The Interpretation of the latest Rasmussen Reports Poll over at the Daily Kos bodes ill for our candidate– " It is now evident that Hillary Clinton has came out the winner of the spat the two had for the past week which shows Clinton's strength and experience."
Obama's approach has been strong, unremorseful and this is great. However, his critique of Washington Experience does nothing to prove what Obama's unique experience is, much less show that it is more desireable than what the other candidates have to offer.
Obama makes the effective argument, I think, that "experience," as in "Washington experience" didn't prevent the US from making the most significant foreign policy mistake in this countries history. Some of Washington's most experienced people – Cheney, Rumsfeld, etc. got us into this ill-fated and ill-advised war in Iraq, while even experienced folks in the opposition went along with the rationale for this war.
Seeing all of these crusty old men and their stale view of a foreign policy and crude
understanding of the world today, Obama offers something new. He offers to meet with world leaders of our enemies. Why not?
Obama then states that he would strike in Pakistan if there was actionable intelligence. Not smooth, perhaps, but completely in-line with current American policy. His mistake? He said it outloud.
Next, Obama says no, he won't use nuclear weapons on Osama Bin Laden's cave. He's criticized for "taking the nuclear option off the table – something an "experienced Washington pol" would never do, despite the fact that a majority of Americans and 98% of the rest of the worlds population would shun such a move. The political fallout for America would rival the actual nuclear fallout!
In addition to his general critique of stale Washington group think, Obama passes a secondary challenge - not backing down from his statements idea. This shows strength.
But now, he must expound on his critique of the "Washington Way" - he can't just dismiss it out of hand. That didn't work in 2004 when Dems could only muster attacks on Bush's mistakes in Iraq. They had no affirmative oposing ideas - at least, none of them got through.
Obama needs to define, or perhaps, redefine 'experience.' He needs to expound, perhaps poetically as he can do so well, on what experience means to him, what his experience is, and how it will translate into valuable experience in the White House. In my personal opinion, Obama's experience has created an amazing leader - someone brave enough to challenge accepted wisdom and not back down. Someone who can motivate people. Someone who's willing to take the radical road of practical politics.
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