It was known yesterday already that President Obama was going to call President George W. Bush in advance of tonight's speech on the end of combat operations in Iraq. What we were left wondering was what type of "tip of the hat" he'd give W. Here it is:
I am mindful that the Iraq War has been a contentious issue at home. Here, too, it is time to turn the page. This afternoon, I spoke to former President George W. Bush. It’s well known that he and I disagreed about the war from its outset. Yet no one could doubt President Bush’s support for our troops, or his love of country and commitment to our security. As I have said, there were patriots who supported this war, and patriots who opposed it. And all of us are united in appreciation for our servicemen and women, and our hope for Iraq’s future.
What exactly, was the point of this "shout out?" Ahead of this passage Obama essentially touts the benefits of American victory (without ever calling it that) in Iraq. It's a victory that wouldn't have happened had then-Senator Obama got his way and the Bush surge of 2007 didn't happen. If you're not going to admit that Bush was right and you were wrong, why do this at all? It's downright condescending and an (unintended???) insult to Bush for Obama to feel HE has to set the record straight and let the country know that Bush supported the troops, loves his country and is committed to our security. Another try to please everybody moment gone awry. Deep down he knows he was wrong and Bush was right on the surge. But he certainly can't bring himself to say THAT, but probably figured he had to say SOMETHING about Bush.
As is often the case with Obama, more is a lot less. As Keith Olberman once implored President Bush: "sir, SHUT UP!"
