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During the semester, I shall post course material and students will comment on it. Students are also free to comment on any aspect of American politics, either current or historical. There are only two major limitations: no coarse language, and no derogatory comments about people at the Claremont Colleges. This blog is on the open Internet, so post nothing that you would not want a potential employer to see. Syllabus: http://gov20h.blogspot.com/2023/08/draft-introduction-to-american-politics.html

Saturday, September 13, 2008

Hockey Mom lacks understanding of the Bush Doctrine?

Sarah Palin's interview with Charles Gibson raises questions about her foreign policy understanding and the Bush Doctrine.  Gibson asked her whether she agreed with the Bush Doctrine, in which she replied, "In what respect, Charlie?"  Foreign affairs experts claim that as many as seven distinct Bush Doctrines exist which means her confusion may be understandable. Referring to Gibson’s question on preemptive attacks, Palin later responded, “If there is legitimate and enough intelligence that tells us that a strike is imminent against American people, we have every right to defend our country. In fact, the president has the obligation, the duty to defend."  James Fallows argues that Palin “has not been interested enough in world affairs to become minimally conversant with the issues.”  This issue will not serve as ammunition for Obama and Biden if Palin manages to hold her ground in the future Vice Presidential debates.

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