A Foreign Policy Vote for Barack and Joe

by Taylor Marsh

I cast an early and enthusiastic vote for Obama-Biden. As a die hard Hillary support, I didn't start out feeling that way about the top of the ticket. But that's how it ended up, proud to vote for Obama. When I saw the crowds in my home state of Missouri over the weekend it only added to the pride.

Let me start by borrowing some words from the Chicago Tribune endorsement, personalizing them just a bit: Many Americans say they're uneasy about Obama. He's pretty new to them. I can provide some assurance. I have come to know Obama since he entered the presidential primary season. I have watched him, investigated everything about him, fought him, argued against him on the web, tv and radio, even as he rose from nowhere to win the Democratic nomination. I now have tremendous confidence in his intellectual rigor, his moral compass and his ability to make sound, thoughtful, careful decisions. He is ready. That he has Joe Biden beside him makes me even more sure of the foreign policy vote I cast.

That's how I vote, on foreign policy, national security and military matters. These are the issues that matter most to me, what I've studied for over three decades. I can't lay out every foreign policy point in this post, China and Russia for instance, but there is simply no doubt in my mind that Barack Obama, along with Joe Biden, who is the most brilliant foreign policy thinker in the Congress, his presence sending a strong signal to our allies, is the team that can turn the U.S. towards an engaged, significantly strengthened position in the world.

Pakistan and Central Asia

Barack Obama had the courage and strength of purpose to announce that he would strike inside Pakistan to get bin Laden if actionable intelligence presented itself. It alarmed many and took some time for the purpose of this position to be understood, but what he was sending was a signal that no one should doubt his force of will to protect the United States and seek out enemies on foreign soil, while sending an unmistakable message to then President Musharaff and the Pakistanis, particularly the ISI. The piece Joe Biden posted here on Huffington Post on Pakistan he cross-posted on my blog, a piece that elevated him beyond any other on the subject. These two men together are simply unmatched in their thinking on this region, which is the most difficult challenge in the world we face today. That Georgia's President Mikheil Saakashvili sent for Joe Biden when things got rough with Russian and Putin ends the debate. Biden understands the strings Putin is pulling, as he flexes muscles that, no doubt, a new president will have to match.

As for John McCain, he didn't mention Pakistan or Central Asia until Obama was well on his way to discussing the challenges we face there, which was prefaced with the difficulties unraveling in Afghanistan. But McCain saying "We are all Georgians" is one of the most alarming statements made as we move to a post-Bush era. This type of thinking is what led to the invasion of Iraq. Not only can our military not afford such implied allegiance, but neither can our treasury, of which there can no longer be any doubt. Our foreign policy simply cannot withstand another administration that believes America can save the world in lieu of allies working in cooperation.

Unfortunately, Obama-Biden will take over when Pakistan is at a tipping point. The Federally Administered Tribal Area bordering Afghanistan is now dangerously infiltrated with Islamic extremists, which are threatening the Karzai government. Zardari's position is also perilous, not only politically, but because anti American sentiment has grown, but also because of widespread poverty, food shortages and the currency collapse. Pakistan is close to coming unglued. We haven't begun to talk about India, with the balance of power in this entire region teetering on collapse.

Afghanistan

Barack Obama has been calling for a more concentrated military strategy in Afghanistan for a very long time. John McCain was virtually silent on the issue until well into the election season, prompted, I believe, by Obama's strong statements. McCain's strong support for Musharraf for so long exactly mirrored Bush's, which Joe Biden rightly deemed the Administration's "Mushraff policy," instead of a policy towards Pakistan and the entire region. However, very careful strategy must be considered before engaging a large number of American troops inside Afghanistan, because we could end up in another quagmire just as easily, as Dr. Zbigniew Brzezinski has warned, as have others like Juan Cole. A recent NIE leaked to McClatchy states that even then stability is no longer guaranteed. The fact is that Bush has let the situation deteriorate so deeply, because of his single minded foreign policy focus on Iraq, that some increase of force strength is absolutely necessary, I believe, to get us back to where we were before we invaded Iraq. We've lost ground in Afghanistan, with the Taliban gaining control, corruption rampant, so we're left with little choice. Obama understands this all too well, as does Biden, who has been calling for the same types of action. How We Lost the War We Won, by Nir Rosen, will give you an idea of what the next president will inherent from Bush.

Iraq

The differences between McCain and Obama on Iraq are obvious. One of the biggest challenges we face right now is the new draft agreement on U.S. force presence, which Sadr is now pushing the Iraqi parliament to reject. But the biggest concern about McCain is that his talk of "victory" resembles a Vietnam warrior wanting to settle old scores that cannot be settled, while taking that strategy and utilizing it beyond Iraq, perhaps another "surge" in Afghanistan. McCain thinks in 20th century terms about battle. Obama does not. However, unlike many, I never was that impressed with Obama's anti war speech on Iraq, which was given in a very friendly district of Chicago, without facing any political heat at all for his stance. But he did stand up against the war, which cannot be denied. I did as well, on a.m. radio, ranting at Democrats in Congress for their spinelessness. If in the Senate, however, I still believe Obama would have cast a vote for the war, but he didn't have that burden, which benefited him greatly, as we all know. But even in being against the war, Obama is a cautious and deliberate man, having vision to look further than the next mile, which means whatever his withdrawal plans are in Iraq he will do it after getting counsel from many, including military leaders, and make a decision that will be less likely to haunt Democrats. I don't think he will withdraw all troops in a specified timeline from Iraq, as some liberal activists believe, but I've also never thought that was a good idea either. There is no way we can judge what we're going to inherit in Iraq, because there is absolutely no proof that the Bush administration has been forthright with the actual truth of what's unfolding in Iraq right now. But make to mistake about it, Barack Obama will begin to get us untangled from Iraq, handing back to the Iraqi's their country.

Israel - Iran

Obama is a strong supporter of Israel, as is any politician at this level of American politics. He is also strong enough to understand that the "special relationship" we have with Israel has morphed into a heavy handed Middle East policy that had Bush pushing for elections that resulted in Hamas gaining a strong foothold because the people weren't ready. Interfering in the domestic policies of other nations can lead to trouble, especially in the Middle East.

No other single act has harmed our relationships in this region more than the Republican phobia against diplomacy. Obama believes you need to talk to your adversaries as much as you do your allies. John McCain, unfortunately, is stuck in the 20th century mind set about the Middle East, which is further driven home by the presence of Joe Lieberman at his side. This partnership reveals a dangerously blinded approach to Iran, one that has led to an impossible relationship that is hurting us in Iraq, as well as Afghanistan, where the Iranians were of great help right after 9/11. The Iraq war and the subsequent Iraqi government is now also linked closely to Tehran, while Iranian influence throughout the region continues to grow, which is doing nothing good for Israel. But still, McCain and Lieberman ignore what their bellicose rhetoric towards Tehran engenders for a country and a people they so long to aid, at a time when great possibility for change in Israel is unfolding. Along with Joe Biden, who is known and trusted in the Middle East, Barack Obama has the opportunity to revitalize our relationships, something that would not have a chance if McCain became president.

Conclusion

In the midst of a financial crisis, we need steady leadership from people who know the modern world challenges we face. "Experience" is a valued asset, which Biden offers, but a new look at a world that no longer resembles the 20th century from a person who is educated, curious, modern, worldly, bringing a wholly new way of looking at our challenges offers great possibility, especially as deep a thinker as Obama has proved himself to be.

The fact that John McCain is 72 years old is also a factor; to say otherwise would be a lie. Looking at his running mate, while balancing the dangerous foreign policy challenges we face, I cannot in good conscience remotely consider voting for John McCain. I will forever believe that the choice of Palin was simply political, which proved correct in igniting the base, but leaves the seriousness of Palin taking over as president from a man of McCain's maturity out of the equation entirely. It's a dangerous chance to take when the world is changing so rapidly, with more dangers today, including economic, than we've faced in a generation. As prepared as McCain is to be president, his running mate is simply not.

Having started out the primary season neutral, then moved to a very strong Hillary Clinton supporter, which I remain, also having been among her strongest advocates anywhere, I knew I'd vote Democratic, for the foreign policy reasons given above. But many times in the last 24 years I've held my nose to vote Democratic, when the candidates just didn't get it done. After the primary season I thought this might be another one of those years. I am proud to say it is not. Barack Obama has convinced me that he's the right person for the presidency at this particular time in history. The addition of Joe Biden, whom I've followed in the Senate for years, began my partisan pilgrimage, which evolved into a proud vote for Obama-Biden. If you vote on foreign policy, the team that offers the strongest change from the Bush-Cheney years, with the gravitas to make the world sit up and remember America as we once were, before the last years ruined our reputation, is Barack Obama and Joe Biden. They earned my vote.

Comments

[jr9657]

Taylor, I have to say I thought and felt exactly like you regarding Obama. But due to his exact decision to add Joe Biden to the ticket, turned me into a believer. I know I would have NEVER voted for McCain (goes against all of my moral and political philosophies), but now knowing that when I casted my vote two days ago during early voting here in Texas, I knew I made the right decision.

[BARRISTER]

Madam;

You forgot to mention that Obama's credentials on Foreign Policy were confirmed on Sunday by no less an expert than General Colin Powell!

[Pulemerci]

Now Powell is an expert? The man who went to the UN and laid out the reasons for invading Iraq? Now he's an expert and respected by the left? You people amaze me.

[Patriot0259]

I appreciate that analysis. It is daunting but encouraging. It would be a shame to miss the opportunities that an Obama/Biden administration can afford in renewed US foreign policy and diplomacy. I hope they do seize the day and restore American stature in the world. Our children will thank us for it.

[B-FREE]

I supported Hillary too and was heartsick when it became obvious it was over for her .

Thank you TM !

Thank you for being a true American !

We need Obama/Biden !
Our country needs them and all of us to rollup our sleeves and fight to take our country back !

Im donating, volunteering and doing everything possible to get them elected with the same enthusiasm as I did for HC !
Thank you again !

[PKSSK]

Excellent, articulate and thoughtfully reasoned post. Thank you Taylor!!!!

[Rog49Thomas]

I'm perplexed if in the past you had to hold your nose when voting for Democrats, does that imply that the alternative was even worse?

[teapartydude]

There is no alternative, but doesn't mean you have to like what who you're voting for.

Kerry was so pathetic as a candidate. I believe if it wasn't for the "liberal media" slamming Dean for his "scream," he would have been President.

I still think he would be a better pick for for VP b/c he is the best attack dog and really hammered Repuglicans.

[LizM]

Taylor,

Like you, I have followed Joe Biden"s senate career for many years - with particular interest since his critical contributions toward ending a genocide in Bosnia. And, like you, I place paramount importance on foreign policy, national security, military matters - and, I would add, the judiciary - when judging presidential candidates. This is especially true this year when the US is involved in two wars in Afghanistan and Iraq and is dangerously muddling through policies on both that have proven to be abject failures.

It sounds like you would agree with the premise that Senator Biden is the undisputed leader among Democrats - and Republicans, for that matter - on foreign policy, national security, military matters, and the judiciary with impeccable and unimpeachable credentials that are second to none and, certainly, unmatched by any of his presidential rivals, of either party.

...continued...

[LizM]

...continued...

And, Senator Biden is the ONLY member of Congress who has developed and honed a comprehensive and viable strategy to promote and facilitate a sustainable political solution in Iraq based on federalism as outlined in Iraq"s constitution. The Biden strategy (formerly known as the Biden-Gelb plan) has received the support of an overwhelming and unprecedented majority of Republicans and Democrats in Congress (the Biden amendment passed the Senate by an incredible vote margin of 75-23!) and has also been unofficially endorsed by the five permanent members of the UN Security council, including then US Ambassador. Most importantly, however, many of Iraq"s sectarian leaders are also on board with the essential elements of this strategy, as is Turkey.

Based on all of this and so much more, I believed, from the get-go, that Senator Biden was the only logical choice for the next POTUS and naively believed, as early as 2005, that he would go pretty much unchallenged...imagine my surprise, to put it extremely mildly.

...continued...

[LizM]

...continued...

Since you were a die-hard Hillary supporter who also understands all that Biden brings to this table, you are uniquely positioned to help me answer the quintessential question, in my view, of this presidential election campaign...

Can you help me understand why is was that Joe Biden received so little SERIOUS media attention during his presidential run this year and why voters - like yourself - who place a high premium on a candidate"s foreign policy and national security credentials, would choose to support another candidate in the primaries?

Although I have finally concluded that the Obama/Biden ticket represents the best team - all things considered - in the history of US presidential elections, and that this may have even worked out for the best for Joe Biden (fodder for a whole other post and comment - you should write it!), it will take a very, very long time for me to begin to understand why Joe Biden and his presidential campaign were so thoroughly ignored and dismissed by the media/blogosphere and by foreign policy experts who know better. And so, anything you can say to help me understand that would be eternally appreciated!

[Taylor Marsh - Huffpost Blogger]

Joe Biden was invited on my blog to post and cross-post when he wasn't welcome on others. I was proud to meet and talk with him over the primary season. He is a formidable man, with foreign policy expertise that rises above all others. The simple answer is that this wasn't Biden's time, nor was it his year or the moment in history for him to be president.

The 21st century required, at long last, someone of a new way of thinking, whether a different gender or generation. The people spoke and delivered just that.

Barack Obama is a man who fits the moment. You cannot ignore an idea whose time has come. Biden has, at long last, found his perfect moment and place. Obama-Biden really is a sort of dream team, melding the best and bridging a divide. There is no doubt in my mind that Joe Biden is proud of this moment. I believe Barack Obama is as well.

[LizM]

...not Biden's time?...funny, from my vantage point, a Biden presidency was virtually written in the stars, all things considered..

...new thinking...if that's not Biden, I'm sure I don't know what is...

...I guess I'm still waiting for someone to explain why the media and blogosphere have ignored and dismissed Senator Biden throughout most of his illustrious career. And, worse than that, the media-conceived and driven national myth of epic proportions about Senator Biden has been gleefully taken up - hook, line and sinker - by the electorate.

...yes, I understand what you are saying about Senator Obama and I even agree with you; and, I thank you for your response...but, I hope you'll understand when I say that I find your explanation for all of this less than satisfying...

Thanks, again.

[chuk98death]

It is because BIden lacks one thing...discipline! It is something I believe has kept him away from the presidency. To win an election you need to be disciplined. You must be a good politician that can juggle a host of issues different from international and national affairs to win. Biden does not have this. It is another reason why I was beside myself when Obama picked him. If there is one thing Obama has it is discipline and he has lent his team to polish Biden some and finally get that talent into the white house.

[LarBear]

Taylor Marsh... Excellent, well thought out, months in forming, Article...

I too, am a Hillary, make that a Clinton's, supporter... I liked her endorsement at a recent rally Hillary and Barack jointly attended... When Hillary spoke of her support of Obama, she unconsciously reached over and put her hand on his shoulder... That spoke loudly this was a personal endorsement, and one of respect, and comradery... That adds to the strength of this "WE the People" Campaign...

The Simplest, yet Most Important Difference, Essential Difference, between the McCain/ Palin/ Republican Campaign and the "WE the People" Campaign is this is the first Campaign I have seen in my Life, in which "WE the People" (thanks to the Internet) actually are having more Input, Financing and say...

Clearly the McCain/ Palin/ Republican Campaign is about attacking those who stand in the way of McCain/ Palin/ Republican's Controlling the USA... Their Campaign is about Fighting for Control...
The "WE the People" Campaign is led by Barack Obama and Joe Biden and is Focused on rebuilding OUR Nation... "WE the People" need to make sure this input and say, CONTINUES, after the President is selected...

A Simple, yet clear, CHOICE/ VOTE, DUTY, to Love, Protect and Defend OUR Nation...

[Trickywoo]

Who are you, and what have you done with Taylor Marsh?

Just kidding. Thank you for a forceful and well-reasoned blog.

[Taylor Marsh - Huffpost Blogger]

heh-heh... Cute. It was a pleasure to write, believe me.

O-Biden!

[RI]

It is inspiring to read your well reasoned article of support for Obama/BIden and to hear the likes of Powell's statements.

My hope is that these efforts are more persuasive than the ceaseless fear mongering on the other side......The question is, is there a majority of our electorate still ruled by the raw fear of the primitive parts of their brains or is there a majority moved by the more reasoned responses of the thinking parts of their brains? We will see.

[JenIA]

There is something to be said about *being proud* of casting a vote FOR Barack Obama. During the primaries, many cast us Obama supporters as being *against* Hillary, or Biden, or Edwards, or Richardson, or Dodd (being in Iowa, we had many months to make our choice). That's simply not the case. We were chastised as drinking kool-aid, labeled as freaks because we were--and still are--very enthusiastic about supporting Obama.

Right now, the highest rating for likely McCain voters fall in the category of "lesser of two evils." The highest rating for Obama voters is that we are "excited" about our candidate. I am so proud AND excited that well over a year after beginning his ground game here in little ole Iowa, the support and excitement is still strong and we look forward to turning this state Obama-Biden BLUE in two weeks!

[RealOpinion08]

Well well Mrs Marsh. I dont normally comment on these post but I sure do love reading the huffingtonpost. I love to read your views from the other side of the aisle. Even though I did seldom agree with them I wanted a better understanding of what everyone else is seeing. Like Obama, I can disagree and still want to know what your feeling and why. Im very glad that Obama/Biden earned your vote, it does feel good to have a good hard earned vote. Im sure Barrack would be smiling if he read your article.

[FogCityJohn]

As someone who disagreed with Hillary Clinton on a couple of big issues (the Iraq war, principally), I often wrote highly critical comments on Taylor's posts. Yet, despite my disagreement, I never stopped reading what Taylor had to say, in part because she's a spirited, intelligent advocate for her position. (Wait. So's Hillary Clinton. I'm starting to see the connection.) After a long period of being at odds, I'm very glad to see that Taylor now feels that Obama's earned her support.

With respect to Senator Clinton, I know that she will continue to lead and inspire. Although she's a bit too conservative for me, her extraordinary intellect, prodigious work ethic, and unmatched grasp of policy will be an asset to the Democratic Party. If all of our members of the Senate had her talent, there'd be nothing we couldn't accomplish.