SFRC hearing on negotiated agreement with Iraq

[Muttocracy]

You know, that stuff that the Congress need not worry its pretty little head about.

I tuned in late but it's interesting. Feingold just kicked butt on the admin. representatives contradicting what Crocker said before about Iraqi Parliament (they figured it out and said oh yeah they agree with Crocker).

Right now it's Coleman (who I otherwise can't stand, and hope loses his seat), who has done a really good job asking questions the last few weeks. (I believe in giving credit where it's due). He's pushing for Biden, Lugar, others to be included in this.

Stream at http://www.senate.gov/~foreign/

[Muttocracy]

1. Casey up now, Menendez still to come; guess Boxer spoke already? nt

[gateley]

12. How did Menendez do?

I became a fan of his on Tuesday.

[Muttocracy]

14. very good - hope we can find it later

[Muttocracy]

2. Isakson asking Biden ?s because the BushCo panel doesn't know answers...

[jillan]

19. Oh my! That is really an embarassment.

[Muttocracy]

3. Webb pursuing lack of authority for us to be there in future.

These BushCo lawyers are pathetic. I wish more people would watch this, but no candidates there :(

[Muttocracy]

4. more from Webb and Biden

Webb pushing BushCo lawyers on our authority to be there in the future

Webb "What is a permanent base?" - answer, we don't have a definition!!!

Webb - our agreement must reflect all the branches and parties of the US, not just parties in Iraq

Biden - actually reading the 2002 authorization - probably news to them - pointing out deadlines they've been denying - and that these were based on threat FROM Iraq, not an agreement with them.

"YOU HAVE NO CONSITUTIONAL BASIS ON WHICH TO ARGUE (this agreement, no constitutional) JUSTIFICATION FOR WHAT YOU'RE ABOUT TO DO"

more good stuff but I can't type that fast.

[Muttocracy]

5. You don't have a constitutional leg to stand on with this agreement.

"negotiate a status of forces - period"

American people will not put up with us having to commit to more. If that's not enough, and the Iraqis vote for us to leave Iraq, I predict 85% of Repubs, 95% of Dems, 90% of independents in America will say get us out now.

"That's selfish because some of us have special troops who will be there" - a reference to his son I'm guessing :(

[jillan]

20. Biden and Webb.

That is my definition of a dream ticket :)

For once there would be no bs coming out of the WH.

[Muttocracy]

6. in recess for a vote, 2nd panel up soon

Anyone know what they're voting on?

[MiniMe]

7. OK, I tuned in, and they are in recess. LOL

[Muttocracy]

8. they're back now! :) - of course, Pelosi coming in on the other channel..

[Muttocracy]

9. immunity for contractors... seems like an important aspect of this...

[MiniMe]

10. I like the guy who is speaking now

The War powers resolution gives the President NO power to enact any other action other than what has taken place.

[gateley]

11. Hey! Where'd everybody go?

I'm guessing they're at lunch right now, so hopefully I'll catch 'em this afternoon.

I don't understand (sincerely) why more people aren't interested in these hearings. I was riveted all day Tuesday -- best "TV" I've seen in a long time!

You're the best -- thanks as always! :hi:

[Muttocracy]

13. yeah, all 3 of us ;) - treaties this afternoon

http://www.senate.gov/~foreign/hearings/2008/hrg080415p.html

[Inuca]

16. Do you know if they

had the 2nd panel on (the experts) or just the administration people?

[Muttocracy]

17. I heard the very beginning of 2nd panel but had to go to a mtg

The 2 panels were also interrupted by some vote on the Senate floor.

[Inuca]

15. Thanks for this

I hope that CSPAN will replay this at some point, though it was not carried live om any of the channels :-(. Thanks again for giving me at least some idea of what was going on, important stuff.

[jillan]

18. I hope they replay it later.

I really wanted to listen in on this.