Pete King Likes Obama's McChrystal Move; Swipes at Biden
By Reid PillifantNew York Observer
June 23, 2010
Republican Congressman Pete King put out a quick press release today cheering President Obama's appointment of General David Petraeus to replace General Stanley McChrystal, whose boozy volcano layover has now cost him command of the war in Afghanistan.
"General McChrystal's recent comments were entirely inappropriate," Mr. King said in his statement. "I strongly support the President's appointment of General David Petraeus to replace General McChrystal."
But King--the ranking Republican on the House Homeland Security Committee and a frequent critic of the administration--also used the occasion to take a swipe at the "divided and dysfunctional" civilians shaping war policy.
"Vice President Biden must not be allowed to contradict Secretary Gates and Secretary Clinton and undercut our military commanders in Afghanistan by repeatedly saying that large numbers of troops will be pulled out of Afghanistan next summer," he wrote. "Ambassador Eikenberry and General Jones must not be allowed to publicly criticize President Karzai, contrary to Administration policy."
The President would seem to disagree with King's characterization. "I welcome debate among my team," he said today, in announcing his decision, "but I won't tolerate division."