McCain Hitches Hopes to Petraeus' Star

Steadfast support of war, general may help candidate gain traction

By Wesley Oliver, Newser Staff

Posted Sep 11, 2007 1:35 PM CDT

(Newser) – John McCain’s presidential prospects may rest on his criticism of the Bush administration and his support for David Petraeus, and if the situation allows, the Arizona senator will be rewarded for his support of an unpopular war, the Politico's Roger Simon contends. McCain bemoans the “many mistakes” made in Iraq but applauds the general’s work.

Petraeus, who holds a Princeton PhD, is the “most impressive guy I’ve met, seen in action, in a long time,” McCain gushes. If he is right, McCain once again could become the presidential campaign maverick who says whatever he wants, especially since he’s lost frontrunner status. An ex-aide says, “He is becoming more of an outsider again.”

Presidential hopeful Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., acknowledges applause before speaking at the California Republican Party convention in Indian Wells, Calif., Saturday, Sept. 8, 2007. (AP Photo/Reed Saxon) (Associated Press)

Republican presidential hopeful, Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., pauses as he listens to a reporter's question outside of CBS studios after he made an appearance on "Face the Nation" in Washington, Sunday,... (Associated Press)

Gen. David Petraeus, left, and U.S. Ambassador to Iraq Ryan Crocker, background, testify on Capitol Hill in Washington, Monday, Sept. 10, 2007, before the joint House Armed Services Committee and House... (Associated Press)

Gen. David Petraeus testifies on the future course of the war in Iraq, before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2007, on Capitol Hill in Washington. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh) (Associated Press)

Gen. David Petraeus testifies on the future course of the war in Iraq while appearing before a joint hearing of the House Armed Services Committee and House Foreign Relations Committee, Monday, Sept.... (Associated Press)

In this photo provided by ABC News, Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., appears for an interview with George Stephanopolous on ABC's This Week, in Washington, Sunday, Sept. 9, 2007. (AP Photo/ABC News, Lauren... (Associated Press)

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McCain Hitches Hopes to Petraeus' Star

Steadfast support of war, general may help candidate gain traction

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Steadfast support of war, general may help candidate gain traction

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McCain Blasts Dems on Iraq

Presumptive GOP nominee says departure calls are 'imprudent and dangerous'

War Has New Symbol: Petraeus

General copes with his transformation into a political actor

Iraq Barbs Get Sharper; Bitter Road Ahead

Candidates have flaws to exploit—if attacks don't get personal first

'08 Iraq Tab Will Soar to $200B

Bush to ask Congress for nearly $200B

White House to Ghostwrite Surge Report

Think Progress blogger furious over detail hidden in LA Times

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