Thursday
Nov132008
An optimistic transition for global engagement
Thursday, November 13, 2008 at 12:47PM
Jim Lehrer, anchor for PBS's The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer, opened the Center for U.S. Global Engagement's "Impact '08" discussion. He began with the idea that the recent election sent a message from the American people that they want Washington to "run the government competently, not politically." Before beginning the discussion with Paul Begala, the senior transition advisor and counselor to President Bill Clinton, and Michael Gerson, chief speechwriter for George W. Bush, Lehrer outlined the impending influences on the new Obama administration. He said that, in order of importance, President-Elect Obama's transition period will be dominated by reality, spirituality, and ideology. Because ideology is last on this list, Lehrer said that it "was totally irrelevant to most voters."
Begala responded to Lehrer's first question about how the transition from Bush to Obama is going so far with a "so far so good". Because of Obama's "broad, methodical transition team", Begala believes the president-elect is demonstrating how his administration will be run as president. He also advocated a "bipartisan foreign policy" and diversity of ideology, background, and partisanship within Obama's Administration. Gerson agreed, and supported a strong foreign policy team that is "not ideologically the same" as each other.
Globally, both men expressed no doubts that President Obama will have "no choice but to engage internationally", unlike most presidents who focus on domestic issues during their first terms, Begala said. Gerson stated that although there will be a "tremendous conflict of priorities", America cannot afford to back off the international commitments that will ensure safety and health to countries that may harbor anti-American sentiments.
As far as America's image abroad is concerned, Gerson believes that as President, Obama will be given a "chance to start over" by supporting the promises he made during his campaign. Begala echoed these sentiments by highlighting the $2 billion educational fund that Obama spoke about for education around the globe and saying that he "must follow through."
The discussion ended on a very positive note with both men speaking about the optimism witnessed during this time of economic crisis and the two wars that America is involved in. "The great leaders in our culture are always optimistic," said Begala, who also extended that that same optimism runs "very deep in the bones of Obama." Gerson continued that "this is a moment where there's a reason for optimism," with the election of an African-American into the White House. Lehrer concluded with pride, in that these two representatives of two very different parties were using the same words of optimism and pride.
Begala responded to Lehrer's first question about how the transition from Bush to Obama is going so far with a "so far so good". Because of Obama's "broad, methodical transition team", Begala believes the president-elect is demonstrating how his administration will be run as president. He also advocated a "bipartisan foreign policy" and diversity of ideology, background, and partisanship within Obama's Administration. Gerson agreed, and supported a strong foreign policy team that is "not ideologically the same" as each other.
Globally, both men expressed no doubts that President Obama will have "no choice but to engage internationally", unlike most presidents who focus on domestic issues during their first terms, Begala said. Gerson stated that although there will be a "tremendous conflict of priorities", America cannot afford to back off the international commitments that will ensure safety and health to countries that may harbor anti-American sentiments.
As far as America's image abroad is concerned, Gerson believes that as President, Obama will be given a "chance to start over" by supporting the promises he made during his campaign. Begala echoed these sentiments by highlighting the $2 billion educational fund that Obama spoke about for education around the globe and saying that he "must follow through."
The discussion ended on a very positive note with both men speaking about the optimism witnessed during this time of economic crisis and the two wars that America is involved in. "The great leaders in our culture are always optimistic," said Begala, who also extended that that same optimism runs "very deep in the bones of Obama." Gerson continued that "this is a moment where there's a reason for optimism," with the election of an African-American into the White House. Lehrer concluded with pride, in that these two representatives of two very different parties were using the same words of optimism and pride.
Begala Accuses Rove Of Using "Poltergeist" Tactics
In a new fundraising memo, Democratic strategist Paul Begala says Karl Rove and other GOP operatives are using “dirty tricks” to get Republicans elected next week.
Begala accuses the GOP of attempting to pander to African-American voters in Illinois, while discouraging Latinos from voting for Sen. Harry Reid (D) in Nevada.
“Like a poltergeist returning from the grave, these loathsome Karl Rove-inspired dirty tricks are back just in time for the final week of the campaign, when voter turnout will literally decide the outcome of about 50 make-or-break races.”
Republican candidates, warns Begala, are attempting to enter Congress through the “back door.”
“It’s no coincidence that the Republicans have started their dirty tricks for the final week. They know as well as we do that when voters learn the truth, Democrats win elections.”