GOP, Dems Tell Obama They'll Back Afghan Decision

Both parties say in a meeting with the president they'll support his Afghan war choice

Updated 5:00 PM EST, Tue, Oct 6, 2009

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Representatives from both political parties pledged their support for President Obama's upcoming decision on the war in Afghanistan, telling the commander in chief in a Tuesday meeting that they'd be behind whatever choice the White House makes.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid confirmed that in the Tuesday meeting, which brought together lawmakers from both sides of the aisle, GOP and Democratic representatives alike told Obama "whatever decision you make, we'll support it." Reid also said Republicans would be more likely to support Obama if he could get the majority of the U.S. commanders in the region on board with his choice.

Obama is facing pressure from lawmakers, constituents and the military alike to make a decision on whether or not he'll send more troops to Afghanistan, where over 60,000 U.S. forces are currently stationed. U.S. Commander Stanley McChrystal made what some considered a political gaffe last week when he publicly requested some 40,000 more troops to be sent to the region.

White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs said Tuesday that Obama would make his own decision about the war in Afghanistan. The White House ruled out fully removing troops from Afghanistan Monday, saying that there was no possibility of pulling out from the conflict.