If you were a democratically inclined Iraqi, you’d be very happy that Saddam Hussein is gone.

John McCain: I think it depends on individual experiences in Iraq; but I think that the citizens of Baghdad that used to be subjected to arbitrary killing and imprisonment, especially brutal to young women by Saddam Hussein’s sons – I think if you were democratically inclined, that you’re very happy that Saddam Hussein is gone. But I think there’s also frustration because of our four years of failure – failed policy in Iraq, and I understand that. But I think you’re now seeing where the reverse flow of refugees in a more secure environment – Iraqis beginning to probably say, “I’m glad that the Americans are here doing the right thing.” But I also think the Iraqis want more and more to take over the responsibilities, and I hope that the military is capable of doing that. I believe the military is capable of doing it; but I come around again to my initial answer to you. They’ve got to have a functioning central government effectively.

Recorded on: 11/20/07