Iraq Withdrawal Plan Gains G.O.P. Support

[struggle4progress]

By PETER BAKER
Published: February 26, 2009

WASHINGTON – President Obama won crucial backing Thursday for his Iraq military drawdown plan from leading Congressional Republicans, including Senator John McCain, the party’s presidential nominee who spent much of last year debating the war with Mr. Obama.

As the president prepared to fly to Camp Lejenue, N.C., on Friday to announce his decision to pull combat forces out by August 2010 but leave behind a residual force of 35,000 to 50,000 troops, he reassured Congressional leaders from both parties that his plan would not jeopardize hard-won stability in Iraq.

But Republicans emerged from a White House meeting more supportive than several key Democrats, who complained earlier in the day that the president was still leaving behind too many American forces. Mr. McCain said during the private meeting that he thought the withdrawal plan was thoughtful and well prepared, according to several people in the room. His spokeswoman, Brooke Buchanan, confirmed by e-mail Thursday night that Mr. McCain is “supportive of the plan.”

Another key Republican, Representative John M. McHugh of New York, the ranking minority member of the House Armed Services Committee, said he was reassured by Mr. Obama that he would revisit his plan if circumstances on the ground change ... http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/27/washington/w27troopsweb.html?_r=1&hp

[babylonsister]

1. Wow. A real majority would be so different, again. Good deal. nt

[emilyg]

2. Excellent.

[MarjorieG]

3. Curious if reduction on mercenaries, meaning fewer military coming home, but total down.

Saving money as well.

[Onlooker]

4. No wonder, we're leaving behind an occupying force

35,000-50,000 is way too many. Maybe 10,000. But, what Obama's proposing is basically to continue our occupation. That's why he's getting some Republican support. I think the Democratic Congress will force his hand on this; at least I hope so.