McCain Proposes Trip To Iraq With Obama

GOP Senator Says He'd Seize "Opportunity To Educate" Obama, Who's Not Been Since 2006

(CBS/AP)  Republican John McCain on Monday sharply criticized Democratic rival Barack Obama for not having been to Iraq since 2006, and said they should visit the war zone together.

"Look at what happened in the last two years since Senator Obama visited and declared the war lost," the GOP presidential nominee-in-waiting told The Associated Press in an interview, noting that the Illinois senator's last trip to Iraq came before the military buildup that is credited with curbing violence.

"He really has no experience or knowledge or judgment about the issue of Iraq and he has wanted to surrender for a long time," the Arizona senator added. "If there was any other issue before the American people, and you hadn't had anything to do with it in a couple of years, I think the American people would judge that very harshly."

McCain, a Navy veteran and Vietnam prisoner of war, frequently argues that he's the most qualified candidate to be a wartime commander in chief. In recent weeks, he has sought portray Obama, a first-term senator, as naive on foreign policy and not experienced enough to lead the military.

The Iraq war, which polls have shown that most of the country opposes, is shaping up to be a defining issue in the November presidential election.

McCain, who wrapped up the GOP nomination in March, supports continued military presence in Iraq though he recently said he envisions victory with most U.S. troops coming home by January 2013 if he's elected. Obama, who has all but clinched the Democratic nomination, says he will remove U.S. combat troops within 16 months of taking office, though sometimes he shortens it to 11 months.

"For him to talk about dates for withdrawal, which basically is surrender in Iraq after we're succeeding so well is, I think, really inexcusable," said McCain, who has been to Iraq eight times, most recently in March.

Obama spokesman Bill Burton declined to respond directly to McCain, saying only: "Senator Obama thinks Memorial Day is a day to honor our nation's veterans, not a day for political posturing."

Over the weekend, Sen. Lindsey Graham, one of McCain's top surrogates, laid the groundwork for McCain's criticism in a television interview in which he noted Obama's absence from Iraq and floated the idea that Obama and McCain should go together to be briefed by Gen. David Petraeus, the top U.S. commander in Iraq, and Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki.

"I think if he would look at what's happened in Iraq and talk to Gen. Petraeus and Maliki, I think he would have a different view of what you need to do next," Graham told Face The Nation host Bob Shieffer. "I know it's the campaign season, I would recommend to Sen. McCain that they both go together." (Watch Schieffer interview Graham.)

Asked whether he'd be willing to take such a trip, McCain told the AP: "Sure. It would be fine."

"I go back every few months because things are changing in Iraq," he said. McCain questioned whether Obama has ever been briefed by Petraeus. "I would also seize that opportunity to educate Senator Obama along the way."

Both McCain and Obama spent part of Memorial Day in New Mexico, a general election battleground that was decided by razor-thin margins in 2000, for Democrat Al Gore, and in 2004, for Republican President Bush.

Obama addressed veterans Monday in Las Cruces while McCain used a speech at the New Mexico Veterans Memorial in Albuquerque to press his case against withdrawing troops from Iraq, saying they must continue their mission even though he's "sick at heart" by mistakes at the outset of the war.

McCain also defended his opposition to Senate-passed legislation that would provide additional college financial aid to veterans, a measure Obama supports.

The Republican made no direct mention of the Democrat but seemed to poke at him nonetheless.

McCain said his opposition to the bill was the right rather than the politically expedient position, suggesting Obama was on the wrong side of the measure sponsored by Democratic Sen. Jim Webb of Virginia and approved by the Democratic-controlled Senate. Lawmakers blocked a more limited version that McCain supported.

"I am running for the office of commander in chief. That is the highest privilege in this country, and it imposes the greatest responsibilities. And this is why I am committed to our bill, despite the support Senator Webb's bill has received," McCain said. "It would be easier, much easier politically for me to have joined Senator Webb in offering his legislation."

However, McCain said he opposed Webb's measure because it would give everyone the same benefit regardless of how many times they enlist. He said he feared that would depress reenlistments by those wanting to attend college after only a few years in uniform. Rather, McCain said the bill he favored would have increased scholarships based on length of service.

Obama told a separate gathering of veterans Saturday that he couldn't understand why McCain opposes the veterans' scholarships bill passed by the Senate.

"No one can dispute John McCain's love for this country or his concern for veterans. But here's what I don't understand. I don't understand why John McCain would side with George Bush and oppose our plan to make college more affordable for our veterans," he said. "George Bush and John McCain may think our plan is too generous. I could not disagree more." (Read more on Obama's Saturday address.)

McCain spent the early part of the holiday weekend at his retreat in Sedona, Ariz., where he entertained some two dozen guests, including three fellow Republicans who have been mentioned as possible vice presidential running mates: Florida Gov. Charlie Crist, Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney. (Read more on McCain's barbeque.)

"It really was just a social occasion," McCain told the AP. Asked whether he did any vetting of the three, McCain said: "None. Zero. There is plenty of time for that kind of thing."

[rudy654-2009]

Will Obama have to wear a bullet proof vest and have a security detail, why he mouths the words, "It''s just like another day at the mall"? Because that was the last bit of education you provided us, Mr. McCain.

[patriot12436]

And everyone thought Hillary was wanting to kill obama.

[macusweil]

McCain needs an education here at home on what the war and all the Republican spending/borrowing has done to the dollar & our US economy. He also needs to vote for the GI bill.

[samthetvcat]

If McCain''s really all about getting the full picture, then wouldn''t Sen. Durbin''s idea of the two of them meeting with Vets who have actually fought over there in Iraq be more productive given that presidential candidates aren''t likely to be allowed anywhere near the combat zones if they were to visit Iraq? Like remember when McCain went to Iraq and visited that carpet market and said it was just like back home, only he had something like 100 soldiers acting as human ''shields''. And the next time he visited, he couldn''t even go back to that market because it had come under the control of Al Sadr.

Maybe if McCain sat down with troops against the war he''d understand why retention rates are so bad . . .

[samthetvcat]

LOL we all think the same things every time McSame opens his yapper . . . he doesn''t stand a chance in November!

Dems 08!

[samthetvcat]

---"I would also seize that opportunity to educate Senator Obama along the way."---

You would think he''d have learned from Hillary that nothing gets we Dems out to the polls in greater numbers than condescension from the clueless Repubs . . .

Dems 08!

[jsilver2th]

I would think that Mr. McCain would not want to interfere with the very important military operations and place our soldiers in harms way all for a trick to promote his failing campaign.

[nonayabiness]

McCain ''criticizes'' Obama for not have been to Iraq in a year and a half? Why? Obama''s a state senator. Is it his obligation to go to a warzone? I think not.

[nonayabiness]

SamTheTVCat-

I agree with all 3 of your last posts.

[chuegevera]

This show that McCain is a war monger trying to convert every american to a soldier. what to do both in Iraq? McCain should annouce his visit to iraq before leaving if he want to show he is a hero.

[moneymcbush]

The elderly are so cute and funny. Are they going to let him out the retirement home unsupervised much anymore, it seems like he''s not all there these days?

The McCain of the past would never have betrayed the troops like this McCain.

[no_billary]

Someone needs to educate John Sydney McCain III on things like: the difference between Sunni and Shia, as well as who is in charge of Iranian foreign policy and remind him that his war in Iraq has kept us from defeating someone he might still have a foggy memory of namely, Osama Bin Laden. Just some little things he might want to look into, because he sounds like a fool.

[trishab4]

CBS : Iraq Teens Trained As Suicide Bombers
6 Boys, Aged 14-18, Say Saudi Militant Forced Them To Prepare For Suicide Operations

-Is McCane readying one of them to explode next to them so Hillary may take over the nomination? Should we call it love for the Nation?

-McCane is better invite Hilaryous for such a tour. After all, she is used to sneaking in under sniper fire!

[trishab4]

CBS: "Look at what happened in the last two years since Senator Obama visited and declared the war lost," the GOP presidential nominee-in-waiting told The Associated Press in an interview, noting that the Illinois senator''s last trip to Iraq came before the military buildup that is credited with curbing violence.

-McLiar is at it again. It''s only because AlSadr has agreed to a ceasefire that curbed the violence! McAlzheimer should keep in mind too! (if any left!)

[ramos937]

Over the weekend, Sen. Lindsey Graham, one of McCain''s top surrogates, laid the groundwork for McCain''s criticism in a television interview in which he noted Obama''s absence from Iraq and floated the idea that Obama and McCain should go together to be briefed by Gen. David Petraeus, the top U.S. commander in Iraq, and Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki.
---------------------------------------------------

Assuming such a trip was made, could Obama have this? Neither he or McCain wear armour bests, everybody in the party (to include Obama, McCain, the Generals, Amb. Crocker, Maliki, etc.) duplicate the Iran President''s walk down Bagdad''s streets, Obama dictate who the delegation talks to to include Al-Sadr, the delegation allowed complete access to the Iraq government''s books, and no subject be off the table. If all of this was complied with - sure both should go ASAP. Chances of this happening - slim and none. What McCain and the Generals would do would be to put on a dog-and-pony show and dictate the agenda.

[fleura-2009]

We want our kids back from Iraq! Apparently John McCain''s hearing is fading. The American People want an end to this war and WE WANT OUR KIDS BACK HOME!!!!

5, 10 years from today, the Iraqis and Arabs will still be fighting each other. Does McCain understand "Middle East" History?

I am not sure how many sons and daughters the McCAIN people plan on sacrificing, but this is a "dead-war" from the start and will continue. Question is: how many of McCain sibblings are to be sacrificed...for what result?

McCAIN NEEDS A WAKE UP CALL, AND HEAR THE AMERICAN PEOPLE FOR ONCE....WE WANT OUR KIDS HOME!!!!

[feelfree4u]

I would like to see McFascist prancing through the streets of Sadr City, collecting flowers and candies, and dancing with the "liberated" masses!

[fleura-2009]

THE AMERICAN PRESENCE IN THE IRAQ GIVE AL-QUAIDA MORE OF A REASON TO GROW AND NOTHING MOTIVES AN ARAB TODAY THAN TO JOIN FORCES TO FIGHT THE AMERICANS IN IRAG! OR WHEREEVER ELSE AL-QUAIDA CHOOSES TO TAKE THIS WAR TO NEXT TIME.

OUR KIDS ARE WALKING INTO CAVES, SEARCHING FOR A GHOSTLY ENEMY. Does McCain understand that this war is perhaps just starting and Al Quaida is only stronger now and dictating when and where they want to meet the Americans next.

McCain....Wake Up!

[mtracy9]

Obama should accept McCain''s invitation to go to Iraq and should himself propose that McCain should go with him to visit some VA hospitals and U.S. families affected by the war.

[realpatriot1]

First the gas tax Holiday and now this stunt. You don''t need to go to Iraq to know that the War has nothing to do with our security and that so-called failure in Iraq will do no more harm to our national reputation than was done when Reagan pulled out of Lebanon or when Clinton pulled out of Somalia.

Was Russia''s international image hurt more by pulling out of Afhanistan or by going in to begin with? A Super Power is judged by how they use their power against the less powerful and we''ve done all the damage to our national reputation by pre-emptively invading a nation which did not attack us.

McCain also criticised Obama for not having he served. Obama was too young for Vietnam, so what war was he supposed to serve in?

While McCain''s service in Vietnam was honorable his lack of service to the country now is less so.

[floydzeppl]

Is Grandpa gonna put on a flak jacket and some Depends, surround himself with troops, stroll with his entourage down a sealed off street market and declare its a victory for progress again?

Sheesh.

[naucoming4u]

Two go out...

...but only one comes back.

Yeah, great ***plan*** there McCain!

[jjp735i]

What is McCain going to show him? How well things are going like the last time McCain was there? Remember how well guarded McCain was and misspoke about how well things were going? McCain thought we were all dumb enough to believe him. At least until he got caught not telling the full truth.

[riptide213]

McCain Foreign War Zone Tours INC.

Make all your fantasies come true. Political campaign eccentric stunts are us.

See in only 15 hours what many take several 15 month combat tours to experience.

Visit urban islands of hunkered down weary forces in a turbulent sea of now resentful locals.

Halt briefly at over 4,000 locations of brave US military sacrifices for a superfluous mission instigated on dubious motives.

Fast moving, non stop ballistic windshield side trips along sniper alley and other insecure urban insurrectionary war ambush zones.

Excluded. Off limits areas that you are not supposed to see.

On the left we have the fabricated WMD hiding spot.

On the right there is the under producing Iraqi oil refinery that was suppose to pay for this war thus relieving the US tax payer burden.

Failed national infrastructure and other tell tale signs that all those now unaccounted for billions of US tax dollars were effective used.

Any non staged photo opportunity tangible evidence of an achievable safe exit strategy.

Any shred of proof that does not ultimately leave Iraq in the same entrenched mess should the US pull out now or later.

Any hint of hope that concludes this political travesty does not shackle US tax payer holding a foul smelling bag of debt for an ambiguous war.

American citizens, voters, and military have already seen and suffered enough. No more visits to Iraq are required.

[smirk5]

Obama should take him up on this with a condition. McCain has to announce that he''ll visit the same Baghdad market he last visited in Baghdad. He has to announce this to all Iraqis in advance. He has to show up to the market with no military escort and no bullet-proof vest. He is allowed one camera man and one driver (no armor). If he doesn''t have his testicles fed to him within 2 hours, Obama should then let McCain lecture him on how well things are going over there.

[floydzeppl]

The difference here is, when McCain visits the troops they give him the respect he deserves for patriotically serving his country in time of war. When Obama visits the troops, they will look at him and see him as the chicke$it he really is. Keep your $500 dollar suit wearing a$$ home youngster. Or you might see some real sniper fire, not imaginery like Clintons''''.

Posted by gameoverdems at 05:29 AM : May 27, 2008
-----------

Weak try. We don''t believe the bull cookies you guys drop anymore. Your dream is over buddy.

[naucoming4u]

With all the security detail needed to escort our U.S. government tourists, it would be wise if McCain and every other politician just sat their A$$ here in the United States and let the troops tend to their job as opposed to setting up a parade for the TV cameras!

[smirk5]

McCain can show him the Al-Qaeda guys that he said were trained in Iran.

[nuffera]

Wants Obama along and just happens to have an accident in the "wonderfully safe green zone?''And I agree with Smirk5!!

[vet_sk]

The war hawks here certainly like the war...but none of them have actually been there. We were lied into this war and Obama saw through it from the beginning -- like any thinking person.

It does no good to go there. As if a trip through some sanitized neighborhood in Baghdad, Mosul or Tal''Afar would actually tell a visiting politician anything. The military sends troops who do not fully embrace the war far away from visiting politicians.

The war is a sham. And as Obama constantly says, we need to be extremely careful about getting out as to not destablize the region. The Iraqis need to be looking at the signals and getting their act together.

[Gary Kempf]

I would also seize that opportunity to educate Senator Obama.

Sen. John McCain

John McCain, being a veteran does not excuse the fact you are a failure as a U.S. Senator. Thus, you do not or will never have the ability to educate anyone...... Admit your own ignorance and corruption before judging any one''s intelligence.

[vet_sk]

As far as the veterans issues go. McCain is against the new GI Bill and then claiming anyone who has not been in the military does not understand. Please. What a load that it.

The whole premise that military service makes you a better commander and chief is rediculous. Will the aviation tactics that McCain learned back in the 1960''s help him make better decisions? Please! Didn''t seem to help McCain when he authorized the war in 2002. Didn''t seem to help him expose how the wounded veterans are treated. War is just big business and so is McCain.

I feel stupider each time I show up for another formation and here another NCO or officer drivel on in an 7th grade lexicon about how lookin'' sharp will intimidate the enemy.

[it_oldtimer]

McCain says that as long as there is still ANY chance whatsoever (no matter how remote) of "winning" in Iraq, then we should just stick it out - indefinitely.

Unfortunately, that''s exactly what the Iraqi "insurgents" believe, as well. They''re definitely in this for the long haul too, come what may.

I really don''t think Mr. McCain should presume to "educate" Mr. Obama about military matters, when John himself apparently doesn''t even understand the difference between a "surrender" and a "withdrawl".

By the way, John, a "surrender" is when you submit totally and are forced to accept the enemy''s terms; a "withdrawl" is when you voluntarily and unilaterally decide to reduce your military presence or modify the mission on your OWN terms. They''re totally different things. You should know that already - but apparently you still don''t.

And hasn''t Petraeus already been offered a nice job in politics with the GOP after he leaves the military in just a while here? As Bush''s hand-picked guy, he''s hardly "just another unbiased soldier" any more, I don''t imagine.

[mcdonny6]

obaaaaaaaaaaaama should be educated in many ways,
to start, learn how many states is in the U.S.A.
50 not 57 and learn where you are before greeting a city and state with improper location.
all talk, no proper experience!

[mcvet]

obaaaaaaaaaaaama should be educated in many ways,
to start, learn how many states is in the U.S.A.
50 not 57 and learn where you are before greeting a city and state with improper location.
all talk, no proper experience!


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Posted by mcdonny6 at 06:43 AM : May 27, 2008
+ report abuse

Now I don''t want to discourage you Bootlickers, you most certainly have enough to worry about with the "Party" in such deep trouble but you have GOT to do better than this, especially when YOUR OLD MAN can''t even get straight who''s fighting who in the Middle East! Sieg Heil McSame

[skyhawk761]

The difference here is, when McCain visits the troops they give him the respect he deserves for patriotically serving his country in time of war. When Obama visits the troops, they will look at him and see him as the chicke$it he really is. Keep your $500 dollar suit wearing a$$ home youngster. Or you might see some real sniper fire, not imaginery like Clintons''''.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Posted by gameoverdems at 05:29 AM : May 27, 2008
+ report abuse

Do you feel the same way about the two chickensh!ts in the Whitehouse that couldnt find the time to serve in Nam or are you just another Hannity, Limpbaugh blowhard robot?

[Gary Kempf]

dragonwagon5;
They will welcome him, only because of orders from the the top brass . They know they are only collateral damage to him and the Republican party.....

[bjrober]

TO MCVET

You are one of the most arrogant people that post on here. I am a 69 year old white female widow of a Nam vet and I pray to God that you never get old where people treat you like ***. John McCain is not too old to be President and I think he is better than the other two candiates. Obame needs to go to Iraq to see first hand what WAR is really like and become a man and not a little boy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
God bless America and God bless our wonderful troops and their families back home.

[cfin5]

Whatever problem Senator McCain has is of no concern with me. He''s the Bob Dole of this election cycle. And he thinks he''s gonna persuade Senator Obama''s to reason with his lifelong Islamic coaching in Mideast politics by taking him there?.......A place where Obama probably knows more about geographically than the country with 57 states he lives in? Here''s something else to think about. Does the GOP really believe that when the dems take the Oval office that this will be the catalyst they need for folks to rally behind them?...LOL! Been there done that republicant''s! From here on out it''s the "CONSTITUTION PARTY" (constitutionparty.com). Find your state Constitution Party and get involved, they''re on the upswing with demopublican party deserters.

[mcvet]

You are one of the most arrogant people that post on here. I am a 69 year old white female widow of a Nam vet and I pray to God that you never get old where people treat you like ***. John McCain is not too old to be President and I think he is better than the other two candiates. Obame needs to go to Iraq to see first hand what WAR is really like and become a man and not a little boy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
God bless America and God bless our wonderful troops and their families back home.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Posted by bjrober at 07:08 AM : May 27, 2008
+ report abuse

Hit a Nerve did I?? Your Fuhrer LIED us into that War, THERE were NO weapons and THERE was NO connection to those who attacked us! That''s just a FACT. Heir Bush LIED to all of us a total of 935 TIMES, those lies are laid out and documented ONLINE if you care to look, getting us into a war we had NO business getting into. This is also a FACT. Now what does YOU slime dog McSame propose? MORE of the SAME. NOT my fault you are a bootlicker and can''t figure this all out! Now let DARTH and the Fuhrer know YOU are out here licking those boots for them this morning!! SIEG HEIL BUSH!! Dumb as a box of rocks!!

[idnnsg]

McShame says Obama wants to "surrender"? Surrender to whom?

We went there to "find the WMDs". There weren''t any, so "mission accomplished".

No, wait! We went there to "bring down Saddam". Well, we killed him, so "mission accomplished".

No, wait! We went there to "create democracy". Well, we''ve installed a puppet government and given them a little enclave where they can hang out (the "green zone"), so "mission accomplished".

Who does McShame think Obama wants to surrender to? Who will draw up the papers? Who will sign them to "end the war"?

It''s all total BS. We are there to steal the Iraqi''s oil and to plant our military bases so WE can TERRORIZE the mideast. McShame wants to continue the mad neocon adventure in world conquest by bombing Iran. Iraq is just an outpost along the way.

McShame is IN.SANE.

If you want war "forever" (forever only lasts until we have destroyed the world, including ourselves) then vote for John Sidney McShame!

[obama8years]

TO MCVET

You are one of the most arrogant people that post on here. I am a 69 year old white female widow of a Nam vet and I pray to God that you never get old where people treat you like ***. John McCain is not too old to be President and I think he is better than the other two candiates. Obame needs to go to Iraq to see first hand what WAR is really like and become a man and not a little boy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
God bless America and God bless our wonderful troops and their families back home.
----------------------------------------
Pay no attention to Mcvet, he is an Obama Supporter and has liberal Socialist Agenda of the most radical kind. People like him dont understand how America got its freedom. Pay no attention to the twin towers falling or the 4000 people killed instantly. Thank god Bush has been in office at that time. If Obama would of been , I am afraid he wouldnt of been able to stop all the foiled terror plots that GW Bush has stopped. All the Liberals understand is Surrender and Appeasment. Obama says it himself. The real Heros and Americans are the ones defending people like Mcvet everyday.

[floydzeppl]

Grandpa McPTSD. Your Great Grandpappy''s Candidate!

[brianbwb-2009]

"GOP Senator Says He''d Seize "Opportunity To Educate" Obama, Who''s Not Been Since 2006"

Don''t go, Mr. Obama, it is a setup. You will be assassinated there, and your remains will be held up as proof that we should stay in Iraq.

Then after the coroner''s report finds an American bullet, it will be restated as a "friendly fire" incident.

[obama8years]

THE TRUTH VS. BARACK OBAMA

* * *
CHARGE 1 %u2013 %u201CThe March on Selma got me born.%u201D

EVIDENCE - Senator Obama was born August 4th, 1961. The march on Selma began March 7th, 1965. SOURCE 1, SOURCE 2

COUNTER CLAIM %u2013 Senator Obama was talking about the general movement, not specifically about Selma.

REBUTTTAL %u2013 Senator Obama was in Selma, Alabama, before a mostly AA crowd at the Brown Chapel AME Church on March 4th, 2007. He clearly stated %u201Cbecause some folks were willing to march across a bridge . . . they (his parents) got together, and Barack Obama, Jr. was born. So don%u2019t tell me I don%u2019t have a claim on Selma, Alabama!%u201D Barack Hussein Obama was born on August 4, 1961. The first march on Selma, Alabama occurred on March 7, 1965.

VERDICT %u2013 SENATOR OBAMA, YOU ARE A LIAR

[konabike]

Bad idea....

[obama8years]

CHARGE 5 - %u201CPresident Kennedy rescued my father from Kenyan obscurity and airlifted him to the American Dream.%u201D

EVIDENCE %u2013 Senator Obama%u2019s father came in September 1960, while EISENHOWER was President. SOURCE 1, SOURCE 2

COUNTER CLAIM %u2013 But his father did come to the U.S. so what is the big deal?

REBUTTAL %u2013 Senator Obama misrepresents historical events. No speech by President John F. Kennedy brought Senator Obama%u2019s father to the U.S. in 1960. John F. Kennedy was not President in 1960, Dwight D. Eisenhower was President. The Senator is attempting to subtly equate himself with J.F.K., subconsciously implying he would be a similar President. Senator Obama, you are no Jack Kennedy.

VERDICT - SENATOR OBAMA, YOU ARE A LIAR

[obama8years]

CHARGE 19 - %u201CI do not vote %u2018Present%u2019 any more than any other IL Representative.%u201D

EVIDENCE %u2013 While %u2018Present%u2019 votes may not be unusual in Illinois, the number of %u2018Present%u2019 votes that Senator Obama placed ARE disproportionate. SOURCE 1, SOURCE 2, NY Times 12/20/07 by Raymond Hernandez and Christopher Drew

COUNTER CLAIM %u2013 %u2018Present%u2019 votes are used to block portions of undesirable legislation and is a common tactic in Illinois.

REBUTTAL %u2013 The issue at hand is not the purpose of the %u2018Present%u2019 votes but rather their frequency. 129 %u2018Present%u2019 votes is not a common number for any Representative in the Illinois State House, other than Senator Obama.

VERDICT %u2013 SENATOR OBAMA, YOU ARE A LIAR

[obama8years]

CHARGE 21 - I barely know William Ayers %u2013 A.K.A. %u2013 Abu Zayd

EVIDENCE %u2013 Senator Obama announced the start of his Senate campaign from the front steps of William Ayers%u2019 home, in the neighborhood that they share. SOURCE 1, SOURCE 2, SOURCE 3

COUNTER CLAIM %u2013 Just because Senator Obama lives in the same neighborhood with Ayers doesn%u2019t prove they knew each other well.

REBUTTAL %u2013 William Ayers or Abu-Zayd, Louis Farrakhan, and Senator Obama all live in the same neighborhood. Ayers is the founder of the Woods Fund, of which Senator Obama was it%u2019s director from 1999 to 2002. Perhaps one might ask oneself who chooses the director of the Wood Fund? Perhaps its founder? Secondly, if Senator Obama announced his campaign run in Illinois from Ayers%u2019s home, did he not ask Ayers%u2019 permission first? If the Senator did not know Abu-Zayd Ayers well, then how did he come to choose Ayers%u2019 front steps to announce his campaign? Random chance?

VERDICT %u2013 SENATOR OBAMA, YOU ARE A LIAR

[samrensho]

I''m sure a trip to Iraq put McBush in the picture. What a crock. He makes a campaign trip at tax payers expense (fact finding tour) and comes home and pukes out GOP propaganda. Victory Is Near. Almost Mission Accomplished. Just another 100 years. Gag me with a spoon.