Obama Tells Servicemembers He Won’t “Rush” on Afghansitan
EmailABC News' Rachel Martin and Sunlen Miller report:
President Obama paid a visit to the Naval Base in Jacksonville, Florida today to thank the servicemen and women for their hard work and sacrifice. But addressing a friendly crowd of 3,500 – the President took the opportunity to push back against critics, most recently former Vice President Dick Cheney who accused the President of "dithering" over the US military strategy in Afghanistan.
"I will never rush the solemn decision of sending you into harm's way," the President said. "I won't risk your lives unless it is absolutely necessary. And if it is necessary, we will back you up to the hilt. Because you deserve the strategy, the clear mission, the defined goals and the equipment and support you need to get the job done."
But he acknowledged that the job is complicated and dangerous, as illustrated today by the death of 14 Americans who died today in Afghanistan as a result of two separate helicopter crashes. The President directly referenced their sacrifice. "They were willing to risk their lives, in this case, to prevent Afghanistan from once again becoming a safe haven for al Qaeda and its extremist allies," said the President. "And today, they gave their lives to protect ours. Now, it is our duty, as a nation, to keep their memory alive in our hearts and to carry on their work."
President Obama praised specific missions undertaken by many of the Naval airmen and Marines in attendance, including the rescue mission and safe return of Captain Richard Phillips who was held hostage by Somali pirates earlier this year. "Your dedication to duty is humbling. Your love of country is inspiring. The American people thank you for your service. We honor you for your sacrifices. And just as you have fulfilled your responsibilities to your nation, your nation will fulfill its responsibilities to you." To that end, the President told the crowd that his administration has committed to providing for military men, women and their families.
In closing, the President recounted the story of Navy Captain Michael Scott Speicher who disappeared in the Persian Gulf War. Speicher was missing for 18 years before his remains were found and returned to his family here in Jacksonville, Florida. The President praised the community here for the way they welcomed Speicher home.
"That's the spirit we see here today. You, men and women devoted to each other—and to your country. A proud country devoted to you. And the example you set for us all: that if you can come together—from every corner of America, every color and creed, every background and belief—to take care of each other, to serve together, to succeed together, then so can we. So can America."
President Obama met privately with Speicher's widow and children before the event, along with other "Gold Star" families who have made the "ultimate sacrifice."
Afterwards the President met with the 11 United States Navy and Marine Corps personnel, who were selected for "high achievement and excellence in performing their duties." Three sailors in the group recently volunteered to deploy to Afghanistan and Iraq.
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Obama made these decisions a damned sight lot faster when he was campaigning…
Now it’s news when he is CLOSE to making a decision…. by 2012, it’ll be news if he even thinks that a decision MIGHT be needed… one day… maybe…. if….
Posted by: Fed_up_with_BOTH_Parties | October 26, 2009, 5:29 pm 5:29 pm
Hey, Obama…. take your time… there’s no rush…. only our sons and daughters are dying over there in that sand box.
As Commander-In-Chief of the US Armed Forces, you don’t REALLY need to worry about any of the little people.
Posted by: Fed_up_with_BOTH_Parties | October 26, 2009, 5:35 pm 5:35 pm
He is probably waiting for the polling results to come in before he makes a decision.
Posted by: jim 234 | October 26, 2009, 5:37 pm 5:37 pm
Uh, didn’t he specifically say his speeches today were about honoring our military men and women, not about passing hints about the Afghanistan deliberations?
“I will never rush the solemn decision of sending you into harm’s way,”
Someone smack the headline writers. Nothing you cited as said by Obama has anything to do with how close he is to finalizing the Afghanistan strategy.
Posted by: jhw539 | October 26, 2009, 5:38 pm 5:38 pm
“Obama made these decisions a damned sight lot faster when he was campaigning…”
He sure was viciously attacked for his typical know-nothing-about-military liberal dithering and delay over deciding how to respond to the Somali pirate kidnapping. How did that one turn out again?
Posted by: jhw539 | October 26, 2009, 5:40 pm 5:40 pm
jhw, I agree on the headline given the story posted. Here’s the information I got from FP’s The Cable today:
Per FP’s The Cable:
“As Barack Obama met with his principals to review their Afghanistan-Pakistan strategy Monday for the sixth time, administration sources told The Cable that the White House hopes to announce a decision on whether to send more troops before the president departs for Asia on Nov. 11 – Veterans’ Day — but cautioned that the date is by no means set in stone.”
Also per FP’s AfPak Daily Brief:
The Pentagon this month conducted two secret war games to evaluate possible effects of different possible troop deployments to Afghanistan (Washington Post). The war games tested potential outcomes for a deployment of 44,000 U.S. troops, believed to be in line with the recommendations of Top U.S. and NATO commander in Afghanistan Gen. Stanley McChrystal, as well as a small deployment of 10,000-15,000 troops, which the military is referring to as “counterterrorism plus.” The war games are part of the Obama administration’s ongoing evaluation of different strategies for Afghanistan…”
Unlike the neocons and naysayers, I’m glad that all this is being weighed carefully and deliberately. I found John Kerry’s thoughts today interesting as well. I particularly liked his pushback against Cheney and the headline ready “yes or no” debate.
Posted by: Alyson | October 26, 2009, 5:57 pm 5:57 pm
Any article about Obama is another chance for the sore-losers of the right to spew their ignorant hate for him, no matter how little sense they make. These people really must hate this country.
Posted by: Michael | October 26, 2009, 6:01 pm 6:01 pm
jhw539 – You said “He sure was viciously attacked for his typical know-nothing-about-military liberal dithering and delay over deciding how to respond to the Somali pirate kidnapping. How did that one turn out again?”
I heard he was pretty ticked off at that one… the military made a decision WITHOUT him, when the captive jumped in the water without Obama’s permission, and the SEALs acted out of instinct… a character Obama doesn’t have.
So, I say again… don’t worry, Obama… it’s just our sons and daughters who are dying over there, and since most of them are registered Republicans, the longer you wait, the better chances in 2012….
Posted by: Fed_up_with_BOTH_Parties | October 26, 2009, 6:03 pm 6:03 pm
Michael – You said “Any article about Obama is another chance for the sore-losers of the right to spew their ignorant hate for him, no matter how little sense they make. These people really must hate this country.”
I’ve been trying to find out who on the left has those old bumper stickers… the ones that said “He isn’t MY President, I didn’t vote for him.”
I figure you guys on the fringe left no longer need them, and I can sell them to the guys on the right fringe now. Any idea where they are?
I did notice quite a few of them on the trunks of the Clunkers that were traded in for brand new car loans, but I really need them in good condition, ,if there are any left.
Thanks!
Posted by: Fed_up_with_BOTH_Parties | October 26, 2009, 6:06 pm 6:06 pm
Let’s see…there’s a round of golf, date night, family portrait sitting, picking up the peace prize, fund raising for cronies, finishing his waffle…hey, he’s busy.
Bring our men and women home you amateur.
Posted by: mjishernameo | October 26, 2009, 6:17 pm 6:17 pm
If our military leadership in uniform made strategic and/or tactical decisions at the same glacial pace as Obama, we’d all still be paying taxes to the King of England…
Posted by: Fed_up_with_BOTH_Parties | October 26, 2009, 6:21 pm 6:21 pm
“Fed_up_with_BOTH_Parties” seems pretty one sided in his comments, I guess he isn’t as fed up with the GOP as he is with Obama, maybe he’s just another neo-con on a rant but ashamed of the party affiliation, can’t blame him there.
Posted by: JR | October 26, 2009, 6:29 pm 6:29 pm
Obama, addressing a captive crown of military at a Navy base in Florida today said “”You are the best-trained, the best-prepared, the best-led force in history…”
I guess he just wanted to pat himself on the back for that latter comment, because no one else in the military think they’re the “best led” force today, at least not at the Commander-In-Chief’s level.
LOL!!!
Posted by: Fed_up_with_BOTH_Parties | October 26, 2009, 6:30 pm 6:30 pm
BRING OUR MILITARY FORCES HOME NOW !
A LOT OF GOOD WE DONE IN BAGHDAD IRAQ WITH ALL THE BOMBS GOING OFF THIS PAST WEEKEND.
IT MAKES ME SO SICK WITH OUR GOVERNMENT TRYING TO JUSTIFYING AND DEFENDING THESE WARS IN THE MIDDLE EAST ! IT WILL NOT BE WON EVER !
IT REMINDS ME OF VIETNAM WAR
OUR GOVERNMENT TRIED TO JUSTIFY THAT ONE TOO WE LOST IT !
Posted by: Brendett NC | October 26, 2009, 6:31 pm 6:31 pm
JR – You said “I guess he isn’t as fed up with the GOP as he is with Obama…” ===== I’m sorry, but who has total control of this Government today? Oh yeah, the Democrats.
Get used to the “slings and arrows,” at least until 2 November 2010 (372 more days).
Posted by: Fed_up_with_BOTH_Parties | October 26, 2009, 6:32 pm 6:32 pm
“Fed_up_with_BOTH_Parties” needs to change his name to, “I’m_a_GOP_Shill_and_Talking_Out_of_Both_sides_of_my_Mouth”
Either way, I think I’m “Fed Up With You”.
Posted by: JR | October 26, 2009, 6:32 pm 6:32 pm
“slings and arrows” from neo-cons has been a way of life in this country for years, hardly something new, your just another annoying squeak to be ignored or tolerated. After all, all you people know is “Smear and Fear”.
Posted by: JR | October 26, 2009, 6:36 pm 6:36 pm
I’m sick of Washington! Both parties are hypocrites and liars! I was a democrate all my life until BO and now I’m not a Democrate, Republican or independant. I’m a conservative!!! LOUD AND CLEAR!
Posted by: lovingpolitics | October 26, 2009, 6:44 pm 6:44 pm
I guess he’s now able to read the tea leaves at the bottom of his cup. A decision is forth coming.
Posted by: Willie12345 | October 26, 2009, 6:54 pm 6:54 pm
Another awful war that the politicians will not allow the military to prosecute properly. Time to pack it in and bring our guys home.
Posted by: country cuz | October 26, 2009, 7:17 pm 7:17 pm
Yes, Obama hasn’t cleaned up Bush & Cheney’s mess, that’s both true and accurate at this time..
too bad all the republicans/neo-cons/righty’s weren’t so critical of BushCo. after the first 7+ years in Afghanistan…….. but that’s republicans for you complain what everyone else does or tries to do while failing and doing nothing themselves.. not unexpected, but very typical.
geeze has it really been that long since Condi declared the war is won…..
but then again, it was ‘mission accomplished’ in Iraq also….
what is it with Republicans starting wars, declaring victory after a few months then denying everything after the wars go on for long after their stated ‘plans’..
The way Cheney and the republican/fox crowd sadly rants on, you would think that he and Bush had nothing to do with Afghanistan
Posted by: Oh Yeah | October 26, 2009, 7:47 pm 7:47 pm
New Gallup poll:
40% of the US identifies itself as conservatives
20% of the US identifies itself as liberals.
Thanks Obama. Now take three and a half years off till the grownups can move back into the house.
Posted by: mjishernameo | October 26, 2009, 8:14 pm 8:14 pm
“Thanks Obama. Now take three and a half years off till the grownups can move back into the house.”
ROFLMAO!
Gallup: “Thus far in 2009, 40% of Americans interviewed in national Gallup Poll surveys describe their political views as conservative, 35% as moderate, and 21% as liberal. This represents a slight increase for conservatism in the U.S. since 2008, returning it to a level last seen in 2004.”
Posted by: Ryan C | October 26, 2009, 8:17 pm 8:17 pm
Willie: >>>”I’m sick of Washington! Both parties are hypocrites and liars! I was a democrate all my life until BO and now I’m not a Democrate, Republican or independant. I’m a conservative!!! LOUD AND CLEAR!”<<<
Yeah, we hear ya [loud and clear] and we're happy for you, that you've found your niche. It's always good to know who and what we are….
Except, one must wonder how you were a "democrate" (sic) all your life, but never learned how to spell it.
D-e-m-o-c-r-a-t.
Posted by: Adlib | October 26, 2009, 9:30 pm 9:30 pm
Bring the boys home.Now Its a disaster with Obuma or I should say the community organized deciding on what to do next ? Bring them home and hell with the Afgans there its a losing battle .With Oduma running it O God have mercy on troops bring them home now.
Posted by: Joeray | October 26, 2009, 11:20 pm 11:20 pm
Obama hasn’t cleaned up Obama’s mess, and he’s making it worse by the day.
Here’s a guy who wanted to nationalize health care before the August recess, but can’t respond to his field commander after 87 days.
Posted by: Fascist Hyena | October 26, 2009, 11:46 pm 11:46 pm
Here’s a guy who wanted to nationalize health care before the August recess, but can’t respond to his field commander after 87 days.
Posted by: Fascist Hyena
ya gotta love the panic by the ‘rightists/republicans’, and their Foxy rumor mongering TV station……
continue to voice the lies, spread the rumor and desperately hope the other 80% of America believes you…..
I must say, a true example of schadenfreude
Posted by: Oh Yeah | October 27, 2009, 12:19 am 12:19 am
while our sons and daughters are DYING in Afghanistan.
Posted by: Fed_up_with_BOTH_Parties
makes one wonder why republicans voted down a bill to hold the military and contractors accountable for raping and abusing ‘our daughters’ who are serving in the military,
- riddle me this Batman, wasn’t it Bush & Cheney who started the war in Afghanistan, then left it, ignored it, to dream of easy oil in Iraq,
if your wanting to blame Obama for Afghanistan after his being in office 9 months,
then you will no doubt want Bush & Cheney charged with treason and tried for crimes against the state for abandoning the troops and wrongly invading Iraq.
Posted by: Oh Yeah | October 27, 2009, 2:28 am 2:28 am
Newspeak definition of “focus.”
—The White House responded to former vice president Cheney’s accusation of “dithering” on war decisions by countering that Cheney had “not focused on Afghanistan” for seven years; the following day, President Obama left for a series of fundraisers in Connecticut and Massachusetts and a weekend golf outing.—
Posted by: I'm Not a President, but I Play One on TV | October 27, 2009, 8:24 am 8:24 am
Just remember–no matter what party/no matter whom is the blame… we have people on the ground NOW…they need help NOW..and keep this in the back of your mind when spitting off at the mouth..want us fighting here at home on our own turf..ok..then pull out..it won’t take long..
Posted by: rgw | October 27, 2009, 9:22 am 9:22 am
He has been close for two months now. Kids are DEAD while he plays 24 holes of golf with his new squeeze aide. Give us a break Obama and lead the country. You are campaining again at a fund raiser?? What a leader and what a joke
Posted by: Jim Rod | October 27, 2009, 9:33 am 9:33 am
Arm-chair Critics! Why don’t you all volunteer to serve in these Wars if its so easy to send human beings into harms way without proper consideration.
Until the afghan elections are resolved, the US doesn’t have a legitimate government to work with in that Country and it will be fool-hardy to send more troops to a Politically unstable Country.
Posted by: Dare Nigeria | October 27, 2009, 10:05 am 10:05 am
“Arm-chair Critics! Why don’t you all volunteer to serve in these Wars if its so easy to send human beings into harms way without proper consideration.”
Posted by: Dare Nigeria | Oct 27, 2009 10:05:08 AM
And should we all become doctors, before we are entitled to an opnion on healthcare??
Posted by: Obamatopia | October 27, 2009, 10:57 am 10:57 am
And should we all become doctors, before we are entitled to an opnion on healthcare??
Posted by: Obamatopia | Oct 27, 2009 10:57:59 AM
President Obama did not start this war. President Bush invaded Afghanistan. Obama inherited a badly prosecuted war.
As the Commander-in-Chief, he needs to consider the pros and cons of sending more men and women into harms way.
Decision to send troops is not like deciding on what to have for breakfast. It is life threatening and it needs to be accorded due consideration.
Any haphazard and shoddy decision made in respect of increase in troops would have a blow back effect.
Left to me, I would suggest he brings all the troops home while the US assist the legitimate Afghan Government in the area of Military hardwares to enable them prosecute the war agaisnt the Talibans.
But for the troops, let them come home to their families!
Posted by: Dare Nigeria | October 27, 2009, 11:32 am 11:32 am
Obama: “I will never rush the solemn decision of sending you into harm’s way . . .”
I don’t think 9 months is considered a “rush” by most reasonable people. Just more lies and deceit. Meanwhile the enemy continues to kill our soldiers and grow ever more emboldened every day Obama takes to decide. Maybe he thinks it will go away, if he ignores it. The victims of 9/11 will tell you that strategy didn’t work to good for the last Democrat president.
Obama: “I won’t risk your lives unless it is absolutely necessary.”
I thought Afghanistan was the war of necessity, or are you referring to Iraq? In which case, you couldn’t resist bringing your politics into a decision and a conversation that has nothing to do with Afghanistan. Your assertion that the previous administration was careless in their deployment of our soldiers to the battlefield is politically-fueled, completely without merit, and truly disgusting. Please keep politics out of national security decisions please. Our safety is much more important than your petty, wrong-headed politics.
Posted by: Anonymous | October 27, 2009, 12:17 pm 12:17 pm
“I will never rush the solemn decision of sending you into harm’s way,” the President said. “I won’t risk your lives unless it is absolutely necessary. And if it is necessary, we will back you up to the hilt. Because you deserve the strategy, the clear mission, the defined goals and the equipment and support you need to get the job done.”
Great support there O great Obama!!! With your support my son a US Marine has had to eat crops out of the fields fertilized with human waste because they couldn’t get any food drops. The water that was dropped was so hot they couldn’t drink it. They have a 3 to 4 second delay in returning fire because they have to id the shooter and make sure that he is shooting at them.
I’ll agree that you are not the reason we are in Afghanistan we are there because of the 9/11 attacks. But please stop your lies about support and what you will do for our troops.
The only change you brought to DC is the smell of the BS.
Posted by: Support our Troops | October 27, 2009, 12:50 pm 12:50 pm
I can only refer back to the statement issued by Obama campaign08 on August 1, 2007, The War We Need to Win…Judge for yourself if Obama has in fact kept his promises…
Posted by: Parallex View | October 27, 2009, 1:22 pm 1:22 pm
My friend is fighting the war …
Obama has no guts and no ability to make swift action a president should make. Politics is always the number #1 thing on his mind. He is so good with words, vague, empty yet sounds very appealing … no, he can play the same game the same way this time. I regret voting for him !!!!!!!!!!
He risks our soliders life. He should be held accountable. He is the COMMAANDER IN CHIEF, not CAMPAIGNER IN CHIEF. What is his priority, my goodness!!!
Posted by: talk from sf | October 27, 2009, 3:17 pm 3:17 pm
To be a president, he should have the ability to clean ANY MESS instead of BLAMING THE MESS !!!!!!!!
It took me a few months to figure the point out.
Posted by: talk from sf | October 27, 2009, 3:19 pm 3:19 pm
When in doubt get a photoups with the troops.
Posted by: Lizzie | October 27, 2009, 4:54 pm 4:54 pm
Yeah, no rush.
Obama is far too busy trying to figure out how to give illegals healthcare & ruin the sectors of the economy he has not yet.
Let’s just pull the troops out. This is going to be an even bigger disaster under Obama than the inept Bush.
Send in the boys from South Park to clean up this mess & bring peace to the region.
Posted by: A. Lincoln | October 27, 2009, 7:22 pm 7:22 pm