Skip Navigation

The Daily Dish - 2006-2011 archives for The Daily Dish, featuring Andrew Sullivan

Dishonorable Obama

By The Daily Dish
Oct 8 2008, 1:47 AM ET

Kerry Howley's analysis is honest at least:

The only thing I know about Obama is that he is less scary than the other guy.

McCain’s bloodlusty glory-and-honor-at-any-cost orientation terrifies me. On the other hand, I’m reasonably hopeful that Obama will emerge a calculating and not at all honorable politician, thus talking the protectionist talk and doing nothing to advance an economics of resentment. I have a largely unjustified faith in Obama’s faithlessness, which is why I am voting for him.

I actually think the cynics will be disappointed in Obama (although I think Kerry is damn right about Obama on free trade).



The staggering truth is that he's actually quite sincere and calm enough to avoid rank dishonor. He's still a pol, of course, and has cut a few corners in this campaign. But he's nowhere near as slimy as Clinton.

Power will corrupt him, I'm sure. Which is why I intend to go into fair but dogged conservative opposition if he wins this election. He needs a fierce press if he is to be kept on his toes. The Dish will not relent if he wins. All I can tell you is that I will first give him the benefit of the doubt as I gave Bush. Presidents in wartime deserve a chance to do their best. But if the record shows failure or deceit, I will be as tough on Obama as I have been on Bush-Cheney. I just hope I don't have to be.

(Hat tip: Conor)

Presented by

More at The Atlantic

What Matters in President Obama's 2013 Budget What Matters in President Obama's 2013 Budget
The Agony of Nabeel Rajab The Agony of Nabeel Rajab
9 Faces of the New Egypt 9 Faces of the New Egypt
The GOP Primary Is Badly Wounding Mitt Romney Why a Long Primary Fight Will Hurt Romney
Iran War Would Cost Trillions: Will the GOP Pay More Taxes for That? Would the GOP Raise Taxes to Fund a War With Iran?
Special Report
The Civil War National Portrait Gallery The Civil War
A 150th-anniversary commemorative issue, with Atlantic work by Mark Twain, Harriet Beecher Stowe, Frederick Douglass, and others. Read more ›
View All Correspondents

The Biggest Story in Photos

Athens in Flames

Feb 13, 2012

Subscribe Now

SAVE 59%! 10 issues JUST $2.45 PER COPY

Facebook

Newsletters

Sign up to receive our free newsletters

(sample)

(sample)

(sample)

(sample)