So in 36 hours McCain went from Yes to No to Yes?
And all the while playing a heck of a game of video poker.
The Senate Foreign Relations Committee voted Wednesday afternoon to expand a use-of-force resolution by specifying the goal of U.S. military intervention in Syria should be to bolster the Free Syrian Army.
The successful amendment, sponsored by Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), a leading Senate voice on national security matters, and Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.), also states the aim of U.S. strikes should be to reduce the ability of Syrian President Bashar Assad to use chemical weapons.
The committee adopted two McCain-Coons amendments by voice vote.
One states that the U.S. strategy toward Syria should aim “to degrade the capabilities of the Assad regime to use weapons of mass destruction while upgrading the lethal and non-lethal military capabilities of vetted elements of Syrian opposition forces.”
The second reiterated that it is U.S. policy that Assad’s departure from power, an end to violence, and a negotiated political settlement are prerequisites for regional peace and security.
The votes pave the way for the committee to pass Wednesday afternoon a resolution authorizing military force against Assad’s government.
The bidding for his vote must have been interesting.
If the “No” contingent can come up with a few more bucks, he’ll switch it back again.