CNN

[...] Obama for his cautious, diplomatic reaction– even solid conservatives like George Will and Dick Lugar were repulsed yesterday when extremists in the GOP started howling for "regime change." [...]

I wish we would pick a fight with our Education system, our kid have to much idle time. The summer should spent debating each other as well what going on in the world and how can they prevent the problem when they take over. We they should have a dilodge with the Iranian kid and do what our adult having a problem with. Bless our kids.

"what a bunch of losers and two faced haters these repugs are."

Its post traumatic stress disorder after eight years of hearing 'Bush is an idiot'

Please don't begin to think you are on the high ground when it comes to being critical of a President of the Untied States.

The left has been psychotic regarding Bush and they still foment and display true hatred to anyone that they disagree.

The left has no standing when it comes to being critical of a person who is themselves critical of a president. True hypocrisy.

""Most of the US doesn't remember or is too lazy to open a history book or… god forbid… research on the "internet" what the US did… that's right WE did! To not only Iran but alot of the other countries/ethnicity in the middle east.""

Look a bit farther back in history the British and French colonialism messed up the middle east before the 50s and did the lasting damage. One main reason they are so anti Semitic today was many that took sides with Hitler against the Allies and they fostered and fomented the 20th century hatred of the Jews. (not that Anti semitism originated in the 20th century) British meddling in Arabia and other countries and the betrayals they and the French did is not a small part of why that part of the would doesn't trust the west (not that anyone remembers that far back, it was longer than eight years ago)

matt June 21st, 2009 1:05 pm ET

Donkey Party you are the biggest morone in the world seriously hezbollah is funded and armed by Iran and a Hezbollah rocket attack on Israel and a Israeli retaliation would throw the mideast into more chaos so please before you make anymore stupid remarks get your fact straight and your head out of your butt
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Atleast bother to spell "moron" correctly. The recent actions by Israel more than contradict your statement. The Hamas (not Hezbollah) "rocket attacks" are basically really big bottle rockets that often times hit their own people. The israeli's retaliation to those bottle rockets, was a major ground invasion with the latest in both ground and air military equipment. Again, they get a lot of practice. Did the region (egypt, Syria, Iran, lebanon) do anything different than what they ahve been doing. Nope. Why? Because they know that Israel will pound them into glass.

Luger has always been a "good" republican. Conservative fiscal and national security, but thoughtful and reasoned in his discussion. This is the type of presidential candidate the repubicans need.

Matt @ 11:30am posted this:

"So what is our messiah president Obama going to do when the Iranian President decides to unleash Hezbollah on Israel to try and turn the worlds attention away from the crises going on in Iran now"

To sum up what donkey party said:

Look at the six day war. Israel has the latest in U.S. military gear and training. What they also have, that most militarys don't, is LOTS and LOTS of practice. They have also made it abundantly clear how much they care about what other countries think of their tactics and their willingness to use force.

Maybe you should talk to IRAN Senator Lugar Then you will see its not that easy. Go over there among all the protesting you and your republicans colleuges and sit down and have a talk to the IRANIANS, then come back and give us your report.

Another one of the (few) sensible Republicans who has nothing to prove by making big threats.

people could care less in united states what happens over there. they made their bed not lay in it

WOW. What a brilliant idea. It's obvious to me that this is the only path, and one Obama has advocated since the campaign. Too bad the Bush adminstration wasted the past 8 years with IRAN, NORTH KOREA, SYRIA, and others.

So, after months of whining and criticizing the republicans come back with an alternative way of dealing with Iran... that's verbatim the SAME as Obama has been saying all along? Bravo! Nice job!

Gasp! A republican actually says we should use diplomacy first and invade last? Unheard of!

President Obama needs to take a tougher approach and response to the REPUBLICAN TALIBAN FIRST! They are his real domestic enemies. They and the James Brunn will discredit him long before the middle east, will.

President Obama use some common sense and stop listening to the party of LOSERS. They lost for a reason! Take no advice from those who squandered our country's wealth and respect. All their advise is a SET-UP.

Our representatives.

No time to fix our problems.

Took time to work on foreign resolution.

We're getting screwed on both sides by our representatives (or should I say non-representatives).

Our "friend" nations, such as Saudi Arabia, are some of the most extreme as far as undemocratic governments, its an actual fake Monarchy, – where women are not even allowed to vote so why is there no "speaking up" on that nation but some feel a need to judge Iran.? Let them sort it out. With such a young populatrion its only a matter of time and Obama's approach will help it a long indirectly but if we get directly involved it will backfire on us and slow progress since they'll claim we are behind the protests.

Right now we need to stay out of Iran let them figure there stuff out by themselves I don't understand these meddling Republicans

Your right Richard, ala ways of G.W. ; member you remember?
My way or the Highway !

And another thing, an unprovoked attack by Hezbollah against Israel probably wouldn't sit well with the Lebanese Army, or Jordan and Egypt either. In all likelihood, they would side with the Israelies since they wouldn't want this powder keg exploding in their respective back yards. What are they teaching you kids in school these days anyway???

Also, having been to Israel and Iran, and being of Iranian decent, I'm pretty sure I know what I'm talking about. Now please go crawl back into your mommy's womb and evolve a little more before you come back here again.

Matt -

How old are you? My guess is probably 17 or so. I think Noggin or Nickleodeon might have a site that's a little more your speed for you to go and play on. Hezbollah is based in Lebanon and it's primary funding is from Iran, with a few bones thrown from Syria as well. I did say "Supreme Leadership", didn't I? Who do you think they are, the Swiss? And not to kick you while you're down, but it's spelled "moron". No charge for the lesson this time! : )

Bill Bennett needs to be a conservative analyst to keep his well-paid appearances on CNN. He is brainwashed much like Bush, Gingrich, McCain, so he can create the controversy that news producers use to get viewers.

to donkey party Hezbollah is funded and Trained and armed by Iran stupid and there were trained Iranians helping Hezbollah in the 2006 war so again I know you think so highly of Obama but it goes to show you lack in intelligence to

Hey Matt, is "morone" an Italian moron? Speaking of which ....!

Donkey Party you are the biggest morone in the world seriously hezbollah is funded and armed by Iran and a Hezbollah rocket attack on Israel and a Israeli retaliation would throw the mideast into more chaos so please before you make anymore stupid remarks get your fact straight and your head out of your butt

Matt @ 11:30am posted this:

"So what is our messiah president Obama going to do when the Iranian President decides to unleash Hezbollah on Israel to try and turn the worlds attention away from the crises going on in Iran now"

Wow, where to begin on this one...
First, it's only the right-wingers who use the term "Messiah" toward President Obama, due to their jealousy and inability to find a single Neo-con candidate that has the support Obama has. Second, Hezbollah isn't an army, or governmental body, they're a faction who answers to the Supreme Leadership, not the Iranian President. And third, and most importantly, Israel by far has the most potent ground forces and extremely potent air forces in the region. Their pilots in particular are of exceptional talent, rivaling our own pilots in tactical knowledge and proven battle skills. In a hypothetical situation, if you asked any American fighter pilot which enemy they would least like to encounter in combat, I would safely guess about 90% of them would say the Israelies. No offense to their British, French, or German counterparts, it's just the Israelies are that good.

So, for you to suggest that Israel, a nuclear-armed Israel by the way, is helpless against any Middle-eastern aggression just goes to show your own ignorance on the subject. Sadly, too many other less-informed folks like you also buy into the same drivel, spoon fed to you from the fear-mongering Limbaughs, Palins, Gingrichs, and McCains on the right.

what a bunch of losers and two faced haters these repugs are. during the campaign, when then senator obama said that he is willing to sit down and speak with iran, the repugs shouted, "that's not sound foreign policy'. now all of a sudden, they say to now president obama, that is a good idea to hold talks with iran. they speak first and think second if they even think at all. repugs will do anything to oppose president obama, even if he's right just for the sake of wanting to see him fail. can't speak for the rest of you voters, but it's been long overdue to vote out repugs in every district.

he is the only sensible senator from republican side.
if we wanted to keep oil price down than, stay away from meddling in middle east.

weren't the republicans the ones yelling and screaming about the democrats who were against the iraq war.. those same republicans saying that we needed to send a unified message... hmmm, i guess that unified message thing doesn't apply when there's a democratic president... well, to the republican party i say, you people don't have a clue about international diplomacy... you're the party who sold weapons to iran so you could fund dictatorships in central america that killed nuns... you people just need to shut up already...

The Iran people are finding it hard to get rid of their republican party too.The zealots here almost destroyed our country but we canned their blanks.

Are the Republicans now calling for a talk with no "pre-conditions" with Iran? Boy, they can't seem to get it right.

Why does anyone care what the Republicans think. They messed everything up and chanted their stale slogan "you're either with us or against us" and now they are trying to act like they have a clue about foreign policy? They had Iran boxed in with their axis of evil garbage and now they are trying to act pro-Iran? What a joke. I think it was because Obama got elected and the U.S. people voted out the old stale divisive ways of the Republican party that the Iranian people are having the courage to do the same. If the Republicans were smart they'd go into hiding for a few years because every time they open their mouth they look like ridiculous hypocrites.

Be careful what you wish for people. Do not confuse the "Democracy" we have here in the US with the style of "Democracy" that is set up in Iran. Two entirely different animals.
As long as the government of Iran is run, controlled and functions under the sole authority of the ruling mullahs, not much will change towards the democracy so many Americans seem to think exists there.
The Iranians, the PEOPLE of Iran, are the eventual sole arbiters of what type of government they want, not any one person here in the US, left, right, Republican, Democrat, no one.
If they decide to retain their republic as one that is controlled by religion, that is their decision. If they decide, for example, towards a balance or compromise that retains a religious identity within their government yet offers some changes like the PEOPLE deciding their own candidates, not those chosen by the Guardian Council ( a possible step towards real representation in a "democracy") that is their decision, no matter who the unrest all shakes out in the days ahead.
If they decide to remove such strict religious controls over their government , again, that is going to be their choice.
We can "protest" the carnage, so can the rest of the world, of course, but the ultimate decision of what kind of government the Iranian people want lies with them.
I remind everyone, as long as the mullahs are in control, this will always be a repressive government in many ways.

You Republicans make me sick. Eight years you had to accomplish all this crap. And now you offer advice to the President. FORGET IT.

What?

A republican that actually does not want to shoot first and ask questions later?

Lush will not be pleased.

As a Republican, I don't like Lugar's comments on the surface. I'm hopeful that they're something said to rile the Iranian protesters up against the current regime.

You voted for Bush twice Jon and then McInsane,who are you trying to kid?

President Obama has it totally correct. In fact, many people of Iran do not want us to intervene. They have indicated that if we do, the regime will only blame the US for the unrest in their country.

I hope we have learned that we cannot call countries the "axis of evil" and expect them to love America. And where were the Republicans when Bush called (Iran, North Korea) the "axis of evil". I did not hear them condemning those comments. How about McCain, "bomb, bomb, Iran". Now he says President Obama should be more forceful about civil rights of Iran. You cannot have it both ways Senator!

Republicans need to devise solutions instead of spewting rhetoric at the President of the United States. We educated Americans do not wish to be hated and deemed hypocritical anymore. The central point of disgust with the US stems from America's reaction to the Iranian democratic elections in 1953 when America was displeased with the results and financed a coup to remove a democratically elected leader to install the Shah (A dictator) into power. President Obama's response to the fallout in Iran is apporpriate and gives the Iranian hardliners no substantial fodder to accuse the US of interference.
The people of Iran have taken the most appropriate approach and they will prevail without outside inteference. The Iranians will prevail as African americans did through Dr. Martin Luther King, the indians through Gandhi, and the south Africans through Nelson Mandela. Thank god the repubkicans are not in power or else we would be involved in another major foriegn policy mistake.

Talk with whom? In case the good senator hasn't noticed, the results of the election are in dispute and there is possible revolution afoot in Iran. This needs to play out for the Iranian people without the interference of the US and UK (or any other country), who are already on record for interfering in Iranian elections in the past, and overthrowing the elected government of Iran in 1953 and installing the pro-Western Shah.

Notice the deafening silence from their neighbors, especially the brutal dictatorships of Egypt and Saudi Arabia. It will be interesting to see what sort of country Iran becomes. One thing is for sure, the cat is now out of the bag...and nothing can put it back in again.

Take a good look at this flunky.He should be in a retirement home with the rest of the republican party faithful and get some new blood in there.

Dick Lugar is one of the finest Senators in the history of the body. Unlike McCain, who simply used it as a campaign slogan, Lugar actually DOES put Country first. And, he is an expert on Foreign Affairs. I am a lifelong Democrat (I think it is in my DNA But, I always listen to what Senator Lugar has to say. I may not always agree, but I would never call him an idiot, as that is simply not true. I wish there were a lot more Lugars and a lot fewer Inhofes and Kyls.

A Republican agreeing with Obama? He'll be gone soon enough...

So what is our messiah president Obama going to do when the Iranian President decides to unleash Hezbollah on Israel to try and turn the worlds attention away from the crises going on in Iran now

This whole thing in Iran is happening, not because of any Obama policy, but because of the economic isolation that Bush pushed for. Sorry to break it to the Obama lovers and Bush haters, but if this regime falls it will be because of the Bush policies. The irony is if Iran turns into a democracy then two of the three axis of evil will be gone. It must really upset all you far left liberals to see Bushes policies cause this. I was never a big Bush fan but I think history will vindicate him.

Most of the US doesn't remember or is too lazy to open a history book or... god forbid... research on the "internet" what the US did... that's right WE did! To not only Iran but alot of the other countries/ethnicitys in the middle east.

While I don't care for a lot of what President Obama has done, I do believe he is taking the right approach to Islamic Dominated Countries.

30, 40 and 50 yrs ago the US did some very bad things to them and they have every right not to forget. We have to wait for them to come to us. If we push ourselves onto them they will reject us.

Unless you want to take the Iraq apporach on every middle eastern country. Which, we can't afford to do.

Every time a Republican opens his mouth I'm struck by the very simplistic nature of their "solutions". Obama is so far ahead of everyone else. He got elected by virtue of his grasp of domestic politics, and its clear he's made a quick study of international affairs. The GOP has become the party of stupid. Unfortunately that is a brand that has mass appeal.

Let the Iranian people settle the current madness first before we stick our arrogant nose into it again. We are not trusted in Iran and for good reason if you look at history.

I cannot understand the position of the Republicans on Iran. These people who have completely lost the moral high ground for the US in the Bush presidency, are now preaching that Obama should act in the same old non-effective way that they did.

Can't they get it right, their way does not work!

The definition of insanity is trying the same thing over and over and expecting a different result.

The Republicans need to sit back, cool their jets and actually try diplomacy and moral high ground, they will find the view different, calmer, safer, more effective, more honorable and more intelligent.

Loyal opposition does not mean opposing or second guessing everything. It mean an intelligent discussion of differences, actually agreeing on those things that are best for the country, and in a few carefully thought out instances, oppose, but make a real point, just saying no is not acceptable to the American people.

Y'know, for months the repubs have been all over Obama for wanting to talk to Iran, for giving his first interview, obviously to speak directly to the Islamic nations' people, for giving speeches indicating support of the general muslim population, speaking directly to the youth and showing them respect and NOW, NOW they are raging that Obama isn't talking ENOUGH to the people of Iran. How much more obvious is it that this is the party of NO, of "Whatever you do it isn't right" of "let's repeat every mistake we've made for fifty years". Un-freaking-believable. If they think for one moment that all of Obama's comments over the last six months haven't had a part in this they are blind. But what they miss is it is not just the people in Iran standing up, but also a split in the leadership, among the clerics. THIS is what is different and what has been a subtle, but non-interfering touch initiating change on the world change. It's no time to be a bull in a china shop. Idiots. I used to have some respect for some republicans. No more.

Senator Lugar knows what he's talking about and I trust him to take a measured response. He's what a Republican used to be, and no longer typical in any sense.

One BIG POINT everyone is missing the fact that the other canidate is not a REAL USA LOVER. He is just as hard line. To support one over the other is not going to improve our relationship or our abiloity to work out any agreements.

Obama can only point out that we support freedoms of speach and seek to deal with democratic governments. We can't force anyone to change their way of living (look how it would in Iraq). We must lead by example ans show the world we pratice what we preach.

Obama has already stated his willingness to talk to Iran. Lugar is a day late & a dollar short w/ his big idea.
Where was he when bush was screaming " axis of evil, axix of evil"?. Nary a peep. Now they want to be reasonable
.
And Obama has walked a fine line as far as the protests . they've(protestors) stated they want him to stay away from outright support as that will only make it worse for them.. It appears he's abiding by their wishes.
You want real coverage go to twitter, it's up to the minute. But find trusted sources as there are trolls out insome numbers.

The republicans need to focus on issues closer to home. They've ruined domestic policy and turned life for most Americans into a less than acceptable "dream". They should be correcting their errors and not looking for new ones to make. President Obama knows what he's doing. We cannot be seen as meddlers in Iranian affairs. If he took the republican approach it would spell disaster for our international relationship for generations. Please republicans, go back to sleep – it's what you do best.

Please don't let a Republican talk to Iran or we will be in a 'war' within a week. Mike In Montana

This guy is another idiot from the republican mess! In one breath he says Obama should talk to Iran and in the next breath he says he believes it is highly unprobable???????DAH!
First of all Obama said during his campaign that he would sit down and talk with Iran! So where was this bimbo then when the GOP was critisizing him for that?Idiots!They don't know if they are coming or going?
Wasted air time on national tv!

Down with "Shah" Ali Khamenei and President Mahmoud "Robert Mugabe" Ahmadinejad

From a Republican, this is news and a change of course indeed. It's long overdue but Rome was not built in one day or year.

Not talking to our enemy will not allow us reason and it takes two to tango.

Wish all Iranians peace and tollerance and hope they find peaceful means to solve their problems.
It is wish that the US stay out of this mess but send a strong signal that human rights must be addressed and preserve. Killing each other is not the answer and will not solve anything.

I applaud the President's approach to commentary on Iran. Stay out of it for now – WE MUST be able to allow their internal processes to either succeed or fail – and wait like a hawk for the right moment to offer assistance.

The young people want the world to know what's going on – but do not yet want us to send in the calvary. They are a strong, smart people – let them determine the course of action. They will ask for specific help when they need it!

Obama, please keep on doing what you are doing in relationship to Iran. Wait and see is appropriate at this time – we saw how hard line rhetoric affected our relationship 30 years ago! Don't go there this time.

ck June 21st, 2009 10:58 am ET

I see CNN is already censoring, must be coming down from Obama.

That is where we are heading.

WAKE UP AMERICA!!
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you wake up ck, it is called the Patriot Act, sweetie. We had censorship under Bush Administration, Were you every flagged going on a internet sight, Look Up Patriot Act and see why it is In constitutional. My daughter and I did and we thought out computor crashed. So before you blame everything on Obama, look to your hero Bush and Cheney and thank the Patriot Act...

CNN once again this rhetoric is getting a bit much... and please post this...

HERE we go
Donna Brazile is saying that the president is doing the right thing
but the republicans with Bill the dildo Bennett hasn't got a clue
hey Bill we didn't vote any of your favorites into office
go back and hide under the same rock that Rush is under see if Dicky Chenney will let you set on his lap

Why no blog on the statements of Kouross Esmaeli who spent four years working on a documentary about the bloodthirsty Basji.

When the CNN interviewer tried to get him to dis the President's responses he replied that the Iranian people knew who was supporting them and who is just out to benefit themselves. Of course, he was not allowed to finish his statement as CNN rushed to commercials.

His honest summation of the Republicans' phoney attempts to undermine the President just didn't fit in with CNN's desire to create a controversy by ignoring every expert they have had on who have clearly stated that the president's comments and tone are exactly right and that the Iranian people know who is really on their side.

The fact that CNN and the Republicans are both trying to profit from the tragedy in Iran is SICKENING and that CNN is selectively deciding whose comments they will highlight and whose they won't is censorship and manipulation by the media.

Just stay our of Iran....

I totally agree with you Change in America... We worry about everyone else but the US citizens, we are getting accused tight now, what Obama is doing is the right tone. It does not show signs of being weak it shows signs of not starting a global conflict. We have to worry more about North Korea and that Missile that is aimed at Hawaii, do we know if it has a Nuke war head? No we do not..

I wish the People of Iran who is hungering for freedom, stay strong, and remember that Freedom comes with a high price and it is worth the struggle.

The USA needs to LEARN that we are not the voice they want to hear. Alreaqdy the powers in charge are saying that the revolt is being driven by the USA this will only damage the image of the American People in the area. Obama must make it CLEAR that we do not condone revolts We only encourage peaceful democratic governemgts actions.

I see CNN is already censoring, must be coming down from Obama.

That is where we are heading.

WAKE UP AMERICA!!

We the American people need to stay out of Iran business It sad how they doing the citizens who believe in freedom...President Obama have to much on his plate in the USA...People in US is starving and looking for jobs let worry about putting our country back on track.