A Presidential Gaffe...

By now, President Obama's remark that "We don't have a strategy yet" has made the rounds. Republicans were quick to pounce on it, as well they should have(emphasis mine).

But while the White House went into damage-control mode, emphasizing that it was a reference to the lack of decisions about increasing military action in Iraq and/or Syria and not a lack of a broader strategy there, the damage was already done.

As with all gaffes, the worst ones are the ones that confirm people's pre-existing suspicions or fit into an easy narrative. That's why "47 percent" stung Mitt Romney so much, and its why "don't have a strategy" hurts Obama today.

by: Les Carpenter
Rational Nation USA
Purveyor of Truth

Yeppers, the quote above from The Washington Post sums it up quite well. As I was watching TV with the wife and we heard the President utter his truth we both looked at each other and said almost in perfect sync, damn that was dumb.



Where is the teleprompter when you need it?

More BELOW THE FOLD.

Via: Memeorandum

Comments

  1. BB-IdahoFri Aug 29, 01:30:00 PM EDT

    Given that the military and state dept. have contingency plans for just about every situation, seems on to say 'we have no strategy'. On the other hand, to announce a strategy without one seems just as egregious. Given the terrorist problems, whatever cards need be played close to the chest, so perhaps the terrorists ponder the next US step, which the GOP makes political hay. While I am an
    amateur in this area, I see some potential for fanning some clear internecine disagreements: Sunni
    v Shiite, Al Qaeda v ISIS. Since these barbaric types aren't interested in national boundaries in the area, it is hard to target a single country and we need those countries that are just as interested in
    suppressing these fundamentalist semi-militias. Our track record is hardly stellar, so some profound
    thinking and serious coalition-making may be a good first step.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Shaw KenaweFri Aug 29, 02:17:00 PM EDT

    How do we know that wasn't a calculated statement to our enemies? Must everything this president says or does always always be seen as an eff-up and not something deliberately put out there? And since when would a president talk about a military strategy on camera for our enemies to hear? I don't understand what this whole "gaffe" thing is about.

    The hawks are all hot to trot to war, but I've heard no "strategy" from them on how to deal with ISIS. I'd rather hear the president say there is no strategy than tell our enemies what it is.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Always On WatchFri Aug 29, 02:26:00 PM EDT

    we both looked at each other and said almost in perfect sync, damn that was dumb.

    Exactly the same reaction in this household.

    We didn't sleep very well last night.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Shaw KenaweFri Aug 29, 03:15:00 PM EDT

    Well I'm glad to see I'm not the only one who didn't think what President Obama said was a "gaffe."

    "During Friday’s broadcast of MSNBC’s The Daily Rundown, Rep. Tom Cole (R-OK), the Deputy Majority Whip in the House, spoke with host Chuck Todd regarding President Obama’s comments during a Thursday press conference where he said that there isn’t a strategy yet when it comes to bombing ISIS in Syria. Republicans and conservative pundits, especially neo-cons, jumped all over that comment to portray the President as unprepared and incapable to lead in regards to issues within the Middle East. Todd was likely preparing for Cole to climb aboard the criticism train and slam Obama on his comments.

    However, something strange happened. Cole actually commended POTUS for the restraint he has shown so far and pointed out that the United States should not be looking to engage itself in a civil war in Syria that is being fought on at least three different fronts. Per Cole, the President only has so much latitude under the War Powers Act to act alone. After that, he must go to Congress and make the case for further action, especially when it comes to sending forces into another country. As of now, besides the limited air strikes in Iraq and humanitarian aid, the President has authorized air surveillance of ISIS in Syria. Beyond that, Obama has pointed out that there is no additional strategy when it comes to dealing with ISIS within Syria."

    ReplyDelete
  5. Les CarpenterFri Aug 29, 03:37:00 PM EDT

    How do we know that wasn't a calculated statement to our enemies?

    How do we know it was?

    And since when would a president talk about a military strategy on camera for our enemies to hear?

    They shouldn't, nor should they indicate we have none either IMO. Just let em guess.

    Shaw, I'm not a war hawk, never have been. But someone better come up with a strategy soon cause this scum of the earth ain't going away and if they even think they smell a lack of resolve or weakness, well, you guys have it all figured out so no point in worrying about it right?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. dmarksSat Aug 30, 06:59:00 AM EDT

      RN: "ISIS" has been doing this for several years now. Do you think it is being impatient to expect our President to form opinions about this? Or is it OK for him to blow it off.

      Delete
    2. Always On WatchSat Aug 30, 08:27:00 AM EDT

      Dmarks,
      I'm waiting for Obama to blame budget sequestration for not having a strategy to deal with ISIS.

      Delete
  6. Jerry CritterFri Aug 29, 04:35:00 PM EDT

    Since when do you believe the government RN? You are willing to believe they have no strategy just because they say so? Do you think maybe saying you have no strategy is a strategy?

    ReplyDelete
  7. Les CarpenterFri Aug 29, 05:18:00 PM EDT

    Having no strategy is the strategy for the progressives isn't it Jerry?

    Apparently you like flounder?

    ReplyDelete
  8. Jerry CritterFri Aug 29, 05:32:00 PM EDT

    Apparently you agree with me.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Les CarpenterFri Aug 29, 05:34:00 PM EDT

    the following is for my liberal and progressive friends, just to show what reasoned and balanced guy I can be. Which of course is more than I can say for many liberals and progressions.

    I suppose a reasoned argument can be made as you'll see. However, it remains to be seen if it will work with the scum of the earth.

    Enjoy the reading of the Presidents possible strategy.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Les CarpenterFri Aug 29, 05:39:00 PM EDT

    Jerry, how so?

    ReplyDelete

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