Georgia was a test ... and only McCain passed

The military conflict between Georgia and Russia was a test. John McCain passed. Barack Obama flunked.

With years of military experience, John McCain saw the invasion for what it was:

... McCain immediately understood that the real issue wasn't just a Georgian territory violation, but Vladimir Putin's premeditated effort to let Eastern Europe know that Russia intends thoroughly to dominate what it terms its "near abroad."

And, belligerently, to let the world know that Moscow again considers itself a player on the global stage.

"World history is often made in remote, obscure countries," McCain said. "It is being made in Georgia today."

Translation: Small regional clashes can have ominous wider implications.

Barack Obama's reaction to the Georgia-Russia clash? More from today's New York Post editorial:

In his first public reaction, Obama merely called on "Georgia and Russia to show restraint" - a reflexive exercise in what Sen. Joe Lieberman rightly labeled "moral neutrality."

Then Obama called for a UN Security Council resolution condemning Russia - apparently unaware that Moscow, a permanent Security Council member, can veto any such resolution.
...
Obama's initial reaction was that only Georgia's territorial sovereignty was at stake - and that the way to resolve that issue was to negotiate.

During the famous visit by Putin to the Crawford ranch, President George W. Bush, trying to reach out and perhaps playing the game himself, said he looked into Putin's soul and saw someone straightforward and trustworthy.

McCain's reported response was, "I looked into Mr. Putin's eyes, and I saw three things: a K and a G and a B."

The Post editorial concluded:

The crisis in Georgia was the first real election-season test for the two men who seek to become commander-in-chief.

Only one passed.

I'm voting for a President who understands world conflict, terrorism, and will protect this country and my family.

John McCain for President.

Cross-posted at SixtyFour81.com