It was quite remarkable that as news broke this morning that Sen. John McCain's top two presidential campaign strategists were resigning, the Arizona Republican was on the Senate floor defending the only more beleaguered politician in America - President Bush.
McCain just returned from Iraq, and he was speaking in the Senate in support of keeping U.S. troops there to sustain Bush's surge of about 30,000 U.S. troops.
McCain looked very, very tired as he spoke, and even alluded to his weariness.
"I know that senators are tired of this war, tired of the mounting death toll, the many mistakes we have made [in Iraq]," McCain said.
"I understand this fatigue," he said, but added that "we cannot let fatigue dictate our policies."
As news of his presidential campaign's apparent implosion was broadcast on CNN, McCain questioned "whether America still has the political courage to fight for victory, or whether we will settle for defeat."
"If we simply pack up and leave, the war doesn't end. It gets harder," McCain said. "If I knew a great option as to how we can preserver our nation's security and withdraw ... I would embrace it tomorrow."
Jon Ward, White House correspondent, The Washington Times
Comments (2)
Fatigue?!? What about the hundred's of young American's DYING on the other side of the world - isn't it possible that THAT is what motivates the senators advocating withdrawal?
And doesn't this line that 'If we simply pack up and leave, the war doesn't end. It gets harder' reek of empty speculation? Is there a single piece of evidence that would support the principal that terrorists would be 'emboldened' (George Bush's favourite word) if America pulls out of Iraq?
And why is McCain talking about 'Victory' - presumably that will only occur when every single Iraqi that hates American presence in Iraq is dead or imprisoned - that will leave Iraq with a free population of about 10 people. This fight was over before it began - 'Victory'? Maybe McCain should go into politics instead of trying to get his comedy career off the ground.
Posted by Gabriel Casey | July 12, 2007 11:57 AM
To defend a man with an IQ of 90 to stay the course is indicative of what a president McCain will be. To vote for him will ensure 4 more years of US military occupation of Iraq after Bush's departure. America does not this. Fool me once(twice), shame on you Republicans ... fool me three times, same on me.
Posted by John Forbes | July 15, 2007 5:41 PM