Smith Says Hagel Doesn't Want Success In Iraq

Tonights post is a special report on a coversation I had today with Adrian Smith. He was in Grand Island to officially open his Grand Island field office. I managed to ask a couple of questions. The conversation only lasted about 3 1/2 minutes, but it was recorded with Smith's full knowledge. This is my official report:

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Congressman Adrian Smith back tracks on some Iraq statements, but says Senator Hagel does not want success in Iraq.

GRAND ISLAND, NE - Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) was in Grand Island on Friday, February 23, 2007, opening up one of his two field offices in the state.

During the open house, Smith was asked about a statement he made, which was reported in the Scottsbluff Star-Herald and by KNEB radio earlier in the month.

In those reports, Smith made several statements in opposition of the House's non-binding resolution, and his support of the President's plan to increase the troop levels in Iraq. He was quoted as saying, "The most negative voices are the ones most heavily tied to political motives. A lot of people don't want to hear about our successes in Iraq because it doesn't fit their political agenda."

Senator Chuck Hagel has been vocal in his opposition of the ongoing situation in Iraq, calling it a "meatgrinder", and has co-authored a Senate version of the non-binding resolution, which is presently stalled.

Smith was asked if he included Senator Hagel in the group of people that he said didn't want to hear about success Iraq, and if he felt it was part of the Senator's political agenda.

Smith initially stated that he couldn't speak for Hagel, but that "Senator Hagel and I disagree on the issue." When he was pressed further on the matter, Smith said, "I don't attack those with whom I disagree". When Smith was informed that his statement was an attack, and the question was once again asked, Smith said, "Did I include Senator Hagel? Yes, I guess for that purpose."

Smith was further questioned on his repeated statements that the debate on the President's policy "emboldens" the enemy.

According to the Washington Post, during a hearing on February 7, 2007 before the House Armed Services Committee, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Marine General Peter Pace, was asked his thoughts about ongoing debates. He testified, "There's no doubt in my mind that the dialogue here in Washington strengthens our democracy. Period." He further added that while some enemies "may take some comfort from the rancor", he said they "don't have a clue how democracy works."

Smith was asked if he agreed with General Pace. He stated, "It does strengthen our democracy.....I agree with them. Debate is good, I'm not afraid of a debate." When asked a follow up again on his statements that those speaking against the President's Policy embolden the enemy, he said, "That's part of it, too."

When asked if his positions are also saying that other's shouldn't speak against the President's policy, he avoided the question, and stated, "Our troops are fighting, are in harms way to protect the freedoms of those wishing to speak against this war."

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Click here to download and listen to the interview with Adrian Smith.


Transcript of the interview:


LISA: The first question I have here is....first of all, you've been vocal in your opposition of the non-binding resolution and your support of the President's plan to increase the troop levels in Iraq. In the Scottbluff Star-Herald and on the KNEB website, you were quoted as saying: "The most negative voices are the ones most heavily tied to political motives. A lot of people don't want to hear about our successes in Iraq because it doesn't fit their political agenda."

Nebraska Senator Chuck Hagel's been a very vocal...has been very vocal in his opposition of the ongoing situation in Iraq, calling it a "meatgrinder", and has co-authored a Senate version of the non-binding resolution. He is one of several Republicans siding with the Democrats on this issue. With that in mind, when you made your comment, did you include Senator Hagel in that group of people that don't want to hear about our success in Iraq? Do you believe it is part of his political agenda?

SMITH: I...I can't speak for him.

LISA: I'm asking what you stated.

SMITH: Senator Hagel and I disagree on the issue. ("hi there, how are you" - to person entering).

LISA: But when you made that statement, did you include him in that statement since he matches the group you were talking about.

SMITH: That would be up to you to decide that.

LISA: No, I'm asking you.

SMITH: Why...what...I mean...he and I disagree on the issue.

LISA: Okay....but when you said that you...basically, it sounded like you were saying that....

SMITH: Listen....I don't attack those with whom I disagree....I mean...if...

LISA: That's an attack.

SMITH: How...I mean that...go ahead....keep going.

LISA: So you don't want to answer the question?

SMITH: Of which.

LISA: The one I just asked. Because you didn't answer the question.

SMITH: Did I include Senator Hagel? Yes, I guess for that purpose.....he and I disagree on that and I think it's unfortunate.

LISA: And so you.....okay......alright....and then the next one is you have stated many times that the ongoing debate against the President's policy in Iraq "emboldens" the enemy and hurts troop morale.

(unintelligible - Adrian greeting another couple of people)

LISA: During the hearing on February 7th before the House Armed Services Committee, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Marine General Peter Pace, was asked his thoughts about ongoing debates. He testified, quote, "There's no doubt in my mind that the dialogue here in Washington strengthens our democracy. Period." He further added....

SMITH: And then he went on to say that it wouldn't hurt the morale of the troops.

LISA: He further added that while some enemies "make take some comfort in....from the rancor", and he said they "don't have a clue how democracy works." Do you agree with General Pace's opinion on this matter?

SMITH: On...that it....on..on that last part, say it again.

LISA: The whole statement. That "there's no doubt in my mind that the dialogue here in Washington strengthens our democracy period."

SMITH: It does strengthen our democracy.

LISA: ....and while some may take comfort from the rancor, he said they don't have a clue how democracy works. Do you agree with those statements?

SMITH: I agree with them. Debate is good, I'm not afraid of a debate.

LISA: Okay. So when you're saying that when people are speaking against the policy, or against the President's policy, you say it emboldens the enemy?

SMITH: That's part of it, too.

LISA: Isn't that also saying they shouldn't speak against it?

SMITH: No..they have the.......Our troops are fighting, are in harms way to protect the freedoms of those wishing to speak against....

LISA: Nobody questions that. Nobody questions that.

SMITH: Yeah, just add that.

LISA: Okay.