There is NO competition at all between Obama and McCain when it comes to understanding the middle east, and the world for that matter.

Time has just released the latest interview from Obama, after visiting Iraq and Afghanistan, were he explains the daunting task in both Iraq and Afghanistan, BUT ESPECIALLY Afghanistan. His answers prove that indeed he was there to listen and understand the situation, not just a photo-op.

And I'm willing to bet that General Petraeus was impressed with Obama.

*OH! and he take a brilliant jab at McCain by the way!

Il'' make this quick but from the looks of things, a lot of you are being duped by the McCain campaign and the media about Obama's Iraq policy, like putting "refine" in quotes and saying Obama is changing his position on Iraq. Right now he is giving a statement clarifing his earlier statements about Iraq, that he WILL PULL OUT, but will also listen to the commanders on the ground to have a responsible exit, JUST LIKE HE HAS ALWAYS SAID. HE WILL get out.

This is what he is saying RIGHT NOW:

"I think what’s happened is the McCain campaign primed the pump with the press to suggest that somehow we had changed our policy when we hadn’t, and that just hasn’t been the case. I’ve given no indication of a change in policy."

"I intend to end this war... That position has not changed. I have not equivocated on that position. I am not searching for maneuvering room with respect to that position."

Update:

"I have always reserved the right to do what’s best for America’s national interest... I would be a poor commander-in-chief if I didn’t take facts on the ground into account."

Which is completely true. Like it or not.

Ok. I posted this on the Obama blog. And i have to post it here too, probably going to get more feedback here. Yeah, it's about the FISA thing and Obama doing some of his congress friends favors (Rockefeller, bush dogs in congress, some donors i think).

I do think that Obama voting for this bill has more to do with him trying to get the center leaning democrats to fully support him (although, one has to wonder why would he prefer full support from conservative democrats and not full support from the netroots and more progressive democrats) Who the hell is advising him? are they telling him that he might look weak if he votes for the bill?

IF so, and he is agreeing with them, then from my point of view Obama is still pretty insecure about his political capital in the party and congress. He might be the nominee, but that doesn't give him political capital to make other Dems angry at him by voting against FISA.

What ever. It's mostly about letting my frustrations out.  This FISA thing hurt but you can tell from the press conference today and the tepid response to questions about his support for the bill, that he really isn't enjoying having to make a decision about this. Don't know if that helps.

There's a new article over at newsweek.com from Elenor Clift, about how Obama and Hillary's paths will eventually have to cross during the fall. She doesn't endorse the "dream ticket" idea, but says that Obama will defenetley have to please the Clintons. But thats not the interesting part! (at least, not the MOST)

This is pure speculation, but I'm guessing more endorsements tomorrow for Obama, since he is doing no campaigning anywhere tomorrow. Feel free to mark my diary as spam, haha.

My first diary!

This IS a big endorsement! He has already stated that he would be loyal to Hillary throughout the campaign. What changed his mind? Take a look