TPM Reader RCB mulls John McCain’s threat classification schema …
Seems like a “threat” in this sense is really a function of two variables: the potency of the enemy *and* the ability to defend against that enemy’s arsenal. (Potency – Defense = Threat.)
In that context, Obama is partially right. The Soviets had the ability to rain down warheads upon us and destroy multiple cities. However, we could counter with M.A.D., and at least we knew where the Soviet leader lived, so in the end, the potential danger was huge but the threat in terms of daily risk was significantly lower.
Meanwhile, from McCain’s point of view, Iran is part of a larger, amorphous network of Dangerous Brown People Who Want Us Dead. And many key aspects of our defense against that (non-proliferation, capturing Bin Laden, avoiding Iraq-style quagmire, etc.) are sorely lacking. So in this sense, McCain may truly believe that Iran is part of a more serious day-to-day threat.
Of course, that reality would be due in large part to profound failures in policy and judgment that McCain has endorsed for a few years, but I guess he’s hoping he can gloss over that with the tough talk. The Iranians and the Soviets could only wish(ed) they could use any weapon as effectively as the GOP has used fear over the past six years.
