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What would you think if I told you that Sen. Obama, when he was over touring Iraq, sought to have leaders there delay making any arrangements for troop withdrawals until after the U.S. election?
Impact on the Election
On the one hand, it could be seen as entirely self-serving. If troops started to come home as early as this year, and that was public knowledge before the election, it would be harder to make “mismanagement of the war” something that would stick to Sen. McCain. Indeed, to those that are undecided, this would actually be a net-plus for President Bush, and Sen. Obama’s incessant attachment of two would result in a net-plus for Sen. McCain. Especially after he supported the surge that is working while Sen. Obama did not.
But are Democrats this smart—is that what he was really trying to do?
There’s another way to look at this, especially when you take the view that Sen. Obama believes he will win (what politician doesn’t?), and at the time of his visit his position in the polls was astronomical.
Victory on My Watch
Presidents get credit for what happens on their watch—regardless of whether they had anything to do with it. In 2001, when President Bush took office, we entered a mini-recession. It was a neat present from the previous administration, and although he had nothing to do with it, Pres. Bush was tagged with it.
If there was a delay in troop returns until after January—even if it was Feb. 1—President Obama would take the credit.
Lame Duck
The last logical argument could be made1 that Sen. Obama really believes in the waning power of a President in the last of eight years, and that a “lame duck” should not be making such decisions, especially when the new President has yet to be determined.
Lame Ducks are a distinct fowl indeed—I’ve been through 3 in my lifetime—and a President at the end of his time in office does tend to struggle to be relevant. Most news coverage is on the ones that will be replacing him. People look past him into the future, and don’t expect him to find solutions to today’s problems.
More than at any other time, he’s someone to be worked around, rather than worked with. And that’s how I read Sen. Obama’s statements. He really is saying, “Look past Bush, because he’s not going to be around anymore. I don’t want to be stuck with his plans, I may want to have my own.”
Sen. Obama knows that whatever Bush negotiates is what he’ll probably have to stick with2, and so if he can get Iraq to delay he’ll be able to create his own terms.
Hey, this is my first time here, just over from Life in the Parsonage. I’m Linda of the video post carnival, “I See What You’re Saying,” and I saw your, “Not I, said the duck” comment (or something like that) and I just want to say, “Come on, why not?!” I think there’s only one other male participating, and that’s a shame. You’re not even a newbie at this! OK, I just had to come on over and personally invite you. I’m enjoying your posts immensely–nice to read an actual opinion/stance. many of us mom bloggers are a little reticent about that sort of thing.
Linda at 2nd cups last blog post..The Rice-a-Roni Jingle and Other Critical Thoughts
@Linda at 2nd cup: My “rules” for blogging try to keep a level of anonymity (hence the pseudonym) because of my family, so I tend not to use live images or my voice (though, like I mentioned, I have considered doing a podcast). So, it would have to be of the “you can’t see my face” variety, which would be odd considering your carnival’s goal! 🙂
You’re right, I’m not a newbie. I’ve been blogging since 2004 officially, and since 1998 in one form or another.
I’m glad you appreciate my posts, and look forward to talking with you more!
I think that’s where I get skeptical, MIn. I can’t see anything other than ulterior motives in Obama’s attempt. Why let Bush (and McCain, vicariously) have any credit or lend credence to their policies?
I just wish that the media would leap upon Obama like they do McCain…but that is wishful thinking.
Hollys last blog post..I’m at the new site!
@Holly: Oh, I admit it’s hard not to see this as something that he’s twisting to his own gain– hence why I tried to rationally think through the options.
And your right, the media has finally spent some time on McCain-Palin, but only in the attempt to try to take Palin down.
Regardless of what reporters (or bloggers) say, it’s hard to stay neutral and report the facts when everything is filtered through a worldview.