http://blog.psaonline.org/2008/05/14/why-is-mccain-giving-voice-to-hamas/ Wed, 08 Feb 2012 08:45:45 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 http://blog.psaonline.org/2008/05/14/why-is-mccain-giving-voice-to-hamas/comment-page-1/#comment-937483 Matt Rojansky Thu, 15 May 2008 14:35:41 +0000 http://blog.psaonline.org/?p=532#comment-937483 I'm of two minds. On the one hand, I think McCain has a right to note that some unsavory foreign groups have called for an Obama victory. While unnecessary, the statement is not exactly unfair since Obama and his supporters very clearly argue that an Obama presidency would win new allies and supporters around the world. Hamas isn't likely to be one of them, but it's not unreasonable to consider the full range of international reactions to Obama's candidacy--even the shudder-inducing ones. On the other hand, this dispute reminds me more than a bit of the media and political overkill surrounding the Rev. Wright comments. It's perfectly legitimate to report that an unsavory person or group has endorsed a candidate, and to examine their reasoning in so doing, but it's more than excessive to imply that such an endorsement gives the lie to the candidate's own clearly stated position. Here, I think Seth has it right--a US foreign policy that rebuilds our international relationships and reduces US dependence on foreign oil will hurt Hamas much more than it could ever possibly help them. McCain would be well advised to focus on his own ability to implement those key foreign policy changes to the detriment of America's enemies, rather than giving them more press. I’m of two minds. On the one hand, I think McCain has a right to note that some unsavory foreign groups have called for an Obama victory. While unnecessary, the statement is not exactly unfair since Obama and his supporters very clearly argue that an Obama presidency would win new allies and supporters around the world. Hamas isn’t likely to be one of them, but it’s not unreasonable to consider the full range of international reactions to Obama’s candidacy–even the shudder-inducing ones. On the other hand, this dispute reminds me more than a bit of the media and political overkill surrounding the Rev. Wright comments. It’s perfectly legitimate to report that an unsavory person or group has endorsed a candidate, and to examine their reasoning in so doing, but it’s more than excessive to imply that such an endorsement gives the lie to the candidate’s own clearly stated position. Here, I think Seth has it right–a US foreign policy that rebuilds our international relationships and reduces US dependence on foreign oil will hurt Hamas much more than it could ever possibly help them. McCain would be well advised to focus on his own ability to implement those key foreign policy changes to the detriment of America’s enemies, rather than giving them more press.

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