Jill Biden Spends Time With Marines at Camp Lejeune

Gotta love Jill Biden.

Obama Speech at Camp Lejeune Feb. 27

I love the part where Obama tells them they're going to get a pay raise. Obama's announcement of a withdrawal date is brilliant. Here's why - it signals to Iraq that they need to do whatever it is they need to do to get up to speed.

Without a timetable, they don't have that sense. At the same time, Obama has shown that he will be flexible. If things change, he'll adapt.

Obama was kind enough to give a heads up to George Bush. Read about that here (the comments are funny).
I truly think this is one of Obama's best speeches:

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Even John McCain is on board:

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Iraq War Ends August 31 2010

Update: see the video announcement here.

CNN: "Let me say this as plainly as I can: By August 31, 2010, our combat mission in Iraq will end," Obama will say, according to the officials.

Congressional officials Thursday said the president told congressional leaders of his plan.

Under this plan, all combat troops will be withdrawn within 19 months of Obama's January inauguration, three months longer than his promise on the campaign trail.

Sounds like good news right?
But what is everyone complaining about? Obama's leaving behind 35,000 to 50,000 troops to do peaceful missions. They would be out by the end of 2011. And instead of being out in 16 months, we'll be out in 19 months.
Big whoop.
This is huge.
If George Bush were still in office, the war would go on endlessly. If McCain was our president, same thing.

I'll post video of the announcement, which will be live at 11:45 am eastern. Obama is headed to Camp Lejeune in North Carolina now.