IRAN: Obama and McCain square off on Iran

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It is no secret that the situation in Iran represents a knotty problem for policymakers within the Obama administration. But pity the poor Republicans facing the same questions -- but lacking the unity that comes from being in power.

The demonstrations in Iran have caught the Obama administration between wanting to uphold traditional Western, democratic values (such as freedom of speech and elections free from scandal) and the realpolitik of having to negotiate with Iran over its nuclear plans.

President Obama has tried to maintain some distance, saying he and the world are deeply concerned by events, but it is up to Iranians to choose their own leader. Obama says the United States remains prepared for tough bargaining with Iran over the nuclear issues no matter who is president.

This approach has pitted two senior Republicans on opposite sides in the Iran debate. Arizona Sen. John McCain said today that Obama’s approach on the Iran elections is not tough enough.

McCain, interviewed on NBC’s “Today” show, said the United States should support the Iranian people “in their struggle against an oppressive, repressive regime.” He said Iran “should not be subjected to four more years of [President Mahmoud] Ahmadinejad and the radical Muslim clerics.”

Continue reading Michael Muskal’s post, “Obama and McCain square off on Iran” on our Top of the Ticket blog. Follow Michael Muskal on Twitter.

Complete coverage of Iran’s presidential election and the aftermath.