Defeatism may have its partisan uses, but it is not justified by the facts. For every scene of destruction in Iraq, there are more scenes of rebuilding and hope. For every life lost, there are countless more lives reclaimed. And for every terrorist working to stop freedom in Iraq, there are many more Iraqis and Americans working to defeat them. My fellow citizens: Not only can we win the war in Iraq — we are winning the war in Iraq.
It is also important for every American to understand the consequences of pulling out of Iraq before our work is done. We would abandon our Iraqi friends — and signal to the world that America cannot be trusted to keep its word. We would undermine the morale of our troops — by betraying the cause for which they have sacrificed. We would cause tyrants in the Middle East to laugh at our failed resolve, and tighten their repressive grip. We would hand Iraq over to enemies who have pledged to attack us — and the global terrorist movement would be emboldened and more dangerous than ever before. To retreat before victory would be an act of recklessness and dishonor ... and I will not allow it.
Some random reactions:
Mort Kondracke on Fox: "This is the fireside chat that the President should have given a long time ago."
Bill Kristol: Extremely responsible and sober speech.
K-Lo:
He went over all the noise and talked honestly and directly to Americans when they're home to be listening and don't have to rely on the snips and quips of the MSM to deliver his message. What he said tonight and how he said it was right-on.
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