re: #196 Mr. Sandman

I would also add that even if you disagree with this strategy of not saying too much on these grounds, it is rather reprehensible to take cheap shots, like Krauthammer and others are doing, e.g., to suggest that Obama’s “afraid” to take sides, is “voting present,” etc. It’s obvious he’s doing what he’s doing on the grounds that he thinks it’s the best reaction to help the protests, which is a respectable position, held by many Iran experts. He is obviously trying to see that the protests are as successful as possible— to suggest it’s for other reasons than the intention to not harm their efficacy, but out of “weakness” or even because he doesn’t want them to be successful—even if you don’t agree that this is the right strategy—is ridiculous.

Obama is taking a position of taking no position.

How is that any different than voting “present”?

Its not a “cheap shot” to point out that Obama’s leadership on this issue is entirely absent.

Further, if he wants the protests to be “successful”, just MAYBE he might say a few things to encourage the protesters, like “The USA supports the right of the Iranian people to full and free elections”, etc.