TYLER, Texas Republican presidential hopeful John McCain mocked Barack Obama's view of al-Qaeda in Iraq, and the Democratic contender responded that GOP policies brought the terrorist group there. The exchange Wednesday underscored that the two consider each other likely general election rivals, even though the Democratic contest remains unresolved.

McCain said he had not watched Tuesday night's debate but was told of Obama's response when asked whether as president he would reserve the right to send U.S. troops back into Iraq to quell an insurrection or civil war.

Obama didn't say whether he'd send troops but said: "As commander in chief, I will always reserve the right to make sure that we are looking out for American interests. And if al-Qaeda is forming a base in Iraq, then we will have to act in a way that secures the American homeland and our interests abroad."

...we will have to act in a way that secures the American homeland and our interests abroad.

Wait...secure our interests? I thought one of the big legs of his platform is resisting special interests, especially foreign investmensts, as opposed to the domestic sort.

Wait...secure our interests? I thought one of the big legs of his platform is resisting special interests, especially foreign investments, as opposed to the domestic sort.

Since Obama has taken up the mantra of * "Just words?"
"Just words?" "Just words?" "Just words?" "Just words?" "Just words?" As far as I can surmise, that just about sums Obama up for me. I've become sceptical of Obama "words".

*Cloned phrase from Gov Deval Patrick's speeches