Spin Cycle

Reacting to Maliki's favorable comments on Obama's 16 month withdrawal timetable, the McCain campaign -- obviously a little stung -- says that Maliki has not endorsed a hard and fast timetable. McCain thinks Obama has. They also re-emphasize the surge. Statement is from foreign policy advisor Randy Scheunemann:

"The difference between John McCain and Barack Obama is that Barack Obama advocates an unconditional withdrawal that ignores the facts on the ground and the advice of our top military commanders. John McCain believes withdrawal must be based on conditions on the ground. Prime Minister Maliki has repeatedly affirmed the same view, and did so again today.

"Timing is not as important as whether we leave with victory and honor, which is of no apparent concern to Barack Obama. The fundamental truth remains that Senator McCain was right about the surge and Senator Obama was wrong. We would not be in the position to discuss a responsible withdrawal today if Senator Obama’s views had prevailed."

One problem here: If you look at Maliki's interview in Spiegel, it says, "In his conversation with SPIEGEL, he was once again candid about his frustration over the Bush administration's hesitancy about agreeing to a timetable for the withdrawal of US troops." So, the claim that Maliki wants withdrawal based on conditions on the ground is... debatable.

Obama's foreign policy advisor uses it as an opportunity to emphasize Afghanistan, where Obama is visiting now:

"Senator Obama welcomes Prime Minister Maliki's support for a 16 month timeline for the redeployment of U.S combat brigades. This presents an important opportunity to transition to Iraqi responsibility, while restoring our military and increasing our commitment to finish the fight in Afghanistan."