Vacation? McCain Still Attacks on Iraq
Obama jokes he's going "bodysurfing," trades political body blows with McCain.
Aug. 9, 2008 — -- Democratic presidential contender Barack Obama stepped off the campaign trail and into the Hawaiian surf this weekend, joking, "I'm going to go body surfing at an undisclosed location" -- but there was no holiday from the relentless attacks of his GOP rival, John McCain.
The Republican today intensified his assault, saying with victory in sight, the hard-won gains of Iraq would be lost under his Democratic rival.
"The lasting advantage of a peaceful and democratic ally in the heart of the Middle East could still be squandered by hasty withdrawal and arbitrary timelines," McCain said in Las Vegas. "And this is one of many problems in the shifting positions of my opponent, Sen. Obama."
McCain stepped up the pressure with three new attack ads, one of which concluded, "Not ready to lead. That's the real Obama."
After landing in Hawaii on Friday, Obama told supporters, "We are spending $10- to $12 billion dollars a month in Iraq, and if were spending that money in Iraq we can spend some of that money right here in in Hawaii, right here in the United States of America."
In his radio address today, Obama said it's time for Iraq to use its oil revenue to pay for its own reconstruction.
"That's right. America faces a huge budget deficit," Obama said. "Iraq has a surplus."
As Obama took a break from the race for the White House, his party spent the day in heated wrangling over an issue both candidates have sought to avoid -- abortion.
Democrats are meeting in Pittsburgh to decide the party's platform in November. Anti-abortion Democrats want to insert a clause saying the party also welcomes abortion opponents under its big tent.
"It may just be words, but it's important guiding principles of what we stand for," said Kristin Day, executive director of Democrats for Life.
It is an issue that is important to party members perhaps, but it is likely that few voters will read the platform, and fewer still will consider it when they vote in November.
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