Joe Biden's comments on US strike and killing of Qassem Soleimani

[peggysue2]

Link to tweet

This is right in Joe Biden's wheelhouse. Biden is right to point out that the unintended consequences of this action could be explosive. For the entire region and beyond. Including the United States.

Trump may have thought this was an ideal distraction from his impeachment/criminal woes as well as payback: you hit me, I hit you back 10x harder. Only schoolyard bullies have no place on the world stage because the consequences of thoughtless action can be catastrophic. For everyone.

Donald Trump may have inadvertently just handed Joe Biden the White House. Because no one is looking to start WWIII and the Democratic candidate most solidly rooted in foreign affairs, diplomacy and geopolitics is the former Vice President.

Incredibly dangerous moment.

[highplainsdem]

1. Thanks for the link! Very good statement from Biden.

[peggysue2]

5. I agree, highplainsdem

Very sober and thoughtful, like the statesman Biden is.

Presidential.

[SuprstitionAintthWay]

97. I was struck reading today how after ISIS took Mosul it started towards Erbil

and Kirkuk, the Kurdish Iraqi capital and half-Kurdish 2nd city.

How it wasn't the floundering Baghdad government, or the U.S. Army, who stepped into the breach between the surging Islamic State and Kurdistan. It was Iranian Gen. Suliemani and Shiite militias under his control. I knew he was the Big Dog in Iraq. But I didnt know he'd rescued our allies the Pesh Merga too.

Why would he do that? Because ISIS = Sunni. Suliemani = Iranian Shiite general in Iraq to defend the newly Shiite-controlled Baghdad govt -- and Iran's ascendant influence over it. If ISIS rolled over Kurdistan, they'd be harder to stop when they pressed on to Baghdad.

I remember Joe Biden in 2003 or 2004 arguing that we probably should help Iraqi Kurdistan become an independent Western-leaning nation, that they deserved it and would be a reliable U.S. ally. That made a lot of sense to me then. Yes the Ayatollah, the new Baghdad govt, Assad in Syria, and Erdogan in Turkey, would all object. But screw'em. An independent Kirdiatan still makes a lot of sense to me now. I suspect Biden was right, that his instincts were correct.

I think of how much better off the U.S. would likely be now if an independent Kurdish nation existed in the former NE Iraq today. Our interests and influence in the region would be more secure. How even Trump would've been unlikely to betray an independent nation of Kurdistan. And how if a pro-Iranian Baghdad govt wanted us out, like they might decide this weekend, how we'd still have a friendly base of operations, in Kurdistan.

[Hoyt]

2. Excellent response.

[onetexan]

50. Ditto, & o e only candidate Biden could give given his wxtemsive foreign policy experience

I've yet to see one from any of the others.

[FBaggins]

3. Seems like just the right response given what we know

Hopefully, we'll know more soon.

[braddy]

4. Release our plans and strategy for our defenses of our military, embassies, people and allies?

I don't think we need to declassify all that for Iran just yet.

[highplainsdem]

6. It's clear Biden's asking for an overview, not a declassification of specific plans.

He wants some indication Trump and his people have some idea what they're doing. This is important, to reassure both our military and the civilian population. And our allies as well.

[braddy]

7. An overview of our plans for everything is hopefully classified, all we can say is that we are

prepared for whatever Iran throws at us, whatever that will be.

[Demsrule86]

9. War with Iran is nuts nuts and nuts. Fuck warmonger Trump.

[UniteFightBack]

15. What a joke...'prepared'....when the corrupt in chief needs picture books and still can't get shit.

"Prepared" when this dotard dump cares more about receiving a portfolio of glowing news reports, effusive tweets and glamour shots of himself.

There is a reason why we have not killed this prick before.

[enid602]

30. prepared?

How can we be 'prepared' to engage militarily with any country when we're running a $1.5Trillion deficit this year? When the Fed has already bought 2 trillion in TBills this year alone because no one else will? When we're set to have soaring SS, Medicare and Medicaid layouts due to retiring baby boomers?

[Demsrule86]

39. ++++10000000000

[boomer_wv]

17. Sorry, but

Trump saying "It's all fine, trust me." doesn't cut it on this one.

[braddy]

19. A version of that is all any CoC can say, you won't get our strategy and military plans released.

[Lexee]

23. Really, you are just faux arguing this, right?

[Demsrule86]

38. Who knows?

[Demsrule86]

37. Yeah ok...Trump is the poster child for a big mouthed brainless

Asshat...he will be telling all to Putin for sure.

[Demsrule86]

65. That is bullshit. Trump is not capable of waging any war and those around him

are as crazy as he is. This is all about taking a shot at Biden on your part and it won't work

[Kaiserguy]

96. With Trump there is no plan

Never has been never will be. He does what Putin wants. He talked to Putin and a couple days later this happens. Like always Trump will lie about this.

[Harker]

8. Yes.

A sane, measured statement of circumstances would be helpful.

That may be asking far too much, though.

[Demsrule86]

66. Sane? That is not possible.

[Demsrule86]

10. Oh please like fucking Trump has a plan...loser war from white house loser a Trumpian

Bullshit wag the dog move. I will not support this war period... don't fucking care,

[UniteFightBack]

16. +1000

[Demsrule86]

22. I will not be suckered into supporting another war where poor kids fight for

dicks like Trump. I like others gave Bush the benefit of the doubt after we were attacked and that was stupid of me...never again. The GOP FUCKS ARE WARMONGERING PIECES OF CRAP. I do not support this war or any war.

[Joe941]

13. Exactly. Biden should not be recommending we tell Iran our plans...

He admitted himself he is not privy to the Intel. I'm not sure Biden is saying anything that is not obvious to everyone.

[braddy]

18. Here is an interesting claim emerging from Al Arabiya, that U.S. Marines have captured

Iraq militia leaders Qais al-Khazali, the leader of the militant group Asaeb Ahl al-Haq, and Hadi al-Ameri, commander of the Iranian-affiliated Badr Corps in Baghdad's Iraqi capital.
https://farsi.alarabiya.net/

Don't know if this will pan out, but their are rumors of bad guy leaders being captured by Americans.

[Demsrule86]

25. What a ridiculous statement... Biden said no such thing.

[Demsrule86]

31. We are in a war and you think it is time to bash Biden over a very

good statement...not a good ... Has your candidate said anything?

[Joe941]

32. I haven't heard a statement from Bernie yet.

[Demsrule86]

35. Ah...well he will put one out I am sure. This is a very serious moment. Kids will come

home in body bags thanks to fucking Trump starting another useless God damned war. We could use nukes as Trump has said if you have them why not use them. This is what I feared would happen.

[Lexee]

42. You need Sanders to direct you? What does Sanders putting out a statement have to do with

Biden's address? I am confused why you need a statement from Sanders to have a discussion about what is up.

[Haggis for Breakfast]

93. Exactly.

The LAST person I want to hear from right now is Bernie Fucking Sanders.

[Demsrule86]

34. So you support Trumps war? I hope not. Must have misunderstood.

[Joe941]

53. We shall see what Bernie says...

[LanternWaste]

59. naturally, many will reserve opinion until sacred cows instruct otherwise.

[Demsrule86]

62. Honesrly, i have very little interest in what Sen Sandsrs has to say

about this. We could have president Clinton and no war at this moment.

[Joe941]

73. We tried going anti Bernie in 2016 and look at where we are now - on the brink of war.

Lets not repeat history. Bernie will stop the wars.

[WA-03 Democrat]

76. Let us not

Repeat history. Bernie’s chance was 2016. His campaign is the same but divided by Warren. He will stop what wars and how? Click his heels? He is our side’s populist.

Yes the booing from the Bernie Bros on the Democratic Convention floor was so anti-Bernie.

[Demsrule86]

82. Any Democrat is now thinking what if Hillary had won the general...not helpful to a candidate

who has Stein voters as members of his campaign.

[Joe941]

83. Bernie is putting together an unstoppable coalition of supporters.

All are welcome to join.

[Demsrule86]

84. I will never vote for Sanders in a primary only a general. And the polls sure don't show him as

being unstoppable...just the opposite.

[Joe941]

85. Thats ok... We all will be voting for him in the general.

[Demsrule86]

88. Fair enough we all have our favorites...may the best man/woman win.

[Haggis for Breakfast]

94. I want some of whatever you're smoking.

What is that ? CIA stash ?

[Demsrule86]

81. I won't vote for Sanders in the primary. I don't think he will win a general

but I would of course vote for him if he did...but in the primary never. As for repeating history...I wouldn't go there if I were you. I personally will never get over losing the general in 16.

'Let's not repeat history'? What exactly does that mean. It feels sort of like a threat.

[phleshdef]

68. Such a phony ass argument. You know damn good and well that isn't what he said or implied.

Not even close, not even a little bit.

Cut the shit.

[Lexee]

14. We are pretty sure that is not what Biden is talking about. This is more than just one man

doing whatever Trump wants.

[herding cats]

40. A) That's not what he said. Even remotely.

B) This very much resembles things I heard/read leading up to the Iraq war about Bush. There were vast arguments from the right that we didn't deserve to know more because it would compromise the "mission." How'd that work out for us so far?

We're better than that. We do deserve rationalization and what an actual viable end goal is here. Not hyperbole and manufactured drama because, "America knows best." Pro tip: history seems to say otherwise.

This is a powder keg setting next to a growing fire and there are no cool minds in power to tend it that I'm aware of here.

[braddy]

41. What sort of military and strategic details would cover all that was required in that statement

that wouldn't give information to the terrorists and Iranian military? All an administration can say is something bland and meaningless that basically amounts to 'everything is under control, we are prepared, etc., blah, blah, blah.'

[herding cats]

43. Speaking to the people of the world about the ultimate goal here is not giving away...

Military strategy.

Think here. Being open about an ultimate goal isn't spilling secrets and we're all about to be wrapped up in this mess. Do we want to go into a war in which Russia, and quite possibly China will be siding against us before it's over? Are our leaders even thinking that far ahead? I'm sure the rest of the world leaders are.

[braddy]

54. Read the statement.

[still_one]

52. It isn't about making intelligence public, its about NOT consulting Congress about this

[LanternWaste]

60. Unsurprising you infer his statement incorrectly.

As you instruct other, allow me the same to you... read the entire statement.

[IronLionZion]

11. Maybe Tulsi Gabbard will vote present

since she's been campaigning as the anti-war candidate. And Trump is trying to start a war.

Good statement by Biden. Soleimani was a bad guy, just like Saddam. But there are consequences that I'm not convinced this administration understands or prepared for. They just think it will help their reelection chances.

[Lexee]

12. Solid.

[KY_EnviroGuy]

20. Here's a graphic of VP Biden's statement.....

----------------------------

Perhaps a bit easier to read for us older folks........

Good summary reaction with proper diplomacy and context from VP Joe.......

[peggysue2]

26. Thanks for that, EnviroGuy

Also good for those who can't bring up the tweet I posted. And this statement is something people should read and think about.

Personally, this whole thing makes me exceedingly nervous because of how quickly these things can spin out of control. If we had someone competent at the helm it would be one thing. I'd still think it was a very bad move. But instead we have a maniac at the wheel who has questioned why we haven't used all those nuclear bombs we have. And the GOP from reports is celebrating the kill, beating their chests and dreaming of war (I guess). They may soon get their wish.

God help us all.

[KY_EnviroGuy]

47. Agree. I fear all the adults have left the room or have been fired.....

with only narcissistic spoiled children running the show. It is very frightening. We see weekly news of more of competent, experienced people leaving.

Every time a read a statement out of a Trump admin. official, it's mainly to boost Trump's political standing, is never negative and one can tell they are fearful of crossing his primary team of people.

Reeks of fascism to me......

I am very hopeful our allies speak up with strong condemnation of this series of Trump-initiated events.

[SCVDem]

21. That is what a real President sounds like.

Do we really need to read trumps bullshit tweets ?

Put a parachute, (or not), on the orange ass and eject him over Tehran!

Lead the way, asshole! You killed the Archduke!

[peggysue2]

27. LOL!!

Put a parachute, (or not), on the orange ass and eject him over Tehran!


What an excellent idea! He can get his Rambo on, make like all those pictures his fans so-o-o-o love.

Gotta laugh to keep from crying!

Yup. The Archduke is dead and the next shoe is about to drop. Let's hope this isn't history repeating itself.

[oasis]

24. ImWithJoe

[malchickiwick]

28. Why does this statement capitalize "Administration"? A friend wants to know. (n/t)

Last edited Fri Jan 3, 2020, 02:48 AM - Edit history (1)

[Demsrule86]

29. What? Who cares.

[malchickiwick]

44. Because Trump also has issues with capitalization, and I'm concerned about the dumbing down ...

of the Republic.

[UniteFightBack]

49. I thought it was your friend who wanted to know.

[TidalWave46]

55. Should have stuck with...

“Asking for a friend.”

[Demsrule86]

64. Seriously at the this moment some think attacking Biden for puncuation is the way to go?

Some have misplaced priorities.

[Demsrule86]

63. Really... your concern about puncuation is noted.

Personally I am more interested in the fact we have a deranged impeached monster as president who has just caused a war...one who thinks nukes should be used if you have them.

[phleshdef]

71. No you aren't.

[The Valley Below]

33. Because it is a proper noun and there are rules of grammar.

[malchickiwick]

45. No, it is not a proper noun in that context. Sorry. Copy editors need work too.

[The Valley Below]

48. Wrong. It is a proper noun in that context.

[former9thward]

57. It is a specific administration.

It is a proper noun and should be capitalized.

[Demsrule86]

75. Are you a copy editor? Asking for a friend.

[LongtimeAZDem]

72. From the Government Printing Office Style Guide:

Administration, with name; capitalized standing alone if Federal unit

Given the number of written statements from Biden to various administrations over the decades, I'll defer to his usage, even if the current proper usage can be argued.

On the other hand, what the actual fuck? Are people so hard-up to criticize Biden as to grammar-Nazi something like this?

Please excuse my language.

[Demsrule86]

74. The answer is yes. Attacking Biden is their priority.

[ffr]

36. tRump plays 3 dimension chess, if you listen to the Cult45s

We should be fine.

[SCVDem]

46. Amazing, since even closing

an umbrella is too complicated and he has a hissy!

[ffr]

87. .

[gab13by13]

51. Good response Joe,

and saying that Joe wants to give away our military strategy made me laugh out loud. Our military strategy is what Putin tells Trump to do. We should be asking Putin what his strategy is for us. Putin doesn't want a US/Iran war, he is allied with Iran. Putin wants another US/Iraq war between the US and Iraqi Shias, After all we are allied with the Sunni Wahabbis in Saudi Arabia. We do have soldiers protecting Saudi oil fields. I'm afraid the poor people of Iraq are in for some more rat f...ing.

[brer cat]

56. Good statement.

K&R

[yellowwoodII]

58. Frankly, I don't think it's a great statement;

Biden leads by criticizing Soleimani. Whether or not Soleimani deserved to die is not the point. The point is that Trump has carried out a war-mongering act without authorization from Congress.

The criticism of Soleimani takes me back to our rush into war with Iraq because Saddam Hussein was so evil. Well. we can see how that's turned out.

It also takes me back to remembering that Biden voted for the Iraq War.

[Demsrule86]

67. That is why it is a great statement.

[phleshdef]

70. And Warren basically said the same thing. That poster probably didn't bother to check first.

Link to tweet

[peggysue2]

77. That's a solid statement from Elizabeth Warren

Soleimani was not a good guy; he had plenty of blood on his hands. There's absolutely nothing wrong in pointing that out. But . . . an action like this has consequences that many of us (including Joe Biden and Elizabeth Warren) seriously doubt that Trump and his lackey crew have prepared for or have taken into consideration. Acting on impulse is not a strategy. As I mentioned in the OP, the schoolyard bully technique may be effective in the schoolyard but not on the world stage where things can go sideways very easily. Trump is an ignoramus, devoid of any historical/geopolitical knowledge. His only concern is his ego, looking like the tough guy. We're about to experience the blowback from that infantile perspective and the cheering warhawks in the GOP.

Good one on Warren! And Biden with his statement makes it clear that he fully understands the ramifications of a reckless Commander-in-Chief with a serious ego problem.

[phleshdef]

69. Anyone with half a brain would lead with that.

Link to tweet

Glad Joe and Liz both have half a brain.

[NYMinute]

61. A true statesman

Bravo Joe!!

[Gothmog]

78. Joe Biden is the only candidate with any foreign policy experience

Link to tweet

[peggysue2]

80. Yes!!!!

That fact has been true from the very start. Right now we're having a very real example of why foreign policy experience and geopolitical knowledge is important, even critical for the job of POTUS.

Just another reason why Biden is the best choice for 2020.

[nolabear]

86. Joe's reputation among sane foreign leaders gives me a little hope.

He had a son who served. He knows other world leaders and has had these discussions re the Middle East for years. He clearly wants to stop this tribal madness 45 has gotten us deeply into. I want to hear from the others what they will do to help us not capitulate but to engage our allies again in a system of intelligent governance when everything has a global impact.

[Gothmog]

89. Americans (and the world) need a Commander-in-chief ready on day one in the Situation Room

Link to tweet

[Scurrilous]

90. K&R

[Gothmog]

91. Joe Biden is the best qualified candidate to lead on these issues

Link to tweet

[ecstatic]

92. Better than Pete's statement

I like both statements, but Biden's is more succinct and to the point.

[Polybius]

95. Did he have to start it off like that?

His first three lines attacked a him. Crimes against American troops?