Kerry on Iraq: "absolutely vital" then, "profound diversion" now

John Kerry speaking today at New York University:

The president claims it is the centerpiece of his war on terror. In fact, Iraq was a profound diversion from that war and the battle against our greatest enemy, Osama bin Laden and the terrorists.

John Kerry on Dec. 14, 2001 on Larry King Live:

KING: What about enhancing this war, Senator Kerry. What are your thoughts on going on further than Afghanistan, all terrorist places... [Ellipsis in orginal]

KERRY: Oh, I think we clearly have to keep the pressure on terrorism globally. This doesn't end with Afghanistan by any imagination. And I think the president has made that clear. I think we have made that clear. Terrorism is a global menace. It's a scourge. And it is absolutely vital that we continue, for instance, Saddam Hussein.

Three years ago Iraq was "absolutely vital" to the war on terror. Today it's a "profound diversion."

Is this the moral clarity Mr. Kerry will use to lead the country if he is elected president? Or is this political opportunisim? You be the judge.

Can there be any doubt which candidate would lead the War on Terror with a steadier hand?

Update: In his speech today, Kerry also said,

By one count, the President offered 23 different rationales for this war. If his purpose was to confuse and mislead the American people, he succeeded.

His purpose was to present a wide range of reasons which taken together presented a compelling case to liberate Iraq.

His two main rationales – weapons of mass destruction and the Al
Qaeda/September 11 connection – have been proved false… by the President’s own
weapons inspectors… and by the 9/11 Commission. [Ellipsis in original.]/p>

When did the President link Iraq to 9/11? He didn't. Kerry knows he didn't. This is just dishonest.