Stupid Politician Tricks

Oy.  From DK's challenger in Ohio, given a platform at HuffPo:

If you haven't read his Iraq policy carefully, he might be able to get away with that. After all, the first element of his plan says, "The US announces it will end the occupation, close military bases and withdraw."

Most people read that as his wanting to withdraw all troops now. But read on. Element 4 says, "Convene a regional conference for the purpose of developing a security and stabilization force for Iraq.. . . The end of the US occupation and the CLOSING of military bases are necessary PREconditions for such a conference. . . . Prepare an international security and peacekeeping force to move in, replacing US troops who THEN return home."

OK, so which is it, Dennis? Do we withdraw our troops to meet the preconditions for the conference, or do we wait until after holding the conference and persuading a to-this-date unwilling United Nations to prepare peacekeepers to come relieve our troops? If the latter, if we cut off funding for our military in Iraq, how do you suggest we feed and supply the brave men and women we sent there?

She don't read to good, do she?

The end of the US occupation and the closing of military bases are necessary preconditions for such a conference. When the US creates a shift of policy and announces it will focus on the concerns of the people of Iraq, it will provide a powerful incentive for nations to participate.

It is well known that while some nations may see the instability in Iraq as an opportunity, there is also an even-present danger that the civil war in Iraq threatens the stability of nations throughout the region. The impending end of the occupation will provide a breakthrough for the cooperation between the US and the UN and the UN and countries of the region. The regional conference must include Iran, Syria, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Jordan.

This is what happens when you huff too many ellipsesesss, precious. It's pretty clear that for a conference and UN involvement to be successful, the occupation must come to an end. Playing the Let's Parse A Gotcha game does a disservice to Dennis' constituents, the troops, and the people of the United States and Iraq.

Go let Huffington Post know that we're watching and expect Dennis to be afforded a chance to respond...

ntodd

PPS--I *still* disagree with DK on UN involvement.