White House Accidentally E-Mails Story On Iraqi PM Backing Obama Withdrawal Plan To Reporters

As Reuters reported earlier today, Iraqi Prime Minister al-Maliki has voiced his support for Obama's withdrawal plan. Needless to say, such support is not a PR victory for the Bush administration. And so it was no doubt embarrassing when, according to ABC's Jake Tapper, the White House sent the article--accidentally--to reporters:

The White House this afternoon accidentally sent to its extensive distribution list a Reuters story headlined "Iraqi PM backs Obama troop exit plan - magazine." [...}

The White House employee had intended to send the article to an internal distribution list, ABC News' Martha Raddatz reports, but hit the wrong button.

The misfire comes at an odd time for Bush foreign policy, at a time when Obama's campaign alleges the president is moving closer toward Obama's recommendations about international relations -- sending more U.S. troops to Afghanistan, discussing a "general time horizon" for U.S. troop withdrawal and launching talks with Iran.

Comments

[dana94591]

Maliki is backtracking because the White House is on him! The White House "accidentally" emailed it my a--! They knew what they were doing! These guys are really in a parallel universe!!

[debrouillard]

How was it "Mistranslated"? May be it was "Mistranslated" in German but it was given in English. So,the english reporting if it was actually a quote. Except of course they wanna say he didnt mean what he said.

[barackobama4prez]

Look at those beady eyes...Dubya has said eff you america!

[ricangirl1805]

I wish Huffpo would not put a picture of this man up...It makes me ill just looking at him.

[ishok]

Bush is clearly peeking at Obama's paper. He should get 50 demerits for cheating.

[xmw]

sure, after Bush called and told him he was.

[tel8034]

Why are the Republican panties all tied up in a knot?

Bush INVADES Iraq under false pretences; stays for 5 years; 4,000 + Americans and a countless number of Iraqis have been killed; and now Iraq say enough is enough, and that they agree with Obama's 16 month timetable for withdrawal.

Both Bush and McCain have publically said that if and when the Iraqis say that they are ready for US troops to leave, then they will abide by the wishes of Iraq.

Well that day has come - The Iraqis say they want the troops to leave, and Bush and McCain still want to put a political spin on it, rather than live up to their earlier pledge to comply.

So what's all the noise about?

Iraq is it's own sovreign country and not another US state - Can't they be left alone to decide what's best for them? The USA would not allow any other country to DICTATE how it should be run, so why do the Republicans think that this would not apply to other countries?

[naschkatze]

The Bush administration and its extension John McCain are so into psychology these days that they are interpreting Maliki's mind for us.

[layman]

Shift troops from Iraq to Afghanistan ?
But, no oil in there !!!!!
Thus will not as forcefully spread democracy.
Bushco will spread forcefully American brand democracy wherever there's oil.

[SKonnery]

No oil but an oil pipeline to bring the oil from the Caspian Sea. That was the reason for invading in the first place. The Taliban were guest in Houston until they didn't support the oil line and then we know the rest of the story. That is why the President of Afghanistan is a former oil company employee, UNOCAL. The same oil company that Condi Rice worked for. See how it all goes together.

[WWJD2]

Looks like Barry's ego once again jumped the gun claiming credit for something he didn't do. You have to feel sorry for his insecurities. All his supporters have to make excuses for everything he goofs up; just like a 2 year old.

[Sabreen60]

You spew your trash in every thread.

[Stew118]

Riiiiight- just like a 2 yea old. Or was that the United States Senator that swung at a fellow United States Sentator and Republican (James Inhoffe) during a closed door policy meeting? Give me a break you idiot.

[mexamerican]

wow. lots of morons on the thread.

[trish74]

WWJD W's name is spelled B-U-S-H.

[Sportswoman]

I am confounded that they did not utilize their Scott McClellan spin:
"We are truly saddened by the Prime minister's comments..."
"The Prime Minister SEEMED like a team player to us. We are truly sad to see him so confused..."
"The White House is deeply saddened by The PM's remarks..."

[Grannysue]

Well when all you have are a bunch of inept hags what the hell do you expect, I simply love this Administration, it's a translation misunderstanding, yea, and it's not a time line now it's some kind of horizon thing! You know there GWB if your Aunt had balls she'd be your Uncle too.

[Snoop2]

This wasn't a mistake, it was an educational accident, a mouse click accident, an unfortunate double click so to speak!
GW had John McCain over and was showing him around Microsoft Outlook, kinda teachin em if u kno what I mean. Dumb and dumber!!

[mari2JJ]

I thought there was nothing that could ever be funny about this administration but alas, you have given me a big chuckle although the horror of incompetence lingers on. If this President EVER did anything correctly, I would fall in a dead faint. And, sad to say, John McCain, the supposed 'straight talker' has climbed aboard the double talk express. But whatever happens, do not worry about a fainting spell for me. This hapless administration will go down as the most corrupt and inept in our history. REALLY!!!!!

[layman]

It's no accident. It's Bushco stupidity at work.
Unfortunately, the country is being governed under the same stupidity.

[wanttruth]

I'm cautiously optimistic about this latest development, but I don't put anything past the White House or Sen. McCain. I hope Sen. Obama continues to do a good job overseas and stays on message.

[w&cheneysuck]

There isn't anything that is an "Accident"; this was intentional. We will see why in the coming days...

[DesertLight]

I had the same thoughts.

[justanotherbushhater]

Exactly. This is really a no-brainer. The goal is now and always to discredit Obama --- Maliki=friend of Iran=enemy of U.S. Maliki supports Obama. Therefore, in Bush twisto-logic, Obama=enemy of U.S.

Remember their trying to make Kerry into a Frenchman?

[Pass the Freedom Fries, somebody. I'm feeling a bit weak from all the deja-vu's.]

[Sabreen60]

IMO, you are giving Booosh way too much credit for an ability to think beyond an elementary school level. This was not intentional.

[jupitor]

This kills Mccain, doesn't it? What the heck are the repub's up to? You watch they are going to lie or spin or cheat or something! This can't be just a accident! don't truest them.

[sheikwil]

They are already trying to lie and spin and say that's not what he said, when there is video of him saying he agreed. Maliki is now trying to say that he was misquoted, when it was him in the video saying it, but we know that the WH has threatend to cut off money unless his deny he said it, too late McBush, it's on tape what he said, so you can't spin this.