September 13, 2002

MEMORANDUM TO: OPINION LEADERS

FROM: DAN McKIVERGAN, Deputy Director

SUBJECT: Lieberman's Speech on the War on Iraq

Today Senator Joe Lieberman (D - CT) strongly endorsed President Bush's policy of regime change in Iraq. "Every day Saddam remains in power is a day of danger for the Iraqi people, for Iraq's neighbors, for the American people, and for the world," argued Lieberman. He also responded to those critics who believe that far more information and time to deliberate is needed before the full Senate can take up a resolution in support of the president:

The essential facts are known. We know of the weapons in Saddam's possession: chemical, biological, and nuclear in time. We know of his unequalled willingness to use them. We know his history. His invasions of his neighbors. His dreams of achieving hegemonic control over the Arab world. His record of anti-American rage. His willingness to terrorize, to slaughter, to suppress his own people and others. We need not stretch to imagine nightmare scenarios in which Saddam makes common cause with the terrorists who want to kill us Americans and destroy our way of life.

Joining Senators Lott and McCain in saying a resolution is likely in the near future, Lieberman added that he will work with the President and both parties to ensure "the broadest possible bipartisan support for the President, as Commander in Chief."

The full text of Senator Lieberman's speech can be found at: http://lieberman.senate.gov/.