Republican de facto nominee hammers the Democratic frontrunner for debate comment suggesting Al-Qaeda is not a major factor in Iraq.
McCain in Tyler, Texas:
"I have some news. Al-Qaeda is in Iraq. Al-Qaeda is called al-Qaeda in Iraq.... I will not surrender to al-Qaeda." Read full statement here.
Obama said Tuesday he would consider returning U.S. troops to Iraq after a withdrawal if Al-Qaeda established a base of operations there.
Counter-punch: Obama gives sharp, taunting response in Columbus, Ohio:
"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 that has cost us thousands of lives and billions of dollars and that I intend to bring to an end.... That's the news, John McCain.”
Watch video above.
Read Obama campaign Iraq fact check here.
Get Joe Klein's take on McCain's comments on Swampland.
