McCain strategist : "We're f^cked" - UPDATED

by Veteran75, Sat Jul 19, 2008 at 05:28:22 PM EST

Sorry for this diaries brevity, but I really wanted to share this gem from Ambinder:

This could be one of those unexpected events that forever changes the way the world perceives an issue. Iraq's Prime Minister agrees with Obama, and there's no wiggle room or fudge factor. This puts John McCain in an extremely precarious spot: what's left to argue? to argue against Maliki would be to predicate that Iraqi sovereignty at this point means nothing. Obviously, our national interests aren't equivalent to Iraq's, but... Maliki isn't listening to the generals on the ground...but the "hasn't been to Iraq" line doesn't work here.

. . .

(Via e-mail, a prominent Republican strategist who occasionally provides advice to the McCain campaign said, simply, "We're fucked." . . . - http://marcambinder.theatlantic.com/arch ives/2008/07/mccain_campaign_responds_to _al.php

I just saw CNN report on the White House email "accident" that was mentioned in the rec list, and I thank them for turning this into a story that could dominate news cycles through Monday. Usually weekend stuff can die a quiet death, but this statement by Maliki can really help frame Obama's trip in a positive light, and put McCain on the defensive.

I would like to open this up to discussion, as I always find myself playing "Devil's Advocate" to tone down my optimism. Can anyone think of how the McCain camp could . . . with a straight face . . . spin this story better than using the "domestic politics" line?

Update [2008-7-19 18:36:13 by Veteran75]: It looks like the McCain campaign has updated their response, by basically taking credit for ? ? ? :
Let’s be clear, the only reason that the conversation about reducing troop levels in Iraq is happening is because John McCain challenged the failed Rumsfield-strategy in Iraq and argued for the surge strategy that is responsible for the successes we’ve achieved . . . --- Tucker Bounds, spokesman John McCain 2008.
. . . so are they admitting something?


Tags: McCain, Malaki, Obama, Iraq (all tags)

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Re: McCain strategist : "We're f^cked" (2.00 / 4)

It's hilarious.


Obama/Biden 08
by W126 on Sat Jul 19, 2008 at 05:30:58 PM EST

Re: McCain strategist : "We're f^cked" (2.00 / 1)

the really shocking part is a repuke strategist telling the truth...:P


by zerosumgame on Sat Jul 19, 2008 at 05:33:43 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: McCain strategist : "We're f^cked" (2.00 / 3)

It's an anonymous GOP strategist. They have no problem telling the truth just so long as they don't have to be held accountable for it and don't suffer any serious repercussions.


If you're being chased by an angry bull and then you notice you're also being chased by a swarm of bees, it doesn't really change things. Just keep on running.
by vcalzone on Sat Jul 19, 2008 at 05:41:48 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: McCain strategist : "We're f^cked" (none / 0)

Do you think it was Ed Rollins? I don't think he has been advising McCain.


NO 100 year WAR, NO McConnell run Senate, & NO GOP-led Supreme Court!!!
by Veteran75 on Sat Jul 19, 2008 at 06:42:24 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Nice... (2.00 / 2)

The more the McBush campaign f**ks up, the easier they make it for us. :-)


No way, no how, no McCain! :-)
by atdleft on Sat Jul 19, 2008 at 05:56:54 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Nice... (2.00 / 2)

 . . . and the more we see a thinning of the PUMA ranks!


NO 100 year WAR, NO McConnell run Senate, & NO GOP-led Supreme Court!!!
by Veteran75 on Sat Jul 19, 2008 at 06:01:16 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Tips, snark, kudos . . . (2.00 / 6)

4 8 15 16 23 42


NO 100 year WAR, NO McConnell run Senate, & NO GOP-led Supreme Court!!!
by Veteran75 on Sat Jul 19, 2008 at 05:33:07 PM EST

Re: Tips, snark, kudos . . . (2.00 / 3)

Methinks McCain needs to move the island.


If you're being chased by an angry bull and then you notice you're also being chased by a swarm of bees, it doesn't really change things. Just keep on running.
by vcalzone on Sat Jul 19, 2008 at 05:42:28 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Two comments, almost completely OT (2.00 / 1)

on your comment:

That reminds me of a story a military friend told me.  He was 'on loan' somehow to an ally (New Zealand?) advising and they were doing a war game wherein at one point there was much strategizing as to how to take a small hill the other side held.  After many complicated ideas were bounced around one of his host officers turned to him and ask, "How would you Yanks deal with this."

His reply: "We'd remove the feature."

on your sig (don't know if that is new or I just saw it, but I like it!).

Two guys are being chased by a grizzly bear when one of them stops to tie his running shoes.  The second guy looks at him like he's nuts and says, "What are you doing?!?  You can't out-run a grizzly!"

"I don't have to.  I just have to out-run you."

-chris


"Because after an eight-year hiatus it is vital to have a president who leads the country instead of lassoing, roping and branding it." Shaun Appleby
by chrisblask on Sat Jul 19, 2008 at 06:51:19 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Two comments, almost completely OT (2.00 / 1)

The sig is actually a Deep Thought from Jack Handey. I just thought there was a bit of wisdom hidden there. As there is in that grizzly joke. Obama has to always keep that in mind. McCain doesn't have to win the hearts and minds of the people, he just has to get enough to sow doubt in Obama. Fortunately, I think Obama has been running that way. He's been too cautious, if anything.

Of course, when he shows a preview of what his attacks look like, that's when we get those devastating ads on energy.


If you're being chased by an angry bull and then you notice you're also being chased by a swarm of bees, it doesn't really change things. Just keep on running.
by vcalzone on Sat Jul 19, 2008 at 07:05:29 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Tips, snark, kudos . . . (2.00 / 2)

I guess McCain could play those numbers?!


by FOB92 on Sat Jul 19, 2008 at 05:56:27 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Tips, snark, kudos . . . (2.00 / 2)

Who knows, he could win a million dollars! THat would last him and Cindy at least 6 months.


If you're being chased by an angry bull and then you notice you're also being chased by a swarm of bees, it doesn't really change things. Just keep on running.
by vcalzone on Sat Jul 19, 2008 at 05:58:33 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Don't kid yourself (2.00 / 1)

three months at the outside (more likely one).

-chris


"Because after an eight-year hiatus it is vital to have a president who leads the country instead of lassoing, roping and branding it." Shaun Appleby
by chrisblask on Sat Jul 19, 2008 at 06:40:38 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Don't kid yourself (2.00 / 1)

Cindy might need the money once the red states figure out that BUD is no longer a "domestic" beer!


NO 100 year WAR, NO McConnell run Senate, & NO GOP-led Supreme Court!!!
by Veteran75 on Sat Jul 19, 2008 at 06:43:28 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Don't kid yourself (2.00 / 2)

Do you think that if Bud is no longer domestic, that it will taste better?


"And I scream at the top of my lungs, what's going on?"
by Hollede on Sat Jul 19, 2008 at 07:00:18 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Don't kid yourself (2.00 / 1)

. . . maybe, but I think that it's nastiness is the appeal?

Yeah . . . I am a beer snob, but once you drink beer IN Bavaria . . . you can't go back to mass-produced crap.


NO 100 year WAR, NO McConnell run Senate, & NO GOP-led Supreme Court!!!
by Veteran75 on Sat Jul 19, 2008 at 07:05:06 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Don't kid yourself (none / 0)

Yeah, I know. I went to boarding school in Salzburg in 78/79 and we would go to the gasthauses and beerhalls on a regular basis. When I returned to the US, I could not figure out why I didn't like beer anymore. That is until the early 80's and I realized it was most American beer that I couldn't stand. Sometimes I am not too bright.


"And I scream at the top of my lungs, what's going on?"
by Hollede on Sun Jul 20, 2008 at 03:57:44 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Tips, snark, kudos . . . (2.00 / 1)

I just had to say that that pic of McCain is scary. It reminds me of the melting face scene in 'Raiders of the Lost Ark' :o(


by Obamanaut on Sat Jul 19, 2008 at 06:22:40 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Tips, snark, kudos . . . (none / 0)

Ambinder has mentioned that he is getting flak from the McCain partisans, who think the "We're fucked" quote was made-up. Send him some love on AIM at: marcambinder


NO 100 year WAR, NO McConnell run Senate, & NO GOP-led Supreme Court!!!
by Veteran75 on Sat Jul 19, 2008 at 07:28:38 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Yes (2.00 / 4)

Yes, they absolutely are fucked.  It's glorious, and they've earned this one.


by Reaper0Bot0 on Sat Jul 19, 2008 at 05:40:44 PM EST

Re: Yes (2.00 / 4)

Putting the worst possible spin on this (which is STILL positive), this might bring out some of the dirty tricks that they were saving for later.


If you're being chased by an angry bull and then you notice you're also being chased by a swarm of bees, it doesn't really change things. Just keep on running.
by vcalzone on Sat Jul 19, 2008 at 05:44:10 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Yes (2.00 / 3)

Yep . . . that quote made my day, as I have my own internal concern troll that I need to quiet. I am very excited as to how this international trip has kicked off!


NO 100 year WAR, NO McConnell run Senate, & NO GOP-led Supreme Court!!!
by Veteran75 on Sat Jul 19, 2008 at 05:46:11 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Lemme see... (2.00 / 3)

Can anyone think of how the McCain camp could . . . with a straight face . . . spin this story better than using the "domestic politics" line?

hmmm....

No.


"Because after an eight-year hiatus it is vital to have a president who leads the country instead of lassoing, roping and branding it." Shaun Appleby
by chrisblask on Sat Jul 19, 2008 at 05:44:46 PM EST

Re: Lemme see... (2.00 / 3)

Awwww . . . can't you feed the concern troll(gremlin)?!



NO 100 year WAR, NO McConnell run Senate, & NO GOP-led Supreme Court!!!
by Veteran75 on Sat Jul 19, 2008 at 05:49:32 PM EST
[ Parent ]

That is a terrible movie (2.00 / 1)

but I just love it.  Those little guys are just so messed up...


"Because after an eight-year hiatus it is vital to have a president who leads the country instead of lassoing, roping and branding it." Shaun Appleby
by chrisblask on Sat Jul 19, 2008 at 05:57:04 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Lemme see... (2.00 / 2)

What a shitty way for John McCain to start his week of exclusivity, too. He was supposed to be able to use this to take attention away from Obama. NOW he's completely screwed this weekend, because the day before Obama is to meet al-Maliki, he essentially gets his endorsement. Is there any way that that meeting WON'T eclipse most of the news Sunday morning (tomorrow morning), the time when they set the tone and the theme for the week?


If you're being chased by an angry bull and then you notice you're also being chased by a swarm of bees, it doesn't really change things. Just keep on running.
by vcalzone on Sat Jul 19, 2008 at 05:52:10 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: McCain strategist : "We're f^cked" (2.00 / 1)

I think Josh Marshall sums up the situation very nicely:

http://talkingpointsmemo.com/archives/20 4740.php


by danielj on Sat Jul 19, 2008 at 05:45:19 PM EST

Re: McCain strategist : "We're f^cked" (2.00 / 2)

Thanks for the link. That was a good read!

I wonder if this will have legs until Monday, so Morning Joe and Pat B. can chew on it?


by FOB92 on Sat Jul 19, 2008 at 05:53:07 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: McCain strategist : "We're f^cked" (2.00 / 1)

Well, Obama's going to Iraq tomorrow. I'm pretty sure Israel and Palestine are after that. So they'll probably be pretty fixated on that. Unless McCain wants to keep it being discussed.

More than anywhere else, Obama needs to sparkle in front of Israel. He needs their trust.


If you're being chased by an angry bull and then you notice you're also being chased by a swarm of bees, it doesn't really change things. Just keep on running.
by vcalzone on Sat Jul 19, 2008 at 05:57:12 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: McCain strategist : "We're f^cked" (2.00 / 4)

I don't see a good spin angle on this one.  The Rethuglicans are going to have to come up with some good lies to get out of this one ... and I'm not sure their spin machine has THAT much creativity left ... with all the lies they've told over the past 7.5 years

Just my 2 cents


-- Dizzy
Proudly cross-posting everything to:
http://www.computerqueen.net/
http://clintonistasforobama.blogspot.com /
by DizzyQueen on Sat Jul 19, 2008 at 05:49:48 PM EST

Re: McCain strategist : "We're f^cked" (2.00 / 4)

Even if they did, McCain's a terrible liar. It seriously seems to upset him when he tells a lie to the public or makes a stand on something he doesn't believe in. It's one of the few qualities he's held onto that makes me still hold some respect for him.


If you're being chased by an angry bull and then you notice you're also being chased by a swarm of bees, it doesn't really change things. Just keep on running.
by vcalzone on Sat Jul 19, 2008 at 05:54:41 PM EST
[ Parent ]

That's absolutely true (2.00 / 2)

He's like that awkward neighbor with the offensive views buried deep but everyone knows them, anyway.  The guy you forgive because he's so transparent and helpless that instead of being threatening he's just boring and tedious.

Unless he runs for president.  Then you just have to stop him for everyone's good before he accidentally hits the red button while trying to tie his shoes.

-chris


"Because after an eight-year hiatus it is vital to have a president who leads the country instead of lassoing, roping and branding it." Shaun Appleby
by chrisblask on Sat Jul 19, 2008 at 06:02:39 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Neither do I, Dizzy... (2.00 / 3)

And at this point, I don't know what the GOP can do to save itself. That's why I think they're showing their desperation with these comments, with the obvious race-baiting against Obama, with the increasingly laughable "PUMA" crap, and so on. The GOP is f**king itself... And I'm laughing at them! :-)


No way, no how, no McCain! :-)
by atdleft on Sat Jul 19, 2008 at 06:01:03 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Haha, priceless! (2.00 / 4)

Sometimes, I almost feel bad for McCain. But then I don't.


Even John McCain lusts after teh engels.
by sricki on Sat Jul 19, 2008 at 06:08:36 PM EST

You're *Ruthless* (2.00 / 1)

that's what I like best about you... :-)


"Because after an eight-year hiatus it is vital to have a president who leads the country instead of lassoing, roping and branding it." Shaun Appleby
by chrisblask on Sat Jul 19, 2008 at 06:38:06 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Definitely ruthless, (none / 0)

and a heartless shrew to boot. But it works for me. ;)


Even John McCain lusts after teh engels.
by sricki on Sat Jul 19, 2008 at 06:40:18 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: McCain strategist : "We're f^cked" (none / 0)


The status-of-forces agreement could tie Obama's hands if Bush has his way and McCain won't need to spin it if it is a done deal before the election.

McCain can also go back to the conditions on the ground argument to determine troop withdrawal (the Bush position) rather than a timetable to determine troop withdrawal.

If the generals in Iraq say the conditions are not right for withdrawal then a timetable will become a moot point.


"No self-respecting woman should wish or work for the success of a party that ignores her." - Susan B. Anthony
by feelfree on Sat Jul 19, 2008 at 06:42:36 PM EST

Re: McCain strategist : "We're f^cked" (2.00 / 2)

If the generals in Iraq are saying times are bad and the government is saying to get out, I'm inclined to go with the government before we start to see a revolt. There was always going to be a point when the Iraqis were going to say, "Get out", and our actions at that time would be crucial.

But the plan you just described IS Obama's. There's no way you can spin this not to favor Obama unless you really and truly believe that the GOP are untouchable on the issue of the military. I don't think that's true.

Reed Hundt over at TPM Cafe gets it:

My take is that Maliki reads the opinion polls in the United States. Because Barack Obama is ahead, and President Bush is a lame-duck, and Obama is about to visit perhaps (who knows), Maliki feels now is the moment to stand up to the proposed occupation and insist upon an American withdrawal roughly in accord with Obama's plan.

McCain can't say the war is intended to lead to an occupation. He can't say the Iraqis shouldn't stand up and so we shouldn't stand down. He can't say anything useful. He can say that the surge worked, and he is saying that, but it's Obama, not McCain, that Maliki is agreeing with.

Back at home, McCain has no plan for the economy. He fired Gramm, who had no plan for him, and also insulted the American people. But he still has no plan; his own record on the economy is a long litany of rejection of a useful role for government. But now everyone in America sees that the Republicans stand for government intervention, although not for everyone and long after the right moment. So where does that leave McCain? Same place Maliki has left him -- everyone agrees with Obama now, whether they admit or not, on the economy and on Iraq.

By the way, everyone agrees with Obama on Iran too, since apparently we are moving to opening dialogue with that particular component of the axis of evil.


If you're being chased by an angry bull and then you notice you're also being chased by a swarm of bees, it doesn't really change things. Just keep on running.
by vcalzone on Sat Jul 19, 2008 at 07:00:38 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: McCain strategist : "We're f^cked" (none / 0)

I'm not making an argument to support Obama or McCain. The diarist asked how McCain could spin it and I offered an opinion.

I could be wrong but Obama has added shades of gray to his withdrawal position on Iraq by saying he would listen to the generals. IMO this goes back to the conditions on the ground position the administration and McCain have taken.


"No self-respecting woman should wish or work for the success of a party that ignores her." - Susan B. Anthony
by feelfree on Sat Jul 19, 2008 at 07:21:11 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: McCain strategist : "We're f^cked" (2.00 / 1)

OK . . . I thought you were lending legitimate 'concerns' to this thread, but now it seems like you are just trying to stir the MyDD pot:

As a Democratic woman, I have chosen to fight for my equality and not vote for the Democratic nominee. I will not be bullied into voting for a man who will benefit from the sexism unleashed and/or unchecked by the Democratic Party against the woman candidate. Sexism has become a part of the winning strategy, just as race became a part of Nixon's southern strategy. - http://feelfree.mydd.com/


NO 100 year WAR, NO McConnell run Senate, & NO GOP-led Supreme Court!!!
by Veteran75 on Sat Jul 19, 2008 at 08:27:22 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: McCain strategist : "We're f^cked" (none / 0)

Speaking as one veteran to another, you don't determine my legitimacy.


"No self-respecting woman should wish or work for the success of a party that ignores her." - Susan B. Anthony
by feelfree on Sat Jul 19, 2008 at 10:09:07 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: McCain strategist : "We're f^cked" (2.00 / 1)

What the generals on the ground say will become moot if the Iraqi government demands a timetable. The only input the generals will have at that point is to submit plans for the best and safest method to withdraw our forces.


"The true measure of a man is how he treats someone who can do him absolutely no good." Samuel Johnson
by MS01 Indie on Sat Jul 19, 2008 at 07:25:59 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: McCain strategist : "We're f^cked" (none / 0)

Evidently Maliki isn't in a position to make demands. According to The Hill he has changed his mind.

http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/bush -maliki-agree-on-not-setting-withdrawal- timeline-2008-07-18.html


"No self-respecting woman should wish or work for the success of a party that ignores her." - Susan B. Anthony
by feelfree on Sat Jul 19, 2008 at 07:37:18 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: McCain strategist : "We're f^cked" (2.00 / 1)

The story you linked is OLD(yesterday). The new Maliki opinion is from: http://www.spiegel.de/international/worl d/0,1518,566841,00.html (today).


NO 100 year WAR, NO McConnell run Senate, & NO GOP-led Supreme Court!!!
by Veteran75 on Sat Jul 19, 2008 at 07:41:28 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: McCain strategist : "We're f^cked" (none / 0)

The article I linked is what he agreed to with the US government.

Your article is linked to what he said in an interview in a German publication.

In two days he has given two different answers.

Maybe Maliki just isn't credible.


"No self-respecting woman should wish or work for the success of a party that ignores her." - Susan B. Anthony
by feelfree on Sat Jul 19, 2008 at 08:01:58 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: McCain strategist : "We're f^cked" (2.00 / 1)

IMHO - Bush twisted the intent by using the word 'horizon' and rejecting the true intent of Maliki. Either way . . . this is a bad week for McCain on Iraq.


NO 100 year WAR, NO McConnell run Senate, & NO GOP-led Supreme Court!!!
by Veteran75 on Sat Jul 19, 2008 at 08:07:17 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: McCain strategist : "We're f^cked" (none / 0)

Maliki is the Iraqi head-of-state.  Credibility isn't the issue.


We should be able to deliver bottled hot water to dehydrated babies.
by Jess81 on Sun Jul 20, 2008 at 02:08:38 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: McCain strategist : "We're f^cked" (none / 0)

Or rather, his credibility is unassailable.  He's our only ally in the country and his credibility is all that stands between the US having a peacekeeping mission or a naked occupation.

There's simply no way he can be credibly undercut or second-guessed here.


We should be able to deliver bottled hot water to dehydrated babies.
by Jess81 on Sun Jul 20, 2008 at 02:22:48 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: McCain strategist : "We're f^cked" (2.00 / 1)

Maliki is in a position to resist demands.  The Bush administration clearly wanted an SOF agreement before he left office, and the best they're probably going to get is a bridge agreement which would continue things for another year.  

Maliki had two strong incentives not to conclude an SOF agreement.  First, he understands that if Obama wins everything would be up for renegotiation (the Bush administration can't bind its successor to a particular foreign policy, all it can do is set things up so it would be politically difficult for Obama to change course).

Maliki's second incentive, of course, is that he's facing reelection next year, it's not at all clear how these will go, and the consensus opinion within the Shi'ite community, clearly, seems to be that the US should leave at some point.  They want the US to continue ponying up money and serve as a protector while the national government assumes authority over the rest of the country, but they have no enthusiasm for this idea that the US might stay for a long time.

What this suggests to me is that if Obama is elected, and Maliki gets reelected, the US and Iraq might be able to negotiate a final status agreement pretty quickly (ie. one which ends in the withdrawal of most or all US troops).  Maliki is sending a signal, essentially, that there is a set of circumstances whereby the US could have its victory parade.

The Bush administration is in an interesting spot, because if it puts pressure on Maliki to recant they'll be undermining him at home (and that would just increase the chances that he won't be able to win reelection next year).


by IncognitoErgoSum on Sat Jul 19, 2008 at 07:49:23 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: McCain strategist : "We're f^cked" (2.00 / 1)

The truth is, Bush and McCain need Maliki's support, and Maliki doesn't particularly need theirs. What are they going to do to him? They need him bad, but if anything, he probably needs their lack of support.


If you're being chased by an angry bull and then you notice you're also being chased by a swarm of bees, it doesn't really change things. Just keep on running.
by vcalzone on Sat Jul 19, 2008 at 08:07:52 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: McCain strategist : "We're f^cked" (none / 0)

At the foundation of the agreement are protections for the U.S. military. No agreement and a UN mandate that expires at the end of the year places them at the mercy of whatever laws the Iraqis deem fair and judicious.


"No self-respecting woman should wish or work for the success of a party that ignores her." - Susan B. Anthony
by feelfree on Sat Jul 19, 2008 at 08:19:49 PM EST
[ Parent ]

"We're f^cked" - UPDATED (2.00 / 1)

No SOF agreement could prevent Obama from ordering a complete withdrawal of US forces on any timetable he wanted.


by IncognitoErgoSum on Sat Jul 19, 2008 at 06:53:49 PM EST

"We're f^cked" - UPDATED (none / 0)

Game. Set. Match.


by chewie5656 on Sat Jul 19, 2008 at 07:34:16 PM EST

Re: "We're f^cked" - UPDATED (2.00 / 2)

I hope so!


NO 100 year WAR, NO McConnell run Senate, & NO GOP-led Supreme Court!!!
by Veteran75 on Sat Jul 19, 2008 at 07:38:35 PM EST
[ Parent ]

It took Tucker Bounds (2.00 / 2)

hours to get his response out.  There's no way around the fact that in print, Maliki has used Obama's name and endorsed an idea that he proposed.  It would be great if there was video or audio, but print will have to do.  It will be hard for Bush and McCain to challenge Maliki as a panderer since they are the ones who have spoken so highly of his leadership in the past.

Also in Maliki's interview is a shot at McCain (he doesn't name him) and those challenging Obama's 16-month withdrawal plan.  Apparently, Maliki wasn't too happy with what he arrived at with Bush yesterday.  The White House may have thought that Maliki was going to say something differently in his interview.


by Blazers Edge on Sat Jul 19, 2008 at 07:45:37 PM EST

Re: It took Tucker Bounds (2.00 / 1)

Any bets as to how long before Maliki 'steps down' to spend more time with his family?

The MSM needs to stay on top of this, so Bush can't tinker too easy.


NO 100 year WAR, NO McConnell run Senate, & NO GOP-led Supreme Court!!!
by Veteran75 on Sat Jul 19, 2008 at 07:50:17 PM EST
[ Parent ]

"We're f^cked" ......ya think? (2.00 / 2)

Bonus Quote of the Day
July 18, 2008

"Could I mention the presence of my friend, Congressman Steve Pearce, who I believe will be joining me in the United States Senate?"

-- Sen. John McCain, quoted by Politico, apparently planning to still be in the Senate next year.

http://politicalwire.com


by QTG on Sun Jul 20, 2008 at 12:18:12 AM EST


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