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It's hard to imagine anything sillier than the latest media stampede about Barack Obama's "refining" his Iraq policy. Let me get this straight: he says the same thing he's been saying for months about withdrawal being dependent on factors such as troop safety and conditions on the ground and this is somehow a change in plans? Certainly the GOPers and the McCain folks would like to claim so and the RNC sent out this accusation of flip flopping when there was no flip or flop: “Since he won the primary, voters are finding out that there isn’t a single issue Barack Obama feels strongly enough about that he’s willing to put previously stated principle ahead of political gain. The issue of Iraq is a central theme to Barack Obama’s candidacy and his willingness to change the principles he campaigned on against Hillary Clinton clearly illustrates that he’s nothing more than a typical politician," said Blair Latoff, RNC Spokeswoman.

Here's what Obama said yesterday in North Dakota that set the herd off: "I've always said that the pace of withdrawal would be dictated by the safety and security of our troops and the need to maintain stability. That assessment has not changed," he said. "And when I go to Iraq and have a chance to talk to some of the commanders on the ground, I'm sure I'll have more information and will continue to refine my policies."

He said the same thing in New Hampshire during the primaries time and time again. If refine means a more intelligent approach to the Iraq mess, then we should all be grateful -- the better question should be how has McCain refined anything about Iraq in regards to permanent bases and long-term occupation, friendly or not? Imagine if George Bush had dared to do some refining.

This is a non story being pushed by the McCain camp to reporters lacking either common sense or perspective or too lazy to do their own homework -- after all, just what the hell have they been listening to all these months?

Cuba oh Cuba
This is the gift of self-satire that keeps on giving. Yesterday I reported on Republican Sen. John Sununu repeating a debunked assertion that Cuba is drilling for oil off its coast which is a variation of the Chinese drilling for oil off the coast of Cuba myth. Rather than back off, it seems the GOPers have doubled down and Rudy Giuliani has even jumped into the ring with an accusation he told to CNN nitwit Glenn Beck that the Chinese and Cubans are taking our oil. It has to be seen to be believed. You know what's coming next: Obama is conspiring with the Cubans and the Chinese to drill for oil in Miami.

A Happy and Safe July 4th to all. I'm off to cover something special: a naturalization ceremony for 200 new citizens in Portsmouth.