July 23, 2008
Posted: 07:00 PM ET

From ,
McCain campaigned in Pennsylvania Wednesday.'
McCain campaigned in Pennsylvania Wednesday.'

BETHLEHEM, Pennsylvania (CNN) – John McCain defended comments he made in an interview on Tuesday when he incorrectly argued that the surge in Iraq gave way to the so-called “Anbar Awakening” - when Sunni leaders joined forces with U.S. troops to fight Al Qaeda in the fall of 2006.

The Arizona senator told reporters Wednesday afternoon that when he refers to the surge, it encompasses not just the January 2007 increase in troop levels but also the counter-insurgency that started in Iraq’s Al Anbar province months prior.

“A surge is really a counter-insurgency strategy, and it’s made up of a number of components,” McCain said. “This counter-insurgency was initiated to some degree by Colonel McFarland in Anbar province, relatively on his own.”

“General Petraeus said that the surge would not have worked, and the Anbar Awakening would not have taken place, successfully, if they hadn’t had an increase in the number of troops,” McCain added.

“I’m not sure frankly that people really understand that a surge is part of counter-insurgency strategy which means going in, clearing, holding, building a better life, providing services to the people,” he continued.

In an interview with CBS’s Katie Couric on Tuesday, McCain said that the surge led U.S. forces to ally with Sunnis, “And it began the Anbar Awakening. I mean, that's just a matter of history."

The Obama campaign quickly seized on the discrepancy in the timeline between when the Awakening started and the U.S. later added 30,000 boots on the ground. Before McCain responded, his camp hit back saying that Democrats were minimizing the military’s role in recent successes in Iraq.

Filed under: John McCain


steve fielder   July 24th, 2008 12:41 am ET

Poor Old John! First, you redefine the term "surge" and next you'll be redefining the term "war"! You still can't define the term "victory", can you!?! Go have yourself a nice long rest. buy a little mountain cabin in Czechoslovakia, tune in the sports channel on your Short Wave Radio and cheer for the Brooklyn Dodgers!

Steven   July 24th, 2008 12:06 am ET

lila,; Texas Trail Dog Doesn't Read. He's Just Waiting For That Big "G" To Happen and Spew His Hate For Obama.
The Warmongers Can't Stand The Truth.

Barack Obama met with a crowd of cheering troops and State Department workers in Baghdad Monday night.

"So I don't care whether you are a Sailor, a Soldier, an Airmen, or Marine. A National Guard, a Reservist, active duty, we just want to say thank you," Obama said. "Back home, as I travel all across the country, every single day I meet your friends, your family members, your co-workers, and the main thing they want me to communicate is how proud they are of you," Obama continued. "They may disagree on politics. They may disagree on the issues. But the country is absolutely united in the excellence, the devotion, the dedication with which you have performed your duties, here."

Mildred   July 24th, 2008 12:06 am ET

Poor McCain. Some body help him take his foot out his mouth.

Wisconsin   July 24th, 2008 12:05 am ET

Its not McWar's fault! It's all the stupid whiner American people who clearly did not count on the pre-surge surge that was a big part of the surge.

How many people remember the pre-surge surge post surge of Jan. 12th in Czechoslovakia? Thats when we used Iraq's WMD's to get our flag pins back!

ANGIE   July 24th, 2008 12:02 am ET

people wake up and wake up hard just look at mccain think about it real hard do you really want this old confused liar to be you president if you answered no then you better registar to vote take your selves to the voting booth and VOTE OBAMA JUST DONT TALK WALK IT!!! or its gonna be a sad day for america if mccain wins and i pray everyday people will be smarter this time dems get over the primaries they were fun but its over things happened the way they did NOW UNITE AND VOTE BARACK HUSSEIN OBAMA MAKE THIS WORLD A BETTER PLACE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

seyi   July 24th, 2008 12:01 am ET

I notice every repub on this blog does nothing but criticize OBAMA, but OBAMA has nothing to do with the incompetency of McCain.

The new word of the year is no longer change people, it is "THE SURGE"
The SURGE, by definition before it was carried out ,was the substantial INCREASE IN # of TROOPS in IRAQ. Hence the word "SURGE" That didn't start until january 2007 and the # of troops peaked in July 2007. The Anbar Awakening started in August 2006. There is nothing else known as the THE SURGE as it pertains to the iraqi war.
Somebody please tell McCain to stop hurting himself. The OBAMA campaign is getting all the coverage and every time McCain gets on TV, he makes a mistake,
His campaign is becoming a joke.

KP   July 24th, 2008 12:00 am ET

McCain is taking way too much credit for the surge. Obama is right when he gave the credit to the men and women in our arm forces that made all of this possible.

Obama for America and America forObama!!!

Lee Bartholomew   July 23rd, 2008 11:57 pm ET

I'm more disappointed CBS edited the response right now that the normal experience but inept McCain. Just another reason CBS isn't a trustworthy organization. Which kinda figures because they fired Dan Rather and replaced him with someone worse. And McCain complains about media bias? Dan Abrams (sp) on the other network has been calling him Teflon John for months. He's been getting a free ride from the press. I mean how dumb can you be to attack the people that gave you a free ride. Now that you've angred your own press corps. Now they'll go after you. So by all means… Keep playing your Jessica Simpson stupitiy line. Next thing he'll say is the Bill of Rights was drawn up in the 1600's.

As far as defining when the surge took place, Does that mean he supported a surge before there was a legal surge. Which would mean that there was no surge. So no arguments.

KP   July 23rd, 2008 11:56 pm ET

I can't believe folks are going to vote for this guy. He has truly lost his "bearings."

Glenn   July 23rd, 2008 11:54 pm ET

What a senile old dufuss!

Caroline   July 23rd, 2008 11:52 pm ET

Yadda yadda yadda……..

…..am picturing his aides after the Big Boo Boo……."Oh God, what did he say NOW? How can we fix this….let's see, OK, he said Surge, but we can say he meant surge…..insurgent…….counterinsurgency…yeah, that's right, ….John? Here's what you say……"…….yadda yadda yadda.

But I'm sure you know better about all that war stuff than anyone else, John. Except for anyone with a memory.

Republican for change   July 23rd, 2008 11:52 pm ET

How can you say Obama lie when it's obvious that McCain was the one doing the lying in this article? Oh wait a minute, maybe it could be because Mc72 just "forgot" about the timeline of Iraq? How can you in good conscience trust a guy with the strategic direction of our country when he's having trouble remembering things?

Finding Nemo   July 23rd, 2008 11:51 pm ET

**

Clearly - McCain is a on a "Fact Finding Mission.."'

**

bern   July 23rd, 2008 11:48 pm ET

What a liar. If you are wrong just say you are. No need to tell another lie. Apparently McCain's mother forgot to tell him that.

Or, more likely, he forgot she did.

TonyinKentucky   July 23rd, 2008 11:47 pm ET

Lying, dimwitted, slipping mentally, or some combination appear to be the plausible labels for our old friend John.

I don't think it's right to call him McSame or McBush anymore as it is unfair to Bush. Dubya is George Washington in comparison.

I now totally understand why Dubya won out in 2000, he's way more on top of things than McCain and it's really not close.

Dale   July 23rd, 2008 11:43 pm ET

I'm really beginning to wonder if the GOP said, "Eh, we're going to lose anyway, so let's finally throw a bone to crazy ol' McCain. When he loses big-time we can say it's his fault for saying a bunch of dumb things and not because of our policies."

S. Boatman   July 23rd, 2008 11:43 pm ET

Get Off It Already Mccain!

Andrea in TX   July 23rd, 2008 11:42 pm ET

I'm a Republican, but I'm sorry, Senator McCain is mistaken on this matter and is behaving like someone caught in an untruth (lie). Just admit you misspoke and get back on your message; don't change your definition to fit your untruth.

I still don't believe this is the best our party has to offer. I'm sadden by the leadership lack or preparedness for this election after losing the Congress a couple of years ago. Just when I think I'm on board, Senator McCain knocks me off. He is NOT the answer.

Bayousara for Hillary in November   July 23rd, 2008 11:39 pm ET

Nothing has worked in Iraq!

Bottom line!

We shouldn't be there, we should never have been there, we can't define "winning," and we can't even define "leaving with honor."

This stupid war will continue into the next generation, and our American young men will continue to be brainwashed into thinking it is "honorable" to go to Iraq/Afghanistan.

We got out of Vietnam, finally, and that country immediately stabilized. I know this to be true.

I was conscious then.

Caycee   July 23rd, 2008 11:39 pm ET

The entire spectacle of this most recent "explanation" of the surge by McCain should be televised to the entire nation. If after watching it, you are still convinced that McCain is not confused, or worse incompetent, then you should check into the same clinic where they're treating whiners afflicted with a mental recession.

syl   July 23rd, 2008 11:39 pm ET

Obama is all about wi9nning. Look at his first campaign in Illinosi when he tried to remove all competitors. Look at his campaign against Clinton when his surrogates falsely accused Bill Clinton of playing the race card when the Obama campaign was projecting their own strategy. McCain is right - Obama prefers to loose the war in order to win a campaign.

mmd   July 23rd, 2008 11:32 pm ET

america, we have seen this before. be forwarded

Sabreen60   July 23rd, 2008 11:28 pm ET

I'm just glad that so many people are paying attention and understand the gravity of McCain's blunders. It is my opinion, however, that the inclination to "cover up" mistakes goes to character. IMO, he's not qualified to be the next POTUS. Obama is far more intelligent than McCain. And I for one, want the most intelligent person we can have as President.

Roland Stone   July 23rd, 2008 11:24 pm ET

Oh what a tangled web we weave! If McCain was using "surge" in this new broader sense to include pre-military buildup counterinSURGEncy measures, then he must have been accusing Obama of opposing these same unspecified measures. Where's the evidence for this? Or is he just hoping nobody will notice the inconsistency here?

Jay   July 23rd, 2008 11:23 pm ET

What is McGrumpy talking about?
Oh and it was nice of CBS to replace his real answer/gaffe to the question with another answer, just so McGrumpy wouldn't WHINE anymore. Darn Liberal media!

Michele Hussein, Oregon   July 23rd, 2008 11:22 pm ET

O.K., just have to say this. I've been reading and posting blogs here since January, and never once have I used Mc_______ or used anything foul as a description for President Bush.

But now I am BITING MY TYPING FINGER/TONGUE. How long will this man flat out lie, distort Obama's platform, misrepresent his vet support, have mental lapses, make international gaffes, make light of killing Iranians, tell denigrating jokes, regress to failed policies and claim "maverick", have no credible economic solutions, fill in dozens of other blanks………and now this backpeddling on the definition of the surge!

I will never openly try to disrespect Senator McCain, as I do think he is trying and it takes alot to be a public servant in this internet age, but I just disrespect most everything he stands for. Not everything, but just about……

Surge 101: Good analogy!

P.S. Is anyone else out there REALLY WEARY OF ALL OF THIS?

Kim   July 23rd, 2008 11:22 pm ET

"The surge is working…we are winning". Working against what? Winning what? Do we even know why we are in Iraq killing innocent Iraqis and Americans?!?! You call sending trillions of dollars to Iraq most of it getting in the pockets of repugnant croonies winning? How dumb are we as a nation?

Latinos for Obama   July 23rd, 2008 11:21 pm ET

Widen the surge definition, widen it to even include the PUMAS.

DJ CO   July 23rd, 2008 11:20 pm ET

I had hope most Americans will have the intelligence to see through McCain's lies, twisting of the truth and failure to comprehend this series of events. Looking at some of these comments though, I have my doubts. Commander in Chief material, right? Yeah, uh huh. November can't come soon enough so I can vote for President Obama!

Monica, Texas   July 23rd, 2008 11:19 pm ET

This has been a "bad" week for McCain..His campaign has shown serious signs of desperation. You are off message, not only does he seen confused but also jealous. Whining about the media and everything is so unlike the fomer McCain where did he go?

Big AL   July 23rd, 2008 11:15 pm ET

Crank Up the hybrid, someone need to drop the C-Nile man off at the ol' folks home. I can't believe the mess that coming out of this man mouth, This here is worst then Hillary Clinton, made up Bosian story.
And then he come back the next day in a store, like he was buying something. He open his mouth and the BS just came run out and what I believe he was saying that the surge happen before Bush told the Americans people that he was sending more troops. Now either he is tell an straight lie or Bush lied to the American people about the surge and when the troop build up. That mean that Bush had already send the troops over a year earlier………..

But anyway someone need to give that old as baby a bottle because he keep cry…. " I'm not being cover by the Media "

Steven   July 23rd, 2008 11:12 pm ET

The Warmongers Are Having That Kitchen Sink Feeling!

So Sad!

Andre   July 23rd, 2008 11:10 pm ET

Can you believe this guy. He does not know the facts and you should not fudge the facts here. It is clear that he does not know his facts.

Steven   July 23rd, 2008 11:06 pm ET

Texas Trail Dog Your Not Reading Or Listening.
I know Your Type, Sitting On Pins And Needles With Baited Breath, Just Waiting For That Big Obama Boo Boo!

Get A Life!

Gary Chandler in Canada   July 23rd, 2008 10:59 pm ET

Here's the McCain Campaign epitaph…
He practised and practised by shooting himself in the foot; then he shot himself in the stomach!

Greig Campbell   July 23rd, 2008 10:58 pm ET

The media should give McClame more attention and discuss all of his gaffes and lies from the past two weeks,

Ian   July 23rd, 2008 10:58 pm ET

I wouldn't even give him an "A" for effort.

michael   July 23rd, 2008 10:57 pm ET

this guy is meat…pakistan on the border with Iraq???? lets go to Czechoslovakia????? is it the sunnis or the shiites??????????????? what else has he screwed up.I think therre was another one but i cant remember it???.and this is the man who has the foreign policy experience????????? i dont think he even knows where he is half the time!!!!!!!!!!

B.Hawkins   July 23rd, 2008 10:57 pm ET

McCain is becoming a sad shell of his former self. He is not the man that will inspire the independent vote he so desperately needs by the personal attacks on OBama 's love of country when he promised this campaign would not be negative. He claims Straight Talk but he puts out statements that can only be charitable called misstatements. Those may play to a certain segment but those people were always going to vote for him anyway. The problem for McCain is that needs to gather the support of people who thought he was more than what he has actually shown himself to be.Sadly for McCain time is running out for him as Obama comes across as being much more presidential not only here but around the world.According to RCP he is losing 322 to 216 in the Electoral College Map which at the end of the day is the only poll that really matters.

No McCain   July 23rd, 2008 10:56 pm ET

Stay away from the DFW area Mr. Bush.

WE DON'T WANT YOU.

MOVE TO SIBERIA PLEASE!

That's Reality   July 23rd, 2008 10:52 pm ET

Trollmaster - He made no mistake. The real issue here is that he supported the surge, which was successful, and Obama didn't. So who made the mistake? Go figure.

Mike in NYC   July 23rd, 2008 10:51 pm ET

Redefinition of "victory" seems to be part of the US strategy for "winning" this war.

Being in Iraq over five years after the war was first "over," with the same number of troops you started with, doesn't sound like "victory." Especially when you've turned the greatest enemy of your biggest foe in the region (Iran) into an ally of that foe.

This war has been a disaster for the US. The damage to US prestige has been mighty indeed.

Texas Trail Dog! wrote:

"…OUR BRAVE SOLDIERS, HAVE FOUGHT, DIED AND LOST THEIR BLOOD IN A FOREIGN LAND TO WIN IT'S FREEDOM."

As someone who is not a BO supporter, I should point out that winning another nation's freedom is not the purpose of the US military. Its purpose is to guard the territory and freedom of the US itself. Those soldiers' deaths accomplished neither in this war.

Robin A Blue   July 23rd, 2008 10:50 pm ET

Lord please grant him his wish, McCain said has said over and over that he would rather lose the election and win the war. God I promise if you grant him and the American people this one last wish we will promise to be nice to each other, clean our rooms, eat all of our vegetables and make good grade, promise we will. Amen

Paris   July 23rd, 2008 10:50 pm ET

“McCain broaden the definition of surge” What kind of a headline is this?
If you are clueless about military strategy, do you have to write about it?
A child can understand that the surge came with new tactical strategy to help create security.
Now however you like to spin this, the surge strategy was a complete new approach on different levels and increasing troop level was a part of the new strategy.

CNN = Politics

CNN should = unbiased reporting and true journalism and not politics.

That's Reality   July 23rd, 2008 10:50 pm ET

My previous comment didn't get past the moderator, AGAIN. Makes me wonder how many other McCain supporters had theirs censored, also. No wonder it looks like a majority on this site support Obama

Gary Chandler in Canada   July 23rd, 2008 10:50 pm ET

Guliano >>> 911 this and 911 that
McCain >>> Petreus, General Petreus, more Petreus, and, oh ya, General Petreus (is he in love?)

Tim   July 23rd, 2008 10:49 pm ET

John Magoo is at it again!!!

No McCain   July 23rd, 2008 10:49 pm ET

Liebergoober is backing Hagee

California Gold   July 23rd, 2008 10:47 pm ET

McCain is not broadening any definition: he seems to believe he knows of a different surge that was only known to 2 people in the world: Col. McFarland and McCain. So McCain can claim that this unknown surge was before the President and Commander in Chief of the United States' Surge. I used to suspect McCain was just making gaffes due to the grind of the campaign trail. I forgave him the first and second claims about the Czech Republic (not the 3rd and 4th Czech Republic gaffe). Now it's clear McCain (1) rewrites history to his benefit, (2) believes the American public believes every word and every tall tale that flies out his mouth, which means (3) McCain is stupid.

LT for Obama   July 23rd, 2008 10:46 pm ET

To Aware:

You are obviously not very aware at all. You are projecting your candidates character on Obama. I would suggest you really read up on what your candidate is saying and doing because the only person who is making a fool of himself the last couple of days is McCain.

Texas Trail Dog - Like Lisa, please refrain from the hate filled posts and just once actually post something that has some truth behind it or are you just one of McCain's minions behind the scenes just making stuff up?

No McCain   July 23rd, 2008 10:46 pm ET

Does he think we're that dumb?

Come on McCain. Admit you made a mistake. Its not to hard.

And then once you admit it, then get out of the election. You can't win.

The double talk express. Yeah, that's what it is.

Adam   July 23rd, 2008 10:40 pm ET

Changing words to mean whatever he wants them to mean - he's getting more like Bush every day!

ADAM   July 23rd, 2008 10:39 pm ET

I DON'T THINK MCSHAME KNOWS ANY THING. THE MEDIA MADE HIM THE MASTER OF FORENG KNOWLAGE, BUT HE DOESN'T EVEN KNOW WHICH ONE IS WHICH.

GO OBAMA

Derek in Seattle   July 23rd, 2008 10:33 pm ET

Somebody call a doctor for this poor guy. Tell the doc to bring a straight jacket….

Susan from Scotts Valley, CA   July 23rd, 2008 10:31 pm ET

Texas Trail Dog:

Are you hallucinating because obviously you're not listening? You make Republicans look ridiculous. Obama has acknowledged the accomplishments, the bravery, the sacrifice, the skill, the talent, the commitment, the honor, respect, and devotion to duty of our military time and time again.

As far as McCain, as usual, this is typical Republicans revisionist history. Just like all the BS connecting Iraq with 9-11 and then denying they did that even when they would use Iraq and 9-11 together in the same sentence so often that Americans (like Texas Trail Dog, I'm sure) started to think they were connected. Iraq didn't attack us. Iraq didn't have WMDs. McCain's judgment about voting FOR the urge only came after his lack of judgment voting for us to go there in the first place.

Please America…don't make this man president. We'll again be the laughing stock of the world.

Brian   July 23rd, 2008 10:24 pm ET

Perhaps he needs to broaden the definition of "straight talk" to include "double talk."

jason, tx   July 23rd, 2008 10:22 pm ET

Wow. Now we are changing definitions. Um, this guy is a nutter. How can any of you vote for him. He's gonna trip all over himself from all the back pedaling and it seems he isn't even listening to Obama.

When is this guy going to start talking about issues instead of trying to bait Obama into a fight.

That said, I'm glad he is the Republican candidate. He will lose handily and that makes me very happy.

OBAMA 08

Trollmaster   July 23rd, 2008 10:16 pm ET

Why can't McCain just be honest and admit he made a mistake?

By doing this he only makes the whole thing look worse.

Lourdes   July 23rd, 2008 10:16 pm ET

WHAT?!? How can you change the definition of a military strategy after it has already been carried out?

He either doesn't understand what is really going on (which wouldn't be a surprise considering the mistakes about Czeckoslovakia, the Iraq border, etc,) or else he is a liar who hopes that the American public isn't paying close enough attention to catch him. Either way, NOT presidential.

FactCheck   July 23rd, 2008 10:16 pm ET

Dear Texas Trail Dog: how about your spend at least 10% of the effort in helping Hillary pay off her debt that you do in bashing Obama. Oh wait, that would actually take effort on your part.

Concerned Citizen of America 2008   July 23rd, 2008 10:15 pm ET

Texas Trail Dog, Do you even read a newspaper or watch a news clip? Obama has always thanked our Men and Women in Uniform for their service. Your posts are not well thought out, full of your opinion, your emotions, and no facts. Some of your posts even show your ignorance as you referred to Obama supporters as porch people? Thank god you aren't a Democrat or an Obama supporter. The GOP can have you..

FactCheck   July 23rd, 2008 10:13 pm ET

McCain has now amended his definition of the surge to include anything positive that has happened in Iraq, Afghanistan, the US or any other part of the world that he can take credit for.

Enough is enough   July 23rd, 2008 10:13 pm ET

SURGE SURGE SURGE SURGE SURGE!!!!!! I do not think this man can talk about anything else. Heck he does not even know when or why the surge was started.

Hispanos para Obama   July 23rd, 2008 10:12 pm ET

McCain is a Liar !

mj   July 23rd, 2008 10:12 pm ET

Hey Texas Dog, haven't you read where Obama consistently acknowledges the sacrifice of the troops? Regardless of who you support, Obama has been very supportive of the troops and the sacrifices they have made. Can you read???? And what facts support your accusations that he lies? Please support your comments with something other than childish accusations because those are meaningless to anyone who is capable of reading the facts.

Mickey   July 23rd, 2008 10:12 pm ET

McCain is the Commander in Cheese. What a goof-ball.

He is clearly losing it, and he takes up serious air time to lie about the record. Any time you have to stand in a cheese aisle at the grocery story and redefine the word "surge", your campaign is going down the toilet.

He is trying to claim the credit for what Colonel McFarland did.

M.S. Indiana   July 23rd, 2008 10:10 pm ET

Texas Trail Dog!
you are a fraud… don't even know why cnn or any one else lets you blog..
First off Iraq was a stable country, before we invaded it, it was our ally and was strong, a nice buffer against Iran.
Second, Obama have only voted against founding the war in Iraq ones, he have tried to get our fine soldier home. Where McCain would rather they stay 100 years and he also voted against the GI bill, which would have been good for our veterans, and DAV gives Obama a 80% support, was 20% for McCain…
3rd, Bush have said mission was accomplished… McCain have said we succeed, so why not bring the troops home and let Iraq police and military take back their country ?? After all their government wants it so, and the people to too

roger   July 23rd, 2008 10:04 pm ET

mccain lost his mind this guy thinks surge is everything in his life. looser go home and sleep.

pat C.   July 23rd, 2008 10:02 pm ET

how can we stand much more of this dribble? i am beginning to hear serge in my sleep. how many times can McCRAZY repeat this word? we get it old man. take credit for it and move on. nobody cares! we just want our men and women out of there and NOW! this is a war that should have never been started and no serge can replace the 4,100 soldiers that have died just so McCain can stand there and stomp his foot and claim he did it! this man is a fool and an idiot and should never be trusted with the responsibility of our country.

Tell the truth   July 23rd, 2008 10:02 pm ET

Texas Trail Dog! July 23rd, 2008 9:36 pm ET

ALL OBAMA CAN DO IS LIE, LIE AND LIE STRIVING TO MAKE THE PEOPLE BELIEVE THAT WHAT HE SAID IS THE LIVING TRUTH. HE WILL NOT ACKNOWLEDGE THAT OUR BRAVE SOLDIERS, HAVE FOUGHT, DIED AND LOST THEIR BLOOD IN A FOREIGN LAND TO WIN IT'S FREEDOM. HE WILL NOT ACKNOWLEDGE THE BRAVERY OF OUR FIGHTING MEN. I CONDEMN HIM FOR THIS, BUT HE HAS ONLY PROVED WHAT I HAVE BEEN SAYING ABOUT HIM. ACCORDING TO THE SITUATION HE WILL SAY AND DO ANYTHING TO BACK UP HIS LIES JUST TO WIN THE OVAL OFFICE THAT HE DOESN'T HAVE A CLUE ABOUT RUNNING. SAD, SAD SAD, DAY FOR AMERICA WHEN THIS HAPPENS.

Please MR. Trail Dog speak with facts. You Obama hater are sad. You should go to Irag and fight. Please do not come home until McCain says so. Leave your family. It is easy for people to type on a computer screen with NO Action.

GULF WAR VET
IRAG WAR VET

cricket   July 23rd, 2008 10:02 pm ET

I thought John McCain was against change. Everytime I turn on the t.v. John McCain has changed his mind. Major Flip-Flopper. He can not tell the same thing twice .

S. Boatman   July 23rd, 2008 10:02 pm ET

Mccain Needs To Broaden His Definition Of Something Else! Anything Else! Mccain Would Rather Stay At War Than Loose An Election!

Lucas, Nashville TN   July 23rd, 2008 10:01 pm ET

Somebody get him some new oars. His backpedaling is gonna break this tired old pair.

Cheryl   July 23rd, 2008 10:00 pm ET

Texas Trail Dog, could you please make your font even BIGGER. That way I'll know you're a true patriot.

And try to use the words "brave" and "blood" and especially "freedom" more. Because we're not smart enough to have anything but a knee-jerk response to those all-American words after we've been conditioned by eight years of bully-patriotism.

Seriously, just for once try talking about the merits of your candidate instead of trying to emotionally blackmail people.

Maggie Muggins From Selwyn   July 23rd, 2008 10:00 pm ET

Guess what the person who calls himself the Texas Trail Dog must be Rush Limbaugh in drag. No other sane person could ever make such ridiculous statements.

In his defence though it is everyone's right to be foolish but should show some constraint on advertising it.

ali   July 23rd, 2008 9:58 pm ET

tx trail dog-lay off the coffee.

TN Susan   July 23rd, 2008 9:57 pm ET

What really stinks is that people like Texas Trail Dog are too crazy to even notice McShame is a major disgrace to the office he seeks. If this man wins America is doomed to more stupidity than even Bush drug us through. I don't even want to think about the laws he will decide to break to make sure everyone believes his way of doing things. Obviously he can't handle the job America, don't close your eyes and pull the lever for this joke. Give America a chance and vote Obama!

Montana is Obama Country   July 23rd, 2008 9:57 pm ET

Texas Trail Dog.. You have not been listening. Barack states the exceptional duty of all soldiers and addresses the loss of lives all the time.. repeatedly..

You are the one who will not "acknowledge" Baracks statements. Try google or youtube. You will find plenty of said comments..

You should condem McCain for not wearing a Flag Pin and for wanting to continue the war in Iraq which will surely bankrupt America.

The Native Americans have a saying– It goes like this: If a person is pointing a finger at another- that person should look down at their hand as there are THREE fingers pointing back at them..

You should look at your hand before opening your mouth..

lila   July 23rd, 2008 9:57 pm ET

Hay Texas Trail Dog…

Barack Obama met with a crowd of cheering troops and State Department workers in Baghdad Monday night.

"So I don't care whether you are a Sailor, a Soldier, an Airmen, or Marine. A National Guard, a Reservist, active duty, we just want to say thank you," Obama said. "Back home, as I travel all across the country, every single day I meet your friends, your family members, your co-workers, and the main thing they want me to communicate is how proud they are of you," Obama continued. "They may disagree on politics. They may disagree on the issues. But the country is absolutely united in the excellence, the devotion, the dedication with which you have performed your duties, here."

on google type in:

Obama Gets Mobbed By Crowd of GIs In Baghdad

Watch the Video.

That's what our troops think about Obama.

Nora   July 23rd, 2008 9:56 pm ET

Mc Cain` s gaffes are getting bad. New tapes today , from PA are realy scary.!!!!!!!!!!!

Earl   July 23rd, 2008 9:56 pm ET

Shades of Hillary.

McCain is trying to pull the military wool over our eyes.

Lone McCain Blogger   July 23rd, 2008 9:55 pm ET

It took them a day to come up with this?

Lee from FL   July 23rd, 2008 9:55 pm ET

and to be honest,as much as Obama's "CHANGE" is starting to get old.
i am already sick of hearing John McCain repeating "SURGE"
we get it john.we get it.now find something else to talk about like fixing this broken economy.

Idiots   July 23rd, 2008 9:55 pm ET

It depends on what your definition of surge is

ali   July 23rd, 2008 9:53 pm ET

what?omg!he lies as much as gw bush.

Damage control eh McLie?   July 23rd, 2008 9:53 pm ET

Same old GOP strategy. Lie to the American people and deal with the consequences later. The same tactic that the Bush used when we invaded Iraq and the same tactic that McSame will use in Iran if we elect him into the white house.

ron   July 23rd, 2008 9:52 pm ET

I would like him to define VICTORY in Iraq?

MikeH   July 23rd, 2008 9:52 pm ET

How many millions of American Taxpayer dollars have we spent paying off Sunni insurgents not to kill American soldiers?

Is this part of McCains new definition of the "Surge"?

Ellie in Aurora, CO   July 23rd, 2008 9:52 pm ET

One more thing - noticed how McCain is soooooo one-dimentional when he talks foreign policy? IIraq surge, Iraq surge, Iraq surge! And, oh, by the way, the surge is over. What are your plans for getting us out of Iraq? Why can't these guys who talk about "winning" the war even define what winning means? Makes ya' wonder if McCain isn't all about the oil, too. Why else are he, Bush and Cheney so anxious to stay in Iraq if the Iraqis don't want us to stay?

Lee from FL   July 23rd, 2008 9:51 pm ET

THE SURGE IS NOT THE NUMBER TROOPS WE SENT.

ITS THE NUMBER OF CASH WE PAID THESE CRIMINALS NOT TO KILL US.

17 year old future politician   July 23rd, 2008 9:48 pm ET

HE CLEARLY SAID IT "BEGAN" THE AWAKENING,, NOW HE SAYS, THAT HE SAID THE SURGE CAUSED THE SUCCESS…he's digging a hole for himself, he should shut up and let the media talk about Obama's gaffe. Geez he really needs work on campaigning.
Obama/Sebelius 08′

Ellie in Aurora, CO   July 23rd, 2008 9:47 pm ET

Spare the all caps, Trail Dog! No one likes to be e-yelled at. Also, try a little something on the topic of the article, please.

McCain just keeps digging in deeper. Is anyone buying the rantings of an old fool? He used to be someone you could trust to tell the truth - or so we thought. Perhaps his Keating 5 character is coming out of hiding!

michaeledward   July 23rd, 2008 9:45 pm ET

I think there is something completely in appropriate for Senator McCain to lay his mis-statement at the foot of General Patreaus.

QUOTE- - “General Petraeus said that the surge would not have worked, and the Anbar Awakening would not have taken place, successfully, if they hadn’t had an increase in the number of troops,” - - END QUOTE

Regardless of the lame attempts of McCain to tell us the 'Surge' was a surge, even before more troops were added.

To draw a military commander commanders comments into a discussion at a political event, or in a political campaign is, I think, in appropriate. I read Lt. Colonel Bateman's comments at Altercation quite often. He talks about service men and women 'staying in their own lane' when discussion anything with reporters (e.g. don't speak above your pay grade, or about things you do not know). It seems to me that Mr. McCain is drawing Patreaus out of his lane.

Patreaus is a commander, not a prop for a campaign.

Roger from CA   July 23rd, 2008 9:43 pm ET

Good, one, John! At this rate, I'm sure that you will soon be saying that the "surge" started with the Battle of Bunker Hill!

It makes sense: you've been telling us you've won all these wars. I guess if you back-define the "surge" to include all of America's wars, and claim credit for the "surge," then I guess you'd be right.

Lord, I pray that the American public can see through all these distortions and lies, and fairly judge the candidates for what they are.

Tim, Seattle   July 23rd, 2008 9:40 pm ET

Still doesnt expalin his gaffe about the timeline. Just another bumble by McCAin as he desparately seeks a stage. Guess Traitor Joe wasnt around to correct him again.

Problem is, Obama turned McCAin's condescending challenge completely on its head. Obamas toughest day was today when he visited both Abbas and the Israeli government. He made it without any major gaffes or ruffling anyones feathers.
Obama is looking presidential and diplomatic. McCAin is throwing mud and forgetting his own message and shooting his fireworks off before its dark. I dont know what McCAin can do now. I dont think his pre-mature VP pick is going to help either.

Obama is doing a masterful job on his trip. If he stays on track, he will come back home with a bump to his momentum that is already slowly but surely steadily maintaining a growing lead over McCAin.

To make matters worse for McCain, go look at any Electoral map like RealClearPolitics or Politico and look at the numbers. That sneaky and undeniable math will be undoing McCAin like it did to Obama's opponent in the primary.
Unless McCain can win some blue states or take most, if not all, of the swing states (he is behind in almost all of them) then McCain just isnt going to win.
Its Obama's to lose.

Obama/Biden 08′

Texas Trail Dog!   July 23rd, 2008 9:36 pm ET

ALL OBAMA CAN DO IS LIE, LIE AND LIE STRIVING TO MAKE THE PEOPLE BELIEVE THAT WHAT HE SAID IS THE LIVING TRUTH. HE WILL NOT ACKNOWLEDGE THAT OUR BRAVE SOLDIERS, HAVE FOUGHT, DIED AND LOST THEIR BLOOD IN A FOREIGN LAND TO WIN IT'S FREEDOM. HE WILL NOT ACKNOWLEDGE THE BRAVERY OF OUR FIGHTING MEN. I CONDEMN HIM FOR THIS, BUT HE HAS ONLY PROVED WHAT I HAVE BEEN SAYING ABOUT HIM. ACCORDING TO THE SITUATION HE WILL SAY AND DO ANYTHING TO BACK UP HIS LIES JUST TO WIN THE OVAL OFFICE THAT HE DOESN'T HAVE A CLUE ABOUT RUNNING. SAD, SAD SAD, DAY FOR AMERICA WHEN THIS HAPPENS.

Surge 101   July 23rd, 2008 9:35 pm ET

Lets say the "Surge" is like putting a cop on every street corner …..

Crime will go down….until we cant afford to keep the cops on every corner anymore.

Its an attempt at a short term answer and the results will evaporate as quickly as the money to fund it.

Then you're back to square 1. Only deeper in debt and more dead soldiers.

Thats why its presumptive to call the "Surge" a success.

Any Questions?

lila   July 23rd, 2008 9:34 pm ET

Oh… so the 'surge' that Obama voted against was not really the 'surge'. Good to know.
Seeing as how Obama supported what was going on in the Anbar Awakening I guess that means Obama was for the surge.

Obama is The One   July 23rd, 2008 9:32 pm ET

snore

Jim in Orlando   July 23rd, 2008 9:30 pm ET

And Obama still has to spin the "surge" as insignificant, if not a failure! Commander in Chief ? Nah .. he Peter-Principaled out as a "communtiy organizer". Lemmings anyone ?

Sarah Bonner   July 23rd, 2008 9:28 pm ET

This was clearly a misrepresentation of history, an incredible mistake from someone who lauds himself as an expert on the Iraq issue. I saw the clip and his use of the word surge was clear in its intent and not as he later redefined it.

McCain is NOT as knowledgeable as he likes to think he is OR he is much more forgetful than we ever realized. I think his age is a really big factor here. Things and events have started to become very muddled for him.

Bulldog   July 23rd, 2008 9:27 pm ET

Once again, changing the objectives of the surge. First it was a 6 month plan, then a year, and now here we are over a year and a half and still the Iraqi government still has not achieved all of it's objectives set by McCain and Bush. But McCain calls it a success. I guess it depends on one's definition of success. If you consider 4th place a success then I guess the surge is a success according to McCain.

anyway   July 23rd, 2008 9:27 pm ET

That was ad-lib at its worst. LOL

Chris from Ohio   July 23rd, 2008 9:27 pm ET

He sounds like a child that has been caught in a lie and is trying to talk his way out of it but doesn't realize how obvious it is that they are not exactly telling the truth.

Jan From Boca Raton   July 23rd, 2008 9:26 pm ET

McCain is clearly fudging the truth!!

McCain = War   July 23rd, 2008 9:22 pm ET

Hahahahaha!

He clearly has no grip on reality to twist. Wake up people!

Obama 08: white, 60 year old woman   July 23rd, 2008 9:22 pm ET

By the way, the Shiek McCain says was saved by the tank the 'SURGE" was able to park outside his house, the one who is widely credited for the Awakening was killed in Anbar as a result of a bomb attack in Sept. 2007.

karen   July 23rd, 2008 9:20 pm ET

You OLD liar……..

Obama 08: white, 60 year old woman   July 23rd, 2008 9:19 pm ET

To expand Biden: Guliani thinks 9/11 is a noun and a verb; McCain thinks "surge" is both.

CNN: please send the comments for the blog "Plouffe briefs Dems on Obama's campaign strategy"…maybe then he will get it that this endless need for confirmation as a great military strategist just ain't cutting it with the voters!!

Peachy Keen   July 23rd, 2008 9:19 pm ET

Hahahahahaha. Oh man, this guy is something else. I really think, after he loses in November, he should apply for the next season of Last Comic Standing.

Susan   July 23rd, 2008 9:19 pm ET

Did anybody see this exppppplanation on the news tonight. he sounded like a muddled old man, who claims there was a surge before the surge. it was pitiful This man has no businedd being POTUS!

Tjaye in LA   July 23rd, 2008 9:18 pm ET

Hmmm….I wonder if he is just saying this to win a political campaign.

Angry Old Warmonger   July 23rd, 2008 9:18 pm ET

Whatever …. this war is so old … end it already.

Obama to the rescue 08/12   July 23rd, 2008 9:14 pm ET

McFroggy is so full of it , jealous ,stale, blank full of lies reminds hearing his lingo is like watching paint dry

He has dirrhea of the mouth.

a southern bell for OBAMA   July 23rd, 2008 9:12 pm ET

MCBUSH HAS NO PLANES FOR AMERICA, OTHER

THAN PAYING FOR HIS PLANS FOR IRAQ.

A NATION OF WHINERS for OBAMA   July 23rd, 2008 9:10 pm ET

MCBUSH DOES SO SORELY WANT TO FORK OVER THOSE

IRAQI CONTRACTS TO HIS LOBBYIST. THERE IS NO WAY IN

GOD'S GREEN EARTH, THAT WE ARE GOING TO STAY IN IRAQ.

baracomama   July 23rd, 2008 9:10 pm ET

McCain said. “This counter-insurgency was initiated to some degree by Colonel McFarland in Anbar province, relatively on his own.”

So what is it that he (McCain) is taking credit for ?????

Dr.Mimi De La Cruz for OBAMA   July 23rd, 2008 9:08 pm ET

MCBUSH MUST HAVE A MEDICAL CONDITION THAT

REQUIRES THE IRAQ WAR. PROBLEM IS, THAT HE

IS BLEEDING OUR CHILDREN & ECONOMY.

Roofin Reality, Houston, Tx.   July 23rd, 2008 9:08 pm ET

By the way,
I think Senator Obama clearly stated the there were some security successess thanks to the men and women of the military. If you go back and read the transcript of what he said, that's almost verbatim.

Come on Team McCain, you have to do better. The American people deserve better.

Let's rock with Obama, at least he isn't going around trying to change the widely held definition of the surge.

ABSENT MCCAIN   July 23rd, 2008 9:07 pm ET

I am no McCain fan, and will not vote for him. It seems to me that this man is fixated on his opponent. Where is McCain's solutions to high gas prices, the economy, job loss, the mortgage crisis. When I do find one of McCains so called solutions, they are laughable and extremely unrealistic! This man has absolutely no clue how to fix today's economy, how to help the America of today, or how to even begin to understand what is wrong in America! But hey, he's been around for 72 years so he must know how to handle and relate to the America of today. Like those wacky kids that listen to that new music called jazz! This man has absolutely no clue and no solution to any problems we face now and into the future! All he does is fixate on his opponent. I think mainly because his opponent is offering real solutions to real peoblems. All McCain does is state why his oppnents ideas and solutions won't work without offering any reason, or any solution of his own! Just like his war stance, all he knows how to do is attack, attack, attack!!

OMG   July 23rd, 2008 9:06 pm ET

Exactly how stupid does he think voters are???? Oh..wait, we're talking about republican voters…ok then. Go ahead Sidney, carry on with your lies, the sheep will follow.

Roofin Reality, Houston, Tx.   July 23rd, 2008 9:06 pm ET

Okay. Isn't this someting out of Back to the Future or The Matrix?
I mean,
you give a standardly accepted definition of the surge
and then you flub the history of the definition
So today, you CHANGE the definition?

Wow, I think I should have gotten into politics after all?
Way to go Senator McCain.

aware   July 23rd, 2008 9:05 pm ET

The surge is a huge success, and Obama is making a fool of himself by denying it!

But, the two-faced Obama will readily take two positions at the same time and expect what he thinks are stupid Americans to fall for his obfuscation and political expediency!

America, tell Obama to give it up! We can't stand his prevaracating ways!

McCain 08, the only wise choice! :)

Amazed   July 23rd, 2008 9:04 pm ET

Ok, I usually do not leave comments (just read them); but is this guy for real?? Regardless of who I am for and what I believe in, this can't be believed on level of reality. This guy acts like we're living within the Matrix and somehow we've all made the choice to take the wrong colored pill….thus the truth and what we all know to be common sense does not exist. My point…this guy is a straight talk liar and expounder of the truth. Where's Neo when you need him?!

David Goldman for OBAMA   July 23rd, 2008 9:03 pm ET

I GUESS WHEN SOME GET OLD & LOSE SOME SURGES,

SOME CONSTANTLY PURSUES OTHERS.

MCSAME HAS FOUND A SUBSTITUTE, WAR.

linda from South Dakota   July 23rd, 2008 9:03 pm ET

as normal, mccain is making comments to his advantage,,,, we are tired of your lies,,,,,,, be gone!!! scat!!!!! and dont forget to take your meds,,,,,, i would never believe anything mccain said,,, never!!!!!! hes too much like bush,,,,

Sarah   July 23rd, 2008 8:59 pm ET

I thought McCain was strait shooter.
He is clearly twisting the reality and mixing troop increase with political reconciliation…
What a hypocracy!

pete   July 23rd, 2008 8:59 pm ET

this makes no sense. I am trying to like you John…..

Emma, San Jose, CA   July 23rd, 2008 8:57 pm ET

Sorry, John. We are not buying that it was you said when you were angry about Obama looking so good.

My Dog Ate The Nightengale That Used To Sing on Berkeley Square   July 23rd, 2008 8:56 pm ET

I just saw McCain deliver this rather bizarre message. If I didn't dislike him so much, I'd almost feel sorry for him.

WWI vet   July 23rd, 2008 8:55 pm ET

LOL

What ever GRAMPS.

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