On July 15th, The State Newspaper in South Carolina reported that Senator Jim DeMint (R-SC) issued a challenge to Barack Obama to begin holding hearings on Afghanistan.
"With oversight of NATO relations and its role in Afghanistan, I believe it is time for us to focus closely on these issues," DeMint writes. "As Ranking Member of your Subcommittee on European Affairs, I would welcome a chance to hold a hearing on NATO's mission in Afghanistan upon your return."
We can argue that this is an attempt to setup Obama by DeMint and others in the Republican party and show that he's all talk and no action. However, I believe that Obama should meet this challenge when he returns home and here's why....
Yep, I agree, it's a trap and Obama is in a "damned if you do, damned if you don't" situation. Senator DeMint isn't expecting Obama to come off the campaign trail and if Obama fails to do this, there will be the normal tongue clicking of how Obama is all talk and when it comes to actions, has none. On the flip side, if Obama does agree to sit down and hold hearings on Afghanistan, then it takes him off the campaign trail, taking away valuable time from getting his message out.
However, the Obama campaign actually could benefit if Senator Obama does schedule and holds hearings on Afghanistan. Since Obama's war strategy involves pulling troops out of Iraq and focusing on efforts in Afghanistan and Pakistan, having hearings will reinforce his message to those who are skeptical about Obama's plan and will show that he is serious in the "war on terror". It will reinforce the image of his ability to assume the "Commander-In-Chief" role that he affirmed while over in Afghanistan.
Also, it will lessen the stigma of "just another politician". While John McCain is on the campaign trail and missing votes in the Senate. Taking time to actually go back to doing the government's work could be viewed as "refreshing" and portray a positive image, especially for those undecided voters who like to spout that all politicians are alike. Especially if the hearings are held while the Afghanistan trip is still in the publics mind.
It's not a coincidence that Senator DeMint issued the letter when he did, however, by answering this challenge, Obama has the opportunity to show up and shut up quite a few of his critics. There are also many of us who believe that Obama does have a chance to take South Carolina, and responding positively to DeMints challenge, could very well be the answer to help sway the undecided voters into Obama's court.