Dean: Bush Playing Defense For The Secretary Of Defense
April 18, 2006
President Bush continues to play defense for Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld. Seven former Generals have now called for Rumsfeld to resign because of his incompetence and his unwillingness to listen to the advice of our military experts and commanders, some of whom have direct experience in Iraq. [Bloomberg, 4/17/06] Dismissing Secretary Rumsfeld would be an important first step, however what's needed is for the President and his administration to change course in Iraq.
Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean issued the following statement:
"Firing Secretary Rumsfeld would be an important first step to getting America's foreign policy back on track. But, President Bush must also end the permanent commitment to his failed strategy that he continues to cling to and accept the need to change course in Iraq and listen to the military commanders on the ground. He must provide a clear plan for success in Iraq so that our troops can come home safely.
"Democrats will do what it takes to keep America safe by destroying Al Qaeda, hunting down Osama Bin Laden and securing our ports and borders. Democrats remain committed to ensuring that 2006 is a year of significant transition to Iraqi sovereignty and will continue to hold the Bush Administration accountable for its manipulated pre-war intelligence, poor planning and contract abuses. Our troops, their families and the American people deserve nothing less."
