I normally read all of Obama’s speeches. As I have stated in the past, reading them tends to be far more informative than listening to him. However, since I was pressed for time, I watched the video. If you would like to read the full text, go here.
The most striking thing about this speech is how it fails to inspire. We have ended combat operations in Iraq, so where are the elements that makes Americans feel good about a mission well done or optimistic about the Iraqi people having a successful future? When Obama was a candidate, all of his speeches carried an inspirational tone, since becoming president he seems to have abandoned inspiring the American people. This lack of inspiration is one of the main reasons why Palin and Beck are able to attract hundreds of thousands. Americans need optimism it is that simple.
Obama’s reference to George Bush was so strange in that it totally failed to mention the most important thing, Bush was right about the surge!
[...]This afternoon, I spoke to former President George W. Bush. It’s well known that he and I disagreed about the war from its outset. Yet no one could doubt President Bush’s support for our troops, or his love of country and commitment to our security.[...]
There can be no greater distinction between Bush and Obama on the Iraq war than that they were on the opposite sides of the fence regarding the surge. In the end, Bush was right and because of that surge, Obama is now able to claim victory. If Obama cannot bring himself to thank Bush at the very least acknowledge that his predecessor picked the right stategy.
Sarah Palin makes a very fine point about this in her latest Facebook post:
Along with the points that Bill Kristol made yesterday, I too have some suggestions for the president. President Obama, please show grace, humility and some honesty before the American people tonight. Please don’t declare “Mission Accomplished” and then saunter away with an assumption that your opposition to the Iraq strategy was key to our troops’ success. Please end the political posturing. Admit you were wrong about the surge. Recognize what our brave armed forces have achieved. Admit that the strategy long advocated by Republicans, proposed by President Bush, led by Generals Petraeus and Odierno, and executed by thousands of America’s finest – our brave men and women in uniform – brought violence under control and made responsible withdrawals possible. The more honest you are about the past, the more likely it is you will gain the support of the American people for your Iraq policy in the future. We need to be able to trust the White House war strategy, as our children’s future depends on it. Being honest with us tonight is a good starting point in building trust.
Yes a dose of honest from Obama would serve him and his party well at this point in time. Granted it probably won’t save them from the backlash coming in November, but every little bit helps at this point.
Via: Memeorandum
Via: Top of The Ticket