Why do Democrats feel the need to mischaracterize McCain's "100 years" comment?

[nathanmedic2003]

Isn't this getting old? Does anyone know what the words "in context" mean?

He said we could have troops there for 100 years ... just like we've had troops in Germany for 65 years now, Japan for 65 years, Korea for almost 50 years, etc. I hope we're fortunate enough to have a permanent base in a friendly Iraq 100 years from now.

It's too bad that when there are so many REAL issues that could be debated, liberals feel the need to resort to smear campaigns and taking words out of context. And, yes, I realize Republicans do it, too. That's why people have such a low view of politicians in general.

If you end up w/ Obama vs. McCain, or Clinton vs. McCain, you will have enough REAL policy differences that you won't need to "make up issues" or mischaracterize statements as has been done with this "100 years" b.s.

Those who continue to use it out of context should be ashamed of themselves.
And, for what it's worth, this is coming from someone who spent 2 years serving with the 3rd ID in Iraq, and lost my best friend (and other friends) in the war. I would like for our service and my friends' death to not be in vain, which it will be if Obama just yanks all our troops out, ceding Iraq to Al-Qaeda and Shiite militias.

[Flipper]

Because we were told by Bush that "as Iraq stands up, we will stand down". We were told by Bush that there would be NO permanent bases in Iraq.

In other words, we were lied to. And the American people don't like being lied to.

I honor you for your service. My brother also served. But Iraq has come to symbolize everything bad about the Bush administration, and for McCain to utter the words "100 years" just leaves people angry and bitter.