WaPo: Pete Buttigieg clears the commander in chief bar

[crazytown]

Washington Post, June 11, 2019
https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2019/06/11/pete-buttigieg-clears-commander-chief-bar/?utm_term=.2c268ecc83ee

Pete Buttigieg clears the commander in chief bar

On Tuesday, South Bend, Ind. Mayor Pete Buttigieg gave his first major foreign policy speech of the primary season. He deserves high praise for willingness to devote a full speech to the topic, speak for more than an hour, cover not simply major themes but hit issues affecting each continent and direct even-handed criticism at both Democrats and Republicans.

Buttigieg appeared to have taken inspiration from the best of center-left foreign policy thinking and made it his own. The recent Center for American Progress report’s findings seemed to be incorporated throughout the speech: An emphasis on responsible leadership, but use of force only as a last resort; a commitment to alliances that make us stronger; a connection between American values and prosperity; and our role in the world. He structured his speech around the three key components of his foreign policy thinking — our values, our interests and our alliances.

He is no left-wing isolationist. He said quite plainly that “the world needs America more than ever,” and while declaring the country in need of a new foreign policy, he showed he has smartly sifted through past experience and extracted lessons both good and bad. He condemned the Iraq War but stated forcefully this should not to discredit acting with force. Rather the United States should set a high bar — “exceedingly” high when we act alone — and to have a plan for post-fighting. He provided tight restraints on the use of force: Our our core interests must be at stake and there must be no alternative. He called this the difference between “Normandy and Saigon.” However, the hard work, as he surely knows, comes in dozens of situations in between.

Buttigieg outlined a number of key concepts: “End” long wars (how, he did not say), combat the rise of authoritarianism, treat climate change as an existential threat, update international institutions and bring ordinary citizens into the debate.

(snip) A candidate who can identify, not to mention analyze, the rise of illiberal regimes as a threat to our interests and can find Sudan and Algeria on the map, let alone speak intelligently about them, deserves praise. A candidate willing to explain that immigration is a national security issue because we want and need the talent of those seeking to come here to help innovate and contribute to the economy should get credit. A Democrat forcefully defending the good that the United States does in the world deserves encouragement. He set a high bar for other candidates. Let’s see how they match up.

[brer cat]

1. K&R

[frazzled]

2. The kid has legs

Honestly, I've been so impressed with Mayor Pete from the first time I heard him interviewed (on a local public affairs station). He has the kind of intelligence (not just book smarts) and broad-minded understanding of a range of subjects, an ability to synthesize and explain, a personal appeal, and a damn good biography that makes for a stellar presidency. He can think on his feet, and he doesn't just repeat bromides. His candidacy actually excites me a bit, in a way that none of the others has thus far (even though [most] all would be perfectly good).

I just don't know if this resonates with the entire Democratic electorate, though. So I wait ... and remain "Undecided."

[calimary]

5. Yeah, he's impressed me as well.

Brains, for one. Able to process, draw reasonable conclusions, and then articulate them well. Beaucoup de valuable experience, both executive and military. And I have a bit of a bias toward Rhodes scholars. Intellect is a good thing, especially when applied for the benefit of the greater good. And he checks all those boxes, plus charm and good looks, and a strong air of integrity about him.

I could easily vote for him with enthusiasm. I’ll vote for anything with a “D” after its name, but there are some for whom I will do so half-heartedly. But not with this guy!

[defacto7]

3. Bullseye!

[B Stieg]

4. Such an Impressive Individual!

The kind of public servant we need more of.