Commander In Chief Test: Russia v. Georgia Conflict?

By Syreeta L. McNeal, CPA, JD

As reported on CNN, Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin accused the United States of orchestrating the conflict in Georgia to benefit one of its presidential candidates. (see http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/europe/08/28/russia.georgia.cold.war/index.html). I wonder who could it be? Senator McCain or Senator Obama. Well, I think you know the answer to that one.

Well, lets look at the United States Constitution, Article II, Section 2, Clause 1 which states:

The President shall be Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy of the United States, and of the Militia of the several States, when called into the actual Service of the United States, he may require the Opinion in writing, of the principal Officer in each of the executive Departments, upon any Subject relating to the Duties of their respective Offices, and he shall have Power to grant Reprieves and Pardons for Offences against the United States, except in Cases of Impeachment.

Now, it was very interesting that Senator Obama was on vacation in Hawaii while this crisis occurred. Was Senator Obama the first to address this version of a 3:00 a.m. conflict? No. Senator McCain did.

But, should we be surprise that Senator Obama who does not have any military experience would have President Bush and his allies give him this test during the general election.

Well the impact was clear. Senator Obama's positioning in the polls weakened after this first 3:00 a.m. test as commander in chief. I just don't know if Senator Obama realizes what he is up against. People believe Senator Clinton was an insurmountable task. I beg to differ. The real test is to prove to America that in a time after 9/11 attacks, that Senator Obama can pass the Commander in Chief test. He and his campaign have their hands full. Because Russia is showing that they are willing to take President Bush on in showing their military might.

But, as we say in political warfare: Let the Games Begin.

Update: McCain's latest ad (http://www.breitbart.tv/?p=162743)

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