Richardson only major candidate to promise leaving no troops in Iraq

Many of you, including the conventional wisdom of the traditional media, did not share the The Blue State's opinion that Bill Richardson won the New Hampshire debate.  On political entertainment value alone, the New Mexico Governor might not be the A-list celebrity you're looking for.  Though, when you read between the lines, Richardson is one of the most practical candidates out there.

Today, Richardson became the first major candidate in either party to promise that no US troops would remain in Iraq if he is elected president:

Democratic presidential hopeful Bill Richardson said Sunday he wanted atotal withdrawal of U.S. forces in Iraq and that American troops aretargets in a civil war.

"I would leave no troops in Iraqwhatsoever," Richardson said. "The difference between me and the othercandidates is, they would leave troops there indefinitely, and I wouldnot."

This comment on CNN's Late Edition was productive in that it will force the other Democratic candidates to clearly define what the future of U.S. military operations in Iraq would be if they were elected president.

Thus far, both Hillary and Barack say aren't there yet:

• Hillary Clinton promised that "if the Iraqis ever get their act together" she would re-position troops north of Baghdad.
• Although Barack Obama has always supported a phased troop withdrawal, he has yet to say specifically that all U.S. forces would be part of that withdrawal.

And this isn't anything new coming from Richardson.  During the first Democratic debate in April, Richardson said specifically that all forces would be removed under his administration:

This is whatI would do if were president today. I would withdraw all of our troops,including residual troops, by the end of this calendar year.

I would use the leverage of that withdrawal, coupled with intensive        diplomacy in three areas.    

One, a political framework led by the United States where the threereligious entities in Iraq have a coalition government, divide oilrevenues and possible set up three separate entities.

Number two, I would convene a security conference, and I would invite Iran and Syria.    

They're going to be tough, and we should be tough withthem. But we have to have an international peacekeeping effort.

And, thirdly, I would have a donor conference. I would have othercountries take over the reconstruction responsibility and the securityof Iraq.

Again, let's hope that this forces Obama, Clinton and Edwards to specifically outline their stances.

Comments

[Sigkim]

"Richardson only major candidate to promise leaving no troops in Iraq."
CNN as stated above.
Well..it seems CNN needs to take a little advice from the Geico cavemen and "do a little research".
Ron Paul is without a doubt the "other" candidate who wants our troops out now.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=OEJJ1GHteLM
this is from CNN's own broadcast so what the...heck?
There is an interview out there where Ron Paul states bring the troops home now, and the interviewer asks won't that cause more problems to which Ron says it isn't going well now so why not bring them home to save our soldiers lives(paraphrase). I'm looking for this interview now.
In the mean time enjoy this C-span video of a speech in the halls of Congress. I could only fantasize a President giving this speech from the oval office
www.watchronpaul.com/index.php?paged=6
("Ron Paul’s speech in the House of Representatives on 5/22/07".) Please blue state do not construde this post as spam for Paul as I am rebutting CNN's Richardson's piece which is misleading in my point of view.
The above speech from C-Span is the most powerful speech in truth telling I have ever heard on the floor of congress but if it does not fit in with my rebuttal then feel free to remove it.
Most sinserely:
Mike from Tucson.

[Chief Editor: Todd]

Mike, I know it's not spam. We always appreciate your contributions! Keep fighting for Ron Paul. We wish you the best!!!

[Sigkim]

Well, here is one of the videos in response to the above CNN "Richardson only major candidate to promise leaving no troops in Iraq"`CNN It is at about 5:30 or so but the whole series is great.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=uyCoDbFVaJ8
I am looking for Mr.Kucinich's view on the issue of our troops leaving Iraq and the time line to do so because I think I have heard him say to bring them home now.
Thank you Chief.
Mike

[Project Vote Smart]

Gov. Bill Richardson’s history of speeches on Iraq can be found at: Gov. Bill Richardson’s Record of Speeches

For more information on Gov. Bill Richardson’s position on Iraq please visit Project Vote Smart or call our hotline at 1-888-VOTE-SMART.