US official: Russia's actions have impact

Joe Don, Topeka, KS — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 21:44:14 GMT

And what designer shoes was this unnamed "official" wearing when she started spouting the McCain campaign's lines?

US official: Russia's actions have impact

Capt. Smash, Salt Lake City, Utah — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 21:45:35 GMT

Now I understand why Bush was elected twice. What are we going to to Russia thats going to hurt them? Can anyone tell me, please?

We are broke as a nation and our Military has been used to the point of falling apart. Russia knows this and they know that Bush and McCain are cowboy dumb assess1! We went to war with Iraq and have yet to get cheeper oil. Further, OBL is still making recordings!

US official: Russia's actions have impact

Pete - Albany, NY — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 21:45:45 GMT

"The official would not address whether the US and Europe want to push Russia out of the G8 -- they say right now they are focused on resolving the conflict with Georgia."

-------------------------------------------

Funny...McCain was all for shoving Russia out of the G8...but I guess that isn't considered presumptuous or anything like that...

...nor, I suppose, is McCain's "inside information" on the number of Supreme Court appointments the next President will have to make...

http://www.cbsnews.com/blogs/2008/08/12/politics/fromtheroad/entry4344858.shtml

I guess the "Paris Hilton" ad portraying McCain as The Cryptkeeper wasn't that far off the mark after all!

US official: Russia's actions have impact

BL, Cincinnati OH — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 21:45:58 GMT

John McCain's plan for Iran/Russia...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PdJUCU1UH2w

US official: Russia's actions have impact

Capt. Smash, Salt Lake City, Utah — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 21:50:49 GMT

Stupid, stupid are we willing to break out the Nukes children? The Gop is so stupid with all there tough talk! All they do is talk trash and do nothing. Our country is so broke and our Military is so beaten up from that War in Iraq. And these guys are talking more trash, Russia knows we are not going to do any thing.

Oh lets take out another loan from China and lets fight Russia. Just think back during Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962 just think if McCain was president. You would all be dead and all of your children would be dead. Thank God Obama has a cooler head than hot headed Mcwar that thru his first wife under the bus!

US official: Russia's actions have impact

Capt. Smash, Salt Lake City, Utah — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 21:54:42 GMT

More: "I don't think that there is any doubt that this action that Russia has taken, and the way in which they have taken it will have an impact on how Russia is viewed. But I don't want to get ahead of ourselves."

And Russia said SO WHAT are you going to send nukes? Give me a break are we really ready to get in a show down over this little backwoods country. Oh is al Qaeda there!

US official: Russia's actions have impact

MI Chick — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 21:56:14 GMT

"The official would not address whether the US and Europe want to push Russia out of the G8..."

I'm sorry, but why are we poking the bear with a sharp stick? To see if they'll bite?

Do you think Putin (who is really in charge) cares what we think? No, not likely. However, I don't think that kicking them to the curb is the correct thing to do, either.

Are the NeoCons trying to "wag the dog" here? I mean, I know he needs to appeal to his base and all, but seriously...is warmongering the best way to go about it? Especially since we have zero credibility?

US official: Russia's actions have impact

Mark,Seattle — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 21:57:26 GMT

They need something to offset Democrats for McCain.

But won't the very name "Republican" irrevocably tarnish Obama with the inevitable associations that will be drawn to Cheney and Bush. I'm sure they have met with them closed meetings sometime in the past. Just being in the same room, or even the same party at one time, is intolerable.

Chaffee was a Republican? When? And Rita Hauser is what/who? Ditto for Leach?

This like the socialist Bernie Sanders forming a "Socialists for Obama" group. Kind of a "duh".
Richard, Washington State (Sent Tuesday, August 12, 2008 2:58 PM)
******************************************************
I would "duh" pretty much sums up your post Richard.
Chafee served for 8 years and 4 more as mayor of warwick. Hauser's resume is incredible. from international lawyer to serving on your good 'ol boys foriegn intelligence comittee to starting her own human rights foundation.
Your lame attempt at sarcasm does not do much to cover your ignorance.

US official: Russia's actions have impact

Mitchell Feldman, Vestal, NY — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 21:58:02 GMT

There you go again John McSame...trying to involve us in another conflict with half-baked information. The Russians may have been the party who was provoked by this Georgian autocrat Shakashvili.

Yes, the Russians are a tyrannical nation ruled by autocrats but we have long lost the moral authority to protest the invasion of a weak nation by a superpower. GWB sold that birthright a long time ago. Perhaps Obama will get some moral authority back for us. But, in the meantime, I think we Americans are entitled enough time to digest all of the facts before we pick sides in this conflict (if we have to pick sides at all).

You are a bellicose old fool and the temerity, the arrogance that you possess to claim enough knowledge and sophistication to run for this, the highest office in the land is simply outrageous. You can no longer strangle political foes or leaders of foreign nations (as you did in El Salvador years ago). Thad Cochran was right, the thought of you as president sends shivers down my spine.
Obama '08

US official: Russia's actions have impact

Richard, Washington State — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 21:59:18 GMT

Anyone notice that the Bush administration's opening position on the incursion into Georgia by Russia was exactly right?

Georgia was actually the original aggressor in South Ossetia. Bush tacitly acknowledged this by criticizing Putin for a "disproportionate response", meaning some kind of response was understandable, but not to the extent of invading Georgia after the Georgians retreated to within their own borders.

Once the aggression by Russia began within Georgia's internationally recognized borders, a line was crossed (no pun intended)and our position toward Russia becomes less tolerant and strongly supportive of our ally, Georgia.

The candidates can say what they want for political purposes, but they aren't relevant to the reality.

And congratulations to all of those who took less time than I would ever have imagined to start blaming the situation there on the U.S. instead of decades, if not centuries, of Russian history. I'm sure Putin appreciates your support.

At the same time we are impotent and all-powerful.

US official: Russia's actions have impact

MSierra, SF — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 22:13:17 GMT

Am I really a Georgian, now ?
Do I get free sheep ?
How about goats ?
I get some of those don't I ?

Are the Russians 'water boarding' THEIR prisoners ?
Enquiring minds want to know
Gee, I hope not.......
Doesn't that get your shirt wet ?

USA ! USA ! USA !
(that'll show those Ruskies)

US official: Russia's actions have impact

Alan, NJ — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 22:18:30 GMT

....and what did we do last time..oh that's right we boycotted the Moscow Olympics when the Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan. I remember Jimmy Carter awarding all those "did not go medals" to the athletes.

Can I ask when, if ever, some serious arguments are going to be made on this site. The last two days have reached a new level of immaturity. Are you seriously suggesting we do nothing? Apart from Bill Richardson ridiculous suggestion of a Security Council resolution. I guess the ex-UN ambassador forgot that the Russian Federation still have a veto.

US official: Russia's actions have impact

Dave, Tn — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 22:26:07 GMT

WTG Obama LMAO

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w43m6vQrEYw

US official: Russia's actions have impact

Suburban Mom paying attention, IL — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 22:32:23 GMT

Unbelievable.

The War Machine is revving up again, now that Iraq has shown them the door. The Georgian-Ossetian-Russian violence is far more complicated than a typical soundbite from the U.S. media gossip-wags, so of course any real analysis will not be provided. It's not simply a case of "Big, bad Russia picking on the innocent little guy", no matter how McBush and Schuenemann try to force that idea down our throats.

The question is- will the media do its job this time, and ask the right questions? Or are we getting set up for more rah-rah from the neo-cons?

US official: Russia's actions have impact

Paul Dobro — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 22:32:41 GMT

Can we be kicked out of world organizations for un-justified miltary operations into Iraq?

US official: Russia's actions have impact

Show-Me-State — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 22:34:02 GMT

This is why a Presidential canidate should not act like a child with commericials with Paris, Brittney and Wayne's World. It is hard to look at McCain and take him seriously anymore. He has lowered his credibility with all the lies he puts in his commericals. Americans are not looking for another war. He always seems so quick to pull the trigger. It makes me nervous.

US official: Russia's actions have impact

JT Quinton, Oak Ridge TN — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 22:41:00 GMT

John McCain is on top of the situation, and already has plans to deal with the problem.

Barack Obama is on vacation.

US official: Russia's actions have impact

The Reliance Group — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 22:42:14 GMT

Barack Obama! If you read this, turn on your cell phone. We have important information for you!

US official: Russia's actions have impact

Nashville_fan — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 22:49:45 GMT

Paul Miller, thanks for the tip . . . this video says it all . . .

After 9/11, McCain Linked Anthrax to Iraq
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tlAUj4s6sT0

US official: Russia's actions have impact

Gail, TN — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 22:50:29 GMT

Georgia would like to join NATO, and NATO has encouraged Georgia's potential membership. Then Putin flexed his muscle by reclaiming South Ossetia, the breakaway region of Georgia, part of the Russian Federation. (Although Putin is now Prime Minister due to term limits, he is still running the show.) Georgia has made many democratic reforms and overtures towards the West, including providing the third-largest contingent of forces in Iraq. Other countries who are building relationships with the West - like Ukraine, Azerbaijan and Khazakhstan - are watching to see if the world will allow Georgia to be crushed.

This is why it is important for the U.S. and Europe to stand with Georgia and stand firm against Russia. While military options are not called for, we can support Georgia becoming a "non-NATO ally" as are both Israel and Pakistan. This would provide Georgia with military trainers, intelligence-sharing and joint exercises - a bit more muscle with which to face down Russia. We would have Georgia's back.

This incident provides an important test for both of our presidential candidates, so listen well to how they respond. It's a chess game and the U.S. needs to make the right moves. As more Eurasian countries embrace democratic reforms, it will be a delicate dance for Western nations to support them as they move away from tyranny.

Read more about it here:

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/12/opinion/12cornell.html

US official: Russia's actions have impact

McCain is Bush — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 22:57:48 GMT

This just in.......
Fearing that they are destined to lose power in November, the Republican party has declared war on all the remaining countries we are not presently at war with.

US official: Russia's actions have impact

PJP — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 23:00:31 GMT

Scary.

Do you hear that? That sounds like... like sabers being rattled.

http://thepajamapundit.com/

US official: Russia's actions have impact

Rhj — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 23:00:41 GMT

I have seen nothing in Senator McCain's statements that I would call "warmongering". In fact, he comes off as very presidential. I would feel quite comfortable with a President McCain, both in foreign policy and on domestic issues.

US official: Russia's actions have impact

obamaramaramadingdong — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 23:08:14 GMT

Thank God Obama has a cooler head than hot headed Mcwar that thru his first wife under the bus! Capt. Smash, Salt Lake City, Utah (Sent Tuesday, August 12, 2008 5:50 PM)

cooler head? really? are you talking about the Obama that gets miffed when people call him out on things? Oh, and this is the same Obama that the US Communist party has now endorsed. Wasn't hard for him since he's pretty much in line with all their beliefs.

US official: Russia's actions have impact

denise, Tampa, FL — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 23:21:49 GMT

here's a chilling video of war that should give one pause:

http://andrewsullivan.theatlantic.com/the_daily_dish/2008/08/taking-back-t-5.html

US official: Russia's actions have impact

HC4BO — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 23:30:28 GMT

Hey why is no one talking about McSame's Presumptuousness by claiming he " speaks for every American" ... ?

Even Busch does NOT go that far in his Russia-Georgia conflict statements ...

US official: Russia's actions have impact

Patricia Gordon, Brookline, MA — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 23:37:49 GMT

"was eager to prove" are the key words here: it's simply not true!!
Cheney (for McCain)) started the Georgia aggression at the start of the Olympics (also cover for Edwards' "confession"). Cheney, probably, also initiated the installation of Saakashvili (and concomitant ouster of Scheverdnadze) in Georgia in the first place.

US official: Russia's actions have impact

Beverly in Chicago — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 23:44:58 GMT

Nearly a trillion dollars spent on the war and more than 4,000 US soldiers killed, almost 105,000 innocent Iraqi civilians, it would be smart of Duel Personality selective amnesiac early Alzheimer’s (possibly undiagnosed) , McCain Bush, Cheney, and Condi to advocate peace not war. Instead of sending the money to Iraq, and (now possibly Europe) we should be spending it here on getting people back to work, energy, building and repairing our tattered infrastructure, investing in worthwhile projects that can help stimulate the economy in rough weather.
Besides, Russia seemingly has no regard for American foreign policy since Bush McCain and Condi think the USA still can flex its military muscle. Russia knows we have no esteem in the world’s view due to Iraq. The USA is too focused on Iraq; Russia knows that.

US official: Russia's actions have impact

Dennis — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 23:48:05 GMT

And so what is our excuse about invading Iraq? I guess it takes one to know one. The international community sure thinks differently about us now after our invasion and occupation.

US official: Russia's actions have impact

McCain=WW3=DRAFT — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 23:52:12 GMT

we have no credibility.....we invaded Iraq, what we did is the same thing

NO MORE WAR, we need to worry about our own country

US official: Russia's actions have impact

Jack McClurg — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 00:09:46 GMT

Putin knows we have no military resources to direct to Europe since Bush has squandered our patrimony in Iraq. He also knows that Bush is an ignorant fool from his previous meetings with him. I guess we were lucky it was Georgia in Europe and not Georgia in the U.S.that he decided to attack. As for the remarks of McCain--even his "friends" say he is a loose cannon with a quick temper. We don't need him as the "leader of the free world." Could we adopt Sarcozy?

US official: Russia's actions have impact

Vega, California — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 00:13:17 GMT

How stupid! Was that the reason for the original Georgian attack on sleeping civilians? These is how Russians are seeing us now and these 2 cowboys is the reason why: http://www.kp.ru/upimg/photo/133801.jpg

US official: Russia's actions have impact

JM, Tampa, FL — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 00:15:28 GMT

It was really disgusting for me to see Dubya being critical about Chinese policies and now this Russian conflict. Who the heck is he flapping his opinions when he really haven't done squat for our country the last eight years aside from keeping us in a war a ton of us didn't agree on, squandering our surplus, and keep us in an astronomical deficit. No wonder China tells him to mind his own business. I'm surprise Putin has not told him to shut his yap. And here comes his older brother McWar - to back him up. NO matter that our military and resources are depleted!! This is what I can not stand with the GOP/RNC and this idiot admin right now. I truly believe other countries have lost respect for Americans. Too much meddling! My mother is turning in her grave. She would be the first to say, "before you criticize your neighbors porch, sweep your own first!"

Obama 08

US official: Russia's actions have impact

Susan, Milwaukee — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 00:18:46 GMT

Rachel had Wesley Clark on her radio show this afternoon talking about this, as a former commander of NATO, the general knoweth from which he speaks. Very intelligent

US official: Russia's actions have impact

dgf — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 01:07:07 GMT

What the election is really all about - lest we forget. This is upsetting, and unsettling, but this is the truth:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PdJUCU1UH2w

US official: Russia's actions have impact

nuanced — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 01:48:23 GMT

Does that mean we will get kicked out of the WTO if we attack a sovereign nation?

US official: Russia's actions have impact

McWeakling — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 01:56:00 GMT

America stands strong - mess with us and we will kick you out of the club - and change the secret handshake without telling you what the new one is!!!

Seriously, that is about the most pathetic "threat" I have ever heard. No wonder Condi doesn't want to be quoted.

US official: Russia's actions have impact

Lyn, KCMO — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 02:28:03 GMT

The media and candidates needs to 'tone this down' today... We have one President at a time... We don't need a 'surogate' or 'wanna be' thumping the war drum...

Like it or not, we have one man with the choice in his hand, and will have until Jan 20th.

Scary as that is...

The reactions of the candidates tell us how each would react IF they were in power... We're the People, and WE DECIDE... 11/04/08

God Bless Us All...

US official: Russia's actions have impact

Leroy, Woodbury, NJ — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 02:30:14 GMT

Why is the United States (Bush, McCain and cohorts) bashing Russia for the flair up in Georgia? Didn't Bush and company invade Iraq for precarious reasons.
"Those that live in glass houses should not throw stones."

US official: Russia's actions have impact

JC Penn, Cedrick, CA — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 03:31:12 GMT

Don, I just checked. I still have all of my equipment and as a matter of fact used it this morning on my wife. Everything worked. Wife smiling as she left for work. As for me, I will be down at Obama headquarters tonight working the phones and in your honor, I will have em flog the old visa for another $25.00. You people are getting expensive. Glad Scarborough's off this week. HE's costing me a fortune.

Gary Schear, Bozeman Montana (Sent Tuesday, August 12, 2008 12:17 PM)

Spanking the monkey with the JC Penny catalog doesn't count.

US official: Russia's actions have impact

Masrur Shareef, Toronto, ON — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 04:49:14 GMT

This criticism of Russia is absolutely ridiculous. Was going a little overboard with the attacks into Georgia by Russia a possibly over aggresive move? Yes. But it seems that these US officials have completely ignored the fact that Georgia provoked these attacks by trying to reclaim the breakaway province of South Ossetia. Russia's response was to hit them back hard to send a message to those who may try to provoke them in the future. All this speculation that has been going on about Russia's attacks being motivated by Georgia's attempts at joining NATO, although possibly an additional small reason, is simply too biased and fails to look at the basic fact of a provoked response.

Who are US officials to stand on their moral highground all of a sudden on this issue anyways? Do they forget that they are the ones who went to war in Iraq over false assumptions and no apparent provocation by the other side? Atleast Russia had a reason. This just further highlights the US's hipocracy on world issues (Iran's nuclear program is bad because they're a muslim country, even though many have confirmed that their operations seem to be only for energy purposes, but nuclear programs in America's allied nations are fine).

Personally, I'm just glad that both parties have finally agreed to a cease-fire. The two parties can now engage in diplomatic talks and hopefully Mikheil Saakashvili will be tossed out for his complete mishandling of the situation in South Ossetia. This guy, who McCain seems to be so fond of, has been on the edge of breaking out into conflict with Russia for a while now and is definitely not someone Georgia needs leading them right now. Although I do see why McCain likes him so much. They can probably relate to each other as overly aggressive leaders who aren't very big fans of diplomacy.

US official: Russia's actions have impact

Jen, Mi — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 07:58:41 GMT

Instead of the US and McCain jumping in and rattling the sabers we don't have, it is imperative that Europe step up, take the lead and we will back them and show a united front.
Thank you, President Sarkozy.

US official: Russia's actions have impact

Jenbell45 — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 10:20:29 GMT

Remember:
1.Georgia is a emerging democracy..something not lost on the neo-cons in the Bush Administration or the neo-cons in the McCain campaign, or McCain advisors paid to lobby for the Georgian government.
2. the OIL..near and dear to Bush/McCain

US official: Russia's actions have impact

Michael Hudson, New Zealand — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 10:37:59 GMT

Why should Russia be punished at all? - given that Israel got off scott-free when it bombed Lebanon to pieces in 2006, and what was the International punishment for the US when it invaded Afganistan and Iraq?

US official: Russia's actions have impact

flypoole — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 11:36:35 GMT

Now on this one we need to mind our business and as a American I am not co signing this war and are not a Georgian a Christian that it come on now

US official: Russia's actions have impact

flypoole — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 11:36:42 GMT

Now on this one we need to mind our business and as a American I am not co signing this war and are not a Georgian a Christian that it come on now

US official: Russia's actions have impact

flypoole — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 11:36:43 GMT

Now on this one we need to mind our business and as a American I am not co signing this war and are not a Georgian a Christian that it come on now

US official: Russia's actions have impact

Adam, St. Louis — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 11:47:57 GMT

PEOPLE GEORGIA PROVOKED THE ATTACK!!!!!!! They killed innocent peacekeepers from Russia! Forget backing Georgia, how about we STAY OUT OF IT FOR ONCE!!!!!!!!!

US official: Russia's actions have impact

subgruvet, ok — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 11:51:11 GMT

The x-KGBer's are looking for the big bucks any way they can and are running the show in Russia now. And they're giving the world the raspberries because of their nuc arsenal. Things are getting cold again and the thought of a shallow character like McBlinky in the white house portends an icy, dangerous situation for the U.S. and the world. Vote Obama.

US official: Russia's actions have impact

eNews Reference — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 11:52:39 GMT

Russia has increased their playing field in the region...they will use the US's action in the middle east to justify theres http://www.enewsreference.wordpress.com

US official: Russia's actions have impact

Rick, NC — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 12:29:14 GMT

Who else is sick of the tough talking with no action from the right?

The bushleague of injustice picked a fight they can't finish in Iraq, look like the keystone cops chasing obl around pakistan and right now el presidente looks weak and insignificant on the world stage except as a cheerleader at the olympics...

You guys really want 4 more years of that from McSame?