John McCain (R) Senator, AZ Born: 08/29/1936 Birthplace: Panama Canal Zone Home: Phoenix, AZ Religion: Episcopalian >> Website >> Forum >> Related Stories Coming Events

ROCK HILL, S.C. - Sen. John McCain joined administration officials Saturday in saying that the United States could make further troop withdrawals from Iraq in coming months. His prediction comes on the heels of President Bush's announcement that 5,700 "surge" troops could be withdrawn from Iraq because of "success" made in the country.

"If we see continued progress that we have seen in the last few months, then I think Americans will be satisfied and we can make further troop withdrawals," McCain, R-Ariz., said after speaking to 400 people in Rock Hill.

McCain, a presidential candidate, has been on a weeklong "No Surrender" bus tour in which he has sharply criticized the idea of withdrawing the lion's share of U.S. troops from Iraq.

"I believe to set a date for withdrawal is to set a date for surrender," McCain said.

The "No Surrender" motto could have well applied to McCain's candidacy. The one-time front-runner has suffered from a lack of money in his campaign. He came through South Carolina running a close third behind Fred Thompson and Rudolph Giuliani.

On Saturday, McCain was terse when repeatedly asked by one reporter whether he was staying in the race.

"You want to say 'you're staying (in the race)?' again and I'll say we're doing very well in our campaign," he said. "It takes up a little airtime, but it's fun to talk about. We're doing very fine."