BEVERLY HILLS, California (CNN) – Before heading to a Los Angeles fundraiser Wednesday night, John McCain spoke to reporters about news that Barack Obama is considering a trip to Iraq. McCain said he is happy his likely Democratic opponent is mulling it over and believes Obama would change his tune after spending some time in the country.
“[I was] glad to hear that Senator Obama is now, quote, 'considering' a trip to Iraq,” said McCain. “It's long overdue. It's been 871 days since he was there and I'm confident that when he goes he will then change his position on the conflict in Iraq because he will see the success that has been achieved on the ground.”
Obama’s announcement follows days of McCain and his allies blasting Obama for not having visited Iraq recently. The Republican National Committee even went so far as to post a counter on their homepage displaying the number of days it has been since the Illinois senator’s last trip in January 2006.
“John McCain’s proposal is nothing more than a political stunt,” the Obama campaign told CNN Tuesday after McCain said he would be happy to accompany Obama on a trip to Iraq.
“More than 4,000 brave young Americans have given their lives,” McCain responded. “To say that my urging a person who wants to be president of the United States to go to Iraq for the first time in 871 days and see the situation for himself and to call that a publicity stunt is a fundamental misunderstanding of the gravity of this issue.”
McCain tiptoed around the news of the day, excerpts from former White House press secretary Scott McClellan’s forthcoming book that accuse the Bush administration of using propaganda to convince the American public war in Iraq was justified.
“I was not working in the White House,” said McCain, “so I don’t know, and I have not read the book so I cannot make an additional comment.”
McCain also avoided predicting how much President Bush would be seen campaigning for him leading up to November’s election. Bush attended a fundraiser for McCain on Tuesday night that was followed by a very brief photo-op, further fueling speculation that McCain is embracing the president’s ability to raise money but steering clear of being associated with his low approval ratings.
“I was glad that he was there, that’s all there is to it. There’s nothing more,” said McCain.
From CNN Politics
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Easily said when your nomination's been clinched for months..
I guess McCain if you measure success by how much damage the US has done to itself and Iraq and by how many thousands of US troops and iraqi people can be killed in an illegal war then yes you and your republicans have beenincredibly successful. But frankly those are not numbers anyone else is proud of.
Good for McCain. Obama with his words and that is just what it is just words. Obama saying its just a political stunt reminds me of a kid
running home and telling his mom that "Johnny don't play fair". He is
such a joke.
It would be unwise for ANY of the candidates to vist Iraq, wouldnt be prudent at this juncture, nope.
Having to provide security and prepare for such a visit would put an unnecessary burden on the troops already there. Remember when McCain went to the market, had the market cleared,a batallion of troops, a squadron of helicopters and planes. ALL FOR A PHOTO OP.
Obama has plenty of time to visit Iraq when he's president.
ITS A TRAP! DONT GO!
Interesting that Obama is taking suggestions from McCain when all we hear from the Obama camp revolves around McCain's incompetence in dealing with the war. This SCREAMS political stunt and pandering. So much for the new politics, Barack.
Lord help us if McBush is elected to a third term....
Make sure they both have plenty of body armor and armed escorts to "tour" the Green Zone. Oh wait...I thought things were safe there?
This is going to look like Obama is deferring to McCain and makes him appear weaker and not his own man? Why should he go to Iraq with McBush? It would be a coup for McBush if he could get him to go. I say stay at home and don't give the repubs any more ammunition.
THAT SHOWS LEADERSHIP, YOU CAN LISTEN TO OTHERS!!! HILARY IS TOO STUBBORN AND THAT IS WHAT HER PROBLEM IS. NEVER ADMITS TO MISTAKES, COVERS HER MISTAKES UP AND THAT IS WHY SHE HAS NOT LEARNT!
What does this have to do with the issues here at home? Obama needs to get McCain back to the issues at hand right here.
Obama has deceived the American people and the Dems know it. All words, all talk, and people are buying the crap. Pay attention to Bill Clinton. I will NOT vote for McCain but I am afraid America is in for big gamble with Obama
Hey McCain just talked to an ex-marine who was in Iraq and is being called back. HE'S VOTING FOR OBAMA!!!!
Wanting to have the HONOR of being our CIC and just considering a trip to Iraq? I do not believe McCain's point on Iraq is one for "posturing". I am sorry does everyone forget that there are 100's of thousands of AMERICANS in Iraq right now? How can you visit every state and even Guam & P.R. showing those AMERICANS you are there for them and not the ones defending this great nation? Mind boggling!!!! If you can not listen to their concerns and show your support for those brave men and women – there is no way you can have my vote! By the way instead of taking a trip to the islands for a little r&r, try holding a meeting on your committee for Afghanstan. In case you forgot we have soldiers dying there and I am sure they would love to lay on a beach with their wife/husbands and kids!
So first Obama says that McSame is trying to score political points by asking him to go to Iraq and then Obama agrees to it anyway? What a flip flopper!
Mcain is still deluded. Ending the war in Iraq is a forgone conclusion. All attention would be moved over to Afghanistan, where Al Qaida is fought till defeat. Obama will NEVER surrender in Afghanistan, my friends.
Although Afghan has no oil, we must face the mountains and flush out all terrorists.
well it's about time. obama wants to chat with irans' president, chavez, and castro. very sad that he had to cornered into visiting our troops. he would have never visited them if mccain didn't pressure him.
“More than 4,000 brave young Americans have given their lives,” McCain responded.
He forgot to add, "unnecessarily."
Over 4000 young people have died for Bush's "greatness" ??
Anyone who promotes this phoney ill concieved war should bot have the right to govern.
Hey McCain... thanks for the encouragement. I'm sure Obama is unaware of the situation in Iraq and needs some guidance from the likes of you! Hahahaha.
Considering that you voted for a bogus war that left over 4000 US soldiers DEAD, a worsening American economy, increased terrorism in response to American involvement, and a devoured Middle East.
THANKS ANYWAYS YOU MORON!
That's right Obama do something after not having any choice, being pushed into doing the right think only because you have no other options and because it's politically correct. Talk about doing or saying anything to get elected.
"Political stunt"? Well, Obama the magician, an expert at sleight-of-hand, should know.
He's gotten this far with them.
I say, going to Iraq only because he's been called on the mat about it is the biggest political stunt of all.
LIAR, HYPOCRITE, FAKE. IF YOU'RE ELECTED, IT'S GOING TO BE WITHOUT MY VOTE!!!
I am that small town white vet successful businessman with a college education i got on the GI bill, and I AM SICK OF THE BUSH/MCAIN OR MCBUSH politics-i want criminal charges against all those in the bush administration like the germans after WWII. NO, OBAMA DON'T GO TO IRAQ TO WITNESS A WAR THESE CRIMINALS STARTED WHEN THEY KNEW IT HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH 911. NO–have a judge rule that bush and mccain have to go to the families of every dead soldier and explain to them why their child died. My dad was a navy officer in WWII and was buried last year in his uniform, my uncle tommy was west point and a bronze star war hero in korea who received the first award given to a prisoner. I AM GLAD BOTH HAVE GONE TO BE WITH THE LORD AND NOT SEE WHAT THE REPUBLICAN PARTY HAS SUNK TO. to go over and witness a war that is killing our young people in a country that hates our guts and will be in some kind of a religious war 1,000 years from now-no witness the caskets coming home and blame the bush/mccain dynasty.
MCBUSH.......PLEASE
STOP the crap Sen. McSHAME. Stop trying to blow smoke up our butts about the "success" in this whole Iraq war, there IS NOT SUCCESS when our young men and women are dying in a war that WAS NOT NECESSARY!!!
The nerve of you to sit up here and claim recognition and glory when you yourself voted for A WAR THAT WAS NOT NECESSARY!! You must be one of the most ignorant candidate or you are just plain stupid to call the war a "success".
When I think of the 4000+ men and women who LOST their lives in this war it just makes my blood boil to no end!!
Bush and Chenney should be impeached and all their goonies should be tarred and feathered!!! We have an Administration that has been criminal on all levels and has operated like a bunch of thuggish hoodlums with NO regard for the LAW OF THE LAND or the people to whom they serve!!!
Sen. McSHAME voted on the WAR and now he's going to have to pay the ultimate PRICE for his vote. HE will NOT be the next President of the United States!! We don't NEED another BUSHMAN in the Oval Office with the mentality of a "THUG" anymore. We need to clean house and get these crooks out and in jail!!
How wise is it for McCain or any of the press to be announcing Obama's proposed trip to Iraq before it actually happens ?
Does that not create a security risk for Obama ?
Barack should go to Iraq. But when he becomes President He needs to Bring the troops home simple and plain no matter what John Mcsame is saying Bring the Troops Home no matter What.
I tell you Obama cannot think for himself. He is only thinking about going to Iraq because he has been put on the spot. That is weak leadership. Once again all talk, NO ACTION!!. You have to remember it's not our troops fault for going over there, they were doing what was asked of them. However, you can at least go see the great JOB that they continue to do. They acutally are turning a country around and they believe in what there doing. Stop trying to get a vote by lying about your uncle or was it great uncle or no grandfather, oh forget it. A future Commander in Chief has to think about his troops. I have too give you one point McCain.
Democrats have fervently hoped no one would notice the provinces being lost by AQ, the success of the Iraqi troops in operations, and now the political reconciliation continuing with Sunni and Shiites. The US has a stabilizing, democratic ally in the Middle East, right next to Iran, instead of an unstable Saddam quietly funding terrorists.
Hopefully, Sen. Obama will go with an open mind instead of a political agenda. Mr. Bush will be vindicated in the end. The US will not be cowed by terrorists or hand-wringing nay-sayers.
It really seems peculiar to me that McCain would blast Obama for not going to Iraq while he is afraid to have the media see him and Bush together.
No one cares what you think, McBush...and Obama doesn't need your approval.
Mcsame you are a Liar and a foot soldier for the worst President in History Barack Obama will beat you down in the general Election
If Obama goes to Iraq, it's to evaluate more reasons why the US shouldn't be there, not to change his position on the War.
WhY IS OBAMA GOING TO IRAQ? Is it to find that long lost WORLD WAR II HERO UNCLE he never had? The man will not, nor will he care what he is looking at. I am sure the Military will not let him close to things that a TERRORIST SUPPORTER should not see. NOW THAT DEAN, PELOSI KEENDY , kERRY AND a few more of the elite? Democrats that want their PUPPET "BOY" in the oval office by denying half the delegates form MI. & FL. to be seated it pretty Wwell denies HILLARY any change of gaining office. HILLARY! " I CALL AGAIN FOR YOU TO BREAK AWAY FROM THESE LOSERS AND RUN ON AN INDEPENDENT TICKET. YOU WILL WIN IN A LANDSLIDE." No one in America in their right mind will want a OBAMA anywhere close to the White Houe. If he does get in. THEN OH! WOE IS AMERICA.
Poor misguided McCain. If he thinks for one second that Obama's "men behind the curtains" are going to let Obama even hear one smidgen of progress from Iraq, he's too senile to be allowed in office.
McCain should perhaps visit some of the soldiers who have come home to foreclosures, debt, and no prospects for the future after serving one year in Iraq. They have returned with severe injuries and no hope for the future. Perhaps if McCain can look past Baghdad and look in America's own backyard he could be more realistic and a lot less condescending. How about supporting the GI bill? Who made McCain the decider of what constitutes sufficient service to be treated as the soldiers of WWII were? He acts like he is the only person who was a POW. My grandfather was a POW in Korea and died before my mother was born. My uncle was a POW in Vietnam, but I'll bet you he couldn't win an election. Heck, he even said that he would never vote for a POW because if he was over there for six years, he is almost certainly unstable.
In fact, my stepdad and my other uncle went to Vietnam, and they said he acts like he's off his rockers.
Personally, I think it is bad idea for either of them to go. As a former military person, I dreaded the notion of any of these politicians coming over. It serves no purpose but to get them press and great "photo ops". While there is an element of danger, the tens of thousands of man-hours that occur behind the scenes to ensure everything goes perfect – from the obvious security to scrubbing every floor, toilet, and tent pole along with having your field uniform perfect and the half dozen inspections before they arrive – is simply creating a false image for them and taking time away from our mission and protecting one another during patrols and other duties.
Senator McCain's last visit required we wrap him up like a bubble boy to keep snipers from shooting him and then after touring the very center of the "green zone", expressed the progress made and how "safe" Iraq had become (if only he walked about 5 clicks to the south without 80 men covering every angle he would have a vastly different opinion if he even lived to have one).
Politicians – stay home, campaign for what is right, determine when our mission is complete and safely bring us home. Don't come over with our mother's cookies, let us do our jobs and come back and eat them at our mother's table.
Give it up McCain...You are sounding more and more just King George the "W"...(More like a king than a president)
The candidates owe these brave men and women all respect, for they are very reason the United States still continues to be the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave, John McCain, knows exactly what it is like to be in combat and to be a parent at home anxiously awaiting news that their child is OK, anyone running for office should have the same experience, how can you lead if you can't experience?
Senators taking photo op trips aren't experiencing reality. Look at McCain's trip, where he bragged about the market he shopped in. The next week the terrorists killed many of the merchants. McCain's is like a cheerleader talking to other cheerleaders.
Obama may claim McCain's offer was nothing more than a political stunt, but then Obama saying he may go to Iraq before November is nothing but a political stunt in itself. Obama's thoughts of goingt here were never discussed until this moment of challenge from McCain, so it appears both sides are guilty of the same actions.
McCain should be organizing a book club with formal White House press secretary Scott McClellan’s instead of worrying about when Obama is considering going to Iraq.
From a positive standpoint, I too say it's about time that Obama gets over to Iraq, although it's too bad that it's a reactionary gesture. I guess that I shouldn't be surprised as so much of Obama's actions are reactionary...case in point: his preacher...Obama wouldn't give him the heave-ho until it started to affect his ratings.
16 people killed by suicide bomber in northern iraq.todays headline.or was it yesterdays?hell ,it could've been any day in the last 5 years.oh yeah,mr mccain,it's working swell over there ,MY FRIEND.NOT!we don't care if your war is working or not!it's all republican lies.bush started the lies,and mccain is picking up the ball and running with it.problem is ,he doesn't know which way to go, to score.running in circles just like bush.
I will vote for John McCain if Hillary doesn't win the nomination even though their views are on completely different ends of the spectrum.
Why, you ask? Well, that's because I am a racist.....err, I mean Hillary supporter. Yeah, that's why!
Q: Sen. Obama, why did the chicken cross the road?
A: To have his picture taken with Pres. Bush and Sen. McCain.
McCain you're full of "IT"
As a fomer military dependent, working on base in l950,
All work on base was pushed aside, so the VIP's would
see only the best side of the accomplishments. The
speeches were typed and retyped over and over.
Would be better if the VIP's stayed home. It really only
makes more work for the men in uniform.
Now, in one country, our Military Men cannot go off base
in their uniform. Another, country will not let any Military
Men off their military base.
We have air bases located in countries, that we are paying
for as we are also protecting their country. When does it
end.
The last thing the military needs is politicians to visit them,
please think about what that must feel like to them!!!
Why is it the only thing out of this man's mouth is about the war? Does he know anything else? I don't want a president who is obsessed with war, do you?
I couldn't care less that it has been 871 since his last visit. He is running for president of the United States NOT Iraq!
Obama 08!
So now the American public, which disapproves of the war by a whopping margin, all need to TRAVEL TO IRAQ in order to SEE "success", otherwise we can't have a grasp on it?
OK Grandpa McBush, can we please address DOMESTIC ISSUES...like poverty, home foreclosures, gas prices, etc. Running on national security barely worked in 2004, you won't be able to pin this much longer.
It doesnt change the fact that your a scumbag John.You let Bush and Rove rub your nose in it in 2000.They told lies about you then and you became a coward by not taking them on then.
The intern senator needs to do something. He still has not had a real meeting on foreign affairs.
And, as a democrat, I still wont vote for him.
For those of you that say I'm voting against my interests, you're wrong, McCain is closer to my view than the extremist Obama.
NO MORE EXTREMISTS IN THE WHTIE HOUSE!
Barack, Make sure you get McSame to let you borrow the 10 helicopters and platoon of troops that followed him around the last time he was there trying to show the American Public how safe it was to go shopping there.
I don't think that Obama could go simply for the fact that McCain suggested it. It's another tactic from the republican party to later imply that he is not ready to be CIC. I do however, applaud Obama for setting his own time frame instead of McCain. It's getting down to the wire and unfortunely Obama has to walk on cotton just to prove he is really.
McCain is secretly meeting with Bush for contributions and Clinton–well God bless her heart...can rest now. Clinton has repeatly lied and the media..especially CNN has stirred up little dust over it, but just has soon as Obama coughs wrong your all over it. Way to go Clinton News Network.
Question, Who got us in this Iraq mess? It was Bush and his robots, not Obama. Another question, when was the last time Bush was in Iraq? Who knows, but I do know he was in the Middle East 2 weeks ago and he didn't even think about visiting Iraq. So tell me, who is playing politics here?! Bush has been to Iraq 3 times since the start of HIS WAR maybe the RNC should point that out and put a clock on when Bush is going back. Better yet, why don't the RNC ask Dumbya and his cohorts to go back to Iraq AND STAY THERE UNTIL THIS MESS IS CLEANED UP. So RNC and McCain, shut down your Obama to Iraq clock because you have shown everyone yet again that you're YOU'RE TOTALLY FULL OF IT!!
It is very sad that McCain is taunting Obama about when was the last time he has been to Iraq. Obama has been working his butt off to clinch the democratic nomination for the past year you freakin idiot! Meanwhile, McCain has been the presumptive nominee for how many months now? These silly republicans are all the same. They are grasping at straws to save themselves. I don't trust any of them.
OBAMAOBAMAOBAMAOBAMAOBAMAOBAMAOBAMAOBAMAOBAMAOBAMA!
The war is coming to an end whether Grandpa McSame wants it to or not! Enough young Americans have died over phantom WMDs and oil!
John McCain is so full of bull. What did John McSame see when he went to Iraq. Does anyone even understand that when he went to Iraq, the he was in a safe area and the amount of personel it took to provide that safe area. He wasted resources to make what amounted to a dog and pony show. This is balloney. The was was still unnessary, 4,000 plus dead, thousands wounded, and John McSame wants to stay there 100 years. Not to mention the Billions of dollars spent there that could be used to fund critical needs here in America. Oh, that's right, he doesn't understand the economy. John McSame is so out of touch with reality.
I'm not sure anyone needs to take a trip to Iraq to know that the invasion and subsequent war were a mistake. The war is fundamentally wrong and Mr. Obama needn't go to Iraq to witness or experience that gross error in judgement by his rivals. And, Senator Obama need not go to Iraq to know that the streets of Baghdad were safer under Saddam. Fact is, more Iraqis have died since US invasion than have died in all of Saddams' years in power. More US soldiers have died under Republican administrations than have died under Democrat. Why is that John?
THINK America!
Barack '08
This IS a stunt. The devil is in the details, which are provided by experts and advisors to both candidates and the government. A visit would only show the visitor the green area, and a small snap-shot at best. McCain is politics as usual – please lets move on now that perhaps we actually have a chance to.
They can both go – and stay! Vote Lib.
McCain is right. Time for Oba'mouth to put up or shut up.
Mr. Obama,
It's a trap. McCain is up to something. Don't let the general election is about Iraq because McCain is going to crush you on foreign policy. The general election has to be about our economy. The economy is very bad and McCain is very easily beatable in that category.
The voters payed for Mccains trip to Iraq if I was him I would be careful that is piggy spending.
listen old man, as long as you are 4 decades older than your opponent, you will always have more experience. such is life. but the logic is twisted. the point is, we don't like your experience or what you have learned from it. Thanks for your service, but, Good night and good luck.
Where are Obama's cult members? No more velvet glove treatment for Sen. Obama. You do not have Clintons anymore for blame game. I am Hillary supporter & will vote for McCain if Hillary is not on the ticket.
I just hope Barack doesn't lose precious campaign time travelling halfway around the world.
I don't think Senator Obama visiting Iraq is going to change his mind that America is fighting a war they should not have ever waged. Going to Iraq for him is going to be more of bringing morale. He does need to extend his hand to our men and women over there. Senator Obama is not General. If he makes this trip it is not political. McCain wants it to be, but Senator Obama isn't going to let it be.
why should anybody listen to this warmonger, specially on the iraq FAILURE and NOT NECESSARY war
mc cain take your body armor with you plus helicopters and your 100 bodyguards
depends on which parts he visits.
Yeah... Ok.
The President is supposed to be by the people and for the people.
We the people do not want to be over there in Iraq.
Obama understands this, you sir, do not.
McCain and Obama should travel together and thus avoid partisan use of the trip. Soldiers under risk there deserve more than a TV show. Hillary should join if by the date she's still running.
Who actually believes that McSame 'owns' Iraq? This man is full of it..
Again, a silly argument to play on the emotions of the unintelligent, thereby again insulting the American population.
Whether or not OBAMA goes to war or has fought in a war is really not relevant here. THE WAR WAS WRONG. IT WAS ILLEGAL. THE AMERICAN PUBLIC WAS A VICTIM OF A LIE. IT HAS 4000 YOUNG AMERICANS AND HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF OTHERS KILLED, IT HAS FURTHER SPAWNED TERRORISM AND PUT THE WHOLE WORLD IN GREATER DANGER BECAUSE OF IT. IT NEEDS TO BE ENDED.
OBAMA HAS NO INTENTION OF JUST UPPING AND LEAVING, BUT PLANS TO SECURE A SAFER MID-EAST ENVIRONMENT, THROUGH THE RIGHT KIND OFDIPLOMACY BEFORE THE TROOPS LEAVE.
OBAMA, OR ANYBODY DOES NOT NEED TO HAVE FOUGHT A WAR OR TO VISIT A WAR ZONE X TIMES TO UNDERSTAND THAT IT MUST END SOONER RATHER THAN LATER.
HAS MCBUSH NOT LEARNED FROM VIETNAM? BUSH ACTUALLY AVOIDED GOING TO WAR OUT OF COWARDICE AND YET WAS MADE PRESIDENT.
Obamas whole campaign has been a political stunt
Let's see. A bunch of Saudis plow into the world trade center. The mastermind and terrorist organization behind it is in Afghanistan. Let's continue to shine the shoes of the House of Saud lest they not use the dollar for trading oil. Let's invade Iraq and compromise capturing Bin Laden in Afghanistan. Let's breed Al Qaeda cells in Iraq and foment more in adjacent countries all while having a completely porous American border. Let's add a third to the national debt while doing so–more than any single President in the history of our country (although Ronald Reagan and Bushies Dad did a bang-up job trying–so much for fiscally responsible republicans). And let's not forget the human life that has been lost on all of this. John McCain where is the success of which speak? How dumb do you think Americans are? How short do you think our memory is? American foreign policy is so bad, that literally, you could do better by doing anything but what is going on now. The only positive from this mess, is that it is difficult to imagine messing it up more–although McCain's policy of continuing the existing policy comes pretty close.
Remember McCain's trip to Iraq? Strolling down the marketplace in Baghdad? Talking about peace and lives back to normal?
Truth was: McCain was wearing body armor (probably better than that issued to the troops) had a multitude of armed soldiers close – but out of camera range – and dozens of helicopters fluttering over head.
McCain lied. This level of protection is not offered to common folk. If McCain truly believed what he wanted the American public to believe, he would have just been with his camera crew. He's always telling us how brave he is! What happened to the straight- talk?
No amount of visits to Iraq would convince any reasonable person that
1) the truce between the Sunnis and Shia is nothing but a temporary ceasefire caused by our bribing both parties,
2) the enormous and continued misuse of tax money by Haliburton, KBR, etc. is justified,
3) the reckless killing of civilians by Blackwater and other "security" agencies is warranted, and
4) the long war with 4000 American and 40000 Iraqi lives and 400 billion dollar expense are meaningful.
Sen. McBush, we have a saying in Texas. "You can't pee on my shoes and tell me it's raining." You and Bush have been doing this for eight years. It's time you stop thinking of Americans as fools. We are awake now. No more lies!
i cant believe these supposed hillary supporters are jumping on the mccain/mcbush bandwagon.i think they are all just mcbushers,using hillary for their operation chaos bs.hillary should drop out,now, and support her party's nominee.obama is the only person who can rid us of bush's legacy,john mccain.
McCain's got a point; before our President makes a decsion on what to do in Iraq, he (or she) really should go there and see what is happening there in person. If Obama is going to commit to a policy of unilateral withdrawal, shouldn't he fully explore the issue first.
As Dean Faber of Faber College said; "Knowledge is good".
It sounds as if McCain is bragging on the 4,000 lives lost.
How can you say that there has been "success on the ground", as well as "over 4,000 lives lost" in the same conversation??? That doesn't sound like success to me.
I'm still waiting for some type of report to become public that details these "successes" that I hear McCain and Bush so commonly speak of. So far I do not think this Iraq ordeal was a success at all. Sorry if I sounds unpatriotic, but I do not consider this war a success.
Some might take this announcement of Obama's descision to visit Iraq as a weakness, yet I contend that this does not show weakness; it shows a strength and ability to listen to your adversary as well as your ally. If we really want to unite this country, is it not be better to listen to our opponents as well? Well done Obama, you have my vote in 08.
Let McCain & Bush go to Iraq & stay !! ( & Hillary ,too !)
It's a mess that they started . Sen. Obama doesn't have to go there to know it'll take some time & good,honest strategy to get a handle on their mess.
All I can say is, "No Country For Old Men".
Grandpa needs to go to bed.
MCCBUSH FAILED POLICIES KILLED OVER 4000 AMERICAN IN IRAQ. TALK ABOUT A RECKLESS JUDGEMENT.
THE WAR IS QUICK APPROACHING 1 TRILLION DOLLARS, MONEY THAT COULD BE SPEND HELPING THE AMERICAN ECONOMY
MCCSANE KILL 4000 AMERICAN.
McCain is scary, "We will never surrender my friends". This is not a war that can be won, and I promise McCain is in no hurry to brng oour troops home. This man is scary and I don't trust him at all. I can't wait for Obama and McCain to debate, Obama will kick his butt.
Don't let him "hoodwink" you or "bamboozle" you with his clever shell game, Barack. He's had firsthand experience in the art of manipulating the human mind to believe and say anything that the manipulator desires. That "training" has created in his mind a scenario called "victory" so solid that it may never be penetrated at this late stage of his ailments. He was a hero, and deserves credit for his time under duress, but he must not be rewarded with 4 or 8 years of dragging us down this path to hell which he imagines nirvana in his aging and crippled mind. As Einstein said, "it is insanity to continue to do the same thing (again and again) and expect different results." That's John's problem; don't make it America's. Oh, and be very careful about the people John introduces you to over there; he's had some trouble distinquishing friend from foe with incoming. He may be getting his information about how great things are going from the wrong side, unbeknowingly of course.
This man is to old.
So the McCain approach to foreign policy is to visit every country he needs to entertain an opinion about. Because apparently he can see with his own eyes things that nobody else can see and report to him. That would be a very exhausting presidency...
Obama’s response to McCain’s challenge that the Illinois Senator has only been to Iraq once two years ago and should go again to educate himself is to say that he’s thinking about making another visit to Iraq?
That should be enough to bring even an Obama-supporting Oregon Democrat to religion, if for no other reason than because only prayer for divine intervention could possibly hand Obama the presidency in November.
Please help us.
HILLARY CLINTON ’08
mylord, it is about time
CNN (clinton national news) finally concentrate on the two front runners..
did they forget about their queen,?? how is that??
she is heading to the mental health hospital...
McCain definitely doesn't have anything to offer the American people, but Iraq.
He is GLAD to hear that Obama is considering a trip, whoopee!!
Bring our troops home and keep American tax payer dollars at home, so we ALL can be glad!
Obama!
A vote for McCain is a vote for more war.
BRING OUR TROOPS HOME!!!
If Mcain insist on staying the"course" in Iraq ,I hope evry sensible American will not even think about voting for more war and more of our taxes going towards the rebuilding of Iraq .................that is the only platform that he and most republicans can run on , it's always about the war and digging up dirt , when will they have some viable solutions in helping Americans out of the rut that GWB has put us in for the last eight years ,please don't be foled by the nastinessof the republicans our country truely needs to be healed from within ,not continue on this false thing of winning a war that should not have taken place from the beginning .
DO SOMETHING ABOUT THE COST OF GAS.
PLEASE......
It would be a political stunt and a photo-op, and you know it McCain!
It's shameful you would use our troops this way!
You're Washington at it's worst.
Sorry Johnny. The "success" you're referring to is merely with regard to what should be only a SMALL COMPONENT of the goal in Iraq (which is now unattainable). Bringing momentary stability (which we've seemed to be able to do – but for how long?) is only a temporary solution while the government solidifies its stance with the people. It appears you've lost track of that. The government is NOT any further along today than it was before the surge. The military does an amazing job of anything it is asked to do. They WILL succeed in these targeted missions. But "success" in Iraq (leaving there with a stable democracy that is governed by the will of the people – with freedom by all) is NO LONGER ATTAINABLE. It's now only a matter of how much worse we will have missed the mark by the time we leave.
It should never be about the U.S. "winning" or "losing." That doesn't exist in this non-war. It's about stabilizing Iraq for the long-term, and that can no longer be accomplished.
Yes, McCain,
"SOme "4000 brave young Americans have given their lives" because of a handful of ignorant polilticians. No wonder the fear card and the patriotism card is played so well and so often. You need to manipulate folks into doing your bidding.
I would urge Obama not to go to Iraq but stay here and win this election and support the troops by bringing them home.
The time is approaching when we’ll begin to rethink and refine our definitions of courage–valor. There will come a time when we view it as being more courageous, more valorous to say no to war and to self-serving governments who frequently advance their agendas at the expense of its people.
This viewpoint is not intended to discredit soldiers but to draw attention to those who would seek to knowingly manipulate vulnerable, impressionable young adults with inducements of patriotism and elitism.
Being all you can be doesn’t necessitate going to war.
Obama has not visited Iraq since he announced his presidential bid. I guess it was not in the schedule.
McCain visited Iraq in March and based upon his observations didn't know the difference between Sunni and Shiite. Further McCain conclusions drawn from these observations are documented in this article. Success is one of these conclusions.
Ya' know. America has been looked upon as a military super-power for some time, as well as a diplomatic super-power. If withdrawing troops from Iraq will result in the catastrophe predicted by some, then that speaks poorly about America's reputation as being a diplomatic super-power.
GREAT ! NOW IF ONLY MCBUSH.....OOPS....SORRY....MCAIN WOULD MAKE A TRIP TO THE ACLU AND LEARN MORE ABOUT RESTORING CIVIL LIBERTIES IN THE COUNTRY HE CLAIMS TO LOVE AND DEFEND. MAYBE A TRIP TO GUANTANAMO BAY WILL HELP MCAIN SEE REKINDLE THE FADING MEMORIES OF HIS POW DAYS AND THE FOLLY OF US WAR POLICIES LEADING TO TORTURE AND OTHER HUMAN RIGHTS ABUSES !!!!!
GET REAL MCAIN AND STOP THE WARMONGERING.
McCain is trying his hardest to keep the media on Irak. Though, it is an important issue, Obama shouldn't allow McCain to side-track him. We are also concerned about the economy, health care, immigration, social security and a number of other issues. Let McCain get all lathered-up and studder about the only issue he thinks he has some insight into. He is a one-hit-wonder, don't give him the ball.
CONVINCE HIM OF SUCCESS?
WHO IS THIS OLD MAN TRYING TO KID?
Will he get the same body armor (which our troops don't have) that McCain got on his visit? How about the Blackhawk helicopters that flew over to protect McCain. Why are we still discussing a failed war and a failed policy? I'm sure McCain will be able to find a few soldiers of his same thinking to talk with Obama. What a bunch of BS. We should be more worried about all the lobbyists in McCain's camp. What about the idiot from UBS. You know the British company that dictated banking practices here in the US that got us into the mortgage crisis. Wake up people it's right in front of your faces....again!
The Insurgents could use a moral boost from their good friend Barak Obama. The dude is the enemy, Obama is scum.
Obama's only foreign policy strategy seems to be diplomacy, not the defeat of evil. Such an approach when not supported by a credible threat of military power is bound to encourage more evil, not less.
Obama debunks the value of experience, claiming the experience of President Bush and John McCain got us into the lengthy Iraq war. That war didn't start in Iraq and it won't end there, even if our objectives are achieved. Those objectives are closer to being realized than they were a year ago, but Obama and his fellow Democrats cannot acknowledge progress because they are preoccupied with victory at the polls more than victory over evil.
Recently, The Washington Times carried a story by Rowan Scarborough that quoted intelligence officials who believe terrorist attacks could occur in the early month's of the next president's administration. Terrorists attacked in February 1993 just two months after Bill Clinton's Inauguration and again on Sept. 11, 2001, less than eight months after George W. Bush became president.
The central question for voters ought to be this: Who do we want in the White House should another terrorist attack occur; one who seeks to negotiate with evil, or one who is a warrior and wants to crush it?
Cal
Thomas
Anne, I couldn't of had said it better !
Obama is a coward. He has no foreign experience. And we expect him to lead our country?
I've been saying for months that if you take Hillary off the stage and leave only Obama, very little would be left. He's a parrot who, at best, knows which words other people that are saying are worth taking as his own. Otherwise, there's never been much there there when it comes to the Obama phenomenon.
We need a serious candidate for serious times, and this is not the time to gamble with the presidency.
HILLARY CLINTON '08
McCain says he will never surrender in Irag. But his stubbornness will
only delay spending the war money on important needs within the USA.
He has surrendered correct priorities in a president. He has surrendered to the american people what they need and deserve. You can't have it both ways: either you prioritize Irag OR you prioritize americans – there is not enough money for both.
McCain is delusional. Sure, there has been mild progress in Iraq. This is mostly due to the "settling-in" phenomenon. We're settled in in Korea and other parts of the world, too. The difference is, the violence is still there and we have no business continuing operations in Iraq.
I think it is fine that Obama is going, but he doesn't need to because McCain says to. And if Obama comes back with a more informed and refined policy strategy for Iraq, it will make me respect him all the more.
McCain just wants to play with little toy soldiers while sitting in the oval office. Guess what, grandpa: those soldiers are real people with families whose lives are on the line. They can't just drop dead, count to 20 and then get up and play some more.
( and I still say that McCain was a mediocre pilot. The good ones don't get caught!.....I know...that's mean! Sorry! Still....experience matters....right?)
He seems very angry and has angry outbursts; is he sane?
Regardless if there is success being made in Iraq, why won't Obama go? Is he a coward? The Iraq war is still one of the biggest issues facing the nominees. And Obama refuses to go. That is a big mistake. I can't wait for the ads to start showing up on tv, in newspapers, etc. notifying people of Obama's refusal to go to Iraq. I did not find this out until reading CNN. People will change their tune about him. What a coward!
thank you Sen Obama for call mcsenile out saying that, it would be a stunt if he were to accompany you to Iraq. you continue to show wisdom far beyond your years.
as for mccain knowing exactly how many days since the senator has been to iraq, that's laughable, considering he doesn't remember anything about how Bush lied to the US people on a daily basis about everything under the sun.
which is more important, hillary supporters, who promises to vote for this idiot mccain, if hillary isn' t able to steal the nomination?
Obama, please do not fall for this old mans tricks. If you start letting him tell you what to do or how to run your campaign then all will be lost. What else will he demand you do and will you again feel you have to do it. You want to go to Iraq? Fine, go, just not when he is in the midst of telling you to. Think about this, if you go there and dont change your tune, as he thinks, then he'll just blast you for not understanding the war. This is a NO win situation for you. McCain doesnt have a leg to stand on about Iraq and he knows it. DO.. NOT.. PLAY.. HIS.. GAMES..
It is one thing to be considered a foll but another to open your mouth and remove all doubt.
I cannot beleive how CNN is pushing this story and not that Phil Gramm was an active lobbyist for the most exposed subprime mortgage foreign bank at the same time he was advising McCain on industry-friendly subprime mortgage policy. Get on the ball CNN.
Is this the same war that Scott is talking about, the same war where more than 4000 troops have died because McCain and Bush wanted a war of choice and not a war of necessity, the same war where McSame and his friends have gotten rich off the blood and sweat of our soldiers?
I think Obama has always planned on going to Iraq... "if" and after he won the primary. Same has Mrs. Clinton. McCain went after he won his primary. The democrats primary is simply taking longer.
McCain trying to one-up because he has had a few extra months to go first is weak.
Maybe John & Hillary should go together and find out why they voted for a war that should have never been authorized.
Wonder what John thinks of McClellan's book...he is only writing what most Americans already knew!!!!!!
It will just be a shaking hands tour with potential military voters. He's not interested in really meeting with the senior leadership their–of U.S., international, or Iraqi origin.
This is just to pluff his resume a little and make it less of a lie when he describes how he understands the needs and expecatations of our troops and Iraqi's–NOT.
wah wah wah
keep crying, you liberal babies.
why is he happy. what is going to change in his favour. which ever way obama has to end this war which was started on lies. nothing is going to change that.let the iraqis sort themselves. saddam is gone they can figure out how to live together on their own. and again there is more to life than talk about WAR WAR EVERYDAY. Obama dont be fooled by mcshame he only knows war so the only thing he will talk about is war. when he mentions war call him on the economy and domestic issues. Are people not tired of war everyday.im sick of hearing about war, it makes me sick.
Don't go there Obama....this is what Hillary has been waiting for.
John McSame has the same cowboy mentality of Bush and the corrupt belief that greatness and glory comes with being a war president. That is why he is advocating to stay in Iraq for 100 years, at the expense of our brave young men and women. Iraq is a blunder. If John McSame thinks he has good jugment and has the willingness to learn and lead, he should learn from George Bushes blunder and get our troops out of Iraq.
Sure, be like "Grandpa" and go shopping in the marketplace. McCain is such an idiot!
Good try McBush....Obama is going to come back saying, after viewing what was happening in Iraq, he is more confident than ever that the war was a strategic blunder and should never have been authorized nor waged.....and he is even more fervent about pulling the troops out, because all they are doing over there is being in harm's way doing police work!!
Obama '08!
Deb is an idiot......
I wish this country required all students at the high school level to spend one semester over seas to see the real impacts of American Foreign Policy. It would change you.
There are so many reasons why this war is wrong and why this war has made the world MORE dangerous for Americans. How stupid does someone have to be not to see that.
Hey McBush, Where is Osama?? Is he not the most wanted man on earth? Is he not the one responsible for so many terrorist attacks? We found Saddam hiding in a hole in the ground.......looks like we know where republican priorities are. And you know what, there are many more dictators in this world that treats their people WORSE than Saddam. Why not liberate these countries....oh yeah, there is no oil there.
Too many stupid people in this country!!!
Why can't Anne or anyone else ever seem to remember the facts: who hijacked the airliners, blew a hole in the USS Cole, attacked the World Trade Center in 1993, killed more than 200 Marines in Beriut, and kept hostages in Tehran for over 500 days? The Republicans? The Bush Administration? While Senator Obama ducks and covers I will be voting for John McCain.
McCain must have the worst advisers in the world.
Obama is too dumb to realize anything!! He is almost as dumb as Bush!!
Obama is a chicken!!
McSame, keep focusing on Iraq – since it's the only thing you know about, your nothing but another war president.
4000 Americans dead invading Iraq is more than Americans killed on 9/11. Was it worth it?? .....Oil prices are up.... more people around the world hate Americans...and terrroist are more united...this is success????
Give it a rest. Unless you are on the ground with a M-16 in hand being shot at, you haven't been to the real Iraq. And yes I have been, 3 times.
Just remember, most of the country hated Lincoln too. History has a way of putting things in perspective once the big picture can be seen. Bush wiped out a dictator that has been problematic for the US for many, many years, and I think History will take a different view of this than this blog's ramblings.
Success, is when all of our troops are out of Iraq, and taken care of all Local Hospitals.
Success isn't the point. They are still bombing, there are still IEDs being blown up so therefore our soldiers are at risk. As long as there is not political success there is no success and the troops should come home now,
To those I'd-rather-stay-at-home-or-vote-for-McCain Clinton supporters, I've got one word for you – FOOLISH. Gas is at back-breaking highs because of flawed Republican logic and phony ideals; rice has more than doubled in price, as have other necessities; people are groaning under the building economic pressure, which will likely lead to increased crime and violence, yet because you can't have your way, you'd rather continue to suffer (yes, suffer, because that's what will happen if McSame becomes the president). It is simply cutting your nose to spite your face – FOOLISHNESS! Please use your head, pockets, bank statements, etc, and not silly emotions come November. Please.
I think Obama should of came back a little harder than that. He should never let his opponent talk him into anything. Yes, its a political stunt, but Obama should of reminded McCain on his voting record towards the G.I Bill and then committ to going to Iraq at a later date.
Beware of a white man encouraging you to go to a killing field. And remember the x-ray we got into Hillary's dark soul last week.
Some people need to stop and look at the facts. I am by no means advocating John McCain, I don't like him. But don't blame him for all of your woes. Yes we are in a war. Yes wars happen. No you can't always forsee the consequences. John McCain did vote for the war. So did Hillary Clinton. So did many members of Congress. Did Barack Obama, no. Does that make him any more insightful? No. It wasn't propaganda. You can always make outrageous claims when hindsight is 20/20. Any student of history can tell you that.
he's been campaiging agains the Clinton machine for the past year - when was he supposed to have time to go to Iraq? This is nothing but a political stunt...
Tom- "Don't let the door hit ya, where the good lord split ya !"
A visit isn't going to give you a complete picture. Yo'd have to spend months there to really gain any value from it.
Fact is you don't need to be there at all to see how things are going. This is a ridiculous ploy by McCain.
McBush speaks words of WISDOM AGAIN! OBAMA/08
I actually find the idea of the two of them going over there together amusing. It would be quite funny to see McCain, who refuses to end the war booed by the troops. I am going to go out on a limb and say they would respond to Obama extremely positively. EVERY military person that I know, which is quite a few people of different races and backgrounds, says they voted for Obama.
Obama doesn't need to prove nothing to McCain. Who does McCain think he is? He's untrustworthy, that's one thing he is.
There is another side to McCain that gives me the creeps. I think once he goes against Obama face-to-face, McCain will show his true self. Because a person like McCain can't hold back his temper, and he's got it, that's for sure.
Obama needs to just ignore this man, and continue focusing on the important issues this country is facing, just like he has always shown.
Just because Obama doesn't jump when McCain says so, doesn't mean Obama doesn't know what needs to be done in Iraq concerning our troops.
I guess it's because that's the type of people who have time to troll message boards during "normal business hours", but it's disheartening to see all the name-calling and sniping comments.
Then again, maybe that's what CNN wants because that's infotainment.
Specific to this topic, Obama and the Dems in general are so invested in calling Iraq a defeat and pulling out that it would be very risky for any Dem (or war opponent for that matter) to actually see the progress being made NOW - altough with the media's help they probably could ignore that and keep talking about "Bush Lied", which hardly matters now.
Not! Obama should pull out the news stories about how McCain's last trip to Iraq, when McCain reported there was no violence or danger . . . but was constantly surrounded by tight security and went virtually nowhere. McCain's understanding of security and military issues is 'way overrated. He's like Mr. Magoo – driving along but unaware of his surroundings.
Cheryl you are a joke if you can't get beyond yourself and think about all of the 4000+ men and women that have died for a war that was not necessary. If you can't do that think about your own family member or yourself being drafted into Bush's war. That's what's coming if McCain gets in office. There will be no more voluntary war.
Let Obama go to Iraq so that he can report from his prospective not from some warmongers perspective. And all of you Obama critics who are Hillary supporters. I don't hear any of you trying to send her over there. She and Bill are all talk. They are old politics and useless,
Is that why McBush keeps going back to Iraq- to keep his delusions alive???? This guy sometimes really comes across as living in La la Land!! I would be very uneasy if he were the POTUS!!
And to think I used to respect him a few years back!
Maybe he should change is name to John Iraq McCain. This man is running on only one platform that is IRAQ. There is nothing else he can sell to the voters. I am not sure if he understands that Voter are not that stupid and vote on issues which are far more imporant than his Iraq nonsense.
Iraqi people will never accept our presence in their country no will they accept any poppet gov we put in. A country of a size of California resisting the mightiest military on the planet longer than WW2 is proof enough.
To: Racist
YES YOU ARE A RACIST, WHEN ARE SOME OF THE WHITES IN THIS COUNTY GONNA LEARN YOU DON'T JUDGE SOMEONE BY THEIR COLOR? SO ALL OF YOU IDIOTS THAT VOTE FOR MCCAIN BECAUSE HILLARY LOST TO OBAMA LISTEN UP!!!! WHEN YOU LOSE YOUR JOBS, CAN'T AFFORD TO KEEP GAS IN YOUR CAR, YOUR TEENAGER DAUGHTERS CAN'T GET AN ABORTION, AND YOU LOSE YOUR HOUSES. YOU CAN ONLY BLAME YOURSELVES...........CHEW ON THAT
OBAMA 08
Obama does not need John McCain suggesting anything to him. McCain is not an expert on the Iraq
They'll probably tell him that the explosions are really just fireworks.
Obama should go to Iraq to show everyone its time to come home from this oil driven war! Obama has put up with a lot from racists, death threats, and all the media's negative coverage to try and bring him down and he is still standing! Thats the strength i want in my president! Meanwhile Hilliary is trying every trick in the book to steal the nomination or bring down the party. "They picking on me cause im a woman" please give me a break! Didnt she say if you cant stand the heat get out the kitchen? She also signed and agreed to the florida and michigan issue! Now since she has lost the race, oh their vote must count even though they broke the rules! Hilliary stop crying and leave with some dignity!
Obama 08!
McBush is not wearing the American flag lapel pin! Where are the two psuedo patriotic policemen, Karl Rove and Limp Bushbaugh? Should this not be a national media issue and right wing reactionary radio talk ranting campaign? Come on folks even with the war and the 4000+ deaths and the billions of dollars per day in cost, the American economy staggering, $4 per gallaon gasoline prices and rising, home mortgage scandal of national proportions, thousands of workers being laid off, I think we should focus in on this American flag lapel wearing or not wearing as in the case of McBush. Rove and Limpbaugh really know their priorities of where we should focus and what it takes be a REAL AMERICAN! Why I can use drugs, divorce my wife, cheat on my taxes, steal from my boss, lie to the public, do dirty tricks and all is forgiven if I wear an American flag pin that proves I am a patriotic America. Wolf, Jack and Lou: Oh why oh why isn't CNN covering this growing scandal and burning issue?
How it can be a success when the US is further bleeding on men and money ? He has no bit of an idea about the way Arabs think !!!
The idea to get oil for the Irak money investment will never work.
I can give McCain over 4K reason why Iraq is and always will be a failure!!!
The cost of one life in a stupid useless war is failure anyway you look at it!!!
Isn't it just simply "amazing" that everytime Obama, the GOD of so many gets cornered he decides he "must" do something to appease those after him.
Hey Obama, THIS TRIP should have happened a long time ago, but guess you were to busy sucking up to the rich, your pals Renko and Wright and not going to church, eh????
Still will NEVER get my vote! I will sit home election day and watch you robots vote for an inexperienced speech maker who has racist ties and makes excuses and stories up for everything.
Now explain again how your Uncle helped free the jews..oh thats right, He DIDN"T..just another make believe story eh?
Is anyone still concerned that there is STILL NO DEFINITION of "victory" in Iraq?
There's STILL no exit strategy, folks.
And no one has bothered to ask the American people in a long, long time...is it more important to build a road in Bagdad? Or in America?
I think the "top" would be shocked at how much we could care less what happens in Iraq–as long as we get our brave troops out of harm's way as soon as humanly possible.
For me? That's the only thing I care about in Iraq, having been one of the 40 percent of America that saw this war as a sham in the first place. Declare victory by whatever terms you need to...and get the hell outta there.
Obama doesn't need to go–for it will only slow down their withdrawal...by a day, perhaps...maybe a week. (think about how everything "stopped" when McSame showed up) But that translates into maybe 100 extra American lives...another 4 billion in treasure...and countless more wounded.
Not worth the trip. It never was, in fact.
Regarding Obama's statement that McCain's posting the number of days since he visited Iraq as a "political stunt", Obama is well qualified to know a political stunt when he sees one because Obama is the ultimate political stunt.Here's a guy who has done nothing as an Illinois senator and nothing as a real senator but has a lot of people believing that he can do something as President.Reminds me of those fat reduction pills,you have to buy them to try them to know they don't work.
I think McCain is right, but he should invite Ron Paul
Obama isn't going to Iraq for Mccain. He is going for our troops and to make sure he is knowledgeable about the current state of things. See Obama is intelligent. He knows that someone telling him things have changed is actually something he should consider. Now he is going to act on it. That isn't a win or success for Mccain. It's a win for America. I look forward to having a President that is quick on his feet and does things because they are right.
McCain nor Obama would be able to see through the sees of our soldiers that are actually doing the fighting. So going to Iraq is basically a waist of money and time.
All partisan politics aside, it is still better to prevail in an unnecessary war than to lose an unnecessary war. One must bear in mind that no war is absolutely necessary. If one side declines to fight, there is no war, only either subjugation or liberation, depending on the character of the parties involved. While serious people can debate the merits of the invasion of Iraq, no one can deny that both the USA and the free world will be much better off if, as now seems a strong possibility, America and the forces of freedom should prevail there.
Looks like McCain is ancious for Obama to clear up the Bush/McCain mess
Mc Cain shows the thinking of a past generation. The peoples mind in the 21st century is a completely different one. He and his politics are outdated.
another old school political trick from an old school politician. unfortunately as McCain continues to spin all the foreign policy experience it only shows how out of touch he is with the reality of just how damaging these policies have been. it's time to reverse the direction and correct the mistakes of the past that JM supports.
'Old man yells at cloud"
In light of McClellan's book and waning support for the war, McCain has deployed a losing strategy. So now he wants to drag Obama down with him.
All Obama has done is gone on and on about bush's failed policy in Iraq when actually the media has just chosen not to show anything good to come out of iraq and will only pipe up when something bad happens.
It doesnt matter how much Obama goes on about he didnt vote for Iraq (he wasnt even in the senate so he can say whatever he thinks his followers need to hear), how it needs to end etc.., The next president has to take office with Iraq at the top of their books and even he has admitted this war wont end the instant he gets in (if he does), he said it will be about 16 months before he can bring troops home. This isnt stopping the war. Are you telling me that McCain wouldnt bring the troops home in 16months if he felt Iraq was becoming secure. Lefties will say no way, i say he will. He is not a war monger wanting to keep us in war. Does anybody here listen to his speeches, he's very clear about not wanting to keep our men and women in harms way. I trust him with mine and my childrens life, he is going to be a great commander in chief
I get my back up whenever i read Obama's comments about Iraq and McCain. He doesnt give a hoot about the armed forces, probably thinks they are the dregs of society, and just says whatever he thinks people want to hear. McCain tells facts about Iraq and can shout out to the world that Iraq is turning now, their army is taking over most of the attacks on terrorists, why doesnt Obama give Iraqi's any credit now for taking over.....
Sen. Obama. Please do not go to Iraq at McCain's insistence. It would be a very dangerous photo op – talking to military commanders and screened troops in the heavily protected Green Zone. For what? To make some stupid point.
Tell McCain you'll go when something can be accomplished by going, not as a stunt. The war is your issue – Americans are finally through with it. Do not not give McCain any press in the only issue he talks about, and where he is totally out of touch.
Can't we send Hillary instead?
Why? Is there a brainwashing machine on the plane over there??
Grandpa McCain needs to get a grip. Despite his record as a POW – he has no honor, is arrogant and stubborn. He is not presidential in any way.
Just old and cranky.
Senator McCain is again chasing the shadow instead of the real thing! Sen. Obama visiting Iraq does not change the fact that if US generals stopped paying all those Iraqi groups on thier pay rolls, they resume killing Americans and others again. Many Americans are still losing their homes, jobs and do not have health insurances, yet you prefer to fight Sen. Obama for not visiting Iraq! He will do it at the time of his own choice to support US forces, note by your dictation!
By the way stop mixing up things about Iran, because that is how you guys usually build up your support to attack whosoever that you do not like. We do not need another war. Any more war would completely destroy the global economy, not just US economy alone!
There is a difference between honesty and spinning/lies!
We've succeeded in Iraq? So why are we still there? And for the next 100 years?
Best he can achieve an Irak Pyrrhus victory loosing money and missing the pace of the world development. US have to stay there 100 years. Irak neighbours dislike the American influence there.
JUST DO THE MATH 101 OBAMA HAS IT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
To Ron:
Well said. I had no idea.Thanks for the insight
He's such an angry old man.
Sen. McCain,
You do not have to stick your hand in fire to know that it will burn. Therefore, why go to Iraq, when you know the war should not have happened in the first place? So many people have lost their lives fighting an unjust war. Why should we continue this unjust war? Why should more American lives be lost and seriously injured for this unjust war?
Most of all, why continue doing what is wrong, instead of doing what is right?
McCain measures the success in Iraq based on comparisons of how many U.S. soldiers lives have not been lost. One U.S. soldiers life is one too many for this war that was built on propaganda. I'd like to ask McCain is it O.K. that 5,000 men and women have lost their lives for he and Bush to claim victory.
This old man is obssesed with Iraq. He have been hanging with Bush a lot or he is seeing falshback from the vietnam war.
It's gonna be all over but the crying when the Obama supporters wake up and realize Iraq and Afganistan will be around for a LONG time with or without him.
Now look at this pitiful lilttle puppet man. He has been fed so much BS and spouts it out as Fact he think he can tell Obama what he will think when he goes to Iraq and expects him to follow his script.
Sorry McBush, We are choosing an INDEPENDANT Mind to lead our party not a pre-programmed gobot like you or Hillaty thank you.
The only reason Obama is going is to get it 'shut up'.
“More than 4,000 brave young Americans have given their lives” … “To say that my urging a person who wants to be president of the United States to go to Iraq for the first time in 871 days and see the situation for himself and to call that a publicity stunt is a fundamental misunderstanding of the gravity of this issue.” This, my friends, is without question a calculated, condescending, back-handed PUBLICITY STUNT. And if John Mccain thinks we don’t see that, he’s got a fundamental misunderstanding of our need for change and our determination to get away from his kind of Washington politics. He doesn’t seem capable of running an honest, dignified campaign. I don’t believe he’d have any more success running the country. Obama '08.
How ridiculous can you get? It's amazing and to Obama's credit that he has ever been to Iraq. I do not think that he should be offering to go back soon.
McCain is not going to get anywhere by boasting about security for the U.S. Americans are feeling the financial pain as well as the humiliation of funding a war that was an act of unjustified agression.
I find it a little funny, that Bush's term will be up, and ALL OF A SUDDEN GAS PRICES GO UP!!!! And now everyone wants to come out about your dirty little secrets to the white house. MCCAIN YOU ARE THE SAME!!!!
OMG! McCain only talks about this war! He is obsessed with it. It is scary, he sounds just like Bush. We can't take it anymore!
OKAY lets get one thing REALLY CLEAR..and that would be the definiton of SUCCESS!!
In this case I would say success should mean a functioning government, the end of road side bombs, NO MORE AMERICANS or IRAQS dieing, and the ability for Sen. McCain to walk outside the green zone with less than 20 soldiers around him.
THIS IS NOT THE CASE...It is not a success UNLESS you LOWER the bar a HUGE amount!!
Senator McCain is stuck on stuck..he doesn't get it, we need to let the Iraqs work this out among themselves. After all it REALLY is THEIR country. This has nothing to do with losing, It has to do with allowing a nation to get it's own house in order.
Obama is a coward, he will not go into a war zone. He won't even hold a meeting on the Al Qaeda in Afghanistan. He has been chairman of that committee for over 15 months. What has he done for Chicago? What has he done as a Senator except run for President? What did he accomplish as a State Senator, other then securing deals for his contributors? Wonder if Michelle is finally proud of his accomplishments? Obama is too liberal for the majority of Americans. He has lied about many things. Politicians are all liars. You just have to decided which lies you find least offensive. I can not get past Rev. Wright and that church, I can not get past the dirty dealings in his run for the Senate. In his book he says he knows what side of himself to show the white people. I have a gut feeling he is not being truthful and is in disguise. He is not what he appears to be
Shows how easily Obama can be pushed around to prove himself, he should go if he's going to criticize, but he should have gone without having to be called out on it. AGAIN, poor judgement and LATE judgement. I swear on my life if he is president we will pay for his consistency in late judgement. It's been the flaw I said he had all along, he nor Bush seem to prove me wrong.
Hillary first, McCain if I must because I'm a member of the American party first.
Here's G.I.Joe and the war monger who got us in Iraq and can't figure out how to get our troops out!
I love how Obama took the bite out of McSame by saying he will visit Iraq! By Obama not going – shows his true heart – we should not be Iraq -
Go Obama!
McCain's comment on urging Obama to visit Iraq is just another political pandering to justify his decision and position on the war. McCain believes that Obama should experience, first hand, the "flavor of freedom" and measures the success of the war by the "yardstick of death." If Obama goes to Iraq, it should be to visit and support our troops.....because it will be upon his shoulders to return these brave young men and women home. McCain will be performing a lot of tip-toeing in the months to come as a result of McClellan's book and Bush's popularity....might even qualify as a candidate for "dancing with the stars."
Actually, I see no reason for Obama to go to Iraq. First off this is a political move by McCain in that he is dictating the tone of the debate, in going Obama would be playing into his hand; thus negating Obama's platform. Going will not change anything, it will not erase the fact that this war was waged in bad faith and underfalse pretenses.
to: Ron
Bravo! ...and thank you for serving!
your living in a dream world MCSame!!!
Americans are tired of the same old drawl from you every day
about how wonderful this Illegal immoral war is!!!!!
Altho I must say this drawl is the gift that keeps on giving to Senator Obama condsidering the state of the economy and the billions every
month being spent on this war not to mention the *9 billion missing over there no one can account for* and the millions of tax payers dollars being bribed out to keep the different factions from killing each other!!!! YES the this war is going real well!! LOL
I think you get more MCsenile every day
Why not spend this money protecting Americas borders and ports
Screen people better coming into the country
Your back in the vietnam days buddy!!!
Obama is a free individual....he can go where he pleases, when he pleases. and thank God he is someone who will end this FIASCO!!!!
Mcthuselah ... MY FREIND ... YOU are not credible! WRONG on Vietnam, WRONG on Iraq, and NOW WRONG on tax cuts for the wealthly ... AND MORE TO THE POINT ... WRONG FOR AMERICA IN THE 21st CENTURY!! How much of the newly found youth vote do you anticipate getting?
A guy from the cold war who doesn´t understand that the challenges of today are much bigger ones. History will watch Irak as a faillure of the US like Afghanistan was a faillure of the Sowiet Union. To stay in Irak means to surrender every day.... !
Going to Iraq just to go and see "progress" is rather insulting to the Iraq families that have lost in some cases an entire generation. Obama should go to Iraq for different reasons rather than to go and see "progress". He should go because he is the hopeful Presidential candidate who will have Iraq to deal with later when he takes over the presidency. The fact that there is a "calm" does not in any way make Iraq a "success story". The facts remain plain. Mcaine has the blood of fallen American soldiers, innocent Iraq nationals and millions of displaced Iraq families scattered around the world. The war was wrong and it will not in anyway be justifiable at any time considering what we now know actually happened! (Press secretaries are really good when they are in your pay pocket!) Obama going to Iraq will in fact give legitimacy to the botched war! Obama should go on his on time and terms not at the bidding of an old man trying to justfy his unwise past!
BO rails against the war effort not knowing what the truth is. He says he will immediately withdraw the troops, without knowing what the truth is. BO is not interested in the truth that might spoil his idiot speeches like as if he has foreign policy knowledge.....
Walking around in secured off sections of the city with armed escort and body armor doesn't sound like success to me, especially after 5 years. It doesn't take a trip to Iraq for anyone to see what a mess it is.
And by the way. . .
Who would want the likes of McCain as president? Do we want to constantly see an aging, war-tortured, crippled president who has been gnawed on by cancer after cancer? Is that going to be an inspiring leader and symbol of all that America can be? A man obcessed with making war, now that America can hardly afford to pay for the last wars? With all respect for the man - though I disagree with his politics– does anyone think he stands a chance of winning?
c'mon fellow Americans. say what you will about Obama, but the truth is we're on the verge of history. Ask yourself this, do you want another idiot like Bush in office for another 4 years, Mcshame please sit down shut up and let's start healing America The Jim Crow era of politics is over
Looks like Obamamaniacs are not interested to know the truth. They don't want their little small-visioned half-truths to be invaded by the truth.
McCain is nuts! What kind of stalker counts days. And Obama would have time to visit Iraq if Billary wasn't still clawing at her kitchen sink!
Since his last trip It might not be a bad idea for Obama to go to Iraq – I can't see the trip changing his mind or his position that we need to end this and bring our children home safely. It will show that Obama is open, leads by example and will look at all aspects of this Iraq blunder to bring it to a peaceful end. Then what leg will McBush have to stand on come Fall.
This is how we differ from republicans. We don't need to investigate a lump of poo before we know we shouldn't step in it.
Maybe McCain can take another walk outside the green zone in the market like he said he did on a visit last year. If I remember right McCain even did this without security around him. It has improved so much he could just walk around Bagdad. Come on McCain, war is war and your visits do nothing but take troops away from their jobs. Do them a favor and stay home and work on ending this tragety.
Amazing how all the Obama supporters sound like clones.
MacBush for Pres!
There is something oily and decidely rotten about John McCain. He is not to be trusted, not to be believed. I have no doubt that mentally he's a couple FEET from plumb. I can only imagine the days, months on end he has spent dreaming of being the Emperor of America. We can't see all of the dirt now- but elect this man, and this country is done. Plain & simple. To state PUBLICALLY that we will not leave Iraq until we come home "winners" really spotlights his mentality. Twisted- Viet Nam all over again. By the way- is he planning on broadcasting Obama's travel plans if he does go to Iraq? Sounds like he sure would like to.
I'll vote for Mcbush if Hillary is not nominee, why, bcoz I am dumb A hole, racist and like to shoot myself in my leg...;-)
"More than 4,000 brave young Americans have given their lives,” McCain responded. “To say that my urging a person who wants to be president of the United States to go to Iraq for the first time in 871 days and see the situation for himself and to call that a publicity stunt is a fundamental misunderstanding of the gravity of this issue.”
1) I don't feel it's a publicity stunt. But I do feel that McCain has nothing on his mind except the War in Iraq and Winning what is unwinnable! '
2) After hearing McCain's statement that he will NEVER EVER SURRENDER, NEVER on the Iraq War should be all that is needed to turn any American against voting for this War Monger!
3) If the War in Iraq doesn't do it – his support from Bush the Decider and Divider the Shock and Awe Provider should!
4) Does he think his statement about success on the ground in Iraq after seven years is some kind of progress mark or a stamped seal of approval rating to continue the insanity for another four years?
5) As far as Obama – he didn't vote for the war because he wasn't in a position to have a say BUT he did say before he said he voted for the war he had mixed feelings and didn't know how he would have voted!
Flip Flip?
6) Nobody has to take a trip to Iraq and see the situation first hand to know that 4,000 American soldiers and hundreds of other Nato soldiers have died and thousands more have been maimed for life. However, it appears this is not any kind of bench mark with regards to progress in the war mongering minds of Bush and McCain.
7) And those who believe that Clinton or Obama will bring the troops home also believe in fairy tales. Bush has sunk America and Nato Nations into a deep pit that is going to take another 4-6 years to crawl out of.
8) The truth is is they will require a very strategic, all but impossible plan before soldiers can return home without all H*** breaking loose in the Mid East and volatile revenge erupting all over the world.
McCain: Stop talking about what a success Iraq has been, and let's end this absolute nonsense babble about our withdrawal from that country being "surrender." We've already had 8 years of one BS artist in the White House and we certainly don't want or need another! Iraq is still not a true functioning democracy and it won't ever be. That's just not the way things are done over there. If you and that sorry milquetoast Lieberman think things are so hunky dory in Iraq, why don't you do us a big favor and both move over there permanently? Your service in Vietnam was heroic and honorable, but your current pandering to the corrupt military industrial complex is disgusting! Give us all a break and SHUT UP! ENOUGH already!
Last time I checked, Obama was running in a primary election. Just because McCain has finished this up months ago doesn't give him the right to mouth off.
Besides, going to Iraq causes additional stress on the military and does McCain really think that the military men took him to areas that were unsafe? Please.
I cannot believe how sick the Manchurian Candidate is. It is totally insane to comment on progress in what has been a major disaster for Iraq and the good old USA. He represents more tax breaks for the rich, more jobs leaving this country, more tainted products imported into this country and more suffering for the people of this country. He supports the very philosophy that has Iran a major player in the region while making Israel more vulnerable that it has ever been. It breaks my heart that they can always find lots of money for this type bad policy, but cannot help the people in this country. Shame on all of us if this is allowed to continue.
So McBush says tht a visit to iraq will change Obama's mind about the success? I suppose all of a sudden all the "milestones" will be met? All this from a man who DOES NOT KNOW THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ALQUEDA AND THE HOMEGROWN INSURGENTS??!!? I notice McBush's plan to end the war will fall on his successor in 2013. That way he can claim it was the next guy's fault the plan didn't work.
Mr. McCain, with all due respect, you have continued to hug onto Mr. Bush's failed policies. You are continuing to portray America as a bully rather than a true world leader. What else are you good at besides trumpeting for the war without a cause? You were flat wrong then when you joined Mr. Bush's policy of pre-emptive strike and you are flat wrong now. That said, let Iraqis worry about their own country. Let us face it, our policies are the creator of our friends and enemies around the world – they are not randomly created.
JayP
He seams to be convinced that American Democracy is what all the world will need. He is so much wrong on that...for many foreigners the current America is not a good example for future life.
Dont be surprised if Bin Laden has been claimed to be killed or captured before the election.The neocons need a false flag to win the election.They cant use him as a boggyman anymore so they may finally pull him out of the rabbits hat.Even a body double wont surprise me.
Actually, he reminds me of captain Ahab in Moby Dick –you know–the captain who tried obcessively to get revenge on the white whale and ended up losing his life. McAhab.
Show me someone that will go bird hunting with Dick Cheney? And if it isn't you Senator McCain, then shut your pie up!
Your the party that tried to elect," Mitt I could shot a wet spit ball Romney." If you need someone to hold your hand in Iraq Senator McCain then ask George Bush.
Senator Obama doesn't need your idiotic opinions.
Americans already know that there is no success in Iraq. Let's ask the Iraq people who lost innocent family members, more than 250,000. Why don't we track the number of killed Iraq people, and the terrible living conditions. How are they making a living for them and thier children?
Did you know that MCcain psychatric record are kept secret !
The guys is traumatized and crasy...he suffers from post traumatic syndrome.
He has this psychologic state that brings him to think irak is vietnam.
He still psychologically suffers from the vietnam war were veterans (wrongly) came back home with that sense of losingness, and shame.
To McCain, withdrawing troops in irak reminds him of vietnam situation, althought it s totally different in irak. US won the war; what we re currently seing is an occupation.
That s why McCain says : We ll never surrender, our troops will come back with honor and victory.
By bringing vietnam to Irak, McCain is just trying to resolve that psychological issu that has made him suffer since his return from IRAK : So called victory, or a sense of vistory in Irak would appease his pain from vietnam., for vietnman and Irak is in the file in his mixed up head.
If you dont beleive me, ask any psycologist...
Senator McCain, You are correct. If and when Senator Obama visits Iraq, he will be successful in seeing how the trillions of dollars have been mismanaged on a civil war that had, and continues to have, your full endorsement.
By your own admission, your knowledge of the economy is bankrupt as evidenced by your burning desire to continue funding this war steeped in steeped ideologies.
What qualifications must one have to be COMMANDER IN CHIEF OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA?
- POW ?
- FIRST LADY ?
- 2ND TERM PRESIDENT?
ALL EQUALS TO NOTHING
THE U.S. DEFINATELY NEEDS CHANGE. OBAMA!!!!!!
Does anyone really care what John McBush have to say?
Phila, PA
Well!!! I admire the fact that at least Obama is open to all options and takes advice. What about Mc Cain who keeps saying that war in Iraq is justified and should be finished....While majority of the country feels otherwise. Obama's response to this accusation also indicates his views about Bi-partisan approach to solving the problems. My hats off to him.
whom do you believe AFTER MR. MCCLELLANDS BOOK?
======hey mr. mcBush,
======success??
===i had no idea that Saddam's head was worth $ 1 Trillion!!!!!!!
billary sent our jobs to china, india, etc.
billary was messing around w/ girls , instead of looking for Bin Laden.
*************no clintons , no mcBush, no more***********
I think Barack Obama should go to Iraq, when he feels it is the correct time. Badgering by John McCain should not be a travel planning guide.
I do wonder though, what real good has come of Mr. McCain's trips to Iraq? Old Mr. Flakjacket himself, can't distinguish between Sunni and Shia, making a big deal out of visiting a market that was basically closed for his visit, grinding everything to a hault so he can get some PR shots. Not much value for my tax dollar.
Barack Obama needs to get to the place where he is only fighting one opponent. Once that happens (next week), then McCain will get a taste of a real presidential election.
Two Points:
1. If such progress has been made, it would make sense that a timely withdrawl could begin.
2. Obama doesn't need to go to Iraq to show support for the troops over there. He can vote FOR the GI bill and can fulfill his promise to bring those troops home when he is president.
Can this IDIOT MCCAIN TALK ABOUT ANYTHING ELSE???
I am so SICK of IRAQ!!! 4000 U.S. CITIZENS MURDERED!!!!
Regardless of politics, regardless of pride, WHAT ABOUT HUMAN RIGHTS??? THE RIGHT TO LIFE!!!
HOW HAS BUSH GOTTEN AWAY WITH GETTING INNOCENT SOLDIERS MURDERED FOR THE SAKE OF AN ILEGAL WAR, OIL, AND PRIDE..
SHAME ON THE REPUBLICAN PARTY..SHAME ON AMERICA IF THEY VOTE MCCAIN!!!
All McSame knows is "war." What about the other issues like the economy, jobs, high & higher gas prices, jobs shipped to other countries, kids can't afford school, families can't afford food.......and the list goes on and on.
I haven't heard McSame talk about any of these issues......I wonder why?
And all you so-called Democrats that says you will not vote for Obama-then you will get what you deserve come fall. Oh, that's right, you may not have kids in school, the gas prices doesn't affect you, you an afford the high prices of food............. Please!
Some one have to tell Barak Hussein Obama what to do?
1) Flag pen
2) Stop smoking
3) To Visit Iraq all these some one asked him to do
He is a boy so some one have tell him every time what to do!!!!!!!!!!
WRONG AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Barack is the only candidate in this race who made the best decision in the face of the lies and deceit that was sold to the US Senate. He showed the best judgement and stood his ground under pressure. I am even more convinced that MCCAIN nor HILLARY are NOT the best candidate for the job of Commander and Chief . They are not experienced as they claim they are, they couldn't even detect that they were being sold a pack of LIES! I am sure that someone here has been touched in some way by this war because of many of the family members that are serving or have died in Iraq because of these LIES! Not to mention those Iraqui families that have died because of this LIE! They even put Saddam on trial and hung him on LIES!! he was a tyrant in his country but he was a human being. Meanwhile Osama Bin Ladin is still alive and he should be the one who was hung he killed our American people on 911. I am furious that you Clinton/ McCain supporters will stand behind these candidates in the face of this WAR OF LIES!
SO YOU WOMEN WHO ARE BEING USED BY HILLARY AND HER SPIN ON HOW UNFAIRLY SHE WAS TREATED DURING THIS ELECTION ARE ACTING FOOLISHLY. WHEN YOU SAY "I WON'T VOTE FOR BARACK" EITHER WAY IF YOU VOTE FOR HILLARY OR
MC CAIN YOU ARE CHOOSING THE WRONG CANDIDATE. THEY HAVE NO!!! EXPERIENCE , THEY USED BAD JUDGEMENT.
THEY ARE JUST GOOD AT ONE THING AND THAT'S ...........
LIEIING AND ACCEPTING LIES WITHOUT MORALS
please post
871 days since Obama was in Iraq. How many days since McCain has seen a psychiatrist for the Post Traumatic Stress Disorder he likely suffers from since he was "tortured for six years by a Cuban Major" in North Vietnam.
It is unlikely that a psychologist could be found to say that some one who had been tortured for six years didn't suffer from PTSD. McCain's volatile temper and fixation with "getting my hands on the Cuban Major" are likely symptomatic of the disorder.
Talking to freinds who have served in the US military, all have advised me that ther is no way in hell that if an officer who had control of nuclear weapon systems was captured by the enemy and tortured for six years by a Soviet trained mind control specialist that they would EVER be given control of those weapon systems upon release.
Why do we think it is even debatable that McCain should be given control of the entire US nuclear, chemical and biological weapons arsenal when he so obviously lacks the temperment to excercise the required judgement and restraint required for that position.
Mr. McCain please let's not get too silly during this race. We do realize that reconstruction of this nation that we destroyed must take place, but Mr. McCain we also realize that a limit must ve in place, we are NOT expecting to rebuild this entire nation, we can not afford lives nor finances to do so. We must make our dire needs a prioity. We have reached our limits there. It's time to bring our troops home, it's time to rebuild our own Katrina destroyed states, it's time to focus on our economic needs.
America has never voted for the past.....
Just like John McCain, I also served 23 years in the US Army but the difference is that I got a life after I retired. I am 3 years older than McCain but I don't go around harping about my military experiences which included Viet Nam. If McCain knows so much about war then he should know that the loss of over 4,000 US troops and the wounding of 1000s more in a war that never should have happened is one very high price to pay. How many widows and orphans did this war create? How many parents saw their child go off to war, never to return? Get off it McCain and wake up. There was no need for this war but you for some reason want to continue it. You complain about Sen. Obama not having served in the military. He was too young for Viet Nam and too old for Iraq. Your great mentor G.W. Bush didn't serve and his predicessor, Bill Clinton was a draft dodger. As I said before, I am older than you but not quite as senile.
John McCain is a tool who votes consistently AGAINST veterans benefits... including his current vote against the 21st Century G.I. Bill. It's a bill that would pay full ride in-state tuition scholarships to those brave young boys and girls who have fought this (unconstitutional) war in Iraq (that Bush tricked our country into waging with propaganda and lies). We all want to reward these courageous young heroes who have served our country with honor, except for McCain of course. He voted against it. American hero? I think not, "my friends my friend my friends." Stick this on McCain's teleprompter: McCain = Bush 3rd Term.
No matter what Mc4more and the RNC machine says, this war was based on lies, our presence keeps inviting more Al qeada, and it is basically still a civil war however you spin it. We need to get out of Iraq.
We just learned from McClellan's new book that another big reason we went to war was Bush's crack at greatness!
These RNC games are not going to work – NOT THIS TIME!!
Those trips are little more than photo-ops for both candidates, other politicians and for the top generals. If McCain really thinks that he learned something significant in Iraq, he must have ignored the abundant information available in Washington. The whole issue is obviously McCain's attempt to push what he hopes voters will see as his natural security credentials. It's all smoke and mirrors. He was a genuine war hero but that status gives him no more insight into defense and foreign policy issues than either Clinton or Obama can obtain readily if they pick the right advisors. Presumably, McCain thinks that travel and the photo-ops provide the same insights.
Don't go Obama. It's a trap. Remember what Clinton said about June. Wait until you are president.
i guess john mccain thinks that he is the person who can fix this horrible mess. the next president should see first hand what is going on over there in iraq. this white has lied and deceived us, now let someone see if they can straighten it out.
Obama doesn't need your patronizing remarks about going to Iraq. He can think for himself and exercise judgment which you or your republican zombies have not. Following Bush blindly with your Cowboy machismo!
If there is so much success in Iraq McCain, then you won't mind when Obama sends the troops home then.
I don't think it would be wise for Obama to focus on going to Iraq until after he has clinched the nomination. He needs to stay focused on completing this election and then start to tackle the issues at hand. I don't think the American people are ready to go back to a Republican president after the last eight years. If they are, then I would question whose payroll they are on.
Obama, DON'T GO!!! It is not necessary to visit what you already know is true – devestation, death, destruction, and heartache. What point will it serve? You voted against the war! There is no reason for you to prove to anyone what your "success" is. Wait until you're President. You'll have plenty of time to visit the Middle East. I think it would be a risk against your safety. Remember..... think PREVENTION and SAFETY FIRST!!!!
Obama '08
God save America from RACIST!!!!!!!!!
UMMMMMMMMMMM
McCain's trip to Iraq was NOT SUCCESSFULL. Why is he trying to "educate" people when he didnt even know the difference between the Shia(s) and Sunni(s)!!!!
HE NEEDED A TEACHERS AID HIMSELF!!! Who knows what would have happened if good ole Lieberman wasnt around to fix all the mistakes!!
The success in Iraq, such as it is, is entirely due to the intelligence and sacrifice of our armed forces. They have have taken a series of stupid decisions by the Bush administration, and have squeezed the best outcome possible from those decisions. The Iraqi government, on the other hand, is never going to give up the crutch we have provided it, until we force it to walk on its own. McCain's willingness to continue with the pattern of failed decisions is disturbing.
I don't think it would be wise for Obama to focus on going to Iraq until after he has clinched the nomination. He needs to stay focused on completing this election and then start to tackle the issues at hand.
I don't think the American people are ready to go back to a Republican president after the last eight years. If they are, then I would look at whose payroll they are on because the majority of the American people are hurting financially right now.
So let's see, that means Obama has to get the military to clear the streets of the "evil" guys and stun gun everything that moves wrong as he walks down the street. That would make him believe that Iraq is a success because it would be on equal ground with McCain. Of course it might not actually be true, but at least Obama, like McCain did, would give the appearance that everything is rosy in Iraq! It is sad just how we deceive ourselves to make our own egos feel superior, better and loved.
I don't think it would be wise for Obama to focus on going to Iraq until after he has clinched the nomination. He needs to stay focused on completing this election and then start to tackle the issues at hand.
I don't think the American people are ready to go back to a Republican president after the last eight years. If they are, then I would look at whose payroll they are on because the majority of the American people are hurting financially right now.
So let's see, that means Obama has to get the military to clear the streets of the "evil" guys and stun gun everything that moves wrong as he walks down the street. That would make him believe that Iraq is a success because it would be on equal ground with McCain. Of course it might not actually be true, but at least Obama, like McCain did, would give the appearance that everything is rosy in Iraq! It is sad just how we deceive ourselves to make our own egos feel superior, better and loved.
I think mc c is moderating my comment, it´s been there over an hour and he forgot about it.
GOOGLE: Mc Cain Rhinestone Hero or Veterans against Mc Cain
It is beyond me, as to why McBush still insists on using the unnecessary slaying of 4000+ of our dedicated men and women, as a stepping stone to the Presidency. I am disgusted.
I don't think it would be wise for Obama to focus on going to Iraq until after he has clinched the nomination. He needs to stay focused on completing this election and then start to tackle the issues at hand.
I don't think the American people are ready to go back to a Republican president after the last eight years. If they are, then I would look at whose payroll they are on because the majority of the American people are hurting financially right now.
Stephanie Williams
I don't think it would be wise for Obama to focus on going to Iraq until after he has clinched the nomination. He needs to stay focused on completing this election and then start to tackle the issues at hand.
I don't think the American people are ready to go back to a Republican president after the last eight years. If they are, then I would look at whose payroll they are on because the majority of the American people are hurting financially right now.
Stephanie Williams
I bet they are sharping their sights, LOOK OUT!!
If someone disagrees/attacks Obama it is a political stunt. It is the catch-all response because it makes it seem as if he would *never* stoop to that level, but just because he says it doesn't make it true. It's such a lame come-back.
Obama should be criticized for being out of touch with the war...if he is going to be president he can't just magically extract the troops, it's going to take effort and negotiation and strategy, so it IS important that he go over there once in a while.
Who Cares Obama will never beat McCain
Clinton or McCain 08
Furthermore, our soldiers have a high rate of suicide, MCSHAME.
Mccain,let us talk about local issues,you are more focus on
the war in iraq. We as americans and tax payer would like to take
issues in the United States,not in Iraq. So if Obama haven't been
to Iraq,he is going to push ours troops out of a war that should not
happen. So stop trying to talk about Obama because you have
issues yourself.
is McCain losing his marbles?
No one will ever convience Obama of anthing, he's a know it all.
All you have to do is listen to his wife call the white people "WHITEY"
And she wants to be first lady? What a disgrace.
People who say that they'll vote for McCain if Hillary doesn't win the nominations are just plain stupid. Why would you do that? You're not better than these evil politicians. You're just playing the same games they play.
And who wants to go to Iraq anyway? The Iraqis are trying to get out of Iraq. I know I wouldn't go where I know I'm not welcome. I don't even like my mother telling me what to do, let alone a total stranger from a different country with a gun to my face.
Obama doesn't need Grandpa McCain to escort him to Iraq. Oabama is a grown up Man and He will decide when He will visit Iraq.
You go John! McCain/Lieberman/Keating 08!
I have been waiting for this moment for 15 long long arduous months. Now it is almost upon us and I couldn't be happier. However, I must say that I've been getting some paranoid feelings that Clinton is going to take this fight all the way to the convention. It would be a big shame if she does that and it would cause irreparable damage to the democratic parties chances in november. I just hope her supporters are smarter and more sensible than she is and come to the conclusion that so many of us already have: that this woman is more concerned with her own ambition than turning the page on the bush administration. here are some words that describe her: SELFISH, DISHONEST, UNTRUSTWORTHY, MANIPULATIVE, STUBBORN, BITTER, COMBATIVE,
Let's review the current status of Iraq:
*Emerging democracy
*Defeat of al-Qaeda
*Muslims turning to US military for help
*Troop cuts
*Dramatically improved human rights situation
Ron wrote
"Senator McCain's last visit required we wrap him up like a bubble boy to keep snipers from shooting him and then after touring the very center of the "green zone", expressed the progress made and how "safe" Iraq had become (if only he walked about 5 clicks to the south without 80 men covering every angle he would have a vastly different opinion if he even lived to have one)."
That is a very good point, and it's nice to hear from the horses mouth.
Success means we can leave, thats not surrender. Who's paying the bill for this mess? I'm all out of money, maybe Mccains wife can pay for it.
Obama is going to go there and say, and just say it's really time to get out!!!! McCain is insane we have been there for 6 years and what political progress have they made none. and they will never come together, John Mccain needs to pick up a history book and read it.
Becuase the Sunni, Shia, and Kurds will never unite, they have been at each others throats for CENTURIES. And bush and McCain think they can change this becuase they say so, is not only stupid it is so arrogant. who the hell do they think they are tring to tell anybody how to live.
bush and McCain two OLD men yelling at clouds!!!!!!
BARACK / SEBELIUS 08
BARACK THE VOTE!!!!!!!!
What exactly is success? Is success playing babysitter and standing between two groups of people to keep them from fighting? We can not be in Iraq forever. We can not afford it, and it is not our country. The minute we leave, whether it be tomorrow or 10 years from now, the religious tensions between these groups will still be there as they have been for hundreds of years. We can not change their mind. It is a fundamental of what they believe. We are only wasting lives, time, and money by staying there. We made our bed by removing Saddam, the only one keeping these sects in check, and now we have to lie in it.
the man wants to visit iraq to learn more about iraq. nothing more. he is not president yet. therefore, he is still an honest man.
mccain believes there has been progress in iraq because he probably visited one of the cities where there has been progress in iraq, because the administration had him visit one of the cities where there had been progress in iraq, so he could tell people there has been progress in iraq. that's all there is to it.
obviously iraq can't be better off in some places, and worse off in others. it's all one or the other.
my personal opinion is that before the war, the iraqis were living in an oppressive police state, and after the war, the iraqis are living in an oppressive police state. and mccain's plan is to make iraq more of a police state to make it less of a police state. which is why i will be voting for my third choice among the democrats, senator obama.
i would like to add finally that i am on facebook.com, and they have message boards like this on certain political issues. and the posts on facebook, the high school and college social networking site, are about ten thousand times more literate and informed than the posts on the highly respected, most prominent world-wide news network's website, cnn.com. reading these threads is frightening.
McCain did not accept Obama's challenge for a public debate! Instead he offers to give a 'guided' tour of Iraq?
If anything, Obama should give McCain the tour and select the Zones and Regions.
McCain, a 'straight talker' would accept a debate challenge, not run and hide behind Bush!
Will he wear a flack jacket like McCain did and then talk about how safe it was?
McCain why don't you visit the young military people in the hospital that has lost parts of their body over this Republican war!!! Better still McCain take your rich wife and go live in Iraq.
THE NEW REVOLUTION WILL NOT BE TELEVISED
There is NO WINNER in any war. Those that died fighting for the American way of these United States and those that oppose the fact they we have invaded their homeland. They and we all bleed red have lost
someone near and dear .
It doesn't matter whom you vote for . It matters on
why and the principle on which you vote.
I have not heard nor has anyone mentioned that Sen. Obama was going to do anything but have an honorable pull out of Iraq. The idea that this should continue any longer than one more drop of blood being spilt for some idea or lie is sick and makes the United States look even more foolish to the other world nations.
To Obama:
I am writing this on my laptop the bathroom of Hil liar y's plane. Don't go to Iraq. Its a set up devised by Dubya, McSane and co signed by my wife!
So let me get this straight. If Obama goes to Iraq he will see that everything is going well. But if Obama gradually pulls the troops out it will be a disaster. You say that Obama does not have the knowledge and experience on Foreign policy and yet he was openly against going to war when it was an unpopular position while you not only were for it then but are for it now. Is this really what you want to base your campaign on? I think if the GOP brand of fear mongering actually manages to scare enough ignorant Americans and you win the general election i think you need to start asking Mr. Obama how you should handle our Foreign Policy decisions from now on. You Mr. McCain are nothing but an ignorant puppet who has sold out in every way you can. The funny thing is that you don't even have a clue. Perhaps you did have a clue and then could not remember it the next day. All I can say is you better get some magic pill to correct that eye tick you get when you are about 3 seconds from the lecturn rage that we all can see coming. I don;t know about anyone else but I think its a great idea to take a guy who is forgetfull at best (or he would be a flip-flopping liar) a hair trigger temper, clueless and being played like a fiddle by smarter people, oh yeah and Post Tramatic Stress Disorder and GIVE HIM THE BUTTON TO LAUNCH NUCLEAR WEAPONS!!!!!!!
Hey obama, watch out for snipers while you're over there.....
It wont make any difference. Obama is the G.W. Bush of the Democratic party and nothing will change his stance on anything. Contrary to his record, he has convinced a bunch of morons that he is capable of running the nation. I have not supported a Republican in 30 years but will be happily supporting McCain in the fall. Anyone would be better than Obama and his disgusting followers. The quicker Obama and his cult are kicked off the national stage the better.
I do believe that this is a political stunt but I also believe that it is a good idea for Senator Obama to go talk to the soldiers that are actually on the ground in Iraq. My brother just came home from 2 tours in Iraq and I am sure that he would have loved the opportunity to tell the Senator what's really going on in Iraq with a very candid interview. McCain may have just shot himself in the foot with this one.
IN IRAQ HE WILL SEE BUT THREE THINGS:
1) STREETS STAINED BY THE BLOOD OF MORE THAN 4000 AMERICAN SOLDIERS WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES IN A WAR THAT SHOULD NEVER HAVE BEEN PERMITTED
2)THE STEAM OF IRAQI BLOOD FLOWING FOR AN UNJUST CAUSE
3)THE HORRIBLE DESTRUCTION OF THE NEW GENERATION OF HI-TECH BOMBS FROM THE ARSNAL OF BUSH(THE INCARNATION OF EVIL)
INTERESTINGLY mcinsain SAYS HE DID NOT HAVE SPECIFIC INFORMATION TO RULE HIS DECISION TO PERMIT SUCH A DIRTY WAR.
WHAT A SHAME!
The Republican National Committee even went so far as to post a counter on...
THAT IS SO CHILDISH. NO WONDER THEY ARE LOOSING. THEY SHOULD BE FOCUSEING ON HOW MANY SOLDERS HAVE LOST THERE MINDS SINCE THE FIGHTING HAS STARTED. WHY DONT THEY HAVE A COUNTER FOR THAT. OR HOW MANY HAVE KILLED THEMSELVES.
Good move by Obama, but not because Grumpy McBush says so... folks tend to forget that contributions from military members went to two candidates above all others by a pretty decent margin – Ron Paul when he was in the race and then/now Obama. Grampy isn't getting the individual soldier money that Obama is, and I wonder if/when that tidbit will hit the news.
Americans may not like it, but until we have an alternative energy policy (long overdue) in our country, we will continue to pay the price for OIL! This country runs on OIL........not AIR. That's a reality, folks, accept it. If you think filling up your car is painful now, just wait until this winter, when you are paying to heat your home with heating oil. It's UGLY, but even if Obama wins, we will not be leaving Irag for a long, long, long time. He is blowing smoke up you know where. No American President will allow the extremists to take control of the region (code word for OIL) our country cannot survive without OIL.
My grandson just returned from Iraq. He advised me to not believe what the media is reporting. They are succeeding in Iraq, the average person wants us there. He worked with the people and has a better view then I do, so I believe him. Obama is a coward who can't even clean up the mess in his hometown? How can he clean up the mess this whole country is in?
Obama doesn't need to see the scripted dog and pony show the administration would put together. However, a secret tour with CNN's Michael Ware might prove very useful in so far as knowing the actual conditions on the ground without the Bush spin.
Since Obama is on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, it would be nice for him to actually travel somewhere outside the U.S. He is still a Senator first and foremost.
I don't get why having been a POW qualifies a candidate any more than anyone else when it comes to foreign policy positions, or being commander in chief. The main qualification should be judgement, intelligence, and a willingness to be flexible with changing circumstances. McCain does not rank highly with me on any of those qualities.
Plus, he just seems too CRANKY to be President. And I really really hate that "my friends" thing he does. I am NOT his friend, and to me it has a condesdending tone to it that I do not like one bit.
Obama '08
I'm a little unclear on this Iraq trip requirement. According to McCain and the Republicans, you aren't fit to be president if you don't make some sort of regular trip to Iraq. How often does one have to go? Or, is this a requirement of our Senators? If so, how often do they have to go? Last time I checked the Constitution, it didn't say anything about requiring Senators to go to Iraq or to be qualified to be President, you must make a regular trip to Iraq. I'm curious, in McCain's version of the Constitution, what other countries must one go to in order to be qualified?
Bush and McCain should stand trail for WAR CRIMES!!!!!
Obama is protected. I am not worried about the heathens around him. White America is not ready for the problems that they will face with that trip. I suggest McCain find new ways to attack Obama.
May God have mercy on your souls. Amen
Don't do it. The protection needed by troops and helicopters is not worth the photo op. It's a trap.
I think it is hilarious that Barack Obama is always responding to something – either Hillary Clinton, John McCain or some other controversy. It appears with this Iraq stunt, McCain has goaded Obama into going to Iraq and that his decision to visit the country is only after McCain brought it up. This is EXACTLY how I would want my President to behave and act! Reminiscent of George W. Bush "responding" to Hurricane Katrina, instead of being proactive and doing whats needed in the beginning.
Obama, you definitely do not have my vote in November if you are the nominee.
McCain, I like you personally better than Obama, but I don't agree with your stances on the war and so you probably will not have my vote in November.
Clinton, if now is not your time...you better come back in '12 and/or '16.
85% of us in Real Estate in our State are voting for McCain now and the older women you won't believe the high percentage going to McCain. Then there is the Hispanics...and the White Men who won't vote for Obama.
Landslide in Nov for McCain it appears.
Janet S
Ohio
Mr. McCain-
After your comments yesterday about Iran, I don't think Obama will be changing his mind. This just goes to show you really are not up on foriegn policy as musch as you think you are!!!
McCain is correct – but now it is time to put it to the Iraqis – VERY SOON now take care of your own Country.
Janet S
Michigan
Obama simply has to entertain the idea of a trip to Iraq prior to the general election. Obama can simply tout the tactical success of our troops in Iraq and heap praise onto Gen. Petreaus, but then nail McCain on the issue of safety in Iraq and Americans here at home by simply recounting details of McCain's trips to Iraq (i.e. walking around in bulletproof vests, under the protection of dozens of US military in already secured areas, and in the best armored humvees is what McCain calls being safe!)
Meanwhile Obama can pivot back to important domestic issues.
One month of less numbers mean another month of increase.
I can't believe that you actually can use one month to justify progress.
Are you people kidding? There should not even be a war.
I say, Bush should be brought to trail and after his term has be finish. To slammer for him.
Gaylon Barrow (above) is delusional. If you get your information from reading the news, maybe you should stick to reading the backs of cereal boxes.
I'm sure McSame could dig up a "Mission Accomplished" banner for Obama to take with him. Give it up, Johnny.
McCain, don't you remember what happened to you in the 2000 campaign? Your mentor and good friend Bush threw every lie in the book at you. Why do continue to endear yourself to him? Obviously, you need his fund raising to much. Don't you dare call yourself a maverick any more. This persona not longer fits you anymore.
Why on Earth must this old coot continue to base his entire campaign on a failed war. There can be no victory in Iraq! There is no way out that wont result in chaos and bloodshed, so lets get out now! I served my country, and find it repulsive that Mccain hides behind his service to shore up his ignorance of world affairs.
McCain, no one has to go to Iraq just because you said so. Who the hell are you. I know you are banking on this Iraq thing but dont you see nobody's buying this crap. No One wants to continue this was except you and the rest of those Bush THUGS. When was the last time you spoke about anything other that the war. We should start a countdown of how many times McCain says war. Probably about 100 times a day.
I'm sry, but a lot of the media today plays on what is going to get them ratings. They see that some people are upset by us going to war, the sell books to make a profit off of it, the show videos that dont always tell the full truth. It doesn't matter how much it make the people that are there fighting feel unwanted. It doesnt matter, one is going to hand Iraq to the other countries on a platter and were going to have nothing but killings again there and the other one wants to finish what we started and attempt to bring the country to a better point take your choice which do you want to deal with later. remember if it doesnt clean up you have to worry about your kids/grandkids going back and stopping other countries from taking over a child country... which is where that country is.
It has LOTS to do w/ the issues here at home........what hole have you been under?
What is the prob Obama? Can't take the heat? Go see those soldiers you are saying 'we will bring you home as soon as I get into office' and then come back and tell us what you see. You are not the person I want as the POTUS. See those soldiers, admit that there is progress, see those Iraqi faces and then abandon them to suffer the fate that we have handed them. We have an obligation so help those people. Or did you not learn that lesson yet?
Good for McCain! Force Obama to actually do something and put his money where his BIG mouth is! Obama has NO idea how Iraq is doing. NO IDEA WHATSOEVER, because he hasn't been there to see the progress (which many, including the United Nations leader, have said is astounding and moving in the right direction). Even Angelina Jolie, who recently visited Iraq, said she wants America to stay and go the distance to get things in place. She saw the people and talked with them and THEY WANT Americans there supporting them until they can get on their feet. Whether you believe we should have gone in the first place is no longer the point. What matters is that we need to fix what we broke, and to leave would be IRRESPONSIBLE and OBAMA-LIKE! Obama is clueless. Good for McCain for pushing his inexperienced selt up against a wall!
Give it up people Hillary has done nothing to damage the Democratic party or any one else.. You need to take your blinders off. obama and his masters are the ones that set out to destroy the Parties and the constitution. You all are an example of what is in store for the country if he gets in. The people have had no control over this fiasco yet. For obamas people to even insinuate that the Clintons or any one else not for him would harm him show how much hatred he has installed in his followers. he reminds me of Hitler.
CNN could you update people on the delegate count. You are displaying old information on your front page. Obama had 4 supers yesterday which you did not report and one today. I just got the information from MSNBC website. Guys for up to-date information please visit msnbc.com ( on first read by Chris Dodd).
DON'T GIVE ADVICE OR TALK DOWN TO OBAMA.............OLD MAN !!!!
YOU COULD LEARN A LOT FROM THIS BRIGHT, YOUNG MAN WHO LOOKS AND TALKS MORE PRESIDENTIAL EVERY DAY. OBAMA2008
To Obama: PLEASE DON'T GO. Why does McKiller want you to go there so bad? REMEMBER: RON BROWN. Don't trust them or him. We the people need you right here to fight the good fight here in the U.S.
Let McSame go to Iraq and stay there until his stipid war is over.
The truth is out now about McSame, Hillary and Bush so just do what you are doing and do our boys and girls good by bringing them HOME. What good would it do anyway, to please McSame?
Don't let McSame Ron Brown you.
NoMcSame..... NAVY Vet. for OBAMA08
The only acceptable visit to Iraq is an announced one with red carpet treatment from the Maliki administration. Just like they gave Amadinijad. This way, we can really judge the PROGRESS on the ground. We cannot keep sneaking in and out of a country we occupied for the past 5 years and claim progress. McCain should be ashamed for suggesting the same OLD tired rhethoric. He must be loosing his bearings.
Senator Obama would have to go over there and come back and tell us the situation. I definitely don't believe any of the Republicans after the relevalations that have come out as a confirmation of what people already knew.
Yes please go to Iraq maybe you can liberate a camp over there.Give it up people Hillary has done nothing to damage the Democratic party or any one else.. You need to take your blinders off. obama and his masters are the ones that set out to destroy the Parties and the constitution. You all are an example of what is in store for the country if he gets in. The people have had no control over this fiasco yet. For obamas people to even insinuate that the Clintons or any one else not for him would harm him show how much hatred he has installed in his followers. he reminds me of Hitler.
DNC should run a counter on the number of days since McCain has done anything but to be GWBush's puppet candidate. That would be several years in the running already. The so-called Maverick candidate has voted with Bush 95% of the time.
I seem to have missed the part where Obama agreed to go to Iraq as many people are alluding. The word quoted was "considering," and is it not right to take a request under advisement?
At the end of the day, however, it's foolish for any of the Presidential candidates to visit Iraq at this time. The security needed to guarantee their safety is substantial. And the political shakeup that would ensue if one of them were hurt at this point in the race is too tempting a prize for extremists.
Besides, there is suffiicient enough campaigning ahead on American soil than to burden National Security with photo opportunity excursions to war-torn countries.
yea obama go to iraq but he will stand his word because bush got us in this Iraq mess now one of friends route a book about bush mess up past now i think mccain go do the samething now mccain show up late show plese stop try funny you same spot as bush right now and no more bush and mccian suck comdy show because is joke we don't need it . obama nation will takeover house because he got reans get out iraq and bring america together and on top or anther
mccian suck comdy show you make deal
vote now
obama nation 08
It amazes me at how many people refer to the 4,000 individuals killed in Iraq, this must be an enormous number to a lot of people, and deserving of attention? So then why is it Ok that we kill over 250,000 individuals each year on our nations highways, and it goes un-noticed? We lose a mere 4,000 in our efforts to secure the safety of the US and everyone gets upset., Right, wrong, or indifferant a good number of those killed wanted to be there, and were there because they wanted to be a part of helping to protect the US. No differant than why i I joined the USMC while a senior in HS in 1967. I could not have lived with myself knowing I had the opportunity to support the values of this great country and go to Viet Nam, and not have done so. I served three consecutive tours in VN from May 1968 thru July 1970, and I would not have missed the opportunity for the world. For each of the 4,000 that have been killed, and for any future deaths in Iraq, I salute each and evry one of these individuals not only for the choice they made but for their service as well. No one who has not served in combat could ever understand our committment to our Country.
If Iraq is so safe now, as McCain says, then 1) there should be no reason we can not bring the troops home, and 2) why is it that when he goes, we never see him walking the streets without an armed mob of US soldiers and a few armored choppers overhead. I'll believe his spin when he goes for a jog like he is able to on a sunny day at noon in Central Park. The truth is, troops are still getting killed and injured, and the region has not stablized. It is not going to no matter how long we stay. That is someone else's country and they are not going to welcome the idea of the U.S. effectively trying to stage a takeover of power. It isn't gonna happen. McCain says we've made progress and the conditions are great when it's time to convince people that we can win, but when it's time to give a reason for continuing this war based on a lie, he says things are unstable. Well which is it? He can't have it both ways. We need to be investing in the talent of American engineers to create new energy, and stop trying paint all Muslims as terrorists so that we may take oil that is on their land.
why we have bush and mccian comdy show
As a democrat, if you're going to vote for McCain instead of Obama, fine, SHUTUP about it, why must you keep saying it over and over like you have tourrettes!
McCain is like a baby, a very old baby, always trying to taunt Obama but never works!
Obama is not the POTUS yet. He has been too busy with Hillary to go anywhere. I am sure when he feels the time is right he will go. It is a little hasty to go now. He needs to wait for HRC to drop out.
Let McBush do it if he must but it is a huge burden for our troops to have a candidate there. They are a little busy with other things.
Obama can go to Iraq, but the fact remains the political situation has not changed. The leaders of Iraq still have no plan or structure, they have not lived up to their part of the bargain, they can't secure their own territory, and neither can the U.S., We are using Iran and former terrorist to secure the country of Iraq. The same leaders the administration and McCain call the Axis of Evil. This problem was created by Republicans they should be in Iraq, not Obama. Additionally the security risk and plans to bring a presidential candidate are extremely important, they have greater things to deal with rather than a following candidates around the base. It sounds like McCain is looking for Obama to go to Iraq so that he can get injured since he is aware of the dangers that remain in the country.
I care about joblessness, homelessness, healthcare and if Sen McCain really wants to honor the troops, he can campaign on how he is going to help make their quality of life better when they get back home. He can start by explaining to the Vets (to their faces) who are missing limbs, eyes, etc...why he veto'd the very bill that would help them get an education and a better job. It's not likely those maimed vets are going to go back and re-enlist. Obama is for a reasonable withdrawl, McCain want's another 100 yrs..
For all of McCain's war record, he doesn't have common sense. Can anybody explain to me why the repugs think they can solve in a decade what centuries of war and strife could not?? I'm talking about the political, ethnic, and religious problems. Because until they do that, we just have a finger in the hole.
Obama is not going to go anywhere as dangerous as Iraq. Just wait and see if he goes. NOT. He knows nothing about anything that is going on.
Perhaps he is right. Senator Obama should keep an open mind about the war. If it is clear that we can do more good by staying the course for a limited period of time, so be it. A precipitous withdrawal that creates chaos is not in the best interest of Iraq, the region, our allies, the U.S., and the world in general.
However, McCain does not appear to have an open mind on this. He wants to plow ahead toward a "victory" regardless of its probability of success or its cost. He is so concerned with "surrendering", which a pull out is not, that he becomes dangerous to our soldiers and everyone else involved or affected by this truly "dumb" war.
What we should not do is stay in for an undetermined amount of time to pursue a marginal chance at a dubious victory that is more about saving (Republican) face, than about doing what is best. If we do mindlessly stay in Iraq then it is true that Iraq = Viet Nam.