Wash. Post headline claimed "Clinton Changes Tone on Iraq"

A May 4 Washington Post article on Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton's (D-NY) May 3 announcement that she and Sen. Robert Byrd (D-WV) will introduce a bill to "sunset the 2002 authorization of military operations in Iraq," was headlined, "Clinton Changes Tone on Iraq; Senator Favors Ending War Authority" -- despite the article's own reporting that Clinton "has expressed support for a similar de-authorization, although not as a stand-alone bill."

Indeed, Clinton's own Iraq Troop Protection and Reduction Act of 2007, which was introduced in the Senate on February 16, includes a provision that would "require a new authorization for use of United States military forces in Iraq unless both the President and the Government of Iraq meet certain conditions within 90 days, including the phased redeployment of United States forces from Iraq."

From the May 4 Washington Post report headlined "Clinton Changes Tone on Iraq; Senator Favors Ending War Authority":

Clinton's endorsement of the sunset legislation represents a significant escalation in her opposition to the White House on war policy and signals an effort by Democratic presidential candidates -- including four sitting senators -- to assume higher profiles in the war debate. For Clinton, it is also an opportunity to address what has emerged as perhaps her greatest liability in the Democratic contest: her vote to authorize the war. "If the president will not bring himself to accept reality, it is time for Congress to bring reality to him," said Clinton, who has expressed support for a similar de-authorization, although not as a stand-alone bill.

Also on May 4, the Republican National Committee issued a press release that cited the Washington Post headline, claiming, "Pressured From Left, Hillary Clinton 'Changes Tone' And Backs Legislation To De-Authorize Iraq War."

—S.P.