Evan Bayh: “It has been said that our decision tonight will determine whether America is perceived as a leader in the world. What…”

“It has been said that our decision tonight will determine whether America is perceived as a leader in the world. What kind of message will we send after all the dying and treasure and blood we have expended in Iraq? Can there be any doubt about American leadership and about the message we send? When we removed Saddam Hussein, America sent a message that we lead to stand for freedom--the freedom to choose your own government, the freedom to run your own economy. Tonight, again, we lead with $72 billion free and clear in grants for the security of Iraq; further, $5 billion for the immediate reconstruction needs, free and clear to Iraq; further, $10 billion for the long-term reconstruction needs for the people of Iraq is a loan to be forgiven if the rest of the world will join us in this cause. That is American leadership. That is the message we send. That is why we ask for your support.”