If the Republicans blame Clinton for 9/11, why did they not support him in Operation Infinite Reach?

Question

While there was certainly more Bill Clinton could have done and should have done about Osama Bin Laden, Al-Qaeda and terrorism, the Republicans sure as hell weren't very supportive of him for the anti-terror efforts he did make.

In 1998, in retaliation for the bombings of the US embassies in Kenya and Tanzania, Clinton launched Operation Infinite Reach, ordering strikes on Al-Qaeda bases in Afghanistan and Sudan.

In a televised adress, Clinton said "The target is terror." "There will be no sanctuary for terrorists. We will defend our people, our interests, and our values."

What was the Republican response? They accused him of just trying to distract the public from the Lewinsky scandal. Some referenced the movie "Wag the Dog." One of the senators who questioned Clinton's decision was John Ashcroft, who would later become attorney general.

Why did they not support him on this and then later accuse him of not doing enough?

Answer 1

just as there is a distrust by the dems against bush there was the same against clinton by republicans.

Answer 2

For me, just firing a few Tomahawks wasnt the answer. Overall it did nothing. It was just a show. Im not trying to say it was a "Wag the Dog" show, but it was just a show to say he did something about the attacks. Clinton was not good at military matters in general. From Somolia on. He should have been more aggressive against terrorists then he was.

The reason the professional politicians attacked him was because thats what professional politicians do. There is really very little difference between Democrats and Republicans. They take different sides on issues, but in the end they are different sides of the same coin. The Democrats are doing the same thing today with Bush. If they wanted to end they war, they could, but they are worried about the political careers.

Answer 3

If anyone is to blame for 9-11 it's Clinton. The Clinton Administration gutted the CIA and the Military.

Under Clinton, the CIA budget went from $20 Billion to less than $16 Billion.

Over 3000 positions were cut from the CIA under Clinton. As a result of these cuts, the CIA closed its operations house located in Hamburg Germany.

Other than shooting a few cruise missiles which had been forewarned by asking permission, Clinton did noting to fight terrorism.

I love it though, Hillary will get roasted on national security if the Dem's are dumb enough to nominate her...

Answer 4

Because he didn't do enough. The first bombing of the World Trade Center happened and he treated it as a law enforcement problem. It happened on the second anniversary of the liberation of Kuwait from Iraqi occupation, and all of those involved in the bombing were carrying Sudanese passports. They even had taken up residence in a Beyit Al Shuhada (Martyrs' House) in Jersey City. The same law enforcement knee jerk happened when the USS Cole was bombed on the Navy's anniversary.
But, he certainly took quick and effective action about six weeks into his first term in office. His Chief of Administration at the White House, Bruce Lindsey, sent a letter to the Commander of the Washington Military District. The letter advised that henceforth all military personnel detailed to work at the White House, with the exception of the Marine Security Guard, could not wear their uniforms on the premises.
So much for defending our people, our interests and our values.

Answer 5

Because the operations didn't accomplish anything. He blew up a factory and hit an empty camp. No al-Qaeda people were even injured.

It was more bluster for TV than actual accomplishment of any meaningful goals. It was an abysmal failure.

Stop trying to make a silk purse out of sow's ear.
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You don't have to believe me, but I was very upset with Clinton not doing more, not just about al Qaeda, but about Iraq. He did nothing regarding Iraq, no progress, no change, just passing the buck to his successor.

He was too obsessed with his popularity to take necessary but unpopular actions. That was his greatest failure - the failure to lead.

Answer 6

Politics. In a few years the Democrats will be saying Bush did not do enough in Iraq even though now they are complaining about us being there. It is always about making your opponent look bad no matter what.

Answer 7

this is an easy one...look at the clinton..."legacy" in the white house.

- The only president ever impeached on grounds of personal malfeasance
- Most number of convictions and guilty pleas by friends and associates*
- Most number of cabinet officials to come under criminal investigation
- Most number of witnesses to flee country or refuse to testify
- Most number of witnesses to die suddenly
- First president sued for sexual harassment.
- First president accused of rape.
- First first lady to come under criminal investigation
- Largest criminal plea agreement in an illegal campaign contribution case
- First president to establish a legal defense fund.
- First president to be held in contempt of court
- Greatest amount of illegal campaign contributions
- Greatest amount of illegal campaign contributions from abroad
- First president disbarred from the US Supreme Court and a state court
if you can trust this type of individual for ANYTHING..you have lots more serious issues than operation reach i can assure you.

Answer 8

How about because he only lobbed a few bombs and didn't follow thru?

Same reason for the stain on her dress....follow thru problem.

Answer 9

Read what you have written, he spoke well about it, but he did little to earn our respect.