Senator McCain's Doublespeak On Iraq

I find it rather humorous that Sen. John McCain finally criticized President Bush on Iraq today.

According to the Associated Press, Sen. McCain said, "I think one of the biggest mistakes we made was underestimating the size of the task and the sacrifices that would be required. Stuff happens, mission accomplished, last throes, a few dead-enders. I'm just more familiar with those statements than anyone else because it grieves me so much that we had not told the American people how tough and difficult this task would be."

Well, yeah, John, that's correct. You didn't.

And what motivated McCain to speak out today? A campaign.

McCain made his remarks campaining for GOP Sen. Mike DeWine, who is in a tight race for re-election in Ohio.

But, one could argue, he was out stumping for himself and posturing for '08.

Here's the problem...McCain isn't offering any solutions. It's nice that he finally admits that there's trouble in Iraq, but McCain seems to think the main issue is that Bush didn't say what the real task was and does not communicate the tasks ahead.

There's far more to it than that, of course. If Bush had suggested going into Iraq to do nation-building,he never would have been given the authorization to do it. We were brought into Iraq under false pretenses. And now, it would seem, the GOP would like us to remain indefinitely.

Further, according to AP:

"McCain said at an appearance in suburban Cleveland that if U.S. troops announce a specific date to leave Iraq, insurgents will bide their time until they have an opportunity to act without interference.

"'The chaos that would ensue would have direct implications for our national security,' McCain said."

What exactly does that mean? We will never be allowed to leave until every last "insurgent" is eradicated? On that platform, we would never be allowed to bring our troops home, or redeploy them.

And what about the sectarian violence Mr. McCain, or do you agree that this is not a civil war?

I tried to get more answers by going to McCain's 'Straight Talk America' website and getting a better idea of what John McCain would do in Iraq.

At his site, you will find where to send money...you will read about all the people who have praised him...you will get ads for McCain books and t-shirts.

But good luck on finding anything meaningful, or substantive, on Iraq.

Straight talk? Doublespeak is more like it.