Voice of Leadership - UPDATED

Democratic Congressman John Murtha, one of the strongest Democratic supporters of the war and a widely respected figure, gave a press conference Thursday condemning the running of the war and demanding immediate redeployment:

The war in Iraq is not going as advertised. It is a flawed policy wrapped in illusion. The American public is way ahead of us. The United States and coalition troops have done all they can in Iraq, but it is time for a change in direction. Our military is suffering. The future of our country is at risk. We cannot continue on the present course. It is evident that continued military action is not in the best interests of the United States of America, the Iraqi people or the Persian Gulf Region.
...
Our military has done everything that has been asked of them, the U.S. can not accomplish anything further in Iraq militarily. It is time to bring them home.

(Full thoughtful and spot-on transcript here, Reuters story here)

So, how does the White House debate respectfully with a former strong supporter of their policies? From the White House site:

Congressman Murtha is a respected veteran and politician who has a record of supporting a strong America. So it is baffling that he is endorsing the policy positions of Michael Moore and the extreme liberal wing of the Democratic party. The eve of an historic democratic election in Iraq is not the time to surrender to the terrorists. After seeing his statement, we remain baffled -- nowhere does he explain how retreating from Iraq makes America safer.

Michael Moore? These people are imploding. Your fear tricks aren't working anymore! This is too important to continue to talk this way.


Update: Murtha-Fuckin ROCK God! From the LA Times:

Asked about Bush's and Vice President Dick Cheney's recent attacks on Democrats who have questioned whether the administration misused intelligence in making the case for invading Iraq, Murtha sarcastically noted that neither man had been in combat.

"I like guys who've never been there that criticize us who've been there," he said. "I like that."

Referring specifically to Cheney, he said: "I like guys who got five deferments [during the Vietnam War era] and have never been there and send people to war, and then don't like to hear suggestions about what needs to be done."

...hold on, hold on..Representative Jim Leach, Republican from Iowa? You had something to add?

"John is one of the most respected members of the body and certainly the most respected member of the Democratic Party on national security matters, so judgments of his should never be taken lightly," said Rep. Jim Leach (R-Iowa).

Hear that, white house? Hear that Scotty M? STFU. The adults are talking now.