Obama makes case for diplomacy, loud and clear

[babylonsister]

http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2008/05/20/obama_makes_case_for_diplomacy_loud_and_clear/

Obama makes case for diplomacy, loud and clear


Barack Obama fielded a question from a young woman during a town hall meeting yesterday in Billings, Mont. The candidate is forcefully defending himself against attacks. (Getty Images)

By Peter S. Canellos
Globe Staff / May 20, 2008

snip//

Whether Obama is right or not, such demonstrations of backbone serve to validate many of the key assumptions of his campaign: that by strongly advocating for Democratic positions, a candidate can win a more meaningful mandate for change; that Clinton has compromised her principles to inoculate herself against Republican attacks; and especially that Obama alone can transcend the thrust-and-parry approach to politicking that has dominated recent presidential campaigns.

The irony, of course, is that these attacks, whether from Clinton, Bush, or McCain, aren't really cheap: They're legitimate differences of opinion with Obama's own stated policies.

But Obama's ability to deflect his opponents' best shots - not by disputing them, or firing back with a charge of his own, but by standing up firmly for his position - will be the most important measure of his future success.

Assuming that Obama goes on to win the Democratic nomination, his most politically vulnerable point of differentiation with McCain will be on foreign policy. It's the one area where McCain's age - and Obama's - could play to the Republican's advantage. It's also an obvious point of concern for voters concerned that another terrorist attack could happen at any time.

Obama is trying to argue for a kind of muscular liberalism - that by being more open to the world, and more credible as a negotiating partner, the United States can achieve greater safety and security.

It's an inherently tough argument to sell. Voters draw comfort from the idea that military strength can guarantee safety; they can't be too eager to have Obama disabuse them of the notion. But in arguing his case for quiet diplomacy, Obama seems to be having his best success when he makes it loudly and strongly.

[jefferson_dem]

1. I see from the pic that Barack is still having trouble connecting with the "white vote."

:bounce: :sarcasm: :bounce:

Great perspective piece. Thanks for posting.