first, let's deal with reality. what is the situation on the ground? >> well, chris, good morning. we heard from the iraqi prime minister today and things are going much better than he expeced and progressing on the ground. from what we're seeing is this is a slow, tough, methodical battle. this is a marathon, not a sprint. we heard a lot of heavy artillery going into the town just behind me. that is still under isis control and ground troops surrounded it and one other addition that is notable today is that the kurdish forces have also opened a front on the north trying to push down so they're squeezing on all sides to get to mosul, chris. >> now, as we referred before this came up in the debate. i want to play this and get your thoughts if there is any basis for what you're about to hear. >> let me tell you, mosul is so