President Obama thanks the troops, and will address the nation from the Oval Office tonight at 8 p.m. EST.
President Obama Speaks On Iraq Tonight
AP- 08/31/2010 9:01 AM KSTP.com
Before he speaks to the nation today on the official end to combat operations in Iraq, President Barack Obama will personally thank some of the soldiers who fought there.
He’ll travel to Fort Bliss, the sprawling Army base in El Paso, Texas. Vice President Joe Biden is marking the end of U.S. combat operations in Iraq with a stay in Baghdad where he’s making a new appeal to Iraqi leaders to end their squabbling.
Parliamentary elections held March 7 produced no clear winner. The void has some Iraqis worrying that the withdrawal of U.S. combat forces will allow their country to revert to a dictatorship or splinter along ethic or sectarian lines. Source
Update of PBO’s Iraq address
Come join us in discussion.
Oval Office Remarks by President Obama, as provided by the White House
August 31, 2010 | 5:01 pm
Good evening. Tonight, I’d like to talk to you about the end of our combat mission in Iraq, the ongoing security challenges we face, and the need to rebuild our nation here at home.
I know this historic moment comes at a time of great uncertainty for many Americans. We have now been through nearly a decade of war. We have endured a long and painful recession. And sometimes in the midst of these storms, the future that we are trying to build for our nation – a future of lasting peace and long-term prosperity may seem beyond our reach.
But this milestone should serve as a reminder to all Americans that the future is ours to shape if we move forward with confidence and commitment. It should also serve as a message to the world that the United States of America intends to sustain and strengthen our leadership in this young century.
From this desk, seven and a half years ago, President Bush announced the beginning of military operations in Iraq. Much has changed since that night. A war to disarm a state became….
…a fight against an insurgency. Terrorism and sectarian warfare threatened to tear Iraq apart. Thousands of Americans gave their lives; tens of thousands have been wounded. Our relations abroad were strained. Our unity at home was tested.
These are the rough waters encountered during the course of one of America’s longest wars. Yet there has been one constant amidst those shifting tides. At every turn, America’s men and women in uniform have served with courage and resolve. As Commander-in-Chief, I am proud of their service. Like all Americans, I am awed by their sacrifice, and by the sacrifices of their families.
The Americans who have served in Iraq completed every mission they were given. They defeated a regime that had terrorized its people. Together with Iraqis and coalition partners who made huge sacrifices of their own, our troops fought block by block to help Iraq seize the chance for a better future. They shifted tactics to protect the Iraqi people; trained Iraqi Security Forces; and took out terrorist leaders. Because of our troops and civilians –and because of the resilience of the Iraqi people – Iraq has the opportunity to embrace a new destiny, even though many challenges remain.
So tonight, I am announcing that the American combat mission in Iraq has ended. Operation Iraqi Freedom is over, and the Iraqi people now have lead responsibility for the security of their country.
This was my pledge to the American people as a candidate for this office. Last February, I announced a plan that would bring our combat brigades out of Iraq, while redoubling our efforts to strengthen Iraq’s Security Forces and support its government and people. That is what we have done. We have removed nearly 100,000 U.S. troops from Iraq. We have closed or transferred hundreds of bases to the Iraqis. And we have moved millions of pieces of equipment out of Iraq.
This completes a transition to Iraqi responsibility for their own security. U.S. troops pulled out of Iraq’s cities last summer, and Iraqi forces have moved into the lead with considerable skill and commitment to their fellow citizens. Even as Iraq continues to suffer terrorist attacks, security incidents have been near the lowest on record since the war began. And Iraqi forces have taken the fight to al Qaeda, removing much of its leadership in Iraqi-led operations.
This year also saw Iraq hold credible elections that drew a strong turnout. A caretaker administration is in place as Iraqis form a government based on the results of that election. Tonight, I encourage Iraq’s leaders to move forward with a sense of urgency to form an inclusive government that is just, representative, and accountable to the Iraqi people. And when that government is in place, there should be no doubt: the Iraqi people will have a strong partner in the United States. Our combat mission is ending, but our commitment to Iraq’s future is not.
Going forward, a transitional force of U.S. troops will remain in Iraq with a different mission: advising and assisting Iraq’s Security Forces; supporting Iraqi troops in targeted counter-terrorism missions; and protecting our civilians. Consistent with our agreement with the Iraqi government, all U.S. troops will leave by the end of next year. As our military draws down, our dedicated civilians –diplomats, aid workers, and advisors –are moving into the lead to support Iraq as it strengthens its government, resolves political disputes, resettles those displaced by war, and builds ties with the region and the world. And that is a message that Vice President Biden is delivering to the Iraqi people through his visit there today.
This new approach reflects our long-term partnership with Iraq–one based upon mutual interests, and mutual respect. Of course, violence will not end with our combat mission. Extremists will continue to set off bombs, attack Iraqi civilians and try to spark sectarian strife. But ultimately, these terrorists will fail to achieve their goals. Iraqis are a proud people. They have rejected sectarian war, and they have no interest in endless destruction. They understand that, in the end, only Iraqis can resolve their differences and police their streets. Only Iraqis can build a democracy within their borders. What America can do, and will do, is provide support for the Iraqi people as both a friend and a partner.
Ending this war is not only in Iraq’s interest– it is in our own. The United States has paid a huge price to put the future of Iraq in the hands of its people. We have sent our young men and women to make enormous sacrifices in Iraq, and spent vast resources abroad at a time of tight budgets at home. We have persevered because of a belief we share with the Iraqi people –a belief that out of the ashes of war, a new beginning could be born in this cradle of civilization. Through this remarkable chapter in the history of the United States and Iraq, we have met our responsibility. Now, it is time to turn the page.
As we do, I am mindful that the Iraq War has been a contentious issue at home. Here, too, it is time to turn the page. This afternoon, I spoke to former President George W. Bush. It’s well known that he and I disagreed about the war from its outset. Yet no one could doubt President Bush’s support for our troops, or his love of country and commitment to our security. As I have said, there were patriots who supported this war, and patriots who opposed it. And all of us are united in appreciation for our servicemen and women, and our hope for Iraq’s future.
The greatness of our democracy is grounded in our ability to move beyond our differences, and to learn from our experience as we confront the many challenges ahead. And no challenge is more essential to our security than our fight against al Qaeda.
Americans across the political spectrum supported the use of force against those who attacked us on 9/11. Now, as we approach our 10th year of combat in Afghanistan, there are those who are understandably asking tough questions about our mission there. But we must never lose sight of what’s at stake. As we speak, al Qaeda continues to plot against us, and its leadership remains anchored in the border region of Afghanistan and Pakistan. We will disrupt, dismantle, and defeat al Qaeda, while preventing Afghanistan from again serving as a base for terrorists. And because of our drawdown in Iraq, we are now able to apply the resources necessary to go on offense. In fact, over the last 19 months, nearly a dozen al Qaeda leaders –and hundreds of Al Qaeda’s extremist allies–have been killed or captured around the world.
Within Afghanistan, I have ordered the deployment of additional…. Oval Office Remarks by President Obama, as provided by the White House
Good evening. Tonight, I’d like to talk to you about the end of our combat mission in Iraq, the ongoing security challenges we face, and the need to rebuild our nation here at home.
I know this historic moment comes at a time of great uncertainty for many Americans. We have now been through nearly a decade of war. We have endured a long and painful recession. And sometimes in the midst of these storms, the future that we are trying to build for our nation – a future of lasting peace and long-term prosperity may seem beyond our reach.
But this milestone should serve as a reminder to all Americans that the future is ours to shape if we move forward with confidence and commitment. It should also serve as a message to the world that the United States of America intends to sustain and strengthen our leadership in this young century.
From this desk, seven and a half years ago, President Bush announced the beginning of military operations in Iraq. Much has changed since that night. A war to disarm a state became….
These are the rough waters encountered during the course of one of America’s longest wars. Yet there has been one constant amidst those shifting tides. At every turn, America’s men and women in uniform have served with courage and resolve. As Commander-in-Chief, I am proud of their service. Like all Americans, I am awed by their sacrifice, and by the sacrifices of their families.
The Americans who have served in Iraq completed every mission they were given. They defeated a regime that had terrorized its people. Together with Iraqis and coalition partners who made huge sacrifices of their own, our troops fought block by block to help Iraq seize the chance for a better future. They shifted tactics to protect the Iraqi people; trained Iraqi Security Forces; and took out terrorist leaders. Because of our troops and civilians –and because of the resilience of the Iraqi people – Iraq has the opportunity to embrace a new destiny, even though many challenges remain.
So tonight, I am announcing that the American combat mission in Iraq has ended. Operation Iraqi Freedom is over, and the Iraqi people now have lead responsibility for the security of their country.
This was my pledge to the American people as a candidate for this office. Last February, I announced a plan that would bring our combat brigades out of Iraq, while redoubling our efforts to strengthen Iraq’s Security Forces and support its government and people. That is what we have done. We have removed nearly 100,000 U.S. troops from Iraq. We have closed or transferred hundreds of bases to the Iraqis. And we have moved millions of pieces of equipment out of Iraq.
This completes a transition to Iraqi responsibility for their own security. U.S. troops pulled out of Iraq’s cities last summer, and Iraqi forces have moved into the lead with considerable skill and commitment to their fellow citizens. Even as Iraq continues to suffer terrorist attacks, security incidents have been near the lowest on record since the war began. And Iraqi forces have taken the fight to al Qaeda, removing much of its leadership in Iraqi-led operations.
This year also saw Iraq hold credible elections that drew a strong turnout. A caretaker administration is in place as Iraqis form a government based on the results of that election. Tonight, I encourage Iraq’s leaders to move forward with a sense of urgency to form an inclusive government that is just, representative, and accountable to the Iraqi people. And when that government is in place, there should be no doubt: the Iraqi people will have a strong partner in the United States. Our combat mission is ending, but our commitment to Iraq’s future is not.
Going forward, a transitional force of U.S. troops will remain in Iraq with a different mission: advising and assisting Iraq’s Security Forces; supporting Iraqi troops in targeted counter-terrorism missions; and protecting our civilians. Consistent with our agreement with the Iraqi government, all U.S. troops will leave by the end of next year. As our military draws down, our dedicated civilians –diplomats, aid workers, and advisors –are moving into the lead to support Iraq as it strengthens its government, resolves political disputes, resettles those displaced by war, and builds ties with the region and the world. And that is a message that Vice President Biden is delivering to the Iraqi people through his visit there today.
This new approach reflects our long-term partnership with Iraq–one based upon mutual interests, and mutual respect. Of course, violence will not end with our combat mission. Extremists will continue to set off bombs, attack Iraqi civilians and try to spark sectarian strife. But ultimately, these terrorists will fail to achieve their goals. Iraqis are a proud people. They have rejected sectarian war, and they have no interest in endless destruction. They understand that, in the end, only Iraqis can resolve their differences and police their streets. Only Iraqis can build a democracy within their borders. What America can do, and will do, is provide support for the Iraqi people as both a friend and a partner.
Ending this war is not only in Iraq’s interest– it is in our own. The United States has paid a huge price to put the future of Iraq in the hands of its people. We have sent our young men and women to make enormous sacrifices in Iraq, and spent vast resources abroad at a time of tight budgets at home. We have persevered because of a belief we share with the Iraqi people –a belief that out of the ashes of war, a new beginning could be born in this cradle of civilization. Through this remarkable chapter in the history of the United States and Iraq, we have met our responsibility. Now, it is time to turn the page.
As we do, I am mindful that the Iraq War has been a contentious issue at home. Here, too, it is time to turn the page. This afternoon, I spoke to former President George W. Bush. It’s well known that he and I disagreed about the war from its outset. Yet no one could doubt President Bush’s support for our troops, or his love of country and commitment to our security. As I have said, there were patriots who supported this war, and patriots who opposed it. And all of us are united in appreciation for our servicemen and women, and our hope for Iraq’s future.
The greatness of our democracy is grounded in our ability to move beyond our differences, and to learn from our experience as we confront the many challenges ahead. And no challenge is more essential to our security than our fight against al Qaeda.
Americans across the political spectrum supported the use of force against those who attacked us on 9/11. Now, as we approach our 10th year of combat in Afghanistan, there are those who are understandably asking tough questions about our mission there. But we must never lose sight of what’s at stake. As we speak, al Qaeda continues to plot against us, and its leadership remains anchored in the border region of Afghanistan and Pakistan. We will disrupt, dismantle, and defeat al Qaeda, while preventing Afghanistan from again serving as a base for terrorists. And because of our drawdown in Iraq, we are now able to apply the resources necessary to go on offense. In fact, over the last 19 months, nearly a dozen al Qaeda leaders –and hundreds of Al Qaeda’s extremist allies–have been killed or captured around the world.
Within Afghanistan, I have ordered the deployment of additional…. Read the rest here.
Rachel is going after Bush & Cheney to give them credit alright. Like..mofos…you’re gonna get some credit.
I must divert. Gotta go watch semi-finals of America’s Got Talent. I’m routing for Gabbie’s mom. Nick Canon is sooo happy to be married to Mariah Carey. See yall later.
Enjoy, Vettte!
3Chics will give Bush & Company credit for the destruction of tens of thousands of live. hell prolly a MILLION, because folks don’t add in the Iraqi losses.
Now our soldiers are returning home with scars from an atrocity that will never heal. Our Brothers ahave fought and died in a contrived war.
Just like Vietman, they come back to an America whose angry whites have lost their minds. They’re returning to the tune of crackas yelling and screaming about taking back their fucking country. Crackas please!
Fuck George W. Bush and Dick Cheney. Fuck them one and all.
I second that!
OMG! The Dias and John Boehner are the same color… BWA HA HA C-Span
Here’s a Q &A session from the White House
http://www.youtube.com/user/whitehouse
Meghan McCain is the new Rethug point person to “diss” Sarah Palin. In her new book she calls Palin a “Time Bomb”. Heard today that Palin was exploring the possibility of running for POTUS. All I can say is “Run Sarah Run”
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hjbsNPn8AGZ1XnUr80xkbvkjMyOAD9HUP0K80
Heard today that Palin was exploring the possibility of running for POTUS. All I can say is “Run Sarah Run”
RUN SARAH, RUN
Yes, run, Sarah…. straight off the nearest, highest cliff.
Look at this BULLSHIT WaPo headline’
In address, Obama pays tribute to George W. Bush
The Associated Press
Tuesday, August 31, 2010; 8:10 PM
WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama is acknowledging that he and former President George W. Bush disagreed about the Iraq war from the beginning. But in his nationally televised address on the Iraq war, he pays tribute to Bush by calling him “a patriot.”
Obama spoke by telephone with Bush hours before Tuesday night’s Oval Office address. The White House did not disclose what was said.
In the address, Obama said that although it is widely known that the two disagreed about the war, no one could doubt Bush’s support for U.S. troops, his love for the U.S. and his commitment to the nation’s security.
Obama said there are patriots who supported the war and patriots who opposed it.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/08/31/AR2010083105464.html
These idiots make the article read like PBO strapped on knee pads and blew G.W…… SMGDH
C-SPAN CALLERS ARE THANKING PRESIDENT OBAMA.
I could smack Howard Fineman.
LOL Listen to C-Span. the callers are for the most part, thanking the POTUS. Who gives a rats ass what Fineman says.
People that have a brain know better. Howard Fineman better get over himself.
LOL@ that video!
LOL
It’s from the movie “Oh Brother Where Art Thou” with George Clooney. It was good too!
Love it. Boehner is giving his address. AR, WAR, AND , MORE WAR! TERRORIST on, and on. War, Oil and $$$ that’s all these folks know.
I heard that ass clown! WTF? There should be an investigation into what Bush & Cheney did. How are they above the law?
BWA HA HA C-Span is taking calls. some whiners is saying the POTUS should apologize for the economy and the wars, and the changes in the constitution, blah, blah, fuckety blah!
LMBAO! these are the racist haters who if POTUS were to roll up in their yards in a fucking wheel barrow, and drop a million dollars in their lap, these crackas would still be hatin’ Fuck’em!
I hated Bush about like that too, so I can signify. They know this man is sincere and trying to do the right thing. Just made up in there CAC minds that they are not going to accept him. My concern is that they aren’t truly influencing the Independent voters who voted for the POTUS. Where independents truly wanting Pres O, or did they just not want Bush and forgot what color he was? However he got here, we are gonna ride this horse (or bull) as long as we can.
LMAO
Precisely. The dumb mickety ficks wouldn’t take it because it came from a black man. But yet, they have no job, no money & no food. Go figure..
LMBO…what’s a mickety fick?
Did you say BLACK MAN?
mofo!
LOL
apologize for the economy? wars? Is their memory that short? CACS!
Dude was just tangential… I could have sworn he was reading straight from his rightwing talking points memo. the C-span commenter, was like HUH? WUH? Doofus.
Just hatin…. It’s pathetic.
Fareed Zakaria on CNN balancing out David Gergen who is a hater.
Gergen = Clinton hack
Fareed is the bombdiggety. He’d betta watch his back though…. the haters are already going aftr Christian Armanpour…
I don’t like Amanpour. Okay, she is not really credible on reporting or commentating anything other than the wars. So, what the hell is she doing on Sunday Morning Talk that’s suppose to discuss all issues. I see she FINALLY invited Donna Brazille on Sunday. I was about too say….
I don’t ahve a problem with Armanpour., better than Stephanoplous.
What, you’d rather have Ms. Brazille? Donna would do fine too!
Go drag her ass from the back of the bus. LOL
Stephanoplous = another Clinton hack. Ugh
How long after Obama ended the war did Bush say the mission was accomplished?
what? 7 years?
Don’t he look goo tonight?
Fine as wine! Bow Chicka Bow Wow!
ab-so-fucking-lutely!
The POTUS is looking particularly POTUS tonight. Like that suit
LOL dubyah did a heck-of-a-job… eh?
Like those pics on the credenza! The POTUS kept his promise to end the war that nearly ran George W. bat crazy. He only focused on one thing-that damn war, while Cheney ran havoc over the country. Why is it necessary to have open-ended war?
Our President is badass! He ended that mutha…
When he mentioned that he called Dubya today, that did nothing but remind us of how crazy he acted over that war. He had a one track mind on the war that wasn’t going anywhere. And today he still hasn’t ended his Daddy’s war.
So, did we win the war? Or does it matter at this point, just the hell outta there?
Yes, and the haters continue to whine & hate… LMBAO
Great set up. Lay it down, Mr. President. Tell’em who started this mess, what’s happened, the consequences, and your plans to discontinue combat in Iraq! Tell it!
Good evening, Vette. POTUS is looking quite Presidential.
Indeed he is!
Oh!
I missed that! I was out. Did he say who started it?
Yes, he startedd his address with 7 years ago, President Bush…. You get the jist.. I’ll post the video when it’s available.
Did you see the bimbo Gretchen Carlson on Fox badger Gibbs about PBO mentioning the surge and giving Dubya props for it?
Bam! he literally told her she sounded like a recorded message! BWA HA HA HA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Gretchen Carlson better kick pointed rocks…without shoes!
GTFOH
The POTUS is addressing the nation on the end of the IRAQ war, and…….
Look at the MSM run their GALL-LOOP polls plugging the RETHUGS. First thing out of the starting block this morning on cable..
The Republican Party has no viable candidate who can defeat PBO.
NONE! So the GOP will use the $$$ to prop up their poll numbers and continue pushing the Muslim, race-baiting memes.
FAKE & SHAKE… NOTHING to offer Americans but tax cuts, small government and NO! NO! NO!
Just keep moving ahead, Mr. President! Thank you.
Here’s a video of the Oval Office pic from above.
President Obama’s Oval Office Gets a MakeOver
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ucFpPSbkAaE
New:
Oval Rug with presidential seal (donated, made with 25% recycled wool)
Desk Chair
Sofas and lamps and wallpaper and coffee table (made in the USA)
Reupholstered chairs (in leather) in front of fireplace
President Obama selected the following five historical quotes for the rug border:
“The Only Thing We Have to Fear is Fear Itself” – President Franklin D. Roosevelt
“The Arc of the Moral Universe is Long, But it Bends Towards Justice” – Martin Luther King, Jr.
“Government of the People, By the People, For the People” – President Abraham Lincoln
“No Problem of Human Destiny is Beyond Human Beings” – President John F. Kennedy
“The Welfare of Each of Us is Dependent Fundamentally Upon the Welfare of All of Us” – President Theodore Roosevelt
PHOTOS from above: http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2010/8/31/897782/-OVA…
p.s. Taxpayer money was NOT used.
Money that Obama gave to the White House Historical Foundation left over from his 2008 campaign was used for the remodel.
That blonde BIMBO… **The tragic result of too much bleach/peroxide**
Robert Gibbs Hands Gretchen Carlson Her Lunch
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AYbvHZGX5lQ
—————————————-
Breaking News Alert: Obama to announce formal end of combat operations in Iraq August 31, 2010 6:52:5 PM
—————————————-
President Obama in an Oval Office address tonight will announce the formal end of combat operations in Iraq, saying it is time to “turn the page.”
“Ending this war is not only in Iraq’s interest – it is in our own,” the president will say, according to prepared remarks. “The United States has paid a huge price to put the future of Iraq in the hands of its people.
We have sent our young men and women to make enormous sacrifices in Iraq, and spent vast resources abroad at a time of tight budgets at home. We have persevered because of a belief we share with the Iraqi people – a belief that out of the ashes of war, a new beginning could be born in this cradle of civilization.”
Watch tonight’s speech live at 8 p.m. and join a conversation about the president’s words at washingtonpost.com.
For more information, visit washingtonpost.com
Our President did that! Now that’s what I’m talking ’bout!
Yes! It’s killing the Rethugs and wingnuts. We’re not surprised by the Black man’s actions. Typical for CaCs to build a shitpile of disaster and have the BROTHA swoop in and clean it up.
It’s eating them alive.
From Oval Office, President Obama calls end of Iraq combat mission “historic moment,” notes “time of great uncertainty.”
LOL @ the tags!!!!!!!!!!!
LOL! :-)
I love that song. Sang Freda! Bring’em home!
Yep, that and Band of Gold!
Big Ed is going off on Fox and the “surge” meme. to PBO-“look into the camera tonight and tell America that Bush initiated the Iraq war with his WMD bullshit…
The Bush adminsitration started the war on a LIE, and Obama is ending it with the TRUTH.
Ed likes to create drama. The truth doesn’t need drama. It shall make you free!
Ron Christie—- go sit your black ass down!
Uggh! the media pundits loovvvvve to tell the POTUS what to say & do. Umm. wanna be POTUS, go campaign for it.
LOL Of course Ron Christie wants his Massa to get credit for mudering over 4,ooo men in women in a war for oil and profit!
And I’m sick of the whiney complaining lefties, who say they want change, but really it’s all about that change that goes Ka-ching! ka-ching! they are just keyboard, blogging cry babies who could give a good shit about anybody other than their game to create & maintain chaos.
http://www.sfgate.com/blogs/images/sfgate/parenting/2007/02/07/051022_Pacifiers_hsmall.widec.jpeg
phuck’em