McCain Hinges White House Bid on Iraq

April 11, 2007— -- Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., addressed potential future soldiers -- and casualties -- of the Iraq War at the Virginia Military Institute Wednesday, warning them that his losing the presidency because of his support for the war means nothing compared with the international repercussions if U.S. troops withdraw prematurely.

McCain cautioned that the consequences of U.S. troops leaving too soon could include a genocide in Iraq worse than in Rwanda, and a terrorist strike against the United States worse than Sept. 11.

"The judgment of history should be the approval we seek," the GOP presidential hopeful said, "not the temporary favor of the latest public opinion poll."

Conservative columnist and ABC News consultant George F. Will said, "There's obviously a certain poignancy in the fact and drama in the fact that John McCain is acting presidential, looking at the long-term and the difficult questions, and in the process, may be hurting his chances of becoming president."

Characterizing the battle in Iraq as central to the struggle against Islamic extremism and critical to the security of the United States, McCain reiterated his support for the man leading the effort, Gen. David Petraeus, and the plan that he is executing, which requires an escalation in U.S. troop levels.

But McCain insisted that success in Iraq would not be easy.

"We, who are willing to support this new strategy and give Gen. Petraeus the time and support he needs, have chosen a hard road," McCain said. "But it is the right road. It is necessary and just."

A senior aide to the senator said that McCain believes that the American people have not been told the consequences of ending the war right now in any sustained and comprehensive way. "They are several and they are severe," the aide said.

McCain's campaign to educate the American people as to those consequences begins today, the aide said.

McCain emphasized that if U.S. troops withdraw prematurely, the Iraqi government would collapse, drawing in Iraq's neighbors -- Egypt, Iran, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Syria and Turkey.

"This uncertain swirl of events could cause the region to explode and foreclose the opportunity for millions of Muslims and their children to achieve freedom," McCain said.