When McCain highlighted the fact that Obama had not been to Iraq since the surge began--he gave Obama a golden opportunity to not only FIX that problem, but also make a huge, major media event of his "Mystery Tour".
McCain should have waited until the first debate to tell Obama, "You don't know what you're talking about, you haven't even been to Iraq since the successful surge began"!!
It would have had a huge effect--and would have been a GREAT 'debate moment'--that would have embarrassed Obama on a national stage (with the largest number of Americans watching).
Instead, McCain blew it by giving him a lot of time to FIX that problem and turn it into a big positive.
Agreed...You said a mouthful.