KENNEBUNKPORT, Maine – Republican John McCain worked Monday to wrestle the spotlight from Barack Obama’s tour of Iraq by insisting he was right and the Democrat was wrong about the war.
As Mr. Obama toured the war zones trailed by network TV anchors, Mr. McCain ridiculed him from afar during a visit with former President George Bush at the former president’s summer home on the Atlantic. At the same time, Mr. McCain released a new ad blaming Mr. Obama for higher gasoline prices.
The candidates have differed sharply over Iraq. Mr. Obama has said he would withdraw U.S. troops from combat there over 16 months while reinforcing the U.S. effort against al-Qaeda and the Taliban in Afghanistan. Mr. McCain has resisted any timetable for withdrawal, insisting that victory in Iraq is a necessary precursor to success in Afghanistan.
Any withdrawal of troops from Iraq “must be based on conditions on the ground,” Mr. McCain told reporters as he stood beside Mr. Bush, who hosted two fundraisers for him.
The Arizona senator disparaged Mr. Obama as “someone who has no military experience whatsoever.”
“When you win wars, troops come home,” Mr. McCain said. “He’s been completely wrong on the issue. … I have been steadfast in my position.”
He said he didn’t care if Mr. Obama’s trip was stealing attention and “doesn’t in the slightest undercut” his own message.
Mr. Bush praised Mr. McCain but said he wished Mr. Obama well on his trip and said he hoped the Democrat would get an especially warm welcome in Berlin.
The Associated Press
