February 10, 2007:

“But more important, while they’re in Iraq they deserve a well-defined mission that protects American interests and fights a more effective war on terror. Another 21,000 troops sent into Iraq, with no visible end or strategy, ignores the best advice from our own generals and isn’t the best way to keep faith with the courage and commitment of our soldiers. This week in Congress, a majority of Republicans prevented the Senate from holding a full and open debate on the issue of Iraq. Why? Because this so-called surge, which is nothing more than the escalation of a misguided war, is a bad idea…

If the Iraqis know that they can’t rely indefinitely on American troops as a security blanket, they will work harder to achieve a political solution to their deadly conflict. It’s long past time to make it clear that we will not sacrifice American lives for the sake of squabbling Iraqi politicians.”

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October 17, 2009:

“It would be entirely irresponsible for the president of the United States to commit more troops to this country, when we don’t even have an election finished and know who the president is and what kind of government we’re working in, with…

When our own, you know, commanding general tells us that a critical component of achieving our mission here is, in fact, good governance, and we’re living with a government that we know has to change and provide it, how could the president responsibly say, oh, they asked for more, sure, here they are?”