WASHINGTON (CNN) - President Bush once again failed to provide a plan to successfully end the war in Iraq, Democrats said after his primetime address Thursday while touting their strategy "to responsibly and rapidly" begin pulling U.S. forces out of the war zone.
"The president rightfully invoked the valor of our troops in his speech, but his plan does not amount to real change," said Sen. Jack Reed, D-Rhode Island, who delivered the Democratic response.
"Soldiers take a solemn oath to protect our nation, and we have a solemn responsibility to send them into battle only with clear and achievable missions. Tonight, the president provided neither," he said.
U.S. successes in Iraq mean some troops can begin to come home, but others will have to stay there into 2009 and beyond, the president announced Thursday night.
Bush also acknowledged the Iraqi government has not met its own legislative benchmarks and its success would require U.S. engagement that would extend beyond his presidency.
Full story: Nation is at a critical moment on Iraq, Democrats say