Compare And Conrast: Obama And McCain Respond To Crisis In Georgia
Here’s Obama’s response:
I strongly condemn the outbreak of violence in Georgia, and urge an immediate end to armed conflict. Now is the time for Georgia and Russia to show restraint, and to avoid an escalation to full scale war. Georgia’s territorial integrity must be respected. All sides should enter into direct talks on behalf of stability in Georgia, and the United States, the United Nations Security Council, and the international community should fully support a peaceful resolution to this crisis.
Nice-sounding platitudes and a call for talk. As if Obama thinks he can just issue an edict demanding diplomacy and it will be followed. Plus, no direct condemnation of Russia’s action.
In short, the sort of milquetoast response you’d expect from an all-image-and-no-substance candidate.
Now, here’s McCain:
“For many years, I have warned against Russian actions that undermine the sovereignty of its neighbors. Unfortunately, we have seen in recent days Russia demonstrate that these concerns were well-founded.
This afternoon I spoke, for the second time since the crisis began, with Georgian President Saakashvili. It is clear the situation is dire. Russian aggression against Georgia continues, with attacks occurring far beyond the Georgian region of South Ossetia. As casualties continue to mount, the international community must do all it can to avert further escalations. Tensions and hostilities between Georgians and Ossetians are in no way justification for Russian troops crossing an internationally recognized border. I again call on the Government of Russia to immediately and unconditionally withdraw its forces from the territory of Georgia.
...I am pleased the U.S. has agreed to facilitate the transfer of Georgian troops serving bravely in Iraq, who are now unfortunately needed to defend their own country
A practical response, including direct aid to Georgian troops who must now return and defend their homeland, as well as a call to rally the international community to oppose Russia’s action.
