“There was never this ‘no boots on the ground,’” said Kirby. “I don’t know where this keeps coming from.”
The problem for Kirby was that Obama has repeated the promise at least 16 times since 2013:
For instance, on August 30, 2013, Obama said: “We’re not considering any boots-on-the-ground approach.”
On September 10, 2013, he said: “Many of you have asked, won’t this put us on a slippery slope to another war? One man wrote to me that we are ‘still recovering from our involvement in Iraq.’ A veteran put it more bluntly: ‘This nation is sick and tired of war.’ My answer is simple: I will not put American boots on the ground in Syria.”
On September 7, 2014, he said: “In Syria, the boots on the ground have to be Syrian.”
After reporters pointed out the mistake, Kirby tried to walk back his claim by defining the phrase “boots on the ground” to exclude special forces.
Source: As More American Boots Hit the Ground in Syria, U.S. Parses “Boots” and “Ground”
Lame. If we are going to change our strategy, own that and be up front. Cut the shit.Report
“Boots on the ground” has always meant major combat forces, not 50 special forces guys basically acting as minders. Does anyone really think this “but they’re wearing boots!” semantics game is accomplishing anything?Report
Since when?
Boots on the ground has always meant forces acting in a capacity other than diplomatic security.
If they are in theater & supporting or engaging in combat, you have boots on the ground.Report
It’s a vague term more suited to press releases and news report. By the strictest standard we have BOTG in many countries. That isn’t’ the way it is generally used. In any parsing the press release lingo is superficial compared to figuring out if it is a good idea.Report
So what’s new? I’ve been saying this same thing for some time now but folks either ignore me or pooh-pooh me. Will, what finally made you realize Obama was full of bs?Report
Was I among those who poo-pooed you?Report
Honestly I don’t remember.Report
Fair enough. I’ve tended to lean in favor of your direction than the other. But I haven’t really spoken up too much because it’s one of those discussions that’s more interesting to observe than participate. I have no special insights and I can see both sides even if I’m not squarely in the middle.Report
They’re going to wear tennis shoes instead.Report
New Balance, made in America!Report
It can’t be Nike, because that means victory, and America doesn’t win anymore.Report
Did new balance get the contract? Last I heard, they had the contract dangled in front of their nose in an effort to get them to not oppose the trade deal and then had the contract yanked away after they agreed to not lobby against it.Report
Last I heard, certain congressional critters were trying to attach language to something that would require military trainers to be made in America, which means New Balance.Report
Yes, I posted something about it awhile back. Here it is from another source.
http://www.weeklystandard.com/shoe-company-obama-admin-pressured-us-to-stay-quiet-on-tpp/article/2001953Report
In my humble opinion the only thing dumber than trying to break up a bar fight between two brothers is trying to break up a bar fight between twelve brothers.Report
I’m going to steal this.Report
Obama can’t even keep peeps at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner from throwing down on each otherReport