Posted on 07/27/2007 3:33:21 AM PDT by Kaslin
For Barack Obama, it was strike two. And this one was a right-down-the-middle question from a YouTuber in Monday night's South Carolina debate:
"Would you be willing to meet separately, without precondition, during the first year of your administration, in Washington or anywhere else, with the leaders of Iran, Syria, Venezuela, Cuba and North Korea?"
"I would," responded Obama.
His explanation dug him even deeper: "The notion that somehow not talking to countries is punishment to them — which has been the guiding diplomatic principle of this administration — is ridiculous."
From the Nation magazine's David Corn to superblogger Mickey Kaus, a near-audible gasp. For Hillary Clinton, next in line at the debate, an unmissable opportunity.
She pounced: "I will not promise to meet with the leaders of these countries during my first year." And she then proceeded to give the reasons any graduate student could tick off: You don't want to be used for their propaganda. You need to know their intentions. Such meetings can make the situation worse.
(Excerpt) Read more at ibdeditorials.com ...
A gaffe is a social error.
Didn't he say what he meant?
Has he retreated from his position?
Seems like it was a clear expression of his belief.
Stupid and naive it may be, but I think he really feels that way.
I’m just not hearing the hosannahs about Obama I used to hear—and I’m in Cambridge, MA.
I misread the word “Third” in the headline as “Turd”.
What does the Hildabeast think the Iranians and Syrians will say to her after she has just finished putting her tail between her legs and running ? This is Presidential ? How come no one points out what she said 3 months ago , Just the opposite! How about if I knew then what I know now I would have done it different ! Wow what leadership !
Barack Hussein never was the crispest cracker in the box.
This will also count against Obama’s viability as a vice prez selection. We don’t foreign policy moran there either.
That having been said, all the Democrats, Obama included, have a big problem, which is that Hillary has enough support to win today, and none of her supporters are going to change their minds, no matter what.
Perhaps a set-up question from Hillary supporters?
Perhaps a set-up question from Hillary supporters?
what ever you do... Don't mention the EARS!!! 
As do many who will vote for him.
LLS
I believe Charles operates on the assumption that Obama has no core beliefs, just an appetite for power. Therefore he talked with a mouthful.
He reminds me more and more of Jimmy Carter. Carter was arguably the most supremely incompetent and naive (due to his overweening moral vanity) POTUS in modern history.
He also got 297 electoral votes, and got himself a Democrat Senate with 62 members.
Don't underestimate him. His biggest obstacle to being elected is the fact that he can't beat Hillary for the nomination.
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