Isn't it great to have a smart President?
I know most of us would rather not have a single troop in Afghanistan, but that deed was done years ago. By. The. Dumbest. President. Ever. Remember him?
Think back (or imagine - gulp - a President McCain). How would have they handled this?
First, even before the speech, President Obama publicly and distinctly took control of the situation. He listened and studied. He didn't like the options the military gave him, so he demanded a solution that brings the war to an end. Think "WWBD" - "What Would Bush Do?" No discussion, no debates, just decisive - and dumb.
Then we come to the speech. It was honest. It was heartfelt. President Obama talked about how it felt to make this decision. He covered all the elements of what was important to the country. He gave us background of where we went right and what we did wrong - without making it a political speech against Republicans. It was logical, smart and patriotic - the right way, not the wrong way.
He looked for unity. He gave us the goals - clearly and concisely. He gave us the exit strategy. He even showed us his understanding of how the country feels about this, and explained financial responsibility and the economy.
Now think back. There was no "this is where we need to be to fight the war on terror for as long as it takes." There was no sabre rattling and waving the flag uselessly.
Unfortunately, I've seen many Presidents commit our troops. Never with such honesty. Never so boldly. Never before with such clarity of study and command of thought.
President Barack Obama - even as he is caught in a mucky situation not of his own making - continues to change the government, change our politics, and change the way we do business with the world. This is a rough part of it, but - yes - this is the change we can believe in!