Mixed Reaction In U.S. To Obama's Trip

Voters Greet Democrat's Overseas Journey With Praise, Skepticism

(AP)  Calculated political ploy. Timely foreign outreach. A dash of each? Ask voters across the country about Barack Obama's image-packed week of foreign travel and you'll get a mix of admiration, suspicion, even a couple of bored shrugs.

"I didn't know they could vote in our elections," Phil Wadlind, 62, deadpanned as he worked the children's train at The Mall of New Hampshire in Manchester, N.H.

Interviewed this week in bus stops and coffee shops, bookstores and shopping malls in six battleground states, these voters ranged from wide-eyed enthusiasts to gimlet-eyed skeptics and many viewed the trip through their own ideological lens.

Ronald Loring, a Miami Beach eye doctor, spoke for many when he observed that Obama had no choice, politically, to make a trip to counter Republican rival John McCain's perceived strength on foreign policy and national security.

"I'm impressed with his ability to communicate," he said. "I don't think that (the trip) will particularly make him a better president." Will he vote for Obama? "I'm sort of torn."

As a media event, Obama's trip has been a political coup. He's been photographed with troops in Afghanistan, flying virtual shotgun in the sky over Baghdad with Gen. David Petraeus, bowing his head in prayer at Jerusalem's Western Wall, and addressing a throng in the streets of Berlin.

No doubt, Obama's trip is politically motivated. His main challenge in his campaign for the presidency is to assure U.S. voters that he can be a commander in chief who can manage two armed conflicts and build alliances overseas.

What's more, the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have elevated the status of international affairs in American politics.

"By him going overseas and talking with the Israeli government and the people who mean the most to the United States ... I think what he's doing is great," said 50-year-old Robert Lindenbusch, pausing as he rode his bicycle down a Miami Beach sidewalk. "What he's showing now is that he has the experience to go out and reach out to these people and to say to them 'Hey, this is Barack Obama. I'm here. Let's work together.'"

"It's important for us to see him interact and to see how people respond," added Meghan Gilliss, 25-year-old bookstore owner in the college town of Columbia, Mo.

Dale Whitesell, a teacher and registered Democrat in Washington's northern Virginia suburbs, was delighted to see Obama spend time with U.S. soldiers in Afghanistan and Iraq.

"I like the fact that he was around people in the military," Whitesell, 54, said as she finished running errands at a local strip mall. "I think he made an effort, as much as possible, to see what was really going on."

That Obama needs to fortify his credentials is not lost even on his supporters.

"He didn't serve in the military, so it's still important for him to touch base with the military and let them know his views on it," said James Hough, a 51-year-old nursing home dishwasher, as he waited at a downtown Pittsburgh bus stop on his way to work Thursday.

Yet others worry the exposure could backfire.

"It's showing his inexperience, which is a concern for a lot of people, especially Democrats like myself who liked Hillary Clinton," said George Londono, 42, from Merrimack, N.H., who said he now backs Obama.

If Obama was seeking to reassure doubting voters, among the more skeptical blocs have been American Jews. His Democratic primary rival, Hillary Rodham Clinton, had 66 percent support among Jews and Obama has been trying to rally them to his side since he secured the Democratic nomination last month.

It has not been an easy task. Jews, who vote heavily Democratic, do support Obama and he is well ahead of McCain, according to public opinion polls. But his support is not as strong as that enjoyed in 2004 by John Kerry, then the Democratic presidential nominee.

Ahron Leichtman, a Jewish writer and film producer from suburban Cincinnati, supports Obama, but wondered how well the senator knows the history and sources of strife for Israel and the Middle East.

"Does he really understand the hatred that exists there?" said Leichtman, 65, as he visited the new Jewish community center in Amberley Village on the Cincinnati outskirts. "I don't know if he's naive enough to believe that he can be the catalyst to make peace, but he's a charismatic person."

Obama may have had an answer to Leichtman this week, when he cautioned that it is "unrealistic to expect that a U.S. president alone can suddenly snap his fingers and bring about peace in this region."

While some may harbor doubts, others are downright suspicious.

Bobbi Lopez-Albright, a 75-year-old independent attending a political affairs discussion at the Jewish community Center in Philadelphia, said she was disturbed by Obama's friendship with Rashid Khalidi, an advocate of Palestinian rights and the director of the Middle East Institute at Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs.

"I think this is just a political move on his part," Lopez-Albright said of Obama's trip. "He has shown nothing in my eyes that says that he cares anything about Israel."

Brian Jaffee, director of the Jewish Community Relations Council of the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati, pointed out that McCain also visited Israel earlier this year. That shows that pro-Israel American Jews maintain an effective voice in the political process, he said.

"It excites me that both are over there," said Jaffee, 34. "I feel blessed, as an American and a member of the Jewish community, that we have two presidential candidates who are so supportive of a strong U.S.-Israel relationship."

But some voters expressed frustration with the media frenzy that they said has infected Obama's trip and said they didn't plan to vote on the basis of Obama's foreign policy experience anyway.

"What concerns me is what's going on inside the country. That's the first thing that has to be fixed," said Azzy Ram, who owns a Miami Beach toy store. "Foreign policy, he won't be able to change much anyway."

"I can't deal with all the hype," added Laura Caldwell, a 47-year-old registered Republican from Herndon, Va. Still, she's considering voting for Obama and doesn't worry about his lack of experience.

"I'm not sure any president ever has enough experience," she said. "We should expect that they are smart enough to hire good advisers."

[minnick8-2009]

I heard that he stopped in Bethlehem to visit his birth place.

[flreason]

No matter what Obama did, there would be criticism. Obama''s warm reception in Europe holds out hope that our close relations that were badly damaged by the Bush Administration may be mended. I don''t think McCain could do that as effectively because of his support of interrogation techniques that are considered torture under the Geneva Convention, and are considered to be so by most Europeans. We need a change from the Bush policies, and the kind of good will that Obama excited, in order for the U.S. to regain its respect and leadership role in the world community. McCain made a mistake by identifying himself too closely with Bush''s policies. What remains to be seen is if Obama can translate his lofty rhetoric into reality. One thing on his side: he can''t help but be better than Bush.

[likeitis5050]

He didn''t heal the sick or raise the dead so it was just political posturing on his part...and like someone pointed out in the article...they don''t vote for our president so ***? He''s full of c.rap but proving, once again, he''ll do anything to win regardless how prepared he is to the job.

[joereed007]

Here is the first indication of a big bounce coming:
Obama is up 5% in the new rasmussen poll out this morning.

[flreason]

Somehow I goofed and my posting didn''t come out right. The good will Obama excited could help change America''s poor image abroad. He has shown that he can win respect from diverse groups abroad. Now he needs to focus on domestic issues.

[erichsh]

The empty suit has been inflated so much by the media that it might pop any day now. The first gas bag leaks are already in the press - this article, and polls indicating that Obama is losing ground to McCain in several key battleground states.

[ariel133]

Hopefully, intelligent Americans will chose the next President on substance, not oratory. If one looks at Obama''''s record as both a State and U.S. Senator, one will see Obama has done little, if anything.

What exactly did he do as a community organizer? Yes, he is an excellent speaker when the teleprompter is on. Listen to the Senator answer questions....where is the "smoothness" in his replies?

How is he going to give everyone everything he promises?

How is he going to deal with real adversity (terrorists) when he''''s afraid to appear on certain so called "conservative" television?

For the wealthy, liberal lemmings, remember, it''''s your money he is going to tax!


For those who are against ILLEGAL immigration, remember, he''''s the one who will give amnesty and possibly not secure our borders.

Again, research the facts before you vote!

I vote for MCCAIN!

[flreason]

Ariel133:

You have repeatedly shown your willingness to stretch the truth or lie to further your own political agenda. According to people that worked with Obama in his community outreach programs:

"Nobody else running for president has jumped off the career track for three or four years to help people," said Jerry Kellman, who first hired Obama as a community organizer.

Obama also fought for student summer jobs and a program to keep at-risk children from dropping out of school. More importantly, say those who worked with Obama, he showed people how to organize and confront powerful interests.

"He had to train residents to stand up for their own rights," said former organizer Loretta Augustine-Herron, who was part of Obama''s Developing Communities Project.

Why not just admit that you don''t like him because he''s a Democrat, or because you don''t like his policies, instead of resorting to slimy character assassination tactics.

[aldon61]

Why not just admit that you don''''t like him because he''''s a Democrat, or because you don''''t like his policies, instead of resorting to slimy character assassination tactics.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Posted by flreason at 10:58 AM : Jul 25, 2008
+ report abuse
That''s fast becoming their only way of expressing their opinions. McCain can''t win on the real issues, so scare tactics and mudslinging are the weapons of choice.

[aldon61]

For those who are against ILLEGAL immigration, remember, he''''''''s the one who will give amnesty and possibly not secure our borders.

Again, research the facts before you vote!

I vote for MCCAIN!




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Posted by Ariel133 at 10:23 AM : Jul 25, 2008

Obama''s approach to immigration is almost a carbon copy of McCain''s; it''s one of the few areas that they basically agree. NEITHER ONE IS ACCEPTABLE TO ME, BUT DON''T THROW MUD ON OBAMA ALONE, SAVE SOME FOR MCCAIN!

[johnbush2-2009]

Obama is up 5% in the new rasmussen poll out this morning.

Posted by JoeReed007 at 09:53 AM : Jul 25, 2008

Never trust a poll from a liberal organisation especially when one candidate is a black muslim.

[aldon61]

especially when one candidate is a black muslim.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Posted by johnbush2 at 11:05 AM : Jul 25, 2008
+ report abuse
You''re a lying POS!

[johnbush2-2009]

Jews who used to vote overwhelmingly for Democrats don''t trust the Democratic candidate this time.
How can Jews trust Hussein when all his best buddies and close advisers are anti-semitic.

Jews are voting for John McCain, a man they know they can trust.

[johnbush2-2009]

Posted by johnbush2 at 11:05 AM : Jul 25, 2008
+ report abuse
You''''re a lying POS!

Posted by aldon61 at 11:08 AM : Jul 25, 2008

I am telling the truth here. If I was asked by a pollster which candidate I supported, I would say Obama to avoid being labeled a racists. But on election day I would vote for John McCain. That is what many people are secretly disclosing to me. The results of the Presidential elections are going to shock many liberals who rely on the polls.

[aldon61]

Posted by johnbush2 at 11:05 AM : Jul 25, 2008
+ report abuse
You''''''''re a lying POS!

Posted by aldon61 at 11:08 AM : Jul 25, 2008

I am telling the truth here. If I was asked by a pollster which candidate I supported, I would say Obama to avoid being labeled a racists. But on election day I would vote for John McCain. That is what many people are secretly disclosing to me. The results of the Presidential elections are going to shock many liberals who rely on the polls.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Posted by johnbush2 at 11:14 AM : Jul 25, 2008

That''s fine, but your original post was an out and out lie, and I called you on it.

[johnbush2-2009]

While Obama was organizing a rock concert in Berlin, John McCain was down on the ground listening and talking to the average American.

While Obama was in Germany with dreams of being leader of the whole world, John McCain was on the ground grateful to have the chance to lead this nation.

I don''''t want a megalomaniac as my President. I want someone who cares about the concerns of the average citizen. I want John McCain as my President.

I have to laugh if anyone thinks McCain will be accepted by any middle eastern nations as an acceptable leader.

Remember "Bomb Bomb Bomb, Bomb Bomb Iran..."

[obama8years]

Every day, there seems to be a new example of Barack Obama''s Peoples Temple-like grip on otherwise (semi) rational people. What began as a political phenomenon borne of a particularly charismatic figure has turned into a creepy and possibly malignant force. It is the Obama Hypnosis.

[obama8years]

I am telling the truth here. If I was asked by a pollster which candidate I supported, I would say Obama to avoid being labeled a racists. But on election day I would vote for John McCain. That is what many people are secretly disclosing to me. The results of the Presidential elections are going to shock many liberals who rely on the polls.
------------------------------------------------
Thats Funny, I havent gotten a call, but I am telling my coworkers that I am thinking between the 2 candidates, but I am full force for Mccain. By the way my coworkers are black.

[valentin73]

CHANGE does not happen with one election, one individual!
CHANGE can only come with time, not now.
CHANGE is good, changing the world is not the answer.

So, realistically, who is the better candidate? (don''t think change cuz its not gonna happen)
You get the picture, thanks

[flreason]

Obama8years, JohnBush2

Seems like you guys not only lie, you lack the courage of your convictions. You are sorry advertisements for McCain, if you''re representative samples of his supporters.

I have spoken out and worked openly for Obama. I have also registered voters regardless of their political views. I believe in a political system that has at least two parties, so they can keep one another in check and honest. The six years of lies and corruption when Republicans had full control of government should have been enough to convince any skeptic of the truth about absolute power corrupting absolutely.

So you guys would lie on polls, and lie to your co-workers, and lie about the positions of the candidate you oppose. What a sad commentary on your values.

[actornaught]

Posted by flreason at 11:57 AM : Jul 25, 2008

I agree. Raging dishonesty is a theme the ''cons have to stick with, or else they might lose their Hypocrite Badge. Cowards.

I work with more than one racist, openly saying they won''t vote for a black guy. I pretty much tell them they have some kind of mental disorder. One guy said BO is moslem, and i pointed out to him that he''s been sucked in by a comedy routine, "It''s a joke!". All that and more...

[trumpthumper]

Two things amaze me here. The first being that many of you think that change is not possible by simply electing a new president. Helllllooooo...look how things have changed since we elected (alledgedly) the current president. How much was gas in 2000? What was our national debt in 2000? What level of respect did America have from the rest of the world in 2000? One election can''t make a difference?! Wake up puuul-eeese! And to those who would lie to a pollster or their friends regarding their vote...you''re dishonest and depressing...look in a mirror - who''s the liar looking back at you? How sad.

[ariel133]

A written prayer that Barack Obama left this week in the cracks of the Western Wall, Judaism%u2019s holiest site, asks God to guide him and guard his family, an Israeli newspaper reported Friday.

%u201CLord %u2014 Protect my family and me,%u201D reads the note published in the Maariv daily. %u201CForgive me my sins, and help me guard against pride and despair. Give me the wisdom to do what is right and just. And make me an instrument of your will.%u201D

" ME, ME ,ME,ME " IS ALL HE EVER SAYS.

HE IS NOT A SERVANT OF THE PEOPLE!

[notblue]

Thumper, the idea that change happens the minute a new president is elected is just wrong, a new presidents agenda sometimes takes many years to come to the forfront, many of the problems we have seen over the last eight years come as results of previous administrations policies. I''m not picking on Clinton or Bush one it is a simple fact that change takes time and to think Obam will wave a magic wand and everything will be fairytale fresh right after the innuaguration is just incorrect.

[actornaught]

...the idea that change happens the minute a new president is elected is just wrong....
Posted by notblue at 12:35 PM : Jul 25, 2008

I entirely disagree. While some aspects, or most, will take time to ripple through the economy & beyond, some business decisions will be made as soon as the election is finalized. An impending change at the top will affect a myriad of decisions, even before swearing in.

[ariel133]

Over enthusiasm from the point of self righteous political interests without extending support for wounded troops by not visiting them is a direct insult to America. Obama is not ready to lead, not ready to change, not ready to be a commander, he is only ready to toot his own horn. That is not "Service to Americans" that is AUDACITY.

[ixoye_02]

ariel133, Did it not occur to you that the last part of his prayer asks God to give him discernment as to God''s will and for discernment to do what is right and just as preparation to serve the people? And what person would not ask God to protect his family and himself? You are just blowing air and are jealous that Obama is showing some popularity overseas. I know a hell of alot more religious people and ministers who talk and live the "Me" lifestyle. At least Obama communicates to Americans in the "We" language when I have heard Obama speak. Stop trying to twist words, especially in a prayer that is between man and God.

[ixoye_02]

Americans voted for Bush twice. And Bush, prior to his first term, did not have any foreign policy experience. And look what we got from a stubborn, neocon who was motivated by Big Oil and a vendetta against Saddam Hussein to invade Iraq. If Bush had more foreign policy experience by his second term, why are our major allies in Europe lukewarm to helping us out in Iraq? Obviously, they still think it was a bad idea to invade Iraq. Bush''s foreign policy is a disaster for America. At least Barack is reaching out to our allies in Europe and the Middle East to re-engage their support for the war on terrorism, which shouldbe the primary motive...not the war to make Iraq an oil depot for America.

[joereed007]

POP! GOES THE WEASEL!

Friday, July 25
Race Poll Results Spread
New Mexico Rasmussen Obama 49, McCain 43 Obama +6.0
Pennsylvania Rasmussen Obama 51, McCain 45 Obama 6.0
New Hampshire Rasmussen Obama 49, McCain 45 Obama 4.0
National Gallup Tracking Obama 47, McCain 41 Obama 6.0
National Rasmussen Tracking Obama 49, McCain 44 Obama 5.0

[liberalme]

And if you''''ll notice the DEMOCRATS haven''''t CHANGED a damned thing in two years!

Posted by WellHell3

And wouldn''t you know it---if Bush hadn''t made such a mess of this country in 7 1/2 years--there would be nothing for the Dems to change/fix now would there?

Bush made the mess and you blame the Dems for not cleaning it up!!! LOL LOL LOL

BTW--the Dems are still outvoted by the repukes--they''re just about even numbered except LIEberman now votes with the repukes.

[liberalme]

ME, ME ,ME,ME " IS ALL HE EVER SAYS.

HE IS NOT A SERVANT OF THE PEOPLE!

Posted by Ariel133 at 12:23 PM : Jul

hahahahaha What a shallow post.

[alohaone1]

Mc Cain is better with foreign policies when it comes down to decision making , Obama is better with speeches , but when faced with difficult situation , speeches can be of NO GOOD at all, one needs experience and a lot of time courage even when the decision is not Popular but neccessary and Right and that is what Obama lacks .
Also , the amount of leverage that jewish voters have on the election is not good for America . I think America should support Isreal , but America is America , not a tool of Isreal . This level of control that Isreal has over the American politics is alarming and is cause for concern , it needs to be more moderated if it is of any good for Americans as a whole , not just Jewish Americans who is a minority just like others in America . NO Jewish bashing here , just the truth ! When Jews try to influence America''s politics too much , it will backfire and is not good for anyone.

[liberalme]

Also , the amount of leverage that jewish voters have on the election is not good for America . I think America should support Isreal , but America is America , not a tool of Isreal . This level of control that Isreal has over the American politics is alarming and is cause for concern , it needs to be more moderated if it is of any good for Americans as a whole , not just Jewish Americans who is a minority just like others in America . NO Jewish bashing here , just the truth ! When Jews try to influence America''''s politics too much , it will backfire and is not good for anyone.
Posted by alohaone1 at 03:46 PM : Jul 25, 2008


But that''s exactly why Lieberman has switched to Republican ---he has joined those who he thinks will side more with HIS country!

Lieberman is no longer an American---he now works for Israel in America.

[liberalme]

Over enthusiasm from the point of self righteous political interests without extending support for wounded troops by not visiting them is a direct insult to America. Obama is not ready to lead, not ready to change, not ready to be a commander, he is only ready to toot his own horn. That is not "Service to Americans" that is AUDACITY.

Posted by Ariel133 at 01

Just wait until he says God told him to be president---then says he can see Putins soul!!! WOW NOW THAT''S AUDACITY!!!!

[ragnar30066]

Geez, he''s not even in office yet and he''s already out campaigning for the next higher office, President of the World.

Maybe Hillary can be VP and when Obama is out working on his next campaign she can be Acting President.

It''s still not too late. Hillary ''08

[kansas1946]

Calculated political ploy. Timely foreign outreach. A dash of each? Ask voters across the country about Barack Obama''s image-packed week of foreign travel and you''ll get a mix of admiration, suspicion, even a couple of bored shrugs.
***************************************

Well, this is a perfect example of what politics has come to. McCain screamed and screamed about Obama''s lack of travel, particularly Iraq, and kept saying he should go there. So he goes there and goes to other countries to get some insight, and of course he is criticized. McCain has been to Mexico, Columbia, Canada, etc., "campaigning", but that was OK with Republicans.
The bad thing is that Americans can not see through this BS. There is nothing wrong with Obama going to Europe, or there was nothing wrong with McCain going to Canada. Canada is our neighbor and trading parter.
I am proud that Obama is popular in Europe. He is a fellow American and he has represented us admirably since he has been abroad.

[liberty_1776]

The US President is only a figure head. The President doesn''t make the decisions, he just makes speeches to the public and acts as the face of the USA. Personally, I would be better represented by a white war veteran than a black Muslim married to an angry black-power wife.

[liberty_1776]

Ha ha ha ha ha ha! I just saw a story about John Edwards getting caught at a hotel with his mistress and their love child! Haaaaaaa ha ha ha ha ha!

[dnsallday]

Obama has shown that he is certainly at home on the world stage and can engage with other world leaders. That is very important for America. It feels really good to have the prospect of a leader who is not going to embarrass us internationally.
The idea of people the world over who think so much of America but have watched us and said how could they elect a shallow man like George Bush, who is so ignorant of other cultures, always made me cringe.
It would just be nice to feel we have some respect again.

[dnsallday]

So many people on this blog, taking their cues from McCain. Angry, bitter, insecure, jealous and making up a bunch of stupid stories, that aren''t even logical.
Some of you should should try to educate themselves before commenting on these posts instead of being so anxious to put your ignorance on display.

[dnsallday]

Mc Cain is better with foreign policies when it comes down to decision making , Obama is better with speeches ...................................................
I disagree with you, can you give any example (some direct evidence) where McCain shows he is better than Obama with foreign policy?

[minnick8-2009]

I heard he went to Bethlehem to visit his birth place.

[minnick8-2009]

The Presidential race was so much more interesting when Hillary was still in it; I never liked her, yet I''m really missing her.

The whole Obama worship culture that has emerged is getting rather tiresome. But win, lose or draw, Obama isn''t going away. He''ll be like Al Gore, he''ll be a key player in American Politics forever more. I wish that wasn''t the truth.

[dnsallday]

March 2008
McCain will travel to Iraq this month.

March 2008
ABC News'' Bret Hovel Reports: The Senate office of John McCain announced Monday that the Republican nominee-in-waiting will travel overseas during the week of March 17,2008 to Israel, Great Britain and France.

He is expected to meet with the prime ministers of Israel and Britain, and the president of France, and will be leading a Congressional delegation that includes Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., and Sen. Joseph Lieberman, I-CT.

McCain aides privately admit they are looking forward to the photo opportunities with McCain and world leaders while the Democrats are fighting with one another.

June 2008
McCain to travel to Canada to give Speech on foreign soil

June 2008
John McCain announced Tuesday that he will travel to Colombia and Mexico next week, firming up plans that have been the subject of media speculation in recent weeks.

The Canada, Columbia, and Mexico trips are considered campaign events and will be paid for with funds from the McCain Campaign.
The tab for the travels to Iraq and Europe will be picked up by the taxpayer.

[liberty_1776]

Message to journalists:

Americans don''t give a d@mn what foreigners think of Obama. As a matter of fact, WE DON''T TRUST FOREIGNERS, so why would we let them choose OUR president??? When will France or Germany let us choose their next president?

This whole "Obama European Tour" bullsh*t is just a huge attempt by US Democrats and the media to promote Obama as the next JFK - WHAT A JOKE! This is 2008, not 1963! We don''t even WANT another JFK, so why the hard sell??? Just sit back and let US choose our next president, OK?

[nirak2-2009]

WOW WHAT A LOT OF SOUR GRAPES DISPLAYED HERE!!!!!!
MCain was the one suggesting to go on a trip with Obama and since Obama turned him down it''s nothing but *** *** ***.
GO OBAMA!!!!!

[demwatcher]

"So many people on this blog, taking their cues from McCain. Angry, bitter, insecure, jealous and making up a bunch of stupid stories, that aren''''t even logical.
Some of you should should try to educate themselves before commenting on these posts instead of being so anxious to put your ignorance on display.

Posted by truthmatterz at 10:01 AM : Jul 26, 2008"

Maybe, you should try taking your own advice. All I see from you are cherry-picked news tidbits, HATE for all things not Liberal, and outright fabrications.

[johnbush2-2009]

Obama has a few passionate cult followers. That is about all.

[johnbush2-2009]

The overseas trip was a complete waste of time and money. The only thing Obama accomplished was organising a free rock concert for German teenagers.