July 22, 2008
Posted: 10:57 AM ET

From
CNN

Watch Giuliani take aim at Obama over his Iraq comments

(CNN) — As part of John McCain's plan to maintain pressure on Barack Obama over Iraq, the Arizona senator plans to take aim at the Illinois senator over his comments to ABC Monday night suggestion he would still oppose the surge policy.

In an interview with ABC's Terry Moran, Obama — who initially opposed the surge of troops in the war torn country in January 2007 — said he would still oppose the policy, even though it has been credited with curbing violence.

"These kinds of hypotheticals are very difficult," he said. "You know, hindsight is 20/20. But I think that what I am absolutely convinced of is that, at that time, we had to change the political debate because the view of the Bush administration at that time was one that I just disagreed with."

Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, who is increasingly becoming a prominent surrogate for McCain, aggressively targeted those comments Tuesday morning in an interview on CNN's American Morning.

Watch: Giuliani takes aim at Obama

"The reality is, that Iraq is now 80 percent safer than it was a year ago, before the surge," Giuliani said. "The fact is, everyone is talking about the fact that it is successful. And the reason that we can talk about withdrawal on success, rather than withdrawal with loss and ignominy, which is what we were talking about earlier, is because the surge was successful. It would seem to be he would admit he made a mistake in not supporting the surge."

Obama defended the remarks Tuesday, telling reporters that it was unclear what would have happened if the plan he had advanced in January 2007 to push the Iraqis towards political reconciliation, and commence a phased withdrawal, had been adopted.

“I am pleased that as a consequence of great effort by our troops, but also as a consequence of a shift in allegiances among the Sunni tribal leaders as well as the decision of the Sadr militias to stand down, that we've seen a quelling of the violence,” he added.

“But as I emphasized a year ago, two years ago, and as I have to emphasize today, ultimately, whether or not we're going to have a functioning Iraq is largely going to depend on the capacity of the Iraqi people to unify themselves, to get beyond some of the sectarian divisions that have plagued the country, and to start setting up a government that is working for the people. “

He also said that he had not proposed “a precipitous drawdown.”

“What I've proposed is a steady, deliberate drawdown over the course of 16 months, and I emphasized that to them,” said Obama.

Meanwhile, Obama supporter and New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson defended the Democratic presidential candidate's comments as consistent with his continued opposition to the war.

Watch: Richardson defends Obama

"Senator Obama has been consistent in opposing the war. I mean, what he basically said with the surge is it can be judged a success if it brought political reconciliation among the Iraqi parties," he said, also appearing on CNN Tuesday morning. "That hasn't happened.

Filed under: Barack Obama • John McCain


Craig B   July 22nd, 2008 1:48 pm ET

How can Rudy critic anyone about foriegn policy and say that Obama has no experience when he is not experienced, last I remember one day in history does not make you an expert on foriegn policy

Rave   July 22nd, 2008 1:48 pm ET

Giuliani is a moron. He is McPain's pimp.
They are all acting as a bunch of high school sissies who are Jealous
OBAMA (2008 -16)

SCC   July 22nd, 2008 1:44 pm ET

The surge is probably responsible for the problems we are having at the "Pakistan/Iraqi border". ….Maybe we should ask Czechoslovakia for help….

Does it get much more clueless than that? Last thing this country needs is another moron running the show…

Obama '08 and '12

Griff   July 22nd, 2008 1:43 pm ET

When are these Few people who Back Borack, realise! The few thousands that blog on CNN, has got npothing to do with the Ten's of Million who Vote, on Election-Day.. You are the Few!!!!

The Surge   July 22nd, 2008 1:42 pm ET

Yes, the surge has worked wonderfully…let see

- skyrocketing oil prices;
- higher fuel prices;
- a Trillion debt and growing;
- 4300 plus Soliders lives lost;
- a homeowner/mortgage crisis;
- bank collapse;
- weakening economy/dollar;
- poor international relationships;
-etc etc etc

Yes, the surge worked wonderfully…

Obama 08/12

Secret Mission   July 22nd, 2008 1:42 pm ET

Why did McCain attempt to sneak Phil Gramm out of his campaign in the middle of the night? I mean I know he called Americans “WHINERS” and said that the economic slowdown is only a “MENTAL RECESSION”, but isn’t Dr. Phil Gramm (Economist) the primary architect of Senator McCain’s economic plan?

McCain has already stated he knows ZERO on the economy. Now This? I’m sure he will trot out some replacement but the principles from Gramm are going to remain embedded in McCain’s plan, otherwise it was a bad plan to begin with.

Dems Unify & Vote Big   July 22nd, 2008 1:40 pm ET

Guiliani - an authority on foreign relations? Is this the best the McCain campaign could drum up? Why even bother?

Farrell, Houston, Tx   July 22nd, 2008 1:37 pm ET

McCain has resurrected the dead, Guiliani. I'm not sure what old man McCain wants, whether it's to destroy Obama or destroy our country or maybe just to destroy the world. Scary.

Sarge in Florida   July 22nd, 2008 1:36 pm ET

I hate BUSH but is Obama the president yet.
He is acting like he is
Before he is president he is speaking with the Iraq president about troop withdrawls.
Isn't that for the current president to do
Is he arrogant. I understand that in his private meeting he can discuss whatever he wants but he should not make it public record as he could be undermining political efforts already being taken by the current president

Jeff, maybe he's talking like a president because Bushy boy only wants to talk about WARS and do you really think other world leaders want to continue listening to Bushy boy. You have it all wrong. Are you not tired of hearing from Grandpa's mouth..SURGE SURGE!!!! It sounds like a broken record that keeps skipping…Do you even now what a record is? Remember keep paying Al-Sadr the millions to stop attacking our troops. Once the money stops Sadr will start up the attacks again…..

The Don   July 22nd, 2008 1:33 pm ET

Peace is not a one way street McCain. Every party involved in the fight has to be involved in the peace process too. Most of the success in Iraq , I believe is as a result of the religous and tribal leaders buying into the peace process and believing that the different political, tribal, religous, geographical, and ethnic doctrines in Iraq can co-exist and work together harmoniously for the betterment of Iraq. Once they believe that each of those factions are entitiled to an equal and role and responsibilty to build a beter Iraq, and that they are all equally proud of their country, it is the beggining of peace, which is what we are seeing. I think the added militray presence has been good in helping teh Iraq people feel safer, but it was not the result of this peace that we see.

Uncle Sam   July 22nd, 2008 1:32 pm ET

What does victory in Iraq mean McSame??? You can't answer, because you honestly have no clue. You have no plan and you flip flopped on your stance on Iraq. I know you have a hard time remembering what you say. But you said (and you brother Bush) that if the Iraqi people ask us to leave, we would have no choice be to leave. Now when you are asked, you look just like you did when you were asked about Viagra and birth control. Duh!!!!!!

VON BISMARK, Vienna   July 22nd, 2008 1:30 pm ET

If Obama had his way=4000+ AMERICAN LIVES saved=a booming american economy =millions of iraqi lives saved= a better world.

Right GEN. mcWAR?

Richard   July 22nd, 2008 1:29 pm ET

I am an Iraq war veteran and McCain is WRONG.

If the surge worked so well then why not bring us home?????????

Willow, from Iowa   July 22nd, 2008 1:28 pm ET

Oh, and Guiliani is the one person that should talk about foreign experience. He was the MAYOR of a city, he doesn't have any foreign affairs experience at all, and he tried to be President. I think Obama has more experience than Guiliani.

We need to quit policing the world, begin diplomacy, show respect for other countries, while being strong and moral. And quit doing what McCain and all of his cronies are doing–calling everybody our enemies. that's not a good way to get along, that's for sure.

Mike from Westchester   July 22nd, 2008 1:26 pm ET

Love My USA July 22nd, 2008 11:09 am ET
Has anybody heard if Barack Hussein Obama has served in The American Armed Services? This is for all you Barack voters. From Barack's book, Audacity of Hope: 'I will stand with the Muslims should the political winds shift in an ugly direction.'HE DID NOT SAY STAND WITH AMERICANS!!!!! Think about it….
___________________________________________________
People, this is an absolute lie taken from some slimey right wing website. The quote is an abosolute falsehood.

Like Barack Obama, I love THE USA, but am sure I would detest "YOUR" USA. Please crawl back in your hole and practice saying, over and over, MR PRESIDENT BARACK HUSSEIN OBAMA! Obama is a loyal American and a true patriot!

The Don   July 22nd, 2008 1:25 pm ET

Whatever McCain! Just bring our Troops home now!!!!

Obama Picks the Right Battles   July 22nd, 2008 1:24 pm ET

Because we starved Afghanistan of troops while focusing on Iraq, 9 servicemen died in a brazen attack by Taliban and al Quieda forces. Where was John McCain’s much vaunted “”foreign policy experience” on that? I know where Obama’s views came down. He’s been arguing for more US troops in Afghanistan for more than a year now …

Hey John, can you make the same claim?

Sarge in Florida   July 22nd, 2008 1:23 pm ET

Grandpa is talking crap about Obama now..I can't wait for the first TV debate between them. Watch grandpa get red as a beet and he might just try to hit Obama. Grandpa gets way too angry and I sure as hell don't want his bad hand on the button to start WWIII…McShame would be a another disgrace to our country if GOD FORBID he gets into the White House. CNN why are you shutting down comments in here at 1:00pm in the afternoon when there are only 9 posting about McShame? Did his team call someone there and say SHUT the comment section down about him??????

bill for barack   July 22nd, 2008 1:23 pm ET

This from a man who has never been anything more than a mayor - and a poor one at that ?
Remember his bungling of 9/11 - and be afraid, very afraid. McScum is gathering his ilk around him.

Change NOW   July 22nd, 2008 1:22 pm ET

I live in NY and Rudy is a total a hole, if I was previously a mcbush supporter, I would change just for that fact alone….

only neocons would have an argument about who can kick our the most immigrants or who harbored the most immigrants, rudy or romney????

Larry Sinclair   July 22nd, 2008 1:21 pm ET

Obama hasn't won this thing yet. Just you wait and see.

Emma, San Jose, CA   July 22nd, 2008 1:20 pm ET

CNN, I applaud your efforts to provide equal coverage for both presidential candidates, but news about McCain does not sell like news
of Obama. So many of us do not linger with the TV, newspaper and internet news about McCain. We want to hear about an end to the Iraq war. And we want to hear more positive campaigning. Hillary took big risks in being disdainful of Obama and McCain is doing the same.

DJ in TX   July 22nd, 2008 1:19 pm ET

MCain accused Obama of being a flip-flopper, now when he stands his ground, he still accusses him. Typical republican.

BTW - what happened to the economy? At last check, I thought that was the #1 issue.

I agree with Any in Charlotte, we are trying to fix the world's problem while we are doing NOTHING at home. How about spending some money on the war with the economy? Don't bail out Freddie Mac if the CEO is still going to get 20 million. What has he done to deserve that kind of compensation?

Let's turn our attention back to the economy.

Dave, Illinois   July 22nd, 2008 1:17 pm ET

Rudy is correct. You childish Obamites are wrong, as usual. Face the facts, kiddies. Here are a couple:

No attacks since 9/11
Surge strategy effects turnaround in Iraq (no matter what Obama says)
Obama is a corrupt Chicago politician
McCain is a war hero
McCain had more experience ten years ago than Obama will ever have

Sammy   July 22nd, 2008 1:17 pm ET

Said it before on another story… violence is down because we flood the place with money and pay people not to fight. It works so no argument from me. The only problem is that McCain people should not suggest that violence is down because of more soldiers…. unless they want to say that the extra soldiers are there to hand out the money.

Irwin,Thousand Oaks, CA   July 22nd, 2008 1:15 pm ET

This constant repetition by McCain and his cronies that the surge has been the main cause of security improvements is nonsense. The main reasons are the buying off of the Sunni Awakening Coucils to battle Al Qaeda and the standing down of Al Sadr's militias - for the time being. Without those events an extra 30,000 American troops would have had a marginal effect. And if we don't honor the Iraqi request for a timetable, the situation will become a lot more unstable.

David in Dallas   July 22nd, 2008 1:14 pm ET

If the Iraqis want you to go, and you stay, you're not a savior, you're an occupier.

Iraq called for a timeline for foreign troops to depart their soil. The UK was smart enough to give them one. But not Bush-McCain.

Before the war Bush was advised by Powell that there was no successful exit strategy for leaving Iraq. Bush didn't care. Exiting wasn't part of the plan.

America, it's time we realize that the Republican platform promotes foreign occupations, imprisonment without trial, torture, funding the military at the cost of the economy, and spying on our own citizens.

It's a lot like the platform of the old Soviet Union.

America for Obama   July 22nd, 2008 1:14 pm ET

Guliana makes me laugh, how can a man that use to prance around his childhood home in his mom's underwear even pretend to be taken seriously? Guliani should be working as a cross dresser in the red light district in Amsterdam, not as the mayor of the most influential city in the world. His support for McCain only strenghthens Obama's bid for the presidency because everyone knows what kind of freak Guliani is. Imagine if Obama was a cross dresser! The media would never get over it! However since it's Guliani and he's a freak to begin with, it's hard to label him as just one kind of freak.

OBAMA 2008!!!

Chris   July 22nd, 2008 1:11 pm ET

Hi Rudy…love seeing you on the tupe again. Your calls on the anti-america liberals has always been my favorite…keep up the good work. Rudy 2012!

Nia Hussein- Phoenix, AZ   July 22nd, 2008 1:11 pm ET

Rudi…please work on the 911 investigations please

Real Change   July 22nd, 2008 1:11 pm ET

I wish the press would quite letting them get away with terms like "has been successful," and "we're making progress," until they define what end game is. Progress toward what goal? What is our reason for being there?

I invite any McCain supporter to address the point on this blog since their candidate will not. DEFINE VICTORY! WHAT IS OUR GOAL?

bush league   July 22nd, 2008 1:06 pm ET

Wait til all the "undecideds" get a good long look at him in the debates, and then watch the stampede! I am so freakin glad that, after all the BS is dished out, McCain is going to get slaughtered in this election.

Emma, San Jose, CA   July 22nd, 2008 1:04 pm ET

McCain and his supporters, including Giuliani, will talk until they are blue in the face about continuing the Iraq occupation. A lot of us have made up our mind about agreeing with a plan to taper off US military presence
in Iraq. Thus, many of us are not listening to McCain and his cohorts. We support fighting terrorism, but not in Iraq.

Peter (CA)   July 22nd, 2008 1:01 pm ET

I love how even the Iraqi Prime Minister agreed with Obama's timeline. Well, he did at least until he got a phone call from someone in the White House.

The Republicans have no idea how to fix this mess they have gotten us into so they come up with staying in Baghdad until they can fix the city. If you want to fix a major city, how about New Orleans?

Brian G, Sugar Land, TX   July 22nd, 2008 1:00 pm ET

Giuliani, you are such a loser. You know nothing of military tactics and strategy. Even less about diplomacy. So, shut up!

big ed from Fargo, N Dakota   July 22nd, 2008 12:59 pm ET

"When you're going through hell — keep going." - Winston Churchill
"When you find yourself in a hole, stop digging."
My wife says: "If you are going to be hit by a car, be sure it's an Ambulance".
Did you know that the Pope can give you a special blessing that will turn you back into a Virgin?
On that note, doesn't the late Pope remind you of the guy in the movie "Weekend at Bernies"?
Insanity is doing the same thing over and over, and expecting a different result. — Albert Einstein
The only reason for time is so that everything doesn’t happen at once. — Albert Einstein
The biggest cause of trouble in the world today is that the stupid people are so sure about things
and the intelligent folks are so full of doubts. — Bertrand Russel
Santa Claus will send you to hell if you don't believe in him.

……..stay the course, on iraq

Dave   July 22nd, 2008 12:58 pm ET

Facts:

We live in a small world and events elsewhere affect us.
Terrorists hate the US and the west and want to kill us.
Iraq did not cause 9/11 for sure, but it did have ties to terrorists.
Iran is sending terrorists into Iraq.
Terrorists operate with global networks.
If you want to fight terrorists, you'll have to do it everywhere.

Obama seems to ignore reality.

Jack   July 22nd, 2008 12:56 pm ET

ProudToBeDemocrat July 22nd, 2008 11:12 am ET

Mayor Rudy Giuliani is an idiot, Isn't he the guy who put all his eggs in Florida and lost big time. A loser supports a loser this is a sign McShame is going to lose in November.

———————————————————————————————–

Aren't all the Democratic "losers" supporting Obama? Wouldn't that mean he is going to lose in November also?

Logic. You might want to try it out sometime.

big ed from Fargo, N Dakota   July 22nd, 2008 12:56 pm ET

Rudy Giuliani has never seen active combat or served in the military.
The brave men and women who serve in our armed forces should be afforded all the respect and honor due to them for their bravery. When it comes time to talk of war these should be the people we listen to the most intently as they have some real perspective on war. They have faced it first hand. The chicken hawks that would send people to die in their stead should not be our primary guides.It is interesting to look at the makeup of the most ardent supporters and detractors from a war. Below are some interesting proponents and opponents of the Iraq war. Those who talk tough but never served:

al   July 22nd, 2008 12:54 pm ET

*************************************************

WE CAN CONCLUDE THAT THERE IS LESS AND LESS VIOLENCE IN IRAQ.

THIS IS THE MORE REASON THAT WE SHOULD GET OUT OF IRAQ AND LET THE IRAQIS HANDLE THEIR COUNTRY.

WE COULD NOW CONCENTRATE ON THE TERRORISTS IN AFGHANISTAN WHERE WE SHOULD HAVE PUT MORE EMPHASIS ON.

IRAQ A FIGHT FOR OIL WERE AGHANISTAN IS A FIGHT ON TERROR.

GET IT RIGHT. GET'ER DONE.

STOP THE MADNESS. VOTE OBAMA.

big ed   July 22nd, 2008 12:54 pm ET

Rudy Giuliani has never seen active combat or served in the military.

The brave men and women who serve in our armed forces should be afforded all the respect and honor due to them for their bravery. When it comes time to talk of war these should be the people we listen to the most intently as they have some real perspective on war. They have faced it first hand. The chicken hawks that would send people to die in their stead should not be our primary guides.It is interesting to look at the makeup of the most ardent supporters and detractors from a war. Below are some interesting proponents and opponents of the Iraq war. Those who talk tough but never served:

TEXAN   July 22nd, 2008 12:53 pm ET

Hey Mc Cain..if Giuliani worships the gound you walk on and so readily attacks Obama every chance he gets, pick him as your VP. Why not ???? Because you know that he is full of hot air !

nerakami   July 22nd, 2008 12:52 pm ET

I suggest the Republican party take a week hiatus and spend it giving McCain INTENSE geographical and cultural crash courses on the middle east and European regions. If he continues to make such disastrous and obvious errors when speaking about these areas, he will be a worse laughing stock than he already is. This is beyond an age joke…. this is serious ignorance.

richard   July 22nd, 2008 12:50 pm ET

I find it very interesting that Gulianai talks about inexperience. Bill Clinton was inexperience so was Ronald Reagan and of course George H.W. Bush. Bush was gonvernor of Texas and not EXACTLY
fluent in foreign policy. A lot of politicians come tothe office with a lack of skill in that arena. That is only part of being President of this Country. Just thought I'd let people be reminded of this fact.

Uchenna   July 22nd, 2008 12:46 pm ET

Do these men not have any other thing to talk about?

Republican for Barack Hussein Obama.

MikeinPhilly   July 22nd, 2008 12:43 pm ET

Remember, Giuliani is the dumb f-ck who on 9/11 said "thank God George Bush is our president!" I hope he stays close by McCain, that will help Obama even more.

Big Vin   July 22nd, 2008 12:42 pm ET

Is it me or is Obama looking more and more like Jimmy Carter, Mr. Appeaser? Americans, be careful what you wish for….

Lesley   July 22nd, 2008 12:42 pm ET

It is not our responsibility to end terrorism all by ourselves. We must maintain diplomatic relationships with other countries and engage them in the fight against terrorists. I don't care for McCain's attitude that we have to maintain stability in the region, and we have to do this and we have to do that. Other countries must step up to the plate because terrorist cells exist outside of the Middle East. Obama has a better vision for dealing with the threats.

judy, Wisconsin   July 22nd, 2008 12:42 pm ET

Rudy's take on it: "9/11 9/11, 9/11, 9/11…………………………."

Dennis in IA   July 22nd, 2008 12:41 pm ET

McShame and his surrogates are claiming Barack is inexperienced? Say what? He is going to all the countries plus in a trip he was going to make and that Johnny Boy goaded him into taking! The Iraqi President came out and endoresed the plan for our troops to leave by the end of 2010, it is not losing it is abiding by that country's wishes. Johnny Boy in 2007 said that if the country wanted us out then he would agree that we should leave. Johnny Boy and the republican Bozo's are not focusing on the real issues that need to be taken care of - low wages, high gas prices, military problems when our fighting men and women come home, etc. Barack is over there talking to the leaders of the nations to get a feel as to what needs to be done now and when he becomes POTUS. Isn't it right for our congressmen and women talk to other leaders to come to better understandings and agreements on issues? Bush, McShame and the rest of the republican clowns have no clue! Barack is doing it the right way, listening to get a better understanding, if only Bush would have listened we would not have lost 4200+ Americansn and thousands of Iraqi and Afghanastan civilians.

An American   July 22nd, 2008 12:36 pm ET

Hey look, it's Mayor 9/11!

Susan   July 22nd, 2008 12:35 pm ET

Rudy, you are already prove to be a loser. Take your loser buddy Mclame back to Arizona, and leave the running of the coutnry to the people with real vision, not some old goat who still is in the Viet Nam war! OBAMA 08!

Brian   July 22nd, 2008 12:35 pm ET

THE REPUBLICANS HAVE BLOWN IT.

Staunton, VA   July 22nd, 2008 12:29 pm ET

The surge "worked" in exactly the way tequila "works" for a break-up. It seems to make things better for a while, but when it wears off you're right back where you started and have caused yourself misery to boot.

Vegas Barbie for Obama   July 22nd, 2008 12:28 pm ET

First of all, how IRRELEVANT is Giuliani by this point? This is just two oldsters stirring up something as they know that future President Obama is on his historical trip and will make great strides as people overseas see that the USA CAN be restored to its former stature/greatness with the right leadership…they are seeing that leader now in Barack Obama, they are excited about it and McCain and Giuliani just have to yap about it in an attempt to keep some of the attention on them. They'd be better off keeping their old pie holes shut, as they just look feeble and foolish by this point.

Alexis   July 22nd, 2008 12:27 pm ET

I want to know why is Rudy's opinion so important for the press. Other than using 9/11 for his personal success, for the success of his consulting company what else did Rudy really done for this contry?…
What experience does he have on foreign policies, on national security?… Other than riding the flow of 9/11….. I mean come on people does the press really take Rudy's opinion serious?… A guy that started as the front runner for the gop nominee ended up being praticly the first one to drop out. Insted of the media going around and take Rudy's opinion, why don't the media find out how in the world Rudy can be worth between $18m to $70m and all this wealth happen right after 9/11.

D&D   July 22nd, 2008 12:25 pm ET

You have to understand McCain, for a very long time, he feels he's right about something (the surge issue), and he has no idea when he's going to be right again about something, so he will stick with that only issue of the surge, as long as possible!

Jamal kansas   July 22nd, 2008 12:23 pm ET

Another Republicans takling out of his neck because he Lost his parties Nomination these guy are so eager to be on the ticket with old Mcsame they will attack any Body even the pope if he don't Agree filthy Republicans just won't Learn How can they say they want to stay in Iraq if the Prime MInister of Iraw don't want us to stay there?

Tunnie   July 22nd, 2008 12:23 pm ET

Sorry G you lost and now you want a peice of the action. You are not as dreadful and old as Insane but you are pretty close. Maybe both of you could occupy the same nursing home. But Senator Insane probably wouldn't want to bwe with you.

dan   July 22nd, 2008 12:23 pm ET

Worst…Resume…Ever…. July 22nd, 2008 11:05 am ET

Obama's Iraq policy changes direction more frequently than a weathervane in a cyclone.

Can't wait for him to say "I was for the surge before I was against it…"

Do you live ins ome sort of alternative reality from the rest of us? Obama's Iraq policy has actually change…………ermmmmmmm not at all. And when has Obama EVER said "I was for so-so before I was againts it" Uhh that would be Ms. Clinton's famous lines

I guess if you hate someone so much for no reason, you can convince yourself of anything, no matter how untrue it is.

AB   July 22nd, 2008 12:23 pm ET

Had we listened to Obama about the war in the first place, do you know where we'd be? No? Me either, because he has said he does not know how he would have voted had he been able to vote.

How can anyone say, "Oh, we should have done what Obama said," when Obama didn't say anything and isn't sure what he would have done had he been able to do anything?

poor johnny mack   July 22nd, 2008 12:23 pm ET

To Mel…. DITTO BROTHER

no no no!   July 22nd, 2008 12:19 pm ET

Reality is the september 11 tragedy was caused by the terrorist who are and have been in Afghanistan…not Iraq, they were not there 7 years ago so why didnt McCain keep his eye on the ball? 3,000 Americans were murdered on 911, 4,100 soldiers lost their lives in Iraq, a war we have been fighting longer than WWII, trillions of dollars, killing our domestic economy and all McCain can think about is how the surge worked?! give me a break, we should NEVER have been in Iraq, so now McCain wants to keep our troops there to protect who? EXXON?

NJ DEM   July 22nd, 2008 12:19 pm ET

Rudy doesn't know his elbow from his ankle.

Being the mayor of a city during the time it was attacked by terrorist doesn't make you an expert on terrorism.

Now, if he prevented the terrorist attacks from occurring and he can explain the information he knew and how he did, then I would want him to stand on his soap box and talk. Otherwise, BE QUIET!!!!!

Why does the media waste their time talking to this guy????

safari   July 22nd, 2008 12:18 pm ET

Iraq may be 80% safer now than it was a year ago, but its the 20% that will get you killed or maimed. Guilliani and McCain are all wrong as well as the bush administration

INDEPENDENT and NON-BIASED voter   July 22nd, 2008 12:17 pm ET

It truly never ceases to amaze me at how uneducated the vast majority of posters leaving comments on these stories really are. You people blow in the wind with your opinions.. a news clipping here, a blog post there.. 30 minutes/day of watching/reading CNN does NOT MAKE YOU EDUCATED on the issues and facts.. it would seem that's the extent of MOST of you peoples' "knowledge" when it comes to the facts and issues.

Please everyone, take some time to learn something about the forces that influence economics, learn something about global politics, READ SOME HISTORY BOOKS to understand why things are the way they are today and how similar situations were resolved in the past.. honestly it makes me sick to see how foolish some of these comments are.

deepintheheart   July 22nd, 2008 12:16 pm ET

I'm beyond tired of people saying the surge "worked". Really? If that's the case, we could pull out the troops tomorrow and Iraq would be fine. What the surge did was HELP, as did paying off the militias and the cease fire treaty that Al Sadr signed (and if you don't know about the payoffs and treaty, I suggest you start getting your news from somewhere other than MSM). I'm thankful for our soldiers' sake that things are not as bad for them as it was in 07 but the truth is that they never should have gone into Iraq and we never should have wasted the billions of dollars over the last 6 years being there. Someone really needs to get McCain's answer on what the definition of victory is because no sane person can say what's going on right now is a victory for us.

GIFTY   July 22nd, 2008 12:16 pm ET

Go John

George from Minneapolis   July 22nd, 2008 12:14 pm ET

The republicans are trying to play jedi mind tricks with the american people….

so what that violence has dropped because of the surge and other factors… the war is still a bad deal for america and we should get out.

stay focused people, dont let the republicans insult your intelligence. tactics dont matter.. what matters is that
1) we never should of went to iraq. 2)the war is costing america dearly. 3) bush and mccain have no plan to get us out of there.

I want to hear solutions, not this drivel coming from the right.

georgia   July 22nd, 2008 12:11 pm ET

You got it Marcus !!!!
They will out-"spin" a washing machine right now in desparation !!!!!
Rudy & john = 2 immoral,hate mongering OLD farts !!!!
Change & progressive inclusion = Obama 08 !!!!!!!!

Tabby   July 22nd, 2008 12:10 pm ET

I am getting bored by the talk the Surge, J m should not be the talking about the surge at this time when we are hurting I like to hear about the healthcare and economy issues when 'Obama" is out of the country. Now we know that JM is following Obama on the issues He had 4 months when Obama was struggling with Hillary and he did nothing. This guy belongs to a nursing home and if he comes to the one I work I will hammer to him how hard this was for me when him and the like were in power.
This is good job for Obama for showing the whole world that you can make a good commander in chief. JM I will see you at the nurssing home

ali   July 22nd, 2008 12:09 pm ET

mike,syracuse,ny.what do you define as a win?you have the same problem as mccain.we can stay there forever if there is no DEFINITION OF 'VICTORY'!IRAQ IS NOT OURS ,FOREVER.

baracomama   July 22nd, 2008 12:08 pm ET

These old RICH men do not get the point that paying billions for the war in Iraq is hurting our economy. 1+2
Their answer to the economy sux it up, and cut all domestic entitlement programs put those same entitlement programs they are cuttting here are the same programs they are offering the Iraqy people

Barack the savior with a tele-promp-ter.   July 22nd, 2008 12:07 pm ET

The Obama strategy in four easy steps.

Step 1: NEVER, EVER, under any circumstances EVER admit you're wrong, even when it's very clear that you are/were/will-be.

Step 2: In a Clintonian move, take credit for everything, regardless of whether you actually had anything to do with it. "You see the bright sun shining in the sky? The Republicans wanted to take that from you, but I said no. They wanted to take away your sunny days."

Step 3: Talk in awe-inspiring, yet incredibly vague glittering generalities about "hope, " "change," "optimism," "rainbows," and "unicorns."

Step 4: Repeat.

BV   July 22nd, 2008 12:06 pm ET

Put the surge to rest. It's in the past. What are Mr. Obama Bashers plans for the future? Other than bash I'm pressed to say that I have any thing concrete from this man other than his "you gain peace thru strengh" statement.
He doesn't present a plan with any substance. Everything is about his service to his country or he was right about the surge. Let's hear something that gives us some hope for our countries future.
Here's a politcal candidate running for President of the USA and he can't use a computor, doesn't know what countries border on each other in the Middle East and thinks that Czechoslovakia still exists.
He claims he can fight a war. Well, it takes WAY more than that to be a President.
What is wrong with you racists and Republicans???? Are you brain dead? Do you really think that he is President material???

Bill Williams   July 22nd, 2008 12:05 pm ET

Rudy. Go Away. You hurt McCain everytime you open your mouth.

Nate   July 22nd, 2008 12:05 pm ET

Obama: wrong on the surge, wrong on ecconomics, wrong on energy, WRONG FOR AMERICA!

McCain '08!!

David in Illinois   July 22nd, 2008 12:05 pm ET

Couldn't care less than what Rudy has to say. He's a failed presidential candidate, and he wasn't even a very good mayor.
Obama was right on the surge. The surge succeeded only because many other factors came into play at the same time our troops came in. Our troops are the best in the world — always will be –but they alone didn't achieve the drop in violence.
McCain should have been against starting this whole fiasco in the first place. THAT would have been good judgment and a good policy.

John Verco   July 22nd, 2008 12:04 pm ET

What a mess! I'm not very enthusiastic about our future…Not at all.

Paula   July 22nd, 2008 12:01 pm ET

OMG, I have been dreaming of a Mccain Jindal ticket….am I dreaming or is it really going to be true? Honestly folks….it matters not if you are a dem, a repub or an indie….you need to read and listen to this guy. Jindal is one of those once in a life time politician that is so very rare in these days and age. This guy is a genuine genius with a burning desire to be an effective leader. The changes he has managed to make in LA and the accomplishments he has done in 37 years are rare……very very rare. I do believe we are a fortunate country to have someone like Jindal in governement. Jindal is the sort of person who will set a new standard and raise the bar on what effective leadership ought to be, should be and will be! Sorry for going on and on…but I don't get excited over a politican ever….but I must and I need to do it now. Win or loose, this country needs to know that we will be ok with someone like JIndal around in washington….and that is all I have to say.

Will-South Dakota   July 22nd, 2008 12:01 pm ET

McBush and his surrogates are as Phil Grahams are a antion unto themselfs WHINNERS!
Do you really think Jindal will accept teh VP spot. The RNC would never support a Non-White person to be on a top ticket ever! Jindal is to smart to attach his career to McBush and be cast as a 3rd term Bushy

Vivienne   July 22nd, 2008 12:00 pm ET

What is a time horizon? Why are we talking to IRAN? Why did Barack raise gas prices? Why does Iraq want us out of their country by 2010? Who will benefits from the US spending trillions in treasure and 4000 + lost US lives? Are we safer than we were leading up to and after 911? Did we hunt down and kill all of the terrorists? Where is Osama Bin Ladin? How does John McCain know that he knows how to win wars? Did John McCain help win a war - if so, which war did he help to win? If John McCain picks Bobby Jindal as VP, does that mean the Jindal is a TOKEN - as in I could not find an acceptable token negro in my party so the Indian will have to do?

Debby   July 22nd, 2008 11:59 am ET

Obama ten times better than McCain HUH? Iraq is working because of the current administration not the Obama one. Obama hasn't done a thing to take credit for, he only gives speechs. Obama is anti-war and looks uncomfortable next to the soldiers who are risking their lives to make us safe.

What if?   July 22nd, 2008 11:58 am ET

Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani….a prominent surrogate for McCain…Would love to know what he McSame I OWE YOU is for this public display of I know all about Iraq mantallity, another prominent surrogate….Time will TELL…..

Obama

karen-phoenix   July 22nd, 2008 11:58 am ET

Out with the old, in with the new!!! NO OLD EXPERIENCE back in Washington. I'm in my 60's and DO NOT want to be reminded of all the bad about Vietnam and Iraq, not to mention our economy, health care and job loses! McCain represents the very old guard and Obama stands for change and hope for a better future. Peace is Patriotic!!

Judgement over experience   July 22nd, 2008 11:58 am ET

What exactly are we winning? Seriously though. We lost the day we invaded the country with over 4500 troops dead for NO reason, billions of dollars a month in debt and higher gas prices and all over a lie. And mccain supported this from day one. I will take Obama's judgement over mccain's and bush's so called 'experience' any day. We have won nothing and lost alot. This is a no win situation.

Mike, Syracuse, NY   July 22nd, 2008 11:58 am ET

'FORMER New York City MAYOR Rudy Giuliani - I love it when this guy talks about Obama being inexperiened. Giuliani was a MAYOR. '

R.I.F., that makes at least one thing Giuliani successfully ran. Too bad we can't say Obama ever ran anything. In fact, has Obama ever had a real position where he supervised more than a secretary?

manubi   July 22nd, 2008 11:57 am ET

Mr. McCain claims that he is an expert of the foreign policy. How many times has he been to Iraq? He didn't even know that Iraq is NOT connected to Pakistan. I really need to question his understanding and knowledge towards our foreign policy in the middle east.

If this is McCain's talking point, I do not want to know how knowledgeable about our current economic situation.

Tony   July 22nd, 2008 11:57 am ET

Rudy,

A shipment of Kleenex is on its way to you as we speak. Wipe the brown off your nose buddy! :)

Steve   July 22nd, 2008 11:57 am ET

This war was a debacle from the start. The country and the world were manipulated for the advancement of the "New World Order" cause and it back fired. The Truth Shall Prevail!

This war was not about eliminating a dictator or the war on terror. It was an "opportunity" to expand American forces and power throughout the region and strategically place the US military into a centralized place in the Mideast to provide dominance in the area.

This is why the Bush administration is pressing to negotiate a long term presence in Iraq and this is why we need someone like Obama in the white house.

The republican "New World Order" policy promotes hatred for the United States of America and our allies for this policy. It is a policy of dominance and control over nations similarly to the dominance and control imposed over the American Aborigines in the 1700 & 1800's in North America.

The resistance to this "New World Order" is overwhelming and self inflicted. Unfortunately, our brave young women and men of the military and their families have been asked to carry out this policy at great sacrifice.

It is what it is, but the new leadership the American people are demanding will hopefully turn this ship in a direction that will bring peace, prosperity and harmony to the world through example. This is the higher road we must take.

It’s time to end the slaughter, bloodshed, and trauma to other human beings and practice the principals the masters have eloquently laid out for us and that we intuitively know - but fear.

Cracka lova   July 22nd, 2008 11:56 am ET

the surge……violence is down because Iraqis are doing more and more combat ops……also the sunnis and shiites have been defending there neighborhoods from Al queda…….don't let the smooth taste fool yah……..the moment that we send our troops where they're not supposed to be ….violence will pick up……it has more to do with what we are not doing as opposed to what we are doing…….so get it straight GOPers it isn't our troop build-up it is the Iraqis ability to take on more of the work and their ability to maintain the peace with one another ……plus we should have never invaded Iraq in the first place……so lets now talk about judgement

AJP Richardson, TX   July 22nd, 2008 11:56 am ET

McCain was a low ranking Naval officer and that in no way qualifys him to be an expert on foreign affairs,

I probably have a better grasp of foreign affairs than McCain for what it's worth.

The only thing McCain has is a big mouth.

Mike, Syracuse, NY   July 22nd, 2008 11:55 am ET

Mel, I served for 22 years, so shut your yap.

Tony   July 22nd, 2008 11:55 am ET

Rudy, Rudy, Rudy,

Thank God you were NOT the nominee. What a nightmare that would have been.

John McShame, Obama Is Going to Tax You & Cindy, but Not Me & 95% Americans Making < $250,000/Yr   July 22nd, 2008 11:55 am ET

Not much is more entertaining then watching a bunch of republicans realize that their party from top to bottom is in the toilet. The only thing that could be better is if it would take the right wing radio blowhards with them…

57 States   July 22nd, 2008 11:54 am ET

Obama wrong again just admit it…..And please dont do any surrendering on behalf of the United States when your there

Chris   July 22nd, 2008 11:53 am ET

Here are the facts:

The militias and Tibal leaders are being paid by Our Government!!!
The Troops are helping to quell those small faction that are not in on the take.
The surge by itself did not help quell the violence in Iraq, it is the American green backs that is helping!!!
Please do not be fooled people!!!

AA   July 22nd, 2008 11:53 am ET

Rudy is a moron, as is anyone describing the surge as working with a claim that violence is down and that is why it is working.

Let's be clear on what is reality here…

This is NOT a war it is an occupation, or if you wish, a coup. No different from any other that is going on in Africa. A leader of a sovereign nation was overthrown. Good or bad, lead by a horrible man or not, that nation posed no threat to anyone outside its borders.

Once you get your mind to understand that, other things become clearer…

If the surge was meant to reduce violence in the short term, then of course it is working. We are paying them not to attack us, and have sent 10's of thousands more troops to a localized region to control it. The min that we leave or stop paying it will return to what it was.

THAT IS NOT SUCCESS, that is buying time with our money and our countries human lives, it is by all definitions and like everything else designed in this occupation fatally flawed because there is no long term plan that has any resemblance to a workable reality.

If we wanted success, which by definition of the goal of removing the leadership of a country (again - that is called a coup), it should have been an operation to just take him out. Trillions of dollars, and 100's of thousands of lives would have been spared.

But that would have been a real plan, with a real measurable goal, not some fairy tale wrapped around ulterior motives.

So get real. There is no plan + there is no goal = there is no possibility of success. Let's get out and pay for the idiot mistake we made in allowing GW to do this damage. Talk to their neighbors, talk to whomever wants to help and come to an agreement as to what the country will end up being. That is the only possible solution.

Peace.

South Park Conservative   July 22nd, 2008 11:52 am ET

The Obama strategy in four easy steps.

Step 1: NEVER, EVER, under any circumstances EVER admit you're wrong, even when it's very clear that you are/were/will-be.

Step 2: In a Clintonian move, take credit for everything, regardless of whether you actually had anything to do with it. "You see the bright sun shining in the sky? The Republicans wanted to take that from you, but I said no. They wanted to take away your sunny days."

Step 3: Talk in awe-inspiring, yet incredibly vague glittering generalities about "hope, " "change," "optimism," "rainbows," and "unicorns."

Step 4: Repeat.

SK   July 22nd, 2008 11:52 am ET

Giullani is one of many Mcwars barking dog. He is no different then Jim Carvel who is Clinton's barking dog…….none of these guys know what they are talking about. They take us, the people as fools, because they are fools……..

J. Richter   July 22nd, 2008 11:51 am ET

We put the Sunni militia on our payroll and they stopped fighting us and the Shiites. Then we claim the surge did this. We could have saved billions and lives to get the same point.

If we did what Obama wanted:
We would have 4000+ American kids still alive.
We would have 30,000+ American kids healthy and with all their limbs in tact.
We would have a military that isn't near the breaking point.
We would have $800+ billion still in our Treasury.
We would have finished the job in Afghanistan years ago.
We wouldn't been seen around the world as Imperialist.
We wouldn't have an empowered and emboldened Iran.

Shawna   July 22nd, 2008 11:51 am ET

The surge is not a success, The purpose of the surge was to create an environment where democracy has a chance to grow. The surge has failed because the iraqi govenment is still no better than it was before. We cannot support surge numbers of troops in iraq, we have other responsibilities abroad, so the failure of their government to be capable of taking control at this time makes the effort a failure… American combat troops are a short term force, they are not the police, and we can't send them in everytime the country of Iraq has a despute. This must be made clear, the surge fails to do this, Troop withdrawals makes this clear. Obama makes this clear. Stop redefining the purpose of the surge.

aaa   July 22nd, 2008 11:50 am ET

fraud!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! go home!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Will, NJ   July 22nd, 2008 11:49 am ET

Attack, attack, attack. Got anything else? The man who came in fourth after running a disastrous campaign is going to give anyone a lecture?

dAVE   July 22nd, 2008 11:49 am ET

Who? Giuliani is a has-been who made a fool of himself with his delusional presidential run.

I hope the Republicans keep pretending a neverending war and occupation of Iraq is a winning issue for them! Good luck with that in November.

Ms. RDS   July 22nd, 2008 11:48 am ET

Uggg…yet again another topic that i am tired of hearing about..THE SURGE! How about not only taken into account that our soilders are performing masterfully but the fact that the different sects introduced a cease-fire agreement. Disregard the fact that we are actually paying people not to shot us. Disregard the fact the Gen. Petraeous spoke before congress BEFORE the surge and said that violence was already down due to the agreements btw. the different factions. First the McCain camp says he should say the surge is working, then the minute he does the campaign will say "look he flip flopped on this issue" it's a catch 22. Their trying to back Obama into a corner b/c McCain don't have any other issue or relvant solutions to ANYTHING! If the surge has worked..then why can't we LEAVE!

Hispanic For McCain   July 22nd, 2008 11:48 am ET

Obama = pathetic

Latinos open your eyes, OBAMA is not for the Latinos, not for the 'Jews, not for the Catholic, not for anything but to destroy this nation!!!!

Hispanic for McCAIN

McCain & Obama = Scary   July 22nd, 2008 11:47 am ET

Maybe the Iraqis don't want a democratic government…not everyone wants Freedom (c). We can't force our form of government on a country that is so heavily influenced by Islam..it just doesn't work. They want a religious state. This isn't surrendering, it's the truth. And it's something that neither Obama nor McCain realizes.

I mean look at us, we teach our children about a corrupt 2 party system, and make it very difficult for 3rd parties to get media attention. We have a central bank made up of unelected officials that runs the economy behind closed doors. And we use taxpayer money to prop up governments all over the world, and to pay for illegal immigrants healthcare.

Maybe we've strayed a little too far from the Constitution, huh?

Nate- Minneapolis   July 22nd, 2008 11:46 am ET

The surge is a bit misleading. In a country the size of Iraq 30,000 soldiers probably helps but the US wasn't going to intervene in a civil war. Had the Sunnis not pledged to help the US fight al qaida and the Madi Militia not agreed to stand down the violence would have continued and the troops would have had little impact. To me this all seems a little politically convenient.

If you recall the Iraq study group talked about reducing and redeploying troops, discussing options with Iran and negotiating with the tribal groups to reduce violence to find a political solution. Bush thumbed his nose at them and said I'm going to do the opposite and increase troop for the surge- but if you look closely, they did many of the things that were suggested by the bipartisan group. The surge to me was a way of saying," I'm going to do this my way because I know more that you," (the George Bush way) and now that violence is down he can now say "see we were right and you were all wrong." That's just not the truth. The truth is that we could have quelled the violence a long time ago without the use of additional troops and that Bush/McCain's surge would have failed like the rest of their foreign policy had it not been for the concessions we made to negotiate the cease fire and the military and financial support we've given to the Sunni militias. The term "surge" was used as it represented a troop increase, but the strategy is what's brought about a reduction in violence- the strategy of the surge is different and seperate from the troop increase. The troop increase their touting would not have worked with out the strategy they adopted from the Iraq study group. It took them 7 years to figure out they need to listen to other people.

Brian   July 22nd, 2008 11:46 am ET

Oh shut up! I know its hard with your big elitist ego, but just admit you were wrong on the surge, Obama. Say it with me… I'm sorry, I was wrong. Is that so hard?

US ARMY   July 22nd, 2008 11:46 am ET

McCain and Guililiani are both unethical snobs. Both are sexist, racist and bigots. John McCain is using Jindal as a ploy to try and see if OBAMA campaign will leak anything of what there plan is,…it is not and will never work. Jindal is 36 so who really will select him as V.P. He will prove more than ever OBAMA is correct. McCain was ruined in SC in 2000, now those same people and so called religious right (RACIST KKK agent) are supporting him. To me this prove that the republicans try to use people of color as puzzle pieces, they did with Powell, then with J.C. Watts, but never give blacks any real power base within the Party. J.C. Watts will vote for OBAMA, Indians and other asians will VOTE OBAMA. MCCAIN called asians many bigoted names and I cannot wait until the general elections when all the UTUBE VIDEO'S are release of him getting angry, pissed off and calling his wife a cnut (u get it) . The republican party has become a FACIST party, OBAMA is the tru conservative and everyone knows it. Wait for the Rich Warren interview, OBAMA is going to sound so much more level headed and in tune than McCain. McCain don't know much about anything much less religion, MCCAIN is an atheist, a FACIST a Hitler!

ARMY FOR OBAMA; MILITARY BACKS OBAMA 2008, 2012

CNN out of touch   July 22nd, 2008 11:45 am ET

The Mainstream media is out of touch with
the American public. How many people actually care about
what Rudy thinks?
Why all the tickers for the tired loser McCain.
CNN will attempt to sway the electorate and not let Obama get too far ahead in this contest.
Watch for the CNN coverage to attempt to stay 'balanced' eventhough the people of the US ( and the world) prefer Obama by large margins
Go Obama!

John McShame, Obama Is Going to Tax You & Cindy, but Not Me & 95% Americans Making < $250,000/Yr   July 22nd, 2008 11:45 am ET

this deucebag Giulliani is a windpipe………this is a man who can't manage his own home spouting the foreign policy gibberish of John McShame…it is people like this that sets america back to the OLD STONE AGE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

mediabias   July 22nd, 2008 11:44 am ET

McCain was right about the surge; Just like he is right about the trouble at the Iraq Pakistan boarder.

Hispanic For McCain   July 22nd, 2008 11:43 am ET

Debby, NJ July 22nd, 2008 11:20 am ET

Giuliani
Please go home, you are not helping McShame
What A Complete IDIOT…SURGE, SURGE, SURGE
Let's Just Get Out.
BARACK THE VOTE AMERICA !!!

Debby fron NJ you must Hate your life!!! HAHAHAHAH are you mad just because John McCain was right all along that the Surge is working and your boy OBAMA is crying!!!! The latinos can smell a RAT miles away and yes that is your boy OBAMA.

Hispanic for McCain!!!! A true patriotic Hero!!!!! what AMERICA needs!!

DEBS   July 22nd, 2008 11:43 am ET

MCCAIN = THE SAME
OBAMA = THE CHANGE
MCCAIN = A SLEEPING PILL
OBAMA = ENERGY PILL
MCCAIN = OLD WORN TIRE
OBAMA = BRAND NEW TIRE WITH A LOT OF TREAD

AMERICA IS TIRED OF THIS GOVERNMENT AND MCCAIN REPRESENTS THE SAME. IF BEING COMMANDER AND CHIEF JUST CONSISTED OF RUNNING A WAR THEN MCCAIN IS YOUR MAN BUT AMERICAN'S HAVE GREATER ISSUE'S THAT WE ARE MORE CONCERNED ABOUT HERE AT HOME AND MCCAIN HAS NOT SAID ONE THING THAT HAS IMPRESSED ME ON THESE ISSUE'S LIKE GAS PRICES, ALTERATIVE FUELS, MORTGAGE DOWN FALL, PRICES AT THE MARKET, JOB LOSES, ETC.

IT IS TIME FOR A CHANGE IN GOVERNMENT AND BARACK OBAMA WILL BRING ABOUT A CHANGE. HE WON'T TAKE MONEY FROM LOBBIST, HE WILL MAKE IT SO LOW TO MIDDLE INCOME FAMILIES CAN SURVIVE IN THESE HARD TIMES AND HE HAS PROVEN THAT HE CAN ALSO MAKE SOUND DECISIONS ON FOREIGN POLICIES.

WHAT MORE COULD WE ASK FOR?????

OBAMA FOR PRESIDENT 2008

The Bigger Picture   July 22nd, 2008 11:43 am ET

Defending the SURGE is like touting the he benefits of an HIV cocktail after a person has contracted AIDS.

The drugs may keep you alive but which would be better … avoid getting a life threatening / changing disease … or finding a way to make the best of it after the fact.

Obama is saying we didn't need to get the disease to begin with and he said it BEFORE we got INFECTED.

That's the point.

Finally, the surge was more than troops. It was also money paid to Sunni mercinaries to switch to the US side. The decline in violence was purchased with blood, sweat, bullets …. AND MONEY.

No one can say that an alternative to the SURGE would not have worked.

What we can say is, we're not sure how stable the purported gains from the SURGE are. However, we peoples wallets, intead of their hearts, drive their actions , no one can be sure what happens when the MONEY goes away too.

James Hussein, SC   July 22nd, 2008 11:42 am ET

Janey/Michigan, Senator Obama has NOT changed his position. So why should he say anything different overseas?

Kevin C   July 22nd, 2008 11:41 am ET

At this point, everyone knows we shouldn't have started things in Iraq. Americans bought into it, hook-line-and sinker, and you can say you were against it, but America as a country went for it.

What's horribly wrong is that once that happened (6 years ago), and Iraq was plunged into a brutal civil war because of what we did, to think we should just pull out and not be there now is inhumane, irresponsible, and a complete disgrace (and waste of life) that any American should be ashamed of.

Stop saying we shouldn't have been there… we all know that by now. But the fact remains, we ARE there, and what are we going to do about it. If we followed Obama's path, we would have slowly pulled out troops, the Iraq governement wouldn't have had the security to establish control, and the militias would have been killing each other, blowing up the government we helped install, and killing off the depleting number of US troops (yes, some would be coming home, but we'd be seeing more and more troops coming home in boxes).

John McCain hasn't been saying "I want war", he wants the troops home and safe, he's just not willing to do that without looking at the consequences, or what's actually happening. Obama blasts the soundbite "I'll bring troops home" just because no one likes war. But reality is millions of Iraqis would be killed, more of our troops would be killed, and eventually one radical militia group would eventually take over, with a radical leader, and a brutal efficiency at killing and torturing anyone who didn't agree with him. And the first thing he'd do is blame America for everything bad, and we'd be far worse then where we started. That was the hypothetical problem with pulling out, and that's why needed the surge, and now that it's worked, and the Iraqi government has been able to take control, now we can safely pull the troops out (as long as things stay safe), which is exactly the path McCain intended all along. Obama's just trying to take credit for the fact that troops can finally be moved out of Iraq, and it's ludicrous, because under his proposal, Iraq would still be a flashpot of IED's and militia rule.

Rick   July 22nd, 2008 11:41 am ET

Obama the Clown and the rest of the democrats are so disappointed that the surge has been successful and that we are going to be victorious in Iraq that they are in a state of denial. They're a bunch of losers and should all be voted out.

Phil, FL   July 22nd, 2008 11:41 am ET

When I worked in NYC, Giuliani ran the city with "Mafia style" government.

Anybody want the mafia running all of us?

Obama '08

Pat   July 22nd, 2008 11:41 am ET

I have no respect for the bleeding heart Republican Supporters. Any American that can justify and/or support by any incredulous means this Administration or its' current Nominee need to take up residence in Cuba or Myanmar where their love and admiration for dictatorship, oppression and violence would be appreciated!

Barrack a Joke! The leadership over the past seven years plus has been the biggest joke ever to hit the world stage. I doubt any Administration world wide will ever succeed in topping the Dubyah Bush Performance! Ask anyone world wide what they think of America's current world standing. I'm sure their reply will jerk you back to reality!

Shawna   July 22nd, 2008 11:41 am ET

This from someone whose strategy to win the nomination was to win ONE state, Florida..Shows his judgement on how to create a successful campaign to win anything.

Andy in Charlotte, NC   July 22nd, 2008 11:40 am ET

9/11! 9/11! September 11th! On September 11th!…that's all he usually says.

The surge has curbed some violence, but it doesn't solve the overall problem. There are still road bomb every day. I can't help but wonder how much money the US is going to pump into Iraq if either McCain or Obama gets elected, militarily or otherwise!

The problem is that we are meddling in the affairs of other countries, and it's costing us tons of money and many lives, and we are making more enemies along the way. Iraq wasn't an imminent threat, and we shouldn't be policing the world. We don't we go for Cuba, China, N. Korea, and Columbia while we're at!?

Ron NYC   July 22nd, 2008 11:40 am ET

Ed, Santa Fe NM, Giuliani was never gov. of NY but Mayor of NYC.

Ex-Republican for Obama   July 22nd, 2008 11:39 am ET

Obama has the courage to stick with his instincts, his instincts were:
WMD's were not found, we are in Iraq illegally. Rather then try to win an illegal war, let us recognize that as soon as you WAGE an ILLEGAL war, you have lost. Let us pull out and give them back their country.

I recall a day when two of my buildings were bombed (well, by planes) without justification and it crushed me. The people whom did that, we labelled terrorists. Here we are bombing buildings in a land with no justification. We are now the terrorists. So should we invade ourselves or have the integrity to pull out since our reasons were unjust and false?

You CAN NOT SUCCEED in an illegal war! To seek victory in an illegal war is demonic and criminal.

Obama '08

Kim, Charlotte, NC   July 22nd, 2008 11:39 am ET

And how many wives has Rudy had?………….

Dan   July 22nd, 2008 11:38 am ET

Wait, wait, wait….Who cares what Giuliani says? He still forces people to think we were attacked because America is a free nation

By voting for the war McCain is directly responsible for over 5,000 american deaths in Iraq…Surge that

TJ Johnson   July 22nd, 2008 11:37 am ET

McCain, once he realized the full scope of the Iraq war and just why the US is there at all (having to do with Israel and Iran), has supported our efforts to "be there" in the most vital part of the Mid-East at this time. The US must defend our most stalwart ally, Israel, to all extremes. Iran intends to destroy Israel. The US is now in strategic position to intercede when necessary. We just must not pull out of this vital area; if we do, the entire Middle East will be lost to Muslim extremism, and this includes our vital oil interests and other considerations.

WhatsInAName   July 22nd, 2008 11:37 am ET

Don't know if anyone posted this earlier, but the this thought keeps coming back to me: Can you a say that a "surge" worked if it never really ended? Wasn't the surge supposed to be a temporary increase in troops? If so, when did it end?

If it hasn't ended, it didn't work.

Frank   July 22nd, 2008 11:37 am ET

Obama is like a child covering his ears and making noise so he doesn't have to hear what he doesn't want to hear. His remarks and attitude are very telling. I would not trust this man to make the right decisions as our president. He is as far left as the rest of the Democrats and that is downright scary!

Chuck   July 22nd, 2008 11:37 am ET

My question is did the surge in troops reduce the violence or did the negotiations between the waring factions and the Iraqi government reduce the violence? Or was it a combination of both? Or is it that the tribal sects finaly removed those that they did not want in their neighborhoods thus there was no longer any reason to attack and kill each other? What do you think maybe it was all three? Ah but one last thought, maybe it was the fact that the Iraqi people finally figured out that the blood letting was getting wrong, and they decided to try and get along, thus the killing stopped? Maybe a combination of all 4. Bottom line somthing happened to bring it all to an end and there may be underlying reasons that we will never know; however, this war was wrong from the get go. So we can sit back and make all the claims of success, but no one person was or can claim that. Not even McCain.

James Hussein, SC   July 22nd, 2008 11:36 am ET

The surge did not work. There are more military members on the ground today than there were during the socalled surge.
Most importantly, we are paying the terrorists to stop fighting. Along with that, it helps that Sunni leaders have called for a cease fire.

Shirley S, Bethlehem, PA   July 22nd, 2008 11:36 am ET

Did the surge work? Pay attention people, the "surge" includes soldiers of fortune that the government is paying millions to help keep the violence down. They also paid millions to the militants in Iraq..great thinking. Now the militants have lots of money, wonder what they'll do with it. McCain was wrong to vote to go into Iraq..why can't he admit that? I must admit, McCain is the best whiner I've seen in a while. Bad enough when kids whine but when a nasty old man does it….priceless.

FactCheck   July 22nd, 2008 11:36 am ET

> Rudy go back to your room in New York

Yeah, come back so we can beat the tar out of you, you lifeless scum bag.

George   July 22nd, 2008 11:35 am ET

Come on NOBAMA say what you know is right we all know it worked, just say it. You were wrong and it worked!!!!!!!

We all know the answer - It Worked.

Craig from Rockford, Illinois   July 22nd, 2008 11:34 am ET

We're still listening to Rudy? Must not be anything else going on. This is the guy that gave us the worst campaign strategy since Michael Dukakis.
You might as well interview Laurel and hardy.

Not to mention we're talking about a war that was started under false pretenses, poorly conducted and supported mostly by conservatives, you know, the plastic patriots that don't have a clue what war is and cloak their cowardice in patriotic rhetoric. AKA Republicans.

FactCheck   July 22nd, 2008 11:34 am ET

Giuliani's foreign policy= a noun, a verb and "9/11″. What a scum bag…. do you think we New Yorkers would ever forget how you manipulated our tragedy for your financial gains?

California Gold   July 22nd, 2008 11:34 am ET

McCain and his advocates need to tell us what he proposes for the next 4 years of a McCain administration: what his goal is for Iraq. More war? Exit strategy? Details. No more "we leave when we win". That's not going to cut it. What a McCain administration identifies as rehabilitating the economy and how he is going to do that. Again, provide details. No more "my friends we are suffering psychologically" do do. The longer McCain procrastinates on substance the more he is crippling his campaign. Without substance he can not compete with the growing pro-Obama campaign. That's the real surge McCain needs to keep his eye on.

Marcus, Great Lakes IL   July 22nd, 2008 11:34 am ET

Rudy Giuliani and John McCain.

Both men typical Republicans with high morals i.e., cheating on their wives while still living with them and kicking them to the curb publicly.

As they say, birds of a feather…

SHUT UP!!!!   July 22nd, 2008 11:34 am ET

Abby—–There wouldn’t need to be a surge, if there was no war. McCain, please say you mislead the American people into a war that was illegal and caused 4000 American deaths and hundreds of thousands of Iraq deaths and maybe then Obama will say the surge worked in cutting the violence some. There were no WMDs!!!! we will never forget that we were lied to.YOU are SOOOO RIGHT Abby!!!!
Giuliani the WATER BOY!!!!!

Cbal   July 22nd, 2008 11:33 am ET

This article showcases Obama's capability to become the commander in chief. He thoughtfully proposes an idea or takes a position, and does not follow suit. Mccain on the other hand has not executed a position based on thoughtfulness; instead his ideas and proposals are based on other people's thoughts. I don't think Mccain challenges his advisors. He probably just goes with whatever they say. He has not shown any form of independent thinking. All he does is whine about his national security experience; who cares about national security now when the economy is in trouble. Electing Mccain will mean a white house that its focus is on national security and not the things that matter to America.

VietnamVet   July 22nd, 2008 11:33 am ET

If the surge has improved the situation in Iraq, is THAT worth over 4,000 lives of our best, and thousands more injured, many for life and billions of dollars of our resources? For five years now we have been bogged down in that unnecessary and ill conceived war, and as everyone now knows, it was all about OIL! McSame never mentions all THESE points: just keeps crowing about a relatively recent improvement in Iraq. I am willing to bet that Joe American citizen would not be safe in walking down ANY Iraq street anytime soon; I know I would not!

Desert Shield vets   July 22nd, 2008 11:33 am ET

lets see wich one of the vp candidate can pander the best. he shall be picked. Giuliani is a pro at pandering , both the nycpd and nyfd sure can tell you a thing or to about Mr New york.

Change is inevitable

Jenny, Rio Vista, CA   July 22nd, 2008 11:32 am ET

I don't know if you will print this, but I hope so. All weekend CNN spent the time discussing different ways that Obama's trip could fail. It was just so petty and not at all interesting. Last evening David gergin, who I used to respect, was so sure that Obama had made a gaffe… WRONG!!! Then this morning, during Obama's press conference what was the big question from Candy Crowley - "Can you admit that the surge has worked". C'mon CNN. Report the news.

How about you doing your job and really telling it like it is. Do you really need Obama to spell out why violence is down in Iraq. The surge has some credit.. but you all know it is not the b-all and end-all.

If you want to point out gaffes, I think McFlub has made enough for everyone. How about having a show detailing all those.

And please stop ignoring me. There is nothing obscene about this post so please post it.

MMN-Milwaukee WI   July 22nd, 2008 11:32 am ET

Truth be told if the USA stops spending $800,000 a week to bribe Sunis and Shiites not to fight each other the Surge will look like a joke.

David from Ohio   July 22nd, 200