The Republican Wrong – Wrong All Round

The USA has had armed forces deployed in Afghanistan for some years now: the war as prosecuted under “Dubya” Bush continues to be fought under Barack Obama, despite the recent excess of candour from Stanley McChrystal.

And, it was thought, that the war should continue to be fought was one of those rare things, in that it enjoyed the support of both Democrats and Republicans. That was until the embattled chairman of the Republican National Committee (RNC) Michael Steele stood up to speak at a party fundraiser in Connecticut last Thursday.

Steele, apparently with a straight face, told his audience that the Afghan conflict was “A war of Obama’s choosing”. Moreover, it was “not something the United States has actively prosecuted or wanted to engage in”. Wow. Where has this man been for the past decade?

Even the most ardent of GOP supporters, such as “Dick” Cheney’s daughter Liz, have called for Steele to step down from his post. This example of what is now known as “mis-speaking” tells you why.