Footlik on his Iraq Position
I had a quick discussion with Jay Footlik on the phone today and he clarified his position fairly well. I’ll take it from the letter to the editor he sent to the Daily Herald:
Footlik: I’ve been misquoted on Iraq
I am writing to correct the record. A July 11 article, “Kirk gives surge credit,” printed a partial quote of mine out of context and, as a result, misrepresented my view on the Iraq war. The author repeated this error in his blog on the Daily Herald’s Web site on July 12.
In speeches and interviews throughout the district, my position on this war has been clear: It’s time to bring our soldiers home — safely and responsibly. Firm deadlines are usually not the preferred option for warfare, but this war is like no other.
This president has demonstrated such a cavalier attitude toward the new Congress and such a disregard for the overwhelming desire of the American people that a firm deadline for withdrawal is simply the only way to force him to change this disastrous policy.
Jay K. Footlik, candidate
10th Congressional District
The only criticism I’d make of the statement is that Democratic voters are so frustrated many don’t get past the point of firm deadlines not being preferred. Putting that after the second paragraph might be better in terms of communications.
As is my usual attempt in cases with more than one decent Democratic candidate I try to be fair to both, but I always reserve the right to take a side. You never know who you will end up getting the nomination and unless there is something truly unacceptable in a person, I’d rather keep it fair and friendly.
All that said, I have enormous respect for what Dan did last cycle and I’ll be supporting him. I do hope to bring good coverage of the race for both candidates though. Inevitably that means people supporting the same guy I do think I’m not supporting them enough and the people I’m not supporting tend to think I’m overly critical. I cannot really answer that, only the reader can.
July 16th, 2007 at
Perhaps a fair comparison would be what he told a group of Moraine Township Democrats last year. He wasn’t so much talking about withdrawal as a more regional strategy putting together the issues of Iraq, Iran and the Middle East with an international force. I had a lot of questions for Jay that day, but felt that he looked at me as a “quaint” peace person not worth his time.
July 16th, 2007 at
Back from feeding Democat. What is it they say, dogs have owners, cats have staff.
Anyway, I did briefly speak to Jay yesterday and asked him about his statement last year that Democrats should not talk about Iraq as a separate issue. He didn’t seem to recall and that is understandable. He ultimately responded that he thinks he meant that we should stop talking about how we got into Iraq and talk about solutions.
I don’t know what to think about that. He did say that, but I felt in a different context. The original post stand as it did that day. Sorry Arch to be plugging my own work here, but it might be something to which people can refer to make their own decision about Jay’s position on Iraq.
July 16th, 2007 at
Jay simply doesn’t understand how much the Dan Seals’ supporters in this district hate a spoiler. He’s already gone negative in a video, criticizing the last four Democratic candidates who ran for congress – he’s got the finesse of a weasel in heat. He needs a “How To” manual on winning friends and influencing people. Who’s coaching this guy and running his campaign?
I met Jay and was disappointed that each time he lies by ommission, and sometimes more overtly, even when it’s unnecessary and the bald truth would have served him better. The only person who posts in support of him is one of his paid staff. That should give him pause. I have heard him change his position on Iraq several times now- and it’s disingenuous of him to say that he was misquoted, or quoted out of context.
But I applaud your willingness to attempt neutrality in the campaign. I don’t feel that obligation. And if Jay runs in 2010, or anytime thereafter, I will abstain rather than vote for him. He’s an imposter and a true carpetbagger.
July 16th, 2007 at
I’m not staying neutral, but I will try to be fair. As I say above, I’m backing Dan. That said, I try and keep primaries as friendly as I can.
Ellen–thanks and you will really be the most important blogger on the race since you are there. I look forward to linking a lot.
July 17th, 2007 at
OMG!
No way can any Democrat support anything about this or any other war! Can’t support a President in the time of war either.
This war is (now) being won on the ground… and will be lost in the halls of Congress.
Chant it with me!
Bush SUCKS!
Bush SUCKS!
July 17th, 2007 at
===This war is (now) being won on the ground… and will be lost in the halls of Congress.
LOL–there are no signs of improvement–trying to create the blame everyone else but the idiots who got us into this war and then executed it poorly early meme won’t change reality.