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Even before the president spoke out, the senator from Arizona helped to slow the rush of public opinion toward retreat from Iraq. Whatever effect the senator’s speeches and press appearances ultimately have on his political future — and his presidential prospects for 2008 — he has once again served the cause of the nation.

McCain was also the most prominent opponent of the ill-advised measure in the Senate, shepherded to an overwhelming majority by Sen. John Warner, pressing for troop reductions in Iraq this year. McCain also clearly understands the need for congressional oversight in wartime – witness his amendment to regulate the treatment of detainees – and its appropriate limits.