Harry Reid: “The issue before the American people that relates to Iraq is the surge--the escalation of the war in Iraq. That is the…”

“The issue before the American people that relates to Iraq is the surge--the escalation of the war in Iraq. That is the debate that should be before this body, and last night that was prevented. An up-or-down vote on McCain, who is supporting the surge, or a vote in opposition to the surge, the escalation sponsored by Warner and Levin-- that is the issue before this body today. This is a diversion. This is a diversion. We finished the Super Bowl. This is a trick play by the Republicans. The real issue before this body is surge or no surge, escalation or no escalation. That is the debate the American people deserve.”