Polling Iraq Posted by Michael Cohen

According to new numbers from the Washington Post/ABC poll Barack Obama and John McCain are basically tied on the issue of Iraq:

Despite broad, longstanding dissatisfaction with the war, just 50% of Americans prefer Obama's plan to withdraw most U.S. forces within 16 months of taking office. Essentially as many, 49%, side with McCain's position -- setting no timetable and letting events dictate when troops are withdrawn.

A couple of thoughts here. First, look at how the question was framed:

Obama has proposed a timetable to withdraw most U.S. forces from Iraq within 16 months of his taking office. McCain has opposed a specific timetable and said events should dictate when troops are withdrawn. Which approach do you prefer - a timetable or no timetable?

I'd be pretty pleased if I were Obama - "events should dictate" sounds pretty good; if you don't also know that John McCain wants to keep troops in Iraq for 100 years. Considering the improved security situation in Iraq, I'm not so sure I wouldn't go along with McCain's position (if, of course, that was actually his position).

Second, if Obama is tied with McCain on Election Day, Michelle and Barack can start measuring the drapes in the Oval Office. On every other major political issue (with the possible exception of terrorism) Obama has the advantage. Considering the Democrat's usual liability on national security issues -- and John McCain's almost single-handled focus on Iraq -- a tie sounds like a win to me.

But then there was this: a quote from the ever reliable Michael O'Hanlon who continues his try out to be John McCain's national security advisor:

Michael E. O'Hanlon, a Democratic defense analyst at the Brookings Institution who has been an outspoken supporter of the war in Iraq, said he could not believe that Obama would put such a definitive timeline into print before a trip to Iraq, where he is to consult with Iraqi leaders and U.S. commanders.

"To say you're going to get out on a certain schedule -- regardless of what the Iraqis do, regardless of what our enemies do, regardless of what is happening on the ground -- is the height of absurdity," said O'Hanlon, who described himself as "livid." "I'm not going to go to the next level of invective and say he shouldn't be president. I'll leave that to someone else."

Huh? Hasn't Barack Obama pretty much been backing a 16-month timeline since he began running for President. Why in God's name is Michael O'Hanlon surprised by this? But here's the really bizarre part - O'Hanlon expresses surprise that Obama would consider getting out on a certain schedule "regardless of what the Iraqis do." But what about the fact that Iraqi leaders are now pushing for the US to put in place a timetable for withdrawal:

Iraqi political leaders "are all telling us the same thing . . . Iraqis want to know that foreign troops are not going to be here forever."

Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki and his political allies have come under intense domestic pressure to reject any perceived infringement on Iraqi sovereignty. Maliki, who last week publicly insisted on a withdrawal timeline, wants to frame the agreement as outlining the terms for "Americans leaving Iraq" rather than the conditions under which they will stay, said the U.S. official, who like others spoke on the condition of anonymity because U.S.-Iraqi negotiations are ongoing.

I wonder if the fact that John McCain doesn't seem to be listening to the Iraqis makes O'Hanlon equally "livid."

Comments

[Dmitriy]

Could it be that people don't believe Obama's rhetoric on FISA? I mean, public financing. No, it was 2nd Amendment. No, I mean, public financing. Oh, I meant to say 'Iraq'.

[gregorbkny]

Shorter O'Hanlon: I'm livid that O'bama supports this position, as grossly distorted by me.

[Justice - global issues]

great post! "polling Iraq".. thanks very much for sharing!

[luxury watches]

I am so with you,rolex watch
luxury watch

[charms thomas sabo]

I like how the charms professor is a bearded little elf with snowy white hair & in all the other movies is ala charlie chaplin?

[thomas sabo jewellery box]

You are awesome! Thank you for this!
Two friends mentioned your website in bible study this morning. I’m so glad that they did!

[thomas sabo pendants]

I want your help. I like your blog. Your texts are interesting. I entered here by accident and I started reading. I became interested in the topic and I am thinking whether I could use your texts on my paper, of course with the quotation. Please contact with me, thanks very much.

[wholesale jerseys]

Have you ever considered adding more videos to your posts to keep the readers more entertained? I mean I just read through the entire article of yours and it was quite good but adding a video to it would make it even more entertaining.

[louis vuitton handbags]

You…are…my…hero!!! I cant believe something like this exists on the internet! Its so true, so honest, and more than that you dont sound like an idiot! Finally, someone who knows how to talk about a subject without sounding like a kid who didnt get that bike he wanted for Christmas.

[coach outlet]

Can I have this copied? I will link back to your blog. Is that ok?

[beats by dr dre]

This is the type of information that should be shared around the web. Shame on the search engines for not positioning this post higher!

[cheap jerseys]

Just one question: how to add your blog into my rrs reader, thanks so much.\

[burberry]

I want your help. I like your blog. Your texts are interesting. I entered here by accident and I started reading.

[dunks shoes]

Nice article.The content is very funny.Great post.Thanks!

[outlet jerseys]

I entered here by accident and I started reading.

[custom jerseys]

Shame on the search engines for not positioning this post higher!

[cheap jerseys]

I entered here by accident and I started reading.

[Wholesale NFL Jerseys]

Gomez was claimed on waivers earlier inside the yr inside the Royals,

of all teams, and his period of your time to this point was about as non-descript like a period of your time could be: 6 RBI’s in 103 AB’s in 2006.

[Cheap Coogi Jeans]

Well, it is really very exciting news that c-lab has developed a new addition to the work being as part of @rt outsiders festival.

[Coogi Clothing]

I think a portion should go to the deficit, however some of it should go to student athletes in the form of summer jobs, etc, etc.

[Gucci]

Thank you for your comment!

[ralph lauren polo store]

nice post,good job

[F50 adidas]

The blog article very surprised to me! Your writing is good.

[donghanjin]

Thanks for this. I really like what you've posted here and wish you the best of luck with this blog!

[NFL Jerseys Cheap]

I really like what you've posted here and wish you the best of luck with this blog!

[moncler jackets]

Moncler down jackets is famous to its intrinsic design and performance. It is generally focused on winter. But with moncler development, you can see moncler product for four seasons. Moncler are not only seen as down jackets any more. And the products of moncler are richer. As for those who are keen on Moncler Men Multi-stripe Jackets Red Grey , these made them jump out of their skin.
Moncler produce a wonderful brand to impress common people's heart and seize their hobby properly. Either young men or old people are addicted by this brand, especially after moncler products being broaded. In a word, moncler is actually surprise us.No matter how fashion dressing it is, if you do not how to go well with it, the result is bad. On the other hand, regardless of the colors and designs in moncler down jackets are fashion or not, moncler are really good for you. Both of the previous and the latest moncler products show moncler's popular. Whether beforetime or now, even in the future, the moncler would be so popular all the time.