TPM reports on the escalating war of words between the Senators Clinton and Obama. Obama was asked by the Associated Press whether he’d consider using nukes against terrorists in Afghanistan or Pakistan.
“I think it would be a profound mistake for us to use nuclear weapons in any circumstance,” Obama said, with a pause, “involving civilians.” Then he quickly added, “Let me scratch that. There’s been no discussion of nuclear weapons. That’s not on the table.”
Clinton responded:
“I think that presidents should be very careful at all times in discussing the use or non-use of nuclear weapons. Presidents, since the Cold War, have used nuclear deterrence to keep the peace. And I don’t believe that any president should make any blanket statements with respect to the use or non-use of nuclear weapons.”
So we should be “concerned” about talking about putting pressure on Pakistan to help root out bin Laden, but it’s totally copacetic to talk about nuking Pakistan or Afganistan?
