Democratic Debate in Iowa
I had an opportunity to watch part of the Democratic debate today.
No wonder Democrats get the "soft on defense" label slapped on them. Several of them, particularly Joe Biden, think they will find the money for social programs by cutting defense programs.
Feast and famine is not what we need in defense spending, particularly when the candidates noted the actions of China not just as a competitor, but as an adversary. We have noted elsewhere on this blog the emerging military capability of the Chinese. Let us not take actions that later cause us to say, "Who woulda thought that (insert hostile act we are unprepared for) would happen?"
To his credit, Gov. Richardson noted how badly the Army has been ground down by the Iraq war and the funding needed to replenish that force.
Some random thoughts about a couple of the candidates.
I am aware that the polls show Clinton, Edwards and Obama in the lead of the contest. Nevertheless, I have to say that I am very much intrigued by Biden and Dodd. Here's why.
Biden demonstrates a deep understanding of foreign relations that is truly appealing in its pragmatism. He also appears to me to have a deep personal discipline essential to the office he seeks. Listen to his response to the question about his new year's resolution. His response (paraphrased) was to remember the bad times so he could appreciate the good times. I'm sure that response was derived from his experience at losing his wife suddenly and unexpectedly. Being a widower is a special form of hell. It's a fraternity you don't want to join. Believe me. The fact that Biden has a son in the military is also appealing as a personal characteristic.
Dodd is also appealing. He is a veteran, unlike many of the others. His Peace Corps experience and his command of Spanish provides a dimension to his potential administration of foreign policy the others cannot match. His father's involvement with the Nurnburg trials gives him a special perspective on how badly the Bush Administration has abused the rule of law. His background makes me believe he will put the ship of state back in bounds, rather than trying to exploit the new (and illegal) boundaries of the Bush administration.
We'll have more on all the candidates later.
No wonder Democrats get the "soft on defense" label slapped on them. Several of them, particularly Joe Biden, think they will find the money for social programs by cutting defense programs.
Feast and famine is not what we need in defense spending, particularly when the candidates noted the actions of China not just as a competitor, but as an adversary. We have noted elsewhere on this blog the emerging military capability of the Chinese. Let us not take actions that later cause us to say, "Who woulda thought that (insert hostile act we are unprepared for) would happen?"
To his credit, Gov. Richardson noted how badly the Army has been ground down by the Iraq war and the funding needed to replenish that force.
Some random thoughts about a couple of the candidates.
I am aware that the polls show Clinton, Edwards and Obama in the lead of the contest. Nevertheless, I have to say that I am very much intrigued by Biden and Dodd. Here's why.
Biden demonstrates a deep understanding of foreign relations that is truly appealing in its pragmatism. He also appears to me to have a deep personal discipline essential to the office he seeks. Listen to his response to the question about his new year's resolution. His response (paraphrased) was to remember the bad times so he could appreciate the good times. I'm sure that response was derived from his experience at losing his wife suddenly and unexpectedly. Being a widower is a special form of hell. It's a fraternity you don't want to join. Believe me. The fact that Biden has a son in the military is also appealing as a personal characteristic.
Dodd is also appealing. He is a veteran, unlike many of the others. His Peace Corps experience and his command of Spanish provides a dimension to his potential administration of foreign policy the others cannot match. His father's involvement with the Nurnburg trials gives him a special perspective on how badly the Bush Administration has abused the rule of law. His background makes me believe he will put the ship of state back in bounds, rather than trying to exploit the new (and illegal) boundaries of the Bush administration.
We'll have more on all the candidates later.
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