Obama Spends Spare Time On Kenya Crisis

By: David L Miller
Topics: Barack Obama

(AP)

The realities of the New Hampshire primary demand that serious candidates devote nearly all their time to campaigning at the expense of everything else – and that often includes sleep.

But Barack Obama has somehow managed to squeeze in a little diplomatic spadework among rallies and other campaign stops in an effort to help bring the electoral crisis in Kenya to an end. For Obama, this international incident is personal: His father was Kenyan and several members of his family still live there.

The Associated Press reports that Obama has spoken to Kenyan opposition leader Raila Odinga to "express grave concerns over the election's outcome," according to Odinga's spokesperson, who added that the Democratic hopeful also plans to call Kenyan president Mwai Kibaki.

Obama, who has discussed the situation with Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, has also recorded a message urging an end to the violence for broadcast on Voice of America radio.

Odinga and Kibaki are engaged in an electoral standoff that has sparked riots and inflamed tribal rivalries across a country seen as a strong U.S. ally and a rare example of a stable democracy in Africa. Violence throughout Kenya has resulted in more than 500 deaths.

Interestingly, Obama hasn't mentioned his Kenyan intervention during his campaign throughout New Hampshire, and his staff has done little to publicize his actions, even though they might draw a positive reaction. That suggests Obama may see this as a personal endeavor.

But it also might foreshadow how Obama would handle foreign policy as president. Engaging the principals in the Kenyan crisis directly seems in line with the vision he's spelled out in debates, one that includes face-to-face meetings with foreign leaders, including those opposed to American interests.

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by croft777 January 9, 2008 3:05 AM EST: I can see it now. Obama, if he became president would turn all of his attention to everyone else in the world except for America. I don''t trust him.His family ties to the muslims may very well cause indifference. He''s a dreamer and thats it. He says all these things that hes going to do, but doesn''t explain how."Who''s going to back him up? At least I know Clinton has worked in the field for 35 or so years and has accomplished many great things.She knows many and has those to back her. Experience does matter. I don''t think a hospital (for example) would hire a wanna be doctor.; Reply to this comment


by rowdytexan2 January 9, 2008 12:03 AM EST: Kinda early, don''t ya think, to be looking quite...quite so presidential.

...just sayin...; Reply to this comment


by spindoc10 January 8, 2008 7:21 PM EST: I would imagine that Obama''s spin doctors would refrain from overtly publicizing his interaction with the Kenyan officials because voters here could view that as a potential president who might enmesh the US in another country''s issues -- much like we are in Iraq. While it is good to be empathetic to problems elsewhere in the world, I think many voters would like to see us dis-involve ourselves in the Iraqi issues, etc. It is better to have that interest appear as something more personal to him at this point. Downplay it officially, but still have the info known so that he appears caring (not implying here that he doesn''t truly care). Diplomatic skills are definitely a good quality in a candidate, but it''s a fine path that must be trod here.; Reply to this comment


by wallbanger41 January 8, 2008 6:48 PM EST: It is never an amazing thing that this country to account for all the years of bad skin, rashes, and other concers were have on the fabric of the American experience, that still we as a "sophisticated" society can only see as far as the hands in front of our faces. To exist with a mal-aligned government in which we have today, that is truly corrupt, and arrogant as the Bush adminstration is we the people cannot accept a vision for CHANGE. We know we all love freshness, in foods, in drink in leisure and life. It about time we took out the old gargbage, Bush and his crones, and maybe settle down to some fresh wholesome cuisine. Frankly I find a good salad, fresh fruit and beverage easy to digest, than the garbage I have had to feast on for the last eight years. Those of the Southern Baptist side of the house should truly know what is is like to be used! Wake Up America, the time is now!; Reply to this comment


by obama1289 January 8, 2008 5:15 PM EST: Check out this very moving Obama video. Brings tears to my eyes!

http://youtube.com/watch?v=jPev5sEdTjg; Reply to this comment