The Enemy Of My Enemy Is My Friend

Usually attributed as an old Arab proverb, The Enemy Of My Enemy Is My Friend is more than just an axiom of warfare, but of the philosophy of politics as well. Or, more accurately, as the philosophy of politics as warfare. It is a philosophy seen throughout history.

During our own Revolutionary War, the French had little reason to love the American Colonies. Those colonies had contributed mightily to the defeat of the French during the French and Indian War, just a few years before. Still, when the colonies revolted against Britain, the traditional and perennial enemy of France, the French became our staunchest allies; instrumental in our obtaining independence from England. The Enemy Of My Enemy Is My Friend.

During World War II, it became prudent for the United States to ally itself with Joseph Stalin against Adolph Hitler. By the 1940s this country had ample evidence that Stalin was a ruthless and brutal dictator. Still, it was determined, that Hitler was a greater threat to civilization, and so Russia became an American ally.

And so we come to the 2008 Presidential Election. The Democrat Primary battle between Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama provided a veritable Cornucopia of mirth and schaudenfraud for Republicans as the two candidates, through their surrogates and 527s, tore each other apart, while maintaining a facade of party unity.

The primary is now over, and Barack Obama emerged as the Democrat standard-bearer. Now, the Hillary supporters are expected to return to the Democat fold, and support their party's nominee. A significant portion have decide instead, to support John McCain. The Enemy Of My Enemy Is My Friend.

Republican and Conservative websites have become flooded with "disaffected" Hillary supporters who now proclaim their fealty to John McCain. Many of them, I am sure, are the "moderates" that McCain has been courting throughout the campaign. Many are Hillary supporters, angry that the nomination was stolen from her, eager to work for an Obama defeat.

Their support is not for the election of John McCain, but for the defeat of Barack Obama. They do not support issues near and dear to John McCain.

They seek a McCain presidency, in order to deny that office to Obama, in order to facilitate a Hillary victory in 2012!

There is much more on this thought at The Minority Report