Obama Tour

[Jenksismyhero]

So, I haven't really seen it discussed here, but what does everyone think about Obama's tour in general? I don't recall a candidate ever taking his campaign abroad. For the older folks, has this happened before?

 

A friend and I have been exchanging lengthy dissertation-type emails about whether it's appropriate for Obama to be meeting with heads of state and giving "political" speeches to Europeans (leaving aside his visit to the troops - that's a separate argument). Obviously this is all being done as a photo op so that people back home can see that Obama can deal with other countries.

 

But does anyone besides me think it's slightly inappropriate? I just feel that a candidate could easily manipulate the situation, undercut any current administration efforts, and essentially, in a self-serving fashion, use such a tour for political gain. Now, I don't believe Obama is that type, but that's not to say that if this becomes a trend, a candidate could cut deals with foreign leaders, "fix" a diplomatic issue with them, and then campaign on that success, all while still being just a candidate.

 

Anyone else? Thoughts?

 

(and please don't turn this into a Obama is God, McCain is the devil or vice versa thread... if necessary, pretend it's 2012)

[Texsox]

Seeing a job candidate in a situation similar to which you would be hiring that person for is a good thing. Hell, the perfect situation would be that each candidate gets to be President for a week, then we decide. Since that would never happen, simulations, are as good as it gets. I like it and hope that McCain does the same thing.

[kapkomet]

McCain doesn't have to, because he's been there, done that. That's exactly why Obama DOES have to, because he has to show everyone he can. I'll just leave it at that.

[Balta1701]

So, I haven't really seen it discussed here, but what does everyone think about Obama's tour in general? I don't recall a candidate ever taking his campaign abroad. For the older folks, has this happened before?

 

A friend and I have been exchanging lengthy dissertation-type emails about whether it's appropriate for Obama to be meeting with heads of state and giving "political" speeches to Europeans (leaving aside his visit to the troops - that's a separate argument). Obviously this is all being done as a photo op so that people back home can see that Obama can deal with other countries.

 

But does anyone besides me think it's slightly inappropriate? I just feel that a candidate could easily manipulate the situation, undercut any current administration efforts, and essentially, in a self-serving fashion, use such a tour for political gain. Now, I don't believe Obama is that type, but that's not to say that if this becomes a trend, a candidate could cut deals with foreign leaders, "fix" a diplomatic issue with them, and then campaign on that success, all while still being just a candidate.

Well, here's an interesting comparison. Got this from a history class, don't have great sources, check yourself if you don't buy it. In 1968, LBJ was readying pretty much the ultimate October surprise. Was ready to announce that a deal had been struck with North Vietnam to end the war. At which point, Henry Kissinger took a flight and spoke to the head of South Vietnam and got him to kill the deal...before the election hit, thus denying Humphrey and Johnson that "We've ended the war" hit that they wanted. (We know this because Johnson bugged Nixon's phone and planes in 1968, Nixon's people tried to use the fact that he'd done so as a way to justify his campaign against the Democrats in 72, and Johnson turned around and said that if you come out and talk about how we bugged your phones, we'll come out and say what we heard on them, that you extended the Vietnam war for 5 years. So you see, domestic warrantless wiretapping rules!)

[Texsox]

And by many accounts, The October Surprise was Reagan and his group negotiating with the Iranians as he ran for office against Carter. If true, it was far more of a breach than giving speeches.

[Texsox]

McCain doesn't have to, because he's been there, done that. That's exactly why Obama DOES have to, because he has to show everyone he can. I'll just leave it at that.

 

Great point. What makes this a fairer race is we have Senator vs. Senator. Their experiences can be more readily compared. And again, in fairness, not compared subjectively, but objectively. In the past we've had Senator v. Governor or v. President and it is tough to find a common yardstick.

[bmags]

Senators usually have a disadvantage due to voting records. I'm glad that this is senator v. senator, I thought that "executive experience" line was a bit overdone, especially if it comes from a state where their legislature is a joke and the governor has an incredible amount of flexibility. Considering the fights in Congress the past 20 years, time in the senate is a huge plus.

 

But, remember that Hagel and another senator is doing this. This is under the realm of responsibilities to a senator and a reason that there's been so little interviewing of Obama while he's been there.

[Rex Kickass]

I think its perfectly reasonable for political figures in our country who have a good possibility to become our head of state to meet with political leaders of other countries.

[kapkomet]

I think its perfectly reasonable for political figures in our country who have a good possibility to become our head of state to meet with political leaders of other countries.

So do I, but I don't like the spectator sport it's being made into.

 

[southsider2k5]

McCain doesn't have to, because he's been there, done that. That's exactly why Obama DOES have to, because he has to show everyone he can. I'll just leave it at that.

 

McCain DID just do it, no one cared.

[kapkomet]

McCain DID just do it, no one cared.

I guess that's more my point, McCain's been over there a lot, and has done a lot of things.

 

Yet, Obama goes on this "tour" and the media orgasms themselves because of all the "good things he's saying and doing".

 

Whatever.

 

 

[Rex Kickass]

So do I, but I don't like the spectator sport it's being made into.

I agree, I think the Presidential race has been less about issues and more about perception. This is no different.

[Jenksismyhero]

Well, here's an interesting comparison. Got this from a history class, don't have great sources, check yourself if you don't buy it. In 1968, LBJ was readying pretty much the ultimate October surprise. Was ready to announce that a deal had been struck with North Vietnam to end the war. At which point, Henry Kissinger took a flight and spoke to the head of South Vietnam and got him to kill the deal...before the election hit, thus denying Humphrey and Johnson that "We've ended the war" hit that they wanted. (We know this because Johnson bugged Nixon's phone and planes in 1968, Nixon's people tried to use the fact that he'd done so as a way to justify his campaign against the Democrats in 72, and Johnson turned around and said that if you come out and talk about how we bugged your phones, we'll come out and say what we heard on them, that you extended the Vietnam war for 5 years. So you see, domestic warrantless wiretapping rules!)

 

See I guess that's what I'm getting at. There are ways to manipulate the real interests of the US (either for good or for bad) by letting candidates do this.

 

And Tex I get your point, but at the same time, if you need to show the American people you have the experience, maybe you really don't have enough experience to be running...

[NorthSideSox72]

Doesn't bother me. And given how badly we've f***ed up our relationships with our allies in the past 7 or 8 years, I think its good that both McCain and Obama are doing that. I really don't see either one becoming a pet for any other nation.

 

It doesn't really change my perception of either candidate much, as a voter.

 

[Balta1701]

It doesn't really change my perception of either candidate much, as a voter.

If Obama had majorly flubbed something overseas, like, I dunno, giving an impromptu neck massage to King Abdullah, then it might well have done so.

[Rex Kickass]

See I guess that's what I'm getting at. There are ways to manipulate the real interests of the US (either for good or for bad) by letting candidates do this.

 

And Tex I get your point, but at the same time, if you need to show the American people you have the experience, maybe you really don't have enough experience to be running...

 

If that had been the case, we would have reelected Carter in 80, Bush in 92, elected Gore in 00, and Richardson would have the Dem nod this year.

 

Experience does not necessarily make you good or particularly well suited for foreign diplomacy. I think Reagan showed that in 1980, I think that Bill Clinton showed that as well during his presidency. Both did fairly well on the foreign relations aspect as President.

[Texsox]

And nothing in politics is 100% good or bad. I believe the benefits outweigh the potantial disadvantages. Of course if you already dislike Obama, then that wiull frame opinions.

[BigSqwert]

So, I haven't really seen it discussed here, but what does everyone think about Obama's tour in general? I don't recall a candidate ever taking his campaign abroad. For the older folks, has this happened before?

It is very rare. You'd have to go all the way back to about 3 or 4 weeks ago when McCain did a South American tour.

[Jenksismyhero]

It is very rare. You'd have to go all the way back to about 3 or 4 weeks ago when McCain did a South American tour.

 

Well I guess that proves how much more the media follows Obama...

[Texsox]

Well I guess that proves how much more the media follows Obama...

Or that Democrates don't start screaming when McCain gets coverage.

[southsider2k5]

Or that Democrates don't start screaming when McCain gets coverage.

 

He'd have to get coverage before we could test that theory...

[bmags]

we'll ignore the 8 years of McCain love then.

 

McCain's tour was pretty heavily covered, that's when the big Colombia hostage rescue happened.

[Texsox]

He doesn't want coverage, he wants to continue to rally against the media. It's been a conerstone of Republican politics for twenty years. And they have manged to keep it going inspite of the huge explosion in conservative talk radio and FOX news.

[southsider2k5]

we'll ignore the 8 years of McCain love then.

 

McCain's tour was pretty heavily covered, that's when the big Colombia hostage rescue happened.

 

Pretty heavily covered? You can't be serious. NO ONE covered it until the hostage rescue.

 

Well maybe you are right if this is the kind of "coverage" you meant... Has anyone asked Obama why he is in the middle east with the American economy in the toilet yet?

 

 

http://newsbusters.org/blogs/scott-whitloc...s-about-economy

 

Correspondent Bianna Golodryga pointedly wondered, "But at a time when polls show Obama ahead of McCain by 16 points on the economy, should McCain be staying closer to home?" GMA co-host Robin Roberts, in an interview with Senator McCain, questioned, "So, why is Senator McCain abroad when Americans are focused on the economy here at home and losing jobs, more and more jobs, as Bianna just reported?" The candidate replied by mentioning the fight against the Colombian drug trade as one reason for his South American trip. Undeterred, Roberts continued her theme. She repeated, " We've seen that over and over again, so many want to know, other than what you just said, why are you in Colombia this morning?" This prompted an irritated McCain to reply, "Well, I'd be glad to repeat myself."

 

In a tease for both segments, co-host Diane Sawyer queried, "This morning, one-on-one with John McCain. As Americans wrestle with a tough economy, why is he in South America?" ABC News political contributor Matthew Dowd piled on: "[McCain] risks not talking to voters and where they are and what they want to vote on. Taking a trip to Colombia, I think, voters may see as a distraction from what they really care about right now." (Although Dowd is a former strategist to President Bush, he has also worked on Democratic campaigns.)

 

The journalists on GMA seem to be ignoring the fact that it's July. The conventions are in August and the campaign will be a sprint from Labor Day to Election Day. This would seem to be the time for foreign trips. It's rather silly for ABC reporters to suggest a summer visit to South America means the Arizona senator is uncaring towards tough economic times. And it will be interesting to see how these same correspondents cover Democrat Barack Obama's excursion to the Middle East in early August.

 

A transcript of the July 2 Robin Roberts interview with John McCain, which aired at 7:04am, follows:

 

7am tease

 

DIANE SAWYER: This morning, one-on-one with John McCain. As Americans wrestle with a tough economy, why is he in South America? We'll ask him in a GMA exclusive.

 

7:04am

 

ROBIN ROBERTS: So, why is Senator McCain abroad when Americans are focused on the economy here at home and losing jobs, more and more jobs, as Bianna just reported? For the answer, we go to the Republican candidate in Colombia, in the midst of a three-day visit to that country and Mexico. Senator McCain, thank you very much for joining us this morning. We certainly do appreciate it. You know that--

 

SENATOR JOHN MCCAIN: Thank you, Robin. I'm here -- let me say I'm here for one day. I'm in Mexico the next day then I'm back home and, you know, also drugs is a big, big problem in America. The continued flow of drugs from Colombia through Mexico into the United States is still one of our major challenges to all Americans and Mexican government is struggling right now with battles against drug cartels, Colombia continues to make progress, but a large percentage of the amount of cocaine that continues to come into the United States of America comes from this country. I've been here many times. I've been here several times in the past, as well as with Mexico and I think that it deserves our attention.

 

ROBERTS: No discounting the drug problem, as you just stated. Here at home, the U.S. economy is really at the forefront of voters' minds. We've seen that over and over again, so many want to know, other than what you just said, why are you in Colombia this morning?

 

MCCAIN: Well, I'd be glad to repeat myself. I've come down here on two previous occasions. We have the issue of the drug trafficking from Colombia up through our hemisphere across Mexico and in the United States of America. Drug cartels have basically taken control of some towns on the Mexican border. There are still a couple of thousand people being held hostage by the FARC here. There is clearly a continued threat of drugs pouring into the United States of America, which can harm us and our young people very badly. I'm happy to say that there has been some success. The cost of cocaine on the street is up. I also think it's important for our economy to maintain a free -- to pass a free trade agreement between ourselves and Colombia. Colombia is our largest agricultural market in the southern hemisphere. So, I think there are issues. I've been involved in these issues for a long, long time, and I've spent the last two weeks talking about all over America, the need for us to attain energy independence and I've come up with specific plans and proposals to do that. The American economy is hurting right now. Most of all at the gas pump where they're seeing the price of a gallon of gas go up and up and up.

 

ROBERTS: You mention free trade and it is part of the reason why you are making the trip to Colombia and to Mexico. Again, here at home, many are very fearful of when it comes to foreign free trade and, in fact, there was a new poll, over half the country feeling it's a threat to the country. 41 percent do see it as an opportunity for growth. Senator, you recently spent time in Indiana and in Pennsylvania, spending a lot of time in communities there that have been hit really hard with job losses. So what do you say to those people, what do you say to those people who are fearful that more jobs may be, indeed, headed beyond our borders and abroad?

 

MCCAIN: That our economy is in terrible shape, that we've got to take specific actions, keep their taxes low, less regulation, start exploring and exploiting offshore oil deposits so that we can at least ease this burden, give them a little bit of a break from their gas taxes, get to work on nuclear, solar, wind, tide, invest in pure research and development and coal -- clean coal technology. We must also, I believe, stop distorting the market by subsidizing ethanol and preventing sugar based ethanol from coming in the United States. I know Americans are hurting very badly right now. I have town hall meetings almost every single day and I have a plan of action to bring our economy out of the situation it's in today. And I don't believe increasing their taxes is the answer. I believe leaving their taxes low, get off this dependence on foreign oil and doing it quickly and we can -- I call it the Lexington Project. We can, as we sent people to the moon, we can also get off this dependence on foreign oil and keep people in their homes and stop this job loss. We can do it.

 

ROBERTS: We can do it. You have admitted that you're not exactly an expert when it comes to the economy and many have said--

 

MCCAIN: I have not. I have not. Actually, I have not. I said that I am stronger on national security issues because of all the time I spent in the military. Very strong on the economy. I understand it. I have a lot more experience than my opponent.

 

ROBERTS: People feel that it is not a strong suit. You have other strengths, as well, but that if you selected somebody from the business sector as a running mate, that it could go a long way for you. Mitt Romney's name has come up again, very successful, of course, with business ventures. Is he somebody that's at the top of your VP list?

 

MCCAIN: Robin, Mitt Romney is a great person and he's done a great job for us and we're really pleased at the cooperation and help that he's given us and he won millions of Republican votes so there will be a big place for him in the Republican Party in the future, but obviously we're not talking about specific candidates. Thanks for asking, though.

 

ROBERTS: Well, that's what I do. Senator, thank you so much.

 

MCCAIN: Absolutely.

 

ROBERTS: I do have a final question. Are you in a bird sanctuary or something? We're hearing a lot of birds around you this morning there.

 

MCCAIN: Actually we're in one of the most beautiful cities on Earth, Cartagena, a very old city. The Spaniards used to collect their gold and take it back to Spain. And we're out on this little island and it's really lovely here and they encourage tourism here too.

 

ROBERTS: It looks like a beautiful spot. Senator John McCain, thank you. I know we'll be talking a lot between now and November. Thank you so much. Have a good trip.

 

Also to contrast apples and apples, here are some numbers from McCains last Iraq trip...

 

http://newsbusters.org/blogs/nb-staff/2008...raq-barack-tour

 

Sen. McCain went to Europe and the Middle East for a week in March, and the Big Three evening news programs had a total of only four full stories on the trip; one, by NBC's Kelly O'Donnell, was dedicated to McCain mistakenly saying Iran is aiding al-Qaeda in Iraq. CBS did not even send a correspondent along, and offered only one report consisting of only thirty-one words the entire week Sen. McCain was abroad.

 

None of the Three networks covered Sen. McCain's trip to Canada in June at all.

[BigSqwert]

Perhaps the media is just as enamored with Obama as most of the nation/world is? Lets face it, even polling of Republicans shows little enthusiasm for McCain.