Political Quotes

“I would agree with that, but wise statesmanship also dictates that we not give up certain perquisites as such, certain powers and privileges as such, certain agreements as such, or relationships, in advance of securing a commitment from the country that we are negotiating with. By way of example, Senator McCain talked about ``Team Spirit''--the joint military operations and practices that we conduct with South Korea. ``Team Spirit'' is not and should not be a bargaining chip. That is fundamental. We should not give up a joint exercise, military exercise, certainly not in advance. I do not think we should give that up at all. ``Team Spirit'' is designed to make sure that we maintain a high state of readiness. Readiness against whom? Against one of the most belligerent countries in the world today that has some 700,000 troops in an aggressive posture facing South Korea. So to give that up or even talk about compromising or canceling in advance, it seems to me, sends precisely the kind of signal Senator McCain is talking about.”