night everyone

You know me, always like a bit of ‘Hey’ to end blissful days.

Better go get some sleep. But you know my record, all kinds of big things happen when I’m snoozing – eg that bin Laden business.

So, when I return tomorrow I’m expecting you to tell me that Rick Perry and Mahmoud Ahmadinejad held a joint press conference – live on Fox – during which they surrendered to the President.

And would you blame them? Look what happened bin Laden, Mubarak and Gaddafi/Gadhafi/Khadafy/Qaddafi under this President’s watch.

Night everyone. See you tomorrow 😉

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For old time’s sake – foreign policy:

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statement

The President’s statement tonight on the situation in Libya:

“Tonight, the momentum against the Qadhafi regime has reached a tipping point. Tripoli is slipping from the grasp of a tyrant. The Qadhafi regime is showing signs of collapsing. The people of Libya are showing that the universal pursuit of dignity and freedom is far stronger than the iron fist of a dictator.

“The surest way for the bloodshed to end is simple: Muammar Qadhafi and his regime need to recognize that their rule has come to an end. Qadhafi needs to acknowledge the reality that he no longer controls Libya. He needs to relinquish power once and for all. Meanwhile, the United States has recognized the Transitional National Council as the legitimate governing authority in Libya. At this pivotal and historic time, the TNC should continue to demonstrate the leadership that is necessary to steer the country through a transition by respecting the rights of the people of Libya, avoiding civilian casualties, protecting the institutions of the Libyan state, and pursuing a transition to democracy that is just and inclusive for all of the people of Libya. A season of conflict must lead to one of peace.

“The future of Libya is now in the hands of the Libyan people. Going forward, the United States will continue to stay in close coordination with the TNC. We will continue to insist that the basic rights of the Libyan people are respected. And we will continue to work with our allies and partners in the international community to protect the people of Libya, and to support a peaceful transition to democracy.”

so, an uneventful vacation, mr president?

From this magnificent tweet…

….. as spotted by the equally magnificent Tally 😉

judgment

March 2011

President Obama: … even after Gadhafi does leave power, 40 years of tyranny has left Libya fractured and without strong civil institutions. The transition to a legitimate government that is responsive to the Libyan people will be a difficult task. And while the United States will do our part to help, it will be a task for the international community, and more importantly a task for the Libyan people themselves.

…. We have intervened to stop a massacre, and we will work with our allies and partners as they’re in the lead to maintain the safety of civilians. We will deny the regime arms, cut off its supply of cash, assist the opposition and work with other nations to hasten the day when Gadhafi leaves power.

It may not happen overnight, as a badly weakened Gadhafi tries desperately to hang on to power. But it should be clear to those around Gadhafi and to every Libyan, that history is not on Gadhafi’s side. With the time and space that we have provided for the Libyan people, they will be able to determine their own destiny, and that is how it should be.

Full text of remarks here

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Remember the President’s “one voice can change a room …… one voice can change the world” speech from the campaign?

Crikey, I didn’t think he meant it literally

😉

i’ll have a bye-bye-bin-laden-mubarak-gaddafi sandwich please

President Obama visits Nancy’s seafood restaurant in Oak Bluffs on Martha’s Vineyard, August 21

MVT: POTUS emerged from Nancy’s at 8:24 pm, holding FLOTUS’s hand.

Then ducked into SUV and motorcade made quick one-minute trip to home near waterfront in Oak Bluffs where Valerie Jarrett is staying and where the first family is expected to stay for dinner. WH says they are dining with friends.

libya

President Obama (March 2011): “…. With the time and space that we have provided for the Libyan people, they will be able to determine their own destiny, and that is how it should be.”

The head of Libya’s National Transitional Council tells Al Jazeera that Gaddafi’s son Saif al-Islam has been captured – live updates at The Guardian site here

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Live coverage at Sky News (UK) here and Al Jazeera (here)

(Apologies for the Murdoch/Sky link, but it’s one of the few channels I can find covering this live)

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President Obama (March 2011): “…. As the bulk of our military effort ratchets down, what we can do and will do is support the aspirations of the Libyan people. We have intervened to stop a massacre, and we will work with our allies and partners as they’re in the lead to maintain the safety of civilians. We will deny the regime arms, cut off its supply of cash, assist the opposition and work with other nations to hasten the day when Gadhafi leaves power. It may not happen overnight, as a badly weakened Gadhafi tries desperately to hang on to power.

But it should be clear to those around Gadhafi and to every Libyan, that history is not on Gadhafi’s side. With the time and space that we have provided for the Libyan people, they will be able to determine their own destiny, and that is how it should be.”

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As drdaddy1970 mentioned in the comments, John McCain is our current expert on Libya!

CBS: Sen. John McCain said Sunday he thought Libyan leader Muammar Qaddafi’s rule in Libya was “nearing the end” and that it would be a “matter of hours” before his ouster. McCain, speaking on CBS’ “Face the Nation,” said that “we will be rid of a guy who has practiced the worst kind of brutalities.”

What changed in two years, John?

Politics Daily (August 2009): Sen. John McCain, visiting Libya this past week, praised Muammar Gaddafi for his peacemaking efforts in Africa. In addition, McCain called for the U.S. Congress to expand ties with Gaddafi’s government, according to Libya’s state news agency. McCain had a face-to-face meeting with Gaddafi, which he detailed on his Twitter page with the following message:

“Late evening with Col. Qadhafi at his “ranch” in Libya – interesting meeting with an interesting man.”

More here

a thick skin

axelrod & gibbs

meanwhile, out in the real world…..

Thank you Kasai 😉

out and about

President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama depart the Blue Heron Farm in Chilmark, Massachusetts on August 21

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President Obama at the Vineyard Golf Club in Edgartown, Aug. 21

Members of law enforcement sit in a small vehicle along the fairway of the Vineyard Golf Club before the arrival of President Obama