Video: Bolton lights into Obama over Biden’s comments
posted at 3:34 pm on October 21, 2008 by Allahpundit
Via LGF, leave it to the ‘Stache to cut to the heart of Obama’s outreach to Iran: “What will he say to them?” I asked that question myself months ago expecting that it would figure in the debates, but the economic meltdown pushed it off the country’s plate. Now it’s back, thanks to Greasy Joe. From what I can tell, both candidates seem inclined to follow Bush’s approach by dangling the same incentives package, roughly, that Rice and the EU have been waving at Tehran for months, with Obama willing to dangle it in person in hopes that a little face time with Hopenchange will seal the deal. And if that doesn’t work, as it hasn’t worked for so long now? Neither one’s saying, but the CW says Maverick will attack while The One will look the other way and let Iran have the bomb in the interest of avoiding another Middle East war. For what it’s worth, Debka claims the new president will have a matter of weeks before the point of no return is reached. Vote accordingly.
Blowback
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Like an open clam. Yum!
*eats*
Grue in the Attic on October 21, 2008 at 3:37 PM
Have Bolton in a McCain administration! This guy is awesome.
jencab on October 21, 2008 at 3:40 PM
Biden’s speech in Colorado is on MCNBC and FOX now.
He opened by saying loud and clear “CHANGE IS COMING” and then went on to praise Colin Powell and his endorsement of Obama.
They’ve got the leash back on Joe. Talking points only.
HA.
fogw on October 21, 2008 at 3:41 PM
I watched it this morning. ‘Stache rules. Skeletor drools.
Dr.Cwac.Cwac on October 21, 2008 at 3:41 PM
Bolten is great, Hannity, I swear, has a string attached to him like a little doll. Pull the string and one of three or four lists come spewing out, my God he is boring and repetitive.
The only thing that saves him is that Colmes is such a liberal tool. Imagine stating the 9/11 was a challenge to Bush and not an attack, how simple minded can you be?
right2bright on October 21, 2008 at 3:41 PM
Maybe the Obama camp splurged for another teleprompter?
Dr.Cwac.Cwac on October 21, 2008 at 3:42 PM
McCain needs to present who he is planning on having in key positions in his cabinet prior to the election. Surely a conservative like Bolton has a place that he could could be a tremendous asset for our country.
volsense on October 21, 2008 at 3:44 PM
Machiavelli would have a field day……
Starlink on October 21, 2008 at 3:45 PM
Of course Obama is soft, untested, and weak. His foreign policy is the worst of his problems. In so many ways he’s willing to concede unilaterally to our enemies. His outlook is fatally flawed. This is who’s to become our next Prez. He’s so weak, it’s pitiful.
Paul-Cincy on October 21, 2008 at 3:45 PM
Oh if ONLY!!
*eats*
Grue in the Attic on October 21, 2008 at 3:46 PM
I can’t watch H&C b/c Colmes is such a friggin’ idiot tool.
And Obama IS weak and his weakness, typical of Liberals and Liberalism, is going to be the cause of conflict all over the globe. Europe for example will probably be gone in a few generations because of its Liberalism. It can’t find the stomach to halt Muslim immigration and to clamp down on the radicals within their countries b/c they fear being labeled “racists”. Their cowardice will be their end. Obama’s naievete and weakness will be our embarrassment. That is the price of an Obama presidency.
DerKrieger on October 21, 2008 at 3:48 PM
From Drudge:
FOLEY: ‘An online article posted today on Variety’s website innaccurately reported that I was supporting Barack Obama. The story on Variety’s website, based on a second or third-hand account of my private conversation, is incorrect. I have already voted by absentee ballot in Florida. Although I didn’t vote for Senator Obama, I intend to keep my choice private.’
Enoxo on October 21, 2008 at 3:48 PM
Dear Dhimmi Borgs,
Please provide your list of concessions. Negotiations imply concessions, just in case your mom and dad didn’t tell you.
Thank you,
Limerick on October 21, 2008 at 3:48 PM
From Ace:
http://voices.kansascity.com/node/2493
“Socialist” is now a racist code word.
Enoxo on October 21, 2008 at 3:48 PM
How cool of a meeting was that with Obama and Biden…
Obama: You really stepped into it this time Joe, this being tested in 6 months is a disaster.
Biden: Well you didn’t do so well with Joe the plumber, a simple question.
Obama: Okay, how about if I take a few days and go to Hawaii, and you take the morning off and re-read our talking points.
Biden: And you promise never to walk through a regular neighborhood without out people along the ropes line again.
Obama: Okay, but do you really think I will be tested, I am loved.
Biden: Hell yes, they are going to rip you a new one.
Obama: Oh Shit…
Biden: Don’t look at me, I have covered my ass…
right2bright on October 21, 2008 at 3:49 PM
I can’t stand Skeletor Colmes. He’s such an idiot.
Torch on October 21, 2008 at 3:49 PM
alan colmes is so dismissive of anything questioning the sanctity of The One. he won’t even listen to Bolton
Putin, Chavez and all the others just want to know what side Obie is on. Joe B has told us that when Obie chooses, we won’t like it.
billypaintbrush on October 21, 2008 at 3:50 PM
Bolton for Secretary of State.
Y-not on October 21, 2008 at 3:50 PM
LMAO +1
*eats*
Grue in the Attic on October 21, 2008 at 3:51 PM
“I don’t think he understands how to represent or defend our interests, and I think we’re going to learn, at great pain, if he’s elected, how much at risk we really are”. Bingo. That’s it right there. Obama is so weak. Even the most hopeful among his fair-minded supporters can’t believe he’s going to become a Churchill or even a Bush 41. I don’t know what they’re thinking. This is serious, and Obama isn’t nearly up to it. Not even close.
Paul-Cincy on October 21, 2008 at 3:53 PM
I think it was a brief conversation, went something like this …..
Obama: “Hillary”
Biden: … bows to The One
fogw on October 21, 2008 at 3:54 PM
it’s not a perception, it’s reality.
abinitioadinfinitum on October 21, 2008 at 3:57 PM
and the crowd was booing TAX CUTS. ?????
abinitioadinfinitum on October 21, 2008 at 4:00 PM
Comles is partisan hack, I can’t stand him!
liquidflorian on October 21, 2008 at 4:03 PM
“Ummmmmmm…..”
Wait, I, ahhhhhhh…
“Can’t see my telprompter…….. ”
“Is that you, Joe?”
“We are the people we have been waiting for………”
“Call me if you need me………”
Seven Percent Solution on October 21, 2008 at 4:05 PM
They hate everything their opponents are for!
It’s irrational.
lorien1973 on October 21, 2008 at 4:08 PM
“I think he’s kind of a Kumbaya guy, he can’t understand how someone on the other side of the table may not be as reasonable as he is, and those people are prepared to take advantage of him, certainly Iran. He doesn’t understand how to confront adversaries to the United States”.
Double bingo. Bolton is saying exactly what I feel is the worst consequence of an Obama Presidency. He went to be by his dying grandmother’s side, I can understand that. Check out Nightline last night, and Huffpo today. Bios of Obama and his Grandma Toot and their life together. Look at all the pictures. Doesn’t it just touch your heart?
Paul-Cincy on October 21, 2008 at 4:08 PM
I’ve said it before but you get to hear it all over again…
When the crap hits the fan the movie title will be…
Barack Hawk Down
At the very first casualty he will be ready to redeploy over the horizon and keep a sharp eye out for injuns. George McClellan has come back to seek his revenge.
Limerick on October 21, 2008 at 4:08 PM
Colmes reminds me of the crypt keeper on that show “Tales from the Crypt” years ago.
la.rt.wngr on October 21, 2008 at 4:10 PM
I can’t get enough of Hannity talking points! lmao
lodge on October 21, 2008 at 4:11 PM
Is everyone missing the point here? Joe Biden was comparing or suggesting a comparison of Barack Obama to John F. Kennedy? Never. Not even. Just never.
What a jerk Biden has become. This is the guy that said Obama is inexperienced for the Presidency. And now, in a slightly different style, he’s saying it again. But I agree with Biden: Barack Hussein is not qualified, too inexperienced and radical, to be president of anything.
The real point here is that ole Joe Biden is recommending the sturdier, most patriotic, John McCain for Commander-In-Chief; a point more than 70% of American’s agree with.
AdrianS on October 21, 2008 at 4:11 PM
Heh. They are crystalline in their purity.
Allahpundit on October 21, 2008 at 4:14 PM
Haha, “people on the other side of the table will take advantage of him”.
Uh oh, I just committed a racist thought-crime–off to room 101 in the Ministry of Love.
m064404 on October 21, 2008 at 4:14 PM
Second.
Common Sense on October 21, 2008 at 4:18 PM
Powell’s foreign policy skirts aren’t nearly wide enough to provide cover for Bambi and Plugs. Consider the concept of Biden using the suitcase and our military as a penis enhancement device. With his bluster potential, it ain’t a pretty sight.
a capella on October 21, 2008 at 4:20 PM
And they have some formidable hand signals backing them up.
lodge on October 21, 2008 at 4:20 PM
I swear… whenever I listen to Colmes, I have a Billy Madison moment: At no point in his rambling, incoherent response was he even close to anything that could be considered a rational thought. I feel dumber for having heard him. I award him no points, and may God have mercy on his soul.
greggriffith on October 21, 2008 at 4:20 PM
Gotta love Bolton.
I still can’t get the image of Colmes getting schooled by Newt and Rove out of my head. I actually felt bad for him, only for a second though.
thevastlane on October 21, 2008 at 4:21 PM
+1
Count to 10 on October 21, 2008 at 4:23 PM
I agree, Bolton’s great. And that he merits (as our nation does) a future in the McCain Administration. Only if he can continue making some commentary on FOX as things come up.
S on October 21, 2008 at 4:23 PM
Might be closer than you think. The Kennedys were in bed with mobsters and John himself didn’t come out too well on his first encounter with the Rooskies, in fact that is what created the Cuban missle crisis. All the advisors in the world can’t protect Obama from himself when he sits down across the table.
a capella on October 21, 2008 at 4:25 PM
If The Obama does manage to stea…win the election, boy are we going to have some buyer’s remorse by June 09.
jukin on October 21, 2008 at 4:28 PM
He has a bracelet, too!
Uhh, BASKETBALL, he’ll CRUSH THEM! But first he’ll have a long talk with Oprah.
S on October 21, 2008 at 4:28 PM
Anyone else remember the the British ambassador’s “leaked” assessment a couple of weeks ago?: “Obama is an inexperienced Marxist whose ambition got the better of his (and everyone else’s) common sense when he decided to run for President, and we are all in deep doodoo if he wins. Your Majesty.”
Fortunata on October 21, 2008 at 4:32 PM
I tried reading that but it literally felt like I’d stepped into a sandstorm without goggles. That degree of insanity/stupidity/absurdity is so difficult to wade through thoughtfully…
But scanning the comments there, I see that most of the readers see the stupidity and absurdness of that article, too.
Just pitiably absurd if not demented a series of opinions, that article, preposterous.
It reminds me, though, of the guy in New York who yelled “racist” when someone else described an issue as “a Black Hole.”
S on October 21, 2008 at 4:35 PM
Yes, well remember it, but soon saw it buried by the Media.
The British have this way of coming through at a critical point with succinct, accurate statements such as that one is.
And with all the Left’s and Obama’s complaints about “we’re not popular, everyone hates America” crud, there do appear to be a lot of Western nations’ leaders who have great relationships with President Bush and vice-versa.
S on October 21, 2008 at 4:42 PM
Putin is going to make the Cuban missile crises look like a playground squabble.
meci on October 21, 2008 at 4:45 PM
Well, I was surprised as the report was for the non-exactly-neocon Prime Minister Brown, who is more Old- than New Labour. Just shows that *some* diplomats at least are doing a fair job of clear-eyed analysis. Unfortunately the low-level ones that I know are in the tank for O.
Fortunata on October 21, 2008 at 4:49 PM
*tut* sb not-exactly-neocon
Fortunata on October 21, 2008 at 4:51 PM
Me too, except that the crypt keeper had a wicked sense of humor — something sorely lacking in Colmes.
AZCoyote on October 21, 2008 at 5:00 PM
Bolton is a laser beam with a mustache.
TheSitRep on October 21, 2008 at 5:00 PM
I understand that the campaigns had a security brief as a courtesy from the administration. They were probably informed (behind closed doors) to expect something to happen early in the next year. Afterwards, the Obama campaign had a followup meeting discussing what might come up and how they might respond. Joe decided he would go out and prepare the masses for the response that probably would be hard for the public to take, doing Obama a favor by preparing the people for some unpleasant actions that might be taken DOMESTICALLY by the Obama administration. What was discussed: intelligence crack downs? Patriot act squared (cubed)?, crackdown on unfavorable media? martial law? Joe probably doesn’t know that such a ‘test’ would be just what Obama (and Soros, Ayers etc.) are looking for to move their agenda forward. Joe naively spoke out in trying to ‘help’ Obama for when the time comes for some unpleasant actions.
jerseyman on October 21, 2008 at 5:06 PM
Who?
Who’s Bolton talking to that says this…do they even let him in embassies anymore? I mean, yes, Obama is not the hawk that McCain is…but I don’t see where he gets this “leaders around the world see…” business. HE may see Obama as such, but who’s he talking to?
Either way, one of the real differences I have with the McCain camp is this idea that bellicose/belligerent stances to all but our most faithful(see:weak) allies is somehow a good posture for us. We saw how Bush’s first term went…the dictators scoffed. North Korea went and got itself a bomb. Now that Rice is playing sticks AND carrots, they’re shutting down reactors. Im sure Rice would make headway with Iran if they sat down (staff level) as well.
This idea that being bellicose benefits america just isnt true. In true times of crisis (see: Cuban Missile Crisis) cooler heads MUST prevail. The cooler head is Obama.
ernesto on October 21, 2008 at 5:12 PM
Obama’s inauguration day 2009: Putin moves on Ukraine, China goes for Taiwan, and Chavez takes on missiles aimed at US. Arab countries would move on Israel if not for US presence in Iraq. Barack and Michelle are taking their champaign, caviar and lobsters, when he hears the news. He hangs his head, says Oh No – who do we talk to? And it is all over in 48-72 hours.
jerseyman on October 21, 2008 at 5:15 PM
No, the softer head is.
Fortunata on October 21, 2008 at 5:18 PM
Just like the ‘Stache: “I’m afraid we’re going to find out come January…” Yep! And you’ll find Alan, after having cr@pped his pants, cowering under that table he sets his Obama Talking Points on.
Sultry Beauty on October 21, 2008 at 5:20 PM
Of all the positive observations you can make about McCain…a “cool head” is not one of them.
ernesto on October 21, 2008 at 5:20 PM
ernesto on October 21, 2008 at 5:12 PM
Shortly after invading Iraq, Libya threw their hands up and capitulated their nuclear activities. The Soviets trusted Reagan to stand up to them. The Iranians decided not to give Reagan a chance to go after them and turned over the hostages pronto. No one messed with Eisenhower. When Clinton took the easy road, the ‘challenges’ compounded themselves and kept on coming throughout his administration. No further attacks after 9/11. What matters is being strong and convincing world leaders (friend and foe) that you will stand up and do what is right, with the full potential of the US military and people behind you.
jerseyman on October 21, 2008 at 5:21 PM
Being a senator, and a senator with foreign relations committee chair, he should be keeping his mouth shut about this.
Of course he knows if there is going to be a “blow up” in six months, he sees all of the top secret info. that comes across his desk.
I would bet the state dept. sat him down and told him to shut the f’in up.
Now we see where Iran is going to have the nuclear reactor up and running in six months…you don’t think he knew this?
This is what makes these guys so dangerous, their power and a few votes is more important then our nations security.
Fools, absolute fools…
right2bright on October 21, 2008 at 5:22 PM
He is a wiser head, though, and if he gets angry he has a reason to be. Don’t worry, he won’t set about people with his walking stick. Barry is not “cool”, he’s languid, weak and indecisive. When he gets angry it’s more like the petulance of the always-adored affirmative action pick that he is.
Fortunata on October 21, 2008 at 5:26 PM
I am afraid you are right…Putin is maybe the most dangerous leader. Intelligent, well trained, and absolutely heartless. The others, like Ineedadinnerjacket, and Chavez are two bit dictators…but Putin is the real deal.
With enough influence to effect several events at once.
God help us…Obama could not react, or to save face, over react, but one thing for certain, he won’t know how to act.
right2bright on October 21, 2008 at 5:27 PM
Skeletor (aka Captain Milqtoast) will be the first one dragged to the Islam-fascist death camps to lick some overlord boots…just before they behead him!
He’s such a nancy-girly-man it’s sickening! I’ll bet his wife doens’t let him leave the house with his balls…oh wait, he doesn’t have any…never mind!
Liberty or Death on October 21, 2008 at 5:27 PM
Well different leaders respond to different approaches. Absolutely, Libya freaked out over Iraq…but Iran did not. Sure, Russia didn’t pull a fast one on Reagan…but North Korea went ahead with that bomb after Iraq. No country was around to mess with eisenhower…everyone was still rebuilding.
I agree with you on clinton, we shoulda hit somalia hard and sacrificed to stabilize that region…we’d be reaping the benefits today.
What matters is the pivot. What matters is the ability for our team to read their defense and find the hole. The hole with Libya was a strong show of force…the hole for North Korea was patting them on the back and making them feel special. That and bringing China into the talks.
ernesto on October 21, 2008 at 5:28 PM
You confuse passion with clear headiness.
When we were going to “normalize” relations with VietNam you would think the “hot head” would go berserk, instead he was one of the cool heads that helped that happen.
right2bright on October 21, 2008 at 5:29 PM
Thats an assumption that plays well into your frame, but it is doubtful, almost silly to just out and state that as fact. Putin got a phyrric victory out of Georgia…he single handedly tanked his stock market weeks before ours did. It showed his army to be still ill equipped, regardless of his country’s slush fund. Putin is devious and calculating, but hes not in a very good position right now.
I’ll concede that that may change, but for now, you’re overthinking it.
ernesto on October 21, 2008 at 5:30 PM
Normalization of relations with Vietnam is not a crisis. though his actions were commendable.
Having a little disagreement and pushing an old man…or yelling in a congressional meeting “f*ck you” are not the signs of a cool head. What about the credit crisis? A cool head doesn’t come up with 4 answers in 4 days, then another one on the fly at a debate without even prepping his surrogates. cmon man.
ernesto on October 21, 2008 at 5:32 PM
Thus proving that:
Fortunata on October 21, 2008 at 5:32 PM
No, keeping your cool during a NON-crisis counts for little. its the CRISIS situation that tests your “cool-head”
ernesto on October 21, 2008 at 5:34 PM
Oh sorry, right2bright on October 21, 2008 at 5:29 PM I got wrong guy. Not paying attention today.
Fortunata on October 21, 2008 at 5:34 PM
Nothing suggests that Obama kept his head during the economic crisis. He didn’t even want to go back to address it until forced to by Bush. Then he sat there and sucked his thumb while the real scoundrels Pelosi, Reid, Frank etc told him what to say. That’s why I fear for the country if he gets in–he’s not a natural leader, hasn’t paid his dues and is not his own man. He’s a sock puppet.
Fortunata on October 21, 2008 at 5:38 PM
He assessed the situation. You see that as weak, I see it as thoughtful…respectful disagreement. But you underestimate the kind of mandate he would have should he win. Just like the congressional leadership said “yes sir” to bush…Reid/Pelosi will NOT be calling the shots. Obama would have the mandate, he would steer the agenda. and he IS his own man…you dont beat the clinton machine single handedly if you’re a “sock puppet.” Plus McCain himself played a real sock puppet caving and not picking who he wanted for VP, lieberman.
Now, i totally understand that theres nothing to indicate that he would excel with such power…there is also precious little to say that he wouldnt.
At the end of the day, Obama is indeed an unknown quantity, ill give you guys that. But as an unknown quantity, his perceived weaknesses are based on as little as his perceived strengths.
ernesto on October 21, 2008 at 5:44 PM
Thirty years of service and everyone pulls out about three repeated episodes. The problem is the senators are so pampered that when someone gets in their face, they cry and whine like a little baby.
He is a cool head, you don’t start you life off flying for the Navy, and be irrational, or a “hot-head”.
You have bought into the “he is cranky” card.
He just knows where he is going, and he doesn’t baby grown men…deal with it.
right2bright on October 21, 2008 at 5:48 PM
Leaders around the world see every president as soft, untested, and weak. Nothing new here at all. GWB is hard in the center of two wars, not backing down an iota, yet Putin comes along and puts the US to the test by invading Georgia.
AQ tested the GWB and the Billy C administrations. The original Hussein tested GHWB. The Soviets constantly tested Reagan, Uncle Ho tested Nixon, Kruschev tested Kennedy, Hitler and Tojo tested FDR.
This is historical precedent and expectation, and I have no doubt that McCain would be tested as well.
Biden didn’t do Oy any favors, but he knows what happens to every POTUS. We should always be prepared to be tested. It’s called LEADERSHIP.
trailboss on October 21, 2008 at 5:48 PM
Surrender Is Not An Option should be required reading for every American. Bolton is just the type of no nonsense, no excuses Patriot that we need running the State Department. He could start by getting rid of all of the limp-wristed America apologist that have been thwarting the Bush Administration.
Another great reason to vote for Whatshisname/Palin ’08
turfmann on October 21, 2008 at 5:50 PM
So kicking Russia out of the G8…thats a cool headed way to start the ball rolling on cooperation down the road?
Im sorry, but foreign policy requires one to be malleable, to pivot and adjust given changing circumstances…to stick to your guns 100% of the time is to tred water, as bush did his first term.
If you’re cool with treading water and winding up with the same chessboard we have today 8 years from now…fine by me. You and I both know where McCain’s foreign policy stances and temperment will get us…No new friends, more enemies. No new cooperation, more distrust. No future, more of the same.
Mind you, Im not saying McCain is inept. I just, having studied foreign policy for a while now, I dont see his stances as being effectual to what i see as the goals of the next 8 years…to build NEW friendships, and to INCREASE cooperation.
ernesto on October 21, 2008 at 5:54 PM
That’s right, he didn’t do it singlehandedly. He had the MSM covering his ass the whole time. Absolutely unprecedented, how this unvetted (on purpose) candidate could come so far. And do you really think he wanted Biden as his VP? Look at the comedy gold so far; Biden’s comments of yesterday suggest that he too is terrified of what will happen if Obama gets in. There’s a limit to what his sub-conscious mind will let him say; now they have to lock him up for a while out of the public eye (along with Obama’s harpy of a wife) before he can do any more damage.
Fortunata on October 21, 2008 at 5:58 PM
I’m afraid that those of the Bizarre Right see only power as the way to deal with the outside world. Bolton is of that same demeanor – my way or the highway. Sounds good if you don’t understand how to deal with other people, and that forcing them to accept your way as right only demeans, angers, and distances them from you. It’s called Influencing Friends to Become Your Enemies.
trailboss on October 21, 2008 at 5:59 PM
I wouldnt call them bizarre, as much as i disagree with people here i kinda likem =)
ernesto on October 21, 2008 at 6:03 PM
Well, you’re a better man than I.
trailboss on October 21, 2008 at 6:05 PM
Trailboss, ernesto:
You seem to have forgotten that old saw of international relations: Countries have no permanent friendships, only permanent interests.
Let people know that you’re strong, resolute and dependable; they’ll want to be your friends soon enough. Like all those satellite countries of the former USSR. Threaten to walk away from old Europe and watch their tails drop and the whining start. Bolton just likes to remind them of that fact and that burns them up.
Fortunata on October 21, 2008 at 6:08 PM
well ive been here a while, and on some issues i am way further right than the democrats. kind of an anomaly here i guess
ernesto on October 21, 2008 at 6:08 PM
Where have you been studying foreign policy, on the front page of the New York Times, Pravda maybe?
It’s Russia. It’s Putin. Name a time in the last hundred years when the Russians cooperated with us, and kept their word. Who do you think is supplying Iran with everything they need to build a nuclear reactor/weapon?
THEY CAN’T BE TRUSTED. YOU CAN’T PLAY NICEY-NICE WITH THEM. THEY WILL EAT YOU UP AND SPIT YOU OUT IF YOU SHOW ANY SIGN OF WEAKNESS.
Want to know how to handle the Russians? Read up on the Reagan years.
fogw on October 21, 2008 at 6:14 PM
The old saw is still relevant, but it is because they also have interests that the US must be aware of and at times cater to those interests. Self-induced blindness to the interests of others is not strength but severe weakness.
As far as being strong, resolute, and dependable in the eyes of others, those don’t always square with US interests, and are often in the eye of the beholder. GWB thought rejecting Kyoto was being strong and resolute, and in the interests of the US. The rest of the world, not so much.
trailboss on October 21, 2008 at 6:16 PM
Yep, it’s too bad Clinton was too busy “hitting” an intern instead of doing his most important job as POTUS; protect the republic by supporting its military and troops!
Clinton decimated our military and intelligence capabilities during his tenure, after all that’s how he was able to have that budget surplus he was always bragging about, and what did it get us, it got us got with our pants down on 9-11!! In addition, Clinton had several opportunities to get Osama and the USS Cole was attacked (an act of war) yet Clinton and his administration failed to act at all as they were paralyzed by their pacifism and the fact they had all but destroyed our military might and intelligence capabilities!
Bottom line is Clinton wasn’t as far left as Obama IS, so when it comes to keeping our enemies in check by being strong what do you think is in store for our country if Obama is elected?
In my opinion Bolten is exactly right; Obama will be perceived as weak because HE IS WEAK! It’s not a matter of if a president will be tested, our enemies have always tested our resolve no matter who was POTUS, the real question is how far our enemies would be willing to push Obama as opposed to how far they would be willing to push McCain! There is no doubt in my mind our enemies would be emboldened if Obama was POTUS and would push much harder than if McCain were elected, and as confirmation o this one only needs to look at whom our enemies endorse, like Hamas, Iran, Chavez, etc!
Liberty or Death on October 21, 2008 at 6:18 PM
They have become dependent on the US, and it both scares and galls them immensely. Some of their national interests are often overshadowed by that dependence, creating resentment. To have Bolton shove it back down their throats creates additional resentment, and that will come back to haunt the US. I think it already has with the crappy NATO response in Afghanistan. European leaders understand that The GWOT is in their interests, but local resentment infuses their response with a lack of enthusiasm or a willingness to make sacrifices. The burden is still largely on our backs.
trailboss on October 21, 2008 at 6:25 PM
Not sure what point you’re making here. Being aware of other people’s interest and negotiating with those in mind is what we have diplomats for, and always will, even a a hot-headed McCain administration.
Rejecting Kyoto was in our interests. Other countries signed up to it knowing that they would not be able to meet emissions targets and didn’t really want to. Just wanted to be seen to playing to the global warming crowd. If threatening to throw Russia out of the G8 has useful leveraging power, use it. All these methods are better than war, and useful alternatives and adjuncts to it.
Fortunata on October 21, 2008 at 6:28 PM
Granted, diplomacy and self-interest are inextricably intertwined, but the POTUS sets, or is seen to set, the agenda and tone of diplomatic relations. GWB and his former UN Ambassador Bolton set a confrontational, with us or against us tone that has harmed greatly the interests of the US. (the Kyoto thing was the first, but only the first.)
And yes indeed, diplomacy continues under even a hot-headed McCain, the question is what kind and of what effect? If it is hot-headed and rigid, it will be to our detriment.
trailboss on October 21, 2008 at 6:36 PM
Gollum is a better man than you.
ManlyRash on October 21, 2008 at 6:42 PM
And, as history has demonstrated, Dubya was right.
ManlyRash on October 21, 2008 at 6:43 PM
You warm the cockles of my heart, HeoftheRestlessGroin.
trailboss on October 21, 2008 at 6:52 PM
No kidding. Bolton explains the muscular diplomacy by the Europeans was as our surrogate and Colmes still has to sneak in “it wasn’t the US”.
aikidoka on October 21, 2008 at 6:54 PM
Are you calling from the future, Rash, or just another dimension, cause just like your ‘I know McCain will beat Obama prophecy,’ the truth or falsehood of climate change is a history yet to be written.
I really hope McCain wins, cause I’d hate to be witness to your HA fungicide.
trailboss on October 21, 2008 at 7:07 PM
Maybe you’re missing the point. Yeah, Obama is weak, inexperienced and soft. So was Kennedy. Yeah, Obama is a blank; so, in some ways, was Kennedy. Yeah, Kennedy’s short term was a disaster – so would Obama’s be.
Kennedy was an immoral womanizing scumbag, with mob ties, a drug habit from a bad back, who hired his brother as Attorney General, the single worst nepostist incident in the history of the Presidency.
Obama is a lying, terrorist coddling, Marxist. Kennedy was the son of a criminal bootlegger. Obama is the son of a drunk Kenyan Arab black guy who knocked up a loopy white communist college girl, then left her a couple years later, to go back to Kenya and drink himself to death.
Which part of the analogy don’t you like?
Jaibones on October 21, 2008 at 7:53 PM
Hey, brokeback trailboss. Maybe you should get your head out of the steer’s rear before you try to talk. 95 – 0.
Jaibones on October 21, 2008 at 7:57 PM
Climate change has been a constant since the atmosphere formed, dummy. Google ‘maunder minimum.’ Then observe that, at present, there is virtually NO sunspot activity. Then observe that the meteorological trend is moving toward a COLDER climate, as indicated by the most recent metrics.
Thank you for demonstrating not only your ignorance, but your agenda. Spare us your expressions of a desire for a McCain victory.
You are a troll…a sophisticated troll, to be sure…but a troll. Now fuck off.
ManlyRash on October 21, 2008 at 7:59 PM
I suggested Bolton for Sec’y of State… but I’m thinking Ted Nugent for Treasury or maybe Ambassador to the UN?
Y-not on October 21, 2008 at 8:22 PM
There’s nothing secret about that. The same assessment is sitting on the desk of every leader in the world – including the Middle East, Russia, North Korea and China.
logis on October 21, 2008 at 8:47 PM
Forgot one…………..
Seven Percent Solution on October 21, 2008 at 9:25 PM
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