March 19, 2008
Posted: March 19th, 2008 12:59 PM ET

(CNN) - The Democratic presidential candidates offered a sharply different take on the Iraq War from that of GOP Sen. John McCain as each candidate observed the war's fifth anniversary Wednesday.

"This war has now lasted longer than World War I, World War II, or the Civil War," Sen. Barack Obama said in Fayetteville, North Carolina, on the fifth anniversary of the start of the war.

"Nearly 4,000 Americans have given their lives. Thousands more have been wounded. Even under the best-case scenario, this war will cost American taxpayers well over a trillion dollars," he added. "And where are we for all this sacrifice? We are less able to shape events abroad."

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M.Jones   March 19th, 2008 6:06 pm ET

I would like to know ,when do you throw the baby out with the bath water? And when do you forget that we are taught to agree to dissagree without prejudice of subject or relations?

Darryl, Arlington Texas   March 19th, 2008 6:00 pm ET

Your telling the truth.... Can people handle it

Go Obama

Hillary What About Those Taxes and Bill Dollars

Obama Haters   March 19th, 2008 5:59 pm ET

It won't work.

Obama 08

mike,Iowa   March 19th, 2008 5:48 pm ET

ignorance is bliss too bad its not painful! The rich and well connected are the only people bennefiting from this war. Dont believe me you should see the documentary intitled "IRAQ FOR SALE" then tell me how you feel! It proves that our soldiers and the working men and women of America are disposable when it come to the all mighty dollar. America the free? No America the corporate...

nony   March 19th, 2008 5:44 pm ET

so what hes the man Obamania rocks....You can tell a leader when u see one...they can say what they want.......

They have ears but they cannot hear and they have eyes but they cannot see what a shame america

WOMAN4Hillary   March 19th, 2008 5:30 pm ET

Obviously from her RELEASED documents that you OBAMA SAVANTS are truly idiots..

The documents tells all of how hard SHE WORKED as first lady...NOT LISTEING TO SOME PASTOR...hahahahha

Obama is a hoax..

Hillary 08!!

anita   March 19th, 2008 5:30 pm ET

NO BAMA EVER

Marcus   March 19th, 2008 5:22 pm ET

Like him or hate him, Obama will be the next president of the USA.
GO OBOMA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

vl   March 19th, 2008 5:20 pm ET

I agree, the war needs to end. I hope Clinton is the one to end it! This is NOT about race, it's about who I feel is best to lead this country. If Obama gets the nomination because my MI vote doesn't count, MY FRIENDS, MY FAMILY AND I WILL VOTE FOR MCCAIN!!!

Randy - Denver   March 19th, 2008 5:19 pm ET

I agree it is time to stop the wasted money and wasted lives. We are killiing Iraqis and Americans with no definable end in site. We were told today by the liar in chief that Irqi is better off that WE are better off than we were before he invaded. Iraqis have a differing opinion (over 60% say they were better off BEFORE we invaded and over 70% see Americans as an occupying force). Terrorist threats have not changed in the last 40 years, there were two sucessful attack on the US in that time (from non US terrorist). Terrorism is a crime not an army folks.

For those who say at least we know what we get when we vote McCain or Clinton recognize what you are getting, more of the same is that what we deserve/want? Realize it only took 7000 American lives (4000 soldiers and 3000 civialians) to remove the freedoms bought for all Americans by the deaths in WWI and WWII to me that is a terrible exchange! Throw Bush and those who supported this war, and who support the renounciations of our freedoms (ie Patriot Act, FISA change, Warrantless Spying on Americans, retroactive immunity from the laws of the land etc) out and lets bring in change! Lets take America back for Americans!

Jim P   March 19th, 2008 5:15 pm ET

This guy wouldn't fight if his wife was being attacked. He probably break out a joint and want to sing kumbyah.

Jed in Texas   March 19th, 2008 5:11 pm ET

Ask McCain when he will start the DRAFT.

Say What!!!   March 19th, 2008 5:06 pm ET

Hey Cal, What Hillary/Monica LMAO

Debby   March 19th, 2008 5:05 pm ET

Obama we all know about Iraq, WW1, 2, Civil and how much it cost. How about going over there like Hillary and McCain did and see exactly for yourself whats going on instead of preaching from you pulpit. You can't keep voting Present when it comes to foreign policy if you are the nominee.

Tiachi   March 19th, 2008 5:03 pm ET

Great "Charlene in VA"!!!

At least you know what you got with McCain and Clinton... People like you keep the US from progressing!!!

Thanks for your vote

chris   March 19th, 2008 5:01 pm ET

stop Obama'ng us voters! Enough Obama lies and speeches for one week. I've bought enough of your over-priced words. I want my donation back!

CHERYL   March 19th, 2008 5:01 pm ET

THE AUDACITY OF OBAMA!!!!!!!

A BOOK OF LIES!!!!!!!!

John   March 19th, 2008 5:00 pm ET

Simple Obama just shut up. He is a liar!!!

Ruben   March 19th, 2008 4:50 pm ET

Obama = Strongest on Iraq than Clinton or McCain...

Cinton does not know what she wants (will depend on the current poll) and McCain pushes for the status quo "ad infinitum".

Tom in MA   March 19th, 2008 4:49 pm ET

And where was Obama when McCain And Clinton were at least trying to do the best for their country? Sitting in church listening to Wright bash our country.

gary   March 19th, 2008 4:48 pm ET

You have to have experience and know how to be qualified to bring changes for our country. HRC is the only one qualified to really bring the changes we need.Obama is not Leader material. He would make a better Preacher. concerned Viet Nam Vet

Thomas   March 19th, 2008 4:47 pm ET

"This war has now lasted longer than World War I, World War II, or the Civil War,"

- Please Obama don't stain WW1, 2 or the Civil war with the Iraq war in any way shape or form... these wars are NOTHING like the Iraq war. I don't even consider Iraq a war, who are we fighting, where are the "battles", we need a new name???

I really feel sorry for the 4000 people who have died in combat in Iraq, and I want them home like the next person, but at the same time we need a PLAN not WORDS on how to get them out safe and not cause another conflict when we leave.. If that takes 100 years then sorry but we started it (with most Americans thinking it was a good idea at the time) we need to end it right.

When the troops come home can we please have them work on US projects that are not military like fixing our roads and homes and not training for the next war all the time... Fix America not other countries!

nick in SF   March 19th, 2008 4:42 pm ET

Send Rush, Bush, Bill O and Shawn H. out there to serve and do their duty for the country that they love so much.

jr.   March 19th, 2008 4:41 pm ET

Mr. Obama don't forget you also voted for the funding of the war that's why we're still there ,you'r no better than any one else.

Michael, Torrance, CA   March 19th, 2008 4:36 pm ET

I understand that Bush getting America into the war in Iraq was a huge mistake. Maybe the biggest mistake ever by an American president. But to have Obama as a Johnny come lately give speeches and pointing his finger saying "I told you so" is very tired. I hope we hear about some of his mistakes so someone can point a finger at him and say "...................

Ohio Voter   March 19th, 2008 4:35 pm ET

It's time for the people of Iraq to fight their own war....We have fought enough. Our young men and women fighting over there should be brought home immediately. George Bush, Dick Cheney and the rest of this administration should be ashamed of themselves.

I was never in favor of this war, however, it was after 9/11 and I knew if we did go to war it would hopefully result in JOBS for the United States. I have never seen a war that did not result in jobs. Well, I was wrong just like a lot of others. This war has resulted in loss of lives, an economy in the toilet, no jobs, a loss of respect around the world, high gas prices, financial crisis, maimed and mentally impaired veterans who we are not providing decent services, people marching in the streets in protest, and a President that was surprised that gas prices might reach $4.00 per gallon......(go figure)

The public does not support this war. Please bring our young men and women home, NOW!!!!!

MP   March 19th, 2008 4:33 pm ET

After reading what all 3 of them had to say about the troops in Iraq how can any normal person not vote for Obama...I'm not talking about the Obama haters who will always hate...I'm talking about ones who are still not sure...Please start paying attention...You really do matter in this election.

d   March 19th, 2008 4:32 pm ET

Cannot believe anything from Obama...... shame on Obama

Tiachi   March 19th, 2008 4:31 pm ET

While Mr Obama is talking about issues and attacking McCain, Hillary is off whining about her votes not being counted because some people broke the rules... Why does she support her followers breaking rules???

history repeating?   March 19th, 2008 4:29 pm ET

I just want to say from the start that I do not support this war or the way it has been run, but I feel we have to be very cautious about pulling our troops out of Iraq. We pulled out of Vietnam and Somalia (in 93 after the "Black Hawk Down" incident): we left South Vietnamese allies alone facing retaliation from the North, we left Somalia in a state of bloody civil war (a state the country has still not gotten out of) and have been fueling our enemies' belief that, despite our military power, we will run away if they kill enough of our troops...McCain may have voted for the war from the beginning, but among the remaining candidates he is the only one who has been in a war and has seen the worst aspects of war first hand: I don't think he would send our troops in harm's way unnecessarily. Clinton on the other hand: voted for the war when it seemed that the people weren't opposed to the idea, but now, having already committed our troops over there by her vote, she opposes it because it's unpopular...we need a president who can face the consequences of their actions, not change stance when it becomes unpopular

therealist   March 19th, 2008 4:28 pm ET

Along that same line of thinking, the Civil War wasn't worth the sacrifice of 5 million lives and/or countless $'s either..., hey Obama??

Sd   March 19th, 2008 4:28 pm ET

The war has to end and this we all can agreed on.
McCain wants to continue the war and have many more in the future.
Obama has a SPEECH about it. He saids "Words matter" so does your pastor's obama. Did not buy your speech yesterday.
Hillary wants to bring our troops home.
Who has the best has plan to do this.? Whether you like it or not the answer is Hillary.
Go Hillary

Randy   March 19th, 2008 4:28 pm ET

I know the economy is in bad shape; I've been unemployed since last June. My questions are these: Is 4000 dead is a lot of people; I live in FL and hear about 2 deaths a day nearly everyday, so how significant is this? The cleanup has cost a lot of money, yes; but is it keeping 140, 000 soldiers employed who would otherwise be looking for jobs here? I'm not sure Islam is a religion but a form of National Socialism, so if it is, is the cost worth rooting out a mind set which has plagued the world for 1000s of years?

Randy

delusionaldan   March 19th, 2008 4:26 pm ET

57 million people freed from tryany and Obama can only worry about being less able to shape events aboard??

Justin   March 19th, 2008 4:24 pm ET

Go Obama! Some folks can't recognize your true leadership (it's been so long since we've had it). Keep it up, we're behind you.

Peg   March 19th, 2008 4:23 pm ET

Change we can Believe in!!
Obama 2008

CHERYL   March 19th, 2008 4:22 pm ET

YES WE WERE LIED TO BY BUSH AND BY YOU OBAMA!!!!!!!

WHAT MAKES YOU ANY BETTER?

SENATOR CLINTON IS SO MUCH BETTER THAN THE TWO OF YOU PUT TOGETHER!

THE WORD IS HONESTY!!!!!!!!

HILLARY GETS MY VOTE!!!!!!!!!!

Douglas Crow   March 19th, 2008 4:21 pm ET

We recognize the 3990 men and women killed in Iraq, but I think our focus should be on 30,000 to 40,000 severely injured who are now struggling through the VA system. What are we doing to make their lives better? Why doesn't CNN put a face on this trajedy?

demwit   March 19th, 2008 4:21 pm ET

We are less able to shape events abroad?

But isn't that exactly what Obama and every liberal in America wants??

Vig   March 19th, 2008 4:19 pm ET

Obama knows no more about the war in Iraq than anybody else. His claim to fame that he didn't vote for the Iraq war is wearing thin. So what? As McCain said, we're there now. Obama, in my opinion, is not presidential and again, in my opinion, will make a weak President if he ever gets elected.

he bores me   March 19th, 2008 4:17 pm ET

Talk with Americans not AT us Mr. Obama- you sure like the sound of your own voice. If I read one more post from your egotistcal, self described "brilliant" supporters I may puke. You and yours exhaust me...

PW-IL   March 19th, 2008 4:16 pm ET

The Obama hatred on these blogs is just sad. Either you people are just sore losers, racists, or both the way you throw your tantrums. Anyone who votes for McBush to spite Obama for HRC's failures deserves our failing economy, 100+ years of war, $4+ gas prices and the mortgage crisis. May you reap what you sew.

ForMcCain   March 19th, 2008 4:13 pm ET

Yes, we will vote for McCain if Obama got the nomination!

Kenneth   March 19th, 2008 4:12 pm ET

Go Obama! Don't let the racist Rush Limbaugh (drug addict) types get you down!

Unsensored youtube.The Shocking Video Hillary Does NOT Want You To See   March 19th, 2008 4:11 pm ET

Obama that why we need you to come into the Office and bring them home with dignity. Come into the big and powerful house and bring the change the America people need.
Thanks Mr. President to be.

Scott   March 19th, 2008 4:10 pm ET

World War II lasted more than five years. Obama should read a history book.

Matt, Manchester, CT   March 19th, 2008 4:08 pm ET

Someone tell this dilettante to sit down.

she-hussein   March 19th, 2008 3:22 pm ET

great speech!
Obama 2008

Cal   March 19th, 2008 3:17 pm ET

We forgot, Obama/Wright only votes 'PRESENT'

fred   March 19th, 2008 3:06 pm ET

BOO Obama!!!

Alexandra   March 19th, 2008 3:05 pm ET

Go Obama!
We are proud of you.
Obama/Edwards '08

Charlene in VA   March 19th, 2008 3:05 pm ET

At least with Mc cain and Clinton we know what we are getting, so no disappointments, however with Obama you cant believe anything he says, also i believe once he get in the white house Obama true colors will show.

west palm beach, Hawk   March 19th, 2008 3:03 pm ET

It's time to end the war NOW. My fellow Americans the time has come.

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