Clinton urging bush not to support the olympics

Clinton's suggestion for Bush to "not plan on attending the opening ceremonies in Beijing, absent major changes by the Chinese government." (CNN.com) is a move that helps highlight the difference in polices clinton wants us to believe she will adopt, (i.e. challenging the bush administration and highlighting a 'need for change') but is not a realistic suggestion that any administration would carry out. If president bush adopted Clinton's suggestion and did not attend the olympics, not only would the move be viewed as aggressive and inappropriate, the consequences in terms of the economy and international trade may possibly be severe. If the Chinese and US Government allowed the olympics to harm their relationship, China, the worlds largest exporter may loose out on trading with one of their main trade partners, the united states. The mechanics of the political arena between China and the US are driven largely by trade, and as long as trade is profitable, neither country will let an event affect their relationship. This is not to say that the olympics are not important, but it is to say that trade valued in billions of dollars is worth more than an annual sporting event. Besides the economy, Barack Obama raised a point that may justify Bush's presence at the olympic games. "I'm hesitant to make the Olympics a site of political protest because I think it's partly about bringing the world together." (CNN.com) This viewpoint not only makes Barack seem more competent in international politics, but also reflects the true meaning and purpose of the Olympic games. 

Time for a break!

The last week before Super Tuesday will have been marked by a seeming break in the campaign. Indeed, based on the outcomes of the first primaries and caucuses, Giuliani and Edwards’ withdrawals appeared to be a non event, Senator John McCain victory in Florida alike. Yet, two other events should have held people’s attention. The first one was President George W. Bush’s last State of the Union, and the second one was the CNN Democratic debate in Hollywood. To be perfectly honest, both events were disappointing.
Although people did not expect something new from the Democratic debate, the latter broke its promises. As usual, the topics tackled by Senators Clinton and Obama were the same; the American economy, the healthcare system and the war in Iraq. As for the arguments developed on each topic, both candidates contented themselves with developing the same answers since the beginning of their presidential bid; Barack Obama emphasized his opposition to the War in Iraq, while Hillary Clinton emphasized her female and maternal concern for children healthcare. At the end, observers tried to determine who won the debate. However, to win the debate seemed to be far from being candidates’ main purpose. A couple of days before Super Tuesday only, Democratic candidate frontrunners’ aim were to handle their own lead and not to make any mistake. That is probably what happened, as the comments the day after the debate were surprisingly nearly nonexistent.
As for Bush’s last State of the Union is concerned, nothing really exciting. White House officials promised viewers a speech that would look forward and not back, but rather than talking about the economy issue, the US president preferred to concentrate most of his speech on the War in Iraq. During a period of the campaign marked by endorsements, I looked for that of George W. Bush or at least a sign that could tell people president Bush’s preference for a candidate. Except maybe the similarity between President Bush and Senator McCain’s outlooks on the Iraq War issue, it is impossible to answer the question which is whether or not Bush is going to endorse officially a candidate. The week was as calm as Super Tuesday may be decisive.