Transcript Of Feingold On Countdown Slamming Iraq Study Group Report's Shortcomings

[JABBS]

Click here for an overview of what Sen. Russ Feingold said to Keith Olbermann last night on Countdown.

The viewpoint, which seems very solid, hasn't made a dent in the mainstream media.

[twilight_sailing]

1. I agree,

it was top notch.

[sandnsea]

2. What??

"no one who's been really calling for a different strategy that goes for a global approach in the war on terrorism."

Yeah okay - whatever Russ.

[WinkyDink]

3. Let's quote in a full sentence, shall we? To wit:

"I looked at the list of who testified before them. There's virtually no one who opposed the war in the first place, virtually no one who's been really calling for a different strategy that goes for a global approach in the war on terrorism."

What is your meaning of "whatever"?

[JABBS]

4. agreed

if you have information to counter, feel free.

[sandnsea]

5. Yeah - whatever

John Kerry didn't support the war, he supported a process that included letting inspectors finish their job. He has also been calling for a global approach on terrorism since before Russ Feingold knew what a terrorist was. So - whatever Russ, quit playing politics with the war.

[gratuitous]

7. "There's virtually no one . . ."

See, by saying that, Feingold was saying that practically none of the people interviewed by the Iraq Study Group had a vision for a different strategy. He's not saying that none of them didn't articulate that; he's saying that virtually no one said that.

And his point at the end of it is that of the very few voices making proposals for a different approach, not one of them made a dime's worth of difference in the report's conclusions. Do you have evidence that Kerry's opinion (and remember, he voted for the war before he voted against it) held any sway whatsoever with the ISG or its reported findings? Because if they interviewed Kerry and then totally disregarded what he had to say, then it would appear that Feingold is right, and hardly playing politics. Unless this is another one of those famous examples of the facts having that dreaded liberal bias.

[sandnsea]

9. See by saying that

He was doing what is called 'covering his ass', while leaving the impression he's got some 'maverick' view that nobody else has, which is absolute bullshit.

And yes, since the ISG adopted many of Kerry's proposals, I do think they listened.

I used to really respect Feingold, but I've seen him do this sort of political grandstanding one too many times.

[gratuitous]

12. You poor, poor baby

It must hurt that Kerry's point of view didn't carry the day with the ISG (as if it had a snowball's chance in hell of doing so). But why get all upset about Feingold for noticing it? Feingold wasn't on the task force and didn't write the report.

[sandnsea]

14. Wow - okay

I don't even know what you're talking about. You think McCain's view carried the day?? :crazy:

[jsamuel]

8. Kerry agrees with Feingold here. I saw him say so on Scarborough Country last night.

Quit stirring up dust between them that even Kerry doesn't support.

One of the first times I have seen Feingold, Kerry, Scarborough and Pat Buchanan agree so adamantly.

[sandnsea]

10. That nobody has a global view on terrorism??

Except Russ?

I doubt Kerry agrees with that at all.

[jsamuel]

11. Russ said the ISG didn't.

You are determined to divide us.

[sandnsea]

16. That is just crazy

Russ made the statement, he set himself up to be the lone voice of reason. Seems to me HE is the one determined to divide Democrats, thus my objection to his comments.

[jsamuel]

18. It seems to me that you are determined and will not stop, even if Kerry disagrees with you.

[JABBS]

13. john kerry wasn't on the iraq study group

and he was one of a large group of people interviewed. it's not like the majority of people on the panel or interviewed by the panel were initially against the war, or outspoken against the war long-term.

[sandnsea]

15. He was referring to people who testified n/t

[jsamuel]

17. He interjected "most" of those who testified,probably to exclude Kerry and a couple others from what

he was criticizing.

"virtually no one"

Because Kerry had the same sentiments on Scarborough Country last night.

[sandnsea]

19. Global terrorism?

He didn't even mention global terrorism on Scarborough so I don't know what you're talking about. Kerry also isn't trashing the ISG, he's saying it's a good framework to move forward with and another opportunity to get it rightin Iraq.

So I don't know what the hell you're talking about, the ones who kneejerk against everything except their narrow ideological view are the ones who do nothing but divide.

[jsamuel]

20. Kerry said that he did not agree with the ISG on what it's recomendations are.

He said that it did not go far enough to get us out of Iraq, exactly what Feingold's point was. Feingold went on about how we should be concentrating in Afganistan, etc instead, but we all know Kerry has said that 1000 times before.

[sandnsea]

21. Wow - okay

Another whatever.

Maybe you should read this:

"Kerry Says, Others Agree"

http://blog.johnkerry.com/

In addition, if you go read MY first post, you'll see I was referring to a very specific comment by Feingold.

[blm]

23. Kerry's had a global approach to terror LONG BEFORE 9-11 and every senator knows

that he has been further ahead on this issue than most anyone in DC. Even George Will has admitted that Kerry had for years been promoting the right approach to terrorism last summer - it's a global LAW ENFORCEMENT issue. Elite Military specialists can be used only as the operation warrants.

Kerry was interviewed by the ISG and also happened to stress that permanent bases policy gets terminated as an important first step.

Everyone knows the policy of ISG is not going to publicly set up a timetable as desired and needed, but it seems they do agree a timetable is important PRIVATELY. Must give Bushboy some saving face.

[spanone]

6. I agree with the Senator 100%.

[TahitiNut]

22. So do I. Russ articulated the most important perspective, imho.

I particularly appreciate Feingold's respect for the intelligence of his audience - which some might claim is higher than due. IMHO, it's far better to NECESSITATE thinking than to over-simplify.

[JABBS]

24. what's important about feingold

is that the mainstream media has not does the same kind of investigating into the ISG as Feingold, apparently. the news cycle is whether bush will listen, not whether the ISG is sending the right message.