McCain Weblogger Conference Call
Sen. John McCain spoke with weblogger about his Iraq War speech at VMI.
McCain called the present state of the war, “tough times, difficult times.” He was disappointed with the recent Senate vote to calling for a time table for troop removal from Iraq. “What were they [Senate Democrats] celebrating, surrender or defeat?” he asked.
Ed Morrissey of Captain’s Quarters asked the Senator if the surge was enough to stabilize Iraq. McCain sees the surge as not just more troops but a change in strategy. That strategy is going into dangerous areas of Baghdad where troops previously didn’t go. Because of this McCain expects U.S. casualties rising before going down.
What McCain has is tremendous faith in the “charismatic” General David Petraeus. As opposed to the previous generals running the war McCain sees talent and an effective strategy and urges all to give him a chance.
James Joyner wondered how McCain and war supporters could convince the disgruntled American public about the need for the surge. McCain said war backers need to talk everywhere: television, radio, newspapers, weblogs. He suggested President Bush give the public a status report every two weeks. Even if only the C-SPAN crowd watched it would get the news out, both good and bad.
The Bull Dog Pundit live-blogged the call. I’ll also link to other coverage when time permits.
UPDATE: Ed Morrissey reports on McCain blaming Rumsfeld for Iraq.
Gateway Pundit notes how McCain’s communication strategy would differ greatly from President Bush’s. McCain would actually talk regularly about the situation in Iraq.
Mary Katharine Ham and David All both jumped on McCain’s idea of holding regular weblogger conference calls with a President McCain.
Ryan Sager emphasis the disdain and frustration McCain’s had with the Pentagon.
James Joyner felt the same McCainian vibe the MSM dug on his Straight Talk Express in 2000.
