Just returned from big “lawn party” here in DC. Not a hugely exclusive one, but loads of people, many upper level career Dept. of State types, retired general/flag rank military and agency types (now consultants,) foreign government officials and the usual Washington riff raff. Background: Many DOS do not like Obama/Kerry. Many military and agency retirees hate them. There is a certain “lets win for America” thought process, (to a much greater or much less extent,) that runs through all DOS/DOD/CIA/etc. Although there are huge differences in HOW they would achieve that “win,” there were very few people who ever rooted “for the other team.” Most of those hard-leftists Sandinista lovers departed during/after Reagan- Bush.
Please note – Important! I am not talking about political types, those that come and go with each administration. No Obama-Hillary-Kerry people were invited to this event. This was not an event for them. This was the Good ‘Ole Boy (and Girl) network.
Please remember, I’m not talking about political types, Big Rs or Big Ds. These are all good Americans, some who differ greatly in how we should “win, ” but all on our team. Trust me, everyone in this crowd raised a glass when the Gorby threw in the towel.
Now that is understood, please also understand that most attendees do not like Obama, Hillary and Kerry. They work at State, and/or are very well connected there or DOD/Agency, even some foreign intel types. At best, OHK are thought of as “not fitting,” “not a sure thing,” “political hacks” “wobbly” “amateurs” "way too left." After a few, cocktails, some are very vehement in their HATE of OHK
Now the good part: This is the inside from many of the people there. Obama did not put the release of 3 of the American hostages in Iran into the announced Iran Nuc Deal, because he is holding the release of that information as a trump card for when Senate takes up “confirmation” of deal.
In reality, Iran never did care about hostages. They can always grab more next month.
Stop and think about this deal confirmation without Obama’s scheming. Obama can lose big in either of two ways here. If deal is declined by Senate and his veto overridden, (all depends on the “Senator from New York and Israel” Chuck Schumer), and deal dies, he loses big politically, here and abroad.
If his veto is not overridden (initial disapproval vote is assured) and deal goes into effect, 75% of America will be very angry after all the televised hearings, etc.
So, regardless of pass or fail, Obama loses.
Here’s how he wins. Just as the deal is coming to vote, Obama announces live on TV that “he heard our pain” and he has quietly but vigorously pressured Tehran to release hostages, and they have!
You can hear the speech now; “America spoke and I listened.” “These three brave American patriots are on an airplane clear of Iranian airspace as I speak!”
Next; big welcome home ceremony in Rose Garden; Obama is the master diplomat; we can work with Iran; they are reasonable people; we can trust Iran to do the right thing; Beau Bergdahl is yesterday’s news, etc.
The spin is simple; Obama is the hero, and deal sails through, and Obama wins big. (Of course, America loses.)
According to long time trusted sources, who are in a position to know, the deal with Tehran is already in place. It wasn’t released earlier to Obama can use it when he needs it, and can be the hero!
Now you know why they didn’t publicly push for hostage deal. It was there, under the table all the time, and of course, Iran can always grab more hostages the next time they need them…. And Obama wins big in the court of stupid public opinion.
It’s the Chicago Way.
