Sunday, January 27, 2008
Romney, McCain & Benchmarks [Kathryn Jean Lopez]
Byron, indisputably, McCain was a leader on the surge. And few were envying his position, wishing last year they were for the surge before the White House was. But McCain was also talking about benchmarks last year. Here's one story from January, there are others:
WASHINGTON — Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., one of the most stalwart supporters of the war in Iraq, said Thursday that he might propose that the Iraqi government meet certain benchmarks for the United States to continue its engagement.
Fellow senators and independent political scientists said McCain's thinking reflected growing concerns within the Republican Party about the course of the war, and also might mark a turning point for the likely 2008 presidential contender, whose previous unconditional backing of the war may have hurt his prospects.
McCain said Thursday that he hadn't yet decided on precise benchmarks. "They'd have to be specific, and they (Iraqi government officials) would have to meet them," he said.
Asked what penalty would be imposed if Iraq failed to meet his benchmarks, he said: "I think everybody knows the consequences. Haven't met the benchmarks? Obviously, then, we're not able to complete the mission. Then you have to examine your options."
If even McCain was talking that way, how exactly is it unreasonable for Romney to have considered them a few months later?
01/27 12:10 PM
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