You have to understand the President has an extremely fine line to walk regarding Russia.

[steve2470]

37. here's my take on the President's speech

1- It's a speech to Russia, Ukraine, Europe, the rest of the world, and to we Americans. He's not going to abandon Ukraine in any way, shape or form. He's not going to imply that the annexation of Crimea was acceptable. He also can't be so harsh as to provoke Putin into irrational behavior.

2- There are harsh political realities surrounding it. He can't, in a diplomatic speech, throw red meat to the base, which we at DU would completely love. He's representing the entire country, which ranges from batshit insane warmonger teabaggers to pacifists. I'd say 99.9999% of we at DU are pacifists and 100% of us (except the occasional troll) think Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan have been mistakes.

2- Does anyone expect complete openness and candor in public remarks from President Obama ? Was FDR completely open and candid in his public remarks ?

3- Putin has taken us to task about Iraq, so it's pretty hard for the President to completely sidestep that issue. How does a POTUS make a stinking pile of shit smell better ? One can't. One day a POTUS may denounce that complete clusterfuck and not get impeached (not convicted) for it. I think the Republicans would drum up some BS impeachment attempt against him.

4- I agree with your point about the fine line between belligerence and "appearing weak".

Look, would I love for him to say, "Yeah Iraq was a horrible mistake. People need to go to the Hague for that" ? Of course. I just don't expect to see that from a POTUS in my lifetime. If a POTUS ever says that, I'll be shocked.