Democratic Senate leaders staged an all-night debate on their plan to give President Bush just 120 days to start bringing troops home from Iraq. Republicans called it a "circus," a "mockery" and "Kabuki theater." Before noon today, the Democrats lost a procedural vote to cut off debate. Yet, despite today's outcome, there's no doubt that many Republicans are uncomfortable about the President's course in Iraq—especially those who are up for re-election next year, and back an alternative that incorporates recommendations of the Iraq Study Group. Meantime, polls show that a majority of Americans think it's time for the troops to come home. We hear about the marathon session and what's next for efforts to force the President to change direction. We also talk to authorities about troop withdrawal, whether the "surge" still has a chance or if it is only postponing the inevitable.
Senate Debates Military Draw-down in Iraq
Credits
Guests:
- Emily Pierce - Roll Call - @emilyprollcall
- Barry McCaffrey - Former Commander, US Southern Command
- Ned Parker - Reuters News Service - @nedmparker1
- Anthony Cordesman - Center for Strategic and International Studies
- Wayne White - Middle East Policy Council - @middleeastinst
- Phebe Marr - former advisor, Iraq Study Group