In a stunning show of bravado, Senator John McCain today discussed using the United States military to disarm Iran:

As the Bush administration and its European allies pursue a diplomatic solution to the Iranian nuclear standoff, some top lawmakers from both parties pressed for a more vigorous approach today, including the option of military action.

“There’s only one thing worse than the United States exercising the military option,” Senator John McCain, Republican of Arizona, said, “and that is Iran having nuclear weapons.”

Senator Pat Roberts, not exactly a pacifist, later said:

Reflecting the split among Republicans, Senator Pat Roberts of Kansas, the chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, said today that talk of the military option was premature.

“I would never rule that out,” he said on CBS, “but at this particular time, I just do not think that is any kind of an alternative.”

Look at McCain trying to get out in front of the republican party and be the lead hawk on Iran.  He apparently thinks this will help his credentials with GOP primary voters.  Why do I think this?  Pat Roberts would not hesitate to talk up war if it was at all a possibility.  Anyone who goes to the right of Roberts on the issue of defense is just grandstanding.  Personally, I think talking about war to further a political gain is reprehensible.