2016 Postmortem
In reply to the discussion: I hope we agree that Webb is running to the center, Sanders to the left, and Clinton between those 2 [View all]RichVRichV
(885 posts)The president and their administration can use their voices to influence public opinion.
Let's take ISIS for example. They can lay down a time line showing how our military intervention in Iraq and our involvement with Syria has directly led to the creation of ISIS. They can show how were cutting off funds to ISIS by going after the people dealing with them. They can show how we're supporting our allies while letting those directly affected by the problem deal with it. And if there's ever a direct need for engaging ISIS it will be done through an international coalition, not by us alone.
Let's take Iran for example. There a lot of Rhetoric going around that if these talks fall through we'll be forced to attack. Why? They can easily explain that if the talks fail then all sanctions that have crippled Iran go back in force with more if necessary. They can point out that Iran has not attacked anyone in hundreds of years. And they can make clear that if Iran ever attacks Israel or another ally then we will come to the defense of our allies as expected. However we won't be another countries proxy. Not Israel's or anyone else's.
And on a personal level, just once I'd like one person in government to admit how hypocritical it is to demand others not have nukes while we have the largest stock pile in the world and no desire to shrink it.