Vets for Freedom ad: Recognize the victory, Senator Obama
posted at 9:30 am on September 17, 2008 by Ed Morrissey
Vets for Freedom has a new television spot that will air soon in selected markets. Called “Petraeus vs Obama”, the ad juxtaposes several statements by both men that demonstrate rather clearly that General David Petraeus had told the truth about the surge from his earliest statements, while Obama refused to recognize the success of the mission:
The VFF compiled a helpful list of Obama’s statements rejecting the success of the surge. In some cases, he refused to acknowledge any improvement in Iraq at all, and in later examples gave credit for the improvement to others, rather than the American soldiers who fought and defeated the terrorists. Many of these statements make it into the ad itself, but frankly, they had too many examples to include them all, so be sure to read the document.
The ad wants Obama to vote in favor of Senate Resolution 636, which would explicitly recognize the success of the surge and thank the men and women who won the victory. At this point, it’s hard to imagine that Obama would vote against it. It’s not anything more than a symbolic recognition of success, and under normal circumstances would pass by acclamation without a roll-call vote. In fact, if Harry Reid were smart, he’d engineer it just that way in order to save Obama the embarrassment of having to either antagonize the Code Pink contingent in supporting it or further antagonizing the military by voting against it. Unfortunately, Reid would then have to vote on it himself, and after having declared the war lost in 2007, would look pretty foolish either way he voted on S636.
I suspect that it will take a roll-call vote, and that both Reid and Obama will be elsewhere when the vote comes.
Blowback
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stlpatriot on September 17, 2008 at 9:32 AM
I think Bill O’Reilly actually twisted Obama arm enough during his interview to admit that the surge did achieve results but I think he has said he’d still vote against it.
Yakko77 on September 17, 2008 at 9:33 AM
Phew. I thought this crash was gonna sink McCain.
lodge on September 17, 2008 at 9:33 AM
Go 527s go!
BadgerHawk on September 17, 2008 at 9:36 AM
I suspect that it will take a roll-call vote, and that both Reid and Obama will be elsewhere when the vote comes.
What, Obama can’t vote “present”?
SKYFOX on September 17, 2008 at 9:36 AM
Obama changed his mind about the surge during an interview with Bill O’Reilly which was cablecast on the night of McCain’s acceptance speech.
jay12 on September 17, 2008 at 9:37 AM
I read that last night and was surprised too. If McCain can keep the economy numbers close he can win. More needs to be made of how much money Obama has gotten from these crumbling banks.
BadgerHawk on September 17, 2008 at 9:37 AM
I thought Obama already copped to the surge working, but still being a bad idea or some such nonsense.
Lehosh on September 17, 2008 at 9:37 AM
Another present vote?
TooTall on September 17, 2008 at 9:38 AM
He will, IF he wins. It’s all about Barry.
christene on September 17, 2008 at 9:38 AM
I can’t imagine most voters would rather have a novice at the helm during troubled financial times.
Elizabetty on September 17, 2008 at 9:38 AM
Obama’s vote: PRESENT!
kcfrommt on September 17, 2008 at 9:38 AM
Pfffftttt what does a simple ‘general’ know compared to the Messiah?
Tony737 on September 17, 2008 at 9:39 AM
The messiah was against it before he was for it.
grapeknutz on September 17, 2008 at 9:42 AM
“Obama’s vote: PRESENT!”
Like the potted plant he is. And he’s not even “Present” most of the time, they guy’s been running for President from the moment he darkened the door of the Senate.
Worst – nominee – ever.
NoDonkey on September 17, 2008 at 9:43 AM
Obarbie once considered maybe perhaps possibly joining the military, so we should take his strategic advice over some lifer general.
Bishop on September 17, 2008 at 9:43 AM
Obarbie once considered maybe perhaps possibly joining the military, so we should take his strategic advice over some lifer general.
Bishop on September 17, 2008 at 9:43 AM
Right you are, Bishop. My miserable 2-1/2 years behind a Selectric in Darmstadt, FRG and counter-insurgency training at HAWK missle sites was nothing compared to Obama’s fleeting thought about joining the military. I, for one, am prepared to bow before my Obamaster.
SKYFOX on September 17, 2008 at 9:49 AM
Soon, Obama will take credit for the Surge because he always supported the Surge. It was his idea in the first place. Then, the MSM can finally cheer the success of the Surge as another sign that Obama is The One. (I wouldn’t put it past them.)
Loxodonta on September 17, 2008 at 9:50 AM
The point here is that the ‘surge’ has worked in some areas, and has yet to produce demonstrable evidence of success in other areas.
Point: Yes, the surge has reduced violence and American casualties in Iraq. Our troops have fought bravely and courageously. They have done what they were asked to do: Protect us. Nobody is disputing any of this.
Point: No, the surge has not produced a political reconciliation in Iraq. The Iraqis are not “standing up” for themselves on a political level… YET. There is still a chance for this happen. However, we must recognize that at some point they have to WANT TO stand up.
This is what Obama is saying and I think that his argument gets boiled down to ‘he says that we have failed’ too often. Now, Harry Reid is a completely different story…
thePajamaPundit on September 17, 2008 at 9:51 AM
Whoa there…
That’s putting the “cart before the horse”…!
With the Shiite controlled government starting to arrest the Sunni “Sons of Iraq” I don’t think the $3 million a week Petraeus is paying them to fight with the US is going to matter.
You can’t spend those Greenbacks when you’re rotting in a Shiite jail cell or worse…!
This could get really, really ugly before it gets better, for sure…!
Hold your horses; Democrats. That “surge” you mentioned may just become “resurgence”…?
J_Gocht on September 17, 2008 at 9:51 AM
I hope no one give Obama the benefit of the doubt on this story. No one should think that Obama was simply misinformed or misread the results, or if you must believe he misread the results, what does that say about his judgment (again).
But in my view this is just another very clear example of how anti-American Obama truly is. Our troops spilling their blood to bring order to Iraq and victory to America and Obama denies their efforts and sacrifice for purely political reasons. This is the kind of man that wants America to fail. He is selfish and power hungry and heaven forbid that he should be elected, but if he is he will use the office purely for self gain and will sell America out at every opportunity.
Maxx on September 17, 2008 at 9:53 AM
B.O. is now the living breathing epitome of the classic excuse “Don’t confuse me with the facts, my mind is already made up!”
Yeah, like we need someone like this calling the shots here for the next four years.
Right!
pilamaye on September 17, 2008 at 9:55 AM
This could get really, really ugly before it gets better, for sure…!
Hold your horses; Democrats. That “surge” you mentioned may just become “resurgence”…?
J_Gocht on September 17, 2008 at 9:51 AM
Gotta love ‘em, those liberals. The sky MIGHT fall, emphasis on MIGHT, so no positive thoughts about anything. Everything for the left is always boiled down to “you might die” so why even try.
Yeah hold your horses dems, don’t go congratulating our troops or their leaders just yet, you still have a chance to shit all over them again if things don’t work out.
Bishop on September 17, 2008 at 9:58 AM
I admire Vets for Freedom and hope they hammer Obama hard & smart.
I have no respect for liberals who seem to search for any way to snatch defeat from the jaws of American victory. It’s just more death cult worship.
Loxodonta on September 17, 2008 at 9:58 AM
This will happen when pigs fly…..or Keith Olbermann claims Bush was the greatest President ever.
Rovin on September 17, 2008 at 9:58 AM
Meanwhile Obama is promising to cut funding for new weapons systems at the exact time we need to get our battlefield prowess as advanced as possible.
Bishop on September 17, 2008 at 10:00 AM
Yeah, when the economy is in trouble your want to vote for the Dem who is going to RAISE TAXes and thereby make things worse… (rolls eyes) (/sarc)
E L Frederick (Sniper One) on September 17, 2008 at 10:02 AM
Thank the men and women who fought so bravely in support of the mission.
Absolutely!
Recognize the success of the surge; if you’re only recognizing a very short lived military alignment on the ground,not so much..!
What the hell do you want; another fool’s statement of “Mission Accomplished”…that chapter hasn’t been written yet!
J_Gocht on September 17, 2008 at 10:06 AM
Obama doesn’t want the Surge to work.
He’d rather see his country win a war than himself lose an election.
Tzetzes on September 17, 2008 at 10:06 AM
…the O’Reilly interview, I think…I saw him cop that there’s been progress in Iraq, but wouldn’t attribute it to the surge…
…hedging, hemming, hawing like the kid who knocked your daughter…”Honest, Mr. Jones, it couldn’t've been me…I didn’t take my pants off all the way….”
“Ready to Lead”…just not ready to tell the truth….
Puritan1648 on September 17, 2008 at 10:08 AM
and all the other Democrats in the do-nothing Pelosi congress.
I think I saw this ad very recently, here in suburban Philadelphia, on Sunday evening, I think. Is that possible?
Moxie on September 17, 2008 at 10:17 AM
Liberals are often quick to claim they honor the troops. But this is merely political camouflage for their true feelings, which they reveal in the manner in which they routinely dishonor the Armed Forces, our country, our way of life, and are willing to throw all that way to promote their petty self indulgences.
Loxodonta on September 17, 2008 at 10:20 AM
Obama’s judgment seems not to be working.
tarpon on September 17, 2008 at 10:27 AM
Of course these are the same liberals who keep telling us that this years welfare reform will completely fix the problem.
MarkTheGreat on September 17, 2008 at 10:29 AM
Yeah. I think you are correct, Ed. Since they cannot vote “present” in the Senate, I think Barry and Dingy Harry will out for a stroll when S.636 comes up.
Dr.Cwac.Cwac on September 17, 2008 at 10:31 AM
The liberals wanted Iraqi’s to start taking charge of security in their own country.
That’s happening.
As to the Mission Accomplished banner. The mission of the aircraft carrier group was accomplished.
But of course, you aren’t interested in the truth.
MarkTheGreat on September 17, 2008 at 10:33 AM
I saw the ad yesterday morning here in Indianapolis.
Dr.Cwac.Cwac on September 17, 2008 at 10:36 AM
Pajama,
“Point: No, the surge has not produced a political reconciliation in Iraq. The Iraqis are not “standing up” for themselves on a political level… YET. There is still a chance for this happen. However, we must recognize that at some point they have to WANT TO stand up.”
They haven’t reached the finish line, but very clearly they are well on their way.
exhelodrvr on September 17, 2008 at 10:36 AM
Even if he supports the measure… He won’t make it to the vote.
Fandango on September 17, 2008 at 10:39 AM
Yes and then Al Gore will sue him for Wild Azz Claim Infringement.
Patrick S on September 17, 2008 at 10:39 AM
Fresh air of truth vs fresh fart of falsehood
Take a deep breath and decide which is favorable.
Hening on September 17, 2008 at 10:52 AM
-The Trinity of Trouble -
Didn’t Goracle invent the surge?
Didn’t Kerry support it before he voted against it?
Meanwhile Obama isn’t mensch enough to admit he was totally wrong.
Hening on September 17, 2008 at 10:54 AM
That “fool” liberated 50 million people, safeguarded the lives of 300 million others for 7 yrs, transformed a virulently hostile and supremely, arrogantly confident Islamic world into a fearful group at cross purposes amongst themselves, with the good Muslims beginning to win out against bad Muslims, while simultaneously fighting an insurgency inside his own government, by American politicians who are supposed to have our best interests at heart. Not terrorists rights.
And he did it while honoring the service and superhuman efforts of 20 yr old soldiers and their leadership in defense of this country, keeping faith with them when No One else in the government would (except perhaps Sen McCain). He exposed a Dhimmicratic Culture of Cowardice in the face of our enemies, and appeasement, the likes of which haven’t been seen since Munich in 1938.
You may claim you support our Men and Women in uniform, but you don’t unless you root for them to WIN on every mission they are given. Our country does not send them to war without major discussion and debate. The debate was conducted. The discussion was completed and voted on, overwhelmingly, to go to war. The word was given. They executed flawlessly and correctly, in the face of long odds. And achieved a rare Victory in an insurgency, last seen in Malaya in the 1950s, and even more rarely before that.
Unless you support their Victory openly and unequivocally on their missions, then you are no better than our enemies, and you do give aid and comfort to Islamic radicals who want nothing more than to separate your head from your neck, solely because you are an infidel.
Your Freedom was guaranteed, in blood, by those 20 yr olds who fought and won against al Qaida and every Sunni insurgent in Iraq, and who will win in Afghanistan because they understand that the lives and safety of Americans is more precious than selling newspapers and laughing at cocktail parties while lying about their progress and using those lies to win some political contest in the US elections, just so you can make your opponent look incompetent solely because he is Republican. Our Men and Women deserve every American’s unconditional support for their lives AND their missions. You don’t get to pick and choose once the decision to war is made and the orders given. And that includes Dhimmicratic Congressmen and party leadership. Something which has been lacking wholesale from the last 6 yrs of combat. (Think of it! 6 yrs of opposition to their success by Dhimmicrats in Congress and the party! And they still get up and do their Duty every day despite that!)
While the total mission may not be accomplished, it is a damn sight closer to complete than it would have been if we hadn’t gone to war with the Islamist world mindset over 9-11. You don’t change brainwashed people’s minds by sending a trade mission or getting some European newspaper to run a poll on whether America is fair or not. You change minds, especially in the Muslim world, by proving that you are a force to be feared and reckoned with. That you are The Strongest Tribe.
And that is EXACTLY why Iraq was the right place, at the right time, for the right reason. Why our Men and Women deserve respect, support, and an end to this refusal to acknowledge their achievements by every airhead journalist and Dhimmicrat traitor in Congress. They deserve an end to the slander of their mission and the President who ordered them into it, and the Congress who VOTED overwhelmingly to conduct it.
Once Dhimmicrats acknowledge there truly was a threat, it has been neutralized, and we now have changed the minds of hundreds of millions of Muslims in this world, then I will accept their aims as legitimate interests for the American people. Until then, you, and they, are merely snakes in the grass biting the ankles of my troops, hindering their mission, and placing their lives in danger, while you support vile lies about their service, their success, their leadership, and their Honor.
Get with the Mission, nimrod, or get bent.
Subsunk
Subsunk on September 17, 2008 at 10:55 AM
Thanks for your service Subsunk…!
Are you retired now or just moonlighting as a speech writer for Vice President Dead-Eye Dick Cheney…?
J_Gocht on September 17, 2008 at 11:10 AM
J_Gocht on any day, at any time on any topic *.*
dmann on September 17, 2008 at 11:26 AM
Hang this denial around Hussein’s neck and make him wear it.
whitetop on September 17, 2008 at 11:42 AM
Thank you!
No thanks!
Domino on September 17, 2008 at 12:03 PM
I want more than just an admission that the surge worked.
I want Obama to say that his vote against the Iraq invasion was wrong. So what if the info we had was bad… if it was.
The point is all the information from every source said Sadam has WMD and planned to use or distribute them. With the conditions what they were anyone who did not support taking him out was plain flat out wrong! Peace at any cost is not peace, it is slavery.
Sure in hind sight… but in the actual test of the moment Obama was dead wrong. And if he had been President we all might be dead now.
petunia on September 17, 2008 at 12:06 PM
Obama and his ilk are the same Kerry/Ayers/Klonsky/Dohrn/Clinton scum that undermined us in Vietnam leading to MILLIONS of deaths at the hand of the commie death squads.
Oh, that’s right….the commie death squads are on their side.
ex-Democrat on September 17, 2008 at 1:15 PM
I’m retired AND I get the bonus of questioning the patriotism of nimrods like you ALL DAY LONG! Too bad a majority of the country really thinks that bad people like al Qaida and every one who thinks like they do, have to be opposed or we’ll die. That must really gall you and your tea party friends.
But if offered the position to write speeches opposing you and everything you’ve said on Hot Air, I’d gladly take the job. Whether it was Dick or Sarah or even Joe Smuckatelli who offered the job. Just. Because. I. Like. Pissing. People. Like. You. Off…….. What a bonus!
Carry on, numbnuts.
Subsunk
Subsunk on September 17, 2008 at 1:30 PM
“Obarbie once considered maybe perhaps possibly joining the military”
Did Obambi also considered joining the Senate, but he lost interest after attending freshman orientation and decided to become George Soros’ catamite instead.
NoDonkey on September 17, 2008 at 1:54 PM
Hey Sub_, I believe my daughter may know Joe Smuckatelli’s son…?
Would you like me to get his phone number for you?
J_Gocht on September 17, 2008 at 2:07 PM
Barack Obama as Jim Carrey in “Liar Liar”
“The surge worked, but I feel I must lie because it’s devastating to my case!”
“Damn!”
“I hang out with Bill Ayers! I sniff his bomb-making fingers!”
“AaAArrgh!”
Black Adam on September 17, 2008 at 2:22 PM
It doesn’t matter whether Obama votes for the resolution or not. The ad makes Obama look dead wrong about the surge, which is good enough. Oh, whose idea was the surge? Oh, yeah, that old out-of-touch guy who wrote to President Bush in December 2006, who had foresight, when the Great One can’t even accept hindsight.
Steve Z on September 17, 2008 at 2:25 PM
how does the phrase go? wouldnt know it if it bit him in the face? or something?
Drunk Report on September 17, 2008 at 3:15 PM
Hopefully not in the “biblical” sense. Besides, I already got a great job working for the Eevvviiill Oil and Gas industry. I just moonlight in ways that tick off any number of the right people.
Feel ticked yet? Too bad.
Subsunk
Subsunk on September 17, 2008 at 6:10 PM