8 Comments
User's avatar
JohnnyGee's avatar

I think Trumps message to the world and the neocons in Washington is simply “…there is a new sheriff in town…” Granted Ukraine and NATO is a different situation than the Mideast, but right now, IMO, Trump has put down some markers identifying, at least for now, how he see things and where he expects things to go; but of course its Trump so there still leaves much uncertainty and lots of wait and see patience. But its hard to imagine anyone taking down any Trump foreign affairs nominee at this point, particularly when there is clear pushback from Trump “heavy weights”.

Thanks for your heads up.

Expand full comment
Jon Davis's avatar

I’m optimistic about Elbridge Colby’s chances for Under Secretary of Defense for Policy. The success of RFK Jr. and Tulsi Gabbard’s appointments proves that GOP populist pressure outweighs private whisper campaigns. Trump’s ability to push through unorthodox picks is something Democrats should learn from.

Expand full comment
Will's avatar

I don’t think I would have found a story about this man if you hadn’t highlighted it, thank you.

Expand full comment
Matt L.'s avatar

Thanks for bringing this my attention, Zaid. Also love this reporting on the inside baseball from DJT to Kirk to Cotton. Making’ sausage in a new way where the public can see it, is great. I regularly read The Scroll (Tablet online) and I guess you’d call me a contrarian commenter there in that I’m pulling for no shooting war with Iran.

Expand full comment
BookWench's avatar

I'm glad to see the pushback against war pigs who are opposing this nominee.

Expand full comment
Steven's avatar

It's odd and very noticeable to me that this article didn't make any attempt to state what Colby's actual views are or what policies he's likely to push if confirmed. Iran is and remains a genuine national security threat that is actively pursuing nuclear weapons while also being the number one state sponsor of terrorism worldwide and a significant actor in cyber espionage and sabotage. Trump's "maximum pressure" campaign against Iran was a significant success of his first term.

Bluntly, for a nominee to be "weak on Iran' WOULD be a potentially disqualifying flaw for any position related to national security or diplomacy. So, is he? I care a lot less about the who is pushing the whisper campaign or what their means are than I do about the simple truth or lack thereof of the accusation. Why wasn't that addressed here?

Expand full comment
BookWench's avatar

Maybe because those of us who have already heard about the campaign against Colby are aware of it -- and we share his views.

Expand full comment
Steven's avatar

So, what are those views and policies? Unlike you, this is literally the first I've heard of the guy.

Expand full comment