Obama urges diplomacy surge in Iraq
Kansas City Star | August 21, 2007
By Dave Helling
Democratic Sen.Barack Obama did not try to hide his opposition to the Iraq war during his speech this morning to the National VFW Convention in Kansas City.
Unlike Sen. Hillary Clinton Monday, the Democratic presidential candidate dealt with Iraq first, and in strong terms.
"I will continue to push the president to change our policy," he told the audience of about 2,500 delegates and others. "One reason to stop fighting the wrong war is so we can fight the right war against terrorism and extremism."
The audience responded with polite applause.
"No military surge, no matter how brilliantly performed, can succeed without political reconciliation and a surge in diplomacy in Iraq and the region," Obama said.
As other speakers have done, Obama pushed for more assistance for retired military and returning veterans.
After the speech, he shook hands with supporters in front on the stage and said he was gratified by the audience's response.
Some delegates said they agreed with Obama's assessment of the war, which he said can't be won militarily despite the performance of U.S. troops.
Other delegates, though, repeated the belief that the United States has to fight terrorists overseas so they don't return here.
President Bush speaks to the VFW at 9:55 a.m. Wednesday.
Read the full article at the Kansas City Star.
