Spasmodic Fantasy

“The Iraq War has been won. Iraq is a functioning democracy, although still suffering from the lingering effects of decades of tyranny and centuries of sectarian tension. Violence still occurs, but it is spasmodic and much reduced.’’

spasmodic
spas·mod·ic
Pronunciation:
\spaz-ˈmä-dik\
Function:
adjective
Etymology:
New Latin spasmodicus, from Greek spasmōdēs, from spasmos
Date:
circa 1681

1 a: relating to or affected or characterized by spasm b: resembling a spasm especially in sudden violence (a spasmodic jerk) 2: acting or proceeding fitfully : intermittent (spasmodic activity) 3: subject to outbursts of emotional excitement : excitable
synonyms: see fitful

In comments to reporters after his speech, Mr. McCain insisted that his speech should not be interpreted as setting a date for withdrawal, and that he was simply projecting victory in Iraq. He took issue with a reporter who characterized his speech as a “magic carpet ride,’’ saying: “I don’t think it has anything to do with fantasy, I think it has everything to do with setting goals and achieving.’’