Obama Weighs McCain-Free Trip to Iraq

Barack Obama is considering visiting Iraq after clinching the Democratic nomination, the New York Times reports. The candidate, slammed by John McCain for not having traveled to Iraq since 2006, has turned down the offer of a joint visit with McCain, referring to such a trip as a "stunt." He told reporters that his campaign is considering arranging a foreign trip this summer, and that Iraq would be the most important stop.

"If I’m going to Iraq, then I’m there to talk to troops and talk to commanders—I’m not there to try to score political points or perform,” Obama said. “The work they’re doing is too important.” (More Barack Obama stories.)