Reply #35: As an Obama supporter - I'm still concerned about this [View All]

[sloppyjoe25s]

Unfortunately the MSM and general perception is that things are "improving" in Iraq. That is the basic narrative.

Obamas reponse is good - quite good as always - but he also looked just a TINY bit cute this time.
He has a little smirk when he delivers this line, that is almost like he is too happy he has such a good line.
He need to be careful he does not come across as too flippant about this issue.

The simple fact is that the MSM and alot of people still give credence to the argument:

"Al Qaeda is in Iraq - so we should stay until they are wiped out"

People generally don't like it - but alot of people are equally unsure that a pull out - even a "careful" one
is actually the best move right away. Eventually everyone wants out - but there is a feeling that both Democratic candidates
are not being 100% straight about what it means to "keep some troops in Iraq" to:

1. protect the embassy
2. continue strikes against Al Queda
3. ?? other ??

It's just a general feeling that the Dems are not being clear and specific enough. Fact is - any withdrawal is going to be
pretty messy, likely subject to some gruesome IED headlines, very wasteful (massive number of trucks and other heavy equipment
just left in Iraq - and not even usable because the supply chains necessary for parts, fuel, and other things really only exist
by dint of the massive supply chains that have followed the US occupation. Generally withdrawal will be a pretty unglorious affair - and legitimate questions arrise as to how it should proceed, and exactly how our force structure should evolve.

Obama is also quick to say "put more troops in Afghanistan". This is probably needed - but a much deeper analysis of
our mission in Afghanistan is also called for. Obama was genuinely hit - when Clinton pointed out he has not chaired any meetings on the mission in Afghanistan. No senate hearings are not the answer - and most Americans could give a shit. But it is legitimate to want a deeper understading of our policy in Afghanistan - before immediately calling for a major troop committment. A small number of additional troops in Afghanistan is probably a "no brainer" - since multiple NATO commanders have said they simply can't cover the minimum of their mission. But an expanded mission - and a more strategic policy is probably required.

Several commentators (notably ass face Lou Dobbs) - spend their whole broadcasts hammering Obama yesterday for "not doing his job" - not holding any oversight on Afghanistan - while running for Prez. Whatever the fairness - those sorts of charges can hurt Obama. At least in part because they feed a "narrative" that he is not serious or seasoned enough - particularly in foreign policy.

McCain is a fucking ass-hat. The good news is he is starting to drool like a mindless fuck, and thinks Putin is the president of Germany. Every month, his ability to hold an argument slips. Obama gets better and better, and can certainly hold his own.

But all of us should realize that this is an area where Obama needs to improve - as he has in so many others.

This is not something a VP pick can "solve" - because Obama will have to go toe-to-toe with McAss - and nobody in America votes for the VP - it's just a basic fact.

Right away - Obama needs to avoid looking "smug" delivering "lines" - and needs to not look flippant on this issue.
Obamas core strength is that he takes issues head on - and conveys sincerity and seriousness. It is why Clinton's attack on him
have always failed. But he is in some risky new territory - and McCain will not attack in the same way.

Obama will do this. I just hope he does not do any damage before he learns to master this area as well.