Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Palin on Foreign Policy


Given America's present position of influence in the world, I sometimes wonder whether US foreign policy* has a more significant cumulative effect on humanity than all their domestic policies put together. This is why much the rest of the world follows American politics and the current presidential race gets almost as much coverage as a local election in some places. It is also why hearing Sarah Palin speak on the matter leaves me cold.
*And environmental policy, at least the aspects that respect no national boundaries.
More of the interview can be found here and here ("America [is] a beacon of light in the world").

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

The good Kevin Rudd put his sentiments nicely. When asked what he thought of her on "Rove"
last week, he said after a pause "I like moose". I think America should hand Alaska and Palin back to Russia.

Rachel said...

I'm an American voting in the upcoming election...I have to say I was undecided until this particular interview. If Palin stays on the ticket, I'm voting for Obama. If McCain/Palin wins and McCain croaks, God help us all.

byron smith said...

Steph - What a brilliant response from Rudd! Inspired.

Rachel - thanks for commenting (and for voting!). I'm not an uncritical fan of Obama (e.g. see here and here, not to mention a variety of other issues), but overall I think McCain/Palin would be far worse.

Anonymous said...

http://www.nbc.com/Saturday_Night_Live/video/clips/couric-palin-open/704042/

Anonymous said...

I thought so too - truly inspired. He's a good man, your Rudd.

Jonathan said...

Was it really necessary for two of the five Australia FTA networks to broadcast the debate on Saturday?

byron smith said...

Linden - that was priceless.

Jonathan - two? Was it because one channel used the worm and the other refused?

Jonathan said...

They were virtually identical, until the commentators at the end found different ways to state the obvious before being abruptly cut off to go to the news.

I was surprised enough that it was on one channel...

Anonymous said...

"hearing Sarah Palin speak..."
I don't know, I've been reading some of her poetry here. They have a certain je-ne-sais-quoi

byron smith said...

Jonathan - Ah yes, the all important wrap up to put your corporate stamp on the event. I bet they also thanked different sponsors.

Dan - A-maz-ing. Might have just switched my "vote". Or maybe not.

Anonymous said...

I'll admit it had me wavering. Speaking of voting - have you seen the 'Global Electoral College' here?

byron smith said...

Rolling Stone: Michelle Bachmann.