McCain Camp Fires Back on Foreign Policy

Officials say the Democrat will remain in Afghanistan until Sunday, as his week-long tour of the Middle East and Europe begins. Set to meet President Karzai on Sunday.

First stops briefly in Kuwait, where he posed with troops and made an outside three-pointer. CLICK ABOVE TO WATCH.

Tells reporters before leaving the U.S.: “I’m more interested in listening than doing a lot of talking.”

Read more from the traveling pool report.

Plus: NBC reports military commanders in Iraq will tell Obama they oppose a set withdrawal timetable. Watch video. Permalink

Obama: Overseas

McCain: NY, NY (No public events) Permalink

An unnamed senior McCain official responds to Saturday’s report that Iraqi PM Maliki supports Obama’s withdrawal plan.

Tells the Atlantic’s Ambinder: “His domestic politics require him to be for us getting out… Regardless, voters care about [the] military, not about Iraqi leaders.”

Official campaign statement: “Timing is not as important as whether we leave with victory and honor, which is of no apparent concern to Barack Obama.” Read full statement here.

Obama aide Rice: This presents an important opportunity to transition to Iraqi responsibility….” Read more. Permalink

The former vice president makes a surprise appearance at the Austin “Netroots Nation” bloggers conference, prompting thunderous cheers.

Joined Speaker Pelosi on stage and took several question.

Asked if he would seek a role in an Obama administration, says he’d rather “focus on trying to enlarge the political space in which political officials address this climate crisis.”

Another surprise guest: Libertarian candidate Bob Barr.
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NY Times says McCain’s onetime rival is “attracting perhaps more buzz than anyone else as a potential running mate.”

Attention due in part to his economic literacy and Michigan roots. Permalink

The Senator strongly attacks Obama for releasing his Iraq and Afghanistan strategies before his overseas trip.

“Apparently, he’s confident enough that he won’t find any facts that might change his opinion or alter his strategy. Remarkable.”

Also hits Obama for opposing the surge in Iraq.

Read his full radio address, and listen to it here. Permalink

Meet the Press: Gore

Fox News Sunday: Adm. Michael Mullen, Sens. Lieberman, Bayh

Face the Nation: Treasury Secretary Paulson

Late Edition: Speaker Pelosi, House Minority Whip Blunt, Paulson

This Week: Pre-empted by British Open Permalink

White House communications staff accidentally e-mails reporters a story apparently positive for Obama — that Iraq’s president favors his withdrawal plan.

ABC: “The misfire comes at an odd time for Bush foreign policy.” Permalink

The Prince of Darkness says Obama has been sitting down with “heavy industry CEOs” in Washington.

Goal is to show the corporate leaders “they would be able to do business with him in the White House. Permalink

An ad accusing the Illinois Senator of “flip-flopping” on numerous issues will begin airing nationally on Tuesday, according to the group Let Freedom Ring. Click above to watch.

Group says the ad buy will cost several hundred thousand dollars.
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The Indiana Senator and potential VP contender tells National Journal he and Obama have a lot in common.

“We know each other, we’re friends, we’re about the same age….”

Read more here. Permalink

Field poll: 51% in the Golden State oppose Proposition 8, which would amend the state Constitution to ban gay marriage.

42% support the initiative, on November’s ballot.
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