"Firmness in decision is often merely a form of stupidity. It indicates an inability to think the same thing out twice."The terms "flip-flop," "flip-flopping," and "flip-flopper" were seemingly coined during the 2004 presidential campaign to be used as pejoratives against then-Democratic nominee John Kerry and his policies. Four years later we find that these terms are still being used, but now many seem to have forgotten what they were intended to mean.
A "flip-flop" isn't simply the act of changing one's mind.
A "flip-flop" isn't the use of new information to reconsider a previously-held position, or to discover a new position.
A "flip-flop" is the premeditated adoption of a new position solely for political expediency; often (but not always) with the intention of returning to the previously-held position later.
A "flip-flop" is the premeditated repudiation of a former position solely for political expediency; often (but not always) with the intention of returning to the previously-held position later.
Now that we're clear on what a "flip-flop" is; it's very clear that Barack Obama has been engaging in such. Today, in particular, he reneged on a long-standing promise to vote against any FISA bill that included immunity for telecommunications companies; and he voted today not only to grant this immunity, but also to allow the government to spy on American citizens with only the flimsiest of justifications. It is expected that many of his supporters will defect following his decision to vote in favor of the FISA bill.
Other subject matter that Barack Obama has flip-flopped about includes:
- Taxes
- The Iraq War
- Gun Control
- Campaign Finance
- US-Israeli Policy
- Abortion
- Whether or not Iran is a threat
- The significance of wearing a flag pin
- Corrupt or controversial associates (Rezko, Ayers, Wright, Pfleger, etc.)
Unfortunately John McCain isn't any better. On most of the issues that matter; he was wrong to begin with. No flip-flopping was required; although he has been known to engage in flip-flopping throughout this campaign.
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