I'm a commander guy.

The question is, who ought to make that decision? The Congress or the commanders? And as you know my position is clear, I'm a commander guy.

Yesterday was the day that highlighted differences. Today's the day where we can work together to find common ground.

And the definition of success, as I described, is, you know, sectarian violence down. Success is not no violence.

But slowly but surely, the truth will be known. Either we'll succeed or we won't succeed.

The need to act is urgent. Without a war funding bill, the military has to take money from some other account, or training program, so the troops in combat have what they need.

Setting a deadline for withdrawal is setting a date for failure. And that would be irresponsible.

It makes no sense to tell the enemy when you plan to start withdrawing. All the terrorists would have to do is mark their calendars and gather their strength and begin plotting how to overthrow the government and take control of the…

I have made my position very clear. The Congress chose to ignore it. So, I will veto the bill. That's not to say that I'm not interested in their opinions. I am.

The American people did not vote for failure. That is precisely what the Democratic leadership's bill would guarantee.

I don't think witchcraft is a religion. I would hope the military officials would take a second look at the decision they made.

Instead of fashioning a bill I could sign, the Democratic leaders chose to further delay funding our troops, and they chose to make a political statement.