Think Progress

Boot: McCain’s ‘bellicose aura’ is a boon for peace.

Writing in the Los Angeles Times today, Council on Foreign Relations Senior Fellow Max Boot, who is “an unpaid foreign policy advisor” to Sen. John McCain (R-AZ), claims that McCain’s bellicose aura will help America “to achieve more” of its “objectives peacefully” because he would frighten other countries:

Ironically, John McCain’s bellicose aura could allow us to achieve more of our objectives peacefully because other countries would be more afraid to mess with him than with most other potential occupants of the Oval Office — or the current one.



76 Responses to “Boot: McCain’s ‘bellicose aura’ is a boon for peace.”

  1. clb72 says:

    There is no way to peace. Peace is the way.
    – A.J. Muste


  2. Xisithrus says:

    Wow, is he saying the Dean Scream would have scared countries to peace?

    Max Boot for Deanism!!!


  3. raynman says:

    So, let me get this straight… if we have a President who’s an obnoxious a-hole, that will keep other countries from messing with us?


  4. shoeless says:

    McCain’s bellicose aura

    Since McWalkingCane is from Arizona, we’ll call it “Cowboy Diplomacy”. Maybe he will make John Bolton ambassador to the UN.


  5. The Dogfather says:

    If McCain is elected, I wonder who needs to be more afraid — other countries, or US citizens…

    As for me, I’ll be very afraid…


  6. MCMetal says:

    A puffy-faced senile old gimp is more likely to intimidate others than a healthy tall black man with all his faculties ?

    I realize how stupid these GOP twits are , but that is beyond completely foolish……..


  7. JT says:

    Documents discovered in al Qaeda safe houses in Iraq lament how poorly the war in Iraq is going for the terrorists:

    Al-Qaeda in Iraq faces an “extraordinary crisis”. Last year’s mass defection of ordinary Sunnis from al-Qaeda to the US military “created panic, fear and the unwillingness to fight”. The terrorist group’s security structure suffered “total collapse”.

    These are the words not of al-Qaeda’s enemies but of one of its own leaders in Anbar province — once the group’s stronghold. They were set down last summer in a 39-page letter seized during a US raid on an al-Qaeda base near Samarra in November.

    The US military released extracts from that letter yesterday along with a second seized in another November raid that is almost as startling.

    That second document is a bitter 16-page testament written last October by a local al-Qaeda leader near Balad, north of Baghdad. “I am Abu-Tariq, emir of the al-Layin and al-Mashahdah sector,” the author begins. He goes on to describe how his force of 600 shrank to fewer than 20.

    The last holdouts who still believe the surge hasn’t worked are mostly Democratic office-holders.


  8. Xisithrus says:

    This seems like a pre-emptive move because they know McCain will blow up during a debate.


  9. Zimzone says:

    McBomb is all fuse & no powder.

    All this would accomplish is reinforce World opinion that America voted in another corporate fascist to the WH.

    Boot’s opinions need to be ‘re-booted’.


  10. The Republic of Stupidity says:

    Comment by JT — February 12, 2008 @ 11:09 am

    Ah, yes… yet another one fighting the good fight… from the safety of Mommy’s basement.


  11. Guido OBGYN Lover says:

    I think he meant “varicose”.


  12. MCMetal says:

    The last holdouts who still believe the surge hasn’t worked are mostly Democratic office-holders.

    Comment by JT — February 12, 2008 @ 11:09 am


    Move there then if it’s so great ………You won’t be missed.


  13. Xisithrus says:

    The last holdouts who still believe the surge hasn’t worked are mostly Democratic office-holders.

    Comment by JT

    Actually, the reason for the surge was to give room for political reconciliation, which hasnt worked.


  14. toasterhead says:

    So, let me get this straight… if we have a President who’s an obnoxious a-hole, that will keep other countries from messing with us?

    Comment by raynman — February 12, 2008 @ 11:06 am

    If we have a President who’s a grouchy old man, that’ll just encourage young whippersnapper countries to ring our national doorbell and run, or egg us and throw toilet paper in our national forests on Halloween. Our only recourse will be to yell, “I saw that, Botswana! Now get off my lawn before I call your parents!”


  15. Xisithrus says:

    BTW JT this is not an IRAQ thread.


  16. Xisithrus says:

    Bring it on!! Bomb Bomb Bomb!! Less Jobs More War!!! Kill Kill Kill!!
    You &%*%%

    I dont think this is a viable policy. Nice Try Max.


  17. gulfwargrunt says:

    John McCain’s admitted adultery and history of divorcing his first wife for a 25 year-old heiress will better protect the “sanctity of marriage”, too.


  18. JT says:

    Xisithrus the clueless:

    Apparently you didn’t read the underlying article that this blog linked to. Can you stand on your own two feet and think, or do you rely on others to guide you through your day?


  19. singe_101 says:

    He’s so old they would see we respect our elders, even if we fill crummy nursing homes with them where in a lot of other countries they lounge in parks, shops, etc.

    He’s so white they’ll see that we won’t let affrmative action beat us.

    He’s so absent for votes they’ll see that we embrace European vacationism and even more so, with even less accountability.

    What a crock! Chavez is politically fighting us, forces came into Iraq to kill us even though it wasn’t their land, in Afghanistan they’re surging against us, and this is the most “I’ll get you!” president ever.


  20. toasterhead says:

    The last holdouts who still believe the surge hasn’t worked are mostly Democratic office-holders.

    Comment by JT — February 12, 2008 @ 11:09 am

    And also the people of Iraq, whose government has barely moved on the political reconciliation goals that were supposed to have been enabled by the surge.


  21. Xisithrus says:

    I dont know about yall but I wont work for angry, verbally abusive, bellicose imperial minded mavericks


  22. MCMetal says:

    Ironically, John McCain’s bellicose aura could allow us to achieve more of our objectives peacefully because other countries would be more afraid to mess with him than with most other potential occupants of the Oval Office — or the current one.


    They’re gonna’ be intimidated by his POW status ?
    He gonna’ fight them with the medals he received half a century ago ?
    He gonna’ beat them with his gimp arm ? His cane ?


  23. Repunklicans says:

    And also the people of Iraq, whose government has barely moved on the political reconciliation goals that were supposed to have been enabled by the surge.

    Comment by toasterhead — February 12, 2008 @ 11:16 am

    ZING!!


  24. Xisithrus says:

    Apparently you didn’t read the underlying article that this blog linked to. Can you stand on your own two feet and think, or do you rely on others to guide you through your day?

    Comment by JT

    Nice strawman, what do you call him, projectionism?


  25. Cal Malenky says:

    More Orwellian Newspeak from the desperadoes of the Right.


  26. missmolly says:

    You mean McCain’s bellicose aura is going to scare more people than Dick Cheney’s bellicose aura?


  27. Xisithrus says:

    Apparently JT cant read the title of this thread. Thinking on your own two feet?


  28. The Republic of Stupidity says:

    http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/la-oe-boot12feb12,0,946197.story

    Go with the tough guy

    “The new ‘axis of evil’ doesn’t fear the U.S. McCain could change that.”

    Doesn’t fear the US? You mean we’ve wasted all our time, and troops, and money, killing hundreds of thousands of Iraqis and flattening the country for nothing?

    All the nukes, the fighter jets, the aircraft carriers DON’T scare the poop outta folks around the world? Damn… I want my money back!


  29. MCMetal says:

    Xisithrus the clueless:

    Apparently you didn’t read the underlying article that this blog linked to. Can you stand on your own two feet and think, or do you rely on others to guide you through your day?

    Comment by JT — February 12, 2008 @ 11:16 am


    No one “guided” Xisithrus into telling your ignorant ass that this is not a thread on Iraq and/or the amount of al Qeada forces remaining there , JustAGOPTool…………
    He figured that out for himself , unlike your sorry stupid ass……..


  30. The Republic of Stupidity says:

    Perhaps McCain will try to outcheney Cheney by shooting TWO old men in the face, missmolly.


  31. shoeless says:

    The last holdouts who still believe the surge hasn’t worked are mostly Democratic office-holders.

    Comment by JT

    Your precious splurge has our military tied down in a quagmire, fighting the Iraqi people and a few deadenders pretending to be al Qaeda, while Osama bin Laden and the real al Qaeda rebuild and operate freely from their safe haven in Northern Pakistan.

    They are laughing at the idiocy of fools like you, your fake cowboy pResident, and the senile old man who wants to take his place.


  32. The Republic of Stupidity says:

    … Screamed Uber-patriot JT, from the safety of Mommy’s basement…


  33. barfly says:

    Comment by JT

    Justin Timberlake?

    Now there’s a foreign-policy expert!


  34. raynman says:

    The surge has worked just about as well as the search for Osama bin Laden….


  35. katy says:

    Democracy Now! looks at the real John McCain

    Democracy Now’s Amy Goodman speaks to author Matt Welch on the subject of his book, McCain: The Myth of a Maverick. What is so striking is how this myth of being a maverick has continued long into his congressional career and is exhibited in the votes he’s receiving from the anti-war crowd despite being more pro-war than any other GOP candidate.
    [...]
    http://www.crooksandliars.com/index.php?s=mccain%2C+myth


  36. RUCerious says:

    Strength through paranoia!

    What a slogan.


  37. MCMetal says:

    The surge has worked just about as well as the search for Osama bin Laden….

    Comment by raynman — February 12, 2008 @ 11:28 am


    More like the surge has worked as hard and as well as Chimpy has throughout his miserable spoiled existence ……..


  38. bobcat_grad says:

    Wait…

    He’s going to bring peace due to people fearing him?

    Isn’t that a dictator’s route?

    These people’s logic boggles the mind.


  39. RUCerious says:

    When McCain shakes his palsied fist at someone, they cower.

    In an attempt to politely hide the fact they’re laughing their ass off.


  40. toasterhead says:

    He’s going to bring peace due to people fearing him?

    Isn’t that a dictator’s route?

    These people’s logic boggles the mind.

    Comment by bobcat_grad — February 12, 2008 @ 11:34 am

    It worked for Emperor Palpatine.


  41. DanCaveman says:

    It makes perfect sense. I mean scared and cornered animals are much calmer and peaceful than confident and secure ones. DUH!


  42. missmolly says:

    Yes, a “bellicose aura” is just what is needed to have influence. Get your way by frightening others and making them afraid to mess with you. Always the best way to achieve your objectives.

    This is why when Jesus came to earth, he arrived armed to the teeth, beat up people just so others would be afraid of Him, didn’t hesitate to destroy anyone who didn’t buy into His ideology, and achieved all of his objectives through bullying, threats, and the use of violent force.

    Oh wait…


  43. Xisithrus says:

    The fundamental question is: What is the United States’ interest in Lebanon [Iraq]? It is said we are there to keep the peace. I ask, what peace? It is said we are there to aid the government. I ask, what government? It is said we are there to stabilize the region. I ask, how can the U.S. presence stabilize the region?… The longer we stay in Lebanon [Iraq], the harder it will be for us to leave. We will be trapped by the case we make for having our troops there in the first place.

    What can we expect if we withdraw from Lebanon [Iraq]? The same as will happen if we stay. I acknowledge that the level of fighting will increase if we leave. I regretfully acknowledge that many innocent civilians will be hurt. But I firmly believe this will happen in any event. -John McCain ‘Maverick’
    http://www.amconmag.com/2008/2008_02_11/cover.html


  44. DanCaveman says:

    Just look at all the revolutions in history, they obviously had peaceful and loving governments before the revolution. People obviously were sensing weakness and it had nothing to do with malcontent of the citizens.


  45. MCMetal says:

    He’s going to bring peace due to people fearing him?

    Isn’t that a dictator’s route?

    These people’s logic boggles the mind.

    Comment by bobcat_grad — February 12, 2008 @ 11:34 am

    It worked for Emperor Palpatine.

    Comment by toasterhead — February 12, 2008 @ 11:35 am


    Now all we need is for McInsane to become part of the Actor’s Union and we’re all set………….


  46. Juan C. says:

    Last time I checked there weren’t COUNTRIES attacking the US, but armed organizations.

    So I guess, that leaves McCain completely useless…


  47. RUCerious says:

    missmolly, nice twist ~ who would Jesus threaten (besides money changers in temples, that is)?


  48. Keltoi says:

    Toasterhead at 14, thanks for the laugh.


  49. Juan C. says:

    who would Jesus threaten (besides money changers in temples, that is)?
    Comment by RUCerious

    Heh.


  50. toasterhead says:

    Last time I checked there weren’t COUNTRIES attacking the US, but armed organizations.

    Comment by Juan C. — February 12, 2008 @ 11:39 am

    Not for lack of trying on our part, mind you. It’s not our fault that Iran and Syria aren’t taking the bait.


  51. j swift says:

    TR: Speak softly and carry a big stick.

    McNut: Scream profanity and exude a bellicose aura


  52. Leftside Annie says:

    Yeah, only in BizarroWorld.

    WTF is wrong with these people??


  53. Art says:

    McCain might be able to frighten other countries?

    Maybe.

    Bush was only able to frighten this country.


  54. Juan C. says:

    It’s not our fault that Iran and Syria aren’t taking the bait.
    Comment by toasterhead

    Oh, don’t forget Tuvalu. They’ve been strangely quiet these years…

    Hopefully McCain will just scare them off, like NATO is doing with Russia.


  55. TXProgressive says:

    Oh yeah, and we all see how well cowboy diplomacy has worked out for the bush admin. Keep shovelin’ McCain, you’re almost completely buried now.


  56. Uncle Ho says:

    Hitler called war peace too. A piece of Poland, a piece of France, a piece of …..


  57. toasterhead says:

    Oh, don’t forget Tuvalu. They’ve been strangely quiet these years…

    Comment by Juan C. — February 12, 2008 @ 11:47 am

    Just you wait. Soon they’ll run out of all possible permutations of .tv domain names. I predict that war will break out all over Micronesia.


  58. OxyCon says:

    Max Boot is CFR?
    Wow, they let any idiot in, don’t they?


  59. Russ says:

    Max Boot, your typical NeoCon scum. Never would dream of serving our country but are anxious as hell to get us involved in wars. These guys are nuts.


  60. RUCerious says:

    Boot is moot, so go toot your flute, max.


  61. Buckie Boy says:

    Sick, having the world fear us is not going to help, because at some point the playground bully will be taken out when the rest of the kids get sick of him

    Don’t think that Russia and China and Europe will get sick of our actions and act together to “Take down the School yard Bully”.

    John “100 years of War” McInsane needs to lose and go away.

    Buck Fush


  62. Lt. Colonel Fred Seamon says:

    Yer wrong, Max. Our wonderful performance in Iraq and Afghanistan, where I believe someone named Bin Laden if still roaming free, and where what few allies we have are deserting us, combined with the poor condition of the Army and Marines, hardly make anyone afraid to mess with McCain than with most other potential occupants of the Oval Office — or the current one.

    Bomb Bomb McCain may have been somewhat proficient at dropping bombs on people, but he shows no sign of knowing how to deal with terrorists.

    Signed,

    Retired ground pounder


  63. gummitch says:

    How is this whole bellicose = peace thing working for Iran?

    Do these people ever think before they open their yaps? Ever?


  64. Max-1 says:

    .

    THE GOP FEAR MAMAGEMENT McCAMPAIGN SPOKESMAN SAYS WHAT…?

    .


  65. VerbalKint says:

    Max Boot has a two decade track record for being wrong.


  66. MCMetal says:

    Max Boot has a two decade track record for being wrong.

    Comment by VerbalKint — February 12, 2008 @ 12:38 pm


    That’s why he’s part of the GOP’s upper echelon ………….


  67. americangoy says:

    Translation: by being a bully and scaring people you will achieve your goals “peacefully”.

    Americans – make sure to teach your children that bullying works and is a very American thing to do!


  68. tombaker says:

    How’s that for a fool’s analysis?

    Does the fool not appreciate that mccain’s bellicosity could be exploited to some unsavory end, just like w’s was??????

    Has the fool never heard of bear-baiting?

    Is the US really a jr. high playground where the threat of reprisal is the foremost organizing principle?

    I’m afraid that’s exactly what we’ve become.


  69. RUCerious says:

    Americans – make sure to teach your children that bullying works and is a very American thing to do!
    Comment by americangoy — February 12, 2008 @ 1:06 pm

    I think I’ll go right out and build a machine gun nest on the corner of my roof that faces the front street.

    I’ll show those neighbors of mine not to walk on MY lawn!


  70. bilbobaggins says:

    OMG, that’s all we need. A President the world is afraid of. How far can we sink?


  71. bilbobaggins says:

    The last holdouts who still believe the surge hasn’t worked are mostly Democratic office-holders.
    Comment by JT — February 12, 2008 @ 11:09 am

    A large majority of Americans still want us out of Iraq, so I guess they don’t really think the surge has worked.

    I love these idiot trolls. If the surge had worked, there would be some political reconciliation in Iraq. If the surge had worked, less not more Iraqi’s would want us out of their country.


  72. tombaker says:

    70 – you forgot the “lie about it” part – one must always lie about it to succeed in the New American Dream.


  73. AMcG773 says:

    “John McCain’s bellicose aura…”

    Lot of good bellicose did Fred Thompson.


  74. Uncle Ho says:

    Bark loudly and carry a little stick. :-)


  75. celtic cynic says:

    “Boot: McCain’s ‘bellicose aura’ is a boon for peace.”

    That’s absolute BS designed to lead people into believing that McCain is a promoter of and believer in peace. McCain doesn’t know the difference because of his military training. He’s too willing to listen to hawkish advisers.


  76. thirdparty says:

    It’s the “Nixon in China” theme. Only Nixon could open China, because anyone else would be slammed as a commie. So McCain has an advantage in that he can take dovish moves and avoid criticism from the hawks.



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