Obama demonstrated that he understands the problem with Iraq is that there is no clear definition of victory. The main problem is a war with no objective has no end. McCain and many Republicans give the impression that the U.S. cannot claim victory in Iraq until it is safe for all Americans to vacation there. Can you say Spring Break Baghdad? Instead, Obama clarified success with General Patreaus. Before the hearing the definition of success was an Iraq with no trace of Al Qeada and zero influence from Iran. This definition of success would take several decades and trillions of dollars to acheive. By the end of the hearing Obama successfully defined a much more attainable version of success. An Iraq where Al Qeada will try to reconsitute itself but will not be effective in imposing it's will there. Obama and Gen Patreaus left with an understanding that Iran will have some influence in Iraq but not the type of influence that will endanger U.S. interests. Obama was the only candidate that actually accomplished something and that something is clarification for success in Iraq thus clarifying circumstances under which the US will be able to withdraw troops without the Republicans declaring the Democrats lost the war.