Howard steps up attack on Obama

[jefferson_dem]

Howard steps up attack on Obama
From staff writers and wires
February 12, 2007 12:42pm

THE Prime Minister has fired another salvo in his growing war of words with US presidential hopeful Barack Obama, saying the senator had dodged his criticism of his Iraq withdrawal plan.

Senator Obama today challenged John Howard to commit another 20,000 Australian troops to Iraq after the Prime Minister said his call to bring American troops home by March 2008 would be a victory for al Qaeda in Iraq, who would be hoping for a Democrat win in next year's presidential election.

<SNIP>

But far from backing down from the developing spat, Mr Howard has said today that Senator Obama's response missed the point of his criticism.

"I think the most interesting thing about (Senator Obama's comments) is that it didn't really address the substance of the issue," Mr Howard has said on ABC Radio.

He has said Australia is making a "very significant and appropriate contribution" given its population.

<SNIP>

http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,21209258-2,00.html

[BayCityProgressive]

1. no they aren't

we still have far more people there base don our population. Howard should throw himself off a cliff. Literally.

[Random_Australian]

16. Tell me that you are not implying we're not doing enough.

1)We aren't a military society. (While I appreciate America is hardly a boot camp, the difference in how much America and Australia spend on their military per capita is immense)

2) Appropriate = small forces, but the best we have.

Aside from that, our "region stabilising" or whatever you wanna call it has mostly happened in S.E. Asia, so no saying we're not making an effort.

Howard is a suck, but my country is another matter.

[0rganism]

19. I read it as saying the USA is doing too much (and that Howard sucks at math)

I doubt any offense was aimed at the Aussies for contributing too little to the Iraqupation.

[Random_Australian]

21. That's good. :)

But beware - Howard does not suck at math. We actually have (shockingly) right wingers who are extremely cunning... although it seems he panicked this time.

But if Obama gives Howard a little time to think.... things could get nasty. Howard did not become leader by anything other than his ability to say anything he wants to and still not technically lie about it.

Not very good at off-the-cuff remarks, but Howard has abilities that you don't see in neocons. :scared:

Although, Obama might just mush him through and through. :)

I for one certainly hope so.

[WyLoochka]

51. Then make sure not to re-elect him

Or be prepared to back up HIS totally out of line, "militaristic", words with YOUR kids' lives and your tax dollars, just like we are having to do over here, because there were just enough dumb-asses who voted for this "militaristic" regime to pull off the election by rigging Ohio.

You can't have it both ways - have a belligerent, militaristic PM and a "non-militaristic society." The choice for Aussies' is clear - landlside Howard out of there.

[Gman]

2. Howard's gonna be getting a nastygram from Karl Rove

telling him to STFU. Obama can use Howard for a lot of gain as long as Howard continues it. It's kinda like Olberman baiting O'Really, O'Really reacts and Olberman gets an unending flow of publicity that makes him a hero as long as O'Really continues to react.

Good move by Obama.

[BayCityProgressive]

3. I would just say to him

The US has already tried three surges and failed. Having US troops there will not stop any of the violence. The people of the US know it, the people of Iraq know it, and the people of Australia know it, which is why Howard has only a 44% approval rating. if Howard would like to move to the US and throw his hat in the ring for president we can debate further, if not I suggest he focus on Australia.

[Art_from_Ark]

25. If Howard wants to run for President

he'll have to get in line behind Ahnuld

[Kber]

30. GWB would drown a puppy for a 44% approval rating right now.

[saigon68]

44. He'd jump in a pond and screw fish too

[Thor_MN]

73. He'd screw a snake. He'd screw a rock pile if he thought there was a snake in it.

[Doctor_J]

31. Not likely - Howard is using Rove's exact words

"Al Qaeda is hoping for a Democrat win next year". Sounds like Howard's just reading the script Rove faxed him.

[muntrv]

4. Howard, shut the fuck up and run your own country!

[Random_Australian]

17. Actually, I'd prefer it if he did not run our country.

He's a suck.

[proud2BlibKansan]

18. And I want him to keep talking

His mouth is a gift that keeps on giving! LOL

[Random_Australian]

20. Hey, you want him? Keep him. In fact, keep him! We'll pay you!

:)

[proud2BlibKansan]

23. Ok how about a trade?

:evilgrin:

[Random_Australian]

24. Well, what you don't realise is that in our country, someone like Bush

would not have got to office.

We get a much meaner kind of bastard in office... sharper, too.

In other words, what do you want to trade in return for taking Howard?

[roamer65]

53. Raisinbrain's two poodles will soon be gone.

Bliar will soon resign and Howard is trailing in the polls to Kevin Rudd's Australian Labor Party. Australia will win with Labor!

[proud2BlibKansan]

62. You can have Cheney too

:)

[Vidar]

46. Good to see you again.

[skipos]

5. US's population is @ 300 million, Australia's population is @ 20 million

The US has 150,000 troops in Iraq, so Australia should have about 10,000+. Is that the case or does Howard need to go enlist?

[BayCityProgressive]

6. too bad

they only have 1,200.

[Joe Bacon]

8. He's saving the other 8,800 for Iran.

He knows that Iran is gonna get nuked real soon!

[Random_Australian]

15. No, we should have less than ten thou.

About 9600, actually.

And we have 1500 there now.

So we only need another 8 thou to match your war effort proportionally - which we shouldn't be asked to do, given how different our societies are. (Clue: The U.S. proportion of expenditure on it's military is huge)

Finally, most of our overseas forces have been deployed in Asia, with some success.

While we all know that Howard is a suck, there is no need to smear the Aussies, ok?

:)

I'm currently thinking you did not mean harm, but I gotta defend my country, y'know.

[WyLoochka]

52. As long as you elect loud mouth

interferer PNACers you should be expected to match proportionally. There are "consequences to elections." Your contry mates elected him, they like him, they approve of him, so they are accountable - that means they (and you who don't approve of him) have to do what we are being forced to do - against our will - spend more money and send more kids.

You can best "defend your country" by seeing that this thug does not get re-elected.

[Solly Mack]

7. Howard seems awfully fearful about something

whatever could it be

[FightingIrish]

9. Hillary should be pissed.

In one day I've gone from being an Obama admirer to an Obama supporter.

[antiimperialist]

10. Poll: Howard' opponent most popular in 35 years

By The Associated Press, Feb. 11, 2007

SYDNEY, Australia: A new poll released Monday found that Australia's opposition Labor Party leader Kevin Rudd has overtaken Prime Minister John Howard in popularity ahead of elections later this year.

The ACNielsen survey of 1,412 voters found that 65 percent of Australians approve of Rudd, the highest satisfaction rating for an opposition leader in the poll's 35 year history.

Forty-eight percent of respondents named Rudd as their preferred prime minister, compared to 43 percent for Howard. Five percent were undecided, according to results published in The Sydney Morning Herald newspaper.

link

[Superman Returns]

11. If Obama becomes President...

I can't wait to see how he will treat Howard. Probably better than I would if I was in his shoes.

[sourcecode]

12. Howard clearly doesn't understand this war

What Mr. Howard and the war hawks on both sides of the isle in the US Congress continue to ignore, is that Americans see through the lies and justifications for the Iraq war. Even fewer Americans see through the lies and justifacations for the "War on Terror".

You don't have to be a genious to do a little research and find that the Iraq War is illegal according to the US Constitution and International law. The debate has been what is the moral thing to do now that we've destablized Iraq. The overall conclusion, based on opinion only, is that America is keeping the peace in Iraq. There is no definition of winning the war in Iraq, not even among neo-cons. Why? because, to the sickos who lied us into this disaster, "winning" in Iraq staying there as long as we can and militarizing the whole region. If tomorrow, Iraqi employment went from 70% to 5% and the tax rate was about 20%, we still wouldn't "win" the war. Not till multinational oil companies control oil production and the US has built 15 or more permanent bases (the real goals of this war) would we be able to pull out and attack another country with state run industries.

The "War on Terror" will not end until all markets around the globe are open to market-style capitalization and exploitation. The "War on Terror" is more about these economics than fighting some Islamic radicals who want to pray 5 times a day.

[CJCRANE]

28. Good summary of what the GWOT is *really* about n/t

[Esra Star]

64. Hey sourcecode, first post, welcome to DU

now i'll go back and read it all.

[roamer65]

13. John Howard: "Raisinbrain's Other Poodle".

Howard was the treasurer in Malcolm Fraser's government, from 1975-1983. Fraser is famous for his involvement in bringing down the legitimately elected government of Labour PM Gough Whitlam in 1975, along with then Governor General Kerr. It has been suspected for many years that Kerr and Fraser were involved with the CIA at some level. Since Howard apparently "ran" with these people, I have ZERO respect for him.

[Nutmegger]

14. Howard: Another Neocon Jackass.

:puke:

[MonkeyFunk]

22. This is fascinating to me

I can't understand why a Prime Minister would start - and continue - a pissing match with a legislator from another country.

It "embiggens" Obama on the world stage, and diminishes Howard.

Not that I'm complaining....

[harun]

32. Me too. Talk about rallying Obama's base. Nothing like

a foreign enemy already attacking him to motivate people.

[Dr Fate]

48. Yup-Howard seems to think that the "inexperienced" Obama is a player on the World Statge.

Gosh, for such an "inexperienced" politician, folks sure seem to think his positions on the issues of the day are important.

[mainer]

60. Howard reinforces Obama's anti-war image

This is great. It points out the contrast between Obama and Hillary. It's almost as if Howard is intent on HELPING Obama get elected!

[truthisfreedom]

26. This is excellent. Who wants popcorn?

[bemildred]

56. Indeed, pay no attention to the little man behind the screen.

:popcorn::popcorn:

[Doondoo]

27. wazzup with this howard stooge? doesn't he have his own country to ruin?

[wageslave71]

29. "I think the most interesting thing about ...

(Senator Obama's comments) is that it didn't really address the substance of the issue," Mr Howard has said on ABC Radio.

And I think the most interesting thing is Obama's comments flew right over Howard's head.

[LynnTheDem]

33. Australian Senate voted 33-31 to CENSURE HOWARD over Iraq.

The Senate has passed a no-confidence motion against the Government of Prime Minister John Howard over its policy on Iraq.
It is the first time the Senate has passed such a motion.

"It is the most serious censure that the Senate can make of a prime minister for his straying from his obligation to do the right thing by the nation, and what could be more important than the deployment of the defence-force personnel, Australian men and women, to a war which many Australians — indeed, the majority of Australians — deemed to be not our place?"

http://www.worldnewsaustralia.com.au/region.php?id=52742®ion=7

So let's debate Iraq, Howard.

[Swagman]

71. oh this is excellent..he's been "wedged" at last..by Obama !!!

[Swagman]

72. Barak Obama for Prime Minister of Australia !!!!!!

:headbang:

[sabra]

34. Australian PM stands by Obama comment

http://www.cnn.com/POLITICS/blogs/politicalticker/2007/02/australian-pm-stands-by-obama-comment.html

Australian PM stands by Obama comment

CANBERRA, Australia (CNN) -- Australian Prime Minister John Howard Monday stood by his comments a day earlier in which he said a victory by U.S. Sen. Barack Obama and his Democratic party in America's next presidential election would be a boon for terrorists.

Speaking to Australia's ABC News Radio, Howard said his comments were aimed at the Illinois Democrat's plan to withdraw U.S. forces from Iraq in March 2008.

"What I have done is to criticize Senator Obama's views on a particular issue and I don't retreat in any way from that criticism," Howard said. "I think if America is defeated in Iraq that will be catastrophic for the West and it will have tremendously adverse consequences for Australia."

He blasted his critics for being hypocritical.

"Apparently it's all right for people in the (opposition) Labor Party to regularly criticize the Bush administration's policy on Iraq -- and they do that almost on a daily basis," Howard said. "Yet my criticism of the policy position of somebody who is not president -- and is not even the Democratic candidate for the presidency -- that is interfering in American politics and is absolutely to be forbidden."

[global1]

35. *Co And The Neocons And The Repugs Must Really Be Afraid Of Obama To Have.....

PM Howard make these statements this early in the '08 race.

The Repugs have been pushing Hillary because they know that they can divide the masses and with Diebold beat her.

Obama is a different story. He is rallying the young, the old, the battered, the bewildered and is amassing a base that Diebold can't beat.

[depakid]

40. Either that or he wants to boost his chances

of getting the nomination because he doesn't think that Obama can't win.

Howard may be a jerk and getting a little hoary, but he's been around for years and he's been a wily politician.

Also, Obama fired back with a statement that basically asked Australia to send half their army. That might have been a little more thought out in terms of numbers. 10,000 rather than 20,000 would have made the same point, without leaving him open to riposte.

[Dr Fate]

49. But Joe Six Pack doesnt care if that is only half their army.

In fact, Joe Six pack might just say: "Well, if this fella wants to win in Iraq so badly, maybe they should raise a larger army, send their boys and leave us out of it."

I think Obama's response was perfect, and really does get to the heart: "if you want to be in Iraq, then by all means, go- but leave our boys out of it."

Maybe it WAS thought out in numbers- maybe he wants the Average voter to have an idea on just how much of a bit player Hoawrd & Australia are as far as Obama's (and the United State's) positions go.

[theaudacity]

36. The disdain of a pro-war person is all I need to cast my vote for Obama.

[rodeodance]

37. hey Howie, of course you can be critical---JUST expect to get smacked

back at-------and stop Whining!---it is so unbecoming!

[Jack Rabbit]

38. Jack Rabbit stands by Howard comment

John Howard is a war criminal, as are all those who planned and executed the unjustified invasion of Iraq knowing that the premises for the war were false.

[Maeve]

39. Amazing how he can stand with his foot in his mouth! eom

[theaudacity]

42. If you're"ginned up to fight the good fight in Iraq," you need to send in 20,000 Austrailian troops.

THAT is why I am an Obama supporter. No fear of saying the right thing.

[tabasco]

41. The neocons are desperate to have foreigners doing their bidding.

Doesn't the average freeper-type think foreigners should stay out of our business?

[Eugene]

43. AFP: White House shrugs at Howard's slam of opposition candidate

White House shrugs at Howard's slam of opposition candidate

1 hour, 21 minutes ago

WASHINGTON (AFP) - The White House said Australian Prime Minister John Howard was simply
exercising his right to speak out when he said terrorists would welcome a Democratic US
presidential victory in 2008.

"John Howard has free speech and he's free to say what he does," spokesman Tony Snow told
reporters.

"The Prime Minister spoke his mind," Snow said. "It is what it is."

At the same time, Snow underscored that US President George W. Bush "hasn't talked to Prime
Minister Howard since January 9th."

-snip-

Full article: http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20070212/pl_afp/usvote2008australia_070212155550

[LynnTheDem]

78. "John Howard has free speech"...but Americans do not.

Coz Americans who dissent with george w. bUsh are "aiding the enemey".

Isn't that amusing.

[HuffleClaw]

45. WHY does the Australian PM care ?

other than to be following a prepared script of keeping obama in the spotlight?

[Vidar]

47. It would be great to see Howard blow some of his Australian

political capital foolishly tilting at Obama. Wishing the Aussies luck on this one.

[Esra Star]

65. I am happy to report that he is now under fire from all

sections. Only his sycophants are trying to defend him.
He has painted himself into a corner on this one.

[Vidar]

74. Thanks for the great news.

[zonkers]

50. Obama should wear his condemnation like a badge of honor. No Aussie I know likes their creepy PM.

[anakie]

54. one reason perhaps

is that Cheney will be here next week and a little toadying will get a pat on the head from the dickless one.

A second reason is that due to failing eyesight he thinks it is O(s)ama running for pres.


And don't forget the full quote smears not only Obama but the Democratic Party as well. He basically equates a Democratic win as a win for the terrorists (whoever they may be).


"If I was running al-Qaeda in Iraq, I would put a circle around March 2008, and pray, as many times as possible, for a victory not only for Obama, but also for the Democrats," he said yesterday.

http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,21209258-2,00.html

[EndElectoral]

55. Mr. Howard...it is the substance of the issue....

[dipsydoodle]

57. BBC link

Australia PM slams US candidate.

Australian PM John Howard has criticised US presidential hopeful Barack Obama for saying US troops should withdraw from Iraq next year.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/6352785.stm

[mitchum]

58. Howard just needs to get back to sheepfucking and shut up

[saigon68]

59. yikes

[Doremus]

61. What's up with the Australian dude and American politics?

What's the going rate for offshore shills?

Can't be very much because no one gives a crap what the PM of Australia thinks.

Cheap date.

[samsingh]

63. i guess Obama is already a head of state to get howard's attention

[Judi Lynn]

66. White House backs Howard, then backs away

White House backs Howard, then backs away
By Steve Lewis and Dennis Shanahan
February 13, 2007 07:27am

THE White House has given muted support to Prime Minister John Howard's claim that al Qaeda terrorists in Iraq would be hoping for US Senator Barack Obama to be elected president.

Mr Howard faced a storm of protest from both sides of the Pacific yesterday as his attack on Senator Obama's plan to withdraw US forces from Iraq by March 2008 triggered accusations he had endangered the US alliance.

However, in Australia the outrage over the Prime Minister's criticism shifted election-year debate away from climate change and back to the Coalition's strength of national security.

But NEWS.com.au readers were overwhelmingly critical of Mr Howard's remarks.
(snip/...)

http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,21217638-954,00.html

[Swagman]

67. when you lose Fox/Murdoch/News Ltd it's all over !!!

[susanna]

68. Backpedal much, Howie?

For the record, Obama nailed his (and *'s) butts with the 20,000 troop increase - then the U.S. wouldn't have to "surge." Nicely done!

[rodeodance]

69. was merely exercising his right to free speech when he made the comments.

White House spokesman Tony Snow has said Mr Howard, a staunch ally of President George W. Bush, was merely exercising his right to free speech when he made the comments.

Mr Snow said: "The Prime Minister spoke his mind. It is what it is."

But at the same time, Mr Snow underscored that US President George W Bush "hasn't talked to Prime Minister Howard since January 9th".

[tabasco]

70. This just makes me like Obama more and more.

When I see the criminal neocons use foreigners as their attack dogs, I know they must consider Obama a real threat.

[roamer65]

79. Same here. If Al Gore doesn't run, I'm going to support Obama.

[caledesi]

75. This smells of Rove. You know how they use others to do their

"dirty" work.

[superconnected]

76. just what we need, a divided democratic party.

I soooo cannot handle another repuke president...

[bklyncowgirl]

77. Obama should send him a thank you note.

This attack from a foreign head of state no less sets him apart from the rest of the field.

Hillary must be jealous.