McCain aide says Georgia view shows chops

WASHINGTON, Aug. 13 (UPI) -- Republican U.S. Sen. John McCain's comments on the Georgia crisis emphasized his foreign policy experience over his likely Democratic opponent, aides said.

McCain, the presumptive GOP presidential candidate, condemned Russia's operations in Georgia, even before U.S. President George Bush issued a statement, The Washington Post reported. He ramped up the rhetoric Tuesday, comparing Russia's actions against a "brave little nation" to Soviet aggression during the Cold War.

"You got a guy who is ready to be president on Day 1 who understands the world for what it is," said McCain ally Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C.

McCain's likely Democratic challenger, Sen. Barack Obama of Illinois, is "playing catch-up here. His initial statements, quite frankly, didn't appreciate how bold a move this was from Russia," Lindsey said.

McCain spoke "for years" on the dangers of Russian policies, said Randy Scheunemann, McCain's foreign policy adviser.

"There is a depth of knowledge, a breadth of knowledge and an extent of historical experience" that is greater than that of Obama, Scheunemann said.

Obama adviser Susan Rice, appearing on MSNBC's "Hardball" Tuesday, accused McCain of responding rashly.

"Barack Obama, the administration and the NATO allies took a measured, reasoned approach," she said.