Obama considering pre-August Europe trip?
If it happens, *maybe* Iraq, but *definitely* Western Europe.
By Moe Lane Posted in 2008 | Barack Obama | Europe — Comments (21) / Email this page » / Leave a comment »
Via The Other McCain comes a report that Obama might be doing the Grand Tour:
Obama considering world tour ahead of August convention
By Margaret TalevWASHINGTON — Barack Obama may depart this summer from his road-warrior tour of election-battleground states to take a trip around the world, one intended to shore up his credentials on foreign policy.
With a foreign trip under discussion in the Obama camp, any itinerary almost certainly would include a stop in Iraq. That would be his first trip to the war zone since early 2006. It would be designed to answer Republican presidential candidate John McCain's criticism that antiwar Obama can't talk credibly about withdrawing U.S. forces since he hasn't been on the ground there since the 2007 troop buildup brought some military success.
While he's at it, Obama may extend his journey to other parts of the globe, especially Western Europe, where his racial mix, youth, optimism and themes of anti-Bush, multilateral diplomacy have generated impassioned interest in his candidacy.
William H. Seward could not be reached for comment at this time.
Moe Lane
PS: See also Frank James.
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Obama considering pre-August Europe trip? 21 Comments (0 topical, 21 editorial, 0 hidden) Post a comment »
Just curious.
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Thou art the Great Cat, the avenger of the Gods, and the judge of words...-Inscription on the Royal Tombs at Thebes
I mean, if he can determine his policies re Iraq without having to go there or visit with Petraeus, why does he have to make a whirlwind worldwide tour at all? It couldn't be that he needs photo ops with world leaders is it? Will he stop in Iran or Gaza to be snapped with his supporters there?
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Obama's guiding principle: "I reserve the right to revise and extend my remarks."
The Fuzzy Puppy of the VRWC. I've been usurped!
I'm sure the leaders of Iran and Hamas have summer homes in Europe he can visit while he's there. Kind of convenient, really.
And the attention span of a kitten on crank theory of politics it makes perfect sense.
He will try to look presidential and be seen with european gliterati. Plus he may be hoping for the false equivalence that being a tourist counts as foreign policy experience.
"Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it."
-Thomas Paine: The American Crisis, No. 4, 1777
...given that the Secret Service (and military) would no doubt not want any visit to the war zone publicised or foreshadowed.
No, this isn't a leadup to a banning or warning; you haven't done anything to warrant either. I'm just curious.
The Fuzzy Puppy of the VRWC. I've been usurped!
He feels you are more widely read than McClatchy. Redstate might want to raise its rates.
"Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it."
-Thomas Paine: The American Crisis, No. 4, 1777
The Fuzzy Puppy of the VRWC. I've been usurped!
hehe - don't worry, still here! I usually say independent, but I suspect most here would view me as pretty firmly liberal. Hence I tend to keep my mouth shut most of the time, at least as far as ideology goes. (though Joliphant and I have a long-standing disagreement on where the line between science and ideology lie).
The Fuzzy Puppy of the VRWC. I've been usurped!
From my point of view we have a difference of opinion about the strength of some evidence and the conclusion that should be drawn from it.
You might want to look at that to gain some insight into the nature of the difference.
"Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it."
-Thomas Paine: The American Crisis, No. 4, 1777
But more seriously, you're probably right. Say, how 'bout them ice-caps?
But I would be happy to continue this in either a blog or via email.
"Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it."
-Thomas Paine: The American Crisis, No. 4, 1777
Good point - I fear I've used up my procrastination quota for the day, but I'm sure we'll have more chances to tangle!
And you need to tell the candidate that.
"Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it."
-Thomas Paine: The American Crisis, No. 4, 1777
Check out this entry on Wikipedia:
"Some years after his wife's death in 1865, William formally adopted his companion Olive Risley Seward (1841-1908) as his 'daughter.'"
of Friendly Freddie's (from the old Gomer Pyle series) lining up outside the gate ready to fleece some unsuspecting Marines on payday. Why do I think of that when I read of Obama touring Europe to prop up his credentials?
What the hell is going on out here? - Vince Lombardi