« Yes, He Said It | Main | All Right, Already »
Obama and the World
10 Feb 2007 01:49 pm
Mark Steyn makes a predictable jab at Barack Obama's defense of his foreign policy credentials. Here's what Obama said:
"My experience in foreign policy is probably more diverse than most others in the field. I mean, I'm somebody who has actually lived overseas, somebody who has studied overseas. You know, I majored in international relations."
There's no question that Obama needs major work in foreign policy. But he is obviously better informed at this point than, say, George W. Bush was in February 1999. And Obama's internationalist pedigree seems to me a golden opportunity for the United States.
I don't think many Americans have fully absorbed yet what the Bush administration has done to America's soft power abroad, to the moral reputation of America, to the respect that many around the world once had for America's democratic institutions, even if they differed from U.S foreign policy. Bush's torture and detention policies, his cringe-inducing diplomacy, his proud lack of interest in other cultures and societies has deeply weakened this country's international clout. Electing a half-African president, with Hussein as a middle name, who attended school in a Muslim country: it's almost a p.r. agent's dream for America. It would instantly give this country a fresh start in the world after the disaster of the Bush-Cheney years. It isn't enough: Obama will need skills and determination in the terror war. But soft power helps; and Obama would put it on steroids. As for youth, Tony Blair was 43 when he became prime minister; Obama would be 48. What's the problem?
(Photo of Obama's formal - and exhilarating - announcement today by Scott Olson/Getty.)
TrackBack URL for this entry:
http://www.typepad.com/t/trackback/2224950/16040574
Listed below are links to weblogs that reference 'Obama and the World'
The View From Overseas
Excerpt: Sullivan, this morning. I dont think many Americans have fully absorbed yet what the Bush administration has done to Americas soft power abroad, to the moral reputation of America, to the respect that many around the world once had for A...
Weblog: RightThinking from the Left Coast
Tracked: Feb 10, 2007 3:02:35 PM
Global Obama
Excerpt: I have to admit that lately, on the Democratic side, Ive been giving Barack Obama a long, hard look, and that so far, I really like what I see. Whether it would be enough to get me to vote for him I dont know yet, but were certain...
Weblog: The Crossed Pond
Tracked: Feb 10, 2007 7:50:29 PM
Obama declares candidacy for Vice-President & launches pre-emptive strike on Boomers.
Excerpt: One has to ask - why the generational focus? I submit, that this is a realistic political calculation by a young, self-assured, very smart, very ambitious politician, who understands that his path to the presidency requires a stepping stone as Vice-Pre...
Weblog: Divided we stand United we fall.
Tracked: Feb 11, 2007 8:34:11 PM
