Losing America

In his new book, "Losing America: Confronting a Reckless and Arrogant Presidency," Sen. Robert C. Byrd (D-W.Va.) argues that the Bush White House has irresponsibly abused the balance of power and eroded civil liberties since Sept. 11, 2001.

Sen. Byrd was online Thursday, Aug. 5, at 2 p.m. ET to discuss his book, the president and politics in general.

The transcript follows.

Editor's Note: Washingtonpost.com moderators retain editorial control over Live Online discussions and choose the most relevant questions for guests and hosts; guests and hosts can decline to answer questions.

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Sen. Robert C. Byrd : I think it was Emily Dickenson that said "there is no frigate like a book to take us lands away." So that is what we are talking about this afternoon, a book "Losing America: Confronting a Reckless and Arrogant Presidency." That is my book.

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New York City, N.Y.: Senator Byrd:

I had the honor of meeting you at the New York City promotion of your book which I am now reading.
I am baffled by the fact most democrats who voted for the Iraq resolution have not admitted they made a mistake. Case in point, Senator Hillary Clinton who introduced you during your appearance in New York. What struck me was her assertion that your fellow colleagues in the Senate listen to you. I only wish. Her vote in particular was very upsetting. Why do you believe there is such a reticence in admitting the Iraq vote was an error? Don't you think it is hurting Kerry and Edwards to avoid answering this question?

Sen. Robert C. Byrd : I think that the others were misled by the administration. The administration misled the American people and my collogues in the Congress. To begin with, this president manipulated the election and manipulated the vote on the House Joint Resolution which authorized the president to use the armed forces as he determined to be necessary to protect the national security of the United States against the continuing threat by Saddam. I am using words that were in the resolution. In the first place there was no continuing threat. We saw in the war that Saddam Hussein couldn't even get a plane off the ground. The president maneuvered the Congress into passing this joint resolution just prior to an election, which would naturally have an impact on the outcome of the vote. Senators were afraid to vote against this resolution, shifting the power of the Congress under the constitution to declare war to the president. Many of them probably thought that to vote against the resolution would be seen as unpatriotic and consequently they voted for the resolution. I fought against having a vote on the resolution just prior to the election. The Bush White House made a political decision that 9/11 presented an opportunity to attack without provocation the sovereign state of Iraq. The war in Iraq did not have to be fought. It was the wrong war at the wrong time for the wrong reasons.

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Whittier, Calif.: Sen. Byrd, it seems like ever since 1980 when Ronald Reagan ran and became President that the Republican Party has been more effective in "selling" its agenda and ideology to the American people than the Democratic Party has.
How can the Democratic Party better sell its agenda to the American people while not drifting over to the right side of the political spectrum?

Sen. Robert C. Byrd : I think it is always a good thing to speak the truth. I think my party should speak the truth to the American people and that its leaders have the courage to take a stand for what is best for the United States. Principle, not politics, should be our guiding light.

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Prince George, Va.: Sen. Byrd, I would like to commend you for continuing to bring reasoned debate and genteel behavior into the often brutal realm of politics. I have not always agreed with you, but I have found it easy to respect you. In your opinion, are there other lawmakers, either in the Senate or the House, who are also dedicated to maintaining the dignity of the Congress, whatever their political disputes with each other might be?

Sen. Robert C. Byrd : There are fellow lawmakers who believe in standing by the Constitution -- first, last and always -- and believe in following the lessons of history.

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Woodbridge, Va.: What do you think is the central reason for the silence emanating from congress during the administrations run up to war? Misplaced patriotism? Greed? Fear of losing power/status/job? Group think? It seems that so many of us (including you) were asking questions but no one in power was listening. It makes me wonder why most of these people are in office in the first place.

Sen. Robert C. Byrd : I think that the men and women on both sides of the isle and both sides of the Hill were mislead by this administration. They were afraid to speak out and ask questions apparently for fear of being charged as being unpatriotic. There were a few who stood with me in the Senate when it came to voting against HJ Res. 114 which shifted the power to declare war from the congress, where the constitution places that power, to one man, namely the president of the Untied States. The framers gave that power to the House and Senate and I am sure they would have been very chagrined and disappointed -- even shocked -- could they have spoken to the American people and the world.

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Shepardstown, W.Va.: Yes or no? Did Bush do the right thing by removing the Taliban and Saddam Hussein?

Sen. Robert C. Byrd : Yes, he did the right thing by removing the Taliban. That is the war that is going on in Afghanistan. But he did not need to do the second thing -- namely going to war to remove Saddam Hussein. This could have been accomplished by continuing to let the inspectors do their work. They could have gone where they wanted and destroyed weapons.

I think we would have saved the lives of over 900 men and women had we stayed that course and worked with the United Nations to secure their cooperation.

So when we talk about removing or defeating the Taliban that is one thing. That had to do with a war in which al Qaeda attacked us on 9/11. I supported Mr. Bush on that war and still do. But the president waved the bloody shirt of 9/11 and misled our people and invaded a sovereign nation that had not attacked us and DID NOT pose a security threat to the United States. That was a costly war we ought not to have fought it. Costly in terms of the deaths of more than 900 men and women wearing the American uniform in the hot sands of Iraq, and costly in terms of treasure and our nations image around the world. I was opposed to that war. I didn't believe the administration then and I don't believe it still as it continues in its futile efforts to explain why it took our nation into war.

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Rockville, Md.: Senator Byrd, how do you respond to First Lady Laura Bush's statement that the press is responsible for polarizing American Democrats and Republicans? Do you discuss how the press may be responsible for "losing America" in your book?

Sen. Robert C. Byrd : My book sets forth a response to the question as it were and points out that the media went right along with the Bush administration in beating the drums of war. The media, like the congress, failed the nation in this critical hour by not choosing to ask questions, by not standing up to the administration. On the other hand the media took the propaganda that came from the White House hook, line and sinker and fell in line when the administration was beating the drums of war and loosening the dogs of war. This is set forth in my book. My book points out that a media analyst by the name of Andrew Tyndall analyzed the news media's stories on Iraq and he says in my book that out of the 415 stories on Iraq broadcast on the major networks -- NBC, ABC, CBS -- all but 34 originated at the White House, the Pentagon or the State Department. He went on to say that all but 34 followed the Bush line. I say in my book that the media was all too eager to follow along. Coincidence? Not likely. Consultants told their media to play along the patriotism. Free speech could not allow to get in the way from the financial bottom line.

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Arlington, Va.: You're saying that your colleagues voted for the war resolution because they were "afraid" to do otherwise? That's quite a damning indictment, isn't it? Does that include Senator Kerry? Do you really think he was afraid of President Bush?

Sen. Robert C. Byrd : When you talk about Sen. Kerry and courage the two are synonymous. There is no question about Kerry's courage. He was in Vietnam. He smelled the smoke and stench of battle and was highly decorated for his bravery. To ask the question is to answer it.

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Washington, D.C.: Sen. Byrd,
Thank you so much for your time. I know its valuable so I'll move right in...
I agree that this administration has been reckless and irresponsible, but I am often left wondering what specifically are the most dangerous challenges to civil liberties. Everyone holds the PATRIOT ACT up as a horrible intrusion, but I don't see the validity to those claims. What specifically do you see as the initiatives, subsections, etc. that are particularly detrimental to civil liberties?
Thanks again for your time and insight

Sen. Robert C. Byrd : The Patriot Act is an example of good intentions leading to bad legislation. The Patriot Act was written in the shadow of 9/11 and it was crafted with a burning desire to get them before they get us. Law enforcement needed help and congress was ready to jump at the chance. Unfortunately, and in this I include myself, we did not take the time to really stop and think about what we were writing. We did not fully think of the ramifications. We rushed. I think we allowed zeal to trump principle. One senator, Russell Feingold of Wisconsin, voted against the Patriot Act in the Senate and he was right. I only wish I could go back and add my name to that vote beside him. My book has a chapter on the Patriot Act. The Bush White House wants to put the constitution on the shelf as if it was a relic. It is not a relic. The constitution is the living breathing foundation of our republic. If we stand idly by and allow an administration to erode the basic principles within the constitution than none of the principles in the constitution are safe.

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Rockville, Md.: What's your opinion of Zell Miller speaking to the Republican Convention later this month? Why do you think he's so disillusioned with the Democrats? What is your relationship with him?

Finally, I just wanted to thank you for taking such a strong stance against the Bush administration regarding the Iraqi war and so many other matters! Very much appreciated! Keep up the good fight!

Sen. Robert C. Byrd : I simply will answer one part of that, that being the kind words concerning my efforts. I want to thank you. Such encouragement helps to keep me going. It is not always easy.

I don't speak on the motivations of other Senators in all due respect.

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Alexandria, Va.: Greetings, Senator.
Former staffer and fan from your days as Majority Leader; value your leadership even more as the stakes get higher and wisdom rarer...
My prosaic/political question is: what should John Kerry tell the people of West Virginia when he campaigns there? What resonates in your home state nowadays?

Sen. Robert C. Byrd : Number 1, he should tell the people of West Virginia that he will keep his promises, unlike the Bush administration that went into West Virginia, made many promises and broke them. A case in point: Mr. Bush promised the people of West Virginia that he would budget $2 million over a period of 10 years for clean coal technology. That would be an average of $200 million a year. Mr. Bush has not kept that promise in any single year thus far. He has not only budgeted less than $200 million hut he has cut funds to clean coal technology. So he has not kept his promises to West Virginia. West Virginia and all of America needs a president that will stand with them, not above them.

On that last point, let me let Mr. Bush himself explain, and I quote him "I am the commander, see? I don't need to explain. I do not need to explain why I say things. That is the interesting thing about being the president. Maybe somebody needs to explain to me why they say something but I don't feel like I owe anybody an explanation." That quotation from the lips of Mr. Bush is to be found on page 170 of my book "Losing America."

Mr. Bush himself says why, in that quotation, he is above the people. The people are sovereign in this country and our governmental system yet he is saying "I don't feel like I owe anybody an explanation."

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San Francisco, Calif.: Sen Byrd,

Was there any one particular action, word, or thought by Bush that made you write this book?

Sen. Robert C. Byrd : I wrote this book to wake up America as Paul Revere awakened Concord. It was only a few months into the bush presidency when I became aware of this administration's desire for secrecy, its desire to operate out of the White House, its distrust of the people and its contempt for the legislative branch. I have repeatedly taken a sacred oath to protect this republic and our constitution against all enemies foreign and domestic and what I have seen in the Bush White House in the programs and policies of his team threatens the foundations of the constitution and of this country and I could not sit idly by and let that happen. The American people need to wake up to what is happening to their country. In writing this book I sound the alarm.

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Waldorf, Md.: What should be our exit strategy for getting out of Iraq? Will we be able to get some of our allies (other than Britain and a few other countries) involved to share some/more of the burden of nation-keeping in Iraq? Do we need to add more troops? What exactly do we need to do to get out of there?

Sen. Robert C. Byrd : We do not need to add more troops in my judgment. I was never in favor of sending American fighting men and women into Iraq. I think the first step we should take is to restore the integrity of America, both with the American people and other countries around the globe. We should restore the confidence of the world in our leadership and to do that we need a new face on Uncle Sam. The other countries of the world are not going to have confidence in this administration. It has turned the back of its hand to our allies and the UN too many times. It has insulted them, referred to them as old Europe and as irrelevant. So for this administration it has in a manner burned its bridges. But John Kerry, a new face can restore our integrity around the world. A fresh start is what our country needs. We need a fresh face in the White House.

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Columbia, Mo.: Hello, senator. I heard you on the radio program "Fresh Air" recently, and you were asked about your membership in the KKK as a young man. I was impressed that you didn't hem and haw or try to dodge the question: You said it was a mistake, and you regretted it, and you're wiser now.

I appreciated that, and I wonder why our leaders can't simply admit mistakes more often. Wouldn't we be better served if they did?

Sen. Robert C. Byrd : Well the people want leaders who are up front, tell it like it is and if they make a mistake admit it, learn by it as I did, and go on. I can only speak to my own life and the lessons I have learned, and I thank you for your kind words.

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Arlington, Va.: Wow! You have truly impressed me in this chat today! Why didn't you speak at the DNC! Thank you so much for this chat! God help us save the United States of America from tyranny!

Sen. Robert C. Byrd : I have spoken at conventions over the years, when I was majority and minority leader.

I wasn't invited to speak at the convention, didn't seek or ask for one, but I enjoyed it and think we are on our way to electing anew face and new president of the Untied States. It will be a breath of fresh air.

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Washington, D.C.: Senator Byrd:

As the master parliamentarian that you are, why do you not make more use of the Senate rules and the filibuster to bring the Senate to a halt to force it to examine what it is doing? Senator Metzenbaum and Senator Weicker used to carry on losing filibusters to gain attention frequently. Maybe the press, which is as you have noted complicit in the unexamined Bush policies, would be forced to cover a Senate debate.

With admiration.

Sen. Robert C. Byrd : There is absolutely too much political gamesmanship at these times in the Senate. Already too much grandstanding, too much scorekeeping and too much of the idea that winning is all that matters, that principle doesn't count, that politics is the alpha and the omega of all things. Too many of our colleagues I am afraid, especially on the other side of the isle, feel that the Senate was made to hammer out the fortunes of a political party rather than to debate and to decide the great questions of the day. The American people I think have had their fill of politics. What they want and need is a senate that debates and acts in the best interest of the American people. I am chagrined by the time we waste in the senate doing nothing. The Senate was not made to be used as it is being used. Principle and statesmanship should be the order of the day and it is my hope and prayer that the senate will again be brought into the political constellation. I appreciate the senate rules but am dismayed by the abuse of these rules. We can't operate on a three-day week. That is the way it is being misused. And it doesn't debate the big issues of the day. That is what happened with the war in Iraq. We should have debated the war day and night if we needed to. I was astonished to walk onto the floor and not find Senators debating the war. A war that has consumed the lives of 900 men and women. That was a shame.

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Washington, D.C.: What do you hope your book will accomplish?

Sen. Robert C. Byrd : I hope that my book will really awaken our country to the dangers of a rouge White House and that the American people will study their history and not be mislead by an administration that plays politics in everything that it does. My hope resides in the people of this country. A few years ago Tom Brokaw wrote his book "The Greatest Generation" about the people who fought WWII and those that supported them at home. I think that each generation of Americans has a chance to reach for greatness. Each generation has the responsibility to preserve this country and its constitution and the liberty that this constitution guarantees. And each generation has the responsibility to make this country shine as a continuing beacon of hope to the world.

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Sen. Robert C. Byrd : In closing I would say that no president must ever again be granted such license with our troops or our treasure. I want now to thank washingtonpost.com, the publisher W.W. Norton and the people for their questions and participation. These questions that have come my way today have been truly thoughtful and they show that the American people are concerned, that they are listening and that they are eager to participate.

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