Obama might visit Iraq, but not to 'score political points'

Barack Obama told the New York Times he may visit Iraq this summer.

Obama has taken criticism from John McCain for failing to visit Iraq since 2006. Obama also declined McCain's invitation for a joint trip.

''I just don't want to be involved in a political stunt,'' Obama said, according to the paper's Web site Wednesday. ''I think that if I'm going to Iraq, then I'm there to talk to troops and talk to commanders,'' he said. ''I'm not there to try to score political points or perform. The work they're doing there is too important.''

Obama, speaking to reporters Wednesday, said it's ''not relevant'' that he hasn't been to Iraq since 2006. AP