You want judgement...I got yer judgement...
John McCain set the record straight yesterday. He's not questioning Obama's patriotism, he's questioning Obama's judgment.
LAS CRUCES, NM - Sen. McCain returned fire on his Democratic rival Wednesday after Barack Obama accused him of questioning his patriotism.
Speaking to the Veterans of Foreign Wars conference in Orlando Tuesday, Obama accused McCain of using a “laundry list of political attacks,” including his devotion to the country.
“I believe the American people are better than that. I believe that this defining moment demands something more of us,” Obama said. “I will let no one question my love for this country.”
McCain, who has made the motto “country first” a central theme of his campaign and has previously accused Obama of putting politics above the national interest, responded today that it is not Obama’s patriotism but his judgment that he is criticizing.[..]
Let's see now...would that be the judgment that was against invading Iraq in the first place?
Or Obama's judgement that we need a reasonable time table to leave Iraq? Which after being denounced by Bush, McCain and all the other victory-at-all-costs wingnuts, it now appears that we are on a path to a time table for withdrawal. A time table which is remarkably close to that proposed by Obama...and which McCain now supports.
Perhaps McCain is referring to Obama's judgement that Pakistan's Musharraf was not a reliable ally in our war on terror? And now Musharraf is gone...
Surely McCain also refers to Obama's judgement about negotiating from a position of strength with states such as Iran? Next thing we know, the Bush administration has entered into direct negotiations with the government of Iran over the issue of nuclear weapons.
Or maybe McCain is referring to Obama's judgement that, after years of neglect in favor of an unnecessary war in Iraq, we need more commitment to Afghanistan? Now that Afghanistan is reaching a stage of crisis...100 insurgents attacked the French?...a separate attack tried to overrun an entire base in Khost?
From the LATimes: "Militants' new reach and power are demonstrated in attacks on U.S. and French troops...August 20, 2008
KABUL, AFGHANISTAN -- In the worst loss of life for Western troops in ground combat with Taliban forces in Afghanistan, insurgents ambushed and killed 10 French soldiers and wounded 21 in a sustained assault outside the capital, military officials said Tuesday.[..]"
Even the Pentagon is getting on board with Obama's judgement:
"Pentagon Plans to Send More Than 12,000 Additional Troops to Afghanistan
The U.S. commander there, in an exclusive interview, calls for a further buildup to counter the Taliban
The U.S. commander there, in an exclusive interview, calls for a further buildup to counter the Taliban
The Pentagon will be sending 12,000 to 15,000 additional U.S. troops to Afghanistan, possibly as soon as the end of this year, with planning underway for a further force buildup in 2009.
A request by Gen. David McKiernan, the commander of NATO forces in Afghanistan, for three U.S. brigades with support staff has been approved. "Now that means we just need to figure out a way to get them there," adds a senior defense official [...]
Now, isn't it interesting how Obama is driving the actual foreign policy train, with McCain and Bush limping behind? More troops for Afghanistan...a time horizon for Iraq...moving beyond Musharraf in Pakistan, etc., etc.?
Obama's judgement has been spot on...he's much smarter and gets there much faster than his opponents.
But McCain is right -- good judgement is at a premium. He should just tune in to the Denver convention next week if he wants to see it in action.
