Praising Bush, Marco Rubio Weighs In on Obama's Speech on Iraq

Former House Speaker Marco Rubio, the Republican candidate in the U.S. Senate election, weighed in minutes after President Barack Obama declared the American military mission in Iraq over.

The withdrawal of American combat brigades from Iraq marks an important milestone in a struggle that has eliminated security threats and helped democracy take root there, said Rubio. Because of Americas commitment and sacrifices in Iraq, the Iraqi people, the region and the world are all safer today.

Tonight, I join the American people in honoring, remembering and thanking the brave men and women who fulfilled their duty and have helped bring a truly responsible end to combat operations in Iraq, where the Iraqi people now govern and protect their sovereign nation, added Rubio. We should thank our troops who, under the leadership of Generals David Petraeus and Ray Odierno, brought Iraq back from the brink. We should also acknowledge President Bush and members of Congress from both parties who did what was right in 2007 by supporting the troop surge that has made Iraq a safer and more stable nation.Their wisdom, political courage and faith in our troops have helped make this important milestone possible.