In the interview, Barack Obama spoke to Matt Lauer, anchor of NBC’s TODAY show. Obama said:
"We are in a position to start putting more responsibility on the Iraqis, and that’s good news for not only the troops in the field but also their families, who are carrying an enormous burden."
However, Obama gave no details on dates or numbers. He added that Americans needed to remain vigilant.
"Here’s what I think is important for everybody to understand: We’ve got real threats, and we have to remain vigilant. We have to make sure that we don’t let up, because there are people who would be willing to do us harm."
Obama's remarks came on the same day that the AP reported on the fact that the term "War on Terror" was fading from use, at least in the Obama administration.
Many had criticized the use of the term "war" by the Bush administration, as a war against a vague, terrorist organization as opposed to a country could have no end, and would mean that the U.S. president might be able to "claim" expanded war powers forever.
Posted February 2nd, 2009 by Michael Santo
