Quote Originally Posted by euphoricism
He's not wrong. It was a pretty generic question which could have a billion answers. Read the first sentence in the wiki link, or let me summarize:
The Bush Doctrine is a phrase used to describe various related foreign policy principles [...] the phrase initially described the policy that [...] later it came to include additional elements such as ...
In other words, its a retardedly generic term that essentially means "we did something different than we did in the 60s". It contains no particular policy change, nor was this doctrine ever formally stated by the administration. The wiki notes that some of these policies were codified in a National Security Council text entitled the National Security Strategy of the United States published on September 20, 2002. But doesn't state which. You couldn't compare it to say the Truman Doctrine which was pretty clearly delineated.
Non story. Obama couldn't have answered it, neither could McCain, neither could you or I. Its a "gotcha" piece, aimed at making someone look stupid.
I'm just wondering whether anyone actually falls for this shit where people completely ignore what they've been asked and spout their own little advoidance speech - we saw it all the time in the UK under Bliar.
Its just as pervasive -- and annoying, here in the states. You can ask any politician about any subject and they will just completely ignore you. Its especially great during the debates where it goes something like this:
Moderator: Mr Candidate, can you summarize your position on tax relief for the middle class?
Candidate: Yes I can but I just want to mention one thing: Abortion is wrong, and I've fought against it for years.
Crowd: *facepalm*
It's pretty fucking obvious and yet NO ONE will say "No shut the fuck up and answer the question" except late night talk show hosts and the occasional Daily Show appearance.
The fundamental problem with American politics is that there are only two sides, far left and far right, and the majority of rational people fall squarely in the middle, forcing us to choose which guy we hate the least.
What a way to create progress.
Excellent post! You are right on the money!