Well, personally I prefer the original transcript. I think the editing hurts McCain and makes it look like he's avoiding her question entirely.http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/07/22/eveningnews/main4283813.shtml
Saying the Anbar awakening happened before the surge is like saying the American Revolution started in 1773 at the Boston Tea Party or 1765 when Americans started grumbling about the stamp act. What McCain actually said in response to her question, and it is true and accurate to the question is:
"I don't know how you respond to something that is such a false depiction of what actually happened. Colonel McFarlane (phonetic) was contacted by one of the major Sunni sheiks. Because of the surge we were able to go out and protect that sheik and others. And it began the Anbar awakening. I mean, that's just a matter of history. Thanks to General Petraeus, our leadership, and the sacrifice of brave young Americans. I mean, to deny that their sacrifice didn't make possible the success of the surge in Iraq, I think, does a great disservice to young men and women who are serving and have sacrificed. "
Which is true. Grumbling of a sheik and his followers is nothing. Giving them the backing to turn that complaining into action required the surge.