GOPolitico seemed upset about this: “It turns out that if you are a successful enough writer, commentator and author, it’s possible that you can get the ear of the president.”
And they accused Spitzer of “gushing” all over Fareed Zakaria.
It’s true, it would be so much better if the President chose not to listen to respected authorities on the Middle East like Zakaria – why not take the advice of Middle East experts like the two Donalds, Rumsfeld and Trump?
Also troubling for GOPolitico, presumably, was the revelation that the President is spending time “thinking about the issues of the Arab Spring”.
“To brush aside America’s responsibility as a leader and – more profoundly – our responsibilities to our fellow human beings under such circumstances would have been a betrayal of who we are. Some nations may be able to turn a blind eye to atrocities in other countries. The United States of America is different. And as President, I refused to wait for the images of slaughter and mass graves before taking action.”
“The United States will not be able to dictate the pace and scope of this change. Only the people of the region can do that. But we can make a difference. I believe that this movement of change cannot be turned back, and that we must stand alongside those who believe in the same core principles that have guided us through many storms: our opposition to violence directed against one’s own citizens; our support for a set of universal rights, including the freedom for people to express themselves and choose their leaders; our support for governments that are ultimately responsive to the aspirations of the people.
Born, as we are, out of a revolution by those who longed to be free, we welcome the fact that history is on the move in the Middle East and North Africa, and that young people are leading the way. Because wherever people long to be free, they will find a friend in the United States. Ultimately, it is that faith – those ideals – that are the true measure of American leadership.”
“…..But let us also remember that for generations, we have done the hard work of protecting our own people, as well as millions around the globe. We have done so because we know that our own future is safer and brighter if more of mankind can live with the bright light of freedom and dignity. Tonight, let us give thanks for the Americans who are serving through these trying times, and the coalition that is carrying our effort forward; and let us look to the future with confidence and hope not only for our own country, but for all those yearning for freedom around the world.”
President Barack Obama speaks about Libya at the National Defense University in Washington, March 28
President Barack Obama shakes hands with military officers after he spoke on Libya at the National Defense University in Washington
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