Compilation of sources.
It was a mistake – a missed opportunity to remind France and other allies that the United States is committed to a war against terrorism waged by two U.S. president and thousands of U.S. troops since 9/11. The White House even admits the U.S. delegation wasn't high-ranking enough.
But this was no disgrace. No embarrassment. No snub.
The United States has some 66,000 military personnel deployed in Europe. More than 6,800 U.S. service members have died in post-9/11 operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. Hundreds of billions of dollars from the U.S. treasury finance intelligence and military operations across the globe, making the United States the most stalwart enemy of terrorists.
Why should the President of the United States have to join a march to prove to the world the US fight on terrorism?
Just because a couple of days ago he declared that he would "stand with France" doesn't mean that he should actually have to, you know, stand in France. Especially on the weekend.
Besides, Obama's presence at the rally would have been disruptive. The apparatus that follows the U.S. president is isolating and the attending "limelight" nature were a direct counter to the vibe that organizers achieved in the streets of Paris.
So, next in line would have been V.P. Biden.
Having the Vice President show up would have been a demonstration of Americas commitment.
But really, the European Leaders breathed a sigh of relief when "Uncle Joe" didn't show.
Now THAT was a move I credit the President for. Can you imagine some of the interesting, or even worse, just dumb, blurbs ?
Besides, Joe doesn't know where France is.
Kerry?
Riding elephants on his India trip, I guess.
Not that the United States was entirely unrepresented. Attorney General Eric "Isn't He Gone Yet?" Holder was already in Paris mounting an investigation into whether the terrorists had been read their rights and offered legal counsel before being shot by the over-armed and quite possibly racist French police. Holder did not, however, actually bother to attend the anti-terror march owing to a pressing brunch engagement at the Folies Bergère.
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Reportedly, Holder watched the parade from a cafe and was ordered NOT to attend.