Russia-Georgia conflict puts foreign affairs in spotlight for presidential candidates
The conflict gives John McCain another stage to flex his credentials; he cites his conversation with Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili. Vacationing Barack Obama toughens stance in statement.
YORK, Pa. -- Foreign affairs took center stage in the presidential campaign today as the leading candidates seemed to compete over who could be toughest about Russia's invasion of Georgia.
Speaking at a campaign stop here, Republican John McCain told more than 3,000 people that he had spoken with Georgia President Mikhail Saakashvili and told him that "the thoughts, prayers and support of the American people are with that great little nation as it struggles today."
"I told him that I know I speak for every American when I said to him, today, we are all Georgians," McCain said in the appearance.
Obama, who is on vacation in Hawaii, issued a statement in which he hardened his language in describing Russia, which attacked Georgia over its actions against two pro-Russian provinces. Fighting is reportedly continuing though Russian officials say they have ordered the military to cease.
"Now is the time for action -- not just words," Obama said in the statement. "It is past time for the Russian government to immediately sign and implement a cease-fire. Russia must halt its violation of Georgian airspace and withdraw its ground forces from Georgia, with international monitors to verify that these obligations are met."
Throughout the campaign, McCain has pressed foreign and security affairs, arguing that Obama lacks the experience to lead the United States. The issues come up most often in discussions about Iraq and Afghanistan, but last week's military action against Georgia has given McCain another stage.
The Arizona Republican has a history of supporting Georgia, formerly part of the Soviet Union, but now an independent country that is a strong ally of the United States. Georgia has sent troops to fight alongside Americans in Iraq and Afghanistan and the United States supports its application to join NATO.
McCain has visited Georgia several times and has been friendly with Saakashvili. McCain has also warned about what he sees as Russia's ambitions to reestablish some form of authority over countries that became independent when the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991.
He repeated that stand today, saying that Russia responded with "violence against Georgia to send a signal" to "any country that chooses to associate with the West."
Voters say they trust McCain more than Obama on security affairs, though the leading issue is the economy and rising energy costs. After discussing Georgia, McCain spoke about energy, again calling on Congress to return to deal with the issue.
Mehta reported from Pennsylvania; Muskal from Los Angeles.
seema.mehta@latimes.com
michael.muskal@latimes.com
