WHAT WOULD BE CYNICISM AND POLITICAL EXPEDIENCY IN A MERE MORTAL IS A SIGN OF GREATNESS IN THE OBAMESSIAH:

Obama puts pragmatism over promises: His willingness to consider new perspectives and change his position, even when it angers his supporters, is a stark contrast to predecessor George W. Bush's inflexibility. (Christi Parsons and Janet Hook, May 17, 2009, LA Times)

For weeks, Army Gen. Ray Odierno had passionately pressed his point with Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates: President Obama's plan to release photographs depicting the alleged abuse of Iraqi prisoners would be a costly mistake.

Last week, when Odierno was in Washington for a meeting with the president, the top U.S. commander in Iraq was pleased and grateful when Obama revealed that he had changed his mind and would oppose release of the photos.

"Thanks," Odierno said. "That must have been a hard decision."

"No," Obama replied, "it wasn't at all."

It was a telling moment -- a glimpse into one of the most striking features of the new president's approach to decision-making.

Unlike his predecessor, George W. Bush, who styled himself as "the Decider" and took pride in sticking with decisions come what might, Obama is emerging as a leader so committed to pragmatism that he will move to a new position with barely a shrug.

It hasn't been five months yet and they're already having to pretend that his lack of core beliefs and eagerness to follow the polls is a sign of strength. Imagine how appalled General Odierno must have been by the UR's response? You know that leak came from the Pentagon, not the Oval.

Posted by Orrin Judd at May 16, 2009 9:06 PM