Breaking: Obama to Bush - Boycott Ceremonies If China Doesn't Consider Tibet and Darfur

[malik flavors]

Here is Obama's full statement:

"If the Chinese do not take steps to help stop the genocide in Darfur and to respect the dignity, security, and human rights of the Tibetan people, then the President should boycott the opening ceremonies. As I have communicated in public and to the President, it is past time for China to respect the human rights of the Tibetan people, to allow foreign journalists and diplomats access to the region, and to engage the Dalai Lama in meaningful talks about the future of Tibet. I am also deeply concerned about China's failure to support efforts to halt the genocide in Darfur. Regarding the Beijing Olympics this summer, a boycott of the opening ceremonies should be firmly on the table, but this decision should be made closer to the Games."

A bit more measured and thoughtful than Sen. Clinton's statement. I think a big part of him believes that the Olympics is a time to unite the world despite our differences, so he's not as cut and dry as Hillary is. This a difference I've noticed about them for a while now, Hillary is more of a "right now," type and Obama is more of a "let's think about this" type. Not saying one is better than the other, it's just something I've noticed.

I'm glad that he included Darfur in his statement. That's something that's been a little left out of this conversation.

Here's an article on the statement:
http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalradar/2008/04/obama-says-bush.html