It seems any constructive criticism of what some view as a naive outlook on foreign policy hasn't resonated with former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee. He's still using the spoiled kid analogy on the stump while suggesting constructive criticism, help and advice is what's needed internationally. Iran and North Korea are currently America's greatest foreign policy challenges. It's hard to understand what impact Huckabee's constructive criticism would have on Iran, especially considering he's also been saying we're in a theocratic war when it comes to terrorism. Perhaps in the spirit of openess, he'll advise the mullahs to convert?
Huckabee appeared to refer to the dispute when he was asked Saturday about his foreign policy views and how he would treat other nations as president.
He told the crowd that everyone in their youth knew a boy who was successful at everything he touched, from sports to academics. If the boy gloated, people were turned off. But if the boy used his talents to help others, people opened up.
Huckabee said he wanted to be the boy who offers constructive criticism and advice to other countries.
Let me be clear. I don't like Huckabee. At all. But saying we are in an ideological war is merely stating the truth. I believe the sooner the truth comes out the less hurt it will cause. Conversely I believe endevoring to cover up the truth only serves to ampify the pain later. Therefore my question is do you not believe we are in an ideological war or do you not believe in stating the obvious?
Posted by: Ralph | Sunday, December 23, 2007 at 03:58 AM
Ahh.... constructive criticism on Iran! That puts him in the company of: Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, George HW Bush, Bill Clinton, George W Bush... don't mind the fact that an attack on an Embassy supported by a Nation's leadership is a cause to go to war. Lets offer 'constructive criticism' instead!
Expanding global terrorism? Constructive criticism!
Attack and kill our troops? Constructive criticism!
There is, indeed, an 'ideological war' we are in... it has been going on since 1976 at the very least (and I would peg it just a bit earlier than that by about 15 years), when the concept of responding to attacks was replaced with bi-partisan support for 'constructive criticism'. Apparently we have lost that war of ideologies and are seeking out someone to negotiate surrender terms for us. In not defending our way of life and being unabashed at our great and good fortune to be free and point out that liberty is the key to freedom, we instead offer the pablum of 'constructive criticism' which tends to come out: 'Don't hit me again, please?'
If Mr. Huckabee doesn't own a pair or can't find a pair he should rent a pair like every other candidate in the field has, save for silky and the space alien. Even Richardson is finding out that rental costs are affordable...
Next thing you know someone will tout 'compassionate conservatism' which is Big Governmentism written in red instead of blue. Oh, wait, thats Mr. Huckabee, too, isn't it? Mr. 'Would you like some extra taxes tacked on to your taxes?' If the R party runs him against Hillary, I will vote for Cthulhu: if we are going to Hell, we need experienced leadership!
Posted by: ajacksonian | Sunday, December 23, 2007 at 06:45 AM
Yes, and perhaps the Governor should find a popular and succesful young high school student to manage his foreign policy. This rhetoric from him is just astonishing. This entire managerie of candidates, both Democratic and Republican, is simply an insane circus. Cthulhu indeed.
Posted by: Klatz | Sunday, December 23, 2007 at 09:17 AM
Oh great, now we've got Dr. Phil wanting to be in charge of our foreign policy. Constructive criticism my a$$.
Jim C
Posted by: Jim C | Sunday, December 23, 2007 at 12:32 PM