Feinstein: Obama Should Approve McChrystal’s Recommendations
EmailSenator Dianne Feinstein told me this morning that President Obama must approve General McChrystal’s recommendations for an additional 40,000 troops on the ground in Afghanistan.
“I don’t know how you put somebody in, who is as 'cracker jack' as General McChrystal who gives the president very solid recommendations and not take those recommendations if you are not going to pull out,” Feinstein told me on ’This Week.’ “If you do not want to take the recommendations then you put your people in such jeopardy.”
Republican Senator Saxby Chambliss agreed with Feinstein and said, “I don’t think there’s any question on whether he’s going to have to. I think it’s the right thing to do.”
“It’s a very fractious government over there…and not much stability,” Chambliss said. “To slow down the Taliban, that means to prevailing militarily and obviously that’s where the additional resources in the form of troops comes in. That’s where McChrystal has recommended and I think the President has got to follow his commanders on the ground.”
I asked four-star retired General Jack Keane if he were in a similar position to McChrystal and the President rejected his recommendation for more troops, would he resign? Keane said, “Probably, yes under those circumstances, yes.”
Rep. Jim McGovern, who's introduced a bill calling for an exit strategy in Afghanistan, said "The reason why we want an exit strategy is in part because I want a clearly defined mission, and that means a beginning, a middle, a transition period, and an end. And we don't have an end in Afghanistan.
It was a full discussion on the President's looming decision. You can watch it HERE.
- George Stephanopoulos
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Thank HEAVEN for Donna to lend important context for the discussions that veer off course after George Will’s comments!
Click goes my remote to Meet the Press if you keep having George Will- RETIRE HIM – GIVE HIM a nice WATCH!!
Posted by: Robin Alexander | October 11, 2009, 11:06 am 11:06 am
I voted democratic for the last 25 years. I’m going independent next election. Neither party is worth a plug nickel.
Posted by: jan | October 11, 2009, 11:21 am 11:21 am
Yup let’s listen to our politicans and pundits who told us years ago to abandon Afghanistan and go for the real enemy Iraq.
Makes sense to me! They are correct al;l the time, so they tell me.
Posted by: Thinking | October 11, 2009, 11:22 am 11:22 am
I very much agree with Senators Feinstein and Chambliss. However, where is it written that the additional 40,000 troops have to come from the USA? NATO and other top European leaders have all stated clearly that the Afgans war is an international affair. So, why could not the 40,000 additional troops not come from other NATO counties?
Posted by: Beto | October 11, 2009, 11:58 am 11:58 am
I don’t agree with Feinstein and the lot. The war is Americas war not Europe’s and they wouldn’t give troops simply because their smarter more educated than us. Just last week it was reported on the BBC that the UK’s General was refused 2000 more troops this years. In fact in a one year or two years time it will be the same old song and dance or BS with people saying remember 911 or don’t let our troops die in vain, we need more troops. Well Rubbish! America bought that war now you eat it. Bin Laden has got his wish to rope us into a global conflict, Russia has just got to be laughing. When we lose another 3000 troops here’s an Idea drop Feinstein and all our Politicians out of a plane over Afghanistan with a note, out of order, do not return to sender.
Posted by: Louie | October 11, 2009, 2:33 pm 2:33 pm
george, how about getting some people with real life experience on these roundtables and some expertise on the subjects being discussed, I realise Huff and Will are representatives of the left and right-extremes on either side…but neither is an expert on anything-so their opinions are of no value to a discussion on any subject- except self promotion. Your prospective has more value as someone who actually worked in an administration.
Posted by: cowgirl | October 11, 2009, 2:53 pm 2:53 pm
I’m sure the billions of dollars of defense contracts awarded to her husband’s company has nothing to do with the Senator’s voting record and I would appreciate it if the people who keep harping on this would give her credit for being an honest, unapologetic, warmongering ideologue. Or whatever.
Posted by: Howzat | October 11, 2009, 3:24 pm 3:24 pm
I cannot ever remember being on the same side as Feinstein since she voted for the retroactive income tax increase in 1993. I thought we would never agree, but never say never, I support the same position she is with General McChrystals request. Go Diane… just not retroactive income tax for any reason, and BTW where is my tax cut, you know the one Obama promised to all of us making less than $250,000.00?
Posted by: bob | October 11, 2009, 6:39 pm 6:39 pm
This is the only time in my life that I have agreed with Feinstein on anything.
Posted by: Steve | October 11, 2009, 7:44 pm 7:44 pm
Diane Feinstein, need to shut UP, and take care of California, and the President calls the SHOTS ,not you SENATOR. Your becoming more RIGHT WING, and you better get your ACT together and SUPPORT the President. Who are you to make the DECISIONS of President Obama. We Democrats are FED UP, with WEAK DEMOCRATS,and your MOUTH is about to get a RESPONSE from your DISTRICT in California . When did you become Spokes- Person for the President,Zip IT.and Follow your LEADER and start acting like a SENATOR of the DEMOCRATIC PARTY.
Posted by: jonae | October 11, 2009, 8:19 pm 8:19 pm
100 al gaeda in afganistan
and McCrystal needs 40,000 more troope.
This is bad advice and ridiculous.
Spend the money in pakistan where the al gaeda is and where there are nuclear weapons.
McCrystal is not as smart as people think.
Posted by: ruth | October 11, 2009, 8:23 pm 8:23 pm
Senator Feinstein is absolutely correct and I admire her for standing up to the president. It is decision time!
Posted by: NOPR1 | October 11, 2009, 9:01 pm 9:01 pm
That is the honorable thing to do. Obama must approve the request as a sign of faith in his general. Then Obama could go ahead with strategy changes later.If I were his general I would certainly resign if my commander in chief denied my request.
Posted by: kottaras | October 11, 2009, 9:08 pm 9:08 pm
Isn’t this a lovely country, where people who congregate in ostentatious buildings can order the deaths of other of our citizens?
That Feinstein’s husband is the head of a military contractor must have absolutely zilch to do with her “pronouncements.”
And remind me, wasn’t Obama the President of “peace?” Didn’t he just win the Nobel for Peace? Guantanamo is still open, we’re still in Iraq, and this will be our ninth year in Afghanistan.
‘Course, it ain’t all Obama’s fault. George the Lesser got us into Afghanistan; Slick Bill sent thousands of our boys to die in Bosnia; George the Elder waged Gulf I.
Politician: the only job in the universe where you get to play with other peoples’ lives AND other peoples’ money.
Posted by: EP | October 11, 2009, 9:27 pm 9:27 pm
The clock is ticking away, and the generals
are waiting for the president’s decision.
Must they wait much longer. Even if Obama were to approve the surge it would take some time before they were in action. Mr Obama you now have the Nobel Prize, get back to work Sir.
Posted by: kottaras | October 11, 2009, 11:23 pm 11:23 pm
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could transport Washington, D.C. into the middle of Afghanistan?
Posted by: Crusher | October 12, 2009, 1:06 am 1:06 am
No, we have civilian military leadership. Sorry. Saying, well we need to follow the General’s recommendation blindly is unwise and it does not honor our form of government.
What is the purpose of our involvement in Afghanistan? If we are killing off the remnants of al Qaeda, then fine. If we are fighting Taliban nationalists (i.e. “insurgents”), then no.
Posted by: pardonme | October 12, 2009, 4:00 am 4:00 am
Who is the idiot that says there is only 100 al-Qaeda tn country there are thousands that cross the border every day then go back in safety because we dont have the resourses or manpower to have any effect.We need to back the general and send the additional troops.
Posted by: earl | October 12, 2009, 8:11 am 8:11 am
Even his own party is speaking out. Does this tell us that enough is enough with Obama not leading? Do we need to place a want add in one of the state run papers asking Wanted- President to run amd manage the affairs of millions i a large country. Must have at least 5 years of business leadership and the knowledge that your military leaders who ask for help realy do need it. Thats we they are Military leaders. Nrighborhood organizers need not apply.
Posted by: Jim Rod | October 12, 2009, 11:02 am 11:02 am
EP ——- In our “volunteer” force we take an oath. Maybe you’re not familiar with the fact that when you enlist, there is always that possibility we can go to war. What do you think, we enlist just for the educational benefits? If you don’t want the possibility of going to battle, don’t join and go flip burgers somewhere. It’s really just that simple.
Posted by: lfrichar | October 12, 2009, 12:28 pm 12:28 pm
“”"”"we have civilian military leadership.”"”"”
Posted by: pardonme
A leader does not take 6 weeks to make a decision. Obama is lucky the General hasn’t resigned yet due to lack of support. Obama is waiting for Pelosi to make her decision.
Posted by: lfrichar | October 12, 2009, 12:33 pm 12:33 pm
“”"”Sorry. Saying, well we need to follow the General’s recommendation blindly is unwise and it does not honor our form of government.”"”"”
Posted by: pardonme
Well, the President appointed this General to do this assessment and he has completed it. Now, with this General in the trenches and all the politicians in offices in DC, who do you suppose is in the better position to decide what is needed? C’mon, tell the truth.
Posted by: lfrichar | October 12, 2009, 12:36 pm 12:36 pm
Since Obama is a neighborehood organizer maybe if we can get him to wlk the neighborhoods of Afghanistan he will protest for change and send the military to help save lives and I mean our troops.
Posted by: Jim Rod | October 12, 2009, 2:13 pm 2:13 pm
Earl they are DNC posting plants.
Posted by: Jim Rod | October 12, 2009, 2:14 pm 2:14 pm
Obama should act now, he can’t vote PRESENT this time.
Posted by: ann | October 12, 2009, 5:53 pm 5:53 pm
He is not experienced. He has no clue. I used to vote for DEM but this time I didn’t vote for anyone.
The MAIN STREAM MEDIA should wake up now. He is not qualified. His rhetoric speeches didn’t match his ability to accomplish anything. It makes our nation dangerous.
I was never in politics as I am now. Why? Obama made me feel unsecured in many ways …
Posted by: jane of 35 | October 12, 2009, 5:58 pm 5:58 pm
The General should be fired for going out of the chain of command and going public with his views. He is supposed to implement policy not dictate it. Remember that this is the country that is the graveyard of empires. Look at the map and see how the vast majority of the country is controlled by the Taliban, and gaining every day. The government is corrupt and not a partner we need to succeed. The people don’t want us there and are not helping us. You have to be an idiot to think we could win in that situation. You would think we would have learned by now.
Posted by: drdale | October 12, 2009, 6:17 pm 6:17 pm
The United States cannot and should not continue to invade countries. We can’t afford it. And what is Feinstein doing cheering for another war when her state of California is bankrupt?! Why doesn’t she take care of California’s budget instead of demanding that the United States pledge another $1 TRILLION to kill a bunch of innocent people.
Posted by: END THE WAR | October 12, 2009, 6:31 pm 6:31 pm
This country is so arrogant and egotistical. 9/11 happened because of the u.s. meddling in the affairs of the middle east. so 19 saudi arabians hijacked 4 planes. all you have to do is install strong cockpit doors and tell the pilots not to open them for any reason. you don’t need to go to faraway countries and think you can run and control other people’s lives and supposedly that’s how you prevent terrorist attacks. it’s a stupid and superficial strategy thought up by the brilliant cowboy bush. just pull out of afghanistan, understanding that as long as this country meddles in the affairs of others, there will be those who will choose to express their displeasure, through the only means available to them, terrorism. and the u.s. has practiced terrorism on others for a long time now.
Posted by: chiku | October 12, 2009, 9:46 pm 9:46 pm
Either way, I think we will loose. But, if you are a hawk, go ahead! Just remember, they often shoot back.
Posted by: ihatetelevision | October 12, 2009, 11:12 pm 11:12 pm
Sr. Feinstein is 100% correct! Apparently she has much more courage and fortitude than Obama who is waiting for all the other politicians and left wing followers to tell him what to do, since he wants to insure his political image and his popularity are not tarnished.
Posted by: wizcat123 | October 13, 2009, 1:53 pm 1:53 pm
ann – You are quite correct, Obama cannot just vote PRESENT this time. What I am afraid of is he may not even vote PRESENT he may just hide in a closet or just send a few thousand troops which will make matters much worse.
Posted by: wizcat123 | October 13, 2009, 1:55 pm 1:55 pm
Jim Rod – A community organizer like Obama together with Michelle, Pelosi, Reid, Rockefeller, Kerry, Murtha, Rangel and the rest of the worthless politicians including many Republicans be sent to Afghanistan so that they can figure out who is Taliban and who is AlQaeda, since they think they are not the same (what a joke)that would be a lot of fun to watch ….
Posted by: wizcat123 | October 13, 2009, 1:59 pm 1:59 pm
Obama is a charlatan, a cheerleader and an apeaser … a Commander in Chief he is not!!!
Posted by: wizcat123 | October 13, 2009, 2:03 pm 2:03 pm
McChrystal and Petraeus should resign and let Obama, Biden, Pelosi and Reid go fight the war, it would be a lot od fun to watch. Frankly, sometimes I wonder why we dont have the military overthrow all these worthless clowns out of Washington.
Posted by: wizcat123 | October 13, 2009, 2:10 pm 2:10 pm
We can really believe these government / military people. Look at how accurate they were on Viet Nam, Iraq, Afganistan. Iraq would be over in a few weeks. We would be viewed as liberators. The war would pay for itself. WMD’s. …on and on. Ask a person who has trained his whole life to make war and what kind of answer do you think you will get? I know airport firemen that trained their whole career without ever getting to do anything. Guess what they secretly hope for — a plane crash.
Posted by: drdale | October 13, 2009, 3:03 pm 3:03 pm
Why are we risking more American lives in a country that has never seen victory by an outsider? It is not war to protect our freedoms…we have our freedoms. It is a war to keep terrorist from entering and endangering our country…guess what, they are already here! Homeland Security was developed to take care of terrorist and they seem to be doing a great job, so why are we sacrificing our citizens lives in a foreign country that doesn’t even care! BRING THEM ALL HOME! Stop thinking we have to police the entire planet!
Posted by: WHAT!? | October 13, 2009, 3:18 pm 3:18 pm
Jan…….I am also going Independent. Neither Party is doing a good job for the people.
Posted by: CW | October 14, 2009, 6:00 pm 6:00 pm
Diane you have become “frankenstien”! You don’t know what you are saying. NO more troops! I would ask President Obama to stop this useless war now. Absolutely nothing good will come by sending more troops. There will be no “win”! It is stupidity that got us there and it will be brains that get us out; I hope! No more warmongery!
Posted by: john copeland | October 14, 2009, 6:17 pm 6:17 pm