What does it mean when the President of the United States tells the leader of a foreign nation that he has more "flexibility" to negotiate away U.S. Interests after he's reelected?
It means the country is in serious trouble.
Last week, President Obama spoke with Dmitry Medvedev at an event in South Korea. What he didn't realize is that his microphone was still on when he decided to get candid with the Russian president. "On all these issues, but particularly missile defense," he said, "this can be solved, but it's important for him [Putin] to give me space …. This is my last election. After my election, I have more flexibility." Medvedev nodded and replied, "Yeah, I understand. I understand your message about space. Space for you … I understand. I will transmit this information to Vladimir." And then he said, "I stand with you."
So, what's the problem? The mainstream media certainly didn't seem to see one. They thought that this was just Obama being "too honest" – obviously, he will have more flexibility after winning re-election.
But there's more to it than that. This is the President of the United States telling a country that is effectively an enemy – Russia has variously backed Syria, Iran, China, and Venezuela in their anti-American plays – that we will hand them what they want should they take off the pressure for a few months. As usual, Obama has it wrong. The job of the President of the United States is not to treat the people of the United States as an inconvenient obstacle to handing anti-American regimes what they want. The job of the President is to represent the people of the United States and their interests. Obama didn't just reject that job, he took action directly in opposition to it.
But there's even more to it than that. This is Obama's entire re-election strategy.
Obama faces two particularly thorny issues with regard to his re-election effort. The first is oil prices, which have skyrocketed recently. The second is Iran.
When it comes to oil prices, Republicans have jumped on the president with both feet, blaming him for higher pump bills. That's led Obama to do what he does best: blame others. This week, he blamed the big oil companies for rising gas prices, and suggested that their tax breaks be repealed (a proposal immediately rejected by the Democratic Senate).
