The Note: Obama Seeks New Image in Foreign Travel
EmailABC News’ Rick Klein Reports in Monday’s Note: What — 50 states aren’t enough for these guys?
The latest odd turn in the race that’s seen everything has Sen. Barack Obama and Sen. John McCain seeing places that presidential candidates just don’t visit very often.
McCain is next up with a three-day trip to Colombia and Mexico that starts Tuesday, after two previous foreign trips this year brought him to Europe and the Middle East.
Obama is planning an extensive itinerary for next month: Iraq, Afghanistan, Israel, Jordan, England, France, and Germany — just as foreign policy is set to resonate on the trail again, as Obama talks patriotism, and as Democrats seek to grab the national-security mantle from McCain (under the cover of downed fighter planes).
This latest Obama introduction starts at home, with a “major speech” on patriotism scheduled for Independence, Mo., Monday morning. (Fun game: Count the American flags — including the pin on Obama’s lapel — at the event site.)
Read the rest of The Note — and get all the latest on the 2008 election, Congress, the White House and the wide world of politics every day — from Rick Klein by bookmarking this link.
Independence Day means patriot’s week for Obama: “The message will be that love of country is not defined only by such traditional measures as serving in the military or tracing one’s ancestors to the Mayflower,” John McCormick writes in the Chicago Tribune. “Patriotism, he and his supporters will say, can be reflected in living the national dream, which in Obama’s case means rising as the Hawaiian-born son of a Kenyan father and Kansan mother to professional and political prominence.”
“In the coming days, Obama is expected to visit some traditionally red states as he seeks to broaden the electoral battleground,” McCormick writes. “Over the weekend, his campaign also announced a trip this summer to Europe and the Middle East, where Obama’s popularity could be on display and his standing as a diplomatic figure boosted.”
We’ve done the math for you: The candidates’ foreign destinations award a grand total of zero electoral votes.
But the coming trips provide opportunities for both men in the tentative definitional dance of the early stage of the general election. And risks: Gaffes carry a multiplier of approximately three when committed abroad, and the visuals are not always under the control of a campaign operating in foreign territory.
Continue reading today’s Note by clicking HERE.
ABC News’ John Santucci and Alexa Ainsworth contributed to this report.
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Well Obama has to start his on the job training somewhere!
Make it a 6 month tour, grab a gun and helmet and do some REAL work.
Posted by: HP Boston | June 30, 2008, 8:56 am 8:56 am
I think it is a mistake for McCain to go overseas this week. This week is 4th of July week thus he should stay at home pushing his own agenda.
What’s he doing in Columbia and Mexico?
Posted by: history | June 30, 2008, 9:02 am 9:02 am
I think that Americans will be surprised to learn that Obama is EXTREMELY loved throughout the world.
Posted by: Betty | June 30, 2008, 9:04 am 9:04 am
Obama went to Pakistan during his college years, and Kenya to see his relatives….(who killed a whole bunch of Christians)
And his Pastor of 20 years met up with Quadaffi…
Oh…Obama was in the Virgins Isles for a long weekend during the primary….
Foreign Policy guy for sure…..
Posted by: carpenter.nyc | June 30, 2008, 9:07 am 9:07 am
Obama will sell out our country at a drop of a hat. That is why the europeans “love” him…..
Obama is busy cloating himself in the flag like he’s Yankee Doodle Dandy. Is Michelle Obama going to pick up the flute and toot the tune behind him….?
Posted by: carpenter.nyc | June 30, 2008, 9:11 am 9:11 am
i say go obama they really respect you in those other countries and i think they should meet the future president since you will be dealing with those countries alot as far as mccain goes stay mccain stay in mexico be their president!!!
Posted by: angie | June 30, 2008, 9:14 am 9:14 am
HEY CARPENTER FROM NYC i think its great you post blogs like this the more you do the more people are driven to research on obama and then they come to realize the things you post are lies from FOX(FAKE NEWS) RUSH LIMBURGH want to be talk show host oh and lets not forget the wonderful GOP the only way they know how to win is LIE CHEAT STEAL and you see people will come to know obama like him and vote for him so keep up your post only makes obama stronger!!!!!!
Posted by: angie | June 30, 2008, 9:18 am 9:18 am
The arrogant one is going to campaign overseas but he is afraid to campaig nin Kentucky or West Virgnia. Who is paying for this trip anyways?
Posted by: geevill | June 30, 2008, 9:22 am 9:22 am
While I think it’s nice if our president is respected, and our country not hated, I do not care one iota if the rest of the world LOVES Obama. The presidency isn’t a popularity contest. I’d prefer someone competent.
Posted by: Beth | June 30, 2008, 9:23 am 9:23 am
hey gee evil whos paying for mccains trips the summer is isnt over yet how do you know hes not planning wv and ky remember they said all 50 states do you not know how to read or hear are you one of the children from the no child left behind act that bush created well obamas right we do need to work on our education!!!!!
Posted by: angie | June 30, 2008, 9:25 am 9:25 am
I don’t think every European loves Obama. I live here and I think he is a corrupt liar. I will never understand why the Americans love him…
Posted by: Bridget | June 30, 2008, 9:26 am 9:26 am
HEY BETH i thought popularity meant something for hillary with her popular votes but its not popularity for obama so you just said it its not based on popular votes!!!!!!
Posted by: angie | June 30, 2008, 9:27 am 9:27 am
Weird how ABC doesn’t mention the Obamanut Wesley Clark’s mental illness outburts against John McCain. When Wesley Clark was eating pork grinds in Arkansas, John McCain was vacationing in the Hanoi Hilton. Apparently, Wesley Clark, who allowed the genocide against refugees in Bosnia, has decided 5 1/2 years of POW isn’t enough of a sacrifice for a soldier. The Obama camp and its spoiled generals are truly a disgrace to this country.
Posted by: Karen | June 30, 2008, 9:27 am 9:27 am
the only thing john mccain is good at is military dont get me wrong i do respect him for that but what about the economy the housing crisis unemployment healthcare energry crisis mccain is clueless he even said with his own mouth and i quote IM NOT THAT FAMILIAR WITH THE ECONOMY I HAVE TO EDUCATE MYSELF as far as the other things the man has flipped flop on all depending on the audiance and polls john mccain shifts on his policies little panda bear stop saying anything just to get votes get a plan mccain stick to it already
Posted by: angie | June 30, 2008, 9:32 am 9:32 am
Whether he goes to Iraq or not, this war is still a sham created by the $$$$ war mongers. What will his visit accomplish?
Posted by: DAVID NH | June 30, 2008, 10:03 am 10:03 am
Obama has to start making up for his inexperience and lack of real knowledge. I wonder how he’ll play his ‘bring the troops home now’ position when he actually meets with people in Iraq; 43% of whom apparently believe that their country is now on the right track and making progress versus the 17% of Americans who believe Iraq is making progress. Why the gap in perception?
Posted by: MPCT | June 30, 2008, 10:07 am 10:07 am
Obama: All talk and no substance.
Posted by: Soetoro No! | June 30, 2008, 10:13 am 10:13 am
Good Ole Bill! From London…Telegraph.co.uk…. Bill Clinton says Barack Obama must ‘kiss my ass’ for his support. Bill really has a way with words and occasionally a good idea!!
Posted by: RKTSCI3127 | June 30, 2008, 10:27 am 10:27 am
All you have to do is look at Obama’s record and his shim shaming while in Chicago.
OBAMA DIDN”T DO ANYTHING….but to shoomooze with money men and wrote out favors for funds.( even to buy his own house lol)
Emil Jones created this Obama’s legislature Record….and in return Obama sent a 3 MIllion Dollars in Earmark to Emil Jones.
ANGIE: Obama’s own record and past doing will bring him down.
This is a fact.
That is why Obama wants all and any diversion—-anything so people would not look into his History and “Work” while in Chicago.
Obama is as close to going to jail as his Buddy Rezko.
Posted by: carpenter.nyc | June 30, 2008, 10:33 am 10:33 am
Obama is lecturing us about patriotism today. Yeah right.
Posted by: geevill | June 30, 2008, 10:54 am 10:54 am
This is a diversion. Obama is doing this to get away from political heat in the US. I wish he would take McCain up on his invitations to town hall meetings.
Posted by: Samantha | June 30, 2008, 10:57 am 10:57 am
Obama thinks he’s above TownHall Meetings…..
To take questions from the Audience is suicide for Obama….it’s like asking a Robot—> How they feel …no answer.
Obama is going International to get away from questions regarding his voting record and his broken promises to the Left.
Obama will create another Label for himself when he goes abroad…..
INTERNATIONAL MAN OF MYSTERY.
who what when where how ?
He’ll brush off his shoulders and
DO the Hustle !!
Posted by: carpenter.nyc | June 30, 2008, 11:19 am 11:19 am
When is the scared little school boy going to debate McCain?
Posted by: Chicken | June 30, 2008, 11:35 am 11:35 am
Joyce Foundation Obama. He does not support individual gun rights.
Posted by: geevill | June 30, 2008, 11:43 am 11:43 am
OBAMA needs a NEW IMAGE and he will continually need a NEW IMAGE even if he is elected….continually!
Posted by: Anne | June 30, 2008, 11:43 am 11:43 am
FYI to all you Obama supporters who think Obama will “bring the Troops Back Home”
This is the next big issue that Obama will Dance Around.
Obama will make up another excuse to cover himself and break his promise.
Just watch as the Middle East Explodes in controversies on Oil, Extremists and the State of Israel.
Suddenly–Obama will be the tough guy….and will say— the troops must stay……will the Obamabots give him another pass to this lie as well?
Posted by: carpenter.nyc | June 30, 2008, 11:46 am 11:46 am
Geeville:
Obama also diverted 2.7 MILLION DOLLARS in FUND to the Joyce Foundation, plus Obama took home 70000.00 from them.
Oh the records of his pass…..
What’s he gonna do— Put his whole Past Record under the bus too?
Posted by: carpenter.nyc | June 30, 2008, 11:50 am 11:50 am
Obama saids ” Oh, that’s not the me I know….that’s my twin…yeah–didn’t you know I am 1/2 of a twin….but the twin died when I went into the Primary……BTW FOLKS—-> that’s the same twin that went to Rev.Wright Church also….”
Posted by: carpenter.nyc | June 30, 2008, 11:53 am 11:53 am
Still Hoping that Michelle Whitedove’s predicitons would one day come true and shed light one of these days… I preconditioned my mind to think about Obama’s good side… but his negatives far outweigh his positives… I still couldn’t get myself to vote for Obama despite the call from Hillary to vote for him…. Sorry, Obama supporters… I really tried my best to like him but my intuition and conscience are telling me that Obama is really not the right person in the White House… perhaps, with the growing millions of people who are empathizing with Hillary, people power may bring her back ….
Hillary Clinton, US President – Written March 22nd 2008
A Democratic Update 2008 Election
By Michelle Whitedove
I really try NOT to watch the TV news; I feel that it may influence my psychic information. My predictions don’t come from intelligent deductions, ego, or opinions. Right before Super Tuesday I was swamped with emails, it was not looking good for Hillary. Everyone wanted me to give an update. Some wanted me to concede to the popular opinion that Obama had a solid lead and Hillary should just drop out. I turned on the TV; the newscasters were predicting doom and gloom for Clinton. My mind was spinning; I started to second guess my prediction given by “Spirit”. I turned off the television, and went into prayer, “Has the Presidential outcome changed?” I asked.
Soon I was given a vision of Hillary being sworn in as the next president elect. Proud and regal she stood with her hand on the bible wearing a royal blue suit. Behind her, the Vice President was a white man; his face was not in clear focus. So my predictions remain unchanged, my faith unwavering. The Democratic ticket will be Hillary Clinton for President and John Edwards as the vice president. (See my May 07 BLOG) You see this is the reason that Hillary was born, the US Presidency is written in her destiny. She has been preparing for this her entire life. Hillary knows that she can make a difference in world politics. “Spirit” says that she is the right person for the job at this time.
What will happen to Obama?
As of today, Obama is over-confidant and the power is going to his head. He is buying into his own PR hype. His people are playing up the Christian family man, but we are in the beginning stages of scandal, after scandal. His colorful past will crop up as his opposition is digging for the dirt. In Obama’s younger years he never thought that he would be running for US President. So now the ugly truth will be spoon fed to the American public: marital indiscretions, prejudice, drug use, associations with the wrong people and even money laundering associated with his church. The country’s opinion will turn on him. Unfortunately this will cause Oprah great embarrassment, and will lead to a drop in her ratings.
In the end, Obama’s reputation will be too tarnished for the vice president, Hillary will not want him. I believe that she has already spoken to John Edwards about him jumping back on the ticket as VP. John is the man with ethics, morals, and he’s standing by his wife during her time of crisis. He looks good on paper and he’s not a threat.
Posted by: neil1785 | June 30, 2008, 12:01 pm 12:01 pm
Streaming live from Independence, Missouri. He will be speaking from President Harry Truman’s library.
http://media.myfoxkc.com/live/index1.html
Posted by: Lindy | June 30, 2008, 12:06 pm 12:06 pm
I see the Billllary people are at it again.
Posted by: GetaLife | June 30, 2008, 12:15 pm 12:15 pm
-angie—LIE, CHEAT AND STEAL. That is exactly what Senator Obama and the DNC did to make him the nominee. He did not gain the most popular votes, remember.
Posted by: Mai | June 30, 2008, 12:16 pm 12:16 pm
Hillary doesn’t want Obama, I think it’s the other way around. He needs to distance himself from the sham that is the Clintons.
Posted by: GetaLife | June 30, 2008, 12:18 pm 12:18 pm
Do we really need a president that has to make a speech to convince Americans(and himself) that he is patriotic? How did we get to this point?
Posted by: Mack | June 30, 2008, 12:52 pm 12:52 pm
Hillary doesn’t want Obama, I think it’s the other way around. He needs to distance himself from the sham that is the Clintons.
Posted by: GetaLife | Jun 30, 2008 12:18:51 PM
**********
So true! Obama needs to keep Bill Clinton locked in the basement. Bill didn’t want HRC to over-shadow his legacy, so he hand grenaded her campaign.
He will do even worse to Obama.
Bill Clinton has morphed into an angry and dangerous man after his heart attack.
Posted by: jmc663 | June 30, 2008, 12:59 pm 12:59 pm
Obama needs some foreign experience on his resume, for sure. If he gets his passport stamped in all of the countries of the Middle East, he can say he is experienced. What about his chairmanship of the committee working on NATO troops for Afghanistan? Nothing, yet? He loves those soundbites and photo-ops. Reminds me of George Bush on the aircraft carrier. Speeches, images, and flags from historical and worldly places. Lincoln debates, Independence and freedom and Harry Truman, military venues in Iraq and Afghanistan, flashes of heroic and historical osmosis. The biggest soundbite President never served, never wore the uniform, never flew an aircraft, never suffered wounds, torture, and captivity, but he can belittle someone who did. McCain has all of the relevant experience and knowledge to be the President. Obama is so green.
Posted by: georgia | June 30, 2008, 1:11 pm 1:11 pm
Obama is a patriotic citizen. He will spend July 4 in the country while Mccain is away. It is a message to every American.
Posted by: I.A.T smith | June 30, 2008, 1:19 pm 1:19 pm
Most Americans don’t realize how much we are looked down upon in other countries.
Posted by: GetaLife | June 30, 2008, 1:27 pm 1:27 pm
Betty,
“I think that Americans will be surprised to learn that Obama is EXTREMELY loved throughout the world”
… except 50% of Democrats!
LOL
Posted by: Tess | June 30, 2008, 1:43 pm 1:43 pm
Please dress like a real Taliban when you are traveling to a foreign country Obama! Osama loves you!
Posted by: Tess | June 30, 2008, 1:47 pm 1:47 pm
When people say the rest of the world loves Obama I compare it to a bunch of children who love a party chaperone who they know is lenient and won’t do anything to stop them from doing what they want to do. It really doesn’t matter what the rest of the world thinks. This is our country. So that is the worst argument of all to vote for Obama. It’s downright ridiculous!
They don’t like Republicans because they defend the USA.
Posted by: Jo | June 30, 2008, 1:48 pm 1:48 pm
I think this is great, especially him going to Iraq,when he comes back he may be better to debate McCain after making his own assessment. This no doubt will help to close that gap on National Security in polls McCain has over him.
Posted by: DEMOCRAT FOR THE WHITE HOUSE | June 30, 2008, 1:50 pm 1:50 pm
Obama said in 2004 that he wouldn’t run for president in 2008 because he wouldn’t have enough experience.
For once Obama was right. He’s not ready.
President McCain – get use to it!
Posted by: Jo | June 30, 2008, 1:51 pm 1:51 pm
Why do Americans love Obama so much already? He hasn’t done anything except be handed the Democratic nomination. I could care less what Europeans think anyway as their values tend to be a lot more liberal than those of most Americans. They don’t live here and won’t have to live with the consequences if we elect yet another unqualified and inexperienced President just because he seems like a good guy. No one knows what a politician will really do until he gets elected, I have come to learn you can’t trust any of them to do what they say during the campaign, and Sen. Obama is no exception regardless of how great his speech writers may be. He is already doing a lot of waffling. Voting for any candidate is really like a roll of the dice; maybe we will get lucky, and maybe we won’t.
Posted by: dwc | June 30, 2008, 1:53 pm 1:53 pm
Most Americans don’t realize how much we are looked down upon in other countries.
Posted by: GetaLife | Jun 30, 2008 1:27:57 PM
*********
I travel aboard frequently on business. They like Americans, they just hate our government and our foreign policies.
And believe me, they do not like John McCain.
Posted by: jmc663 | June 30, 2008, 2:13 pm 2:13 pm
They don’t like Republicans because they defend the USA.
Posted by: Jo | Jun 30, 2008 1:48:43 PM
*********
Ha! The Repubs defend Corporate America! Go outside of the US once in awhile. You will have a whole different view of the world as a whole.
This may be OUR country, but we still in the WORLD.
Posted by: jmc663 | June 30, 2008, 2:16 pm 2:16 pm
jmc663,
I agree.
Posted by: GetaLife | June 30, 2008, 2:21 pm 2:21 pm
Obama: Gitmo detainee’s best friend!
Posted by: Soetoro No! | June 30, 2008, 2:59 pm 2:59 pm
angie….I don’t know carpenter guy…and you may not like what he’s saying…but he is accurate about Obama’s foreign policy experience or lack of it…Oh that’s right he also had a student trip to Pakistan..
Posted by: Jackie | June 30, 2008, 3:19 pm 3:19 pm
I think it’s funny how so many people are so quick to “trash” our Government and our Policies….
This Country is the greatest Country in the world. And I think it stinks that some Americans think it’s ok to want to CHANGE IT.
How about going to KENYA TO CHANGE IT or to other African Countries to CHANGE IT or go to N.Korea or CUBA to CHANGE IT.
Patriotism is from ACTIONS, NOT WORDS.
AND JUST WORDS FROM THE BLABBERING OBAMA ISN”T GOING TO CUT IT ANYMORE.
Posted by: carpenter.nyc | June 30, 2008, 4:27 pm 4:27 pm
And eating apple pies in from of a Camera isn’t the kind of ACTION for Patriotism….
Nor Cloaking yourself in 100 American Flags…..
Hillary was right when she called out on Obama being a blowhorn of speeches….
The Obamas only started to LOVE this country when they started to make money….even from slimballs like Rezko to buy their precious Mansion…..
Look at his past folks…. Obama is trying to divert you from looking….but it’s all there.
Posted by: carpenter.nyc | June 30, 2008, 4:32 pm 4:32 pm
Briget – you are so full of hatred. Get over your biggatory and get used to President Obama.
I’m from overseas too and I cannot keep up with sending Obama t/shirts to my relatives and friends. I cannot wait to see the crowds who Obama will attract while overseas. Eat your heart out.
Change is coming – President Obama
Posted by: ob08 | June 30, 2008, 6:19 pm 6:19 pm
Chicken – Obama will creamed McSame in any debate. McSame came in the bottom 1% of his class. That tells you that McSame is not President material. He doesn’t even know how to use a computer.
Posted by: ob08 | June 30, 2008, 6:24 pm 6:24 pm
The voters are much more concerned about gas prices and the economy than they are about troop levels in Iraq. If Bill clinton really wanted to help Obama he would have sent him the “It’s the economy, stupid” sign. Obama’s people still haven’t figured this out. Going on a foreign visit will only distract from the issues people care about.
Posted by: Dennis | June 30, 2008, 8:06 pm 8:06 pm
…and May God go with you Senator Obama and keep you safe as you travel around the world. I know that you will bring back the pride to the American people in every corner of the world and at home and once again every American can lift their heads and say “I’m proud to be an American!”
Three quarters of the American people haven’t got the slightest clue about what it is like for an ordinary American living outside the continental USA.
You don’t know that some Americans would rather disown their nationality out of fear for their lives, that to say as in days of old “I am an American”
Americans all over the world want to be 100% proud again to be Americans.
GO OBAMA! LANDSLIDE VICTORY IS YOURS IN NOVEMBER
Posted by: exatlantic | July 1, 2008, 1:45 am 1:45 am
Every day boma is showing a new “image”…….What is he today?
You will see….more religion, more guns, less welfare….until the WH!
He will pander himself to death!
President GUMBY!
Posted by: HP Boston | July 1, 2008, 10:58 am 10:58 am