Uh oh: White House caught lying about Petraeus’s withdrawal recommendations?
posted at 9:16 pm on June 28, 2011 by Allahpundit
Terrific catch by Stephen Hayes from this afternoon’s Afghanistan testimony by Lt. Gen. John Allen. I can’t help but wonder: Why would the White House lie and claim that Obama’s withdrawal plan was within the range of options presented to him by Petraeus? I thought the next 18 months were going to be all about Obama going with his gut. Wingin’ it, if you will.
His gut told him that he needs to get reelected, and the easiest way to do that was to yank as many troops as possible out of the country no matter what it might mean for the war. That was the only “range of options” that mattered.
So he winged it.
In response to questioning from Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Allen testified that Obama’s decision on the pace and size of Afghanistan withdrawals was “a more aggressive option than that which was presented.”
Graham pressed him. “My question is: Was that a option?”
Allen: “It was not.”
Allen’s claim, which came under oath, contradicts the line the White House had been providing reporters over the past week—that Obama simply chose one option among several presented by General David Petraeus. In a conference call last Wednesday, June 22, a reporter asked senior Obama administration officials about those options. “Did General Petraeus specifically endorse this plan, or was it one of the options that General Petraeus gave to the president?”
The senior administration official twice claimed that the Obama decision was within the range of options the military presented to Obama.
Follow the link up top for a full transcript of what that senior administration official said last week. Are Hayes and I missing some nuance in the quotes? It’s one thing if the White House wants to squander the surge in the name of winning next year, but at least own it. Don’t use Petraeus as the fig leaf for a terrible, electorally motivated war “strategy.” Good lord.
Here’s something new from Breitbart TV. You know who I blame for all this? You, America. You need to “up your game.”
Blowback
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Because they can get away with it. And they are and they will.
It’s infuriating but it’s also why.
Cindy Cooper on June 28, 2011 at 9:18 PM
IMPEACH!!!!!!
Roy Rogers on June 28, 2011 at 9:18 PM
Eff you bongo
your act is wearing thin
Sonosam on June 28, 2011 at 9:19 PM
I’m actually speechless on this one
gophergirl on June 28, 2011 at 9:21 PM
IMPEACH!!!!!!
Roy Rogers on June 28, 2011 at 9:18 PM
+ infinity.
annoyinglittletwerp on June 28, 2011 at 9:21 PM
Wait, what? Obama lied?
BierManVA on June 28, 2011 at 9:21 PM
Hummmm….
The Mil Brass are beginning to create a bit of distance from Obama lately.
katy on June 28, 2011 at 9:22 PM
I’m actually speechless on this one
gophergirl on June 28, 2011 at 9:21 PM
The day I’m speechless they’re declaring a national holiday.
///
annoyinglittletwerp on June 28, 2011 at 9:22 PM
Where is Biden now-a-days, anyway?
Count to 10 on June 28, 2011 at 9:22 PM
This man has become a bigger nightmare of America than I could ever imagine.
jawkneemusic on June 28, 2011 at 9:22 PM
Petraeus was already asked last week why he wasn’t resigning if this decision was against his advice and apparently he replied because the troops have no choice and he wouldn’t leave them, but he also appeared to grant Obama cover then.
Perhaps it will all come out and Obama won’t get away with it, but clearly the MSM is desirous of spinning it in any way they can to help him get out of the jam he deliberately put us all in.
Cindy Cooper on June 28, 2011 at 9:23 PM
Would not want to be Petraeus.
Do you do the best job you can to support the troops in your care? Or resign after telling Obama he’s playing a dangerous game with lives, and world affairs?
cs89 on June 28, 2011 at 9:23 PM
LOL! Actually most people would say that about me as well.
I’m just running out of words to express my disgust for this administration. I can’t wait until I can respect my President again.
gophergirl on June 28, 2011 at 9:24 PM
Made in America by Unions…Oh and by the way..It’ll cost a “little” more.
rich801 on June 28, 2011 at 9:24 PM
Allen under the bus in 3,2,1…Hasn’t he ever heard of McChrystal?
txmomof6 on June 28, 2011 at 9:24 PM
Damn. He is starting to act like Hitler. LOL
tom0508 on June 28, 2011 at 9:25 PM
Why wouldn’t he? Look under the bus, fer chrissake.
novaculus on June 28, 2011 at 9:25 PM
Why Americans Are Fed Up With Afghanistan
By Ed Koch
Mr. President, I believe the deaths and injuries of our young soldiers that will take place between now and 2014 are simply too much to bear and our suffering and money expenditures will be all for naught. To date, in Afghanistan, we have suffered the deaths of 1,637 soldiers and 11,191 injured. In Iraq, we have suffered the deaths of 4,463 and 31,827 injured. Also, in Afghanistan, we are spending on the war $2 billion a week. The war in Afghanistan has gone on for ten years. The war in Iraq has gone on for eight. Enough.
Mr. President, why are you waiting? We are going to leave anyway. Bring our soldiers in Afghanistan and Iraq home. All of them. Now
HalJordan on June 28, 2011 at 9:25 PM
D
Thump Thump
BacaDog on June 28, 2011 at 9:25 PM
Obama had White House Council issue their own
militarykinetic option, and he selected that one.pedestrian on June 28, 2011 at 9:25 PM
gophergirl on June 28, 2011 at 9:24 PM
Amen to that, Sister.
My husband says that while Zero is far left he isn’t malevolent and that I need to respect the office of the Presidency even if I don’t like the man holding the office.
I say to both counts:B*LLSH**!
annoyinglittletwerp on June 28, 2011 at 9:27 PM
iOTW: What do you think of General Petraeus and his assertion that inciting Islam puts our soldiers in harm’s way?
Ann Barnhardt: I have an offer for General Petraeus. I’ll GIVE him one of my balls. Then I’d still have two, and he would have one. He is a politicking coward who cares only about his pension and cashing in on his rank after he retires. The suicidal, defeatist Rules of Engagement he oversees are the unequivocal proof of that. He should resign in disgrace – yesterday, and then present himself to each and every family of our war dead and BEG their forgiveness for failing in his duty as their son or daughter’s commanding officer.
HalJordan on June 28, 2011 at 9:28 PM
Damn. He is starting to act like Hitler. LOL
tom0508 on June 28, 2011 at 9:25 PM
I’m certain Hitler will be posting his video rebuttal to your comment momentarily.
*wink*
annoyinglittletwerp on June 28, 2011 at 9:28 PM
Did Lt. Gen. John Allen just ruin his career?
Cindy Munford on June 28, 2011 at 9:28 PM
We need a “Hitler as Obama demanding the withdrawal of troops from the AFPAC” video.
tom0508 on June 28, 2011 at 9:29 PM
Obama lies about everything. Should this be any different? Just another day ending in y for the Liar-In-Chief.
Impeach and convict.
Philly on June 28, 2011 at 9:29 PM
In Afghanistan all the vaunted “surge” has produced is … … more lost Blood and Treasure and … … more quagmire. Taliban (there are virtually no AlQ left in Afghanistan) who go up against American Soldiers and Marines directly get their heads handed to them, but most just sneak around planting IED’s or fade into the countryside or hang out chilling (and probably molesting goats) in Pakistan if the heat is on. The Care and Feeding of this quagmire requires a lot of U.S. troops, 10 years already and heading toward … … when … … time itself comes to an end? The Afghan army and police (even though there are hundreds of thousand on the payroll) mostly do not have much inclination to fight their cousin Muslim Taliban. Yet neoconservative/LBJ/Wilsonians still think we can “win” if we just “stay the course, stay the course, stay the course to Victory!”. Clearly all Obama wants to do is postpone the day of reckoning until after the 2012 election, and if reelected probably just kick the can down the road to the next guy … or gal. U.S. casualties are up multiple fold since Obama’s “surge” began. These Soldiers and Marines died in vain. Still more will if this madness does not end. Who wants to be the last American Soldier or Marine to die for hubris? Aided and abetted by congress, Bush, and now Obama on neocon steriods, have thrown away Blood and Treasure while the Afghan government has grown more and more corrupt. Meanwhile Pakistan plays America for Uncle Sucker hiding AlQ leaders while taking Uncle Sucker’s money that he puts on the grandkids credit card or borrows from the nice Chinese. I saw a report that said that the situation is now so Charley Foxtrot that more and more Afghans are convinced that the U.S. and the Taliban must be in cahoots. Personally, I think Robert Strange McNamara’s brain may be still alive kept in a jar somewhere at the Pentagon. In any case, OBL must be laughing his arse off in Hell.
HalJordan on June 28, 2011 at 9:31 PM
I think it’s hard with Obama because I don’t believe he loves this country or Americans – at least us in fly-over country. I didn’t respect Clinton either but I did believe he loved this country.
gophergirl on June 28, 2011 at 9:31 PM
Are they bleaching his hair in preparation for August 4th?
Cinematicfilm on June 28, 2011 at 9:31 PM
90 mil of Stimulus money?
BKeyser on June 28, 2011 at 9:33 PM
Obama isn’t wrong, the truth is. The truth is racist too.
Left Coast Right Mind on June 28, 2011 at 9:34 PM
Uh… underpants gnomes?
JohnGalt23 on June 28, 2011 at 9:35 PM
Obama is a deceiver, a dissembler
His Mom trousers are alight
From what pole or banner
Shall they dangle in the night?
What infernal serpent
Has lent him his forked tongue?
From what pit of foul deceit
Has all his hiding and all his whoppers sprung?
What red devil of mendacity
Grips his sick soul with such tenacity?
Will not one in a nation he so cruelly showers with lies
Put
a bootan impeachment order between his empty eyes?PercyB on June 28, 2011 at 9:37 PM
I trust that by now no-one is surprised at Obama lying.
GaltBlvnAtty on June 28, 2011 at 9:37 PM
He’s breathtaking in his awfulness.
disa on June 28, 2011 at 9:38 PM
0bama announces we’re withdrawing from Afghanistan then the Taliban says “Thanks!” today by blowing up innocent people at a hotel.
Jenfidel on June 28, 2011 at 9:38 PM
Coward.
Cicero43 on June 28, 2011 at 9:41 PM
It’s hard to mistake the message they’re sending to Obama and his his plan for early withdrawal, isn’t it.
SlaveDog on June 28, 2011 at 9:43 PM
I keep having to remind everyone…
… Whatever Obowma says, or is reported to have said, he will do the exact opposite.
Go ahead, test it for yourself…
Obowma passed three times his first day in office…
Seven Percent Solution on June 28, 2011 at 9:43 PM
And Obama has a press conference scheduled for tomorrow. Hope some reporter has the guts to ask a question about Allen’s testimony.
Wethal on June 28, 2011 at 9:44 PM
Your husband should start doing his homework. Obama’s objective is to bring America into decline, and deliver us to our enemies abroad. That’s why he was chosen by the progressives who PRd him into the Presidency.
It’s the only plausible explanation that fits everything he’s done since taking office.
To accept such a thing meekly is to truly disrespect the office of POTUS. Tell your husband to ponder that.
disa on June 28, 2011 at 9:44 PM
Hey the anti-war theme worked really great in the late ’60s.
But just what “Peace Initiative” is Obama going to claim?
He’s already done Iraq. That’s floundering. So FU A’stan and claim Wictory. Unnnh the bad guys didn’t get the e-mail memo.
Hamas and Fatah are in disagreement. Israel has an IDF that holds Maccabees as heroes.
Poor Barry, too many lies that even LSM can no longer cover.
Caststeel on June 28, 2011 at 9:45 PM
Video title: Obama to America: ‘Up Your Game’
First comment: America to Obama: “Up yours”
I love it!
ElectricPhase on June 28, 2011 at 9:45 PM
So the White House lied. It’s not like the MSM will call them on it.
Or anything else they’ve already lied about.
GarandFan on June 28, 2011 at 9:46 PM
Par for the Course!!
canopfor on June 28, 2011 at 9:49 PM
disa on June 28, 2011 at 9:44 PM
Mr. Twerp is actually more conservative than I am-but he thinks that a nation that doesn’t respect the office of the Presidency is likely to be ripped apart. He say’s that this is just like the Carter era.
I was only 6 when Jimmuh was elected so I really don’t remember it.
annoyinglittletwerp on June 28, 2011 at 9:51 PM
Made in America!!
Progressive Speak,for Union Made!
Duh!!
canopfor on June 28, 2011 at 9:52 PM
Lowest character and class of any president, bar none. The stink is going to linger for decades.
carbon_footprint on June 28, 2011 at 9:52 PM
Don’t Look Now: The Iraq of “Surge” Dreams Is Over
While we were looking the other way, the Iraq of anyone’s lingering “surge” dreams vanished. But not under the drifts of rubble from the latest car-bombings to further bury the “fragile” security once secured by U.S. troops. Dream Iraq — the “ally in the war on terror,” the veritable Switzerland of Sunni-Shiite cooperation surge-improved security was supposed to enable — completely disappeared (if it was ever there) in the hardened, U.S.-won corridors of Iraq’s ruling institutions.
As the 2011 deadline for the departure of 50,000 remaining U.S. forces in Iraq approaches, the United States has been hinting, heavy-breathing with the desperation of a discarded mistress, that we might be prevailed upon to stay, just for the asking. Why? Probably to postpone the total, down-to-the-spool unraveling of Iraq during Obama’s 2012 re-election campaign. This political ruse is strenuously supported by Iraq hawks of the neoconservative persuasion who want to postpone that unraveling indefinitely, even if it means turning the U.S. military into a foreign legion to do so.
The dream is over, and what a nightmare — and that includes the demonstrably failed strategic impact of the surge. Bizarrely, the surge still enjoys golden status. After all, Obama not only replicated it in Afghanistan, he tapped its leading practitioner as CIA director.
When do we get to wake up?
HalJordan on June 28, 2011 at 9:53 PM
If a Democrat lies in the White House… and the entire press corps is there to hear it… does it make a sound?
mankai on June 28, 2011 at 9:53 PM
You need to invest in new “processeeees”.
SirGawain on June 28, 2011 at 9:53 PM
It’s hard to mistake the message they’re sending to Obama and his his plan for early withdrawal, isn’t it.
SlaveDog on June 28, 2011 at 9:43 PM
By giving a date, O’Dumbazz sent a message to the Taliban that all they have to do is wait ‘us’ out.
What a DUMB(words that if I said them would likely get me banned)
annoyinglittletwerp on June 28, 2011 at 9:54 PM
Redux.
RDE2010 on June 28, 2011 at 9:54 PM
Ofilth lied?
Shocking.
KeepOhioRed on June 28, 2011 at 9:55 PM
Made in America!!
Progressive Speak,for Union Made!
Duh!!
canopfor on June 28, 2011 at 9:52 PM
I look for the union label-and if I see it I buy something else.
annoyinglittletwerp on June 28, 2011 at 9:55 PM
Canopfor…
… Don’t forget to add this one to your ever growing list.
Thanks…
Seven Percent Solution on June 28, 2011 at 9:55 PM
This confuses me very much. He is going against Petraeus and company but Petraeus is leaving to head C.I.A.. Is that the move of someone the president listens to?
Cindy Munford on June 28, 2011 at 9:56 PM
His gut told him that he needs to get reelected, and the easiest way to do that was to yank as many troops as possible out of the country no matter what it might mean for the war.
////
This is no surprise,for cryin’ out loud,he would throw his wife and kiddos under the bus if they get in the way.
ohiobabe on June 28, 2011 at 9:56 PM
Absolutely the worst President ever in the History of this Nation.
It was bad enough that democrats spent the last few years exploiting the difficulties of war and the sacrifice of our Soldiers for political gain…
…..now Obama is doing his best to surrender in Afghanistan (the good war) and doesn’t have the courage or ethics to own it.
Worst President ever……
Baxter Greene on June 28, 2011 at 9:57 PM
I hope Allen gets the Afghanistan command and is this frank next year to Congress about the developing situation as Obama tries to draw down.
And as much as it pains me to say this, as a blind squirrel finds a nut now and then, Senator Goober Graham got it right and picked up this. He got the necessary information. Guess doing all those drug trials as a JAG taught him a bit about questioning witnesse.
Wethal on June 28, 2011 at 9:57 PM
Up your game, Obama.
RDE2010 on June 28, 2011 at 10:00 PM
MoveOn.org starts the General BetrayUs attack ads all over again in 3… 2… 1…
DamnYankee on June 28, 2011 at 10:01 PM
I want to read the history books 30 years from now.
SouthernGent on June 28, 2011 at 10:01 PM
Obama lied Afghanistan died.
Really Right on June 28, 2011 at 10:01 PM
Mr. Twerp just said that While Zero isn’t always forthright, he(Zero)trusts his own instincts..
*bangs head*
annoyinglittletwerp on June 28, 2011 at 10:02 PM
I knew we would let him down. We aren’t good enough for him. I hope one day soon he can become the maximum leader of a more deserving country and people…like, say, China.
AUINSC on June 28, 2011 at 10:04 PM
Treason.
Southernblogger on June 28, 2011 at 10:04 PM
You know, I’m getting pretty damn tired of upping my game.
SlaveDog on June 28, 2011 at 10:05 PM
He wants to get Petraeus out of the way. Can’t have him in Afghanistan giving any hints that the draw down is a disaster. Can’t really find another command for a four-star in the military, so off to the CIA, where Petraeus has to keep secrets. And quiet.
Same tactic Obama used with Hillary to get her away for mthe senate, criticism, and possible challenge in 2012. Even shut up Bill in the process.
Wethal on June 28, 2011 at 10:06 PM
Oh my.
SlaveDog on June 28, 2011 at 10:07 PM
You know, I’m getting pretty damn tired of
upping my gamethis crapoli.SlaveDog on June 28, 2011 at 10:05 PM
FIFY
pambi on June 28, 2011 at 10:09 PM
Has the WH been forthright or transparent about anything? I ask that question seriously.
We have smoke and mirrors, obfuscation, flat-out lies, hyperbole, laughable claims, and walkbacks. The whole administration is one big spin machine and PR flak for a charlatan and his crooked cronies.
onlineanalyst on June 28, 2011 at 10:09 PM
Interesting,and National Opinion Research Centre related!
=========================================================
Practical Challenges: Conducting Survey Research in Afghanistan
************
http://www.publicopinionpros.norc.org/from_field/2007/apr/varughese.asp
canopfor on June 28, 2011 at 10:11 PM
Oh my.
SlaveDog on June 28, 2011 at 10:07 PM
He’s mellowing in his ‘old’ age, I’m afraid.
I’m not.
annoyinglittletwerp on June 28, 2011 at 10:12 PM
Where’s the Lone Ranger and Tonto when we need em ?
Sandybourne on June 28, 2011 at 10:13 PM
Obama gave the neocon/Wilsonian/LBJ’ers their “Surge”. In fact he gave them two of them. First up 22,000 (“Surge I”) from the 46,000 troops in Afcrapistan that was the inherited level from Bush, bringing the total to 68,000; then up 32,000 (“Surge” II) from that to 100,000. Barack ‘LBJ’ Obama still plans on leaving 70,000 troops in Afcrapistan, so he will still have “Surge I”. I don’t know what David ‘McNamara” Petraeus would be complaining about, especially as he is getting a big plum reward.
HalJordan on June 28, 2011 at 10:13 PM
Wouldn’t you give your eye teeth to learn what McChrystal thinks of this news?
ObaMao is playing a dangerous game in hanging military leadership out to dry and treating our troops like expendable pawns.
onlineanalyst on June 28, 2011 at 10:13 PM
Every single day, I think we’re going to be in for worse, and worse from Obama.
His days are numbered. He knows it. He has to do as much destruction as he can, before he’s escorted back Chicago.
capejasmine on June 28, 2011 at 10:14 PM
He’s not a big effin deal.
catmman on June 28, 2011 at 10:14 PM
Is this an honorable move by Patreaus?
Cindy Munford on June 28, 2011 at 10:15 PM
ding ding ding….
cmsinaz on June 28, 2011 at 10:16 PM
And my Sainted Brother (LTC, US Army-Ret) died thinking about about how Hillary would screw this nation.
Dingbat63 on June 28, 2011 at 10:17 PM
How come everyone in America needs to up their effing game except this POS?
catmman on June 28, 2011 at 10:18 PM
winner!
cmsinaz on June 28, 2011 at 10:19 PM
I don’t know where there are but the Cisco Kenyan Kid is in the White House and Poncho COIN Surgo is going to the CIA where he will probably work to make those naughty Israelis stop oppressing the poor wittle Palestinians.
HalJordan on June 28, 2011 at 10:19 PM
He’s a soldier following the transfer orders given to him by his comamander-in-chief. Maybe he wants to stay in uniform and wait out Obama until the 2012 election. I think Petraeus’ only other option at this time would be to submit his retirement papers.
Wethal on June 28, 2011 at 10:19 PM
Another lie from Odamna?
And this comes as a surprise WHY exact;ly?
Crusader Rabbit on June 28, 2011 at 10:20 PM
This is truly terrible.
Sir Napsalot on June 28, 2011 at 10:21 PM
June 22, 2011, 8:00 PM ET
White House Transcript of Afghanistan Briefing
***********************************************
Here is the White House transcript of Wednesday’s background briefing on President Barack Obama’s plan for drawing down troops in Afghanistan.
BACKGROUND CONFERENCE CALL WITH SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIALS TO PREVIEW THE PRESIDENT’S PLAN FOR IMPLEMENTING HIS STRATEGY TO DRAW DOWN TROOPS IN AFGHANISTAN
Via Conference Call
3:32 P.M. EDT
National Security Council Spokesman TOMMY VIETOR: Thanks, everybody, for getting on. We are going to do this on background from senior administration officials. The goal is to preview the President’s speech with a hard embargo at 8:00 p.m., or when he starts delivery. Our hope here is to give you some context about what he’s going to say and how he arrived at that decision.
And so with that, I’ll turn it over to our first senior administration official.
(More………)
http://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2011/06/22/white-house-transcript-of-afghanistan-briefing/
canopfor on June 28, 2011 at 10:23 PM
It’s at times like these that I miss crr6′s intelligent insights about demographics and the southern strategy.
Bishop on June 28, 2011 at 10:25 PM
I think GEN Patreaus is just who America needed in these years and he will get his just accolades in the (conservative) history books. I now hope that he will recognize that Obumba is using the GEN’s devotion to duty and do the honorable thing and resign…completely.
Dingbat63 on June 28, 2011 at 10:26 PM
Walter Williams warned us more than three years ago.
Obama ain’t no Jackie Robinson.
BuckeyeSam on June 28, 2011 at 10:27 PM
These days, the fourth estate = the fifth column.
BuckeyeSam on June 28, 2011 at 10:30 PM
I hope we can get him a real CIC in 2012.
Cindy Munford on June 28, 2011 at 10:30 PM
A Petraeus resignation would surprise me almost as much as an Obama resignation.
HalJordan on June 28, 2011 at 10:31 PM
This is liberal speak for : surrender
Obama was handed a victory in Iraq and did nothing but ignore it besides bragging about “brining the troops home”(under the SOFA agreement implemented by Bush)….
…..Iraq has deteriorated since.
Then he sends a half-assed surge to Afghanistan(much lower than the maximum McCyrstal requested)…fires McCrystal…brings in Bush’s General Petraeus….and now surrenders there after spending years bragging about “winning the good war”……
Obama is the worst President in the History of this Nation.
Baxter Greene on June 28, 2011 at 10:33 PM
I just can’t watch that video…
d1carter on June 28, 2011 at 10:33 PM
He’s working on dividing Afghanistan up along ethnic lines..
…
………”smart power”
Baxter Greene on June 28, 2011 at 10:35 PM
I suspect Petraeus will still be remembered with respect when both you and I are long forgotten. Bush had the guts to order the surge but Petraeus made it work in Iraq and he was making it work in Afghanistan until he had the rug pulled out from underneath him by Obama.
KW64 on June 28, 2011 at 10:37 PM
How does this guy manage to think he’s not going to get caught in lie after lie. It’s the Information Age for pete’s sake.
Murf76 on June 28, 2011 at 10:37 PM
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