One of the dramatic moments in Thursday’s Democratic debate came when Senator Barack Obama — in making the case that Iraq was the wrong place to launch a war — cited an Army captain in Afghanistan who told him of a rifle platoon that lacked manpower, ammunition and Humvees. As Mr. Obama recounted, the soldiers looked for captured Taliban weapons as it was easier to be armed that way than “to get properly equipped by our current commander in chief.”
Conservatives pounced on the story, questioning its authenticity, and Senator John Warner of Virginia, the ranking Republican and former chairman of the Armed Services Committee, wrote to Mr. Obama on Friday seeking more details. Senator Warner wants to find out of the story is true -– and, if so, who might be responsible for any lapses. He said that he will also raise the issue with Army Secretary Peter Geren and Army Chief of Staff William Casey when they testify next week before his committee.
In the letter, which begins “Dear Barack,” Senator Warner said that the incident most likely occurred while he was chairman of the committee, whose members also include Senator John McCain and Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton.
Jake Tapper at ABC claims he has spoken to the Captain and says his story seems credible. But can his story stand up to the light of day, including the statements of other witnesses? And did he report these major problems to his superiors at the time? ABC also says the Captain relayed his anecdotes to Obama staffers. Hmmm. Lots of questions still unanswered.
