quote:

"This is offensive, and I think it's disappointing," Obama told [Wolf] Blitzer, when asked his thoughts about McCain's comments that the terrorist organization Hamas wants Obama to be president. "Because John McCain always says 'I am not going to run that kind of politics,' and to engage in that kind of smear is unfortunate, particularly because my policy toward Hamas has been no different than his.

"I've said it's a terrorist organization and we should not negotiate with them unless they recognize Israel, renounce violence, and unless they are willing to abide by previous accords between the Palestinians and the Israelis. So for him to toss out comments like that I think is an example of him losing his bearings as he pursues this nomination. We don't need name calling in this debate."

quote:

Obama Hamas Ties Pushed In McCain Letter: So Much For "Respectful" Campaign

John McCain has repeatedly insisted in public that he wants to run a respectful campaign, but a recent fundraising email from his campaign suggests there will be nothing revolutionary about the Republican nominee's tactics this year.

McCain's deputy campaign manager, Christian Ferry, sent an email to donors today with the subject line: "Hamas Weighs In On U.S. Presidential Election." The email, which attacks Obama over his foreign policy stances, includes these paragraphs:

quote:

Barack Obama's foreign policy plans have even won him praise from Hamas leaders. Ahmed Yousef, chief political adviser to the Hamas Prime Minister said, "We like Mr. Obama and we hope he will win the election. He has a vision to change America."

We need change in America, but not the kind of change that wins kind words from Hamas, surrenders in Iraq and will hold unconditional talks with Iranian President Ahmadinejad.

The letter comes in response to this report of a Hamas leader speaking favorably about Barack Obama. The article -- though not the McCain campaign -- notes that Obama has condemned Hamas, repeatedly said that he would not meet with the terrorist organization, and also condemned former President Carter's decision to meet with Hamas leaders.

quote:

and also condemned former President Carter's decision to meet with Hamas leaders

quote:

Originally posted by Westside Steve:
But honestly, and I'm not asking you to agree with any of Hamas' positions, if you were a Hamas leader wouldn't you prefer Obama?
If not, why?

WSS[/b]

quote:

Not sure why you would. Bush has been great for recruitment for Islamist terrorist groups, and who's closer to Bush?

quote:

Originally posted by Westside Steve:

And would we (in your honest opinion), the civilized western world be better off if we actuallyu surrended today and bring the troops home in, say three months?
It could be done.
Why wait?
How about withdraw all support of Israel.
You guess that'd sweeten them up?
Why or why not?
WSS

quote:

Originally posted by Dencyguy:

quote:

Originally posted by Westside Steve:

And would we (in your honest opinion), the civilized western world be better off if we actuallyu surrended today and bring the troops home in, say three months?
It could be done.
Why wait?
How about withdraw all support of Israel.
You guess that'd sweeten them up?
Why or why not?
WSS

So withdrawing from Iraq is surrender.
No that was my hypothetical question,
I'm not trying to force you into a gotcha.
I'll rephrase.
We admit we were wrong, apologize and leave in three months.

Fair enough. What's victory?
Hard to say.
Best hope is get the govenment there strong enough to play ball with us.
Like Saddam did before we pissed him off .

Stay there until every single terrorist is dead? What is your exit strategy?

Honestly hard to say.
I doubt any war has one.
I can't remember a timetable for any war we've been in, you?

As for Israel, I'm all for supporting them, recognizing them, doing business, etc. Does the US have an obligation to defend Israel? Why? Are they the 51st state?

I think so, but that's another subject.

But that isn't what I asked.
I asked if you think we'd be better off to announce to the enemies of Israel that we no longer support them.
We'd recognize them and no more as you suggest.
Just a hypothetical.
WSS

Dennis

quote:

Originally posted by Westside Steve:
No that was my hypothetical question,
I'm not trying to force you into a gotcha.
I'll rephrase.
We admit we were wrong, apologize and leave in three months.
WSS[/b]

quote:

I doubt any war has one.
I can't remember a timetable for any war we've been in, you?

quote:

I asked if you think we'd be better off to announce to the enemies of Israel that we no longer support them. We'd recognize them and no more as you suggest.

quote:

Originally posted by Dencyguy:

quote:

Originally posted by Westside Steve:
No that was my hypothetical question,
I'm not trying to force you into a gotcha.
I'll rephrase.
We admit we were wrong, apologize and leave in three months.
WSS[/b]

I'm not sure if leaving in three months is the best option out there. I'm not for "a hundred years if need be," but leaving as soon as the inauguration is over isn't very appetizing either. Maybe stick around until the country can be partitioned, then leave. Apologizing--even if it were to happen--would only come across as PR.

I don't think we'll get it partitioned off.
6 months?

quote:

I doubt any war has one.
I can't remember a timetable for any war we've been in, you?

Can you think of any other instances in which the government has launched a global shooting war against an idea? That's the problem--there can be no endgame if there is no enemy.

Well lets not be coy.
The "war on terrorism" is a bullshit term that both sides of the PR line use.
We need the oil traded in US dollars and we could use another base.
Saddam needed to do as he was told and not trust the French.
And there was no "exit strategy" in WW2.

Well until Truman.

quote:

I asked if you think we'd be better off to announce to the enemies of Israel that we no longer support them. We'd recognize them and no more as you suggest.

First, I have no real interest in pleasing or displeasing anyone.
But you did voice concern that we're recruiting Al Queda.
We, as the UNs mercenary force pissed off a lot of people by kicking Saddam out of Kuwait.
If the US does something and it angers Hamas, too bad for them. If it does something and makes Hamas glad, that's terrific. Really.

I need to know what you mean by "support." I said recognize and trade with them. I would add make alliances insofar as they help further US interests. In other words, unless they are going to be the 51st state, treat them like any other foreign country.
As it is I think the US is pledged to defend Israel.
Good says I.
They are nearly a protectorate.
We're much more linked to Israel than Libya or Thailand or others.
No?
Some wish it were not the case.

WSS

Dennis

quote:

Originally posted by shepwrite:
They think he might be into that old-fashioned concept, diplomacy.