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American Morning

Kennedy's Criticism

Aired September 19, 2003 - 07:17   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.


SOLEDAD O'BRIEN, CNN ANCHOR: In other news, Senator Ted Kennedy took aim at the White House over the Iraq war. In an interview on Thursday, a Kennedy aide told CNN that the senator was trying to point out -- quote -- "Real questions about the administration's intent in the war."
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

SEN. TED KENNEDY (D), MASSACHUSETTS: The decision was made in Texas in August, and then announced in September by the president. That's the history of it. It's the wrong war at the wrong time. There was no imminent threat to the United States. No one doubted that we could be militarily successful, but there was no plan for peace.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

O'BRIEN: Suzanne Malveaux is live at the White House this morning for us with reaction to the senator's criticism.

Suzanne -- good morning.

SUZANNE MALVEAUX, CNN WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Soledad.

Well, the White House refused to comment on Kennedy's remarks, but a Republican official did say anonymously, telling CNN -- and I am quoting here. He says, "The senator's comments reflect the tired, old, soft on defense attitude of the Democratic Party, and the American people are thankful for a strong and decisive leader in President Bush, who isn't afraid to make tough decisions."

And, Soledad, that is exactly what the White House is counting on -- the fact that his strongest approval comes from the war on terror, his handling of defense, as well as homeland security. And, really, his greatest strength is the fact that -- if you believe the polls -- that Americans trust President Bush.

But Democrats in Congress, of course, are looking at that $87 billion supplemental for Iraqi reconstruction and the military, say, hold on, not so fast. They want details before they fully fund that.

And, as you know, the president at the same time is trying to generate international support for more troops and for money. The president at Camp David is hosting Jordan's King Abdullah and trying to win more Arab support as well. And, as you know, on Tuesday, the president is going to go before the U.N. General Assembly with the U.N. Security Council resolution -- the language is still being worked out -- to try to get a broader international base -- Soledad.

O'BRIEN: All right, CNN's Suzanne Malveaux at the White House for us this morning. Suzanne, thanks.

TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com.






Aired September 19, 2003 - 07:17   ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
SOLEDAD O'BRIEN, CNN ANCHOR: In other news, Senator Ted Kennedy took aim at the White House over the Iraq war. In an interview on Thursday, a Kennedy aide told CNN that the senator was trying to point out -- quote -- "Real questions about the administration's intent in the war."
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

SEN. TED KENNEDY (D), MASSACHUSETTS: The decision was made in Texas in August, and then announced in September by the president. That's the history of it. It's the wrong war at the wrong time. There was no imminent threat to the United States. No one doubted that we could be militarily successful, but there was no plan for peace.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

O'BRIEN: Suzanne Malveaux is live at the White House this morning for us with reaction to the senator's criticism.

Suzanne -- good morning.

SUZANNE MALVEAUX, CNN WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Soledad.

Well, the White House refused to comment on Kennedy's remarks, but a Republican official did say anonymously, telling CNN -- and I am quoting here. He says, "The senator's comments reflect the tired, old, soft on defense attitude of the Democratic Party, and the American people are thankful for a strong and decisive leader in President Bush, who isn't afraid to make tough decisions."

And, Soledad, that is exactly what the White House is counting on -- the fact that his strongest approval comes from the war on terror, his handling of defense, as well as homeland security. And, really, his greatest strength is the fact that -- if you believe the polls -- that Americans trust President Bush.

But Democrats in Congress, of course, are looking at that $87 billion supplemental for Iraqi reconstruction and the military, say, hold on, not so fast. They want details before they fully fund that.

And, as you know, the president at the same time is trying to generate international support for more troops and for money. The president at Camp David is hosting Jordan's King Abdullah and trying to win more Arab support as well. And, as you know, on Tuesday, the president is going to go before the U.N. General Assembly with the U.N. Security Council resolution -- the language is still being worked out -- to try to get a broader international base -- Soledad.

O'BRIEN: All right, CNN's Suzanne Malveaux at the White House for us this morning. Suzanne, thanks.

TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com.