A Very Big Deal

Marc Ambinder is exactly right with this statement:

This could be one of those unexpected events that forever changes the way the world perceives an issue. Iraq's Prime Minister agrees with Obama, and there's no wiggle room or fudge factor. This puts John McCain in an extremely precarious spot: what's left to argue? to argue against Maliki would be to predicate that Iraqi sovereignty at this point means nothing. Obviously, our national interests aren't equivalent to Iraq's, but... Malik isn't listening to the generals on the ground...but the "hasn't been to Iraq" line doesn't work here.

Realizing, of course, that Obama can't make political hay of this fact now that he's overseas, I really hope his team is preparing a full court press upon his return.  Imagine Obama saying something as simple as this:

The Prime Minister of Iraq has said that my proposal for withdrawal from Iraq is correct.  Perhaps John McCain would like to attack the Prime Minister of Iraq for not visiting Iraq enough?  Or perhaps he'll dismiss the statement and thereby undermine the sovereignty of the Iraqi government?  Which is it John McCain?

Because the fact is this: I was right about not launching the war, now the Iraqi government themselves agrees for my plan for withdrawal.  I have a plan for ending the war in Iraq, something the Iraqi people want, something the American people want, something that's best for our national security.  What's John McCain's excuse now?

This is a potential game-changing moment that can neutralize McCain's "advantages" on foreign affairs.

Remember, Obama folks, offense.  You need to set the terms for debate, let no one else.

CROSS-POSTED AT STRATEGY '08