Kerry running mate John Edwards, also appearing on NPR, explained that he saw the pullout plan as an opportunity for a "fresh start" that has the capacity "to convert this from an American occupation to an international presence helping the Iraqis provide for their own security."

"This president rushed to war without a plan to win the peace," Kerry added. "He pushed our allies aside. We've lost our credibility with the world. We need to restore that."

The Kerry-Edwards pullout plan runs counter to the advice of most military and national security experts, who say it will be necessary to maintain a significant U.S. presence in Iraq for at least three years to keep the country from falling into the hands of al-Qaida.

Kerry and Edwards were interviewed while on a campaign swing through Missouri.

Editor's note: