molson_golden2002 Posted February 1, 2007 Share Posted February 1, 2007 Why doesn't he blame the "decider" who fired the general who told him he would need more troops? http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/na...1&cset=true McCain assails top U.S. commander in Iraq By Julian E. Barnes, Times Staff Writer 8:53 AM PST, February 1, 2007 WASHINGTON -- John McCain, the leading Republican on the Senate Armed Services Committee, today took to task Gen. George Casey, the top American commander in Iraq, accusing him of being the architect of a failed strategy, and failing to take the correct steps to improve the security situation. Casey, nominated to become the next Army chief of staff, faced a series of tough questions from McCain and other senators. The general found himself trying to navigate through a committee of senators with wildly different opinions of the troop increase in Iraq. It was McCain, the leading advocate in the Senate of increasing the number of troops in Iraq, who had the toughest questions for Casey. He accused Casey of failing to adapt his strategy as the sectarian violence grew worse over the course of 2006. "Our military strategy remained unchanged," McCain said. "Instead of mounting a traditional counter insurgency campaign our troops focused on training the Iraqis…our forces did not focus on protecting the population." Although he would have to provide the forces to support the mission, as Army chief of staff, Casey would have no direct influence over Iraq policy. Still, the majority of senators questions focused on Casey's leadership in Iraq and the new strategy announced by the White House. At the beginning of the hearing, McCain said he had questions about Casey's nomination. Quoting from Casey's press conferences, McCain said the general had regularly offered overly optimistic assessments of progress in Iraq. "Why have your predictions of success been so unrealistically rosy?" McCain asked. "You stated we were winning and every day we were making progress toward our strategic goals." While questioning Casey, McCain said that the new commanders in Iraq, the new defense secretary and chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff had said the old strategy had failed. But Casey said that he did not agree with their assessments. "I do not believe the current policy has failed," Casey said. McCain appeared obviously frustrated with Casey's responses. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joey Balls Posted February 1, 2007 Share Posted February 1, 2007 Many on the left thought McCain was a righteous dude. I never fell for his act and I'll tell you why. John McCain has to be one of the most underrated political whores of our time. That and I think he might very well be insane. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
molson_golden2002 Posted February 1, 2007 Author Share Posted February 1, 2007 That and I think he might very well be insane. And he might be our next President Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GG Posted February 1, 2007 Share Posted February 1, 2007 ..... John McCain has to be one of the most underrated political whores of our time... And he is different than anyone in an elected position ----- Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joey Balls Posted February 1, 2007 Share Posted February 1, 2007 And he is different than anyone in an elected position ----- Of course he isn't Gekko, but he seems to get a free pass from many, probably owing to his unfortunate stint as a POW. McCain, portrayed by the media as some sort of "Maverick", has proven in recent years that he'll play along to get along. He seems to have never really recovered from the tarbrushing Ralph Reed and the Bush 2000 campaign gave him in South Carolina. He lost his scrote by never really responding in any way. His candidacy is suspect at best. He's taken the unpopular view on a war that most would like to see end like now, the guy's ancient compared to most running against him, and the evangelicals aren't exactly warming up to him. I think he's done and he knows it so he might as well go all Strangelove like. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DC Tom Posted February 1, 2007 Share Posted February 1, 2007 And he is different than anyone in an elected position ----- Yeah...he's underrated. Apparently he's also resorting to pulling sh-- out of his ass now.... "Our military strategy remained unchanged," McCain said. "Instead of mounting a traditional counter insurgency campaign our troops focused on training the Iraqis…our forces did not focus on protecting the population." Training local forces to take over security IS traditional counter-insurgency strategy. And he knows that. He's just whoring for the media. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buckeyemike Posted February 1, 2007 Share Posted February 1, 2007 Hey Tom! Best avatar I've seen in a long, long time!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts