Jack Reed actually said...

"I don't think we could find someone better acclimated to the various challenges; and there are quite a few throughout the region."

"Good-news stories about Afghanistan and the Afghan security forces don't seem to get the coverage in the U.S. media that is given to negative stories."

"I think keeping the larger-sized force would certainly, as you pointed out, reassure the Afghans."

"I respect his service to our country, I just think that with the challenges we face around the world right now, I judge him based on his record."