CNN Inside Politics - Transcript
CNN Inside Politics - Transcript
Wednesday, August 3, 2005
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JOHNS: With me now to talk more about the situation in Iraq and other issues is Senator George Allen of Virginia. He joins me from Capitol Hill. Thanks so much, Senator Allen, for speaking with me.
Eighteen hundred U.S. lives lost over there now. There are some suggestions that the attacks are becoming fewer but more lethal.
What's the strategy? And do you think there is a real possibility for at least some of the troops to start coming home as early as next year?
SEN. GEORGE ALLEN (R), VIRGINIA: Well, I think you are going to have to look at several factors and progress and benchmarks in the future. I think, first of all, we'll be able to have our troops stand down as Iraqis are able to stand up and protect themselves.
On the political front, one of the key things will be this constitution. If they can get this constitution drafted -- and one that respects individual rights, that rights are not enhanced nor diminished on the account of religious beliefs or because of one's gender or ethnicity -- and have the rule of law and justice there, I think they have a good shot at it -- and, of course, the ratification of that constitution by the people in elections.
That's the political front.
On the security front, obviously training more Iraqis to take care of their own country will be essential. The electricity, the water, the sewer, oil production being improved -- all of those will be important, as well as in the schools, by the way, teaching educational, academic subjects rather than hate.
I think there's progress, but it is very, very difficult, whether it's the constitution or whether that is the training of Iraqis.
The terrorists, whether they are remnants of Saddam's regime or whether they are al Qaeda, these people do not have any other motive other than to wreak havoc and cause trouble. But I don't think that's going to win the hearts and minds of Iraqis. But...
JOHNS: Senator, it does...
ALLEN: I'm positive, I'm optimistic, but recognize that this is going to be very difficult and a treacherous land.
JOHNS: It does seem as though the administration continues to have problems with public relations on these issues.
Do you think there's anything the administration should be doing that it hasn't been doing with regard to P.R.?
ALLEN: Well, to the extent that you all with CNN or any others can talk about some of the positive things in areas that are safe, that would be helpful.
I'm not going to criticize the media, though. When you have the tragic killing of 14 Americans, naturally that's going to -- and understandably that's going to -- get attention.
But there is progress. And I think that there will be certain benchmarks with a constitution that I think people will see an uptick, let's say, in support and understanding just like on June -- excuse me, in late January -- when the Iraqis voted, that got Americans feeling positive about progress.
And people want to see those sort of benchmarks. And when they occur, I think there will be more support.
And I think most Americans realize this is tough. We're going to have to persevere. But, most of all, we want to see the Iraqis taking control of their own destiny and their own security.
ALLEN: So, Senator, now quickly, let's talk a little bit about domestic politics. You have certainly been mentioned as one of those people who might be running for the White House next time around. Where do you stand on that?
ALLEN: What, running for the White House?
JOHNS: Yes.
ALLEN: Is that what you're saying, Joe?
I'm running for re-election next year, is my political focus right now. I have been encouraged by many outstanding individuals for whom I have a great deal of respect, who had worked, for example, in the Reagan administration.
So I'm going to keep advocating the advancement of freedom and making sure this country is the world capital of innovation, with better tax policies and better education, so that we are leaders, no matter what position I'm in.
JOHNS: Now, when the Congress returns, obviously, one of the big things the Senate will be focusing on is the Roberts nomination for the Supreme Court. You met with Judge Roberts. What's your assessment of him? ALLEN: Well, I very much enjoyed talking with Judge Roberts. We had a good conversation, maybe 45 minutes. He's a scholar, a legal scholar. But you know the good thing about him? He doesn't talk like a lawyer.
He clearly understands the law. What I care most about, is judges who understand their responsibility is to apply the law, not invent the law. He understands the Constitution and that the Constitution should not be amended by judicial decree.
And we talked about things such as precedent and how important that is, but when precedent might not be ultimately controlling and stultifying. Asked him about how you protect individual rights, how you interpret state laws, when the federal government should or should not be taking over the rights and prerogatives of the people in the states, and a variety of other issues.
But I came away from it feeling that he was well-grounded, has the right judicial philosophy. I think he'll be an outstanding member of the Supreme Court. Moreover, on the Supreme Court I think that he'll be one that will be able to persuade other justices to his point of view. And some of that's just his demeanor.
And I like the fact that he cuts his own grass.
JOHNS: Another issue that you have been heavily involved with is the issue of stem cell research. We've already talked about it on the program just a little bit.
What's your view? Is the administration going to be able to sidestep a confrontation with the Republican Congress on this issue?
ALLEN: Probably not. Every senator is going to come up to this, and whatever number of bills, I don't know how many different proposals we'll ultimately have before us in the Senate, maybe six or eight.
What I'm looking to do is find a way that we can advance stem cell research in a way that it actually helps people.
And of course adult stem cell research right now is finding cures and helping people.
So far as the embryonic stem cell research, there are three filters that I'm using. One is the scientific advancement filter. The other is, what is appropriate for federal funding? The third is the ethical or the ethics controversy.
I think with some of the advancements in technology and science, there are ways of deriving stem cells, embryonic-type stem cells, that have all that flexibility and pluripotentiality without destroying an embryo. If we can do that, that's good for science. It's logical for funding. It also avoids the ethical controversy.
And the fact of the matter is that the question is whether or not there should be federal funding. And it's not as if the federal government is the only one who can fund this. The state of California has put in $3 billion for such research, as have other states and the private sector.
So maybe if we can find and craft a measure which gets embryonic stem cells without destroying an embryo, that is the plus-plus approach for advancements in the research in stem cells to help from everything from juvenile diabetes to Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
JOHNS: Senator George Allen of Virginia, thanks so much for joining us. Let's stay in touch during August.
ALLEN: OK. Will do.
JOHNS: You bet.
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