Doesn't matter if the quote in the diary title is true or not, it is what every Democratic pundit and talking head should be saying about the situation in Iran. And it doesn't matter how this turns out, it is still a tremendous political opportunity.
Follow beneath the fold for the rationale.
Obama gave his magnificent speech in Cairo on June 4th:
I am honored to be in the timeless city of Cairo, and to be hosted by two remarkable institutions. For over a thousand years, Al-Azhar has stood as a beacon of Islamic learning, and for over a century, Cairo University has been a source of Egypt's advancement. Together, you represent the harmony between tradition and progress. I am grateful for your hospitality, and the hospitality of the people of Egypt. I am also proud to carry with me the goodwill of the American people, and a greeting of peace from Muslim communities in my country: assalaamu alaykum...
I have come here to seek a new beginning between the United States and Muslims around the world; one based upon mutual interest and mutual respect; and one based upon the truth that America and Islam are not exclusive, and need not be in competition. Instead, they overlap, and share common principles - principles of justice and progress; tolerance and the dignity of all human beings.
Obama gives a speech two weeks before the Iranian elections looking for a new beginning between the United States and Muslims. Every Democratic talking head should be saying that the Iranian youth heard Obama's clarion call. It doesn't matter if its true or not.
Look at the pictures coming from and what do you see? It looks like a lot of Iranian women heard this:
The sixth issue that I want to address is women's rights.
I know there is debate about this issue. I reject the view of some in the West that a woman who chooses to cover her hair is somehow less equal, but I do believe that a woman who is denied an education is denied equality. And it is no coincidence that countries where women are well-educated are far more likely to be prosperous.
Now let me be clear: issues of women's equality are by no means simply an issue for Islam. In Turkey, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Indonesia, we have seen Muslim-majority countries elect a woman to lead. Meanwhile, the struggle for women's equality continues in many aspects of American life, and in countries around the world.
Our daughters can contribute just as much to society as our sons, and our common prosperity will be advanced by allowing all humanity - men and women - to reach their full potential. I do not believe that women must make the same choices as men in order to be equal, and I respect those women who choose to live their lives in traditional roles. But it should be their choice. That is why the United States will partner with any Muslim-majority country to support expanded literacy for girls, and to help young women pursue employment through micro-financing that helps people live their dreams.
Obama and the Democrats need to learn a lesson from the GOP - just take credit for something good happening, whether you have justification to so so or not. Let the GOP try and say that Obama had nothing to do with the burgeoning Iranian reform movement. First off they aren't smart or sharp enough to pull that deflection off. Second it focuses American's attention again on the Cairo speech which was just an extraordinary piece of oratory and statesmanship. And lastly, we get back to Cheney wanting to bomb the Hell out of these people...these Iranians in the streets asking for their votes to be counted and looking for moderation...Cheney wanted to bomb them and create millions more who would hate the United States.
Listening to what Team Obama has had to say with regards to the situation gets me feeling like they don't want to provide the Iranian hardliners with any bulletin board material, i.e. they don't want to give them any US rhetoric to fuel their paranoia. But that doesn't mean that Democratic pundits and talking heads shouldn't be claiming credit for Obama for the reform movement. Unlike Team Bush, Team Obama isn't going to take credit for anything while the game isn't over yet. A point which demonstrates yet again how the serious, smart people are in charge again.
UPDATE:Plenty of naysayers in the comments. For the record, I don't care what effect Obama's speech had or didn't have. To act like something as important as what is going on in Iran is going to happen in an American political vacuum is pure folly. Democrats are either going to win on the issue in the sphere of American politics, or they are going to lose. It is that simple, that is the reality.
And I will be the first to admit that the real heroes are those getting bloodied on the streets of Tehran. And them being the real heroes won't deter Dick Cheney from going out on the Sunday talk shows claiming credit for BushCo for the reform movement. Mark my fucking words. Its still the GOP's game, we play it better and dirtier than them if necessary. Not to do so is akin to unilateral disarmament.