Political Punch

McCain keeps trying to scare us with his "catastrophic consequences to our national security" talk, if we were to leave Iraq. However, he has no real basis to support this assertion. In fact the level of troops called for in the surge do not equal the numbers he has called for in the past so Bush`s current policy would also appear to be flawed. Also, both he and Bush have said that when the Iraqi`s military stood up, ours could stand down and come home. Like that one guy said, it would take American marines about 15 minutes to train up to fight for democracy, so it is not unreasonable to leave it up to the Iraqi`s after some four years training after the fall of Saddam. Once we leave and are no longer the target, I am confident that the Iraqis will take care of Al Qaeda in Iraq.

Zhonni - Where did you serve in Iraq? I know soldiers in Iraq that are serving (unfortunately I am too old) and they want the American People to know they believe in there job and good things are happening.

They do not like their hands being tied though.

So what plan does Obama have, the libs keep on talking about plans but the only one they show is surrender at all costs.

I would like to see Obama walk in Baghdad I would really like to see Hillary walk in Fallujah.

John McCain is the poster boy for this Lincoln quote: "Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak out and remove all doubt"

All these Republicans except Paul are a bunch of empty suits filled with hot and stale air. They are truly pathetic.

I am one of d troops, but I did not support going to war in Iraq. Are u telling me that I didn't support myself, or my fellow comrades while we were over there? I am tired of some republicans using this same stupid arguement over and over again, but it's running out of steam.

Maybe calling Obama a muslim is their next tactic, but it will not work.

RON PAUL in 2008!!! I am already tired of (blah-blah McCain)(blah-blah-blah Giuliani) and (yack-yack Hillary)(yadda-yadda Obama) We all know what their stance is and how they voted etc. How about a little coverage on RON PAUL already?

What about constructive dialogue for what is good for us, the U.S., and for the country if Iraq .. which we are the waffling arbitraiters of that situation which we have choosed to not resolve. Flack or FLAK it doesn't matter as we all knew what they were talking about in either regard. If Al-Sadr can bully and terrorize the special elite forces of the government
of Iraq and we, i.e., our forces do nothing about it - why are we there? Get out of Iraq or go and stuff a howitzer in Al-Sadr's keister now!!!!!! - supply adequate water, food and medical aid to those people - but do not waffle and waiver and prolong their misery.! The surge of G. W. Bush is evidently a political ploy to later reduce troops while still maintaining a significant (?) profile in Iraq ... buying time for his failed policies. G.W. Bush gives new meaning to beating around the bush. Full and overwhelming support in Iraq or get the f... out. Iran was the target all along and Bush's failed military and foreign policy has obfuscated forcing the Iraninan government of extremist from pursuing a Nuclear Arms development course - which any American is kidding himself if he thinks a Iran with H-Bombs is not going to effect him and the ground he stands on. Historical trends point to this as well - ask any Indian (India).
Get Bush out of office, put in a clear headed, non-corrupt, leader with vision - militarily force Iran to forever stop developing Nuclear weapons, put a Howitzer in Al-Sadr M. Keister' once and for all. Pursue a egalitarian and open bidding of contracts for all governemnts in the development of Iraq - even form a special Corporation under U.N. Charter with stocks sold to raise money for development of the Iraqi Oil industry - thereby receiving world support and the best support is the aim of their greed - get the oil flowing! Money in everyones pockets, including the Iraqis will surely resolve the situations so desperate in Iraq.

John McCain's biggest problem is that he's so ideologically tied to a highly unpopular war that he's lost any independence and seems to be unable to think for himself. His contretemps with Sen. Obama here shows that he'll go down fighting for principle, but this time, he's on the losing side.

Boys, boys, boys grow up. The vest that was issued in Vietnam and other parts of the world, was called " Flak ". It was printed on the mil spec's label of the garment.. Instead of B_______, send thoses dummies that are elected by you and you should go along with them, and serve as infantry troops in Iraq.

RON PAUL will whip em all. the only one out there telling it like it IS. No matter if you like it or not. He is speaking the TRUTH.

If McCain is a good public speaker or a writer, who many people ever go to listen to his speech or read his "best seller book's'" if he has written a best seller book. "flak or flack" who cares? He should think about bette issues to discuss and forget about GRAMMER because since if he a good public speaker or a writer it is not yet known.

For what it's worth, McCain himself has used "flack jacket" in official press releases from his Senate Office.

It gets better:

McCain Statement on US Air Force Accountability Regarding the Boeing 767 Takner Lease Deal

(Source: Office of Sen. John McCain; issued Nov. 19, 2004)

...

Secretary Roche wrote to Acting Assistant Secretary Wynne as follows:
...
"I refuse to wear my flack jacket backwards!"
...

Everyone forgot about Ross Perot did'nt they.??? Remember the "sucking sound" of jobs going overseas? I mean, that is what the country is dealing with, besides this mess in the middle east. Thanks to the global economy of Clinton. Now thank Bush for the MESSopotamia of Iraq. VOTE INDEPENDANT.

All service branches use "flack jacket" in their official training manuals and in press releases.

For a man of limited intelligence, McCain speaks too much.

obama is a loser. he is the Rockstar for the dems. big deal. mccain brings out obama's true colors because he is ten times more qualified than obama. Just because Oprah Winfrey likes him doesn't mean he is qualified to run this country.

From the Marine Corp's "Detailed Instructor Outline" for the "TRAIN THE TRAINER" martial arts instructor trainer course:
...

(2) Gear. All participants will wear the following safety gear:

Without Weapons:

(1) Mouthpiece

(2) Groin protection

(3) Head gear

(4) Minimum 16 oz. gloves

(5) Hand wraps (optional)

(6) Shin and instep protection

(7) Flack jacket (females)

With Weapons:

(1) Mouthpiece

(2) Groin protection

(3) Bayonet training helmet w/ full-face cage

(4) Lacrosse gloves

(5) Shin and instep protection

(6) Flack jacket (all)

(7) All weapons will be training weapons

The Army, Navy, and Air Force also use the term "flack jacket".

Who cares what Obama, Hillary, McCain, or Giuliani said. I would like to know what RON PAUL had to say. How about a little RON PAUL coverage? He is leading BIG TIME in a lot of the polls. BIG TIME. Why does the media keep ignoring him? Oh! I forgot. It is a controled media. Right in the good old USA.

the left milks everything they can when somethings goes bad in iraq everyday so....

People have not forgotten the towers, but every disreputable politician -- Giuliani first -- have milked the moment for every bit they can. Iraq has nothing, repeat nothing, zero to do with the towers. So why are we there?

Most of you are sniping at each other like a bunch of little kids instead of debating the real issues. You sound like Congress.....

I JUST WANT TO THANK EVERYONE BACK HOME THAT SUPPORT US!! AND IM STILL WILLING TO GIVE MY LIFE FOR THE ONES THAT DONT.

I found this in the same BBC piece:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/6466587.stm

"The US base at Al Udeid is immense. We're told to get our flack-jackets and helmets for the next leg -"

But also: "Lots of e-mails about flak jackets."

Appearantly both Obama and McCain are right about flack/flak jackets.

John McCain is a joke, a parody of a politician who once showed a little bit of promise. It's just sad, because it wasn't always like this -- there was a time when McCain rode a bus dubbed the "Straight Talk Express" and called out players like Jerry Falwell for being the "agents of intolerance" they very much were. Today, he has lapsed into a delusional state worthy of Hitler, roaming around the country kissing up to those very agents of intolerance he once rebuked and joining his similarly delusional GOP buddies in babbling semi-coherently about how Baghdad's markets are as safe as any market in any average town in, say, Indiana. What a sad, withered shadow of his former self McCain has become! Arianna Huffington called it squarely on the head with poor John Boy when she said, "The 'Straight Talk Express' has been derailed!" It's just pathetic!

Paul, your wrong they are here in iraq, how do i know because im also here in iraq. Where are you?

Amy, we should remember the twin towers. The people responsible are in and around Afghanistan and Pakistan, not Iraq.
I probably won't vote for Obama but he is 100% correct. We owe the military a way out instead of policing Iraq (I remember somewhere that Bush said "mission accomplished").

I use to respect Sen. McCain, but he has just lost all of my respect!!!!!

CW4 Eugene Minter

How many more of our young men and women have to die in this Bush war,you cannot think that you can push a demacracy on these savages.Why don't McCain dust off his uniform and go end this war.GO OBAMA!

its scary how people over the last few years, seem to have forgotten those twin towers coming down. The images of everyday people like you and me jumping to their deaths. i remember the towers coming down and i remember the people that died. People that was real it was not a movie. Thank to whatever you beleive in it has not happened since. And thank the soldiers that are fighting and killing the very same people that could care about your life.

McCain says "By the way, Senator Obama, it's a 'flak' jacket, not a 'flack' jacket."

That's all he got right in that argument LOL

McCain, just give it up! I'd sooner vote for the winner of American Idol than a brainless, over-experienced nincompoop such as yourself. The very fact that you're delusional to the point where you think you have the slightest chance of becoming the next U.S. President is a testament to the fact that you lack the proper judgement and sensibility for the job. Good God, man... save your campaign funds and stop this charade!! (By the way, I'm reviewing all your press releases to look for spelling errors as you seem to place a great deal of value and importance on this skill).

Can someone explaine to me what will happen when we pull out of iraq?

McCain is a good and decent man but seriously flawed somehow; he's still a military hawk after hanging by his thumbs for five years as a POW in another lost and unjustified war. He'd still be hanging there if Nixon hadn't "cut" the nations losses and "run". Maybe McCain is still tryng to measure up to his his dad who was a 6th fleet Admiral of notoriety. Yu'd think of all politicians McCain would've learned the limits of power that comes from the barrel of a gun - sadly he hasn't. Obama is not burdened so heavily by past emotions that he can't see clearly on bush and cheney's arrogant and stupid misadventure

Remember, Sen McCain's war experience consisted of flying snd returning to in a warm bunk on the carrier. That is until he was shot down, captured and spent the rest of the war in a POW camp. However commendable his service, I don't know how much it aids him in devining good war strategy. Maybe he should consider that he'd likely have spent the rest of his life there if it wasn't for the Obama's of that day demanding an end to a senseless, unwinnable war. You'd think he'd naturally side with the other dibacle war vet senators Hagel, Warner, Kerry, Carper and Webb and push back on this with Obama.

This memo war aptly illustrates the key characteristics of these two: BO is an inexperienced, immature Empty-Suit and "Stroll-Through-Baghdad" McCain is totally brainwashed by the neocons into irrationally supporting their endless wars.

No rational, reasonable voter should seriously consider either of these small people for any public office.

you do all realize that neither write there own press releases...

stephen,

YES you CAN have it both ways- you can dissapprove of the war, but support the people that have to fight it. It's not an indivudual soldier's fault that his commenders are telling him to fight a crappy war initiated by our president and administration!!!

Jacquie,

This is regarding a press release, so he could see the spelling.

Also, given that the exchange is about spelling, it's "you're" and not "your."

:)

Obama has no chance duuuuuuh!!

They talk about obama but the wish they can be in his shoes. The man stands for what he beleives in, AND it is new power that is about to take over, and it just hurts their poor little hearts. Sorry! Sit down and whatch us take this stand.

Vote for Obama for change!

McCain is old. He is an old grump. Thinking about him makes me want to take a nap.

Obama supports moveon.org, not the troops. i ment to say moveon.org supports obama. Get the picture?!!

Why do they attack Obama, always referring to his two years of service as a bad thing? I don't know about all of you but I think it's about time we get some new blood in there. These same OLD men who have been in the game forever need to step aside; they've done their damage.

No one with any sense can claim that we are winning the war in Iraq; every week there are record deaths... Furthermore, the Republicans keep touting this "new" war strategy but no one seems to offer any details of the supposed miracle strategy. I challenge ANY reader to state what the new Iraq strategy is and why it will be successful when ALL other strategies for nearly 5 years have failed. Stop reading sound bites and ask the hard questions. The Iraq war is a disaster and our troops are dying for what? Terrorism? The war in Iraq has only fueled the war on terror and incited moderate Muslims to become terrorists in the wake of American imperialism. When we failed to find WMDs, our cause was exposed as illegimate and our credibility was crushed in the region.

POW over a man with 2 years federal public service. A American service man's insight on war holds more water than a muslim from Illinois?

You gt to love the republicans. I mean the 29% that think Bush walks on water. The statemen above is proof of thier devisivness and racism. So people like you want to put our troops In another mans country for what? by the way, Obama is an AMERICAN from illinois in as much as your neck is red from where ever you hail from.

Both Obama and McCain are dubious to me. I will vote for Ron Paul!

Obama may be the best candidate the Democrats have to offer, but he unfortunately shows some naivete at times. More disturbing are the annoying posters calling McCain a "lunatic" given his military service and sacrifice. He knows that war is not glorious and has made it quite clear that the Bush administration stupidly mismanaged this conflict. If people are shocked by the bloodshed now and think that it will just end with an immediately military withdrawal, they are gravely mistaken. The toll on the Iraqi people will expand exponentially.

McCain and Obama are idiots. Vote Ron Paul!

McCain and Obama are both tools! McCain is one of the pushers of the immigration bill that will give amnesty to illegals. Obama is one of the impotent dems that cannot seem to stop Spurious George from shedding more blood in this insane war AND kisses all the same special interest butts that Bush and Hillary do! I am so voting for Ron Paul! We need honest REAL AMericans in charge not the psychopathic admin we have now nor the co-opted sycophantic congress--both trying to destroy the autonomy and sovereignty of the U.S. VOTE RON PAUL!!

It is time to stop the bickering and deal with the issue at hand. Yes, one can support the troops and be against the occupation of Iraq by American troops. The President, Vice President and their blind adherence to a failed policy will never admit they were wrong. They still live in a John Wayne world where the good guys are always able to come out on top. This is not such a conflict. And we aren't the guys with the white hats. When a President suggests that by not agreeing with his policy we are putting our children at risk he is clearly grasping at straws and implying that American children are more valuable than Iraqi children. An innocent life is an innocent life no matter where in the world he/she is found. Darfur, Iraq or America.

We were all stunned with the horrible attrocities committed by the perpetrators of 9/11. We wanted those responsible punished. We felt hopeful when our President went after their leader, Osama Bin Laden in Afghanistan. Instead of that lofty pursuit being completed, our President took advantage of our vulnerability and started his own, unrelated war. We experienced the horror of seeing our good name ruined as we committed illegal kidnappings (called renditions), illegal wiretappings of our own brothers and sisters, holding of prisoners for years without providing the benefit of trial, and brutal cruel torture. How many generations will it take to get our good name back? May God help us and give us the wisdom to support the brave leaders who dare to insist that this madness stop!

Hahaha, Barack Obama is so stupid. Must be all the cocaine he took while he was an unemployed "community activist" in Chicago. To all the people who say this war has no end... That's because Al Qaeda is trying to destroy the democratic government in Iraq. Do you think Jihad will stop when we pull out of Iraq and Afghanistan. Look at all the terrorist attacks on USA since Jimmy Carter did nothing during the Iranian revolution, Regan pulled out of Beirut and Clinton chased interns instead of terrorists.

I think John McCain is Bush's butt kisser!! This is why he is standing behind Bush and promoting the Iraq War. I don't think McCain has a chance for president. He has been a flip flopper from what I have seen. The best story was when McCain was in Iraq and said everything was going well....Yeah right!!!!!! McCain looked like a complete idiot. I use to have alot
of respect for him, but I lost it and don't trust him anymore. I think McCain
would do ANYTHING to be president. NOT
A CHANCE!!!!! Especially since Bush and
McCain were running against each other
a few years back and Bush trashed McCain's war record. DOSEN'T MCCAIN HAVE
ANY FRIGGIN PRIDE!!!!! LOSER!!!!!

McCain is a lunatic just like Bush. I support our boys and girls 100% but it's time to het the heck out of there. Do it over a year but start the process. Under Bush, it will NEVER END.

Mr. Obama is correct because mccain is supporting a war with no end. This war has made a country worse than what it was before the war. OK we removed Suddam, but what positive have we done since with this war? We still have not found the so called WMDs. I strongly support our troops, but for God's sake what are they fighting for? Bush needs to swallow his pride and bring our troops home because how can you say that you are winning this war or making Iraq a better country when there is a record number of deaths of innocent people every week. Wow who's really the terrorist Bush or Bin Laden?

Obama!! Stop saying you support the troops, you can't have it both ways. Give yourself a few years, your still wet behind the ears.

The voters of this country really need to pay close attention to what Obama says and what he has said in the past. He and most others are not interested in serving the public but rather themselves.

Actually, Obama used the correct term in both its definitions. First, flack is a variant spelling of flak and second a flack is a press agent or publicist. I think we can safely say that McCain is a publicist for the Iraq War.

Perhaps, Senator McCain needs expand his vocabulary.

with all due respect to Mr. Obama. I beleive a war veteran and a POW over a man with 2 years federal public service. A American service man's insight on war holds more water than a muslim from Illinois

McCain is useless, and unless he could see the word "flak"/"flack" they are pronounced the same. Your right "Priceless"