MR. RUSSERT: So if those military commanders recommended to the president that more American forces be sent into Iraq from, from the United States, additional troops are necessary to put down a potential civil war, you would support their request.

DR. RICE: The president is going to listen to his commanders on the ground and he’s going to respond to what they, what they say. You already see that General Casey has considerable flexibility in bringing those forces into Baghdad to be able to assist the Iraqis. But the Iraqis, of course, are the key here, and their increasing competence, particularly among the army forces, gives them a lead in the security operations in Baghdad. And they’ve been very clear that they want that lead.

MR. RUSSERT: Before you go, Madame Secretary, how sick is Fidel Castro?

DR. RICE: I don’t know, Tim. It’s a very closed society, obviously. Keeps its secrets well. But what the United States has been sending is a message to the Cuban people that change is clearly under way, that the United States stands clearly and with people who want a more democratic future in Cuba. We will stand for their right for free elections, to say what they think, to worship as they please. And we will help organize the international community to support them in any way needed.

We have put aside important humanitarian efforts that could be made on their behalf, and my message to the Cuban people would be that they have an opportunity, as this unfolds at home, to build a stable and more democratic Cuba.

MR. RUSSERT: USA Today reports that the Bush administration has dedicated assistance “to prepare the Cuban military forces to adjust to an appropriate role in a democracy.” What does that mean?

DR. RICE: This simply means, Tim, that we’ve done some far-ranging thinking about, when the transition really does come in Cuba, how Cuba might have institutions of democracy. That’s all that means.

But I want to lay one thing to rest: the notion that, somehow, the United States is going to invade Cuba because there are troubles in Cuba, is simply far-fetched, and it’s simply not true. The United States wants to be a partner and a friend for the Cuban people as they move through this period of difficulty and as they move ahead. But what Cuba should not have is the replacement of one dictator by another. The United States will support a democratic and peaceful process. But this is simply the—trying to think through how we might help the Cuban people have more democratic institutions when that time comes.

MR. RUSSERT: And we will not a mass exodus out of the United States or out of Cuba?

Story continues below ↓

advertisement | your ad here

DR. RICE: The United States really feels very strongly, and we’ve worked to tell the Cuban people that their future is at home. And no, a mass exodus is not, not to be expected, nor would it be condoned.

MR. RUSSERT: Of Cuban Americans back to Cuba, as well?

DR. RICE: Our view, Tim, is that this is a time in which a lot is unfolding in Cuba, we’re watching it very carefully. Our role right now is to make clear the kind of future that we see for Cuba, and to be prepared to help the Cuban people toward that future. It is also our role to give a sense of, of calm and stability as things go forward. And the president has been very focused on this, I’ve been very focused on it. The Cuban people deserve our respect and they deserve our support. And they will get it.

MR. RUSSERT: But you will not allow Cuban Americans to return back to Cuba en masse?

DR. RICE: Tim, we are not going to do anything to stoke a sense of crisis or a sense of instability in Cuba. This is a transitional period for the Cuban people. We are going to stand with them for the proposition that there should not simply be the return from—or the end of one dictatorship and the imposition of another dictatorship. And we are working with partners in the international community to send that message very strongly.

But our role will be to help the Cuban people, when the time comes, to have a peaceful and, and stable democratic transition.

MR. RUSSERT: Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, we thank you very much for your views.

DR. RICE: Thank you, Tim.

MR. RUSSERT: Coming next, this Tuesday, the battle for the Democratic nomination for U.S. senator from Connecticut. Joe Lieberman, the incumbent, vs. Ned Lamont, the challenger. Who will win? And what will it mean for the future of the Democratic Party? We’ll have a debate coming up, right here on MEET THE PRESS.

(Announcements)

MR. RUSSERT: Joe Lieberman vs. Ned Lamont. The primary is Tuesday, the debate is right here after the station break.

(Announcements)

MR. RUSSERT: Welcome both. Lanny Davis, friend of Lieberman; Jim Dean, friend of Lamont. Let’s go right to it.

Here’s the latest polling on this Senate race in Connecticut, let’s put it on the screen. Now: Lieberman 41, Lamont 54. Six months ago it was Lieberman 68, Lamont 13. What happened to Joe Lieberman? How could he lose 55-point lead?

MR. LANNY J. DAVIS: Well, I think from the very beginning he knew that his position on the war was contrary to the feelings of most Democrats, and that the challenge would be to try to convince Democrats to focus on the facts concerning his 30-year record as a progressive Democrat, and allow him to disagree, at least in part, on the war. He’s spoken out strongly against the conduct of the war. But I think he knew from the beginning that the war was a very dominant issue for Democrats, and it would tighten up.

MR. RUSSERT: Even amongst Lamont supporters, Mr. Dean, let me show you, this is quite interesting. Are you voting for Lamont, 30 percent; against Lieberman, 65. Is this a referendum on Joe Lieberman?

MR. JAMES H. DEAN: Well, I think you could probably say that, but I think more so, Tim, that it’s really a reference—a referendum, excuse me, on incumbency in general in Washington, and sort of the inertia that people have become to associate with getting things done in Congress. I think in a lot of ways, obviously the war, big, important issue among the voters, but I think we’re also need to talk about, you know, the fact that it’s been tough getting things done on health care, it’s been tough getting things done about our infrastructure and fully funding our schools. And while it’s unfair to hang any of that on Joe, because he’s fought for a lot of these things, I think there is a feeling that we need a change in Washington.

MR. RUSSERT: But the primary focus has been the war.

MR. DEAN: Mm-hmm.

MR. RUSSERT: In reference to February of ‘05, this now-famous picture of President Bush leaving the rostrum at the State of the Union message, hugging, kissing Joe Lieberman...

CONTINUED

< Prev | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | Next >

Discuss Story On Newsvine
Rate Story:
View popularLowHigh
Email
Instant Message
Print