[Updated to correct grammatical error]
John McCain apparently saw the writing on the wall, and it told him he had better change his position in regards to a timetable in Iraq or be left in the dust. It was increasingly apparent that the sovereign Iraqi government were sold on Obama's 16-month plan, so McCain stopped criticizing it and jumped on board.
"I think it's a pretty good timetable" stated McCain on Friday during an interview on CNN's Situation Room. Of course he tried to provide some difference between Obama and him by saying that it depends on conditions on the ground, though Obama has always maintained that as well.
One needs only look to this past month for some major differences:
"emulating the worst mistake of the Bush administration by waving the 'Mission Accomplished' banner prematurely." --- John McCain critiquing Obama's timetable in his rejected NY Times editorial
Wouldn't it have been a better idea not to invade in the first place?
"not some artificial, politically inspired" --- John McCain critiquing Obama's timetable noted in July 17th Reuter's article
Hmm, artificial and politically inspired....are we talking about John McCain's current political stances?
"And since we are succeeding and then I am convinced, as I have said before, we can withdraw and withdraw with honor, not according to a set timetable" --- John McCain quoted in a NY Times OpEd on July 8th
But if there happened to be a timetable, 16 months would be good
"And if we still adopt Sen. Obama's proposal for a set date for withdrawal, this very fragile success that we have achieved will be jeopardized. That's what Gen. Petraeus says, and that's what Osama bin Laden says," --- John McCain from a July 14th Reuter's article
I hope McCain consulted with bin Laden before embracing his new outlook...