Clinton: President, not generals, will be in charge in Iraq
[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2008/images/04/17/art.clinton0417.ap.jpg caption="Clinton is pledging to begin withdrawal in the first 60 days of her administration."] HAVERFORD, Pennsylvania (CNN) - Hillary Clinton declared Thursday she will begin withdrawing troops from Iraq within 60 days of becoming president, regardless of what her military advisers say about the situation on the ground at the time.
"You can see which way the questions are going," she firmly told a mostly female audience gathered at Haverford College, a small liberal arts school outside of Philadelphia. "What if the military commanders tell you its dangerous to withdraw? That question is backwards. The president tells the military commanders what the mission is."
Clinton has faced a slew of hypothetical questions from reporters about withdrawing from Iraq after she said last week that her rival Barack Obama cannot be trusted to end the war.
In making that case to voters and the press, the Clinton campaign has cited an interview with a former Obama foreign policy adviser, Samantha Power, who told the BBC in March that the Illinois senator's pledge to withdraw all combat troops in 16 months was "a best case scenario."
At the Democratic debate in Philadelphia last night, Clinton was asked if she would bring the troops home "no matter what," even if that meant destabilizing the country.
Clinton said yes, promising to do so responsibly and with a strong diplomatic effort in the region.
"Our professional military are the best in the world," she said. "They give their best advice. And then they execute the policies of the president."
- CNN Political Producer Peter Hamby
From CNN Politics
- House panel slated to advance massive bill Saturday as liberals and moderates continue negotiating September 25, 2021 04:15 pm
- The 10 Senate seats most likely to flip in 2022 September 25, 2021 03:00 pm
- They're 80+. They're in charge. They're not going away. September 25, 2021 02:00 pm
- County officials in Texas say they are in the dark following 'audit' announcement September 25, 2021 11:34 am
- Two hosts of 'The View' test positive for Covid ahead of interview with Harris September 25, 2021 02:02 am
- Biden decides it would be inappropriate to assert executive privilege in January 6 investigation September 24, 2021 10:44 pm
A little plagiarism? "The president tells the military commanders what the mission is" is almost exactly what Obama said during the debate...
Another Bush – "I don't care what people tell me, I'm going to do what I want."
Actually, It's hard anymore to believe anything Hillary says. She has started making too many campaign promises that she has no intention of keeping. She simply says what she thinks the Super Delegates want to hear and presses on.
Hillary Clinton
I did not realize how clear and detailed your plans were until last night.
The other debates focused on personality issues.
ABC RULES.... really gave the candidates a forum to show themselves and their plans.
Obama dropped out of the game.
You were there all the way.
The Clintons do not know what "Being Careful" means.
how many times has she changed her position on this?
And in this picture... Hillary demonstrates how many supporters she will have left at this rate by this time next month...
Jeez, where did I hear that one? hmmmm oh yes Obama already said that Hillary.
What is she still pledging to do? you have to be commander and chief before you can do that and I hate to be the one to tell you you done! even if Obama dropped out now with the fraud case against her starting April 25th no way she can win in November. Half of America thinks she is untrustworthy. Oh well let her rant and speak I don't think anyone except the uneducated feminist are still supporting her! the ones who can not type except in all caps.
Go Obama 08 Yes We Can
After Hillary finishes dividing the democratic party, does she plan on running for president as in Independent?
Hillary you are a Brilliant woman and people will be crazy if they don't vote for you.
Hillary for President 2009!!!!
"Withdwawl in her first 60 days" .... In her first 60 days as what... as junior advisor to President Barak Obama?
"the president tells the military commanders what the mission is."
Isn't that what Barack Obama said yesterday night?
She voted for the war, she is an idiot.
stupid lier
Hillary Clinton the most hated for no reason...
The one the media loves to trash...
The beautiful and poised candidate that has been swiftboated by her own party...
Good luck and God bless. America needs you. I will write you in in Nov if Obama with the help of the DNC steals this rigged nomination.
Many like me will choke on a candidate that has literally been forced down our throats by Oprah, the Kennedys, the media and the DNC.... by everyone but the ones that count: THE AMERICAN VOTERS
Give me a Break!!!!!! It takes a whole host of people to make a sound judgement and that is something you can not do Sen. Clinton!!!!
Your Rank in File are leaving you. Getting a hint yet?
Hill i am not for the war but you are acting like an unguided missile you are a loose cannon.
obama 08
It is essential that we rebuild America's strength. Among the three remaining candidates, only Hillary has consistently emphasized this point. However, she may not have a chance, because the derailed Democrat primaries seem to be irreversable. What a pity!
The recklessness and arrogance in that first paragraph is truly terrifying.
I agree with her. All the respect to the general, but if the President says find a plan to get out, then find a plan.
How many more soldiers need to die?
But when will the last troops be out Hillary, Obama? Promise??
CNN where are all my pro-Hillary posts going?
You are only Hiding the truth, blocking us does not mean we don't exist and will not vote for her.
IF it is too late to stem the poisonous Obama-tide created by Oprah, the Kennedys, the media and the DNC....
Then we will jump in anyway with our votes in Nov.
Shows now she is trying a one last ditched effort to curry support with anti war voters more pandering! Note her husband also promised the GLBT that he would end the separation in the military. He won with much support from the community and then put a policy in that to this day has made this country less safe and given worthless scum an excuse to quit the military by simply walking in to the legal office and saying "I am gay"!
birds of a feather no one can trust the Clinton name it stand for everything but truth or honesty
Go Obama 08 Yes We Can.
She really meant to say she will withdrawal from this race in the next 60 days. She mispoke...again.
So she would ignore expert advice and do it any way? Sounds familar. Sounds like W....