October 7, 2008 5:51:15 AM CDT
(Newser) – Barack Obama and John McCain have battled each other to a draw when it comes to Iraq, according to a new Washington Post-ABC News poll. Americans are split more or less down the middle on Iraq policy, with 50% supporting Obama’s withdrawal timetable and 49% backing McCain’s open-ended approach. In general, 47% trust McCain to handle Iraq, while 45% trust Obama.
“The most important number by Election Day is whether a majority of the electorate has achieved a comfort level with Obama as commander in chief,” said Democratic pollster Geoffrey Garin. Right now, 48% believe Obama would make a good military commander, which Garin believes is a strong start, though it badly trails McCain’s 72%.
Source Washington Post
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Oct 6, 08 12:56 PM CDT While pundits might disagree about results, there’s no doubt John McCain’s choice of Sarah Palin and his move to suspend his campaign over the bailout are huge gambles that can be traced to strategist Steve Schmidt, the Los Angeles Times reports. Nicknamed “Bullet” by strategist Karl Rove, Schmidt is recycling tactics he used in leading George W. Bush’s “war room” in 2004. More »
Oct 6, 08 12:05 PM CDT John McCain’s health care plan, based on tax credits, would be funded by cuts to Medicare and Medicaid, which analysts say could amount to some $1.3 trillion over a decade. The move would allow McCain to uphold his pledge of a “budget neutral” health strategy, the Wall Street Journal reports, but the cuts appear to run counter to campaign statements that suggest tax increases would pay for the plan. More »
Barack Obama • John McCain • Election 2008 • Iraq • poll • Iraq exit strategy • Washington Post ABC poll
