I lean more realist than many conservative commentators when it comes to promoting democracy abroad. For instance, I always scorned Bush’s notion that there is no conflict between our interests and our ideals. But this is clearly a case when that notion is correct– a genuinely democratic revolution in Iran would serve our interests very nicely. I think Obama should be saying and doing whatever best serves the cause of the demonstrators. It’s not crazy to worry that too enthusiastic an embrace might backfire. But I’m guessing warm words from a U.S. president who is hugely popular overseas and who has gone very far out of his way to demonstrate his goodwill toward the Muslim world would help, not hurt. What’s most objectionable about Obama’s performance is that he gives the impression of not wanting the protests to complicate his preferred tactic of unconditional talks with the Iranian regime. If so, that’s a short-sighted stubbornness and moral obtuseness of the highest order.