When it comes to national security, who's got it right — Barack Obama or Dick Cheney?

[Contrary1]

Time to put this one out of its misery:

http://www.newsvine.com/_question/2009/05/21/2847635-when-it-comes-to-national-security-whos-got-it-right-barack-obama-or-dick-cheney

[leftofthedial]

1. cheney is dead wrong.

obama is partly right, but continuing to sweep crimes under the rug and "look forward" does not serve our national interests.

[pinto]

5. Obama clearly placed the overall job of national security in the 3 branches of gov't, imho.

I see he noted that Congress has initiated investigative committees and the Judicial branch holds the power to bring those accused of crimes against the state to justice. It was a broad statement, for sure, yet it sounded like an invitation for both those branches to step up to some resolution of the past 8 years.

As for his part, as the Executive, he seemed clear that he would uphold court rulings in the issues, release as much information as he could, whether for internal Congressional review or public review, and include the other two branches in his goal to close Gitmo, re-establish a sound, legal foundation for resolution of detainee cases and maintain Constitutional standards in the process.

A measured approach, to be sure. One that acknowledged the differences of opinion and complexities of the whole thing - politically, legally and socially. What it lacked in fire, it held a clearly reasoned long term POV.

I thought he made a good case for his take on it all.

As always, "we'll see" is an apt comment.

[bullimiami]

2. cheney doesnt give a flying fuck about 'national security' only his greedy self interest.

[FiveGoodMen]

3. Can you outline the differences?

[FightingIrish]

4. This man does not look well at all

Could his sudden craving for the spotlight have something to do with his recognition of his own mortality?