AP: Gephardt Backs Bush on Iraq Funding

[Freddie Stubbs]

WASHINGTON - Democrat Dick Gephardt (news - web sites), siding with President Bush (news - web sites) on his $87 billion request for Iraq (news - web sites) and Afghanistan (news - web sites), pledged Wednesday to finance the war on terrorism even if that posture undercuts his presidential bid or ensures budget deficits for years to come.

We're in a military situation, we've got a lot of foreign obligations, we're fighting terrorism in many places around the world, we've got homeland security needs," the former House minority leader said. "In light of that, I don't think it's possible to get to a balanced budget."

In an hourlong interview with Associated Press editors and reporters, Gephardt criticized Bush's postwar policy in Iraq, but argued that it would be irresponsible to vote against reconstruction money for two war-torn nations.

"I think we've got to send the right signal to our troops in the field, and we've got to send the right signal to people in Iraq who both don't want us to succeed and do want us to succeed," Gephardt said.

more: http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=536&e=2&u=/ap/20031015/ap_on_go_co/gephardt_interview

[thecorrector]

1. Pretty gutsy, I'd say.

I heard Dean also say that we must continue in Iraq. I think
it's obvious.  I applaud them both.

[el_gato]

2. pretty chickenshit I'd say

this money is for halliburton, bechtel, dyncorp, etc.

they don't give a rats ass about democracy in iraq

[roguevalley]

7. I disagree. There are no checks in place.

Halliburton and friends are starving enough boys over there.
Take part of this money and buy f*****g body armor. The kids
are buying their own.

Gephardt is a loser.

[The Backlash Cometh]

10. Quite a few people would disagree with you on this newsgroup.

And with reason. They want someone who is willing to fight this administration.

[ixion]

3. no great suprise there...

Gephardt has had his nose buried in Bush's butt all along.

[demnan]

4. They need to fight this

They need to tie some accountablility for this money to the tax cuts. I'm certainly not against helping our poor boys and girls over there, hey they need the money, but the tax cuts for the rich have to go.

I hope the rest of the Dems fight this better than Gephardt has.

[Meshuga]

5. They are...

Kerry, Edwards, and Kucinich are fighting it.

[papau]

6. And Dean - The idea of tying a tax increase on the rich to the $87 B

should be the Dem Party position.

Gep is nuts to not come on board. I love his union vibes, but this is nuts.

[killbotfactory]

8. Who would have known conquering a country could be expensive?

:shrug:

[Sagan]

9. Yeah, I forgot.. it's a completely BINARY decision..

Support the Chimp's failed and idiotic policy or don't pay the troops.

IDIOTS!

What about making the Chimp explain what the hell is going on and what the plan is? What about using this ridiculous request to reign in the PNAC crowd?

Oh, no! Can't do THAT! Gotta support the Pretzeldent!

See ya.. DICK.