JAKE TAPPER (ABC News): Some foreign policy experts predict that such a U.S. withdrawal could unleash genocide against innocent Iraqis. It's a subject Democrats do not want to discuss.

TAPPER TO REID AT PRESS CONFERENCE: Do you think the Iraqi people will be safer with U.S. troops out?

REID: It is clear that the Iraqi people don't want us there. It is clear that there is now a state of chaos in Iraq. And it is up to the Iraqi people to make themselves safe.

TAPPER: With all due respect, Senator, you didn't answer my question.

REID: This isn't a debate. We're answering questions.

TAPPER: Will the Iraqis be safer?

REID: Anyone else have a question?

------------------------

Contrast his attitude with the attitude of Bush yesterday, who was verbally ASSAULTED by the Washington Press Corps, and yet carefully and thoroughly answered every question without a hint of rancor.

This is your brain on elitist arrogance.

http://newsbusters.org/static/2007/07/2007-07-12-ABC-WNCG-Reid.jpg

I think, if the reporter had half a brain he could see that the question was clearly answered the first time:

"It's clear that the Iraqi people don't want us there... It's up to the Iraqi people to make themselves safe."

To me, that pretty plainly says: "Since they don't want us there, then their safety is no longer our responsibility or concern, so it's really not a question for me to answer!"

I do have to say though, that Reid's response to Tapper's follow-up is pretty amusing.

Gee, Iszi, all you did was repeat his answer, which was not an answer. Tapper's question was whether or not Reid thought the Iraqis would be safer if we left - in other words, "have you considered the consequences of your actions?"

Reid's answer did not resemble the question posed to him. Reid's answer was an elongated version of "Screw the Iraqis."

Nor did Reid explain where he got his information that convinces him that the Iraqis don't want us there. According to the news reports, the Iraqis badly want us to stay there. I'm citing the official position of the Iraqi government, not some silly www.get-the-hell-out-of-iraq.com (http://www.townhall.com/columnists/FrankJGaffneyJr/2006/12/04/the_iraq_surrender_group) poll.

The end was the best.

TAPPER: With all due respect, Senator, you didn't answer my question.

REID: OK. This is not a debate.

TAPPER: Will the Iraqis be safer?

REID: We're answering questions. (calling on someone else) Yes, young man? Anyone else have a question?

We're answering questions? No you're not Dingy Harry. You're lying and pontificating and misleading as usual.

Additional note, why is it such a big deal that Mitt Romney is a Mormon, but it's never mentioned that the majority leader of the senate, from Nevada, also is?

I think, if the reporter had half a brain he could see that the question was clearly answered the first time:

"It's clear that the Iraqi people don't want us there... It's up to the Iraqi people to make themselves safe."

To me, that pretty plainly says: "Since they don't want us there, then their safety is no longer our responsibility or concern, so it's really not a question for me to answer!"

I do have to say though, that Reid's response to Tapper's follow-up is pretty amusing.
If you listened to Reid’s answer objectively you would realize that he really said: I don’t give a damn if Iraqis will be safer or not, I just think we should get the hell out of Iraq…Next question.

Harry Reid: "It's clear that the Iraqi people don't want us there..."

http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=74e_1184266513

*owned*