Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., doesn’t believe that Donald Trump fully understands the chaotic situation in Syria.
Responding to Trump’s comments that Russia should take on the Islamic State rather than the U.S. and their allies, McCain told CNN that he wishes Republican voters would realize that “American leadership” is needed in the region, and added that he doesn’t think that Trump understands the situation too well.
“I don’t think he understands very well the situation. He’s entitled to his opinion,” McCain told CNN’s Jake Tapper. “As far as other members of my party are concerned, all I can say is I know the realities, I’ve been there. For years, we have said what needed to be done and predicted what was going to happen.”
“If there isn’t a reassertion of American leadership in variety of ways … then we will face further consequences of an abject failure of American leadership,” McCain said.
In Trump’s initial comments Monday to CNN’s Erin Burnett, he argued that the Russians should take on the Islamic State in Syria since they are already there, adding, “How many places can we be?”
“Let Syria and ISIS fight. Why can’t we let ISIS and Syria fight? Let Russia, they’re in Syria already, let them fight ISIS. Let Russia take care of ISIS. How many places can we be?” Trump said.
