Posted by
Jim McGriff Jr on Thursday, October 23, 2008 12:00:00 AM
Obama Cocksure…? Remember this interview a few months ago...
Obama in an interview with CBS Chief Foreign Correspondent Lara Logan on Face the Nation made a one word answer to a question that makes his lack of experience shine forth.
Lara asked Obama a question that some people question his lack of international political experience. Obama made the statement that America’s style in the world would be less unilateral and more about building partnerships under his leadership. This is a simple answer to a complicated question. What does he mean less unilateral? How will he build partnerships and with whom? Obama has given Americans the impression that he would never act unilaterally. Does this mean that he would take the country to war if a nation such as Iran was a threat to the Middle East?
But it was Lara’s follow-up question and Obama’s answer that should give us greater pause. The question went like this, “Do you have any doubts”. Obama answered, “Never”. The answer that he gave to her question is a simple answer. Obama is sure of his ability, as his smile after the answer showed how cocksure he was. This trait is what most Americans saw in President Bush. Now we must wonder if we have a cocksure young Senator with little experience and no doubts running for President. This could lead our nation down the wrong path in another direction.
Individuals with experience in foreign intelligence would never answer that they “never” have doubts about any international policy. They know countries and individuals act in their interests not Americas. Individuals with international policy experience have alternatives should a policy go wrong. Obama has accursed Bush of not having follow-up plans for his actions. Now we must wonder about Obama’s cocksureness. It belies inexperience. Obama has simple solutions to complicated problems and a strong belief that he has the right answer.
The word that describes Obama’s attitude toward decision making is “Hubris”.
Oscar James McGriff, Jr.
Tuscaloosa, Alabama