President Obama Heads South of the Border
EmailABC News’ Jake Tapper and Karen Travers report:
Good morning from Andrews Air Force Base, from where President Obama will soon take off on Air Force One to Mexico City, the first visit by a US President to that capital city in 12 years.
As Karen Travers and I preview HERE, the President faces hot button issues such as trade, immigration and escalating violence that will further complicate his economic agenda at home.
"The stop in Mexico is meant to send a message, and that is it’s a message of admiration for the courageous steps that President Calderón has undertaken," said Denis McDonough, director of strategic communications at the National Security Council. "It is meant to send a signal of respect, mutual respect with our Mexican neighbors."
Today Mr. Obama will meet with Mexican President Felipe Calderon, while over the weekend Obama travels to a summit of Latin American and Caribbean leaders on the island of Trinidad.
The global economic crisis is certainly high on the president’s agenda, but it may be overshadowed by the epidemic of drug-related crime in Mexico With almost 6,300 killings in Mexico last year, U.S. officials fear that violence will spill over the border.
Just yesterday, Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano named Alan Bersin, a former federal prosecutor, to a new post overseeing border security and illegal immigration issues.
Another potentially contentious issue relates to the revocation of a pilot program that allowed Mexican commercial trucks to enter the United States. Mexico fired back by slapping tariffs on nearly 90 U.S. products, up to $2.4 billion worth of export goods, and has threatened to raise them even more if the United States doesn’t restore the program.
–Jake Tapper and Karen Travers
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Posted by: DontGet818OnMeNow | April 16, 2009, 8:43 am 8:43 am
There was a reason the other presidents didn’t go to that city.
Violence.
We are bombarded about the violence in Mexico, and Obama wants to go to one of the most violent parts? I don’t get it.
I’m sure the wives of all the secret service are grateful of Obama for trying to make a statement.
Posted by: Ruth M | April 16, 2009, 8:44 am 8:44 am
I won’t use the word courage to describe Obama’s visit to that part of Mexico.
I use that word to describe the courage his secret service has for having to protect him and make him safe.
Posted by: Ruth M | April 16, 2009, 8:47 am 8:47 am
Wonder if Obama is aware yet of the thousands who protested government bailouts and out of control spending.
He was probably too busy trying to figure out what to wear to his Wednesday night cocktail party.
Posted by: ross | April 16, 2009, 8:54 am 8:54 am
I see Obama is campaigning in Mexico–probably registering voters for 2012.
They will be legal citizens by then.
Posted by: nick | April 16, 2009, 9:25 am 9:25 am
While violence is a major problem in Mexico, it is a much greater problem in Columbia.
Columbia is the most dangerous country in the world to be a union member, with the impunity rate (the number of murderers who get away with it) at 97%
In Mexico, marijuana seizures at the border doubled after NAFTA was passed.
It would be alot worse with Columbia, which has a far more corrupt government, which works with right-wing paramilitary death squads at the highest levels.
Posted by: Flash Override | April 16, 2009, 9:28 am 9:28 am
Mexico City is a symbolic stop, but most Americans will surely ignore this trip and whatever fears they had about illegal immigration or Mexico they once had to focus on the recession.
Obama needs the public to cultivate trust in an economic deputy so it doesn’t appear he’s shirking the economy when he leaves the country.
Posted by: matt | April 16, 2009, 9:33 am 9:33 am
Another day another “major” speech by Obama.
We know–America is arrogant, it’s Bush’s fault, Mexico is great, look at my wife’s outfit, look at my goofy grin, I won.
Loves the camera loves listening to himself.
Give the TOTUS a rest.
Posted by: tyler | April 16, 2009, 9:35 am 9:35 am
Ruth M:”We are bombarded about the violence in Mexico, and Obama wants to go to one of the most violent parts? I don’t get it.”
Mexico city is NOT one of the most violent parts (sadly). And if the President of the United States fears visiting the capital city of the country that we share our second longest land border with, we are in grave trouble.
As much as you seem to want him to, the President regardless of party does not cower in the US fearful of visiting allies.
Posted by: jhw539 | April 16, 2009, 9:47 am 9:47 am
So he is going to kiss butt to another big wig of a country… hmmm.. he is getting really good at that and his speeches…. and oh yeah, the spending of money.
I guess he figures since there are small glimmers of hope in the economy, no need to stay here and look after it, lets go to another country and kiss butt.
Posted by: lm | April 16, 2009, 9:53 am 9:53 am
Im:”I guess he figures since there are small glimmers of hope in the economy, no need to stay here and look after it, lets go to another country and kiss butt.”
You do realize one of his jobs is to be our top diplomat? The insecurity of Mexico is a MAJOR national security issue considering our long and porous border. It is also a major trading partner that is showing rumblings of a trade war we can not afford right now. Would you rather he sell pencils on the street corner to raise funds directly rather than do the leadership job the overwhelming majority of Americans voted for him to do?
Posted by: jhw539 | April 16, 2009, 9:58 am 9:58 am
“Wonder if Obama is aware yet of the thousands who protested government bailouts and out of control spending.”
If you oppose Obama’s budget, bailouts, etc., please take the time to email your represtentatives in Congress and the White House. And please encourage your family and friends to do the same. It takes only a few minutes.
Having worked for a state senator in my younger days, I can tell you that they DO pay attention to the letters they get.
BTW, the Family Guy’s statement that Obama “wasn’t aware” of the tea parties was laughable. They’re already doing their internal polling, and they’re scared.
Posted by: Janet | April 16, 2009, 10:01 am 10:01 am
I oppose abortion and believe in my right to own a gun. According to the Obama administration and Janet Napolitano, that makes me a potential threat to American security. What kind of adminisration refuses to use the word “terrorist” to describe people who want to wipe Americans from the face of the planet, but label people like me as potential threats to our security? This administration is truly frightening.
Posted by: Janet | April 16, 2009, 10:10 am 10:10 am
Janet, if they were concerned with polling numbers, they would propose a full national health service, rather than the half measures that they already have, and they would propose a stimulus that is double the size they actually did.
That is what the polls tell us the American people want.
Just because a ‘movement’ is popular in the corporate media, doesn’t mean its popular with the American people.
Posted by: Flash Override | April 16, 2009, 10:18 am 10:18 am
jhw539
You miss my point. The president can infact go anywhere (allowed by secret service) and not worry. It is the secret service that provides security for him.
So it isn’t the president I am fearful for, it is the secret service.
We do agree that the president must never be fearful to go anyone. But that message is meaningless without the secret service providing the security. They are the ulitimate decider in where he goes. He doesn’t need a lot of courage to go to a dangerous place, the secret service do.
I don’t know if I would go into a dangerous area just to send a message if I was risking the lives of my security. Especially if it cost a life of my security.
Looking “tough” and being tough are two different things. Anyone can look tough with a huge security force. Take away that force, are you still tough?
Posted by: Ruth M | April 16, 2009, 10:27 am 10:27 am
Ruth M:”I don’t know if I would go into a dangerous area just to send a message if I was risking the lives of my security.”
His job is to send that message, and direct talks with the leader of a large neighboring country have a very real, tangible importance to our security.
I agree that it doesn’t take much courage on Obama’s part – he’s at more risk giving a speech in Idaho. Where have you seen him lauded for showing courage? President Calderon is lauded for showing courage, and I think that Calderon really is – it is quite likely Calderon will be murdered for what he is doing. Are you commenting on a report somewhere else calling this a courageous trip for Obama?
Posted by: jhw539 | April 16, 2009, 11:00 am 11:00 am
“the Family Guy’s statement that Obama “wasn’t aware” of the tea parties was laughable. They’re already doing their internal polling, and they’re scared.”
Obama Job Approval Rating
Gallup Daily(yesterday): 63%
Real Clear Politics poll average of 9 polls over the past 2 weeks: 61%
Posted by: Ryan C | April 16, 2009, 12:08 pm 12:08 pm
Careful President Obama Mexico city Is very Dangerous! I bet Michelle is worried!
Posted by: ANGIE IN PA | April 16, 2009, 12:23 pm 12:23 pm
Passports are now necessary for re-entry into the USA from Mexico and Canada, which is a shame considering the historical links between the countries. But this brings up the question: will Obama show his US passport, Indonesian passport, or what?
Also, Mexico is predominantly Catholic. However, Obama apparently demanded that Georgetown University, a Catholic university, cover up a Jesus symbol with drapes. This was reported by NBC and school officials. What do Catholics in Mexico think of that?
Posted by: Ed | April 16, 2009, 12:56 pm 12:56 pm
I wonder how Obama will bash our country in Mexico. That’s one thing our militant president is very good at, bashing Americans.
Posted by: pub | April 16, 2009, 1:45 pm 1:45 pm
Ryan C….Gallup and Real Clear Politics…LOL…That’s like comparing BBC, Gallup and Real Clear Politics, to the National Review…
Rammussen 55%
American Research Group 56%
Pew slipped from 69% in February to a current 59%
Who knows what it will be 12 months from now when all his grandiose ideas begin to see fruition…
Posted by: Parallax View | April 16, 2009, 2:25 pm 2:25 pm
jhw539 “Leader of a large neighboring country, Mexico, have a very real tangible importance on our National Security.” Ummmmm TOO LATE. Let me guess, your East of the Miss or just west of it.. You want a REAL TANGIBLE IMPORTANCE ON OUR NATIONAL SECURITY..CLOSE THE BORDER TO ILLEGAL CROSSERS AND BEGIN TO SERIOUSLY PENALIZE THE BUSINESS OWNERS WHO HIRE ILLEGALS…DON’T PROVIDE FREE HOSPITAL CARE..MEDICAID…PUBLIC ASSISTANCE…IN STATE TUITION FOR KIDS OF ILLEGALS ON AND ON AND ON…OH YEAH, BE NICE ALSO IF WE COULD SEND BACK CRIMINAL OFFENDERS IF CAUGHT…
JUST MORE LIP SERVICE..Ya’all come back, California, and see us ya hear….OR maybe you will see our way of life soon enough..
Posted by: Parallax View | April 16, 2009, 2:45 pm 2:45 pm
You say to.may.toe I say to.ma.toe…You just helped me prove my point…PLEASE READ THE DEFINATION OF PARALLAX…WHAT APPEARS LIKE TO SOME DOES NOT APPEAR LIKE TO OTHERS..EACH HAS THEIR OWN VISION ACCORDING TO THEIR POLITICS AND WILL PRESENT DATA, AS MIS-GUIDED AS YOURS IS, TO TRY TO PROVE THEIR ARGUMENT…NICE TRY THOUGH….
Posted by: Parallax View | April 16, 2009, 3:22 pm 3:22 pm
In the art of politics, the person to be a convincing point of view and shows that he is convinced the point of view of others, and Obama understands this well, but I think it was the wrong time, because his presence coincided with the presence of problems, do not have any solution on the ground
Posted by: Dr Sewagou | April 16, 2009, 3:37 pm 3:37 pm
“Ryan C….Gallup and Real Clear Politics…LOL…That’s like comparing BBC, Gallup and Real Clear Politics, to the National Review…”
Not at all.
I gave Gallup’s daily number (which for today is 62%).
I also provided the poll average that RCP provides.
All that is, is a non partisan compilation of recent polls.
“Rammussen 55%”
Rasmussen weights Republicans as 31% to 32% when other polling has self identified Republicans at 24% to 28%
“American Research Group 56%”
ARG is a joke of a polling firm and has been for years.
RCP won’t even include them in poll averages they are so bad.
“Pew slipped from 69% in February to a current 59%”
Pew’s new poll has him at 61%
Posted by: Ryan C | April 16, 2009, 3:58 pm 3:58 pm
Sad press conference. He actually cowtowed to Mexico. Its all OUR fault apparently, our guns, our appetite for drugs that is causing the problem. ACTUALLY, it was our FAILURE to enforce immigration laws that allowed for this scenario. Had the military been on the border 4 years ago, this escalation of violence would’ve been nipped in the bud, as would the flow of guns and drugs. Secondly, Mexico is among the most openly politically corrupt countries in the world, whats to say our “aid” in combatting the violence wont be used by the cartels themselves? Its known that a large number of Mexican army soldiers are sympathetic or aligned with the cartels (just as many guns were stolen from the mexican military as were “imported” from the US). Obama should’ve put Calderon on the spot. Instead, he kissed his ***. Lame.
Posted by: Klatu | April 16, 2009, 6:31 pm 6:31 pm
Terrorists come in many different forms—bullying in school is a form of terrorism—the purpose of terrorism is not to destroy, but create fear—to paralyze a person so that they are afraid to walk the streets, go out after dark, leave the house, go to work, drive down the street or highway for fear of being a victim of road rage.
The DHS report preparation was begun when George W. Bush was President. If you read it or listen to it carefully you will note that no one was named as a threat—it said that these are some who might be POSSIBLE RECRUITS for extremist groups—
Gun rights are part of the constitution, which says “a well regulated militia”—not the word regulated—trained in the use of firearms—capable of handling them. That’s different from just walking in a buying one for the hell of it.
What I find frightening (terrorizing) are the signs at some of the tea parties yesterday that equated the President with Adolf Hitler, fascism, etc. That’s verbal terrorism of worst order.
Much of yesterday was not grassroots by any stretch of the imagination. It was orchestrated by the far right wing radicals who seem to want to bring down this country.
Posted by: George | April 16, 2009, 7:52 pm 7:52 pm
Someone mentioned that NBC covered the story of Obama covering Jesus at Georgetown. Google Obama cover Jesus NBC and see if you get a single hit.
Posted by: wondering | April 16, 2009, 10:01 pm 10:01 pm
I know that the Mexican government is the bad guy. I know that they are aligned with one or more cartel. The only reason you see drug lords being busted is because they are part of the rival drug gang that is not with the government. How stupid to congratulate President Calderon. He is the cause of all the violence. Ask anybody in Chihuahua or sinaloa. They will tell you that they have more fear of the Mexican military, Federal police, or municipal police than any drug lord. Pure lies, pure lies. The biggest threat to mexico is Felipe Calderon. All law enforcement in Mexico is the biggest threat to public safety. You will all see I am right. anyone wanna bet?
Posted by: chaoticorder | April 17, 2009, 1:13 am 1:13 am
Take all the illegals with you and come back with a plan to help better the country you’re president of.
Posted by: BestforAmerica2 | April 17, 2009, 3:32 am 3:32 am