Political Quotes

“As we speak, there are extremely important hearings taking place on Capitol Hill. General Petraeus and Ambassador Crocker are here. The hearings started 35 minutes ago. Clearly, the eyes of the world will look upon the Senate as General Petraeus and Ambassador Crocker testify today before the Armed Services Committee and the Foreign Relations Committee. These two committees are chaired by two of our most senior Senators and two of our most able Senators, Senator Levin and Senator Biden. The appearances of these good and honorable men, General Petraeus and Ambassador Crocker, are meant to create an open, honest, and productive dialogue with Congress on the state of the war in Iraq and the future of military operations in Iraq. I hope it does occur in that manner, that there will be an open and honest and productive dialogue with us. As the American people weigh the testimony and consider the best course of action in far-off Iraq, only two questions matter: First, has the troop surge brought us closer to the day when our troops can come home? Second, is the war in Iraq making America safer? Sadly, by all accounts, the answer to both questions is no. The stated purpose of the surge, according to President Bush, was 'return on success,' meaning that if the surge worked, the troops could come home. Now, the President claims success, but where is the return? It is clear to anyone that the violence has surged. Eleven Americans have been killed since Sunday in Iraq.”