From The Road
July 2, 2008 2:22 PM

McCain Wraps Up Colombia Visit

By
John Bentley
Topics
John McCain
(CBS)
From CBS News' John Bentley:

(CARTAGENA, COLOMBIA) John McCain spent the morning on the water off the northern coast of Colombia, riding along with the Colombian Navy as they briefed the senator about their country's efforts to stop the flow of drugs out of Colombia's ports. McCain and his wife, Cindy, rode on the "Midnight Express 39," a drug interdiction fast boat purchased from the U.S. with money provided by Plan Colombia, an American program that has sent over $7 billion in aid to Colombia to fight drug trafficking over the past decade.

"They have a long way to go to stem the flow of drugs into the United States of America," McCain said. "But the progress that I've seen since previous visits is substantial and positive."

McCain also visited a naval hospital here, awarding the Colombian version of a purple heart to government soldiers who were wounded fighting the FARC, an anti-government rebel group in the country. McCain has been very supportive of President Alvaro Uribe during his time here, condemning the FARC and encouraging the passage of the Colombian free Trade Agreement.

"I certainly think that the government and people of Colombia should be rewarded for their sacrifices and their efforts," McCain said. "But I think most importantly it is good for the interests of the United States of America."

Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., who is traveling with McCain here, had even harsher words for those in the House of Representatives who are holding up the approval of the free trade agreement. "It is irresponsible of the Congress not to come to [President Uribe's] aid and support," Graham said.

McCain leaves Colombia early this afternoon to travel to Mexico City.

Add a Comment
by christinawes July 2, 2008 8:03 PM EDT
John McCain''s trade policies with Colombia are already working - as he noted in television interviews this morning, the price of Colombian cocaine is up, a sure sign of a strengthening trade-based economic relationship with this important swing state. Go McCain!

http://www.womenforjohnmccain.com/
Reply to this comment
by derrick3999 July 2, 2008 6:02 PM EDT
The fact that Christy Brinkley''s divorce gets more attention than McCain''s visit to Latin America is an insult. No wonder Latin American governments are hostile to the U.S and are developing closer relations with China and Russia and Iran.
Reply to this comment
.

Follow From The Road

Scroll Left
Scroll Right More »
CBS News on Facebook
  • Building You a Better Morning

  • CBS This Morning

    "CBS This Morning," anchored by Charlie Rose, Gayle King and Erica Hill, airs weekdays from 7 to 9 a.m. ET and at the same time in other time zones.
    Learn more...