Organizing for America

DEBATE REALITY CHECK: MUDDLING THROUGH AFGHANISTAN

TONIGHT: Obama: “At one point, while you were focused on Iraq, you said, well, we can muddle through Afghanistan.”

THE FACTS: MCCAIN HAS IGNORED THE THREAT IN AFGHANISTAN AND THINKS IRAQ IS THE CENTRAL FRONT IN THE WAR ON TERROR

McCain: “We May Muddle Through In Afghanistan.” During a November 2003 appearance before the Council on Foreign Relations, John McCain was asked about his views on Afghanistan. McCain noted that there had been a rise in al Qaeda activity along the border with Pakistan, and said that he was concerned about the increase in U.S. casualties. However, he added, “But I believe that if Karzai can make the progress that he is making, that -- in the long term, we may muddle through in Afghanistan.” [Council on Foreign Relations , 11/5/03]

Ø VIDEO: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wazv45RYj60

McCain: Iraq Is The Central Front In The War On Terror. “I agreed with General Petraeus when he said Iraq was the central battleground in the war and the struggle against al Qaeda. And he said that repeatedly.” [NBC, “Today,” 7/21/08]