US neglects region for Iraq: McCain

[ECH1969]

GEORGE Bush is neglecting the Asia-Pacific region as his administration is drawn into the deteriorating war in Iraq, says the senior Republican senator tipped to become the next president of the US.

John McCain, who has become one of the hottest tips for the presidential ticket in 2008, said the US had dropped the ball in the region, citing recent decisions by Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice to cancel visits to Australia, Indonesia and Malaysia.

His comments support anxiety within Australia's foreign policy circles and throughout the Pacific that the US is ignoring the region.

Australia is still waiting for a new US ambassador, almost a year after Tom Schieffer was appointed ambassador to Japan.

http://theaustralian.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5744,17960589^31477,00.html

[jackbourassa]

1. McCain is a weirdo

This guy is like Dr. Jekyl and Mr. Hyde. Is he for the war or against it?

McCain is a media whore, and my guess is that if the war continues to go badly, and the public really turn against it - he's the first to jump ship.

[llmart]

2. I agree wholeheartedly.

He isn't right in the head from his years as a prisoner of war. This is the beginning of him campaigning for the top job in 2008. The Dems need to get a meme going about his warmongering.

[jackbourassa]

5. llmart, as I recall. McCain was the first...

to publicly advocate war against Iraq after September 11. He was such an idiot about it too. Acting like a cowboy. Very unstatesman like. Look at what his bright idea wrought? The problem with McCain is that he isn't much of a strategic thinker. He's too emotional. He plays to the media too much. He's VERY VERY dangerous for this reason. Not politically. But in an "executive" position if you catch my drift. He has no core principles or direction. Just goes with the flow. Whatever gets him in the news.

But I honestly don't think McCain has much of a shot at the GOP nomination anyway, that's why I don't worry too much about him. The DC insiders are already turning against him in favor of Allen. Coming out against the war may help him with the media (and increase his visibility as a 'maverick' or 'GOP critic') but it won't help him with the rank and file. They are the ones who choose the GOP nominee. And they hate McCain.

McCain in many ways reminds me of a Republican version of Joe Lieberman. Liberman led all the early polls for the 2004 race remember? But the Democratic rank and file never liked the guy, and come New Hampshire - he came in fifth. Despite his support from inside the beltway, the media and the fact he was the vice Presidential nominee in 2000.

[ConcernedCanuk]

8. Don't underestimate McCain - consider the USA electorate . . .

.
.
.

George Bush got elected TWICE

'nuff said

[jackbourassa]

9. But Bush had the support of the fundies...

I'm talking about the GOP nomination. McCain will never get it.

[llmart]

10. I wish I could have your optimism....

but I think the American public falls for stuff like this and the whole POW image thing. I think the public GOP'ers would support him.

[fishwax]

7. he is weird

:rofl: :wtf:

[oblivious]

"US neglects region": THANK GOD FOR THAT!

[stepnw1f]

3. Opportunist... STFU! (nt)

[NewJeffCT]

4. My first thought on the subject line was "New Orleans"

and, hasn't Team Bush ignored every region except Iraq? I mean, Afghanistan is producing record amounts of heroin...

[Rose Siding]

6. Can't take him seriously - He's an elitist speaking from a Swiss resort!

DAVOS, Switzerland Jan 27, 2006 — Interrogation methods at the U.S. prison camp in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, are still a concern, Sen. John McCain said Friday, calling on authorities to process the cases of prisoners held for as long as four years without charge.

http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory?id=1550595&CMP=OTC-RSSFeeds0312