MCCAIN: All His Roads Go Through Baghdad

John McCain's 8/20 blogger conference produced three news items: 1) Gen. David Petraeus is scheduled to testify before Congress on 9/11; 2) McCain is launching a 'No Surrender Tour' "featuring veterans, medal of honor winners, and those who have served in Iraq"; 3) McCain has called for an internal campaign audit.

On the 'No Surrender Tour' AmSpec Blog's Jennifer Rubin comments: "On balance: if you are a believer in the Surge and think we can't leave Iraq yet, you should be gratified to have McCain on your side. However, he is gradually shifting from the role of viable presidential candidate to leader of the war effort. If he is successful in the latter perhaps he regains his standing as a top contender." The Corner's Kathryn Jean Lopez adds: "Something to Love John McCain for ... His upcoming "No Surrender" tour."

Captain's Quarters also shares this from the call: "McCain expects the Democrats to force a "surrender date" when Congress reconvenes. He wants to see organized demonstrations in support of the war effort. McCain reminds us that he was the "greatest critic" of Rumsfeld and the previous strategy, but that the new strategy "can and must work"."