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NYT wanted "timetables" in McCain op-ed (Jonathan Martin, 7/21/08, Politico)

The New York Times Op-Ed page editor, in rejecting John McCain's opinion piece on Iraq, explained that he wanted to hear more detail on the GOP candidate's plan for the country -- including information about "timetables."

McCain, of course, has steadfastly rejected any timeline for withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq.

It would be terrific to have an article from Senator McCain that mirrors Senator Obama's piece," wrote David Shipley, the Op-Ed editor, in an email last Friday to a McCain aide that I've obtained in full. "To that end, the article would have to articulate, in concrete terms, how Senator McCain defines victory in Iraq. It would also have to lay out a clear plan for achieving victory -- with troops levels, timetables and measures for compelling the Iraqis to cooperate."