Obama '08?

One of Barack Obama''s Middle East policy advisers disclosed yesterday that he had held meetings with the militant Palestinian group Hamas -- prompting the likely Democratic nominee to sever all links with him . . .

. . ..The rapid departure of Mr Malley followed 48 hours of heated clashes between John McCain, the Republican nominee-elect, and Mr Obama over Middle East policy.

, , , ,Mr McCain has high-lighted the Democrat''s pledge to negotiate directly with nations such as Iran -- whose leaders talk of wiping Israel off the map -- and a statement from Hamas saying that it hoped that Mr Obama would win the presidency. . . .

. . . .Randy Scheunemann, Mr McCain''s foreign policy chief, suggested that Mr Malley was part of an emerging pattern in which other advisers had been repudiated after throwing confusion over policies on trade and Iraq. ""Perhaps because of his inexperience Senator Obama surrounds himself with advisers that contradict his stated policies,"" he said.
TIME ONLINE

May 10, 2008 - Obama's statement on Lebanon
Hezbollah's power grab in Beirut has once more plunged that city into violence and chaos. This effort to undermine Lebanon's elected government needs to stop, and all those who have influence with Hezbollah must press them to stand down immediately. It's time to engage in diplomatic efforts to help build a new Lebanese consensus that focuses on electoral reform, an end to the current corrupt patronage system, and the development of the economy that provides for a fair distribution of services, opportunities and employment. We must support the implementation of UN Security Council Resolutions that reinforce Lebanon's sovereignty, especially resolution 1701 banning the provision of arms to Hezbollah, which is violated by Iran and Syria. As we push for this national consensus, we should continue to support the democratically elected government of Prime Minister Siniora, strengthen the Lebanese army, and insist on the disarming of Hezbollah before it drags Lebanon into another unnecessary war. As we do this, it is vital that the United States continues to work with the international community and the private sector to rebuild Lebanon and get its economy back on its feet.

If elected president, Senator Barack Obama would meet with Iran's leaders and offer economic inducements and a possible promise not to seek "regime change" if Iran stopped meddling in Iraq and cooperated on terrorism and nuclear issues.

Diplomacy: Obama is the only major candidate who supports tough, direct presidential diplomacy with Iran without preconditions. Now is the time to pressure Iran directly to change their troubling behavior. Obama would offer the Iranian regime a choice. If Iran abandons its nuclear program and support for terrorism, we will offer incentives like membership in the World Trade Organization, economic investments, and a move toward normal diplomatic relations. If Iran continues its troubling behavior, we will step up our economic pressure and political isolation. Seeking this kind of comprehensive settlement with Iran is our best way to make progress

While reading about Mc Main backing down from his staying in Iraq for 100 years ...

rabel22 wrote:

While reading about Mc Main backing down from his staying in Iraq for 100 years ...

Was he "backing down," or clarifying his remark to those who have repeatedly mischaracterized it?

rabel22 wrote:

While reading about Mc Main backing down from his staying in Iraq for 100 years ...

Was he "backing down," or clarifying his remark to those who have repeatedly mischaracterized it?

Nah, that's not a problem for him in the general.

Cycloptichorn

Foxfyre, the problem is McCains since overwhelmingly Americans want dialogue over the bomb bomb bomb Iran insanity. 80% Americans want something completely different from Bushie yet McCain has tied himself to Bushie's war mentality.

Obama's correct response should have been, well he certainly isn't talking about me because I am not an appeaser.

"It is time to turn the page on eight years of policies that have strengthened Iran and failed to secure America or our ally Israel," Obama said in a written response to Bush's speech. "Instead of tough talk and no action, we need to do what Kennedy, Nixon and Reagan did and use all elements of American power - including tough, principled, and direct diplomacy - to pressure countries like Iran and Syria.

"George Bush knows that I have never supported engagement with terrorists," Obama said, "and the president's extraordinary politicization of foreign policy and the politics of fear do nothing to secure the American people or our stalwart ally Israel.''

Cycloptichorn wrote:

Nah, that's not a problem for him in the general.

Cycloptichorn

Sorta contradicts his denial of any form of appeasement though. Let's give them what they want in return for them playing nice? Hasn't worked dealing with tyranny in the past and President Bush's point was that it isn't likely to work now. They get what they want and they still don't play nice.

"George Bush knows that I have never supported engagement with terrorists," ...

Because he was, by any reasonable reading.

Seriously, Tico, what do you think he meant? Why was he saying it?

This isn't a gotcha debate moment -- you can answer in all kinds of minimally plausible ways, and all I can say is "OK, if that's what you think." But to push aside gotcha-ness for a minute, seriously, you don't think he was referring to Obama there?

I've already answered this. I think he was referring to appeasers, and I agree with his comments in that regard. And if by referring to appeasers you think he was referring to your candidate, then you are free to make that association. However, it appears your candidate believes Bush must not have been referring to him, since Bush knows he's not an appeaser. In any event, if you want to insist that he was referring to Obama, by all means do so. I don't see it makes a great deal if difference in the end. I thought it was a pretty good speech.

And if the net effect of the speech, and that portion in particular, sounds the death knell of the Hildabeast's campaign, all the better.