DEMOCRAT PRESIDENTIAL HOPEFULS DISRESPECT GENERAL

RALEIGH—While General Petraeus was testifying in the Senate about the progress of the surge in Iraq this week, two Democrat Presidential candidates were in attendance. 

Sen. Hillary Clinton Told Gen. Petraeus His Testimony Required the "Willing Suspension of Disbelief." 

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) 

Sen. 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) 

The two Democrats have also yet to condemn the ad placed in the New York Times by left-wing extremist group MoveOn.org attacking the credibility of General Petraeus by referring to him as “General Betray Us.”  In the past, both candidates have aligned themselves closely with MoveOn.org. 

Earlier This Year, Clinton and Obama Commended MoveOn.org at a Virtual Town Hall Meeting on Iraq:

Clinton Thanked MoveOn.org for Helping Change "The Face Of American Politics for The Better." Clinton: "I think you have helped to change the face of American politics for the better... both online, and in the corridors of power." (Sen. Hillary Clinton, MoveOn.org Virtual Town Hall Meeting on Iraq, 4/10/07)  

Obama Said He Was "Looking Forward To Being In A Partnership" With MoveOn.org. Obama: "I think we have an opportunity to begin the process of restoring America's image throughout the world, so I just am looking forward to being in a partnership with all of you in making that happen." (Sen. Barack Obama, MoveOn.org Virtual Town Hall Meeting on Iraq, 4/10/07)  

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

“Senator Clinton and Senator Obama may not agree with General Petraeus’ assessment of the progress in Iraq, but their rude and disrespectful attitude towards the General is inexcusable.  The liberal extremist group MoveOn.org proved it will sink to any depth this week as it engaged in a character assassination of a United States General and the two leading Democrat Presidential candidates raised no protest.  Disagreeing with the President’s policy for the War in Iraq is one thing, but attacking the Commander of Multinational Forces is another.  General Petraeus has dedicated his life and career to serving his country and protecting our freedoms.  He does not deserve the treatment he received from Democrat Senators and Presidential candidates this week.  The only thing that requires the ‘willing suspension of disbelief’ is the idea that these two Democrat candidates stand with our troops when they insult their commanding officer to his face and ally themselves with MoveOn.org.”

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