Dec 1, 2009
I support the President's policy for Afghanistan. I think he made the right decision, really a brave decision.
John McCain
The Public Record
John McCain was a prominent American politician and military officer who served as a United States Senator from Arizona from 1987 until his death in 2018. A member of the Republican Party, McCain was known for his bipartisan approach and commitment to national security. He was a veteran of the Vietnam War, where he was a prisoner of war for over five years, an experience that shaped his political career and views on military and foreign policy.
congress.gov
Dec 1, 2009
Right now the expectation level of the American people, because of the President's speech, is that we will be withdrawing, as of July 2011, regardless of conditions on the ground.
Dec 1, 2009
Will we withdraw our forces based on conditions on the ground or based on an arbitrary date, regardless of conditions on the ground?
Dec 1, 2009
No amount of troops in no amount of time will ever be enough to completely achieve success in such a fight.
Dec 1, 2009
The duration of our military presence is not open-ended, but our civilian commitment must continue.
Dec 1, 2009
I will be an ally in this effort, and I pledge to do everything in my power to ensure that we win this war.
Dec 1, 2009
By announcing a date for withdrawal, don't you think that contradicts the counterinsurgency manual?
Dec 1, 2009
I say with great respect, Secretary Gates, the President announced that we would begin withdrawing on a hard date of July 2011.
Dec 1, 2009
He pledged to combat corruption, improve governance, and deliver for the people of his country.
Dec 1, 2009
I look forward to hearing what progress we're making on creating such a joint civil-military effort.
Dec 1, 2009
What I don't support and what concerns me greatly is the President's decision to set an arbitrary date to begin withdrawing U.S. forces from Afghanistan.
Dec 1, 2009
The situation in Afghanistan and Pakistan is serious, but it is not, in my view, as negative as frequently portrayed in public.
Dec 1, 2009
I emphasize 'winning.' This depends as much on the substance of our policy as the signals we send.
Dec 1, 2009
I support the President's decision, and I think it deserves the support of all Americans, both Republicans and Democrats.
Dec 1, 2009
We will be asking them and the American people to make extraordinary sacrifices on behalf of our security.
Dec 1, 2009
The President was wrong to signal our intention to begin leaving Afghanistan on an arbitrary date.
Dec 1, 2009
I am eager to hear from our distinguished witnesses how we can say, as the President did last night, that our withdrawal will begin in July 2011, no matter what, but that this arbitrary date will also take into account conditions on the…
Dec 1, 2009
The President's decision for an extended surge to Afghanistan of 30,000 additional forces is so important.
Dec 1, 2009
Our objectives are clear: We will work with the Afghan and Pakistani Governments to eliminate safe havens for those plotting to attack against us.
Politicians like John McCain
