GOPers See 'Great Opportunity' For Afghanistan War Skeptic In 2012

[unhappycamper]

GOPers See 'Great Opportunity' For Afghanistan War Skeptic In 2012
Amanda Terkel
[e-mail] | HuffPost Reporting
First Posted: 12-10-10 12:41 PM | Updated: 12-10-10 12:42 PM

WASHINGTON -- In what promises to be a crowded field of Republican presidential candidates, there is a growing sense that a 2012 contender could distinguish himself or herself by giving voice to the skepticism many in the party feel about the Afghanistan war. It may not in the end be a recipe for victory -- more a gateway to a somewhat-isolationist segment of the base that prizes "truth-telling" on foreign policy matters. But if the 2008 presidential race was any indication, there's a brewing anti-Afghanistan war sentiment within the conservative movement that a candidate could capitalize on.

"There's a great opportunity for a Republican to distinguish themselves by taking a strong position on bringing the troops home from Afghanistan," said Rep. Jason Chaffetz (R-Utah), a strong critic of the war who has advocated -- and voted for -- redeployment. "It's a very conservative position. It will unite the right and the left, and it would certainly play well to independents."

Chaffetz isn't alone in his party, but he is in the minority -- at least of those who are willing to speak up. In July, Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele suggested that the United States should reduce its role in the war. He learned the price of breaking with party orthodoxy and retracted his comments after being criticized by the members of the party who firmly back the U.S. effort in Afghanistan.

George Will, someone whose conservative bona fides are a bit more well-regarded than Steele's, gave voice to this silent minority in September, when he wrote a column titled, "Time for the U.S. to Get Out of Afghanistan." Other Republicans who have become skeptical of the war effort include Ann Coulter, Joe Scarborough, Sen. Bob Corker (Tenn.) and Rep. Dana Rohrabacher (Calif.).

In the 2008 presidential race, Rep. Ron Paul (R-Tex.) became a bit of a phenomenon, capturing more financial support and excitement than anyone expected. He was known for his libertarian streak, criticism of the Federal Reserve, and harsh criticism of the war in Afghanistan. In fact, he goes even further than many Democrats and is a non-interventionist who also opposed the Iraq invasion.



unhappycamper comment: Dear President Obama,

Even the GOP is beginning to realize the folly of Afghanistan. The Brits tried occupation twice and failed. Prior to this US adventure, the Soviet Union collapsed after nine years there. The last person to conquer Afghanistan was Genghis Khan in 1219.

So far the United States has spent around a trillion dollars in Afghanistan if you count American boots on the ground, all the contractors we pay in Afghanistan, all the bribes we are paying warlords, and the fact that the United States is paying NATO for 70% of the costs of this occupation.

Afghanistan is a money pit, Mr. President. We get absolutely nothing from this occupation other than some mighty fancy toys you are supplying the military with. Our children go to bed hungry, Americans are going homeless every day, the national infrastructure is crumbling, and there are few good paying jobs for Americans in America.

Please step up to the plate, Sir, and stop this nonsense.


unhappycamper

[Donyellathon]

1. Sorry but I don't trust any Repug

It will take a Democrat to end these wars

[SpiralHawk]

2. "We republicons were sooo stupid to start this war." - Republicons

"But then again, we are republicons and so we do lots and lots of stupid things. Why don't you voters join us on the Stupid Side and vote for us again?"

- Republicons