Presidential candidate, and former DLC Chair, Gov. Tom Vilsack is calling on the Democratically controlled Congress to end the Iraq war by defunding it:
While some contenders for the Democratic nomination have advocated a cap on troops, the Iowa Democrat said that represents staying the course rather than real change. As president, he would withdraw the troops and force Iraqis to take charge, he said.
"Congress has the constitutional responsibility and a moral obligation to do it now," Vilsack said, to cheers, in a clear shot at opponents such as Sen. Hillary Clinton of New York, who said Friday that there aren't the votes in Congress for a speedy pullout.
"Those who voted for the war, those who voted to continue to support the war, those who voted to continue funding the war, can surely vote to stop the war," Vilsack said. "As an insider, it's difficult to effect change. ... As an outsider, we can change things. ... We win as outsiders."
Hear, hear, Governor.
There is no other way to force the end of this war than for the members of this Congress to recognize that they have a responsibility to oppose this president and oppose this war. The only way it ends is by cutting off funds. This administration will block all other efforts. The ultimate power the Congress has vis-a-vis the president is the power of the purse. When has there ever been a more critical time to use it?
H/T to first-time diarist KingRooRoo.
Update:
From ABC News:
"Congress has the constitutional responsibility and a moral duty to cut off funding for the status quo," said Vilsack. "Not a cap — an end. Not eventually — immediately."