Go to Iraq, Senator Obama

John McCain has been to Iraq eight times, the last time being a couple of months ago.

Barack Obama has been to Iraq only once, in 2006.

So McCain criticizes Obama for it--doing so on Memorial Day:

"Look at what happened in the last two years since Senator Obama visited and declared the war lost," the GOP nominee-in-waiting told The Associated Press in an interview, noting that the Illinois senator's last trip to Iraq came before the military buildup that is credited with curbing violence.

"He really has no experience or knowledge or judgment about the issue of Iraq and he has wanted to surrender for a long time," the Arizona senator added. "If there was any other issue before the American people, and you hadn't had anything to do with it in a couple of years, I think the American people would judge that very harshly."

and then issues an invitation via Senator Lindsey Graham to accompany him on a trip to the country:

Sen. Lindsey Graham, one of McCain's top surrogates, laid the groundwork for McCain's criticism in a television interview in which he noted Obama's absence from Iraq and floated the idea that Obama and McCain should go together to be briefed by Gen. David Petraeus, the top U.S. commander in Iraq, and Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki.

Short-sightedly, Obama declines with a verbal rebuke of his own via spokesman Bill Burton:

Senator Obama thinks Memorial Day is a day to honor our nation's veterans, not a day for political posturing.

But after catching deserved rhetorical flak for that response, Obama "considers" making a second trip to Iraq. Confederate Yankee Bob Owens is scornful:

Burton suggests that while Obama is willing to meet rogue terrorist-sponsoring regimes without preconditions, he will not meet with America’s allies or American soldiers to talk of current developments. Instead he will doggedly stick to a defeatist stance hardened years ago, and immune to change.

Yes, but Obama shouldn't be afraid to change his mind about Iraq. He changes his mind about everything else and his apostles acolytes followers supporters are just as adoring steadfast as ever. They're even immune to the fact that Hillary Clinton appears to have more cojones in this area than their savior does.

Don't be afraid, Senator. Go to Iraq, have your mind changed--or rather, appear to be changed--declare victory and don't worry. Your Jedi Mind Trick abilities are strong and your apostles acolytes followers supporters will never remember that the were against the war before they were for it. The incandescence of your magnanimity and courage will be a beacon for those who are prone to it! /purple prose

Think his advisers will get him to do this? Neither do I. After all they still haven't changed his web site declaration that he's "the only major candidate who supports tough, direct presidential diplomacy with Iran without preconditions." And he certainly won't do anything autonomously.

And, yes, he needs better people.

(Thanks to Instapundit)