Pelosi steps up criticism of war, intelligence

[Barrett808]

Pelosi steps up criticism of war, intelligence
By Hans Nichols

Returning from a two-day trip to Iraq, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) stepped up her criticism of the Bush administration’s handling of the war, and sharply questioned the intelligence that the administration use to justify the pre-emptive invasion.

In a joint press conference at the Capitol with United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan on Tuesday, Pelosi called for a “truly independent” commission to investigate intelligence shortcomings detailed in a recent report by the administration’s former weapons inspector, David Kay.

At the same time, Pelosi said her visit to Iraq with two colleagues — Reps. Ike Skelton (D-Mo.) and Robin Hayes (R-N.C..) — made her acutely aware of the enormity of the task ahead, as well as the need for United Nations support.

“I would say I had a fuller appreciation of how serious the challenge is of the job establishing a secure and stable Iraq,” she said.

But she added, “None of this should come as a surprise to anyone. The complexity of the society of Iraq has been well known for a long time.”

(more)

http://www.thehill.com/news/020504/pelosi.aspx

[grannylib]

1. Yeah I question the intelligence....of Chimpy

[Barrett808]

2. Kay rebutted by Gen. Dayton?

But Kay’s prediction that weapons would not be found was contradicted by his rival at the Iraqi Survey Group, Army Major General Keith Dayton, according to another congressional delegation — led by Rep. Curt Weldon (R-Penn.) — that just returned from Iraq.

Weldon, vice-chairman of the Armed Services Committee, plans to have Dayton testify before his committee. Dayton told the delegation he still believes that weapons of mass destruction may be found.

What does Dayton know that Kay doesn't?

[Cannikin]

3. Daily Show clip of the media's treatment of Pelosi (very funny)

Top row, middle, called 'Liberal Libel'

http://www.comedycentral.com/tv_shows/thedailyshowwithjonstewart/videos_corr.jhtml?startIndex=37&p=colbert

[Malva Zebrina]

4. I think the Democrats better get revved up real hard ffor the race

Cspan today had Tenet on waxing wonderfully on the truths of Bush and defending his intelligence agency and then David Kay was on waxing wonderfully. Also the Budget committe was on. I tell ya if no one stands up forcefully to the Republicans, it is my opinion that Bush will get away with the lie--the morphing of the lies into attacks was justifed because Saddam had the potential to do all sorts of things to the US, to Saddma was "thinking" of doing bad things, will stick. They have the plan memorized--as I watched, I felt ashamed of my country and the types who support a murderous war criminal for whatever reasons--surely they know the difference between a lie and the truth.


They are strong, arrogant, forceful and sound convincing. It is going to be a tough battle -- no one should expect politeness and making "nice" we will be clobbered to death as they run all over us in a neocon stampede.

[asjr]

6. Today has certainly been

CYA day for Kay and Tenent. And Shrub going on MTP Sunday--well, this whole thing sounds coordinated to me. Anything to keep the public uninformed.

[ihaveaquestion]

5. It's about time!

Pelosi hasn't been nearly critical enough of the Bushies/repugs. She may be too much of a "good girl" to be a good leader.

[BayCityProgressive]

8. Pelosi

can only go so far. She has a far more liberal record and she is far more outspoken than Gephardt ever was. However, being that she is so far to the left and from San Fransisco, she has to remain pragmatic so that she doesn't anger the "new democrat" wing of the party. She as the leader needs to keep the party together to win in November.

[truthspeaker]

9. the war is not about left or right

It's about good foreign policy vs. bad foreign policy and truth vs. lies.

[indepat]

12. Wholly agree: where the hell has she been as the economy, the fiscal

soundness of the treasury, and the environment have been trashed, not to mention a pre-emptive war. We need a loyal opposition, not more shilling cheerleaders.

[truthspeaker]

7. Thanks, Nancy

Over a year too late, but it's nice to finally have you on board.

[The Stranger]

10. Why is she questioning the intelligence? She's buying into Bush's plan

to pin it all on Tenet and the CIA.

Chimpy, Cheney, Wolfowitz, PNAC and Rumsfeld knew there were no weapons of mass destruction because the CIA was on record saying so at the time of the invasion of Iraq. Bush's plan now is to escape his lies by blaming the intelligence community.

Pelosi needs to uphold the CIA's own position and show that the Chimp lied.

[GreyV]

11. Pelosi?

Pretender Democrats everywhere. Ain't it grand? Or is the word "fake" more appropriate?

[bobbieinok]

13. Pelosi 'the most radical democrat' says right-wing radio

She's from CA - that says it all for them.