Democratic presidential candidate claims current pull-out plan unchanged

By Matthew B. Zeidman

WASHINGTON (Hollywood Today) 7/6/08 – Sen. Barack Obama still intends to pull U.S. troops out of Iraq during the first 16 months of his presidency should he be elected—at least that’s what he told reporters Saturday after some criticism following a statement earlier this week various media pundits interpreted as flip-flopping on the war.

“If you look at our position, it’s been very consistent,” Obama stated on his campaign plane, according to Reuters. “I am unwavering in the belief that this has been a strategic mistake and that this war has to end. It would be a further strategic mistake for us to continue with an open-ended occupation of the sort that [Republican presidential candidate] John McCain has promised.”

The controversy originally stemmed from Obama’s assertion that he might be willing to alter his plan to withdraw if conditions in Iraq became more favorable. The Democratic presidential candidate defended his words, emphasizing it was important to change tactics in the face of changing circumstances.

“For me to say that I’m going to refine my policies I don’t think in any way is inconsistent with prior statements and doesn’t change my strategic view that this war has to end and that I’m going to end it as president,” Obama said. “I’m not somebody who, like George Bush, is willing to ignore facts on the basis of my preconceived notions. I want to pay attention to what is happening on the ground.”

Obama became the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee early last month, when party rival and former first lady Hillary Clinton conceded the race for the Democratic nomination. Clinton has since campaigned alongside Obama, who, despite speculation, has not yet chosen a running mate.