Wash Post notes most Democrats recognized the political trap

[kpete]

House Rejects Iraq Pullout After GOP Forces a Vote
Democrats Enraged By Personal Attack

By Charles Babington
Washington Post Staff Writer
Saturday, November 19, 2005; Page A01

Differences over policy on the Iraq war ignited an explosion of angry words and personal insults on the House floor yesterday when the chamber's newest member suggested that a decorated war veteran was a coward for calling for an immediate withdrawal of U.S. troops.

As Democrats physically restrained one colleague, who appeared as if he might lose control of himself as he rushed across the aisle to confront Republicans with a jabbing finger, they accused Republicans of playing political games with the war.

The idea was to force Democrats to go on the record on a proposal that the administration says would be equivalent to surrender. Recognizing a political trap, most Democrats -- including Murtha -- said from the start they would vote no.

Murtha's resolution included language the Republicans wanted to avoid, such as "the American people have not been shown clear, measurable progress" toward stability in Iraq. It also said troops should be withdrawn "at the earliest practicable date," although Murtha said in statements and interviews Thursday that the drawdown should begin now.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/11/18/AR2005111802896.html

[AlinPA]

1. While those close to the proceedings understand, most Americans won't.

It will still come across as "House rejects immediate withdrawl".

[qanda]

2. You give people NO credit at all

Most Americans think this war is a mistake and don't trust George Bush. The Republicans look childish and foolish.

[AlinPA]

4. I concur that most people see the war as a lie, Bush as a phony liar, etc,

but in last night's vote most people don't follow as closely as we do or others close to it, and will see it as I said, a simple up or down vote on immediate troop withdrawl. They didn't hear Murtha's whole proposal.

[qanda]

6. I try to gauge these things by the people in my life...

Who don't normally pay close attention. I was speaking to one of my sisters this morning and she saw straight through what the Republicans did.

My hope is that the Republicans have actually done Murtha and the Democrats a favor by helping them make their point-- it's not about immediate withdrawal, it's about developing a plan. So now let's talk about the plan.

[Toots]

3. It should be house rejects Republican proposal for immediate withdrawal

The bill that was voted upon was submitted by a Republican and it should be noted as such IMO.

[AlinPA]

5. Exactly. n/t