Obama defends greeting Hugo Chavez

[bemildred]

Source: LA Times

The president says Americans want him to interact with foreign leaders and that the U.S. has nothing to fear from Venezuela. He stresses importance of collaboration and earning goodwill.

Reporting from Tobago and Port-Of-Spain, Trinidad -- Rebuffing criticism of the warm greetings he exchanged with Venezuelan leader Hugo Chavez, President Obama said Sunday that the United States, with its overwhelming military superiority and need to improve its global image, could afford to extend such diplomatic "courtesy."

In a news conference capping a three-day meeting of leaders from the Western Hemisphere, Obama also said the U.S. must engage other countries through humanitarian gestures, not only military intervention.

Obama said it would be a mistake to measure the Summit of the Americas by the specific agreements reached. By listening to his counterparts and eschewing heavy-handed diplomacy, he said, he was creating an atmosphere in which, "at the margins," foreign leaders are "more likely to want to cooperate than not cooperate."



Read more: http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-obama-americas20-2009apr20,0,3878264.story

[Heidi]

1. He shouldn't have to defend himself for doing what is essentially his job.

What if every world leader who found Bush repugnant had refused to deal with the US at all?

Edited for spelling.

[bemildred]

True. nt

[Ohio Joe]

8. My EXACT thought

When I saw the title of the OP. I guess after the last eight years it IS news when the President actually does his job.

[LakeSamish706]

2. I don't know why he feels he has to defend this at all... This is pure bullshit of the...

highest order.... President Chavez was elected by the people of Venezuela, end of story.

[bemildred]

4. I think he is trying to make it a "teachable moment". nt

[ro1942]

13. chavez

couldn't we learn a few things from chavez

[bemildred]

14. I don't think that is the issue.

The President of the USA ought not be seen to be afraid to talk to anyone. It looks bad.

[EFerrari]

18. I don't think the corporate powers that be want American presidents

talking to their enemies. Chavez isn't OUR enemy but he sure is the enemy of Big Oil. And he's supporting Ecuador and Bolivia and others in gainng their independent from vampires. That's why he's dangerous.

And that's why every time Obama is seen developing an independent line of communication with him, Obama will be slammed.

[bemildred]

19. Right, the President is an employee, their employee. So also with Congress.

He talks to the right people, it's OK. He talks to the wrong people, it's "unwise" or "irresponsible". Some Congresspersons talk to approved people, it's OK, they talk to unapproved people, it's "meddling in foreign policy" and "usurping the Presidents prerogative to conduct foreign policy".

And all along, it's them that's meddling with things that are not their prerogative.

[EFerrari]

20. Exactly. Once you figure that out, it's an easy matter

to google the biggest loudmouths and to find their interest in trying to shut down dialog.

[Wapsie B]

3. No, trying to rule the world with an iron fist has worked out so well for us.

:sarcasm:


Obama needs to tell the critics of diplomacy in no uncertain terms to stick it.

[Mika]

6. Yes. Trying to rule the world with a velvet glove is better, more acceptable.

Putting a smiley face on imperialism is so much more desirable.

[ronnie624]

15. A sense of exceptionalism is deeply embedded in the American psyche,

and is regularly reinforced by exposure to pop media. Relating to other nations from a position of dominance is 'just the way it is' for most Americans, it seems.

[utahmink]

5. Pres O meeting Chavez

Repugnants are upset because O's joy buzzer didn't work when shaking hands with Chavez - darn!

[Captain Hilts]

7. As part of a multi-lateral conference, it is appropriate. nt

[captainjack08]

9. Obama shakes hands Bush holds hands...

Are women in Venezuela forced to dress like this?

Chavez is a worse dictator than the Saudis?

I don't think so.

Stuff a sock in it Newt Gingrich you smelly old dinosaur.

[AlphaCentauri]

10. With these news we are going to end bipolar

one day it's reported that shaking hands it's a positive sign but before accusing the other side of dictators and promoters of terrorism

[Blue_Tires]

11. i'm glad the era of cowboy diplomacy is over....

[sinkingfeeling]

12. OMG, Obama once again proves he has a brain!!

[Liberal_Stalwart71]

16. Why is Obama always on the defense? The Repukes and the M$M always seem to be get out

in front of the message. The Dems just sit back, allowing themselves to be fucked and not doing or saying anything until it's too late.

Today's faux outrage over the meeting with "our enemies" is working. Even many Democrats are complaining that Obama is "too soft". WHY!!??!? WHY won't the Democrats control the message...just once!!

[AndyTiedye]

22. Because the Repiggies Own the Media

[EFerrari]

17. Doesn't Obama know Chavez stole our oil? What was he thinking!

[Dramarama]

21. "Kids, this is what adults do when they

meet someone, even if they disagree with them"

[friendly_iconoclast]

23. Didn't he know Chavez is really Lamont Cranston, the Shadow?

He has the power to cloud men's minds!

Give me a fucking break...

[Sharklive6]

24. silly

Its silly so many got upset over a little handshake

[FlaGranny]

25. I don't know how

many of you know this, but it is a strange coincidence that Venezuela's entire team of polo horses was wiped out on Sunday. 21 horses dropped dead, practically in their tracks. A quick visual search did not bring up this story, but it is front page news here in Florida. Venezuela is a contender for the championship and they were supposed to play Sunday when all their horses dropped within minutes of each other. It had to be deliberate as no other horses were affected. Hundreds of horses are stabled in the area. If it wasn't deliberate, it is the strangest "disease" ever. Horse people must be petrified.