" BREAKING NEWS " Obama won't make a gaffe overseas. like expected by the media. So can we report the mis-speaks that McCain makes at his town hall meeting.

selected not elected July 22nd, 2008 12:08 pm ET :

I love this flip flopping term that was created ; NOTE: its not flip flopping its being flexible when the facts change…we have "stayed the course" with Bush and look what that has got us…

Why does everyone believe the sole cause of the decrease in violence is due to the military surge. I applaud our brave young men and women who completed this excellent task. However, it is not the only and (quite frankly) not the main driver of the decrease. There are many factors:

1) Awakening of the Iraqi people to fight back
2) Larger and better trained (thanks to US military) Iraqi security force
3) and THE BIGGEST REASON is:

The current administration is paying billions of $ to hold a very "thin" cease fire with the Al Sadr army. Let me ask you this question; What do you think Al Sadr and his Medhi army is doing with those funds. They are buying better and more dangerous weapons to attack with once the US leaves or they determine they do not need any further funding.

That's right, the USA is funding the same extremists that want to see our young troops killed. Furthermore, this is all being set up for when the US does leave, a regrouped and better equiped Al Sadr army will take over IRAQ. That will leave a victorious or not victorious John McCain to stand up and say "I told you we needed to stay". So sad! That is the main reason I leaning left.

If the democrats, including Obama had their way after the 2006 Election we would not have had the surge and the vast improvements in security and safety in Iraq. The democrats including their supporters have not lost their post Viet Nam attitude of we cannot fight to win a war because it is not politcally correct to destroy your enemey, which contributed to the Viet Nam War loss. Obama is not man enoough toadmit his party was wrong about the surge and that the US Military can do what the college educated diplomats could not do.

Best one I've read so far…

-snip-
Obama has fallen for his own hype…
I want a humble leader who acts to the benefit of others…
-snip-

Are you enjoying your benefits right now hmmm…?
Enjoying paying for an occupation because of…?
Enjoying watching the benefits that the people of Iraq are swimming in?

Let me know how its going for you please, we could all use more benefits.

Wake up.

The difference between McCain and Obama couldn't be more glaring. Obama is intelligent, values diplomacy and already commands international respect on a world stage.

Remember McCain's last trip to Iraq? I remember a befuddled old man running around in a bulletproof vest…with Leiberman whispering the difference between Shiite and Sunni in his hard of hearing ear for the umpteenth millionth time.

Now really, republican,democrat, or independent, who do you want representing the country you love? Have some pride, take back the US, and vote Obama!!!

"McCain camp hammers Obama press conference" …..

(insert monotone voice here)

O, gee… what a sur prise….. that the mcstain camp attacks what Obama said. I am stunned……… STUNNED, I tell you..

ok… let's make a deal… let's say Obama agrees to admit the "surge" (escalation) has had a positive effect "IF" mccain admits it was a mistake going to Iraq in the first place…… (yeah, i thought not)….

THE FOLKS THAT SUPPORT MCCLUELESS, I THINK,

DON'T REALIZE THAT HE DOESN'T EVEN HAVE A CURRENT

EQUIVALENT OF A GED DIPLOMA. THE MAN CAN'T SEND

AN EMAIL. HE DOESN'T USE THE INTERNET. MY GRANDMOTHER

IS OLDER THAN MCBUSH & SHE DOES BOTH. BUT HE IS PROUD

TO BE IGNORANT. HE CALLS HIMSELF A FOREIGN AFFAIRS

EXPERT BUT DOESN'T KNOW ABOUT THE BREAKUP OF A LARGE

COUNTRY LIKE CZECHOSLOVAKIA, 16 YEARS LATER. HE MAKES

GEORGE LOOK GOOD.

IF NObama really cares about this country, and our service men and women, why is he just now making his FIRST trip to Afghanistan? His trip there was nothing more than a continuation of his Pied Piper efforts to try and charm voters instead of work for them. His posing over there is an insult, especially when you consider he's been head of that one committee for over 18 months and has not held one meeting. How is that really caring about our troops?

I wish America and the media would wake up and see this arrogant, inexperienced, greedy jerk for who he really is.

Thats all McCain does is give negative rebuttals….

The McCain campaign is like a broken record. All they can do is attempt to distort Obama's position on every issue. They continue to make fools of themselves each and every time.

McCain, Bush and Cheney were wrong to invade Iraq that had nothing to do with the 911 attack and never had WMD.

Truth must be spoken.

Let's ne a nation that can dare and be proud again to speak the truth.

Let's cinycism belong to the past.

Let's enjoy the new ERA of the popularity of the United States of America again around the world.
This is exactly what will bring back the US world leadership in economy, human rights, environment. military, diplomacy.

OBAMA 2008 - 2016

with all the media hype around Sen Obama he must perform and act to whatever is asked . WOW ! what a runaway tongue he has…to disclose the private talk between himself and the Iraqi Prime Minister…
really bad JUDGEMENT !…as Sen Hillary Clinton often stated in the primaries 'EXPERIENCE' does count….After Bush …another on the job TRAINEE.?? That America would be bad JUDGEMENT; Go with
"EXPERIENCE" and vote "MCCAIN"
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Selected not elected:

First off, HILLARY CLINTON LOST!!!!! If you love her sooo much, donate to her debt.

John McWhiner will still be talking about the "surge" in his concession speech in Nov.

Who is John McCain again? :p As a candidate, Senator McCain is losing his foreign affairs luster. He and Bush are following Senator Obama's foreign policy in Iraq and Afghanistan. John McCain is showing more and more how his policies are simply a reflection of the many lobbyists in his campaign. Too bad the American people do not have a lobbyist-we are left out in the cold when it comes to Republican polices.

Hey Mccain and all you repuglicans, please tell me how we won this war? Please, I beg you. Tell me how we can win a war started on proven lies, that 4500 soldiers died needlessly over and we are trillions in debt because of. Spin your repuglican lies, and explain this stuff away. Terrorism is now worse because of our invasion and the world hates us and yet you guys say we won. Incredible! And if you believe the John McWar hype I have some swamp land in florida I wanna sell ya.

Questions for MCcain

-Bush-Mccain war was to destroy Saddam nuclear arsenal.
Where are those weapons?.
-Saddam was captured and executed because he was linked to terrorism.
Where is the proof of that?
-When us soldiers landed in Iraq there was not even a gun shot from the Iraqi army so called Saddam natianal guard .
who were we fighting with ?
Now the insurgents came just after and in many case to fight not only with the us soldiers but there own battle over control of Iraq that the after saddam has given an opportunity to pursue what they have always been pursuing even under saddam.

Is there anyone out there understand this is about the Bush-maccain ego cause they don't have any explanation for the american people after causing death of over 4.000 young men and women, destroying the economy, leaving hundred of thousands unemployed.

This is not about winning any war. It's about not willing to admits mistake. Mccain was for this war since the beginning and is equally responsible for the mess this war has caused. Electing Mccain is a license to disrespect and desregard to the american people who is in all circumstances the ultimate victim.

let's get over the war, let's get over Mcsame

mcsame and his cohorts are desperate! whatever they say just doesn't really matter!

McCain is a jerk!!

NEWS RELEASE - McCain has learned their are two countries now - Slovakia and the Czech Republic.

Hooray !!!!!!!!!

Go Obama '08

Sheesh, you Obama congregants sound just like the Bushies. Both so completely obsessed with their leader that they can't admit he is human and can be wrong.

With supporters like these I can easily see that Obama would be a Bush 3rd term.

It's okay to say Obama was wrong about the surge.

Loud cries from losers. Put Obama at odds with General David Patraeus? Really looked like it in the chopper didn't it? Some of these guys cant wait to finally work with a reasonable president. They are sick and tired but stay mute because….. If they could tell you, you would know how much they hate war and war-mongers like McSame.

Who cares what Mcain or the babbling idiots who speak for him have to say. Before trying to give talking points on a surge, which even an idiot should now know isn't the only reason for (TENTATIVE) success in Iraq, Mccain needs to learn how to write coherent thoughts before offering any form of rhetoric. When I was younger, I always heard the phrase 'peace to the Middle East,' a popular catch phrase used in the early 90s. Unfortunately, the US presence in the middle east has done little next to nothing to try and make that peace a reality.

McCain can't do any wrong. the media is so busy waiting for Obama to make a gaffe overseas that Mcbush can say and do anything he wants, even if it's wrong. No media takes McBush to task. McBush can say the sky is green and the media will show Obama riding a bike or going to the gym. Unreal.

McCain ain't gotta nothin' nobody wants to hear.
Too old, too convervative, to witless and to dumb to quit.

Ugh!

Define victory, McCain… you seem to keep refusing to do so.

I suspect 'victory' for the Neocons = permanent base of operations in Iraq… c'mon McCain, you know the American People don't want that. Just admit it.

How egotistical of a comment, to compare his plan to the surge and if it would haved worked. Why not put your head up a cow's behind and see if butter is going to be more expensive tomorrow.

Obama did not mention 'unconditional withdrawal'. That's fiction.

So, but does anybody know what Bush/McCain's definition of victory is? From what I can tell, 'Staying in Iraq' means 'Victory in Iraq'. You cannot leave when violence is up, you cannot leave when violence is down. You cannot leave when the Iraqis ask us to stay, you cannot leave when the Iraqis ask us to leave.

Besides that, I don't understand McCain's claim that being a POW gives him so much knowledge about war (?) Being shot down in your plane is tragic but not really a great qualification for commander in chief.

Waht is all this nonsense about Obama's "star image"?

Is it because he can actually speak clearly and intelligently while McCain struggles and Bush is an idiot? Is that why he is an "elitist"? As opposed to Bush who grew up in government luxury and McCain who grew up as military royalty?

Obama is constantly evaluating what is going on in the world and making adjustments to the situation. Would have been nice if Bush has tried that over the last 8 years. McCain has changed almost all of his positions to make the right-wing happy. Is that not "flip-flopping" also?

I love all the Obama haters who keep pointing out his middle name. We don't care. Obama, who never said anything about it, doesn't care.
I guess bigots care, but they won't vote for him anyway.
The only time HUSSEIN was an issue is when the Re-pukes were using it sarcastically and their own party told them to knock it off, ie, grow up.

And all of you are pretty vague in your attacks. Calling him hype and arrogant etc. I don't see it. Be specific, you sound like fools.

Obama has a plan: get out.

McCain wants to stay in.

Pick one.

The democrats selected nominee is trashing our military men and women, destroying our childrens future, the anti-American party.

vote out all democrats. the prove to us daily they are unAmerican!

I know cnn ,this wont be posted, not pro-hitler enough. shame on you all.

Yes, it is true nobody wants war. Unfortunately, those protesting the war seem to forget that there are terrorists out there who want kill us and any of our allies. Obama fails to realize that leaving a war prematurely will only result in us having to return in the future. Obama has opposed US involvement abroad in the past but now seems to see merit of conflict in Afghanistan. I'm not sure I want my commander in chief to make decisions without consulting the key military leaders.

I think McCain is now having second thoughts about urging Obama to go to Iraq since Malliki, too, wants us out by 2010.
So, the surge worked? Wonderful!
Say goodnight, Gracie - It's time to go.

Are you guys really ready to put someone like Obama, with a learning curve that takes several years to kick in and catch up, into the highest office in the world ??? You gotta be kidding…

If Old Johnny boy is such a humble and wise leader why can't he win the election with a clean campaign? Why must he attempt to drag down Obama while he tries to scrape and crawl to the top?

Can't wait for the first debate. They need to have one soon.

The point of the surge was to allow political development. It succeeded in making things safer but they failed to move on policy.

So the military mission was succesful - which McCain applauds.
and the political mission failed - which Obama points out.

Neither seem to want to acknowledge that they're talking about two different things and instead just chose to confuse the public.

What is remarkable is the fact that the republicans cannot fathom that EVEN THE IRAQIS WANT US OUT.

And Phanom can you explain why you're "..of the Prah" as opposed to the opera?
By the way, I think Senator McCain is on a mad power grab, trying to make up for the loss in Vietnam.

This warmonger thinks he's going to roll over the American people and tell us lies to get in the White House. The Dems don't like him and his own party leaders think he's a place holder for their presidential aspirations. It won't work.

McPain will go home to Arizona and Barack will move into our Whtie House.

Obama 08, our next POTUS.

if the surge succeeded why are are those troops still there?

Love to see how people comment primarily on the title, without researching the context.

Incredible how well-trained conservatives are to seek comfort in ignorance, and believe in spin if it suits their fragile world view.

I guess McCain just can't find anything to talk about so he just continues his bashing of Obama. Does this mean he has no policy issue clear in his mind or it just his way of trying to take away the obvious success of Obams' trip? "An humble leader acting for the benefit of others", does that include the 4000+ young soldiers and the innocent Iraqis who have died in the name of OIL??

Go OBAMA

The are people who will be lucky to get re elected. Let them voice there option like you know what every one has one.

If they was more concered about the cost of living n the US we would all be a lot better off.

To hell wiith them…

Let's bring our troops home once we leave IRAQ they will just keep killing themselves until they come to an agreement….

McCain continues to miss the point.
Exactly what "victory" is he referring to? The ability to have peaceful, unchallenged dibs on the Iraqi oil fields?

Somebody needs to stay out of his wife's medicine cabinet. Delusional at best.

I wish McCain would stop trying to sell a war that never should have happened in the first place. Does he thing we're all bunch of fools? Yes, I believe he does. Who knows….maybe he's right. Bush won twice.

Jindel ? That name sounds so foreign and non traditional. I want a traditional conservative with a normal name. PUMAs are traditionalists ! No Jindul No Obama, this is a job for the White House, not the out house.

McSame's camp is running scared of Obama. McSame says the same things over and over: "this is Obama's first trip ever; this is Obama's first trip ever…………."Obama was against the serge; Obama is against the serge……………PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

McSame, you don't have to visit the Middle East o know what's going on. All you have to do is count the body bags that are being shipped back to the US, the job losses, the gas prices, and please, not to mention the food that millions of Americans are in need of.

We don't care you who are Mr. Maggot, I mean Mr. Maverick. All we care about is getting our troops home alive with their families and getting America back to its prosperous state that we once enjoyed!

Is that a United Nations flag pin on Hussein's lapel? How presidential… he's already taking marching orders from third world countries and their sugar daddy George Soros.
________________________________________

Actually, if you bothered to look, you would have seen the U.S. Flag pin. When was the last time McCain wore one??

Speaking of McCain, this bears repeating:

For someone who had, "been there, done that" he (McCain) has done very little for the men and women who served before him and after him.

I guess this is one of many reasons a lot of us (veterans) won’t vote for him (McCain).

McCain: ‘I Received The Highest Award From Literally Every Veterans Organization In America"
The recognition McCain has received from veterans groups is not "high awards" but FAILING GRADES:

Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America gave McCain a grade of D for his record of voting against veterans. (By contrast, Obama got a B+.)

Disabled Veterans of America noted McCain’s dismal 20 percent voting record on veterans’ issues. (Obama had an 80 percent.)

In a list of "Key Votes," Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) notes McCain "Voted Against Us" 15 times and "Voted For Us" only 8. (Obama voted for VVA 12 times, and against only once.)

Sequentially, integrity is what I look for in someone running for President. Self-aggrandizement without end is a characteristic flaw that I cannot overlook in anyone running for that same position.

Phantom: It's called campaigning.

Obama enjoys the spotlight when the stage is ready for him. His only effort is to give a speech and the crowd will cheer!!!! anything else Obama???

The democratically elected leader of the country we invaded in order to give them democracy wants us out of the country. Guess that's not the "democracy" McCain and Bush have preached.

Here is what the hypocrites have said:

“If they were to say leave, we would leave”
— George Bush, White House rose garden, 5/2007
“It is obvious we would have to leave if they asked us to leave”
— John McCain, Council on Foreign Relations, 4/2004

Any fool knows that the 'surge' "worked" because the sunnis were paid off with large amounts of money to turn against AlQ— AND at the same time Muktada AlS- - instructed his militia to keep-it-down and ge3t some R&R !

It would be interesting to see the Senator from ARizona rationally address such things as the economy, health care, education, etc., you know all the stuph we are whining about….because quite frankly I'm darned tired of hearing im whine about Iraq and the surge. Keep in mind as well, McCain may be a decorated POW, however contrary to his statements he doesn't know how to win a war, end a war or anything of that nature. He is not one of the great foriegn policy wonks in this nature, he is merely a hawk and he's having frequent tantrums.

John McCain needs to chill and get a rocking chair and he can rock with Cindy McCain needs to stop talking so much about Barack and get on with things at hand. He is not presidental material never has and never will.

I think it is inappropriate for any presidential candidate to travel oversees and meet with governments while US troops are deployed in the region. Regardless if you love him or hate him..George Bush is still Commander in Chief. Such self centered interests only promotes one's own agenda and could possibly place those serving at greater risk.

Dear Selected Not Elected:

The only arrogant fools are you and your candidate, McPain. This country has had enough and McPain will never go anywhere near our White House, except to help his buddy move his things back to Crawford.

No wonder the New York Times rejected McCain's Op ed, it wasn't newsworthy, neither is McCain. McCain is a desperate old man and sounds more like a parrot repeating the same thing over and over and over and over, again. McCain can't be listening to his campaign advisors because he's another GWB and won't listen to anyone. Spport Obama.

What victory? This is one of those unwinnable wars. The major goal, I guess, was to get rid of Saddam. That's done. What more do you want? The troops have done their jobs and can leave knowing they did a great job. But winning a war when there is no clear enemy to say "I quit" is impossible. I would think a person with such vast military and foreign policy experience would have figured that out.

As an Independent, I must confess that I am disappointed at the deficit in intelligence and rationale coming out of the McCain camp. Our country has had enough of people with a narrow and unintelligent world view.

The Republicans have hate and jealousy steaming out of their ears, they just don't get it - We want out of Iraq. They want us out, and they sure have enough money now to self-govern.

To all McSame supporters, allow me to offer you a life line. Saying the same thing over and over again does not make it true. Tell that to Mcsame the next time he comes to your town. The man needs new material, his old stuff was borrowed from Jack Benny. Fooled us twice and we let a C-student run this country into the ground. We will not be fooled a third time by you, Fox (fixed), CNN, ABC or the like. This time we are listening and buzz words (liberal, inexperienced, Rev Wright, etc.) won't work. Tell your candidate to lay out his (Pres. Bush) plans and let the votes fall where they may!!! He needs to MAN UP with some ideas or shut up and push rewind on Bush's old ones.

All I hear,see, and read is what MCain does not like about Obama, his campaign, or his messege. My concern is that I hear nothig about McCain's plans, message, or vision. If McCain thinks that he will win the election because he attacks Obama all day what does America think he will do as President? He will do nothing but ensure we go from War to War with no end in sight. He has not grasped the fact that as President he sets the agenda for not only our Military but our Foreign Policy. He has shown me he cares only about……"winning wars." This means that his foreign policy will be to stay in, start, and look for another war. Is this the leadership we need?

Obama has fallen for his own hype… and the media spin.
He thinks he is a shoo in for president, so why bother to wait.
He puts his own glorification and star image above the good of his country. I want a humble leader who acts to the benefit of others- NOT just to advance himself. He is on a mad grab for power."
———————————————————————————————

Are you serious with this garbage you write? After 8 years of Bush renegade, corrupted, illegal style governing, your words are meaningless to those of us living the dire consequence of the past 8 years and to have a candidate like McCain who has voted 95% in line with Bush….. guess what? We are running in the opposite direction!!!!!!

zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

z z z z z
yawn

same old, reworked, revised, reworded baloney from McCain.

who gives a crap about the surge?
who else besides McCain is talking about the surge?

this is so frustrating.

CNN, ya'll are starting to really suck. where's real news?

McCain - has a pattern of sounding like a broken record which will continue. If we wonder about McCain's cognitive confusion, you should do a review of the research that emphasizes we have a decline in our clear thinking that starts even before we are fifty. By the time we are 70, almost all of us have some decline. The bad news is that we continue to decline. (I am 72 and I experience the decline.) If elected, one can predict a chance of McCain becoming even more confused from year to year.

Hey Weather vane McCain, before you start knocking anyone, sit down with a map of the world and learn which countries border each other , so you don't sound like an idiot.

It was the American money surge to the Iraqi fighters which mattered. Now we applaud our soldiers for the surge results. Be honest - there have been 100 000 Suni fighters in the streets - now they are on American payroles.

Don't let all the noise drown out the truth. McCain is stuck in a corner hollering for attention. THAT'S ALL THIS IS.

It's easy: Just ignore him like a 2 year old in time-out. Eventually, he'll cry himself to sleep.

McCain is just a tired old man too lazy to come up with ideas of his own. He either parrots Obama's positions and tries to claim them as his own, or criticizes everything Obama says because that's easier than having to think about explaining what he himself stands for. Mistake-a-day McCain needs to take a pill and lie down.

Obviously my fellow Republicans McThuselah and Rudy do not have any other thing to talk about?

Republican for Barack Hussein Obama.

Yes Mr Mccain put on your flag pin. The american people are getting tired of what you have to say about the war, so this is your strong point it is not going to get you the presidentcy this fall. Talk about the important things at home, gas prices, people losing their homes, the economy. What do you care this issues at home dont affect you as you have a rich wife, so you never have to worry do you. You will always be well cared for the heck with all the rest of the americans who are strugleing.

Obama, is looking to appease the far left and the europeams. The far left has been hamering him on his move to the center the last several weeks. Thus his return to his original postion. The europeans, with some exceptions, are off in socialist heaven and have never had the intestinal fortitude to do what it takes. Obama, never had any intention of considering the opinion of the generals or the conditions on the ground. His mind was already made up when he left on this magical mystery tour.

Barack is a good man and a great American. I hope his style of leadership does not distract from the fact that this country needs a new direction. We will take our country back and move up and onward.

Now that McCain finally gets the fact that the country is serious, he's talking about a new direction. At first he was talking about the same old direction, which was down, down, down. He is not the man to lead this country at this time. His new direction is George Bush's old direction, down.

The commander-in-chief establishes policy. It is the job of the uniformed commander of the forces to implement the policy. Petraeus may feel that a timetable is not a good idea, but the military serves the civilian leadership and the people, NOT the other way around. They've had plenty of time to implement the surge, and either it has worked or it has not. If it is something that cannot be wound down without leading to chaos, then it NEVER WAS A GOOD POLICY!!

I'd like to see what McCain really means when he says that the surge is "working." Is it? Have we come any closer to stabilizing the situation? Or have we just put more Americans in a country where we never belonged in the first place, increasing the likelihood of American casualties (which, by the way, is exactly what happened - troop numbers surged, death numbers surged)?

O8AMA

Didn't we pay off our enemies over there to make sure the surge would "appear" to work? Who can educate me on that?

Obama '08

Obama wants a surge in Afghanistan, I wonder where he got that idea.

can someone tell me what exactly victory is in Iraq?

We invaded this naiton, who did not attack us, lost nearly 5,000 good men and women, and droven ourselves into ridiculous debt that has helped destroy our economy.

What is Victory? Why cant McCain tell us what Victory is? Who is REALLY the "empty suit" with no substance?

Obama just cannot deflate his ego enough to admit he was wrong. Why should he? His sheep will follow him no matter what the facts are. Just read the idiotic Obamite posts on these blogs. Sounds like a good portion of them get their news from MTV, The Daily Show, or MoveON.org.

Obama just does not get it….

Weak man… would make a weak President.

God help us.

These stories are getting old. If the networks want to keep us interested, they need to find something different than "McCain attacks Obama."

Is it Nov yet?

No to Bobby Jindul NO NO NO
We need a traditional conservative like Romney who is a morman so you know he is ethical.

Hey CNN how about some basic reporting.. like how Obama has never said withdrawal will be unconditional?

Obama speaks to the realities on the ground while McCain speaks to the realities flying around in his head.

If the surge has been successfull and we have succeeded in Iraq, why can't the troops leave?

Is it because we have all of the contractors with their no-bid contracts and big money being awarded?!

Is it because we want to steal as much of Iraq's oil as possible before we leave?!!

Again if the surge has succeeded and if I remember everyone saying (Bush and McCain) "when the Iraqis ask us to leave we will" why can't our troops come home?

These are questions CNN won't ask.

Again here's the checklist

1. Surge Succeeded - Answer - Yes
2. Iraqis want a timeline for withdrawal by 2010 - Matches Obama's plan.
3. Iraqis asking us to leave - Answer - Yes

So why are we still there?

Surge

Once again, I thought McCain was supposed to be focused on the Economy this week. What a horribly run campaign. McCain had an opening this week to talk about Issue #1 - The Economy all by himself but instead he focuses on attacking Obama as usual. What an idiot. He's making himself look like a chump. This stragety of not focusing on your on ideas but just bashing your opponent is a sure fire way to lose this fall. People want solutions not Rove-Bush style attacks.

The war was a mistake in the first place…Obama was right on that. Everything else is just an exit strategy.

Vote for Intelligence….Vote Obamba…………….

Unconditional withdrawal or stay until a victory ??? This is something that each and every American has to ask themselves. Then, vote for what you really believe in. Must admit that I admire Obama for "sticking to his guns" and not letting anyone pressure him. I am sure that if he sees or feels anything to the contrary of his stance, he will change his mind. He is not afraid to do so. He has the best interest for our country in his heart. This is a sign of a true President !

Heather Wilson? Ya that loser will really help McBush in his pathetic campaign. Even with Domenici's personal attention and support, Wilson lost big time in the New Mexico primary. Losers advising losers… just a continuation of the Bush regime.

McWar is like a stuck record or a parrot take your pick he keeps repeating same lies he is a blank slate he flip- flops lies,brags what he did and he did nothing just lies .
Mr.Town Hall is jealous desperate what an old fool you might say he is running scared but the truth is HE CAN"T RUN .

Senile -Nearing the end of an erosion cycle .
Senility-Feebleness of body /mind caused by old age.

Hey that sounds like McLooser that is running for president

Obamatons, Lets be real guys…all these high profile international visits amount to nothing…ZERO. He is halfway through his trip and yet he still doesn’t look presidential like you all hoped. Obama has real issues in his party to deal with other than put on these media frenzies across the Middle East and Europe. For example we all know that the Democratic Party is split right in the middle no matter how many times you idiots bring out Obama and Hillary wearing the same uniform. You have already lost an election that had your party’s name all over it and trying to demonize Mc Cain’s pick for VP equals the last kicks of a dying hose. The thought of him naming a VP sends chills up your spines WHY???? Please remove the LOG in your eye before you remove the spec in mine.

Didn’t Obama once tell Hillary that traveling and meeting world leaders does not prepare you for the number one job in this country? By doing the same thing he criticized his opponent for isn’t it politics as usual or is it disguising the inexperience in him? America, do not trust this guy

I find it funny that Republicans are trying to spin "the surge is working" statement into covering up the fact that they used falsified data and "intelligence" to be in Iraq in the first place. Of course the surge is going to reduce violence, our troops are the best! It does not change the fact that the American people were lied to, there was no reason for us to be in Iraq, and McCain seeks to perpetuate that lie!

How lazy are the American people? We can't read nor listen to the non-political information which is provided each and everyday. McCain’s view of success in the Iraq screw-up is to cover the mistake of the Republican president. If I drove a truck through someone’s house and killed and injured the inhabitants, then stayed there and to fight against those who remain alive in order to defeat them… after I mistakenly destroyed their home.

How do I measure victory? No one in the house attacked me, so how do I claim victory? What is the measuring stick of success when I was the one who made the mistake?

How do we measure success in Iraq? Where do we claim victory?

McSame's camp has been complaining that the MSM favors Obama - well CNN, you've certainly proved them wrong - all I read on this website is anti-Obama nonsens. I guess my friends and co-workers are right - you've become a an info-tainment center - and it's the same old stories regurgitated over & over - I'd much rather read the laughable comments on politico, at least they're somewhat up to date & PBS is the only true news anyway, but at least MSNBC tries - since you've posted exactly zero of my comments in the past, I doubt you'll post this one, but doesn't matter, I won't be stopping by to read it anyway

Seven years later and still no OBL. The McWar camp and the GOP wants to make Iraq the 51st state. Take there oil put the Iraq people on reservations and build casinos. And they wonder why the rest of the world does not like us?

Obama doesn't even have a clue on how to be the Commander in Chief. He is telling you what you want to hear instead of what needs to be done. Wake up Americans before it is too late.

McCain just doesn't get it. This war stunk on Day 1. The American people want out now.

Thanks, Senator Obama, for bringing sanity to Washington.

Barack Obama has made clear that his goal remains unconditional withdrawal rather than securing the victory our troops have earned and the surge has made possible.

Obama isn't actually for unconditional withdrawl, but let's set that fact aside for a moment.

McCain, you want to reward our troops for a job well done?

Let Iraq vets who want to stay at war go to Afghanistan. And let the rest come home, where they want to be.

Now that's a better reward for hard work and sacrifice than receiving orders to serve extended tours in war zones.

Strange, I thought Barry said the surge did work, even though he doesn't support it. I also thought he was brokering a deal (without any authority) to promise Karzai an additional 10k troops. How could that possibly work? Look at the true Barack, there is no change, just taking whatever view is required for political expediency. He just is not the real deal and if he is elected we will surely find that out.

McCain hammering Obama? That's like saying the weak-minded neo-nuggets that post on here are hammering me. Quite unlike hammering, putting up with the illogical and fact-challenged 'arguments' of neo-wingers is like taking a walk in a light mist — the smallest of precautions is more than sufficient to protect oneself from the unpleasantness.

McCain is a political joke and so are his followers…most of his followers have proven that by their willingness to vote for FAILURE and INCOMPETENCE in the last two presidential elections. Having not learned their lesson, they would continue to distress this country by making yet another mistake at the polls.

The pressure isn't on Obama…someone need to put a tournequette on McSame's campaign: it's bleeding b.s. and will be on life support soon…

I'm still curious.. What EXACTLY is McCain referring to when he's talking about America winning? What's there to win? Oil fields?

Just because it worked, doesn't mean it was the right thing to do!

McCain is desperate!! The bottom line is every country is ready to pull their troops. The surge is working! The surge is working! The surge is working! WE HEAR YOU! WE KNOW THE SURGE IS WORKING!

BUT ITS TIME TO MOVE ON!!!!!!!!!

Didn't he do all this as a US Senator, by confining withing the limits of US Senator; isn't this signed by other US Senator also; I think he didnt cross the line; as a US Senator, McCain was allowed to say along with Joe Lieberman almost the opposite; why is Obama not allowed to say what McCain/GOP doesnt want to hear ?

the first poster proclaimed, "Shows what a presumptuous, self-serving arrogant fool Obama is."
——–
How is bringing our troops home after seven years and giving Iraq their identity back self-serving? Critics of Barack state that he is too "inexperienced" to be our Prez, then, when he shows initiative and exhibits presidential actions and qualities, he is presumptuous and arrogant.

To withdraw?! You mean stop flushing down billion dollars a day that, oh by the way, we borrowed from communist China?
Perhaps spend this money at home to improve lives of American people?

Oh no, that would be so unpatriotic!

selected not elected you are the biggest foool that do not have a clue what you are talking about.racist foool where is the flip flop foool

A victory isn't for the troops. It's for the civilians. And the troops know that

President Bush said years ago "MISSION ACCOMPLISHED" Ok so now years later and counting you still want to surge more? More Failed Policy, over and over again…

Obama 08

"Republicans can't handle the TRUTH"

You Failed our country!!!

Some Failed as an Oil Man!
Some Failed as an MLB Team Owner!
Some Failed as The President of the United States!
Some have the Seal of Approval for a Pro Alcholic Beverage Drinker!

How sad, our choices for president is either an ego-maniac or a very tired old man…I'm staying home..

These are the most jealous bunch of whiners. McCain originally said the Iraq war, which had nothing to do with 9/11 would be quick and simple before it started (he's on video, go check). The "surge" has lessoned the violence, so start getting out as the Iraq—but no, they went in for the oil (which was supposed to pay for the war), so they aren't getting out ever. Obama has shown humility and strength over there in contrast to the geography gaffs and other gaffs by McCain who is showing progressive signs of dementia. Dems, independents, and common sense Republicans UNITE!!!!!!!

The McCain camp are stressed out they do know what to do anymore. You do not hear from Obama camp any false accusation. Karl Rove tactic is outdated it is not going to work this time give it up repulicans.

Has anyone ever notice the McWar campaign does nothing but criticize and complain about everything. No new ideas, no positive message, just criticize and complain. They must wake up everyday and have there morning meetings and say ok guys what can we criticize and complain about today. These guys must be angry old men that are suffering from ERD. How does Cindy Mcwar live with this guy, I give her credit for hanging in there. God Bless Her.

McCain; criticize and complain, criticize and complain, criticize and complain, criticize and complain, criticize and complain, criticize and complain. If the MSM counts how many times McWar puts; out a negative messages to the public it must be a 50 to 1 ratio.

Mcwar try to come up with a positive message, please.

To visit the troops in Iraq and then state publicly that the surge didn't work is a big slap in the face of every soldier that has given his life or is still risking his life out there.
It is shameful and shows great stupidity to make such statements.
Somebody should remind Obama that he is still a junior Senator and on a fact finding tour only.
Obama is a power hungry opportunist and everything has to revolve about him.
When is America going to wake up from their Obamarama coma..??

You know, McCain could flip-flop on his stance. I think it's safe to say that the majority of American's want out of Iraq. 5 years was enough and it looks like this is going to go on for another 2 years. How much time is needed to get the job done?

As a founding member of PUMA I can say that McCain is going to need to do some recovery work on his campaign to sway us PUMA folks over. At this point, though still early, I would indeed vote for Obama over McCain or a 3rd party.

This is the McCain Straight Talk Express straight over the cliff kicking and screaming all the way down without good judgement (supporting the invasion of Iraq; welcoming a role for Dick Cheney in his administration) to break his fall.

First of all Obama in the press conference (which I did watch in its entirety, never said "unconditional withdrawal". Most importantly the McCain really thinks this strategy of highlighting the greatness of the surge is going to work. Which it will not. The surge was one of the parts of things that has "reduced" violence, NOT ELIMINATED THE VIOLENCE. Things have improved from a once extremely dire sitiuation but the violence hasn't been eliminated. McCain at some point will need to come with ideas, it seems as if he has none, which is why the NYT didn't publish his article. Show some thought, intelligence McCain, vs. all we see from you is the ability to put out inaccrurate press releases. I also love the way you are choosing to try to hammer while he is overseas. I actually can't wait until he gets back from being Presidential to put McCain in his place. Most importantly how about the fact we shouldn't have have even gone to Iraq in the first place. The last of the surge forces left this month for those who didn't know, so the surge is over so we'll pray the status quo keeps things in place. GO OBAMA!

"Unconditional withdrawal" is simply a McMain-made label. We have a better label. The Cheneys, Rumsfelds, Bushes, McCains and placed America's focus in Iraq. It has cost the United States countless loss of lives, trillions of dollars and still, no bin Laden. If these Republican hacks were selling us goods in the private sector, we would all be entitled to a refund for false advertising and incompetence.

Hey Mike; McCain can't retire. He already has and is collecting his Social Security check. Check it out.

I smell D E S P E R A T I O N !

Everybody needs to take a step back and look at John McCain's arguments. He is obsessed - completely - with "victory & honor." Yet, he can't even define what victory in Iraq means. McCain was shot down, captured, and beaten in the only war he's ever fought in. And ultimately, we did NOT win that war. John McCain, while his courage and commitment is worthy of our praise, LOST to the enemy. It's clear now that his policies towards Iraq are based on a need for revenge. He needs to make someone pay for his suffering, and he needs a devastating "victory" to vindicate himself. This has blinded him to the realities of the situation in Iraq. If it were up to him, he'd send troop after troop to continue to die until he achieves his own twisted, emotionally disturbed sense of victory. When he said last week "I know how to win wars! I know how to win!" it sounded more like he was trying to convince himself of that. Because he's never won one. And this is what's driving his foreign policy - he is, unfortunately, in a war-mongering state of mind due to his POW experience.

Pffft. Same ol' McCain whining. First, McCain rides Obama to go, then he rides Obama when he does go. McCain wants to try and keep the "pressure" on Obama, putting Obama on the defensive. Thing is, the Iraqis seem to favoring Obama's idea of getting out more than McCain's of staying there for awhile. Even Bush agreed to a "Time Horizon", which is another fancy term for a time benchmark. McCain's looking more and more isolated, and that's angering or frustrating him and his followers. So far, Obama's smelling like a rose (he even hit a three-point shot in a gym in front of the troops), and this is getting to McCain. He's even reported to be possibly announcing a running mate while Obama's overseas just to try and take away some of Obama's momentum. Johnny, I'd wait if I were you, say until right after the Dems convention. If this is true, and I'm not saying that it is, you'll need all the help you can get. Obama just might trump your VP choice if he gives a rousing speech in Berlin later this week…

Another example of that perfect judgement we keep hearing about.

The Obama Cult will miss my sarcasm.

They are unable of independent thought. The Obama campaign has told them to march to whatever tune he's playing.

Nothing is going to change my mind, I am voting for Barack Obama. I am not undecided.

You know, I don't want four more years of the same direction we have been going. Remember when Bush kept saying we are turning a corner in 2004? Well we have been going around and around the block and the American people are getting hosed.

The McCain camp is just getting desperate and they are trying to get something to stick. It reminds me of when Bob Dole ran.

Time for change, sorry McCain, pack up your bags and head for retirement.

Looks to me that Iraq is getting it together. We need to move forward and leave to take care of other matters. Its funny that Bush/McCain don't want to leave even after the Iraq PM said he wants a time table for us to leave. 2010 is very possible for us to leave if things continue to play out as they have. McCain is seeing that a first termer African American is making since and he does not want to hear it.

John McCain't was so wrong on everything Middle East including its geography, so the only life preserver he has is the surge, my friends. (Which for those of you who are disconnected from reality - DIDN'T WORK - but that depends on your definition of "work"). Go back in time to the original statements made for the purpose of the surge, and you can figure it out all by yourself without any help from Grampy and all his lying surrogates.

…..at least Sen. Obama knows:

- the difference between Sunni/Shia;
- which country we should've gone after in the first place; and
- WHICH COUNTRIES IRAQ BORDERS!!!

If his misstatements, slip-ups, and things he can't recall are indicative of his "experience," then that's EXPERIENCE WE DO NOT NEED.

Phantom of the Oprah- are you serious??? and johnny mack hasn't look i was in the military and the last thing i would want to tell people is about my being a POW, it's like 50 cent saying i got shot nine times in the war on drugs ok we know for the millionth time sheeesh!!!!

Obama is for a safe ending of the war in Iraq, The Iraqis are ready to move on, and we should be too.

I also want to vote for the person who will give everyone here the biggest tax cut. That's Obama.

Why do we continue to call the Troops increase in IRAQ a SURGE,
if i remember correctly the Generals in IRAQ were asking for more
TROOPS and better equipment from the beginning.
Maybe MCcann and the Bush Admin. think that the American
people has forgotton about that request.
If we had more Troops in IRAQ from the start meybe we would
have save lives in IRAQ.
Read about..
Everytime MCcann say the word MYFRIEND, i get the feeling i am
being LIED TO.
THANKS

Debra, Alton July 22nd, 2008 12:09 pm ET

McCain…get over it! Nobody wants to continue a war!!!!!!!

Your are right, absolutely right.

The only difference between Obama and McCain is the McCain wants to end the war with a victory and Obama wants to end the war in defeat.

I'm getting really sick of McCain saying Obama doesn't want victory in Iraq. He never says what victory means to him!!!! McCain is going to lose this election because all he does is attack Obama and make ridiculous claims about victory in Iraq. McCain always attacks Obama's energy policy too, which is ridiculous. McCain's gas tax holiday is a transparent joke and I can't wait till he's back in the Senate because I'm sick of hearing this old fool speak.

McCain keeps on talking about the surge and his judgement. Also, trying to bully Obama saying that the surge worked. Problem is the war in Iraq was wrong. When McCain admits that then we can talk about the surge. Also, if the surge has worked why do we still have more troops in Iraq. Obama made a great point today. The job of the President is to take the advice of general and others and base on the COMPLETE information that he, the President, has and make decision. Generals are only looking at the war from one point of view, that's their job. The job of the President is to look at all aspects and make the best decision for our country.

I wonder if Liberals' heads will explode when Obama loses in November. The writing is on the wall.

This old fool only response to whatever Obama is doing. He talks more about Obama then what his plan is..Keep it up old fool it only make you look desperate.

McCain has been distorting Obama's position for so long now! Obama has never said his withdrawl would be unconditional, and at the democratic debates he was critiqued for not saying that withdrawl would be regardless of conditions on the ground. McCain is getting desperate.

In fact, Petraus, the Iraqi PM, The Chairman of the Joint Chief of Staff are all parroting Obama right now. The adminstration has changed positions to mirror Obama on Iran and diplomacy, Pakistan, and now Afghanistan.

Obama is truly a leader and has accurate long term vision.

Obama is perfect.

Obama has spoken.

The media has listened.

The sheople have followed.

Isn't propaganda grand?

Obama's position on the surge is more proof that this man isn't qualified to be the commander in chief. How can you be against a working strategy that is making Iraq safer for Iraqis and American soldiers?

Why is this news?????

Of course McCain and other republicans are trashing, moaning and whining about everything Obama does.

That is usually what happens when the candidate has no message or real record to run on. The republican Dictatorship is coming to an end in a few months and they are terrified.

Get used to and deal with it, it's going to be a long 8 years of a Democrat in the White House and Congress.

After the damage that has been done to the country, it will take several Democratic presidents to try and undo some of the damage.

WOW Jim you must have the best eyesight in the world to make a statement like that. I think it is a US flag pin. What does John McCain stand for? All he does is bash Senator Obama with half truths and lies. NOWHERE did Senator Obama ever say he wants unconditional withdrawal, he has always said we would have a security force in the region and would withdraw carefully. OH and whos plan for Iraq does the Prime Minister of Iraq support? OBAMAS. HMMM maybe he does know something McBush does not.

AMERICANS ARE NOT CURRENTLY ACCUSTOMED TO

THINKING HONEST LEADERS. WE HAVE NOT HAD ANY IN

THE WHITE HOUSE FORE DECADES. MCSAME IS, PLAIN

& SIMPLE, SLOW & DISHONEST. HE IS CONCENTRATING HIS

FOREIGN POLICY EXPERTISE ON CZECHOSLOVAKIA & THE USSR.

LETS NOT FORGET THE 100 YEAR WAR, AT A $BILLION PER DAY.

Funny how Obama's new 'War Strategy' has somehow morphed from 'get out now' to basically what Bush's Strategy has been all along.

You libs really don't get it, you are being led round and round and now you are supporting Bush and you don't even know it.

selected not elected - what are you talking about - are we following the same election? Where has Obama flip-flopped? I saw the news conference in Jordan today and he was dead-on on his plan to withdraw in 16 months! Even after meeting the army general. Seriously, you need to read more carefully.

It would seem that McBush is a desperate man these days! If I were in his shoes, I would be too! LOL!

Obama has learned that creating and hyping an image works to convince people that you are what the propaganda presents you to be.

Smart people will not fall for this and it will cost Obama votes.

The newbies and American idol watchers will crow how great he is and continue to be fooled by the demagogue of the century.

McCain is starting to look real childish and foolish. He needs to step back (reset) and start talking about his plans and policies and stop throwing spears at Obama. Senator Obama is on the world stage and McCain is throwing spitballs.

McCain and his negative group of advisors are obviously getting desparate and will do or say anything to discredit Obama. I think they realize that since have no plan as to how to really solve any of this countries problems so they resort to the negative approach. Only this approach proves that they are just a bunch of loosers.
The pressure is now on McCain and he knows he cannot win against Obama.

Dear John:

Get a clue, when your own President and the President of Iraq come over to Obama's way of thinking about a withdrawal or time horizon it time to give up the argument. The surge cost 4100 American lives, but that doesn't matter beacause you were "RIGHT" to throw bodies and money at the problem from your ivory towers. Sad and pathetic don't begin to descibe you and Bush. We armed the Sunnis to the teeth to fight the Shia's and the insurgents, hoped we picked the right side and they will be allies when we leave. In 1991 as a Marine in Desert Shield/Storm my unit helped build a tent city for the persecuted Taliban and we know how well that worked out. Face it, we broke it , and didn't fix it.

CHANGE IS COMING!!!!

Obama needs to be asked how many US casualties he is willing to accept in Afganinistan, how much collateral damage, how many years, how much violence? He is not a peace movement candidate anymore. The mountains of Afganistan have broken super powers and world powers in modern history and his strategy will pit our forces against history. I think we can be successful but how would an Obama administration react to calls from the left to get out when things get really ugly. The media needs to ask these questions.

I love the arrogant McBush Neocons who love to beat the war drum. Anything Bush or his second in command McBush say is alright with them. It is only a pity their own children or family were/are not the ones dying for a stupid war.

They'll still not agree that Afghanistan is where the war is and should be fought while complaining about the bad economy. They prefer to spend a trillion bucks in an illegal war than helping their own family.

Ignorance is certainly bliss and for the Neocons, it's a blessing. Now they are saying Obama is the cause of the high gas price…hmmm…I wonder; was he in the meetings help by Dick Cheney and big oil?

Orange County not only has Disneyland, it is the Dixieland of California. I hope Barack will watch his back when he goes to Saddleback Church. People are not so friendly here.

Obama 08

Why hasn't CNN reported on Obama's comments on how ethnic cleansing helped stabalize Iraq…. yes he actually said this, but gets another free ride from the press on yet another gaffe.

I see the Obama-haters are out this morning. I don't understand why we can't debate the candidates without the personal attacks?

We were fooled by the GOP in 2000(even though W.'s margin of victory was tiny) and in 2004 (same thing small margin of victory)! We wont be fooled again. The RNC's attack machine is alive and attacking.

But here are a few things I would like answers to:

HOW WILL MCCAIN PAY OFF THE $10 TRILLION IN NATIONAL DEBT?

HOW WILL CONTINUING TO SPEND $1.38 BILLION A DAY IN IRAQ STRENGTHEN OUR NATION?

HOW WILL SPENDING $650 BILLION A YEAR IN IRAQ SECURE US? ESPECIALLY SINCE MOST OF THE $$$$$ IS BORROWED MONEY??????????????????????????????????????????

HOW WILL MCCAIN FOREIGN POLICY "BOMB……..BOMB……BOMB IRAN" HELP US??????????????????????????????????????

HOW CAN ANYONE VOTE FOR A MAN WHO VOTED FOR THE ENRON LOOPHOLE WHICH HAS ALLOWED SPECULATORS TO DRIVE UP THE PRICE OF OIL????????????????????????????

WHY IS NO ONE TALKIG ABOUT MCCAIN'S RECORD? HE VOTED FOR THE BAN ON OFF-SHORE DRILLING, NOW WANTS TO DRILL EVERYWHERE???????????????????????????????????????

WHY IS NO ONE UPSET ABOUT HIS CLOSE FRIEND AND ECONOMIC ADVISER, PHIL GRAMM CALLING THE RECESSION "ALL IN OUR HEADS"? AND AMERICANS WHINERS?????????????

They have no ideas, so the re-hash the same thing over, and over , and over, not matter what the American people wat, or the Iraqui's want. McLame wants to have an occupation of a socereign nation. He does not believe in democracy, only hypocrisy!

Obama wants to be dictator of the world.

The globe revolves around this media created rock STAR.

Obama we see how cocky, arrogant, boastful, self-serving and caught up in yourself you are.

Mcain and his camp are pitiful. they are really reaching to make this trip to the Middle East and Europe look bad for Obama, it's to much good publicity for Obama and now they are really reaching for something, anything to make him look bad. What mccain and his camp needs to do is sit down and try to write another article, a good productive article for the new york times they are out of their league with this nonsense about the press conference.

Obama