Obama to Howard: Chickenhawk!

Barack Hussein Obama fired back at Autralian PM John Howard today, invoking the familiar “nutroots” chickenhawk meme at a campaign stop in Ames, Iowa

Responding to Howard’s criticism of Obama’s Iraq surrender-by-May plan, Obama lashed out at Howard by minimizing the Australian troop commitment of 1400, and said that if Howard believes so strongly in the American effort, he should commit an additional 20,000 Australian troops. (I have been reminded that “stategic redeploment” does not mean “surrender”, but failing to see the difference, I have decided to continue to use my original characterization.)

Perhaps Obama thinks Howard is an easy target. Given Obama’s lack of experience on the world stage, I don’t doubt this one bit. I’ve blogged previously about the absence of gravitas in the Obama campaign, and this comment is simply more evidence that he truly doesn’t get it, and is in no way ready for prime time. Hillary’s attack machine must be licking their chops. Obama is making it easy for them. But, I suspect we haven’t heard the last word yet from PM Howard.