McCain Emraces Iraq Withdrawal

First it was Barack Obama calling for a timetable for withdrawal; then it was Iraq Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki; followed by the White House; and then the Iraqi Parliament. Everybody seemed to embrace Barack Obama’s foreign policy, except his rival, John McCain. That was until today. John McCain has warmed up to Obama’s sixteen month timetable. Well, kind of, he originally said timetable, then switched to “time horizon.”

            John McCain has been relatively low key the past two days, as he has tried to regain footing after verbal gaffes earlier in the week. Yesterday he canceled two press conferences, and his campaigned only released two statements reasserting his positions. McCain has had trouble getting a clear message to the voters, and has gone through two staff shakeups in recent months. This may signal a shift in focus.

            Earlier today, Republican senator and Vietnam veteran, Chuck Hagel, told Senator McCain to knock it off with the surge speeches and to focus on the future. Perhaps the ringing chorus among international leaders, as well as the President of the United States, has forced McCain to get on key. McCain was on the verge of walking the slippery slope that former rival Rudy Giuliani took. Giuliani, as many can remember, made 9-11 the staple of his campaign for the Republican nomination, and couldn’t even remain a viable contender past the first round of elections. His 9-11 messages became a mockery on the trail, and he became known as Mr. 9-11.

            In the interview, John McCain said he “thinks it’s a pretty good timetable.” And also added, much like Senator Obama, based “on the conditions on the ground.’’ McCain was also asked about the statement he made weeks ago, when he stated Prime Minister Maliki wouldn’t ask for a timetable. In that interview, McCain said, “He won’t,’’ and explained he knew Mr. Maliki well. However, today he shifted his position, and said, “He said it’s a pretty good timetable based on conditions on the ground.’’

            This comes at a crucial point for both candidates. Senator McCain has been trying to gain ground after a series of gaffes; while Senator Obama will be returning from a highly successful overseas tour, where he warmly greeted by world leaders and U.S. troops, and addressed a crowd of more than 200,000 spectators in Berlin.

http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/07/25/mccain-a-pretty-good-timetable/