Extra! Extra! Obama calls wounded troops

Obama Troop Visit Update:

What seemed like a home run for the conservative pundits has been nothing more than premature speculation. They attacked Obama for not visiting the wounded troops, saying he was too concerned with politics and the gym, but alas they were wrong. As details continue to emerge, the ball unravels to reveal the stench of distortions and lies.

The Pentagon, on the eve of the visit, informed Obama he would not be allowed to visit with his campaign staff or reporters, and he could only bring his senate staff. However, after leaving the Mid East fact finding trip, and rolling into the campaign portion of his trip, his senate staff was already sent home, so as not to violate campaign laws, by bringing them on a campaign event, thus having Americans foot the bill.

The campaign portion was funded by Obama's campaign, which would have made it against military regulations to visit the troops. John McCain said Obama was wrong for not visiting, and stated "it is never wrong to visit the troops." However, McCain was warned earlier this year about using a photo of him and General Patraeus on his campaigns webpage, and apologized. Earlier this week, he visited a base in Maryland on a campaign event, and the Pentagon was forced to tighten their policy to make sure candidates obeyed the law. However, it was released today that Obama did indeed call the soldiers, which was not in violation of military policy. 

http://www.politico.com/blogs/jonathanmartin/0708/Obama_calls_wounded_troops.html