Obama's World
My objections to what's been happening in Iraq recently aren't tactical; I think General [David] Petraeus has done some very important work. It's strategic—I don't think that they have set a clear and achievable and realistic goal for Iraq that also speaks to our larger strategic interests, in going after Al Qaeda in Afghanistan, reducing anti-American sentiment in the Islamic world, strengthening our alliances with countries in Europe, strengthening our military to deal with unforeseen military challenges. And in the absence of that kind of strategic thinking, there's no clear marker for success.
You haven't been to Iraq since '05. Some McCain allies have raised that as an issue.
Well, the truth of the matter is that I have watched several of Sen. McCain's trips and they have oftentimes been political in nature. When he travels through a Baghdad market surrounded by soldiers and helicopters and suggests that it's safer, I don't feel like he's getting a better impression of Iraq than I am. Now, my intention has been to travel back to Iraq as soon as this primary [season] is over. It's gone a little longer than I expected.
On Iran, would you open talksbefore they have their elections in 2009? Or would you wait and see?
You'd want to have the dust settle and figure out who has been strengthened or weakened by the elections and who can you deal with ... But … the general principle that we're willing to engage in direct talks is something that I want people to be clear about as soon as I take office.
Why did you take on the nuclear issue, of all the things you could do on the Foreign Relations Committee?
Because I think that is the single most important national-security threat that we face. John McCain likes to say that the defining battle or the defining challenge for our generation is the battle against—what does he call it?—"Islamo-fascism." I think he's missing the forest for the trees ...I think the defining challenge for us is to keep weapons of mass destruction out of the hands of those who might be tempted to use them. If we can be successful in keeping nuclear weapons out of the hands of terrorists, then we can handle the terrorists … The Bush administration has squandered, I think, opportunities to build on the success of START I, START II and the uclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. And that is going to be one of my highest priorities when I am president of the United States.
© 2008
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Member Comments
Posted By: eporterii2 @ 04/18/2008 6:09:34 PM
Comment: I think Barack Obama is a much more stronger Candidate for President. He did the right thing in the debate by keeping a positive posture. Hillary needs to take a close look of reality when she was in the White House during Bill Clinton's term and now, to me she is the one doing all the Whining. She's never satisfied.
I think Barack Obama will do excellent both Dosmestic and in Foreign Folicies. He is not afraid of the challenges in all Issues. Hilliary is not trustworthy, she goes in circles. Barrack Obama will have my vote and support in this Election, no matter what.
Posted By: Press Release @ 04/17/2008 7:05:41 PM
Comment: I am thankful that the Pope ENDORSED OBAMA FOR PRESIDENT, for the hope of this country. That endorsement was a signal to our troubled nation and an answer to heal our nation. As a Roman Catholic I am voting for Obama. I believe Hillary supporters are bitter, and they are angry because the Pope did not bless Hillary but has given his blessing to Obama. CATHOLICS FOR OBAMA 08 Hope
Posted By: sjpersonal @ 04/17/2008 1:13:38 PM
Comment: Why would you post this nonsense about Sen. Obama and the lapel pins. When have you ever seen him wear the Pan African pin. Never and you know it. The quote that you and those who think like you keep posting over and over again about why he does not wear the flag is an out right lie. He would have to be a complete idiot to say something like this to a journalist. I actually hear the interview that he gave to MSN regarding the fact that the flag pin has taken the place of real patriotism. He said that he would rather show the american people his patriotism by coming up with ideas to better this country and to get ti back on track. This is not a quote, but this is the gist of what he said.
PLEASE PEOPLE DO THE RESEARCH YOURSELF WHEN YOU WANT A POLITICIANS TRUE COMMENTS. ALSO PLEASE CONSIDER THE SOURCE BEFORE YOU AUTOMATICALLY BELIEVE WHAT IS POSTED ON MESSAGE BOARDS. GOOGLE GOOGLE GOOGLE