A couple days ago at the gym, listening to a Hugh Hewitt podcast and perhaps not paying as much attention as I should have while pedaling away, I heard Hugh mention that Barack Obama doesn't understand the role of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. What was Hugh referring to? As the British would say: the penny just dropped. A few minutes ago, CNN's Situation Room played a clip of Obama saying this about his plan for Iraq:
BARACK OBAMA: I'm going to call in the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and give them a new mission, and that is to bring the war in Iraq to a close. We are going to get out.
There's only one problem. The Joint Chiefs of Staff does not have operational command of U.S. military forces. That authority resides in the commanders of the various Unified Combatant Commands. CENTCOM is the command with responsibility for Iraq [and 26 other countries including Afghanistan and Pakistan]. Earlier this month, the Senate confirmed Pres. Bush's appointment of Gen. David Petraeus as CENTCOM commander. Lt. Gen. Raymond Odierno is the new US commander for Iraq, replacing Gen. Petraeus. Those are the people, along with the Secretary of Defense, to whom the orders Obama spoke of would be issued.
View video here.
Dean Barnett, Hugh's former colleague, now a Weekly Standard contributor, has written about the chain of command and Obama's gaffe in detail: Obama Ignorance Watch: What Do the Joint Chiefs Really Do?
During the segment I saw, CNN never noted this troubling lack of knowledge on the part of the man who would be Commander-in-Chief. Will any other MSM outlets call attention to it?
—Mark Finkelstein is a NewsBusters contributing editor and host of Right Angle. Contact him at mark@gunhill.net.
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Just Wars 101
July 14, 2008 - 17:44 ET by bradbenj5952Obama, The only point to any just war is to "bring it to a close". But first, the evil which brought the just out of their peace must be dealt with. If you don't deal with it, it will still be there to harm the innocent some time in the future. I hope this isn't too complicated a matter for you. It is concerning to many of us that someone vying to be president of these United States doesn't understand that. Or are you just playing politics with your supporters?
"Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house." Acts 16:31
"Bring it to a close" means
July 14, 2008 - 17:53 ET by Free Thinker"Bring it to a close" means victory. I don't think Obama understands that yet. He looks more inexperienced and foolish every day without a teleprompter.
it doesn't mean victory to
July 14, 2008 - 18:02 ET by TruthMongerit doesn't mean victory to the left
it means surrender, run away, losing
good election strategy!
Ending the war...
July 17, 2008 - 00:39 ET by Tom1969caMemo to B. Hussein Obama:
Bringing the troops home from Iraq/Afghanistan will not end the war. This war did not begin on 9/11; it began during the Carter administration. It's just that until October 2001 our enemies were the only ones fighting it.
If we bring our troops home before the job is done, it is true that we will no longer be fighting in the war against terror.
But the terrorists still will be.
===
Conservation doesn't get us more energy. It's as if we were running out of food and the Democrats were telling us: "Just eat a little less every day!"
--Anne Coulter
"What the Joint Chiefs do"
July 14, 2008 - 17:53 ET by zhombre"What the Joint Chiefs do" will be on President-elect Obama's briefing schedule right after the Secretary of the Treasury explains "Why we just can't print more money to pay for expanded social programs." After eight years of the Democrats griping about how dumb Bush is, they put up a candidate who might actually be dumber, Harvard Law Review nonwithstanding.
bring the war in Iraq to a
July 14, 2008 - 18:00 ET by TruthMongerbring the war in Iraq to a close:)...?
can you just imagine being a highly decorated and experienced joint chief - and having to work for this guy
→ No Probem Truthie
July 14, 2008 - 18:04 ET by Cool ArrowWe've seen Wesley Clark in action. He'd authorize killing Soviet soldiers before he'd lay a glove on Al Qaeda.
LYDSEXICS UNTIE
obama as prez will be just
July 14, 2008 - 18:16 ET by TruthMongerobama as prez will be just like one of those child kings - the advisors will be running the show
the WH dems have always known they really need to just leave the pentagon alone until a Repub gets back in
bring the war in Iraq to a
July 14, 2008 - 19:14 ET by motherbeltbring the war in Iraq to a close:)...
Would someone please tell Lord Obama that you don't "bring a war to a close" or "end it" as if it were a Broadway show.
You win it, lose it, or withdraw from it.
Now, when is someone in the MSM going to ask Lord Obama his preference?
Shoot 'em all; let God sort 'em out! - Marge Simpson
"You win it, lose it, or
July 17, 2008 - 00:51 ET by RESTLESS 1"You win it, lose it, or withdraw from it."
Absolutely correct, and only one of those options is acceptable in this case.
"This
liberal would be all about socialize -- uh, uh, would be about
basically taking over and the government running all of your companies."-Maxine Waters 2008
What Obama doesn't know....
July 14, 2008 - 18:11 ET by BlondeI think we need one of Free Stinker's comprehensive lists for this topic.
Obama's ignorance is spectacular....it's just too bad the media is so in the tank (but Mika's not)....that they'll never utter a peep.
Okay, Free....have at it!
David Gregory, do you know which damn network you lie for? ~ Uncle Jimbo, @Blackfive
Good idea Blonde
July 14, 2008 - 19:23 ET by Dee BunkIt probably needs it's very own thread so it can be continually added to.
"Constantly attacking (peaceful) religions rather than politely sharing your own shows lack of faith " DB
Agreed, Dee
July 14, 2008 - 20:14 ET by BlondeSorry for the late response, I just busted my mom out of the hospital.
And after that experience, I want absolutely NOTHING to do with socialized medicine.
David Gregory, do you know which damn network you lie for? ~ Uncle Jimbo, @Blackfive
Sorry - I didn't know your mom was sick Blonde
July 14, 2008 - 20:21 ET by Dee BunkI'm glad she is well enough to come home now.
"Constantly attacking (peaceful) religions rather than politely sharing your own shows lack of faith " DB
No worries, Dee.
July 14, 2008 - 20:30 ET by BlondeMy mom had a TIA....Transient Ischemic Attack...on Saturday.
So, I'll do a bit of education here.
It is a "mini-stroke"...symptoms include disorientation, slurred speech, numbness on one side of the body/face, memory loss....all of a temporary nature (thankfully).
It is very common among the elderly, but can be a pre-cursor to a big stroke.
So, keep an eye on your parents, and if this happens, dial 911 and get them to the hospital, pronto.
Most likely, all will be fine (as in my Mom's case, thankfully....she's back to normal)....but in case there's a further neurological episode, the hospital is the place to be.
Thanks for your kind words, Dee.
David Gregory, do you know which damn network you lie for? ~ Uncle Jimbo, @Blackfive
Thank goodness she is okay
July 14, 2008 - 20:51 ET by Dee Bunkthat had to be very frightening and stressful for you.
"Constantly attacking (peaceful) religions rather than politely sharing your own shows lack of faith " DB
Thanks, Dee.
July 14, 2008 - 20:56 ET by BlondeAll's well that ends well....but keep an eagle eye out for anything not right.
David Gregory, do you know which damn network you lie for? ~ Uncle Jimbo, @Blackfive
Blonde,
July 14, 2008 - 21:13 ET by stratmanSorry to hear about your mother's TIA. I hope she continues to do well. Were the docs able the find cause and treat it?
My cousin just had a heart attack while vacationing in Florida. He is/was the healthy one of the bunch - exercised, ate right, avoided the bad things. He came back to Cleveland to get stented and is doing well.
It sucks to get old.
RRAM Tough!
Nice bit of education Blonde
July 15, 2008 - 17:58 ET by DEVILDOCMOMI just want to emphasize what you said, GO TO THE HOSPITAL IMMEDIATELY! When I work Triage I am so upset when someone comes in with symptoms of a TIA or a CVA (Cerebral Vascular Accident or stroke) and tells me it has been going on for 4 or 5 hours, 4 or 5 days, or 4 or 5 weeks. If you do not have help within 2 to 3 hours it is less likely you will be eligible for the best treatment.
Well, perhaps if Obama had his subcommitte up and running..
July 14, 2008 - 18:33 ET by Gary HallWell, perhaps if Obama had his little subcommitte up and running.. he might have been forced to expose himself to some of these military matters. Back in Feb., Senator Clinton made the following charge:
Excellent point Gary
July 14, 2008 - 20:07 ET by Dee BunkHe doesn't even understand how to get anything done in the Senate yet either.
"Constantly attacking (peaceful) religions rather than politely sharing your own shows lack of faith " DB
Well Dee -
July 14, 2008 - 21:13 ET by Gary HallWell Dee - that might be the good news if he gets elected. Hee hee (;~> gary
Another Good point Gary! Maybe he thinks VETO is the way to
July 14, 2008 - 21:22 ET by Dee Bunkapprove legislation ; ) We have to cling to anything at this point. It's sad, the only hopes I have are so slim. Like he or McCain being disallowed based on citizenship and the Race being Romney against Hillary.
I can only live in a fantasy world now because the choices are so bad.
"Constantly attacking (peaceful) religions rather than politely sharing your own shows lack of faith " DB
No Surprise There
July 15, 2008 - 13:03 ET by steve2526"He doesn't even understand how to get anything done in the Senate yet either."
To paraphrase a saying we had in law enforcement: "I've got more time in the bathroom than he's got in the Senate."
A member of the right-wing media
Symbolism over Substance
July 14, 2008 - 19:07 ET by garyganuIt does not matter what Obama does and does not know. He is campaigning on a platform of symbolism and catchy logos and mantras such as: change we can believe in, hope, etc. At times he uses his inexperience as a strength, when he believes that it is fitting. He will spin it so that his inexperience sounds good because it frees him up to bring about change. I think that typical liberal supporters, value his symbolism over substance approach.
However, if he gets his way, he will change the US forever. Since we are currently the freest, wealthiest and most powerful nation in the world, his kind of change will not be good for America.
Do Obama's supporters have any idea what Obama stands for?
He is in favor of government taking over certain industries, such as health care, the energy industry, and the banking industry. That is called fascism.
He is in favor of government regulating the thermostat in your house, the size of your car and how much food you can eat. That is called totalitarianism.
He is for taxing the rich and giving to the poor, that is called socialism.
He is for negotiating with terrorist states, that is called pacifism.
Change from an inexperienced far left liberal like Obama, could only mean diminishing our freedoms, wealth and power.
Liberals are easily duped with empty promises and rhetoric. What amazes me is how they always come back to the democrats for more of the same. I believe this is because most liberals are against any form of moral restraint for practically anyone. The paradox that most liberals don't understand is that maximum freedom is only achieved through moral restraint.
Nope
July 14, 2008 - 18:38 ET by j. frank wilsonNowhere in this quote does Sen. Obama state he expects the Joint Chiefs of staff to exercise operational control over the US Military.
He will announce the new policy. The National Security Council and the Joint Chiefs will advise him on the best way to carry it out.
Then the appropriate orders will be issued.
Are you suggesting he shouldn't consult with the Joint Chiefs first? Or that we should not continue to have civilian control over our military?
Here is a tip:
July 14, 2008 - 19:01 ET by needleIf you read Obama Ignorance Watch: What Do the Joint Chiefs Really Do?
you may understand the rest of this post better.
Impunitas semper ad deteriora invitat.
Thank you!
July 14, 2008 - 19:26 ET by j. frank wilsonThe dig about community organizing at the end really cleared up the entire matter.
For your information
July 14, 2008 - 22:54 ET by Mike BrattonObama said he was going to give the Joint Chiefs "a new mission". Since their existing mission is not to prosecute a war, but to advise the President, what will their new mission be? Bake sales? Leaflet distribution? Community organizing?
Life is imitating art here, J. Frank, in that Obama is a 21st Century version of Chauncey Gardiner.
Without the firm convictions, that is.
--Mike
www.thebrattonreport.com
@Mike Bratton:
July 15, 2008 - 00:02 ET by j. frank wilsonSo you either don't believe in civilian control of the US Military, or you suggest the President should undertake a major course correction without the advice of the experts?
Got it. Thanx.
"Thanks" with an "x"?
July 15, 2008 - 10:37 ET by Mike BrattonWell, all right, then...
The faux-restatement nonsense is poor form; if that's your best, you've come to the discussion empty-handed.
Obama isn't well-versed in the command structure of the very Armed Forces over which he presumes to command one day. If that doesn't concern you, go right back to intentionally misspelling words and misstating others' observations.
--Mike
www.thebrattonreport.com
@Mike Bratton:
July 15, 2008 - 13:41 ET by j. frank wilsonSo cracks about Bake sales? Leaflet distribution? Community organizing? advance your position? How about building from the ground-up a national organization with 1,000 employees, thousands of volunteers, and $250,000,000 in contributions? Is that an accomplishment?
This Joint Chiefs thing is just another made-up issue - like lapel pins or preachers. There's no there there.
Thanx again!
"I'm going to call in the
July 14, 2008 - 20:21 ET by Chris Norman"I'm going to call in the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and give them a new mission..."
Obama: "Then, I'll call in the 'Secretary of Communications' and have her get the Al-Qaeda Foreign Minister on the line and ask them to please...".
McNotObama '08
Are we overreaching a bit?
July 14, 2008 - 19:52 ET by Galvanic"The Joint Chiefs of Staff does not have operational command of U.S. military forces."
I'm no fan of Obama, nor am I confident of his military knowledge. But we may be overreaching here.
As Commander in Chief, Obama could order withdrawal from Iraq, setting in motion the planning process.
CENTCOM has neither the assets nor the authority to execute a withdrawal on its own. COMCENT has no authority outside his AO, unless all the supporting COCOMs from Baghdad to CONUS have been placed under his OPCON.
As advisors to the CinC, the JCS would take the CinC's intent onboard, develop a plan for withdrawal (cooperating with CENTCOM, TRANSCOM, and SOCCOM in the process, and probably COMPAC and COMEUR as well), and advise the CinC as to the feasibility of the proposed timetable. There might in fact be three or more courses of action for the CinC to choose from after consulting with COMCENT.
When the CinC and the participating COCOMs agree on the plan, the JCS -- functioning as the CinC's staff -- would oversee the execution of the plan and facilitate the coordination between COCOMs.
Obama may indeed not understand that he got it right, but the quote alone isn't evidence that he definitely got it wrong.
i think the generals would
July 14, 2008 - 20:00 ET by TruthMongeri think the generals would recommend that he just order "an end to all evil"
his short-sightedness is so staggering:(
it won't matter
July 14, 2008 - 20:03 ET by ledgerhedgerit won't matter. The new improved decider in chief just decided we need 2 more brigades in Afganistan. Presumably, he didn't need any input from the military or the Joint Chiefs or anyone else. Can you spell kneejerk. Maybe we don't need the knee.
Obama is a *STATE* senator in IL. for all intents and purposes
July 14, 2008 - 20:57 ET by krendler...and, oh yeah: He got elected to the US senate and served all of one year before saying "well, that's enough of that" and announcing his candidacy for president, campaigning full-time from there on out.
The guy is nothing more than a state senator from the 13th district in IL.
How much do you expect him to know about how the federal government or the military operates? Zilch - and he's proving it on a weekly basis.
peas in a pod
July 14, 2008 - 21:10 ET by mom_roxumm, because CNN doesn't know the military roles either?
A government that robs Peter to pay Paul can always depend on the support of Paul.
- George Bernard Shaw, 1944
understand the role of the
July 14, 2008 - 23:05 ET by cocodrieunderstand the role of the joint chiefs of staff? he thinks the Armed forces are the arm wrestling contests of the NFL.
Let's hope he doesn't order
July 15, 2008 - 02:48 ET by marvlLet's hope he doesn't order everyone in the Treasury Department to buy metal detectors. Or order the army to fill all their tanks with crude oil to help with the price of gas. Or order the FCC to investigate CENTCOM for overcharging for long distance rates. Or order the Navy to terminate retirement benefits for their (baby) boomers.
Obama is a Nimrod. Is half of this country out of its mind?
Well Mark I think your
July 15, 2008 - 02:54 ET by bigtimerWell Mark I think your question has been answered...
Of course this isn't something the msm is going to bring up, why it isn't sexy, non-important to who is the leader defending/running our country, any ol' sock-puppet like The O Man will do...
If this was reversed, if McCain had said this, this would be HUGE!
Hypocrisy and bias...
Nah...tell me it ain't so....
"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh
I've alway known this guy
July 17, 2008 - 01:08 ET by RESTLESS 1I've alway known this guy is not as smart as the press makes him out to be. Problem is, the people who will vote for him, and who support him, are no brighter, so they don't see how stupid he really is.
Laptops everywhere, and this idiot can't google "Joint Chiefs of Staff" to get a rundown of the function? Ima gettin' skeered.
"This
liberal would be all about socialize -- uh, uh, would be about
basically taking over and the government running all of your companies."-Maxine Waters 2008
→ Don't worry Restless
July 17, 2008 - 01:11 ET by Cool ArrowHis handlers know al about it.
OOOOH SHIIII... Now I'm gettin skeered too.
LYDSEXICS UNTIE
He does not even understand the US Government
July 17, 2008 - 06:31 ET by Semper Fi_USAAlong with most liberals of today Mr. Oboma doesn't even understand what kind of government the US is. I hear him repeatedly refer to the US as a "Democracy" which only very loosely relates to our country. The US is a Representative Republic, to which our Fore Fathers gave more power to the States than to this bloated creature the Federal government has become.
I wonder if he understands the three equal branches? His speeches do not give that impression. Listening to Oboma I think he thinks he is running for the office of "King." Fortunately for us that ended with George in 1776.
"A government big enough to give you everything you want, is strong enough to take Everything you have." Thomas Jefferson
Obama Doesn't Understand Role of Joint Chiefs: Will MSM Take Not
July 17, 2008 - 08:45 ET by Chicagoray40Barack The Buffoon strikes again and the MSM caught sniffing his jock as usual.
Bambi makes two mistakes, it
July 17, 2008 - 10:22 ET by ForeverOnTheRightBambi makes two mistakes, it is not the Joint Cheifs jusidiction and it is always the goal of the military to bring a war to a close in victory. What a scary Dim wit! And the dead-head news reader "journalists" either don't know this or are purposfully ignoreing this gaffe.
I think we all know what
July 17, 2008 - 13:37 ET by Jack BauerI think we all know what Obama means by "Joint" chiefs, maaaaaan.
Read his book, pages 16, 32, 69, 77-92.
I'm not buying that book Jack!
July 17, 2008 - 13:39 ET by Dee BunkCan't you share so no one has too ; ) What did he say?
My guess is, he inhaled.
July 17, 2008 - 13:52 ET by MassConservMy guess is, he inhaled.
Dee -- me neither! I
July 17, 2008 - 13:56 ET by Jack BauerDee -- me neither!
I just made a gag out of the book pages. You'd have to put a gun to my head to read his drivel.
But ... Barack Obama said: "I inhaled frequently" "That was the point"
Huffington Pissed
Oh good Jack - I wouldn't wish reading that book on anyone
July 17, 2008 - 14:01 ET by Dee BunkI assumed that you had read it for your blog or something.
Poor Obama probably doesn't know the difference between criminalizing and decriminalizing.
Maybe he was high at the
July 17, 2008 - 14:05 ET by Jack BauerMaybe he was high at the time? As the kids and old hippies say!
I have a better idea.
July 17, 2008 - 17:20 ET by bassndudeI have a better idea. Seeing as how you already have the book, and we do not wish to add any more $$ to his already fat wallet. You could transcribe his book onto the pages of the internet. That way we can read what we need to by search:-))
P.S.
Without compensation, of course. But you will feel better about yourself...:-)
Save a SeAL, club a liberal!!
Obama doesn't understand volumes
July 17, 2008 - 17:08 ET by c5thenHe thinks there are 56 states
He thinks that there should be a "civilian security force" that rivals the combined military branches.
Mainly he thinks that he can say and do whatever he wants and no one will remember.
An Obama presidency would be an unmitigated disaster for this country and the western nations in general.
The day that "politician" became a career choice is the day we started losing the Republic. Let's get it back! Alan Keyes '08.