Retreat By Any Other Name

Retreat By Any Other Name:

"Since the beginning of his swift political rise, Barack Obama has fashioned himself a unique historical figure. With his latest speech on Afghanistan, he has finally become one.

What other American president has employed a public argument so transparently political -- the need to 'rebuild our infrastructure' and 'find new and clean sources of energy'-- to explain his choices as commander in chief? What other president has deployed the words 'fidelity' and 'unwavering belief' -- citing examples of military tenacity and courage -- to announce a policy of premature retreat? What other president has more dramatically claimed 'a position of strength' while more effectively conveying an impression of weakness?

There is a boldness to this rhetorical approach, which might better be called shamelessness"..........................