DeMint challenges Obama on Afghanistan

U.S. Sen. Jim DeMint, R-SC, wrote a letter to fellow senator Barack Obama Tuesday, asking him to hold hearings on the war in Afghanistan.

DeMint, who is on the Senate subcommitee Obama chairs that focuses on Europe and NATO, noted Obama had not held any hearings on Afghanistan since he assumed the position.

"With oversight of NATO relations and its role in Afghanistan, I believe it is time for us to focus closely on these issues," DeMint writes. "As Ranking Member of your Subcommittee on European Affairs, I would welcome a chance to hold a hearing on NATO's mission in Afghanistan upon your return."

Comments

[Randy]

Given DeMint's lack of support to veterans and his limited understanding of the role of government this political grandstanding is a waste of time. The Republican party has been a complete failure in foreign policy, economics and governmental ethics.

[CH Mueller]

I'm not a fan of DeMint, but this goes to show you that Obama is campaigning and not taking care of business at hand. Gathering intelligence should be a top priority for Obama. Bush in his early years being prez campaigned the entire time while Rummy and Chin led the US down a path we're still paying for... and Obama may do the same-how can he promise all these solutions without gathering information. Clinton had opportunity to nip Bin Laden in the bud had he done so... but failed.

[CHARLES D NELSON JR]

Jim:

Don't hold your braeth.

[CHARLES D NELSON JR]

Or you breath for that matter either, it's too early.

[Michael]

Can we impeach Jim Deminted? He's an embarassment to the citizens of SC and he never should've been elected dog catcher much less senator.

[Gary Rice]

Can you hook us up with a link in reference to JD's limited understanding of governments role in anything?

As for the economy crashing - the economy has not only crashed it has burned but we didn't start the fire Democrats have been entrenched and even in power for all of the last 4 years. Even before the elections in 2004 Democrats had their hands on the throat of American politics.
The policy of leaving the troops in Afghanistan and Iraq clearly rest with the Dems now as the Repubs are outnumbered yet the finance for both wars [or actions] remains.
Osama Obama will ruin this country - he only ran because Oprah Winfrey for the most part demanded and financed his entire run up to this point.
Well best of it because America has stepped over the line from within - knowingly killing off American society with a confirmed total of 57 million known abortions since Roe V Wade -
Fifty Million dead Americans and their offspring. How quaint America.

[Brian]

Our great state of South Carolina should be ashamed of Jim Demint. He is quickly becoming an embarressment to the state he was elected to serve. He is a our representative. We voted him in and we can vote him out. Join me in voting for anyone other than Demint we comes up for reelection.

[Diane]

Sweeping generalizations about Republican or Democratic failures don't address the content of the article. DeMint is correct. Obama, when faced with a choice to do something substantive on the issue or be "seen" in Afghanistan to bolster his weak image in the area of foreign policy, chose the latter. Typical of the same old politics.

[Bradley]

Call his hand Jim. Obama is all talk and no substance. South Carolinians are proud of Sen. DeMint, and his efffectiveness can always be determined by the loons on the left hyperventalating.

[Joel]

Jim, Don't listen to these few liberals. You're doing a outstanding job and the vast majority of South Carolinians greatly appreciate your hard work!!!

[Charles]

Senator Jim DeMint has done nothing for the people of South Carolina - but he's good at grand standing.

[Bill]

Senator DeMint has been and continues to be one of the outstanding conservatives in the Senate. That is why he is developing a national reputation as a conservative in actions, not just wordes. I just wish Graham would do the same.

[Denise]

It is my understanding that Afghanistan falls under the Foreign Relations Committee, and that it was agreed upon by the Senate that this would be handled by the full committee and not a subcommittee.

I do not see where a subcommittee regarding European Affairs would have teeth in a Middle Eastern issue, with the exception of attempting to procure more troops from NATO allies. Then this would be a UN issue, wouldn't it?

[Scott Bohn]

What exactly would be the expected outcome of these hearings? The Dictator in Chief, formerly known as President Bush doesn't listen to Congress or the American people for that matter so why would he care what the committee has to say.