Obama, McCain clash on talking to enemies

In this corner: Barack Obama, the junior senator from Illinois and former community activist, who argues that meeting with some of the world's most nefarious figures is the only way to force their hands.

In that corner: John McCain, the senior senator from Arizona and former prisoner of war, who says talking to evil-doers will only prop up their repressive regimes.

The Democratic frontrunner and the Republican presumptive nominee couldn't be farther apart in their approaches toward enemies abroad. Read The Miami Herald story about how their foreign policy differences resonate in Florida here.

The issue came up in an interview today on NBC's "Meet the Press," with Obama repeating his belief that the U.S. should confront Iran directly, drawing a GOP attack that he is "wrong on foreign policy."

"I have consistently said that we've got to talk directly to Iran, send them a clear message that they have to stop, not only with their potential funding of militias inside of Iraq, but they also have to stop funding Hamas, they have to stop funding Hezbollah, they've got to stand down on their nuclear weapons,'' he said. "There will be continued consequences for those kinds of actions, but that here are also some carrots and possible benefits if they change behavior. Those kinds of direct talks have not taken place. That's the kind of change in foreign policy that I plan to put in place when I'm president of the United States."

Obama also criticized rival Hillary Clinton for saying the U.S. "would totally obliterate Iran" if it attacked Israel, calling it "language that's reflective of George Bush."

He added: "It is important that we use language that sends a signal to the world community that we're shifting from the sort of cowboy diplomacy, or lack of diplomacy, that we've seen out of George Bush.  And this kind of language is not helpful. When Iran is able to go to the United Nations complaining about the statements made and get some sympathy, that's a sign that we are taking the wrong approach."

Comments

[Mike]

Hmm and we wonder Mr.Wexler why your constituents are concerned...you should be more concerned...

[Broward delegate]

Obama is a pontificator and Wexler a BS artist.The difference between the two is negligible.They are both dangerous politicians who will damage our future.