Bush On Iraq: The Response

We've gotten some reaction to the President's call to add more troops in Iraq tonight.

"President Bush is like a gambler who has lost everything, but yet continues to try to salvage his fortunes by doubling down one more time," said Bronx Congressman Jose Serrano. "The problem is that he's gambling with other people's lives. There is no military solution to the problems in Iraq-Bush must recognize this reality."

“Like all Americans and Western New Yorkers my patience is limited.  I want to see the Iraqis become equal partners or they will lose their chief ally, the United States!” said upstate Republican Congressman Tom Reynolds. “I look forward to working with my Democrat and Republican colleagues to achieve success in Iraq.  However, I will not play politics with our troops by threatening to withhold funding for our reinforcements or cut off ammunition and supplies to our troops.”

"I stand with the generals on the ground who are well equipped to craft an exit strategy. They say it is critical that we begin a strategic redeployment of our troops out of Iraq.  Unfortunately, after listening to the President's speech, it is abundantly clear that he has not heeded the advice of our generals.  In addition, he has not set forth a definitive and articulate strategy that would allow the Iraqi people to stand on their own and allow us to bring our courageous soldiers home," said upstate Democrat Congressman Mike Arcuri.

"The Democrats have announced that they will resist any reinforcements being sent into the battle zone. I will strongly oppose any such Democratic effort to cut off troop reinforcements or re-supply efforts into the Iraq theater," said California Congressman and Republican presidential candidate Duncan Hunter. "We are a nation at war. To fracture the U.S. government at this critical time will demoralize our troops and allies, and embolden our enemies. I support the Commander-in-Chief in this operation."