Obama Speaks with Forked Tongue

"The first part of this strategy begins by exerting the greatest leverage we have on the Iraqi government – a phased redeployment of U.S. troops from Iraq on a timetable that would begin in four to six months."
Barack Obama, November 21, 2006

"What is needed is a blueprint for an expeditious yet responsible exit from Iraq. A hard and fast, arbitrary deadline for withdrawal offers our commanders in the field, and our diplomats in the region, insufficient flexibility to implement that strategy."
Barack Obama, June 21, 2006

Like any good politician, Mr. Audacious minces words. Five months ago he very carefully distinguished between phased withdrawals without definite dates and total withdrawals with dates attached. However, it is clear if you read both speeches that Obama stuck his pinkie in the wind two weeks ago. He knows that voters made their feelings clear and want a troop withdrawal now. The DNC and DLC talking points that said, "Don't mention Iraq," went into file G in Obama's office.

He is still talking out of both sides of his mouth on this issue. He was against it, but thinks we can't leave. How very convenient. The celebrity Senator gets to have it both ways and look good to his ever more fawning fan club.

The truth is that the U.S. presence has created all of Iraq's problems. Some 600,000 Iraqis are dead, a fact that Obama thinks is unimportant. He certainly doesn't mention it in any of his brilliant, terribly thoughtful speeches.

No one else does either. Even those Senators who had the courage to vote against war, now advocate leaving Iraq because of American losses only. The thousands of dead Iraqis are never an issue for any of them.

Obama was conveniently not in the Senate in 2003. If he had been he would have voted for war and occupation. In reality he isn't audacious at all. He is a standard politician with presidential ambitions, and that means his thoughtfulness and intelligence are no where to be seen.

Obama would be a great Senator if he didn't also want to be president. If he can survive his case of Potomac Fever we may begin to see someone who is truly audacious and worthy of admiration. Until then, don't believe any of the hype.