McCain is doing a good thing spending time in Iraq over Thanksgiving, he is a vertern in another difficult war who can understand what these troops are going through. This is not campaigning, this is public service.

What is wrong with this country when a dedicated public servent, who has serving our country in so many ways for the past 50 years, gets critizied for doing a good thing by spending time with our troops in Iraq.

Those who say that they are going to have to beef up security while he's over there, he's going to be in a military base the whole time.. there are already troops there.

I would think what he was doing was more honorable if he and his buddies were paying for it and not the American tax payers.

I agree with those that stated the troops need time to relax (if that is even possible).

If he wants to work or volunteer on Thanksgiving, use it to convince Bush to the pass the bill to have our troops back home by this time next year.

And why is this honorable of him this day and not the six other times, did he accomplish anything? Did he accomplish anything ( along with his "buddies") when they took their wives along to their so called business meetings in other countries at which we paid for as well as the touring.

The troops would probably enjoy the USO shows more.

Taxpayers will be paying extra for McCain's high level of security while in Iraq. Thank you McCain. Bet your wallet he won't be walking around without security in the green zone, or a marine division surrounding him in the red zone.. which by the way is the rest of Iraq.

look i dont care if it was democrats or republicans if any of them right now went to eat thanksgiving dinner with the troops i would think they were doing it for photo ops and i would look at it as slimy. THESE ARE POLITICIANS these people are in the business of gaining power! its all for show. you have to apease the people of a democracy to get the vote. so you have to do things they will look at as likable. this is a game!!! and anyone saying mccain is just being nice is a fool and doesnt know how business works.

Mark Campbell USN Ret., Pelham, Al

and you just signed on to let everyone know how much the republicans care about the people. and all that catering to big business is just nasty rumors right?? suuuuuuuuuuuuure

Steve of Birmingham, AL

Wow, You really are a smart guy. You have the audacity to claim that I do not know what the military families are going through. How dare you!! You can push your anti-Bush, anti-war agenda any way you want, but don't presume that after 22 years of service, that I don't understand the impact of repeated deployments have on the men and women who proudly serve, and their families that proudly serve at home. That was an arrogant and baseless comment. Have a nice day sir.

As a Desert Storm Veteran and a 20 year career Vet. in the US Navy, I would be honored to have had anyone visit while overseas, especailly someone who I know appreciates what I do, has done his duty, and is not there for a photo op as some have suggested. As far as integrity goes being a Navy Grad. puts him above the Harvard and Yale educated lawyers that are running. The only other one not corrupted from his education would be Huckabee, a minister. I know McCain cares about the Troops more than all the dems. do together. To the 29 year vet, I know from my 20 years I got better pay raises from the 2 Republican Administrations than the 2 Deomcratic Admionistrations during my service. Also from what friends of mine have experienced from the V.A. the dems. have not made any improvements but to give more money for civil servants who do administration in the hospital but nothing to improve the ease and quality of care for those disabled vets.

Senator McCain is one politician that goes to Iraq, not for political gains, but truly for the troops. He remembers his days in uniform and he feels for the troops and their families around holidays. He can return to Arizona any other time as some complained here.

We should not forget those men and women risking their lives so we can complain here freely. There are Democrats, Republicans and Independents in our military. If we don't have the guts to join the service, let's not divide them on the sidelines.

Safe trip to Senator McCain!

This Iraq thing isn't helping you sir.

You're obviously not very smart.

Hillary has my vote!

Joe in Boston,

I appreciate your comments. I am expressing frustration that folks always believe the worst. I am not saying Democrats have never supported the troops because that is not true. I appreciate anyone who gives of their time to visit our troops in a war zone. Our guys and ladies in uniform need to know that our leaders care for them and ONE way to show it is to go where they are. I don't have a problem with pictures being taken. I just do not want it to turn into a political rally because that would disrepect those who lean toward another party. Hand shakes and an opportunity to ask questions of a leading Senator is something that doesn't happen everyday! The troops would appreciate the gesture! I do appreciate your comments.

Sure would be nice if we saw our senator once in awhile…he is still our senator, right?

Michael of Orlando, Florida -

Though I respect your service to this country, I disagree with your comments. You would love to sit with McCain in Iraq in a photo-op moment, because you are a republican. Had it been John Kerry who was swift boated or Joe Biden visited Iraq, I am sure you would not be that enthusistic sitting with him. In fact your bloggers would flood the internet bashin their visits. Though we all respect John McCain for his services to the country, he is capitalizing the same for a wrong war and promoting a wrong cause. If you ask the militarymen privately about this war, majority of them are saying that they are not fighting this war for Bush, but they are fighting to protect their buddies and bring everyone home safely. You don't understand what the families are going through with a repeated deployment of the troops and psycological problems they are facing. And all of this is for a wrong cause which McCain supports. If McCain takes up a position like Ron Paul that he no longer supports this war, he can beat any candidate, republican and democrat.

To Steve in SC,

First I appreciate your service!

As an FYI more Senators and Congressman who are Democrats have been to Iraq and Afghanistan than Republicans since the Wars have started.

As a matter of fact a few of them like Senaotr Biden has been to Iraq several times.

Not that it should matter but needed to get that out there.

I still believe it's a waste of money and a waste of time for these people to be using the troops as backdrops.

It's one thing for them to go over secretly and not have photos taking of them over there but it's another thing to use this simply for photos. And I just bet that McCain will have as many pictures and videos of him walking around the calm and relaxing streets of Iraq. He'll come back to the States and declare that everything is just dandy…like he did last time.

Class act by McCain all the way, its unbelievable that anyone would attack him for this. For those of you who are not supporting this you obviously don't know anything about John McCain, he certainly will not be using this for political gain, the fact that some of you think he would do this shows you how disenchanted some of you are with the government. Not every politician does everything for points, sometimes they just do things b/c they think it is the right thing to do.

Mary of Beaver PA, Obviously this must be your first visit to the Clinton News Networks political blog. The hypocrisy shown in here by the Bush-Haters and flaming liberals is amazing. All I was pointing out was that the posts would have been completely supportive had it been Shrillary making the trip. Of course, she would never do such a thing given her disdain for the military. As for your insulting comment at the end, it is obvious that you need a lesson in civility just like the rest of your "granola" crowd. You made false assumptions and resorted to name-calling….just like a typical liberal. As an active duty member, I would be proud to dine with Senator McCain. At least his support of the military is sincere and genuine.

While our illustrious 110th Senate is in their "pro forma" session this holiday, one presidential candidate stands out by sitting down and eating a militry Thanksgiving dinner with our brave volunteers in Iraq. No, there is no substitute for action. Of course Hillary and Harry feel no guilt or obligation. In fact, while they eat their grandiose spreads this holiday, our brave volunteer’s Christmas dinner is now in question due to the lack of bipartisanship from these leftist weenies. Actions of heart felt love surely to warm even the most disillusioned terrorist..

You Clintonites on here are amazing. I bet if it had been Shrillary making the trip, your posts would have been completely different. Why are liberals such hypocrits?

Posted By Michael, Orlando FL : November 19, 2007 10:57 am

Or how about this scenario Michael; if HRC (or any other Democrat) was planning a trip to visit the troops how many Republicans would race to their computer's to post a blog on how they are pandering to the military or exploiting our troops for a photo op???

I'm a Democrat and I think it's riduculous for ANY candidate to be over there, our troops deserve a day off to forget about the war, politics, and all the BS that goes with it.

You can play the games of politics with almost any candidate, nobody would even argue if you claimed Bush or Cheney wanted support for what they are doing. But John McCain has, throughout his history of office, done nothing but support our soldiers to the best of his abilities to an almost selfless fault. Insult any of the Washington thugs that photo op with soldiers all you want, but this man deserves your respect. Whether he's pushing for harsher restrictions on torture or shorter terms of duty, McCain certainly puts on the right perspective when he has to talk about soldiers, and he willingly and repeatedly has crossed party lines to do what he considers to be the right thing.

As a still currently serving Veteran of 26 years. Demonstrating care by McCain to the military would be better served in proposed legislation in appropriate funding increases for our wounded and fallen. I laugh everytime I see someone state that the Military members are part of the republican base. The military is a micrososm of society Democrates, Independents, and Republicans all serve. The distinction between the two major in regards to the military parties is the Republicans vote for and fund equipment.The democrats fund pay raises, and care of the verterans. No one has a lock in military members, but if you took an honest look at their issues the democrates have by far outpaced republicans in legislation that would actually support the troops.

J in Houston said: "How on earth can you insult a man for showing concern for our soldiers in combat? What has happened to this country"…

DEAR J:

DO YOU CONSIDER A VISIT BY THE 'BOSS' JOYFUL ?????????

I love this guy as a person but I wish he just stay there and run for Iraq Presidency since he loves that place so much.

I am pretty sure the Bushes can arrange a constitution change in Iraq to allow him run.

As a vet, I appreciate his trip. I am reading people whining about Senator McCain visiting the troops. I have a question for the whiners, how many democrats are going? They want to be the Commander-In-Chief. You want to be a leader? Learn about those you want to lead! To Brandon in Houston, I am sure the troops would love to see their families however, you can't send them to a warzone. If Senator McCain wants a photo op, he can go to Fort Jackson! This a a morale boosting trip, in a war zone! Some one you posters have no clue! And yes, I have served three tours in that part of the world. The right for you to whine is thanks enought!

Mr. McCain wants to share Thanksgiving with our soldiers and look how he is ran down for it, but thats ok, the soldiers will never forget it that are over there without their families and thank you for the ones who posted and understand this also.
No where but in America

I concede–your views are somewhat true about some of the troops. If I am wrong–there will be a mix of congressional delegates. The administration will offer all legislators (regardless of party) the opportunity to greet the troops and show their support on aboard Air Force 1 or 2. If I'm right, however, …it will be nothing more than Cheney, mabye even Bush or his dad–but there will not be ANY democratic representatives or presidential contenders invited! Because to do so the administration would be able control the "spin". This is yet another "rhetoric spot" with our military troops (of all parties) as a back drop. I hope I'm wrong by the way. I admire McCain and hope that our leadership in Washington would not do this–again this Thanksgiving–but I don't think so. And I am a little saddened that so many other veterans cannot see how our son's and daughters are being exploited for political gain.

I've served for a decade and I say this is a photo-op. I'm not saying it isn't honerable, but I hated it when VIPs came to our base. Those that were to have time off were called back to clean and make sure everything was in order. Then in the next few days, pictures and video would surface.

I think most of the senators that sent our boys and girls to slaughter should visit them on the holidays. The senators should publically announce their thanksgiving to the soldiers.

All I want is assurance that McCain or anyone else there will NOT "enforce" participation and that McCain will NOT mention anything about his campaign.

Last time in 2004 when Bush visited Iraq and photo-oped with a rubber turkey, he fooled 51% of the ignorants. With McCain's photo-op this time, people are going to get tricked. It is going to backfire rather gaining his poll numbers. When 60% of population feel that it is a wrong war and they want the troops back home, how dumb it is to portray that we are winning and Iraq is getting normal?

I think Hillary needs to go. Has she even been to Iraq? Can you imagine the disdain for her if she travelled there with the troops. She is a prefabricated wanna be president.

Posted By Randy S. Lawton, OK : November 19, 2007 11:48 am

From one vet to another, thank you for your service and for your truthful words on McCain.

If anybody in the Presidential race should be heading to Iraq to spend the holiday with the troops, it's definitely Mccain.

-Eric Palmieri

Perfectly put Eric. These partisan losers could never give the other side any props for any good deed (look at Tancredo getting his hair cut blog, they are pathetic).

If this was Hillarity it would be the greatest thing in the world, but she is busy planting questions and having her has-been husband save her campaign.

McCain…do us a favor, don't come back while you're at it….

Big fat hairy deal. This stunt does nothing to end Bush's war of terror in Iraq, nor does it do anything toward getting our military out of Iraq. The troops couldn't care less about yet another politician visiting Iraq because it is meaningless.

Soldiers in Iraq are citiznes and they vote. He is taking care of Americans.

Jack in Fort Myers:

You were the one exception I cited in my comment. And you know as well as I that with the exception of certain "brass", the soldiers will have a choice whether or not they partake of their T-Day lunch with the Senator. Mess Halls, ooops, Dining facilities are large and can be quite anonymous.
I still assert that what McCain is doing is honorable and NOT self-serving.

I actually look forward to his trip.

1 reason…in the next debate we'll hear him say something stupid, like "Iraq is Arizona market on a sunny day" or some variation of that

I think he should bring two turkeys with him – one named George and the other named Dick.

Randy said: "So for all of you who have never served, put a sock in it. You have nothing at all to say."

Randall Shears, SSG, Ret
U.S. Army

Hey Randy–if you want a blog that only supports one view point (yours)–go back to Rush Limbaugh's website. Thank God that CNN allows all points of view in their blogs and "freedom of speech" is preserved. I'm thankful I've got a forum where if I'm attacked for being a liberal or communist or unpatriotic–I am allowed to retort!
I'm also a retired vet w/ 24 years service: Vietnam, Grenada, Panama, Desert Storm, and rat holes all over the world. I also understand something about combat troops, and their commanders desires. I respect and admire McCains service and sacrifice to his country, his bravery, and his continued commitment to freedom and liberty. You and I can share these views freely–but our military members cannot object or remove themselves–they are a captive audience, yet again, to this adminstration, his cronies, and sadly–now Senator McCain.

Michael of Orlando FL, so you think that only Clintonites would criticize McCain's decision to once again parade his patriotism before the troops in Iraq? It must be easy, living in the black-and-white world that you inhabit. Of course, to anyone over the age of five, the world is a more complex place, and not everyone is red or blue.

You neo-cons are even stupider than the left-wing "granola" crowd who never met a government program that they didn't like!

Randy S. Lawton, OK

What can i say other then I agree!!!

With oneexception, it is obvious that none of you liberal blogheads has served in the military.
Trust me, the soldiers who have an opportunity to meet him or eat with him will be honored.
As far as protecting him goes, these soldiers are in a war zone, the do NOT let their guards down anyway. There will be plenty of soldiers on duty anyway, regardless of the day of the year.
What he's doing is honorable and selfless. And it is his seventh trip over there, so this is not merely a campaign photo-op. So you haters can put that card back in your pocket.

So for all of you who have never served, put a sock in it. You have nothing at all to say.

Randall Shears, SSG, Ret
U.S. Army

He's just going to make the soldiers uncomfortable because they will have to protect themselves and him too.

Unlike many of you, he understands what it is like to be away from home during the holidays while PROUDLY VOLUNTEERING AND SERVING THE COUNTRY.

You sheep are pathetic, hate Republicans if you want, but what he is DOING is honorable as hell.

Maybe in 2008, the Democratic nominee will pull a "Gore" (as it is called) and try to suppress the military vote in order to steal the election.

He'll draw fire and attract media and brass, and no one sitting anywhere near him will have much fun eating dinner. Nice thought, Johnny, but just stay home, ok? There's traditionally a turkey for Thenksgiving; don't be it.

I think its Great that McCain is Visiting the Troops. But it would make more sense to send Some of their Family. I would much rather have tax payer money spent on allowing the troops to see their family. Rather than McCain using it to gain a Vote in his Failing attempt for the Presidency.

No, no, I can accept that he goes. I think it's great. I just don't think it is appropriate for a guy that's running for office to go. Now if ALL candidates go, that would be better. They should use campaign funds and not tax dollars though.

Charles in NY said:"This man's bravery and sincere commitment to our troops is unsurpassed in the Senate and among the ranks of the presidential contenders."

First, his bravery is not in question. His judgement and true concern for the troops is. He is more interested in progressing his own agenda than their need for recovery from the battlefield (even if it is just to sit in your shorts and eat some turkey). He doesn't understand. Just because he was shot down and survived a POW experiences–doesn't mean he cannot be open game during a political debate. But for seven years–we've same the same old crap every holiday–Bush or Cheney w/ his junket of GOP congressman/senators zipping over–throwing a few rhetoric grenades. If a Democratic Presidential candidate went there now I would say the very exact thing!! I was in during Vietnam, Grenada, Panama , and the Desert Storm–and I believe the troops deserve more than being the pawns of the party in power. Whoever that party is.

I agree with Jim, Burlington, NC – pathetic. I think Bush & Cheney should go with him and then just leave the three of them there, please.

McCain obviously remembers how many Thanksgivings he spent in Vietnam as a POW with no one to visit him. I commend him and I think his visit will be uplifting to our brave soldiers. Let's put politics aside on this one and pray for the safety and return of our soldiers.

The first thing that comes to mind is:

Will McCains people be smart enough to use real turkeys for the photo op – or will he repate Bushes great plastic turkey scenario?

The seocond thing that somes to mind is – How many solders (or would that be Blackwater Goons) will it take for McCain to be secure, and what is it oing to cost us taxpayers.

Pathetic…..

He's a POW combat veteran who wants to share his appreciation for, and Thanksgiving with, OUR troops. Do you think your tax dollars are not paying for every other Senator/Congressperson to fly home for Thanksgiving? Are the '08 candidates not flying around on your campaign donations?

Instead of flying to all nice and cozy AZ, he wants to spend his Thanksgiving with the most under-appreciated and ill-supported citizens this country has.

You Clintonites on here are amazing. I bet if it had been Shrillary making the trip, your posts would have been completely different. Why are liberals such hypocrits?

This man's bravery and sincere commitment to our troops is unsurpassed in the Senate and among the ranks of the presidential contenders. Congratulations to him. Enough of all of the insipid, partisan rants here. Give the man his due.

J in Houston said: "How on earth can you insult a man for showing concern for our soldiers in combat? What has happened to this country"…

First, he is accustomed to much more insulting things than that. Second the timing of his announcement stinks of political posturing. As a veteran, I believe he is exploiting the troops on a day they should be getting a little down-time and not hosting VIP's. He is not yet in their chain of command–the President, VP, and their Commanders all would appropriate–politicians getting free air time should not. jThe RNC–has been doing this since the war began. I wonder if any of the Democratic candidates would feel the need? Let see?

Democrats crush Republicans in a new general election poll from Missouri, as they win all 12 general election match-ups! But John McCain is the most competitive Republican, though he too trails significantly. Link.

Although I am sure the troops would love the visit, I think it would be better for them to come back to the states and go to McCains house for dinner.

Is it wise for a man that old to be visiting a war zone? Good thing the surge is still in effect so that there'll be enough troops to protect him if he decides to visit another marketplace.

I'm sorry but I think visiting the troops on a holiday is completely inappropriate. So now instead of taking some time off, the troops now have to be worried about guarding the safety of yet another rich fat cat from Washington. Isn't insult enough our troops have to protect the safety of Haliburton employees?

He should stay home!? The man is joining our soldiers who are stuck away from home. What else should a Senator be doing over Thanksgiving? You think they go home and talk to their district? They go home and eat turkey and fall asleep watching football just like everyone else. How on earth can you insult a man for showing concern for our soldiers in combat? What has happened to this country…

Do any other veterans feel that Thanksgiving/X-Mas dinner in the field should be a time of relaxation away from the drudge of war? Typically, this is a time for the troops to relax. But with VIPs zipping over for a political photo-op they'll have to spit shine boots, increase security etc.–meaning more stress during the day, and less of the men and women providing security will be able to actually partake of the tasty food and solace. Hey guys, thanks again for considering the needs of the troops! Back home the military veterans active, retired, and seperated know you guys would never expoit them for photo ops…no, I'm, erh, well.

I don't agree with this. He is using tax payer money to campaign in Iraq. He'll be surprised when the troops profess more support for Ron Paul than himself.

I like him and all, but his comments on soft money and finance reform make this look very odd.

good for McCain stating there should be no reparations. This is not the same as the aftermath of WW 2. Iraq's economy, once it's on its feet, should provide more than enough for the Iraqi people.

The Senator would serve his constituents better by remaining home and listening to how they want him to vote on upcoming issues, which are a 'little' more important than his failing bid for the presidency.

I bet no Democrats will be traveling w/ McCain et.al.–if he's got first dibs then it has to be pomp/smoke set up by the Administration. Hey, perhaps Mr. Cheney will serve up some "Turkey" to the troops. He shouldn't have to make a statement if he's on a military base–so that would suit the RNC. Hey, anybody else noticed that Cheney has been kind of locked in the dungeon lately?????