Anybody see Sen. Russ Feingold on MTP this morning ?

[kentuck]

What did he have to say? I have always admired his courage and leadership. He has always been willing to take a stand even when he might be the only person voting that way. Some might see him as a gadfly. But considering that he voted against the Iraq War, he seemed to be the only one willing to question the Repubs...

[CatWoman]

1. I saw a brief exchange

of him ridiculing Chimpy's last public speech as "empty" and "full of the same old, tired catchphrases"

[Inspired]

2. Yes

and I thought he was great. I can't recite what he said but I'm sure a transcript is available somewhere. I was impressed and I haven't been big on Feingold. I think I'll give him a second look now though,

[napi21]

3. I watched it. You know they rerun MTP tonight some time too.

I thought Russ did a great job. He explained that his Iraq plan is NOT to set a date certain for a pullout, but to set a goal, and achievements that need to be reached at certain levels. If we just say we'll stay there as long as they need us, there's no reason for the Iraqi's to even want to do it themselves.

He was also asked if he was going to run for the presidency. He said he's concentrating on the problems of the US right now, like out of control health care, gas prices, and the Iraq situation. He might consider the presidency at a later date.

[karynnj]

13. This sounds right between Kerry and Kennedy's comments on

on MTP earlier this year. Kennedy wanted a date, Kerry talked about a process - but Kerry and Kennedy both insisted their positions were close. Sounds like Feingold, like Kerry, wants certain things to happen - but wants a date as a target.

[ClassWarrior]

4. He was brilliant, as usual. The highlight was when he said...

...(paraphrase) if the insurgents are so eager for us to withdraw, why would they wait for us to announce a deadline? Why wouldn't they just stop fighting now, wait for us to declare victory and pull out, then take over Iraq? He said the idea that we can't announce a deadline is based on a false argument.

NGU.

[leyton]

5. Listening to it on podcast right now.

He's calling for a "middle way" - not cut-and-run but not stay-the-course.

[ClassWarrior]

6. Of course he is. He knows the value of language.

NGU.

[pretzel4gore]

8. once bush is gone, the focus not on iraq!

the gopig has been crapping in the nest for years; imagine the enormity of what they've done! iraq not even the worst thing...

[blm]

7. Odd that he wouldn't sign the letter of inquiry to investigate the DSM

when he had no problem investigating Clinton for having sex.

Feingold can be a tough gadfly, but, sometimes his choices defy reason.

[senseandsensibility]

9. If that's true

And I'm not saying it isn't, that's really mind boggling. How does he justify it?

[AuntPatsy]

10. I find alot of things odd these days, but we have to focus on what

is in play today, people change their minds all the time, lets stand behind those that do and not second guess every single motive behind their present actions.

[blm]

11. The DSM is a current focus. It hasn't gone away and Feingold can STILL add

his name as a signer. There is never a cutoff on signing on to a letter of inquiry until the committee takes the action.

Roberts is resisting further investigation of the Iraq intel, and Feingold adding his name to the letter now could add to the PRESSURE on Roberts to finish the job and include the DSM in the investigation.

Maybe Feingold supporters could urge him to join the other Dems who signed and especially since he is getting attention as a presidential hopeful.

[flpoljunkie]

12. Feingold had not signed as of mid-July. Those who signed listed below.

Jon Corzine, Tim Johnson, Frank Lautenberg, Ted Kennedy, Barbara Boxer, Tom Harkin, Jack Reed, Jeff Bingaman and Dick Durbin.

Only Jon Corzine is on the Senate Intelligence Committee.

http://dailykos.com/story/2005/7/25/125023/827

Kerry has also called on Congress to investigate Plamegate.

Letter signed by:

Senators Kerry, Levin, Stabenow, Schumer, Lautenberg, Rockefeller, Reed, Feinstein, Dorgan, Harkin, Kohl, Durbin, Carper, Salazar, Boxer, Inouye, Corzine, Wyden, Mikulski, Obama, Murray, Bayh, Johnson, Clinton, Sarbanes, and Landrieu.

This letter also not signed by Feingold. Seems as if he may well be the maverick that he is often described.

Sign the letters, Senator Feingold.

[Cha]

18. Tim Johnson! That's pretty

good for a red state Senator, no? Even bayh!

[AuntPatsy]

14. Now thats a good idea, a flood of email asking Feingold to sign?

[napi21]

15. Has anyone ever called his office to ask why he didn't sign the letters?

I can't imagine what the excuse would be, but I think he deserves the opportunity to give his reasons.

So much goes on behind the sceans in WA, I think those in Congress deserve the chance to explain themselves, then WE deserve the opportunity to decide to agree or disagree.

[CatWoman]

16. video here

:hi:

http://crooksandliars.com/

[KoKo]

17. I thought he was very good. It was sad to see that he stands pretty much

alone in his views on Iraq, though.

I think it's a big plus that he's spoken out and David Sirota :loveya: of my heart made mention of him. But then...I'm a way DU'er lefty who really isn't so lefty ...but been forced there. I always had really good Repug friends that I don't see any more....

So, what happened to me? I'm so way lefty like Cindy Sheehan whose family and friends probably don't understand what she's doing...like my family and former friends who think I threw them over after the George Bush Selection in 2000.

Who is to know these days. But, Principles about life..and living are PRINCIPLES.

Sometimes it's like the "Civil War" out there. Family Member against Family Member...friend against friend....

Never thought it would ever come to this. :-(