Didn't think that last word would be Obama huh? Here me out. So, I know that George Bush NEVER does anything in a smart methodical manner, so I may be giving him a wee bit more credit than needed. But for the following reasons, I have to ask, Is Bush Sabotaging the election for Obama.

As far as foreign policy, Obama's "weakest"(debatable) topic, the list goes like this.

1) In the early democratic debates, Obama called to attack the hills of Pakistan-if there is actionable intelligence that Al Qaeda is operating out of there. He was called naive by everyone from Biden to Clinton and now McCain, because he would do with/without Musharraf's cooperation

Whaddaya Know- the U.S has attacked those same hills four times. And, it has been confirmed that they killeed high level Al Qaeda operatives. This is alll WITHOUT the cooperation of Musharaff.

2) Obama has consistently called for diplomacy to the countries that inhabit Bush's "Axis of Evil" world.

Whaddaya Know- a few weeks ago, North Korea decided to at least give some of their nukes up and divulge intimate details about their nuclear proliferation program.

3) Obama has for at least a year said that we neeed troops in Afghanistan and Pakistan region.

Whaddaya Know- Nine troops died last weekend and now the Taliban and Al Qaeda have grown stronger, muscling out NATO and American troops in Afghanistan.

4) Also, Obama has consistently we need to offer Iran carrots and sticks and talk to them

And the Coup de grâce of my theory- HOLY BALLS OF IRAN, THE BUSH adminstration is sending the third highest ranking official in the state department to gasp Talk to Iran- even Charles Gibson said it sure sounds like the Obama plan  Let's see How McCain is taking these recent developments

North Korea (note the word diplomatic-gasp)

McCain response
The announcement today that North Korea has provided information concerning elements of its nuclear program is a modest step forward, as will be the destruction of the disabled cooling tower of Yongbyon. But it is only a step covering one part of North Korea’s nuclear activities. It is important to remember our goal has been the full, permanent and verifiable denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. That must remain our goal. The Six Party agreement called for North Korea to make a full declaration of all its nuclear weapons and nuclear programs. Many questions remain about North Korea’s programs, including the disposition of plutonium at Yongbyon, the number and status of nuclear weapons, the nature of the highly-enriched uranium program, and the extent of proliferation activities in countries like Syria. I also want to make sure we fully account for the legitimate concerns of our South Korean and Japanese allies as we move forward. I understand certain sanctions were lifted today, some may be lifted in 45 days, and others remain in place.

“As we review this declaration and attempt to verify North Korean claims, we must keep diplomatic and economic pressure on North Korea to meet all of its obligations under the Six Party agreement, including denuclearization. If we are unable to fully verify the declaration submitted today and if I am not satisfied with the verification mechanisms developed, I would not support the easing of sanctions on North Korea.”

Obama response

This is a step forward, and there will be many more steps to take in the days ahead. Critical questions remain unanswered. We still have not verified the accuracy of the North Korean declaration. We must confirm the full extent of North Korea’s past plutonium production. We must also confirm its uranium enrichment activities, and get answers to disturbing questions about its proliferation activities with other countries, including Syria.

“The declaration has not yet been made available, so Congress has not had a chance to review it. Before weighing in on North Korea’s removal from the list of state sponsors of terrorism, Congress must take the next 45 days to examine the adequacy of the North Korean declaration and verification procedures. Sanctions are a critical part of our leverage to pressure North Korea to act. They should only be lifted based on North Korean performance. If the North Koreans do not meet their obligations, we should move quickly to re-impose sanctions that have been waived, and consider new restrictions going forward.

“We should continue to pursue the kind of direct and aggressive diplomacy with North Korea that can yield results. The objective must be clear: the complete and verifiable elimination of North Korea’s nuclear weapons programs, which only expanded while we refused to talk. As we move forward, we must not cede our leverage in these negotiations unless it is clear that North Korea is living up to its obligations.

“As President, I will work from the very beginning of my term in office to secure the American people and our interests in this vital region. We must work with diligence and determination with our friends and allies to end this dangerous threat, and to secure a lasting peace on the Korean peninsula.”

And lest we not forget the coupe de grace,, the BUSH ADMINSTRATION WILL TALK TO IRAN

Obama's response

I welcome news that the Bush Administration has shifted course and will send an envoy for direct talks as part of the P5+1 with the Iranians in Geneva this weekend. I commend our European allies and other friends on this effort. Now that the United States is involved, it should stay involved with the full strength of our diplomacy.  A united front with our friends and allies directly calling on the Iranians to stand down on their illicit nuclear program will maximize the international pressure we can bring to bear and will show the Iranian people that Iran’s isolation is a function of its government’s unwillingness to live up to its obligations.  Iran should live up to its obligations now; by waiting, it will only face greater isolation.”

McCain's response
  Still Waiting.............

Oh Yeah, check out this little exchange On  CBS news  

While reporting that a top U.S. diplomat will attend an international meeting with an Iranian negotiator on Wednesday’s CBS "Early Show," correspondent Bill Plante suggested such a meeting represented the Bush Administration moving toward Barack Obama’s goal of direct negotiations with Iran: "Absolutely a first and it's a sharp break from what has been the policy of the Bush Administration...Now official disclaimers aside, the fact that the administration is sending someone to this meeting is a very big deal. And since Obama has put it into the political debate it is sure to stay as part of the political discussion."

Following that report, co-host Harry Smith talked to political analyst Jeff Greenfield about the impact on the presidential campaign:

So interesting, this has been part and parcel of the political discussion of the two campaigns for several months now. Barack Obama says we should talk to some of these folks. McCain has long maintained, very much along the administration lines, we don't talk unless they stop enriching uranium. How does this reflect, do you think, upon the campaigns?

Greenfield responded by describing how the diplomatic meeting would help Obama: "But if your whole argument, and it was Senator Clinton's as well, against Obama is he's naive, he doesn't understand the world, and now to have the administration say, 'okay, the precondition we can set aside,' it tends to undercut the argument, which is going to be a key to Obama's critics, that he doesn't understand the world."

Who's the appeaser?

 

Any more sabatoginess from the Bush Adminstration