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.