Obama vs Cheney

Today, two of prominent politicians, President Obama and former Vice President Cheney, have given a speech on shutting down the controversial Guantanamo Prison that holds 100's of suspected terrorists. The issue on whether to shut down the Guantanamo has became a national debate since the Washington's decision will affects the U.S.'s national security. Both side claims that their decision is or was the best interests for American people. The fundamental difference is that Obama is shutting down Guantanamo to gain international supports to fight against terrorist since much of the European nations backed off from supporting the U.S.'s effort to fight against terrorism in the middle east. On other hand, Cheney disagreed with Obama's logic behind the closing because Obama has unclear plan on what to do with the Guantanamo's prisons. Both leaders have spoken well about their stands; however, both of them have also shown their weak spots.

As usual, Mr. Obama used his public speaking skill to persuade the general public that the U.S. should take better moral ground to fight against the terrorism. During the campaign for general election in 2008, President Obama has consistently promised the voters that he will shut down Guantanamo within a year; however, Obama's plan to shut down the Guantanamo was rejected by congress due to the lack of planning. This rejection, did indeed damaged Obama's image as a strong leader. Learning from the mistake, he was more clear about his plan on shutting down the facility by informing public that all the suspected terrorists in Guantanamo will be sent to the Federal Prisons, where no prison has ever escaped. He also informed the public that there are many suspected terrorists in the Federal Prison. Furthermore, Mr.Obama criticized the previous administration for using interrogation techniques at Guantanamo because the practice has swayed the international supports away from the United States; hence, it lowered the over all security of the United States, even though there were no terrorists attacks on American soil after 9-11.

However, Mr.Obama had his own flaw in his speech. For those who are critical, the president raised more questions than actually answering the problems. Since the politics is about winning people's support, there must be large body of people who still feel insecure about closing the Guantanamo.

Since medias have been airing Obama's speech every week or so, Cheney's speech sounded more interesting because he was a powerful figure in white house. Also, his less appearance in media has made public wonder why the Cheney became such a powerful figure.

Mr. Cheney's speech contained more concrete detail than Mr.Obama. He constantly pointed out that there were more terrorists attack on American soils on 90's than current time; hence, the Guantanamo Prison has protected the American people from other possible attacks after 9-11. Mr. Cheney's speech was solid, but his speech made me focus on Mr. Cheney's personality.

After hiding from media for many years, former Vice President Dick Cheney seemed to be a lot more powerful now than he was before. No one will be surprises if Cheney becomes Republican's Al Gore since Cheney's endorsements will be a key to any future Republican candidates to win the upcoming elections.

Both speakers have spoken well today, but in the term of political battle, it was draw. But next few years will be interesting to watch Obama's plan to secure America and improve the economy. While Obama is busy with his job, the public should keep their eyes on Cheney because he will become one of the biggest Republican figure in the next few years or months.