Obama Says He Is Considering Iraq Trip

[LTR]

Source: The New York Times

THORNTON, Colo. – Senator Barack Obama said today that he is considering visiting American troops and commanders in Iraq this summer. He declined an invitation from Senator John McCain to take a joint trip to Iraq, saying: “I just don’t want to be involved in a political stunt.”

In a brief interview here, Mr. Obama said his campaign was considering taking a foreign trip after he secures the Democratic presidential nomination. No details have been set, he said, but added: “Iraq would obviously be at the top of the list of stops.”

(snip)

Mr. Obama suggested today that any foreign itinerary would include a stop in Iraq.

“I think that if I’m going to Iraq, then I’m there to talk to troops and talk to commanders, I’m not there to try to score political points or perform,” Mr. Obama said. “The work they’re doing there is too important.”

Mr. McCain responded with a touch of sarcasm to the news that Mr. Obama was thinking about going to Iraq. “I certainly was just a short time ago glad to hear that Senator Obama is now, quote, considering a trip to Iraq,'’ Mr. McCain said at a news conference late in the day in Los Angeles.”It’s long overdue, it’s been 871 days since he was there. And I’m confident that when he goes he will then change his position on the conflict in Iraq, because he will see the success that has been achieved on the ground.'’

Read more: http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/05/28/obama-says-he-is-considering-iraq-trip/

[beachmom]

1. John McCain comes across as a real arrogant jerk.

Does he think his snotty shtick is going to wear well?

[bdamomma]

20. we don't need anymore arrogant jerks we have had enough.

[NC_Nurse]

2. What a jerk. McCain sure has helped fix Iraq with all his trips...

NOT.

[otohara]

3. The No Photo Op Trip

how refreshing -

[frylock]

4. keep touting that "871 days" line, johnny boy..

if Obama were smart, and he is, he would turn that line around on mcstain's senile ass. ask johnny what happened to getting in and out in the six-weeks the neocons had predicted.

[Muttocracy]

5. serves as a reminder that we've been there longer than WWII... nt

[donco]

15. Obama should start counting the days left of Dubyas term. nt

[fshrink]

6. Only when nominated I would suggest. nt

[VP505]

7. When Obama goes to Iraq

as the nominee, you can bet they will criticize him for that also. I am sure Obama will handle it well but it just pisses me off how predictable it is that the Reptilians ALWAYS try to twist everything, right wrong or indifferent into political gain.

[Better Believe It]

8. Obama Should Meet With The Iraqi Oil Workers Leaders

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x3350063

[bdamomma]

21. yes, exactly they want us out of their country.

[jefferson_dem]

9. Good. I'm glad our next president is considering this trip.

He needs to witness the status of things "on the ground" as he prepares to draw down beginning early 2009.

[sutz12]

10. They can't, or shouldn't, go together anyway...

Poor security. It's be like sending Der Fuhrer and Darth Cheney on the same trip. No way.

It was always a bogus offer on McSame's part anyway.

[heliarc]

11. Wow... McCain has been counting the days exactly!

That wasn't in his talking points at all! :sarcasm:

[humbled_opinion]

12. Obama should go...

It gives more credibility when he comes back and tells America the truth for once about what is really going on over there.....

[LynnTheDem]

13. "he will see the success that has been achieved on the ground.'’

So mccain thinks total destruction of an entire nation that doesn't even have the food, water, electricity & medical facilities they had under Saddam Hussein is "success".

That's sick.

So is mccain.

[Imagevision]

14. After Obama wins the primary McBush's nightmare will truly begin - McBush is

currently living on borrowed time due to Obama's concentration on defeating Billary properly.

[wmbrew0206]

16. Obama will only go after he is the nominee

The reason for this is:

After he comes back from Iraq, he is going to announce a shift in his policy on Iraq from "Pull Out - Right Away no matter what" to "I feel that Gen Petreaus' plan for a gradual withdraw is sound if things on the ground continue as they are right now."

Both Obama and Clinton know how much support they'll lose if the change their Iraq policy while the primary is still going. It could literally cost them the nomination even at this late point.

Both have known for a while that they would have to change their stance after the nomination, but they couldn't do it will in the middle of a primary.

[Javaman]

17. Just wrote to Obama's campaign...

I asked them not to do the "typical" repuke fantasy of walking down a "peaceful" street in full body armor surrounded by the 5th armored division.

Instead I suggested that he visit a field hospital. Talking with the wounded and front line soldiers.

I hope they read my email.

[wmbrew0206]

18. To talk with the wounded, Obama will have to go to Germany

Any serious injuries are normally flown out of BIAP or Balad on a nightly basis to Lamstuhl (sp?) in Germany. The only wounded who are kept in country are those who will be returned to duty.

[Javaman]

22. Good point. thanks for the heads up. nt

[bdamomma]

19. right on Obama you don't need McInsane for company.

[daleo]

23. It might be safer if Obama accompanied McCain

And stuck close to him.