Harry Reid’s Backing Boosts Iran Deal’s Chances

He pointed out that most of those opposed to the Iran deal supported the invasion of Iraq in 2003, thus implying that they were warmongers-conveniently overlooking that his vice president and both of his secretaries of state voted for the war in Iraq.

Members might note that few in the foreign policy establishment are making the case that the nuclear deal constitutes a diplomatic victory.

Taking aim at opponents of the deal who say the accord should be renegotiated, Mr. Reid called that position a “fantasy” that would lack any worldwide backing. Joe Donnelly, D-Ind., who said, “I am willing to give this agreement the opportunity to succeed”.

Obama told Nadler the U.S. could take military action against Iran or reinstate sanctions if the country doesn’t comply with a nuclear agreement, part of an effort by the administration to build enough support to ensure the deal survives. No, this is politics between Obama and Congress, as the deal was structured to effectively weaken the role Senate has in working out worldwide treaties. If Iran gets such a great deal with such a poor record, all the while proclaiming “Death to America; Death to Israel”, why should they become a responsible member of the community of nations?

Nadler, who’s the first Jewish lawmaker from New York to back the deal, received a lengthy personal letter from Obama earlier this week defending the deal and pledging that the U.S. will continue to put economic pressure on Iran and keep military options open. The Anderson Civic Center was packed with 1,800 to 1,900 Republicans who came to hear leading GOP presidential contenders Ben Carson, Ted Cruz, and Scott Walker.

Paradoxically, the supporters of the agreement should welcome congressional disapproval. “I support this deal because I believe it is the best option to halt any Iranian nuclear weapons program and therefore to protect the State of Israel“, he said.

Reid said he believes that the deal was the best that could be achieved. Chuck Schumer and New Jersey Sen.

Congress can factor the unpopularity of the Iran nuclear deal into their decision on what will be the most important national security choice in a generation.

The Senate is expected to vote on the Iran nuclear deal in September after returning from recess.

House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi has said House Democratic supporters have the votes necessary to sustain Obama’s veto despite unanimous Republican opposition to the agreement.

I’ll have more to say about it later; included in the crowd were people representing some key trends and cross-currents in the Republican race.

Even after Senator Chuck Schumer announced that he intends to vote against the Iran deal next month, most political analysts predicted that Congress wouldn’t be able to block the agreement.

The opposition to the deal was up from 52 percent last month. “We resolved it without the IAEA having access to that facility”, he said.