McCain, Lieberman Defend Obama On Libya, Push For Gaddafi's Ouster

In a Wall Street Journal Op-Ed, Sens. John MCCain (R-Ariz.) and Joe Lieberman(I-Conn.) called for a shift in Libyan policy that would designate Muammar Gaddafi’s ouster as the mission’s explicit goal. 

“As President Obama has rightly and repeatedly insisted, a successful outcome in Libya requires the departure of Gaddafi as quickly as possible,” the Senate duo wrote. “It is not in our interest for Libya to become the scene of a protracted stalemate that will destabilize and inflame the region.”

McCain and Lieberman both promoted the expansion of U.S. and NATO airstrikes in the days ahead to “pave the way for the Libyan opposition to reverse Gaddafi’s offensive and to resume their quest to end his rule.”

“We cannot guarantee the success of the Libyan revolution, but we have prevented what was, barely a week ago, its imminent destruction. That is why the president was right to intervene,” the duo wrote. “He now deserves our support as we and our coalition partners do all that is necessary to help the Libyan people secure a future of freedom.”