The American Spectator : The Spectacle Blog : McCain and Iraq

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John McCain just wrapped up his subdued but determined speech to the Virginia Military Institute. Although there are many issues on which conservatives have a beef with McCain, as far as the Iraq War goes, he has been rock solid. Picking a fight with the media on an issue that allows him to capitalize on his greatest strength (his military background) is the best hope McCain has of turning his campaign around amid faltering poll numbers and weak fundraising. He is the one Republican candidate who can put to rest the whole "chicken hawk" charge. He even earned some rare praise from the WSJ editorial page.

In his speech, McCain spoke of "glimmers of progress" he witnessed on his trip to Iraq that were the cause for "very cautious optimism." He emphasized the need to give the surge a chance, lambasted Democrats for voting for surrender, and discussed the consequences of withdrawal.

Among the noteworthy moments, that are telling in terms of how McCain is positioning himself politically.

He took a little dig at the media:

"Unlike the veterans here today, I risked nothing more threatening than a hostile press corps."

Made clear that he has had his problems with Bush's handling of the war:

"After my first visit to Iraq in 2003, I argued for more troops. I took issue with statements characterizing the insurgency as a few 'dead-enders' or being in its 'last throes.'"

Spoke of his support for the surge as a matter of patriotism and honor:

"But having been a critic of the way this war was fought and a proponent of the very strategy now being followed, it is my obligation to encourage Americans to give it a chance to succeed. To do otherwise would be contrary to the interests of my country and dishonorable."

Took aim at Democrats:

"Before I left for Iraq, I watched with regret as the House of Representatives voted to deny our troops the support necessary to carry out their new mission. Democratic leaders smiled and cheered as the last votes were counted. What were they celebrating? Defeat? Surrender? In Iraq, only our enemies were cheering. A defeat for the United States is a cause for mourning not celebrating."

This alone may not be enough to win over bitter conservatives, but it's the best play he has.

topics:
John McCain, Military, Iraq