Despite Peril, McCain Principled

Concerning the Campaign: “We've made mistakes. The responsibility is mine. I'm the candidate. We didn't use the money in the most effective way. It's difficult times right now.”

Concerning the War: “If there is to be hope of a sustainable end to the violence that so plagues that country, Iraqi political leaders must seize this opportunity. It will not come around again. Defeatism will not buy peace in our time. It will only lead to more bloodshed — and to more American casualties in the future. If we choose to lose in Iraq, our enemies will hit us harder in Afghanistan hoping to erode our political will and encourage calls in Western capitals for withdrawal and accommodation with our enemy there as well. Democratic candidates for president will argue for the course of cutting our losses and withdrawing from the threat in the vain hope it will not follow us here.”