If Bush, McCain are adopting Obama's foreign policy positions (like it seems)

[Proud Liberal Dem]

Will it hurt (take the issue "off the table") Obama's chances in November or does it help? My own personal opinion is that it will ultimately help Obama and, frankly, I'm astonished at how much his speech has seemed to have moved the debate over Iraq and national security forward for the first time since......? I know he didn't really say anything that the rest of us haven't already been saying for a long time now and Kerry correctly made a lot of the same arguments during the 2004 election but it seems that Bush, McCain et. al are finally listening or at least they seem to be forced to actually start "talking the talk" given the sour mood the country about the Bush (mis-)administration's foreign policy decisions over the years and their consequences for our country, particularly in regards to Iraq. Obama is actually acting like more of a real leader than Bush, McCain are IMHO and the GOP seems to actually be on the defensive on an issue that they thought they owned (witness McCain's dramatic insistence that we have now succeeded in Iraq). Bush, McCain seem to be in a bit of a pickle now IMHO because if they are seen by their considerably more bloodthirsty "base" to be following Obama's lead on national security issues (which it looks like they are doing in word if not in deed) they will be in trouble and it will make it a lot harder for them to attack Obama. Of course, if they decide that they are going to "dig their heels in" and keep on doing what they have been doing and attacking Obama for his positions then people will have an opportunity to see that there really is a clear choice between what Obama and McCain are offering the American people for the next 4 years. Thoughts?

[kentuck]

1. It does seem that way, doesn't it?

Then they can argue on the fringes..

[Proud Liberal Dem]

2. That wouldn't seem to be very helpful for them

At least I doubt it would help ingratiate them with the warmongers and propagandists who have been pushing the "cut and run" meme for the last 5+ years and it could help depress turnout further. Maybe?

[Hamlette]

3. it takes the war off the table

which lets us talk about OUR best issue, the economy.

but what can McBush do to fix the economy by November?

IF, and its a big if, Bush or the government have any control over oil prices the price of gas could come down to say...pre election 2000 levels ($1.45) and they can get all their rich friends to pay off the debt this war caused, and he can fix social security and make health care cheap and available to all. Then it might be tough for us to get Americans to see it as an election eve trick.

But. . .

NA GA HA PEN

[Proud Liberal Dem]

4. I don't think so either!

[kentuck]

6. They could support the withdrawal of troops...

By saying it was the surge that made it possible. And that Obama was against the surge. Although they are both arguing for the withdrawal of troops, they are arguing on the fringes.

[LynneSin]

5. Which means they're adopting Joe Biden's Foreign Policy

Obama is getting the scoop straight from the most authorative figure in Foreign Policy