Obama’s UK Speech: Rhetoric Cannot Substitute for Achievement

Ted Bromund / May 25, 2011

President Obama’s address to Britain’s Parliament in historic Westminster Hall was of a piece with many of his speeches: a mixture of soaring generalities and devils in the details, with some dubious history thrown in.

The President’s entire visit to Britain has delivered a mixed message. Both leaders have evidently been told that they should downplay the fact that a Special Relationship exists between the U.S. and Britain and focus instead on what is now supposedly an “essential” relationship. But both the President and the Prime Minister have—rightly—ignored these promptings and spoken repeatedly of the Special Relationship. But while using the term is good, making it an enduring reality would be much better.

The proper test of the success of the state visit is whether it leads to anything more than fine rhetoric. The President’s speech today suggests that it will not. (more…)