Obama giving RNC fodder?

Posted: Thursday, February 21, 2008 8:24 PM by Chuck Todd

From NBC's Chuck Todd
Obama's answer about meeting with world leaders and taking an active role in diplomacy can easily be taken out of context and used as a sledgehammer against him. Obama just said that a presidential meeting shouldn't be used in such a way that it makes America look like it thinks they are better than everyone else. But there are a lot of Americans who want to believe America is a shining city upon a hill. Anticipate an RNC attack on this Obama line later tonight or tomorrow.

EMAIL THIS

Comments

Agree. I was shocked when I heard him say that.

Aidyn, NY (Sent Thursday, February 21, 2008 8:29 PM)

America is a great nation; the greatest nation in the world, but the human value of an American is no higher than of a Canadian, or indian or whatever. I firmly agree with Obama on this one!

Rep0X (Sent Thursday, February 21, 2008 8:29 PM)

But that's why Obama is such a strong change candidate. He is not going to espouse the failed foreign policy of the past ten years just because he is afraid of what the RNC is going to say about it.
That may not appeal to journalists who only care about politics but it is the right thing in terms of policy.

Benjamin (Sent Thursday, February 21, 2008 8:32 PM)

This would be 'baiting'... if she runs this ad it can be twisted to make her look like she embraces Bush's style of arrogant diplomacy.

Bob in WA (Sent Thursday, February 21, 2008 8:35 PM)

It's precisely that superiority complex we have that had put us in a lot of trouble in the past specially when it came to our foreign policies. Obviously the truth hurts that is why a lot of folks are reacting so much.

Arnold Flores (Sent Thursday, February 21, 2008 8:36 PM)

She may attack him on this but he's right. The truth is that there are many people who want to believe that America is a perfect diamond but we have flaws and there is nothing worse than a flawed person acting like he's perfect. We've succeeded in alienating so many nations through arrogance alone and it needs to stop. Greatness is always accompanied with humility.

Dougas Paul, NY (Sent Thursday, February 21, 2008 8:41 PM)

President Reagan had a line to the Russians.

T Terry, Gray, TN (Sent Thursday, February 21, 2008 8:41 PM)

who cares what the fascist GOP "thinks"?

don (Sent Thursday, February 21, 2008 8:41 PM)

Typical rightwing garbage... America is better than everyone else. Suuure. Whatever. In your dreams.

It's that sort of arrogance that is not only turning off our allies but also a huge number of Americans as well. Americans who will vote for Mr. Obama. Americans who really don't give a damn what the 'other side' thinks and says anyway.

This is a non-issue as far as I am concerned. Obama has my full support and there isn't ANYTHING the right can say and do that will change that.

M. Boley (Sent Thursday, February 21, 2008 8:42 PM)

I was just thinking the same thing-- he is rightly saying we need to get off our holier than thou attitude-- i.e. cleaning up after Bush to restore our credibility and reputation in the world

Victoria, Fredericksburg Virginia (Sent Thursday, February 21, 2008 8:43 PM)

Weel, don the fact that I am pointing out is that if the Republican of all Republicans (Reagan) can have a line of communication to world leaders that America is at odds with, then Obama is simply falling in the footsteps of Reagan. Hmmm. None of the conservatives seem to have thought of that.

T Terry, Gray, TN (Sent Thursday, February 21, 2008 8:46 PM)

You people don't get it, he's not ready for what he would face in the WH, white males will continue to vote for him in the primary's because they don't want to see a woman in the WH, but in the Presidential election, they'll look at security and experience and go for McCain. They're playing you...

Diane, Atlanta, GA (Sent Thursday, February 21, 2008 8:50 PM)

From a guy who spent a lifetime in the business of "change" let me point out one or two basic cardinal rules to successful change.
1) Do not talk solutions until all problems are exposed - to the point of exhustion!
2) Do not critique any answer - put it instead in the options pool- comparisons can be made later
3) Do not in any way praise what is being done today - if it so good why are we in trouble?

What the mind can concieve and believe we can acheive

Ken Berry Saint Augustine Florida (Sent Thursday, February 21, 2008 8:57 PM)

Diane:

Look at the polls McCain versus Clinton and McCain versus Obama in a general election. Obama is far ahead in nearly every one. Generally Obama beats McCain and McCain beats Clinton in state after state and nationally.

Look at Clinton's negatives. 50%! Tough to win a national election when 50% of the electorate has a negative view of you.

The evidence is the Clinton is far the weaker candidate.

Jack, Deerfield, NH (Sent Thursday, February 21, 2008 8:58 PM)

Diane,

As a white male, I take some offense to the idea that my primary vote was just a mask for misogyny, only to be replaced by racism in the general election. Strip all three candidates of race and gender, and Obama still makes the most compelling argument.

Defining someone's decision making skills by their demographic is exactly the kind of divisive thinking that promotes bigotry in all its myriad forms.

As for the question of talking to world leaders, the RNC wont get any traction by attacking that line. Obama supporters are behind him because we want to see more communication and less of the chest-thumping, weapon-brandishing tribalism that we've been infected with over the past 8 years. That goes for international policy as well as partisan politics.

Mark, Sterling, VA (Sent Thursday, February 21, 2008 9:10 PM)

Anyone who has expertise, training or experience in NEGOTIONS understands that these concerns about Obama's positions (termed "fodder" above) are ridiculous. I, myself, am no negotiator ... but let me tell you, as a corporate professional, I have dealt with these folks, and let me tell you, negoatiating and diplomacy ARE NOT for the feeble. These folks are ruthless ... do not forget Obama's stress on "preparedness," in contrast with "pre-conditions," a moniker of the Bush Administration's (and Clinton's) approach which has proven so impotent and potentially risky with regard to North Korea (for example). The former term is one of the Competent Negotiator, the latter, one of those who are unskilled in such matters.

thenest (Sent Thursday, February 21, 2008 9:11 PM)

terry, my message wasn't directed to you; it just happened to appear immediately after yours

don (Sent Thursday, February 21, 2008 9:15 PM)

Non-issue. This is a political "silly season" discussion with a one-day life span. The concept that American presidents should be willing to meet with both enemies and allies is self-evident.

Sam Shaw (Sent Thursday, February 21, 2008 9:18 PM)

Obama is absolutely correct there; it is the arrogance of the GOP and the "America can do no wrong" crowd that has lead us to the state we're in re: foreign policy and international relations. A slice of humble pie never hurt anyone.

Nathan, Tampa (Sent Thursday, February 21, 2008 9:18 PM)

Obama said the president needs to meet not only with our "friends", but our "enemys", as well. Generally, it is that type of diplomatic attitude that our president will need to help fix the past seven years of poor foreign relations and diplomacy.

Christina, Dunedin, FL (Sent Thursday, February 21, 2008 9:27 PM)

The American people want a president who has the guts to personally speak with people he disagrees with. The Hillary policy is more of the same George Bush chest thumping.

Michael D. Hafer (Sent Thursday, February 21, 2008 9:31 PM)

This nonsense of not talking to you enemies is the same as censorship that deprives one of enough information to make a good judgement. As far as McCain better able to keep americans safe is preposterous since he wants to continue the policies that have strengthened Al-Qaeda

We need someone who can think on his feet and negotiate with anyone regardless of how they are perceived. Present to the world the wisdom, and fairness of the United States of America without advertising how much we have to fear.

john San Antonio (Sent Thursday, February 21, 2008 9:34 PM)

I am hearing so much that many here believes Obama may be a good candidate to deal with foreign affairs. And his statement could not be so dead correct. America IS far from perfect and imagine, as a powerful country, we should be the best example of Democracy.

I think he deserves somewhat a merit for at least being truthful in his observations and honest with his thoughts. Even though many politicians and members of society do not want to accept this, America still has a lot of growing to do in this department.

Many people may have an "I don't care" attitude. Well, considering how much we depend on foreign affairs (trade, etc) and how it reflects on our economy, we should have a greater concern. In light of this, depending on a persons view, he may or may not be the most experienced candidate but, he definately has strong presidential potential to at least start the healing process in foreign affairs. Ego is no introduction to mending; it can only offend that much greater and between the three candidates, I feel that McCain and Clinton can only amplify the problems we have in this area. Wrongful use of force has already helped to facilitate a global divide....no need to encourage growth on its division. Healing foreign relationships can have MANY greater rewards...

For example, being able to "mend the ties" can mean a plethora of benefits in addition to the economy such as global participation on terrorism. There is still hope that Al Queda JUST might be rendered out of them there hills...

Greg, NH (Sent Thursday, February 21, 2008 9:48 PM)

Look...Clinton's own President "Billy Boy" recently met with the crooked leader of Kazakastan to gain a big mining deal for a Canadian miner. In return he got 133 Million dollars for his foundation. This country is clearly crooked as a willow stick. Hillary had to have known about this prior to his trip to wheel and deal. Hillary might say she will not meet with other leaders of bad countries but I bet she will if there is something in it in some "back pocket" way. Obama is right, we don't need to "lord" it over other countries but snubbing them. The words Hope and Opatimism will carry us far in world affairs.

Kathy (Sent Thursday, February 21, 2008 10:18 PM)

Why is it a that the news media never asks whether McBomb' war mongering gives the Democrats fodder? Maybe Ulysses S. Grant had the right answer: you'll never lose an election by starting a war.

Houston (Sent Thursday, February 21, 2008 10:32 PM)

Shining city on a hill? zzzzzzzzz - havent heard that on in 30 years..geezzz....wake me up when you have something relevant

Marlin (Sent Thursday, February 21, 2008 10:39 PM)

Shining city on a hill? zzzzzzzzz - havent heard that on in 30 years..geezzz....wake me up when you have something relevant

Marlin (Sent Thursday, February 21, 2008 10:40 PM)

I am always puzzled when people are dismissive of talking to our enemies as well as our friends. We talked to the old Soviet Union leaders all through the Cold War. The not talking to people was an invention of Shrub and Co. and has not helped us one iota.

If you take the smug, arrogant attitude evinced by the current President, you create more enemies,not less. And, by gosh, people quit wanting to work with you to solve problems.

sotiredofignorance (Sent Friday, February 22, 2008 12:26 AM)

It appears that Obama wants to create a new paradigm for negotiation. Assume the inferior position and then work your way down from there.

Richard, Washington State (Sent Friday, February 22, 2008 12:07 PM)

sotiredofignorance:

You're cherry-picking my friend. At any given time there are countries with which we have no diplomatic relations. The most prominent example is Iran, which of course had its origins in the Carter administration.

Meanwhile, how about naming all these alleged countries we aren't talking to? We're even talking to Iran, despite not having official diplomatic relations.

Your attitude suggests that your diplomacy with these countries, whoever they are, would consist of unlimited concession in the interests of having them like us. That's not only a bad strategy for raising kids, it is dangerous in foreign policy.

By the way, your post simply drips with smugness and arrogance.

Finally, who is currently an enemy of the U.S. that wasn't already an enemy when George Bush took office? Iran? Iraq? Syria? North Korea? China? Russia? Were you born the day George Bush took office?

I am in 100% agreement with your First Read pseudonym, by the way.

Richard, Washington State (Sent Friday, February 22, 2008 12:28 PM)

Richard, my friend...

How do you extrapolate from my comments that talking to countries means unlimited concession so they like us? We didn't do that with the Soviet Union..we had regular meetings between the leaders of the countries, where the President had many non negotiable points.

Our current President will not talk to the countries that you listed in your post, with the exception of China. If you travel in the world, as I do, you will realize the harm that has been done to our international standing by our arrogant and harmful foreign policy.

The United States should NEVER be in the position of having our allies be suspicious of our intentions, and that is the position we are in now.

Your post makes no sense, I never alluded to us not having enemies, what I said is that you "hold your enemies closer" so that you have an some idea of what is going on.

I am pleased, however, that you ask me if I was born when Shrub took office, since I am 56 years old.

And I remain, with great sincerity...

sotiredofignoranace.

sotiredofignorance (Sent Friday, February 22, 2008 1:08 PM)

sotiredofignorance, you might as well get used to the fact that a great many people in the U.S.A. are becoming more ignorant as time passes. They would be much happier seeing things degenerate to the point all we have left to do is unleash our nuclear weapons on the world. That would show them how tough we are. I am 69 and have witnessed such a decline in the United States I am appalled and deeply concerned for my grand children's future, if they have one.

john San Antonio (Sent Friday, February 22, 2008 1:46 PM)

amen, john...amen.

sotiredofignorance (Sent Friday, February 22, 2008 3:53 PM)

SEND A COMMENT

PLEASE READ: All comments must be approved before appearing in the thread; time and space constraints prevent all comments from appearing. We will only approve comments that are directly related to the blog, use appropriate language and are not attacking the comments of others.

Message (please, no HTML tags. Web addresses will be hyperlinked):

Your name, city and state (John Doe, Seattle, Wash.):

Your e-mail address (jdoe@msnbc.com):

Your website (it's okay if you don't have one):

Remember me? (We'll keep it private) Remember me?

TRACKBACKS

Trackbacks are links to weblogs that reference this post. Like comments, trackbacks do not appear until approved by us. The trackback URL for this post is: http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/trackback.aspx?PostID=689501