War-enabler endorses Obama, will take part in his administration

As someone who vehemently opposed Operation Iraqi Freedom from the start, it irks me that Obama claims the anti-war mantle so easily. Hillary's much-derided criticism that all he has going for him in that department is a speech from 2002 is looking more accurate by the day. That speech was virtually a foregone conclusion given his Hyde Park constituency, and since then what has he done to burnish his anti-war credentials?

Obama never challenges the assumption that the surge worked, although there is ample evidence to the contrary. He never challenges McCain's and Palin's assertion that stopping funding for the war is the same as betraying the troops. What do they think will happen if there is no more money for the war? Will President Bush order soldiers to fight without bullets and food, or will he bring them home? Which represents a greater betrayal, asking troops to deploy again and again in an open-ended conflict with no realistic objectives, or bringing them home?

Add to this list Obama's rapturous response to the Powell endorsement:

"This morning, a great soldier, a great statesman, and a great American has endorsed our campaign to change America. I have been honored to have the benefit of his wisdom and counsel from time to time over the last few years, but today, I am beyond honored and deeply humbled to have the support of General Colin Powell."

Exactly how short is our collective memory? Six years ago Powell was the spokesman for the war, and his spurious U.N. speech was instrumental in convincing Americans that military action was necessary.

Whatever resignations Powell had about invading Iraq, he did nothing until he was pushed out by the same cadre that ruined his credibility. Least-evil member of the Bush administration is still a pretty poor distinction, and now the Obama administration is set to benefit from his "wisdom and council." Pardon me if I don't fall all over myself about the power of change-you-can-believe-in to inspire transformative inclusive yadda yadda yadda.

Of course this is good politics for Obama, who I do in fact support over McCain. Based on the aggregate of remarks made by Obama and his advisers, versus the general thrust of the McCain campaign, plus guessing, plus my in-grown Democratic bias, I think that Obama is less likely to lead us to ruination. Besides, Obama is only cavorting with war-enablers. McCain is endorsed by war-criminals.