Rep. Shays (R-CT): To Succeed In Iraq, We Need A Timetable For Withdrawal

[RickSp]

Rep. Shays (R-CT): To Succeed In Iraq, We Need A Timetable For Withdrawal

Rep. Chris Shays (R-CT) is the latest member of Congress to advocate a timetable for the withdrawal of U.S. troops in Iraq. Shays has visited Iraq 14 times. This morning on Fox, he said that the way for the United States to succeed in Iraq is to “incentivize the Iraqis” to take control of their own country. The way to do that, according to Shays, is to let them know “there is a limit to our presence there.” Shays noted that previous timelines — to hold elections and create a constitution — are what has spurred the greatest progress in Iraq.

Shays is in trouble and suddenly he has a change of heart. Another Republican fleeing the sinking ship.

[brien]

Quote by: RickSp Rep. Shays (R-CT): To Succeed In Iraq, We Need A Timetable For Withdrawal Shays is in trouble and suddenly he has a change of heart. Another Republican fleeing the sinking ship.

He should really get some guts now and advocate a timetable to disengage completely from the entire Middle East.

[ladyphoenix]

Yeah, but he'll be vilified as a "traitor" and a "coward" if he does. That's the problem. If you don't agree and you want us to get out, you get crucified by this administration and their supporters.

[Matt W]

Not Breaking News, moving. Rick, you know better than this. :rolleyes:

[RickSp]

Quote by: Matt W Not Breaking News, moving. Rick, you know better than this. :rolleyes:

I know better than this? Exactly what about this isn't breaking news?

This morning, Fox news reports that Representative Chris Shays, one of the long time supporters of the Iraq war, reverses his position to call for a timetable for a pullout, in a tight race in a critical swing state in this November's election. If the Dems have any hope of taking control of the House they must win in Connecticut. Shays' reversal amounts to a Republican revolt against Bush's "stay the course" commitment.

This afternoon Joe Lieberman "refused to rule out" endorsing Shay's timetable.
Lieberman declines to rule out Shays call for troop withdrawal

And this is not breaking news?

[bishop]

it was definitely breaking news when i got home.. all the news stations (fox, cnn, pbs, etc...) were talking about this story..


personally, i think this was quite the stunt.. seems conspicuous that shays would make this announcement after supporting the "stay the course" policy for the past several years. only changing his stance after lieberman's defeat.. connecticut democrats and republicans are all extremely similar - moreso than many other states imo.

this stunt is more a move to save himself come reelection than anything else.. the situation in iraq has been sucking a fat one for quite a while now. most reasonable people acknowledge that the iraqi government is sitting on its thumbs (with its pro-desertion policy), using our troops as cannon fodder. it's high time we tell them to shit or get off the pot. and should a civil war break out, as i suspect it will - so be it. we need not be further flushed down the crapper because some muleheaded muslims can't get along with each other.

[bentodd]

The Libertarian Party was the first and only political party to release an Iraq exit strategy.

[Zeebadee]

Quote by: bentodd The Libertarian Party was the first and only political party to release an Iraq exit strategy.

If, as your website claims, the republican primary is in September, how did you manage to get the republican nomination in August?? Doesn't the primary determine who the candidate will be?

[Matt W]

And this is not breaking news?

'Thinkprogress.org' is not a major news network. There is a very specific format for things to go in Breaking News, and this didn't cut it. Sorry.

[RickSp]

Quote by: Matt W 'Thinkprogress.org' is not a major news network. There is a very specific format for things to go in Breaking News, and this didn't cut it. Sorry.

Whatever Matt. Thinkprogress posted the video and the transcript of the Fox news broadcast. Fox, regrettably, is a major news network.

[RickSp]

Quote by: bentodd The Libertarian Party was the first and only political party to release an Iraq exit strategy.

Unfortunatley the national party seems to be dominated by neo-con wannabees and has taken no recent position on the war at all. Fortunately the Connecticut LP candidate is gaining some traction on the issue.

Shays Borrowing Iraq Stance From Libertarian Opponent Maymin

Libertarian Phil Maymin seems to be forcing the position of his opponent, incumbent Republican Christopher Shays, to change on the need for a deadline in Iraq. Four days after Maymin called for a deadline, Shays is now following in Maymin's tracks.

[Clarence]

What a cut and run flip flopping sissy. He wants to quit with victory in our grasp.

[RickSp]

Quote by: Clarence What a cut and run flip flopping sissy. He wants to quit with victory in our grasp.

LOL. Given that Americans are dying in a needless war your post shouldn't be funny, but it struck me as amusing.

Victory in our grasp? If the bloody fiasco in Iraq is victory, what would defeat look like?

[bishop]

that was definitely sarcasm.. i don't think even the biggest bushbot stooge would say that victory is within our grasp.

sure would be interesting to see another cheney interview.. a little chat about last throes..

the democrats, in various ways, have offered withdrawal strategies.. there is no unified policy proposal like the LP, but they certainly have offered withdrawal strategies..

Democrats set to call for phased pullout - The Boston Globe

[brien]

Quote by: bishop it was definitely breaking news when i got home.. all the news stations (fox, cnn, pbs, etc...) were talking about this story.. personally, i think this was quite the stunt.. seems conspicuous that shays would make this announcement after supporting the "stay the course" policy for the past several years. only changing his stance after lieberman's defeat.. connecticut democrats and republicans are all extremely similar - moreso than many other states imo. this stunt is more a move to save himself come reelection than anything else.. the situation in iraq has been sucking a fat one for quite a while now. most reasonable people acknowledge that the iraqi government is sitting on its thumbs (with its pro-desertion policy), using our troops as cannon fodder. it's high time we tell them to shit or get off the pot. and should a civil war break out, as i suspect it will - so be it. we need not be further flushed down the crapper because some muleheaded muslims can't get along with each other.

Bishop; You have the inside track on what is happening here. Shays has always been a fence sitter because he knows it is the Moderate Independents that keep him in office. He is now trying to distance himself from the current Administration only to hedge his bet for re-election. This is ALL about his re-election and not about what he really believes with regard to Iraq.

Shays understands many voters in Connecticut want a reasonable timetable for a withdrawal from Iraq, but what he is missing is the understanding that he could win his re-election handily if he polls the Moderate Independents along with the Moderate Republicans, which will give him the votes he requires to return to DC. He is merely political grandstanding to distance himself from being painted with the poison Administarion brush that is currently being used by the Democrats and some Republicans in an effort to install left wing Democrats in both houses.

Dead Lamont is already in trouble here in Connecticut. He is not polling the the Moderate Democrats, nor is he even close to polling any of the Liberal and Moderate Republicans. The race between him and Lieberman will tighten up after Labor Day, but Dead Lamont is in trouble because he has no serious support outside of the left in the Democratic Party and all of his money can't buy it.

Schelsseger may as well fold his tent. Unfortunately, the Libertarian Candidate will not poll heavy in Connecticut, but this only drains votes away from some Republicans. The Greens will drain some votes from Lamont. Therefore, this leaves Lieberman to win in November and Chris Shay's would do well to understand Lieberman's campaign strategy by seeking to bring together the Moderate Republicans, the Moderate Democrats and the all too important swing voters known here in the Nutmeg state as the Independents.

[bishop]

you know... i always liked shays - at least compared to most other politicians because of those moderate views (same with lincoln chaffee). and, he has a decent voting record imo.

but, one thing i don't like is facing the realization that these guys are career politicians. that's like biting into a chicken nugget and getting a mouthful of cartilage.

[brien]

Quote by: bishop you know... i always liked shays - at least compared to most other politicians because of those moderate views (same with lincoln chaffee). and, he has a decent voting record imo. but, one thing i don't like is facing the realization that these guys are career politicians. that's like biting into a chicken nugget and getting a mouthful of cartilage.

Maybe we need to bite in to them, right to the bone! I don't have a problem with polticians being re-elected as long as they have :

1) Excellent attendance
2) A verifiable voting record.
3) Knowledge of every H.R. or impending law before Congress.
4) Loyalty to their constituency and their popular will.

[bishop]

agreed...

i have a soft spot for moderate republicans, since that's how i perceive myself as being..

[brien]

Quote by: bishop agreed... i have a soft spot for moderate republicans, since that's how i perceive myself as being..

Yea but this only seems to be the case in Connecticut. Perhaps this is due to the numbers of registered Independents. Almost one million. At least as much registered voters of both major parties combined.