Memo: GOP pushes LIEberman as means to attack Dems

The Raw Story Second GOP memo pushes Lieberman as means to attack Democrats on Iraq Second GOP memo pushes Lieberman as means to attack Democrats on Iraq 01/30/2007 @ 1:41 pmFiled by John Byrne A second memo sent to House Republican press staff Tuesday highlights Sen. Joseph Lieberman's (I-CT) comments disparaging Democrats' plans for Iraq troop deployment, RAW STORY has learned. Combined with a second set of talking points pushed to Republican staff Monday by House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-OH), the email represents a concerted effort to use the former Democrat against his colleagues. Lieberman switched parties to become an Independent after losing the Democratic nomination in Connecticut's Senate race last year. He currently caucuses with Democrats, providing the party the necessary edge to control the chamber. The talking points follow. Our Options in Iraq House Republicans Offer Two-Part Strategy TO HELP THE PRESIDENT'S NEW STRATEGY SUCCEED January 30, 2007 When it comes to the war in Iraq, the stakes for our country and our military are high. We have two options, and when examined carefully, our choice is clear. OPTION #1: FAILURE IN IRAQ Failure in Iraq would bring about disastrous consequences for U.S. security, our interests, and our allies. Failure in Iraq would allow Al Qaeda to emerge stronger and establish safe havens to plot and carry out attacks against Americans and our allies. Failure in Iraq would give Iran free reign to increase its support for Hezbollah and other terrorist groups, and to spread instability throughout the Middle East. Failure in Iraq would pull neighboring countries into an escalating sectarian conflict in Iraq which could devolve into a civil war or a regional conflict. And failure in Iraq would embolden our enemies who seek to destroy Israel. OPTION #2: SUCCESS IN IRAQ Success in Iraq will further America's strategic interests to empower moderate Arab and Muslim governments in the Middle East and to deny terrorists a safe haven - not just in Iraq - but throughout the Middle East, striking a significant blow to the efforts of Islamic extremists in a region which serves as a critical source of recruits, funding, and support for global terrorist activities. It will mean a safer, more secure America we all want for our children and grandchildren. When faced with the realities of these two choices, our only option is success. The President has laid out a new strategy for success in Iraq and General David Petraeus, who during his Senate confirmation hearing discussed the negative consequences of early withdrawal from Iraq and the encouragement Congressional resolutions of disapproval would give our enemies in Iraq, has been unanimously confirmed by the U.S. Senate to help implement this strategy. But with the growing perception that progress has stalled, House Republicans have offered a two-part plan to help ensure success in Iraq. The first part is a proposal by Rep. Sam Johnson (R-TX) - a distinguished Vietnam War veteran - to ensure the Congress does not cut off or restrict funding for America's troops who are in a combat zone. The second part is a proposal designed to help Gen. Petraeus successfully implement the President's new strategy by putting pressure on the Iraqi government and holding it accountable for its role in achieving success. These two efforts are in stark contrast to the Congressional "resolutions of disapproval" - non-binding criticisms of the President and the war - which, as Gen. Petraeus told the Senate last week, harm our chances for success by providing encouragement to our enemies: SEN. LIEBERMAN: But I want to ask you, what effect would Senate passage of a resolution of disapproval of this new way ahead that you embrace -- what effect would it have on our enemies in Iraq? GEN. PETRAEUS: Sir, as I stated in the opening statement, this is a test of wills, at the end of the day. And in that regard, speaking purely as a military commander, if confirmed -- albeit one who, frankly, does understand enormously and treasures the value of free and open debate, free speech, who has put himself in harm's way to protect those great features of our democracy -- nonetheless, having said that, a commander in such an endeavor would obviously like the enemy to feel that there's no hope. SEN. LIEBERMAN: -- a Senate-passed resolution of disapproval for this new strategy in Iraq would give the enemy some encouragement, some feeling that -- well, some clear expression that the American people were divided. GEN. PETRAEUS: That's correct, sir. The House Republican proposals explicitly support our troops and the President's new strategy for success in Iraq. What is the Democrats' plan for success in Iraq? Victory in Iraq is critical to America's strategic interests. The President's new strategy deserves a chance to succeed and it should receive fair and full consideration by this Congress. Republican Leader Press Office Rep. John Boehner (R-OH) H-204, The Capitol (202) 225-4000 http://republicanleader.house.gov/