
Common Sense says for any Repub to have a prayer at winning
in o8, we have to be out of Iraq. The American People are
up in arms. According to polls the Repubs are still seen
as better on Foreign Policy and Terrorism. Repubs have to
be able to run on Terrorism. If they continue to run on the
war--it is over. GWB is not going to let the party go down
in flames. The Surge gives cover to get out. Sure there will
be troops there for a long time. No matter who is President.
The war will be declared over.

[MadHound]

11. LOL, with all of that oil still there, not a chance in hell.

There's riches to be looted, both at home and abroad, and this war is the perfect cover for doing so. Bush isn't going to give it up until he's either squeezed out the last penny, or until he's out of office.

[SemiCharmedQuark]

13. Yeah right. Bush doesn't give a damn about the troops, America's opinions or even the Republicans

He can't run again in 2008. He has already stated that he wants to station troops there like in South Korea (so 50 years or so) not to mention his chest thumping "I'm the decider *grunt* *grunt* *grunt*".

[Supersedeas]

14. Victory is just another phrase, like Mission Accomplished--no one doubts that Chimp will do it again