Romney the Businessman?

Mitt Romney has focused his run for the presidency on the superior skills he developed as a successful businessman, asserting that he alone has the knowledge, the experience, and the personal grit needed to repair the U.S. economy. Let us accept for a moment that Romney’s preferred narrative is true, i.e., that he actually was … Continue reading “Romney the Businessman?”

The Marketing of Paul Ryan

The Romney campaign is making a major effort to reach out to the Tea Party, grassroots conservative activists, and Ron Paul’s libertarian supporters. They’ve not only invited Rand Paul to speak at the Tampa convention, they’ve also scheduled a “Tribute to Ron Paul” video to be shown to the delegates. However, these are mere crumbs: … Continue reading “The Marketing of Paul Ryan”

Otto Does Foreign Policy

Does anyone remember Otto, the brain damaged ex-CIA assassin played so deliciously by Kevin Kline in A Fish Called Wanda? Otto cruised around London in a massive old Chrysler, driving on the right and forcing British drivers off the road while screaming that they were a**holes. Described by one reviewer as a walking id, Otto’s … Continue reading “Otto Does Foreign Policy”

Shame on All of Us

The shameful spectacle of American politicians trying to outdo each other in demonstrating their love for Israel played out again last week. The sparring began before the Olympic Games in London. Israel asked for a moment of silence at the opening ceremony to commemorate the 11 Israeli athletes who were murdered in Munich 40 years … Continue reading “Shame on All of Us”

Is Mitt Being Neoconned Into War?

Has Mitt Romney given Israel a blank check for war? So it seemed from the declaration in Jerusalem by his adviser Dan Senor, who all but flashed Israel a green light for war, signaling the Israelis that, if you go, Mitt’s got your back: “If Israel has to take action on its own in order … Continue reading “Is Mitt Being Neoconned Into War?”

Iran Diplomacy Runs Into Sanctions-Happy US Congress

Congress’s rush to pass new sanctions against Iran ahead of the August recess comes amid an intensified drive to pin the Iranian government to deadly acts of international terrorism and amplified moves by U.S. politicians to demonstrate their support for Mideast ally Israel ahead of the November presidential election. The push to implement more punitive … Continue reading “Iran Diplomacy Runs Into Sanctions-Happy US Congress”

Playing to the Peanut Gallery

Mitt Romney is holding a fundraiser in Israel, where casino magnate and would-be GOP kingmaker Sheldon Adelson is slated to attend: no doubt the fanatically pro-Israel billionaire will be making a substantial contribution to the candidate’s war chest. Adelson is betting Romney will be putty in the Israel lobby’s hands, and make no trouble when … Continue reading “Playing to the Peanut Gallery”

Romney Offers Few Details in Major Foreign Policy Speech

Reprising the neoconservative rhetoric of the primary election campaign, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney Tuesday harshly criticized Barack Obama’s foreign policy but offered few clues as to specific changes he would make if he defeats the president in November. Speaking before the traditionally hawkish Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Romney accused Obama of “abandon[ing]” U.S. … Continue reading “Romney Offers Few Details in Major Foreign Policy Speech”

Yawn: Romney Goes Abroad

If you didn’t know that Mitt Romney is taking his campaign overseas this week to share his Mittastic worldview with the great people of England, Poland, Germany and Israel, don’t worry, not many do. Or care. Announced early this month, Gov. Romney’s upcoming deployment to these places will serve, presumably, to help boost his foreign … Continue reading “Yawn: Romney Goes Abroad”

Obama vs. Romney: Two Shades of Nay

Many Americans will cast their ballots in November based on their reckoning of which candidate would be less dangerous. Unfortunately, the disappearance of Rep. Ron Paul from the campaign will inevitably mean that the two contenders will not discuss foreign policy in any meaningful way, instead preferring to boast of how tough they would be … Continue reading “Obama vs. Romney: Two Shades of Nay”