Obama: Bush, McCain Should Explain Their Problem With JFK

Political Radar:

Sen. Barack Obama went one step further today in his pushback against presumptive GOP presidential nominee Sen. John McCain and President Bush on appeasement, suggesting that both Republicans have a problem with presidents past who have engaged in direct diplomacy.

"If George Bush and John McCain have a problem with direct diplomacy, led by the president of the United States, then they can explain why they have a problem with John F. Kennedy because that's what he did with [Soviet leader Nikita] Khrushchev, or Ronald Reagan, 'cause that's what he did with [Soviet leader Mikhail] Gorbachev, or Richard Nixon 'cause that's what they did with [Chinese leader Mao Tse-tung]," Obama said in Roseburg, Ore. "That's exactly the kind of diplomacy we need to keep us safe."

Read the whole story: Political Radar

Comments

[harriscrl3]

I'm convinced John McCain has NO CLUE how far American has fallen since the days of the cold war. America is fighting two wars they are sending people with MEDICAL discharges back into Iraq because they NEED troops there. Thats how DIRE the situation in Iraq is. The Dollar is sinking into the abyss. Its gotten so bad that some stores in the US are accepting OTHER CURRENCIES. This is NOT the same superpower so to think that countries like Iran are beneath us and we shouldnt be meeting with them is clearly someone who does NOT understand that the world has changed. Iran is beneath us not on the same plane as Russia was HA HA HA well actually we are NOT on the same Plane that we was in the cold war so we are Iran are basically neck and neck now thanks to GWB and his invasion of a country Iraq that was also beneath us. A weak ecomony CANNOT sustain a strong military and eventually the country starts to decline. OIL is going for over 4.00 a gallon and you think Iran the second largest oil producer is beneath us. How STUPID, this is our next President? This sends fear through me like never before. If Obama doesnt win please Lord let Bob Barr win.

Carol

[toby25]

John F Kennedy would never even be considered a democrat in today's far left democratic party. Just like Joe Libermann people on the "progressive" left would turn on him and hate him if Kennedy was time warped into modern times with the same policys. "Ask not what your country can do for...ask what you can do for your country" That kind of talk sure doesnt fit in todays democratic party ways of giving something to everybody and not having to work for it.

[Podewumun]

Blah, blah, blah.

[MajorKong]

Neither would Eisenhower be allowed in today's far right Republican party:

"Should any political party attempt to abolish social security, unemployment insurance, and eliminate labor laws and farm programs, you would not hear of that party again in our political history. There is a tiny splinter group, of course, that believes you can do these things. Among them are a few other Texas oil millionaires, and an occasional politician or business man from other areas. Their number is negligible and they are stupid."

"Every gun that is made, every warship launched, every rocket fired signifies, in the final sense, a theft from those who hunger and are not fed, those who are cold and are not clothed."

“When people speak to you about a preventive war, you tell them to go and fight it. After my experience, I have come to hate war. War settles nothing.”

[Podewumun]

Great quotes, Major! THANKS!

[ohmercy]

Thanks Major!
I have come to appreciate Eisenhower after hearing his prophetic farewell address when leaving office.
It is so powerful.
(its on youtube for anyone interested who has not heard it.)
And so descriptive of where we are, exactly what he warned against.

[dumboldfarmer]

President Eisenhower saw the handwriting on the wall and tried to warn Americans about it.
He was correct.

[chi]

Obama has constantly said that students would be expected to work in various agencies in order to recieve gov't help with college loans.

[BlueOnBlue]

It's hard to fathom how backwards you have this. Kennedy's phrase is quintessentially a liberal Democratic statement. Putting the common good above purely individual desires is a liberal philosophy. At it's most extreme, it is the Marxist slogan which says "from each according to his ability; to each according to his needs."

Kennedy was putting this into a milder, American framework.

In contrast, the conservative philosophy is one of economic and social Darwinism, where only the fittest and most self-centered survive. Its extreme is fascism.

Now, I'm sure you're going to call me a Marxist, but I'm really just a Trekkie. As Spock said, "The good of the many outweighs the good of the one."

[ohmercy]

I'm pretty much a "progressive socialist" whatever the hell that might be. I just like the sound of it.
LOL

Anyway, yeah, what you said.
amen to that.

[TakeSake]

I grok Barack.

Actually, there are stickers and pins out there with that, written in the ST-TOS font.

[111]

I'm old enough to have listened to Kennedy's inaugural. The country at that time was very radical beginning with civil rights which was vigorously fought in the south. Kennedy was considered very progressive and what he did was inspire those who have to help those who don't. Very left wing ideas. Very unlike the DLC.

If you are a Democrat you might consider leaving the party to align yourself with a party that more closely reflects your views.

[olderdem]

Bush long ago elevated Iran, Iraq, and North Korea to the level of the U.S.S.R. and China of the 60's and 70's when he lableled them the "Axis of Evil". He has lableled state-sponsered terrorism the fight of our generation comparable to the Cold War fight with USSR and China. It is he that has elevated the status of Iran, not Obama.

Obama, correctly, wants to directly engage our enemies, like Kennedy, Nixon and Reagan before him.

[ChiGuy]

LOL!!!

Bush and McCain both awoke to the taste of shoe leather in their mouths.

[amst]

I am loving this. Obama seems to have really come so far. I love that he's pressing on and still maintaining his dignity, not bashing the opponents, but rather their views on issues. I think Obama as of late, seems so much more comfortable and is showing how strong he is, standing his ground.

I sense a real change. I mean, it's hard to explain but I really mean change, and whatever part Obama plays in that change, I'm proud to say that I sincerely feel that I am on the right side of History along with those who feel this change as well. One of those things you can tell your grandkids...."yea, I was there when Obama....." Know what I mean?

[Lagniappe]

The Iran hostage crisis was a diplomatic crisis between Iran and the United States where 53 U.S. diplomats were held hostage for 444 days from November 4, 1979 to January 20, 1981, after a group of students took over the American embassy in support of Iran's revolution.[2]

In Iran, the incident was seen by many as a blow against U.S. influence in Iran and its support of the recently fallen Shah of Iran, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, (who had been restored to power by a CIA-funded coup in 1953) . The crisis ended with the signing of the Algiers Accords in Algeria on January 19, 1981. The hostages were formally released into United States custody the following day, just minutes after the new American president Ronald Reagan was sworn in.

In America, the crisis is thought by some political analysts to be the primary reason for U.S. President Jimmy Carter's defeat in the November 1980 presidential election.[4] In Iran, the crisis is thought to have strengthened the prestige of the Ayatollah Khomeini and consolidated the political hold of radical anti-American forces who supported the hostage taking. The crisis also marked the beginning of American legal action, or sanctions, that economically separated Iran from America. Sanctions blocked all property within US jurisdiction owned by the Central Bank and Government of Iran.[5]

[RTIII]

So... Finish your report:

It was reported at the time that the students were ready to release the hostages but Republicans convinced them to keep them until after the American elections, with promisses of benefits to come. The students - and presumably Khomeini - agreed. Some years later ('86) it came to light that our CIA was providing Iran with arms (selling them) and using the proceeds (profits) to fund the "Contras" in Nicaragua. In the end, Reagan himself said on U.S. national television, "what began as a strategic opening to Iran deteriorated, in its implementation, into trading arms for hostages."

[missjabez]

Obama's amusing me with his exploits. He's coming out fighting. I'm sure the repubs don't know what hit them.

[kellygrrrl]

Bush and McLame do have a lot of explaining to do.
unfortunately they do not have a single functioning brain cell between them with which to formulate a cohesive thought process.

[RTIII]

Oh, I imagine they have lots of "functioning" brain cells. The problem is, those cells don't talk to each other! -smile-

[harriscrl3]

They have NO problem with diplomacy GWB is offering Iran Incentives isnt that appeasing Iran. He has offered the same to North Korea isnt that appeasing South Korea both of whom are TERRORIST supporting state.

No Bush and McCain think the American people are dumb as dirt like they are. They believe if they say Obama wants to appease some leaders but we are strong and we will fight while behind their backs they are doing EXACTLY what they are accusing Obama of. They think obama is stupid enough to just keep his mouth shut.

Dumbazzes better start getting some intelligence quick if they think they can use stupidity and fear and get away with it.

I find it laughable that people are talking about Obama supporters believing everything he said when its because of their Dumb stupidity that they put a C student who hasnt the professional etiqutte to know that you dont go to a foreign country and insult your domestic govermnent.

Which is more embarassing drinking from the Obama koolaid or drinking form a C student who is dumb as rocks or those drinking koolaid from a pathological proven liar. Which would you prefer.

Carol

[Marlyn]

"they are doing EXACTLY what they are accusing Obama of"

Yes. This is the classic Rovian tactic, accuse your opponent of having your own worst weakness.

[likeicare]

Like Barack said, "Just look at the evidence, folks."

Everyone in the world either hates us, or is disgusted with the antics of our so-called "leaders."

We go around the world scolding everybody for not doing the same things we should be doing at home -- promoting peace, not war, providing better education, healthcare, affordable housing, clean drinking water, safe streets, improving our infrastructure, the list could go on and on. And what do we do? Open the floodgates to private enterprise to "fix" all our problems while telling the hard-working taxpayers that we have to fend for ourselves.

There's been a shift in the redistribution of wealth in this country, from the individual to the corporate-elite. We pay double for everything -- once in taxes, and again in generous, no-bid government contracts to friends of the regime. And look at what we get in exchange: we're the laughing stock of the world.

[TheJibreelaMonsters]

"We pay double for everything -- once in taxes, and again in generous, no-bid government contracts to friends of the regime"

Were do you live at: Chicago, IL were they tax everything under the sun. Last I recall, I dont fell poor and what keep a corporation in American other than packing up and heading off to Hong Kong, Dubai or Ireland? Wait, I think your a socialists when I see the comment "redistribution of wealth." What happen to working hard, saving money and making good choices like not making mistakes like having children young and getting into debt? Wait you want the Government to take care of everybody.

[Lagniappe]

I suggest you go to Alternet,read Chalmer's Johnson's review of Sheldon Wolins, new book about inverted totalitarianism. Democracy Incorporated. Perhaps you could file articles of incorporation on yourself and offshore your product (yourself)overseas to a third world country-no sense of commonwealth or community there.

[UncleJimbo]

Why are you so fearful of Socialism? ALL the other wealthy nations on the planet have instutionalised since the Second World War! That's why 85% of our people think the country think is headed in the wrong direction...That direction is Corporate (phony) Nationalism!

[thepoliticalcat]

Good Lord, I believe you missed the last dose of your medication.

Real wages have not risen in well over a decade. Prices of everything, food, housing, health care, education, and GAS, fer cryin' out loud, have risen steeply, double, triple, or quadruple what they were a decade ago. While working people struggle to afford the basics, CEO pay has gone from ten times a worker's pay to several hundred times a worker's pay.

Even if you have problems with socialism, as a good conservative you ought to, on principle, oppose no-bid government contracts as a waste of taxpayer resources.

[TheJibreelaMonsters]

I see the Obama kool-aid drinkers are out in full force tonight. Anything that Obama says is 100% correct and anyone who questions him is a racist! Obama is weak just like Jimmy Carter was with Iran and the hostage situation. No I don't agree with Bush on the Iraq War, but I do not agree with Obama and his approach to negotiating with terrorist groups. Obama can lie his way out of this again like he does when he gets heat--he did say he would negotiate with terrorist groups in several debates and on some news programs. His tactics of turning the tables around by attacking others when he is questioned on an issue shows he has weak leadership qualities! He attacks others rather than taking a stand and answering the question.

[ejay579]

Damn, he is good. Wouldn't you agree?

[thymetwo]

I see the Obama kool-aid drinkers are out in full force tonight

tactics of turning the tables around by attacking others when he is questioned on an issue shows he has weak leadership qualities!

can we say Hypocrite?

Please if you really want to back up what you say tell us how your old boy McCain would do thing differently and tell us how well that has worked historically? Tell us why you disagree with Reagan and how he handled his talks with Gorbachev. How it's safer to ignore a threat than deal with it. Please we all really want to know.

and want to see can you do it WITHOUT the hypocrisy

[Lagniappe]

Wouls someone correct me if I'm worng but wasn't it the Republicans who went and cut a deal with Iran to release hostages to assure Regan's win against Carter? I know I recently learned about the back door deal to put Ronnie Raygun in office.

[RTIII]

Yes, you are correct.

I recall VIVIDLY that it came out at the time, BEFORE the election. I talked with people about it and they all said that they would NOT vote for Ronnie were it true, but they didn't believe it! They believed the Main Stream Media (our WORST enemy). Literally, to a person, they all said, "If that's true, I would NEVER vote for Reagan, but it's not true, I heard about it on TV." (or words to this effect)

Well, it's all now a clear part of the historical record. Ask people about it now and they "don't recall."

[Lagniappe]

Is it just me, but does it seem that the despots we befriended and "appeased" in the past are either now being portayed a dictators,or are/were being systematically being eliminated?Khadaffi,Sadam Hussein,Shah of Iran,Pinochet,Ferdinand Marcos. Remember Iran-Contra Gate. I think these are people who know too much and hat is the security problem they present/presented.

[MajorKong]

We don't care much about whether or not they're dictators as long as they do what we want. It's only when they stop following orders that we're suddenly "Shocked! Shocked I tell you!" to find out that they're an oppressive dictator.

[Gemma08]

Yep! And dont think the world is not watching and taking note.

At this time, for example, the US is supporting and propping up the dictator Mubarak in Egypt and the recent elections in Pakistan have had dire consequences for the Pakistan-US relationship, after Musharraf was ousted.

Then there's the brutal Israeli war criminal Knesset committing genocide in the Occupied Territories. And the CIA-backed Janjaweed in Sudan.

Yep, yep, yep... the US has a long criminal history of supporting dictators.

What I find particularly rich about the appeasement accusation, is that the US was actually pro-German before Pearl Harbour.

Which is kind of ironic and UTTERLY hypocritial, compared to Chamberlain's 'mere' appeasement... (relatively speaking, of course).

[TN60]

The last time I checked, Israel has enough nukes to take out any MidEast country on its own.

The Iranian people are culturally way ahead of the other countries around it. They can't help that the Shah was a US plant and when he was overthrown the Mullahs came to power. They run the country. The people, from what I understand, are by majority, more in tune with the Western world than any of the other countries. It would be a shame to bomb the people of Iran back to the stone ages.

I think Obama understands this and I would hope that talks would help develop, over time, the people of Iran into a peaceful country. We just don't need another war !! Gawd, can we not be a nation of peace ever again!!! Geez !! Let's please stop with "war", "terror", "Czars" and "Homeland Security" in fact, let's dismantle that last entity along with "NO Child Left Behind"

[Lagniappe]

Off Topic-Odd you should mention NCLB. I was researching the origins of that yesterday. Quite intruiging that it was based off alleged school scores data in Texas.There is ,however,various opinions that this is somehow an experiment tied "creating" the need for charter schools ,which would be tax exempt and unaccountable to public scrutiny or oversite. Machevellian motivations ,some say, are to create data for eugenic research.

[Marlyn]

"eugenic research" ... shudder

[Lagniappe]

You mention that the Shah of Iran was a U.S. plant. What better insurance tha that won't happen again,but by installing someone of the type like Achmanenijad? Highly doubtful he would ever roll over.

[NoSillyName]

Obama is 100% correct. We MUST have diplomacy. We MUST speak to our enemies. How can any amount of détente be achieved without discussion?

The Bush version of international relations is absurd. "We don't talk to our enemies." We know how well that's worked.

Someone should be talking to Castro. He's making some changes and would probably like American tourists pumping up his economy. Someone should be talking to Castro before Chavez starts getting too friendly.

Wouldn't that make sense?

[Marlyn]

I too wish we would normalize relations with Cuba. Then maybe all of those crazy Cubans in Florida would GO HOME!

[eej]

The Bush administration is on thin ice when they talk about competence.

McCain, be careful there.