The Democratic presidential candidate race has not only torn the party in two but is increasingly highlighting weaknesses on both sides. A strident aspect to Hilary Clinton’s foreign policy appeared today, painting Barack Obama in the more mature light. When asked how she would respond to an Iranian attack on Israel, Clinton shockingly promised to "obliterate" Iran were she president. As Obama rightfully pointed out, using words such as "obliterate" "doesn’t produce good results". Not to be outdone, however, he did manage to add that he would deal with Iran ‘forcefully’ – let there be no fear of that.
Clinton’s harsh statement is evidence once more of a continuing desperation to win every possible Pennsylvanian vote (with the primary set to take place this evening), despite the fact that polls show she is well in the lead. Her biggest advantage over Obama is experience and she means to highlight this particularly in foreign policy where critics feel that Obama is vulnerable to accusations of idealism and callowness. She seems to be taking every possible opportunity to drum this into potential voters.
But coming hot on the heels of her recent "politics of fear" campaign (as termed by Obama’s people), one has to wonder to what lengths she is willing to go. There’s no doubt that she’s the more mature and experienced candidate, but using images of Osama bin Laden and Katrina victims to boost votes leaves one a little cold. Nor does Clinton's pandering to the worst instincts of the US electorate inspire confidence in her judgment.
Obama may be 14 years her junior but he doesn’t seem to be losing his poise and self-control. While she clutches at straws by exploiting the American public’s fear of the possible, Clinton has also started using polemical and inappropriate vocabulary where foreign policy issues are concerned. If she hopes to convince voters she is competent and experienced, she needs to address the issues in a more composed and pragmatic way. The rest of the world knows that we don’t need any more "shock and awe" tactics - or language - coming from the US.
