Opposing the Invasion of Iraq
Obama
Barack Obama had the courage and judgment to oppose the war from the beginning, warning against undetermined cost, length, and consequences.
McCain
John McCain set his sights on Iraq just days after 9/11, working with George Bush to orchestrate an ill-considered war that McCain said would be "brief" and "easy" and that we'd be "greeted as liberators."
Supporting Bush on the War
Obama
Barack Obama opposed George Bush on the war, and instead advocated focusing on the al Qaeda forces that attacked us.
McCain
On the war, John McCain said "no one has supported President Bush on Iraq more than I have."
Ending the War Responsibly
Obama
Barack Obama will work with military commanders on the ground in Iraq and in consultation with the Iraqi government to end the war safely and responsibly within 16 months.
McCain
John McCain has no plan to withdraw from Iraq, saying U.S. troops could remain there for "maybe a hundred years."
The Central Front in the War on Terror
Obama
Barack Obama opposed fragmenting our troops to fight a war in Iraq, instead advocating that we should focus on Bin Laden and al Qaeda in Afghanistan.
McCain
John McCain followed Bush's lead, calling Iraq the central front of the war on terror, and opposed sending more troops to fight al Qaeda in Afghanistan.
Engaging our Allies
Obama
While Barack Obama opposed the war, he advocated for greater international support for American efforts and would engage the world community in combating terrorism.
McCain
John McCain supported going into Iraq without broad international backing.
