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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2009
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McChrystal Meets With Obama to Make His Case

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(Newser) – President Obama squeezed in a quick, unannounced meeting this morning with Gen. Stanley McChrystal during his trip to Copenhagen. The two met for about a half-hour aboard Air Force One, where McChrystal presumably made his case in person for more troops in Afghanistan. The general flew in from London, where he delivered a speech yesterday bluntly warning that a strategy relying more on airstrikes than ground troops would fail, reports the New York Times.

If nothing else, the meeting should quiet critics who say Obama has been too removed from McChrystal—they hadn't spoken in person since June. The president met with his national security team in Washington Wednesday on the Afghan issue, and he's got three more sessions scheduled before announcing his decision. McChrystal wants up to 40,000 more troops.

General Stanley McChrystal delivers a speech in London Thursday, Oct. 1, 2009.
General Stanley McChrystal delivers a speech in London Thursday, Oct. 1, 2009.   (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
General Stanley McChrystal delivers a speech in London Thursday, Oct. 1, 2009.
General Stanley McChrystal delivers a speech in London Thursday, Oct. 1, 2009.   (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
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5 comments
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polstroad
Oct 2, 09 8:38 AM CDT
critics ought to do a bit of study! There is a guy called the Sec of Defense. He is the intermediary between our generals and our poliical figures. That is why he has the job he has. Now repeat. Reply
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thirdherd
Oct 2, 09 9:09 AM CDT
President picked him, he's his guy and as such you want him as the expert and he should have the Presidents ear. His guy wants more troops give them to him don't let them hang on the vine. Or replace the General. Always get your info from the guy on the ground so there are no misunderstandings. Truman Johnson Nixon both Bush's etc. all had meetings with the theater commanders.
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Mia
Oct 2, 09 9:37 AM CDT
They need to stay off the ground. Reply
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KurtRambis4va
Oct 2, 09 10:36 AM CDT
The headline for this is too vague, as most people have no idea who McChrystal is!! NYT readers might, but Newser readers aren't that smart. No wonder this comment page is so empty. He is the general in charge of the war, and he hasn't been given the time of day: A 1/2 hour meeting before going to Copenhagen to try to get the olympics to come to Chicago?! Un-fuckin-believable. Let's hope the remaining three meetings they have equates to indulgent discussion instead of bullet points. Reply
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justme
Oct 2, 09 8:38 PM CDT
When you want the appearance of listening but don't actually want to follow the man's advice, a half hour visit is enough. However, Obama has several meetings scheduled with the people who will help him spin the truth of the decision he makes. I worry about Obama because he still seems unable to make strong decisions that upset his base, even when they are in the best interest of this country. Reply
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