Bush Promises to Take Iraq Study Group Report Seriously

President Bush got his copy of the Iraq Study Group report this morning and released a statement saying, “It is a report that brings some really very interesting proposals, and we will take every proposal seriously and we will act in a timely fashion.”

The commission is headed up to Congress, and I urge the members of Congress to take this report seriously. While they won’t agree with every proposal — and we probably won’t agree with every proposal — it, nevertheless, is an opportunity to come together and to work together on this important issue.

The country, in my judgment, is tired of pure political bickering that happens in Washington, and they understand that on this important issue of war and peace, it is best for our country to work together. And I understand how difficult that is, but this report will give us all an opportunity to find common ground, for the good of the country — not for the good of the Republican Party or the Democratic Party, but for the good of the country.

A nice sentiment. I would be quite shocked, however, if that happens. It used to be said that politics ended at the water’s edge; it has been many years since that was a reflection of reality. Both sides will use the Report to seek political cover for what they want to do but I suspect they will continue to bludgeon their opponents over the war.

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James Joyner
About James Joyner
James Joyner is Professor and Department Head of Security Studies at Marine Corps University's Command and Staff College. He's a former Army officer and Desert Storm veteran. Views expressed here are his own. Follow James on Twitter @DrJJoyner.

Comments

  1. Anderson says:

    Bush Promises to Take Iraq Study Group Report Seriously

    From the Onion to OTB. I can just see it, sitting unopened on his desk now. “Condi, read this wouldja and tell me if there’s anything good in all this crap.”

  2. LJD says:

    Anderson, you guys must be running out of material. No substantive complaints, just speculation?

    On another note, I was wondering if the report had any mention of the effect our media has on the war, openly and willingly promoting the enemy’s propagnda. Didn’t think so.

  3. William says:

    President Bush’s statements regarding the good of the entire country may cause you to wonder what public opinions is on issues surrounding foreign policy. I thought you may be interested in seeking this: Generally speaking, the public consistently favors diplomacy over force in foreign affairs. According to our Foreign Policy Index, 61% of Americans favor more emphasis on diplomatic and economic methods when it comes to fighting terrorism. Go to http://www.publicagenda.org/issues/major_proposals_detail.cfm?issue_type=americas_global_role&list=2 for more information.