President Obama defending the mistakes of the previous administration

[ProSense]

10. Are you serious?

This was definitely a misstep

Don't know that it will necessarily destroy our GOTV efforts in November but he really didn't need to go there IMHO. Of course, we already know that Bush, Cheney, et al will not suffer any legal consequences over Iraq but PBO doesn't need to be the one justifying/apologising for it IMHO

When it times for outrage: opposing is defending. You actually believe the following is going to "destroy our GOTV efforts in November"?

Moreover, Russia has pointed to America’s decision to go into Iraq as an example of Western hypocrisy. Now, it is true that the Iraq War was a subject of vigorous debate not just around the world, but in the United States as well. I participated in that debate and I opposed our military intervention there. But even in Iraq, America sought to work within the international system. We did not claim or annex Iraq’s territory. We did not grab its resources for our own gain. Instead, we ended our war and left Iraq to its people and a fully sovereign Iraqi state that could make decisions about its own future.

Of course, neither the United States nor Europe are perfect in adherence to our ideals, nor do we claim to be the sole arbiter of what is right or wrong in the world. We are human, after all, and we face difficult choices about how to exercise our power. But part of what makes us different is that we welcome criticism, just as we welcome the responsibilities that come with global leadership.

http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2014/03/26/remarks-president-address-european-youth

There was in fact a process to work with the international community...right up until Bush violated all agreements. On that score, Bush's and Putin's invasions are illegal.

Obama did defend his own actions in Iraq: ending the war and leaving it a sovereign state.
HuffPo and those interested in giving Bush a pass love the headline: Obama Defends Iraq Invasion.

I mean, why the fuck else would anyone spin opposition to the invasion as defending it?

There is likely one other reason, but would anyone admit it: Thanks, Obama.

For once, the nonsense isn't winning the day except among some dead-enders.

Calm, Cool, and Collected, President Obama Schools ABC Reporter During Press Conference at The Hague
http://www.democraticunderground.com/10024732240

That one went viral on Facebook.

Enjoy.