Jack & Jill Politics

Here’s a snippet from the beginning of Obama’s speech this am at the UN where he talks about how we averted total global economic collapse:

You’ll see some cameos from Hillary Clinton, UN Ambassador Susan Rice (go sister) and Obama BFF & Advisor Valerie Jarrett. BTW, sister Susan Rice looks like she’s been working hard — girl, get some sleep!

It is only Obama’s second address to the UN — it was a carefully worded and highly diplomatic speech — i.e. it was a little tedious for my test. I understand though — this is a speech where every word will be combed over and picked apart by both allies and non-allies.

He spends a lot of time on Iran, Israel & Palestine plus the uncertain global economic climate and I’d say the overall theme of the address = “tough love”. And that’s cool — the world needs someone who cares right now, God knows. He also touches movingly on the recent natural disasters in Pakistan & Haiti.

Anyway, it starts off kinda slow but picks up a bit after about 5 minutes or so after the Prez gets warmed up & relaxed. Here’s some highlights from the speech from the White House blog:

At the beginning of the President’s speech this morning to the United Nations General Assembly, the President spoke first of the great challenges facing America – an economy only now being brought back from the brink of total disaster, and defeating Al Qaeda.  He spoke of what’s been done on both fronts, from international cooperation on financial stability, to withdrawal from Iraq and refocusing on Afghanistan – “There is much to show for our efforts, even as there is much more work to be done,” he said.  He spoke also about the ongoing international commitment to hold Iran accountable on its nuclear program.  And he concluded his speech with a focus on human rights, a forceful denunciation of tyranny, and a call for the world to come together for global development as he described yesterday — “The world that America seeks is not one we can build on our own,” he said.

But the bulk of his speech was on a topic that saw a spark of hope a few weeks ago here at the White House:

And we all have a choice to make.  Each of us must choose the path of peace.  Of course, that responsibility begins with the parties themselves, who must answer the call of history.  Earlier this month at the White House, I was struck by the words of both the Israeli and Palestinian leaders.  Prime Minister Netanyahu said, “I came here today to find a historic compromise that will enable both people to live in peace, security, and dignity.”  And President Abbas said, “We will spare no effort and we will work diligently and tirelessly to ensure these negotiations achieve their cause.”

These words must now be followed by action and I believe that both leaders have the courage to do so.  But the road that they have to travel is exceedingly difficult, which is why I call upon Israelis and Palestinians — and the world — to rally behind the goal that these leaders now share.  We know that there will be tests along the way and that one test is fast approaching.  Israel’s settlement moratorium has made a difference on the ground and improved the atmosphere for talks. [snip]