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NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP)--This is the second in a series of stories focusing on one specific national issue and detailing where the two major presidential candidates stand. Called "In Their Own Words," the stories avoid commentary and instead present the candidates' views as they have stated them in the past -- either in interviews, speeches, debates or on their campaign websites.
Last week, Baptist Press spotlighted the issue of abortion. Today, BP takes a look at the candidates' positions on Iraq. Other topics in the two-month-long series include the definition of marriage and gay rights, Supreme Court nominees, Darfur, the energy crisis, the environment, immigration and taxes.
JOHN MCCAIN
-- What McCain says about the 2003 invasion of Iraq: "The war, the invasion was not a mistake. The handling of the war was a terrible mistake" (Interview, "Meet the Press," NBC, Jan. 6, 2008).
-- What McCain says about the 2007 troop surge in Iraq: "I supported it when it wasn't popular. I was even called by Republicans for being disloyal because I fought against the failed strategy of nearly four years. And as you also well recall, there were times when my campaign was declared dead and buried. But I did what I thought was right for the -- I knew was right for the country because of my background and experience and knowledge and judgment. ... No rational person could look at the situation in Iraq on the ground and that's been there two years ago and say that the surge hasn't succeeded" (Interview, "Hannity & Colmes," Fox News, July 23, 2008). "Thanks to the success of the surge, Iraq's political order is evolving in positive and hopeful ways. Four out of the six laws cited as benchmarks by the U.S. have been passed by the Iraqi legislature. A law on amnesty and a law rolling back some of the harsher restrictions against former employees of the Iraqi government have made it possible for Iraqis to move toward genuine reconciliation" (JohnMcCain.com).
-- What McCain says about how and when the U.S. should pull out of Iraq: "I do not want to keep our troops in Iraq a minute longer than necessary to secure our interests there. Our goal is an Iraq that can stand on its own as a democratic ally and a responsible force for peace in its neighborhood. Our goal is an Iraq that no longer needs American troops. And I believe we can achieve that goal, perhaps sooner than many imagine. But I do not believe that anyone should make promises as a candidate for President that they cannot keep if elected. To promise a withdrawal of our forces from Iraq, regardless of the calamitous consequences to the Iraqi people, our most vital interests, and the future of the Middle East, is the height of irresponsibility. It is a failure of leadership. I know the pain war causes. I understand the frustration caused by our mistakes in this war. And I regret sincerely the additional sacrifices imposed on the brave Americans who defend us. But I also know the toll a lost war takes on an army and on our country's security" (JohnMcCain.com).
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