A US Ambassador and three others were killed in an attack on the US Embassy in Benghazi. This is not a time to play politics. Apparently, the Republicans did not get that memo.
Just hours after the attack, Governor Romney held a press conference in Jacksonville in between campaign stops. At the press conference, Governor Romney denounced the attacks and then immediately pivoted to use this tragedy as an example of President Obama’s failed foreign policy. “I also believe the administration was wrong to stand by a statement sympathizing with those who had breached our embassy in Egypt, instead of condemning their actions.” Governor Romney is referring to an unrelated statement issued by the US Embassy in Cairo, which came before the attack in Benghazi, condemning “continuing efforts by misguided individuals to hurt the religious feelings of Muslims – as we condemn efforts to offend believers of all religions.” Not only did Governor Romney entirely misuse a quote, he also used a national and international tragedy to score political points.
Unfortunately, Governor Romney isn’t the lone Republican jumping on this bandwagon. RNC Chair Reince Priebus: “Obama sympathizes with attackers in Egypt. Sad and pathetic.” Former Speaker of the House, Newt Gingrich: “Our embassy in Cairo is attacked and our flag destroyed and Obama apologizes. It’s time for better foreign policy.”
A call to action, playing on emotion, it works. But, do we really want to elect a man who has to win by playing on people’s emotion rather than by showing us he can be the better leader? To me, that’s not being a good leader; that’s appealing to the lowest common denominator. Governor Romney and his Republican friends are quick to jump to conclusions, something Clint Eastwood seems to think is a good trait in a president. This tactic of jumping on the Obama Administration in the wake of this tragedy, certainly plays to the Republican base but I highly doubt it will win many, if any, independents. And, yet again, most people probably won’t even give this tragedy a second thought. So, maybe it doesn’t even matter, all this bickering is for naught.
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Interesting viewpoint. How is that any different than winning an election by preying on the woes of the underprivileged and minority class? Appeal to their emotions and they will vote, but has their life gotten any better since?
Thanks for your comment but you’re comparing apples and oranges here. Governor Romney’s comments were purely for political gain whereas discussing the woes of the underprivileged is done in an attempt to change, for the better, the underprivileged and provide them better opportunities at success.
Regarding the “you’re worse off now than 4 years ago” motif, stay tuned, as I’ll be addressing that absurdity in an upcoming post.
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