In an optimistic address concerning his vision for the country, presumptive Republican presidential nominee Sen. John McCain outlined his plan for his first four years in office, which would include a victory in the war in Iraq and the return of most of the country’s troops.
“By January 2013, America has welcomed home most of the servicemen and women who have sacrificed terribly so that America might be secure in her freedom,” the Arizona senator said in his speech in Columbus, Ohio.
Although McCain predicted that the Iraq war will be won and the country will be a “functioning democracy” by 2013 under his leadership, he was careful to note that Iraq will still be “suffering from the lingering effects of decades of tyranny and centuries of sectarian tension.”
McCain also laid out future relations with the Taliban in Afghanistan, which he envisions being a continued threat five years from now, even though “the increase in actionable intelligence that the counterinsurgency produced (will have) led to the capture or death of Osama Bin Laden, and his chief lieutenants.”
The senator’s speech also addressed rebuilding efforts in Pakistan and cooperation with Russia, China, Iran and North Korea to end nuclear proliferation.
Democratic presidential hopeful Sen. Hillary Clinton criticized McCain’s speech as simply an extension of Bush administration policy.
“This is not the first time Senator McCain has predicted victory in Iraq,” a statement from Clinton’s campaign said. “He promised more of the same Bush policies that have weakened our military, our national security and our standing in the world.” She added, “I will bring this war to a swift and honorable conclusion.”
The theme of a better nation and world within his first presidential term is a theme McCain also emphasizes in a new ad, which will be featured on his campaign Web site.
The ad promises strengthened border security, a stabilized Middle East and a reduced nuclear terror threat, but also touts improvements in education, health care and energy reform.
2006, James Rubin interviews McCain:"Do you think that American diplomats should be operating the way they have in the past, working with the Palestinian government if Hamas is now in charge?"
McCain responds:"They're the government; sooner or later we are going to have to deal with them, one way or another, and I understand why this administration and previous administrations had such antipathy towards Hamas because of their dedication to violence and the things that they not only espouse but practice, so . . . but it's a new reality in the Middle East. I think the lesson is people want security and a decent life and decent future, that they want democracy."
GW Bush would sell out his own country (and has) only to gain a few political points. No wonder we are hated throughout the world.
I pray we will somehow sruvive until November when our country and the world will be rid of this scourge.
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He's going to fix everything according to the commercial.
2006, James Rubin interviews McCain:"Do you think that American diplomats should be operating the way they have in the past, working with the Palestinian government if Hamas is now in charge?"
McCain responds:"They're the government; sooner or later we are going to have to deal with them, one way or another, and I understand why this administration and previous administrations had such antipathy towards Hamas because of their dedication to violence and the things that they not only espouse but practice, so . . . but it's a new reality in the Middle East. I think the lesson is people want security and a decent life and decent future, that they want democracy."
GW Bush would sell out his own country (and has) only to gain a few political points. No wonder we are hated throughout the world.
I pray we will somehow sruvive until November when our country and the world will be rid of this scourge.