DISQUS

Ruby · 1 year ago

That's why its so hard for commanding officers to do their jobs; civilians try to negotiate what they can do. The political climate makes it intolerable for some commanders to do their jobs. I really liked Schwartzkopf & Powell together. They would kick butt and ask questions later.

Obama has spoken to generals and will consult on generals before making any decsions. I love his diplomatic and common sense approach to complex issues, including sitting down at the enemies table to hear what he's thinking.

abiodun · 1 year ago

Gen Petraeus seem very level-headed and reasonable like Obama. I hope he is retained as centcom commander after Jan next year. It looks like Mccain still has a cold war mentality.

vincent · 1 year ago

It is not Victory in IRAQ, it's only strategy. We will not have Victory in this war until all of our troops have returned home. There is NO VICTORY when there is constant war and bombings. And, innocent civilians are damaged in the wreckage of war. How foolish to declare Victory only because we have changed an outcome of one tactic.

boophus · 1 year ago

McCain came in near bottom of his class at naval academy. Maybe he slept through a lot of the military training. He crashed more than one plane and was finally captured but he wants to keep replaying that war until he wins it like some RAMBO character. That is why he keeps claiming he KNOWS how to WIN. So at first I was bedazzled by his Hero status and waited for him to tell us exactly how but the SHYSTER says speaking it in public would tell the enemy his idea. SO he wants us to buy an empty box on the strength of his POW status. Except a funny thing happened along the way, I read how McCain is truly regarded by fellow POWs and current Vets of the Iraq & Aftghanistan wars. So now his Hero brand is severely tarred with this Vet because I have seen his true character.

Angel In South Floria · 1 year ago

I knew McCain was way off from Petraeus in the first place. The man says things and hope no one actually researches or reads anything. We are not like Palin. We are truly interested in our country, not making history as the firs female VP.

Sharon Cameron · 1 year ago

I feel it is an insult to the American woman that Palin was picked for VP position, thinking American women would vote for the Mc Cain/Palin ticket just because a woman was on the ticket. For her to be a heart beat away from the presidency is the mist scary thing I can think of, especially with Mc Cains age.

TexasHorns · 1 year ago

Petraeus discussed whether his strategy in Iraq — protecting the population while cleaving apart the insurgency through reconciliation efforts to crush the remaining hard-core enemies — could also work in Afghanistan. The question has particular salience as Petraeus takes over U.S. Central Command, which will put him at the helm of all U.S. troops in the Middle East and South Asia, thereby giving him a large role in the Afghanistan war.

“Some of the concepts used in Iraq are transplantable [to Afghanistan] while others perhaps are not,” he said. “Every situation is unique.”

Karen · 1 year ago

I think Petreaus is angling for a role in an Obama administration and I think he's quite impressive. i think McCain has been clinging to the general like a buoy in a c hannel, misquoting him whenever he needs to and not understanding what the general has said -- deliberately.

Elizabeth · 1 year ago

Gen P and Obama did not warm up to each the first time they met, but according to a report I heard from NPR news, Obama reached out to him a second time, which set the tone for their meeting in Iraq. It was the second meeting that helped Gen P understands Obama and was prepared for their meeting in Iraq.

What was different about the second meeting? Gen P met an equal and that's why he was prepared when Obama went to Iraq. He had charts, stats and everything he needed to sho him about condition in the areas. You see, Gen P along with being a General is a very educated man-doctoral degree...check it out for yourself

Josh · 1 year ago

John McCain keeps saying that under his Presidency our troops will come home with "victory and honor" as though victory in Iraq actually means something and there is honor to be lost. When President Obama, heeding the advice of General Petraeus, withdraws our troops from Iraq rest assured that they will return with honor.

beebeschild · 1 year ago

a smart and honorable man, I hope he sticks around.

Matthew H · 1 year ago

Not to be obvious, here, but why do you think that if Petraeus ran, he would run as a Republican?

serena1313 · 1 year ago

General Petraeus for some time was too partisan by repeating the Bush doctrine talking points. Not too long ago I read an article that said Petraeus believes applying words such as "victory" and "success" to Iraq was unhelpful. Apparently he was serious about that. And now that Petraeus is suggesting we talk to our adversaries and is sounding more reasonable will McCain follow suit?



The ability to understand complex issues and how everything is interconnected escapes McCain. He is pretty much a one-dimensional thinker in terms of either, or. Furthermore making snap decisions without considering the consequences especially in a fit of anger is a fundamental character flaw which is risky for the nation.



McCain makes up things all the time. He cannot stand it when anyone questions his judgment and/or authourity. McCain really believes he is right, even when fewer and fewer people are less inclined to agree, still does not phase him: It's my way or the highway attitude that gives voters reason for pause.



Therein one wonders if McCain is unaware of General Petraeus' testimony or is he ignoring it because it is inconvenient and does not fit into his talking points? If the latter that begs asking whether McCain would listen to Petraeus or would he fire the general if [god forbid] elected?



McCain talks about putting country first, but by all indications that is simply not the case. If so, he would listen to voices of reason rather than his ego.

Trex · 1 year ago

I think he's listening to voices in his head.

Trex · 1 year ago

I was commenting on something someone else said about McCain maybe not listening to Petraeus later...I was speaking of McCain...

Jim_W · 1 year ago

Is anyone even sure that Petraeus is a Repulican? I don't think he on the record either way, but there seems to be some opinion that he's actually a Democrat.

vidarien · 1 year ago

Well Jim, he actually is a pretty intellgent guy, so...you may be right.

Yeah, I went there.

Trex · 1 year ago

Maybe he just knows who the better candidate really is and who he'd rather report to. A hothead liar or a cool, intelligent diplomat. I'm sure he's certainly been doing his duty and following orders, but who says he personally agrees with them?

Rob · 1 year ago

Sorry, but I feel like I have to say this. McCain seems to me like the next Hitler, that's what he is, it speaks so loudly to me.

JN · 1 year ago

LOL Well sheesh.

But he does seem like a crippled disaster waiting to happen.

BILLYBOB · 1 year ago

No one can claim "Victory" in a guerilla war. There will be few state action wars now and in the future. Almost all "wars" will be guerilla in nature, and will require more Delta type commandoes and less regular army. Our brave men and women in uniform will always be able to hold their head high knowing they followed the orders of their commander-in-chief, no matter how foolish and ill conceived. They are the true patriots. McCain is no maverick. He's Bush's sidekick !!!!

MinorNPut · 1 year ago

You said it. That's why the "War on Terror" is nonsensical. It is like saying War on Guerilla Warfare. How do you win a war against a tactic?

nativegirl · 1 year ago

McCain really cannot afford to be this ridiculous "Commander In Chief" War Monger, it's not healthy for America or any other country in the World. As usual, he is wrong about every single stratagy he comes up with. He should take his self adoration of 'Hero', kick himself in the butt, and leave politics before he chews off more than he can handle. If only people know how crooked this 'hero' is.

Chris · 1 year ago

4,000 lives lost in a wrong war cannot ever be called a victory.

Trex · 1 year ago

Amen

Alethea · 1 year ago

Dawggonit, who woulda thunk that would happen?

R. Smith-Gregory · 1 year ago

Where was McKlans opps , I mean THAT ONE, Oh I sorry ,I mean McCain's American Flag pin? I did not see one on his lapel or any where. Mr. Patriotic. For Our Country. It's not nice to call people names especially when you know there name. Take note to the small things, and little people they matter!

John Santiago · 1 year ago

It's not too late for John McCaine to listen carefully to what his hero, Gen Petraeus says: "You have to talk to enemies."

Time and again McCain had mocked Obama for suggesting that America should talk to its enemies. Now that his own hero agrees with Obama's position, what has McCain got to say now? Or is he going to adamantly cling to his outdated and extreme position of rejecting the diplomatic option?

Petraeus does not even subscribe to McCain's lofty thought of victory in Iraq. At best, Iraq can be left behind on a "more stable footing". McCain's dream of returning from Iraq "victorious" could only be equivalent to Bush declaration of "Mission Accomplished"!

William72 · 1 year ago

The last paragraph was perfect. Just to add a little note that in their eyes we will return victorious, and oh yes BANKRUPT as a country. Yes won't that be something to brag about. But just like old George W. We should do whatever it takes so that we as a country, or as individuals, or as a government wont ever have to say, I WAS WRONG.

sbv · 1 year ago

to paraphrase sen. biden in speaking of rudy giuliana, sen. mccain only knows a noun, a verb and pow and gen. petraeus. well, i guess that isn't right or is it wright; he can incite violence and harm and play to people's fears, biases and racism. i do not know whether to judge gen. petraeus for being used for political purposes or he is playing to his ambition.

4Insight · 1 year ago

Or maybe Petraeus honestly is concerned with having the American public hear the truth about what's really going on in Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan without being filtered through lenses of partisanship. But it says a lot about Obama that his strategy is supported by Petraeus. Looks like McCain was wrong about Obama in this instance, too.

NC WILL GO FOR OBAMA! · 1 year ago

Here we go about Wright again. You are a person who took sound bites a ran with it. If you listened to the whole sermon you would know that Wright was actually quoting a fox news guest when he was delivering his sermon after Sept. 11. Nothing in those sound clips were wrong. Black men were affected with sphyiliis by the government. Look it up! Clinton apologized to them. Remember America is not perfect. When America was founded Indians owned it. It was taken from them by white people who then turned around and built America by using slaves. I think we have history to show that kkk was the ones running America in the beginning. Do you remember the lynching, burning, and killing of not only blacks but native americans too.
People got so caught up in the sound bites but never remembered what our own history books told us. Hiroshima I mean he didn't lie. I do think you know we did kill people in Hiroshima. Do a history check. For every quote he made look it up. Government is a problem when it comes to AIDS because they block programs that will help thhe disease from being spread. Listen to what a lot of white politicians have said. They said if white women were getting infected like blacks there would be programs out that what have decreased it's numbers dramatically.
I think you need to read up on history. Much of what he said I read in history books while in high school, college and you can go to your local library.
We as Americans rather say America is perfect instead of saying we made mistakes and we need to fix it and continue to make it better for all Americans.
It's a shame that we look to honor one military man for his POW experience but yet we tear down another who served his country honorably and joined even when blacks was not wanted in the military. He even went so far as to help his country by being a servant to Lyndon B. Johnson but no one wants to give him the slack. He lived through a time of racism and hate that is still embodied in him especially when you see that the world really hasn't changed that much.
Look at the McCain and Palin's rallies where you have people yelling to kill Obama. Have we really grown in history? Yelling that your own fellow American who was raised by white people to be killed and calling him a terrorist. Has history really changed? What this election did for me is to show how much we still have racism no matter who gives it. We still have a long way to go but we can't change if you keep lingering on to what everyone said.
The man actually fought for his freedom of speech. He went to war to get his rights in this world to say what he wants to say just like my grandfather, father, and uncles did. I may not agree with everything someone says even the rednecks here in NC have their freedom of expression and I keep on moving.
You know I was told by my father that what someone says can't hurt unless it is true. So if it is actually hurting you what he said then I guess it must be true.

four · 1 year ago

You don't have to be a democrat or republican to tell the truth. By the way I didn't vote for the other one but for that one.

TRIATHLON · 1 year ago

GEN. D. H. "BETRAY US"

After (10 ++++) ten plus, plus, plus, plus, more years of war against Islam, at a half billion per month, with more body bags being sent home and funerals not to be covered, and more mission creep into Pakistan, with the use of apartide as D. H. used in Iraq, with the (JSOC/CIA/SROA/IC) Joint Special Operations Command, Central Intelligence Agency, Senior Regional Operative Afghanistan, In Charge, at Baghrum Airforce Base killing more Pakistani Truck Drivers and their families the United States Military industrial Complex can pin another well deserved metal on Gen. Betray US chest for being the worse General this country as ever produced.

Just like Sherman who burnt and killed everything in his path to Atlanta, in a (12) twelve mile front killing spree that has never been forgotten in the South, and what this man has done in the Middle East will come back to haunt the United States, this is never going to end, this is now a blood feud. Like Sherman D. H. Betray Us is nothing but a butcher, how many dead civilians, how many (DP's) Displaced Persons in their own lands, how much blood, and how long will the American Boot of occupation, be on the Islamic Peoples Necks?

MinorCorexn · 1 year ago

I think you meant a half billion PER DAY. A cost which dwarfs all the earmarks John McCain likes to go on about.

Worst than Bush · 1 year ago

Read this Rolling Stone article, http://www.rollingstone.com/news/coverstory/mak...

And McCain's bad judgement and totally lack of qualification for the Presidency should be no surprise -- that he's one of those tragic examples of how privilege corrupts a system from within. This man is even worst than G.W. Bush

Ron · 1 year ago

What disturbs me is that the American people still prefer McCain over Obama for the handling of Iraq. McCain says he knows how to win wars but he has no basis for that statement. What General Petraeus remarks say is that Obama may know as much or more on that subject and that he knows much more about winning the peace.

Joan · 1 year ago

McCain doesn't know how to win wars. His strategey is that he knows how to fight--so he thinks. Let this campaign be an eye opener to the fight in his belly to win, no matter what the cost, and at anyone's expense. It's McCain first, not Country. He's convinced himself, but has not convinced the American people. Poor judgment, lacks integrity, diplomacy and respect for mankind. Read the U.S. Veteran Dispatch on-line, yesterday's headline, and learn the other side of his support of veterans.

Beth Johnson · 1 year ago

Joan's view of McCain is right on! I couldn't have said it better myself! McCain appears erratic and ineffectual in his deliverance of his views. The best thing in a campaign are these debates! I intend to read the Veteran Dispatch on-line especially since my husband is a retired US Navy Senior Chief. Thanks Joan Beth

betsy · 1 year ago

McCain was all about "I know how to do that," about the economy and the war. Somehow a guy who crashed a lot of planes and landed himself in a puddle when he had an opportunity to do what his training would have had him doing (which is to have redirected his flight as soon as he knew the surface to air missile was locked onto him) was too much of a hotdog to save himself.

Then he lands in a POW camp and spends the entire rest of his Viet Nam time there (or so most accounts have it). So he flew 23 or so bombing missions (is that anything like being a terrist?) and lay around getting tortured. That may be awful, but it is not anything like actually fighting in a war nor does it have anything to do with leadership and especially nothing to do with Strategy and Tactics (which he keeps getting mixed up).

NC WILL GO FOR OBAMA! · 1 year ago

McCain didn't want to come home from the Vietnam prison camp because he knows that the Americans during the Vietnam war would have chopped his head off. Everyone knows McCain was a traitor to America by giving the Vietnamese information and making propaganda tapes. No one wants to hear the other troops who was POW's who said McCain is not a hero.
McCain even said in his own book that he was getting special treatment. McCain also said that he didn't love America until he was sitting in the prison camp.
McCain is not a maverick. He bucked his party on issues because they bucked him. They don't like McCain.
If you really want to know what I think? Bush and the other republicans don't want McCain to win. Look how that acted towards him throughout this whole election.

LittleWings · 1 year ago

Where the hell are you people getting your information? It's one thing to disparage his knowledge of the economy and the middle class, but the unmitigated gall of some little snotnose idiot with no memory or knowledge of American history in the 20th Century....returning soliders and POWs were, for the most part, treated like "baby killers" who deserved whatever they got......no one would have been beheading him.

Bonz · 1 year ago

Go away!

LittleWings · 1 year ago

Betsy, if you are not a veteran, shut the hell up. I would advise you to never open your mouth and espouse these ideas in front of veterans. It's the vehement know-nothing haters like you that lose the election for the democrats every time.
Betsy, if you are a veteran, you should have been fragged. And shut the hell up. Don't discuss matters that you know nothing about. Especially if you have never flown an aircraft.

Bonz · 1 year ago

Excuuuuse me? Where do you get off browbeating a woman who stated FACTS all of which are a matter of record? Senator Mc Cain did spend time in the "Hanoi Hilton" and I honor his service BUT that does not mean he has judgement or is suited to leadership. He is wrong headed on most issues. He graduated 894 out of 899 in his Acadamy class. He is completely out of touch with reality ( see Palin). Check youself, sonny!

LittleWings · 1 year ago

Bonz-
I get off having spent my entire adult life as a soldier.  That post was very dismissive of his time in camps. I vote democratic, and  I am tired of him waving the bloody shirt but I'll be damned if I will listen to someone who has absolutely no idea of the commitment and bravery that man exhibited berate him in such an offhand way....doesn't matter where he graduated (he still graduated) or how unskilled a pilot he was, that's the same kind of vitrioloic, uninformed shite, again, that causes the dems to lose the election every time.  If not for the tanking economy, McCain would win. 




 
 

Gan AiféalaJ.A.S.
 
"We are all of us in the gutter,,,,but some of us are looking at the stars"
Oscar Wilde

Mark D · 1 year ago

I Like McCain

dane · 1 year ago

Excellent and unbiased article providing some actual insight to someone hungry, as always, for the facts and truth of any situation.

It also proves just how out of touch McCain after 72 years of supposedly garnering wisdom with direct connections to foreign affairs truly is. He invariably pulls notions or quotes out of context to bolster his ever weakening and the more we learn of him - feeble positions. It really makes one wonder just what in heck he HAS been paying attention to besides mud slinging as the Repubs have taught through a lifetime of former successes.

j f n · 1 year ago

i really love Petraeus. I think he's a straight shooting kind of guy.

William72 · 1 year ago

I at least applaud him for not giving us the same line of crap that McCain spills out in his honor constantly. Isn't that interesting that his view and McCains version of his views aren't the same. I wonder why that is. Maybe the general is to old to remember what he told McCain.

mtobias · 1 year ago

Mr. McCain is floundering so badly that I fear for his sanity.
Did you see where he called us all his fellow prisoners today in PA? He meant citizens.

Linda · 1 year ago

Are you sure he meant citizens? My father had Alzheimers and he often thought he was once again a young soldier like he had been in WWII. I believe it is highly probable that McCain is in the early stages of Alzheimers or some other form of senility. This would explain his erratic behavior and his anger issues.

February · 1 year ago

Presidents decide to take their country to war, and generals execute those wars. McCain in his most important judgment question got it wrong. He supported GW on a lie and took the country to war, the Generals have not erred one bit, and they are the best in the world, with or without whatever victory McCain talks. Obama gets it, go to war only when its absolutely necessary, with the right intelligence, a winning and exit strategy

Brendan · 1 year ago

People seem to fundamentally misunderstand GEN Petraeus' role in this matter. His job is to formulate a set of tactics based on direction from his Commander-in-Chief and his Secretary of Defense. It is absolutely NOT Petraeus' role to enter into the domestic political discussion here at home. Sen. McCain is wrong to constantly reference Petraeus in his speeches for this very reason.
GEN Petraeus will continue to serve as CENTCOM combatant commander if Sen. Obama is elected President. He will continue to carry out the orders of his Commander-in-Chief and his SECDEF if that happens.


His lack of desire to run for president shouldn't be taken as anything other than genuine.

And, oh, by the way, no one ever said that Petraeus was a Republican.

ABC · 1 year ago

Petraeus for President 2012 !!!

American soldier lover · 1 year ago

NO, NO, and Hell NO! The USA is NOT Russia!

PJ · 1 year ago

This is big. . .

ufred · 1 year ago

@ Triathalon

"on The Islamic People's Neck". Are you suggesting that Islamic people haven't waged wars of aggression throughout their history? Have not soldiers, in the name of Islam, acted in the manner of oppressors?
You're comments are ill-considered.

Magali · 1 year ago

I am not sure what this article means, but I would like to know.

Elaborate · 1 year ago

McCain has said over and over the basic idea's could be transplated, but not everything. Exactly what Petraus said. He did not side with Obama.
Spin, spin, spin Huffington!

Elaborate · 1 year ago

Obama could not win a game of Battlefield Galactica!

Frank · 1 year ago

The fact that your comment implies that you do in fact "play" and may have "won" at Battlefield Galactica at one point or other speaks volumes. Give us a break

American soldier lover · 1 year ago

LOL!

Linda · 1 year ago

Because he's not a 30-year-old geek who still lives at home with his mother and plays video games in his underwear in the basement.......I'm just sayin'!

fdfs sdfsdf · 1 year ago

Sounds to me like McCain put his foot in his mouth once again. The important line here is "talk to your enemies". That's kid stuff parents teach at home.

But I forgot, most Republican politicians didn't have parents, they had nannys.

D · 1 year ago

Not a single Petraeus quote in the article directly references Obama...

hyjanks · 1 year ago

Not a single quote in the Bible directly references Sarah Palin.

anna · 1 year ago

Now that was good! You are too funny!

Website coming sooooon · 1 year ago

The Republicans are not losing - the big spending, Big government, Biblical boob, Jackbooted, AntiScience, isolationist whacks that call themselves Republicans are losing. John McCain graduated 894th out of a class of 899. He was a 4th rate pilot, and a first rate hot head, a complete opportunist, and for one thin dime - one tenth of the dollar - he'll crawl on his belly like a reptile. Step right up! See the Human Chameleon change colors before your eyes! Yes sir folks - once a hero and now the greatest contortionist in the Northern Hemisphere.
John McCain - all hat and no cattle - just his wife's money and a completely worn out hero's welcome.
Of the people that once spread the lies that he had an illigitamate black child and that his wife was a drug addict, he said their was a "special place in hell for people like these". He's now hired those very same people to smear Obama. McCain belongs in a home with a depends wrapped around his head.

dane · 1 year ago

Nice one brotha! It is time for the slithering - corrupt to the core - win at any cost - then screw over everybody and their grandmother for the privilege - murdering/murderous as long as it is for PROFIT - haven't had a clue since there was one - warmongering - slimy REPTILIAN bastards to crawl back from the stench-ridden holes they came from! GOD I can't believe this ignorant lying - think we are ALL as stupid as good ole Ma and Pa Kettle and they are - pull the wool over the majority of our eyes/or at least keep it close enough to steal the election with their DIEBOLD CRONIE'S HELP - horrific experiment is FINALLY OVER - for a decent time anyway! I just want to scream from the rooftops I am so overjoyed that enough Americans have finally woken the hell up! WOOOOOOOOW!

lesbrown331 · 1 year ago

If Osama bin Laden died a natural death in Pakistan, Afghanistan or in Miami Beach, how would we know and more importantly, what difference would it make to those who follow his interpretaion of Islam? My point is that we are not fighting a man who by his death or capture is going to end this ugly situation. Clear heads have to prevail if this period of warfare and hate can be ended.

abc · 1 year ago

True, the larger picture doesn't change much, but that doesn't mean we should excuse what he did because it won't affect the war effort. He is also the greatest symbolic representation of what we are fighting. It would be a morale boost for all fighting terrorism if they lost their figurehead.

Mark · 1 year ago

While a good read I think the writer was kind of reaching on some of the points made.

I think Patraeus is going to remain in the middle and not side with either candidate right now which is only smart. The last thing you need is for him to side with McCain and then Obama wins or vice versa. It could make him look bad and not being totally supportive of one of them.

Still, some of the things mentioned in the article would, in a few ways, suggest that he agrees with Obama but since he never mentions either of them and doesn't really use any of the rhetoric that either of them uses it's a draw.

American soldier lover · 1 year ago

Do we really want our military running our nation???? Hell NO!
As much respect as I have for Gen. Petareus, his intellect is best served for the military or in home-land security. We need a POTUS more intuned with average civilians. It is dangerous to put a military mind in charge of the rest of us. No, No, we won't go!

And McCain is still lost in the Vietnam war that we LOST. Palin is an idiot with a great hairdo. Get the nation someone for real not these misfits! Obama is the best thing going! We'd better grab him and make him POTUS before our country goes into the darn pit.

Linda · 1 year ago

I agree with everything you said except the part about Sarah's hairdo. I don't think it is great. I think it is outdated and juvenile.

Cad · 1 year ago

General Petraeus is brilliant.

It's calming to know that operations are in his hands.

I don't know about President, but certainly one of American history's greatest military minds- Top 5, easily.

I sleep better at night knowing he's out there on our side.

Obama 08'.

Obama 4ever! · 1 year ago

The point is that McCain acts and speaks like he and Petraeus have had numerous strategy sessions and are in complete alliance and agreement on every major tactic! It is just another line of bull just like the "Obama wants to talk to the enemies with no preconditions crap." He and Palin distort EVERYTHING to their advantage and it is beyond sickening to anyone with an IQ over 50! They certainly can't backup their conduct or voting record AND run on any kind of CHANGE PLATFORM! McNoShame is a slithering reptile! Do you not notice his robotic body language. I am an Elizabethan trained actor and director and body language tells you a great deal about someones mind, heart and soul and this cat is bereft of ALL 3! It is time for the slithering - corrupt to the core - win at any cost - then screw over everybody and their grandmother for the privilege - murdering/murderous as long as it is for PROFIT - haven't had a clue since there was one - warmongering - slimy REPTILIAN bastards to crawl back from the stench-ridden holes they came from! GOD I can't believe this ignorant lying - think we are ALL as stupid as good ole Ma and Pa Kettle and they are - pull the wool over the majority of our eyes/or at least keep it close enough to steal the election with their DIEBOLD CRONIE'S HELP - horrific experiment is FINALLY OVER - for a decent time anyway! Bush STOLE the last 2 elections IT IS A FACT I CAN PROVE TO ANYONE INTERESTED or we wouldn't be in the worst mess in our HISTORY and mark my words if somehow they can get it close enough - the RNC will attempt it again. NOT THIS TIME BUCKO! This man is too sharp and prepared for any eventuality except a bullet. And certainly don't put that past the RNC reptiles for a moment! I just want to scream from the rooftops I am so overjoyed that enough Americans have finally woken the hell up! WOOOOOOOOW!

lawhite · 1 year ago

Is it the Republicans that are lining up dead people and illegals to vote these days? I'd say that is stealing an election.

endtiredness · 1 month ago

I have friends serving in both wars and they agree with you when you say General Petraeus is brilliant. They have very much respect for him and they have always admired the job he performed. We are all tired of this stuff. end tiredness

Kim VA · 1 year ago

I wonder if our troops knew that this stupid incompetent president has sunk OUR country into a $54 trillion dollar debt, and they stand to face foreclosure. I wonder how they would feel if they knew it wasn't just the cost of the war, but greedy Wall Street bankers that have robbed their parents retirement fund, while they were defending this country. I wonder sometimes, if they will even have a home to return to.
Paulson certainly doesn't have the answers on how he's gonna distribute it. I say give it back to the peopel to pay the massive bills, you rethugs have quadruple raised.

All in the name of making the Democratic President a "lameduck' on the people's policies he needs.

I hope he goes for the JObs creation first then the social security and medicare merge. If we are gonna cover everybody, we may as well have less chance of theft from two programs and devote to oversight of ONE program on healthcare. Keep the Fund separate, but the medical care on the same bill.
You should have heard them on Wednesday planning. Only they had a REpublican trying to call the shots.

Barack Obama is a genius, and WE know he will do it. It may delay a few things to get the deficit payments included in the budget, and not in the first year. But I know and have conficence that the REthugs are the boogey men of DC and when they think they have the DEMs and the American PEople over a barrel, WE are so smart, we always land on top. I got the feeling from this Rethug there, that he's mighty hungry for some social security funds. He was salivating over it.

Martin Dillon · 1 year ago

Has anybody ever asked McCain what he means by "precondition"? All the dispute over strategy that employs this term hinges on its meaning, and it is clear that the two sides in the debate have different meanings to the term. Bush, and by association, McCain, seem to mean that the enemy in question must agree to terms of an agreement - such as agreeing to stop the development of nuclear weapons. This kind of "precondition" is an obvious non-starter and is usually offered as an excuse not to have discussions. To admit to such a precondition is to dissipate the fog that covers this dispute and clarify the real positions of the two sides.

Wilfredo · 1 year ago

lawhite, up to a certain point I was admiring you for your calm and intelligence even though you and I are eons apart in relation to our ideology. However, please understand that prior to our invasion of Irak, Al Quada and the Taliban were never there. The Shah would never have permitted it. We entered Irak for all the wrong reasons. You know that and I know that although, due to your ideology, you're unable to comprehend it. I understand. It's hard to sometimes. However, I urge you to open your mind to some of these things just like I have to open my mind to some of the things you identify with. After all, we all have to live together in this old world. Peace.

Homer X · 1 year ago

Once again the General's comments are being taken out of context. An Obama presidency will make us less secure. Here's why:

http://obamasenate.com/2008/10/09/obama-dodges-...

NC WILL GO FOR OBAMA! · 1 year ago

Less secure! Get the heck out of here! Let's name all of the "axis of evil" Bush declared who are joining alliances. Are you for real? If McCain get's in you better believe we will be at war with another country. One in particular that McCain keeps talking about is Russia. Putin will have McCain's head on a platter. Look at Russia joining forces with Iran and Venezuela. Look at how we are in debt to China and if they wanted to destroy us all they have to do is demand payment and stop loaning us money. You need to stop watching fake news and turn on BBC once in a while because they will show you what the rest of the world think about America.
Why should you care? Because if we continue to isolate everyone guess what we will be the lone man standing. How about North Korea now kicking us back out and starting back up their nuclear program.
I advice you to start reading papers from other countries to keep yourself on alert. Their opinion does matter! We owe them money, and we need them if we ever have to fight another war. We can't do it alone no matter how much you think we can.

Glendower · 1 year ago

I would let Putin have it.

Glendower · 1 year ago

His head, I mean, if it would prevent a pointless war.

lawhite · 1 year ago

Why are we in debt to China? Because the Democrats can't quit spending money, that's why!

There isn't a question of not having a war: Both McCain and Obama agree that Afghanistan is next, maybe Pakistan, maybe Iran. It may be a long time before we are free of war again no matter who gets in, until terrorists quit trying to destroy us. Neither one will go to war unless they need to, but there is unfinished business in Afghanistan and we will certainly be going there. Iraq is now working toward a stable democracy where we never had that before, and the Taliban will not be doing back there. That's one less country that's working against us.

Ricardo · 1 year ago

You mean those Democrats that have been in office for the last 8 years, or the ones that passed 6 of the last 8 budgets?

Kyle · 1 year ago

yeah, he stated that he would not hesitate with his military, then went on to make a more important point. That is: he's going to do everything he can to defuse the situation so that it does not happen in the first place. America has lost its diplomacy and he wants to bring it back. If it fails, he will not hesitate to use the full power of our military. If you need me to explain this further, please let me know.

rosemary · 1 year ago

Yes. I believe I get your meaning. McCain is still fighting in Vietnam. We lost that one and
he cannot except it nor can he accept that as a POW he sold out his country. So what does he do, he wants to fight to solve problems but he's to old so he will send our young people into the fight. No skin off his back.

rosemary · 1 year ago

No. GW made us less secure along with Mr. deregulation McCain. They both did a fine job
of making us so weak, vulnerable and bankrupt that bin Laden really didn't have to lift a finger to destroy us. We may yet become weaker. George baby still has a few months left to finish us off.
I take it that you want McCain voted in to office? Well then G.W. can just go home and relax because his policies will be in good hands.

1968 · 1 year ago

What a despicable illustration by Matt Mahurin, "American Iron Fist." It's easy to imagine the poop floating around in Matt's head. I bet Matt's is the kind of jerk who would have voted against funding US Troops while on the battlefied in Iraq just like Obama.
I wonder what General Patraeus would think about Matt's illustration? Or I wonder what he thought about Obama's main contributors moveon.org buying a 10 page newspaper and calling him General Betrayus? And where was Obama's outrage? Nowhere.
Barack Obama thinks only of himself as does his supporters. All would have left it up to their children to grow up and face an uncertain very risky future with Saddam and his two sons leading Iraq. Thankfully President Bush and The United States Military did not allow that to happen, just like thankfully FDR did not cut and run when the going got tough in Japan and Germany.

SDunn · 1 year ago

Excuse me, but McCain voted against the troops! McCain is a hypocrite because he voted against funding for the troops when a timeline was part of the proposal. So get your facts straight because everything the McCain campaign is accusing Obama of, they're actually the ones doing it.

NC WILL GO FOR OBAMA! · 1 year ago

That is so true! McCain didn't even want to back up the GI Bill. That bill that people talking about Obama voting against funding for the troops, well guess what McCain voted against it too. Wow the hypocrisy! McCain voted against a whole lot of bills that will help our troops but I guess since he served it's okay.
The hypocrisy really shows.

SDunn · 1 year ago

Also, what kind of slimy campaign is McCain running when all they're doing is conjuring up hatred in their rallies. People are yelling "kill him" and calling Obama a terrorist! What kind of disgusting campaign is that??? Also please tell me what your candidate's plans are to fix this economy??? Oh whoops, he doesn't have one, that's why he keeps perpetuating hatred from his rallies against Obama. 100% of his ads are NEGATIVE, why? Because McCain could care less about the average american in this country! He has NO PLANS to help the average American worker. NONE!

lawhite · 1 year ago

Clearly you haven't been listening to the news. He has a plan being worked out. Does Obama?

rosemary · 1 year ago

Please tell me what McCain's plan is for our country. I haven't heard or read about it
either. The only thing I've heard is something that benefits bankers in the housing mess.
His plan is being worked out still? It is less than a month before we vote. Is he planing to tell the country what he is going to do after the election?
If he has a plan or even a vision for our country, then why is he only launching negative
ads attacking Obama and now Michell personally? If he has a vision or a plan he should be launching that out to the people. Alas, he has no vision and no plan.

Glendower · 1 year ago

We were constantly making progress in Japan and Germany-- besides, those were nations with armies who attacked and declared war on us respectively (that's right, Germany declared war on us... a lot of people who like to make inane comparisons between our current "war" and WWII tend to overlook that important fact).

Also, McCain tried to vote against funding the troooooops while they were undertaking a similar venture... ohhh but that was under Clinton! So that makes it okay, right? Congress killed the bill to cut funding to the troooooooops that McCain proposed in committee, though.

Susie · 1 year ago

KIM VA:
Barack Obama is a genius, and WE know he will do it. It may delay a few things to get the deficit payments included in the budget, and not in the first year.
^ ^ ^
YES THAT SAYS IT ALL!

Obama IS a genius and YES WE CAN!

Robert Miller · 1 year ago

Admiral Fallon called Petraeus a kiss ass. I think he's right!

john · 1 year ago

Fallon called Petraeus an ass lickin little chicken shit.
He got it right.

Balanced · 1 year ago

This is a bit tangential, but I am amazed at all this anger directed at Obama for saying he would 'sit down' with the enemy. Palin claims to have the direct support of evangelical Christians--I believe Jesus was a huge advocate of sitting down with one's enemies.

If we think of all the great moments in recent history, the moments where being a true leader really counted, they were all a case of 'sitting down' with the enemy: Sadat/Meir, Reagan/Gorbachev, etc.

They required much more leadership skill than ordering a surge.

dave · 1 year ago

evangelical christians have a different version of jesus than the rest of us do. they have a self serving, racist and homophobic jesus that has america as the godhead.

the real jesus would be considered a 'terrorist' and a 'librul'

Bob F · 1 year ago

Actually, the evangelical "Jesus" is the second coming Jesus. Since the Bible says very little about the second coming Jesus (the second coming having not happened yet!), they can imagine all sorts of answers to the question "WWJ2D" ("what would Jesus #2 do?"). They imagine Jesus 2 as being a conquering, all-powerful emperor who will eliminate opposition by killing them (and then torturing them for eternity!). Thus the evangelical "christians" go forth and do likewise, but they humbly recognize that they are not god, so they torture first!

megacephalus · 1 year ago

besides he was a Jew...

kmdippenger · 1 year ago

The IAVA gives McCain a D on his veteran's issues voting while both Obama and Biden got a B.
http://blog.newsweek.com/blogs/soldiershome/arc...

Brian · 1 year ago

Not to mention the DAV (Disabled American Veterans) have given McCain no higher than a 50% score (2004-2005) and more recently gave him a 20% score (2006-2007). Both the American Legion and the VFW said he was "dead wrong" on his opposition to the new GI Bill. When you have organizations like these against you, you've got problems if you claim to advocate for veterans. McCain's voting record doesn't measure up to his claims.

lawhite · 1 year ago

How much pork was in the GI bill that was passed? McCain also had a GI bill that was not passed. Maybe you should look at both bills to see which the better one might have been.

nihil · 1 year ago

Why would a man with a Ph. D. in international relations from Princeton want to go through the hell of a presidential campaign when he could get a really good professorship at an Ivy League unibersity wjen je retires.

Jessica · 1 year ago

Did Petraeus offer up any plan for the 5 million Iraqis who have fled their homes? This is the greatest humanitarian crisis of our times and risks to destabilize the entire Middle East. It is time for Petraeus and the candidates to propose a sustainable, just and peaceful resolution to this war, and to pay attention to the millions of Iraqis. It's important for the United States to be responsibly engaged in facing global challenges, especially challenges that we helped create. http://thegroundtruth.blogspot.com

KJ White · 1 year ago

I've lived in a military community all my life and an immediate family member even runs one of the large Med. clinics on the base that cares for the troops and their families. We rub elbows with the military people every day, and I can tell you that they are tired and want this war to be over. A lot of these guys and girls have been sent back to Iraq 4 and 5 times already! McCain would never tell you this. He wants everyone to believe the soldiers are all begging to stay in Iraq. THEY ARE NOT.

Back in McCain's day, if you managed to live though 1 year in Viet Nam, you were done, you got to go home. Not so for today's military people.

When McCain talks about this elusive "victory" he's looking for, we all scratch our heads. Victory against WHO exactly? Didn't we go to Iraq to oust Saddam Hussein? That was done years ago...the man's been executed for pete's sake. Bush's very call to war indicates there can never be a traditional John Wayne victory where one side cries uncle and everyone gets to go home.

Bush declared war on "terror". Well, where does terror live exactly? Does anyone have terror's address? phone number? closest relative? You see my point. Terror is an idea, a feeling, it can even be an act as in terror-ism, but it is NOT a living, breathing person. Bush and McCain have waged war on an idea, and McCain doesn't seem to want to let the troops come home until that idea no longer exists.

God help them. They will be in Iraq forever if McCain wins. General Petraeus is merely corroborating what the world already knows. To change the minds of people (thus change that IDEA) you must be willing to TALK TO THEM. Senator Obama is. John McCain is not.

Brian · 1 year ago

Excellent comment...I think you have a good grasp of the central issue in all this.

craters · 1 year ago

TO the HERITAGE FOUNDATION and the WASHINGTON INDEPENDENT:

May we offer you a unique concept of how to determine what to do with United States political, military, and economic POWER in the Middle East.

Put out the immediate CALL to the present top political, military, and economic Leadership of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam, the Republic of Iraq, the Governments of Afghanistan and Pakistan ( and others who would wish to attend) in Washington DC and the United Nations to respectfully participate in a full, transparent educational conference in Washington DC with Senators Obama and McCain, General Petraeus, and top bipartisan colleagues, including humanitarian andeconomic advisors. The five-day conference should included the highest Leaders of all major United States Veterans organizations, along with their counterparts from the other attending nations.

The Conference should allow for a full and transparent discussion of the Vietnam-American War, the Iraq-Afghanistan Wars, and what lies in the future for the World. Perhaps the conference might be called, "VIETNAM, the WAR on TERRORISM, and BEYOND". Children and Students from all participating nations would be allowed to submit a question for the distinguished panels of experts. The number of questions allowed for this event would equal the total number of Soldiers, Enemy Combatants, and Innocent Civilians, who perished mercilessly in the above-mentioned Wars in the 20th and 21st Century. Critical-thinking skills of when, and when not, to go to War could be extraordinarily emphasized. Upon the completion of this international conference the written responses to the Children's inquires could be ceremoniously laid by a bipartisan committee of representatives of all participating nations at the base of each and every national, state, and local memorial and grave site to and of ALL who have perished in these Conflicts. Added to each response to each child's question should be the postscript: "FATHER, FORGIVE THEM, FOR THEY STILL KNOW NOT WHAT THEY DO ON THE GOOD EARTH. Just maybe some GOOD might come from this.

Marilyn · 1 year ago

Beautiful idea.

Cerita Dewasa · 2 weeks ago

Good Idea, i agree for it..

ProTruth · 1 year ago

Great idea!

cerita dewasa · 1 month ago

hmm i agree with you. your opinion is true

LittleWings · 1 year ago

McCain's veterans voting record is a helluva lot worse that Obama and Bidens. That's why so many of us Reagan-era, Gulf War, and current vets are supporting Obama.....there's almost as many of us now as there were post-WWII and we want someone our age running things...

Winston Smith · 1 year ago

Nice to see someone from the Bush political team supporting Obama. Colin Powell's support, even though I believe he is a war criminal, would probably help more.

ufred · 1 year ago

Why would you think that Powell's a war criminal?

john garrett · 1 year ago

What happens when the concrete walls that separate the different factions in Iraq come down.?
What happens when the US can no longer spend millions of dollars paying former enemies to be friends as they are now doing?
Will Bush and Blair along with their fellow liars ever face war crimes charges?

XR · 1 year ago

good reasonable thinking thank you General...
And now where is General Powell???

Where are you Mr. Secretary?? Your country needs you. Stand up for what you believe and tell us from your heart what you really think of the McCain/Palin ticket and their beahviour.

john · 1 year ago

McCain was lucky because he missed the Vietnam war after being captured and put in the Hanoi Hilton,he also came out looking pretty good and only needed crutches when he got stateside.
McCain was dropping bombs on innocent Vietnamese who had never attacked America, just like the Iraqi's never attacked America.
McCain could never bring himself to say that the 9/11 attackers were Saudi nationals whose government is kept in power by the US, no democracy required there.

foto cewek bugil · 1 week ago

McCain was dropping bombs on innocent Vietnamese who had never attacked America, just like the Iraqi's never attacked America.

bodo · 1 year ago

Petraeus is a military man who bears great responsibilities, and who must not involved in politics. It is shameful of McCain to try and draw him into his campaign. But actions speak louder than words. It is obvious from his actions that Petraeus agrees with the strategy of Obama who will soon be his supreme commander.

lawhite · 1 year ago

Is telling the public that he supports Petraeus' job in Iraq shameful? Strange that you should think so.

Coming sooon! · 1 year ago

I think we actually should look at fairness in our tax system:
The Blue states own virtually all the intellectual property, create the vast majority of wealth, have all the best colleges. The Red states have the highest incest rates, the highest alcoholism rates, the highest spousal abuse rates, the highest toothless rates, the lowest IQ rates, the most Biblical Literallists (reflected in the low IQ's), and the most welfare recipients per capita.
The Blue states should receive huge tax cuts to reflect the proportion of their contribution.

For those of you from the Blue states: it is obvious that McCain has little respect from the military elites such as Patraeus, and it is equally obvious that the General must maintain a semblance of regard for the fact that it is still possible for McCain and Palin to win.
McCain still adheres to the idea that the surge was a great success, Patraeus is under no delusion as to what actually took place and he is happy that he was as lucky as he was and that much credit has been handed to him where little was warranted. However, that said, we do all give him koodos for the job he is doing in light of the phenomenal bunglings of the Bush Jr. operation prior to his arrival. It is nice to see an elite, someone who graduated in the upper reaches of his class, someone who is our best and brightest, someone who read books and believes in science, someone who has not been promoted because of his willingness to wear kneepads, but because of clear thinking and good judgment base at least in part from an unwillingness to wear kneepads and look beyond the feckless meanderings of bullies and twits.

For those of you from the Red states: General Patraeus has been a great spearhead in this oil war clusterfuck. He has rallied our tired and war weary soldiers and been a great inspiration to our men and women in uniform. He has risen to the occasion and we wish him the very best in dealing with the new clusterfuck in Afganistan. We will once again lead the battle against the elitist Democrats who continue to maintain that the surge was not a great success.
We can be certain that General Patraeus will win on all fronts as we did indeed win in Vietnam. It is with the certain hope that poppies will grow and arms will flow to the great people of Afganistan that hold us in their hearts as we liberate them from their fathers and mothers and aunts and uncles and relatives and religious beliefs. We will not talk or converse with any of the evil doers until they are ready to hand us their balls on a platter in front of their countrymen. Then and only then will we bring to them plane loads of money and hopefully in some time before the End Times, shiploads of arms and training.
For God knows, and only the true Christian God, that if they do not prostrate themselves before us, we must kill every last one of them (with the exception of the growers) - the nuclur option is completely on the table throughout the world in all of our affairs - AMEN! AND GOD BLESS AMERICA!

MJB · 1 year ago

McCain's favorite general....

talking with the enemy....

without preconditions....

"the horror, the horror"

Christopher Flynn · 1 year ago

Petraeus is a political pawn of W, and, more than likely, never been involved with the "grunts" in Iraq. It's easy to run a war from an air-conditioned office.

playerhater · 1 year ago

Actually, in 2003, when he was CG of the 101st Airboure he was on the ground with the grunts all the time. What have you done for the GWOT Christopher besides write clever posts on blogs?

Dick Weed · 1 year ago

why does general petraeus hate america?

Marie Burns · 1 year ago

Thanks so much for this enlightening reporting. I've linked this story on RealityChex.com at http://www.realitychex.com -- a one-stop shop for news and opinion on the presidential race.

RiggsMD KC,Mo. · 1 year ago

Obama has been right about 97% of the things that have backfired on this administration. The people have been fooled and tricked so long, they don't know how to react to someone who is genuine and more than capable. Obama 08 and 12!!!!

GuyLeDouche · 1 year ago

And it's even easier to make ridiculous attacks about a great general in the anonymity of your parents' basement, Christopher Flynn.

Cerita Dewasa · 2 weeks ago

This is a true steatment, i like this..

Jeff · 1 year ago

Onvce again, an Obama "talking point" has been justified -- corroborated by someone in a position of command, in a position to make a difference, General Petraeus. ... Not so much with McCain.

McCain and Palin both have publicly praised Petraeus on the campaign trail and have spoken highly of him in their respective debates -- yet, he sides with Obama on this matter.

Because they hold Petraeus in such high regard, will McCain and Palin now switch their stance, and say something to the effect of, "Because we respect the general so much, we will also favor talks with 'enemy' leaders."

No way. Not a chance.

Instead, they are banking on trying to establish some far-fetched Obama-Ayers connection that just doesn't exist. They -- and Fox News -- are hanging every shred of political hope on painting Obama as a terrorist.

Good luck with that. LOL ...

McCain was wrong about Iraq's participation in 9-11. He was wrong about the war in Iraq. He was wrong about WMDs ... and now, he's wrong about the U.S. not needintgto understand the mindset of its enemies.

What is it , then, that McCain's right about, anyway?? And people say his strength is in foreign relations? Are you SERIOUS?????

lenore Rapalski rapalski · 1 year ago

I agree with your final question concerning McCain's foreign relations experience. Being in the Vietnam war mostly imprisoned, returning home to eventually run for political office, making several trips to Iraq and most recently to various other countries does not constitute foreign relations experience in the deepest sense of the term experience. It is so strange to me that Americans choose the least factors on which to make a decision. There were many other presidents who had no war experience who managed to create foreign policies for the United States. Long ago, or so it seems, in this campaign, I wondered when John McCain's P.O.W. time would begin to tarnish - in many different ways. It's like saying because I survived cancer, I could run a hospital. I notice that Sen. Obama never really uses justifiable information when it comes to this I was a warrior therefore I know how to save America. McCain doesn't really agree with Petraeus. The desire for power will change us into unrecognizable creatures.

LR

lawhite · 1 year ago

You give a report on what Petraeus did NOT say against McCain? Good grief, is this the new style of reporting now...or still?

lawhite · 1 year ago

Of course, Patraeus isn't going to take sides in this election...the next man to be president will be his boss. I see nothing in what he said that disagreed with or supported either one. And it is encouraging that he said there was now a more stable footing in Iraq since his April. If there is a stable democracy in Iraq when we leave, I'd call that a victory or a success.

McCain has said that there should be talks with our enemies but not at the highest level of the presidency without preconditions. Kissinger agreed with that. By the president meeting without preconditions, you are giving the enemy status in the world view, and this is a tactical error. I don't see where Petraeus disagreed with that.

McCain also has acknowledged that the same surge would not work in Afghanistan the same way and that action had to account for the differences in the two countries, but the general concept of the surge could also work in Afghanistan.

Obama and McCain are essentially agreed about Pakistan and the conditions we should go in, if we must. They disagree about a time table for withdrawal in Iraq. McCain said the generals would let us know when it is time. They are the ones in the field and the only ones who know. When politicians interfere with strategy, you have another Vietnam where they are the ones that lose the war for us. We were defeated in Vietnam because of the politicians running the war, not because the military wasn't capable of winning the war. We pulled out when we did because of pressures from the people at home and the south fell almost the minute we pulled out. At least that is something McCain understands and I don't think Obama does.

McCain has not changed his views on Iraq, Afghanistan, or Pakistan...Obama has often. What I know McCain would do is let General Petraeus have what he needs to get it done and not to second-guess him every step of the way. Yes, Petraeus has to get an okay to enter Pakistan or pull out of Iraq, but he would have that.

Moderate1 · 1 year ago

At times I think Obama is the only one who realizes that we are not in a war with Iraq. We are in a war on terror. We have had successful surges in Iraq before, but given time, the insurgents regroup, are fed into Iraq from other countries, and again you start to hear about soldiers dying in roadside bomb attacks. If we are going to win this war, we need to open other fronts. We need to "win" the Iraq front but cannot do so unless we regain control in Afghanistan and Yes, sit down and talk with the bad guys to stop the terrorist infiltration of Iraq. Everytime MccAin starts to talk about the war, I only hear "Iraq" and the "recent surge". Obama always seems to bring up the larger picture and to me, at least, seems to have a better understanding of what is actually going on. Just my thoughts.

Ricardo · 1 year ago

McCain and Fox blowhards like to think that Petreaus is the beginning and the end of all military decisions in Iraq and beyond. Truth is Bush shopped for a lot of Generals until he found one that completely agreed with his way of presenting the situation in the Middle East. Just because of his association with Bush and Bush's influence, I wouldn't trust Petraeus as far as I could spit.

Dave · 1 year ago

It's funny how opinions vary depending on which side of the aisle your from in reference to General Patraeus and the accomplishments in Iraq. Iraq is and will continue to be a success and become a strategic ally in the middle east. It's a shame, all of you older libs had visions of Vietnam all over again. For those of you younger libs, this was your chance to live through your Vietnam. Sorry it didn't work out that way.

As for the coming presidential election, I am supporting John McCain for one reason. To keep the messiah from becoming president number 44. The Democrats in my country and specifically in Congress are on a corse to change our Constitution and feed their hunger of greed and corruption. I'm hoping that the White House remains red and with a 9% approval rating of the Congress, the House has a chance to turn red again.

Fortunately, I see a silver lining if the election doesn't turn out as I would hope. I lived through the Jimmy Carter presidency and it was one of the lowest times in our history. His policiess and tax increases sent our economy into a dissaster and left our country weak in the eyes of our enemies. All of you libs that have grown comfortable with credit come easy and financing your fat lifestyles with record setting low interest rates will see the light. The messiah and his Congress will send us into another era of high interest rates and inflation (rates in the high teens - try and make those monthly payments!). When this happens a landslide of true conservative candidates will return to the Congress and White House and bring those values back as well.

B · 1 year ago

We just finished a conservative majority, and look at the country... Great values... Not to mention that that congressional approval rating is bipartisan, and when broken down to party, the repubs have a lower rating than the dems. Although you may have a point about corruption, cause the republican party certainly doesn't partake in that. All so pure and innocent...

EadesMAn · 1 year ago

its a democratic majority in congress and their approval rating is lower than Bush's, all this shit has gone downhill in the last two years! during a democrat majority in the house and senate. democrats are scum. Obama has two advisers that were previous CEOs of Freddie Mac, does anyone do any of their own thinking anymore or do you all have a direct line from the liberal media to your brains.

sherman · 1 year ago

Listen to Rush Limbaugh much....seriously, why don't you try growing a thought of your own. I really wish that people would take a look at how we got into the eccomomic trouble we are in now, and who was in office, and in control of the House and Congress! come on!

Kay · 1 year ago

McCain another NEOCON? I suspect so.

Fred Mannheim · 1 year ago

I speak as a former Marine and Vietnam Veteran just for reference purposes. Let me begin by saying that Iraq like Vietnam was a war that needn't have happened. It was of our own creation. Anybody who was really paying attention to history or events and not either lying to themselves or the believing in the lies of our Politicians knows better. I can tell you unequivocally that mistakes were made from the first once we did decide to attack Iraq. In order to have avoided needless casualties they should have dropped huge amounts of leaflets detailing exactly what would happen to those who immediately surrendered and what would definitely happen to those that didn't. Also they should have dropped leaflets to the population telling them that once our troops were in command that they should remain in their homes and stay there until told that they could come out. The first might well have prevented the need for large scale combat and the second one have prevented mass looting and rioting. Those who came out to loot armaments would be fair game as targets. These things were not done. In addition they immediately called for the disbanding of the Iraqi military and we all know the result. Many Iraqis were killed in front of American roadblocks simply because no one had the brains to instruct citizens early on of what to do if they approached one. Their should have been numerous warning signs alerting the Iraqis. American troops who engaged in killing Iraqis to perpetrate crimes should have been punished and there should have been greater discipline to insure these things did not happen. Every time such deaths were caused it led to more anger and hostility from the Iraqis. Totally counterproductive. Our troops should have been trained better so that they would have relied on and developed the skills necessary to pull their own asses out of the fire instead of relying on tanks , artillery and airpower which in many cases led to collateral deaths. Again just another way we increased Iraqi hostility. These Mercenary forces which we employed in Iraq should have been kept in better check and should have been immediately investigated and punished if they had violated the rules of warfare. Finally, I think that the reason we had so much trouble relying on newly trained Iraqi troops was because of the dearth of training that they received. I was given to understand the initially most received a mere 4 weeks of training. That would have been totally insufficient. As a boot recruit we usually spent at the minimum 12 weeks in Boot Camp and sometimes as much as 14 depending on the situation, then after that they sent you to Advanced Infantry Training which could be another month or more. Then even after that training is ongoing. Iraqis were not only given insufficient training but were then expected to take up arms and go into possible firefights. No wonder they weren't up to the task. I could name other mistakes but I think that these in and of themselves were the main ones. The first was getting into the conflict in the first place.

Edwin Sparn · 1 year ago

You are right on target. Vice President Dick Cheney was promoting war with Iraq on the FIRST day of the George W. Bush administration--as was John McCain. The tragedy here was that we pulled resources out of the "just war," where the enemy was, in Afghanistan, and the Taliban there are stonger than ever

kathleen · 1 year ago

Petraeus might make a good secretary of defense. I'm thrilled to hear he has the intelligence and global understanding that, while perhaps unbeknownst to him, has endorsed Barack Obama for President.

EadesMAn · 1 year ago

he didn't endorse him pinhead.

EadesMAn eat it · 1 year ago

He didn't say Patraeus endorsed him, moron.

john scott, jr. · 1 year ago

Im voting for Barack Obama. It is time for a change. If Mrs. Clinton did not drop out i would have voted for her. Im not rich, so im not a republican. I want a President i can actually be proud of working for. All we get as soldiers are increase in pay every year. WOW, big ole' 3.9% raise. Been in for over 10 years. The economy is getting crazy now. Gas is high. We need a change. Go OBAMA!!!

Edwin Sparn · 1 year ago

I think a fruitful line of attack to counter McCain's specious "terrorist" campaign is to repeat that Sarah Palin's husband, Todd, may STILL be a member of the Alaska Independence party. The past leader of that group made many statements about his hatred for the "lower 48" United States. Calling for "secession" of the state of Alaska is clearly treasonous. Sarah Palin, moreover, made statements supporting this sinister group.

BTR · 1 year ago

I heard General Petraeus speak recently and found him to be forthright and non-committal to any one party or agenda. He has been given a task and purpose, and is arguably the most educated man on the topic of counter-insurgency. As a Soldier - thank God he is on our side! When he speaks, all should listen and expect to hear someone who presents a realistic situation, with options which may be unpopular but cannot be dismissed.

AngelP · 12 months ago

We should all take pride in the fact that we once again displayed for the world the power of our democracy, and reaffirmed the great American ideal that this is a nation where anything is possible. It didn’t matter who they were or where they came from; what they looked like or what party they belonged to – they came out and cast their ballot because they believed that in this country, our destiny is not written for us, but by us.

The election is over and America has appointed a new leader. The people have chosen “change” by electing Barack Obama for the next President of the United States. Whether the United States changes for the better or for the worse, there is no doubt that change is in store for our country. It’s clear that Americans believe Obama will bring a positive change to our country. We’ve heard many of the promises he has made to the U.S. from lowering taxes for the middle class to putting a timeline on the war in Iraq and trimming the federal budget “line by line.” However, Obama also supports the elimination of the payday loan industry. He believes that eradicating the payday loan industry will protect low-income and families in general from falling victims to predatory lenders. On higher ground, it will be a violation to our financial freedom if the option to utilize affordable payday loans is wiped out. Threatening our rights to financial freedom is not a great start to creating positive change.

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buckheaddad · 11 months ago

One would think that Gen Petraeus had been reading and re-reading Gen Eisenhower's biography.

At least IKE had no "BLOODY LIPS" . . . . . . .

BUCKHEADDAD

bhattathiri · 8 months ago

Management needs those who practice what they preach
"Whatever the excellent and best ones do, the commoners follow," says Sri Krishna in the Gita. The visionary leader must be a missionary, extremely practical, intensively dynamic and capable of translating dreams into reality. This dynamism and strength of a true leader flows from an inspired and spontaneous motivation to help others. "I am the strength of those who are devoid of personal desire and attachment. O Arjuna, I am the legitimate desire in those, who are not opposed to righteousness," says Sri Krishna in the 10th Chapter of the Gita. The philosophy contained in the pages of the Bhagavad Gita is today considered relevant and essential to our understanding of ourselves even in the western world. Leading business schools in the USA such as Kellogg have included the Bhagavad Gita as an elective subject in their curriculum. Terms such as 'Karma Capitalism', 'Exit Plan' and the likes are being explained on the basis of the teachings of Lord Krishna and the message of the Bhagavad Gita.

Helen · 8 months ago

General David Howell Petraeus, USA (born November 7, 1952) is the 10th and current Commander, U.S. Central Command. Speaking at the change of command ceremony on October 31, 2008, Secretary of Defense Robert Gates said of Petraeus: "He is the preeminent soldier-scholar-statesman of his generation and precisely the man we need in this command at this time."[5]. Petraeus previously served as Commanding General, Multi-National Force - Iraq (MNF-I) from January 26, 2007 to September 16, 2008.[1] As Commander of MNF-I, Petraeus oversaw all coalition forces in Iraq.[2][3] Petraeus was the General George C. Marshall Award winner as the top graduate of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College—class of 1983.[4] He subsequently earned a M.P.A. degree (1985) and a Ph.D. degree (1987) in International Relations from the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs at Princeton University. He later served as Assistant Professor of International Relations at the U.S. Military Academy and also completed a fellowship at Georgetown University. He has a BS from the U.S. Military Academy—class of 1974—from which he graduated as a distinguished cadet (top 5% of his class).
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Helen · 8 months ago

A poll recently conducted by Foreign Policy and Prospect magazines selected Petraeus as one of the world's top 100 public intellectuals.[5] And in April of this year, the Static Line Association named Petraeus as its 2008 Man of the Year.[6] In 2007, Time named Petraeus one of the 100 most influential leaders and revolutionaries of the year as well as one of its four runners up for Time Person of the Year.[7][8] He was also named the second most influential American conservative by The Daily Telegraph[9] as well as The Daily Telegraph's 2007 Man of the Year[10] and "America's most respected soldier" by Der Spiegel in 2008.[11] In 2005, Petraeus was selected as one of America's top leaders by US News and World Report.[12] Some news reports have speculated that Petraeus may have interest in running for the presidency. Despite these accounts, Petraeus has categorically stated that he has no political ambitions.[13][14][15][16][17][18] Most recently, GQ Magazine (December 2008) named Petraeus as the "Leader of the Year: Right Man, Right Time",[19] Newsweek named him the 16th most powerful person in the world in its December 20, 2008 edition,[20] and Prospect magazine named him the "Public Intellectual of the Year".
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LUCAS DALTON · 5 months ago

WE NEED TO MAKE ARE ARMY ALOT LIKE THE AIRBORNE A FAST MOVING ARMY. THE US ARMY IS LIKE A SLEEPY BEER.

maria · 5 months ago

when is obama stoping the imigration

nganhang · 2 months ago

I have ever known him.

cerita dewasa · 6 days ago

WE NEED TO MAKE ARE ARMY ALOT LIKE THE AIRBORNE A FAST MOVING ARMY. THE US ARMY IS LIKE A SLEEPY BEER.... ---------> lol :D