TPM Reader PM on the McCain campaign event ...

I just wanted to provide a comment regarding McCain's Iraq trip from a slightly different perspective that I don't believe has been considered by many. U.S. government officials including elected representatives have regularly visited Iraq for a host of reasons and, of course, all have been provided with necessary protection by our servicemen. This is all completely reasonable under most circumstances and indeed part and parcel of the military's responsibilities in Iraq. However, is it still justified to use our military, both men and machines, in such an overwhelming way to simply provide McCain with what amounts to a political ad for a presidential campaign? McCain's intent was to demonstrate the wisdom of a surge he fully supported and provide the electorate proof of his good judgment. Unfortunately, the only way to fulfill this illusion was with the use of heavy military cover. Since all military operations involve some risk, I ask: Was it reasonable to risk the lives of our soldiers for a staged photo-opportunity?