Pres. Obama moving too fast on foreign policy?
FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
President Obama has "gone abroad and gored an ox," according to an AP analysis that examines how the president is challenging the deeply held belief that the U.S. doesn't make mistakes in dealing with other nations. In just 3 short months in office, Mr. Obama has been very vocal to our friends and foes about where the U.S. has gone wrong.
Pres. Obama is pictured during a press conference yesterday following the 5th Summit of the Americas in Port of Spain, Trinidad.
That includes:
– Admitting to Europe that America deserves at least part of the blame for the world's financial crisis.
– Telling Russia he wants to reset relations that deteriorated to Cold War levels under President Bush.
– Asking NATO for more troops in Afghanistan; and then not throwing a tantrum when he didn't get much help.
– Lifting restrictions on Cuban Americans traveling home and sending money to relatives.
– Saying America's hunger for illegal drugs, poor control over guns, and money flowing into Mexico were partly to blame for the drug cartel violence south of the border.
– Shaking hands with and accepting a book from anti-American Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez.
The AP compares President Obama's rather hard core efforts to change America's image abroad to former Soviet leader Michael Gorbachev, who pretty much scrambled non-stop to break the communist empire's image before it ran itself into the ground.
President Obama says he's committed to telling the world that the U.S. is a powerful and wealthy nation - but just one among many that needs to respect other cultures and perspectives. Critics worry that the new president might be making the U.S. too vulnerable by readily admitting mistakes and being willing to talk to opponents.
Here’s my question to you: When it comes to dealing with foreign countries, is President Obama moving too fast?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Paul from Ontario writes:
The U.S. makes up four-percent of the world's population, yet during the Bush era nobody else seemed to matter. Obama knows how the U.S. has been perceived abroad and is now doing damned good work trying to change that.
Bill from Michigan writes:
I rather like his approach: speak the truth and deal with it. It's so much more refreshing than the arrogant ambiguity and denial of the previous administration. The only problem is that not everyone can handle the truth.
Susan from Idaho writes:
Ya get more flies with honey, honey. How can we assess any of these encounters without time to tell us what did and didn’t work? We know for sure that the past administration didn’t make us approachable or well-loved.
Lance writes:
Yes, he is moving way too fast. He doesn't yet know the repercussions of what he is doing. Next he will be meeting bin Laden in his cave for tea and biscuits.
Bruce writes:
President Obama admitting to the world that U.S. foreign policy has been less than perfect is a breath of fresh air. Clinging to ill-conceived policies out of nationalistic pride is why international disputes go on for generations.
Michelle from Philadelphia writes:
Jack, Considering that the prior administration put our global reputation down the toilet, a little honesty from President Obama can't be such a bad thing. I think we've gotten so used to lies and cowboy-style foreign policy, we've forgotten what diplomacy can look like when it's backed by integrity.
Kathy from Georgia writes:
How can you move too fast when you are eight years behind?
@jackcafferty on Twitter
Fast or slow, he's just being realistic and truthful. America is not perfect. Bush and his cronies acted as if we are. Obama is getting down to basics.It's about time.
Fast or not, at least he's moving. I hope he can keep up the pace.
The Hell with the torpedoes, full speed ahead, but please go in one direction !!!!!! We (us, Americans ,voters, and citizens) need to think these things through..
Jack,there are a lot of voters that would love to have their votes back,we didn't know we were voting for an "Appeaser-in-Chief",the next thing you know President Obama will doing the bump with the Iranian nut!
no, thats like saying the nearly fifty years of embargo on cuba is still worth a shot . damn the politicians, full speed ahead.we need to join the 21st century,that includes everyone. steve from miami fl.
Telling the Truth is Not a Vice! President Obama should be commended for his efforts in foreign policy! This truly the change that's needed in the 21st century.
Considering the job his predecessor left for him, I think he's doing just fine. Does Europe still hate us? Do the Russians mis-trust us? Are the Chinese clear as to our intentions toward them? Does Japan have confidence that we will continue to be a integral part of their national defense? All this in less than a hundred days. Not a bad opening act!
Jack: President Obama is moving fast – as he should. The US was asleep at the switch for 8 years. Foreign natioins did not wait for us. It's good to see the country assuming leadership once again.
Damned if he does and damned if he doesn't. If President Obama had not been engaged with foreign countries, his most vocal critics would have complaints about complacency. Considering the large number of foreign policy debacles of the last eight years, to correct these debacles will probably take eight more years. Bush-era diplomacy is over. Let him get started.
Not for me. The United States has a lot of turning around to do and the sooner it begins the less it will cost. The American people asked for change...he told us what he would do. He won now you want him to be someone else. For once lets let the one elected fulfill the promises.
I didn't vote for Pres. Obama because he lacked experience. If he isn't allowed to work out the change you cried for... I'll be right. I hope he makes it, other wise our country will die from the inside and not from an outside force.
We are taught in school "The best way to make a friend...is to be one". No wonder children grow up confused and frustrated. I for one am tired of the bickering of the government reps. and the media. And that's what I really think, Jack.
Oregon
Our President is listening and opening up a possibility of dialogue with many leaders around the world. He is not changing policy.
He is doing exactly what he said he would do during the primary. Again he is fulfilling a campaigned promise.
The direction is much different than GWB and since that didn't work well for the U.S. or the rest of the world then why shouldn't we give it a fair chance to see if it will bring about better relations with other countries. He is not doing anything that will truly harm our image. It would hard to do any more harm than has been done over the last several years. Some think he is making us weak but I think he is making us look like we seek better understanding and good will.
No, absolutely not ! I think the question is, why are Americans so fast to want to stick to the " old ways " of past presidents ? I see the problem as too much " nit picking " by the media and of course too many people who just want Obama to fail. I am glad that this man is our president and I am confident that if he feels that he is moving too fast he will put the brakes on.
After the Bush years of no foreign policy, yes, it might appear that President Obama is moving fast. This is especially so when compared to Bush who really never had any idea about what foreign policy was.
Obama is actually doing something POSITIVE after years of Bush policies that killed thousands of innocenti people.
How couild it be too fast, Jack? I think the worid you were looking for is "refreshing".
Or maybe....WONDIERFUL.
Jack,
Of course he's moving too fast. We should keep all these problems isolated and under wraps while trying to remain as ignorant as possible about the other players on the world stage. If we wish hard enough it will all go away, right?
George Bush
Heck no, I find Obama to be a driving force this county has needed for decades! It's about time we step up to the plate. Being able to admit to our mistakes (and hopefully learn from them) takes a lot of guts, and instead of blaiming others, we are taking responsibility and in turn, earning respect.
Bravo President Obama!! This is the change we need!! Full speed ahead!!
Obama gets a triple A rating for his mastery of foreign policy. Apologist, Appeaser, and Amateurish. Every time he speaks he diminishes any respect for American sacrifice and honor. Pathetic.
Too fast isn't fast enough in today's world. Obama is a man of action, he trusts his advisors, and he has at most eight years to try to repair relations with many countries.
With the way things were left after Bush i dont think Obama can move fast enough to repair our immage.
All his critics say he is moving too fast that proves what I have always thought that politicians do one thing only at a time since they would be ineffective multi-tasking. Obama has proven his intelligence and his ability to deal with many tasks at the same time. All Americans including the obstructionists should give him the benefit of the doubt and stop second guessing his every move. He as far as I am concerned is the only person who will lead us out of this mess.
PS love your reports keep up the great work
In two words, Hell NO. It is really refreshing to see this President in action. we can't waste time and he has the message. If only we could get Congress to move at just 10% of his pace.
He's moving faster than nearly every other president to accomplish as many things as possible since Bush left him with so much to clean up.
He's moving as fast as the financial elite need him to move, It's just that much closer to the New World Order, foriegn affairs is not the only thing moving to fast!
That very small man, Bush, showed how little time it takes to destroy a reputation. If our President doesn't move quickly, showing courage and integrity, by admitting mistakes and offering to repair them now, the 20th century will be the only American Century.
No. He has a LOT of work to do to improve our relations with the rest of the world and he's doing a great job.
A big fat NO!! Lets go and lets get somthing done!
Well, it's not exactly as though if he kept quiet, no one would know that we have screwed up!
Jack, I imagine nobody will stand up and criticize Obama for anything. He got a free pass on the tax evaders he appointed to the cabinet, a free pass on a fairly easy "connect the dots" line from the AIG bonus to Dodd to Geithner to him, so why would anyone criticize him about foreign affairs? This is way above the pop culture, bubble gum brained Americans that dominate this country. I'm just so sick of this nations lack of objectivity anymore. I was an Obama fan but he's not nearly the person we elected and his administration can do whatever they want just as long as they add the caveat "clean up the Bush administration failings".
Why do you even bother asking questions that would call into question Obama's policies.
,What should the President be waiting for, Jack? Why not forge ahead and learn as we go. Until there are sit-down and face-to-face talks, each party is forced to play games with the other party. I say Obama and his State Dept. Team should get their feet wet and demonstrate good-faith rather than all the dodging this-way-and-that-way. So long as the USA is constructive and honest what is there to lose? We can still say "no" when appropriate.
Absolutely not!!! Bush did serious damage to our standing over the last eight years. "W" proved us to be arrogant and self-serving ideolgues. Obama needs to repair this damage, which has not made us safer, and show all the countries around the world that Americans really do respect their sovereignity and we are ready to re-join the human race.
President Obama is moving fast only in comparison to the previous administration. A housecat can seem fast when placed next to a snail.
Over the years it is clear that the politicians who have run this country especially Bush, have tried to push the way we live and believe on other countries. The handshake with Chavez, whose country supplies us with a high amount of oil, was a good gesture. That doesn't mean we accept him but maybe sometime in the future more talks with that country will be possible Lets face it, there are still Bush lovers out there who will put down everything and anything that Obama does. I stand behind President Obama and I don't want to see him fail because I am a true American citizen.
He's cleaning up the horrific mess that the GOP created just as fast as he can - and I am 100% proud of what he is doing.
As far as I am concerned, he's on the right track and I seriously doubt he's making us less safe... it might be making the GOP and their minions less safe, but Obama is building a new global confidence in the renewal of what America stands for - striving for peace, freedom and human rights.
His performance is equal to the operational readiness of any given base in this country. He can scramble as fast as a fighter jet pilot. And take down any enemy fighter who gets in his way. But he knows instantly when it is for real and when it is an inspection. I trust him with my money and my life.
Eight years (if re-elected) is not nearly enough time to repair the damage that has been done to out reputation around the world. He needs to move as quickly as possible. Hopefully the President that follows him won't destroy everything like Bush did.
Unfortunately, the Bush years doesn't leave President Obama with any other choice. If things are to change, and change they must, Obama has to move with breakneck speed lest we get behind again. And as far as Obama admitting to mistakes of the past, it's a great man or woman, and a great nation, that can owe up to the mistakes of the past in order that they not be repeated. It is arrogant not to admit our mistakes.
Admitting our mistakes and improving our course makes us stronger. What Obama is doing is putting our substance above our pride, which goes a long way. The last thing we want to become is a third world jingoistic state, where those who point out past abuses or problems are thrown in jail for insulting the dignity of our nation, while the moral rot becomes permanent. Kudos to Obama for finally implementing a more adult foreign policy.
It must be disconcerting to the 'business as usual' crowd to have a president move in a multi linear fashion. They don't have time to check with the "lobbyists" to see what they should think since so many important things are on the table at the same time. In the good old days of "Bush the Lesser" things happend one at a time.
President Obama is doing a Great Job! Thank you Mr. President.
Plainly and simply put, NO!! In fact he may be going to slowly...MAYBE.
Tino, NYC
Anything seems like too fast after the last administration. I personally beleive that it takes a drastic change such as what he is doing to put us back in the drivers seat on the world stage. We can't just sit by all puffed up waiting for some countries to do this or that before we extend an olive branch or a hand to shake. Sometimes being a world leader means taking the lead and making the 1st move. Much like a prom date, if you make the 1st move and it goes well you could get to home plate before it's all over!
Keep up the good work Jack!
Glenn
Pres. Obama going to fast? Paaaaaaaaalease....perhaps the ones of the past weren't fast enough and that doesn't just mean Former Pres. Bush. We need to give Pres. Obama a break and let him run the country, he's a smart guy, something that we haven't always experienced in the Nation's Capitol and once again that doesn't just necessarily mean the immediate Former Pres. Bush. Barack Obama is likea blast of Fresh Air, something this country has needed for a VERY LONG TIME 🙂
How arrogant of us to think our country doesn't make mistakes. I guess everyone else should be held accountable for their actions....unless you are the great United States of the GOP...ahh I mean America. Grow up and stop whining Newt.
Typical liberal-socialist, guilt complex on display!
Why do we talk to our enemies? Honestly. He is going to fast because now any two bit tyrant can have the President's ear and can gain legitimacy in the world. Engaging our enemies in dialog does not get them to change, it only makes them look good.
Too many people are willing to over look other countries abuses of power but oh so quick to point out ours to the world.
We're just not used to having a sane, civilized President. We'll eventually get used to it.
Susan
Tuscaloosa, AL
Actually, I think he can go a bit faster. I was worried he wouldn't do enough once he got in office. But I'm quite pleased with the effort made thus far. It's a great start.
No, Obama is a student of history. He's learned from another lawyer-President from Illinois that you start respectfully and diplomatically. Don't start wars, don't pick fights. Then, when your opponent underestimates you, let 'em have it. Watch what happens to Chavez, Ahmadinejad, Putin and the rest in the next six months. ..
After 8 years of failed foreign policy we need to make up for lost time. Obama is moving at a cautious and reasonable pace after years of neglect.
Acting like a reasonable adult is NOT irresponsible. Pres. Obama has to move fast and hard to overcome the damage done by his predecessor.
I do not care how fast he moves, i care about how much he gets done
After eight years of president Bush running ramshackle over the rest of the world , we couldn't act fast enough to reinvigorate our foreign policy. We became the laughing stock of other nations because we had a clown for president and a bully for vice president.
Obama is the right man at the right time....a man for all seasons.
I want the world to remember the country we were, not the short-sighted administration we were.
Obama has a lot of catching up to do and no time to waste doing it.
Finally, a President that understands the world stage. It's been a long time coming but change has come to America. And we are ready to lead once more. You catch more flies with honey than you do with vinegar.
All those points were correct.....what's wrong with the truth? Because we may not like it doesn't make it right, does it?
Financial crisis- WallStreet, Mortgages sold overseas.....check.
Afghanistan- check
and the list goes on....
What's wrong with the US is that 50% of the population lives in a world where their sky is a different color. Time for a humble reality check!
He has no choice but to move quickly. So much of our image had been damaged during the 'dark ages'...uh, I mean the 'Bush years".
Hey, he's got to move fast. There's a lot of lost time to make up.
Bush ruined relations with almost the entire world. We need allies, not enemies Bush only knew how to make enemies.
Remember after 911 when Bush's famous remark"you're either with us or against" went over so famously?
Sure he's moving fast but he's only trying to get h is foot back into the door of normal relations with the rest of the planet.
He's moving at a very good pace if you ask me, and is striking just the right cord of humility and integrity. This is the kind of behavior that is necessary after eight years of a president that behaved like a bull in a china shop vis a vis foreign relations.
And even had Bush not been such a disaster I still think it's a good thing for a country of America's size and power to represent itself in the manner which Obama is representing us.
At best he gets a low D on foreign policy.
Lots of apologizing to do for the beligerent behaviour of the past administration. His hands are full. He's a clever guy, don't forget that.
I and most (not the pitchfork and noose crowd) are confident he knows what he's doing and we will give him a chance.
It will however, take numerous presidents to repair the damage left by our "all hat-no cattle" Bush.
My president has done more in 3 months in an attempt to create harmony than our former pseudo-president did in 8 years. Talking with other world leaders can't do one bit of harm. Those who oppose such dialogue will never admit that we are ever wrong, period.
NO. In this age of the Super Information Speedway, not at all.
Absolutely not! His sane foreign policy is long overdue!
I believe that the president is doing the best he can to restore the U.S standing and reputation around the world. Half of the critics cannot do half of what he does. Let them keep complaining!!!
I never thought one way or the other, but instead what I did think was ... thank goodness he is doing something and working on improving our relationships with other countries that the Bush administration all but ruined.
President Obama is not moving too fast...
America would likely be unable to raise any money to fight the next war, so Mr. Obama is correct in trying to prevent war, than create conditions causing a war that the U.S. could not finance.
I'm happy with what he's doing. He's showing the world that we Americans care about what happens. Denying our responsibility does not fool the rest of the world into believing we have none. What is more, playing ignorant merely reinforces our arrogance and apathy. This is not the America I know, and I hope that the President is able to communicate that to the best of his ability. It is a critical message; especially in this era of global unification.
Honesty and transparency is certainly a refreshing breeze after the repression and denial of the past Administration. Pres. Obama is showing the world that we can behave reponsibly and maturely in our troubled world.
Definitely not. Acknowledging the obvious is a sign of honesty and integrity, something sadly missing in the previous administration, especially when the people he is telling it to know the truth already and have been waiting since January 20 for this acknowledgement. No cats have been let out of any bags here. We have to mend the fences that Bush & Co. demolished. Obama can’t move too fast at doing that.
At least he is in the white house and working, it seems like more has been done in 100 days than the last 8 years.
Americans should be proud they have an active and coherent President and I enjoy the frankness and outspoken words of Mr. Obama.
Its refreshing to here someone who can speak english.
The President has a lot of work to do to repair the damage done by those that would have him beat his chest in public and continue to label failed policies the only way to go.
regards
rick
Heck no. He is doing exactly what this country needs to do and what he said he would do i.e improve our image and our relations around the world.
After eight years pretending the rest of the world didn't exist under the leadership of George W. Bush (the emperor who wore no clothes), I find it very refreshing to see President Obama quickly kicking off a new chapter in America's international relations in an open and honest manner. Imagine! An American president who actually listens to and works with others on this fragile planet.
President Obama is the perfect ingredient needed for the disastrous recipe the Bush administration had us "baked in".
No! - we've got a lot of 'splaining to do.
Obama is moving at the perfect speed. He is laying the foundation and the critical pathways that are necessary to rebuild the American Brand. I have found that humility and open communication travels a lot farther than imposing your will and ideology on parties who just do not agree.
With countries such as Iran and North Korea flexing their muscles and with Arab nations holding a widespread anti-American view, there is no such thing as moving "too fast" to improve the United States' foreign policy.
the question is "Do we have enough time"?
we have beeen praying for our nation to rewrite our wrongs.
we continue to pray going forward that our president will use wisdom, knowledge and understanding in all his foreign policy decisions. we may not presently agrre, but give his time to reap the fruits of his labors. Time will tell whether he was right or wrong. Too early to tell
Pastor Clifford Carter
BTDC, BROOKLYN, NEW YORK
NO he's not moving too fast. George Bush did everything he could to destroy America's worldwide reputation, we need strong action to counter the disastrous last 8 years.
I think we have said it is "our way or no way" long enough and it is time to at least listen to what other countries have to say in regard to their thoughts on world affairs.
Jack, great question.President Obama is doing what he was elected to do. Thank you President Obama.
Obama isn't moving fast enough... The gigantic ill will toward the United States in recent years needs to be fixed as fast as possible. Obama isn't the problem here... the 8 years of Bush foreign policy combined with 6 years of GOP majority rule has ruined the "Knight in Shining Armor" image that the United States once had.
It's about time we have a President the actually worked for the interest of the American people not thye corporate sponsors that USUALLY PRE-ETERMINE A PRESIDENT'S POSITION!
President Obama is a breath of fresh air that I haven't seen in my 55 years of living in the U.S.A
All the best,
David
No – he's doing a great Job!
Jack, it is style, not speed, that is the issue here…is incomprehensible that Republicans would be posturing re Obama’s greeting Chavez…….there is a maxim "Rudeness is a weak person’s imitation of strength"…..Bush made America look "weak"….Obama makes America look "strong"……Ask those Republicans who are waiving and flailing their arms if they Capuche?
I don't think he's moving fast enough. As a conservative (a conservative, not a republican) I support the President's aim at making amends with the world
Bush didn't keep us safe on 911 and nobody knows if his action kept attack for the 7 yrs after. He (Bush ) did make us hated. On his watch we lost 4000 soilders. My ? is do we Americans ever make mistakes are we asperfect as the God the replubicans own. The replubicans say Bush was in office a few months when 911 happened but if was on his watch. Obama has been in office less than 100 days the world is different its not 400yrs ago or 8 yrs ago catch up or be left behind. Give the Pres. a chance. Great jo Pres. ?Obama
Yes, he is moving way TOO fast. He doesn't yet know the repercussions of what he is doing. Next he will be meeting Bin Ladin's in his cave for tea and biscuits.
Too Fast...? Not even.
When you have a leader who actually knows how to lead, part of that responsibility is to lead by example and also be able to admit when your team has made mistakes. How can you ever get others to trust you (be it another country or his own cabinet) if your only position is that "We are right and do no wrong". It is refreshing to have a president who has new thoughts, can think on his own and present himself and this country in a manner the world can be proud of. Thank goodness for his leadership.
Alex from NC
absolutely no. we need to undo what the previous administration has so thourally screwed up during the last eight years. It's a no brainer. If you want to re-earn trust and leadership you don't wait for a later opertunity–the opertunity is now.
I think this is the only good thing that Obama has done in office so far. We've have been running this country like an empire and as you know, every empire has failed. The best thing we can do is to admit our faults and try to build new and better relationships.
Caff,
Our president is doing just fine. We will be able to travel more in the world.
President Obama is moving at the right speed. He has a complete mess to deal with that was left by George W. Bush (I am sure glad that I do not have his job!). He has to move swiftly to reassure the rest of the world that America now understands the last 8 years were a serious mistake and that he is completely serious about fixing these mistakes.
Obama is doing just fine. It is like we have forgotten what truth sounds like. We can be arrogant, we are at least partly responsible for the economic problems and the drug problems. It is nice to hear the truth for a change.
Mr. Cafferty I would assume the President and his Foreign Policy team have been working on these issues prior to the election. I don't agree with the policies of appeasement and apologies, but would have rather seen the President say he wanted to start fresh with our allies and foes in the coming months. It does appear at times he is shooting from the hip.
From your comments , it is evident that you and President Obama's knowledge is equal and its implemention would be dangerous to the future of America.
No he is not moving to fast. Our previous president created so much chaos with so many countries abroad that President Obama is just working very hard to be the bigger man. It is about time that we have someone who wont act like a spoiled brat on the playground because he cant have his way. I have complete trust that President Obama is will keep the US safe AND be very diplomatic in the process.
Obama was elected to change the system and that includes foreign policy. A little honesty and reality can only help in that mission. Why should the US have to continue outdated policies from the Bushies which did not work at the time and will not work in the future.
Once elected, EVERYONE knew that he would say how "we, the people of the world", need to step up and fix what's broken. Well thoughtout speeches that point to the same issues and answers. HE knows what he wants to do and he's doing it. WE need to catch up!
Thanks Jack
No Jack! It's about time that the President of the United States admitted that our country is not as perfect as we like to brag it is. Part of the reason why the majority of the world disdains the US is because of the fact we won't accept fault. Answer me this Jack, if one of your co-workers in the CNN newsroom consistently refused to accept responsibilities for his mistakes and only bragged about the few times he was right would you pat him on the back? Or steal his lunch from the break room fridge?
No, President Obama is not "moving too fast". In fact, his willingness to treat other foreign leaders with civility rather than constant condemnation and name-calling is like a breath of fresh air after 8 years of deterioration of our international relations and the resulting illegal wars of the Bush Administration.
Brownwood, Texas
Moving too fast? It might be perceived as moving fast, but that is only because he is being compared to the last president, who stood still or ran bass-ackwards on foreign relations!
What critics Jack? The usual hyperbolic republicans who will at all costs do everything to undermine Americas current President?
To use an analogy, during winter when its below zero and the days are short, no one compalins that spring is coming too fast.
He can't move to fast for me. He has years of "no action" from his predicessors to catch up. All these things needed to be done yesterday. I have waited 8 yrs. for someone with a brain to put the pieces together.
I'm begining to feel proud of my country for the first time in a long time. Good jon Obama!
Why is it such a crime to be polite? By shaking the hands of another foreign leader and accepting a book (friend or foe) - is that jeopardizing intelligence. I cannot believe how narrowminded some Americans can be. This President will certainly make it easier to have a dialogue with those countries that do not like the United States.
Considering the failure of the past 8 years of ignoring certain leaders I see no problem with Obama engaging world leaders who do not like the US, but I do see a huge problem with him blaming the US while not emphasizing all the good the US has done all over the world including during the past 8 years.
The US does not need to take a back seat to any nation..
President Obama is telling the truth. Other nations will respect that. We are the wealthiest and most powerful military nation in the world, but we are not blameless. The prior administration made many foreign policy mistakes. To ignore that and act like the USA is always errorless, is both hypocritical and a waste of time. Other nations already know it, they will respect our new president who is not afraid of the truth, even when it shows we are not always right. Give the prez a break!! Alice Crowe
I'm with the president...America needs to show a bit of long-overdue humility...or we will find ourselves being humiliated.
Jack – as a young man on the brink of my twenties, I think it's great that Obama is taking initiative on US foreign policy. All the naysayers are still in Cold War mentality where the US is the only one who's right. Heaven forbid we as citizens understand that the US is not the only country and that if we are to maintain our position in the world, we better show some humility and be humble when it's necessary. I think more people would greatly appreciate Obama's foreign policy if they were to take a road trip north or south of the US.
Indianapolis, Indiana
Now Jack we all know that Obama cannot move fast enough. 4 years is hardly enough time to make a blemish on the massive foreign policy blunder circa Bush/Cheney
President Obama is NOT moving too fast. He is doing what all other Presidents before him should have done. Remember those old saying like keeping your enemies closer, and desperate times call for desperate measures. Well ? These are new times and changes in functioning are necessary and President Obama KNOWS that. Leave him alone and let him do his job !
the questhion is obama moving to fast . jack obama is still a verry young man he"ll slown down when he gets older.
No I do not think Pres. Obama is moving to fast to heal how other Countries feel about us after what Bush/Cheney treated others, glad he is trying to reach out...Shame on The Bush/Cheney and how they have hurt this Country with terror, economy you name it they are to blame!!! Go President Obama and show how great the USA is!!!
Cafferty, why do you always ask such negative questions? Is it to get our blood boiling so we will rush to submit an e-mail via this website? Well it works but I think you folks are just too negative. Does President Obama ever do anything positive?
From: Hawaii
You can call it moving to fast, but what I call it is much needed progress. I think hes doing an excelent job reaching out to foreign powers no matter their views and perspective. We need to turn foes into allies and we need to do it now.
No, POTUS is moving at the normal pace for change in foreign relations. Yes, the US has made mistakes, and should own up to them. Does this weaken us...absurd. We can learn from our mistakes. A better question is : How does the world show Iran that we all want peace not war or blame?
Jack,
Give it up, after 8 years of that idiot in the white house destroying this country its a welcome sight to have a president who can actually talk to other leaders , its about time to open cuba to everybody should have been done during the clinton administration
It's about time. You CAN get more accomplished with honey than with vinegar. People already know we have more than twice the weapons than any other country and we ARE willing to use them. Why not let Obama try to get things done DIPLOMATICALLY, so we can be liked and respected AGAIN!!!!!
It's quite amazing to see all the positive comments. I feel the same as many others. He's working at a fine pace and I hope that he continues to do the same.
To undo all the harm George and company did in the last eight years, poor Barrack would have to move at light speed just to keep up. What he is doing is trying to keep ahead of the 8 ball and should be commended for his courageous actions in the face of ill-informed republican criticism. His actions are an example to all western leaders. Go, Barrack, go.
he has to , to make up for the logjam of inaction for the past 8 years. It's about time we joined the world community again.
No, he is not moving too fast . . . the rest of the world already knows how lame and idiotic Bush, as a world leader. It is time we own up to reality around the world and start working with other peoples to improve the planet instead of Halliburton's bottom line and the Wiz Kid Greed Boys of Wall Street that want profit at any expense to the rest of us and the world.
Donn–Yorba Linda, CA
in one word:NO!
Now in more words;Iam so proud of OUR PRESIDENT! I can't think of anything he has done that Idissapprove of. He is so wise!
As a person with a biblical world view, I still believe Obama is a wolf in sheeps clothing. His intentions are still hidden to the american public but in less than two years we will see his intention will be far more detrimental to the U.S. than George Bush did out of his idiocy. Obama will deceive many but will operate under the ideals of Hope, change and
honor. But beware!
This agruement is absolutely ridiculous! For the first time in 9 year, the politicians in Washington are being big boys and admitting their mistakes. That doesn't make us seem vulnerable, it makes us REASONABLE. No system is perfect and the fact that our leaders came admit that brings our allies closer and makes our enemies more irrational.
Jack,
H has a very short window of time to demonstrate with real action, not just rhetoric, that he truly intends to change the way America deals with the rest of the world. If he played it as slow as the GOP would like, the world will continue to move on without the US and further erode your influence and impact on the world. He knows what he is doing. Funny that when anyone questioned Bush, the GOP said they were unpatriotic and anti-American, but these same people now lead the charge in publicly criticizing the new President. This proud Canadian who wants a strong, respected and influential world power south of its border is thrilled with Obama's actions thus far....keep up the good work.
Mike B in Toronto
Since the last eight years of US foreign policy has been an unmitigated disaster, the quicker the President moves to regain credibility in the rest of the world, the better.
We cannot move fast enough to reverse the bush administration's isolationist big-brother policies. The US needs to have a more inclusive and diplomatic image, and that is just what Obama is trying to achieve.
Integrity? The guy who lies about 90% of the guns used in Mexico are traced to the US? Integrity? The guy who lied about whether he heard Jermiah Wright preach hate? Integrity? Laughable.
Obama probably moves quickly because he has eight years of poor American leadership to overcome, which translated to his inheritence of wars, border problems, trade problems, energy problems and international cooperation problems. Too fast? With stakes this enormous, imagine if he wasn't doing all he could as quickly as possible.
'Is he moving too fast" is not the right question, Jack. I think the question should be "Is he using his head, is he being thoughtful, and is he practicing careful analysis?" I think the answer is "Yes." He is making moves quickly, but I think the moves are deliberate, decisive, and responsible.
Obama may be going too fast for some people, but NOT for me! He's awesome!
Betty Hood
Gaithersburg, MD
I am not an Obama supporter. I did not vote for him and I do not agree with his political ideologies. However, I really do not think President Obama is moving too fast on foreign policy. As a matter of fact in my view I would grade his performance on foreign policy at a B-.
What works better, a slow apology or a fast apology? What works better, an admission to the truth or the prolongation of distrust?
In a fast world, Obama must move fast to secure his goals in 4 short years. Maybe Bush dumbed us down so far that we forgot what it was like to have a president who actually conducts diplomacy. And not one of his acts has harmed us in any tangible way.
No, he's doing exactly what this country needs him to do. Exactly what the last administration refused to do. All the critics out there say he is making us vulnerable, but just look at where the last administration put us. We have more enemies now than ever before. Obviously what we did the past eight years didn't workout too well for us. Time to grow up America.
The U.S. has a lot of catching up to do to re-establish our reputation in the world.
And considering the lies of the past 8 years, President Obama's refreshing honesty is not a diplomatic gaffe: It is a necessity.
By establishing a new baseline of honesty, Obama will now be able to better demand honest actions from friend and foe alike.
South Salem, NY
Nothing could be too fast considering the mess Bush made with foreign policy. It's about time we stopped lying about being perfect – which everyone knew wasn't true and made our imagine worse.
Obama moving too fast? Why try to remove the bra when you can jump right into the sack? That's how international relations work, Jack.
President Obama, in a world wounded by one of the biggest economic crisis, is simply trying to fix the mess made by the Bush Administration over 2 mandates, during which the US Foreign Policy and the "preventive war" had bitterly become a synonimous. This Administration, like the other modern European democracies, is re-activating at its higher level the diplomatic relationships necessary to interact with the rest of the world.
No. People may think Pres. Obama is moving too fast because they compare him to former Pres. Bush, who didn't move at all when dealing with foreign policy!!
Obama is doing the right thing by meeting with our friends and enemies. We need to become closer with our friends and overcome our differences with our enemies. Being open-minded is the only way this country can move forward. Negativity will take our country nowhere.
I think it's totally unrealistic to answer this question so quickly. Only time will tell if President Obama is moving to fast. This should not be surprise to anyone he said during the campaign what his intentions would be. We will just have to live with the consequences whether good, bad or ugly. The Bush agenda wasn't very effective so what the hell, it's time to try something different.
Jack, he's moving at the pace he needs to move given that the past administration(regime!) did so much to alienate us from the rest of the international community. The more friends we have abroad, the safer we are! Something our former President Georgey Porgy puddin' pie didn't care to understand!
No...Pres Obama has to clean up the mess that Pres. Bush made in the past 8 years..we tell our kids everyday that if they do something wrong they have to applogize for it...well the same applys to our Gov. as well.
Jack, the fact that you write U.S. – Russia relations deteriorated "to cold war levels" under Bush, as if it were a fact, just underscores how much of a propaganda tool you have become. While things became more strained, largely due to aggressive Russian nationalism and a desire to once again control their neighbors, they are no where near cold-war levels. Seriously, come up for air once in a while.
President Obama is there to work. It's like everything this President do is criticize. What else was he suppose to do after 8 years. Old saying keep your friend close, but keep your enemies CLOSER!!
It is our arrogant posturing that has turned many people around the world against us. In terms of foreign policy he is doing what needs to be done, and doing it well. If you want to resolve problems you must first speak with the person who feels you have offended them.
No, he is not moving too fast. He can not move fast enough to undo the damage the Bush administration has done. I was living overseas in an International community after the invasion of Iraq and Americans were so hated by Europeans, Scandinavians & Australians that my eleven year-old son came in from the soccer field took off his Old Navy US flag t-shirt and threw it in the trash. Then he proceeded to tell me he was going to tell everyone he was Canadian because everyone hates Americans. So when the hatred reaches the playground we have got an enormous problem.
No. He is making-up for lost time. This country needs as many "friends", and sympathetic partners as it can muster. In the scheme of things, nobody is impressed with American braggadocio, except the UK. It is time that the US grew-up, and realized that it is part of the family-of-man, and not the Divine Instrument of God, Himself. For, if it were, it would not be broke, and overrun with a basically ignorant population, and the world's highest criminality statistics...
Astute, thoughtful, honest, focused, energetic, determined, realistic and open–Obama's foreign policy is just what we and the world need. So much a breath of fresh air after the last 8 years of oxygen deprivation.
Absolutely not.
I think he's smart to lay down a strong foundation that will help in getting the cooperation he may want in the future to deal with various issues. Showing respect does not weaken it strengthens. You get much more with honey than with vinegar.
Jack, Obama is not moving too fast. You cannot associate moving too fast with covering up the mistakes of the Bush administration. Obama is doing the right thing by identifying the problems with America's past foreign policies, which isolated America from even its allies and even more from its "enemies." I'm glad that a U.S. president is finally willing to admit the mistakes and move on with dignity.
Looking at the mess that was left for him to deal with by the last adinistration, I don't think there is such a thing as"too fast"
America has a lot of work to do to get our standing in the world back.
To fast? Under the previous administration, our image was severely damaged. Moving like a turtle will not restore world confidence in us. Instead, we could end up in the soup (turtle, that is).
President Obama is merely being the Statesman that America deserves, and have not had for too many years. America has been arrogant for far too long. Conversations and more importantly, listening to everyone, even those who have disagreed with us doesn't weaken the U S in anyway. It can only make up look more intelligent, fair, honest and willing to try to make the entire world a safer place.
Obama will be the destruction of everything the United States holds dear. He will go down in history as presiding over the end of this nation. Everything single thing he's done since he's been in office has been the wrong move. He's a complete disaster.
we've become a self absorbed people who've lost touch with reality, and we need to connect to people again, not just people who agree with us. if all we do is deal with people who agree with us, we get a warped view of ourselves and the rest of the world. he's not postulating, or kowtowing to these other leaders, he is coming to the table as one should when he's trying to get people to actually talk to one another and not sit and point and dictate. since when is being a human and listen to different opinions a wrong thing? let him do his thing, and if it doesn't work out how he hoped, then we worry about it. what he's doing now isn't hurting us.
This is why we are in the position we are now. Divorce is at an all time high. No one want to talk to their adversaries or enemies. Just leave them, ignore them, and hope they go away. A pretty childish way to solve problems. He is following the correct path. Conversation is the way to solve problems.
President Obama is correct in shaking hands with President Chavez. It is time our leaders act more like presidents and less like the warlords we are fighting. You do not solve anything by refusing to have a discussion. He did not promise to give anything away,nor did Chavez ask for anything. It was simple a handshake between two heads of state.
I think that we need to undo the damage that Bush's Adm. caused during their 8 years. I think the faster we can right our wrong the faster and easier it would be for us to focus on the task ahead. Which is to fight the terror around the world.
Another point I wanted to make was, President Obama shook hands with Hugo Chavez. So what? Just because Chavez has said a lot of anti-American things? Well if we believe that we're right, which I believe, than we should go ahead forgive the bad things that have been said, after all that is the right thing to do. It will show us that we're capable of forgiving and making things right. We can't slap Chavez because that'll make us no different than that dude from Iran.
Moving too fast! No way. An airplane can not get airborne without a certain speed and neither can the change we desperately need if Obama doesn't reach the needed speed.
At last we have president who lives and leads bymoral convictions and who is a genius in the art of fruitful communication:he starts out honest and does not lie his way to a possible conversation. besides that he treats people as "all men and women are created equal" and so a handshake and a smile does not endanger anyone except those who who seem to live and breathe by blaming and searching for faults. No he has not gone too far.....c
He is certainly not moving too fast on foreign policy. There is nothing wrong with trying to give our country a better image. It is quite obvious that "staying the course" does not work and that we need to repair our reputation.
Obama is NOT moving too fast. We need to get this country's image repaired as fast as possible after bushy and his Republicans idiots made such a mess. The AP analysis you can bet sounds EXACTLY like the typical whining Republicans! You can spot their voices galaxies away!
Obama is our president and doing a fantastic job of trying to clean up the disaster Bush left us. Who cares what a whining AP Republican analyst has to complain about...AGAIN.
And the comparison to Gorbachev is absolutely a typical dumb Republican statement. I am 60 and well remember Gorbachev...NO COMPARISON at all. How dumb a statement from the AP! So now we know who owns, runs, spews propoganda instead of real news...the AP.
Why not do a story about how the Republicans do nothing NOTHING but WHINE about EVERYTHING!
No, most of the criticism is politically motivated. America's foes can make propaganda out of anything, and the first step to resolving any problem is to tell the truth, as any twelve-step program will tell you. The way the media addresses these events will probably shape American attitudes. Only time will prove whether the Obama approach is ill advised.
I think hes moving fast, but in a good way. A lot of damage has been done. I'll be turning 30 soon and I remember growing up in the 80's and 90's when we where highly respected in the world, even by our rivals. This seems no longer to be true.
Its easy to place blame, but the truth is that alot of damage has been done over the past 8 years and Obama and his team are doing alot of good Damage control and I thank them for doing so.
Mr. Cafferty,
Of course, Pres. Obama is moving too fast. When time is of the essence, like the economy; a rapid and strong responce by the President is appropriate and good. There is no need for speed in making friends with Hugo Chavez.
No he is not. Our stubborness will lead to our downfall. It is a good policy to try to figure out our problems with our foes instead of sticking with the "We're always right" mentality. Admitting our faults as a country, or as people, shows true strength, not weakness.
No. Most of these things have been known or developed over the last 8 years To just skirt around the issues and pretend everything's all well and good, turning a blind eye to things will not resolve these issues.
president obama should be commmeded for the way he handels his foreign policy. it is shocking what all comes out now about the bush administration, he was a dictator and lied to the american people all in the name of the so called war on terror. obama has his work cut out for him. i hope he keeps up the good work
An American President admitting a mistake(s) -what a concept!!
In 8 years Mr. George W. Bush never made any mistakes – like hell! He was the biggest mistake in U.S. history.
If Obama keeps this up we will not have any enimies.
Or special friends.
Isn't this what the founding fathers wanted?
Jack,
After all the damage done to the US "image" by the previous administration it is difficult for me to see how he can move fast enough... So far I've found little to complain about in President Obama...
Obama now has been challenged on doing too much too soon – financial crisis and now traipsing all over foreign soils. Here we have a double edged sword. Obama is a narcissistic type – that is established – and so very invested in his ego need to dominate and change the political landscape, perhaps at the expense of better judgment. On the other hand, if not now, when? You can't lump all foreign countries together – partcularly the Latin American countries who seem impervious to anyone's influence, while leading you to believe they are your ally. I don't know – I do think Obama needs to slow down and settle into his new role instead of being led by his narcissistic needs.
He can't move fast enough Jack!
Those who want can live in a fantasy world that America can do no wrong. But someone needs to listen to what others have to say about some of America's overbearing activities, which have hurt many. People have grievances. Take responsibility and SHOW the world why we are great!
Virginia
Bullies may think that they are strong, but the strongest of all are those that can admit they made a mistake and to learn from it. Authenticity is the stongest weapon that anyone can ever use!
Jack, He is moving as slow as he dare. Remember he has 8 years of a failed administration to repair before he can even begin moving on. In 100 days the results have been amazing.
I think Barrack Obama is doing an astounding job building bridges between the US and other countries. In my opinion he is doing what a President should be doing. Finally a leader who realizes that further isolation will only cause more problems. Thankfully he has realized that acting like children and maintaining enemies does not remedy ANYTHING. I only wish that here in Canada we had a Prime Minister that is working on changing things for the better – not maintaining things for the worst.
Too fast? Are you kidding, Jack? Given the back-stabbing, back-biting, back-peddling that occurred during the past eight years, President Obama can't work fast enough to repair the damage done to our reputation abroad. Run, Barak, run!
Carol
South Carolina (where is it tough to be a liberal)
There is so much for him to fix from our dysfunctional past; he has no choice but to handle as much as possible.
No, he is not moving too fast. Bush II left a lot of damage to repair, and the sooner we get on it, the better we and the rest of the world will be. Secretary Clinton can handle a large part of the diplomacy portfolio, but President Obama's involvement will facilitate goodwill from those we must work with.
No, absolutley not! President Obama told all of us during his campaign that he was going to do what we now see him doing. I am not quite sure why everyone is acting so suprised.
No, President Obama is not moving too fast. In just 93 days he has made huge strides on improving the negative view the World had of America. Hopefully, Americans won't have to continue sewing Canadian flags to their backpacks while touring Europe!
Why do you care how fast Obama is going on foreign policy, you never bothered to properly vet him so its a little late for you to be concerned.
When did this idea that we can never admit a mistake take hold? When I was a kid, my mom used to say "Only God is perfect." If we want to be taken seriously, we have to be willing to tell the truth. Every time the President speaks, he makes me proud of my Country.
President Obama is doing the right things in our foreign policy. He is NoT moving too fadt. He is doing what must be done!
Why does America have aproblem with giving 3rd world nations respect. It costs nothing to show respect. When will we understand that the U.S. is not omnipotent and needs the rest of the world to make this a better place. Never forget Bush.
Yes, he definitely is moving too fast. His intentions are well, however, he clearly is not ready for to handle certain foreign situations. He needs more time to realize and learn how to handle these problems
Jack, I don't think the president is moving too fast. I don't think Chavez is Anti-American. Chavez was anti-bush, that sounds like an oxy-moron coming from you. For all those Nay-sayers around the country yapping about the prestige of the American Presidency. They are exactly was went wrong with American from 2001-January 20, 2009. That arrogant, holier-than-thou mindset was what led to our deteriorated image around the globe. The world needs the U.S.A but not more than we need the world. What President Obama is doing is simply starting from scratch, nothing we have tried the better part of the last decade has worked. Keep your friends close, keep your enemies closer.
I do not feel that the president is moving to fast. I feel he can talk and chew gum at the same time. Keep moving foward, we need this.
After eight years of Bush pretending to be king of the world, we need to move as fast as possible to let the world know that it will not be "more of the same."
I think Obama is a helluva asset to this country. At least he has vision, the republicans are hard to tell from a hate group these days so what else is new. I am tired of listing to these darn right wingers after 8 years. They act like they did nothing wrong, go figure!!!!
President Bush ran and hid from Chavez last conference in order to avoid on camera pics. At least Obama has the guts to face the reality Chavez presented by being at conference. We are so accustomed to bluster that we are in shock by how Prez O is killing the world softly with niceness. Try it once in awhile republicans you might come out from the wilderness if you do.
Claire in New Hampshire
I think Obama's needs to move as fast as he is moving, which is actually pretty remarkable!
There is no such thing as 'moving too fast' after the disgrace of the Bush years. Obama is moving at just the right pace.
Jack,
I would think he is moving a little too fast. His smile would plunge him into trouble one of these days. He is in a position where compromise on certain issues might not be the choice.
for years we've given lip service to being "the best" nation in the world without acting the part.honesty cant hurt at this point.
Jack, No, he is not moving too fast. If anything, the U.S. has major catch-up to do with our allies and adversaries. The President is fulfilling his promise of change. People generally fear change – thus the protestations of "moving too fast". We desperately need President Obama's proactive style in the global community.
It's not the speed but maintaining the pace. He looks like a hero right now for trying to do everything at once but what will happen in 6 months once half his projects are under-completed, over budget and out of control. People will then start saying he's done too much at once and saw nothing through to the end.
There is no such thing as 'moving too fast' after the disgrace of the Bush years. Obama is moving at just the right pace.
No. Obama is doing just fine. Let all the backseat drivers chill out and start being part of the solution for a change.
compared to the last admisistration a snail moves fast. the conservatives will respond negatively to anything President Obama does.
They are still unable to think outside the box and in most cases aren't aware of taht box.
No....it's just that we finally have a grown-up occupying the White House, and it's about time!
Tara Wright
Forest City, NC
Just right!! Finally someone who is articulate and willing to look at both sides of an issue and listen. The first time I heard Pre. Obama speak I cried. Finally someone with a broad view of the world in which we live and not just the view that we are the only ones on the planet.
Karen, Utah
Substative discussion with hostile foreign leaders needs a starting point. The arrogance of the US in so many matters in the past seems to demand an apology. I have not heard of an incident where the President has made a single concession – – just an attempt to begin something substantial.
He's not moving too fast for a grown up. If G.W. had behaved like a leader and statesman instead of a spoiled cheerleader oilman, then our country would have fewer problems today.
no. I believe he's dong everthing he can possibly do. what's wrong with keeping your friends close and your enemies closer.
Yes Mr. Obama is taking it too fast.
Obama is keeping it real! I would rather know what's going on instead of being kept in the dark. This is one example of why Michelle say's she's proud to be an american I can relate!
If you listen to the speeches he has given overseas, he acknowledges past mistakes as well as make the case that other countries have made mistakes as well. So I feel it is time for everyone to acknowledge their wrongs and then make it right. Learn from the past, and make the future better. I think he has made great strides and has already accomplished more than Bush did in 8 years. Most other countries just want the respect that they deserve. The U.S. have to get off the high horse because as we have learned in this economic downturn...we need them. So might as well make the relationships civil.
It amazes me that when our leader is honest and speaks the truth for a change he becomes a target of critisism. I
guess that's how we ended up with the last administration.
How could Pres. Obama be moving too fast when so many critics on both the left and the right are outright demanding results so early in his presidency?? If we want foreign help, we need to act swiftly to sway nations to our side. The people are demanding results, Obama's trying to give them in a dignified manner.
I think if you dont talk, you cant work out your problems i think he's eigth years late
Jack as long as he sticks to the truth and doesn't continue the facts he is doing great. When he tries to mislead and be untruthful is when anyone or any nation for that matter, messes up.
The president is on the right track, we need to learn all we can about our neighbors, about thier culture, about what they would die for. You can get so much further if you just give a little respect, If the world lived and died by the ten commandments (love thy neigbor as thy self), we would not have these problems (at this scale). America is not the only one to blame, the world needs to remember that we are all family and we can live together, or die together.
Chadron, NE
Jack...does it matter if he goes too fast? I mean, aren't you the same network that said he lacked National Foreign Policy experience and doesn't know what to do because he is stupid? (By the way, which I predicted).
You are that same network, right? I see, is O.K guys, a black guy can talk to other foreign countries, Bush done it plenty of times, he just didn't care, LOL!!
Is O.K guys, I understand is a black guy doing it and we've never seen a black guy being so close to other foreigners since Crispus Attucks was attacked at the Boston Massacre. Is O.K guys, is O.K, God is allowing it, LOL!!!!!
Boy, do I LOVE you guys...LOL!!!
There is nothing wrong with honesty. A great majority of Americans have ageed for some long time that this country has been on the "wrong track." People outside the country certainly know that, too. These are the first steps in rebuilding trust both, abroad and at home.
Kudos for the President.
I love this country but we are far from perfect. We should have been doing this along time ago and I believe the president deserves a pad in the back from confronting the issue and not being forthcoming for fear of right wing backlash. The righwingnuts can't seem to do anything right and thus attach anything and everything the president does. Yes we can
As someone who has lived overseas and have many non-american friends, Obama is moving at the right pace. By admitting our mistakes, it allows for more open communication, better understanding, and stronger bonds with all parties involved. The world still wants the U.S. to lead and they look to us for direction. All they want is for us to admit that we don't always have all the right answers and be less stubborn in our ways. Saying "we were wrong" is a way of saying "I'm sorry." and that is OK. It doesn't show weakness, it shows maturity.
Absolutely not. Bush's policy of backbiting, sniping and not communicating was clearly a failure. Can anyone point to any foreign policy success in eight years? As an American, I am proud to see that the perception of the United States is improving abroad. Obama is doing just what he promised he WOULD do. I'm glad that I helped hire him.
Jack,
No, he is not moving to fast. I wish he could get them all in one room and and say what needs to be said and get our country's respect back. If you kick sand is someone's face long enough you will end up getting your ___ kicked. We cannot thumb our noses up and then expect support when serious matter occur. During the last few years of George Bush, it sickened me to hear what other countries thought of us....I feel we will soon hear that our respect is back...Thanks Jack, David
Admiting our mistakes is honorable and needed to get the country moving forward again. I don't believe the Bush team should get a free pass though. We need to hold them accountable for these failures, even if it does take time away from other priorities. If we don't hold them accountable, we're not sending the correct message to anyone else who thinks they are above the constitution or law.
I'm proud of what President Obama is doing. I'm proud that he's acting like a grown up. The last time I dissed someone by not speaking to them was in junior high. Why anyone would think that's appropriate behavior in a group of world leaders is beyond me. Our president should not listen to the old cold-war warriors and Bushies. They had their time. They had their way. Now it's time to do it right.
Jeanne
Canton, CT
President Obama is doing what I have spent my life waiting to see a US president do - be a true statesman. He is doing everything possible to destroy the image of the "Ugly American" on an international basis. Unfortunately, some "Ugly Americans" at home are so bitter and biased (for whatever reasons), they do not have insight into themselves or into the feelings of the majority that elected Obama and congressional Democrats - many of us are thinking independents and appreciate what the President is doing to move the country into a more realistic, humane posture toward the rest of the world.
ABSOLUTELY NOT!! He's make change...It's a good thing.
Why are people so paranoid??
Jack, this is what we voted for. CHANGE. We threw the bums out. We voted for a new direction at home and abroad. We put a stake in the heart of "old myths" to face "new realities".
President Obama is not moving too fast, rather, his actions and words are long overdue from the US. Our only hope is to partner with other like-minded nations, and to encourage dialogue with nations with whom we disagree. The sooner we win the trust, cooperation and respect of other nations,, the better. How can he move too fast on something as important as that?
Listen, Jack, it does not matter how quickly President Obama moves on the issue of owning up to our mistakes as a nation. An educated person would tell you that, historically, we have made mistakes in the past, and a wise person would tell you that you should always own up to your mistakes, to both yourself and others. This is the only way we can learn from anything!
no. but, he's making a huge, wasteful, mistake on our southern border,and afghanistan by not ending prohibition. He has many to wounds to heal, internationally, but, without the necessary changes ,here at home, concerning the drug trade, i fear he will make little progress. too many of our foreign problems , are caused, and used to our enemy's benefit, because we are too stubborn to end the failed war on drugs , right here at home, or we consider it a 'laughing' matter.
Sometimes it's the nature of things to have the pedglim (spell) swing the other way before it comes back to the center. We're saying we're wong and sorry, not disarming. Someone needs to put a sock in it.
No, the president is not moving too fast. There will be plenty of time in the future to sort out our friends and foes. For example, maybe we'll make nice with Cuba or maybe not. But a handshake and a smile but no committments does a lot more to at least begin a conversation than having the U.S. being despised around the world for our former arrogant attitude of what we believe is best for us is best for everyone.
President Obama can't move fast enough to repair the massive damage done to every aspect of America's values, economy and vision.
It's like cleaning up after Hitler. George Bush should be put on trial for crimes against humanity both foreign and domestic.
jack, the president is on pace to do more in 100 days than the "tea & crumpet" party did in 8 yrs. it's time for all Americans to truly work together. we can use their oil, but we cannot accept a book nor shake hands... grow up people
Thank God he is moving, and moving fast. Given the mess we are in, he can't be fast enough. And those morons who would like to see him fail? Please, next time you have the brilliant idea to start cutting off the branch you sit on, don't sit next to me!
I think it's a good thing that he has come out. Now he can work on working and building a good relationship with these ppl.
He's moving in the right direction precisely to undo the horrible damage done by President Cheney and Vicepresident Bush. Yes, you read well! These two monsters need to be put to trial and pay for their crimes!!
Obama has a lot to explain when it comes to the root of the Bush administrations performance in making the whole world, except isreal, hate america so much. Obamas actions are an attempt to repair this damage. He is doing a great job. Ask anyone around this world.
President Obama cannot move fast enough to undo the damage created by the previous administration if he'd like to accomplish anything resembling change on the foreign policy front. Also, calling Hugo Chavez "anti American" is an opinion & NOT a fact. The fact is that he was very outspoken about the previous administration & US policy & world domination. But when it came to helping American people struggling to make it through the winter he proved (for whatever reason) to be quite pro American people. There's a HUGE difference Jack, between being "anti American" & anti American government. We should differentiate between them & use them accordingly...
I applaud our new President's efforts & stand behind him enthusiastically on this issue. The refusal to hold ANYONE accountable for torture on the other hand is a troubling issue.
No. President Obama needs to move fast to undue the damage that President Bush left us with, a legacy of distrust and almost no friends around the world.
The only people who believe the U.S. doesn't make mistakes are a handful of Americans. The sooner Obama moves to change this the better and maybe America will improve its batting average.
He can't move fast enough as far as I'm concerned. It was only during the presidential election that I realized how deeply depressed I had become about the direction this country took during the Bush-Cheney years. Depressing, embarrassing, even sickening to contemplate. Obama is a breath of fresh air for a country that has been set back decades by the reign of the radical right. Thank God America voted for change. It can't come fast enough to ease my pain.
The sooner the US admits reality the better and the faster both political and FINACIAL TRUST IMAGEs will be restored! The rest of the world doesn't live inside the cultural secrecy shell the US seems to feel safe in. Lets get back to global-business ASAP and taking responsibility for fiascos is the way to go.
Can Mr. Cafferty refer always to the President of The United States Of America as the President rather than Mr. Obama. Its very disrespectful at this stage of the job.
Our foreign policy has been so wrong for so long that President Obama cannot go fast enough for me.
Most ridiculous of all has got to be our isolation of Cuba. How can we possibly let wealthy Cubans who deserted Cuba rule our foreign policy. Are we afraid of Cuba to the point we can't hold a conversation while we are quite at ease talking with those big bad communists in China and Russia.
The only mistake that President Obama is making is to not force the Bush Administration to finally become accountable for all the misdeeds and illegal acts they took against the American people, Iraq and the world. I just hope that the President reconsiders and finally allows the proper and appropriate investigations to proceed.
Our President is empowering our nation. Under Bush our awesome nation was hated by most of the world, sure we had allies, but how was our popularity with the actual population of those allies? We were feared and hated, that was the source of our power. With Mr. Obama's actions he is endearing billions of people all over the world. THE WORLD CELEBRATED WHEN OBAMA BECAME PRESIDENT! When as that ever happened. Mr. Obama is undoing all of the things that made our nation morally weak and hated by the world. Our source of power is finally shifting back to being Feared and Admired instead of Feared and Hated.
Jack – It looks like he's moving at lightning speed because the previous eight years foreign policy hardly moved at all. He's got a lot of catch up to do.
what? moving too fast? whats too fast? please, the last guy we had didnt move at all, maybe it looks like Obama is moving to fast compared to the turtle we had in office for the past 8 years.. So to answer you question.. yes he moving fast when you compare him to George W. Bush.
No, I absolutely DO NOT think President Obama is moving too fast. Especially when the rest of the world needs to know the truth about mistakes that we as, not only a Govenrment, but as a people by endorsing and supporting these so-called "efforts" in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Obama is behaving like an adult something Americans have not seen in awhile. I heard some commentators complain this AM and could not believe it. Of course, they are right wing conservatives who are not use to adult behavior but use to picking and choosing what they consider patriotic. In fact, they have only choosen greed and self interest. I am proud to be from a country where someone who behaves with poise and bases policy on wisdom is the leader.
Are you kidding me? Of course it is the right thing to do – it is honesty. Its not like the rest of the world does not know these things already – by saying them out loud Obama proves to the world that we are a nation of reasonably intelligent people and we do have some understanding of the world.
Good for the president...I think hes doing the right job following all the dark weve been kept in over the last 8 years.
It wont matter what he does, the far right will critisize and call it wrong, even tho its the right thing to do !
Since the introduction of globalization the world has become smaller. As a representative of the most powerful nation in the world I believe President Obama is taking the right steps to promote a certain level of security to the U.S as well as mending relations that were once severed by the Bush Administration.
No Jack,
I don't think President Obama is moving too fast. We've had eight years of Bush destroying our reputation and good will created by President Clinton. There is no time to lose, the world is smaller than we realize and we NEED to form healthy relationships again. Something the right-wing complaining republicans have no idea about how to build or create................they need to sit down and shut up or cecede (all of them) and let Newt Gringich lead the way.........they are such liars and hypocrites.
Jack, I dislike arrogant people in general, why would I accept this from my President? The US has made grave mistakes in the last decade and should fess up to those mistakes so that we do not repeat the mistakes of the past. They call this learning and there is no room for arrogance in education as that would defeat the point.
Obama can't go fast enough with regard to rebuilding our tenuous and deservedly maligned reputation worldwide...the Bush administration's legacy of brutish and boorish foreign policy behavior needs to be put as far behind us as quickly as possible, especially now. We need to restore our reputation as an altruistic and rational country again instead of the short-sighted, isolationist and intolerant brat we became under W....
Our reputation is so damaged President Obama must act quickly, I think he is right on track and doing what he said he would do. True strength is realized by being able to admit your mistakes, then overcoming them; this is true for a person or a country. I think anything less would be seen by other countries as inadequate and insincere.
How can the President being moving too fast. There is a lot to do and he is up for the job. For the first time in a little over 8 years, we can be proud to be Americans. Our President is amazing.
No hes not, our countries been led by so many upty rich folks so long theyve lost touch with thier own people much less the rest of the world. You go BO Im behind you 100%
moving to fast, no, blaming us for alot of the world problems, yes, we are not solely to blame for the new cold war with russia, there leaders are corupt and they force there will on other countries by invading other countries and cutting off oil and gas supplies, there is nothig we can do until russia change there ways
Jack, I don't see eye to eye on everything Obama does.
But when it comes to foreign policy, can sanity replace paranoia too quickly?
Hey Jack:
Well, I think it's a good strategy for Obama to lay down as much positive groundwork abroad as possible, get the wheels moving, and wait for responses. We'll know where our friends and foes stand. That'll take time. Hopefully, the President will eventually turn his primary focus back to domestic issues such as energy, economy, heathcare, and education.
I do not believe President Obama is moving too fast. I believe that the predicament America finds itself requires swift action. And I don't know why everyone have their pants in a bunch about shaking Chavez's hand. I guess when Barbara Walters sat and interviewed Castro and Chavez that was unpatriotic.
Compared to his predecessor yes, he's going at a lightning pace. But when you take into account the number of vacation days Former President Bush took, it doesn't take much to look like he's moving too fast.
I think President Obama is doing exactly the right thing! I really believe he will be one of the the top presidents in the history of our country, right along Lincoln, Roosevelt, and Reagon.
Every president worth his electoral votes should indicate his goals within the first hundred days. Where Pres. Obama falls short is in his publicity-stunt promises which are broken soon after. For example, the White House promised to end DEA raids of medical marijuana dispensaries last month, yet more raids have happened. He campaigned on a platform of more compassionate drug laws, yet he has recently vowed to crack down on drug use. I love our President, but he must adhere to what he promises if he wishes to retain the support of the American people. His personal views on marijuana use (now) are not entitled to reflect U.S. policy on the issue. We must have a national vote!
Mr. Obama wouldn't have to apologize for mistakes if mistakes were not made...I expect my child to admit his mistakes and try to make ammends. I am expected by my superiors, my co-workers and my subordinates to admit mistakes and try to correct them and viciversa...I therefore expect my country to admit when we were at fault and try to correct it....it is the right thing to do...
Nothing is fast nothing is slow this president is the anointing one full of integrity and wisdom
He is right on target. We need to admit to our responsibility in all of these areas and more. I am happy to see this level of honesty ...it is about time. We have much to do to repair our reputation and the current state of affairs. Without understanding how we are all intertwinned and taking a good hard look at how we got here we will never improve the state of the nation.
FINALLY, I feel we have an ADULT in the White House trying to repair, as quickly and reasonably as possible, the damage we've incurred by wreckless behavior of the prior administration. Too fast???? Not at all...he has a lot of catch up to do!
obama getting it done after bush failed on every turn. go get them barack and keep hope and peace alive.
I think obama is doing the right thing in order to restore our image abroad and regaining our trust and repect in the world. were not the enemy here. thanks to george bush cronies
President Obama has a lot of ground to cover to undo the damage created by President Bush and Vice-president Cheney. We won't know for a while whether his sincere belief in civility and fairness will be interpreted as weakness–but I believe that world leaders are hungry for an American government that treats them with respect, and that ultimately they will react positively toward Obama, give him the benefit of the doubt, and make an effort to work with him, rather than against him. The citizens of his own country should do no less.
No, I absolutely DO NOT think President Obama is moving too fast. Especially when the rest of the world needs to know the truth about mistakes that we as, not only a Govenrment, but as a people by endorsing and supporting these so-called “efforts” in Iraq and Afghanistan.
You forgot to mention his ability to sit down with our enemies like the pirates. LOL
Hi Jack,
No. It's about time. The world has had enough lies and deception from our country and so have I. The truth is almost always the best solution.
Ralph Patch
Blackduck,Mn
Oboma's critics say he is moving too fast. How did we do under Bush? A little honesty will go a long way to reestablish our respect in the world. Our haughty attitude almost wrecked our standing with other countries. It is a breath of freshair...shaking Chaves's hand means we are strong enough to be civil to another leader even if we do not agree with him.
No. He's being forthcoming, honest and sincere. The relationship must first be repaired before there is any progress.
He's the one to get it done. Why? Because he has no pride, is not self-seeking and understands even if you don't agree with people or even like them, the US must learn how to respect people who are not like them or share their views or values.
Show me anyone who will allow someone to come into their house and take over and tell them what to do, or should I say DEMAND that they do?
Arrogance and pride will get us no where.
He's doing just fine but to the far right anything beyond inertia is too fast..
Martinez, CA
It's not a question of Obama moving too fast. As a nation, we have moved too slow with acknowledging our flaws. As a result, we are viewed as arrogant and imperialistic. Time to change!! Let's join the real world and deal with global problems not as an know-it-all nation but as a nation willing to listen, cooperate, and unite with countries who have a lot to offer. If we don't, we will continue to lose credibility and will go the way of the Greek, Egyptian and Roman empires..................chapters in history books.
Louise
Is he moving too fast to repair/restore the US economy? When is it too fast to tell the truth or reverse deception? How fast should one keep a promise or keep their word? Why is it that this country finally has a LEADER who is taking this country and subsequently the world in a positive direction, that we get all of the critics coming out of the wood work but were silent when President Bush was running this country and it's foreign policy into the ground? What gives???
Steve
Clifton, VA
Absolutely not. After 8 years of "you're either with us or against us," this is like a breath of fresh air. We have to live together. Common ground is the key.
Is He is moving fast? YES !!! if we comare him with his predecessors. But he is not moving to fast. He is just doing the Right thing! So far, he has done Great. I am 100% behind him...
Jack,
You look like you think he is, I do not! I think, as an independant, he's doing an outstanding job. NO, he is not moving too fast, he's setting the precedent for his staff. He's also letting the world know there's a new sheriff in town and he means business! He's way ahead of schedule, din't Bush take his first vacation by this time in his Presidency?
No, the President is not moving too fast. How refreshing it is to listen to a man who means what he says and says what he means. For a man with such tremendous power to admit mistakes and express his intent to correct them, is the sign of a leader. I feel he has made great inroads to restoring the reputation of the US in the rest of the world and I wish for his every success.
Under the Bush we where enemy #1 all over the world. This is a very good change........
Anybody that thinks being truthful is a weakness or moving slowly after making a decision isn't needed in a government.The Bush administration has gone over the deep edge for the last eight years and the republican congress has done nothing when in control.
The truth may upset his critics, (the temper tantrum throwing GOP), but for the rest of us, American and non US citizens alike, we appreciate and respect the truth.
President Obama needs to gain acceptance and trust from the rest of the world. And bottom line is, no one trusts those who lie or deceive, as the Bush administration did for the last 8 years.
This President knows what he is doing, and I am very proud to be an American with him in charge.
Dana in Rogue River OR, and no I did not attend the tea party that all 20 showed up to in our town.
I always lined Bush up with a stationary idea and marvelous at the speed at which he went backwards. Now I'm in a flat-out sprint to keep up with Obama's forward-thinking moves. He's not moving too fast. We are just in shock that past political gridlock and war were unnecessary. Greed merchants and war mongers are definitely alarmed because they count on political unrest to line their pockets. They have located the enemy, we are them.
He's doing what needs to be done. For the last 8 years the US acted like the local bully down the street and had the arrogance to push every other country around with a "do it my way or the highway attitude."
Obama is making the country more safe by admitting that we have made mistakes and are willing to learn by them. Other country's will be more amenable to helping us and working with us if we show them the respect they are due instead of the way Bush dealt with them.
President Obama is jeapordizing the sovereighty and security of the U.S. in his attempt to be percieved as a total opposite of Bush. It appears that he has the false idea that if he goes around saying sorry, foreign foes will start liking the U.S. His humility and humbleness can be seen as a sign of weakness by others. I fear his action may have dire reprecussions.
When it comes to dealing with foreign countries, is President Obama moving too fast?
With all the damage that GW Bush created in 8 LONG years, virtually abliverating 100 years of diplomacy around the world, President Obama has much to do in a short amount of time.
This IS the CHANGE that we voted for!
Jenna
Roseville CA
Obama HAS to be nice to China because they own you. But Russia? One thing that I cannot blame Bush for is the deterioration of American-Russian relations: Mr. Putin gets full credit for that on my scorecard, and his obsession with the "near abroad" poses a threat to the Western Alliance that makes Mr. Ahmadinejad look like a Sunday-school teacher.
Adam
Mount Pearl, NFLD
Canada
Its about time we had someone that gave the people hope and did the right thing. More power to him!!
Jack, We voted for president Obama to change the way we business that includes foreign policy. Why are people so critical when it comes to change. LET PRESIDENT OBAMA DO HIS JOB, HE IS AWESOME and by the way Jack so are you!!!!!~!~
After the past 8 blunderous years. We finally have someone that can and will get the job done. Obama is doing what should have been done 16 years ago. Obama has to get America up off of it' azz first, before we can go full steam ahead, but he is definitely going in the right direction.