OBAMA, BARACK: Mr. President, we have had an extensive debate, obviously, here on the floor of the Senate. I was scheduled originally to speak at 6 a.m. Because there was enormous backlog, I have not had an opportunity to speak on this issue. Rather than try to shoehorn my comments in I would like unanimous consent to introduce a full written statement into the record.
OBAMA, BARACK: The only thing I would add is this. All of us here are patriots. The Senator who is managing for the minority at this point is a certified American hero. All of us want to see our troops come home safely. All of us want the best possible result in Iraq. The only thing I would say is that, given that we have no good options at this point, that we have bad options and worse options, I think it is very important for us to take this debate seriously and to recognize that none of us are interested in dictating military strategy to the President but, rather, to set a mission for the military, and that is what this debate is about.
OBAMA, BARACK:
OBAMA, BARACK: Given the National Intelligence Estimate that has come out, I think it is important for us to be prudent and consider what the best steps forward are now, and that is something that I hope emerges from this debate. It is my belief that the best thing to do now is to vote for Reed-Levin. I thank you for your time. I yield the floor.
OBAMA, BARACK: