Obama Got Osama

First, let me extend my gratitude to the American military and intelligence for killing the greatest terrorist in this century, Osama Bin Laden. And it's time to thank President Barack Obama. It was his goal to get Obama from the beginning. As a candidate he said he would act even if Pakistan would not. The President said that the top priority in administration's war on terror was to get Obama. (Last night's speech.) On May 1, 2011, President Obama kept his promise.

Courage and Competence

When intelligence was confident it had Bin Laden's location, President Obama had three decisions according to Time. Wait for more information. Bomb the compound. Or have ground troops go in and take him out. The last option was the only sure method of confirming his death to the world. Something that would convince other terrorists that he was truly dead. Obama chose the last option using Navy SEALS and CIA agents. And while Obama last night thanked Pakistan for its cooperation, one wonders how it could not know Bin Laden was living in one million dollar mansion in Abbottabad. So who knows what the Pakistanis would do if they knew the U.S. was going in to kill him.

It was a gutsy call. People accuse Obama for thinking too much when strategic decisions need to be made. Yet, that's what we need from our commander and chief. Obama was cautious about deploying more troops in Afghanistan. That decision was against the left of his party. He was deliberate in using American air power in Libya. Getting international support before he deployed the air power for a no fly zone. And while he carefully considered this Bin Laden decision, he made it right on time. It was a call fraught with risk. What would happen if the Pakistanis resist. What would happen if our troops accidentally killed civilians? What would happen if we endured severe casualties? It took courage. Obama has it.

Saturday, the night before the raid, President Obama and super rich guy Donald Trump were in the same room, The White House Correspondents Dinner. Obama had already authorized the attack. So there was Obama taking some shots at Donald Trump. Trump had challenged Obama's citizenship. On CNN, Trump called the President "incompetent." If you get a chance to watch it, check out the President. He does a pretty good job of acting because he knows tomorrow might be a terrible day. Yet, he has to maintain his composure. He can't cancel his appearance in front of a bunch of reporters. Can't let the world what's going on. This President can do more than one thing at a time.

So on the competence issue, is The Donald right? Let's see. Got a stimulus package that brought the country out of a recession and a near depression. Passed health care. Got Bin Laden. Donald Trump, you're completely wrong on this one. And by the way, you're fired.

Rachel Maddow- Obama got Osama.

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