Surprise: Obama suddenly considering trip to Iraq
posted at 9:20 pm on May 28, 2008 by Allahpundit
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Senator Barack Obama said today that he is considering visiting American troops and commanders in Iraq this summer. He declined an invitation from Senator John McCain to take a joint trip to Iraq, saying: “I just don’t want to be involved in a political stunt.”
In a brief interview here, Mr. Obama said his campaign was considering taking a foreign trip after he secures the Democratic presidential nomination. No details have been set, he said, but added: “Iraq would obviously be at the top of the list of stops.”…
“I think that if I’m going to Iraq, then I’m there to talk to troops and talk to commanders, I’m not there to try to score political points or perform,” Mr. Obama said. “The work they’re doing there is too important.”
Just so we’re clear, a “political stunt” would be letting McCain cow him into a joint trip to Iraq. Letting McCain cow him into a solo trip? Not a stunt. It’s amazing how a townhall meeting carried across the dial on cable news can concentrate the mind, I guess. He’s doing the right thing so I’ll resist the hackiest spin on this (“if he’s this much of a pushover for McCain, what will he be like against…”), but I am sincerely surprised that he’d bow to this sort of pressure so quickly. His flag-pin stance is stupid but there’s a certain ballsiness to it if he’s willing to stick with it and absorb the political consequences because he believes in it. Which … he isn’t. Same here with him backing down after initially objecting to an Iraq trip, same with his ballyhooed speech on race, which could have been given any time after declaring his candidacy last year had he felt deeply about the subject but wasn’t delivered until the Wright thing had become so toxic that he had to do it to try to save his own ass. It’s the Clintons whose every move is supposed to be calculated for political effect; as we’re learning, Obama can beat them at that game, too. Exit question: How high will the RNC counter go?
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O is such a great leader; always open to change when it suits him.
carbon_footprint on May 28, 2008 at 9:22 PM
Yes.
freevillage on May 28, 2008 at 9:25 PM
Obama has to go. I was not excited by McCain calling out Obama on going to Iraq because as soon as Obama goes over he gains credibility on McCain’s #1 issue. If he ends up being CiC, I definitely want to have been over there recently, but I think it hurts McCain in the short run.
Spirit of 1776 on May 28, 2008 at 9:25 PM
That is a pretty normal thing to do once you get the nomination. McCain did the same thing.
bnelson44 on May 28, 2008 at 9:25 PM
This guy is lame with a capital LAME. He’s getting to be like some old slapstick movie; taking so many pratfalls that at some point it may just become painful to watch.
What’s even funnier is how many people on the right were so scared of this walking, taking, suit for of empty for so long.
Typhoon on May 28, 2008 at 9:26 PM
But allowing McCain to push him into a solo trip isn’t?
amerpundit on May 28, 2008 at 9:26 PM
Obviously a black racist in you has said that.
freevillage on May 28, 2008 at 9:26 PM
But, Ed, his moves aren’t calculated, they are pure reaction. He doesn’t think far enough ahead to actually calculate much of anything.
Buford Gooch on May 28, 2008 at 9:27 PM
Somebody’s been reading my comments.
But it’s Ok. I don’t expect to get credit anyway.
Indy Conservative on May 28, 2008 at 9:27 PM
So important, it`s worth giving up.
ThePrez on May 28, 2008 at 9:28 PM
Point McCain, not Obama. Why? Because Obama would probably have gone on a foreign trip after securing the nomination anyway, especially since McCain did. This way McCain makes it look like Obama is only going because he was goaded into going. So point McCain.
Now if Obama can give a big speech in front of many troops and get a lot of shots of them ogling him, he can gain points on McCain.
And yes, there are a lot of Obama supporters in the military in Iraq.
bnelson44 on May 28, 2008 at 9:28 PM
Mr. Obama said. “The work they’re doing there is too important.”
So, lets surrender now. Huh?????
BobK on May 28, 2008 at 9:29 PM
Which is why his plan is to bring them all home immediately.
Missy on May 28, 2008 at 9:29 PM
Just as I had predicted earlier today. It was inevitable
Nelsa on May 28, 2008 at 9:29 PM
Heh…looks like we all had the same thought at the same time.
The McCain campaign should get that line into an ad ASAP.
Missy on May 28, 2008 at 9:30 PM
Can’t say I agree. Reason is, what’s he going to say when he gets back?
Is he going to deny there’s progress? Do that and he’s toast. Absolute toast.
Yet if he says there is progress, then watch his minions weep, wail, gnash their teeth, rend their garments, and close their wallets.
Grab some bench, Barry. Should have gotten a little more seasoning in the minors.
Typhoon on May 28, 2008 at 9:30 PM
McCain should have dared Obama to play on the train tracks.
stonemeister on May 28, 2008 at 9:30 PM
Obama in the primaries, versus general:
- will not go to Iraq, will go to Iraq
- will be against NAFTA, will be for NAFTA
- will be for amnesty, will be against amnesty
- will be for Hamas, will be against Hamas
- will talk directly to Iran, will not talk directly to Iran
- will bring troops home immediately, will seek the generals’ counsel
- will be for universal healthcare, will weigh all options
- on, and on, and on
The rev. Wright was right “he will say and do anything to win”. The reverand, with all his fleas, is more honest than Mr. Obama. The sheep fall for it and deserve the Obamas.
Entelechy on May 28, 2008 at 9:30 PM
A solo trip has some chance of becoming an actual learning process. Whereas the joint trip is bound to be a stunt.
That being said, I already wrote in another thread that I think these trips are overrated. I don’t think they are completely unneeded. It’s good for the public officials to actually touch the ground once in a while. But I do sincerely hope McCain’s plan for Iraq isn’t based on what he could see in the Green Zone, much less when accompanied by the Secret Service.
There’re much more reliable ways to collect military information.
freevillage on May 28, 2008 at 9:30 PM
As I said, I don’t expect credit.
Indy Conservative on May 28, 2008 at 9:32 PM
this is why you were always better than bryan, allah
ernesto on May 28, 2008 at 9:33 PM
If he was going to go regardless, then yes I suppose you are right.
Yes, I think he will deny the progress. Or spin it.
Spirit of 1776 on May 28, 2008 at 9:33 PM
Obama is jumping through hoops for McCain like a trained circus act, isn’t he….
Hog Wild on May 28, 2008 at 9:34 PM
Although,so far, he has not been quite as magnanimous as I had suggested.
Nelsa on May 28, 2008 at 9:34 PM
At least McCain’s been to the Green Zone in the last 2 years. Anyhow, Obama has still not met with General Petraeus one-on-one. Perhaps he should actually consult the military leaders before calling for immediate withdrawal based on his perception of the situation in Iraq.
amerpundit on May 28, 2008 at 9:34 PM
I think he will recognize the progress, thank the troops for their suffering, and then say it is time Iraq took care of their own security. That seems to be his position on Iraq and it is selling.
bnelson44 on May 28, 2008 at 9:35 PM
He has an uncle over there, don’t ya know?
d1carter on May 28, 2008 at 9:35 PM
Belated advice to McCain – be careful what you “wish” for as you might get it.
MB4 on May 28, 2008 at 9:36 PM
Mr. Obama said. “The work they’re doing there is too important.”
Too important … to finish? That makes sense.
Tony737 on May 28, 2008 at 9:36 PM
I think I deserve credit for saying since ummm months and months ago that Hussein will do anything to be the “First Black President.”
But again and again, I don’t expect to take credit for saying things first.
No Chinese food for you.
Indy Conservative on May 28, 2008 at 9:36 PM
Except that he’s expressed not the barest interest in actually learning. If he had, he would have gone of his own accord sometime in the past two years. The fact is, he doesn’t want to learn, and if McCain hadn’t cowed him into it he’d have been blissfully happy ignoring this.
Allahpundit on May 28, 2008 at 9:38 PM
Typhoon, when the MSM and all of Hollyweird and all of the stupid “celebrity” magazines come out hard for Obama this fall, it’s not gonna be funny. They may be able to get this blithering leftist sockpuppet elected POTUS.
funky chicken on May 28, 2008 at 9:39 PM
I think he needs to meet him. I don’t think he must accept his conclusions as Petraeus is a subordinate of the Commander-in-Chief who has a clear agenda. But not meeting with him at all doesn’t project well on Obama.
freevillage on May 28, 2008 at 9:39 PM
Obama will uncover a cousin far removed, who’s serving in Iraq.
MB4, no matter what, all roads lead to McCain. I’m just amazed at the options you can spin it. It’s truly remarkable. If McCain would say tomorrow “I’m 100% against amnesty or 100% for the immediate troop withdrawal from Iraq”, you’d come up with some good line to counter him, and laud Obama. Truly astonishing.
Entelechy on May 28, 2008 at 9:39 PM
“… I’m there to talk to troops …”
Good, maybe they’ll take some sense into ya.
Tony737 on May 28, 2008 at 9:39 PM
Everything is a learning experience for this douche Bambi; it’s like he was born yesterday.
Jaibones on May 28, 2008 at 9:40 PM
If you did say that, I hereby grant you 100% credit, gladly. I believe in credit where it’s due, and not steeling anything intentionally, I really do.
Too bad, because I’m really good company, I like strange/interesting people, and I also like Chinese food.
Entelechy on May 28, 2008 at 9:41 PM
MB4 … I’m just amazed … It’s truly remarkable … Truly astonishing. – Entel
If only he’d use his powers for good instead of evil.
Tony737 on May 28, 2008 at 9:41 PM
I was thinking that too. One thing he knows how to do is make the most of a photo/video op. That stuff doesnt matter to people like those of us who comment here, but they seem to work magic lesser beings…haha, i kid…i mean less politically astute voters.
surrounded on May 28, 2008 at 9:42 PM
Correct. He’ll go, nod his head, and keep on with his talking points. If he had any intention of considering what’s going on in Iraq, he would’ve gone before McCain pressured him into it.
amerpundit on May 28, 2008 at 9:42 PM
The fates are with you, Watson, as McCain should not have stirred the dog that didn’t bark.
Holmes on May 28, 2008 at 9:42 PM
The fact is, politically, he hasn’t had to learn. He has gotten this far by reciting Moveon.org’s talking points and the talking points of some advisors.
He will be in 120 degree heat in the summer, I hope he enjoys the body armor.
bnelson44 on May 28, 2008 at 9:43 PM
Hopefully BHO will handle this with the same finesse he demonstrated in every other facet of his campaign of late. At least three or four gaffes.
phronesis on May 28, 2008 at 9:43 PM
No. They won’t.
In fact, they even know it. That’s why they’re so panicked to push Hillary out the door. Watch McCain there, he’s the grownup in the room. Sure, lots of liberals and college students and blacks will vote for Obama, but Obamamania is over.
He’s peaked and they know it.
Can you really see any of the people who voted for Hillary voting for this guy in the fall?
Ain’t happening.
He’s The Second Coming of McGovern.
Typhoon on May 28, 2008 at 9:44 PM
Yep, he might look good in a helmet on a chopper or hey, even in a tank :)
bnelson44 on May 28, 2008 at 9:44 PM
How someone gets him a bib for the flight.
profitsbeard on May 28, 2008 at 9:45 PM
Again, you’re free to believe Obama has made a conscious decision not to learn about Iraq. I say this is ludicrous. I think it’s quite obvious that he thinks he has other reliable sources that enable him to form and articulate his policy on Iraq.
Now, I, being anti-war, don’t trust his policy, as I’m explaining right this minute in another thread (on Scott McC). But I’m also opposed to dwelling on gestures, whose meaning is overstated to say the least. Going to Iraq with McCain is beyond a gesture. It’s pure theater, and was intended as such.
- Well, Mr. Obama what did you hear from these brave soldiers? nevermindthefacttheyhaveacincwithaclearlystatedagenda
- Uhm, they are great!
- Wouldn’t it be SWELL if they could finish the job they are SO SUPERBLY doing right now?
- Uhm…
It’s a catch 22. I don’t blame McCain for trying. I can’t blame Obama for seeing through it.
freevillage on May 28, 2008 at 9:46 PM
I meant to say people who voted for Hillary in Ohio and Pennsylvania. They’re not going to, and that’s all it’s going to take.
Typhoon on May 28, 2008 at 9:46 PM
Weathervane, or empty suit, take your pick.
tarpon on May 28, 2008 at 9:48 PM
Meet Me in St. Louis
Indy Conservative on May 28, 2008 at 9:48 PM
No, if that were to happen then either i would not believe him (most likely) or I would go into cardiac arrest and drop dead.
If you ever find yourself on the side of the majority, it is time to pause, and reflect.
- Mark Twain
MB4 on May 28, 2008 at 9:49 PM
Wow. Obama is becoming McCain’s bitxx.
blink on May 28, 2008 at 9:49 PM
Which is why the trip to Iraq should be so … interesting. He’ll meet with Petraeus, and, like Pelosi, say something about progress, then immediately take it back once he’s out of the country. But unless he can keep his initial comments off TV, they’re going to be out there, like the Kerry “I voted for it before I voted against it” line on Iraq funding from four years ago.
(Of course, he does have the option of going over there, doing the meetings and taking the tour, and then calling it a quagmire to Maliki and Petraeus’ faces, which would bring the left to orgasm over here. But for a man who never met a controversial measure he couldn’t vote “present” to, that’s not in Obama’s style.)
jon1979 on May 28, 2008 at 9:49 PM
Indy, great city, with great food. I’ll let you know next time I’m there.
Entelechy on May 28, 2008 at 9:51 PM
Great fleas have little fleas upon their backs to bite ‘em,
And little fleas have lesser fleas, and so ad infinitum.
And the great fleas themselves, in turn, have greater fleas to go on, while these again have greater still, and greater still, and so on.
- Augustus De Morgan
MB4 on May 28, 2008 at 9:53 PM
Great quote. You can post it 1000 times and I’ll still adore it because being common is incredibly boring.
But where is the majority? I can’t add it up no matter how hard I try, neither on the left, nor the right.
Entelechy on May 28, 2008 at 9:53 PM
MB4 on May 28, 2008 at 9:53 PM
In spite of all your ‘fleas’ MB4, you can still make one smile when you get off the anti-McCain horse.
Entelechy on May 28, 2008 at 9:55 PM
This guy, Obama, is a Harvard trained lawyer?
What does that say about Harvard? Perhaps Harvard needs to re-examine their curricula, and the qualifications of their instructors.
More importantly, this guy is a walking, talking example of the absolute failure of “affirmative action”
rockhauler on May 28, 2008 at 9:56 PM
So the Healer full of Hope and Change who will listen to all points of view and unite the country won’t join a Republican Senator and presidential candidate for a trip to Iraq? And won’t meet with Iraqi political leaders?
It’s almost like his actions don’t match his rhetoric or something.
Hollowpoint on May 28, 2008 at 9:56 PM
Where is the majority? On HA the majority is voting for McCain.
MB4 on May 28, 2008 at 9:58 PM
He’ll go to Iraq, meet with the great General, admit progress and then…. tell the American people it’s time to come home because “we’ve won.”
He’ll stick his finger in the air, test the wind direction and figure out a way to spin it to his advantage.
pullingmyhairout on May 28, 2008 at 9:59 PM
Exactly.
Spirit of 1776 on May 28, 2008 at 10:01 PM
He will meet with the troops and some will cheer because they like him and others to be polite and McCain will wish that he had left this one well enough alone.
MB4 on May 28, 2008 at 10:03 PM
I operate on the “Pony Express” model. When one horse gets tired there is the next one and Juan McCain is furnishing them all.
MB4 on May 28, 2008 at 10:05 PM
Well, I have HOPE that he will go to Iraq and CHANGE his mind about it, and learn and see what amazing work we are doing there, and just exactly how important it actually is. I have Hope. He can Change. Yes, He Can!
bridgetown on May 28, 2008 at 10:07 PM
So when does he go? Fourth of July weekend to avoid the news cycle or during the Republican Convention to steal the spotlight??? McCain really needs to preempt Obama if he is going to visit again and schedule a trip during the Dem convention.
rw on May 28, 2008 at 10:10 PM
If he goes to Iraq and comes off as the elitist arugula snob that we all know he is in front of the troops, it would be a huge blow to his campaign. The RNC should find the guy who took the John Kerry bunny suit pic and make sure he is over there at the same time.
WisCon on May 28, 2008 at 10:11 PM
i can’t wait to see the dude salute. billy jeff had to be taught and still never got the hang of it. the obamatron will probably look like barney fife.
DrW on May 28, 2008 at 10:17 PM
Isn’t that special
Maxx on May 28, 2008 at 10:21 PM
Like MacArthur with Truman, Obama will be above saluting anyone.
Empty suits do not bend.
profitsbeard on May 28, 2008 at 10:23 PM
If they go together wouldn’t they have to come back with similar stories? Another good reason for Obama to want to go at a separate time
multiuseless on May 28, 2008 at 10:25 PM
WisCon
I predict something different.
If he goes to Iraq you know darn well he will be conveniently swarmed by the whiney soldiers and airmen (not Marines, I have yet to meet a whiney Marine) who will complain about he war and their hardships of deploying and that will be all that Obama will remember, even though his mind was already made up before the trip.
I say this because they are out there, nowhere near as many as those proud to be there and proud to serve, but they are out there. Those who signed up not thinking they’d ever fight and probably just joined for the benefits and image, believe Michael Moore propaganda, etc… Those kind will find a way to get to him and speak their minds.
I will never forget that obese, whiney, Army Reserve medic I corrected in a laundray trailer in Balad/Anaconda, who also outranked me at the time, for whining about Bush and his war crimes – the usual liberal crap.
No disrespect to those who serve, but I know those liberal whiners will surface like worms after a rainstorm. They may whine, but some still do one hell of a job.
Nonetheless they will find him and give a flase impression that they are or represent the majority, just like all protestors, and Obama will buy it.
El Guapo on May 28, 2008 at 10:28 PM
NO! even if all obama sees is good news from Iraq, he is still allowed to disagree. it might make him look more of a cynic or pessimist, and idiot, but he is entitled to his own opinion.
I think he does not want to go with McCain because he knows McCain will engage him in discussing their differences and I don’t think Obama has the ability (IE facts) to defeat McCain in a head to head true debate.
El Guapo on May 28, 2008 at 10:31 PM
My 2nd to last post bothers me. I feel like i just stabbed some comrades in the back even though i listed none by name, and most of you already know they (the liberal whiners) exist even in the military.
I even work with one who believed Marines were purposely indescriminately killing innocent civilians. !?!?! And he is still my subordinate. Now that was an interesting conversation. But bravo to him for actually discussing it and not getting testy or mad when i had facts to disprove all of his brainwashed allegations.
El Guapo on May 28, 2008 at 10:36 PM
Nope… gonna be WAY different.
He will got AFTER he has the nomination in the bag… and after he has garnered all the campaign cash he can from the anti war left.
He knew all along, that just like the Dem controled Congress, he had NO real intention of pulling the troops when they were winning.
This trip will allow him to say that he has learned that the Iraqis are making progress, and he may have to modify his position… which will play well with independents in the General.
Its all about the “evolution” of his position. Surrender does not play well in a Gerneral election, but does secure you money and support from the far left… now he has to morph.
Romeo13 on May 28, 2008 at 10:37 PM
Romeo13
you make a good point. i always wondered if he would claim credit for victory once elected, even though the fixes occurred under the same man he claimed was still mismanaging the war.
El Guapo on May 28, 2008 at 10:43 PM
BO is such a typical whack liberal…..do as I say, not as I do.
FWIW – I refuse to call a man that is 50% white and 50% black as a “black man”….he is both or neither. If both, I will call him a “whack” or a “blite”….either one works for me.
David in ATL on May 28, 2008 at 10:44 PM
The McCain strategy was brilliant and it worked like magic. It’s a lose/lose situation for Obama now.
If Obama does not accept McCain’s “invitation” for a joint trip to Iraq, I think McCain will make sure that his schedule is clear so that he can be there at the same time.
Nelsa on May 28, 2008 at 10:45 PM
He will stage photo ops with like minded soldiers.
I don’t think he will go with McCain because his reception by the troops would be tepid compared to the reception McCain would receive.
ArmyAunt on May 28, 2008 at 10:50 PM
He’s an American! Why doesnt he just call himself an American? I don’t go around calling myself a Black Foot-Cherokee-German-American.
That would be AWESOME! Especially if it was a surprise. Imagine Obama’s face if he suddenly saw McCain sit next to him on the plane when he thought he would be able to do it the easy way.
El Guapo on May 28, 2008 at 10:50 PM
The answer is “yes”.
ArmyAunt on May 28, 2008 at 10:51 PM
I still remember Hillary’s reception in Afghanistan. I think Bill OReily was there just before her or at the same time, or something. But Billary got only a hand ful to greet her at hte terminal, and even less in the
chow halldifac (”dining facility”)El Guapo on May 28, 2008 at 10:52 PM
Just like liberals are now trying to take credit for Reagans bringing down of hte Berlin wall and the USSR. Whatwas that recent movie? Wilson’s war?
El Guapo on May 28, 2008 at 10:53 PM
ALL TOGETHER NOW:
“I just don’t want to be involved in a political stunt.”
…like running for POTUS…
maverick muse on May 28, 2008 at 10:58 PM
El Guapo
Wilson’s War movie certainly did rewrite the record.
maverick muse on May 28, 2008 at 10:59 PM
Re. the exit question: They need a “How long before Obama’s subcommittee on Afghanistan actually holds a hearing?” counter.
jgapinoy on May 28, 2008 at 11:01 PM
That would be a very bad move on his part. It would make him look clingy, like Hillary “Can’t take no for an answer” Clinton.
MB4 on May 28, 2008 at 11:02 PM
I dunno. Don’t bet the farm on that.
MB4 on May 28, 2008 at 11:03 PM
Great point! I guess he could not even visit the troops if he became POTUS because it might be considered a “Political Stunt”
Visiting the troops is a politcal stunt!!? Yet he is going. But not with a true war hero who just happens to be a worthy opponent.
Nelsa on May 28, 2008 at 11:06 PM
I will bet the farm on it.
Little side bet MB4?
I’m betting that McCain wins in November.
ArmyAunt on May 28, 2008 at 11:09 PM
BTW MB4, the military men and women do respect a true war hero.
ArmyAunt on May 28, 2008 at 11:11 PM
You have a farm? How many acres are we talking here?
MB4 on May 28, 2008 at 11:13 PM
McCain, pulling the strings of a little puppet.
right2bright on May 28, 2008 at 11:15 PM
If by “true war hero”, you mean Juan McVain, well you shouldn’t really speak for all of them, as many of them may feel entitled to have their own differing thoughts about him.
MB4 on May 28, 2008 at 11:18 PM
On this matter time will tell who is the puppet and who is the puppeteer.
MB4 on May 28, 2008 at 11:20 PM
Memo to Obama camp: Salute with your right hand (assuming your candidate isn’t beneath saluting our troops).
SouthernGent on May 28, 2008 at 11:28 PM
Once again: Obama is a puppet on a string and the most likely puppeteer is George Soros. With the media in full control of this election, you better get ready to march to the socialist drum or be dealt with accordingly. Do what the media tells you to do, or else.
Travis1 on May 28, 2008 at 11:30 PM
Don’t give MB4, and a few others here, a heart attack, ArmyAunt.
Entelechy on May 28, 2008 at 11:36 PM
Unless the MSM only shows interviews with those troops who want nothing more than to go home and will vote for Obama for that reason alone. Shocking though it may be to some, there are liberals in the military and those servicemen/women will gladly vote for Obama even though it risks the mission they’ve risked so much for. That’s just one way the MSM can spin it.
Given the success in Iraq I’m confident troops can be gradually withdrawn but I have no faith in Obama doing that in an orderly manner that wont send a signal to AQ that now is the time to move back in.
Yakko77 on May 28, 2008 at 11:54 PM
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