Thoughts? [View all]

[politicasista]

Last edited Sun Mar 13, 2016, 02:28 AM - Edit history (4)

http://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2016/04/the-obama-doctrine/471525/


A lot of folks on social media have weighed in. That said, having read the article, still not understanding why it is a great read. It is/was meh IMO.

Sure, it offers insight into P Obama's thinking on FP and global issues, and one of the main focuses is Syria, Libya, and the rest of the world, but it reads like a hit piece.


1. The article is a very negative portrayal of SOS Kerry. He comes across looking like a hawkish Mister Magoo (yes, a left leaning FP writer (Max Fisher) called him that in the past) compared the POTUS and VPOTUS. The Senior Administration official's comment didn't help much either (reminiscing of "gravity" that the WH was forced to clarify). It's also why he and his work are always slept on.

Accidentally stumbled on outside comments from both sides of the political aisle saying that Obama's decision not to strike Syria/Assad was the right one and glad he "put Kerry in his place" on this issue saying that he (SOS Kerry) is not the SO Defense and/or at the Pentagon, and Obama has plenty of counsel to make his own final decisions, and that SOS Kerry himself should read TOD article.

Another was the "frustrated" VP Biden telling SOS Kerry to "Remember Vietnam?" So discouraging to read some semi-backlash coming from Democrats. It's like what did Kerry do to Obama and Biden?? IDGI

Long story short, the POTUS and VPOTUS come out great and on the right side of this issue, while SOS Kerry comes off looking like an evil diplomat pushing for war (remember the infamous vote? Unfortunately, that will never go away).


2. That said, the timing of this article is/was questionable, considering the US/CAN state visit was going on and the SOS was traveling to the Mideast region (Saudi Arabia), was interesting he didn't go to the official state dinner to travel (or did he?).


IMO, the WH and State PR people need to get it together on issues like this.


3. This all is reminding of an WaPo article written (Ignatus, I think) before Kerry became SOS about what can he do to have a personal, professional relationship Obama since their personalities are so different. (Ok, sounds silly, but don't see to many official WH pics with them together (or at special events i.e. birthday parties, sporting events, joint interviews...Granted, he may feel like he doesn't the publicity anymore since he (Kerry) said that SOS was his last job in public service).


4. Also, he was supposed to go to Cuba before the POTUS, but will travel with him. Hope they have a nice productive trip. Rhodes announced that the SBA, Commerce, and Agricultural secretaries will join them. Best wishes and safe travels to them all.


Lastly, if HRC offered him the chance to stay on, hope he says no. It's known that she is a very hawkish woman. More hawkish than POTUS (some have said that she and Kerry are both more than Obama). Let her find her own SOS.


Hopefully, he can spend some more time with Momma T (hope she is ok these days) and family, write books and travel. He does deserve some NPP consideration He is done good on Iran, Climate Change, and other work, but unfortunately, him not being on the same page with the Obama Administration will people talking.


Apologies for the long post. Feel free to disagree. Just some two cents. Will let the pros of this fine group comment more on FP/SOS related issues in the future.



Hope everyone is doing well.





Edit to clean up the OP for the K-Group and lurkers.