Both Edwards and Richardson say they will only leave troops to guard the embassy

[rodeodance]

in iraq. Edwards said this yesterday in a townhall speech in NH.
see below for Richardson.



Forum Name Veterans
Topic subject Richardson: Iraq can’t progress with troops there
Topic URL http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=259x5223#5223
5223, Richardson: Iraq can’t progress with troops there
Posted by unhappycamper on Sun Oct-14-07 05:48 AM

Richardson: Iraq can’t progress with troops there
By Philip Elliott - The Associated Press
Posted : Saturday Oct 13, 2007 9:18:50 EDT

BEDFORD, N.H. — Presidential hopeful Bill Richardson on Friday said his rivals can’t say they want to end the war in Iraq and then leave behind thousands of troops, a continuation of his challenge of better known Democratic candidates.

Any political reconciliation in Iraq is hopeless until all U.S. troops leave, said Richardson, who repeatedly has criticized any proposals to leave support troops there. He said he would leave U.S. Marines to guard an embassy.

“Taking our troops out is the only way I believe that we can forge a diplomatic solution and political compromise,” the New Mexico governor said. “The reason I believe we need to take all our troops out is because our kids have become targets. They’re caught in the crossfire between al-Qaida and the insurgents.”

Turning to anti-war sentiment to boost his campaign, Richardson has criticized Hillary Rodham Clinton, Barack Obama and John Edwards — his leading rivals for the presidential nomination — for plans to pull out combat troops from Iraq, but leave residual forces behind.

An Edwards spokeswoman said Edwards would end the war, despite Richardson’s rhetoric.

“As president, Edwards will end the war and throughout this campaign he has been calling on Congress to use their power to stand up to George Bush and refuse to pass a funding bill that does not include a timeline for withdrawal,” Kate Bedingfield said.


Rest of article at: http://www.armytimes.com/news/2007/10/ap_richardson_iraq_071013/

[mmonk]

1. The truth is,

a brgade or two is not the same as a marine embassy detail. Until Edwards quantifies his words on this issue, the controversy will remain.

[glowing]

2. Doesn't it kind of remain to be seen how many protective guard units

would be needed after pulling combat troops out of the way and setting up peace envoy's.. I believe they would be protecting these people too... And I love how he said a "way toooo big of an embassy".