Thread by @HeidiNBC

Sanders' opposition to the Iraq War was more complicated than he presents

Few points (THREAD)

1. When Sanders says he read same intel & reached different conclusions about Iraq, that's not exactly right. He certainly VOTED differently but

nbcnews.com/politics/2020-… via @nbcnews

@NBCNews he didn’t question the intel about WMD until mid-2003. Sanders actually reached the same conclusions as many Dems: that the threat wasn’t imminent and the U.S. should work through the UN.

2. Sanders also voted for an “alternative” leaving door open to war if the UN didn’t act.

@NBCNews Some of the most ardent anti-war advocates opposed this amendment.

3. Rep. Barbara Lee was one: Some members “wanted it both ways. We had enough information to know there were no weapons there,” she told NBC, referring in general to Dems at the time.

@NBCNews News coverage at time called this measure a messaging tool for Dems who wanted “war under right circumstances.”

4. Sanders camp points out that MOST anti-war coalition Dems supported this amendment. This is true. It put them on the record not totally closing the door to war.

@NBCNews 5. Bush would have had to come back to Congress for approval if the UN didn't act.

6. When Sanders says he knew Bush was “lying,” he’s NOT referring to WMD. The Sanders camp says he is referring to the “imminence” of the threat. (Again, many Dems doubted the imminence.)

@NBCNews 7. The "alternative" Sanders voted for was similar to one Biden sponsored in the Senate.

8. Sanders went on TV and took part in press conferences warning against giving Bush a "blank check." His main concern was acting unilaterally, not doubting the existence of WMD.