'Baghdad Jim' McDermott in Baghdad, 2002, as never seen before

US Rep. Jim McDermott (D-WA) authorizes the following release, in conjunction with a screening of the prizewinning "Iraq in Fragments":

SPECIAL FEATURE:  The Original McDermott Iraq Interview

A videotape of my original Iraq interview - taped in Baghdad, four years ago, prior to the commencement of the Iraq War, will be played before the film.  

James Longley taped the interview in September of  2002.  He has searched through his film archive to provide the interview film to us.  The film of the Baghdad interview has never before been seen.  Only a portion of this film interview prompted the Senate GOP Majority Leader (Trent Lott) to suggest that I come home and "shut up."

Never-released footage from Rep. McDermott's Sept. 2002 mission to Baghdad, at this special event Oct. 22, 7-10pm. Full announcement from Jim below the fold.

"Questioning the veracity of our own American President is the height of irresponsible.  He (McDermott) needs to come home and keep his mouth shut."
Senator Trent Lott
Republican Senate Majority Leader
September 30, 2002

What was the fuss all about?  

You remember. . .  I took a trip to Baghdad in late September 2002.   I suggested the Administration would be willing to mislead the American public.  People were shocked then. . . less so today.

I invite you to join me at a fundraising event to benefit my Legal Expense Trust.  The special event will feature:

FEATURE PROGRAM:  An exclusive preview screening of the award winning film

"Iraq in Fragments"
Film website:  www.iraqinfragments.com

"Iraq in Fragments" is a sobering, first-hand look at daily life in Iraq since the U.S. Invasion.  The acclaimed film won Best Documentary Director, Best Editing, and Best Cinematography awards at the 2006 prestigious Sundance Film Festival.  

James Longley, the film's award-winning director, and the film's producer, John Sinno, will join me at a reception following the film.

SPECIAL FEATURE:  The Original McDermott Iraq Interview

A videotape of my original Iraq interview - taped in Baghdad, four years ago, prior to the commencement of the Iraq War, will be played before the film.  

James Longley taped the interview in September of  2002.  He has searched through his film archive to provide the interview film to us.  The film of the Baghdad interview has never before been seen.  Only a portion of this film interview prompted the Senate GOP Majority Leader (Trent Lott) to suggest that I come home and "shut up."      

Please join me; the "Iraq in Fragments" director, John Longley; and the event sponsors, Artists for Jim McDermott, for this special event and reception:

Sunday, October 22, 2006
MOHAI Theater (in Montlake)
2700 24th Avenue East
Seattle, WA

Limited Seating - $35.00 Tickets
For ticketing information and reservations click here.

You may also call the event ticketing number to reserve your tickets:
  1-800-838-3006

For additional event information:  [phone]
e-mail contact:  [e-mail]

(IMPORTANT:  Tickets are available on a first-come first-served basis.  It is important that you act now to reserve your tickets)