Curiously missing from the McCain campaign's new advertisement claiming that Gov. Palin "has more experience" than Sen. Obama are these two assessments of Iraq:
I haven't really focused much on the war in Iraq.
- Sarah Palin, March 2007
I know that even a successful war against Iraq will require a US occupation of undetermined length, at undetermined cost, with undetermined consequences. I know that an invasion of Iraq without a clear rationale and without strong international support will only fan the flames of the Middle East, and encourage the worst, rather than best, impulses of the Arab world, and strengthen the recruitment arm of Al Qaeda.
- Barack Obama, October 2002
Obama in 2002 continued:
So for those of us who seek a more just and secure world for our children, let us send a clear message to the President today. You want a fight, President Bush? Let's finish the fight with Bin Laden and Al Qaeda....
You want a fight, President Bush? Let's fight to wean ourselves off Middle East oil, through an energy policy that doesn't simply serve the interests of Exxon and Mobil....
The consequences of war are dire, the sacrifices immeasurable. We may have occasion in our lifetime to once again rise up in defense of our freedom, and pay the wages of war. But we ought not -- we will not -- travel down that hellish path blindly. Nor should we allow those who would march off and pay the ultimate sacrifice, who would prove the full measure of devotion with their blood, to make such an awful sacrifice in vain.
Bottom Line:
Six years ago, Barack Obama demonstrated a detailed understanding of Iraq, warned against the dire consequences of an occupation, and exhibited better judgment on this key national security issue than John McCain, George Bush and Dick Cheney.
One year ago, Sarah Palin admitted that she still did not have an informed judgment about Iraq.
The nation has been at war for over five years and the Republican Vice Presidential nominee said just last year that she hasn't "really focused much on the war."
More experienced?
Really?