This is a way for McChrystal's voice - missing so far from the debate - to be heard loud and clear, making the case for counter-insurgency tactics and more troops to back them up.

BBC: US in Afghanistan failure warning

So let us go in tonight and say to America in a loud, clear voice: Send John Kerry.

CNN: Clinton: Time again to choose a more perfect union

So I -- that message, I think, has been pretty loud and clear, and I think it is resonating.

CNN: Transcript: Gupta talks to King about surgeon general decision