Finish Line?

" Welcome to Washington I'm right there while president Obama's determination to get the US out of Iraq. Has been a constant theme from the campaign trail to the White House his timetable has been a moving target. But today the president drew himself -- firm finish line senior White House correspondent Major Garrett has the story. I've come to speak to -- about how the war in Iraq. Will end with that president Obama completed his own journey from the floor of the Iraq War can -- editorial skeptic of the troops search. To a commander in chief now ordering a withdrawal timeline backed by former President Bush's Defense Secretary. And mr. Obama's Republican rival for the White House so let me say this as plainly as -- can't. By August 31. 2000 intent and our combat mission in Iraq War and that's ninety."

" Months after the inauguration three months slower than the timetable candidate Obama promised on the campaign trail. A promise always tied to advice from military commanders advice to lead the president to change his mind. Architects of the plan admiral Mike Mullen chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The Defense Secretary Robert Gates accompanied the president to camp Lejeune."

" nineteen months from an inauguration. Seemed to us a good balancing. Logistics security. Make sure making sure that things are okay after the national elections. And maximizing opportunities for success in Iraq."

" There are 142000. US troops in Iraq now some will leave quietly -- more welcome home this summer but most will stay until after national elections in December. Administration officials that are residual force of between 35050000. Who remain after combat operations and their job advise and train Iraqi troops will help with reconstruction efforts and conduct counterterrorism operations. John McCain was -- with other lawmakers at the White House Thursday. Backs the president's plan and he says there's no doubt that 50000 troops will remain in Iraq even after combat operations and."

" people who -- did. -- as secretary gates ship admiral Mullen and the National Security Adviser Austin 50000. It is 50000 and its effect."

" Marines welcome the draw down news it's good to know you know that the final end -- is coming up. It's it's been a long fight in Iraq a lot of folks been there 123 times. The president praised the -- and -- of US forces in Iraq but after six years of sacrifice he never used the word victory. You -- troops quote got the job done. We will leave the Iraqi People when -- hard earned the opportunity to live a better life. That is your achievement McCain 41 wanted more."

" I think it could be very appropriate for the president to say. That we are winning and we have succeeded and we are achieving victory but gates disagreed I don't think. They need to be told that they've been been successful they Nolan. The president conducted nearly two dozen meetings on Iraq troop withdrawal timeline before making its final decision Wednesday he tried to call Iraqi prime minister nor Al Maliki yesterday but the two didn't connect they did today. The president also informed former President Bush by telephone just before a speech at camp Lejeune. -- major what's the reaction been from top Democrats. Different than it was yesterday speaker Nancy Pelosi yesterday and senate majority leader Harry Reid yesterday both said they wanted fewer than 50000 troops left after the end of combat operations. Today they're much more complimentary the president and said. It was sound and measured policy. Brett okay imagine tax."