Statement By Former Secretary Of State Lawrence Eagleburger On Mitt Romney's Inconsistent Position On Iraq

January 26, 2008 -- ARLINGTON, VA -- Former Secretary of State Lawrence Eagleburger today issued the following statement on Governor Mitt Romney's remarks on secret timetables for withdrawal from Iraq:

"The next President of the United States must be a leader of courage, not a weather vane who shifts in the wind. John McCain will not waver in the face of the enemy. He's been tested under fire in war and did not wilt on Iraq when the polls went south and the drumbeat for withdrawal grew louder. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for Governor Romney.

When it came to unequivocally advocating and supporting the successful surge in Iraq, John McCain was rock solid while Governor Romney sought political cover by indicating his support for secret' withdrawal timetables. At a critical moment, John McCain proved that he was ready to be Commander in Chief. Unfortunately, Governor Romney didn't. Governor Romney failed the test of leadership on the most crucial national security issue facing the United States with American combat forces in the field; he wilted. John McCain stood tall."

Source: John McCain campaign