McChrystal Talked With Obama Only Once

The Prof · Sep 28, 2009

1. General McChrystal told 60 Minutes yesterday that he has only spoken with President Obama ONCE since taking over command in Afghanistan.

2. Wow.

3. Obama has spent more time with LETTERMAN than he's given his hand picked general.

4. The president, since the campaign, certainly appears NOT to be very interested in this "right war," HIS chosen battlefield.

5. Despite record and growing numbers of deaths of US soldiers.

U.S. death toll in Afghanistan ties record

6. For all appearances the president is covering his rather large ears while loudly repeating, "I can't hear you, I can't hear you," so as to remain purposely uninformed of his generals' demands for new strategies and an increased commitment of troops.

7. We know that McChrystal on August 30 delivered to the White House an assessment direly direct in its determination of the commander's needs.

McChrystal: More Forces or 'Mission Failure'

8. And then the president rampaged the Sunday talks 3 weeks later, Septempter 20, to claim to all concerned that he was still awaiting word from his warriors, none of whom to date, he dissembled, had requested reinforcements.

9. We know these things because Bob Woodward exposed the president's prevarications the following morning, Monday, September 21, in the shape of The Post's publishing McChrystal's secret assessment.

washingtonpost.com

10. It is also painfully public how the president has pushed his people to put off reporting to him precisely what's happening in the operational platform because he doesn't not want to be boxed into any obligation to act.

Afghan Troop Request Simmers - WSJ.com

11. We know that McChrystal has urged alacrity, declaring that any delay in deciding must determine the doom of our undertaking in the area.

12. Indeed Buck McKeon, ranking Republican on Armed Services, averred aloud that Secretary Gates told him the president asked Petraeus and McChrystal to "scrub" clean their accounts for reasons already recounted.

13. Of course, the Penatagon's Press Secretary, Geoff Morrell, denied that the president pled for any such cleansing.

14. Secretary Gates is the guy, mumbled Morrell, who wanted all worries washed out.

15. LOL!

Report: Obama told Petraeus and McChrystal to "scrub" assessments | The Cable

16. Today, America learned that Obama has opted after all to depart for Denmark to deal for a Chicago-based Olympics.

It's official: Obama will travel to Denmark - 9/28/09 - Chicago News - abc7chicago.com

17. Even though 12 days ago the president pledged the precise opposite.

Obama pitches Olympics, but still not going to Denmark - Chicago Breaking News

18. But then, apparently, Oprah called, and who could turn down Oprah?

Oprah going to Copenhagen to pitch Chicago Olympics - Chicago Breaking News

19. These are terrible visuals, the prez promenading to Europe with Oprah on his arm while soldiers are being slaughtered in HIS war.

20. Politics is all about pictorials.

21. And the president's priorities appear misplaced.

22. Iran is increasing incendiary, health care's in ICU.

23. And Obama wings his way across the waters to work his wonders getting Games.

24. He's TRYING to get out of town.

25. What if the IOC says no?

The military general credited with capturing Saddam Hussein and killing the leader of al Qaeda in Iraq, Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, says he has spoken with President Obama only once since taking command in Afghanistan.

"I’ve talked to the president, since I’ve been here, once on a VTC [video teleconference]," Gen. Stanley McChrystal told CBS reporter David Martin in a television interview that aired Sunday.

"You’ve talked to him once in 70 days?" Mr. Martin followed up.

"That is correct," the general replied.

This revelation comes amid the explosive publication of an classified report written by the general that said the war in Afghanistan "will likely result in failure" if more troops are not added next year. Yet, the debate over health care reform continues to dominate Washington’s political discussions. On Monday, the White House announced President Obama would travel to Denmark to lobby the International Olympic Committee to select his hometown of Chicago for the 2016 summer games.

U.S. commander in Afghanistan talked with Obama only once - The Back Story - Washington Times

The Prof

apdst · Sep 28, 2009

You would think that someone that is actually trying to win a war would talk to his theater commander on a weekly basis, at the very least. But, hey, look who we're dealing with.

RedAkston · Sep 29, 2009

WOW! When I read the headline, I thought it was a misprint. Obama has talked to the commander just once in all this time? Is this the hope and change everyone voted for? It just keeps getting worse and worse with this administration.

obvious Child · Sep 29, 2009

Sounds like something Eisenhower would have done. Anyone remember him? Or is the hypocrisy showing again?

Since when did quantity supercede quality?

TOJ · Sep 29, 2009

Maybe if Prez Doofus wasn't so busy doing the Letterman show, promoting CHI for the Olympics, playing golf, acting like he thinks he is the Second Coming at the UN, etc, etc, he might have time to do some of the Commander-in-Chief stuff to try to win the Good War.

What's the rush in making a decision on an assessment made by the general he hand picked to run the Good War, even though that hand picked general did describe it as urgent?. Did I mention this is the general he hand picked to run the Good War?

A person does have to have priorities ya know. Not like anyone is actually dying while he fiddles around... Oh wait..... hmmm.

.

Oftencold · Sep 29, 2009

obvious Child said:
Sounds like something Eisenhower would have done. Anyone remember him? Or is the hypocrisy showing again?

Since when did quantity supercede quality?

Since your point is imaginary, irrelevant and obscure, then

Agent Ferris · Sep 29, 2009

obvious Child said:
Sounds like something Eisenhower would have done. Anyone remember him? Or is the hypocrisy showing again?

Since when did quantity supercede quality?

Um, Eisenhower was a general himself, in fact he was the Supreme Allied Commander, the idea that he would need further advice on war fighting efforts in Vietnam simply isn't the same thing as a two term state senator, a half a term federal Senator and a Harvard law professor not needing such advice. Not to mention that as POTUS only employed peace keeping forces in Lebanon and military advisers in Vietnam, he never had a war during his Presidency.

Charles Martel · Sep 29, 2009

Is this true? Are you kidding me?

Prof...please...tell me this is a big joke you're playing on everyone, did McChrystal really say that?

Hold on a second, I'm gonna search for a news story on this, my mind isn't allowing this information to process, Prof......yer just pulling legs here right?

McChrystal Says He's Talked With Obama Once Since Taking Afghanistan Command - Political News - FOXNews.com

It's startling," Sen. Judd Gregg, R-N.H., told FOX News.

Oh my God and just not omG, but Oh My God. Startling, Senator Gregg...is that your analysis? Cause, I'd say that's a tad bit of an understatement considering the policies and obvious priorities of 'our' President. Get serious Judd, this is an outrage and the American People need to remind the President why we sent him there.

McChrystal talked about his interaction with the president in an interview with CBS News.

"I've talked to the president since I've been here once on a (video teleconference)," he said.

And a teleconference doesn't sound like the two speaking alone, who knows with Obama.

"You talked to him once in 70 days?" CBS' David Martin asked.

"That's correct," McChrystal said.

For the love of God, People. Come on.

Other then the Obama apologists, who can objectively defend this. For Christ's sake, what in frickin he11 is he doing speaking to his Commander once by "teleconference", does he realize he is the actual Commander in Chief, does he actually understand those duties? And now he's gonna go back and "review" his strategy???:2mad: WTF is going on, Gentlemen, who have we elected into our highest office?

McChrystal, who warned in a recent assessment of the war in Afghanistan that the United States risks failure without more troops, submitted a request for more resources on Friday.

That's correct he did. And the decisions such as health care and stimulus and global warming are so critical and need to be pushed through or we will all perish in pain.......Afghainstan where actual men and women are dying...he needs to do a big fat redo. Well ain't that comforting?

But the White House says it will review the overall strategy in Afghanistan before addressing troop levels.

Review the overall strategy.....why weren't you on the phone daily concerning your first overall strategy..the one you sent McChrystal to achieve in the first place.

What in the world?

Prof, I apologize for doubting you...it's just....it's almost impossible to contemplate when you start to think about it...he's been at dinners and vacations...and dates with his wife..he's abroad making speeches, at the UN making more speeches, showing up on every late night and early morning news save for Fox, running off to promote Olympics, complaining about the Cambridge Police, and calling rap stars jackasses, it's obvious the man has the time, I just didn't believe my eyes when I read your thread starter. Sorry.

Joe1991 · Sep 29, 2009

The Prof said:
1. General McChrystal told 60 Minutes yesterday that he has only spoken with President Obama ONCE since taking over command in Afghanistan..

Yes, McChrystal was made General and moved up to Commander of Afghanistan Forces by this administration in June, so Obama is hardly playing politics with his generals.

Do you somehow think the President isn't briefed regularly by the joint chiefs and Defense Secretary Gates?

The Prof said:
7. We know that McChrystal on August 30 delivered to the White House an assessment direly direct in its determination of the commander's needs..

Yes, I would hope such a drastic change in policy would be weighed carefully by the commander by in chief, how long did Bush take to decide to try "the surge" in iraq?

The Prof said:
16. Today, America learned that Obama has opted after all to depart for Denmark to deal for a Chicago-based Olympics.

Shocking! can he walk and chew gum at the same time too?

The Prof said:
22. Iran is increasing incendiary, health care's in ICU.

And the President has worked well with our allies to agree on sending in inspectors.

The HC bills are being worked on in congress, so unless you want to appoint Obama dictator, he will have to work with the other branches of govt in getting legislation passed.

Charles Martel · Sep 29, 2009

Joe1991 said:
Do you somehow think the President isn't briefed regularly by the joint chiefs and Defense Secretary Gates?

No, I think he probably is. Would you not think it wise and responsible to actually talk to the Commander in the theatre?

Yes, I would hope such a drastic change in policy would be weighed carefully by the commander by in chief, how long did Bush take to decide to try "the surge" in iraq?

And if he had made this decision from a single 'teleconference' with Petreaus or Odierno....I'd call him irresponsible.

Shocking! can he walk and chew gum at the same time too?

Can he set priorities, is the question.

And the President has worked well with our allies to agree on sending in inspectors.

Sending inspectors to do what, inspect the secret site Iran has been hiding? Please.

The HC bills are being worked on in congress, so unless you want to appoint Obama dictator, he will have to work with the other branches of govt in getting legislation passed.

So...when he wanted it rammed through by August recess..that wasn't being a dictator?

Oops.

Joe1991 · Sep 29, 2009

Charles Martel said:
Would you not think it wise and responsible to actually talk to the Commander in the theatre?

He has.

Charles Martel said:
And if he had made this decision from a single 'teleconference' with Petreaus or Odierno....I'd call him irresponsible..

Since he hasn't made any decision yet, your point is moot.

Charles Martel said:
Can he set priorities, is the question.

It appears to me that he can.

Charles Martel said:
Sending inspectors to do what, inspect the secret site Iran has been hiding? Please. .

What do you suggest? Shouldn't sanctions and inspections be tried before bombs and war?

Charles Martel said:
So...when he wanted it rammed through by August recess..that wasn't being a dictator?

A dictator would have "rammed it through".

American · Sep 29, 2009

obvious Child said:
Sounds like something Eisenhower would have done. Anyone remember him? Or is the hypocrisy showing again?

Since when did quantity supercede quality?

Don't even try to compare Obama to Eisenhower, it just isn't there for you. You really are unbelieveable sometimes. :roll:

Devil505 · Sep 29, 2009

Obama gets advise from many people all the time. The Joint Chiefs obviously know what the field commanders views are & regularly pass them along to the President.

RedAkston · Sep 29, 2009

Joe1991 said:
Yes, I would hope such a drastic change in policy would be weighed carefully by the commander by in chief, how long did Bush take to decide to try "the surge" in iraq?

And there were numerous conservatives, myself included, that complained that it took far too long. I heard so many from the left claiming that the surge wouldn't work - and what do you know - it has!

Joe1991 said:
The HC bills are being worked on in congress, so unless you want to appoint Obama dictator, he will have to work with the other branches of govt in getting legislation passed.

They were written by special interests, not our elected officials.

Devil505 said:
Obama gets advise from many people all the time. The Joint Chiefs obviously know what the field commanders views are & regularly pass them along to the President.

You're right! He gets advice from communists (Van Jones) - oh wait, he was exposed and is not longer advising the President in an "official" manner any more. :roll:

FlanaganReport · Sep 29, 2009

P/N said:
And there were numerous conservatives, myself included, that complained that it took far too long. I heard so many from the left claiming that the surge wouldn't work - and what do you know - it has!

Admittedly, the situation in Iraq was/is different than the situation in Afghanistan, and more troops does not automatically equate to success, especially given the tribal schisms and the lack of (really ever) a strong central government, and the "safe" areas across the border.

From a practical standpoint though, if the President gave the order today to send more soldiers they would not arrive until December/January, when, at least historically, the fighting in Afghanistan is pretty low. So really, the thinking is most likely, there is still some time to make a decision because when the soldiers could still be in country when they would be needed even if a decision is pushed down the road for the short term.

Additionally, I think the elections caught the White House by surprise. The soldier sent in back in March were supposed to make sure all of that went smoothly, and in theory there could then be a smooth transition. Given that that has not exactly happened, it does makes sense that a new strategy would be in the works.

Charles Martel · Sep 29, 2009

Joe1991 said:
He has.

Oh I know. Once.

Since he hasn't made any decision yet, your point is moot.

Oh I know. Like Gitmo. Like Afghanistan. Like prosecutions on previous admin officials or CIA employees.....pretty telling huh?

It appears to me that he can.

Probably appears that way to everyone who think the Olympics being held in Chicago are the priority these days.

What do you suggest? Shouldn't sanctions and inspections be tried before bombs and war?

What do you suggest as sanctions and inspections have already been tried.

A dictator would have "rammed it through".

Oh i know, that darned Constitution, Obama must hate it. Do you?

talloulou · Sep 29, 2009

That is freaking crazy. I wonder if Obama's talked to any of the folks over at NASA who are gonna blow a hole in the moon with a rocket come Oct. Bet he hasn't talked to them either.

Truth is sometimes stranger than fiction.

Charles Martel · Sep 29, 2009

Devil505 said:
Obama gets advise from many people all the time. The Joint Chiefs obviously know what the field commanders views are & regularly pass them along to the President.

Gets advice from many people...that are actually there in the field? And "passing on views"...no doubt how the health care and stimulus and car manufacturer take overs were done as well. Advisors "passing along" information.

Baaaaa say the sheep.

Truth Detector · Sep 29, 2009

Agent Ferris said:
Um, Eisenhower was a general himself, in fact he was the Supreme Allied Commander, the idea that he would need further advice on war fighting efforts in Vietnam simply isn't the same thing as a two term state senator, a half a term federal Senator and a Harvard law professor not needing such advice. Not to mention that as POTUS only employed peace keeping forces in Lebanon and military advisers in Vietnam, he never had a war during his Presidency.

That would be Korea. JFK started Vietnam. :2wave:

Truth Detector · Sep 29, 2009

talloulou said:
That is freaking crazy. I wonder if Obama's talked to any of the folks over at NASA who are gonna blow a hole in the moon with a rocket come Oct. Bet he hasn't talked to them either.

Truth is sometimes stranger than fiction.

Bush supposedly met with his Generals every week for briefings and meetings. :doh

Devil505 · Sep 29, 2009

Charles Martel said:
Gets advice from many people...that are actually there in the field? And "passing on views"...

I would say the Joint Chiefs are well aware of McChrytal views & pass them along to the President all the time.

talloulou · Sep 29, 2009

Devil505 said:
I would say the Joint Chiefs are well aware of McChrytal views & pass them along to the President all the time.

It doesn't matter. McChrystal seems to be somewhat complaining about his lack of contact with the President. Taking a look at the folks that have gained an audience with Obama as of late adds to the validity and merit of McChrystal's public whine. Priorities are out of whack - clearly. It's pretty indefensible. Plus I personally am offended that the President has not yet addressed the union on our plans to explode a rocket into the moon creating a hole the size of a football field. I think that's a decision that warrants at the very least a collective discussion. I find it atrocious that I know what Obama thinks about Kanye West and I've never heard him say squat about the rocket that's currently en route to the moon. The striking of a celestial body at the very least deserves time in the spotlight - no matter how rot the media has gotten.

Devil505 · Sep 29, 2009

talloulou said:
It doesn't matter. McChrystal seems to be somewhat complaining about his lack of contact with the President. Taking a look at the folks that have gained an audience with Obama as of late adds to the validity and merit of McChrystal's public whine. Priorities are out of whack - clearly. It's pretty indefensible. Plus I personally am offended that the President has not yet addressed the union on our plans to explode a rocket into the moon creating a hole the size of a football field. I think that's a decision that warrants at the very least a collective discussion. I find it atrocious that I know what Obama thinks about Kanye West and I've never heard him say squat about the rocket that's currently en route to the moon. The striking of a celestial body at the very least deserves time in the spotlight - no matter how rot the media has gotten.

Amazing isn't it? Fox News/GOP will bash Obama no matter what he does or doesn't do anyway, right?

(remember last year when McCain admonished Obama for never having gone to Iraq to talk with the generals?......Obama goes & then McCain (GOP & Fox News) complain the he (Obama) should be campaigning right here in the U.S.......instead of gallivanting around the world!):lol::lol:

RedAkston · Sep 29, 2009

Devil505 said:
Amazing isn't it? Fox News/GOP will bash Obama no matter what he does or doesn't do anyway, right?

(remember last year when McCain admonished Obama for never having gone to Iraq to talk with the generals?......Obama goes & then McCain (GOP & Fox News) complain the he (Obama) should be campaigning right here in the U.S.......instead of gallivanting around the world!):lol::lol:

Completely off-topic. Care to put down your liberal playbook and comment on the actual topic at hand? I know divert, divert, divert is in your playbook, but...:roll:

jackalope · Sep 29, 2009

I don't really understand McChrystal's chain of command. I guess I thought the Pres talked most frequently w/ SecDef, JtChiefs, and Petreaus. Is this atypical?

I mean, people don't think Obama is ignoring the war, do they? Doesn't Obama get intelligence, war, and economic briefings every day?

Somehow I think the Gen will get to talk to the Pres more often now tho

McChrystal Talked With Obama Only Once

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