Q from audience to Obama: respect Pakistani sovereignty and provide safe haven to terrorists, or ignore Pakistani sovereignty and pursue those who attack us, like Cambodia?
Obama addresses questioner directly: Must end the war in Iraq to be able to fight in Afghanistan. Change policies. Can’t coddle a dictator. Expend non-military aid. If we have ObL in our sights and the Pakistanis won’t act, we should go after him and kill him.
McCain accuses Obama of announcing that he wants to attack Pakistan. Turns public opinion against us. Walk softly and carry a big stick. Obama likes to talk loudly. Get the support of the people.
Obama insists on a follow-up. I never said “attack Pakistan.” McCain likes to attack me as wet behind the ears, but who sang “Bomb bomb bomb Iran”? Said he wanted to annihilate North Korea. Said “Next stop, Baghdad.” I was joking about Iran. Repeats that Obama said that he would attack Pakistan, which everyone heard him not say. Don’t telegraph your punches.