STATEMENT BY JOHN MCCAIN ON SENATOR OBAMA'S REMARKS ON IRAQ IN LAST NIGHT'S DEBATE

"Where is the audacity of hope when it comes to backing the success of our troops all the way to victory in Iraq?" -- John McCainARLINGTON, VA -- U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today issued the following statement by John McCain on Senator Barack Obama's remarks in last night's debate:

"In last night's Democratic debate, the American people saw two candidates arguing over how fast to retreat from Iraq at a time when military and political progress are undeniable to any objective observer. Today, thanks to the troop surge that Senators Clinton and Obama opposed, our soldiers have Al Qaeda in Iraq on the run. If Senators Clinton and Obama have their way, Al Qaeda in Iraq will be resurgent and given a new lease on life, putting U.S. forces back on the defensive.

"Last night, we also heard Senator Obama say that once he withdrew US forces from Iraq he would 'reserve the right' to act 'if Al Qaeda is forming a base in Iraq.' Is Senator Obama unaware that Al Qaeda is still present in Iraq, that our forces are successfully fighting them every day, and that his Iraq policy of withdrawal would embolden Al Qaeda and weaken our security?

"Senator Obama talks about the costs of the war in Iraq -- despite our increasing success -- but refuses to address the catastrophic costs that would result from precipitous withdrawal and defeat in Iraq. Surrender and defeat in Iraq will ultimately cost far more in lives and treasure than will continued success and achieving victory with honor.

"Thanks to the sacrifices of the brave men and women of our armed forces, sectarian violence is down, civilian and military casualties are down, and long-delayed political compromises are being reached. Yet, the Democratic presidential contenders deny progress and see only gloom and doom. Where is the audacity of hope when it comes to backing the success of our troops all the way to victory in Iraq? What we heard last night was the timidity of despair. Our allies deserve better, our soldiers deserve better, and so do the American people."
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