Obama imitates Bush on Afghanistan war

By Yael T. Abouhalkah, Kansas City Star Editorial Page columnist

President Barack Obama did his best imitation of former President George Bush Monday at the VFW national convention in Phoenix.

Obama sounded downright hawkish -- and, yes, presidential -- when he addressed the issue of terrorism in front of the veteran-laden crowd.

We must never forget. This is not a war of choice. This is a war of necessity. Those who attacked America on 9/11 are plotting to do so again. If left unchecked, the Taliban insurgency will mean an even larger safe haven from which al Qaeda would plot to kill more Americans. So this is not only a war worth fighting. This is fundamental to the defense of our people.

Dick Cheney could not have said it any better.

Obama is still trying to establish his reputation with veterans; Monday's speech helped do that.


Submitted by Yael T. Abouhalkah on August 17, 2009 - 3:30pm.