Mike Pence with McCain in Iraq
Remembering McCain as an Author of the Surge
By Hunter Baker Posted in War — Comments (4) / Email this page » / Leave a comment »
In a recent blog entry Mike Pence discusses his latest trip to Iraq. I found the following section interesting where Pence mentions McCain who has been traveling with him:
John McCain is a national figure and a maverick. We have had our differences on issues but never on the object of this journey. John McCain, himself a former Navy airman and Vietnam P.O.W., is the third generation of his family’s extraordinary American military leaders. He has never wavered in his belief in the justice of our cause in Iraq. He was the first leader in Congress to call for a surge of U.S. forces in Iraq. He commands the respect of our generals on the ground and the Iraqi leaders who recognize him as a national leader in America. I think his personal story of heroism and his lineage also give him real currency in the Arab world. Sheikh Sattar greeted him in Ramadi with the words, “we know of you and know of your proud family of warriors and we respect you.”
Please read further below the fold . . .
The block quote above contains a mention that I think is discussed far too little in conservative circles. We criticize McCain for not being a team player, but part of that standing alone was when he was calling for a troop surge in Iraq. Now that it turns out his approach has become the official strategy, I've heard little credit offered. (I might add that it is especially interesting that many Democrats echoed McCain's early call for more troops, but now just want out. Looks like their support of McCain's strategy was pure opportunism rather than anything constructive.)
I know that many conservative voters think the war on terror is the most critical issue to be addressed by the next campaign. Mike Pence's blog entry underscores to me that John McCain might deserve renewed consideration on that front.
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Mike Pence with McCain in Iraq 4 Comments (0 topical, 4 editorial, 0 hidden) Post a comment »
McCain did vote for Bork, and said he would have signed the abortion ban. While I agree that he is far from perfect on social issues -- he is head-and-shoulders better than Guliani.
He's unfit for office. Period. Good military record. Now he should retire and be the proud father of a US Marine.
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Those who live by the sword get shot by those who don't.
I think that in terms of foreign policy and the current campaign against Islamicism he is the strongest candidate. He has a proven track record and hasn't wavered on it when others (including some Republicans) have. He has seen what results from the failing of political will first hand as a POW in Vietnam. I do not see him repeating that mistake.
People talk about crisis management and leadership as one of Rudy's great strengths. I would say that if you are looking at Rudy because you want a strong prosecution of the war and a muscular foreign policy, you should be taking John McCain, as he is likely to be better in those areas than Rudy. McCain is certainly also far better on many other issues than Rudy. (None of this is to say that is my personal preference - everyone has their "big issue" their "dealbreakers" etc. I have yet to hitch my horse to a wagon in this one)
That said, and given that McCain, whatever we think of him, commands respect with others in the world community, I think that he should be seriously considered as a Secretary of State in the next Administration (assuming he doesn't win the nomination).
in my mind that the Sen. would be a great leader in the WOT.
Where I have a hard time with him is on the domestic side of the ball. I feel that if someone such as Fred Thompson were to get in the race we would have the best of both.
Sen. McCain has been a staunch supporter of the President on this issue and for that I give him props but to vote him in as POTUS...I just can't see my vote going his way and until Sen. Thompson throws his hat in (if he does) I just have a hard time getting excited about any of the front runners.
"I wish to have no connection with any ship that does not sail fast; for I intend to go in harm's way."
John Paul Jones (letter to M. Le Ray de Chaumont,16 Nov.1778)