WaPo: Obama's 'One President' Gambit, Democrat Defers to Bush on Foreign Policy but Not on Economy

[flpoljunkie]

Obama's 'One President' Gambit
Democrat Defers to Bush on Foreign Policy but Not on Economy

By Michael D. Shear
Washington Post Staff Writer
Wednesday, December 31, 2008; A02

When it comes to repairing the faltering U.S. economy, Barack Obama offers vision, numbers and detail. But as Israeli bombs and Palestinian rockets explode in the Middle East, the president-elect has responded with silence.

With 20 days until he takes office, Obama is likely to encounter a region reshaped by new violence once he becomes commander in chief. But he has refused to engage in diplomatic conversation before then, insisting that to do so would undermine President Bush. "President-elect Obama is closely monitoring global events, including the situation in Gaza, but there is one president at a time," said Brooke Anderson, Obama's national security spokeswoman.

But while the "one president" philosophy has kept Obama mum on emerging foreign policy crises since the Nov. 4 election, he has abandoned it when it comes to the economy, talking at great length and in great detail about his plans for the nation's financial recovery.

Obama, who is vacationing in Hawaii, has made no statements about the Mideast situation since Israel's aerial assault on Gaza began Saturday. A handful of pro-Palestinian activists gathered in front of Obama's $9 million rental home Tuesday, some of them carrying signs urging him to address Mideast policy when he becomes president.

Ann Wright, 62, a retired Army colonel, wore a T-shirt that read "We will not be silent" and carried a sign that said: "Change U.S. foreign policy. Yes we can." Her group, Veterans for Peace, later issued a news release: "We call on President-elect Obama to place the resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict at the top of his list of priorities of his new administration."

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/12/30/AR2008123003104.html

[global1]

1. The Economic Crisis Is More Internal To The U.S. And Obama Can.......

insert himself into it easier. When it comes to foreign policy and issues however, it gets more complicated. Even though that Obama might be getting some briefings of what is going on - he doesn't have the contact of a President with all world leaders that might have a hand in the situation. That is why he has to defer to the one-president at a time meme when it comes to foreign policy. There is too much at stake and one doesn't want to confuse other world leaders as to who they need to deal with during a time of crisis. He probably has thoughts on the situation. He probably even has an action plan that he will implement when he takes office - but to try and roll anything out now or - yes - even comment on the situation - might complicate matters for those involved in handling such situations right now during the transition.

It is just unfortunate - but not surprising - that Bush hasn't taken more of an active role in this present conflict - as the current president.

[Grateful for Hope]

2. Yes

It is just unfortunate - but not surprising - that Bush hasn't taken more of an active role in this present conflict - as the current president.

Pity we aren't seeing more criticism of our current president for his silence.

[Uzybone]

5. Thats what gets me

It seems that its ok or at least acceptable that our current president have basically taken the last 2 months of his presidency off. I had Bush in my bottom 3 presidents of all time but his inaction during this period has solidified him as the worst ever, without a doubt. A man who basically quits on the job shout be insulted by all people.

[EFerrari]

8. Because no one expects anything from him. And, the world is probably better off

when he's on vacation.

[knowledgeispwr]

4. I think you have it right...

there is a much more domestic side to the economic crisis. I think it's wise for the Obama team to defer on foreign policy right now, as frustrating as the current administration is.

As much as we might wish it so, Obama still isn't president yet.

[ecstatic]

10. Bingo. No new wars will spring out due to economic

issues in America.

[firedupdem]

3. I don't see how he can come out and say much of anything without

it causing more problems. Even if he tries to stay in the middle and say stop the violence. Bush is still the president unfortunately. Mixed messages cannot be sent all over the world right now. If the same people chasing Obama around for words would chase Bush Co. maybe they can get what they need.

[Horselover Fat]

6. the Economy doesn't bomb people when it gets mixed signals

Mike Shear is a jackass.

[flpoljunkie]

7. What mixed signals is Israel getting from the U.S.?

[EFerrari]

9. No official ones. The US, the UN, the EU have all called for a ceasefire.

Obama has nothing to lose by supporting that.

[Horselover Fat]

13. none, but there is that potential if you have 2 men speaking as President

[ecstatic]

11. Man. Obama should have been born in Texas. Maybe then

he would be allowed to go home during a break without people being so bitter about it.

[Thrill]

12. Sorry but if I'm Obama. I'm not tipping my hand on this Israeli-Palestinian conflict

[NashVegas]

14. Oh. How Dare He Do That?

That BASTARD!



I guess they haven't figured out the POTUS doesn't convene with a frickin' foreign cabinet until they can make a promise or two. Good thing Obama has.