Obama meets with new security advisory group

A day after a sharp exchange with Republican rival John McCain over terrorism, Barack Obama huddles today with a newly formed group of national security advisers.

The Senior Working Group on National Security, which his campaign says he will consult with regularly before the election, includes former Secretaries of State Madeleine Albright and Warren Christopher; former Senator David Boren, who was chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence; former Secretary of the Navy Richard Danzig; former Representative Lee Hamilton, who was chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee; former Deputy Attorney General Eric Holder, who is also helping Obama vet possible running mates; and former Senator Sam Nunn, former chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee and someone who could be on Obama's consider list for vice president.

“Each individual here today has provided extraordinary service to our nation in the executive branch and Congress. Several have been advising my campaign for some time. We’re also honored to be joined by some of Senator Clinton’s senior advisors. In the months to come, we’ll be reaching out to others, as well as leaders in Congress,” Obama said in a statement. “The stakes in this election could not be higher. John McCain wants to continue George Bush's foreign policy which has made us less safe, less respected, and less able to lead the world. It's time to change course. It's time to end the war in Iraq responsibly, refocus on Afghanistan and al Qaeda, and renew our global leadership so that we can tackle the huge challenges of the 21st century.”

Later today, Obama also plans to meet with nearly 40 retired admirals and generals. Obama and McCain have stark differences on foreign policy and on the Iraq war -- distinctions that both are trying to sharpen, McCain to highlight his experience, Obama to spotlight his message of change.

UPDATE: The Republican National Committee reminded that Obama hasn't been to Iraq for 892 days and counting, though he has pledged to tour the war-torn country before November.

“Taking pictures and shaking hands with a few hand-picked advisers is no substitute for a real briefing or a real understanding of how to keep Americans safe. Barack Obama’s consistent unwillingness to listen to experts like General Petraeus underscores the very real concerns Americans have with his judgment and experience,” RNC spokeswoman Blair Latoff said in a statement.