McCain Team Response to Obama on Iraq

"If Barack Obama believes that visiting Iraq and meeting with commanders will not give him any new perspective, than we can only assume he's going just to smile for the cameras.

It was John McCain's visit to Iraq in August 2003 that led him to recognize the need for a change in strategy there, a change he fought for despite strong resistance from the Bush Administration. It was another trip to Iraq in December 2006 that informed his judgment that a surge was the correct strategy for reducing violence and stabilizing the security situation in Iraq. It was yet another trip to Iraq in March 2007 that led him to believe the surge was succeeding -- a fact that even Sen. Obama recognizes today. If Barack Obama had bothered to return to Iraq before opposing the very strategy that has put victory within reach, he would not be on the wrong side of this issue.

Barack Obama blindly opposed the surge strategy to placate the left-wing interests in his party, but had he bothered to return to Iraq to speak with commanders on the ground with John McCain in December of 2006, he might not have made the mistake of opposing the strategy that's winning in Iraq today. It's the difference between putting your country first, or your politics first - and Barack Obama's judgment failed that test.” -- Randy Sheunemann, senior foreign policy advisor John McCain 2008