How long will it take

[Anonymous]

for President Obama to actually walk to a podium and say something about our ambassador and other workers being murdered by an angry Libyan mob? I realize it took a while for all in the administration to get their stories straight. But, as head of state, is he going to take a minute from campaigning to say something to the American people himself? Will he at least get around to it this morning?

[Anonymous]

They're now reporting that he'll speak at 10:35

[Anonymous]

We need a Ronald Reagan to get control of this chaos. Goodbye B O.., Mitt needs to step up.

[jsteele]

A better question is how long will it take for Republicans to exploit this tragedy for political purposes? I"m sure Ambassador Stevens would be happy to have his death used to strengthen the Romney campaign.

Here is the level of Republican discourse these days:

RNC Chair Reince Priebus on Twitter:

"Obama sympathizes with attackers in Egypt. Sad and pathetic"

[Anonymous]

It is beyond outrageous for anyone to politicize what happened yesterday. I am disgusted, just as I would have been if someone had tried to take political advantage from the deaths of State Dept personnel in Iraq that occured during the Bush Administration. Have Republicans no decency?

And anyone who knows the first thing about the history of US policy in the Middle East would hardly be holding Ronald Reagan out as an example of success. Ever heard of Lebanon? Iran-contra? I didn't think so. The PP is as ignorant as s/he is disrespectful.

[Anonymous]

He's already issued a strong condemnation.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:He's already issued a strong condemnation.

I'm pretty dove-ish, in general, but the murder of diplomatic personnel seems to call for something stronger than a verbal condemnation, no matter how "strong". There are lines that must not be crossed. Killing an ambassador? That's a big one.

[jsteele]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:He's already issued a strong condemnation.

I'm pretty dove-ish, in general, but the murder of diplomatic personnel seems to call for something stronger than a verbal condemnation, no matter how "strong". There are lines that must not be crossed. Killing an ambassador? That's a big one.

What are you proposing? That we nuke Libya? I don't think you are going to get anything beyond a verbal condemnation for the immediate future.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:He's already issued a strong condemnation.

I'm pretty dove-ish, in general, but the murder of diplomatic personnel seems to call for something stronger than a verbal condemnation, no matter how "strong". There are lines that must not be crossed. Killing an ambassador? That's a big one.

Okay, what would you do. Bomb the rebels?

Let me guess: "I don't know, but it should be something different than a news conference!"

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:He's already issued a strong condemnation.

I'm pretty dove-ish, in general, but the murder of diplomatic personnel seems to call for something stronger than a verbal condemnation, no matter how "strong". There are lines that must not be crossed. Killing an ambassador? That's a big one.

Okay, what would you do. Bomb the rebels?

Let me guess: "I don't know, but it should be something different than a news conference!"

Yes, this.
Spank them this time, remove them from the face of the earth the next.

[Anonymous]

jsteele wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:He's already issued a strong condemnation.

I'm pretty dove-ish, in general, but the murder of diplomatic personnel seems to call for something stronger than a verbal condemnation, no matter how "strong". There are lines that must not be crossed. Killing an ambassador? That's a big one.

What are you proposing? That we nuke Libya? I don't think you are going to get anything beyond a verbal condemnation for the immediate future.

Jeff, you often jump to the most ridiculous scenario imaginable, and it doesn't help the tone of your political discussions board. The above comment is little better than a statement about Obama's body odor.

As weak as the Libyan national security forces and new government are, I would be inclined to persuade them (via the aid package, if necessary) to pursue and deliver to justice the perpetrators. To be seen doing so, with open communication about WHY they are doing so, can deliver a message far more powerful than anything we or our allies could say with boots on the ground.

You do NOT fuck with diplomatic and humanitarian personnel. Period. To do so is to shame your own nation. This needs to be communicated and accepted throughout the world.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Let me guess: "I don't know, but it should be something different than a news conference!"

Is that your best guess? Why are you even here?

[Anonymous]

Obama is like carter 1979, we are stupid to think otherwise

[Anonymous]

when i first saw the news of this at the crack of dawn before being spoon fed my party talking points and told how to think, i felt pretty bad about the situation.

now im disgusted by everyone trying to score political points over these deaths. is this how divided we are? it makes me wonder if 9/11 happened today would we all have come together like we did or would each side try to "win" some stupid argument and blame each other.

im far from pollyanish about things but it doesnt seem like we can come together and be united on anything these days. its sad and pathetic.

[Anonymous]

Lybia just went through a war that tore it apart. It's hard to know which groups did this, but the country's leader condemned it in very clear terms. It would be crazy for us to act precipitously and say something that would undermine the new leader.

Mitt seems to be Mr. Precipitous on this incident, by the way.