…or: McCain digs his hole deeper.
During a presser in the cheese aisle of a supermarket, John McCain denied messing up the Anbar Awakening time line and argued that the “surge” really doesn’t mean what everyone (including himself) used to think it meant.
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Transcript via hilzoy:
McCain: “First of all, a surge is really a counterinsurgency strategy, and it’s made up of a number of components. And this counterinsurgency was initiated to some degree by Colonel McFarland in Anbar province relatively on his own. When I visited with him in December of 2006, he had already initiated that strategy in Ramadi by going in and clearing and holding in certain places. That is a counterinsurgency. And he told me at that time that he believed that that strategy, which is, quote, the surge, part of the surge, would be successful. So then, of course, it was very clear that we needed additional troops in order to carry out this counterinsurgency.”
So now McCain is redefining what the word “surge” actually means — the one thing I thought liberals and conservatives agreed on.
That the McCain campaign feels the need to fight back so hard (and laughably) against this is quite telling. They tried to issue a flippant clarification Monday night when the initial gaffe occurred, but that obviously proved insufficient. I think they realize that this one cut especially deep.
Think about it: By screwing up the time line, McCain not only undermined his foreign policy “expertise,” making himself look foolish and confused in the process, he completely undermined the rationale for the surge in the first place. For years war opponents have argued that the United States’ only role should be to help the Iraqis fight for their own country. The Anbar Awakening was that fight. The Sunni sheiks rose up and, with the help of US forces, started routing al Qaeda — all before the surge was even announced.
In other words, this gaffe is especially damaging because it proves quite poignantly that the surge is not the success McCain and Republicans are tying to make it out to be. Do you hear that? It’s the sound of McCain’s only hopes of winning the presidency swirling down the drain.
McCain is arguing as follows: find some X, of which what we normally think of as the surge is a part. Define all of X as “the surge”. Argue that since X is responsible for some development Y, a development which preceded what we normally think of as the surge, “the surge”, understood to mean X, is responsible for Y. This is a delightful argument, and it yields all kinds of fun results.
See what fun scenarios you can come up with!
* Typo corrected.
Filed Under: Campaigns/Elections, Iraq, John McCain
Tags: Anbar Awakening, Gaffe, Surge
No Trackbacks To “McCain Denies Botching Anbar Timeline *“
I get it, the pre-surge, surge, counterinsurgency, surging, surge that preceded the surge that surged prior to the flowing surge that now surged ahead of the pre-surge, surge, counterinsurgency is the one that did the trick.
Anbar not Anwar!
Anything and everything that has “succeeded” in Iraq was and is a “surge”.
The Surge tore down The Berlin Wall
Is he trying to say “surge” is short for counterinsurgency? cause I don’t think that’s correct.
The Surge landed us on the moon.
The problem is, I have my doubts as to whether the average American has the critical thinking ability to note and appreciate the distinction that make this gaffe truly remarkable. Hilzoy’s argument looks too much like a simple algebra problem to catch the attention of most people. But perhaps I am simply being pessimistic.
Colonel McFarland started surging “pretty much on his own” in August of 2006? How does one surge on his own? What does that even look like?
“Don’t bother me now! Can’t you see I’m surging?”
I love the post/article. Very accurate. Give him a break he is slipping a little in his old age. If you were his age you might get confused on little details. To add to his campaign woes is his lack of energy weekends off and then there was this incident on Conan Obrien, did anyone else see this video of McCain falling asleep on the Conan Obrien show. Its really funny., but makes me wonder if he is up to running for president. http://www.McCains.com
Its been a long time coming Kerry Picked Edwards on July 6. Im ready to get behind a cadidate it would be nice to know who their voice of reason is going to be. Hopefully McCain wont pick Romney, Ive seen the videos of all of Romney attack ads. I think someone posted the link here yesterday to a site that has them all. Ill repost incase no one seen the attack videos http://www.hotpres.com I was really partial to Clark for Obama, doesnt look like thats going to happen now though, I dont know why? Clark was dead on with his statements. They got twisted up. Here is a site you can find bio info on all the veep candidates including old pictures of them. http://www.theveep.com
Buffy hates McCain!!
o/t: On NPR this morning was a segment on actblue.com and Ms. Hamsher was interviewed!!!
OK grandpa, its your story so tell it any way you want. This old dope will be worst than Dubya.
zencomix @ 4:
the Surge built my hotrod!
what people don’t understand is that a statement that puts out wrong information can really only happen if right information is first put out and then and only then can a chance present itself to go in there and provide an opportunity for someone to dive in, take that truthful information and get it wrong. so, really, what people don’t understand is that the bad information is really dependent on first having reliable facts, so its all one in the same.
:)
It would appear the Surge predates General Petraeus as well.
So they were surging without congressional authorization.
Now, when did General Time Horizon really get appointed?
So we had surge one and surge two. Surge one was just a little one so it didn’t get much attention. Then along comes surge two. Surge two was a real big burly one so it got lots of attention and air time. Surge two was so big it ate up surge one. So now we have only surge two but inside it is surge one, so they are the same surge now.
Seriously, I think the growth spurt in my magnolia tree is a direct result of the surge. Of course that growth spurt happened two years ago, but that was the first time we had seen that much growth.
Why am I reminded of a Hollywood film that was such a success the producers wrote a prequel to it??
The McCain campaign=a noun a verb and “The Surge”. That’s why Rudy Giuliani would make the ideal running mate for him (wig, make up, dress, pumps and all).
McCain denies the truth…like any good Republican.
Look at McCain’s body language as he gives his exhausting answer. While he is speaking to the right, he periodically looks to his left without turning his body in a shifty manner. That indicates he is not being truthful. As if one couldn’t already discern that from the content of his answer.
Still best equation…
Terror Attack + Election = Republican Victory
My grandmother use to talk the same way in her 70’s. I’d just walk away saying what the f*ck was she talking about.
Conyers Judiciary Committee hearings on impeachment starting now on CSPAN. Kucinich to speak first.
There’s a rowdy bunch inside and outside.
Might get interesting.
paul @ 9:
That pretending to be falling asleep bs was his little lame jokey thing he does when someone talks about his age. He did the same thing at the press club when the girl mentioned his age. He pretends to fall asleep like the old dude that he is.
I thought a Surge was what you do whilst upon the crappier after dining at taco bell.
Dennis, I think that’s the first post of yours with which I completely agree!
Abbybwood @ 21:
Let’s hope for a surge on the administration.
Dr Acula @ 24:
That HAS to be a different Dennis…note the capitol D….
Here’s something I didn’t know…
When they use the term “surge”, they don’t mean it in the sense of the english word “surge”, indicating a billowing increase. Rather ’surge is a military slang abbreviation of “counterinsurgency”. So when we talk about the “surge” we are not referring to the escalation of troops in 2007, but we’re talking about the general strategy of dealing with insurgents in Iraq.
That was never made clear before. Probably because it’s made up.
What the…he said…hominy hominy huh?
Surge me!
Wake up America! After 8 years of having a complete moron running the Exec. office, we now have an older version that is challenging Bush for his title of dumbest politician ever. Yet many bitter older whites in PA,MI,OH,IN,MN are still behind this idiot. Please look beyond your bigotry and stupidity. While the MSM is afraid to raise the ugly racism that is making up a lot of this fear by older whites, it is so obvious. We expect this from voters in Alabama, Mississippi and Wyoming etc. but for crying out loud, Minn. and PA should be a little more open minded.
This proves that McPappy is a diabolical “shape shifter” just like Chimpy - and perhaps even worse. His addled brain is incapable of normal synaptic activity at this point as a result of his radiation to his head, this is becoming more evident as he continues his gaffe spree. It’s not just a case of wanting to twist semantics and truth for him. It goes much deeper than that and has, as it’s genesis, serious incapacitation in the brain. Add to that then his sheer “desperation” at how the world is embracing Obama and you’ve got a prescription for a total “meltdown” by McPappy - which is imminent. I don’t think he’ll even make it mentally to get to the debates. He’s on his way toward insanity right now and will have a mental breakdown. His old PTSD diagnosis will rear it’s ugly head.
He’s taking lessons for the demented-in-chief these days at attempting to spin sementics. Now he’s redefining “surge” - probably after it was suggested that he no longer use the term because it’s tanking his credibility.
This man is a very dangerous individual - at the order of his shrink to NEVER fly again after crashing 3 planes, he immediately defied the order, went out in a small plane and crashed it. Juvenile delinquent? I fear so as it is apparent that this man never grew up. Sound like anyone we know??
by this reasoning, the “surge” that destroyed New Orleans what the wave of people leaving, and not the storm-driven one that put the place under water.
Hey McRetard - the “surge” that has spent about a year in the news refers to “a sudden increase in military activity”. It is [b]NOT[/b] short for “counterin[b]surge[/b]ncy”.
Bush + McBush = Dumb and Dumber (what do you call an old geyser who’s dumb as dirt?)
The surge killed Nazi Germany, stopped the Holocaust, and won WWII. There is nothing the surge can’t do… because the surge is the pre-surge, which is the counterinsurgency, which is everything at once, at all times… that is the actual definition of the surge unbeknownced to you.
Reno @ 31:
(Sorry, I messed up the previous one.. sitemod please delete 31)
Just like yesterday’s “gaffe of the day” by the Master McGaffer - stating that the first conflict was with Iraq - wrongo! But thanks for playing and showing your stupidity - I guess we didn’t invade Afghanistan in 2001 then?????
Anbar not Anwar!
Anbar not Anwar!
Anbar not Anwar!
Anbar not Anwar!
I think you are giving McCain voters a little too much credit. They don’t care about the surge, insurgency, counterinsurgency, or any other urgency. They care about taking your right of choice away, about a marriage amendment to the Constitution, and “intelligent design.” McCain can sway, stumble, or fall flat on his face (which he’s done quite a lot of lately) … It just doesn’t matter.
What does it matter? Whether it’s Obama or McCain in the white house, we’re equally screwed. I’m moving to Canada.
George: “Jerry, just remember, it’s not a lie if you believe it.”
ALERT …10:oo a.m
IMPEACHMENT HEARINGS UP ON C-SPAN. KUCINICH
http://www.c-span.org/watch/cs.....mp;Code=CS
Spread the word
A Child’s Story
Many of you may relate to a story you once had to crate in a hurry because you had a parent about to discipline you for something. I do recall such a moment for eating too many cookies before my dinner. I went on to tell my mom a made up, on the spot, story of how cookies make everybody want to eat them, so it really was my sister’s fault for putting the bag of cookies in plane sight. Yes, she should of known better, and I said it as if everybody would agree. It did work nor did John McCain’s lie about what a Surge is and when it actually took place.
The story line noted above is similar to hearing McCain ravel on and on about the definitions of a Surge. This was very funny, and it sounded like a true child’s story. You go McCain.
Joseph
osiris @ 35:
I think McCain would like everyone to forget Afghanistan–he can’t claim any success there as a result of The Surge.
McGaffer is so caught up in his own bull$hit these days that he can’t remember what he said 5 minutes ago. This is becoming very sad to witness. Clearly, being 72 years old is unacceptable to assume such a critical role in these challenging times (the Depends alone will cost the taxpayers zillions!!) - but when you couple that with his overall abysmal comprehension of the war, the geography of the war, economics and just about every other critical issue facing this democracy, he has no more business running for this job than the man in the moon.
While Obama was greeted by no less than 200,000 cheering supporters in Berlin, where was McGaffer? He was in a local supermarket squeezing the Charmin and loading up on more Depends and Panty Liners for hemmorhoids.
Dr Acula @ 24:
No, wasn’t me, Doc. I’m not a big fan of McCain’s but I’d never pretend to be knowledgeable about body language like Big D Dennis does. Obama denies the truth on a lot of what he’s said about the surge as well; that never gets discussed here or by Bath Tub Boy either.
displeased @ 38:
Good idea.
The Surge pre-dates even Iraq! It’s what enabled the first (loosely defined) democracy (The Greeks) to defeat the Persians at Marathon and Plataea! Trust McBlinky…he was there!
P.S. You gotta be F*@king kidding me! Obama is giving an inspiring speech to over 200,000 people in the historic city of Berlin and McSenile is stammering and back-tracking in front of the dairy section at a grocery store!?!? Gee, I wonder why he’s not getting any coverage? I just wish his campaign had really screwed up and positioned him in the adult diaper section…..
The Surge solved America’s dependence on foreign oil by drilling in Anwar.
thought. maybe the dairy aisle was strategically chosen to make McCain look like the “big cheese.”
damn, i’m funny in a time of crippling socio-political disappointment.
liberalNmoderation @ 12:
The Surge trimmed my jacket. No wait, that was The Serger.
The Surge wrote George W. Bush’s term papers at Yale.