Obama Weighs McCain-Free Trip to Iraq

He may travel after nomination—but not as campaign 'stunt'
By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff
Posted May 29, 2008 4:20 AM CDT
Obama Weighs McCain-Free Trip to Iraq
Barack Obama is saluted by Marine Corps veterans during a campaign visit with New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson, right, at the Veteran's Memorial Park in Las Cruces, N.M., Monday, May 26, 2008.    (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)

Barack Obama is considering visiting Iraq after clinching the Democratic nomination, the New York Times reports. The candidate, slammed by John McCain for not having traveled to Iraq since 2006, has turned down the offer of a joint visit with McCain, referring to such a trip as a "stunt." He told reporters that his campaign is considering arranging a foreign trip this summer, and that Iraq would be the most important stop.

"If I’m going to Iraq, then I’m there to talk to troops and talk to commanders—I’m not there to try to score political points or perform,” Obama said. “The work they’re doing is too important.” (More Barack Obama stories.)

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