Obama acknowledged the obvious, there has been a reduction of violence in Iraq, he has said nothing about the so-called success of the surge because it’s not only been military effort that has reduced the violence. John McCain is making himself look more and more irrelevant every day. While Obama talks about things the American people care about, Afghanistan and OBL, bringing troops home, McCain is still talking about something that doesn’t agree with his own philosophy nor is it something the AP care about. If the surge is working and we are succeeding in Iraq then McCain should be in the forefront talking about leaving Iraq since things are better. Yet, he talks about staying there. Are the AP supposed to be dumb enough to side with McCain on his contradictory stance? I don’t think so.

The more obama talks without a teleprompter, the better McCain looks.

PS. the EU3 and the UN have been trying to pressure Iran to change since 2003. But, then, Iran hasn't had to deal with Obama yet - so I'm sure his mix of pressure and judgement will resolve the problems that the rest of the world couldn't in no time.

(Pssst! The king has no clothes!)

Obama continues to show me that he has a better grasp of the situation in Iraq today and was right about opposing the war from the beginning. McCain on the other hand wants to give all of the credit to the surge which is actually only a component of the lessening of violence. No one who knows what has really happened in Iraq would give all of the credit to the surge. Obama sees that the ultimate soloution rests with the Iraqis and not with the US military. Our military has done everything we asked and more with great courage and honor but this war has still done great damage to our image, our military and our economy. Of the two candidates only Obama seems to grasp the overall effect of this war and only Obama was right from the beginning. McCain is a throwback to the good old Cold War days and wants to be sure that our involvement is perceived as a victory and not just a success. He has never to my knowledge defined what would be a victory. Obama has shown better judgment than McCain when it comes to Iraq.

Obama said: "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 violence."

Marc said: This was all due to the surge. Sunni's changed allegiance because the grew sick of Al Queda killing Iraqis (specifically Sunnis). Al Queda killed Iraqi's as a desperation attempt to stir up civil war since they were getting their butts kicked by way of the surge (remember?). The Sadr militia also stood down because they were getting their rear ends handed to them on a platter and Muqtada Al Sadr himself fled to Iran, where he remains… all because of (you guessed it) the surge!

So, you can try to simply increase the pressure on Iraqis (or Al Queda or the Sadrists or Iran) to change, but I doubt you find the same results that the surge brought. But you can try… (after all this is how you gain experience)…

Ok, yes the surge may have helped to bring down the violence in Iraq. But why did we have to resort to a "surge" in the first place?
It's because our fearless and mindless president did not want to send the proper amount of men and equipment in the first place.

Every general that said the war could not be won with the limited amount of resources Bush and Dumsfeld would allow was asked to resign or decommissioned (fired). Then several years into the war and billions of dollars spent they decide to increase boots on the ground?

This war was a lie and Bush and his entire admin should be put in prison for it along with the other 30 felonies this president has committed. But we have ot wait until his term is out to prosecute him for his crimes since we can'not arrest a president while he is serving his term.

I can only hope that Obama will not pardon Bush for his crimes against the United States and the World.

DOWN WITH THE NEO-CONS.

Obama 08!!

"put more pressure on the Iraqis to arrive at a political reconciliation, to begin a phased withdrawal"

duuuuhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! only the insane see any other options besides obama's!

let's start listening to the SMART people of america, and not the morons and evil-doers we're stuck with for 181 more days!!!!!!!

bush's invasion has gone on for 7 YEARS and things have only continued to get WORSE and we are in more danger than we have ever been b/c of him! how does CONTINUING the failed invasion of iraq, and starting mccain's "more wars" help america???!? it doesnt!!! surely you mccain people know the definition of insane, doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result—mcCON will do the insane!!!

If it wasn't for our more troops in Iraq Mr. Obama wouldn't have been there. Thank God for people like McCain that has the sense to Know what is needed in Iraq and has a clear vision and plan. It is very important we win this war in Iraq and send a clear message to Terrorist abroad as well we will prevail and keep our country safe, even if it means to continue to stablize Iraq. It would be a grave mistake to not put our country's security first. Mr. Obama lacks the experience and his vision show it. He is a very scarey man.

It isn't hate, it isn't fear, it isn't even innuendo if it's true. Obama isn't experienced enough to handle the crap that Bush is leaving. He's part of the problem by his wishy-washy votes. He'll do and say anything that looks good in the press. Empty suit. Give me substance. But it's not him!

Oh, and Mike, Syracuse: Please get over yourself, ALL Americans have a right to an opinion, not just the ones who served in the military. What Constitution are you looking at? Obama is a U.S. Senator and has certainly EARNED the right, beyond being wildly intellegent, poised, and diplomatic, with obvious leadership qualities and excellent insight and judgment. The best candidate for President I have seen in my entire adult life - and I'm no spring chicken - Eisenhower was President when I was born.

"Obama said after landing in Amman, Jordan.."

So why did Obama wait until he got to Jordon to wonder? He could have just ask the Iraqis if he really wanted to know the truth.

Mike of TX:

Once US stops paying the sunnis, Shiites, and Sadr Malitias not to fight each other the full blow civil war that Bush et al denied will be back forget the surge.

Okay, ya'll are killin' me here! First of all, to comment on Jindal being slated for VP. You're kidding, right? Ya'll need to look at what has just happened recently here in Louisiana. Jindal came thisclose to being recalled because he got "punked" by the LA Legislature. They voted themselves a 300% raise and it took people petitioning for his and their recall for him to reverse himself and veto it! Come on now! He has potential but he has no "cohonanas" yet.
As far as McCain goes……never mind, he's too easy a target.
I appreciate the way Obama looks at the country, what it should and can be. I appreciate the fact that unlike a lot of others, not only does he have an opinion, he is acting on it. He was correct when he said that WE are the ones We have been waiting for. Obama 08/12

Funny how Obama believes that self responsibility and stability is something that the Iraqis should achieve on their own. Because when it comes to Americans and their self responsibility.., well, they have to have the governments help. Evidently, Obama thinks Americans are too stupid to be responsible for themselves..

Cut and run? But for those of you who think McCain is a warmonger…. we're getting out of Iraq and ramping up the war in Afghanistan and maybe Pakistan (if Obama doesn't "refine" that position). Dems are warmongers!

Why are we only talking about violence in Iraq. Violence has reduced after the surge… and also left several people in America - Jobless, Homeless, Gasless ??
Who cares if there is violence in Iraq when our own home is on fire? There are more countries with much worse violence..Somalia, Sudan, other African, Mid-East countries?? Are we going to start invading them.
McPain is dumb shi…… We are desperately in need of a leader like Barack Obama. Some people call him a muslim, but I see him as as decent, family loving, church going human being. He will be a perfect role model for our youth in the country
OBAMA (2008 -16)

Bush said, in April 2007, "when the Iraqi's ask us to leave, we'll go. They are a soveriegn nation with a democratically elected government".

Well George & John … based on what their Prime Minsters said to a German magazine (don't want to hear claims of liberal American press) … It is time to GO.

Stop trying to spin this another way.

Thank you, Senator, for pointing out the obvious.

We're supposed to trust YOUR judgment? You're nothing but a rhetorician-without-a-record wearing a nice suit.

The Democratic Party leadership has betrayed our core principles of democracy and has failed us all.

Midgea NFIL

PLEASE READ OBAMAS BOOK "DREAMS OF OUR FATHERS""
VERY SCARY

YOU WILL BE CHANGING YOUR MIND TOO

OBAMA IS CANDIDATE OF CHANGE! ! ! !

YES, , , CHANGING HIS MIND!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

ON ALL THE ISSUSES///////////////////////

Hey news media…

I'm still waiting for that picture of Obama somewhere in the Middle East, riding on a donkey with shooting stars in the sky beyond and flying angels all around him…

We must not delay the 2nd coming of the Messiah.

The obama idiots are scared silly.. They are scared that my darling Senator McCain will win, which he will, of course. I never heard such horrible blogs as they are writing. If they werent scared the blogs would be like they were written by a normal person, instead of a kool aid drinker. We will win, Senator McCain.

Mr. Obama has 143 days of actual on-the-floor working experience at the Federal level. Why, that's almost 4/10th of an entire year.

Wow, just wow. And SOME people have the nerve to say that he is inexperienced…….

LOVIN OBAMA

i.e… If I'm elected, America troops are pulling out and we're not coming back to help no matter what happens.

MCSame and others like the above blogs try to paint Obama as inexperienced
please tell me where experience has got American
down a path of constant war
I think most americans are willing to try *good judgement* and so do other countries apparently
Poll From Canada
Which U.S. presidential candidate would have a more positive influence on the Middle East?
John McCain 31%
Barack Obama 69%
This is not a scientific poll
point made!!

MCSame and others like the above blogs try to paint Obama as experienced
please tell me where experience has got American
down a path of constant war
I think most americans are willing to try *good judgement* and so do other countries apparently
Poll From Canada
Which U.S. presidential candidate would have a more positive influence on the Middle East?
John McCain 31%
Barack Obama 69%
This is not a scientific poll
point made!!

and still oblahblah cannot admit that he was wrong and mccain was right the surge worked. what an arrogant self righteous creep. he sound more like bush than anyone else in the government. ( i was not wrong, i just was not as right as i thought i was)

Oh….

I thought the elections were over.

Still goin' at it, Obamaians and McCainians?

Couldn't agree more!

This comment by Heather Wilson, R-New Mexico was hysterical, especially after the last 8 years. Another republican completely out of touch with reality!

Her comment/statement was:

"He's not listening to the whole of what the Iraqi government was saying — he's hearing what he wanted to hear and what he thought would help him politically, which get backs to Senator Obama as a candidate for the presidency," Wilson said. "He has his finger in the wind, trying to figure out which way the wind is blowing, and he is not leading.

"He is no way sophisticated enough, I don't think — I mean he is frighteningly inexperienced when it comes to international affairs and national security policy," she added. "And he heard what he wanted to hear from the Iraqi government, without any context around it, and took that simple message and decided it helped him politically. That's the antitheses of what we should expect from a president of the United States."

The Cut and Run tactics of Obama and his lefty friends will not give the Iraqis the oppurtunity to stabalize and build thier country up to stand up for its self. Look at the Balkans, they are not as far along as Iraq is.

Does McSame do nothing but react to what Obama says? What exactly is his plan for ending the war? We've heard nothing but what's wrong with what Obama is saying. Maybe he should have a press conference on the Iraqi-Pakistani border and tell us EXACTLY what his plan is! "Experience" my hindquarters!

The surge has worked? Well, thank God that the bravery of the American troops has helped. But is seems naive to say the surge "worked"—sort of like "Mission Accomplished".

Whatever advantage we have is fragile and so much of it is based on factors such as paying the different factions. How long can we keep that up? Sadr may have been dealt a few setbacks but this is a dangerous man who will ultimately strike back with all of the force he can find.

But even if the surge is the reason for the changes, logic says we cannot pull back until the job is done. How long is that going to be? 5 years? 10 years? more? How many more American lives are we willing to lose? 1000? 5000? 10,000? How many more billions do we flush down the drain since the Iraqi government seems very comfortable letting us finance this mess?

Good point, Sandy! At some point we cannot occupy Iraq any longer. Iraq is telling us in a big way that the time has come for our troops to start exiting. Obama is recognizing the boundries of a sovereign nation with its own government. If we don't leave - then we are not practicing the idea of democracy.

Obama is right.

it is the Republicans who are frightening - they are once again resorting to Rove/Bush/Cheney fear tactics since McCain would have to change his views towards Obama's if he bothered to listen to what the Iraquis want. Since they don't have reason to fall on, they fall on 'fear-mongering' once again. McCain is starting to sound more and more like Guiliani- a noun, a verb, and 911

Is Obama going to withdrawal from Europe too? Or do we treat them differently??

It is not the surge that succeeded, that is McCain's spin. The success stems from the Iraqis, primarily the Sunnis not cooperating with Al Qaeda. Let give the due to those who deserve it. That is why the generals still see the situation has reversible.

This is a leader I can get behind …. I can't follow John McCain

McCain's arguments against Obama and Iraq are going to create his own demise. A fool should see it is not wise to continue this argument when Iraq has proven to say and do the exact opposite of what McCain is saying. Iraq did it to GWB and he has reversed, so what idiot would continue to bash Obama. McCain is going to fall like a deck of cards.

even the iraqis want the u.S. out of there. why does the bush administration still want to stay. hum! i smell a big rat.

I always find it hilarious that Republicans say that Americans need to be responsible for themselves, a theory I actually agree with, but the Iraqi people, THEY need our help, lol…such hypocrites.

Lisa, you keep saying the same thing every day. "Obama looks scared out there" "He looks out of place" "He's elitist next to the troops", etc.

Not only are you blind, but you have no idea what you're talking about. He looks great and presidential. Imagine McCain making the rounds…he'd have to turn up his hearing aid to hear people talking to him and then make stupid comments like Iraq being next to Pakistan or not knowing the difference between Sunni and Shia.

You are ridiculous and everyone knows it. I'm calling you out.

Iraqis have to provide security to their country while we back them up. We cannot be in the forefront forever.

Say no to Jimmy Carter's second term.

Mr. OBAMA violence is down in IRAQ plain and simple. D-O-W-N SURGE OR NO SURGE, but it worked so quit whining and admit MCCAIN was right NOW that is judgement in world affairs. Whiner.

Give it up Obama.

You were wrong about the surge, and you are wrong about Education and Drilling…!

Your charisma won't get you to the White house. You have no credibility or gravitas not to mention no experience or no judgment.

You can't even make a coherent, consistent statement with a team of 300 plus foreign affairs advisors!

"Obama is 1000% CORRECT!"
1000 percent? *sigh* .These Obama supporters are really starting scare me.

the purpose of the surge was NOT less violence, athough that is certainly desirable. The purpose was to enable the Iraqis to strengthen their own government by means of conciliation and compromise. That has not been done yet.
We really would be in trouble if the large number of troops we sent did not reduce violence but did the Iraqis use that "peace interlude"well?

Well said, Sen. Obama! Ultimately, the Iraqi people have to come together to forge a strong, safe country. Sadly, the Bush/Cheney/McCain plan to bring democracy to a nation of tribes has failed and we will witness this when the Troops leave and they are in charge. Bush/Cheney/McCain wanted their oil, now that Big Oil is in there, they can consider it a success!

The war with Iraq has nearly BANKRUPTED our nation! But people like the "Puma-Hillary-or-else" still will vote for another failed GOP president!

The REAL war on terror is in Afghanistan. And we face enormous problems as a nation, which we need to solve.

One BIG question that no one from the McCain-side has dared to answer is: HOW WILL MCCAIN PAY OFF OUR NATIONAL DEBT OF $10 TRILLION AND GIVE US TAX BREAKS????????????????????

How can we afford more war? Remember McCain's little foreign policy statement/song????????????????????????????????????

BOMB………..BOMB…………………….BOMB IRAN. HOW WILL WE PAY FOR ANOTHER WAR?

When is Obama going to keep his promise and debate McCain?

McCain's remark about the surge and what Obama suggested prior to the war's "success" is a woulda coulda shoulda statement.
The reality is that Obama can suggest ideas, but can only make progress with the present. So until he becomes president, everything else is heresay.
Typical GOP to focus on everything but the present.

He has such a great grasp of the world situation. Thank goodness!! We sooooo need a smart president and someone who can say more than surge, surge, surge!

Is it not really sad, that to this date one cannot establish what we really have gained with this war. With over 4000 American lives lost, and an untold number of innocent Iraqi's, not to mention all the woundered Soldiers on both side, we still have some leader's talking about how successful this war is. Can any of these heartless men explain to the widow's and widower's how to put their lives back.

OBAMA KEEP ON DOING WHAT YOU ARE DOING….LET THE HATERS HATE…THAT'S WHAT THEY ARE GOOD AT…HATING….

MCCAIN IS GETTING DESPERATE AND SAYING ANYTHING TO GET PEOPLE AGAINST YOU….BUT IF PEOPLE WOULD LISTEN INSTEAD OF JUDGING, THEY CAN SEE THE GAMES HIS CAMPAIGN IS PLAYING…

OBAMA JUST CONTINUE TO USE YOUR EXCELLENT JUDGEMENT AND GOD BLESS YOU….

First they said we cant leave Iraq because there is too much violence. Now that its better they say we cant leave because it would get bad again. Based on those two arguments there will never be a time to leave.

When all is said and done everyone was told over and over again that we would only be there so long as Iraq wants us there. And now that they dont Bush and McCain are scrambling about what to do.

Did I hear somebody say that the Dems allowed our enemies in Vietnam to win and now they want the same enemies in Iraq to win? How did Vietnam become our enemy? People should be schooled in our history. This sense that we have to fight to make our point is archaic and dangerous! So for all of you unschooled war mongers who believe that being involved in a war for war's sake is a noble thing, make a push to get Bush to serve a third term and let him name McCain as his Secretary of War. Then you'll be very happy: we'll have the very thing you crave.

So Hillary was right … hmmmmm.

Obama/Hagel .. no way … Hagel is anti-choice and if Obama picks him it will alienate even more women! Women do make up 51% of the US population.

I think it is time we start bringing our troops home, and shifting the billions of dollars we are using to help Iraq, back to our country so we can help ourselves.

As a father od a Marine that was part of the surge, I take issue with Obama not relaizing or admitting that the surge worked. He insults everyone in uniform suggesting that his plan may have worked. If I had only picked the right numers on Sat, I would have won 6 million dollars. Please Obama, grow up and admit that the surge worked. It is ok we all know it did. Be a man turn loose of the left for one minute and say "The Surge Worked" if you can. How sad that you can't realize the sacrifice these people made to make sure you can travel there without fear.

NOBAMA is a NOVELTY being used by the left. How sad……

We cannot have our soldiers living there forever just to make sure things go smoothly at some point they need to stand on the own.

He's right.

He was right about getting in (shoudn't have) and right about getting out (should, with great deliberation and care.)

He's just right.

McCain and the conservatives always say we are winning like it is a game. Games have definite beginnings and endings. What are the goals, and definitions that amount to a win? These conservatives are just giving the Iraqis a blank check and all the time they want. Aren't the conservatives the ones that oppose welfare, big government, and entitlements? I guess Iraq doesnt count.

Mr. Obama, shift the focus to where it should have ONLY been Afghanistan. That is a legit war.

Obama '08. Finally bring some respect back to our nation.

Obama would show what kind of man he is if he simply said "John McCain was right–the surge was right–and I (the great redeemer of mankind if you listen to MSNBC) was wrong." That kind of modesty and truth is simply not in him or his supporters.

Lisa July 22nd, 2008 12:14 pm ET

If you're going to bring them home, bring them home. All talk and no substance.
______________________________________

Uh, Lisa…there has to be an election before President Obama can bring the troops home. You McCain types keep forgetting that no Senator can start the withdrawal. As soon as President Obama takes office, the talk will turn to action and you will feel like a fool.

How does one go about "securing" an "earned victory?" Either an earned victory is secure, or it is not secure, earned, or a victory.
Sound and fury, stuff and nonsense from another Rebublican Tucker..

Isn't this what the dems have been saying for oh 3-4 years. Its up to the Iraqis to decide what to do with their own country. The "great divider" Bush clearly doesn't understand English too well.

Obama has a plan, rather than McScam who will stay the course for 50-100 years. Win what? What is the United States trying to win now?? There has never been a plan for victory offered by Bush or any Republican't

In my eyes, the U.S. has given Iraq everything Bush promised. 1: Get Rid of Saddam (check) 2: Thrust our twisted version of democracy down your throat (check) 3: Free (well U.S. tax payer funded elections) ((check)) 4: Bush's version of Iraq's constitution (check) 5: New Schools, New Infrastructure, Billions of dollars that SHOULD have rebuilt America (check)

I am sick of anyone who continues to support McCain or Bush.. Where are the WMD's Bush promised?? HE LIED and should have already been impeached… That Lie led to 4000+ dead. What did Clinton's lie about oral secks lead to?? Zero deaths and he was impeached for lying about oral secks.. I guess in the Conservative mind oral secks and lying about it is worse than 4000+dead over a lie about WMD's!! If McCain is elected president I firmly believe he will start WW3.. He has a lot of anger left over from his POW days and will unleash it on Iran!!

If you want more war and more of the same. Elect McCain.

Seriously liberals, when Obama is president, and doesn't pull troops out on his timeline, but discovers some new, important reason not to, are you going to hold his feet to the fire??? America wants to know.

Because if he doesn't pull out, and you don't call him on it, I predict that the backlash will be awful, and I predict a lot of libs being spit upon or kicked to the curb (figuratively and literally). Think Bill and Hill had it rough when they backpedaled on their centrism after taking office? That will be a tea party compared to what awaits Obama if he doesn't deliver the pullout.

And I hope his appeasement efforts are successful for your sakes. Lord help you if another 9/11 happens. Best stay indoors. I have long predicted that if such an event occurs, folks won't be lynching just muslims but liberals as well. Not wishing, just saying.

Thank God Sen. Obama isn't buying in to the surge mentality and is still planning on getting us the heck out of Iraq. Pulling out of Iraq months ago would not have been a defeat for the U.S. As a matter of fact, the established goal was met the day the Iraqui Dictator Hussein was hanged.

What would have happened was that about a thousand more troops would be alive today.

Unfortunately, Sen. McCain still doesn't understand that other factors helped lower the attacks. In fact his surge wouldn't be successful until absolutely no attacks occur. And that just isn't going to happen.

Obama '08

Just like "why we went to war" is a thing of the past, so is the idea that Obama didn't support the surge. The issue today is what to do next and I think Obama is dead on by saying that Iraqi stability is in the hands of the Iraqi people.

The President doesn't take orders from generals, the President sets the agenda while listening to what's going happening on the ground.

ANGIE, So why are we fighting in Iraq and not in Afghanistan ?? and what about all those countries harboring terrorists ?? oh wait they don't have any oil for us to exploid

@ Lisa

You're obviously all talk and no original thought. How can Obama bring them home if he is not President yet? Just a question.

I look at this and say WOW finally a person after 8 years who has a brain. Who looks at situations for what they are rather then what they could be. The man has spoken to Iraq's Prime Minister and he said..>He wants us gone. So for Bush and McCain to be worrying about the oil and to keep us there is a little out of hand. I see it like this, if you voted for Bush then you have NO RIGHT to complain about Gas Prices, Our Economy, or The War because you supported this idiot. I did not. I think Obama is honestly a YOUNGER better Candidate. Times have changed and its definitely time for a change. I am not a Republican nor Democrat, I'm an Independant who has the right to be my own person rather then be marked by one of these two parties but in all honesty its time we Get a Democrat in Office to take the Torch out of Bush's hand whose other hand is no where but on his money. Its time we WAKE UP AMERICA and See that skin color or religiion does not matter. We are one as a nation and need to see this for what it is. An eye opener for you GOP's who have honestly lost your minds and go on to rants about nothing sort of like McCain right now who looks like an idiot because the Leader of Iraq wants us gone . And the surge didn't work. It was supposed to be over by now and the Iraqi's were supposed to be running their country but is it like that ….NO…so therefore your plan didn't work.. Another Faulty Lie filled plan by the Bush Administration. I hope they arrest his a22 for lying under oath as a president about WMD's which is way more dangerous then a Blow job

The only thing that we, can be sure of in this World; is that situations will change. And with that change, our "policies" have to adjust to that change. The 'future predictors" are in limited supply; and the "critics from hindsight", are at the highest premium.

To all warmongers in support of McCain: Trace your family tree back to Adam (for the Christians) or to evolution and count the number of people in it. I bet they are less than 1000. 4200 people have died unnecessarily in Iraq for crying out loud! Vote for Peace!!!

Republican for Barack Hussein Obama.

what does McCain mean by winning the war in Iraq. We have the rights to the oil wells .Daddy Bush can sleep at night W hanged he arch rival.

The Surge is a "TACTIC", Obama is talking about a comprehensive Iraq "STRAGEDY". As an ex military man McCain should understand the difference. Touting that "the surge worked!" is like saying " We threw a great punch " when someone else is saying we shouldn't be fighting, lets stop. McCain should say "the surge worked..so we can come home " THAT would be a stagedy or conversely he could say "the surge worked, so we should stay longer" Just saying 'the surged worked'…whether you agree the reduction in violence is due entirely to the surge or not.. is not a saying anything about what we are doing invading another country.

What is winning in Iraq anyway? Is it a reduction in violence, an independent, self governed Iraq, an Iraq not able to threaten its neighbors? Or is it an Iraq with oil controlled by US companies, an Iraq with 50 US bases, an Iraq with a US puppet government?

If it is the former, we've won. Lets leave. We had such an Iraq when Saddam was in power and the thousands of US and hundreds of thousands of Iraqic dead does not justify the invasion. If it the latter…then you make your own call….but I don't think the cost is justified even then.

Obama simply can't amit he was wrong about the surge! He can't admit that America's involvement in Iraq brought about a new Democracy in the Middle-East. He can't admit his judgement may not be all that great after all !!!!

I am looking forward to hearing from Senators Reed and Hagel when they get home. They certainly seemed totally in agreement with Obama at his press conference in Jordan.

McCain has two ads on the internet on how the media is in love with Obama. Perhaps they should be explaining WHY THAT IS OBAMA'S fault. To use this as a reason for not supporting Obama is pathetic.

Since his whining McCain is getting equal coverage. From what I have seen this will only help Obama.

Obama… the man of the future… playing the what if game.

Obama is always going back instead of forward.

What if 9/11 never happened? Where would WE be now. We don't know THAT either.

Barack Obama has made a foreign policy blunder on his trip to the Middle East, proclaiming that he wanted to "make it absolutely clear that Israel is a friend of Israel's."

This type of mental lapse could indicate a more serious underlying problem for the freshman senator.
That he doesn't know what the heck he is talking about.

This is an incredibly dangerous person.

Current results seem to support what Obama says with there being little doubt that Iraq's security and progress is in the hands of the Iraqis, since the over throw of Saddam it has really always been that way. More than the surge, what the Iraqis have done to stop the fighting between Iraqis and in settling some of the differences between factions within the government is what is really responsible for the current progress. It is time to take American politics and American troops out of the picture.

Obama, now trying to take credit for the success of the surge.

He opposed it, it worked, and now he wants to claim credit for it.

Of course the Iraquis will ultimately have to step up to the plate… we need Obama to tell us the obvious.

Let us not forget that we are electing a President not American Idol. The President is the leader of our Nation not a puppet of the International community. Don't put your country at risk. Vote for the one True American in this Race. John S. McCain, Death before dishonor. Semper Fi.

What the GOP is not telling you is that the violence was not quelled by the surge. THE VIOLENCE WAS QUELLED A A COMBINATION OF SEVERAL KEY OCCURENCES:

A shift in allegiances among the Sunni tribal leaders, as well as the decision of the Sadr militias to stand down, Iraq military forces growing in power and quelling violence, and finally the surge.

IF THERE WERE NO EFFECTS BUT THE SURGE, THERE WOULD STILL BE WIDESPREAD VIOLENCE THERE.

OUR NEW PREZ. ROCKS.

IT'S TOO MUCH, SMART, HONEST & GOOD LOOKING.

AND HE LOVES US. HOW SWEET IS THAT???

The very fact that Obama can be in Iraq mouthing off is because of the surge! What a moron!

There's no one with and R after their name at the VP level that doesn't make me shudder. No, let's not "cut and run" (that's the latest slogan right?), let's stay there forever and ever. The problem with Iraq, as with the economy and ever other issue in America today, is that the conservatives, with their black and white world view, have been given the opportunity to govern. They've failed miserably and their only refuge is to attack anyone that offers a solution that's different from their stilted worldview. Newsflash–the conservative movement, as at the beginning of power in 1980, is intellectually and morally bankrupt. So go ahead and get on with the "The Democrats lost Iraq" myth you'll perpetuate for the next 25 years.

Did the republicans send out a memo that says to all surrogates…."No matter what the topic is just make sure to mention the surge at least 10…make that 11 just to be safe."

The false prophet pretends to be the Messiah, once again.

The sheep will follow.

The people can see through the media hype.

The surge- that Obama was against- WORKED.

Now the troops can withdraw on a careful timetable.

Malaki can be on board because things are now improved.

Obama is trying to take credit for a plan that he criticized but that has worked.

How sleazy and dirty is Obama?

PLEASE PLEASE don't take our Govenor!!

WHAT AN AWESOME PRESIDENT !!!!!!

WE ARE GOING TO GET BACK IN STEP WITH OUR OBAMA.

I do not support this war currently, however I am amazed at how many people now claim that they never supported it. Based on the information at the time (that even had Colin Powell wrong) attacking Iraq was the correct thing to do. I challenge everyone to quit complaining about how we never should have been there and take your cause to how we are going to leave. Complaining will not bring back the men and women who lost their lives.

It is the surge… and its success, that now permits a withdrawal of troops.

Duh….

Obama is trying to take the credit for the success of a plan that he strongly and wrongly opposed.

HOW arrogant and self-serving and hypocritical is THAT?

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 effective. 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!
—————————————————-
Are you clueless? Jindal is a guy who has not held the same office for more than 2 years in a row; he's held a lot of positions, that's for sure, at least 3 times resiging an office to accept a position in another job.

in the 1 year he has been in the office of governor of LA, at least one recall petition was supported because of Jindal's position to double legislators salaries… he also is known for CUTTING public programs, hospitals and clinics.

Did you know he was a HINDU until high school. How does that fit into your Republican mold? His REAL name isn't even "Bobby" — it's Piyush Jindal (FACT)…

It would be a welcome change for people to do some research before exposing their ignorance… but then, it would help if McCain did that, too.

BUSH & McCAIN

DUMB AND DUMBER

BY the WAY… JINDAL is 36 years OLD. I don't know what you think he might have accomplished in, say, the first 10-20 of those years, dear.

My question to you Obama is: If it is Iraq's responsibility to care for itself without the US, why is Afghanistan different? Why should Americans defend Afghanistan but not Iraq???

The future of Iraq is in Iraq's hands… Wow what a revelation… Tell us something we don't already know…. Like where is your money coming from to buy the presidency. With the poor people that allegedly support you and the downtrodden minorities scraping to pay their bills, where is the MONEY coming from. Venture to Guess Overseas
Arab Money… which is illegal. But then what are a few illegalities.

McCain and ( ) for President. Semper Fidelis (Always Faithfull).

good job may God bless you and lead our soldiers away from harm's way.

Obama the way to go

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 effective. 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!
—————————————————-
Are you clueless? Jindal is a guy who has not held the same office for more than 2 years in a row; he's held a lot of positions, that's for sure, at least 3 times resiging an office to accept a position in another job.

in the 1 year he has been in the office of governor of LA, at least one recall petition was supported because of Jindal's position to double legislators salaries… he also is known for CUTTING public programs, hospitals and clinics.

Did you know he was a HINDU until high school. How does that fit into your Republican mold? His REAL name isn't even "Bobby" — it's Piyush Jindal (FACT)…

It would be a welcome change for people to do some research before exposing their ignorance… but then, it would help if McCain did that, too.

BUSH & McCAIN

DUMB AND DUMBER

A fantastic Obama press conference. His tour abroad makes McCain's trips look like a grade school fieldtrip.

Obama Bashers:

LOOK IF YOU WANT TO HATE FINE, BUT GIVE SOME FACTS AND TALK ABOUT ISSUES!

REPUBLICAN COWARDS LEAD BY MCWAR NEVER TALK ABOUT ISSUES AND HOW MCWAR IS BETTER USING FACTS!!!!

LIKE LISA:

"All talk and no substance." What are each one of your post then LISA!

LIKE Catty:

Who just now figured out what Obama has been saying for over a YEAR NOW.

I A VOTER am sick of hearing your CRAP McWar!!! Talk about the issues!

A big difference between Obama and McCain seems to be where the responsibility gets put. McCain says, "It's all because of the surge. The surge is what made it safer." Obama seems to realize that it goes much further beyond this. "It was also the Iraqis themselves who made it safer." I trust the person who is less egotistical and willing to see that it will take EVERYONE to make Iraq safe, but mainly the Iraqis. It is their country, and if they want it to be a safe and happy place then that is on them.

Obama opposed the surge.

The surge has worked.

The success of the surge now enables Obama's plan to withdraw, and Malaki's call for American withdrawal.

Without the surge… it would all be just talk…none of it would be possible.

I like the phrase someone ahead of me used…"recovering Republican." I am a recovering Republican in Kansas and very worried our country may not recover from the damage of the last 8 years. If McWar gets in I am sure we will not. Either he is stupid, senile, or clueless confirmed by his last "mis-spoken" comment regarding the tensions on the "Iraq/Pakistan boarder." Give me brilliance over experience any day of the week. If we would have stayed with President Carters energy plan from 30 years ago we would not be in the mess we are in today.

Obama Bashers:

LOOK IF YOU WANT TO HATE FINE, BUT GIVE SOME FACTS AND TALK ABOUT ISSUES!

REPUBLICAN COWARDS LEAD BY MCWAR NEVER TALK ABOUT ISSUES AND HOW MCWAR IS BETTER USING FACTS!!!!

LIKE LISA:

"All talk and no substance." What are each one of your post then LISA!

LIKE Catty:

Who just now figured out what Obama has been saying for over a YEAR NOW.

I A VOTER am sick of hearing your CRAP McWar!!! Talk about the issues!

Obama you twit, the surge caused Sadr to stand down. He didn't just do it on his own. Geez what a knumbskull you are to suggest the Surge didn't have anything to do with reduced violence.

The folk see through you despite the Media's fawning over you. So enjoy the ride, it's over in November.

The infallible one has spoken.

His perfection is astounding.

Pompous self-serving windbag

It's sad that McCain and the Republicans see their only out as just attacking Obama's points on different issues. McCain wants the American public to belief that the surge, by itself, is what has led to the quelling of violence in Iraq. In fact, the decisions by ordinary Iraqis to turn against the insurgents, Sadr's decision to agree to a cease-fire, semi-political stability, and the surge all worked together to calm things down. The surge, by itself, WOULD NOT have done everything that has been done at this point. The decision of the PEOPLE to turn things around is what has changed everything. They have HOPE!

Al-Maliki agrees with Obama that there should be a working timetable for withdrawel from Iraq. End of story there, no more Bush "translations" that are wrong! McCain wants to occupy Iraq for 100 years, which is what was done in Japan following WWII. Get the policies that are the same age as you out of here McCain!

Obama has always believed Afghanistan should be the focal point of the fight against extremist activities; look where forces have been built up, supplies replenished, and numbers increased in the region. Where is Osama? You mean to tell me Hussein is suppose to make-up for dropping the ball on not catching the person RESPONSIBLE for 9/11? Take the U and H out of BUSH and that'll tell you what you get!

The distraction of the ignorance that got us in Iraq needs to be ended ASAP! Let McCain focus on the countries he remembers, like Checkloslovakia, Burma, the U.S.S.R., and others that haven't been around for 15 years or more. Meanwhile, let Obama focus on the future, improving America's image around the world and bringing us all the hope that we have so desperately needed for a long time now.

Vote Obama!

I had a dream today…. a dream of hope…. a dream of change….
From the Rocky Mountains to the foothills of Georgia….
I had a dream today…. Obama '08/'12

"The Iraqi people are absolutely responsible for the outcome once we move out. We have given them the fishing pole, the bait, and showed the the best spot to fish at the lake but we cannot stick around and do the fishing for them. We have taught them to fish, it is now time for them to fish without us."

We took their fishing poles and destroyed them, and that was after we'd poisoned the lake.

And that's why the Iraqis must become independent and self-sufficient. We're the worst thing that ever happened to them - we were in the 80s, when we helped Saddam brutalize his people and the region, and we are today. God help them.

In 2004, John McCain said "when the Iraqi's want us to leave, we will"

In May 2007, President Bush said," it is the soveriegn government of Iraq that will determine when US troops are no longer needed in their country".

The two gentlemen are the standard bearers for the Republican party's agenda.

Both the Iraqi Prime minister al Maliki and his 2nd in command have both echo'd Senator Obama's call for our troops to be completely out sometime in 2010. Seems the "naivety" claim touted by McCain about Senator Obama has been revealed as political gobble-de-gook.

McCain and Bush feel politically insulated from the rest of the country's concerns by there being a war in Iraq. They describe failure as US troops leaving Iraq.

This war was started under false pretenses because the Bush administration was floundering politically in 2001. Do the research and see what was being written & reported about George Bush's lack of leadership accumen at that time. He felt he had to do something to protect his chance at a 2nd term.

Similarly, McCain believes the war and fear-mongering about another potential terrorist attack is good for his politcal career. Unfortunately 4200 young Americans have paid for this type of job insurance with their lives.

That's not patriotism. That's not success.

Now that the US-backed, elected Iraqi leadership wants us to leave, let's see what "spin" Bush and McCain come up with to justify continuing our presence there.

Yes that is absolutely correct. The future of Iraq should be determined in 16 months solely by the Iraqi's. It is up to them. I'm sick and tired of my tax dollars and $10- $12 B spent every month to pay to Cheney's Haliburton and more windfall profits to the petroleum industry.

GO BAMA!

GO BAMA!

GO BAMA!

GO BAMA!

GO BAMA!

I don't think Obama has a clue to what he's doing. He looks terrified to be there and can't wait until he gets home. He will say and do whatever it takes to get votes.

sen. obama said he would listend to the commanders on the ground.( as long as it agrees with is vast milatary experience) which i guess general petraes did't do.re troop removal from iraq. he quotes the obvious like it was his personal observation, about having more troops in afgahnistan. we just forced al qeada from iraq so they have to save face by going to afghanistan. if we pull out of iraq to chase them out of afghanistan, whats to stop them from going back to iraq. not the iraqi army they only have confidence and loyalty because they are proped up by us forces. take them away to soon and they will revert to what they were and it will all have been for naught

First…. think about what are we getting in return to run their (Iraq's) security, police, army ??? Are we being paid for these services - NOOO. Are we really destroying the terrorist roots - NOOOO….
People like Bush, Cheney, McCain get paid with hefty contracts that suck up our Tax dollars.
Every American by now clearly understands this.
Still, why do some Americans support this McPain's war policy.. cause they have to. Democrats want us out, so Republicans want to stay.
Are you guys crazy?? Look at ourselves. We cant afford to sacrifice our troops and resources for years to come - for some country's security that doesn't even want us there.
Get out and get out as soon as possible. Obama is leading us in the right direction
OBAMA (2008 -16)

I’d for one like to thank Barack for what he’s doing overseas. I can’t remember the last time we had so many world leaders and citizens of other nations as anxious as they are now in hearing what one of our premier political figures has to say.

Not to mention when he speaks, he actually knows what he’s talking about and is able to construct constructive and articulate statements. I’ve grown accustomed over the past eight years of people domestically and abroad running from the presence and words of these ‘politicians’. Barack appears to be genuine in his ability to actually want to hear the concerns of these individuals.

It will be amazing or should I say less so, the criticism he will face for being liked by those other than left of center Americans or those disaffected by the last eight years. Who knew being liked around the world would be such a bad thing.

Well said, Senator Obama. While you make intelligent statements based on facts, McCain is over here whining about media bias and trying to blame 30 years of no real energy legislation (and by some bizarre logic, high gas prices) on YOU. What a laugh!

Does he REMEMBER where he's been for the past 26 years? IN CONGRESS…

We have BUSH (DUMB) and god forbid we end up with McCain (DUMBER)

I saw Obama's 45 minute press conference this morning. Presidential is the first word that comes to mind. Intelligence and command are two others. If only Bush were presidential. If only McCain had the command to remember a four part question and answer it intelligently. Republicans should quickly realize that Barack Obama is Karl Rove's good twin. He has taken McCain's supposed large advantage in foreign relations and significantly reduced that advantage not through the dark forces of lies and distortions that play to our fears but through the forces of light exemplified by good judgement and vision that call to our courage. "President Obama:" Get used to it, the man shows he has the right stuff.

I am a republican voting for Obama. He is right on Iraq and McCain is wrong. I believe it is Obama who has the better judgement.

Obama /Hagel 08

It is ironic that the republicans are saying that McCain is a better Commander in Chief - CIC (and a large percentage of ignorant electorate also says that). Obama's Afghanistan, Iraq, Middle East tour has proved that he will be a better CIC. He has articulated the job of CIC better than McCain has - just saying that you will listen to commanders on the ground is not good enough for the CIC. The CIC has to lay down the overall strategy that is best for the our and Iraq's security (including our and their economic security which is in doldrums) and well being and let the commanders in the field execute (tactical) the overall strategy. If not, you are not a CIC but a subordinate to the generals who are in the field and armed forces!!!!

Why doesn't WhamBama preach this in his church ? Practice this at home buddy and maybe people will take you seriously !!

Not only has McCain never defined his versions of "victory" or "success" in Iraq for us, but he has failed to give us a geography lesson as to where he thinks the "Iraqi/Pakistani" border is. Old John is getting confused more and more.

The Messiah has spoken.

Its funny how so many republicans were against the war when Bush was president, and as soon as Obama runs against McCain they all-of-a-sudden support the war. Listen voters, after over 4 years of U.S. Influence the Iraqi government should be able to handle themselves, they are not a bunch of 5 year olds, how can we legitamitly claim to be helping the Iraqi government by ignoring al-maliki's support for withdrawal…this will make us look like dictators and continue to kill our relationship with the countries around us. Republicans, stop bashing Obama on inexperience and the stupid notion that he is all talk, because I have yet to hear any plans McCain has on any of the big issues in America and abroad. We are not idiots, we know it is YOUR canidate that is infact ALL TALK.

Obama/Sebelius 08′

There is no better time then now to pull out from the middle east. These people have been fighting for more years then we could even imagine and as we can all see there is nothing we can do to change the issue over there. If we stay were hated if we leave were hated. So lets do the best thing possible leave but leave with an understanding dont come knocking on our door with your issues and try to drag us in to a fight, because next time we wont be so nice.

and to add at the time we went to war 90% of the population approved of this. Granted it hasn't turned out how anyone wanted it to and its time to leave but you people need to get off your soapbox and stop acting like you were against it all along. Neither Obama or McCain is what this country needs.

Vote Scooby Doo -

I agree with senator Obama on this one. The Iraqi people have to control their own fate. the longer we do everything for them the longer it will take. A time line is the one thing that we have failed at. We needed a timeline 2yrs ago and should have stood by it. the end result will be the same if we leave today or 10yrs form now. Why am I the only one that can see that? we walk away and if it all falls appart then we strike from a distance. Boots on ground has been proven NOT to be the answer. Did we learn nothing from the Russian's in Afganistan? From the Iraq/Iran conflict? We trained these insurgents to defeat there enimies, which ironically is now us. Obama has my vote as long as Glenn Beck is his running mate!!

From the understanding I've acquired I think the money we're paying Sunni & Shia militia to stand down is working more than the surge, of course having a few thousand troops standing behind those dollars helped a little bit too!

I thought the surge didn't work?!?! So how did the decrease in violence happen?

"But, Obama said, a functioning Iraq will ultimately depend on the capacity of the Iraqi people to unify themselves, get beyond sectarian divisions and set up a government that works for the people."

Just follow our example of treating diversity in the US. That will work.

Obama is right. The only way we could guarantee that their country would be Democratic is to stay another 100 years. Its ultimately up to the people in Iraq to make their own destiny. Its a Civil War and we need to get out of it and let them figure it out amongst themselves. We've given them the tools, now they need to do it.

McCain keeps saying that without the surge, Obama couldn't even safely go there. If we had done what Obama wanted all along, we wouldn't even have needed the surge. Which is just another way of saying escalation.

Response to comment about Obama "looking presidential":

Hello! An ACTOR can LOOK presidential. Maybe that's all Obama is.

And do you know that Obama is staging fake interviews? Journalist
Andrea Mitchell complained about it on Chris Matthews's show.

I know what would have happened with that plan, NOTHING! It just shows he was wrong along with other Dems and it would absolutely make them burn to have admit something GWB did right. This guy's arrogance is more than Bill Clinton ever dreamed. He is totally a hack and empty suit. He was supposed to be better than Hillary????

What a pleasure it is to listen to Obama discuss world affairs in a thoughtful and intelligent way. What a contrast to the chest thumping cowboy mentality we have seen from the Bush administration and now the McCain campaign.

O'bummer was against the surge before he was for the surge before he was against the surge!

I just have to say that to all the idiots who think Obama voted against going to war with Iraq - Hello he wasn't even a senator when this whole thing started so he did not have a vote. He might of had an opinion but not a vote.

well thank you Captain Obvious.

Apparently Sen. Obama now supports the surge and would have us believe that he always has. He also now would have us believe that he always felt the war in Iraq was winnable.

What does he take us for?

I meant the war on terror in my post.

There must be only a handful of deluded stooges around the world who do NOT realize the truth of this. Unfortunately one is in the White House and the other aspires to be.

The surge would have been irrelevant if we had listened to Obama in the first place. This was a war …. INVASION… that should have never occured. We invaded a sovereign nation unprovoked. Sounds to me like the surge was a way of cleaning up an unnecessary mess.

OBAMA was correct all along.

The surge would have been irrelevant if we had listened to Obama in the first place. This was a war …. INVASION… that should have never occured. We invaded a sovereign nation unprovoked. Sounds to me like the surge was a way of cleaning up an unnecessary mess.

OBAMA was correct all along.

> HA! Very well, Obama, now, you need to change your debate and
> give the credit to the tireless efforts of our military and diplomats who >have crafted a situation on the ground that you and the media have
> tried so hard to hide.
> The man is clueless.

Talk about clueless… try looking up "Al-Sadr" and "cease fire" and tell me again about how it's all because of the surge. Next time, try doing a little homework before you spout off.

McHussian strikes again! Why not offer the terrorists a happy meal and some of your freshly made kool aid that all of your followers drink-it works on them. The CHOSEN ONE delivers such good speeches and when you take the teleprompter away there is nothing left.

Can anyone define what success in Iraq is? According to McCain , we have already succeeded in Iraq. Succeeded in what? If we have already succeeded, can we pull our troops from Iraq and concentrate on the real war of terror against Al Qaeda in Afghanistan?

Spoken like a "true" President. There are no winners in a war; it all boils down to who is left……..and I agree……the Iraqis need to take control of their country and their lives.

I find it fascinating that while Democrats attempt to portray themselves as highly educated do-gooders, they are almost exclusively the first to resort to childish name calling and most often offer the most ignorant blog comments possible. Just an observation…

What surge policy? The surge is over!!! Is that McCain's argument, hypethicals. Well, here is a hypathetical, if Obama was president in 2000 we would not have invaded Iraq AND we would be succeeding in Afhgan where the terrorists are!

Wake up people!!!

Of the $341 MILLION DOLLARS A DAY that the US is wasting in Iraq, how much of it comes from the Iraq's own economy? Nada! This, despite the fact that the Iraqi economy has doubled over the last year. How dumb are the McCain supporters to not see through this?

McCain campaign: "……. rather than securing the victory our troops have earned and the surge has made possible,"

Is this the same campaign that just criticized Obama for suggesting that if the surge has been successful, it would allow us to exit sooner? Didn't they say it was as bad a Bush's "Mission Accomplished" proclamation? Are they now making the same proclamation less than a week later? How stupid are these people?

What are the odds that we will end up with a stable western friendly government in Iraq? Still very slim at best, right? How about getting Bin Laden? How about being welcomed as liberators? Less of a failure is still a failure! Thank you GWB and JSM.

Also, they said that if we followed Obama's advice, we would have "lost" the war. What a crock. Had we followed Obama's advice, we would have never gone in at all and would have saved over 4,000 American lives, who knows how many Iraqi lives, and hundreds of billions of dollars. Plus we would have been able to focus on terrorism and avoided making hundreds of thousands more enemies through the Muslim world.

Perhaps McCain wants to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat in Viet Nam, too. Then on to free Czechoslovakia from Soviet control. Hope he doesn't send troops to patrol the border between Australia and Iran.

Wake up CNN your idiotic threads highlighting John McSames attacks are getting monotonous. Also your racist headline "Barack's presidency could be bad for race relations" is race baiting" Stop it! And these lopsided polls that you cite as valid are also bogus. Are you polling minorites? NO ! So they are only based on a few whites who are predominately conservative. This is not a valid estimate of what all of the population thinks. It's just CNN's. Just because you have a few minorites as newscasters doesn't make your news fair and balanced.

You Obama supporters are voting for a farce. He can't back up what he says now with what he has said in the past. He is only saying what you WANT to hear.

Will you people wake up…HE WILL NOT bring the troops HOME. He will not be able to once the commanders tell him it is not in the interest of our country to leave prematurely. He has already backed off of his knee jerk reaction to the "Pull them out now" approach.