I suppose you could see it both ways depending on the slant of sources. But at the time the contention was that Kerry was calling for adding troops in Iraq. It was at the same time Mccain was saying it. If you read the later articles it appears that the number would stay the same because of rotations. It hard to decipher because Kerry maintained months earlier that he would reduce US troops in Iraq and out lined several plans to do so.


KUCINICH CATCHES KERRY IN TROOP TRAP

Kerry Denies Calling For 40,000 More Troops. KUCINICH: “You said you want to send 40,000 more troops [to Iraq].” KERRY: “I have never said that.” KUCINICH: “You never said you wanted to bring 40,000 more troops ever?” KERRY: “No …” (CNN/Los Angeles Times, Democrat Presidential Candidate Debate, Los Angeles, CA, 2/26/04)

But Kerry Did Call For 40,000 More Troops To Meet Commitments In Iraq And Around World. “Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry said Tuesday he would expand the U.S. military within his first 100 days as president, contending 40,000 more troops are needed to meet America's responsibilities around the world. Kerry told supporters at Drake University that the occupation of Iraq as well as the global war against terrorism require more troops.” (Mike Wilson, “Kerry Would Expand Military As President,” The Associated Press, 12/17/03)