1115.org

Just stop talking like this:

I don’t doubt John McCain’s sincerity on this issue, but I doubt his wisdom on it. The fact is I’m somebody who opposed the war when it was unpopular to do so.

For a candidate whose supposed strength is his communication, Barack Obama leaves a lot to be desired. The other day it was his blatant use of a Republican frame to undermine Congressional Democratic leaders when he said:

“I think that nobody wants to play chicken with our troops on the ground.”

I’ve spent the last week watching Obama supporters flail away trying to defend this statement, only to have the last (gallows) laugh yesterday when St. McCain of the Lunatics proved my point as he used Obama’s unfortunate words to marginalize every other Congressional Democrat:

McCain cited Senator Barack Obama of Illinois, saying Democrats should “heed the advice of one of their leading candidates for president” and pass new legislation to fund the troops.

This is the very anatomy of how Republicans have been beating Democrats over the head with TWAT for years now.

But let’s parse out Obama’s latest statement. He starts out with: “I don’t doubt John McCain’s sincerity on this issue.” Fantastic. How many times did we have to watch John Kerry answer a question with something like this in 2004. Don’t lead with the important part, but emphasize that you’re not some crazy person who doubts people’s sincerity. John McCain’s record on the war, coupled with his sickening cave on Bush’s torture regime shows that he has either gone completely insane, or will say absolutely anything to avoid admitting his mistakes so as not to damage his Oval Office fantasies. Insane, or insincere. There simply is no other way to describe the John McCain of today. But Obama thought it vital to to lead with his defense of McCain’s sincerity. Amazing. This is textbook Kerry, and make no mistake, we’re in for a whole new round.

Next? “I doubt his wisdom on it.” Depends on the definition of doubt?

1. To be undecided or skeptical about: began to doubt some accepted doctrines.
2. To tend to disbelieve; distrust: doubts politicians when they make sweeping statements.
3. To regard as unlikely: I doubt that we’ll arrive on time.
4. Archaic. To suspect; fear.

John McCain has displayed horrific judgment on all aspects of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. There’s a case to be made that on military issues, he’s trying to be “more Catholic than the Pope.” There’s no doubt about his wisdom, he simply has none. He’s been wrong about everything. So why can’t Obama say “I think if you’ll look at the record, John McCain has advocated and supported dangerously bad policies with regard to our military and our national security.” This is a man who, after all, could still be Obama’s general election opponent next year.

And finally: “The fact is I’m somebody who opposed the war when it was unpopular to do so.” This isn’t damaging to the Democratic brand or failing to forcefully expose McCain for what he is, but I’m sick of it nonetheless. This is Obama’s street cred line for when he’s acting like his Senate mentor Joe Lieberman. “Let’s keep funding the war because we have to support the troops, but remember, when it didn’t matter and I didn’t have a vote or any responsibilities, I opposed the war.” Very brave.

This is the man everyone wants to go on a man date with? Jesus, defrost me in 2009.