By Bill O'Reilly
You may remember back in 2009 Mr. Obama's first year in office he made a series of speeches sending a signal that America's really no better than any other nation.
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BARACK OBAMA, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: I believe in American exceptionalism just as I suspect that the Brits believe in British exceptionalism and the Greeks believe in Greek exceptionalism.
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O'REILLY: Well, some Americans applauded President Obama's position as being generous. But here are the unintended consequences. The President has not acted as a dominant world leader. He has not taken on the authority that, say, Ronald Reagan did. The sad truth is Vladimir Putin, considered by many to be a stronger leader than Barack Obama.
And that has led to all kinds of problems: that idiot Karzai in Afghanistan now insulting America in outrageous ways; Iran jacking us around; Assad in Syria continues to kill civilians and pretty much does what he wants.
And now in Ukraine there's a civil war brewing. The President says there will be consequences for oppressive actions in Ukraine. But does anybody take that threat seriously? "Talking Points" doesn't think so.
Early on President Obama undermined his own authority to stand with freedom fighters.
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OBAMA: I know there has been controversy about the promotion of democracy in recent years and much of this controversy is connected to the war in Iraq. So let me be clear. No system of government can or should be imposed by one nation by any other.
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O'REILLY: Well, now we have Ukraine and other countries trying to get some freedom, but the President has lost moral authority and clearly doesn't want conflict. Remember, his base, the liberal wing of the Democratic Party, opposes almost all strong action against overseas villains. That means that petty tyrants all over the world like Assad and the mullahs in Iran can give us the proverbial finger, and they are.
Now, it is certainly true that the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have harmed this nation just as Vietnam did. That is the truth. But that doesn't mean we cannot have a smarter strategy and lead the world to better places. All Ukrainians want is freedom to develop their economy. They want to be part of the European Union so they can make some money.
But the dastardly Putin opposes that. Therefore, the conflict rages, people die because Putin controls the President of Ukraine. I think it's safe to say Ronald Reagan would have handled the situation differently. And President Obama might want to think upon that certainty.
And that's "The Memo."
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