We can now add “hypocrite” in addition to liar and liberal to McAmnesty. A full year ago McCain was actually demanding benchmarks for the Iraqis tied directly to whether or not we continue our engagement there. Romney, on the other hand, simply suggested that we have specific accomplishments defined for the Iraqis. McCain specifically wanted benchmarks to exist tied directly with whether or not we finish the mission. (HT Kevin).
McCain exposed the lie of his “Straight Talk Express” when he twisted Mitt Romney’s expectations about the surge and Iraq. Who of us can forget that Florida surprise tactic against Romney, as McCain lied and accused him of supporting benchmarks for withdrawal from Iraq? Even after all major news outlets like Time and CNN condemned him for it and exposed McCain’s spin for what it was, he dug in and repeated the lie in the debate. Now we know, in fact, he was speaking about himself.
McCain considers setting benchmarks for Iraqis (January 2007)
WASHINGTON — Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., one of the most stalwart supporters of the war in Iraq, said Thursday that he might propose that the Iraqi government meet certain benchmarks for the United States to continue its engagement. Fellow senators and independent political scientists said McCain’s thinking reflected growing concerns within the Republican Party about the course of the war, and also might mark a turning point for the likely 2008 presidential contender, whose previous unconditional backing of the war may have hurt his prospects.
McCain said Thursday that he hadn’t yet decided on precise benchmarks. “They’d have to be specific, and they (Iraqi government officials) would have to meet them,” he said.
Asked what penalty would be imposed if Iraq failed to meet his benchmarks, he said: “I think everybody knows the consequences. Haven’t met the benchmarks? Obviously, then, we’re not able to complete the mission. Then you have to examine your options.”
McCain repeated his smear about Romney and continued to lie about his own record as late as yesterday.
McCain, Romney spar before Super Tuesday (January 2008)
But McCain, the Arizona senator who has strongly backed President Bush’s Iraq policy, accused Romney of hedging after public support for the war waned.
“I was on the front lines with my friends saying we not only can’t withdraw but we’ve got to have additional troops over there in order for us to have a chance to succeed,” he said.
Yeah, it’s an express to somewhere, certainly not the truth.
For those of you who didn’t catch it, or forgot that exchange during the debate where Juan “Benchmarks” McAmnesty lied and spun about Romney’s record, here it is. Bryan at Hot Air also has excellent commentary on McCain’s contemptible position.
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And yet, today the New York Post endorsed McCain, saying that when it comes to the War on Terror, he “indisputably understands the nature of the threat and what it will take to defeat it” (http://www.nypost.com/seven/02012008/postopinion/editorials/mccain_for_the_gop_349503.htm). The rest of the editorial is equally worthy of many head-shaking questions.
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