Via Denver, barbs exchanged on war strategy

The American G.I. Forum, an Hispanic veterans group that met in Denver, was the catalyst for an exchange in the presidential race over U.S. foreign policy and war strategy.

Presumptive GOP presidential nominee John McCain spoke to the group on Friday, criticizing Democratic rival Barack Obama for what McCain called Obama's "audacity of hopelessness" in opposing the troop surge in Iraq and plans for withdrawal.

The Obama campaign replied that, "The American people are looking for a serious debate about the way forward in Iraq and Afghanistan, and angry, false accusations will do nothing to accomplish that goal."

During a radio address Saturday, McCain further tweaked Obama for his trip to the Middle East and Europe, prompting Obama - in London - to point out McCain's own recent visits to Colombia, Canada and Mexico.

New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson spoke to the G.I. Forum after McCain, and in an interview Saturday with Karen Crummy, called McCain's criticism of Obama "sour grapes."

"McCain's jealous of the coverage and acclaim Obama is getting. McCain just doesn't generate excitement," said Richardson, a Democrat who ran in the presidential primaries against Obama and now supports him.

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