tag:www.talkingpointsmemo.com,2008:/talk/blogs/shannom//3646 2008-09-18T18:08:31Z Movable Type Pro 4.21-en tag:tpmcafe.talkingpointsmemo.com,2008:/talk//17.217898 2008-09-18T18:08:31Z 2008-09-18T18:08:31Z

(See story here)John McCain will, as president, talk to those countries that are our allies, and not to the countries that aren't - and according to Randy Scheunemann, it goes even further - a McCain administration would only talk to...

shannom (See story here)

John McCain will, as president, talk to those countries that are our allies, and not to the countries that aren't - and according to Randy Scheunemann, it goes even further - a McCain administration would only talk to our allies if they are 'interested in working with us.'

Huh?  Isn't the whole point of diplomacy to try to sway countries to your side?  If you're only talking to the ones who are already enthusiastic supporters, exactly what benefit does that diplomacy bring?  I know we don't spend a lot on the State Department and presidential trips, but I'd like to get some return on that investment. 

Republican's used to like to quote Sun Tzu - whatever happened to "Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer?"

Why isn't the MSM picking up on this?  This has been exactly Bush's policy over the last eight years - it clearly worked so well in Iraq and North Korea. 

Not to mention that the whole idea is horribly paternalistic - telling sovereign nations that if they behave themselves, we'll reward them by talking to them - if not, they can go stand in the corner.  How could the leaders (and people) of other countries not be insulted by this policy?
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