(h/t Ben Smith)

One of the least discussed issues in this presidential campaign is how each candidate plans to protect America from the ever-increasing threat of annoying houseflies.  Let’s look at each of their records on the issue.

In a recent MSNBC interview, John McCain appears to favor a non-interventionist fly strategy– ignore the problem until it goes away.

This strategy does have some bipartisan support, as Democratic Senator Chris Dodd demonstrated in a debate last summer. But it seems to somewhat contradict McCain’s support of the Bush Doctrine, and won’t gain much support among the millions of working-class, fly-swatter-owning Americans.

Barack Obama, on the other hand, favors taking the fight directly to the flies, followed by a safe and responsible withdrawal.

Once it becomes clear that a long, drawn-out conflict is no longer in America’s interests, notice how Obama skillfully implements his exit strategy. First, he gains a strong understanding of the chaotic situation on the ground, then he initiates good diplomatic relations with the reporter in order to reach an agreement that benefits all involved. In the past, Republicans have labeled this a “cut-and-run” strategy, and they will no doubt accuse Obama of letting the flies win, but he seems unconcerned with the political fallout of ending the interview. He knows the real winner is the American people.