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Crist compares Obama to Carter; critics complain about the President's Olympics trip
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“You seem to forget that George Bush is no longer President!”
(AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Such is a common criticism to articles pointing out that the right-wing frequently attacks President Obama for things that George W. Bush arguably did also. Conservatives insist that we stop dwelling on Bush’s perceived faults and concentrate on THIS administration. A valid point in some instances, however historical perspective cannot, and should never be, ignored.
It should be pointed out, however, that the right-wing does not always ignore history either.
Florida governor, Senate hopeful, and recent convert to the conservative cause, Charlie Crist has recently compared Obama to Jimmy Carter, saying that America wanted change in 1976 as well – then got a change they didn’t want. Promising an electoral swing back toward the Republicans, Crist stated that he thinks Obama will lose reelection in 2012, just as Carter did in 1980. This is not the first time that Obama has been lumped with Carter in an unfavorable connotation.
Also garnering criticism is President Obama’s recent announcement of a one-day trip to Denmark to present Chicago’s case for the 2016 Olympics. While this may not be a big deal to many Americans, it clearly is to his adopted hometown of Chicago. While some Olympics are financial drains, others, like Los Angeles in 1984, have turned a profit, while showcasing the area to millions of tourists and television viewers. As Chicago’s most prominent citizen at the moment, Obama’s presence had been hoped for by many, particularly since it is not uncommon for heads of state to appear in person on behalf of the potential host.
Now, the complaints have poured in from the right.
His critics say Obama has too much on the table, citing Iran's nuclear standoff, health care reform, and Afghanistan and Iraq, to be traipsing across the globe for such an event.
CNN reported Sen. Kit Bond, R-Missouri as stating today : "I think it's baffling that the President has time to travel to Copenhagen. "He’s got a lot of responsibilities. His number one responsibility is to keep our country safe."
My first thought is: “IT’s a DAY TRIP, people!” The world will not, I promise, end because of one day out of the office. It is my second thought, however, that will likely garner objections. My thought:
Where was Sen. Bond when Bush was playing golf, or clearing brush at his ranch in Crawford, at a time when, according to Republicans, our country was in constant danger. Where were the Republican critics as George Bush took 977 – verifiable – days off, and over 130 international trips, during his eight years as President?
Think about THAT for a moment and imagine being able to take four months of vacation each year. And then being able to visit a foreign country at least once a month. Every month. For eight years.
And getting paid for that as well!
It seems that our country -- which according to some is better off without Obama -- suddenly cannot function without his steady hand being on the wheel at all times. Yet how can critics be taken seriously when the prior President received an absolute pass by them for one-third of his presidency spent on holiday, while Obama is crucified for a single day trip?
Apparently, the answer to that question is: “We’re not talking about Bush (but we CAN talk about Carter!),” and that is true, this is NOT about Bush. This is about hypocrisy; and, with eight months under his belt, Obama’s record of receiving hypocritical and unfair criticism has probably eclipsed Bush’s record of time off from the presidency. Probably.
AP Photo: President Barack Obama, followed by British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, center, and French President Nicolas Sarkozy arrives to make a statement on Iran's nuclear facility, Friday, Sept. 25, 2009, during the G-20 Summit in Pittsburgh.
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