Obama: U.S., Russia ‘not destined’ to be rivals

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MOSCOW - President Barack Obama, working to drastically reshape U.S. relations with a skeptical Russia, said Tuesday the two countries are not "destined to be antagonists."

"The pursuit of power is no longer a zero-sum game," Obama said, speaking in the Russian capital to graduates of the New Economic School but also hoping to reach the whole nation. "Progress must be shared."

Obama used his speech to further define his view of the United States' place in the world and, specifically, to argue that his country shares compelling interests with Russia.

"Let me be clear: America wants a strong, peaceful and prosperous Russia," he declared.

His upbeat comments at the New Economic School came on the second day of his summit in Russia, where polls show people are wary of the United States and taking a skeptical measure of Obama himself. Earlier Tuesday, Obama held private breakfast talks with Prime Minister Vladimir Putin at Putin's country home outside Moscow. The atmosphere seemed cordial, and both voiced hope for improved relations between Washington and Moscow.

Source: MSNBC
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current89
  • added July 07, 2009

36 comments // Obama: U.S., Russia ‘not destined’ to be rivals

  •  

    He actually said in a speech to the Russians "By no means is America perfect." What a prick! It's pretty obvious we're not perfect Barack, we elected you!

    He also said "We're partnering with Muslim communities around the world". Maybe you are asshole, but I'm not, I remember how many Americans they killed, not that it matters to you.

    "If our democracy did not advance those rights, then I, as a person of African ancestry, wouldn't be able to address you as an American citizen, much less a President. Because at the time of our founding, I had no rights — people who looked like me." Oh yeah, let's not forget to play the race card, even to people who could care less.

    "America supports now the restoration of the democratically elected President of Honduras, even though he has strongly opposed American policies." And even though he has opposed the Honduran constitution and his own people's wishes.

    What an embarassament to our country, our leader going to a foreign country and speak like that. I hope everyone is paying attention to this.

    JohnA
  •  

    Oh please Mr. Putin we'll be nice. Please don't be mean to us. What a crock of shit!

    JohnA
  •  

    Welcome to fantasy island, Mr. O.

    recommended by JohnA
    Kylsport
  •  

    Yeah, USA is corrupt and progressive or else I wouldn't be President today!
    We'll get rid of our nukes, we don't want to intimidate you. We want to be friends and work with you for the betterment of all of our peoples.
    You are correct that he says he's for democracy but clearly backs dictators and fascist leaders.
    And the Islamic agenda, don't get me started.

    recommended by JohnA
    nursediesel
  •  

    I'm so used to a president for whom every country is axis of evil this, evil empire that, that I am shaken to my core having a president now who successfully negotiates with other countries while simultaneously treating them respectfully.

    "If your enemy is hungry, feed him" Romans 12:20

    "Love your enemies, do good to them" Luke 6:35

    It's almost like we have a president who is acting by his faith, without constantly reminding us of it.

    recommended by current89
    neocongo
  •  

    So when our elected president states some truths for a change you find that embarrassing?..That we seek a peaceful approach rather than a belligerent , arrogant posture..to you that is a disgrace?
    You stated in another post that you work 60 hours a week just to make ends meet...if your approach in your personal life is anything like your apparent desire for our nations approach to the world no wonder you are broke. Your white is right attitude is on full display and I have to tell you that dog just doesn't hunt anymore.

    Eleganza
  •  

    Ask yourselves this, would Hillary go to foreign countries and grovel and beg for forgiveness? Would Hillary apologize to the Russians and tell them what a terrible place America is? Would Hillary tell the Muslims how sorry America is for making them attack us? Think about it.

    JohnA
  •  

    Obama haters are funny.

    Nothing he said was untrue or innacurate.

    I have no prblem with the Russian people. They aren't. Communists anymore really any more than the Chinese are. Come to think of it I never had a problem with Chinese people either.

    Saying America isn't perfect is just stating the obvious. No one is. Wouldn't it be nice to have one more enemy turned ally in the world?

    And what's up with hating on Muslims? Saying Muslims killed Americans on such a genaric way is ridiculous. You may as well go one step further with that twisted logic and say that, since there are so many black Muslims in the world that it is blacks who killed all those good Americans.
    From that perspective I can see why white supremicist
    groups are recruiting at Obama hater tea parties. Maybe if you go go to a couple meetings you will find yourself liking their message, never know...

    Mike_Johnston
  •  

    let me get this straight...Power is not for the individual country, but to be shared?

    Does anyone know what one-world government means?

    recommended by JohnA
    motoian84
  •  

    Mike, everyone has their opinion. And yes, Obama pointing out we aren't perfect is refreshing but not very leader/diplomat in it's inclusion to countries that don't need more reasons to hate us.
    There are other ways to endear ourselves without decreasing our viability.
    A president doesn't sell his country short! Then again he has President Carter to look to as a role model.

    recommended by JohnA
    nursediesel
  •  

    World gvt is pretty inevitable eventually. Keeping ourselves divided by race, culture, religion and closed national boundaries is what causes a lot of the problems in the world

    Mike_Johnston
  •  

    Bush reignites the cold war, and you lot think Obama is a communist for trying to stop it. You are traitors to this country, and the success of your propaganda will lead to the downfall of the United States. The lack of success of your propaganda, as evidenced by Obama's near landslide victory, and consistently strong polling numbers, is far more likely.

    By all means, carry on with your antics; its a nothing new to see here, blast from the past.

    neocongo
  •  

    Neo that's all they have left...it's a new age and they are out of it....

    Eleganza
  •  

    Just think about how insulting this is, what a low opinion Putin has of Obama. Obama doesn't even get to meet with Putin in public, who everyone with half a brain knows is still running the show, he has to take photo-ops with Putin's hand-maiden Medvedev for the evening news. What a joke.

    JohnA
  •  

    I am struck by the similarities of the Putin/Medvedev reign, and the Bush/Cheney reign. Puppets and masters for sure.

    neocongo
  •  

    I'm surprised to see this article is not closed yet,lol.

    Its just filled with Flame-Tard Attacks,lol.

    Valence
  •  

    President Obamas Address at the New Economic School in Moscow

    ras_menelik

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