Nation & World

<< Previous   of   Next >>   ADVERTISEMENT   CONTACT THE HERALD Do you have a news tip? newstips@heraldnet.com | 425.339.3400   Published: Saturday, July 19, 2008 McCain ad blasts Obama's stance on Iraq Associated Press WASHINGTON -- Republican John McCain launched a new television ad Friday that accuses presidential rival Barack Obama of switching positions on Iraq "to help himself become president" just as the Democratic candidate prepared to make a high-profile trip to Baghdad. McCain's sharply worded criticism was not limited to the ad. He said Friday that Obama would face a far less secure Iraq "if we had done what he wanted to do." The 30-second ad, running on national cable and in 11 battleground states, is the hardest hit aimed at Obama so far by McCain. "Barack Obama never held a single Senate hearing on Afghanistan," the ad's announcer says. "He hasn't been to Iraq in years. He voted against funding our troops. Positions that helped him win his nomination. Now Obama is changing to help himself become president." The ad suggests Obama was placing politics ahead of the country's interests. "John McCain has always supported our troops and the surge that's working. McCain. Country first," the ad states. McCain could have let the Republican National Committee air the commercial, as it did with another critical portrayal of Obama. But McCain aides say Iraq and national security are issues that McCain is eager to debate with Obama and saw no reason to put distance between himself and the criticism.

1. Boeing, Machinists union agree to talks 2. Crash injures 1, blocks highway near Granite Falls 3. Meridian Yachts to shut down; hundreds to lose jobs 4. 'Opus' creator to retire from drawing comic strips 5. Supreme Court ruling clears way for Dwayne Lane's Island Crossing plans 6. Few answers in fatal Snohomish fire 7. Horizon's request is no worry to Allegiant 8. U.S. 2 trestle to be closed Friday night 9. Fixes for Lake Stevens bus policy satisfy parent 10. Vikings' Dickinson practices, doubtful for showdown with M-P 2 - Top 10 Stories Most Talked about 3 - Top 10 Stories Most Emailed

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