Reid: We Still Need Details; McCain: Obama Is 'Punting'

By John Johnson,  Newser Staff
Posted May 21, 2009 6:47 PM CDT
Reid: We Still Need Details; McCain: Obama Is 'Punting'
President Barack Obama delivers an address on national security today.   (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)

Leading Democrats praised President Obama's speech today while making clear that they still need details about closing Gitmo, Politico reports. “We’re all awaiting the details of the plan and the president is going to come up with one,” said Harry Reid, echoing the sentiment of fellow senators. Several seemed to soften their outright opposition to relocating prisoners to US soil. Mary Landrieu, for one, said she would "remain open" to the idea, notes the Hill.

Republicans criticized the lack of detail. “As usual he gave an excellent speech, but it’s clear they have no plan and no policy,” said John McCain. “The treatment, the addressing of the cases of those we can’t put on trial and we can’t release, his policy currently is consulting with Congress. That’s not a policy or a plan. He’s punting." Texas Sen. John Cornyn, meanwhile, criticized Obama for repeatedly blaming the Bush administration. “Americans are looking for leadership, not finger pointing." (More President Obama stories.)

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