Obama v Cheney: Deuling Speeches

via Taegan Goddard:

The Cheney speech:

"Former Vice President Dick Cheney's speech this morning on national security was entirely about the past. It was a well-argued defense of Bush administration policies, though sarcastic jabs at President Obama, Democrats and the media make clear Cheney knows he's not a popular politician and has no illusions he will soon become one.

While the speech was probably effective for Bush administration loyalists, it's not likely to impact the current debate. This speech was almost entirely about defending the historical record and Cheney's own legacy."

The Obama speech:

"President Obama's speech on national security this morning was probably the most important of his young presidency. He firmly framed his approach to combating terrorism in both American law and values. He didn't seek to refight the presidential campaign or focus blame on the Bush administration. Instead, he outlined the problems as they exist and the challenges to solve them. Most important, he elevated the issues above the current debate.

By focusing on the future, Obama also made former Vice President Dick Cheney's upcoming speech much less relevant. Very few Americans care about defending the previous administration's policies right now. Even fewer care to hear Cheney refight internal battles he lost.

It was a truly excellent speech."

I can never get over how Bush and Cheney justify what they did by letting 9/11 happen in the first place. Do you think if an attack happened in September of Obama's first year, any Republican would ever forget it happened on his watch? You know the answer is never. Why they choose to see September 11, 2001 any different is beyond reason.