There he was, Mr. President, speaking the King's English to the English. It was vintage Obama, statements followed by pauses, head turning side to side, but earnest, emphatic, if not bold. But it was reassuring to the Allies, to hear the Pres articulate foreign policy, reaffirm support for positions long represented by the USA.
He touched on the African Spring, the Arab Spring, and the Palestinian Spring; and Afghanistan, Iran, and Iraq. Some Pakistan, and nuclear Arms and the threat to peace. It was warmly accepted and appreciated by the members of Parliament. The backdrop of Westminster Abbey provided an historic context to his speech, placing it in a position familiar to students of history, and the history of Great Britain and the United States. Hearing our President speak these days is heartwarming, restorative in many ways, after the Bush years and his public speaking limits that were painfully obvious.
It can be assumed that many in the audience saw the President in person for the first time. It must have been a revelation to view this eminent personage who puts a face on Democracy and Freedom. It must also be encouraging to hear him voice the common ground of our alliance, past, present, and future. It underscores the commitment of the USA to continued intervention around the world on behalf of peace and human rights.
In 30 minutes, he was able to speak to the masses around the world and affirm our engagement to world peace.
Bravo, Obama.
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