In his news conference yesterday President Obama finally took a strong stand against the Iran regime's brutality. He was asked whether his stronger language concerning the anti-demonstrator brutality in Iran was in response to criticisms by Senators John McCain (R-AZ) and Lindsey Graham (R-SC). Their statements had been that Obama's earlier comments had been equivocal and insufficiently condemnatory. His sarcastic response: "What do you think?" was followed by knowing chuckles from the tame White House press corps, go here for coverage.
I choose to take his facetious question seriously, and answer it. I think he was forced by Republican criticism, as well as strong statements by foreign leaders and the brutal unfolding of events. Forced to utter statements stronger than he would have otherwise, stronger than he wanted to utter.
Since you asked, Mr. President, that is what I think.
Developmental hint for presidents with training wheels: don't ask questions if you are pretty sure you won't like the answers.
