(h/t Booman) Because Dems have been out of power so long that they're naturally defensive and isolated. Or something like that.
The last time the Democrats were in office, the world seemed a comparatively manageable place. They have not yet had to deal with the post-Sept. 11 world. Since the only post-Sept. 11 foreign policy Americans know is Bush's, many believe -- especially many Democrats -- that if only Bush weren't president, the world would be manageable again. Allies could be easily summoned for the struggle against al-Qaeda or to bring pressure on Iran or to replace American troops in Iraq. Threats could be addressed without force, through skillful diplomacy and soft power. Maybe some of the threats would disappear.Yes, because apparently the threat of terrorism didn't exist until mid-September 2001. Anyway, this is definitely interesting reading...at least if you have a strong morbid curiosity, a strong gag reflex, or a strong urge for The New Republic to have more power and influence. If not, then nevermind.
This is fantasy. The next president, whether Democrat or Republican, may work better with allies and may be more clever in negotiating with adversaries. But the realities of the world are what they are, and the imperatives of U.S. foreign policy are what they are.
(Apologies to berlin for posting a WaPost link...but this was just too weird for words)
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