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The Obama Watch

Barack Carter-Obama Is Back

On Monday's edition of CNN's Situation Room, host Wolf Blitzer and political analyst Gloria Borger discussed President Barack Obama's response to the situation in Libya, bringing unwitting clarity to the issue Barack Obama's projected and real weakness.

First, they wondered aloud how it could have been that Barack Obama would come out relatively quickly against Egypt's Hosni Mubarak who, while not a paragon of democratic virtue, was nevertheless an important and mostly reliable ally of the U.S. and partner in peace with Israel for three decades, but stay silent about Libya's Colonel Muammar Gaddafi for nearly two weeks. Gaddafi is a man who has been responsible for the deaths of hundreds of Americans and other westerners and who doesn't even have allies in the Arab world. 

Instead of running a country, Gaddafi should have long ago been executed for murder. He's unbalanced, apparently delusional, and murdering his own people. But the Obama administration said nothing against this dictator until who knows how much Libyans were killed in the streets. The inconsistency and poor judgment of Obama that Blitzer and Borger point to is something that even the left, but especially the critically important independent voters, can't help but notice.

As Stephen Hayes said at an event in Colorado this weekend, the ferry boat that eventually brought hundreds Americans and other westerners to safety in Malta first sat for several days in a harbor just outside Tripoli, bobbing in the waves, waiting for conditions to improve -- an all too fitting metaphor for this administration's reaction to the events in Libya.

In attempting to answer their own question of the administration's delayed reaction to the revolt in Libya, Blitzer said that perhaps Obama was worried that strong words against Gaddafi might put at risk about 150 American diplomats in Tripoli. But the only way that would make sense is if Obama knows that he is, or at least is perceived in Libya as, the second coming of Jimmy Carter: a man who would let American diplomats be taken hostage and then not have the wisdom or courage to do whatever it takes to rescue them and cause great and permanent harm to the hostage takers.

After all, in the purely political world in which Barack Obama lives -- and I write this understanding how Machiavellian it sounds -- the taking of an American hostage by the Libyan (or any other) government could be as much a political opportunity as a political risk for our president. Of course, a rescue attempt could go horribly wrong, resulting in the death of those who we were trying to rescue. That would indeed reflect badly on the president, but not nearly as badly as doing nothing. Implicit in Blitzer and Borger's comments is the all too believable suggestion that Barack Obama is too likely to do nothing, too afraid of a bad outcome or too disdainful of U.S. military power to do something, and that therefore the risk of American hostages is indeed one he cannot take.

Unfortunately, his inability to take that risk jeopardizes far more than the slight possibility that Americans would have been taken hostage. It risks every would-be Arab reformer-rebel who might, if they could expect U.S. support, try to topple their various dictators instead deciding that the US is all hat and no cattle when it comes to brave talk of democracy. Well, to be fair, there's precious little brave talk from the current president, so perhaps you can't call him hypocritical; to the extent that U.S. policy has encouraged these rebellions, it's something for which George W. Bush can take far more credit that Barack Carter-Obama. And, by projecting such abject weakness, Obama's actions actually increase the chances of Americans being treated badly by any tin-pot dictator trying to get leverage on the U.S.

When even CNN implicitly recognizes that Barack Obama probably is, and certainly is seen in the Arab world as, every bit as spineless as the worst American president in recent generations (until the current one), Barack Obama and Democrats who hope to get elected or re-elected in 2012 had better hope that foreign policy magically drops off the table as an issue before the elections. The way things are going in North Africa and the Middle East, the Obama-Carter comparisons are likely to haunt our current president through the election and will increase the chances that Barack Obama's first term is also his last -- much to the chagrin of dictators around the world.

Letter to the Editor

Ross Kaminsky is a professional derivatives trader, a fellow at the Heartland Institute, and a frequent contributor to Human Events. He blogs at Rossputin.com.

View all comments (123) | Leave a comment

Mimi| 3.1.11 @ 6:28AM

You can't tell me the Dem's don't already know they have already LOST the 2012 election. The smarty's have gone over the atmoshere in every darn COUNTY in this country and....Futile it is !
Nothing will put American Character in the soul of Obama in the next 12 months... he has been a disgrace and the Dem's know it !
The weakness displayed..the excuses in the latest " failure to lead" in Libya is ...same old, same old. Hang on America... help is on the way.

hmrhonda| 3.1.11 @ 8:57AM

You are assuming that enough people care. Don't forget that there is a large portion of the voting public who while demonstrating at the Wisconsin capitol and in New Jersey see no problem comparing themselves to Egyptians or Libyans who are risking their lives for freedom. That is who will be voting and unless there are enough clear heads in this country, not yet hypnotized by "bread and circus" of the modern culture, nothing will change. Sorry to be so pessimistic but look who won the election in 2008. Look at the anarchists hiding in Illinois motels. That says it all.

shoppegirl| 3.1.11 @ 11:15AM

I have to agree with hmrhonda... We cannot assume enough people do care that Obama is another Carter, and that he is harming America.
Didn't 53% of America close their minds and vote for the most leftist of the senators?
What did we think we were going to get? More HOpey Changey?
think before you vote in 2012... DO YOU HOMEWORK... VOTE CONSERVATIVE.. SAVE AMERICA

MarkR| 3.1.11 @ 12:20PM

I can see your point however I still believe there are more of us than them. The fear I have is violence and anarchy from the leftists in Wisconsin and elsewhere. The anarchists, communists and other outside instigators are itching to use incidents like Wisconsin as a pretext to cause chaos. The Alinsky model is totally on display here. And I believe our president is totally in agreement with the current techniques. The answer lies in the American public as it always has- to quote RN "The great silent majority" which may be less a majority than previously but I believe is still a majority. I still see the country as center-right- the real difference is the new media and the fact that the leftists are more organized and able to mobilize and are WILLING to mobilize while the average American is just working his-her ass off trying to make ends meet. The first type is willing and prone to violent behavior, the second is reactionary to that behavior- as typically Americans are very tolerant and then when the proverbial shi- hits the fan stand up and revolt. The difference between the two is seen in stark display at tea-party vs. Wisonsin events- two wholly different mentalities. We shall see.

texasron| 3.1.11 @ 12:37PM

When 90% of some group of voters voted for Obama solely because he is black, I'm concerned that these same people don't care about anything else. Obama will get these same people to vote for him again. Our country is really in trouble.

Seek| 3.1.11 @ 2:54PM

Absolutely true. We conservatives need to stop lying to our that blacks are "natural conservatives," and merely require the right kind of outreach to vote GOP. Blacks are natural blacks, and can be counted on to vote that way. We need more white voters looking out for their interests.

Where is the late, great Sam Francis now that we need him?

W| 3.1.11 @ 3:48PM

"blacks are natural blacks" ?? what does this mean? "we need more white voters."??
you are not a conservative, and are attempting to give real conservatives a bad name by posting racist trash.

MikeD| 3.1.11 @ 4:06PM

You just proved the point: As soon as you saw something you didn't like, you screamed "RACIST!". That's what libs do. One of the main reasons we're saddled with the most incompetent jackass in the history of the Presidency is because we were all called "Racists" if we didn't vote blindly for barry because it was the Black's turn. Bull Crap! If barry had been white, he'd never have gotten close to the nomination. He is the one who is dividing the Country more and more every day...and people like YOU are helping.

What percentage of blacks voted for barry? 98%. Who are the REAL racists?

W| 3.1.11 @ 5:26PM

ok, you explain what "blacks are natural blacks" and "we need more white voters" means. this is not about obama, but about trying to make conservatives look stupid and racist by making foolish statements. seek is not a conservative, read some of his posts, he is an atheist, and makes anti-catholic remarks, insisting that hitler was a catholic.
why are you so quick to defend such a statement. think about it more carefully, you are falling for his trap.

MikeD| 3.1.11 @ 8:48PM

"W": My post was not aimed as much at you as it was to the generally disingenious media and libs who constantly play the 'race card'. Having gone through college in the late 60s, I watched black friends I grew up with, never noticing any difference, begin calling me a "Honkey" and strut around wearing dark glasses pretending to carry rifles and wearing camou. Barry has divided our Country more than every southern sheriff ever did. And it has not been an accident.

You make valid points, and I wanted you to understand that my post was more general than specific. Keep fighting the good fight.

Harry the Horrible| 3.1.11 @ 9:26AM

Keep in mind the people who elected Obama in the first place. They're still out there. They can still vote.

There are a lot of people who will vote the person offers them "free stuff," a clear conscience, and promises them security.

There are far fewer who will vote for someone who challenges them, and demands they take responsibility for themselves and their decisions, and assume the risk for their actions.

Obama is in for 2012, unless Americans rise to the challenge. He's in if the 'Pubbies offer us another "Democrat Lite." He's in if their message continues to be "We're not Democrats."

The Republicans needs a message "Here is what's wrong, and this is how we're going to fix it." And they need candidates up to the challenge.

And, to be honest, among the 'Pubbie front runners in the Presidential race, I don't see this candidate.

On the plus side, the message is beginning to develop...

PhilTheCapitalistPig| 3.1.11 @ 11:00AM

National-Same-Day Primaries in 2012!

MarkR| 3.1.11 @ 12:24PM

Obama was voted in by duped independents. They will not be in 2012- I see Obama as defeated. I know that sounds too good to be true, but like 2010- the populace is done with this marxist. The polls will fluctuate and people will say he's still the one- but the questions the pollsters ask are invariably leading in nature- and pollsters like Rasmussen (the most accurate one in the last 5-6 years) have it about right- Obama is going down in 2012.

Johnny H| 3.1.11 @ 1:22PM

...and on the plus side, BHOs election was secured by those in the squishy middle, you know the ones. They were anxious to give this "clean, articulate" guy a shot without investing the time to vett him. The information was out there and many of us saw/see him for what he was/is. Many of those same wishful, hopey-changey voters have had a couple of years to have their own "What the ....?!" moment, realizing that the transformational change foisted upon them and the country wasn't really what they had in mind when casting their ballots in '08. Yes, we did it. We elected a black man to the office of POTUS. Whoopee! People, it's about the content of one's character, not the color of one's skin. This character's got to go! One and done! Bad policy is bad policy and knows no skin color...

Grzmlyk| 3.1.11 @ 1:27PM

I do not agree, Mimi.

I think Obama has an excellent chance of winning. First of all, the mainstream media is alive and well in this country, and they got him elected in '08; you can damn well be sure they'll triple their efforts to get him reelected.

Also, demographics help Dems. By 2012, the Dems will have figured out a way to allow illegal aliens to vote - and it wouldn't surprise me if, as part of our "reparations" to the "African American Community," we allow blacks to vote just as often as their pure little hearts desire.

And let's not forget the proclivity for Democrats to steal elections (Hello Al Franken!). They're not shy about out-and-out ballot fraud, thuggery, intimidation, bribes, extortion and even murder.

Make no mistake: This is a lawless, banana-republic regime we are dealing with.

On top of a populace that is far too replete with fools, dunces and crooks.

And what do we have? Mitt friggin Romney? Mike friggin Huckabee?

And before you utter the magic words "Chris Christie," remember that he, too, will turn out to be a RINO. Count on it.

The collapse continues apace.

loulou| 3.1.11 @ 2:10PM

Chris Christie IS a RINO. And a jihadi sympathizer who approves of the Ground Zero Mosque. He also is pro amnesty for illegal aliens.

Just because Christie has shown some good instincts and a spine doesn't mean he's not a RINO. Be careful of what you wish for.

Grzmlyk| 3.1.11 @ 2:43PM

Yup - I should have said that he'd wind up breaking hopeful Republicans' hearts (sadly, Ann Coulter thinks he's the answer - I rarely think she's wrong, but she's wrong).

But I think his true RINO nature will REALLY come into focus if we draft him to run - he'll leave TEA partiers and consveratives at the altar - just as Jeb Bush, Mike Huckabee, Mitt Romney, Tim Pawlenty, Newt Gingrich, Donald Trump, et al, will.

Ken (Old Texican)| 3.1.11 @ 3:53PM

GRZ
please contact me through my publishing company sales@texassaidno.com
We need to talk in confidence.
Thanks
Ken

Alan Brooks| 3.1.11 @ 4:14PM

Carter's foreign policy, just for starters, resounds to this day-- Reagan could only do better.
However Clinton could only do better than Bush 41; and it looks as if Obama can only do better than Bush 43.
The Bushes were middling presidents, and Bush 43 was a strong person, he was no Carter.
Carter and LBJ?: they made NIXON look good.

Gerald Ford?: he doesn't count. Rescuing the SS Mayaguez was his big achievement.

Teaghan| 3.1.11 @ 7:08AM

I hope you are right Mimi. His blatant disregard last week for the rule of law concerning DOMA worries me that he may just cance the elections next year due to some "crisis" that he and his czars, Van Jones and the union bosses cook up.

Mimi| 3.1.11 @ 7:17AM

That DOMA thing schocked the schocked! This time he went too far! Less than 2 years to go....Id like to see someone have ...A NICE TALK with him . It's long over-due!!!

PJ| 3.1.11 @ 8:33AM

I'm really concerned over voter fraud in 2012. The problem wasn't that bad in 1980.

hmrhonda| 3.1.11 @ 8:58AM

good point. We should be. Maybe bring in some monitors to be sure no absenttee ballots from car trunks are counted and to count the ballots of our military.

PhilTheCapitalistPig| 3.1.11 @ 11:01AM

The SEIU services the voting machines. Be VERY suspicious.

shoppegirl| 3.1.11 @ 11:17AM

Dead men vote.... Thats enough to worry us too..

To all: Who would you like to see run against OBAMA IN 2012?

lots of good choices, and lets not forget... No one is perfect, everyone we choose will have a bit of baggage, but don't we all.

Alan Brooks| 3.1.11 @ 4:21PM

It isn't proper manners to mention Carter after some of us have had breakfast or dinner; we might heave up the meals on our keyboards.

MikeD| 3.1.11 @ 7:22AM

Barry the muslim is only spineless in those things that reflect favorably on common sense, right and wrong, positive outcomes for America, and/or any issue relating to defending our Country or defending human life.

When it comes to any of those issues, barry is bound to be out in front automatically doing the stupidest thing possible. That has become his 'modus operandi'. But, if it's important, his huge, empty mouth is suddenly zipped shut.

We need to keep the spotlight on this evil parody of a president every day. One term is bad enough; but two will be the absolute death knell.

Appleby| 3.1.11 @ 7:23AM

Obama continues his role as College Sophomore who had all the answers as long as he was cushioned in a safe Party School with no real responsibilities. Now that the spotlight is on him with everybody waiting for him to do something -- and he is paralyzed because all his life he has shifted all the hard choices off on other people and now he understands that he is The Man and there is nobody else to blame if what he does goes wrong. He has never done anything in his life that didnt have a clearly visible exit strategy and scapegoat; now he is in that situation and he richly remembers the way he attacked George Bush for every decision he made, and continues to ridicule and blame him even now -- and he knows that the same fate awaits him the minute he makes any decision on the world stage. Since his entire life is bound up in the delusion that he is omnipotent and everyone adores him, this new knowledge is paralytic.

Watch for another 9/11/01 on his watch. The bad guys are watching CNN too.

Redstateboy| 3.1.11 @ 9:11AM

Fine analysis Appleby.. the Man in the White House is a total embarrassment.

Stephanie| 3.1.11 @ 10:13AM

Embarrassment I can handle. Dangerous, not so much.

Occam's Tool| 3.1.11 @ 12:43PM

Ron Paul likes Gaddafi.

Clint| 3.1.11 @ 4:15PM

Fanatic Screwball Israel Firster Troll Tool Job Is A Slandering Liar.

"Texas Rep. Ron Paul and former Godfather's Pizza CEO Herman Cain led a presidential straw poll among Tea Party members released on Sunday, with former vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin trailing in third place.

In the poll, which surveyed about 1,600 members of the Tea Party Patriots group at a convention in Phoenix, Paul led with 581 votes as the preferred Republican candidate to run against President Obama in the 2012 presidential election. (Paul, a libertarian favorite, also won a presidential straw poll at February's Conservative Political Action Conference."

Lawrence Boccardi| 3.1.11 @ 7:29AM

I, too, hope that you are correct, Mimi. I watched the "independents" swoon, when the MSM linked The One to the great Ronald Reagan, and Obama's polls tick up some. My choice for the GOP candidacy, will need to possess one character trait. The onions to relentlessly attack this Manchurian!

Bill Hussein O'Stalin| 3.1.11 @ 7:31AM

As far as the comment that the left have even noticed Obama's lack of direction in Libya, a blind man could have seen that.

As far as Obama's Machiavellian political world, it's not that Machiavellian. It's more Alinsky combined with I want to buy the world a Coke, or some coke.

In short, Obama really doens't give a damn about things that aren't related to community organizing.

It's doubtful he understands the implications of what's happening in the Middle East anymore then he understands how the business community prospers.

As far as Gloria Borger and Wolf Blitzer, they are state run media political hacks. Who cares what they think? I make it a point not to have my mind polluted by listening to morons on CNN. Ditto PMSNBC and several other unreliable sources.

MikeD| 3.1.11 @ 7:57AM

BILL;
as usual, your post is spot on. I only want to add one thing: As P.T. Barnum was credited with saying; "There's a sucker born every minute." I'll paraphrase: "Nobody ever went broke underestimating the stupidity of the American consumer." This leads to my warning:

Enough stupid, guilty, misled, or just plain insane Americans voted for barry to get him into the White House. Barry's criminal incompetence and evil plans for our Country are not the worst thing about him. What's worse is the fact the he got elected. We can't rest until every American learns the truth about this imposter in the most powerful position in the world. Oops, I forgot, barry would never know enough to effectively use the power. It's the criminals that surround him that are the problem. In the crunch, barry will be playing golf or enjoying "family time".

Bill Hussein O'Stalin| 3.1.11 @ 11:24AM

TO: MikeD: Excellent observation and comment.

Ross Kaminsky| 3.1.11 @ 8:25AM

Bill,

I agree with your comment except for the last paragraph. The point of listening occasionally to media other than Fox News or conservative talk radio is to get a sense of how the center-left of America is thinking.

When you see those guys turning on Obama, it's politically important even if you think they're morons.

Bill Hussein O'Stalin| 3.1.11 @ 8:39AM

Your response brings up some interesting points.

What is the truth and where do you find it?

I don't think it exists on Fox News. In fact, I'm surprised TAS hasn't written about Roger Ailes and his supposed attempt to get Judith Reagan not to reveal her affair with Kerik from federal investigators. Judith Reagan got a 10.5 million dollar payout and apparently submitted a letter that Ailes was not trying to influence her decision. I think he may be indicted in an attempt by the Obama White House to shut down Glenn Beck and perhaps less so, Sean Hannity.

To get the truth these days you have to do research.

If you believe it makes you open minded to listen to discredited news sources like CNN so be it. I find it a complete waste of time. I don't need to know what they are thinking, I already know it.

If I'm doing some research I can always look up transcripts, etc.

Citizens are brainwashed in many ways and from many sources. Be on your toes.

Ross Kaminsky| 3.1.11 @ 9:13AM

Bill,

My note was not about learning "truth" from CNN or any other particular place. It was about the political implications of the center-left thinking negatively about their until-recently haloed Dear Leader.

I don't listen to CNN because I'm "open minded". I listen (and to be sure I listen infrequently) to learn what "the other side" is thinking.

I've studied enough politics and economics in my life to know crappy analysis when I hear it. But knowing the opinions of those who can lead opinions in a sector of the population is important even if you disagree with them.

Ignoring what they're thinking, as you imply we should, is an unwise tactic from a political point of view.

Bill Hussein O'Stalin| 3.1.11 @ 9:53AM

Just one further clarification. I did not imply that anyone should ignore what the left is thinking. It's obvious.

If someone enjoys the biased coverage of any particular news source so be it.

Personally, I think it's a waste of time.

Ross Kaminsky| 3.1.11 @ 10:16AM

Bill,

It's far from obvious that the center-left is wondering about Obama's competence if you never listen to them. It's a very big change.

As far as a waste of time, I understand that view but keep in mind that I listen to them (usually for less than 10 minutes a day) not for the "truth" but for the implied political ramifications.

Thanks for the interesting discussion, as always.

Ross Kaminsky| 3.1.11 @ 10:16AM

Bill,

It's far from obvious that the center-left is wondering about Obama's competence if you never listen to them. It's a very big change.

As far as a waste of time, I understand that view but keep in mind that I listen to them (usually for less than 10 minutes a day) not for the "truth" but for the implied political ramifications.

Thanks for the interesting discussion, as always.

Bill Hussein O'Stalin| 3.1.11 @ 10:53AM

If CNN goes off the air or has a complete shake up then who will you listen to determine what the left is up to?

I, for one, don't need to hear it. I already know and they are not changing their opinions.

On another note, the U.S. Congress still hasn't cut one penny. That's right. After all the talk and bluster nothing has changed and only the House has cut their office expenses 7%.

The Senate is claiming they will cut 5% of their office expenses which is actually not a 5% cut.

There is little real journalistic endeavor in this country and it's all happening on the internet.

It's only a question of time before that becomes the target of thin skinned politicians.

I think your time would be better spent poring over budget sheets of the federal budget. That's were all the facts are and it's a hobby of mine.

Thanks for your response.

Bill Hussein O'Stalin| 3.1.11 @ 10:53AM

If CNN goes off the air or has a complete shake up then who will you listen to determine what the left is up to?

I, for one, don't need to hear it. I already know and they are not changing their opinions.

On another note, the U.S. Congress still hasn't cut one penny. That's right. After all the talk and bluster nothing has changed and only the House has cut their office expenses 7%.

The Senate is claiming they will cut 5% of their office expenses which is actually not a 5% cut.

There is little real journalistic endeavor in this country and it's all happening on the internet.

It's only a question of time before that becomes the target of thin skinned politicians.

I think your time would be better spent poring over budget sheets of the federal budget. That's were all the facts are and it's a hobby of mine.

Thanks for your response.

PhilTheCapitalistPig| 3.1.11 @ 11:09AM

I don't think its a waste of time. I think its a good thing to hear your critics, and not just people that agree with you. Obama could become a shoe-in in 2012 if he listened to Krauthammer on a daily basis. I mean, if he LISTENED not just heard Kraut.

Bill Hussein O'Stalin| 3.1.11 @ 11:27AM

Phil: For someone to be critical of you they have to a measure of respect for you. This is war. They are the enemy. Perhaps in that sense you should listen to them to see what they are up to next. I've studied politics for many years and can see where the text is headed before it arrives.

PhilTheCapitalistPig| 3.1.11 @ 1:50PM

But to defeat them, you still have to "know thy enemy."

PhilTheCapitalistPig| 3.1.11 @ 11:07AM

I listen to the left just to make myself angry sometimes! :D

Ken (Old Texican)| 3.1.11 @ 12:54PM

Hey Ross,
Join moveon.org, pay ten dollars, and you will get the MSM talking points before they ever come on the air.
I get an e-mail most every morning from moveon.
Saves me a lot of shoes...and TV screens. (smile)

PhilTheCapitalistPig| 3.1.11 @ 1:51PM

LOL

MikeD| 3.1.11 @ 8:44PM

Ross;
Good points, as usual. I've noticed a recent disconcerting phenomenon on Fox, especially when the 'Ladies" are in the anchor chair. They've been following the mess in Wisconsin, but inviting only democrats or union representatives to speak their minds, with the other side conspicuously absent. I'm not sure Fox is much better than the other taking heads anymore.

Also, Hannity has been really disappointing me with his choice of members for his little panels. As soon as I see his panel, or see Bob Bechtel's face, I switch the channel; and write him an e-mail. At the same time, my little 'cabal' of a few hundred friends and fellow Conservatives are changing the channel along with me and sending off their own e-mails to express their displeasure.

Essentially, I've given up on getting much of consequence from any broadcast source, and check the web, with all points of view, to get some sort of a broad picture. Remember the old adage: "Keep your friends close and your enemies closer." It is essential to get some idea of what is going through the demented minds of the lefties.

Stephanie| 3.1.11 @ 10:17AM

You're right Ross. As my Daddy used to say when I'd catch him looking at CNN or some leftist website, "You have to know what your enemy is up to". I do miss him and his wisdom, but am somewhat glad he's not here to suffer through what this great country he sacrificed for is heading towards.

Mattled| 3.1.11 @ 7:41AM

I have been saying for over two years he is not running fora second term. No one has ever given a good reason why Hillarry took SecState. The obvious reason to me was she was sorely lacking foreign policy creds (as if Odingo had any). My sister said that no way Moochelle would not want a second term. I disagree. They will be treated like royalty the rest of their lives without the hassles of a presidency and some accountability. This whole Mideast thing was not part of the equation.

He has billions to collect from all his backers. Billions. Why wait another 4 years to collect? My prediction is Hillary runs in 2012. That is the deal he made. Plus Hillary has something on him. And he can't afford for it to get out.

coal carrier| 3.1.11 @ 8:25AM

I agree with you. If this president goes down in flames, Madam Hillary will be there waiting in the wings. Oh she said she wasn’t going to run but that was in case he decided to try for a second term. All of her fans will come out of the woodwork and will insist that the country needs her. She is probably the most cunning, deceitful politician ever. Right now she is hiding in the shadows just waiting to pounce upon the opportunity. And ask yourself, just what has she done in that position as Secretary of State? Another goose egg, just like her boss, the jr. Senator.

Todd| 3.1.11 @ 10:36AM

I hope Hillary runs so we can finally drive a stake into the heart of her patronage/political payoff career in Washington.

I still can't believe it when I hear this joke introduced as the Secretary of State. It make me want to vomit.

Angelo| 3.1.11 @ 8:34AM

I have a tendency to agree Hillary/Billary are sitting in the background waiting to pounce...She will resign within the next six months ...and run for President...Bill's ego demands it...her Ego demands it...and the democrats will desert (whats his name)l...and jump on the bandwagon ..after all ..they have their first black president..why not their first female president??????????

Angelo

Stephanie| 3.1.11 @ 10:21AM

Well, this certainly is another angle to consider. I have often wondered why she took the position she is in. I was somewhat embarrassed for her, after the way barry's campaign tore her apart.

daddio| 3.1.11 @ 12:52PM

Maybe Hillary has the birth certificate ;)

Brubaker| 3.1.11 @ 6:14PM

You've made some excellent points, but I think you're wrong. Obama has boundless ego. No matter what the situation, he is firmly convinced that he is right, and that he's the brightest bulb in the room. He firmly believes that he knows what's best, and he relishes the power to force his beliefs on more than 300 million Americans.

Obama will run for a second term; his ego simply won't let him do otherwise.

Mattled| 3.1.11 @ 7:46AM

As for CNN, I'll start watching them again when I see these headlines:

CNN exclusive: Tony Rezko interview

CNN files FOIA request to Columbia, Occidental and Harvard for Obama transcripts.

CNN exclusive: Why was Michelle Obama disbarred?

CNN and Bill Ayers: Why Obama wrote foreword to Ayers book.

CNN Tonight: Rev Wright breaks silence on Obamas.

Until then, CNN is not needed in today's news.

Mimi| 3.1.11 @ 9:13AM

Good Post Mattled.... that CNN Exclusive could go on for-ever...IDEAS = Foriegn money in campaign,.. Lies and more ad-finitum, medical records, Passport records, social security records on and on...I wonder if any NEWS outlet will ever really VET this guy!

Reagan's Penis| 3.1.11 @ 9:39AM

World doesn't need another Fox News.

Stephanie| 3.1.11 @ 10:24AM

Take your penis and go back down to your mama's basement.

Todd| 3.1.11 @ 10:40AM

I bet Reagan's penis was smarter than Obama. Better looking than his wife too.

JacintoKid| 3.1.11 @ 11:27AM

I think you mean Reagans' hemorrhoid. You sure sound like a pain in the arse.

Uncle Joe S.| 3.1.11 @ 7:53AM

Your 'President' knows what he is doing to the U.S.A. A brilliant child of the revolution!

uncle curmudgeon| 3.1.11 @ 7:56AM

He's still voting "Present."

SGB| 3.1.11 @ 8:02AM

I cannot believe that an article this badly written made it to the front page. It reads like it was composed by someone for whom English is a second language. Where are the editors?

blackknights1802| 3.1.11 @ 8:30AM

Are you speaking of sentence structure, grammar or of content?

JacintoKid| 3.1.11 @ 11:46AM

Apparently, you are the self-imposed editor. So, please respond to blackknights1802 question.

Michael L. Hauschild| 3.1.11 @ 11:56AM

It is evident that the editors leave all their light work to the ever vigilant buttheads of the Punctuation Police. I believe your work here is finished, move along, we have business to conduct.

PTParks| 3.1.11 @ 8:16AM

I guess Obama was too busy planning the Motown get-together at the WH to worry about our role on the world's stage. Either that or the

Joe Astroturf| 3.1.11 @ 8:22AM

Obama’s friends Louie Farrakhan and Jeremiah Wright only have had good things to say about Gaddafi . Their hoping after the next election to invite him and set up a beer summit with Obama and knows he’ll like it better than having to sit down with a cop pig like the last time. They’ll probably invite Bill Ayers to make sure they don't look prejudiced. Besides Jeremiah always had a soft spot for Bill after he tried to blow up the Fort Dix soldiers and their girlfriends in the 70’s. Some say this is where his famous “Chickens coming home to Roost” speech came from. Obama is hoping Mummy (Muammar this is what his friends call him) can helkp him find an Imam with ties to the Muslim Brotherhood to help set up the Mosque at Ground Zero. Now he wants the Muslim Brotherhood to takeover Egypt and the Suez canal and see what they can do about that pesky Israel (Louie don’t like their Gutter Religion). This crew will be taking bets on how long it will take to exterminate the poor Coptic Christians. Obama’s told Mummy he’s going to look the other way like he did when beautiful Neda was killed.

Please Check out song called teapartiers I can’t hear you at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cJfboOindCo , PS you don’t have to send me money the song is free enjoy

Here’s a verse

Hey guys if you fought at the Khe San
when they stop giving your wife her meds and her last breath comes over her face
you’ll find comfort knowing some illegal or Gitmo detainee will gladly take her place.

Join Acorn once every 4 years vote a 1000 times a day
Obama , Schumer , Holder will keep the justice department away
Acorn Chuck says don’t worry about the voters we only need 51
Daffy,Goofy, Mickey, Minnie will vote for me when I run
The president thinks that kids should work hard in school
He wants Acorn at the table they think 13 year old hookers are cool

JP| 3.1.11 @ 8:29AM

Many people don't know this, but our diplomats in Tripoli do not have Marine guards to protect them. They rely on Lybian rent-a-cops for that (Must have been a Powel or Condi Rice agreement). The President, for that reason alone, should have ordered a Marine battalion to Tripoli to get them out.

I hope the diplomats know how to fire side arms. Otherwise it will be a long month for them.

LARRY ENGEL| 3.1.11 @ 8:37AM

Wise men post here. Can somebody tell me why we can't simply impeach the bastard? I can't take it anymore.

Deborah D| 3.1.11 @ 8:50AM

Hear! Hear!

Mimi| 3.1.11 @ 9:24AM

Larry what a sweet short ..says IT-ALL post. I hope David Limbaugh is keeping a list and checking it twice....For CRIMES AGAINST LIBERTY ....Number 2 !

Melvin| 3.1.11 @ 9:55AM

Because Congress doesn't have the guts anymore. There are no statesmen anymore. They're just walking talking hand puppets that someone else created.
Today it's all about being treated as a Rock Star. The Security and well being of this Country is merely secondary.
The only way Barrack Obama will be impeached is if we do it ourselves. But it will have to coincide with Dancing with the Stars.

Stephanie| 3.1.11 @ 10:28AM

AND American Idol~

Stephanie| 3.1.11 @ 10:27AM

I've been asking that same thing for some time now. Is it because the repubs don't have the stomach to impeach the "first half black president" ? You KNOW if a conservative president had done something like barry did last week with DOMA, proceedings would have started the next week. WHERE ARE YOU REPUBLICANS!!!!!!

JacintoKid| 3.1.11 @ 11:37AM

Perhaps we could just impeach the white half. Then, when we're called racist, it will have even less credibility than normal.

Deborah D| 3.1.11 @ 8:49AM

When you're so focused on ruining the United States, who cares about what's going on throughout the world? That seems to be Obama's thinking. In addition, the fact is, he doesn't want to take the lead...that's part of ruining the United States (or as he would call it "fundamentally transforming the United States of America.") He doesn't want the burden of being a super power -- why do you think he's ruining our economy? He doesn't want us to be able to afford our role in the world...just like Reagan outspent the USSR into oblivion, Obama wants to outspend our revenues to send the US into oblivion. I mean, he is the anti-Reagan.

Ken (Old Texican)| 3.1.11 @ 8:54AM

Day after day after day after day after day...~

I watch this administration try to bury us, one shovel full at a time.

...the other problem is there is a bulldozer grinding down on us from the bad guys outside our borders....

Deborah D| 3.1.11 @ 8:58AM

Yes, Ken, the world is coming apart at the seams, and where do you think everyone will look when they can no longer take it out on their own leaders?

Bladerunner1954| 3.1.11 @ 9:18AM

Obama is a horrific failure. Yet, I'm afraid he will prevail in 2012. Woe is us!

Eric| 3.1.11 @ 9:24AM

Well, we'll just have to complete the Carterization of Obama by making him a one-termer.

Kenny| 3.1.11 @ 9:28AM

See America, what happens when you elect a man-child as president.

The Obamas are far more interested in vacations and parties than affaires of state and national security.

And if that offends anyone out there, try to prove me wrong!

Reagan's Penis| 3.1.11 @ 9:37AM

The administration was waiting for the Americans to be evacuated from the country before commenting.

That simple fact makes this article pretty much pointless

Ross Kaminsky| 3.1.11 @ 9:55AM

The simple fact is that the administration claimed they were waiting for the evacuation of Americans before commenting but then did offer some anti-Gaddafi rhetoric BEFORE the evacuation was complete, i.e. while hundreds of Americans were stranded on a boat in Tripoli harbor and easy prey for Gaddafi.

So which is it, troll?

As usual, this administration found a way to get the worst of both worlds and show their incompetence and weakness to all.

pottfullofpith| 3.1.11 @ 12:51PM

ON the subject of the rescue boat, does anyone have any facts on the matter of the delay? It has always seemed odd to me that a very large modern catamaran ferry would have to wait days for the weather in the Med to clear enough to make a run of a few hours, about 250 miles, to Malta. Unless I am mistaken, they are nearly 150- 300 feet long and are capable of speeds at or above 40 mph. It seems far more likely that they were waiting for more folks to get to the embarcation point from outlying areas, or working to "negotiate" a price with the US for this heroic emergency effort and for the check to clear to pay for the charter, or arranging the bribes to the port authorties to let them leave. Does anyone know?

Melvin| 3.1.11 @ 9:58AM

Surely, you must be joking. Then we wonder why we are in a such a sorry state of affairs.

Ross Kaminsky| 3.1.11 @ 10:04AM

Melvin, are you asking if I'm joking or if the troll is joking?

Deborah D| 3.1.11 @ 10:16AM

He was replying to the troll.

missbosslady| 3.1.11 @ 10:16AM

No, your handle makes ANYTHING that you write completely pointless.

It's nappy time little one, off you go.

JacintoKid| 3.1.11 @ 11:42AM

Seems like Reagans hemorrhoid doesn't like to or more likely can't make arguments to substantiate his one sentence talking points.

missbosslady| 3.1.11 @ 10:14AM

The problem is the same for Democrats as for Republicans. The majority of pols and media do not tell the real story.

For Dems it may give them a false sense of their standing, and for Republicans it may give a false sense of the Democrats standing.

In other words, I do not believe what polls and MSM are desperately trying to tell me, because I spend all of my time in the real world with the regular folk and from my perspective Obama and the Dems are doomed.

As for Republicans they can only lose by self-inflicted wounds. Now is the time for the right to face down the left. We absolutely cannot be the first ones to blink.

Steel in the spine will win the day.

I have sent e-mails to Gov. Walker in support of his stance. I urge everyone to do the same for Walker and all of the other governors that are doing the heavy lifting, they need to know that the support is out there.

Tenn Slim| 3.1.11 @ 11:49AM

For REAL ACTUAL NEWS.
Al Jareeza, Euraisa News, African News, has folks at the scene, on the ground and the reports are infinitely adverse to CNN, State run MSM.
end
Semper Fi

Todd| 3.1.11 @ 10:54AM

Libya pales in comparison to this guys **** up in Afganistan. So the press can't figure out why things aren't going well there huh?

What about the warnings those of us on the right gave this idiot President when he insisted on telling our enemies that we're going to fight!........but only until such and such date?

How many American soldiers do you think this unbelievably stupid policy has killed?

Now he keeps waffling and moving the date back getting even more Americans killed. Why? Because he's not focused on winning and accomplishing a mission. All he's interested in is keeping the left happy just like Carter was thus the indecision and inaction......resulting in American casualties.

He should be dragged up to Capital Hill to answer for all of this in front of Congress.

One final question, why is NPR eagerly reporting that American military assets are being deployed to the area of Libya and that "Secretary of State" Hillary Clinton that "Nothing is off the table as long as MQ continues to kill Libyan civilians"?

How many civilians has MQ killed? Then ask yourself how many civilians Sadam killed. Which number is bigger? And why are we NOW suppose to care?

PhilTheCapitalistPig| 3.1.11 @ 11:10AM

Where the Hell is Tim Russert when you need him?!

Bob Miller| 3.1.11 @ 11:24AM

If the Libyan or Iranian dictators had been pro-US, wouldn't Obama have thrown in with the opposition immediately?

davelnaf| 3.1.11 @ 11:29AM

Of course, Obama partisans can maintain that he made the right decision about Iran in 2009, but that puts them on very shaky ground. His reactions to Iran, Egypt, and now Libya say something very important about him and it isn’t pretty.

The word president is a formal title Obama deserves only for legal reasons. If I were a Democrat—one of the few sane ones, that is—I would be freaking right now over what Obama has done and will do to my party. Being a conservative, though, allows me to enjoy at least something about the Bamster’s presidency.

RichTex| 3.1.11 @ 11:45AM

Let’s see. Obama didn’t want to do anything about Libya because Gaddafi might have taken an American hostage. Hmm, Gov. Perry, perhaps you can get Obama to leave Texas alone by threatening to take some Democrats as hostages.

Ken (Old Texican)| 3.1.11 @ 1:04PM

Heh! good one RichTex!

Tenn Slim| 3.1.11 @ 11:47AM

While the Libyans sought freedom, our Carriers and attendant ships were making ports of call in the EASTERN Med.
A typical 6th fleet deployment schedule was met.
NOW, after the Ferry transisted to Malta the 6th fleet is "Moving into position".
Ineptness, outright limpwristed response.
end
Semper Fi

David| 3.1.11 @ 12:22PM

Hillary will NOT run for prez in 2012. She may win the primary from bam bam, but will lose in a general election against even the weakest repub candidate.

The fact is, blacks will NOT turn out to vote in the general election for any white candidate who turns out the first black prez after one term - period.

My prediction, bam bam will make Hilly his running mate while holding his nose, and move biden to sec a state, a job he has always wanted.

Black Saint| 3.1.11 @ 12:37PM

Obama has proven to be Anti-friends and Pro-foes of the USA just like Jimmy(Lust in his heart) Carter. That makes him a enmity of American!

russel| 3.1.11 @ 12:53PM

I'm usually in the half-empty lot , but to those of you already throwing in the towel , I'm not . The imposter in the whitehouse is in way over his head and this article is yet another indictment of his ineptness . We have a full year and a half to go before the next election and in political time , that's almost eternity . The boob can't help but keep botching everything he encounters , and we all know that old saying about what goes around . Say what you will about all those voters or cheats who hope to vote themselves freebies , but the silent majority taxpayers are now in the game , and there's a whole bunch of us way p.o.'d . Stop spending or we stop paying tax , for instance . He's going to hit the mat hard and I'm betting on it .

Rocky| 3.1.11 @ 1:05PM

Why is it nobody is pointing to the fact that the successful transition of Iraq from a dictatorship to a democracy has planted the seed in the Arab world that they too can throw off the yoke of oppresion and have some amount of self-determination!

doug fenton| 3.1.11 @ 1:56PM

No one seems to be focusing on why all US diplomats weren't recalled from Tripoli when Egypt began to crumble, or for that matter when Tunisia ousted it's rulers. Libya was never a friendly country. Obama is clueless.

John| 3.1.11 @ 2:41PM

The administration did not predict this. Nobody predicted this. The west is trying to manage this. But the cat is out of the bag. there is an even. Nance that Saudi could fall. How best to manage this? America needs to realign its policies with those of the Arab people in the region. What the Arabs want America should want. What the Arabs hate America should hate. This will save America billions and enhance its position in the region. its a no brainer foreign policy.

J.C.Eaton| 3.1.11 @ 2:49PM

To you who think that Obama's reelection is inevitable, consider: he would be a dangerous and likely victor IF P.01 of the voters are the kind that have a physical propensity to walk with their right hand extended, palm up, yearing for someone to place money in it. I believe that time has passed. The reverberation of the Conservative efforts in Wisconsin, Ohio,to a lesser extent: Indiana, have put paid to that notion. It is the Conservative who invariably has and will raise the question: Who's gonna pay the bill? We are at war for virtually every facet of liberty in this country. The people who pay the bill have finally exhausted their patience....and their pocketbook. Hold the line, and then push back. We can and will win the final outcome.

J.C.Eaton| 3.1.11 @ 2:50PM

That's 50.01% Apologies!

SenatorMark4| 3.1.11 @ 3:02PM

This article is just another example of how muddled our thinking is in foreign policy issues. Mubarak steadby friend vs Cadafee weirdo? Really. The problem is very simply that Americans cannot seem to own their own Constitution when they deal with the world. A democratic republic based on the greatest governing document for INDIVIDUAL freedom teh world has ever seen, proven by hundreds of years of successful evolution, but...we ain't forcing it with our blood and treasure. Professional derivatives traitor...uh...trader for sure! When the people see that Americans and American business is influenced to support true freedom, perhaps by dividing the world up measured by their support for our First Amendment, we will always be dealing with this crap. Obama is no more lost on this issue than you are!!!

David| 3.1.11 @ 3:47PM

John, I am very confused by your comments.
"America needs to realign its policies with those of the Arab people in the region. What the Arabs want America should want. What the Arabs hate America should hate."

We should want what the Arabs want? They want us and the civilized West dead.

We should hate what they hate? They hate us and civilized West. The Arabs hate each other for whichever particular sect of Islam another embraces.

John| 3.1.11 @ 5:43PM

David
"they want us dead". Don't believe the neconservative/Zionist propaganda. These are lies. The Arab people are like any other people. They want coexistence based on mutual respect. In ME America will now have to choose between the arabs & isreal. The Arabs will not look kindly on those who support the ethnic cleansing of Arabs in ME. That makes sense to me. Does it make sense to you. Time for America to choose.

Ken (Old Texican)| 3.1.11 @ 7:07PM

Hey Jonmed
Welcome back. WE CHOOSE ISRAEL!

do you have a spare left hand ? LOL

John| 3.1.11 @ 8:48PM

Who is we. ken I know you can't control your Islam hatred but one day I hope a Palestinian christain crosses your path. Then you will appreciate my words. the death cult which is the military industrial complex has literally bled the world dry and is finacially bleeding America. Isreal is a foreign power stealing amercan money. As a fiscal conservative you should be against that. peace.

Joanne| 3.1.11 @ 4:04PM

Thank god for honesty.This loser only want to golf,party, and play hoops,oh, and travel. This nonsence of other countries rising up is getting in his way. He is inept. A wolf in sheeps clothing. People who voted for this dangerous clown-take off the rose colored glasses, or read up.
As someone pointed out-if he is god forbid re elected he will be out of con trol because he dowsn't care or doesn't hqave to be concerned of a third term, and he'll step on his progressive accelerator. I hate that term-progressive. I hate him

SpiralArchitect| 3.1.11 @ 4:06PM

Rocky, that seems to be the only thing that is not Bush's fault these days.

David| 3.1.11 @ 4:07PM

If bam bam doesn't have much of chance at re-election, have do you explain his approval ratings going up about 10% since the November election.

Most voters have short memories - especially the 40% in the middle and even some conservatives.

Most voters are not going to lightly turn-out the first black prez. They will give his race much more weight in their decision than it deserves.

About 45% pay ZERO fed income taxes. That figure was 40% when bam bam took office. They are not going to vote for conservatives if they know they will have to pay SOMETHING. Most voters are not the "just do the right thing for the country" types. They will not vote themselves a dime in tax increases.

Almost all media will defend bam bam and fail to remind us of his failures and his general embarassment to America.

He will do something, probably closer to the election, that almost all voters will like.

He will make Hillary is VP running mate this time which will make all libs and many in the middle swoon with excitement.

All conservative candidates with have downright lies told about them by the ruling class media. Most older folks, actual voters, still get their news from ABC, NBC, CBS, the NY Times, PBS, and all the other major newspapers around the country. The older folks just aren't into the new media as much as they should be and will be denied the information to which we on this and other conservative sites are privy. Example, just a couple of months ago a grown adult voter told me he had recently learned about the Wright's church that bam bam and his family attended - excuse me, where they were voluntary members for almost 20 years.

Now, with that much ingnorance in the voting public, I think the worst prez in history has a very good chance at re-election.

I wish it were not so. Maybe a bust his balls conservative candidate will emerge who will remind voters of how he ignored several laws, of his several ridiculous statements like visiting all 57 states, and his general embarassment to America, but I won't bet on it. Much of the reason because what white candidate wants to be perceived as calling a black man dumb or stupid or an embarassment?

Tatum| 3.1.11 @ 4:29PM

Unbelievable! Somebody on CNN actually said something that could be construed as critical of Obama. Amazing!

Obama can has the unique ability to find a way to "vote present" no matter the circumstances. Taking a stand is something a leader does.

Tom Vann| 3.1.11 @ 6:03PM

Bravo

Marxfreesociety| 3.1.11 @ 8:32PM

It is a good thing that more than 30 percent of black males between 18-25 are in jail and cannot vote, otherwise, republicans would never win another election with more than 90 percent of non-incarcerated blacks voting black. Derelict Holder, if he figures this out will have Barry pardon all black felons and restore their voting rights.

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