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Obama May Need the GOP on Afghan War

Republicans line up behind troop increases, while Democrats balk

By Jason Farago,  Newser Staff

Posted Sep 3, 2009 6:58 AM CDT
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(Newser) – If President Obama decides to send more troops to Afghanistan, based on Gen. Stanley McChrystal's grim review, he may have to rely on Republicans and not Democrats for support, writes the New York Times. The original narrative of the "good war" has faded over eight years, and August's disputed election is doing further damage. A recent poll found that 41% of Americans want troop levels decreased, while just 25% want an increase.

Obama still has the support of the House and Senate leadership, but Congressional Democrats in more left-leaning districts say they're hearing more and more objections. Sen. Russ Feingold told the Times that he "cannot tolerate more troops" unless Obama attaches an end date to "this perceived occupation." Among Republicans the mood is far different. When conservative columnist George Will said he thought the war should end, the GOP sent out an email blast headed: "Stand Strong, Mr. President."

Russ Feingold, Democratic senator from Wisconsin, said he is not prepared to support a troop increase in Afghanistan without an end date to the war.
Russ Feingold, Democratic senator from Wisconsin, said he is not prepared to support a troop increase in Afghanistan without an end date to the war.   (AP Photo/Meet the Press, Alex Wong)
Barack Obama on Martha's Vineyard. The president is finding he has broad support among Republican legislators for waging war in Afghanistan, while his own party is less convinced.
Barack Obama on Martha's Vineyard. The president is finding he has broad support among Republican legislators for waging war in Afghanistan, while his own party is less convinced.   (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 10 comments
BlahBlahBlah
Sep 3, 2009 9:47 AM CDT
Hey, WAR now that is a concept the GOP can wrap its head around.
AnnieChrist
Sep 3, 2009 9:16 AM CDT
Republicans to Obama: You want the lives of American citizens saved through better health care, Hell No! You want to go kill some brown people, Hell Yes! We're with you!
John
Sep 3, 2009 6:49 AM CDT
Get out. They don't want us and they didn't want the Soviets. We should build a fence around the country like the republicans wanted on our borders.
Politics • US

 
Barack Obama • Senate Republicans • Russ Feingold • House Republicans • troop levels • Afghanistan war • Congressional Republicans

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