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Rick Perry accuses Obama of squandering Iraq victory – live updates Rick Perry accuses Obama of squandering Iraq victory – live updates
(35 minutes later)
Asserting that “America had won the war” in Iraq until President Barack Obama squandered victory, presidential hopeful Rick Perry said Thursday that the failure of the White House to secure an agreement that would have left a substantial number of US troops in the country after 2011 was the most harmful decision US policymakers had made in the region – more harmful even than the decision to invade in 2003.
“No decision, no decision has done more harm than the president’s withdrawal of American troops from Iraq,” Perry said at an event to announce his presidential bid. “Let no one be mistaken, leaders of both parties have made grave mistakes in Iraq. But in January of 2009, when Barack Obama became commander in chief, Iraq had been largely pacified – America had won the war. But our president failed to secure the peace.”
The Iraqi parliament rejected an attempt by prime minister Nouri al-Maliki and the United States to secure a status of forces agreement on a US troop presence in the country after 2011. Close observers of the conflict including Colin Kahl, a former US deputy assistant secretary of defense for the Middle East, have argued that, absent such an agreement, it was not advisable to leave US troops in place.
“Unfortunately, Iraqi domestic politics made it impossible to reach a deal,” Kahl wrote last year.
Perry, who spoke with dozens of combat veterans standing behind him on a stage, called Obama’s policy a “national disgrace” and accused the Obama administration of “political gamesmanship and dishonesty.”
“How callous it seems now, as cities once secured with American blood are now being taken by America’s enemies, all because of a campaign slogan,” Perry said.
Violence in Iraq fell sharply from 2007–2009, after Sunni militants began to coordinate more closely with the US military and the US added troops in the 2007 “surge.” The American public was evenly split in 2008 on the question of whether to keep troops in Iraq, according to Pew Research.
Perry has switched to interview mode.Perry has switched to interview mode.
From prez announcement to interview with @seanhannity, #RickPerry pic.twitter.com/h05NeVt38BFrom prez announcement to interview with @seanhannity, #RickPerry pic.twitter.com/h05NeVt38B
Hillary Clinton is scheduled to speak in Houston in about two hours. Tom Dart will be there for the Guardian.Hillary Clinton is scheduled to speak in Houston in about two hours. Tom Dart will be there for the Guardian.
The Clinton campaign is encouraging supporters to read up on her speech, which will address threats on voting rights and voter disenfranchisement.The Clinton campaign is encouraging supporters to read up on her speech, which will address threats on voting rights and voter disenfranchisement.
Prep for Hillary's speech this afternoon. Read and share this preview: http://t.co/DLW13rlMUA pic.twitter.com/U2F5n4lq80Prep for Hillary's speech this afternoon. Read and share this preview: http://t.co/DLW13rlMUA pic.twitter.com/U2F5n4lq80
That AP story begins:That AP story begins:
Hillary Rodham Clinton is calling for an expansion of early voting and pushing back against Republican-led efforts to restrict voting access, laying down a marker on voting rights at the start of her presidential campaign.Hillary Rodham Clinton is calling for an expansion of early voting and pushing back against Republican-led efforts to restrict voting access, laying down a marker on voting rights at the start of her presidential campaign.
The Democratic presidential candidate is using a speech Thursday at historically black Texas Southern University to denounce voting restrictions in North Carolina, Texas, Florida and Wisconsin and to encourage states to adopt a new national standard of no fewer than 20 days of early in-person voting, including weekend and evening voting.The Democratic presidential candidate is using a speech Thursday at historically black Texas Southern University to denounce voting restrictions in North Carolina, Texas, Florida and Wisconsin and to encourage states to adopt a new national standard of no fewer than 20 days of early in-person voting, including weekend and evening voting.
Clinton is plunging into a partisan debate in many statehouses, which have pitted Democrats who contend restricting voter registration aims to suppress turnout among minority and low-income voters against Republicans who say the steps are needed to prevent voter fraud. The issue is closely watched by black voters, who supported President Barack Obama in large numbers and will be an important constituency as Clinton seeks to rebuild Obama’s coalition.Clinton is plunging into a partisan debate in many statehouses, which have pitted Democrats who contend restricting voter registration aims to suppress turnout among minority and low-income voters against Republicans who say the steps are needed to prevent voter fraud. The issue is closely watched by black voters, who supported President Barack Obama in large numbers and will be an important constituency as Clinton seeks to rebuild Obama’s coalition.
Bernie Sanders, the Democratic candidate and progressive standard-bearer, is ramping up in Iowa, the Des Moines register reports:Bernie Sanders, the Democratic candidate and progressive standard-bearer, is ramping up in Iowa, the Des Moines register reports:
“People are out ahead and we’re trying to play catch-up organizationally to give these people a vehicle to participate in the campaign,” Sanders’ campaign manager, Jeff Weaver, told The Des Moines Register on Thursday morning.“People are out ahead and we’re trying to play catch-up organizationally to give these people a vehicle to participate in the campaign,” Sanders’ campaign manager, Jeff Weaver, told The Des Moines Register on Thursday morning.
SCOOP: Bernie Sanders is scrambling to hire more staff in Iowa and open an Iowa office to keep up with popular demand http://t.co/8eVjZEWTNmSCOOP: Bernie Sanders is scrambling to hire more staff in Iowa and open an Iowa office to keep up with popular demand http://t.co/8eVjZEWTNm
Perry backstage footagePerry backstage footage
Backstage before my big announcement. #Perry2016 pic.twitter.com/dMyaRbu5zMBackstage before my big announcement. #Perry2016 pic.twitter.com/dMyaRbu5zM
Here’s influential Republican political consultant Rick Wilson just now on Rick Perry. Wilson has elsewhere written off, for example, Chris Christie.Here’s influential Republican political consultant Rick Wilson just now on Rick Perry. Wilson has elsewhere written off, for example, Chris Christie.
Not so Rick Perry, despite Perry’s miserable outing last time:Not so Rick Perry, despite Perry’s miserable outing last time:
Five thoughts about @GovernorPerry: 1. Stellar economic record. Stellar. Best narrative, hands down on job creation as executive.Five thoughts about @GovernorPerry: 1. Stellar economic record. Stellar. Best narrative, hands down on job creation as executive.
2/ He’s been putting work in since the 2012 effort. Tighter and sharper on policy, has clearly done the reading. This matters.2/ He’s been putting work in since the 2012 effort. Tighter and sharper on policy, has clearly done the reading. This matters.
3/ Walks the walk on being a good guy. cf his quiet work with vets out of the spotlight. Has real compassion, not the “Spend moar!” variety.3/ Walks the walk on being a good guy. cf his quiet work with vets out of the spotlight. Has real compassion, not the “Spend moar!” variety.
4/ Lots of post hoc 2012 giggling by press, but he’s clearly learned lessons and focused. High hill? Sure. Serious guy? Yep.4/ Lots of post hoc 2012 giggling by press, but he’s clearly learned lessons and focused. High hill? Sure. Serious guy? Yep.
5/ Likable. Connects with people. It matters. Other than Marco, lots of the GOP field is...prickly.5/ Likable. Connects with people. It matters. Other than Marco, lots of the GOP field is...prickly.
That’s going to be a pretty busy first day in the White House for Perry. He’s going to roll back all carbon caps, approve the Keystone pipeline and “rescind” any Iran nuclear deal.That’s going to be a pretty busy first day in the White House for Perry. He’s going to roll back all carbon caps, approve the Keystone pipeline and “rescind” any Iran nuclear deal.
Perry says God Bless America. And it’s back to the Colt Ford remix.Perry says God Bless America. And it’s back to the Colt Ford remix.
The event highlighted a commitment to the military, opposition to the president’s foreign policy, Perry’s executive experience, a promise to roll back regulations and decrease taxes, and a promise to reinvent the economy for the middle class.The event highlighted a commitment to the military, opposition to the president’s foreign policy, Perry’s executive experience, a promise to roll back regulations and decrease taxes, and a promise to reinvent the economy for the middle class.
“We’re just a few good decisions away from unleashing growth and reviving the American dream,” Perry said.“We’re just a few good decisions away from unleashing growth and reviving the American dream,” Perry said.
Perry says that if anyone wonders whether there are any selfless heroes left in America, his answer is yes. He’s surrounded by them. The veterans onstage behind him.Perry says that if anyone wonders whether there are any selfless heroes left in America, his answer is yes. He’s surrounded by them. The veterans onstage behind him.
Perry doesn’t talk about his support for immigration reform but he does say, “If you elect me your president, I will secure that border.”Perry doesn’t talk about his support for immigration reform but he does say, “If you elect me your president, I will secure that border.”
“Homeland Security begins with border security. The most basic compact between a president and the people is to keep a country safe,” Perry says.“Homeland Security begins with border security. The most basic compact between a president and the people is to keep a country safe,” Perry says.
Then he pivots to Iran. If elected, Perry says, his first act would be to “rescind any agreement with Iran that legitimizes their quest to get a nuclear weapon.”Then he pivots to Iran. If elected, Perry says, his first act would be to “rescind any agreement with Iran that legitimizes their quest to get a nuclear weapon.”
We have seen what happens when we elect a president based on media acclaim instead of accomplishment...We have seen what happens when we elect a president based on media acclaim instead of accomplishment...
This will be a show me, don’t tell me election.This will be a show me, don’t tell me election.
We will ask every candidate this: when have you led? Leadership is not a speech on the Senate floor. It is not what you say, it is what you’ve done.We will ask every candidate this: when have you led? Leadership is not a speech on the Senate floor. It is not what you say, it is what you’ve done.
I’ve been tested. I’ve led the most successful state in the country.I’ve been tested. I’ve led the most successful state in the country.
Perry is sweating like a bikram yogi – his face is glistening – but he’s not otherwise showing any discomfort with the apparently stifling heat in that airplane hangar. The guy behind him is chugging water and looks ready to fall over though.Perry is sweating like a bikram yogi – his face is glistening – but he’s not otherwise showing any discomfort with the apparently stifling heat in that airplane hangar. The guy behind him is chugging water and looks ready to fall over though.
There’s nothing wrong with America that a hundred bucks and “a few good decisions” can’t fix, Perry says (he didn’t say the hundred bucks part):There’s nothing wrong with America that a hundred bucks and “a few good decisions” can’t fix, Perry says (he didn’t say the hundred bucks part):
We’re just a few good decisions away from unleashing growth and reviving the American dream.”We’re just a few good decisions away from unleashing growth and reviving the American dream.”
Then Perry gets a big cheer. He says on his first day in office, he will sign an order rolling back Obama White House regulations.Then Perry gets a big cheer. He says on his first day in office, he will sign an order rolling back Obama White House regulations.
Then he will “sign an executive order approving the construction of the Keystone Pipeline.”Then he will “sign an executive order approving the construction of the Keystone Pipeline.”
Perry says he will tame the national debt.Perry says he will tame the national debt.
“I want to speak to the millennials just a moment,” he says. “This massive debt, it’s passed from our generation to yours. It’s breaking the social compact. You deserve better.”“I want to speak to the millennials just a moment,” he says. “This massive debt, it’s passed from our generation to yours. It’s breaking the social compact. You deserve better.”
“Today I am running for the presidency of the United States of America.”“Today I am running for the presidency of the United States of America.”
Earlier, Perry said the president’s “tax and regulatory policies have slammed the door shut” for the average American. Now he says millions of middle class families have given up hope.Earlier, Perry said the president’s “tax and regulatory policies have slammed the door shut” for the average American. Now he says millions of middle class families have given up hope.
“Yeah, it’s time for a reset,” he says. “Time to reset the relationship between government and citizen.”“Yeah, it’s time for a reset,” he says. “Time to reset the relationship between government and citizen.”
Perry runs through a list of objections to White House foreign policy and then says that “no decision has done as much harm” as president Barack Obama’s decision to withdraw from Iraq instead of leaving a combat force in place.Perry runs through a list of objections to White House foreign policy and then says that “no decision has done as much harm” as president Barack Obama’s decision to withdraw from Iraq instead of leaving a combat force in place.
He’s referring to the rejection by the Iraqi government of a status of forces agreement in 2009.He’s referring to the rejection by the Iraqi government of a status of forces agreement in 2009.
“Leaders of both parties have made grave mistakes in Iraq,” but the country, he says, was “pacified” in 2009.“Leaders of both parties have made grave mistakes in Iraq,” but the country, he says, was “pacified” in 2009.
He’s not without hope:He’s not without hope:
“We even made it through Jimmy Carter, we will make it through the Obama years.”“We even made it through Jimmy Carter, we will make it through the Obama years.”
Anita Perry mentioned it was hot in the airplane hangar. The many people behind Perry are visibly sweating. And now you can see the sweat glistening on his forehead. That’s 4 June in Texas.Anita Perry mentioned it was hot in the airplane hangar. The many people behind Perry are visibly sweating. And now you can see the sweat glistening on his forehead. That’s 4 June in Texas.
Perry is describing growing up on a cotton farm.Perry is describing growing up on a cotton farm.
“There is no person more optimistic on earth than a dry land cotton farmer,” he says. It’s always going to rain tomorrow.“There is no person more optimistic on earth than a dry land cotton farmer,” he says. It’s always going to rain tomorrow.
“The values learned on my family’s cotton farm are timeless,” Perry says. He mentions work, honesty, community.“The values learned on my family’s cotton farm are timeless,” Perry says. He mentions work, honesty, community.
I’ve seen American life. I’ve seen it from the red dirt of a cotton field, from a campus at College Station, from the elevated view of a C-130 cockpit. And from the governor’s office of the Texas capitol.I’ve seen American life. I’ve seen it from the red dirt of a cotton field, from a campus at College Station, from the elevated view of a C-130 cockpit. And from the governor’s office of the Texas capitol.
“I know that America has experienced great change, but what it means to be an American has never changed.”“I know that America has experienced great change, but what it means to be an American has never changed.”
Perry took the stage to an adapted version of Colt Ford’s “Answer to No One.” The version was adapted to include his name.Perry took the stage to an adapted version of Colt Ford’s “Answer to No One.” The version was adapted to include his name.
I won’t back up, I don’t back downI’ve been raised up to stand my groundTake my job but not my gunsTax my check till I ain’t got noneExcept for the good Lord up aboveI answer to no oneI answer to no oneI won’t back up, I don’t back downI’ve been raised up to stand my groundTake my job but not my gunsTax my check till I ain’t got noneExcept for the good Lord up aboveI answer to no oneI answer to no one
“We need a president now perhaps more than ever who puts the American people first!” Anita Perry says. “Who puts every one of these veterans behind us first!”“We need a president now perhaps more than ever who puts the American people first!” Anita Perry says. “Who puts every one of these veterans behind us first!”
And I think I might know a man who has all the right qualifications to make America great again!And I think I might know a man who has all the right qualifications to make America great again!
Anita Perry, the candidate’s wife, takes the stage. She’s funny:Anita Perry, the candidate’s wife, takes the stage. She’s funny:
We’ve been on quite a journey, this man that I’m married to. 55 years ago, I sat by him at a piano recital. Six years after that he invited me on our first date. To his football game... 16 years later, with the blessing of my father – finally – I decided to marry him and say yes.”We’ve been on quite a journey, this man that I’m married to. 55 years ago, I sat by him at a piano recital. Six years after that he invited me on our first date. To his football game... 16 years later, with the blessing of my father – finally – I decided to marry him and say yes.”
Now the campaign rollout video. We’ll find a copy of that for you. Meanwhile here’s the video posted by the Perry campaign yesterday, “Where I Come From.”Now the campaign rollout video. We’ll find a copy of that for you. Meanwhile here’s the video posted by the Perry campaign yesterday, “Where I Come From.”
How do you rate it?How do you rate it?
The introducer is describing Perry’s devotion to the military and his family’s work to help military veterans. He describes the military service of veterans in the audience.The introducer is describing Perry’s devotion to the military and his family’s work to help military veterans. He describes the military service of veterans in the audience.
I was immediately struck that this is a man who cares deeply about our nation’s men and women in uniform... so now imagine a president in the White House who won’t cover up the VA waiting list scandal... who has worn the uniform of our nation, who knows what it’s like to serve, and knows the cost born by families of those who do serve.I was immediately struck that this is a man who cares deeply about our nation’s men and women in uniform... so now imagine a president in the White House who won’t cover up the VA waiting list scandal... who has worn the uniform of our nation, who knows what it’s like to serve, and knows the cost born by families of those who do serve.
Rick Perry is true to veterans, and true to their families. That’s why so many are here.”Rick Perry is true to veterans, and true to their families. That’s why so many are here.”
The introducer also says when Perry married his wife Anita, she helped him with many things in his life “not least of which was his love life [laughter]. Each one of us has been touched by them.”The introducer also says when Perry married his wife Anita, she helped him with many things in his life “not least of which was his love life [laughter]. Each one of us has been touched by them.”
Piper Perry! With Rick’s wife Anita.Piper Perry! With Rick’s wife Anita.
Before we hit the stage, meet my beautiful granddaughter Piper. pic.twitter.com/EgxK37MOiZBefore we hit the stage, meet my beautiful granddaughter Piper. pic.twitter.com/EgxK37MOiZ
Team Perry is on stage at a small airport in Addison, Texas, outside Dallas. No appearance yet by the governor. He’s being introduced by a Navy Seal. Watch a live stream here.Team Perry is on stage at a small airport in Addison, Texas, outside Dallas. No appearance yet by the governor. He’s being introduced by a Navy Seal. Watch a live stream here.
If you missed former Rhode Island governor and senator Lincoln Chafee’s big announcement yesterday afternoon, you’ll want to know that Chafee called on the United States to adopt the metric system:If you missed former Rhode Island governor and senator Lincoln Chafee’s big announcement yesterday afternoon, you’ll want to know that Chafee called on the United States to adopt the metric system:
Metric system was one line in Chafee's speech but will be the top line. Lesson is if you give the press a centimeter, they take a kilometerMetric system was one line in Chafee's speech but will be the top line. Lesson is if you give the press a centimeter, they take a kilometer
Read Ben Jacobs’ report from the scene for more:Read Ben Jacobs’ report from the scene for more:
Lincoln Chafee’s presidential announcement was weird, held at a half-empty college auditorium at George Mason University in suburban northern Virginia.Lincoln Chafee’s presidential announcement was weird, held at a half-empty college auditorium at George Mason University in suburban northern Virginia.
This is the room 15 minutes before Lincoln Chafee is scheduled to announce pic.twitter.com/Y9uToJ24okThis is the room 15 minutes before Lincoln Chafee is scheduled to announce pic.twitter.com/Y9uToJ24ok
BuuuuuuurnBuuuuuuurn
Sabrina Siddiqui catches Florida Senator and presidential hopeful Marco Rubio on Fox:Sabrina Siddiqui catches Florida Senator and presidential hopeful Marco Rubio on Fox:
Rubio on Clinton's age: "I don't think it has anything to do with a person's age. I think it has to do with the age of their ideas."Rubio on Clinton's age: "I don't think it has anything to do with a person's age. I think it has to do with the age of their ideas."
Also from Rubio:Also from Rubio:
Rubio tells @OutnumberedFNC his question to Clinton would be: “How do you answer for [Obama administration’s] abysmal foreign policy”?Rubio tells @OutnumberedFNC his question to Clinton would be: “How do you answer for [Obama administration’s] abysmal foreign policy”?
Rubio declines to say Clinton is corrupt re: emails: “Voters are going to have to decide after we have all the information.”Rubio declines to say Clinton is corrupt re: emails: “Voters are going to have to decide after we have all the information.”
While we wait for Perry we’re going to round up some politics tidbits you may have missed. For example a reporter on Amtrak this morning showed Martin O’Malley, who declared his candidacy for the Democratic nomination on Saturday, the Caitlyn Jenner Vanity Fair cover, which O’Malley had not seen.While we wait for Perry we’re going to round up some politics tidbits you may have missed. For example a reporter on Amtrak this morning showed Martin O’Malley, who declared his candidacy for the Democratic nomination on Saturday, the Caitlyn Jenner Vanity Fair cover, which O’Malley had not seen.
Caitlyn Jenner was formerly Bruce Jenner, the 1976 gold medalist in the decathlon.Caitlyn Jenner was formerly Bruce Jenner, the 1976 gold medalist in the decathlon.
“Wow,” O’Malley said, according to the IJReview. It was unclear whether O’Malley was reacting to the radical change in Jenner’s appearance or to Jenner’s disclosure that she is a Republican.“Wow,” O’Malley said, according to the IJReview. It was unclear whether O’Malley was reacting to the radical change in Jenner’s appearance or to Jenner’s disclosure that she is a Republican.
Then O’Malley noted he was the first candidate for the White House ever to use the word “transgender” in his announcement speech. He said:Then O’Malley noted he was the first candidate for the White House ever to use the word “transgender” in his announcement speech. He said:
All of us are included. Women and men. Black and white people. Irish Americans, Asian Americans, Latino Americans, Native Americans. Jewish, Christian, and Muslim Americans. Young and old. Rich and poor. Workers and Business owners. Gay, Lesbian, Transgender and straight Americans.All of us are included. Women and men. Black and white people. Irish Americans, Asian Americans, Latino Americans, Native Americans. Jewish, Christian, and Muslim Americans. Young and old. Rich and poor. Workers and Business owners. Gay, Lesbian, Transgender and straight Americans.
Every person is important, each of us is needed.Every person is important, each of us is needed.
We’re waiting for Perry to come on in about a half hour. Last night as-yet-undeclared presidential candidate Chris Christie, the governor of New Jersey, played in a charity softball game in Yankee Stadium to benefit a fund for the spouses and children of police officers who fall in the line of duty.We’re waiting for Perry to come on in about a half hour. Last night as-yet-undeclared presidential candidate Chris Christie, the governor of New Jersey, played in a charity softball game in Yankee Stadium to benefit a fund for the spouses and children of police officers who fall in the line of duty.
Like politics? Like Texas? Happy Thursday!Like politics? Like Texas? Happy Thursday!
Rick Perry, the longest-serving governor in Texas history and a dependable source of unpredictable good fun, is set to make a midday speech near Dallas about his big announcement this morning: he’s running for president.Rick Perry, the longest-serving governor in Texas history and a dependable source of unpredictable good fun, is set to make a midday speech near Dallas about his big announcement this morning: he’s running for president.
Close politics watchers will note that Perry also ran for president in 2012, and that his candidacy went over like a lead zeppelin, encased in concrete. What’s changed? That’s what we’ll be listening for him to explain. Reports have him spending whole days in cramming sessions with policy advisers.Close politics watchers will note that Perry also ran for president in 2012, and that his candidacy went over like a lead zeppelin, encased in concrete. What’s changed? That’s what we’ll be listening for him to explain. Reports have him spending whole days in cramming sessions with policy advisers.
Then this afternoon Hillary Clinton is scheduled to pop up in Houston and deliver a speech about voting rights. A strict Texas voter ID law that opponents warned could disenfranchise hundreds of thousands of people was upheld by the supreme court last year.Then this afternoon Hillary Clinton is scheduled to pop up in Houston and deliver a speech about voting rights. A strict Texas voter ID law that opponents warned could disenfranchise hundreds of thousands of people was upheld by the supreme court last year.
We’ll take in a lot more politics news today, with Ben Jacobs in Iowa, Sabrina Siddiqui in Washington, Tom Dart in Texas and Tom McCarthy here in New York. Read on ...We’ll take in a lot more politics news today, with Ben Jacobs in Iowa, Sabrina Siddiqui in Washington, Tom Dart in Texas and Tom McCarthy here in New York. Read on ...