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- February 11, 2007
Obama vs Howard
I like the look of Barack Obama, who announced (surprise, surprise!) his candidacy for the Democratic Party nomination for President of the USA in the 2008 election.
So when George Bush cheerleader John Howard attacked Obama’s policy to withdraw American troops from Iraq by March 2008, claiming that it would deliver a victory for terrorists, and that Al Qaeda would be praying for an Obama victory:
“If I was running al-Qaeda in Iraq, I would put a circle around March 2008 and pray, as many times as possible, for a victory not only for Obama, but also for the Democrats,”
Obama really put him in his place, accusing him of “cowboy rhetoric”. His response:
“I think it’s flattering that one of George Bush’s allies on the other side of the world started attacking me the day after I announced [my presidential] candidacy,” he said.
“I would also note that we have close to 140,000 troops in Iraq and my understanding is Mr Howard has deployed 1400.
“So if he is … to fight the good fight in Iraq, I would suggest that he calls up another 20,000 Australians and send them to Iraq, otherwise it’s just a bunch of empty rhetoric.”
So John, I think you’re being told if you want to play the big leagues, put your money where your mouth is.
Our government has responded to Barack Obama’s barb along the lines that Australia is making a “very significant and appropriate contribution” given its population. Foreign Minister Alexander Downer has defended Howard, claiming (about the 20,000 troops):
“That would be half of our army. Australia is a much smaller country than the United States and so he might like to weigh that up,”
Maybe, but if Australia had proportionally the same level of military commitment to Iraq as the USA, we would have something like 10,000 soldiers there rather than 1,400 (quick maths, Australia has about 20m people, the US 300m, therefore 1/15 of the number of people and soldiers … ie 9-10k). So Obama is basically right, Howard is talking bigger than he is acting.
Technorati Tags: Barack Obama, John Howard, Iraq
6 Responses to “Obama vs Howard”
Howard is talking bigger than he is acting.
Isn’t that always the case? Howard seems to think he’s a lot more important than he really is (I wonder if he imagines his comments will actually influence any U.S. voters?!?)
By sikamikanico on Feb 11, 2007
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.
By Crankshaft on Feb 12, 2007
This is a great example of the news being misreported in Australia.
How could Obama have pledged to do something and set a deadline which is eight months before the Americans even have an election?
What? He’s gunna give the order before the primaries are even done, and anyone’s gunna care?
I know it’s not you giving the wrong date because I’ve seen it plastered all over the media today. But is everyone that dumb they can’t work it out? Something about the story just doesn’t add up.
By Aurelius on Feb 12, 2007
Aurelius - yes, I wondered about that date. I assume Obama at this stage is sponsoring or at least supporting some legislation to have the US Govt withdraw by that date. Of course, if it passes Congress, Bush will veto it. So its more a gesture than something Obama can realistically do.
By Living in Canberra on Feb 12, 2007
It’s one more reason to like Obama. He’s got an uphill battle to fight–there’s still a lot of idiots who aren’t ready for a black president (like it matters).
I’m very interested in how he plays to repair all the damage to foreign affairs.
George Bush still has cheerleaders? Jesus, I thought they all went down with Tony Blair.
By Ben on Feb 13, 2007
As an a American it is great to get thoughts and opinions on what is happening. I’m not sure on my take about threats. I’m a liberal and not much into all the negativity and violence.
Mother Teresa said:
“If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other.”
I think as a species we have long forgotten we are in this together no matter the race, creed, sex or religion .
I guess peace has to begin and evolve in our hearts before we can achieve it worldwide. We have a long way to go to evolve. Violence only begets violence.
In war there are never any winners.
Thank you for posting your thoughts. Many Americans want to truly just move forward in a positive way. We are not all warmongers.
Peace to you. :o)
By Titania Starlight on Feb 15, 2007