The reluctant commander in chief

Washington Post ^ | September 24, 2010 | MIchael Gerson

[libstripper]

What is most disturbing about the coverage of Bob Woodward's "Obama's Wars" is not the juicy bits of conflict and infighting; it is the fact that the White House seems pleased with the image of President Obama that emerges. "I think the president comes across pretty well in the book," says one official, "even if it looks crazy around him."

What comes across is a president deeply skeptical about the Afghan war, suspicious of the advice of military leaders and obsessed with finding exits and setting withdrawal deadlines. To a press or political aide in the administration, this must seem like the public relations sweet spot: Since Americans are conflicted about the Afghan war, won't they be reassured to know that the commander in chief is conflicted as well?

[libstripper]

Please read the whole column, remembering it comes from the Wa Po, one of the Illegal's greatest cheer leaders. With "friends" like that, he hardly needs enemies.

[LottieDah]

Obama wants all the perks and presitige of being President but none of heartaches and headaches which come from being a true leader.

[Enchante]

well Gerson is a Bush Republican, former speechwriter

Op-Ed columns do not necessarily say anything about the editorial or newsroom views of the paper

[anniegetyourgun]

"But a president has a number of audiences, including American troops, the allies who fight at our side and enemies who constantly take the measure of our resolve."

[Texas resident]

“Our enemy is patient and determined. Our president by his own account is neither.” Says it all.

This goof apparently had no idea of what is entailed in the job of the POTUS. All he knew to do was run around bashing Bush and this country. That got him favorable coverage in the press who then created the myth that was obama.

[Servant of the Cross]

0bama again votes 'present' ... and thinks he comes off looking good.

A complete incompetent amateur poseur ... who also happens to be a marxist. 2012 can't get here soon enough.

[DrC]

What’s most disturbing is the arrogance of a guy who hasn’t spent one day in the military second-guessing the assessments and advice of seasoned generals with decades of experience—including combat experience in the very theater about which these decisions are being made.

[Texas resident]

This applies to everything he comes in contact.
He is second guessing professionals in all areas with NO leadership, management or business experience. NONE.
His arrogance and ignorance is wide open on display. I would hate to be a senior officer who has to take orders from this kid with a vendetta.

[huldah1776]

Makes zero seem like a substitute teacher with the kids tearing up the classroom. Even though he may not have patience or resolve, our military is plus disciplined and prepared.

[RetSignman]

[Bob Woodward’s “Obama’s Wars”]

His little derogatory remarks about this POS, is nothing more that selling the book, it’s more effective than ‘BANNED IN BOSTON’ used to be.

[Drew68]

This goof apparently had no idea of what is entailed in the job of the POTUS.

How could he have? He'd never had any executive experience ever prior to the Presidency. It's as if the fry cooker at McDonald's was suddenly voted CEO of the company. The fact that he even thought he was qualified for the position is pure narcissism.

Any person seriously pursuing the office of the Presidency should have somewhere in their resume at least one of the following jobs: Governor of a State, (or mayor of a large city), CEO of a Fortune 500 company or have been a commander of troops at the flag level (General or Admiral). Community organizer doesn't count. Neither does Senator as the Senate isn't a leadership position but a legislative one. Obama met none of these qualifications (to be fair, neither did McCain).

[swarthyguy]

Careful, you are pointing out the inanity of the popular

“Consider the Source”

putdown.

[mojito]

“Obama himself tied the outcome of the policy review to political considerations. “I can't lose the whole Democratic Party,” he reportedly told Sen. Lindsey Graham.”

“Cynics may regard this as typical. Actually, it is remarkable. It is the most basic duty of a commander in chief to pursue the national interest above any other interest. The introduction of partisan considerations into strategic decisions merits a special contempt.”

A man who has sworn to uphold the office of the Presidency and the Constitution of the United States flatly states that he refuses to fulfill his obligations as Commander in Chief. If this isn't grounds for impeachment, I don't know what is.