Obama And McCain On Georgia UPDATED: Obama Take Two

Compare and contrast time.

Obama in full:

I strongly condemn the outbreak of violence in Georgia, and urge an immediate end to armed conflict. Now is the time for Georgia and Russia to show restraint, and to avoid an escalation to full scale war. Georgia’s territorial integrity must be respected. All sides should enter into direct talks on behalf of stability in Georgia, and the United States, the United Nations Security Council, and the international community should fully support a peaceful resolution to this crisis.

McCain in part:

"For many years, I have warned against Russian actions that undermine the sovereignty of its neighbors. Unfortunately, we have seen in recent days Russia demonstrate that these concerns were well-founded.

This afternoon I spoke, for the second time since the crisis began, with Georgian President Saakashvili. It is clear the situation is dire. Russian aggression against Georgia continues, with attacks occurring far beyond the Georgian region of South Ossetia. As casualties continue to mount, the international community must do all it can to avert further escalations. Tensions and hostilities between Georgians and Ossetians are in no way justification for Russian troops crossing an internationally recognized border. I again call on the Government of Russia to immediately and unconditionally withdraw its forces from the territory of Georgia.

...I am pleased the U.S. has agreed to facilitate the transfer of Georgian troops serving bravely in Iraq, who are now unfortunately needed to defend their own country

The bold in each statement is obviously my emphasis and I think nicely illustrates the differences between the two candidates.

UPDATE: Now that he's had time to crib from McCain's paper, Obama has released a new statement that sounds a little more like someone who knows what the hell they are talking about and not some inexperienced 'citizen of the world'.

Here's part of the new, tougher statement.

I just spoke separately with Secretary Rice and President Saakashvili about the grave crisis in Georgia. I told President Saakashvili that I was deeply concerned about the well-being of the people of Georgia.

Over the last two days, Russia has escalated the crisis in Georgia through it’s clear and continued violation of Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. On Friday, August 8, Russian military forces invaded Georgia. I condemn Russia’s aggressive actions and reiterate my call for an immediate ceasefire. Russia must stop its bombing campaign, cease flights of Russian aircraft in Georgian airspace, and withdraw its ground forces from Georgia. Both sides should allow humanitarian assistance to reach civilians in need. Russia also must end its cyber war against Georgian government websites. Georgia’s territorial integrity must be respected.

Apparently someone looked it up and told Obama whose side we are on. Alas, the original statement is the true Obama, wishy washy equivalency.

Thanks to Gabe for the heads up on the new Obama statement.

Below the fold, what liberals will most likely call scaremongering. Personally, I just think it's a little perspective.

Does Obama understand that still relevant message? It sure doesn't sound like it.

Don't forget, one of Obama's foreign policy advisers thinks understanding Winnie the Poo is important to conducting foreign relations. For some reason, I don't think Vladamir Putin shares that sentiment. My guess is he thinks it's more like Jaws, except in his version, the shark wins.

posted by DrewM. at 08:48 PM

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