Obama is failing on his domestic agenda: Obama is failing on his foreign policy agenda; and now even his Afghanistan speech at West Point disappointed and failed to inspire or convince anyone! His speech was flat and received a cool welcome from the cadets, even after they were asked to respond “enthusiastically,” as he confusingly tried to satisfy the entire political spectrum. Obama did not take ownership of the war calling it the war in Afghanistan, not Obama’s War. He had a chance to rally the country and the world around defeating Al Qaeda in Afghanistan, but he was not up to the leadership challenge – not even close. The first 15 minutes of his speech was a straightforward explanation of his Afghanistan decision, but then for the next 20 minutes he unsuccessfully tried to sell this decision. Barack Obama only sees the trees and completely misses the forest: a lot of criticism of the Iraq policies; a lot of talk about Afghanistan and Pakistan plans; but nothing was said about Iran and its emerging nuclear weapons program or Islamic extremism exported abroad! LTG McChrystal asked for at least 40,000 troops, and 60,000 to ensure success, but President Obama dithered for three months and finally decided to authorize an additional 30,000. Obama’s focus on ramp-up followed by early exit marks his strategy as the equivalent of a “drive-by shooting,” hoping for the perception of success rather than victory, but more importantly quick political escape. The close juxtaposition of his statement to send more troops with that of a pledge to begin withdrawing them after 18 months is confusing to the American public, America's NATO allies, and most unfortunately, to Afghans and Pakistanis, who are all too familiar with the U.S.'s history of turning its back on this volatile region. He seems fixated on corruption and fraud in the Afghanistan elections but refuses to see rampant corruption in Minnesota elections or the country-wide plague of ACORN fraud. From a policy standpoint Obama’s acceptance of the Taliban, Islamic extremists and terrorist enablers, as legitimate Afghanistan players is like embracing “reformed Nazis” after WWII. America’s perceived weakness will undermine the Afghan government, encourage many Afghans to hedge their bets by cultivating better ties with the Taliban, and undermine Pakistan's resolve to confront the Afghan Taliban leadership that finds sanctuary within its borders. Obama made his debut as a war president in his West Point speech, but unfortunately he didn't inspire confidence…more of a sinking feeling. The President came across as an uncertain political leader eager to split the differences within his divided Administration to implement an exit strategy, despite the likely disastrous consequences of such a plan. Like in the Wizard of Oz when you see the real Obama behind the Wizard’s curtain, you are very disappointed how weak he really is!