Liberal Dems Fold; Iraq Withdrawal Deadlines Nixed

J.J. Jackson* | May 23, 2007

But … but … they had a mandate. Didn’t they?

WASHINGTON — Democrats on Tuesday gave up their demand for troop-withdrawal deadlines in an Iraq war-spending package, abandoning their top goal of bringing U.S. troops home and handing President Bush a victory in a debate that has roiled Congress for months.Bush, who has already vetoed one spending bill with a troop timeline, had threatened to do the same with the next version if it came with such a condition. Democratic leaders had pressed ahead anyway, under heavy pressure from liberals who believe that the party won control of Congress in November on the strength of antiwar sentiment. But in the end, as expected, Democrats said they did not have enough votes to override a presidential veto and could not delay troop funding.

But don’t get too excited. The libs are still using the bill to try and acquire non-related funds for other domestic programs as bribes for votes.

The spending package, expected to total $120 billion for military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan as well as some domestic programs, would require Bush to surrender virtually none of his war authority. Democrats were working to secure two other priorities that the president had previously resisted: an increase in the minimum wage and funding for domestic programs, including veterans’ benefits, Katrina relief and agricultural aid.

You didn’t expect that tiger to change it’s stripes completely did you?

Of course the Democrats retreated on the withdrawal date. They are only doing what they do best.

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