During a discussion of a recent anti-Obama ad released by the Vets for Freedom Political Action Committee, Hegseth asserted, “Barack Obama hasn't been there for two-and-a-half years, has never met with General Petraeus, and I think he needs to do a little bit more than just consider.” Later, when asked by Cavuto what “the McCain folks told you on [the ad],” Hegseth repeated the falsehood, saying, “All we've heard is them echoing what we started with our ad on Friday, that, 'Hey, Senator Obama, why have you not gone to Iraq? Why have you not met with General Petraeus?' ” Cavuto did not correct Hegseth's false claim in either instance by pointing out that Obama had met with Petraeus as recently as April 8.
CAVUTO: You know, Kate, we've had reports, even from the Secret Service, they're very concerned that if, for example, John McCain and Barack Obama both went to Iraq at the same time, it could be a dicey situation -- to say nothing of their safety -- but even how you pull that off. Do you think they should both go at the same time?
SPC. KATE NORLEY (combat medic): At the same time? Absolutely. I mean, I think that, you know, if this is something that Senator McCain feels that -- you know, he's been over there -- that he could give -- you know, be a good assistant to the areas that have made the most progress and that he would be, you know, a good tour guide.
CAVUTO: All right, what do you make of that?
HEGSETH: No, I mean, I think it would be a great idea. Senator McCain's been back three times since the surge was announced. He understands the dynamics on the ground. Barack Obama hasn't been there for two-and-a-half years, has never met with General Petraeus, and I think he needs to do a little bit more than just consider. I mean, he needs to make a commitment to go to Iraq. Our veterans are making commitments of 12 to 15 months in Iraq, they're not just considering it, and we call on --
CAVUTO: What have the McCain --
HEGSETH: -- Senator Obama to make that trip.
CAVUTO: What have the McCain folks told you on this, Pete? On the ad itself?
HEGSETH: All we've heard is them echoing what we started with our ad on Friday, that, “Hey, Senator Obama, why have you not gone to Iraq? Why have you not met with General Petraeus?” I think it's a strong message that they've picked up on, and we're proud to --
CAVUTO: But you'd be happy if --
HEGSETH: -- have sort of started that ball rolling.
CAVUTO: -- if Obama went alone?
HEGSETH: Oh, we just want Senator Obama to see it.
CAVUTO: You just want him to go.
HEGSETH: I think it's going to be hard for him to deny the progress once he sees it firsthand.
CAVUTO: All right, Pete, Kate, thank you both very, very much.
HEGSETH: Thank you, Neil.
NORLEY: Thank you.
