Meddling Abroad

Our Vice President spoke in Lebanon on Thursday. No, Joe Biden, not the one that was advocating torture at the same time in Washington. I realize that having two Vice Presidents is confusing. Speak to the mainstream and cable media about that; I know who I am speaking about. I am referring to the one who actually is Vice President.

What this one said was not actually anything to cheer about;

"I do not come here to back any political party or any particular person. The shape and composition of Lebanon's government is for the Lebanese people to decide, to state the obvious."

I'm glad he understands that, but the clarity of his understanding was cast into just a little bit of doubt as he went on to say that the United States,

"...will evaluate the shape of our assistance programs based on the composition of the new government and the policies it advocates."

Hezbollah, which is poised to take over leadership of Lebanon's government after the June 8 election, said that Biden's visit was indicative of the United States' meddling in the affairs of Lebanon.

I have no idea how they could think any such thing. Biden said very clearly that he did "not come here to back any political party" etc. Clearly, he came to Lebanon two weeks before their elections and talked about the amount of aid that Lebanon might receive in the future for the specific purpose of not meddling in their affairs. Joe Biden has always been known for great clarity of purpose.

Besides, just last month Hillary Clinton was in Lebanon calling for "free and fair elections" which would be "free of outside interference." Of course, she was referring to Iran and Syria, but no doubt she meant us as well.

Difficult being a superpower, and being so chronically misunderstood.