Jim Webb

I had a political position and an advisory position, but I was a part of an administration and I was identified with that administration.

I would submit that if those other individuals were properly doing their job, this position wouldn't be necessary.

I have a high regard for Admiral Fallon.

I know the sacrifices that they've had to go through to help you reach the position that you're in.

I have run out of time and I wish all of you gentlemen the best in your new positions.

I am certainly hopeful that we can reduce the force structure so that we can have a different discussion regarding the end strength numbers that have been proposed.

I would just like to say one other thing. I would like again to associate myself with something that Senator Warner said and express my gratitude to your father for the service that he gave our country and for all of us to remember that he…

Another factor in this, and it does go into the way that our force structure levels have oscillated and the way that they are going to now, is the disruption of the rotational cycles and the hardship that puts on planning, on morale…

I would be interested in having those as you assume your new job. I think it is something worthy of discussion on the costs.

I believe strongly that military leaders should be held accountable, but certainly in this situation today... the consequences of what I believe has been a failed strategy should be shared at a far higher level.

I appreciate your answers, and wish you good luck.

I don't believe that. I can't see a new strategy here, in terms of national strategy.

Do you agree that immediate, full accountability is essential for money already appropriated and spent?

There is not a military solution, there is a political solution.

The removal of combat troops from the streets of Iraq?

Right, but that would be a doable articulation of where we want to end up?

My belief is that in terms of our national strategy with Iraq the successful end point would be a time when there are no longer United States combat forces on the streets of Iraq.

I think we up here and the senior military are the fiduciaries of the goodwill and the service of those people.

I just think that is something that should be said for the record.

There was a poll last year during the campaign that showed more than 70 percent of the troops in Iraq believe we should be out within a year.

The issue of the attitudes of people who are serving is in my view not wholly appropriate to the political debate.

If you're going to call for the immediate withdrawal of 40,000 to 50,000 American troops, you're going to have to tell us which ones they are, where they're stationed now, and what the rest of the troops are going to be doing when those…

Many, including myself, warned even before the war began that it was unnecessary, that it would take our energy and attention away from the larger war against terrorism, and that invading and occupying Iraq would leave us strategically…

The majority of the nation no longer supports this war -- the way this war is being fought, nor does the majority of our military, nor does the majority of Congress. We need a new direction.

It's time for people in the Congress and also people like this Iraq Study Group that is going to report to the administration to start helping the country move toward a solution.