You are right.
I would like to see Condi run. Of course I'd like to hear her on the issues before deciding whether to vote for her. As Secretary of State and National Security Adviser I think she's been fantastic.
First, she'd have to make it through the primaries. If she did and it came down to her vs Hillary, Condi could be to the left of Hillary and I'd still vote for her because I believe she is a straight shooter and honest. That counts a lot in my book.
Of course I don't expect her to be to the left of Hillary. It could be fun. I'd like to see her and Alan Keyes both run in the primary.
The problem with Condi, and it's not her fault really, is that she has been tasked to implement someone else's policies. Condi may or may no have fully agreed with those polices.
Until she voices her own opinions in public to a greater degree, I'm not fully sure what here personal views are or what her own policies would be like.
During the recent war between the Israelis and Hezbollah, Condi voiced concern for civilian deaths and the need for a ceasefire. I found that disturbing.
When your ally goes after terrorists, you don't trip them on the way out the gate. When they're engaged, you don't lament colateral damage.
What you should be doing is laying down a firm reason why they are taking the actions they have. You then support that action based on a set of principles that cross national, cultural and religious boundaries.
We fail our allies when we fail to implement this type of supportive function. Who else is going to defend what is right on the world stage if we don't. How is support for Israel going to grow if no one explains why they are doing what they are doing, and then supports them publicly on reasoned grounds?
IMO, we failed Israel once again. Sadly, it's very appearant that we learned nothing from the process either. Now that it's clear that Hezbollah won't disarm and nobody is going to make them, our leaders remain silent.
We were hosed on this ceasefire. I don't see anyone acknowledging it and promising it won't happen again. Huge mistake.
Condie was mixed up in this. I want to know to what extent she agree with this policy. If she was fully on board, I wouldn't vote for her. It would say too much about what her world view was.