Des Moines Register
09-01-06
Feingold: War in Iraq gave Iran opportunity
The Democratic senator blames the administration and says the U.S. is weaker
militarily and diplomatically.
By LISA ROSSI
REGISTER AMES BUREAU
Ames, Ia. - Democratic Sen. Russ Feingold, in Ames Thursday, raked the
Republican administration for fighting a war in Iraq and also blamed the war on
growing tensions between the U.S. and Iran over its nuclear energy program.
"We made the situation in Iran worse," Feingold told a packed audience of Iowa
State University students, Ames residents and local politicians in the
Maintenance Shop in ISU's Memorial Union. "They took this period to develop
nuclear capacity."
Feingold said since fighting in Iraq, the United States is in a weaker military and
diplomatic position. He said the U.S. should respond by persuading Iran to "back
off on nuclear weapons" rather than with military threats.
"It's a far better approach than warmongering," he said.
The comments came during Feingold's third visit to Iowa this year, trips he said
were intended to encourage voters to elect Democrats to the Iowa governor's
seat and Statehouse. Feingold is also mentioned as a potential candidate for
president in 2008.
Reactions were mixed to his comments.
Gannon Hendrick, 21, and an ISU sophomore who is running as a Republican for
a seat on the Story County Board of Supervisors, said he found Feingold's
comments that challenged the effectiveness of the war in Iraq "offensive."
Hendrick, from McCallsburg, said he spent a year deployed in Iraq and felt the
effort was worth it.
"It really hurts when someone like Senator Feingold says it's not working," he
said. "We're doing lots of great things opening schools, opening hospitals - we're
helping people."
Feingold voted against authorizing military action in Iraq. He also was the only
U.S. senator to vote against the USA Patriot Act, which he has said does too
much to expand police power.
Alisha Barr, an ISU junior from Mason City who volunteers for local Democrats,
said she was struck by Feingold's demeanor, describing him as someone full of
energy and trustworthy.
"Students - they want someone who is honest," she said, adding that she could
see Feingold pursuing the presidency.
"I can see him up there in 2008," she said.
Feingold said he is focused on helping Democrats get elected in 2006 before he
decides whether to run for president.
"I want to know if the things I'm talking about will resonate in the end," he said. "I
want to make sure I can win for the Democrats."
His comments Thursday also focused on mobilizing Democrats to take stronger
stances on foreign policy issues. He has stood apart from some Democratic
presidential possibilities in his insistence on a time line to exit Iraq.
He said Iowa could also "send a message to America" if it tips the balance in its
closely divided state Legislature during the next election.
"When people realize the consequence and opportunity in Iowa, it's astounding,"
he said. "You could get another outstanding Democratic governor. You have the
closest legislative situation in all of America."