McCain ‘Guardedly’ Encouraged by Iraq Under Petraeus’ Command

ABC News’ Teddy Davis Reports: Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., told the nation’s firefighters union that he is "guardedly" encouraged about the current situation in Iraq and he suggested that the current debate in Congress is motivated by partisanship more than foresight. "The enemy beginning to react to us rather than the other way around," said McCain while speaking to a presidential candidates’ forum sponsored by the International Association of Fire Fighters.

"We have a long way to go … but I am guardedly, and I stress guardedly," encouraged about progress being made under Gen. David Petraeus whom McCain referred to as the "right commander in Iraq."

McCain, who has been heavily criticized for his steadfast support for the Iraq war, said once again: "Presidents don’t lose wars, parties don’t lose wars, nations lose wars, my friends, and nations suffer the consequences."

To underscore his message of steadfastness, McCain exited the ballroom to the sounds of Tom Petty’s: "Stand My Ground."