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Reid to Bush: 'We Are Speaking for the American People'
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ShareApril 10, 2007 1:27 PM
ABC News' Z. Byron Wolf Reports: After President Bush made his bipartisan invitation, Democratic leaders huddled up to deliver a rebuttal.
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., did not take kindly to Bush's invitation. He didn't say he would reject the invitation, but bristled at what he described as "preconditions."
"The president is inviting us down to the White House with preconditions," Reid said. "Things are not OK in Iraq. As the Pope said on Easter Sunday, a slaughter is taking place in Iraq. The Pope further said nothing good is coming from Iraq. The president must realize that. He has to deal with Congress. We are an independent branch of this government, and by our Constitution we have equal say that he has. And he's got to listen to us. Because we are speaking for the American people; he isn't."
Reid pointed out that he and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi wrote a letter to the President on March 28 as the Senate was poised to pass its version of the supplemental asking for frank negotiation on the supplemental.
Back on March 28th, Reid said "Our phones are open, we look forward to working with him, day or night."
Today, Reid said: "He wants to go down there and say, 'I want a clean bill.' That's not negotiating. I mean, I am -- prided myself on being a pretty good lawyer, trial lawyer. I've settled lots and lots of cases. But you never settle a case going in saying, 'You can come and meet with me, but here's what the result's going to be before we meet.' That doesn't work. And the president has to realize it doesn't work in the practice of law, it doesn't work in the business world and it doesn't work in government."
Earlier in the presser, Reid said, "We must fight a more effective war on terror. That's what Congress is demanding, and the president should be leading us in that direction, not threatening vetoes. Democrats are determined to make sure the troops have the funds they need, just like we were the ones who demanded that they have sufficient body armor, up-armor on the Humvees and other vehicles."
April 10, 2007 | Permalink | User Comments (7)
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Harry to W: It's what the American people want.
W to Harry: Read my lips...I'm the decider.
Posted by: georgembush | Apr 10, 2007 3:51:07 PM
Bush NEVER listens to anyone, he calls himself the "decider", but American is now calling him the divider.
Bush started this war, and he better stop trying to blame others. Bush and Cheney are totally responsible for the war, and irresponsible for so much in our government.
I am no longer a Republican because of Bush and Cheney, and all the other liars in this administration...it's totally corrupt, like we have never seen before.
Posted by: Ann | Apr 10, 2007 5:45:21 PM
All pride goeth before a fall...Pres. Bush simply doesn't know how to compromise on this issue...he's painted himself into a corner and now asks the country to admire the job...Mr. Bush should have run for President of Russia as I'm sure he would have felt more comfortable in that sort of authoritarian environment.
Posted by: Dirik Lolkus | Apr 11, 2007 9:27:45 AM
The measure of a nation's corruption is not determined by the wickedness of the evil, but rather, the silence of the good.
Posted by: Sheldon Benjamin | Apr 11, 2007 10:04:12 AM
I hope & pray that congress sticks to its decision and not give in to the destructive Mr. Bush. If they give in now, we are doomed to more loss of innocent lives. Bush is such a spoiled- brat egotist, before he will admit he made a mistake he will watch this country deteriorate. He must be related to Roman Emporer Nero. He did the same thing didn't he? Watched Rome burn after he ruined the country? Please stop the madness before its too late.
Ron
Posted by: Ron | Apr 11, 2007 12:13:04 PM
The president is doing what he thinks is right. America elected him and so America needs to trust him. If America does not like his decisions, then that's their fault. They were the ones that elected him for President, and they need to live with it.
Posted by: Scarlett | Apr 11, 2007 12:50:18 PM
Coorection,
The Supremem court,
and the State of Floridas GOP
got him elected......
just where were you when Al gore won???
Posted by: voting Hispanic | Apr 11, 2007 4:44:00 PM
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