GOI: Obama shows that he can play hardball with the best (or should I say worst) of them:Obama: 1.
Howard: ZERO
CANBERRA, Australia (CNN) -- Australia's conservative Prime Minister John Howard said Sunday that victory for Democratic Sen. Barack Obama and his party in next year's presidential election would be a boon for terrorists.
Australia has more than 1,000 troops in and around Iraq, many in non-combat roles.
Obama, campaigning in Iowa, told reporters Sunday he's flattered that one of Bush's allies "started attacking me the day after I announced (his presidential run) -- I take that as a compliment."
The Democratic presidential hopeful said if the Australian prime minister was "ginned up to fight the good fight in Iraq," he needs to send another 20,000 Australians to the war.
"Otherwise, it's just a bunch of empty rhetoric," Obama said.
GOI: I say Obama didn't go far ENOUGH!! He should have said, "Well if you've got it all figured our Mr. Howard then we'll be happy to hand it all over to you in Iraq and leave!!" Good luck!!---End of Transmission---
9 comments:
Man, everybody is shooting for the Democratic presidential candidates already.
I agree with Sen. Obama. If John Howard wants to argue that a Democrat in the White House would be a boon for Terrorists, then Australia better get ready to lead the coalition forces and roll out 100,000 troops to fight the War on Terror. Otherwise, he should shut up and keep on kissing George W. Bush's butt.
It doesn't matter how many troops Barack Obama challenges Howard to send to Iraq.
I think Howard is more concerned about his own image back home if the US withdraws its troops and cuts its losses.
Bush is on his way out. Nothing can hurt him now. Howard has plenty to lose. And I'm sure he remembers all the Australians who were affected by the past bombings in Bali.
Brent:
I think it shows that they know that the Dems have a stronger field then the Republicans.
I fully agree with Obama. His response was perfect, witty and on target.
Crankshaft:
I think that Obama got the best of him for sure and shut Howard up pretty well. If Howard did this to improve his own image in Aussie land then he must be desperate. He doesn't have a leg to stand on with his tiny force in Iraq.
The Obama smack down come back shows to his critics that he's not just a pretty face with a nice smile. Or some push over.
Howard shouldn't be picking fights where he can't finish them or back up his words with actions.
I'd give Obama another point for what I heard later, which was that he referred to Howard's remarks as "cowboy rhetoric".
I think Howard is probably just as afraid of a Bush-led USA as the rest of the world is, and he is doing some heavy-duty butt-kissing because he wants to go along for the ride, even if it is with a crazy man like Dumbya. Britain and Australia's leaders seem to be like obedient little dogs who perform tricks for their master. I am betting that the people of those two nations will vote their current leaders out of office at the next opportunity.
Snave:
I hope they kick him out of office. That IS cowboy rhetoric for sure. He's interfering in our political process and he should butt right out.
Speaking of butts, he's got his nose right up Georgie boys brown eye.
Nice...I think Obama struck a near-perfect balance. He smacked down Howard, left his proponents wanting MORE smackdown, and left his opponents with nothing to attack (and he did it with humor, so even if his opponents attack back, they look like the hotheads...getting riled over something Obama was chuckling about...) Very nice well-thought loaded response, and Obama made it look effortless...guy's got more potential than I thought...
Joe:
Yeah he seems to be a born statesman with a perfect balance between peace and strength. I feel that this is his time. A new chance to bring America back into the light.
I think Howard is more concerned about his own image back home if the US withdraws its troops and cuts its losses.
Actually, Howard is concerned with protecting Australian interests in Iraq...nothing more--wheat and weapons, the two major imports from the land down under.
Kvatch:
Good old profiteering.
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