Malveaux: Obama's position changed. Begala, Richardson: Wrong

By GottaLaff

On Obama's Iraq policy:

Paul Begala: He's going to withdraw the combat troops. I'd tell him to never engage in hypotheticals. The journalists were trying. He avoided the "gotchas", and contrasted with McCain. He stuck to his policy.

Suzanne Malveaux: How's this different from Bush?

Bill Richardson: He's been consistent, out in 16 months. Safely and securely as possible. When you go to Iraq, you listen to commanders. The guy has been entirely consistent, and I don't know why there's such a fuss. Refinement means he'll get the facts, but his basic 16 month position is the same.

Suzanne: What are refinements? Slowing the pace of withdrawal? That seems that you're not gonna withdraw at the pace he said.

Bill: There are combat and non-combat troops. Combat troops out in 16 months, but there are logistical issues that he can pick up, but the basic policy is unchanged. Maybe a peacekeeping force, dialog with Iran, regional proposals, diplomatic issues.