While the public focuses on the pointless sparring between the Democratic candidates, John McCain has been out solidifying his base.
Last night in Kansas City McCain said, "To promise a withdrawal of our forces from Iraq, regardless of the calamitous consequences to the Iraqi people, our most vital interests and the future of the Middle East, is the height of irresponsibility." He went on to tell the audience that if we leave too quickly, we might have to go back in with an even greater force.
Later, at another event, McCain expanded on his remarks: "Some would withdraw regardless of the consequences. Others say that we can withdraw now and then return if trouble starts again. What they are really proposing, if they mean what they say, is a policy of withdraw and ‘re-invade.’ For if we withdraw hastily and irresponsibly, we will guarantee the trouble will come immediately,” he said. “Our allies, Arab countries, the (United Nations) and the Iraqis themselves will not step up to their responsibilities if we recklessly retreat. I can hardly imagine a more imprudent and dangerous course."
It would be easy to write of McCain's strategy, suggesting that anyone who supports the occupation of Iraq has no chance of being elected. But it wasn't that long ago that McCain was given up for dead only to virtually capture the nomination. If Clinton and Obama continue their sniping, and their supporters continue to break into separate camps, it's not difficult to imagine that McCain will draw huge GOP support and win the election.
Democrats need to return to their earlier strategy of promoting the Democratic Party brand instead of inflating minute differences between the two remaining candidates. Too much is at stake to risk returning the presidency to GOP control.
-- Jim Grinstead
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