President Obama Calls W, Maliki to Tell Them About Iraq Withdrawal Plan
EmailPresident Obama made two phone calls this morning on his way to the speech, White House press secretary Robert Gibbs said this afternoon.
Having previously tried and failed to connect with Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri Al-Maliki to tell him about his decision, the president phoned Mr. Maliki from Air Force One on the way down to North Carolina this morning “and briefed the prime minister on the plan he would announce. He also “sought and received” from the prime minister an agreement to receive Christopher Hill as the next U.S. ambassador to Iraq.
Then, in the hold at Camp Lejeune, before the speech, President Obama called former President George W. Bush to brief him about his troop withdrawal plan.
He made the call “as a courtesy,” Gibbs said.
The language in President Obama’s speech is sober. No "Mission Accomplished" in this speech.
"Let there be no doubt: Iraq is not yet secure, and there will be difficult days ahead. Violence will continue to be a part of life in Iraq. Too many fundamental political questions about Iraq’s future remain unresolved. Too many Iraqis are still displaced or destitute. Declining oil revenues will put an added strain on a government that has had difficulty delivering basic services. Not all of Iraq’s neighbors are contributing to its security. Some are working at times to undermine it. And even as Iraq’s government is on a surer footing, it is not yet a full partner –- politically and economically –- in the region, or with the international community. In short, today there is a renewed cause for hope in Iraq, but that hope rests upon an emerging foundation."
The president said: "Let me say this as plainly as I can: by August 31, 2010, our combat mission in Iraq will end."
This was followed by an unsure smattering of applause from the Marine audience, building into something a bit more enthusiastic.
A more assertive clapping followed this presidential declaration: "Through this period of transition, we will carry out further redeployments. And under the Status of Forces Agreement with the Iraqi government, I intend to remove all U.S. troops from Iraq by the end of 2011."
– jpt
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“This was followed by an unsure smattering of applause from the Marine audience, building into something a bit more enthusiastic.”
I didn’t hear it like that, of course, I also don’t create the narrative.
Posted by: Fox News Light | February 27, 2009, 12:44 pm 12:44 pm
Boy jake, you can’t help but editorialize. Just report the facts please, leave the commentating to sean hannity. thanx
Posted by: anonymous0308 | February 27, 2009, 1:08 pm 1:08 pm
jake, maybe that last post was unfair. I’m so use to you being unfair to this administration, I’ve become reflexive. I apologize.
Posted by: anonymous0308 | February 27, 2009, 1:10 pm 1:10 pm
Barack Obama would not have qualified to enlist in the Marine Corps. He was on drugs, and that birth certificate would not be accepted either.
Posted by: Colonel Rebel | February 27, 2009, 1:29 pm 1:29 pm
Sounds like someone was a bit slow in telling the marines they could clap.
It will be so nice to be outta that country and outta those peoples’ business.
Certainly we have problems here at home that a large bunch of tough guys can help out with -like maybe beating up the VPs who used the bailout cash to party?
Posted by: Constanza | February 27, 2009, 1:39 pm 1:39 pm
I watched it on WRAL
The biggest applause line was when he mentioned raising military pay.
Also popular were increasing VA services and a 21st century update to the GI Bill.
Posted by: Bill in NC | February 27, 2009, 1:48 pm 1:48 pm
AND left out of course…WAS THE SURGE WORKED!!! OBAMA STILL IN DENIAL, NO FIT TO BE C-I-C
Posted by: "doh" bama | February 27, 2009, 1:53 pm 1:53 pm
Mr President
A man of supreme integrity
Posted by: just saying | February 27, 2009, 1:57 pm 1:57 pm
“Barack Obama would not have qualified to enlist in the Marine Corps.”
Why not?
“He was on drugs,”
Didn’t stop Bush from joining TANG.
“and that birth certificate would not be accepted either.”
Sure it would. The HI COLB is accepted by the State Dept for passports and its accepted even more widely as proof of citizenship.
Posted by: Ryan C | February 27, 2009, 1:59 pm 1:59 pm
The surge worked as far as putting a cap somewhat on violence, but if the surge truly worked then why are we still there? It is going to take a lot more than military presence to stabilize Iraq obviously.If the surge worked then why are we still there? We should not have went to Iraq. This has always been the case.We should not have taken our eye off of Bin Laden in the first place. The International community needs to help with the blunder the previous administration left us in in Iraq, but regardless we need to leave. We are to focused on tryin to stabilize that nation when our nation is coming apart at the seams economically.
Posted by: TV | February 27, 2009, 2:16 pm 2:16 pm
This is a response to the old arguement.Bush stated that he was upset about there not being weapons of mass destruction in Iraq.The man had a hidden agenda against Saddam period.Our children and grandcchildren are footing the bill for a huge mistake that actions spearheaded by our previous president created.Iraq should not have an opened ended check for the mistake of our previous preseident. I beleive the reason Bush and McCain wanted to stay was they realize it was a mistake , but for whatever reason did not want to admit it and tried to clean it up.Not gonna be easy, but it we may get help from the international community when the world sees that America’s leaders call it for what it really was and is. The wrong war at the wrong time. Our emminent threat was from Afghanistan.Period.
Posted by: TV | February 27, 2009, 2:29 pm 2:29 pm
WOW, I can’t believe how bitter some of you are.
Just accept it. He is the President for at least 4 years.
He can’t even take a breath without you Ultra Right Wingers complaining or making noise.
You deserve Hannity.
Posted by: Bill | February 27, 2009, 2:34 pm 2:34 pm
The extra $$$$ we will get in our paychecks starting in April. We will have to turn around and pay taxes on the extra amount in 2010!
Posted by: jane | February 27, 2009, 2:39 pm 2:39 pm
“The extra $$$$ we will get in our paychecks starting in April. We will have to turn around and pay taxes on the extra amount in 2010!”
Nope.
This is similar to the stimulus checks in that they are an advanced tax rebate.
Instead of 1 check from the government (which cost us about $60M to do), they are going to adjust the rates in your paycheck.
Posted by: Ryan C | February 27, 2009, 2:45 pm 2:45 pm
Those soldiers have more courage in their pinkies than BO has politically or personally.
The golden boy has everything handed to him.
Posted by: harry | February 27, 2009, 2:50 pm 2:50 pm
So, it won’t be extra income at the end of the year?
Posted by: jane | February 27, 2009, 2:55 pm 2:55 pm
HI COLB is NOT a birth certificate. You couldn’t get a passport or driver’s license with it. Think of it as a Baptismal Certificate, which is utterly useless. Stop spreading misleading information, please. He has never released any vital records, and my only question is: why? Is he hiding something?
Posted by: Rose | February 27, 2009, 2:55 pm 2:55 pm
has Obama cleared his speeches with the koskiddies?
Posted by: "doh" bama | February 27, 2009, 2:55 pm 2:55 pm
Ryan C
I think it will be income on your w-2′s 2009
Posted by: jane | February 27, 2009, 3:00 pm 3:00 pm
Why is the comment that Certificates of Live Birth are accepted more readily at the State Dept. allowed to stand here when they are not? It’s not considered an acceptable proof of identity!
Posted by: Rose | February 27, 2009, 3:04 pm 3:04 pm
Ryan C
Unlike last year, the check is not automatically in the mail for most taxpayers. For approximately 95% of America’s working families, their refundable tax credit of up to $400 for working individuals and up to $800 for working couples will be paid through a reduction of income tax withholdings (in other words, an increased paycheck). Which means increase pay for 2009 and pay more income tax at end of year.
Posted by: jane | February 27, 2009, 3:04 pm 3:04 pm
“Unlike last year, the check is not automatically in the mail for most taxpayers.”
Agreed.
“For approximately 95% of America’s working families, their refundable tax credit of up to $400 for working individuals and up to $800 for working couples will be paid through a reduction of income tax withholdings (in other words, an increased paycheck). Which means increase pay for 2009 and pay more income tax at end of year.”
And the tax tables will be changed to reflect that just as they were for the stimulus checks that were sent out.
Posted by: Ryan C | February 27, 2009, 3:27 pm 3:27 pm
“HI COLB is NOT a birth certificate.”
Yes it is. Its is a certificate of live birth that has It is what most states give you when you request a copy of your birth certificate.
“You couldn’t get a passport or driver’s license with it.”
Wrong.
The State Dept accepts the COLB as proof of citizenship.
So basically you are saying that the state of Hawaii spends money sending people the COLB which cannot be used for any purpose.
“Stop spreading misleading information,”
You’re the one spreading false info.
Probably not your fault as you fell for the lies of the birthers.
“He has never released any vital records, and my only question is: why? Is he hiding something?”
So Obama is up to something nefarious because he won’t release his college transcripts to a bunch of nut jobs on the internet.
Okey dokey.
Posted by: Ryan C | February 27, 2009, 3:31 pm 3:31 pm
“I think it will be income on your w-2′s 2009″
And the tax tables will be adjusted to account for it just like they were for the stim checks.
After all you didn’t have to report the stim check money on this year’s return, it was already figured into the tax table.
Posted by: Ryan C | February 27, 2009, 3:33 pm 3:33 pm
all you’re going to get is $7.00 a week, why bother?
Posted by: USdoomed | February 27, 2009, 3:42 pm 3:42 pm
One Classy President to reach a hand out to the Previous Jerk that ran our country in the ditch, sent our sons and daughters into a war that was based on his “grudge” for Saddam about his father. The Coward should have defended his father himself. Not send anyone else there to do his dirty work.
Posted by: sngeorgia | February 27, 2009, 3:48 pm 3:48 pm
“all you’re going to get is $7.00 a week, why bother?”
$7 x 52 = $364.
$13 x 52 = $676.
Every little bit helps.
Posted by: Ryan C | February 27, 2009, 3:48 pm 3:48 pm
ryan c
My account said:
This is not a stimulus, it will be in our w’2 as income.
Some people are going to have to adjust their exemptions to allow
for $800 more in income
Posted by: jane | February 27, 2009, 3:49 pm 3:49 pm
If your income is on a border it will push you over into the next tax bracket and you will have to pay a porting of it back.
Posted by: jane | February 27, 2009, 3:50 pm 3:50 pm
Still talking about the stimulus and budget….the topic was the President calling Bush and Maliki
Posted by: sngeorgia | February 27, 2009, 3:51 pm 3:51 pm
Sorry, but a COLB and a birth certificate are two different things. I would like to see the birth certificate released so that this matter can be cleared up, once and for all. Aren’t you even the least bit intellectually curious why he hasn’t done so?
Posted by: Rose | February 27, 2009, 3:55 pm 3:55 pm
“If your income is on a border it will push you over into the next tax bracket and you will have to pay a porting of it back.”
That doesn’t make sense.
Posted by: Ryan C | February 27, 2009, 4:13 pm 4:13 pm
Check your facts again. They are simply not one in the same, Ryan. We were promised transparency, right? Well, if our President can’t even produce a document to ease the mind of “internet nutjobs” like myself, then why should I believe anything he has to say? I’m asking to see a $10.00 document here, that’s all. Why not release it? I was largely unaware of this issue until I started to look into it recently, and if I had known about it, I probably wouldn’t have voted the way that I did. He’s not living up to any of his promises. I really thought that this was going to be different, but it’s the same old thing, isn’t it?
Posted by: Rose | February 27, 2009, 4:22 pm 4:22 pm
Having a definite date doesn’t go a long way in appeasing freedom or a free democracy. Somehow the dates seem to align with the re-election process and what is not being explained. People are led to read between the lines of Iraq vs. Afghanistan. Is the date the end of the book or a beginning of another chapter in a sequel. It seems wishy-washy in definition.
Posted by: aray | February 27, 2009, 4:28 pm 4:28 pm
“Well, if our President can’t even produce a document to ease the mind of “internet nutjobs” like myself, then why should I believe anything he has to say?”
He produced a document accepted by the State Dept as proof of citizenship.
“I’m asking to see a $10.00 document here, that’s all. Why not release it?”
What information do you require that is not on the COLB?
Posted by: Ryan C | February 27, 2009, 4:39 pm 4:39 pm
aray said:
‘Well, if our President can’t even produce a document to ease the mind of “internet nutjobs” like myself, then why should I believe anything he has to say?’
__
But there’s the problem. He’s already produced a document that proves he was born in Hawaii. Does he have to keep showing more until every last individual is satisfied? Where does it end?
There’s a simple solution: Make your case and convince a judge that the evidence he has shown is not sufficient. But if every judge who looks at it feels there’s no case, then it’s time to show your respect for our legal system.
Posted by: MaineSkeptic | February 27, 2009, 4:57 pm 4:57 pm
The State Dept. accepts it as proof of identity along with how many other forms of I.D., Ryan?
I am not disputing the information on the COLB. I believe that because this is an issue, and in the name of the transparency he promised us, his birth certificate should be released. Why can’t he do that one simple thing? I certainly don’t mind being made a fool of if I’m questioning something for no reason. I’d rather get to the bottom of it, and I can’t because he won’t do what he promised to do! I don’t like being lied to, and I’m sure that I’m not alone.
Posted by: Rose | February 27, 2009, 4:58 pm 4:58 pm
But, Rose, if you “not disputing the information on the COLB,” then what is there to get to the bottom of?
Remember, it’s not just you asking for the “vault copy” of the BC. Others are demanding long lists of documents that also have no relevance to the question of where he was born.
Posted by: MaineSkeptic | February 27, 2009, 5:02 pm 5:02 pm
Aray, why does it have to go through the courts? Why can’t he just come out and do the honorable thing and release it, like I thought that he would do? Why hide behind Judge’s robes?
Posted by: Rose | February 27, 2009, 5:03 pm 5:03 pm
“why does it have to go through the courts?”
Because you’re asking him to prove something that he’s already proved. It only makes sense to demand more information if he failed to offer valid proof first time around.
Posted by: MaineSkeptic | February 27, 2009, 5:08 pm 5:08 pm
But his “proof” is utterly useless. Look, I’m not getting into the myriad of questions surrounding this issue, because some of what I’ve read is downright crazy. For me, it’s simple: produce the document so that this will go away. And don’t insult my intelligence in the process by claiming that a COLB is a birth certificate. It’s not. This is pretty important, don’t you think? He wasn’t elected dog catcher, after all. He is the leader of the free world.
Posted by: Rose | February 27, 2009, 5:21 pm 5:21 pm
But, Rose, you said that you are “not disputing the information on the COLB,” which says that he was born in Honolulu.
If you were telling the truth, how can you say that it’s useless? It proves he was born on American soil, which is just what he needs to prove.
Posted by: MaineSkeptic | February 27, 2009, 5:23 pm 5:23 pm
“The State Dept. accepts it as proof of identity along with how many other forms of I.D., Ryan?”
It is considered primary proof of citizenship.
With that, you must also show a photo ID.
The you pay a fee, give them two passport pics and then they send you your passport.
Posted by: Ryan C | February 27, 2009, 5:28 pm 5:28 pm
“I am not disputing the information on the COLB.”
So what are you arguing about?
“I believe that because this is an issue, and in the name of the transparency he promised us, his birth certificate should be released.”
What information does that contain that needs to be released?
Posted by: Ryan C | February 27, 2009, 5:30 pm 5:30 pm
“But his “proof” is utterly useless.”
Why is it useless?
You just said you accepted it as valid.
“Look, I’m not getting into the myriad of questions surrounding this issue, because some of what I’ve read is downright crazy.”
All of it is downright crazy.
“For me, it’s simple: produce the document so that this will go away.”
He produced his COLB and the issue is still here.
Why is that?
Posted by: Ryan C | February 27, 2009, 5:31 pm 5:31 pm
“This is pretty important, don’t you think? He wasn’t elected dog catcher, after all. He is the leader of the free world.”
So what is your contention Rose?
What information is contained on his birth certificate that is not on his COLB?
Posted by: Ryan C | February 27, 2009, 5:36 pm 5:36 pm
The information on the Certification of Live Birth is gathered from the original birth certificate. They ONLY give out that short-form and it costs 10$. There is no longer form he can get for 10$. How do you keep overlooking that simple fact? The state of Hawaii does NOT issue for any cost a copy of the longer form. He isn’t hiding anything. He doesn’t need to prove he was born on American soil to sooth YOUR obsession. The state department has his birth certificate, he has a passport(that is the only way you travel overseas and return). There is no evidence he was born elsewhere and if you think the ‘evidence’ presented in various conspiracy websites, then you no doubt believe in bigfoot, UFOs, and don’t believe we landed on the moon. The answer to this stuff is with you, not Obama. You need to read and scrutinize your own assumptions and misunderstandings. His story is no secret, he didn’t hide having an African father(it doesn’t matter if your father was foreigner, it doesn’t matter Obama was given citizenship elsewhere by ANOTHER country’s laws). There is a reason the RNC, the former president and most of the world is not concerned about this and calls it a ‘conspiracy theory’. I suggest you do your best to find out why.
Posted by: devin | February 27, 2009, 9:50 pm 9:50 pm
the call to Bush was more of a “thank you Bush for making this withdrawal easy for me” afterall, it was Bush who laid the ground work for Obama’s withdrawal plans. we all knew that when Iraq was able to function on it;s own (as evidenced by the recent election) Iraq voted to keep US presences for at least 2 years. Obama is just following the agreement. so the actual credit lies with Bush, this was his war, he started it and stayed with it it thru thick and thin and made an withdrawal agreement.
we should thank Obama for Honoring this agreement and staying with it, so i give Obama some credit for this too.
Posted by: jaj | February 27, 2009, 10:18 pm 10:18 pm
BO-Supporter
2/27/2009
BO said he was born in Hawaii and we should believe him. He is a man of high integrity. We, BO supporters should ask BO to disclose the original verifiable vault-certificate (not the COLB), showing the place of birth and the hospital. It will cost him $12, and the GOP will shot up.
It is hard to argue against his political enemies who claim he and our party spent nearly $1,000,000 to keep it secret. Even if the actual amount is less, there are now about 40 lawsuits and it is doubtful that all lawyers hired to keep the vault-BC secret, work on pro-bono basis.
We can not hope that these fringes of right-wingers are going to quit. In fact the pressure is getting stronger, with some lawmakers and military men joining as plaintiffs.
Our political opponents claim rightfully, that McCain immediately produced all his verifiable birth papers when he was questioned. They say what’s the big deal? In some states you must produce a birth certificate for getting a fishing license and social security. Hard to argue against such facts.
Please Barack pay the $12 and make them shot up. We are supporting you and we don’t need distractions in these hard economic times. We all, his supporters, should write to the President asking him to help us with this problem.
Posted by: BO-Supporter | February 28, 2009, 3:50 am 3:50 am
LOL, “BO-Supporter,” nice try!
You pretend to be an Obama supporter, but you spout all the nonsensical misinformation typical of the “fringes of right-wingers.”
The COLB *does* show the place of birth (Honolulu), and is more than adequate to obtain a fishing license, a passport, and anything else for which proof of citizenship is required.
You got caught. Maybe you can try again some other time.
Posted by: MaineSkeptic | February 28, 2009, 10:42 am 10:42 am
BO said he was born in Hawaii and we should believe him. He is a man of high integrity. We, BO supporters should ask BO to disclose the original verifiable vault-certificate (not the COLB), showing the place of birth and the hospital. It will cost him $12, and the GOP will shot up.
It is hard to argue against his political enemies who claim he and our party spent nearly $1,000,000 to keep it secret. Even if the actual amount is less, there are now about 40 lawsuits and it is doubtful that all lawyers hired to keep the vault-BC secret, work on pro-bono basis.
We can not hope that these fringes of right-wingers are going to quit. In fact the pressure is getting stronger, with some lawmakers and military men joining as plaintiffs.
Our political opponents claim rightfully, that McCain immediately produced all his verifiable birth papers when he was questioned. They say what’s the big deal? In some states you must produce a birth certificate for getting a fishing license and social security. Hard to argue against such facts.
Please Barack pay the $12 and make them shot up. We are supporting you and we don’t need distractions in these hard economic times. We all, his supporters, should write to the President asking him to help us with this problem.
Posted by: Obama Supporter | February 28, 2009, 4:26 pm 4:26 pm
ROFL!!
Well, I did suggest that you try again another time, but I was hoping for a better effort than the previous one…
Posted by: MaineSkeptic | February 28, 2009, 4:30 pm 4:30 pm
Think of this – What if the COLB vs. Vault Birth Certificate is the scam! What if it does not matter if he was born in Hawaii or HELL! You see his Father was not an American Citizen. He was a Kenyan! As a Kenyan he came under the British Crown, a CITIZEN of England. Now, are you, are anybody, saying that just because Barack Hussein Obama Sr. was a BLACK man in 1961 he did not have the right to transfer his citizenship to his new born son? But his WHITE wife did have the right to transfer her citizenship to her son? You see if baby Barack had dual citizenships at birth HE IS NOT A NATURAL BORN AMERICAN! His father was a KENYAN, how could baby Obama NOT BE A KENYAN ALSO? If tomorrow the Obots come out with a brand new Vault Birth Certificate from Hawaii with all the proper info, Baby Obama was still born a Brit. Is not Natural Born, and can not be POTUS. They hide the truth in plain sight, right under our noses. If anyone can tell me how he did not pick up his Father’s nationality at birth, please post it!
Posted by: old1 | February 28, 2009, 8:42 pm 8:42 pm
The language in President Obama’s speech is sober. No “Mission Accomplished” in this speech.
- I beg to differ to Messiah Obama, Mission was Accomplished, thats a slap in the face to every military personel and person who laid thier lives down for freedom.
“Let there be no doubt: Iraq is not yet secure, and there will be difficult days ahead. Violence will continue to be a part of life in Iraq. Too many fundamental political questions about Iraq’s future remain unresolved.
-I am tired of his Dismal, negative response to everything he says. Can it hurt to be Optimistic or Hopeful. I am not fan of President Clinton, but heed his tips… Give us HOPE.. not depressing excuses, Barrack Obama have the balls to step up give the REAL facts on our accomplishments in IRAQ.
because there are MANY, which he has failed to mention.
Posted by: thoraxx | March 1, 2009, 4:09 pm 4:09 pm
If Obama says that the combat is over, then for Democrats it’s over. Democrats are especially stupid. They believe anything this tool has to say.
Those 50K soldiers will be there to play softball.
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