Obama's First Test?

It is probably no suprise that I did not vote for Obama in the recent presidential elections here. Like most everyone else, I found his youth, inspiring background and eloquence refreshing. However, I was worried that he was inexperienced and naive with regards to the nature of the threat that the world faces from ideological extremists and hard-nosed realists.

Though I did not vote for him, I admit that I was proud of America for showing the world that neither his skin color or foreign sounding name barred him from serving in the highest office in the land. Indeed, it could be reasonably argued that this helped him in many ways, a fact that no doubt has led to a great deal of consternation among those who are convinced that America is a racist and islamophobic society.

As the attacks on Mumbai over the past three days clearly demonstrate, this is unfortunately not enough for those committed to their radical causes. Several commentators have noted that in many ways, this is Obama's fist real test, i.e. the one that Biden famously predicted (See Here, Here and Here for example). Since he is clearly in no position to actually do anything at this point as the President elect, I thought it would be interesting to see if his comments might betray his sensibility regarding these heinous terrorist acts. Personally, I think that they do. Just compare Obama's statement vs that of Russia's President Medvedev:

"President-elect Obama strongly condemns today's terrorist attacks in Mumbai," said a statement by Brooke Anderson, Obama's spokeswoman on national security. "These coordinated attacks on innocent civilians demonstrate the grave and urgent threat of terrorism. The United States must continue to strengthen our partnerships with India and nations around the world to root out and destroy terrorist networks."

vs.

"The monstrous crimes of terrorists in Mumbai arouse our wrath, indignation and unconditional condemnation," Medvedev said in a message to the his Indian counterpart Pratibha Patil and Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. "The inhuman terrorist attacks on hospitals, hotels and other public places aimed at killing civilians, taking and murdering hostages are crimes directed against the foundation of civilized society," he said. Russia supports the decisive actions the Indian government has taken to curb terrorist actions and those criminals should be severely punished, Medvedev added.

First of all, I find it odd that Obama could not find the time to make the statement himself. It is after all Thanksgiving weekend. Perhaps he was too busy stuffing himself with stuffing?

Let's Compare and Contrast the language used in each one:

Obama (through spokesperson) vs. Medvedev

strongly condemns vs. arouse our wrath, indignation and unconditional condemnation
coordinated attacks vs. inhuman terrorist attacks
urgent threat vs crimes directed against the foundation of civilized society
strengthen our partnerships vs decisive actions
root out and destroy terrorist networks vs. those criminals should be severely punished

Hmm. Which one seems like they get it? Which one inspires more confidence?

Do you think Medvedev would be willing to run in the US Presidential elections once Putin puts him out of a job?