Is the White House’s response to Cheney’s “dithering” comment a tacit admission that an increase in troops is the responsible call?
Gibbs’ own words:
“I think it’s pretty safe to say that the vice president was for seven years not focused on Afghanistan,” Gibbs said. “Even more curious given the fact that an increase in troops sat on desks in this White House, including the vice president’s, for more than eight months.”
So it’s wrong to ignore a request for an increase in troops? Thank you for admitting that.
Well, last I checked, Mr. Cheney isn’t in office anymore. He’s somewhere on a fishing trip, or traveling or something; but to be sure, he’s out of the picture. So, Mr. Obama now has a chance to do the responsible thing and act with sufficient urgency.
After all, in September of last year, then Senator Barack Obama criticized President Bush for having “not enough urgency” on Afghanistan:
“The most substantial increase will come when an additional Army brigade is deployed five months from now — in February, after the President has left office,” Obama said. “His plan comes up short — it is not enough troops, and not enough resources, with not enough urgency.”
Okay, now. The former President has left the office. You’re on the hook now, Mr. Obama.
Act.