Anyone who tells you we can still win in Iraq is at best ignorant of the truths surrounding the situation (We didn't find WMDs because none existed; we've only lowered levels of violence we helped create; we've created a failed chaotic state where avoiding genocide is a reason for staying; we've taught Iraqis that democracy means chaos and anarchy), and probably won't remember that John McCain is so up on the main issue surrounding his campaign that he thought Iran was training al Qaeda, and said it twice during a press conference.
So, on Tuesday, Senator Obama treated Americans like adults. He spoke of our racial history, things like Jim Crow laws, slavery, and affirmative action. As Maureen Dowd put it Wednesday morning, "But he did not pander as Mitt Romney did with his very challenging speech about Mormonism, or market-test his own convictions, as most politicians do."
At this point, it's still unclear as to whether this speech will work to re-focus his campaign, or turn the momentum back in his favor. I personally think between all the smears he's taken from either side scared of his call for change and his probable-mandated shift in foreign policy (should he get the nomination), he's not getting out of this. Hillary Clinton has remained silent for over a week now, and probably won't open her mouth nationally until she's repeatedly asked to do so.
With all the rhetoric, it may become clear over the next few weeks, and as my state of Pennsylvania votes on April 22, that we're not above being treated like infants. Some of us are still waiting for the Viet Cong to dock their boats in Malibu. If we pull out of Iraq, others will never stop praying for another 9/11 attack, just so they can prove to everyone - and themselves - they were right all along.
(Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher).
