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Ahmadinejad, Yes. Petraeus, No.
- Filed under: Presidential
- Date: May 29,2008
Earlier this week the McCain Campaign suggested that Barack Obama join the Arizona Senator on a visit to Iraq to get briefed by David Petraeus.
Obama spokesman Bill Burton: "John McCain's proposal is nothing more than a political stunt, and we don't need any more 'Mission Accomplished' banners or walks through Baghdad markets to know that Iraq's leaders have not made the political progress that was the stated purpose of the surge. The American people don't want any more false promises of progress, they deserve a real debate about a war that has overstretched our military, and cost us thousands of lives and hundreds of billions of dollars without making us safer."
Well if you are going to be President in the near future, maybe taking a trip to Iraq is something you should consider - even if it isn't with McCain. Hillary said she would have to clean up Bush's mess and the same would hold true for Obama I would think. I have no doubt that once he wraps up the nomination that Obama (probably with flag pin attached) is going to visit Iraq. Politically though he can not go with McCain. If the surge continues to work and violence keeps going down, it would look bad for his campaign to have him over there with McCain who was an early proponent of the surge sitting right next to him. Obama won't go together because he is afraid of what he might hear. Likely the Illinois Senator learns all he needs to know about the war from his home state colleague Dick "Americans are like Nazis and Pol Pot" Durbin or MSNBC anyhow.
Very shrewd political move by McCain here. I also think McCain was probably serious with the offer and wanted the two candidates to go to Iraq as a show of American strength and resolve. By the way, if I was Hillary Clinton I would be all over this, and say it was a great idea and try to get in on the action.
So as we stand now, Obama is willing to meet with Ahmadinenjad and any other nut job leader but not David Petraeus (though he has now been baited into "considering" going solo). How noble of a potential CIC to consider visiting. But Obama already knows Iraq is a "complete failure," so I would say he probably doesn't even need to go over there. Plus he might have to miss church. But if indeed Obama does go over, I know someone who can drive him around in a tank.
(I am not saying I am an expert on Iraq. I am certainly not. This post is from a purely political horserace point of view).
Unrelated good links: Right Runner suggests Alaska Governor Sarah Palin for McCain's running mate. I left a comment on the post and was skeptical that it would be a good one, though I see the angle the post is going for.
Keane Observations: Cut Obama some slack, key word "some."
Michigan raises taxes and predictable results follow, says Bizzy Blog. When will that state learn? Probably when they stop electing every Democrat possible.
12 Responses for "Ahmadinejad, Yes. Petraeus, No."
[...] revised that later by saying he's "considering" visiting Iraq himself (HT Ben Keeler at The Point). But we know from previous statements that Obama will meet with Iran's Ahmadinejad without [...]
This is just filled with desperate punches and the title is a untrue.
But at least you admit you are not informed about Iraq. This must be true, because you mentioned the war twice from January 2007 to October 2007 (the deadliest time in the war). You can only speak of it in terms of silly games.
4084 Americans dead
836 Dead since his "stroll" in the market last year when the surge started "working"
Take all the shots you want. McCain and you have your hands in this bloody war and want to continue the bloodspill. Obama wants to stop it.
Sorry Ben: Chuck is right.
McCain is pitiful on so many levels and this weak attempt at gotcha is just one more example.
The Dukakis picture, the phony title, the lame Durbin name-calling…..please Ben….surely you are a more honest and forthright Republican advocate than that…..I mean, right?
Like it or not, the war in Iraq will continue into the foreseeable future. Obama should travel with McCain to Iraq and meet with Petraeus and our men and women serving. This subject will come up during debates and there would be positive benefits for both to have the same experience and information to base their positions on.
Obama's failure to do so will only prove his weakness when it comes to our National Security. A joint trip with McCain could prove that he supports our troops and would allow him an opportunity to hear how they feel about the surge and progress.
Any person seeking the honor of leading this country, should take every possible opportunity to visit our troops- without hesitation.
I didnt say i wasnt informed on Iraq. I said i wasnt an expert. Thank you for permission to allow me to take shots at Obama. I will.
The title is true. He is excited to talk to Iran but not the commander of the troops.
The Dukakis picture migth be over the top but other than that it is pretty much true. That is why they are so defensive about it and why they know Obama can't accept the offer.
I think Palin would be a good VP pick.
"The title is true. He is excited to talk to Iran but not the commander of the troops."
Of course that is not true.
And while Obama said he is willing to meet with leaders of hostile nations, he has never guaranteed he would. and he has never said he would meet specifically with Ahmadinejad…..especially since Ahmadinejad doesnt even have any real power over Iran.
well, whatever, this is a waste of time. i know it must pain you that your candidate is so weak that you can do nothing but attack obama.
Senator Obama never made the effort to meet privately with General Petraeus at any point during his trips to Washington.
McCain was certianly not my first choice. But for him to be running even in the polls with all that is weighing him down shows me he is anything but a weak candidate. I would be a litte concerned if I was an Obama supporter right now due to the fact that he isnt running away it.
he is in great position and only getting stronger. i feel completely confident.
To say that the surge isn't working isn't entirely true, the casualty rate has gone down. The problem is what to do with Iraq now. I don't think McCain ever liked the way the war was conducted and did criticize its execution. I still don't understand how you can think that Obama is getting stronger just because a few super delegates are backing him, where is the broad appeal, where is the draw for all of those HIllary backers that thought she was the best candidate? McCain may not be a perfect candidate but he has genuine appeal, has lived up to the courage of his convictions, his son served as an enlisted man in Iraq, along with his own service. He has shown a desire to get things done in the face of his own party's disagreement with the gang of fourteen. He has proven himself to be a fiscal conservative. And the thing about Aushwitz, what was that about?
the dukakis pic is great
I just wish Obama would let that subcommittee on European Affairs he chairs hold a meeting or two. Even 'present' would be better than nothing.
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