McCain in Iraq
posted at 8:39 am on March 16, 2008 by Ed Morrissey
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John McCain took some time off of the campaign trail and hit the ground in Iraq this morning. The media calls it a “surprise visit”, but he had given indications that he would visit Iraq after he clinched the nomination in order to get a fresh assessment of the progress being made by General David Petraeus and the troops. He intends to meet with Iraqi leadership, who might get a glimpse of the McCain temper for their foot-dragging on reconciliation:
Republican presidential candidate John McCain arrived in Iraq on Sunday to assess improved security attributed to a build-up of 30,000 extra troops of which he has been a strong supporter.
McCain arrived in Baghdad and was due to meet Iraqi government leaders and U.S. officials in the heavily fortified “Green Zone” diplomatic and government compound, U.S. embassy spokeswoman Mirembe Nantongo said. …
Attacks across Iraq have fallen by 60 percent since last June, when extra troops were fully deployed. There has been a fall in violence since January but U.S. commanders in Iraq say this does not represent a trend.
McCain’s visit will have at least one salutary effect — it will force news agencies to cover the drop in violence in Iraq yet again. As the news has gotten better from the effort, it has also become more rare and less prominently placed. For a day or two, newspapers will include the improvements seen from the surge, which McCain had demanded for three years before its eventual implementation.
Iraqi leaders have met with McCain before, but not as a presidential nominee. That may give McCain a little more leverage with Nouri al-Maliki and the other political leaders in the Iraqi central government. Before now, McCain’s criticisms of the Iraqi leadership had been moderated by his status as just another American legislator, albeit one with more clout than some of the other drop-in visitors to the Green Zone. Now that McCain may be the best friend they have left in the upcoming presidential election, they may take his suggestions on speeding up reconciliation efforts closer to heart.
Another point that the American media might make is that this is McCain’s eighth trip to Iraq. He has visited in bad times and while improvements were being made. How many trips has Barack Obama made to Iraq? How many meetings has he had with Iraqi leadership?
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Mac should be hammering this home to the nation come the fall.
But this is also great timing - he leaves the Dems to wallow in their catfight while getting on with preparing for the White House. Result: only one candidate looks Presidential material right now.
Pax americana on March 16, 2008 at 8:42 AM
Real leadership while the spoiled children fight it out over who is more deserving.
RobCon on March 16, 2008 at 8:43 AM
uh-oh….didn the just break the “no hat rule”????
HunnyWaggin on March 16, 2008 at 8:50 AM
If McCain keeps doing stuff like this I might get around to actually liking the guy……well, kind of.
David in ATL on March 16, 2008 at 8:51 AM
uh-oh….didn’t he just break the “no hat rule”????
HunnyWaggin on March 16, 2008 at 8:52 AM
THIS is the reason for NO MSM coverage of Iraq - and any sentient being knows it. Good for McCain! Drag the MSM kicking & screaming to cover Iraq.
jimbo2008 on March 16, 2008 at 8:56 AM
Presidential.
Seixon on March 16, 2008 at 9:03 AM
With John McCain’s record in the military he could wear a sock on his head and still look like a battle hardened vet.
Pax americana on March 16, 2008 at 9:03 AM
McCain’s always been 50/50 for me. Half the time I love what he does, like this, and half the time he drives me nuts. Great job not just shining the spotlight on progress in Iraq, but actually doing the job of being a leader. Pssst, John, c’mere. How ’bout a troop surge on our southern border? just a thought…
trubble on March 16, 2008 at 9:05 AM
I suppose I am thinking he will be just another version of Bush. Seeking accomodations with the Donks/left wherever and whenever possible. If McCain speaks up, uses the bully pullpit that Bush has refused to use for whatever strange reason, and starts doing it now, he is going to win over a lot of folks.
I supported the war. Still do. My son spent two deployments in Iraq “beyond the wire” and I really don’t believe Bush has done enough at all to shore up public opinion. There was and still is a good case to be made, but he is almost mute on the subject.
The economic issue is even worse. Some Donk earlier this week said Bush would be another Herbert Hoover. That may become true. Bush, and many in the GOP, have continued down the same road with the Donks. I just hate the fact my son has risked his life and spent part of his youth in support of a government that is so damn meek in its rhetoric and action; then to see him come home to an economic collapse caused in part by the same group of fools. McCain has to show me that he is ready to do battle, not seek accomodation at every turn.
JonRoss on March 16, 2008 at 9:13 AM
I don’t know how far in advance this trip was planned but, it sure draws a stark contrast between the Obamas’ “G*d damn” and “mean” America. I wonder when Obama will go over there and try to splain’ to the troops what his pastor and his wife “really” meant?
sheriff246 on March 16, 2008 at 9:17 AM
Oh, he will…he will. That’s what I keep saying, wait until after the conventions, and the two nominees start debating each other. At this point, I’d much rather it be Obama than Hillary…and I think it might be a mistake that many Republicans are apparently voting for Clinton just to keep her in the race. The old saying “Be careful what you wish for”…
Although I don’t think the MSM is going to emphasize this visit, and surely they won’t mention that the surge has been working wonderfully.
JetBoy on March 16, 2008 at 9:19 AM
By keeping Hillary in the race she is doing the vetting the MSM won’t do. And McCain said he won’t do. McCain needs for Hillary or Obama to be bruised and bloodied by November. And they are frustrating the DNC by spending so much money to beat on each other. Good fun, if it wasn’t so important at time in this country’s history.
sheriff246 on March 16, 2008 at 9:32 AM
Well it isn’t like he has much choice. I’m sure he’s under doctor’s orders to wear that getup.
Typhoon on March 16, 2008 at 9:42 AM
He should remind that his son is there. It takes away the “why arent the Bush twins fighting” meme.
Squid Shark on March 16, 2008 at 9:44 AM
Yeah, LOOKS presidential and I appreciate the fact that he supports the troops, but I still live in San Diego and I still worry that my job, which doesn’t pay me a living wage by the way, might still be taken from me and handed to someone who is not legally in the country I was born in and went to Vietnam to fight for.
Of course if either of the donkeys got into office I could be assured of that, too, couldn’t I!
Vntnrse on March 16, 2008 at 9:46 AM
It beats having the skin on your head and face burned up by the sun. It’s definitely the healthy thing to do and sets a good example for the troops.
Nice thought….., but the Posse Comitatus Act and the Insurrection Act substantially limit the powers of the federal government to use the military for law enforcement.
You’ve got to pay the states to mobilize National Guard troops on state orders to do anything close to this. Wait a minute……it’s been out of the news, but Operation Jump Start is still running. Google it.
I think it’s good for McCain to go to Iraq to put the focus on it for a few days. It also gives him the opportunity to talk about the Iraq issue while Obama and Hillary argue about whose “liberal plan is more liberal” and takes more of your money.
Tennessee Dave on March 16, 2008 at 9:47 AM
uh-oh….didn’t he just break the “no hat rule”????
HunnyWaggin on March 16, 2008 at 8:52 AM
With John McCain’s record in the military he could wear a sock on his head and still look like a battle hardened vet.
Pax americana on March 16, 2008 at 9:03 AM
Well it isn’t like he has much choice. I’m sure he’s under doctor’s orders to wear that getup.
Typhoon on March 16, 2008 at 9:42 AM
HunnyWaggin on March 16, 2008 at 9:50 AM
“The took our jobs!”
“Dey tkk rrrr jjjjjjbbbbs!”
Squid Shark on March 16, 2008 at 9:56 AM
Well, I’m not a fan of the silly name-calling the belittles what has come to pass as political debate in so much of our society on both the left and the right. And I think McCain has surprisingly tapped in to that current that’s stronger than a lot of people suspect with his repeated promises to run a “respectful” campaign. But I wouldn’t worry too much about the hat if I were you. The obvious point with Dukakis was that he’d obviously never been anywhere near a tank in his whole entire life.
What are the Dems going to do, put up spots ridiculing McCacin for being a chickenhawk?
Typhoon on March 16, 2008 at 9:58 AM
I agree, it is like Kos or DU on here sometimes with the cute names.
Just like “Chimpy McCokespoon” or “Condisleeza” or “Pickles”
Stupid
Squid Shark on March 16, 2008 at 10:03 AM
Of course this statement comes from a Rueters “Baghdad Newsroom” and not one commander was quoted to back up this “NON TREND”. While it may be fruitless to challenge this statement, Reuters, like AP will be picked up and printed in other papers just as Yahoo News has here—–some one will have to explain to me how frog-marching al qaida out of Iraq and the massive reduction in violence across the region is not a trend.
Rovin on March 16, 2008 at 10:05 AM
Agreed. That’s been a real disappointment.
Spirit of 1776 on March 16, 2008 at 10:05 AM
Why assume he would meet with the Iraqi leadership?
Ned on March 16, 2008 at 10:05 AM
Nice thought….., but the Posse Comitatus Act and the Insurrection Act substantially limit the powers of the federal government to use the military for law enforcement
Tennessee Dave on March 16, 2008 at 9:47 AM
I Don’t understand why everyone continues to think that securing the border is a local law enforcement issue. To me that’s a national security issue. By the way? How did Reno get away with what she did in Waco? Why was it the dems could do that and the republicans can’t secure the border with the military? One last thing. If the people of the US revolt against the government does that mean only the cops can fight us off and they can’t use the military to protect the federal government?
boomer on March 16, 2008 at 10:05 AM
Try that again. I guess it’s too early for me.
I Don’t understand why everyone continues to think that securing the border is a local law enforcement issue. To me that’s a national security issue. By the way? How did Reno get away with what she did in Waco? Why was it the dems could do that and the republicans can’t secure the border with the military? One last thing. If the people of the US revolt against the government does that mean only the cops can fight us off and they can’t use the military to protect the federal government?
boomer on March 16, 2008 at 10:05 AM
boomer on March 16, 2008 at 10:06 AM
Just how many times has Obama been to Iraq? I’m assuming zero.
Yakko77 on March 16, 2008 at 10:13 AM
Typhoon makes a good point here. Maybe a photo-op of Obama wind-surfing on top of a Bradley would be appropriate?
Rovin on March 16, 2008 at 10:13 AM
well, it was just a comment. i didnt mean to imply the whole presidential race was going to turn on this…hat thing. actually, more of an early morning joke. but seriously…if you don’t think its all going to come down to “silly name-calling” as you said…you are mistaken. thats where we are in this country and you better start playing or you will be alone, with your morals. maybe even a hooded man with a steak knife in his hand getting ready to cut your head off one day for those morals. its a sad state of affairs. i dont know what to do, but in the mean time we had better win or we are dead…dead…dead. (I predict a slaughter of McCain in the general election not unlike Reagan/Mondale)
HunnyWaggin on March 16, 2008 at 10:15 AM
Eh, I only used the phrase “troop surge” to connect the border problem with Iraq. Border guards and/or ICE agents are just fine with me. I was just using the juxtaposition to illustrate where I fervently agree with McCain, like Iraq policy, and where he drives me freakin’ nuts, like imigration enforcement.
trubble on March 16, 2008 at 10:16 AM
The active duty military cannot perform “law enforcement” duties inside the United States. Considering today’s environment it may not make sense, but it did in 1878.
I believe the lead units in Waco were the ATF and FBI. The army was there to assist.
As far as the people revolting against the government–then it’s “revolution” or “insurrection” and not “law enforcement.” This is covered in the oath of enlistment - “to defend and protect the United States, against all enemies, foriegn and domestic.”
Tennessee Dave on March 16, 2008 at 10:21 AM
Well, John wore that hat because NYT would say he was not being careful considering he is a cancer patient. You know how they are.
WoosterOh on March 16, 2008 at 10:21 AM
Sen. McCain had melanoma, what do you think his Dr. says about wearing a hat in the dessert?
Wade on March 16, 2008 at 10:28 AM
Re: the hat. Melanoma survivors are absolutely forbidden to expose their skin to intense sunlight. Sure, people can make fun of this, but they make themselves look like complete asses if they do.
juliesa on March 16, 2008 at 10:29 AM
desert
Wade on March 16, 2008 at 10:30 AM
i understand…i understand….i understand…but we are reasonably thinking people, they arent. now lets let the hat thing go so we dont keep repeating the same reply and retort.
HunnyWaggin on March 16, 2008 at 10:32 AM
At this point, even if Obama does go to Iraq, can he be taken seriously? He shot his mouth off without taking an assessment on the ground..does he really have any choice but to keep up the tired mantra..immediate pullout?
Pam on March 16, 2008 at 10:34 AM
Well, I disagree. I started out very much for Rudy, then I switched to Romney, but now I think that of all the candidates that were in the primary field, McCain actually is the best bet in the general.
And while I think some of the others might have done things more to my liking, I’m old enough to understand that perfection and strict adherence to what I want from politics are just not in the offing.
However, I’ve always felt that the shine will wear off Obama long before November–as it’s now obviously doing. If the Dems actually nominate this empty suit I think it’ll be as Reagan/Mondale alright. But it’ll be McCain on the winning end.
Hillary I’m not quite so sure of. She’s a better knife fighter and indefatigable; the zombie that keeps on coming. That’s why I believe that those on our side the root/vote for her are just. not. thinking. it. through.
Typhoon on March 16, 2008 at 10:36 AM
there are other hats, there are other glasses, he’s under a tent, its a SERIOUS presidential campaign. we live in a country where you can “make it or break it” by what color ribbon you where on your chest. i dont like it, but it is what it is. Fred Thompson wouldnt take a photo with fireman while wearing a fireman’s helmet. dont make the mistake that the libs think the way you do.
HunnyWaggin on March 16, 2008 at 10:38 AM
would you like to bet a “big old hairy steak” on that? HAHA
HunnyWaggin on March 16, 2008 at 10:40 AM
Minor quibble with Ed….I think Maliki would be fine with Obama since he’s a Shiite and has nothing to fear from letting Iran take over most of Iraq. The Maliki government just rolled out the red carpet for a state visit from Iran in the last couple of weeks, right?
So perhaps Maliki thinks Obama is the best friend he could have in the field.
funky chicken on March 16, 2008 at 10:42 AM
Yup.
Or anything else you’d care to wager. This country’s not about to vote for Obama. Never was. His adoring crowds were his true believers, but to average voters they look creepy. We’re not into electing demi-gods or messiahs in the country. Add to that what’s coming out and the Clintonesque way he’s handled it and you start to get a true picture of the man that is not going to change.
You can stick a fork in Barack Obama. He’s done.
Typhoon on March 16, 2008 at 10:44 AM
No, you desire a slaughter of McCain in the general.
Support the troops! Obama!
Protect the unborn! Obama!
You guys have gotten really pathetically transparent.
funky chicken on March 16, 2008 at 10:44 AM
Let it go, darling. I wore a hat like that in Israel. It’s bloody hot and bloody sunny. The locals recommend a hat like that because it blocks the most damaging sun rays from your face. But whatevs.
mjk on March 16, 2008 at 10:47 AM
P.S. Good on McCain - he’s showing what an actual man in an actual campaign does.
mjk on March 16, 2008 at 10:48 AM
ok, “one big hairy steak” is on the block. let this post be archived and we will come back and let the masses decide if the win is closer to a slaughter of McCain or of O’Bama. If Hillary pulls it out (and i mean the metaphorically of course, i dont think she will pull out her penis, though, you never now) then the deal is void.
HunnyWaggin on March 16, 2008 at 10:49 AM
No i dont. why would you say that? i hope i lose the wager. i pray i do.
HunnyWaggin on March 16, 2008 at 10:51 AM
agreed. and i will die on that hill with him. we’re still going to die though. (this country is in the toilet. LOOK AT THE AMOUNT OF IDIOTS COMIN GOUT FOR OBAMA! DONT “MISUNDERESTIMATE” THE MORON VOTE)
HunnyWaggin on March 16, 2008 at 10:53 AM
My goodness, I can not disagree with that sentiment more. I firmly believe that at the end of the day most Americans are self centered to the core, in that the protection of their ‘own skin’ and that of their family is top of the list. Can I go to a cafe or the mall and not wonder if it’s going to blow up in front of me, are my kids safe in their school building from murderous thugs, is my plane, train or auto going to arrive at it’s destination without being blown up? Not so much National security as MY security. Top of anyone’s to-do list is take care of me-me-me-me. Just human nature. And when eyes start wandering towards looking at who is in front of them, McCain stands front and center as the only one up there who seems to understand this most basic want. The Dems, almost any Dem, have worked hard to make it utterly clear that “social” agendas rule the day and the military stuff needs to just go away. And I hate to beat the old drum once more but 9/11 remains too vivid a memory to easily allow Americans to sleep at peace in their beds at night. Most have way too many problems today as it is to add ‘is there a bomb on the corner’ to his list. First above all is ……take care of me”!
dustoffmom on March 16, 2008 at 10:54 AM
“whatevs”??? you’re kidding right?..whew…ok. Anyway, you obviously didnt read what i wrote because your retort has been stated already 5 times. as you said “let it go, darling”. the only reason im replying again and again on this is that others are continuing to comment. isnt that why we’re here?
HunnyWaggin on March 16, 2008 at 10:57 AM
…and then, you woke up.
HunnyWaggin on March 16, 2008 at 10:58 AM
yup I did….and realized that it seems to me most Dems just can’t seem to get it….and that the only ones who do seem to be wearing big R’s after their names.
dustoffmom on March 16, 2008 at 11:01 AM
I’m pretty much in the same boat, except I took a side tour through Thompson before he deflated. I can live with 70% agreement with McCain,..and hope like hell he comes through on his border enforcement promise. His record on earmarks(fiscal responsibility) and national security(other than the border issue) speaks for itself and makes up for a lot of smaller sins. I also think many voters are happier with a president and Congress majority belonging to different parties, which helps him against either candidate.
a capella on March 16, 2008 at 11:04 AM
i remember how i felt when Jimmy Carter won, i felt it in my stomach. I remember when Clinton won, it hurt the same way. i remember when Nancy got elected Speaker…painful. i will feel that pain again. we are coming off of the most hated man in America- no, not Osama Bin Laden…George Bush. I pray i am wrong here, but im afraid i am not.
HunnyWaggin on March 16, 2008 at 11:05 AM
I would somewhat agree with that. I certainly don’t want the military running around my town enforcing local, state, or federal laws. However, cosidering today’s environment it makes a lot of sense to have the military on our border. We have documented cases of agressive action against our own law enforcement on our border by the Mexican military. Isn’t that more a national secrurity issue than local law enforcement issue?
boomer on March 16, 2008 at 11:12 AM
You posted your opinion and I chose to post why I disagreed with you. And tried to explain why I felt as I did. My opinion you see. If you have specific thoughts about the points I made then I will happily debate them with you. But the Sunday morning shows are on and I simply have no wish to play ‘clever retorts/gotcha’ with you this morning. Looking back through the replies to this thread overall I have to ask, are you deliberately trying to be confrontational or perhaps just a troll?
dustoffmom on March 16, 2008 at 11:14 AM
So, the Mexican military crossing the border not a foriegn threat? We must place the military on the southern border, period.
boomer on March 16, 2008 at 11:15 AM
The concern over hat thing is silly, mostly because in order to try and exploit it, they’d have to keep referencing McCain being in Iraq. Dukakis was in a tank in Michigan. Kerry was in a bunny suit in Florida. McCain is wearing that hat in Iraq.
Secondly, it isn’t a silly hat, it’s a perfectly appropriate garment for a person who’s already had melanoma to be wearing in a desert.
But…but…but….JUDGEMENT!!! (Knowledge not required.)
Pablo on March 16, 2008 at 11:21 AM
Well, none that we know of.
logis on March 16, 2008 at 11:21 AM
“to defend and protect the United States, against all enemies, foriegn and domestic.”
Tennessee Dave on March 16, 2008 at 10:21 AM
So, the Mexican military crossing the border not a foriegn threat? We must place the military on the southern border, period.
boomer on March 16, 2008 at 11:15 AM
dustoffmom on March 16, 2008 at 11:22 AM
Oh, im sorry…was i not suppose to speak? or is the problem basically that i still exist?
look Mom, i respect your thoughts, respect mine. calling me a “troll” is a common hit on someone in chat areas, when they realize that someone else is speaking just as much as they are and become offended when they feel they have a higher post count then the person remarking back to them. I have been accepted to post at HA, i cant post if i didnt. are you that upset that someone replied to you with out kissing your back side? if so, i suggest you listen more than you type. I come from a family that loves a good verbal joust (and this ain’t nuth’in). If you’re offended, i suggest maybe your skin is a tad too thin?
HunnyWaggin on March 16, 2008 at 11:26 AM
Obama doesn`t need to go to Iraq. After all, it`s been a disaster so what`s the point for him? He`s already made up his mind: It`s Vietnam, get out now!
ThePrez on March 16, 2008 at 11:27 AM
And don`t hit him with “you should go to support the troops!” That`s just more phony patriotism like the flag pin. :-P
ThePrez on March 16, 2008 at 11:29 AM
that could be a problem. many Americans are against the war. they see McCain as George Bush Redux. They see Obama NOT GOING….a good thing. now i know “dustoffmom” doesnt like confrontation, it seems to upset her, but i am throwing out to you what youre going to get in the general. “Devil’s Advocate” if you will. Sorrrrrrry Mom! ;)
HunnyWaggin on March 16, 2008 at 11:31 AM
As long as you delete the name of the officer you talked to, this would be pretty easy.
Liberal Reporter: “General, can you look into a crystal ball and absolutely guarantee that there is no possibility, under any circumstances whatsoever, that the reduction in Al Qaeda attacks will continue forever?”
Un-name-able General: “Of course not, that’s an incredibly stupid question.”
Reuters Editor: “Stop the presses! Turns out we don’t have to admit reality after all; we just got an official military statistical analysis that contradicts it.”
logis on March 16, 2008 at 11:32 AM
Both father and son have been to Iraq. Suddenly the old chicken hawk argument that was in play in 2000 and 2004
will be retired by Clinton/Obama.
RobCon on March 16, 2008 at 11:33 AM
No, her skin isn’t too thin. I suspect she has seen your type before and chooses to do what others will eventually do when you post on a thread. Just leave it. You aren’t a new species.
a capella on March 16, 2008 at 11:51 AM
I think whatever he wore you would piss and moan about it. Get over it and either back him or come out of the closet and state who you are really backing. Other than that your post belongs in the ‘Honey Wagon/Bucket’ and others are correct you are a troll.
Wade on March 16, 2008 at 11:53 AM
Liberal Reporter: “General, can you look into a crystal ball and absolutely guarantee that there is no possibility, under any circumstances whatsoever, that the reduction in Al Qaeda attacks will continue forever?”
Un-name-able General: “The next time you see Howard Dean, tell him I want my crystal ball back”.
Rovin on March 16, 2008 at 11:54 AM
With an outfit like that, Juan “Z-Visa” McCain should be at our southern border helping to stop the invasion of Illegal Aliens through Arizona….his home state…
STAY HOME ‘08
DfDeportation on March 16, 2008 at 11:56 AM
Stay home? And end up with what exactly? I find that sentiment quite juvenile.
And I see we are back to the ‘Juan’ mockery again. Name calling shows maturity and superior debate points I guess. Or some seem to think so but I fear it causes many to dismiss out of hand anything further you have to say and fails to advance your point entirely.
My, my, I think I’d best go shower or something. I am sounding mighty cranky this morning! Sorry DD.
dustoffmom on March 16, 2008 at 12:05 PM
I disagree that border security is a law enforcement issue. In fact, I would argue that it is a defense issue, and foundational to our national security.
Redhead Infidel on March 16, 2008 at 12:16 PM
Another brilliant move by Mav. Boys, meet your new Commander in Chief. Hit the music.
THE CHOSEN ONE on March 16, 2008 at 12:37 PM
Border enforcement is a law enforcement issue. It’s a continuous problem with no set end. Military actions stop at some point when you’ve won. Law enforcement never ends.
lorien1973 on March 16, 2008 at 12:59 PM
Immigration enforcement has become a state issue, unfortunately (or Thank God for our founders realizing that they needed to leave rights to the states). States like Arizona and Oklahoma that are taking it on are quite successful. Hopefully more states will follow suit.
Alabama has a state senate bill right now based on the Arizona stuff. There was a senate hearing with a packed auditorium of spectators….and only like 6 senators showed up, so no quorum for a vote. It’s a lot easier to deal with state senators than US senators when they ignore the will of the people.
funky chicken on March 16, 2008 at 1:00 PM
He has been around for too long to not know he is just getting a start on his new job.
TroubledMonkey on March 16, 2008 at 1:02 PM
http://www.wsfa.com/Global/story.asp?S=7972454
Alabama story, for anybody interested.
funky chicken on March 16, 2008 at 1:04 PM
It would have been impressive if McCain had announced his arrival in advance and taken his chances.
The last thing America needs is another group of people who confuse the importance of the office with their own personal worth.
alphie on March 16, 2008 at 1:08 PM
Border enforcement is a law enforcement issue. It’s a continuous problem with no set end. Military actions stop at some point when you’ve won. Law enforcement never ends.
lorien1973 on March 16, 2008 at 12:59 PM
Soooooo….Chechen Rebels, 25 of them, apprehended at our southern borders is a LAW ENFORCEMENT ISSUE? “Z-Visa” says he’ll ask the border governors to declare their borders secure? Is Juan “Z-Visa” McCain saying as Commander-in-Chief, he WON’T, or CAN’T secure our borders??? Or is it a little of both????
STAY HOME ‘08
DfDeportation on March 16, 2008 at 1:09 PM
better AL link, and you don’t even have to guess that party.
http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080306/NEWS/803060310/1009
funky chicken on March 16, 2008 at 1:09 PM
And the actual story reads:
“Attacks across Iraq have fallen by 60 percent since last June, when the troop build-up was completed. There has been a spike in violence since January…”
Not sure who in the link chain totally changed the story there :)
alphie on March 16, 2008 at 1:12 PM
Hey dfdeport All us AF pilots wives are gonna really thank you when President Obama and his generals and Sec Def Tony shudder McPeak put our husbands on trial for murder after they take out “civilians” like just happened in Pakistan.
Really, it’s gonna be great getting to visit our men in Leavenworth, and we will remember that it’s folks like you who helped make it happen.
funky chicken on March 16, 2008 at 1:15 PM
I hope Maverick gave Al-Malaki one those overly strong handshakes where you squeeze the hand and give him a stern look while he’s trying to pull his hand away. You know, one of those I’m coming in and I’m no George Bush you son of a bitch handshakes.
THE CHOSEN ONE on March 16, 2008 at 1:18 PM
It’s a law enforcement issue. I’m not sure how to make it more simple for you.
I, for one, do not want the US military lining up on the border ready to kill anyone who crosses. That is the job of the military, after all. Kill people and break things. Are you ready for this? Murdering anyone who cross the border? If not, then you agree it’s a law enforcement issue. Send them home again.
lorien1973 on March 16, 2008 at 1:24 PM
Good grief! There’s some really deep thought.
a capella on March 16, 2008 at 1:24 PM
Mav with the fashion statement hat. nice. I think he should have gone more with a cowboy hat look though.. It kinda ties in the whole “Maverick” theme.
THE CHOSEN ONE on March 16, 2008 at 1:41 PM
Yakko, I believe the Messiah has been to Iraq twice. Not sure about that. I’m sure he was there at least once - saw him during his visit. He was extremely unimpressive, in person, to anyone with a brain. Very obviously a classic inch-deep Beltway/politico type, quite unworldly. Had nothing interesting or intelligent to say. Many of us had never heard of him, and the universal reaction was a shrug and a “hmm, so again, WHO is this lightweight?”.
On a related note, during the Green Zone joint press availability of a visiting Senate delegation in early 2005 (McCain, Clinton, Grahamnesty, one more - can’t recall exactly, perhaps Feingold), Mav said something very ill-advised about the proper strategy in Iraq being one that produced an “acceptable” level of US casualties (note: Ed and others who casually and wildly exaggerate Mav’s strategic clairvoyance on Iraq). Hill and Lindsey visibly grimaced.
That was interesting in itself. What followed, however, was even better. Both the Beast and Grahamnesty followed up by doing clean-up work to soften and “reinterpret” what Mav had just said. Not even sure the press reported Mav’s comment. Of course McCain’s gaffe wasn’t much worse than the actual “strategy” that followed under Casey: mostly passive, huge amounts of wishful thinking about the speed of Iraqi security force improvement, faith in the magic of reconstruction, repeated demonstrations of a lack of resolve, and slavish respect for the myth that Arabs care more about who is providing security than they do about actually having security. Oh - and sitting by while the Sunnis waged a vicious calamitous barbaric terror war on the Shi’a and the new order.
IceCold on March 16, 2008 at 1:42 PM
I surely hope so.
Hog Wild on March 16, 2008 at 1:42 PM
Nyah - I think McCain should have published his entire itinerary, had it translated into Arabic, and had posted it on major Jihadi web sites. He could have included a totally unsecured solo appearance traipsing down the back alleys of Mosul, and have added some foul blasphemies and a double-dog-dare or two.
Now that would have been impressive.
CK MacLeod on March 16, 2008 at 1:42 PM
More impressive than being smuggled into the billion dollar Baghdad bunker like Spitzer’s love muffin.
I guess the irony is lost on the folks who say the war’s not going to hell.
Here’s the link to the correct story, btw:
http://www.reuters.com/article/featuredCrisis/idUSL16149182
“There has been a spike in violence since January…”
alphie on March 16, 2008 at 1:47 PM
Even though he wasn’t my first, or second, choice for the nomination, I have to say, this is an astute move on Mr. McCain’s part. Let the Democraps butcher each other while you appear presidential, emphasizing that there is a real world, full of danger, and McCain’s the man to be trusted over “God Damn America.” Yes, Mr. McCain, come election day you have my vote.
second digit on March 16, 2008 at 2:13 PM
That supposed “spike in violence” reflects a handful of incidents - including a couple of unusually successful attacks, a single mass bombing, and the discovery of a mass grave. Only a defeatist, a demagogue, or a troll would seek to hold US policy hostage to such events, and reward the forces behind them by backing down. You might as well call 9/11 a “spike in violence” and conclude, like Ron Paul or Jeremiah Wright, that the only answer is total withdrawal from the world.
CK MacLeod on March 16, 2008 at 2:14 PM
Saint Petraeus is the one who labeled it a “spike” in violence, CK.
alphie on March 16, 2008 at 2:20 PM
Right now the Iraqi government is pissed that Mav’s leading in the polls. They were looking forward to ripping off the democrats.
THE CHOSEN ONE on March 16, 2008 at 2:27 PM
Be sure to link us to the part where Petraeus extrapolated the spike not as a potentially misleading epiphenomenon within an overall trend, but rather as evidence that “the war’s going to Hell.”
CK MacLeod on March 16, 2008 at 2:35 PM
Check these out! cool looking helmet. >:D
http://www.daylife.com/photo/04CRbw43Mibuw/john_McCain
http://www.daylife.com/photo/022L1PybMVbuX/john_McCain
————-
This is just McCain in a Red Baseball hat.
http://www.daylife.com/photo/05gH9B3bJ20wI/john_McCain
Chakra Hammer on March 16, 2008 at 2:42 PM
Chakra Hammer on March 16, 2008 at 2:42 PM
Can’t wait to see him step off Air Force I or Marine I for the first time!!!
THE CHOSEN ONE on March 16, 2008 at 2:54 PM
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