McCain on the attack over Iraq

Posted: Monday, July 21, 2008 4:00 PM by Domenico Montanaro

From NBC/NJ’s Adam Aigner-Treworgy

SOUTH PORTLAND, Maine -- After three morning fundraisers and a private meeting with former President George H.W. Bush, McCain was at the new Maine Military Museum for a short rally with both current GOP senators from the state. McCain picked up where his campaign left off earlier in the day by hitting Obama over his judgment on Iraq.

VIDEO: TODAY's Meredith Vieira talks to presidential hopeful John McCain about Barack Obama's trip to the Middle East, economic policy and the situation in Afghanistan.

Earlier in the day McCain's top foreign policy advisor Randy Scheunemann handed out backhanded compliments to Obama for deciding to embark on his current overseas trip.

"Sen. Obama had said this is going to be a listening tour, we certainly hope very sincerely that he listens to the advice of our military commanders," Scheunemann said, before quoting several military leaders saying that a "date-driven withdrawal" without consideration of the facts on the ground would be "dangerous."

Scheunemann also reiterated the McCain campaign's argument that the only reason Obama was able to travel to Iraq safely was due to the surge that McCain supported. McCain also towed this line at his press conference with Bush 41 this morning.

"If Sen. Obama had had his way, the troops would have been out by this past March, and Sen. Obama voted to cut off funding for our troops in Iraq," McCain said to reporters gathered at Bush's Kennebunkport home. "So the American people can clearly decide and the withdrawal will still be based on conditions on the ground as Prime Minster Maliki has affirmed and repeatedly reaffirmed -- conditions on the ground. And I also agree with the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff who said it would be very dangerous not -- to do what Sen. Obama has advocated."

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Comments

McCain is sounding like an attack dog for someone else. This is not what we expect from a candidate him/herself - shouting talking points while overlooking facts, more serious in this youTube age.

New Wave (Sent Monday, July 21, 2008 4:06 PM)

McCain couldn't find his way out of a coat closet...

Bob Barr (Sent Monday, July 21, 2008 4:07 PM)

This is not a problem that should be fixed piecemeal or on a state by state basis. This country is in need of a universal healthcre system. One set of rules for all.

Ira, Freehold, NJ

----------------

Could not agree more Ira. And, when we're done with Health Care, we'll need one set of rules for everything else. We'll all drive the same car (1 per household), all have the same type of place to work, we'll have a national uniform to wear, there will be one religion, we'll all have 1.3 children, we'll keep what ever money the government lets us have in one national bank, and we all will live in the same kind of apartment (much more energy efficent the houses). And in the morning, before work, we'll all gather in the courtyard and sing our national anthem. The US really needs less choice, less diversity, and more uniformity. It is the way of the future.

Ara Kramer, Willstott, AL (Sent Monday, July 21, 2008 4:09 PM)

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

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

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

Capt. smash, Salt Lake City (Sent Monday, July 21, 2008 4:10 PM)

Once again, McCain and his talking points are about a week 'stale dated'. He just keeps repeating drivel that I believe he knows is untrue; because he likes the reaction he's getting for it. I do not now, nor will I ever trust "bomb, bomb, bomb, bomb Iran" McCain with anything to do with foreign policy. Come to think of it, I really don't trust him with domestic issues, either.

Six months ago I would have thought it impossible for anyone to make half wit Bush look bright. I believe the Republicans have found their man.

Wow, they really do put the LOW in low information voters.

Clara Kansas City, MO (Sent Monday, July 21, 2008 4:11 PM)

McWar just got an “F” on his geography report on Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan. Its ok, he will do better on his next report. I hear he is going to hire a tutor from the hooked on chronic and phonics learning center.

Capt. smash, Salt Lake City (Sent Monday, July 21, 2008 4:11 PM)

After repeating that military experts say Obama's strategy would be "dangerous," McCain cut right to the unspoken focus of his argument: "I hope he'll pay attention to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, particularly someone that has no military experience whatsoever."
..................................................

The Commander-In-Chief of this country is the President of the United States. We may have forgotten this fact because for the last 8 years Bush has delegated that job to various generals.

Admiral Mullen's job is to execute the orders of the President. His opinion as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs is considered. The decision and the responsibility of the decision is that of the President.

This administration has blamed General after General for the failure in Iraq. Forget that the administration had no plan for what was to happen the second we captured Baghdad. There was to be no resistance, we would be treated as liberators. There was no exit strategy. They blamed the Generals, not the Commander-In-Chief, the man responsible for the conduct of the war.

So Mullen can have his opinion. The Iraq's have said repeatedly, clearly and concisely that they want us to leave. They are a free and independent Republic. How can we not respect their wishes?

Ira, Freehold, NJ (Sent Monday, July 21, 2008 4:12 PM)

It looks like the Bush administration is following Obama’s lead. Go figure?

Bush before Obama – We will never talk to Iran!

Obama – We should have direct talks to Iran.

Bush before Obama – We will not have a time withdraw from Iraq!

Obama – We need to get out of Iraq within 16 months of my administration.

Now Bush is talking directly with Iran, and today Bush agrees for an US withdraw of American troops after UN mandate ends in December. Guess what oil prices came down!

Wow! Obama is not even president yet and is directing foreign policy.

Now that’s change you can believe in.

Obama 08/12

I am very disappointed; I was hoping we could put all the Iraqi’s on reservations and build casinos and national parks. Oh well maybe in Iran or Afghanistan.

Capt. smash, Salt Lake City, Utah (Sent Monday, July 21, 2008 4:12 PM)

It would do McCain a world of good if he just stopped freaking talking about Obama. Bush gets it. He just can't stop himself, can he? NO PUBLICITY IS BAD PUBLICITY, MCCAIN.

squintz, philly, pa (Sent Monday, July 21, 2008 4:12 PM)

I thought this was his week to talk about the economic mess we are facing. He is still talking about foreign policy. Confused. Maybe he needs to go to Canada Mexico border.

Tennesse for Obama (Sent Monday, July 21, 2008 4:12 PM)

PS. I don't think Lincoln had any military experience and he managed to lead the country during a time of great turmoil. Most Republicans claim to be a member of Lincoln's party. If Lincoln were alive today, he would turn his back on the likes of Bush/McCain. My opinion.

Clara Kansas City, MO (Sent Monday, July 21, 2008 4:13 PM)

Senator McCain, we all agree that Iraq has come a long long way. But this is serious stuff we're dealing with here. Perhaps you and Senator Obama should just sit down and agree - we are watching the progress carefully. No one wants to make any more mistakes.

Too many have been made over the last 5 years.

Your voice counted in the run up to the war. You could have made a difference. The entire Republican Party could have stood up to GWB and Cheney and stopped this invasion. It would have made a difference. No one was going to listen to dissenters on the democratic side.

But you didn't. We the people don't take too kindly to our government invading other countries without cause.

Pat, Boston, MA (Sent Monday, July 21, 2008 4:13 PM)

Obama's judgement is right on. I thought McCain was to talk about economics this week? Obama is setting the agenda and leaving McCain to counterpunch. McCains's comments make little sense at all, and as he sees himself losing there will be more gaffes and people will see him as a grumpy old man.

I suggest that the generals have to be smart to become generals. They like to talk to someone who is also smart and will listen. Obama has to be a breath of fresh air to the generals. With Bush and McCain, either you agree with your boss, or get fired.

Ron Indiana (Sent Monday, July 21, 2008 4:14 PM)

Attack? Yeah Right! More like desperation. McCain is the only person left who doesn't want a timetable for Iraq. Even Bush has betrayed him and sides with Obama.

Now he's saying Obama is responsible for high gas prices when he said that it was a problem going back 30 years (with him taking part 27 of them) last week?

OLD MAN YELLS AT CLOUD!

Mister Anderson (The Matrix) (Sent Monday, July 21, 2008 4:14 PM)

Is McCain ever going to say what his plan for anything is? All I hear him talking about are Obama's plans.

Billy, Mi (Sent Monday, July 21, 2008 4:14 PM)

No McCain, if Obama would have had his way we would have never entered a war which has cost us many lifes, billions of dollars, our reputation in the world, and in fact has made us less safe in this war against terror.

jim GR (Sent Monday, July 21, 2008 4:15 PM)

why put up this thread when you don't bother to update the other ones?

Drama for Obama (Sent Monday, July 21, 2008 4:15 PM)

Mr. McCain, obama did not oppose funding our troops, what he did was try to add a time table to the funding bill, i wish you would shut up because the fact you voted against the GI bill that GWB gave you credit for voting for is a scam, i'm really looking foward to the debates, then you will not have some one giving you the right answers in your ear!! you will be up there all on your own!!!

jeff D Evanston IL (Sent Monday, July 21, 2008 4:15 PM)

McCain do you realize how pathetic you sound? Obama has better judgment, incite and brains than you can ever hope to achieve. Ready to lead this nation as POTUS, I think not. You have been wrong on every issue and yes, you were only partially right about the surge, we've yet to achieve political success. We always knew that our military would succeed if given the right tools, support, and troop numbers.

McCain is not good for this nation; he's a train wreck waiting to happen.

Obama is our future!

Independent Vet for Obama (Sent Monday, July 21, 2008 4:15 PM)

There is nothing more authoritative than the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs going on FOX "News" on the day after the President of Iraq asks us to leave in order affect damage control for the Administration. After November, military men will not be asked to soil them selves by assuming the role of political hack for men far less than themselves.

Gary Schear, Bozeman montana (Sent Monday, July 21, 2008 4:15 PM)

With all due respect Senator McCain, being a pilot and getting shot down in a war more than 30 years ago hardly qualifies you either in terms of the context you are discussing military experience. So, you and Obama are basically tied.

Being a POW does not a general make.

Michael Chicago (Sent Monday, July 21, 2008 4:15 PM)

Great men are not always wise.

Those with military experience (including McCain and the respected General Colin Powell) shoved us into an unnecessary war. So much for the benefits of military experience.

McCain is so intent on winning, but what will America have won? Higher gas prices? A strengthened terrorist group along the Pakistan border? Increasing American deaths in Afghanistan--the forgotten war? Winning for the sake of winning means nothing.

Cindy Lou, TX (Sent Monday, July 21, 2008 4:16 PM)

"If Sen. Obama had had his way, the troops would have been out by this past March, and Sen. Obama voted to cut off funding for our troops in Iraq," McCain said to reporters

Yes, yes you are so right McWar and if Obama wouls of had his way 4200 American would still be alive. We would have saved 4 trillion dollars and had lower oil prices. keep talking Mcwar you are helping Obama win this thing.

Capt. Smash, Salt Lake City, Utah (Sent Monday, July 21, 2008 4:19 PM)

This "I'm right, he's wrong" tactic is too childish to even be taken seriously.

Exactly who was that new campaign manager McCain got last week?

Linda Montgomery, Al (Sent Monday, July 21, 2008 4:19 PM)

Nice of the NYTs to print Obama's op-ed regarding Iraq last week, but to refuse McCains op-ed on the same subject today.

A free and unbiased press is a pillar of any democracy. Maybe someday the US will achieve this lofty goal.

Stu Garner, Norman OK (Sent Monday, July 21, 2008 4:20 PM)

if the "surge" was such an overwhelming success why are we still there? there will never be "success" in iraq if success means making all the religious factions get along, and for some reason the republicans are too stupid to realize that, all the iraq failure has done is allow iran to step up their quest for the bomb, we would have been safer if iraq would have never happened, a lot of american kids would still be alive, and we would be much wealthier, mccain makes me sick my friends

MK,MO (Sent Monday, July 21, 2008 4:20 PM)

Hmmmmmmm,

It all sounds a little too desperate, doesn't it?

Military experience is not what is needed Senator McCain. Good judgement is what is needed.

Invading Iraq was bad judgement. Ignoring General Shinseki's call for a much larger invasion force was bad judgement. Firing the Iraqi Army was bad judgement. Stubbornly trying to fight the war with outdated techniques and not enough soldiers was bad judgement. Waiting 5 years while we lost 4000+ soldiers to alter the strategy because the Bush Admininistration wanted to save face was not only bad judgement, it borders on criminal.

And now that everything that was done and said in the Iraq War has been discredited, now that all the lies have come to light, all the corruption has been revealed, the last act of hubris from George Bush, John McCain, and the Republican party is to request a pat on the back for the "success" of the "surge"?

It is beyond ridiculous. It is blasphemous.

http://vetsforobama.org/2008/07/14/marketing-a-myth-how-john-mccain-actually-got-the-surge-wrong/

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/01/12/washington/12shinseki.html

Nashville_fan (Sent Monday, July 21, 2008 4:21 PM)

I think McNutt likes to say Sen. Obama's name because he says it in every other sentence, critizing and attacking never having anything nice to say. It's ok to compliment your opponent every now and then. Sen. Obama compliments John Boy's service regularly. I'm tired of all this divisiveness, McCain needs to find an important message and stick with it. This week McDog has a chance to talk about what Americans what to hear, enconomy, jobs, education, foreclosures, etc. but noooo all he can do is attack and complain about Obama. I'm sick of it already and it's only July.

Vicki, Ohio (Sent Monday, July 21, 2008 4:21 PM)

Good news for Obama supporters

Obama up by 6 in Gallup Daily Tracking poll
http://www.gallup.com/poll/108961/Gallup-Daily-Obama-leads-McCain-Six-Points.aspx

Obama raises $25 million dollars in ONE DAY
http://politicalwire.com/archives/2008/07/21/obama_fundraising_surges.html

Obama up by 8 in Ohio
http://politicalwire.com/archives/2008/07/21/ppp_poll_obama_still_leads_in_ohio.html

Nashville_fan (Sent Monday, July 21, 2008 4:22 PM)

Right, McCain doesn't need any on the job training, just Lieberman to whisper in his ear the difference between Sunni and Shia and Iraq and Afghanistan.

Carrie in TX (Sent Monday, July 21, 2008 4:22 PM)

"My friends, Sen. Obama said it wouldn't work," McCain told the crowd here about Obama's opposition to the surge. "He opposed it. He said it would fail, and he refuses to this day to acknowledge that it has succeeded. My friends, that's what judgment is all about. That's why I'm qualified to lead, and I don't need any on the job training."

.........................................

....and after 5 years in Iraq, what have we accomplished. We are no safer now than before we went in because there was no reason to invade Iraq. No WMD's, no Al-Queada, no threat. The question really is why did we need a surge in Iraq at all. We never should have been there in the first place.

All the while the Taliban, the people who attacked us on 9-11, have regrouped and are at pre 9/11 strength. Al-queda in Afghanastan has also regrouped and are stronger than ever. We need to send 3 brigades, at a minimum to Afghanastan to meet this increased threat.

We defeated the Taliban and Al-Queada once and then started a war that allowed a defeated enemy to regroup. We need to fight the same war twice, paying the price in blood a second time.

....and this is leadership acording to John McCain.

God help us all!

Ira, Freehold, NJ (Sent Monday, July 21, 2008 4:22 PM)

I have listened to McSame the past 4 or 5 times and he never says anything different. He is always on the attack. Is war all that he knows? He's such a pessimist -- nothing but doom and gloom out of his mouth. Even when asked a question, he answers whatever he wants and when the question is repeated so is the same answer. The man is senile. No thanks for him as POTUS.

fouroh, El Reno OK (Sent Monday, July 21, 2008 4:23 PM)

I don't give a rat's patooty about what McCain and his camp think about Senator Obama’s trip. No matter what good comes of it, they will find something to complain about. I find it pathetic that McCain can do nothing but take stabs at his opponent. If I were a Republican, I’d feel cheated. I guess he and the RNC have given up on convincing voters to vote Republican based on the party platform. Now, that would have made things interesting.

Ruth from Washington State (Sent Monday, July 21, 2008 4:23 PM)

Man, I don't think McCain will ever get it. I am not an Obama supporter but this is really annoying.

The unnecessary war that Bush created isn't working and will never work. We should not have been in there to begin with! Now that we're in, we have no choice but to clean up this mess. That's what the dems are trying to do. And figuring out a solution to get out isn't unpatriotic. It is the right thing to do.

This war mongering let's police the world mentality gade such a bad impression and image of the US around the world. If you wish to deal with terrorist, Afghanistan is the place along with Pakistan. We had no business in Iraq.

This bullying tactics by the Repubs are just too sickening. This is how Bush won and they are hoping that by intimidation they will fool everyone again.

I would have given McCain some respect if he doesn't continue to defend Bush's war. At least say it was wrong, let's find a way out. It's draining the life blood out of America. I hope he sees that someday.

MSNBC please post this.

Joyce, NY (Sent Monday, July 21, 2008 4:24 PM)

It doesn't matter what Senator Obama does or says, infact it doesn't matter what the leaders of Iraq or Afganisthan say for that matter, Senator McCain is hard headed and will refute anyone and anything that does not agree with his stoic positions.

hmh, san marcos, tx (Sent Monday, July 21, 2008 4:25 PM)

Obama listens a lot. Then he does whatever the DailyKos or MoveOn tells him to do.

Louis Peoples (Sent Monday, July 21, 2008 4:25 PM)

Attack! Attack!

Bomb, bomb, bomb, bomb bomb Obama!

When in doubt attack, bomb, blow it up!

We used to call such behavior juvenile, but now it just appears sadly senile.

That anyone would vote for this aging testosterone-challenged teenager, vote for him to become Commander-in-Chief...

...now that is positively... mind-blowing!

Bang. Boom. Bah!

Mark Thieme (Sent Monday, July 21, 2008 4:26 PM)

Look for McCain to capture the Silver in the fall!

Tired of Grandpa, NYC (Sent Monday, July 21, 2008 4:26 PM)

McCain, is a big fat hypocrit.

McCain, I am surprised you even know where to find your depends diapers, let alone where Obama is today in the middle east...your map probably calls Iran, Persia, and the rest of the middle east the Ottoman Empire!

Pat Huntington NY (Sent Monday, July 21, 2008 4:26 PM)

As usual Senator McSame is suffering from dementia. It was Senator Obama who used “good judgment” by not supporting this ill advised war from the start.

LA for obama, Los Angeles, Ca (Sent Monday, July 21, 2008 4:27 PM)

Does McCain EVER give a speech without saying "My friends?" It is SO annoying. He is also sounding more and more insecure and pathetic as the days dwindle by, doesn't he? Kind of like the Republican bloggers we see here everyday.....desperate and pathetic (my friends!).

Diane from Illinois (Sent Monday, July 21, 2008 4:29 PM)

Oh, good grief. When McCan't speaks, it makes my skin crawl. Yikes.

Somebody send Mayor McCheese a copy of First Read from today...
****************
"Obama the rock star--just what we don't need. I don't trust the man, never have and never will. Obama wants to establish a <i>new world order.
MSM are so bamboozled it is pathetic. They have tried to ram Obama down the throat of voters.
<B>Vote McCain for the security of the USA
dk in tn (Sent Monday, July 21, 2008 10:01 AM)"

Delores, please explain...what "new world order" do you think Obama will want to create? So, I take it you object to getting our troops out of Iraq and back to Afghanistan, and you would prefer to live in a GOP-ruled "us first, companies second, voters last" country? Apparently you like the last 8 years...or is it just because your precious Hillary isn't leading the charge?

MI Chick (Sent Monday, July 21, 2008 4:29 PM)

I hope that when MSNBC reports on McCain's attack of Obama how ridiculous the statements McCain is making truly are.

salrock, Hilton Head, SC (Sent Monday, July 21, 2008 4:29 PM)

John McCain - why do you feel Barack Obama should agree with anything you say.

You twist everything to fit your agenda and your motive; you are delusional if you somehow feel that Barack Obama - owes you something or should be working for your campaign.

So, what if you happen to be correct on the surge...was it your idea or the Generals.

You are not the commander in chief....so you couldn't have given the order to do a surge.

You cherry pick a point of topic that you could be remotely correct about and then expect U.S. to stay focused on an opinion that you had and somehow that opinion should convince the American people that you are best qualified.

What about the ultimate opinion - the opinion that Barack Obama gave before this war even started...the one that suggested we should not go to war with Iraq and focus on Afghanistan.

What about the current opinions that you have disagreed with that were suggested by Barack Obama - that now - even the George Bush administration is starting to listen too and take action upon.

You are weak John McCain - we don't want another weak President.

All you can do is take some weak ass "surge" comment and pounce it all day and think that's going to make you a star.

You will never be the star that Barack Obama is - the whole world - sees you as another George Bush and they have had enough; just as we..

You make either pointless statements or out right lies - and you continue to think the American people are too stupid to see through your BS.

Well, you are wrong and you will reap what you sew come election time - when you lose by gigantic proportions.

Thank you and GOD BLESS AMERICA

The - Democrat Soldier (Sent Monday, July 21, 2008 4:30 PM)

You've got to be kidding me. The only reason that Obama even has to go to Iraq is because dimwits like Bush and McCain started the war there. So there goes that stupid argument. How come no one asks McWarOld what exactly are we succeeding at in Iraq? Getting our soldiers killed? Bet he can't answer that one. The desperation is showing for all of the GOPers and the McCain campaign in particular. They are so scared that Obama will beat McCain, they are trying anything they can.

Treena, NJ (Sent Monday, July 21, 2008 4:32 PM)

Oh, McSame! McShame! Instead of using the "same old" attack lines against your opponent, why don't you give us some wonderful NEW information on YOUR plans to turn things around? Or, don't you have any?

Laura, Knoxville TN (Sent Monday, July 21, 2008 4:33 PM)

My friends...let me be clear...I want war...I need war...I wanted the surge because it is more war...won't you please vote for more war

Rick, NC (Sent Monday, July 21, 2008 4:33 PM)

My Friends ...Yawnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn.

C A, Tuscaloosa, AL (Sent Monday, July 21, 2008 4:34 PM)

Personally it is difficult for me to understand what Sen. McCain is actually trying to say.
He has been (like a puppet) given lines to say and said them so many times, he seems to forget what subjects they are suppose to refer to.
OWL

OWL (Sent Monday, July 21, 2008 4:35 PM)

Listening tour, that's so cute and laughable. Obama knows what's good for us civilains, and he certainly knows what's good for Iraq (He is the Messiah). He may listen, but he won't change his mind. Obama is so much a pacifist that he makes Jimmy Carter look like a hawk. I doubt Barack would mobilize the military until the terrorists were knocking on the White House door, and then it would be just to gather everyone for the surrender ceremony.

Noah Williamson, Battle Creek MI (Sent Monday, July 21, 2008 4:36 PM)

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