Senator Schumer Gives His Assessment on the Progress of the War in Iraq

TOM BROKAW, anchor:

Let's go to the nation's capital now. Obviously, both in the represented hou--the representatives and the senators are taking a close look at all of this. Here in New York is Senator Charles Schumer, Democrat of the state of New York.

Senator Schumer, what is your assessment of how the war has gone so far? What are your concerns?

Senator CHARLES SCHUMER (Democrat, New York): Well, there have been a few bumps in the road, of course, The guerilla attacks from the rear, the inability to use Turkey. But overall, it seems the plan is pretty much on track, maybe a little slower. But after all, it's only been six, seven days, and I think it's premature to form a judgment right now. I think people who are leaping to that are not being patient enough.

BROKAW: But, Senator, if it does begin to stretch out over weeks, and maybe even to a month before they can get into Baghdad and take control of it, if by then, what about the political will of the people to support this war?

Sen. SCHUMER: Well, I think that if it's, you know, if it's within a month, I think people will--will basically go along with it. You know, there have been all kinds of views as to what we should do and shouldn't, but there has been, pretty much, a unification, even among most of those opposed to the war, saying once we're in there, we have to just stick with it for awhile. And I think that's what's happening.

One other thing, Tom, that I don't think gets noticed enough. Our armed forces have really gone out of their war to avoid civilian casualties. Some Air Force generals showed us particular targets in Baghdad and they looked at going in from the north, the east, the south, the west. And they chose going in based not on the what was easiest for the pilot, but what would bring the fewest civilian casualties. That also slows things down. But that will behoove us well in the future because the Iraqi people, hopefully, will realize that when we have to do the peace in Iraq.

BROKAW: All right, thank you very much, Charles Schumer, here in New York, for joining us today. Democratic Senator from New York.