Senator Reid released a letter in response to Bush's speech:
Four years into what has become a civil war in Iraq, military leaders and the nation agree: the time has come to transition our military mission, responsibly redeploy our troops, and end our open-ended commitment. As Americans await President Bush's announcement of a plan for Iraq tonight, they do so having already heard many promises. Here are some of the things Americans have heard him say in past prime time addresses.
The Senator then goes on to list the following:
'We're approaching a new year, and there are certain things all Americans can expect to see ... [A]s these achievements come, it should require fewer American troops to accomplish our mission.' [White House, 12/18/05]
'I will make decisions on troop levels based on the progress we see on the ground and the advice of our military leaders -- not based on artificial timetables set by politicians in Washington. Our forces in Iraq are on the road to victory -- and that is the road that will take them home' [White House, 12/18/05]
'Not only can we win the war in Iraq, we are winning the war in Iraq.' [White House, 12/18/2005]
'Sending more Americans would undermine our strategy of encouraging Iraqis to take the lead in this fight. And sending more Americans would suggest that we intend to stay forever, when we are, in fact, working for the day when Iraq can defend itself and we can leave. As we determine the right force level, our troops can know that I will continue to be guided by the advice that matters: the sober judgment of our military leaders' [White House, 6/28/2005]
'Our strategy can be summed up this way: As the Iraqis stand up, we will stand down.' [White House, 6/28/2005]
'Given the recent increase in violence, we'll maintain our troop level at the current 138,000 as long as necessary. This has required extended duty for the 1st Armored Division and the 2nd Light Cavalry Regiment -- 20,000 men and women who were scheduled to leave Iraq in April. Our nation appreciates their hard work and sacrifice, and they can know that they will be heading home soon.' [White House, 5/24/04]
'The nation of Iraq is moving toward self-rule, and Iraqis and Americans will see evidence in the months to come.' [White House, 4/13/04]
'It's not a civil war; it's not a popular uprising. Most of Iraq is relatively stable.' [White House, 4/13/2004]
'Our mission is clear in Iraq. Should we have to go in, our mission is very clear: disarmament. And in order to disarm, it would mean regime change. I'm confident we'll be able to achieve that objective, in a way that minimizes the loss of life. . . But it's very clear what we intend to do. And our mission won't change. Our mission is precisely what I just stated. We have got a plan that will achieve that mission, should we need to send forces in.' [White House, 3/6/2003]
Bush hasn't been right yet. Why does he think anyone would believe or trust him now.