What a great idea: Obama going on international foreign policy trip.

[Big Blue Marble]

Have you heard about this? Obama may be planning a trip to Europe, Isreal, and Asia.

Imagine the crowds and the excitement he will generate. It will dominate the news cycles
and show Americans that we can be loved again.

Will Obama Go this Month on Foreign Policy Tour?


A pilgrimage abroad for Obama in the next weeks contains many more opportunities and benefits electorally at home than lost ones. First among them is that it would, for various news cycles, make Clinton irrelevant to the story. Were Obama to remain and battle out Pennsylvania day after day he would simply feed the media appetite to exaggerate that state – like New Hampshire and Ohio before it – as “the one” that will decide the nomination, when in fact it will not.

Presuming that the trifecta floated in the Post story is accurate – that an international trip would involve going Europe, Israel and Asia – let’s look at what could be accomplished.

First and foremost, an international tour would decisively take the eyes of US voters outside of themselves to the question of how others
see them. That, after all, has been, from the beginning, one of the big messages of Obama’s campaign: showing a new
face to the world, or, as he puts it, “America’s back.”

Enthusiastic crowds in almost any part of the world would greet Obama, providing a new and novel angle for a media that is getting tired rephrasing the same story – “change vs. experience” – over and over again. Man-and-woman-on-the-street interviews in those lands would provide a refreshing new look at the candidate from the outside. And at every step, the lens would view the candidate as international leader, American emissary, suggestive of what his presidency could look like: all those things would bolster Obama’s foreign policy profile and gravitas not by merely saying so, but by doing so. Actions speak louder than words.

More

[anonymous171]

1. He will get all of Clinton's "foreign policy experience" in weeks instead of years.

Since most if not all of her experience was flying around and giving speeches.

GOBAMA!

[KittyWampus]

68. Only if he goes with Sinbad and Sheryl Crow. Don't know if Cheslea is mandatory, though

[rug]

2. He's pulling an all-nighter.

[babylonsister]

3. Really good idea; let's see how the rest of the world embraces him. nt

[Skwmom]

4. I think it's a bad idea. The media and the Clinton camp could negatively

spin this on many levels.

[tyne]

6. Kind of hard to spin

roaring and cheering crowds, imo.

[Big Blue Marble]

7. Let them try.

Europe loves him. They will come out in huge crowds to support him.
How will she spin that? Americans want the rest of the world to like and
respect us again. He will show that he is the leader that the world will
respect. I think it would be awesome.

[scheming daemons]

8. Hard to negative spin 20,000 cheering Israelis at a rally.....

...

[anamandujano]

11. Farrakhan, Sharpton, Jackson--hope he brings them along.

[scheming daemons]

18. Why would he bring along people who he has publicly denounced and rejected?

:eyes:

[anamandujano]

66. He hasn't rejected Jackson and Jesse's son is the one who started the

race baiting in South Carolina.

His denouncing of Farrakhan came with more prodding than it should have.

All three of these guys have had things to say about Jews, a race if I'm not mistaken.

I am simply pointing out that he'll skip Israel unless he does a major song and dance beforehand. Take it to the bank, suckers.

And for the others who answered my post. I'm not voting for him because he's an arrogant incompetent ego maniac.

As I've said many times before, if Sheila Jackson Lee were running, she'd get my vote, as well as Kweisi Mfume. They are both brilliant, competent and black.

[Kittycat]

79. Someone Doesn't like those Uppity Black Folks

In all seriousness, I cannot believe you posted that racist crap on a Democratic message board. I would expect to read that on FR, never here. You've totally ruined my appetite for dinner.

[Ileanasouza]

96. half black

Just for the record.

[boppers]

98. Seen his AIPAC speeches?

You might be surprised.

I sure as heck was.

[mojowork_n]

101. Congressman Jesse Jackson, Jr. was using Bill Clinton as a sock puppet?

Nice trick. No wonder you're so worked up about that.

Good, too, to have your short list of "approved" candidates, who also "happen" to be black.

Thank you, so much. Your thoughtful insights are always appreciated.

[EmperorHasNoClothes]

28. Very telling that you would lump those three together.

With all the work that Sharpton and Jackson have done on civil rights, you lump them in with Farrakhan? I guess we know why YOU aren't voting for Obama. :eyes:

[scheming daemons]

34. Bingo..... putting Jackson and Sharpton with Farrakhan exposes the poster's motives...

....Neither Sharpton or Jackson are muslims.


The only thing the three have in common is their race.

[Jensen]

43. You called that one ...spot ON!

:thumbsup:

[SoCalDem]

93. Whazzzamatta? HRC cancelled the donut order today?

you gotta re-read the talking points again.. sublty is the way they want you to do it..:rofl:

[femmedem]

40. Wow.

That is the second time today someone out of the blue brought up those three in a racist attempt to discredit Obama.

On a Democratic message board? Depressing.

[cali]

53. why would he? He has nothing to do with Farrakhan. Sharpton

hasn't even endorsed him, and Jackson is just one of many Obama endorsers. Interesting that you only associate him with three controversial AA men. Says a lot about you and well, you know.

[Nia Zuri]

82. You are pretty much a racist, aren't you

[Skwmom]

13. Many ways to negatively spin: Clinton is focusing on the people of America and their problems (the

economy) while Obama is overseas trying to gain foreign policy experience, Obama is so arrogant that he's leaving the country versus fighting for the nomination,etc. It could HUGELY backfire.

[Big Blue Marble]

16. He would only be gone one week.

He could accomplish at lot. His surrogates will fight the Hillary spin.
He returns victorious with a definite aura of foreign competency.

i think the upsides are far greater than any downside that Hillary would
throw his way.

[Skwmom]

22. A one week tour DOES NOT give an aura of foreign competency

and to suggest it does is stupid. It also plays into the Clinton Camp fake meme that he doesn't have enough foreign competency.

[scheming daemons]

29. Just watch..... it's a brilliant strategy..... are you sure you're an Obama supporter?

You're acting like a scared Hillary supporter.


Just asking.... because the positives of this trip outweigh the negatives that you present by a VERY large margin.

[Skwmom]

42. I'm an Obama supporter and I believe the negatives could FAR, FAR outweigh the positives.

I'm from the PA area and I know Clinton can spin this to go over like a lead balloon (of course assisted by the media).

Obama goes overseas for a week and Clinton announces a week long economic forum. Yeah, that would be great for Obama. While he's busy trying to pad his resume, I'm (Clinton) focusing on solving your problems.

[scheming daemons]

46. Sorry... we agree to disagree....

Every cable channel would be showing loops of Israelis going ga-ga over Obama......


To spend one of the six weeks before PA doing this would be very well-received.... in both the media and among the electorate.


You and I just will have to agree that we see this much differently.


I guarantee you that, right now, the Clinton campaign is scrambled for the best face they can put on this.

For the first time in a week or two, Obama is ACTING and Clinton is REACTING. Obama is driving the narrative today, and winning back the news cycles.

[RamboLiberal]

81. I'm from PA also and I agree - PA voters could

give a rat's ass at the moment about foreign policy. Remember Clinton didn't play that 3 o'clock ad in Ohio. We're similar to Ohio. PA cares about the domestic economy. To head overseas now would leave the playing field of PA to the Clintons.

What Obama needs to do is treat PA like Iowa. Get on a bus and stop at every nook and cranny in this state. It's not exactly a small state and he'll need 6 weeks to get all the local news coverage he can engender.

[scheming daemons]

21. NOPE.... it will dominate news coverage around the world....

[Skwmom]

26. It's Americans that need to elect him, not foreigners.

[scheming daemons]

30. Americans... especially Superdelegates... will be seeing this dominate the news...

...and they'll say to themselves...


"THIS is the guy to change the way the U.S. is viewed around the world."

[Skwmom]

47. That's not the focus of the voters. It's the ECONOMY stupid.

[scheming daemons]

52. One of next six weeks on this... the other five on the economy.... that works just fine....

....

[Skwmom]

73. But if your opponent uses that week to hammer you on the economy,

you'll be digging out of a hole for the remaining five.

[ProgressiveEconomist]

103. He could FOCUS on economic issues: labor standards in Asian trade; Eur. farm subsidies

and getting more foreign companies to build plants in the US, for example. It could be a great way to address American voters' concerns about globalism by going to the sources of US trade disadvantages and making friends, but warning them that the US is going to insist on FAIR trade in the future, not just international deals that benefit only short-term US corporate earnings.

[John Q. Citizen]

9. I don't think Obama is afraid of Clinton. She keeps losing.

[Skwmom]

77. One should never get over confident. The Clinton machine and their big

money backers will not go quietly into the night.

[John Q. Citizen]

90. It's not a matter of over confidence, It's a matter of courage.

[SoCalDem]

92. Not if it's set up correctly..

There are SEVEN LONG WEEKS to burn.. It cannot hurt him to take a one week "tour"..especially to Europe.

Senators travel all the time..

and if HRC decides to stay in PA, let her..

evne last year when Obama was polling 15% and was a nobody, only 36% of Pennsylvanians said they would vote for her.. and back then she was the QueenBee
http://www.quinnipiac.edu/x1327.xml?ReleaseID=1117

He could cite this poll and say, she needs the extra time..

[scheming daemons]

5. The image of him speaking in front of tens of thousands in Israel will be ENORMOUS....

Hillary's lock on the Jewish vote might dissipate.....


Imagine the crowds in Europe too!!!


Six weeks is a long time before PA..... take a week or two to do this and the world-wide attention will be astounding.


Just make sure the security detail is beefed up ENORMOUSLY.

[monmouth]

38. This is very big and important for Jews in America, especially Jews

in New York. Hope he goes to Ireland like JFK did, that would be great/

[anamandujano]

10. The only problem I forsee is that the foreign press is not as shy as our MSM

about the tough questions (shy=biased up the wazoo).

I'm looking forward to this.

:popcorn:

[scheming daemons]

23. In poll after poll in Europe and Asia, Obama in a landslide over Hillary....

He's a bigger rock-star over there than here.


Remember when Bubba went to Ireland???

Multiply it by 10, and you'll see the treatment that Obama gets on his foreign tour.



It will be like when the Beatles landed in America.

[jakem]

55. That was when HRC rid the isle of snakes, right?

Remember when Bubba went to Ireland???

[flor de jasmim]

12. He'll have time between November and January

Right now he needs to focus on tying up the nomination. If HRC drops out before the convention, sure, but otherwise he is abandoning his rapid response time for whatever may be thrown at him here. And if it is primarily the blue collar and older voters, they are not going to be impressed by this. It also plays into the Clinton FRAME...

[GarbagemanLB]

14. Do you understand that the time SINCE Iowa is the same time that exists UNTIL PA? He has plenty of t

ime to go on an overseas trip.

[Skwmom]

19. The media and the Clinton camp would negatively spin such a visit 24/7.

And as pointed out it would not help in PA, NC, etc. Plus, the Clintons have connections and I wouldn't put it pass them to try to set up some "incidence" with Obama and one of their foreign buddies (one the media would only be too happy to play again and again). In fact, the voters want to feel that a candidate is listening to them and their needs. Clinton going to those small OH towns helped garner votes (of course the Republicans wanting to spoil the Democratic Primary didn't hurt).

The ECONOMY is the number #1 concern.

[scheming daemons]

25. It would help IMMENSELY with the superdelegates..... and he would "look presidential"......

Clinton camp would TRY to negatively spin it.... but it won't work.

[Skwmom]

33. Maybe some superdelegates are trying to lead him down the wrong path.

I've heard superdelegates say the one who gives a nuts and bolts economic plan is the one who will get their votes. I'd take ANY advice with a grain of salt and a bit of suspicion.

[scheming daemons]

35. We live in a WORLD economy now.... discussing trade with Europeans *IS* an economic plus...

...

[Skwmom]

45. He can be viewed as caring more about their economy than his own.

[scheming daemons]

48. There's no such thing as a "their" economy or "our" economy anymore. The world is linked....

...most Americans know that.

[Skwmom]

72. Well the average joe , who is trying to make ends meet, might

like a candidate who is perceived as paying attention to them during the primary process.

[flor de jasmim]

27. I do. And I would prefer to see him spend the time in the remaining states---

there is a slight chance that if he wins PA convincingly Hillary will step aside, and that is more important.

[DerekJ]

15. I think that would be playing to his strengths in the international community.

I think it’s a good Idea. He should even visit us here in Canada. You have no Idea how many people like him here
edit: grammar

[DemVet]

86. He better stay in America and fight or Hillary is gonna whoop his ass.

[Cali_Democrat]

17. If I were him I would stay away from Israel

I'm not trying to flame I'm just saying there are alot of crazies there. With the middle name Hussein and his potential to be President he may want to think twice about going there. Alot of people are saying he's anti-Israel which is completely inaccurate. But some yahoo in Israel might get that idea in his head.

[cali]

56. He has secret service protection and there are no more

crazies in Israel than there are here. And they aren't the demons you seem to believe. They aren't going to kill him because of his middle name. Your post is repugnant.

[1776Forever]

57. Amb. Dan Kurtzer, (U.S. ambassador to Israel from 2001- 05) should go with him to Israel - Article

The New York Jewish Week Blog
Saturday, March 08, 2008

Kurtzer endorses Obama, Will Campaign for Democratic Frontrunner
Posted By James Besser

The Barack Obama campaign, continuing efforts to reassure Jewish voters before Tuesday's critical primaries in Texas and Ohio, picked up an important endorsement over the weekend: Amb. Dan Kurtzer, who served as U.S. ambassador to Israel from 2001 to 2005. The Elizabeth, New Jersey native also served as ambassador to Egypt and as dean of Yeshiva University, and resigned in November as commissioner of the new Israel Baseball League.

Kurtzer generated considerable attention on his appointment by President George W. Bush because he was the first Orthodox envoy to the Jewish state (before the Clinton administration, no Jews had served).
Although Kurtzer drew fire from groups such as the Zionist Organization of America (ZOA) that regarded him as a primary architect of Oslo-era peace efforts, he was a popular and respected figure with most Jewish leaders.

Making the announcement in Columbus, Ohio -- where voters will go to the polls on Tuesday in a primary in which the Jewish community could play a big role -- Kurtzer said "The United States has suffered severe blows to our international credibility over the past seven years, which makes it harder to defend our own interests and protect key allies, like Israel. We desperately need a change of direction, and I believe Barack Obama is the candidate who can win in November and deliver on that promise of change."

Obama, he said, is the candidate who can "restore our reputation and influence, strengthen key alliances, end the war in Iraq, and effectively confront challenges like the one posed by Iran."

Ambassador Kurtzer, according to the announcement, "will travel and speak on behalf of Barack Obama, and advise the campaign on foreign policy."

[Cha]

95. Thank you,1776, this is an important

endorsement from Ambassador Dan Kurtzer!!

[ieoeja]

63. At least the crazies in Israel know what they're talking about.

The crazies in Israel know there are millions of Christians still living in the Middle East. It's the crazies here who fail to recall that Christianity began in the Middle East, and that the European sects are from just two branches of the early religion.

Reminder: Genghis Khan was born and died a Christian.

So I doubt the crazies there are going to mistake him for a Muslim just because he has an Arabic middle name. Most of their Christian friends, and not a few of their Jewish ones, undoubtedly have Arabic names as well.

[Igel]

89. Genghis Khan?

Born and died a Xian?

I can find speculation that he was shamanist or "Tengrist". Even wilder speculation that he toyed with Buddhism later in life. But Christian?

His wife was Xian, but the religion of the wife was usually a matter of little import back then.

Any reference showing that not only was he possibly Xian, but "born and died a Christian"?

[ieoeja]

102. He was Nestorian Christian.

Nestor was one of those who spread Christianity east instead of west. Before Peter even found his rock in Rome.

The Roman Catholic church sent representatives to the Khan we he first came to their attention. When they sought to convert him he was reported to have told them that he was already Christian.

Something I heard on a television program once. I did a quickie search online and found the speculation you mention. I also saw where his mentor was Nestorian. I expect the speculation is fueled by (1) his religious tolerance and (2) the fact that Christians don't want to claim him.

Genghis Khan is the exception to the rule that conquerors write the histories. In his case the histories were almost exclusively written by those he conquered. Subsequently his negatives were exaggerated and his positives downplayed.

Yes, he took vengenance on his father's killers in Mongolia which led to the formation of a Mongolian nation. But he did not set out to conquer territories outside Mongolia. He just set out to establish diplomatic and trade relations. But all he encountered were evil tyrants. Repeatedly his ambassadors were killed or mutilated. He ended up conquering everyone out of retaliation for these acts, not because he wanted to expand his empire. At least at the beginning.

And what did he do after conquering this territory? He built roads, libraries and schools. He instituted religious and cultural tolerance. He launched urban development.

Sure, sometimes urban development meant killing everyone in one town to make way for another, but he meant well. Let's call it "aggressive urban development".

:evilgrin:

[malik flavors]

20. Wow, what an excellent idea. The Clinton's are kicking themselves for not thinking of it first.

[rodeodance]

24. Hillary does need a photo-op tour as she already has the necessary exper.

[Skwmom]

37. Yeah right. They probably initiated the idea.

[cbayer]

31. Great idea.

It would be interesting to see both the public reception and the media coverage.

[DemGa]

32. Obama: The Hillary Hate Tour '08 ----Nt

[scheming daemons]

36. Watch how much his trip to Israel improves his numbers in the American Jewish community.....

...and PA has a large Jewish population.... Especially in Philly and Pittsburgh.

[DemGa]

60. Whatever----Nt

[DearAbby]

39. I don't see any down side to this

allows us to see how the rest of the world would accept Obama, and he sure as hell wouldn't embarrass us as *Junior does on a regular basis. It would allow the country to see Obama as a leader who can handle foreign affairs

[Skwmom]

51. Downside - while Clinton is home working at fixing our economy Obama is

overseas trying to gain foreign policy experience (playing right into her false meme).

[scheming daemons]

58. Obama ACTING... Clinton REACTING.... brilliant table-turning....

...but you, of course, see it differently.


We'll just wait and see.


I think you'll be surprised at how much this changes the narrative in the media to a positive for Obama.

[Skwmom]

74. It's REACTING to Clinton's bait on foreign policy.

[scheming daemons]

75. If you could see inside the Clinton campaign right now, you'd see them worrying about this...

...I can't prove it to you....


But we'll just wait and see..

[Skwmom]

78. When you are ahead why would you do something that while may have its

upsides also has some MAJOR RISKY downsides.

The Clinton camp plays a lot of games, Bill Clinton is a MASTER MANIPULATOR. I think the very tight inner circle sometimes put out misinformation to supporters and subordinates. I can imagine how the Clinton camp could very negatively frame such a trip but I won't post them on this board.

[scheming daemons]

87. He's running against John McCain ... not (just) Hillary.....

...

[DearAbby]

62. How in the hell can Clinton's fix the economy on the Campaign trail?

You believe Hillary can fix the economy in a week? Has she been working on it in the last few months?

I don't see a down side to this? What are you worried about? The claim had been placed that some reason, the world would not take this neophite seriously. I believe this trip can lay that to rest.

You know I dont remember Bill Clinton having huge foreign experience in 1992, yet he is now one of the most respected person world wide.

[SoCalDem]

94. Holiday Inn Express has the internet(s)

:rofl:

[BooScout]

41. LMAO

Adoring crowds for Obama in Europe??? Bwaaaahhahahahahahahahah

[scheming daemons]

49. Which is why in European poll after poll, Obama defeats Clinton by landslide proportions....

The world wants Obama to be our next President.

[Arkansas Granny]

84. Please remember, Europeans don't vote in our elections.

The adoration of Obama overseas is unlikely to have much effect on US voters.

[boppers]

100. Seat the european delegates!

They voted! They should count! Don't disenfranchise them!

[DerekJ]

50. You will be very surprised. I have a lot of European friends … they ADORE him. N/T

[Whisp]

44. i'll bet Hillary is slapping herself that she didn't think of this first.

but then I don't think she'd get the crowds and well wishes that Barack will, but she'll spin it into something negative for sure.

great idea on his part.
This will give him the edge on the foreign policy thing Hill has been unjustly hammering him with.

[scheming daemons]

54. EXACTLY. After two weeks of REACTING to what Hillary is doing, the tables are turned....

Hillary is now REACTING to Obama's first moves.

[Why Syzygy]

59. After reading more of the article .. I think he should go . but.

with extra security. McChillary will probably whine, but that's a given no matter what.

[OzarkDem]

61. This should be interesting n/t

[Georgie_92]

64. I think that's a great idea!

[woolldog]

65. I think a short trip to Ireland

to "get in touch with his roots" would be a great idea. Especially since there are a lot of Irish voters in PA.

The Irish love Obama. I was watching this video and thought it was cute when the Irish mom said she wanted Obama to win because "he's one of our own."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h9GPU3g7VSM

[ecstatic]

67. Wow! I love that idea! nt

[Bread and Circus]

69. I think it's a great idea! I look forward to it.

[anamandujano]

70. How about Canada? lol

[Swamp Rat]

71. Great idea. n/t

[peoli]

76. I hope to god he does it. It would be awesome to see him meet with other leaders.

[RamboLiberal]

80. Stupid, Stupid, Stupid Idea before PA Primaries

IMHO right now he needs to get a bus and tour Pennsylvania like candidates do in Iowa! He can't leave my state for Hillary to claim! He needs to stop at every small town, diner, main street, college, factory, etc.

He needs the publicity in PA - the local coverage - not some network coverage of a foreign trip. Hell how you anyone even assume the damn networks would give it much coverage.

He could be on a foreign trip and some news like the Spitzer case could break and suck all the oxygen out of the story. At least if he was touring my state the local news would be covering.

My state for the most part except for the war could give a rat's ass about foreign policy. They want to know what are you going to do to bring down the gas prices, get me health care, stop my job from moving, make college more affordable, make sure I can retire in comfort, etc.

Good lord the Clintons are already on the ground in PA - Obama can't afford to act like he's stiffing PA!

He needs to win PA to prove that he can win on Clinton's turf and stop all this crap from her camp. Winning PA would be the nail in her coffin!

Hell the majority of voters wouldn't even realize he was overseas - they aren't the political/new junkies we are. How many do you think even knows Bush was just in Africa and was well-received???????????

[TheDonkey]

83. That would be huge! I hope he does it. At least to one or two countries for a week after MS

he doesn't have much time

[ElsewheresDaughter]

85. yup keep him out of the country while the Rezko shit hits the fan

[XemaSab]

88. I think he needs to focus on blowout victories in the remaining states

He can rent a good old-fashioned campaign bus and go through Pennsylvania, Kentucky, West Virginia, Indiana, and North Carolina in the next few weeks, tightening those races down (or increasing his lead). 4 of those are the last few states Hillary has any kind of shot at, and if he can keep her from winning any states at all, that will be HUGH going into the convention.

He might could fly out to Oregon for a few big rallies before May 20 (which is also the date Kentucky votes).

All that's left after that are Montana, South Dakota, and Puerto Rico. :shrug:

[latinolatteliberal]

91. I think it is worth the risk

I don't want to hear about Pennsylvania for 6 weeks

[Hutzpa]

97. This is a 'BULLSHIT POST'

I'm shocked everyone is jumping without thinking for a second.......

why would Obama travel abroad in the middle of the primary?

After the election yes, but during the election, I don't get it,

this is another level of smear, last week there was a post about

Hillary going abroad too, folks we really have to take caution

as to what we respond to, as a matter of fact, the link is inactive.

go figures!

:think: :think:

[fujiyama]

99. I think he should bust his ass in PA

and make it as close as possible. The trip is an interesting idea, but he'll have time between PA and the convention. Maybe between NC and the convention.

The coverage would be favorable. The crowds would be HUGE - EVERYWHERE - including Israel. That couldn't hurt among Jews back home wary about his support for Israel...ESPECIALLY if Florida is having a primary re-do.

I'd hold off on it JUST YET. The only downside is it could make Obama look as though he's campaigning abroad. Hillary could then say "look he's ignoring the blue collars folks right here in steel country".