John Edwards has called on Congress to stand firm in response to Bush's veto. Moments ago, Edwards released a statement saying (in part):
"Four years ago [the president] flew onto the deck of the U.S.S. Lincoln under a 'Mission Accomplished' banner to declare victory in Iraq. Today, all the photo ops in the world can't hide the truth - the war is still raging, and the president's mismanagement of Iraq is still dead wrong. Our troops have done everything they were asked and deserve a hero's welcome. Instead, they remain in harm's way; Iraq has become a breeding ground for terrorists; and we're no closer to a permanent political solution than we were four years ago.
"But one thing has changed: The American people have given Congress a mission to end the war - but that mission hasn't been accomplished yet.
"Congress needs to stand firm and strong. Congress should answer the president's veto by sending him another bill with a timetable for withdrawal. And if he vetoes that one, Congress should send him another and another until we end this war and bring our troops home.
Below the flip - the full statement and read some steps you can take immediately.
The full statement:
"Today, President Bush vetoed a bill that supports our troops and ends the war in Iraq that he declared won four years ago.
"Four years ago he flew onto the deck of the U.S.S. Lincoln under a 'Mission Accomplished' banner to declare victory in Iraq. Today, all the photo ops in the world can't hide the truth - the war is still raging, and the president's mismanagement of Iraq is still dead wrong. Our troops have done everything they were asked and deserve a hero's welcome. Instead, they remain in harm's way; Iraq has become a breeding ground for terrorists; and we're no closer to a permanent political solution than we were four years ago.
"But one thing has changed: The American people have given Congress a mission to end the war - but that mission hasn't been accomplished yet.
"Congress needs to stand firm and strong. Congress should answer the president's veto by sending him another bill with a timetable for withdrawal. And if he vetoes that one, Congress should send him another and another until we end this war and bring our troops home.
"There is no military solution to the conflict in Iraq - only a political solution. The Iraqi people need to take responsibility for their own country. Under my plan, we would cap funding at 100,000 troops to stop the McCain Doctrine of escalation and force an immediate withdrawal of 40-50,000 troops, followed by a complete withdrawal in 12-18 months. Now is not the time for political calculation, it is the time for political courage. Every person who is against this war needs to speak out, so together we can bring an end to the quagmire that is Iraq."
So what can we do?
First, add your voice to the message we are sending to Congress.
We sent a new Congress to Washington with a clear mandate for a new direction in Iraq. We must make sure they know we want them to stand firm against Bush.
We're sending Congress customized postcards, calling on them to stand strong until they've accomplished their mission and brought the troops home.
You can send one by clicking here.
Next: Take action in your local communities!
MoveOn.org and a coalition of progressive groups are organizing emergency rallies in hundreds of cities nationwide, calling on Congress to stand firm.
You can find and join a rally by clicking here.
It's going to take all of us, working together to end this war. Whatever you do, please ask your friends and family to join you.
Update: John Edwards talking about Congress, Iraq and the president at the California Dem Party Convention. (Thanks for the reminder, NCDemAmy)
Full Disclosure: I work for the Edwards campaign.