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BLITZER: Where do you stand, Senator McCain, in the debate that's raging here in Washington between those who say, leave the Iraqis alone for the time being; get the job done in Afghanistan, first and foremost, to those that are saying it's not too early to begin pounding at the Iraqis themselves, whether or not there's a smoking gun directly linking them to the September 11 terrorist attack?
MCCAIN: I have great confidence in the leadership of this country as to how to address it.
I think the important factor here is not so much the timing, the important factor here is that Saddam Hussein continues to acquire weapons of mass destruction. There are credible reports of involvement between Iraqi administration officials, Iraqi officials, and the terrorists. There's very little doubt about what Saddam Hussein is trying to do.
So unless something dramatic happens, the fact is that Iraq has to be held accountable. But the timing and how we exactly carry that out, I think, is something left better to our leadership.
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KING: How about Iraq?
MCCAIN: Saddam Hussein is developing weapons of mass destruction as quickly as he can. The Czech government has revealed meetings, contacts between Iraqi intelligence and Mohamed Atta. The evidence is very clear.
I think that the timing is a question of -- of a strategy, but I also believe that Saddam Hussein, in his present state, poses a threat to the security of the United States of America. So we will have to act, I think. But that decision is made, I believe, after we take care of this particular situation we are facing now.
KING: Do you envision taking it to Iraq?
MCCAIN: I envision doing what is necessary to eliminate threats wherever they exist. The president stated time and time again those countries that harbor terrorists will be held responsible. Iraq has done a lot more than that, and I think they'll be held responsible.
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