Clinton, Obama Back Iraq Fund Cutoff

[cal04]

Sens. Barack Obama and Hillary Rodham Clinton separately declared their support Tuesday for a March 31, 2008 cutoff in funds for the Iraq war, two Democratic presidential front-runners abruptly shifting positions on an issue at the heart of the 2008 race.

The twin announcements came on the eve of a largely symbolic Senate vote on legislation to cut off funds for the war, and as a third presidential contender, Sen. Chris Dodd, D-Conn., said in a campaign commercial it was unfortunate that his White House rivals "will not join me" in supporting the measure.

In a written statement issued in early afternoon, Obama said that after 1,518 days, "the Iraq war rages on, with no sign of a resolution."

The Illinois senator said he would vote for a cutoff in war funding as well as a second bill setting standards for the Iraqi government "not because I believe either is the best answer, but because I want to send a strong statement to the Iraqi government, the president and my Republican colleagues that it's long past time to change course."

A few hours later, a spokesman for Clinton said she, too, would support the measure.

http://www.examiner.com/a-729630~Clinton__Obama_Back_Iraq_Fund_Cutoff.html

[patrice]

1. They're positioning themselves relative to a potential Bloomberg candidacy.

But, what I really need to hear is no Redeployment! No Residual troops. Whatever happens as a result of our complete withdrawal is something we need to plan for in a real program for Homeland Security and it's the price we MUST pay for having Invaded and tried to Occupy Iraq in the first place.

We should follow Bill Richardson's plan for Iraq. Come Home and tend to Homeland Security.

[jefferson_dem]

2. Glad to see that Hillary followed Obama's lead in pledging support.

Now's the time! Send the signal clear and true. End this war.