New Obama Commercial, Speech “Lead” On Nukes, Iraq “Distraction”

Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama today released yet another new campaign ad.

While his previous advertorial endeavors have focused largely on his biography and political evolution, the new 30-second spot – entitled “America’s Leadership” – broadens the candidate’s perspective a bit by taking on the “greatest threat” against America: nukes.

[The] commercial is being released on the same day that Senator Barack Obama is giving what his campaign billed as a “major policy address” on Iraq and Afghanistan in Washington, D.C., and when his opponent, Senator John McCain is in New Mexico, offering his views on the wars. The ad also aims at reinforcing Mr. Obama’s opinion that the war against terrorism extends far beyond Iraq.

The commercial itself doesn’t specifically address Iraq, but Mr. Obama today told reporters that the ongoing conflict is “distracting” American foreign policy.

This war distracts us from every threat that we face and so many opportunities we could seize. This war diminishes our security, our standing in the world, our military, our economy, and the resources that we need to confront the challenges of the 21st century. By any measure, our single-minded and open-ended focus on Iraq is not a sound strategy for keeping America safe.

I am running for President of the United States to lead this country in a new direction – to seize this moment’s promise. Instead of being distracted from the most pressing threats that we face, I want to overcome them. Instead of pushing the entire burden of our foreign policy on to the brave men and women of our military, I want to use all elements of American power to keep us safe, and prosperous, and free. Instead of alienating ourselves from the world, I want America – once again – to lead.

Obama will head to the Middle East later this month. The trip – and this speech – are both meant to bolster his national security image, of course. The campaign even rolled out a new slogan: “Judgment To Lead.”