Answering The Phone

“Its 3 am and a phone is ringing in the White House. Who do you want answering that phone?”

- Campaign ad released by candidate Hillary Clinton in May, 2008.

We know President Obama’s answer to that question. The phone is ringing off the hook at the White House and it’s Hilary Clinton picking up the receiver.

Clinton has grown into the job of Secretary of State. She is no longer seen as an appointee chosen to quiet a restive wing of the President’s party, but instead is viewed as a strong Secretary of State and a trusted steward of American Policy.

Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice never really grew into the job the way Clinton has. Rice came across more as a security blanket for President Bush than someone trusted to guide American interests. She was a better fit as National Security Advisor than she was as Secretary of State. Former Secretary of Sate, Gen. Colin Powell failed to stand up to the Bush crowd when he knew they were wrong about Iraq. He left office with no credibility and his reputation in tatters.

As Egyptians march through Cairo to the Presidential Palace demanding that Mubarak step down, it is essential that American diplomacy take the long view. It is not enough to get Mubarak out without a civil war, we have to get him to go in a way that will stabilize the region, and leave a spot for the US at the table, when the revolutions that are “politely waiting in line” start coming though the door.

We need the courage to allow a Turkey or Indonesian style Muslim democracy to take root in Egypt. To do that, the current administration understands that subtly and patience is required.

Rather than trying to pick a winner from the opposition groups while making tub-thumping statements about the spread of Democracy, Clinton is wisely using American influence to nudge Mubarak out of power and letting the Egyptians play a strong role in choosing their own destiny. (http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2011/02/10/statement-president-barack-obama-egypt).

There will be “regime change” in Egypt that will embolden people all across the Middle-East and North Africa to challenge and change their governments. The new foundations for this region will be laid over the next decade. So as the 2012 Presidential election approaches it is important to ask: “Which Republican Presidential hopeful can answer the 3 am call?”

None.

The main Republican candidates are more interested in scooping up free media on Fox News and denouncing Obama, then they are in engaging in a reasoned discussion on how to handle the Middle-East and other complex global issues.

At C-PAC Rick Santorum (R-PA) made more headlines trying to make peace with Sara Palin than trying to make peace in the Middle-East.

On 1/31/11 Rep. Ron Paul (R-Tex) said the real problem with Egypt was the US policy of propping up dictators. (http://trailblazersblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2011/01/rep-ron-paul-calls-egypt-a-mes.html). In an interview on Fox news Paul said, "I wouldn't just cut off Egyptian aid. I'd cut off all aid to the Middle-East and maybe that whole area would be better off for it.”

Sarah Palin (R-ALK) is not “enthused” by President Obama’s handling of Egypt. However, after two years as a national political figure she seems to have little information on the region. Earlier this month, in her most extensive comments on the Egyptian uprising, former Governor Palin said on the Christian Broadcast Network, "How do we verify what it is that we are being told, what it is that the American public are being fed via media, via the protestors, via the government there in Egypt in order for us to really have some sound information to make wise decisions on what our position is." (http://www.usnews.com/news/articles/2011/02/07/palin-not-enthused-by-obamas-handling-of-the-crisis-in-egypt).

Mitt Romney (R-Mass) didn’t even try to express any ideas on Egypt. He simply said he supported President Obama’s policy and then started in on health care reform. (http://www.politicsdaily.com/2011/02/01/mitt-romney-backs-obama-on-handling-of-egypt-crisis/). This approach won’t burnish his foreign policy credentials or his credibility with the isolationists in charge of his Party.

Twenty days ago it didn’t seem possible that the revolution in Tunisia would be the beginning of the end for Mubarak in Egypt. Twenty days from now which tent city, in which Middle-East capitol will we be watching on the news?

As change sweeps through the Middle-East, the answer to the question “Who is the best person to answer the 3 am call to the White House?” becomes increasingly important. The Republicans have shown they have no answer.

The Democrats have shown they do.