OH, COME ON - AT 7:21 P.M. ET:  We want the president to succeed, and we have no problem with his being popular around the world.  However, we do have a problem with groveling, not standing up appropriately for the United States, and handing out praise when it isn't due.

Thus, we're disappointed with Mr. Obama's stated satisfaction with the NATO summit, as reported by CNN:

STRASBOURG, France (CNN) -- President Obama hailed the NATO summit in Europe on Saturday, calling the meeting "very productive" and praising the alliance's commitment to the fight in Afghanistan.

"Today I'm confident that we took a substantial step forward to renewing our alliance to meet the challenges of our time," said Obama.

Speaking to reporters as demonstrators protested against more involvement in Afghanistan, Obama said he was "pleased NATO allies pledged their strong and unanimous support" for America's new strategy in Afghanistan -- which calls for more troops, trainers and civilian workers.

COMMENT:  Now look, NATO nations have pledged an additional 5,000 troops.  However, the United States is pledging an additional 21,000, including trainers.  That is completely lopsided.  The president is being gracious, but more pressure must be placed on NATO to come up with greater contributions.  So far, we're getting tokens.

April 4, 2009