Louisiana Senator David Vitter spoke with a handful of bloggers this afternoon on a conference call. Vitter reviewed the Republican record on the War on Terror and made a point of reminding people that this would be a “long term effort” with no “quick win.”

“Ultimately the proof is in the pudding,” said Vitter, referring to the fact that no attacks have happened since 9/11. Vitter also pointed out the capture of high ranking terrorists and the killing of Zarqawi. “We have also foiled at least 15 major terrorist plots that are public and there are many more that likely have not been disclosed.”

Vitter visited Iraq 10 days ago and says he came away “more conviced than ever that that battle there was key” to the success of the War on Terror and that contrary to what some say Iraq was not a “sideshow or distraction.”

The Democrats record on this issue, says Vitter has been obstruction and a policy of no. They blocked the Patriot Act for months. They are blocking crucial security nominees like John Bolton. They have actively opposed missile defense despite the fact that this is a crucial need in this war. He cited Democrats lack of policy with regard to the NSA wiretapping program and he noted Democratic efforts to block border security and the catch and release program. They also, says Vitter, are dragging their feet on major initiatives with regard to port security.

I asked Vitter what he thought about the recent revelations that CIA interrogation techniques that are now suspended pending congressional approval have yielded information that has stopped a dozen terrorist attacks against America.

“I am absolutely convinced that those programs have yielded very significant intelligence that have stopped major terrorist plots,” said Vitter. “These programs are the greatest source of intelligence since 9/11…Anybody who opposes the President’s suggestion has the responsiibility to come up with a program that works.”

Referring to the fact that these programs have been suspended Vitter said, “We clearly have the ability to fix it.”

Fox News is reporting that a deal has been struck between the White House and the McCain Gang but Senator Vitter said that he thinks that info is coming out of the McCain camp and that the White House has not yet confirmed that.

Vitter on Iraq’s future:

“The next 6 months are make or break for the Iraqi government…they either have to come together or they will fracture.”

NOTE: In the interest of full disclosure, I volunteered 72 hours of my time in 2004 to work on Vitter’s election campaign in Louisiana.

Others on the call: RCP Blog, Powerline, Counterterrorism blog

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