So Republicans over the last couple of days are very excited about what they see as an Obama flip-flop:
"Barack Obama, appearing to seek flexibility with his Iraq withdrawal policy, may have finally given Republicans ammunition they can use...But until Thursday, those positions were issues like public financing — a topic unlikely to sway voters in large numbers in November. With the difficulty Obama showed in explaining his Iraq withdrawal policy, he is dancing on a position that has been integral to his campaign. Republicans seized on his comments Thursday, when he said he’s willing to “refine” his Iraq policy. They are attempting to drive home the developing message that Obama will say anything for the sake of his political advantage. “It is a flip-flop,” Republican strategist Angela McGlowan told FOX News. “He’s changing his tune to be more attractive to the whole country, and I think he’s going to flip-flop on more things.”
Well. My view--I wouldn't make too much of this. Yes, this comment could be useful for some short-term gains for the GOP. But if Obama goes to Iraq later this summer and then comes home and doesn't substantially shift his policy--what then? People will forget about any supposed flip-flop. Politically, as conservatives, we need to keep our eyes peeled for bigger hints of intent or larger policy shifts. Don't get too caught up in the daily give-and-take, back-and-forth of campaigns.
