RALEIGH—General David Petraeus and Ambassador Ryan Crocker appeared before Congress today to report on the current environment in Iraq and the progress achieved through the surge strategy.

During His Last Appearance Before The Senate Armed Services Committee, Sen. Clinton Told Gen. Petraeus His Testimony Required The "Willing Suspension Of Disbelief":

Sen. Clinton: "[I] think that the reports that you provide to us really require the willing suspension of disbelief." (Committee On The Armed Services, U.S. Senate, Hearing, 9/11/07)

Obama Seemed Disinterested In The Testimony Of Gen. Petraeus And Ambassador To Iraq Ryan Crocker:

Obama Chewed Gum And Read A Campaign Memo During Gen. Petraeus And Ambassador Crocker's Assessment Of The Situation In Iraq. "Presidential politics are never far from the congressional debate on Iraq. As Gen. David Petraeus testified before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee yesterday, the two merged into a seamless whole. Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.), a presidential contender, took his seat on the dais in the Hart Senate Office Building, popped a piece of Nicorette gum into his mouth, opened a green folder and began reading a memo..." (Dana Milbank, "Enough About Iraq -- Let's Talk About Me," The Washington Post, 9/12/07)

• Obama's One Question For Gen. Petraeus And Crocker Had Already Been Asked. "Petraeus never got to answer Obama's 266-word question. Rushed at the end, Obama asked about benchmarks not met. Crocker said, 'Senator, I described for Senator Sununu a little bit ago some of the things that I think are going to be very important as we move ahead.'" (Lynn Sweet, "At Iraq Hearing, Long-Winded Obama Barely Manages To Ask A Question," Chicago Sun-Times, 9/12/07)

Chairman Linda Daves, North Carolina Republican Party, made the following statement:

“I sincerely hope that Senators Clinton and Obama will listen to and heed the words of General Petraeus and Ambassador Crocker today.  The disrespect that the Democrat candidates showed General Petraeus in his last visit to Capitol Hill was an insult to our military commanders and those brave enough to wear a uniform.  Senators Clinton and Obama have in the past pledged to listen to the advice of our military commanders on the ground.  Today is their chance to make good on their pledge.  We do not need more armchair generals in Congress second-guessing our military experts.  Our next President must work closely with our military commanders in Iraq to achieve success.  Democrats would do well to take a day off from the campaign trail and not attempt to play politics with Gen. Petraeus’ testimony today.”

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