John McCain: NGAUS Speech 09/21/08

John McCain
NGAUS Speech
Baltimore, MD 09/21/08

TRANSCRIPTION
JOHN MCCAIN: "The achievement of our troops in Iraq is even greater because it had they had to press on even as some politicians back home were telling America and the word that our cause was too hard and all was lost and retreat was our only option. Those politicians panicked when things got tough. It seems to be a pattern of my opponent. Whether it's a reversal in war or an economic emergency he reacts as a politician and not as a leader, seeking an advantage for himself instead of a solution for his country.

Among the many lessons of Iraq are the words of General David Petraeus, Upon arrival in Iraq he told his troops to remember that hard is not hopeless. That is a lesson that applies to other great challenges that America now faces. Hard is not hopeless.

Unlike Senator Obama I believed the surge would succeed because I knew the capabilities and culture of the military. I was blessed to have born into a family that made its living at sea in defense of our security and our ideals. My grandfather was a naval aviator. My father: a submariner.

Earning their respect was one of the great ambitions of my life and so it was nearly pre-ordained that I would find a place in my family's profession and that occupation would one day take me to war.

Such was not the case for many of you. Your ambitions might not have led you to war; the honors you sought were not kept hidden on battlefields. You answered the call when it came; took up arms and served for your country's sake. You were and are the citizen-soldiers."

LABEL: JM MD 09-21 (JR#67) USA - ClipA

If youd like to acquire a high res version of this clip, VISIT:
http://issuealliance.box.net/shared/g7pdv95qju

To download the full event, visit:
https://issuealliance.box.net/shared/zn9c0rni8g

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• McCain
• Iraq
• Obama
• war
• tracking