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The Spectacle Blog
The killing of Osama bin Laden by U.S. forces is first and foremost a victory for America, as well as for justice. The response of most political leaders in Washington has been appropriately bipartisan. For a few days, the death of this terrorist may even restore the unity of purpose Americans felt in the immediate aftermath of 9/11.
Yet there are undeniably political implications to this news. I don’t think it guarantees President Obama a second term as it would have done for George W. Bush from 2001-04, but it has certainly strengthened his hand. It will complicate the arguments over his national security policies. Some will point out that Obama has maintained many of his predecessor’s policies that he once condemned and argue that this vindicates Bush. Others will contend that this success doesn’t necessarily validate Obama’s broader approach to the war on terror, an argument that will be true but — given the importance most Americans rightly attached to getting bin Laden — a lot harder to make now.
Bin Laden’s death will also make it harder to maintain support for remaining in Afghanistan indefinitely. Many Americans viewed the hunt for bin Laden as a major reason for the U.S. Afghan mission. Already war-weary, they may look at Karzai’s lack of any apparent role in this moment and conclude it’s time for our troops to come home. It will be interesting to see how this develops.
ncatty| 5.2.11 @ 8:38AM
Yes, my wife's first comment was "Let's bring everyone home."
Rick V.| 5.2.11 @ 9:42AM
My wife said the same thing - and she's a retired Army NCO.
Alan Brooks| 5.2.11 @ 11:07AM
"and she's a retired Army NCO."
This means nothing whatsoever.
jo blo| 5.2.11 @ 8:40AM
Problem is, the whole argument the last 2 years has only about foreign policy for (a) worryworts and (b) for those who just want to add fuel to the rhetorical fire. This idiot's economic policies or the incompetence of the GOP are what will decide this election.
Chris | 5.2.11 @ 8:42AM
I think you're spot on. This will provide a deserved short term bump to the adminstration, but the longer term pocket book issues remain. Ultimately, that's what voters will be faced with in 2012. Successfully defeating the Iraqi Army and liberating Kuwait did wonders for 41 back in early 1991, but recall it held little sway with voters by November 2012. My guess is a few more black swans will show themselves between now and then.
tonypal| 5.2.11 @ 9:01AM
It's just too far out from the election to have any significant impact and we ought to thank God for that.
Will| 5.2.11 @ 9:09AM
The campaign season is on and poppin'! (as they say) The Committee to Reinstate The Caliphate, the Muslim Brotherhood, NOI etc. etc. have thrown their collective weight on to to the reelection. With their man sitting in D.C. tossing an obsolete, sickly corpse to the infidel dogs is no problemo! Let 'em think they've won something, distract them from the hideous truth that since OBL became a household word a million more clones have sprouted, and are hard at work. You say Osama, I say Obama, let's call the whole thing off!
A Balrog of Morgoth| 5.2.11 @ 9:27AM
For 95% of the country, "war weary"=bored with watching it on the TV news, since that's as close as they've come to being involved.
Bill Hussein O'Stalin| 5.2.11 @ 9:29AM
It does vindicate Bush on many issues.
This is one day however you won't hear blame Bush. The media will give him little to no credit.
Alan Brooks| 5.2.11 @ 11:06AM
Would you give Bush 41 credit for what Reagan did? you are all as educated as you are dense.
kingsmill| 5.2.11 @ 12:15PM
This means nothing whatsoever.
PCC| 5.2.11 @ 10:35AM
The death of Osama Bin Laden is great news!
American public opinion will now clamor for full and fast withdrawal from AfPak. If Obama has any brains, he'll move on it immediately, and will get 80% support overnight.
Wayne | 5.2.11 @ 11:14AM
Killing Bin Ladin is just symbolic. The killers are alive and well and still plotting. This is not over.
PCPSmoker| 5.2.11 @ 12:15PM
The actions don't square with "man made disasters", shut down Gitmo, waterboarding as torture, and outreach to Muslims.
All this really says is that he's not that stupid
PCC| 5.2.11 @ 7:54PM
Time to declare victory in AfPak and bring the troops home, now.