President Must Heed Election Results

The elections were a referendum on the Administration’s position on Iraq and the message is clear: we need a new direction. President Bush should start working with Congress on a bipartisan basis to set a new policy. Iraq is too important to be left to partisan politics. A new Congress will hold our leaders responsible for their decisions and play the role that our founding fathers intended it to play by acting as a check and balance on Presidential power instead of a rubber stamp. A new Congress will also mean a fresh new agenda including increased emphasis on reducing our dependence on foreign oil, combating terrorism, and curbing proliferation, as well as changing course in Iraq. But ultimately, it is the Commander and Chief’s responsibility to keep America secure and Congress’s job to work with him to achieve that goal, preferably in a bipartisan fashion.

Change Direction in Iraq. It is time to build a bipartisan consensus for a change of course in Iraq. We should look at all of the plans that are on the table including the findings of the Baker Hamilton Commission, the Gelb-Biden plan and the Levin-Reed Amendment endorsed by the Democratic leadership of both houses. Any plan should include a phased redeployment of U.S. troops, incentives for the Iraqis to make the hard compromises necessary to bring their country together and an international conference to build support for Iraq’s transition.

Combat Terrorism. Finish our fight in Afghanistan and increase our capabilities to fight terrorism and confront its underlying causes.

Reduce U.S. Dependence on Foreign Energy. America needs a new energy strategy that will reduce dependence on foreign oil and natural gas, confront the threat posed by climate change, and protect vital energy infrastructure.

Strengthen our Military. We must revitalize our military and National Guard, and make the needed investments in equipment and manpower. Guarantee the pay, health care, and other rights of our troops, veterans, and military families.

Expand Democracy and Human Rights. Championing elections is not enough American foreign policy must consistently invest in civil society, good governance and the establishment of sustainable democratic institutions.

Restrain Iran and North Korea. Use all available tools, especially diplomatic and economic, to demonstrate to Iran and North Korea that they cannot and should not try to secure their future through the acquisition and development of nuclear weapons.