McCain in Baghdad, some please refresh my memory

[Shanti Mama]

After it was declared that Baghdad was much safer now, that one could walk safely down the streets, McCain staged a photo op there to 'prove' it. If my memory serves me well, virtually all of the Iraqis who lived/ran shops on the street where he walked were killed the next day for cooperating with the US. Is this true?
Thanks for helping my memory out.

[Proud Liberal Dem]

1. I remember that particular incident pretty well when it happened

It seemed to have slipped into the MSM's "memory hole" however. I thought that what he did was pretty irresponsible not to mention dishonest since I believe he had quite a significant military "entourage" during this trip. I thought at the time (and apparently was right) that "publicizing" his trip to that marketplace was tantamount to Bush's "bring it on" speech and would invite some kind of follow up attack (once all of the troops were gone, of course). Didn't this incident nearly sink his candidacy? I think that this was also during the same trip that one of our idiot repuke representatives from Indiana suggested that that marketplace was similar to a marketplace here. Stupid. Stupid. :silly:

Of course, NOW Baghdad IS much safer NOW because the "surge" helped us succeed. He (and the MSM) said so!
:sarcasm:

[Shanti Mama]

2. I think MoveOn or someone ought to do an ad about this

OF COURSE he knew there would be retaliation. Or if he didn't that's proof that he's not smart enough to lead a boy scout troop. I remember that I had a bit of respect for him before that but what he did was unconscionable. 100s dead for his little photo op. DISGUSTING. and so sad.

[Proud Liberal Dem]

3. I think it would be a good idea

Unfortunately, with today's MSM and the GOP's amazing ability to "manufacture" outrage it would probably backfire on Move On just like the "Betrayus" ad was unfairly (IMHO) villified by everybody (including some Democrats) but McCain's publicity stunt was still REALLY stupid.