McCain's Latest Iraq Remark Brings Forth Backlash

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For the presidential run for presumed GOP nominee, Senator John McCain of Arizona, the issue of Iraq has been the main platform. McCain’s chance of winning the presidency seems to lie on the possibility that Iraq will be the main issue come November. However, consistent poll results have shown that the issue of the economy had overshadowed Iraq. Iraq had come in at a very distant second behind the economy.

Poll results had also shown that presumed Democratic nominee Senator Barack Obama of Illinois had the advantage over McCain in regards the economy. Still, the issue of Iraq has been the main one for McCain’s run for the US Presidency. This has been his main offensive against Obama. At the same time, Obama went on the offensive against McCain on the economy.

When addressed about troop withdrawal, McCain said that part was not too important. That was what brought McCain under attack from political opponents such as the Obama campaign.

“No, but that’s not too important,” McCain said. He added: “What’s important is the casualties in Iraq, Americans are in South Korea, Americans are in Japan, American troops are in Germany. That’s all fine. American casualties and the ability to withdraw; we will be able to withdraw.”

That comment alone brought forth backlash from Democrats. Democratic Senator and former presidential nominee John Kerry of Massachusetts went on the counter-offensive against McCain.

Kerry said that McCain had confused the facts about Iraq.

The McCain campaign fired back accusing the Obama campaign of launching a false attack. Independent Democratic Senator Joseph Lieberman also came to McCain’s side and expressed disappointment in the Obama campaign.

But, McCain’s comment could provide plenty of ammunition for Obama to use in the future. This also shows how Iraq will become a battleground issue between Obama and McCain.