From an AP report:
Obama recently chided Karzai and his government, saying it had “not gotten out of the bunker” and helped to organize the country or its political and security institutions.
Also on his itinerary later in the trip is a meeting with Nouri al-Maliki, the Iraqi leader. On the campaign trail, Obama has said one benefit of withdrawing U.S. troops is that it would pressure al-Maliki to shore up his government as well.
Nonetheless, he said he did not plan to reiterate those messages in person.
I don’t buy his “I’m going over there as a US Senator” cop-out. He’s willing to publicly put down foreign leaders to get a crowd of liberal supporters going (and get primary votes), but refuses to personally confront those same leaders when given the chance. He shouldn’t have said those things to begin with.
GUTLESS.
I wonder what effect the image of European crowds swooning for Obama will have on American voters?
Imho, it is to help silence those critics who question his ability to discuss Iraq policy issues, when he has not been there in 3 years..
I am sure those voters that feel that everything we do must have a European stamp of approval will eat this up..
European’s swooning over Obama is a double edged sword. Some will lap it up, some will be incensed. Count me as the later.
The whole trip is nauseating to watch.
“The whole trip is nauseating to watch.”
Not if we can get a video of some camels swooning Osama-bama. Then the Europeans would now that it is all a dog and camel show….I mean pony!
You guys have weak stomachs, it seems.
How much international experience did W have when he became president? I believe he had only been to England once, even though his father was ambassador to China (an old China hand after ONE year in the US compound).
Of course, W hadn’t been to Iraq either before he decided to invade.
Yes, what I am looking for is a President that has to travel to a foreign land and talk with despots before taking military action. Too bad Roosevelt didn’t go knock on Hitler’s door before we entered into WWII, or it might have turned out much better! Twisted logic, really. I know Obama can add Pakistan to his travels during college.
I know a couple people that have never left the continental United States, but I’d trust them over Obama when it comes to Foreign Policy.
Further, that GWB was deemed better than both Gore and Kerry in the last 2 elections should be judged in the context of those elections. My problems with GWB stem largely from his domestic policy, as I think he is spot on when it comes to war on terror. I wish things had gone smoother at the beginning of the war, mistakes were made as they are in all conflicts, but I still prefer Commander-in-Chief Bush over either of the other 2.
Yea, things got a little messy, as Rumfeld said when famous museeum objects were being carted away by the car load.
Well, I was being sarcastic about Roosevelt and Hitler, I think WWII turned out pretty well.
As for the museum artifacts, I seem to recall there was a story behind the story but I can’t remember. I know is was overblown by the media – shocking but true.
NoVisa,
Nausiation has nothing to do with a weak stomach at times. Much of it is caused by a bug or disease. When a presidential candidate decides to get off his rear-end and finally go see how things are for himself, well bravo. Better late than never. Now he might have insight and understanding for his arguement. But when that individual starts making statements BEFORE he has seen anything or talked to anyone; that, my friend, is a dog and pony show. And it is VERY nausiating to deal with. After all, we are talking about YOUR messiah!
This trip has nothing to do with “fact-finding” whatsoever. It is nothing more than a publicity stunt (think about Dukakis riding around in an M1 Abrahms tank) for the news media. All the broadcasts I saw were showing the troops with hand shaking, basketball playing and eating. The majority of troops he was “kidding with” (hugging, shoulder slapping and the like) were all negroes. Now if there is not suppose to be any race involved in this, why is the media or his campaign advisors not making equal time with all races? I have a feeling that Osama-bama flunked history and likens this war on terror too much to Vietnam. That is what it looks and sounds like to me. These are total volunteers and they don’t need his help or advice to finish their mission. He should give them their due for doing their duty and just shut-up after that. Then he should get a clue but I’ll turn blue and pass out long before that would ever happen.
No kidding, ACTivist! A PUBLICITY STUNT! Imagine that! Presidential candidates just shouldn’t do that sort of thing.
No hugging, shoulder slapping, eating with Joe 6pack or GI Joe and, of course, never hold a baby.
“…that, my friend, is a dog and pony show…” – “my friend”/ You have even adopted McCain’s favorite expression!
It’s not a war on terror. If it were, we would have done what needed to be done in Afghanistan.
Reality check, when we went into Afghanistan, the terrorists ran into hiding like roaches when one turns on the kitchen light.
How many terrorists did we encounter in Afghanistan ? Not many..
How do you draw them out of the woodwork ?
Iraq, threaten to establish a second presence on the other Iranian border. What happened ? The roaches came back, from all over the middle east. How many terrorists did we encounter in Iraq ? Quite a lot as our liberal friends keep reminding us.
“The war in Iraq has nothing to do with terrorism .. we can’t possibly win this war with all of the terrorists streaming into Iraq..”
John Kerry, during the Bush-Kerry debates.
Lovisa,
“No hugging, shoulder slapping, eating with Joe 6pack or GI Joe and, of course, never hold a baby. ”
Nice side step, ACT’s point on this was that the soldiers were ALL negro. If Obama is going to Iraq and his aids are hand picking the soldiers based on color that is pathetic. It is also racist.
jacob – Where does it say, or how does ACT know, that the soldiers were ALL negro (BLACK).
Besides, his point was that the trip was a publicity stunt, something that EVERY politician does and nothing unusual in any way.
Act, I just told my husband the same thing last night, every media shot of BHO eating, talking, shaking hands, he is with a majority Black soldiers. I found it very odd and assumed they asked for volunteers to greet him. Maybe I am wrong, but you won’t see this discussed or questioned in the press.
Lovisa, There is a War on Terror, this is not a traditional war. Dan described the Terrorists as cockroaches and that is accurate, they scatter and are hard to count.
I find it hilarious (and sad) that the media is reporting that since BHO is in the Middle East suddenly there is a cogent plan, the terrorists will cooperate with a w/d from Iraq and head over to Afganistan where they will promptly put their IED’s down and start leading productive lives. Wait till he goes to Europe and solves all their problems, gains their love and comes home via walking on water.
We don’t need an election, the coronation has taken place.
50% likelyhood that he will be (y)our next president, so get over it!
Europeans aren’t as easily swayed as you seem to think.
“likelihood”
Lovisa, I don’t have to “get over” anything.
I just put up a new post about his stop here where I’m at. I missed him, but everyone I talked to said he stuck around for several hours to meet and pose for pictures with everyone who wanted. The pictures you are seeing are probably the result of two things:
1. Media bias.
2. Senator Obama is very popular among black troops, which is to be expected. I can see the Senator is very much a role model in the black community. One kid in my crew’s face lit up like a 3 year old on Christmas morning when he found out Senator Obama was coming here.
Cathymac – Entirely up to you. Just a suggestion to help keep you from getting an ulcer.
“We don’t need an election, the coronation has taken place.”
maybe, maybe not..
http://www.anewtone.com/2008/07/purported-obama-birth-certificate-fraud.html
How about focusing on who has the experience, judgement and character to protect us and bring prosperity to Americans … not someone who in the eleventh hour, finally tries to establish foreign policy credentials, in a one week visit, as a transparent political ploy to get himself elected. Where was Obama, when he was supposed to chair the congressional committee on Afghanistan, and never had a single meeting. Why did Obama vote ‘present’ over 100 times in the senate? Even if he stages a political rally in the Roman Coliseum, he’s still just an inexperienced politician, who is not qualified to be President of the United States of America !!!
No Relation, I was going to ask the question on your last post about the black troops, so I am glad you put your thoughts down. I haven’t been watching a lot of the coverage, but every time I turn the TV on Obama is surrounded by black troops.
Another question about Obama’s visit, since he has been ‘listening’ during his visit, isn’t that the norm when a Senator or Congressman is there on an official visit or ‘fact finding’ mission? Have there been visits where members of Congress have walked around pontificating and listening out loud? I would assume (you know where that can get me) that Obama’s demeanor and behavior is the norm for visiting dignitaries, but I amy be wrong.
Lovisa, I appreciate the concern over a future ulcer but I think I will be fine.
Dan,
Talk about conspiracy theories! Wouldn’t it be wonderful if there was a big, fat Muslim-foreign born skeleton in Osama-bama’s closet? Then we could go to the runners-up: Clinton and Romney. At least I would feel better about the winner of that race.
Obama’s trip= nothing but net
I picked my wife up at the airport late last Wednesday on a Southwest flight from Midway. She relayed an amusing story.
Apparently there was a soldier on the flight home on leave. The flight crew made a big deal of welcoming him on the plane and thanking him for his service. Most of the passengers onboard gave him a standing ovation.
As the plane was getting ready to unload at Dulles the crew again made a fuss over our boy in uniform and asked all passengers to please let the soldier debark first. The soldier got up and said a few words to everybody before he unloaded.
(Obviously paraphrasing here)
“Thanks everybody for your support- it means a lot to us when we know the people at home are paying attention and care. Sometimes we feel forgotten. There’s something else we need to pay attention to. It’s an election year and this election is especially important.”
The soldier continued, ” I’ve been paying especially close attention to this election as it’s so important to what’s going on in Iraq and we need you to pay attention too. We need you to listen to what these men are saying. I’ve been listening and I’ve paying attention to the situation in Iraq and at home (his voice raised) and I’m voting for Barrack Obama!”
“Thanks everybody for your support- peace out!”
The soldier received another standing ovation as he exited.
The footage enthusiastic cheering soldiers and of BO nailing a basketball shot from well outside the 3 point line is going to make McCain wish he never chided Obama for not visiting Iraq.
Mission accomplished.
Howard,
“he’s still just an inexperienced politician, who is not qualified to be President of the United States of America !!!”
Or senator or dog catcher for that matter. I’m sure he’s a nice guy to talk to but I wouldn’t trust him in giving me CHANGE back at McDonalds. Or CHANGING the tires on my car. Or CHANGING my retirement portfolio. Well, you get the CHANGE of my meaning.
AFF,
Out of the woodwork.
Must have been Osama-bama’s campaign plane to get a standing ovation like that. Can’t believe EVERYONE on the plane was an empty-headed liberal.
BTW Did the guy really say “peace out”?
Cathymac:
It should be the norm, but it isn’t. Often times Senators and Congress travel abroad trying to implement their own policy. See my posted links on John Kerry and Nancy Pelosi. Former President Jimmy Carter is also bad for this. I’m glad Senator Obama didn’t do this.
AFF:
One guy isn’t a representation of us all. Everyone here has pretty much made up his mind already. The Obama visit hasn’t altered anything.
Congratulations, ACT, you have a retirement portfolio!!!
Sounds mighty rich and important. You are a very fortunate man, indeed. Probably never have to worry about Obama giving you change at McDonald’s.
As for changing tires, any real man changes his own tires, but maybe your manicure can’t take the wear and tear.
Lovisa:
1) Anyone with a job should have retirement savings.
2) If you’re talking about changing a flat tire, sure. If you’re talking about replacing tires, the home mechanic shouldn’t bother.
Lovisa,
“The majority of troops he was “kidding with” (hugging, shoulder slapping and the like) were all negroes.”
ACT must have been watching the coverage. I took him at his word.
AFF, If that story is true, it does not surprise me that a soldier praising Barrack Obama would get a standing ovation in an airport in Northern Virginia.
Jacob, liberals trip up when one mentions retirement savings, as in their view, this is the government’s job..
That is in keeping with their core philosophy: “From each according to his ability; to each according to his need.”
[...] safer place; Obama would not be in Iraq shooting hoops with the troops. It would not be ‘nothing but net‘, the guy would be in a bunker expounding on how the situation was all George Bushes fault [...]
I can’t help but wonder, given that 90% of blacks have been voting for BHO, if AFF’s soldier is black ?
I agree this should not matter, but past BHO election results do shine a spotlight on this.
AFF,
“The footage enthusiastic cheering soldiers and of BO nailing a basketball shot from well outside the 3 point line is going to make McCain wish he never chided Obama for not visiting Iraq.”
I wonder how many times takes had to made before he nailed that shot.
Jacob,
“ACT must have been watching the coverage. I took him at his word.”
From 4 different news venues. I don’t sell used cars.
The AFF story. It just so happens that my sister’s brother’s girlfriends’ niece twice removed was on that very same plane as AFF’s wife. She tells a different tale.
The crew making a big deal about the soldier-yes. But what the soldier REALLY said was this:
“I appreciate the gratitude that you people show me. All us in the military are doing what we are expected to do because it is our job. No special thanks are necessary. I would like to say that with the elections coming for replacing our Commander-in-Chief, we can’t afford to have a gutless, lying individual running the military. I would impress upon all of you NOT to vote for Bore-rock Osama-bama. And we will not get out until our mission is complete and there is peace. GOD bless America!”
To paraphrase!
LOL, Act. My neighbor’s sister’s huband’s stepson was on that same plane and heard a third version – it goes…..
This is an Urban Legend!
Cm,
That was my conclusion as well. AFF is making a big deal out of this 3 point shot, maybe the Dems have chosen the wrong candidate.
Maybe they should have Gilbert Arenas running instead..