Obama Clarifies Iraq Remarks
(FARGO, N.D.) Barack Obama called a hastily organized press conference to clarify an earlier statement where he suggested he'd "refine" his Iraq policy after he visits Iraq later this summer.
What he meant, Obama said, was that the 16 month timetable he proposed last year is not subject to this potential policy shift and blamed the John McCain campaign for suggesting "that somehow we were changing our policy when we hadn't."
The controversy began at an earlier press conference here where he said, "When I go to Iraq and I have a chance to talk to some of the commanders on the ground, I'm sure I'll have more information and will continue to refine my policies."
Obama was pressed whether he is backing away from his plan to withdraw all combat troops from Iraq in 16 months; however he argued that his policy has been consistent.
"I have always said that I will listen to commanders on the ground; I've always said that the pace of withdrawal would be dictated by the safety and security of our troops and the need to maintain stability."
His use of the word "refine" opened the door to critics who have been pouncing on him for recently altering positions on a number of issues. Last week, Obama said he would vote for the FISA bill, which includes a provision to grant immunity to telecommunications companies which he opposes.
"The issue with phone companies per se is not one that overrides security interests of the American people," Obama said in Chicago last week.
His decision to opt out of public financing in the general election despite being a strong advocate of public funding has received similar criticism.
The Republican National Committee fired back at Obama's comments on Iraq today, arguing that it evidence of another flip flop. "There appears to be no issue that Barack Obama is not willing to reverse himself on for the sake of political expedience. Obama's Iraq problem undermines the central premise of his candidacy and shows him to be a typical politician," RNC spokesman Alex Conant said.