Over the past year Barack Obama has stated multiple times as president he would hold meetings with Iran "without preconditions." Most famously, he said it at the YouTube debate and has reaffirmed that position several times. He is now trying to "clarify" his position by adding nuance, but spin and clarification won't help him escape what he actually said.Here is a New York Times article from last year that spells out Obama's position on talking to Iran "without preconditions":
Making clear that he planned to talk to Iran without preconditions, Mr. Obama emphasized further that “changes in behavior” by Iran could possibly be rewarded with membership in the World Trade Organization, other economic benefits and security guarantees.
Recognizing this goofy position will be a major problem in the general election, Obama is starting to "explain" what he really meant. In a speech over the weekend he clarified the previous statements by adding some nuance:
Agreeing to begin talks without preconditions “does not mean we would not have preparations,” Mr. Obama said.
“Those preparations would involve starting with low-level diplomatic contacts” like National Security Council or State Department emissaries, he said.
But the Obama website hasn't gotten the update - it still says Obama will meet with Iran "without preconditions."
Diplomacy: Obama is the only major candidate who supports tough, direct presidential diplomacy with Iran without preconditions. Now is the time to pressure Iran directly to change their troubling behavior. Obama would offer the Iranian regime a choice. If Iran abandons its nuclear program and support for terrorism, we will offer incentives like membership in the World Trade Organization, economic investments, and a move toward normal diplomatic relations. If Iran continues its troubling behavior, we will step up our economic pressure and political isolation. Seeking this kind of comprehensive settlement with Iran is our best way to make progress.
Flopping Aces has the screen shot in case the Obama people scrub the web site.
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This is more than a rookie mistake, this gets the heart of Obama's main weakness: naivete. In a national security election Obama's weaknesses will be fatal.
By November, nobody will believe Powder Puff Obama can talk Ahmadinejad into becoming reasonable. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)
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