CNN

You know what I really wonder, I wonder when Democrats can ACTUALLY accept that their president isn't perfect. Oh wait, they can't. He's perfect!

I know... Let's call back Bush and Cheney and have them fabricate eveidence of WMDs, then go destroy their country so Al-Queda can start a new safe haven. Never heard of Al-Queda in Iran, but I had never hear of Al-Queda in Iraq until Bush/Cheney created 'em.

He's neither hard nor soft................he has no opinion on anything. People should have figured that out, he voted present!

I miss my humble leader,Rush Limbaugh.I dont know what to spout without my daily talking points.I cant understand his replacement,he speaks in some foreign langauge.

Oh and by the way, Democrats and Republicans BOTH share the honored title of being the party of "no". When a democratic president is in, republicans want to bring him down, when a republican president is in, democrats wants to bring him down. It's all about "no" when your party doesn't have power, so drop the stupid argument libs. It's really pathetic that you think that your party doesn't do the same thing.

Why wouldn't he be soft on Iran? This is Obama we are talking about...you know, pretty speeches and not much else. If it were Bush we would have the opposite problem, acting without thinking. Seems like we can't win.

@ Bruce

a true coward thinks the only solution involves massive force.

i suggest you rethink your basic tenets.

@Scott, Tucson June 22nd, 2009 12:57 pm ET

Whats really ironic about all this is that, if Bush were in office the liberals here would be crucifying him for his in-actions towards Iran right now.

No Scott, if that had happened the "liberals" would most likely be silent . . . stunned that Bush had done something intelligent!

the folly of the gop continues. . .
_______________________________________________________
AMEN!!!!!

the gop can't help themselves, they HAVE disagree with ANY AND EVERYTHING President Obama does. they are WAR MONGERS. they think that is the answer to everything. look what the bush/cheney years have gotten us. the USA can not and should bully their way into every other country's elections.

Judging by most of the Republican answers on here, I think I agree with one of the other posters. I'm tempted to call the Republicans the New Axis of Evil. All they want to do is spill more blood.

@ phoenix86 June 22nd, 2009 12:00 pm ET

"If Obama were any softer, he would pick up a tear gas gun and fire into the demonstrators in Tehran."

That's a pretty dumb comment. I'm sure if he took AF1 over to Tehran and gave the Iranian goverment the finger you'd be all offended by the cost of the AF1 trip. If you're gonna make a comment at least be relevent. I get it...you hate Obama. But when you stop listening and just react the same way to anything he says, you're just a donkey with it's head in the sand.

This is a problem for Iran to fix or not to fix. None of our business.

He's "concerned"... isnt that enough??? ROFL

Sure, like we need yet another war. Is that the 'end all' cure for all disputes.

He is doing the right thing by being quiet (Exodus 14:14)

It's my hope the people of Iran seek the Lord through this
Let us examine our ways and test them
and let us return to the Lord
Let us lift up our hearts and our hands
to God in heaven and say
We have sinned and rebelled
and you have not forgiven. ...

I called on your name, O Lord
from the depths of the pit
You heard my plea, Do not close your ears
to my cry for relief
You came near when I called you
and you said , "Do not fear"...Lamentations 3
Godspeed to those who stand up for their God given rights.

Neo Cons: Put your money (and your lives) where your mouths are! Go over there, join the revolution! See how much Iranians (yes, even the freedom fighters) WANT our intervention in their affairs! I triple-dog-dare-you!

Let's start a third war to get the economy going. And then we can try to take Iran's oil when the country is overrun....like that worked in Iraq.

CAROLE -

A devout member of the party of D'oh!

America has NO credibility imposing democracy in Iran. Before accusing Obama of being soft on Iran one has to read American and Iran history first ahd judge from there.

Can someone answer this one question please? When Obama condemns Iran in the strongest possible language that is being called for and the Iranian Govt. ignores this condemnation, then what?
Should the US bomb Iran if they don't heed the US' warning? What comes after the tough language? What? Please What? Someone tell me What??? Please????

All the coward in chief is doing is "voting present", what did we non-sheep expect, its all he did in Congress.

This never served or ever worked a day in his life fraud is uh, uh, uh, uh, uh a fraud.

We need to stop meddling we hear from the Obama camp and you sheep or they will blame us, DO SOME RESEARCH, THEY ALREADY ARE DOING THAT.

My bad, I didn't mean to report the truth, I report, you decide.

If you look at the next binkyprompted words from Obambi, they would look like this (with thanks to Monty Python) – "STOP or I will say STOP again".

we have had enough of cowboy politics – we said "no" to that during the presidential elections. do you honestly think Obama is going to take cues from the same party that has ruined our international standing? mccain, please have a seat in a corner & keep your good ole boy viewpoints to yourself.

Bushism is out, war mongering is over and GOP is silently dead. Let POTUS do his job. Neda's image will haunt the tyrants of Iran. She is a brave woman. Obama's judgement is wise and more credible not to meddle in their affair. This is one of the fruition of my vote.

Impeach Obama NOW: Just what do you know about the situation in Iran? Anything other than what you hear on Fox News? What do you know about the Iranian people and their political structure? Are you not aware how volatile the situation is over there?

Pull your head out, and think! Stop letting your blind hatred of Obama cause you to react without considering the whole situation. Our President gets several briefings a day on what is going on in Iran – I trust he is making the right decisions in regard to our response to the situation.

Maybe Obama should go put Iran in Timeout....and say "I'm very disappointed with you" .....It's like telling Hitler.....Now adolph don't you go killing more jews, it hurts daddy's feelings.....America will soon be the kid getting beat up in the school yard.

Grow a pair Obama

While I always support strong actions against nations sometimes, the ramifications of a strong stance against Iran is simply great. With world economy on the edge, any heightened conflict or rumors of conflict any where in the world is not in global finance interest. If our economy is great and the world economy is normal, I will really support a hardline on Iran.

I don't get it – when Bush was in power, anyone who publically contradicted him was accused of being unpatriotic, helping the enemy and worse. How does the GOP rationalize all their criticism of President Obama?

The answer is simple: They are putting party ahead of country. We had 8 years of the disasterous results of this kind of thinking and will no longer be fooled.

Truth be told, the republicans really did not do anything. All they did is draft a resolution that said to the Iranian people we support your right to free speech. I also support the Iranians right to free speech, but have I done anything by saying that.

The republicans need to sit down and stop criticizing and complaining, they have done absolutely nothing. I suppose if one of them were the president we would be going to war with the Iranian government over this.

All you have to do is go to the ireports to see Iranians begging Obama to speak up for them. Many young Iranians supported Obama in our election and expect more from him now. Even the French President demanded a recount of the votes. North Korea may decided their next move by the way Obama responds now. Show some inner strength. Other countries, very likely, will call Obama weak. No reason to hate on the republicans because that's a fact.

I don't think so. Without his Cairo speech, there might not have an election problem in Iran today. President Obama is not soft. He is just an intelligent man.

Just because we have gone a few months without declaring war on another small country in the Middle East is no reason to assert that we are being "soft" on Iran. No one has ever had success deciding to attack Iran. Who are these jerks that cannot conduct foreign policy with deciding to go to war once more? It does not mean that anyone is "soft."
Let them fight among themselves without sending more of our troops.

GOP wants us to play WORLD POLICE again.

Don't want to take care of the homefront though.

President Obama is privvy to a huge amount of information that we are not. I trust his judgment, in part because I know his actions will be dictated by doing the right thing, not what will score him the most points politically.

It's called being a thoughtful, intelligent adult – and another reason why I am so thankful we elected Obama to be our President.

Hey, I've got a great idea. Let's start another war!!!

For BRUCE:
"with this type of thinking back in WWII we would be saying "Sieg Heil" right now. Those who don't learn from history are doomed to repeat it"

History shows US wasn't involved in WWII until AFTER Pearl Harbor was bombed. We were the LAST to get involved and yes, history does show us the Obama (admin.) is(are) making the right call on this one. It's not to say NO action will ever be taken but now is not the time.

1. Polls taken weeks before the election suggest that Ahmadinejad's victory was indeed very plausible.

2. Moussavi is little different from Ahmadinejad, except that he may let women show a little more hair.

3. Obama will still have to deal with the Iranian gov't to work something out on the nuclear issue.

4. Nothing said by Obama can help the protestors. The gov't already blames the west for the unrest, they aren't going to pull back security forces because Obama says he likes the guy who lost better than the guy who won.

The same chickenhawks who say Obama should condemn the Iranian gov't are the same hippy-haters who bash protestors here at home even when elections ARE stolen.

Please quit running this Iran crap into the ground!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I have heard Obama make several strong statements about the situation in Iran. He denounced Iran for committing violence against their own people, he said he supported the peoples right to free speech, and to protest, he told Iran the whole world is watching.

Outside of these statements, and others, what else does anyone think he should do? Are people, namely the republicans, suggesting we go to war with Iran? or are we suppossed to send in military troops? Are we suppossed to send in peace keeping forces? What are the people who are saying Obama is not doing enough suggesting he do? Or are they merely criticizing just to criticize.

Nearly every expert on Iranian affairs has said Obama is doing thr right thing.

Also, I did not hear the people of Iran or the Iranian govt speaking out or saying anything when bush stole the election from Gore.

@ JAY -

Well, what are you doing? Besides sitting on your ass and licking stamps for Obama mailers? Think he's gonna save you from something? It's ignorance like you've displayed, and supported is what got us into the worse finanacial mess this nation's seen!

Congratulations on being a hingepin for your own demise. Liberals don't understand freedoms until they suffer oppression...

Maybe ANOTHER outing will help him make a decision.... Obama is a coward, plain and simple.... worst President ever...Sorry I voted for hime !!!!

For once we have a President who is not getting us into another country's mess. Yes, it's terrible that there is such civil unrest in Iran, but we've got enough problems to fix right here at home. I don't recall the Iranians jumping into it when the 2000 election debocle occured here in the States. Let's leave well enough alone because it has nothing to do with us!

The remarks coming from Senator McCain are the height of irresponsibility. Our President is handling this situation in exactly the right way. The President's New Years message to iran and his Cairo speech contributed to giving these young Iranians the determination to stand up for their freedom. If McCain had his way, he would put all their efforts and their lives in jeopordy. Thank God we didn't elect John McCain. All McCain knows is war.

It has nothing to do about being tough or weak with Iran.....IT HAS TO DO WITH BEING SMART ON IRAN. That is certainly something the Republicans know nothing about. They are all about the 'brawn".....Barack is all about the "brains".

He is a smart man and he thinks past the immediate situation......he is doing a fine job when it comes to speaking out about the atrocities that are going on in Iran.

lets be the worlds police...that has worked out great for us....NOT

So now, quite suddenly Repubs really care about the freedoms of Iranian citizens. Weren't Repubs against even speaking to Iran? In fact, many Repubs made comments about military strikes against Iran. This newfound respect for Iranians is insincere, and really just another line of attack on Obama.

I think we've spent a lot of time doing it the other way to no avail. And I agree that our policies towards the middle east could very well enbolden even more disdain for America in Iran. Iran is a country that has, believe it or not, a more favorable view of the U.S. than most other middle eastern countries in regards to their population as a whole. Do it Cheney and Bush's way and we'll turn them against us. Do it Obama's way... and we don't know what will happen yet, but its worth and try and we already know what the GOP's policies did to our image around the world.

What is clear is that certain GOP testosterone lacking politicians want to make an issue out of this delicate strategic response. They would rather harm America's interests if it meant they could score some cheap political points. Trouble is, nobody is buying your cheap goods Retards. Stop being traitors and get behind the President. You're just acting like childhood idiots and thugs....kind of like Ahmdenajad.

@Ken in NC said "I am almost ready to declare the Republican Party "THE AXIS OF EVIL". It seems they are hell bent on getting us into another war or pushing President Obama into a position where a conflict breaks out so they can blame him for that. All Republicans want is war. What a bunch of losers."
**********************

Perfectly said and worthy of repeating.

I think we should isolate Iran as much as possible.

This is "robust debate" as Obama described it last week. Just wait, Obama will give his long winding speech soon, he's waiting for his speechwriter to finish it and off Obama goes with TELEPROMPTER.

Reagan was remembered by saying: 'GORBACHEV TEAR DOWN THIS WALL". Obama will be remembered by saying: "YOU CAN GO GO AHEAD AND MOVE IT UP, I'VE SAID THAT ALREADY," addressing his TELEPROMPTER.

The first one was a LEADER, the second is an OPPORTUNIST.

Impeach Obama NOW - what a dumb thing to say. He has not turned his back on anyone but we can not dictate to other countries. We can stand by and offer a hand is asked but we should certainly not be seen as the cause of this uproar. Trouble with Iran can impact our work in Iraq as well as our troops. Republicans need to really think things through and stop being so quick to criticize our President.

Freedom and Liberty?

That will never happen in Iran.

That's not what this is about.

Typical GOP: Complain about things that no one said or things that are just not true.

jay do you actually think any one cares about what you say on the same website the right winders post on, shut up, quit gripping and get a real job

This is "robust debate" as Obama described it last week. Just wait, Obama will give his long winding speech soon, he's waiting for his speechwriter to finish it and off Obama goes with TELEPROMPTER.

Reagan was remembered by saying: 'GORBACHEV TEAR DOWN THIS WALL". Obama will be remembered by saying: "You can go ahead and move it up, I've said that already" addressing his TELEPROMPTER.

Obama is a muslim, just like the Iranians. There's no way he will stand up against one of his brothers. His brothers do not reside in the USA. The Iranian government have got his number.

The protesters in Iran are not protesting to overthrow the govt or to bring in a new Democracy...that's just GOP rhetoric designed to fire up the uneducated...like "terrorists in our communities."

The protesters are fighting for a rival leader of the same party.

Iran will always be truly governed under the same religious autocracy they have in place now. That will not change, hence the US getting involved would accomplish nothing.

"Is Obama too soft on Iran?"

No, but apparently the GOPers are too soft in the head.

I can't believe some of the comments here. There are people struggling for freedom in Iran right now and some are even being killed. And many of you have nothing more to say than some condemnation of the American republican party. What happened to this country? It's a long way from what it used to be. The children of privilege whinning about getting their way while others die somewhere else in the world. What a waste of space.

Shari in NY: you are so correct about the oil reserves that we have here. i sent a message to my Senators asking for an answer to this and not one of them has responded to me..Another cover-up by our elected leaders.

What is he supposed to do. No matter who is charge over there we'll still have the nuclear problem. Obama needs to be in a position to talk to whoever comes out in charge in Iran. The Republicans are saying that he needs to be tougher. In what way. The giuy who lost isn't much different than the nut who won. The Republicans think that the US can do anything and everything and that verybody else will just lay down and do what whatever we want. these guys live in a dream world. Do they want Obama to attack Iran. Do we have enough army to do that. We would if all the hawks out there who were so adament about attacking Iraq would get their age eligible relatives to sign up for the military and go fight. Of course that will never happen. These wars are for other people's kids.

If we do not speak out then we have lost the moral high ground....because we would be condoning the violence and turning our backs on freedom. The U.S. should not be so cowardly a country to condon murder in Iran.

I think Obama is a crappy president, he is in way over his head, and I hope we are not completely broke before he(along with all the rest of the current crop of politicians) gets elected out of office).
With that being said, the best thing for him to do is keep his nose out of other countries' business and I agree what what he is done so far regarding Iran.

MPeter,

In case you missed it, the Mullah's have already blamed us for their problems. It's amazing how people can't connect the dots to appeazment and suffering.

I think most of the people have forgot the pirates and the same talking heads was saying the same thing and what was the results 3 dead Pirates and no world incident. Lets stop listing to the GOP talking heads that have ran this country into a ditch.

"Iran is showing us that Gun Control does work."

Scott in Tuscon, spoken like a true coward. God forbid you should ever have to fight for somthing in your life. It's much better to submit to the will of a crooked government.

This is not our fight. Let them fight their own battles. One of the reasons why we are hated among many countries is because we are always sticking our noses in other people's business. We have our own problems (too many to count) to deal with. So, heck no! He is not being soft. I think he is handling the situation quite nicely. For those of you who think he is too soft, how about a one way ticket to Iran. This way, you can show how much you really support their cause instead of hiding behind American and throwing rocks at the President. What a bunch of cowards!

We have a President, that speaks for the country. All these armchair "president's" need to keep quiet so we will speak as one voice.

All this neo-con chatter about what they think we should be doing from the minority party only weakens the view of the U.S. internationally.

Altho, the republicans have stated that they want "America to fail".

So, keep on working on it.

When France and Germany outflank you, you know it's time to reassess.

For all of you Obama apologists, Google this one word: Neda

Now, what do you think?

Obama I voted for you and now you MUST stand up for the people of Iran and speak up for the people there. I just can't figure out why the people of Florida didn't do this when Bush stole the election from Gore. Oh I forgot we would have also been shot....Jeb Bush assured his brother that he would take Florida. Watch a news tape with Jeb and George, and Jeb making a comment to his brother. " Don't worry you will carry Florida"...No More BUSHES in the White House. Obama you need to speak now and stop letting us down from your campaign promises....Remember 2012 will come very quickly and i do think that you want a second term. My friends feel the same way.

We just need to keep the angry, pit bull republicans muzzled and on a leash, so they don't do any more harm to this country and the rest of the world. If they are not attacking others, they are attacking each other. Their only response to everything is attack.

Carole, you are right. Unlike Bush, Obama does not consider Iran to be part of the Axis of evil.

But unfortuneatly, Obama is wrong and Bush is right.

I vote present!

Change. Change your understanding of what it means to lead. Lead now means to assess the public's perception and don't act until it is clear you have the backing of a majority of the people. Once you act, then state how it is just an evoluation of your thoughts on the issue. It used to be called straddling the fence, it is now called leadership!

It's unfortunate that Obama's temperance on this issue is construed as weakness. "Is he doing enough?" should not be the appropriate question, but rather "is he doing the right thing?" Sometimes less is more.

Obama is too smart to get suckered in the middle of another countries election. Remember, this is not the Bush administration who would jump at the chance at conflict no matter who's conflict it is. Even if they need to make up a conflict to have a fight. Which is understandable since they rejected and the concept of human education and intelligence as elitist.

Ready....Shoot.....Aim

Impeach Obama NOW!

o my god look at your name. impeach him for what!?!? i would love to hear your "wisdom." what has he done to deserve impeachment, besides winning the election!! you people are so simple minded. thank god your guys are not running the country anymore

Of course not. President Obama has directed the right tone and approach to this volatile situation.

Remember...Americans voted OUT the neocons and their war-mongering nonsense.

To soft? Has anyone else noticed that we have our own stuff to deal with right here in our own backyard???? WAKE UP PEOPLE!!! Just because we have a new president -our position and current state of affairs has NOT changed... if you think what is happening in Iran is eye opening just wait until it is right in front of your face because our situation is not much different right now in the political sense. This people in this country need to wake up and do something or face the same fate-

Republicans want perpetual war. It's pretty plain. As it is the US as 2 wars with no end in sight in Iran and Afghanistan, plus very likely a war with North Korea in the offing. Frankly if you need to go to war again I'd rather it be against a country that has clearly indicated intent to nuke neighboring countries and the US – North Korea.

I love how we basically haven't Interfered at all, and yet the Iranian government is still blaming this all on "Western Interference".
It's 2009, the country can't hold a free election, it still has a non-elected religious leader that controls most of the government...Stuff like this is what makes it so hard for Westerners to take Middle Eastern countries seriously.

Not he isn't, and anyone who thinks he's being soft knows nothing of the history of Iranian/US relations. I would discuss the events of 1953, but the ones accusing the President of being soft aren't going to read it anyway. My advice to you is to look up Iran/US 1953 and Shah, then get back to us.

If we don't learn from history, we're bound to repeat it, but you have to read it first.

Here is a news flash for all of you Obama haters; last November 4th the American electorate had a choice. The choice was between one man who wanted an aggressive foreign policy and loved to rattle his saber, and another who wanted to tamp down the rhetoric and negotiate with our rivals. The choice was made. The American electorates choose the man who wanted to tamp down the rhetoric and negotiate. In other words, YOU LOST AND WE WON. So, why don’t you behave like adults, accept your loss, shut your pie holes, and let this man lead the way the majority and chosen. Thank you

zippy June 22nd, 2009 12:16 pm ET

oBamma is a cowerd, He,s scart of iran. he's teh worst pres we ever had;
zippy

***************************
I'm asooming that wuz tung in cheak?

LMAO

I believe America has had its own "revolutions" Revolutionary War, Civil War, Civil Rights protests..unfortunately REAL change comes with bloodshed...i.e., Iraq. So instead of having our hand all over it as we did in Iraq, why can't we let Iran handle their own? We left China alone with Tiananmen Square, why not Iran? Because China owns us???

To Bruce:

Maybe you need a history lesson because while the Soviet Union was in strife in 1989 Bush Sr. didn't say anything either way and just let them sort it out. Guess what? The regime fell because they didn't have the US to blame for meddling. That is what is happening in Iran. As soon as the US steps in and says something that gives the wrong side ammunition. Seriously. Why can't you Repubs understand that? It isn't rocket science.

just how do you think the US would be thought of for walking in , or as some suggest jumping in the middle of another countries buisness......Iran's people are fighting for their right in their government....to be or not to be ........life affairs. This country is not located in the US.
Those that want to jump.............better be careful.....remember Iraq? Remember Gitmo?
Remember not following exsisting laws?ICC ?
Remember a pres. /v.pres making up laws to suit them as they went?ICC?
Remember the clean-up that Obama now has to do because of the above?
So.............you think he should jump into Iran's buiness???????????
Your answer = no.

@lou – you're using an out of date script for your Democratic Party talking points. Every independent recount by the major Florida newspapers showed that Bush beat Gore handily in Florida.

Move on with your lonely little life. Somewhere, there is a Starbucks without its resident old hippie – you'll find it if you look for it.

McCain's criticism of Obama makes clear why his short-sighted erratic approach was rejected by Americans in the last election. Obama stands ready to help when it will do the most good. McCain and the Republicans would get the USA involved in a third war, and provide Iranian rulers and extremists with a rallying point. At least Obama can see the big picture and the long term consequences of government action. He handles matters with finesse and a steady hand. No wonder he was elected President,

McCain's war monger mentality is counter-productive in the extreme.

Iran is already blaming everything on America, even without him saying anything. Obama does feel however that it's necessary to say things about North Korea, so why not Iran where there is an actual chance to topple the government there. North Korea has two hostages, but Iran supplies funding to terrorist organizations throughout the middle east, supplies weapons that have been used against us in Iraq and of course we had the whole hostage situation there at the start of their last revolution.

Any statement of support for the people risking their lives for their own freedom would be a positive development. Is Obama somehow afraid of Iran?

The President should at least make it sound like America has got the back of those fighting for freedom. At the least he should speak out against the government of Iran for the handling of it's people. These people are only looking for "change they can believe in". Mr. Obama, man up!

Sure love the way the GOP sticks to their philosophy of backing the president during international turmoil.

What's that? Hold on a sec. I'm receiving an update.

Never mind, they aren't. supporting him.

What really surprises me is how many people in this country still believe in these clowns. Never underestimate stupidity.

George W Bush baptised them "AXIS OF EVIL" What other name more than this the Republicans want the current President to give them!!!!!
He is not the name caller and his style is different from "W".

If we had wanted 2 or 3 more wars for our tax dollars to pay for, we would have voted in another republican war-monger.

Geeesh

Hey haven't we learned anything from the cowboy the last go round. We are NOT the world's protector. NO OBAMA IS NOT TOO SOFT. He is smart as he could acerbate the problem by riding in with chaps and spurs and strut and the attitude that I AM THE WAY!

Bruce

this is nothing like world war 2. NOTHING AT ALL LIKE IT!! re-read your history. iran has not invaded anyone. iran is on the brink of civil war. we are doomed to repeat history, yes that is true. SO LEARN FROM IRAQ!!! learn that our nation is in a horrible state right now because of our involvement in iraq. it has done nothing for us or for the iraqi people!! read your history again and tell me how this is anything like world war 2!!! its so funny. the perspective of history by the right wing is so wrong. you think that we should just get involved with any country that has problems to avoid another hitler!? were you homeschooled? is that where you learned your "history"?

Iran was none of our business. How can we press Iran to do the right thing when we (Americans) did not have the courage to question where our votes went in 2000? Also, it is funny how we will allow political posturing from our Congress when it comes to passing policy that's good for America, but when they are called to make an empty, symbolic vote, they are all unified. So, we can only get bills passed when they benefit no-one. Great job at putting Americans first.

Headlines now read: Massive crackdown, People dead.

Still think he is doing the right thing? Even France came to our aid in our uprsing against tyranny!

Obama is more concerned about his image then he is about anything else. That's why he goes into brain freeze when faced with an unexpected challenge and the whole world is watching. This is classic narcissism. Take away the modus operandi of opportunism and exploitation and what you are left with is wish-washy.

Obama too soft? No way! What this situation needs is a good apology! That's Barry's solution for everything, isn't it?

Let's see – he could apologize for the American hostages being so much trouble to the Iranians. Or he could apologize for the US not providing high grade plutonium so they can finish their bomb. I'm sure there's lots of other stuff he could think of to apologize for.

Go get 'em, tiger, go in with Apologies Blasting! That's the Obama way!

We not only have a president who can walk and chew gum at the same time, we also have one who thinks before he acts. The last thing that the U.S. needs is to be engaged in yet another war.....3 strikes and you're out. President SANE Obama is doing and saying exactly what he should be doing and saying.

And to CNN, cover something important!!!!!

Did any country interfere when America had slaves or beating and hosing African Americans? NO they didn't! Iran will eventually work it out...just like America did

Any of the Republican talking point twitson this board ( TCM, phoenix 86 etc) who want to go to Iran and spout their views please be on the next flight. Spare the rest of us your GED rhetoric.

We are not big brother to the world!!! We should tell another country how to fight for it's democracy? Why , because we're so good at it? Seven months after an election we can't get the Senator from Minnesota seated. And let's not re-visit 2000, and the "my brother told me I had nothing to worry about, election." Did Iran, Iraq, orany of the Axis of Evil countries get involved to destabilize the US? Republican warmongers, easy to be brave 10,000 miles away . I would sooner take financial advice from Bernie Madoff before listening to Republicans on foreign policy and wars.

No he's not. What we are witnessing is "WISDOM" in action.

What should the so-called "Wimpy Democrat" do or say? Since the Iranian Govt is willing to kill its own people in full view of the world, anything short of committing troops would be a waste of breath. So who's really up for seeing American service men and women on the streets of Tehran fighting to protect Iranians, particularly when they don't want our help? How much American blood has to be spilled to prove we aren't wimps?

Why CNN don't have a posting about (S. Con. Res. 26)? Let's all a discussing about that.

The last time we intervend in Iran, Eisenhower ( unlike Truman who refused) at the request of England and the British oil companies in 1953, had the CIA overthrew the legally elective government, install the Shah who installed a repressive regime, which led to the Iranian people taking to the streets as they are doing now. Results were the ouster of the Shah the installation of the Ayatollah Kamne, and the take over of our embassy.
So now the Republicans want to repeat that mistake again. Heaven forbid some other county would attempt to interven in our elections, the Republicans would be outraged and take up the McCain chant, Bomb, Bomb, Bomb.

It isn't so much that Obama is too soft, it's more that Obama and his administration have no idea what to do, on anything, other than spend spend spend and ruin the future of this country and our children and grandchildren

Now, fly that up the flag pole and see who salutes!

Let's send graham,oreilly, hannity,limbaugh,mccain and anyone else of the repigs i can think of over to iran, and let's see if they talk that negativity about President Obama then. What a bunch of nothings

Our President is doing about all he can do. We can't afford to get involved, politically, militarily or economically. For once, let's mind our own business. The Iranians will have to sort out their own government issues, and they seem perfectly willing and able to do so. Evidently they have proven themselves to be very strong and capable, and in the end, the current government will have to rethink its direction if it has even a remote chance of continuing in power.

But the Republicans in this country ought to keep their mouth SHUT. The nerve of McCain (bomb, bomb, bomb, bomb Iran) and Lindsey Graham. Two hypocrites who could not have cared less about the Iranian people last year, now all of a sudden Iranian people are their major concern!! Who are they kidding?? Two political opportunists if ever there were any. And no one is listening to you, guys!!

Some of these adult crying about what we should do about Irain, even today if they stump there toe they would holler Ma./Ma I wont my Mama. Said enough.

As opposed to Cheney from the last administration who talked hard on Iran, but still let his old oil buddies from Halliburton violate the sanctions and establish major business operations in that country. All hail hypocrisy! Talk is talk, action is action. Republicans are all talk, no action!

The decision of the Iranian government to be as inhumane as they are to the demonstrators must be in part due to the speach Obama made in Egypt. The Iranian government knows that he is between a rock and a hard place. I believe that he (and apparetntly some of the people on this blog) that actually thinks that Iran can be reasoned with. Ask the father of the girl that was just killed if his government can be reasoned with. There is a time for talk and a time for action. We have had enough talk from our blowhard president. It's time to show the Iranian people that we can support them just as other countries supported us in the late 1700's.

The focus needs to continue to be on the Iranian people and their Government. If the US appears to get too involved, the focus will be on US Vs. Iran, which will only take the focus off the people's struggle for a free and open society.

The world and the People of Iran know where the US stands. No need to stoke the flames from our end.

This revolution belongs to the people of Iran; they are tired of their country's political and religious oppression...Fight on! President Obama spoke up during his speech in Cairo. So-called Muslims need to stop killing & the good Muslims need to speak out against the hateful regimes.

Americans support sYOU in your effort.

To bruce:

We were bombed during WWII ( see: Pearl Harbor ) thus justifying our involvement in it. Alas, even with our Allies involved we showed restraint in getting involved. To paraphrase your pronouncement: Those who DON' t know their history, are just doomed. Add yourself to that list.

Or Is Obama looking for: "Glory for himself?"

Prez.Obama is doing the right thing. We have our hands in to many things in regards to other countries. We need to better our country and fix this recession. In this country we have diff types of people and strong people who want to see a change. We take the proper route in making sure these changes occur. People in other countries look at the world diff. They have their own culture. We can't impose our on beliefs etc on them. We also can't keep getting involved in their issues when we have our own. They will be our friends today and enemies tomorrow. We need to take care of home 1st then help others. Poor Prez has to deal with Bush's dirty mess.

Thank you Mr. President for not going off half cocked like your predecessor did in Iraq. Hey Repubs, what would you have him do? Drop some bombs on Tehran?

Remember May 4, 1970, Kent State massacre, no other country interfered. We had to solve our own issues.

When will we learn? All great empires fall. If we keep sticking our nose in other people's business, we will one day stick our nose in too far where we won't be able to recover. Us American's need to cut the cocky attitude. We are just one country. If we keep meddling, then that will be our downfall. Obama is smart, Stop listening to the sore loser who wants to bomb, bomb, bomb Iran, because that would stir up all of the countries who want to bomb America. I have children, and I don't want to fear for their lives, because of our desire to control the world. We need to wake up.

Exactly who are we to judge others' elections? We never have a second round of elections. We elected Bush despite him losing the nation-wide popular vote. We disenfranchise millions of people every election. Even IF we took a harder rhetoric on Iran, nobody, not even their opposition would listen to us!

It's amazing how many people suddenly think they're geopolitical experts because Rush gave them something else to use to attack Obama.

Find an Iranian, even one of the pro-reform protestors, and ask them what they think the US should do. Probably 95% of the answers will be the same, let them solve their own problems and fight their own battles.

Iranians know Republicans still hate them and are only using their struggle to score cheap political points.

Although I agree with Obama, I must give credit where credit is due. I understood the long range plan. Most bloggers don't see strategically, therefore they do not understand a planning process. I say, thank you President Bush for your great foresight and leadership in placing the framework for the future Iran Revolution. Thanks Obama for playing into the plan set forth by Bush.

@Melissa,

If you can't take it, don't dish it out. What about all the democrats hating on Bush? Oh, does the truth hurt? That your boy is a teleprompter wanna be?

I think he is handling it just right. At some point we need to stop being BIG BROTHER and let these country and their people fight for themselves. We in America have our own HUGE problems right now. I understand that they can pose a threat to surrounding countries but by gosh, we have Iraq, Afgan and now you want Iran too, not to mention N Korea. Enough already! The RIGHT, well their slogan shouldn't be "DRILL BABY DRILL" BUT " BOMB BABY BOMB"

A Lot of comments have been written about going to war, and not going to war, their is more than one way to topple the Iranian Government, but I think our President is more interested in making a great speech, that he can put in his Presidenchal Library, than he is with dealing with the Iranian Government and the threat that they are to us and our alias.

In a word NO.

Every expert on Iranian affairs I have heard on both CNN and Fox News (not MSNBC because they insisted on airing documentaries during the biggest news story of the year) have said that President Obama handled the situation just right. It's only the COR (Crotchety Old Republicans) that seem to have an issue with EVERYTHING he does.

They even criticized him getting ice cream with his daughters on FATHER'S DAY for pete's sake. They actually had the gaul to liken it to Bush playing golf during the Iraq War AS IF Obam. like Bush, had started a war of choice.

i just wish CNN would stop talking about this. I understand its importance to and for the world, but as I go to watch CNN, I am not exagerating, they only talk about Iran. Can they at least switch subjects every once in a while

It is disrespectful to the protestors in Iran to use their struggle as a political tool in the US, and to assume with all of our patriarchal colonialist wisdom that the protestors can't take back their country themselves.

Can you imagine if a foreign country had forced its "help" on us when we were fighting the British? France and others helped out a bit, but for the most part we stood on our own and largely alone, and we took our freedom. Why would we prevent the Iranians from doing the same? Why should we cheapen their struggle by thinking we can do it better?

Rob June 22nd, 2009 12:46 pm ET

I'm sure The Teleprompter is divining up a speech right now for Obama to read, saying that the U.S. is to blame for the unrest (that is, the U.S. before Obama took office), and that the U.S. will send money to the Iranian govt.
He doesn't want to meddle in Iran, yet he has no problem trying to strongarm Israel. That should give you some idea of where his loyalties lie.
------------------------–

Typical flawed argument....Rob. When we send billions to Iran every year and support their economy as well as their safety, THEN we can tell them what we think. Since Israel is dependent on the US, we can state our opinion. In Iran we have no ties. You righties are just delusional. You don't even know the facts but just spout off on the typical Faux News, fat boy taking points

Inaction is dangerous when dealing with tyranical dictators and regimes who are bent on death and destruction. You may say that Obama can make decisions but I will argue that he can only make decisions (bad ones at that) based on domestic policies that support his socialistic views. Any decision of "World" consquence is "outside of his pay range". I'm afraid if Obama was president during WWII, there would probably be little to no Jews living on this planet today and most of the world would be speaking German.

Oh Zippy, I have decoded your message and I think you were "scart" of your teacher.

Puh-leeese!!
just last year Iran was still part of the Axis of Evil, now just because there are protests everyone thinks they are suddenly going to become a democracy. Moussavi is no Abraham Lincoln, that's a small detail everyone seems to have missed.

If the Repubs are so hot and bothered about helping democracies why arent we in Egypt, somalia and other african countries struggling with dictators?

Obama has struck the right tone. and he did it by thinking the situation through.

Just as America would not find it helpful to have Iran interfere with our presidential election when it went wrong in FL we must now allow Irianians have their say without our interference.

By not interfering there is a better chance that we can defuse a nuclear armed Iran. We have our own 11 trillion dollar decift to be worried about. We can NOT AFFORD to police the world without Tax and Spending.

I believe President Obama is doing the right thing. The wacko neocons crack me up. Are they really as stupid as they constantly sound? I'm beginning to think so. So glad McCain isn't the President. He would probably be trying to "bomb, bomb, bomb" Iran.

He's not being soft. He's going to act like every other american president and use it as a justification for increased military intervention. He's just a savvy enough politician to wait until people are clamoring for him to do it. Until enough Neda stories are collected and reach a saturation point. It's already a foregone conclusion..(see Afghanistan and Pakistan)...he's just trying to play it right.

Obama is being wise. There's much more to it, then a immediate response. Obama needs to communicate for the long term. They also
have nuclear weapons. It is very tragic that civilians are dying for a right
they should already have. I believe Obama will step up to the plate at the precise moment when the most can be taken care of. It is a shame for the lost of innocent lives. American should be thankful Bush isn't in office using cowboy techniques to create deeper seeds to haunt us in later years. We have a wise president, give him room, let him be mature.

I think the President is too soft on rebuking the ridicolous idealogy coming from Republicans that are just playing political games....

Obama needs to make a strong statement to the United States about the situation in Iran being a very serious matter, and political game playing at this time is wreckless and can have grave consequences.....

The President needs to assure the majority a clear and thoughtful Americans, that he won't give in to Republican Knee Jerk Reactions, he needs to be more firm against these despicable people, the Republicans that is.......

Aren't two wars enough to quelch your thirst for blood that we must yet again stick our noses into another middle-east crisis?

Do you right wingers actually think you're making a difference by posting snide comments on a media web blog? Really? No wonder your party is doomed. We've had 8 years of Republican foreign policy and it's gotten us nowhere. Might as well just shut up about it since no one is listening to what your saying anyways...

To "fella from Chicago:" Well done – fantastic post!

Whats really ironic about all this is that, if Bush were in office the liberals here would be crucifying him for his in-actions towards Iran right now.

bama is being smart!the US cannot be seen as meddling in Iran's internal affairs or we risk giving ammo to the government to squash the protester's i wish the GOP got that instead of trying to score political points over President Obama,Oh and by the way noone in the muslimworl d trust you so you realy not fooling anyone.

Obama is doing the right thing. The neocon rightwing nuttery party of NO is split on it wiht blowhard Bennett wanting us to start bombing and Lugar saying Obama has struck the right tone.

Unlike Bush, President Obama does not consider Iran the Axis of Evil. Also the same Republicans that say Bomb, Bomb, Bomb Iran like McCain only care about the oil. The Rethugs could care less about people of color at jeopardy. Look at Iraq!!!!!!!

The Iranian resistance is on to the Rethugs using them as a cheap political gain to be divisive. The Party of NO.

Republican Party = Stale, Pale and Male

I agree with Truthsayer, Stupid Question!

Why does this question keep getting asked when the true experts have said that President Obama's position and response has been absolutely appropriate? The Republicans are looking just as stupid as they always do...and thank God, John McCain is not our president.

The only reason the media keeps drumming on this GOP talking point is to boost their ratings in hopes of having another foreign conflict to cover to ... You guessed it: Boost their plummeting ratings! Nice work, CNN.

ShastaM said

"They know we support them in their battles and they know that the American people are behind them. Let's wait for them to ask for more. Then reassess the situation."

Yes, with this type of thinking back in WWII we would be saying "Sieg Heil" right now. Those who don't learn from history are doomed to repeat it. It looks like another whimpy Democrat who doesn't have the guts to stand up to dictatorships. Way to go Obama, you coward.

We need to do something with Iran now while the fire is hot and the citizens are mad at the Iran's government, and a few well spoken speeches, will not help the situation. We can neutralize the Iranian Governments Nuclear ambitions for years if our President would grow a spine and do what needs to be done. In the next few years, if there is an attack on us or our allies by Iran, it will be on our Presidents Obama's Head.

To zippy June 22nd, 2009 12:16 pm ET

oBamma is a cowerd, He,s scart of iran. he's teh worst pres we ever had;

-------------–
zippy you and phoenix86 need to go back to school, get your GED's, and try to pay attention to the teachers this time around. Pathetic.

Obama administration had been so eagerly waiting for talks with Iran on nuclear issues; but now what; talk with a government that is not considered legitimate by their own people?

Or call it legitimate, and then flash the olive branch all over again?

Obama is handling this situation with Iran just find fine. the republican are just playing politics. If he had blasted Iran the republican would have just said he was getting into Iran domestic problems so he has
to handle it the right way.
Plus USA can't afford another war and what would we do bumb Iran and kill a lot of innocent kids and cause a nuclear war.
Shut up republican and let us all remember the party of no and vote them all out next time alone with a few democrates who are also practicing republicans.

Not all Iranians live in Iran. There have been large protests in this country as well as other parts of the world by Iranians. I'm a Conservative Republican, but I have to agree after watching and listening to those Iranians living outside of their country they in no way want our intervention other than Obama escalating his rhetoric to meet the ever increaing violence by the Iranian authorities. Let's not forget the picture of the young 17 year old Iranian woman (Neda) shot in front of her father and watching the life ebbing from her face. America must at least let the Mullahs of Iran know that we're watching as well as the rest of the world and we won't forget what they have done to the young Neda's of Iran.

@Soy, too bad it IS about the U.S. vs. Islam. The fanatics had absolutely no problem recruiting before Bush's sabre rattling as two attacks on the WTC, two attacks on US embassies in Africa, the attack on Kubar towers, and the USS Cole all show. It's them or us.

Obama is not Iran's daddy. Keep our big nose out of it. They stayed out of our election fraud when the supreme court gave Bush the presidency last go around.

I am almost ready to declare the Republican Party "THE AXIS OF EVIL". It seems they are hell bent on getting us into another war or pushing President Obama into a position where a conflict breaks out so they can blame him for that. All Republicans want is war. What a bunch of losers.

`
With any luck at all the whole stinking country of Iran will self-destruct.

Since the 1970's I've heard enough "Death to America" out of all their mealy mouths to last a lifetime.

Why any American should give a hoot about Iran's fate is beyond me.

Obama is doing the right thing... giving the situation all the attention it merits.

`

No. Obama is doing exactly what he should be doing no matter what the warmonger Republicans think. The Republicans are now the minority and they need to learn to shut up.

If McCain were POTUS, we definitely would NOT be having htis debate. So his suggestions and opinions are worthless. I know he would have not reached out to the entire Muslim world, let alone have anything to do with the Iranian elections. President Obama's message to that region has already made a change to the Yemenese government and now is having an impact on Iran. This is CHANGE!!! By the way, Al Queda is on the run. The drone attacks in Waziristan and the border region of Pakistan/Afghanistan are having a major impact.

After 8 LONG years of Yosemite Sam (W. Bush ), it's a relief to see a political leader like Obama showing some restraint and apparent wisdom. The calls from the "right" for more threatening rhetoric in the Iranian situation, only continues to show their disconnect from reality. I believe that the American people want resolutions to problems not more meaningless posturing.

I'm sure The Teleprompter is divining up a speech right now for Obama to read, saying that the U.S. is to blame for the unrest (that is, the U.S. before Obama took office), and that the U.S. will send money to the Iranian govt.

He doesn't want to meddle in Iran, yet he has no problem trying to strongarm Israel. That should give you some idea of where his loyalties lie.

@PFFT

Your comment brings to mind Kent State, May 4, 1970, USA

It is none of our business....Why does Americans think we have to force our values and voice to other countries...The President is correct...Keep out of the affairs of other countries....

What was the Iran reaction when Bush became president by having less votes than Gore ?

You know the Ruling party in IRan is conservative: they do not want changes , it will cost the country to much, anyone not for us is against us. It's our way or no way. Boy that does sound Repub (conservative) these days. The two groups could change countries and the verbiage would not change . How is it (those who screamed Country First) that our way of life is great and our Democrecy is the Best in the world, Then turn around on other subjects of importance and say that the Goverment sucks and can not be trusted to do right for the people it govern. Health Care, Education, Regulations???? What's the dill pickle.

He has said enough. At this point any inflammatory comment will push hardliners further to the right killing more innocent people. We need to focus on what the Iranian people want. So fair I only get from the news is their desire for a honest, fair, and free election.

A president that thinks before he starts a war. Finally, sanity!

The 'shoot first, ask questions later' approach is why rethugs aren't in power anymore. Are you listening?

I wonder what the correlation is between those speaking for a stronger stance and money recieved from the military industrial lobby?

Hold true to your course Mr. President. Those of us who voted you in looking for change are getting it. Enough with the warmongers, and the baiters. Continue to teach our country that we have to get our stuff together before we start pontificating to another country. We have enough problems without pushing you into a corner to create another one of the international scale. Restraint, restraint. I'm all for restraint and level-headedness.

If the President had come out with "BOMB, BOMB, BOMB IRAN", he would have been criticized for that position. By taking a more measured position that makes it possible for him to work with anyone that comes out of that problem in Iran. He is dammed either way he turns. He is not a war monger. He would prefer to have the support of other nations with us. This is not a bad thing. We have seen for the last 8 years how slamming and or threatening countries with our fear only serves to make more around the world hate us. It's time we stop trying to be the "WORLDS POLICE DEPARTMENT" and become one of the many nations of the world willing to work with others for peace.

We all agree and understand that if we are assaulted then we will have to strike back and I think the world already knows that. We do not need to walk the streets of the world like a bully.

Just apologize it will be ok

You ask that question as though some purpose other than cheap political points could be served by talking "tougher" about Iran. It is called "understanding the culture" look into it. If he came out GOP fashion guns blaring, chest thumping and knuckles dragging the people in charge of this movement would be forced to take a side for or against us.

As hard as it is for those neanderthals of the GOP (no offense intended to neanderthals) this is NOT about us. Making it about us would be counter-productive both for us and for our potential allies in Iran.

The wait and see approach is definitely correct. Condemning the state-sanctioned violence against a peaceful protest is correct, but going any further would end up backfiring. We don't want to give the Iranians a reason to unite (against the US). They also must find their own democracy. Neither Iraq's nor Afghanistan's democracies are functioning well yet. I'll bet if Iran continues and gets a true democracy, it will be truly functional before the US "guided" democracies of Iraq and Afghanistan.

America has 50 states and Iran with all its oil is not one of them. By the way, what is this story I am hearaing about this USGS report on huge "Bakken" oil reserve spanning the Dakotas and Montana?

Exactly as he did during the campaign, McCain rushed in and made yet another foolish, politically motivated grand-stand. What is the point in passing a meaningless resolution that never mentions what exactly these so-called leader believe should be done.

Please start asking these folks what it is they want the U.S. to do. They aren't happy with the President's statements, well then what? Does McCain want to invade Iran over their election and internal turmoil? He hasn't said so. Would he like to reinstate the draft so we will have enough soldiers and could he come up with a way to pay for it? But is that what he is advocating?

When asked this weekend, what should the President do, Bill Bennett's responded that the President should "strongly express his disappointment." Oh my! That's really getting tough, Mr. Bennett. Please, ask McCain what he thinks we should do.

Any direct American Iran influence or harsh talk will be blamed .. not only by Iranians but also by Russians, Chinese and many more !

Maybe Iran can comment on our voting fraud in the MN election. Many questions remain in the Franken/Coleman race. Some areas reported more votes than registered voters. Also the court is not willing to count all the legal votes. hmmmmm.

Here we go. To John McCain and crew. Go on over to Iran and try to strongarm the leadership. Hopefully, they'll keep you there. Permanantly!

I think President Obama is taking the right stance. If the Iranian Protesters want help; they should select a leader to help them organize peaceful protests and also reach out to the U.S. and other countries if they want and need our help.

Also, I think it actually helps President Obama for the GOP to criticize him. The past eight years under President Bush has certainly alienated the U.S. from the Middle East relations, which President Obama is now trying to mend.

The GOP is not respected in that region and who can forget GOP Senator John McCain’s rant “Bomb, Bomb, Bomb, Bomb, Bomb Iran”.

Yeah, because Iraq is going so well for us. Like other posters have said, we are not in charge of the world–this conflict isn't about us, Britain or any other nation that, according to Iran (has influenced the protests). The Iranians are not interested in being "liberated" by Americans....

John McCain was laughable on Sunday morning....he kept going back to "1776" and that the Iranian people should be able to have this revolution and that we should step in and help. Who helped us? Oh...a handful of native americans, who we kindly paid back years later with disease and desolation.

Face it. There really IS a reason he and Sarah Palin didn't win.

Yeah......he's too soft!!

We should go to war! NOW!!! Bring REAL Democracy to Iran......JUST LIKE WE DID IN IRAQ!!! Kill all those who won't live the way (in their country) we want them to live!

It is.....after-all....'The Neo-Con American Way' !

Iran is showing us that Gun Control does work.

I think we should drop some nookular bombs on them Iranians! That'd teach them. Have a nice day!

No President Obama is pitch perfect on the Iranian situation. These big mouth Republican Senators and Congressman who are shooting off their mouths about him being "timid and passive" are doing nothing to help the people of Iran or the United States.

The people of Iran know where and who we stand with on this issue. We cannot be seen as interfering. The current administration in Iran can say anything they like, but the world knows that we have not interfered with the Iranian elections.

Obozo soft?? well....am I conservative??

No he is not to soft. He is brilliant and knows that:
1. Kohmenie will use his voice against the revolotion and say it is more of the same, comming from America not genuine from Iranian people.

2. The GOP wants him to fail, so they want him to loose points on international & National security concerns

3. Look at the results from our involvement/meddling in the history of it all, NOT GOOD.

He is spot on

Obama would have to do SOMETHING in order to get anywhere NEAR being SOFT.

Obama is the leader of the free world (unfortunately). Maybe he should start acting like it.

If Obama reponded the way the Republicans want him to Iran would have more ammo for its "Great Satan" propaganda. He's doing the right thing.

I am so glad McCain isn't in office. If he were things would be getting worse with Iran. Plus, he would have started a war with North Korea by boarding one of their ships.

WOW Alice, now I can see why this country is in so much trouble. Whith people like you I wonder how we are not even worst.

Yes Obama is not doing enough!!!

But actually, every leader in the free world should be speaking out strongly for the citizens of Iran, emphasizing that the government there needs to reform to give a real fair election, equal rights for women, equal rights and respect for people of all religions and friendlier relationship (without nuclear weapons) with the rest of the world. That the Iranian people deserve a representative government that looks out for their welfare and can help develop an economic, socially and politically successful country.

I'd rather see Iranian's burning their ballots, rather than the American Flag! If Obama was to say something that folks want him to say, that scenario would change very quickly! Listen people, we now have a POTUS that can think on the fly without being told what to do & say. Let him do his job and you do yours assuming you have one!

President Obama is not the President of Iran, nor is he a candidate there. We would look down on any condemnation of how are elections are handeld- why should we have the right to officially comment on their elections?
These conservative that want a stronger comment alos believe we should be fighting wars everywhere.
Fight election fraud here before we take on other countries. Our laws that allow for unfounded attacks to be aired unabated are as bad as anyhting done there. And the amount of money spent on election is truly obscene!

Republican are blaming Obama for a " World Appology tour" with his outrich to the muslim world.
Now the "World Appology tour" turn to be productive in changing mentalities in Iran now they are coming back blaming him for not supporting the protesters.
This people make me LMAO.. what do you expect him to do? Send DELTA FORCE to kill the Ayatollah or Ahmadinedjad?
GOP becoming dumber and dumber every day by going against Obama or everything. It's sad.

In my thoughtful and humble opinion, President Obama in his careful and measured manner is right on target in the way in which he is handeling his comments regarding Iran. I have not heard on TV or the radio one Iranian speak anything but approval of the way in which our President is making decisions regarding Iran. Thank God he is not allowing an ugly rush to harsh language.enter his policies!! We don't need to hear schoolyard bullying language coming from the White House!!! Please,no more "AXIS of EVIL " talk ever again.
.

Let Iranians take care of Iran. It's not our job to police the world. We have our own problems. Sticking our nose into everyone's business just gets expensive and hasn't worked—none of our meddling in foreign countries has worked since WWII. Let's just take care of our own problems.

Already in the past the US intervened in Iran and substituted a democratically elected government (Mossadeq). A dictator came to power. Iranians haven´t forgotten the last intervention yet and any kind of new US interference will be blamed by most Iranians.

@ KathyC in MInnesota

I agree with you. FREEDOM IS NOT FREE. It's paid for in blood.

LOOKA HERE!!! America can not alway be a bully in every country, I support Obama. This is how America has build enemies on the years by being a bully. We can support the people of IRAN but stop trying to tell another country how to be,they have laws too. I think Obama respect this country along with the others. Americans still think they own and control the world.

For all the individuals wanting to take a hard position against Iran – I would like for each of then to drive, walk, and any other mode of transportation, to their locate recruite office – sign up and go to battle.

I think that President Obama is has made the right decision – this is not our battle – It is because of the Republicans that the people in this country are experiencing a financial crisis – so they are running their mouths regarding Iran to cause us to look away from our financial issues.

What a dumb question – of course he's soft on Iran – they're a muslim country and therefore can do no wrong in Obama's eyes. Who cares if the government kills people who disagree?

Don't listen to the insane Republicans – they are playing a dangerous trick.

If we actively intervene, the whole thing will blow up in our faces.

Why are we giving these ridiculous neo-cons airtime? This revolution might not have even happened if not for Obama's speech in Cairo!

Revolutions occur only from within – this is the Iranian People's moment. Support them in spirit, and help them get their stories out to the world, but PLEASE do not interfere on a governmental level.

When has the neoconservative way EVER worked before – don't listen to the lunatics with trigger fingers! They are just trying to prove they are tough!

Obama is absolutely doing the right thing. The USA has no business getting involved in Iran's internal affairs. We're involved in 2 wars already. Every time we get involved in another country's struggle, we lose American lives and dollars. And for what? The track record is not too good – VietNam, Iraq, etc.

George Wills said it well when he called GOP opposition to Obama's strategy " foolish". He is also right that the Iranians know we oppose
their violence. The issue seems to be not whether Obama is doing a good job. The issue is that Republicans are sore that they are not in charge.

Let's see, Pat Buchanan thinks Obama is doing the right thing. Dick Luger thinks Obama is doing the right thing, Ron Paul thinks Obama is doing the right thing.

Real conservatives think Obama is doing the right thing on Iran. You mean its OK to spend another $Trillion on a war in the middle east but not OK to spend the stimulus money?

Obama is handling this just right, he is not from the Neocon Foreign Policy School of "bomb first, refuse to answer questions later",...what does the far right want him to do? Send some Stealth bombers over to buzz Tehran? Put three more aircraft carriers in the Persian Gulf? We cannot give A Jad a reason to tell his followers that the "Great Satan" is meddling in their affairs, we instead are allowing the Iranian people themselves to expose the corrupt Iranian dictator for what he is, it is up to them to produce change in their country, not us.

A hair trigger response without facts leads us into more trouble than reasoned assessment and intelligence. That should be the lesson learned from Iraq. What is happening in Iran is organically grown by the young people in that country, not a construct dreamt up in the halls of the CIA. Do neocons in Congress think President Obama enjoys seeing the images of young people dying in the streets of Tehran? If he offers harsh condemnation, then there would be more stories of brutality and torture. Just like in blackjack, sometimes you stand on 14 instead of yelling like a fool “HIT ME!”

I agree with Henry Kissinger, George Will and Colin Powell. Obama's doing it right. Grandpa McCain should go back to one of his 8 houses and yell at the kids to keep off the lawn.

If John McCain had been voted in, then I guess we would have troops poised and ready to go in and do "our thing" as in years past. This is similar to when the Shah got overthrown 30 years ago, who by the way we "put" in power....another screwup by our State Dept and CIA. We need to leave well enough alone and let them solve their own problems. Not every country/region is ready or will accept our brand of democracy the way we want them too.

What good is talking loud and saying nothing? That seems to be the Republican answer. When you have harsh words, you should be expected to back them up. What is their plan after the loud talk?

I am a conservative republican and believe Obama is playing this problem right. Then I read the rants from the Obama supporters and other dope smokin' libs here and wonder if he is doing it right for the wrong reasons. You get a much better discussion on Fox. You don't have the left delusionals crowding the space.

Unless you want to draft 100000 young Americans to invade a country that doesn't want to be invaded, Obama is doing exactly the right thing.

Why do we keep questioning ad nauseum the position that the prez has taken on Iran? Are you trying to twist his arm, and make him say something that he'll later regret? It is not going to work. Obama has brains and he isn't afraid to use them. God! This must be the umpteenth article with different headlines in regards to the fact that the President will not partake in our time honored tradition of putting his two-cents in where it is not wanted!

President Obama is absolutely doing the right thing. How would the Repugs feel if someone from Iran tried to tell us what to do? NOT! We can not afford to get involved in another quagmire where our troops would have to maintain order like we are now doing in Iraq. I support the Iranian people 100% but utimately it is up to them to bring about the change that needs to be made. And yes, some sacrifices will be made. But that's the price.

Obarry is in WAY over his head. He can't keep voting "present," which is what he is actually doing now. It may have worked in the Senate, but his "community to be organized" is a lot larger now. I guess we'll have to wait for Teleprompter of the United States (TOTUS) to tell Bo Bo what to do!

The president is doing the right thing. I don't recall any official worldwide election which picked the President of United States as the 'savior' of the world. Each country has its own sovereignty which should be respected. For external interventions there is United Nations which is recognized by the majority of countries of this world.
It is disgusting to see how the GOP tries to use this conflict in Iran for their own agenda calling compassion for the young people fighting for their rights in Iran. The GOP doesn't care for them. The only thing the republicans care about is how much oil is in Iran to get their hands on.

Obama is doing fine on IRAN.

As the situation continues to develop, Obama will adjust his comments/actions as required.

I am pleased with how Obama is handling this situation.

idiots, do you all really think those Iranians protesting the election results all of a sudden want to be friends with America, hell no, they want their man in power because they obviously feel he was cheated. President Obama is doing the right thing, the Iranians need to achieve their goal with out outside influence, otherwise it would cause more internal turmoil. Just look at Iraq, im pretty sure many of the people who were celebrating Saddams end have attacked and killed many of our young American heroes. so we really need to be careful.

No he is not to soft.

The people who say he is too soft are the Republicans and they will say anthing to get the attention of the American voter.

Iran is an independent country and we do not control it's leaders or policys.

I think Linsey Grahmn should go to Iran and protest in the streets since he thinks he has all the answers.

Obama soft on a muslim nation? I never thought I would see the day. Not after he gave a full body bow to the king of Saudi Arabia, not after he supported Palestine and condemned Israel, not after he gave a thug like nod of the head to Queen Elizabeth II, not after all that would I ever think Obama would be soft on Iran. Don't you people get it yet? Obama is a liberal, soft shoulder muslim!!!! Obama still doesn't have a clue as to what he's supposed to do, all he's done is give out welfare, ignore a missile firing from North Korea, diesrespect our allies repeatedly, give out welfare, attend fundraisers, and pose for photos. The man is useless!

What exactly is he supposed to do? Bomb them? Really.........Personally, I think Presidient Obama is doing just fine by NOT throwing gasoline on a fire. We are not the world's problem solver and have no right dictating to any nation what form of governement it must adopt. The Bush error is over with.......move on!

oBamma is a cowerd, He,s scart of iran. he's teh worst pres we ever had;
zippy

The President is right on track. His responses have been appropriate. We need to keep our eyes on Iraq, Afganistan and now North Korea...

So those of you that think Americans have a say in what goes on in Iranian elections are dilusional. They had and have no say in how we elect officials over here so why should we but in to their business? you see what that got is when we inserted our noses in Iraq's business. I agree with Brina, everything is not about America.

As you can all tell, I skipped "scool" a lot also.

Being the Leader of the Free World does not mean interfering with the internal strife of another country.

Obama doesn't care about international issues, he's solely focused on domestic issues. He should be supporting anyone who opposes the islamic state of Iran since they are our avowed enemies and seek to destroy Israel.

phoenix86, you are what, 11 and skipping scool again?

Neville Chamberlain comes to mind...

All the warmonger Republicans should go to Iran and protest!!

I think Obama is not soft enough. He should give Amadinnerjacket a piece of Iraq and a highway to the Israeli border. That's what I would do!

he can't help voting "present"

Ask any Iranian if they want Obama more involved and they will tell you NO. Sometimes it isn't all about us. We have to stop being the world's police sometimes. They know we support them in their battles and they know that the American people are behind them. We support them daily through proxy servers, twitter, facebook, and sending over an abundance of information. We are doing everything they want, everything they need, for now. Let's wait for them to ask for more. Then reassess the situation.

The only idiots proclaiming the President is being "soft" are McCain and the other neocons. Thank God McIdiot lost in November otherwise today's headlines would read "McCain keeps campaign promise. He bombed, bombed bombed Iran!"

What is driving the Congressional Republicans CRAZY is that President Obama is being sensible about this. What is happening in Iran is NOT ABOUT the United States!!!

FREEDOM is not FREE! Blood is spilled as payment. Think back to when a band of American Colonists rallied against England due to unfair taxation. The rest is history.

The people of Iran who are for a freer society, while still lawful, will have their blood shed for the cause. The more the blood flows, the more the repressive regime will crack. World opinion is against Iran. That will grow stronger.

We are not the World Police. The U.S., contrary to Bush and the rest of the republican's belief, cannot just invade any country we want. There's really nothing the U.S. can or should do...Iran has to deal with this on their own.

Obama is a disgrace! He can blast the GOP, Fox News, Rush Limbaugh, he can smile and laugh with dictators who talk trash about him and America (Chavez) and others but he can't take a strong VERBAL stance in support of freedom and human rights?

He goes around the world and blast America but he is extremely careful of how he speak to and of America's foes?!

What is wrong with this picture?

Why is it that as a country so many of our politicians STILL think that we can bully others into submission? This has been the mode of operations in IRAN since I can remember, and I'm over forty! All we do is create war and impose our might on other countries.

Where is the political outrage about Darfur, Nigeria, and Haiti. It's like PETA... they only make noise about animals that they LIKE.

Other countries are beginning to call the bully's bluff and the bully doesn't like it, the prez knows this and is taking another approach, you repug jerks had your chance to form alliences and blew it big time.

All of the people who don't understand what he's doing and that what he's doing is absolutely the correct approach, learn something about foreign relations with regard to Iran and the US. Educate yourselves on history of US and Great Britains interferance in the past which led up to this uprising. Then maybe you'll be able to speak intelligently on this subject. If you can't, or refuse to, do that . . . . do the freedom-fighters in Iran a huge favor and STOP YAMMERING!

Obama has been way too soft on Iran. As the so called leader of the free world, he needs to be out front more.

Obama is way too soft on North Korea. Reports suggest that North Korea intends to aim and fire a missle at Hawaii on July 4th. All Obama does is station some ships offshore. What he should do is tell North Korea that any missle that comes within 1500 miles of any US territory will be shot down.

Obama is too soft on the pork spending gluttons in his own party. Obama needs to keep his campaign promise to us and not approve any pork spending.

I voted for Obama hoping for change and much needed leadership. So far he has been timid and an empty suit

Even some conservatives are saying Obama is playing it right. The sabre-rattlers will never accept anything he does. Play it rough...too harsh. Play it cool (as he is) too light!! They'd be called traitors and disrespectful of the POTUS office is McShame was in office

We (the US) cannot be seen as the protagonist in Iran's internal struggles of freedom, democracy, and violence. Every time any single US politician speaks out on recent events, they are immediately targeted as an example of what is causing all of the violence in Iran by the extremist clergy.

However, with that being said, we do need to send a strong signal to Iran, in direct cooperation with other countries, that the violence the government of Iran is exerting on its own people is unjust, uncalled for, and excessive in the eyes of the entire free world.

The US President cannot take the high road of John McCain's off-the-wall extremist comments and shoot from the hip. It must be coordinated, concise, and clear what we are saying and exactly what we support and condemn.

Saying nothing or not enough on a subject is far better than saying the wrong thing, even once.

Can't Americans learn a lesson from Iraq? All these republicans just want their names to be heard.
What do they want Obama to do? Do the same as they did to Iraq?

The POTUS is right on when it comes to Iran. All the regime needs is US interference so that it can paint Mousavi as a puppet of the west, etc. Then the argument will be all about the US, rather than reform in Iran. We don't need to do anything to undermine their call for change.

So what does the Republicans want President Obama do? Like the experts say he is doing the right thing... If we come out to harshly, we could cause more deaths in the young Iranian people who wants Democracy. We can condemned the recent regime., but not what they are doing, did we interfere in what happen in China, we could be vocal, but to interfere in someone else's turmoil... could mean more problems more deaths,...Unless they ask for help, and then it should be the United Nations.

No he is not. He isn't falling for the bait of putting US in the middle of this crap and making it about the US vs Islam which can be used as a recruiting tool to drum up support amongst hardliners and religious fanatics. He's making the best decision EVER. I'm so proud of him right now. He's showing strategic thinking which many times is sufficient in winning wars and conflicts than firing missiles and acting tough and arrogant. America needs to get over herself. We can't tell everyone what to do all the time and this is one of those cases where we need to apply that thinking

The GOP loves to scream and whine and saber-rattle; which is why they aren't in control of the White House anymore. All of the huffing and puffing that Bush did only led to increased tensions around the world...and didn't manage to solve or even mitigate any problems.

Obama's measured response is spot on.

Nope, he is being pragmatic and smart, denying the Conservative Mullars who hate America the excuse they need to justify repression and election theft. Mr. Obama is doing just fine.

According to news coming out of Iran, Mousavi has blamed Obama for misleading the world. Obama's initial approach betrayed the causxe of democracy and US leadership role in world affairs. In future he should come out strongly on a principled approach for human rights, non-violence, freedom and democracy.

Obama has turned his back on supporting freedom and liberty.

I'm sure he'll come out with a fancy speech after all of the bloodshed has stopped.

This clown is an embarrassment to this country.

Yes, and that is a Good thing.

If Obama were any softer, he would pick up a tear gas gun and fire into the demonstrators in Tehran.

Obama is a LOVER not a FIGHTER!!

Just the right tone Mr. President. The republicans are trying to make this a politcal issue , when you've made the best possible JUDGEMENT. The Iranian government ha already accused us of meddling when we have done no such thing. You don't have to say a word Mr. President. Encourage the American people to protest on behalf of this democracy. Keep up the good work.

Everything is NOT about America.......these republicans need to stop being arrogant. President Obama has said enough......what do you want him to do...bomb Iran or something.

Stupid question