Congressman Joe Sestak Was On C-Span 7 August with Speech on Iraq, Security Strategy Of Engagement, And The Need to Transform The Military To Support It

Took Questions from National Security Audience

August 7, 2007

Washington, D.C. - Today, the Center for American Progress, hosted Congressman Joe Sestak (D-PA), who spoke about Iraq and America’s engagement in the world, and the military transformation needed to support it.

“Ending the war in Iraq is necessary, but insufficient.  How we end it, and by what means is of even greater importance, for our troops’ safety and our own security.  It takes a strategic approach that: (1) defines the “end” of the commitment which President Bush once said would not be open-ended; and (2) is implementable for a Persian Gulf/Middle East aftermath that secures U.S. interests.  The Democratic majority - the Congress - must define why and how such an approach is in our best interests, including for a stable aftermath in Iraq.  It can be done by a timely date-certain; define it to the public and the world for it is Congress’ responsibility to do so when the consequences are so great for our nation.”

The speech was followed by a question and answer session with the audience.    The Center for American Progress is a think-tank dedicated to improving the lives of Americans through ideas and action and is headed up by John Podesta, a former chief of staff to President William J. Clinton and a professor at Georgetown University Center of Law.  http://www.americanprogress.org.  The event took place this morning from 9:00 - 10:30 am.

The entire event was broadcast live on C-Span and will be re-shown at least several times.  More information on that can be found at www.c-span.org.   It was also covered by a number of different news organizations.