Philip Sherwell's (New York) article on Telegraph.co.uk, "Republicans slam Barack Obama over 'American arrogance' speech" (04 Apr 2009) makes the point that the opposition in the U.S. is incensed about the President "throwing America under the bus" as he dissed his own country to make points with his liberal hosts while traveling abroad.
Sherwell gives examples of reaction to the President's remarks:
"President Barack Obama's unprecedented critique of past American behaviour towards Europe aroused predictable ire among his conservative foes and praise from liberals in the US. Phone lines to Right-wing talk radio shows were buzzing with angry attacks on the commander-in-chief for alleged 'treachery'.
Mr Obama may be rebuilding some frayed alliances abroad but his comments are the latest blow to his erstwhile aspirations of developing a post-partisan political atmosphere at home.
His references to American "arrogance" and its 'dismissive' attitude were viewed by some commentators as an unwarranted attack on his homeland while travelling abroad."
Sherwell singles out WaPo columnist and Fox News contributor for special note:
"Despite the balance in the speech, Charles Krauthammer was indignant on Fox News. 'When Kennedy arrived in Paris, he didn't attack Eisenhower... if you want to attack the US, you do it at home.'
Mr Krauthammer was particularly critical of Mr Obama for knocking previous American policies while struggling to win support from European countries to commit extra troops to Afghanistan. 'He steps all over America and gets nothing for it,' he said scornfully."
But, Sherwell points out that others were not as harsh:
"But less confrontational outlets offered a very different interpretation. 'President Obama and the new world promise' enthused CNN. And even Bill O'Reilly, the outspoken Fox presenter, acknowledged that Mr Obama had balanced his comments in a segment entitled 'Good and Bad'."
What do you think?
Is it acceptable for the President to slam America while speaking abroad, or should he reserve such remarks for consumption at home? If the President takes the role of American critic while abroad, who should take the role of defending our country?
I'll be interested in your comments.
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Comments: 16
Just like many are making a big deal about a one armed hug to the Queen from Michelle Obama, i think there is a lot of interpretation.
Obama will always have his critics, fortunately for him, he has the press, for the most part eating out of the palm of his hand.....and I don't think that will change during his term.
Mooch
Maybe he took courses from the Dixie Chicks on what to say bad, and where to say it...
In all seriousness, they took the cake when it came to voicing political opoinions on foreign soil.
When are we going to have a President that is PROUD of America and the people that elected him? When is America going to stand up and be the country I grew up in? When was it wrong to be "America the Strong"?
When did it happen when we became okay with not being first?
~M
I fully prefer open honesty and candid discourse, over convoluted lying and arrogant posturing; and I have much more respect for someone who shares ALL details, insights and perceptions than someone who limits their speaking only to what is deemed "appropriate."
Isn't "Truth" one of our national ideals? Shouldn't our President manifest that ideal?
perhaps you'll understand if put it in terms of comparing "slamming his country" with:
a parent publicly proclaiming how stupid his child is
a spouse going on t.v. and explaining what a miserable lover he/she is
a coach telling the pep rally that the team is really lousy
a boss getting on the P.A. and listing all an employee's failings
a pastor telling specifics of your personal problems in the pulpit
a friend telling your classmates that you wet the bed
Bill's Spirit condones the above when he says he respects "shares ALL details, insights and perceptions"
How utterly stupid!
I applaud those of you who see the value in positive representation of our country and are able to see Obama's ulterior motives. Scary indeed, unfortuntely, the ignorant masses haven't a clue.
I'm more PO'd about him bowing to a foreign leader! He kowtowed like some social inferior and didn't receive anything like it in return! Courtesy as practiced for centuries is one thing but this was embarrassing, he is the President-not some American diplomat!