Troop surge stance further differentiates McCain from Obama
Obama continues tour of Middle East
Story by ABC News
10:23 a.m. Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Barack Obama has wasted little time during his trip to Iraq, meeting with U.S. troops and meeting the top American commander in Iraq, Gen. David Petraeus, who openly disagrees with the candidate's plan to withdraw all U.S. combat troops from the country within 16 months.
"We play different roles. My job is to think about the national security interests as a whole, and to have to weigh and balance risks, in Afghanistan , in Iraq. Their job is just to get the job done here," Obama said in an exclusive interview with ABC News' Nightline.
Obama maintains he would not have supported last summer's troop surge despite its success.
2008 Presidential candidates
We want you to be informed about the possible choices for president. That's why we've researched where the candidates stand on issues like the Iraq war and gay marriage. Check out the candidate's platforms here.
"What I am absolutely convinced of is that, at that time, we had to change the political debate, because the view of the Bush administration at that time was one that I just disagreed with," Obama said.
Rival John McCain, while paying a visit to former President Bush in Kennebunkport, Maine, wasted no time attacking Obama.
"It was the surge that succeeded. It is the surge that is winning this war," McCain said.
At a rally in South Portland, a fired-up McCain lashed out yet again.
"He said it would fail, and he refuses to this day to acknowledge it's succeeded," McCain said. "And my friends that's what judgment is about. That's why I'm qualified to lead, and I don't need any on-the-job training."
The next country on Obama's itinerary: Jordan. He arrives there this morning, and he will dine with King Abdullah before leaving for Israel.
Keep an eye on Topeka's weather with the 49 ABC News Sky Cam.
On the air
See what's on KTKA 49 ABC on our online TV schedule here.
- 11 a.m. - "College Football: Texas at Oklahoma"
- 2 p.m. - "College Football: Arizona at USC"
- 6 p.m. - "NASCAR Countdown"
- 6:30 p.m. - "NASCAR Bank of America 500"
Coming up on 49 News this weekend --
- Saturday after the race, find out why some Kansans are installing their own alternative energy sources, in spite of the high set-up costs.
- The annual Parade of Homes goes on despite the rough economy. Sunday night, learn if organizers are having a tougher time putting on the show with the slumping housing market.
- Coming up on Monday's 49 News Good Morning Kansas --Does snoring zap brain power? Researchers have long looked at the link between snoring and intelligence, but now, there's new food for thought. Find out about the research that highlights the relationship between snoring and intelligence in kids.
- How is all the news about the shaky economy and the stock market crash affecting you? Let us know by weighing in on our Web poll.
- Go farther on less. Check out Kansasgasprices.com.
Voices
Latest blog entries
What's Going on in SA?
From Maikutlo Aka - My Views
If you've read the papers lately, you'll see that much is changing with South African politics; the president basically stepped down. You may remember me writing about Jacob Zuma before? For better or worse, and it makes me incredibly nervous, but change is on the horizon for politics in SA...
Interested in writing a blog? Send us a few sample entries! Let us know what you're interested in writing about, the experience you have with your topic, and anything else you think we'll find useful to know.
Latest blog comments:
Want to comment on the news?
Now you can - register for a free account and post comments to stories, blogs, podcasts and more, only on 49abcnews.com. Go »
Post a comment
(Requires free registration.)