McCain Mocks Obama's Iraq Comments

AP reports:

Republican presidential hopeful John McCain mocked Democrat Barack Obama on Wednesday for saying he would take action as president "if al-Qaida is forming a base in Iraq."

"When you examine that statement, it's pretty remarkable," McCain told a crowd in Tyler, Texas.

"I have some news. Al-Qaida is in Iraq. It's called `al-Qaida in Iraq,'" McCain said, drawing laughter at Obama's expense.

Obama responded quickly, hitting back hard:

Mr. Obama, in Columbus, responded soon after. "I have some news for John McCain," Mr. Obama said at a large rally at Ohio State University. "There was no such thing as Al Qaeda in Iraq until George Bush and John McCain decided to invade Iraq."

Mr. Obama mocked his potential Republican rival as he answered Mr. McCain's charge that he lacks sufficient foreign-policy experience for the presidency.

"I've been paying attention, John McCain," Mr. Obama said, speaking to a crowd of 7,000 in the St. John Arena on the Ohio State campus. "So John McCain may like to say he wants to follow Osama bin Laden to the gates of Hell, but so far, all he's done is follow George Bush into a misguided war in Iraq."

What goes unmentioned is that McCain distorted Obama's original statement by taking it out of context. During the Democratic debate on Tuesday, moderator Tim Russert laid out a hypothetical situation: what if al Qaeda "resurges" as a powerful force in Iraq after U.S. troops withdrew? The Obama statement that McCain is mocking -- "if al-Qaida is forming a base in Iraq" -- came in the context of that hypothetical.

Here's the full exchange:

MR. RUSSERT: I want to ask both of you this question, then. If we -- if this scenario plays out and the Americans get out in total and al Qaeda resurges and Iraq goes to hell, do you hold the right, in your mind as American president, to re-invade, to go back into Iraq to stabilize it? ...

SEN. OBAMA: ... Now, I always reserve the right for the president -- as commander in chief, I will always reserve the right to make sure that we are looking out for American interests. And if al Qaeda is forming a base in Iraq, then we will have to act in a way that secures the American homeland and our interests abroad. So that is true, I think, not just in Iraq, but that's true in other places. That's part of my argument with respect to Pakistan.

I think we should always cooperate with our allies and sovereign nations in making sure that we are rooting out terrorist organizations, but if they are planning attacks on Americans, like what happened in 9/11, it is my job -- it will be my job as president to make sure that we are hunting them down.

Video of the back and forth is here:

Comments

[MIHOP]

"We"ve been in Japan for 60 years. We"ve been in South Korea for 50 years or so. That would be fine with me, as long as American, as long as Americans are not being injured or harmed or wounded or killed."

It would be fine with me if you and a few hundred thousand folks who agree with would have the balls to transfer permanently to Iraq to carry out YOUR mission.

(What is it about a Republican that s/he can't see the shallowness of his/her own "convictions")

[Ramirez]

Every servicemenber in Iraq today either enlisted or re-enlisted with full knowledge they were going to Iraq.

[ltfcrazy]

What was their alternative source of income before they made that decision? Were they in the National Guard expecting to protect their country from within? Did they expect one tour or three?

[Ping]

That's so lame. If you support the war you should enlist, if you are too old go apply at KBR. They got driving jobs there that will blow you away.

[Bendersky]

Those wacky republicans. They have such endearing senses of humor. "I have news for Mr. Obama..." What a cut-up! It's almost as funny as the photo-op McCain had of himself walking with armored guard through a market in Baghdad while trying to convince us how safe it was. Now THAT'S high humor.


By the way, I liked Obama's come-back: Al Qaeda wasn't remotely in Iraq before Bush invaded. Bin Laden and Hussein hated each other. Al Qaeda was on it's heels until our Chimp in Chief became their recruitment poster boy.

[MIHOP]

You could almost say Bush and McBush are co-founders of Al Qaeda in Iraq.

[imusintheevening]

LMAO

[kevenseven]

Yes! Excellent!

[LAcarlito]

What scares McCain and the Bush crowd so much is that if the US pulls out and that Iraq does stabilize, but it happens with the help of Iran. It was always logical that Iran would help to fill the political and economic vacuum of a country (Iraq) that is 70% Shia.

The math was always on the side of Iran and that is why we had that straw man named Saddam running the place with his Sunni minority for so long--but the moron Bush didn't know the difference between a Shia and Sunni when he invaded.

So the reality is now that we keep having US soldiers dying because Bush & McCain et al can't live with the natural evolution of the will of the people of Iraq. This is tragic.

And thanks Hillary for not thinking about this before your vote in 2002...at least Obama saw this problem if we toppled Saddam. You did not.

[MIHOP]

Amen.

[AdAbsurdum]

This also terrifies Bush and Cheney's true masters, the House of Saud.

[gcallaghan]

McCain must keep in mind that the last time he went to war he got his ass shot down.

[MIHOP]

Ba-dump-bump!

[nihilon x]

This time he gets to send others to get shot down.

[MIHOP]

He also gets to be the torturer!

[iPolitics]

McCain: "My friends. Get ready for a lot of wars."

[MIHOP]

"My friends, I would be honored to be your President of Endless War."

[imusintheevening]

Countries with Al Qaeda:

Afghanistan, Sudan, Kenya, Tanzania, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, Oman, Indonesia, Philippines, Pakistan, ....... wow McCain gets his own WW!

[MIHOP]

The consolation: no way McBush runs at 76!!!

[MIHOP]

This has to be the last time. Right?

[TAC]

The consolation: no way McBush runs at 76!!!

The office really ages the president. There's software that calculates the aging effect and it was run on the photo from McCain's last physical to show his likely appearance in 2012. It is disturbing...

http://budak.blogs.com/the_annotated_budak/images/molerat.jpg

[busybeez]

Where is McCain's flag pin? Guess he's not patriotic ha. Does it seem Nazi-like that a politician must wear a pin or his loyalty is questionable? Is that democracy?

[MarkieBee001]

Good point! I don't see a flag pin McBush! I have to now question your patriotism. Sheesh...only a pinhead makes this an issue and a determining factor in whether they will vote for either Obama or McBush or not.

[MIHOP]

Really. How can he run for President of the flag pin brigade with a flippin pin?

[Ramirez]

Nazis. I hate those guys.

[goofticket]

McCain states that Al-Qaeda will take over Iraq, if we leave.
So does the entire Republican Congress, for that matter.

Here's a few facts about Iraq history.

There has been a nation, called Iraq, in the same place for over 5,000 years.
Is McCain saying they are not the birthplace of civilization, they did not invent writing?
Has McCain insulted that 5,000 year existience, by claiming it is unwilling to defend itself?

McCain needs a history book, upside the head.

Iraq had occupiers, the first in 1503, after a four mellenia run of independence. Then the mongols tried to control it, they eventually gave it to the Persians, who gave it to the Ottomans, who thengave it to the Brits, the French and back to the Brits, and now the US is playing occupier.
Nobody has been able to keep and control Iraq, except the Iraqis themselves.

Not anymore. That 5,000 year history went 'poof' in the night. I'm not sure when, but McCain should explain that to the Iraqi people, as he attempts to pull that wool over our eyes in the US.

Not one of the occupiers ruled for long, or successfully economically.
Both World Wars could not dissolve the nation.
Surely a nation, that has suvived that long, will simply let anyone take over with no resistance.
Why bother starting self-rule after 5,000 years?
Autonomy? Is that the new hybrid car from Ford?

Wait a minute here...
There are 40 Million people there, who refuse to be anything other than Iraqi citizens.
They've proved that over a 5,000 year period...and you Senator McCain, think some infant nation of 232 years s going to tell them otherwise, just because you ahve a few guns.
Those mongels had lots of swords too. Didn't work out too well for them, did it?

McCain has insulted all Iraq, with his claim that they are going to do nothing, and that taking over Iraq is as easy as getting a Latte at Starbucks. All 40 Million Iraqis will do nothing, according to McCain.
Chicken Iraqi....Chicken...chicken!

Why does this ancient conservative relic, claim that a 5,000 year history, is suddenly going to go "poof"?
History proves that the Iraqi's are a very patient people.
They will wait until we leave, then do what they have for the next 5,000 years.
Just like they did with the Brits or French or even those pesky Mongols.

Do you honestly think, the Iraqi's are going to give up their nation to Al-Qaeda, with no resistiance?
Fat chance, old man!

The country is armed to the hilt, they have modern portable communications, are fairly well educated, and have an income source to exist for centuries to come.
And a bit of world sympathy for being invaded......again!

The terrorist are gonna take over Iraq.
What a stupid concept.
What an insult, to a nation that has outlasted almost every other one on Earth.

Guess what Mr. McCain....they are likely win the waiting game.....again.

[MIHOP]

Entirely correct. Though I would suggest using McBush. It clarifies things.

[Ramirez]

"There has been a nation, called Iraq, in the same place for over 5,000 years."


The nation of Iraq was created in the 1920's.

[MIHOP]

Yes. The Brits broke it the last time. Too bad Bush slept through history.

No matter. The point: it is likely to survive our withdrawal at least as well as it did our invasion and occupation. Heck, how else will they get their electricity back?

[desmirl]

McCain was a poor student before Annapolis and graduated fifth from the bottom in his class at the Naval Academy. Sadly, he is just not that bright. On the other hand, Obama was editor of the Law Review at Harvard. There is nothing I want to see more than that point at which McCain tries to match wits with Obama. The only thing Obama will have to be careful about is not hitting too hard and opening the door for a sympathy vote for McCain.

[MIHOP]

"fifth from the bottom in his class at the Naval Academy."

OMG. vs. a former Presidenet of the most pretigious law review in the country, a guy who could've written his own ticket at any law firm in the country, clerked at the SCOTUS, raked in a fortune, but chose to organize for social justice in Chicago?

Then again, it'll be like any other race. The Republicans are always runnings some kind of dolt and dressing him like a regular joe, and their voters buy it every time. Stupdity = average guy = good.

[nunzia]

MIHOP is right.
Never underestimate the stupidity of the American sheeple. This nation has been deliberately dumbed down.
The sheeple will follow whatever R promises lots of benefits, but no tax to pay for it.
They're stupid.
You're can't underestimate that stupidity.

[venicesurfer]

mccain is a racist! how dare he say anything negative about a black presidential candidate. lol.

i dont know if mccain has ever been accused of racism. if he hasnt, he better get used to it if obama is the nominee.

[MIHOP]

McBush's surrogates will take care of the slurs for him, so he can claim "plausible deniability", that gem from the Iran Contra days...

[anghiari]

McCain isn't a racist...he's an opportunist

"It is worth pointing out that John McCain's adopted daughter, Bridget, is originally from Bangladesh. Since Hussein is a very common name in Bangladesh, it is entirely possible that her birth father or grandfather was named Hussein. McCain certainly has Muslim relatives via adoption in his family. If Muslim relatives are a disqualification from high office in the United States, then McCain himself is in trouble. In fact, since Bridget is upset that George W. Bush doesn't like her "because she is black," and used her to stop the McCain campaign in South Carolina in 2000, you understand why McCain would be especially sensitive to race-baiting of Cunningham's sort. The question is how vigorously he will combat it; he hasn't been above Muslim-taunting in the campaign so far. (And, the McCains really should let Bridget know that she is Asian, not "black." The poor girl; Bush and Rove have done a number on her, and Cindy's confusion can't help.)"

[Ramirez]

anghiari, you may need to walk us through that again.

[TAC]

"The question is how vigorously he will combat it; he hasn't been above Muslim-taunting in the campaign so far."

He threw his first wife under the bus for a younger rich one. His response to the promoters of the "illegitimate black daughter" was the I Wish I Knew How To Quit You photo...

[Arbos]

A surfer without a brain. Stereotype lives on.

[leftLibertarian]

Memo to McCain:

Iraq was never a direct military threat to the US.

Iraq had no WMD, no ties to al-Quaida, and had nothing to do with 9/11.

Al-Quaida came to Iraq AFTER Bush and Cheney lied about the above and illegally started a war.

So Bush and Cheney should be thankful that the spineless Democrats have not impeached them. Otherwise they'd be sitting in prison.

[helonias]

But now we have enduring freedom based on top of their oil reserves.

Isn't that a good thing and the real reason we are there?

[MIHOP]

It's one of the real reasons, but no, it's not a good thing. We're the free marketers, remember? The leaders of the FREE world? We don't just invade countries and take things.

If Republicans treated the people in their neighhborhoods the way their administration's treat our neighbors in the world, we'd alll get a clearer picture of their thuggish worldview. They'd be breaking and entering, stealing plasma TV's, meals, hot tubs, SUV's. They be jacking your electricity, your phone line, your...

[ResistanceisFutile]

America will be shocked, shocked I say, when another old white guy is elected President.

Support Ralph Nader for real change.

[TAC]

"Support Ralph Nader for real change."

Because he's not another old white guy?

[MIHOP]

;^)

[desmirl]

Maybe he meant vote Nader for CHUMP change.

[gonavy]

Yah...Go Nader!!!

[GoCheneyYourself]

Vote Nader and you will surely, once again help an old white guy to get elected president.

[MIHOP]

Good name.

[cam]

You're referring to Ralph, right?

[rollingdivision]

The candidate of change and the future seems stuck in 2002. Like it or not we are in Iraq. Al Qaeda foolishly decided to move into Iraq and thought they could defeat the US military there. They were wrong. Now, a much weakened al Qaeda is still in Iraq. The current situation needs to be addressed. So though it's nice that Obama thinks he was right in 2002, but it's 2008, so what. The election is about the future.

[eddieinc97]

Al Qaeda supposedly was behind 9/11. We lost alot of people that day. And as you are implying, the genius George Bush went into Iraq to draw them into the country. We are up to 3972 casualties. And more than 100,000 Iraqi's. Is the future you talk about the 100 years McCain has suggested? Or the 20 years the Iraqi Prime Minister has suggested? I'll take a future with us the hell out of there NOW. Yes we broke it, but as long as our military is there, we won't fix it. Because as George Bush and his friends found out, there are more people than al Qaeda, that hate America. And we did nothing in this war to change that mentality.

[rollingdivision]

Discussions of history are of little consequence in determining how we should move forward from today. We need to evaluate the current situation, determine what is in the best long term interests of the United States and take actions make the changes needed to move toward our longterm goals.

BTW from factcheck.org on the 100 years distortion of what McCain actually said "That of course is a serious distortion of what McCain actually said to a town-hall meeting in New Hampshire back on Jan. 3. His actual words are posted in a video on YouTube. Far from advocating "endless war," he said the presence of U.S. troops in Iraq would be "fine with me" provided that they're not being killed or wounded. Here's the full quote:

McCain, Jan. 3: Make it a hundred. ... We’ve been in Japan for 60 years. We’ve been in South Korea for 50 years or so. That would be fine with me, as long as American, as long as Americans are not being injured or harmed or wounded or killed. It’s fine with me and I hope it would be fine with you if we maintained a presence in a very volatile part of the world where al Qaeda is training, recruiting and equipping and motivating people every single day.

It should be noted that both Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama, despite their frequent talk of withdrawing from Iraq, have said repeatedly that they would maintain at least some troops in a combat role in Iraq for some time, possibly their entire term of office."

[MIHOP]

"The current situation needs to be addressed. So though it's nice that Obama thinks he was right in 2002, but it's 2008, so what. The election is about the future."

It will a refreshing change to have someone who will judge situations correctly the first time.

After all the debates and discussions, it really is not hard to see the plan.

Organize a withdrawal plan with the military.
Establish a regional diplomatic entity.
Establish a real coalition of non-military support.
Execute the withdrawal; probably 18-24 months.
Leave some forces for the embassy and as an advance operation for monitoring/striking AQ, not conventionally, but surgically.
If Civil War breaks out, provide as much diplomatic, medical, food, etc., assistance as possible.

Is it likely to be pretty? No. But that's what you get when you break a country.

[rollingdivision]

This plan is backwards. Ready, fire, aim!! The correct approach would be to define the goals and then determine actions to reach these goals. Not determine actions first. This is no better than Bush's "planning". And the goals must not be isolated within the small perspective of get out of Iraq. But, rather what is in the best longterm interests of USA. BTW:Do you think friendly Middle Eastern leaders will have no problems with the USA walking away from Iraq?

[SeekerOne]

"Straight talk" my ass.

[MIHOP]

If you were a Republican, that would be the best way to communicate with you.

[gonavy]

Is that the new gay bar pick up line?

[ChimpmasterDJ]

This is precisely why Obama will annihilate old Blood 'n mo'Guts McCain in the debate on the Iraq war. Clinton could say everything Obama will say about how it was foolish, predictably disastrous, cannot be unraveled, costs amounts detrimental to the health of our economy, worse - the elevated cost is "calculated" to enrich contracted goons who are friends of the terminally corrupt neo-cons. The problem is that Clinton saying it would fall flat, have little force or credibility, since she was their willing accomplice at every turn.

This is why Rethuglicans so desperately want a Hillary miracle, and have her as their opponent in November. Luckily, the American people are waking up, and they won't fall for that.

[anghiari]

Wonder how McCain is gonna suck it up when he sees the Repugs going after Obama in the same way the Repugs went after him in 2000 to assure their brain Trust, george bush could get elected!

[prestodan]

ChimpmasterDJ - nails it.
I expressed my Obama support earlier than most people I know - and this is why. I'd ask my friends, how did the I voted for it before I turned against it approach turn out for John Kerry? It turned out with him over a barrel.
Never underestimate DJ knowledge.
And let's move on to kicking the ass of McCain.