Barack Obama’s Wild Adventure, Overseas Edition
With Barack Obama headed overseas for the first time as president, David Rothkopf at Foreign Policy has a nicely done scene-setter proposing that the Europeans will see not one but three Obamas: “Barack Obama, media superstar, Barack Obama, president of the United States and Barack Obama, leader of the free world.”
“Barack Obama, media superstar, is likely to be in his element, flashbulbs popping, and throngs of spectators lining the streets to catch a glimpse of him. He is the most famous man in the world, telegenic, charming and, oh yes, an African American. For most of the countries in attendance at the G20 meeting, the thought of an ethnic minority rising to the level of political success Obama has achieved is unthinkable and the world is titillated by that, the boldness of his story and his charisma (and with some luck, they are learning something)….
Barack Obama, president of the United States, has a tougher job on his hands. He has to balance domestic political realities with international imperatives. This trip is really his diplomatic coming out party, a chance to determine whether he is not only a star but a genuine world leader. In a few short days he will meet with top representatives of almost every really important country in the world and each of those meetings will raise complex issues. Obama has to master those complexities and produce real advances on both the economic and international security fronts. …..
Finally, while the title “leader of the free world” seems a little antiquated given the end of the Cold War, it is still the moniker that most closely captures the special role the U.S. president assumes when it comes to international leadership. This, in many respects, is the most important of the three Obamas and the one who faces the most changed reality. America, reeling from the disrepute and anger of the Bush years, had hoped to recover, but instead is seen as the cause of the current global economic crisis. So, Obama will be on the defensive and, given our financial state, the country that is the source of his power will legitimately be seen as somewhat diminished. …
Obviously, all three Obamas would like to have a good trip. But frankly, they should be happy if two out of three feel it’s a win. That’ll be a good outcome for a young presidency. But if it’s only the sizzle of Obama Superstar and the other two can’t deliver on the big issues at stake, he’ll be happy to get back home and resume dealing with the easy problems like Congress, health care, reinventing U.S. energy markets, and saving Detroit.”
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150 comments Add your comment
caz1158
March 31st, 2009
11:18 am
It’s amazing how the media & libs have fallen so much in love with this guy(all should get a room or take a cold shower). I liked the line as long as King Obama was able to accomplish one the three tasks outlined,it should be considered a success. That one task-Act like a media SUPERSTAR. My god how superfiscial!! I guess to the left it’s not bad enough to act like a fool, as long as he looks good doing it thats important.
President Urkel
March 31st, 2009
11:18 am
I’m just gonna try not to heave, even if they feed me something yucky and Michelle told me if all else fails I can just offer to bail out BMW or ING or something.
G
March 31st, 2009
11:19 am
ff @ 10:43,
>>Actually there are so many gaffes by this fool it would take 8 years just to view them all.<<
Ain’t that the truth!
Bosch
March 31st, 2009
11:26 am
cliff,
Ya’ know like dude you do realize that um, like all the economic stuff in the ya’ know like world is all inter.connected and all that stuff so that um, like dude, he has to go and meet with this whole big like G-20 group of other dudes who like control the world’s money and stuff.
Ya’ know like it’s all weird and stuff, but he kind of like has to go to this meeting and stuff because our economy and all that stuff is kind of important to the other economies of the other countries and yeah……..
DB, Gwinnettian
March 31st, 2009
11:26 am
I guess to the left it’s not bad enough to act like a fool, as long as he looks good doing it thats important.
(cough) Ronald Reagan (cough)
G
March 31st, 2009
11:29 am
The best way to get rid of the trolls, and there have been a lot of them lately, is to ignore. If you need to comment on them make it a free standing post. If you don’t answer directly, the traffic they might otherwise create, goes away, therefore no need for them to be here. They will find themselves unemployed – again.
It is difficult at times as I fall into their trap too. But if we all make a concerted effort it just might work.
The Corporal
March 31st, 2009
11:30 am
Sam:
Take your vehicles direct to “President Goodwrench”!
caz1158
March 31st, 2009
11:30 am
Which Gaffes do we start with for Obamas first few months? (1)where he degrades the special olympics on national tv (2)countless fiscal blunders,such as signing a stimlus package he did’nt even read!! And he’s just getting started.
jasper
March 31st, 2009
11:30 am
I hope they rememberd to take an adapter for the teleprompter. Europe is on 220 volts. Or maybe the 500 people can just hold up queue cards.
Bosch
March 31st, 2009
11:31 am
DB,
Is it my imagination or have you gotten the sense this morning that the wingnuts are mad because Obama is going to the G-20 summit and while he’s there, he’s decided to oh, I don’t know, do some diplomatic things while there? I mean, how weird of him.
The Corporal
March 31st, 2009
11:33 am
Jay:
Are you ignoring my 9:14 ?
“Petraeus makes stance on torture clear …” Your words but that pesky Army manual still has a lot of torturous things in it!
Whay say ye? Are you going to hold the general to account?
Angry Black Man
March 31st, 2009
11:36 am
Do some of you realize how stupid (yes, I said STUPID) you sound? Do you think that Bush, Clinton or even Bush 41 went on overseas trips by themselves? Do research before you just jump on numbers and post assenine (sp?) assertions. Do you understand the importance of support staff for any presidential trip. Corp can probably attest to what it takes for POTUS to travel in safety. I didn’t hear people gripe about Bush traveling with support staff. So don’t gripe about it now.
@ as for WBH, I don’t buy the hype that he’s racist. People have to realize that different generations grew up under different circumstances. Wyld Byll and I had a small disagreement last week or so on things. I think that while he made a poor choice of analogy, there was nothing racist meant by it. Some people are too friggin sensitive about those things. I know racist when I see it. I grew up with it.
Mrs. Godzilla
March 31st, 2009
11:39 am
Bosch
I suspect the wingnuts are mad because of this:
“Obama’s approval stays high, most know he’s not to blame for the economic mess and the country is slowly getting into a better mood”
read the rest here:
http://www.americablog.com/2009/03/obamas-approval-stays-high-most-know.html
The worst possible scenario for Republicans, conservatives, neo-cons
and “haters” is a successful President Obama.
getalife
March 31st, 2009
11:42 am
Economy saved.
Auto restructured.
G20 regulations.
No attacks.
The President did succeed.
Trolls lose again.
caz1158
March 31st, 2009
11:44 am
Bosch- As a so-called wingnut, I don’t have a problem with a sitting President attending the g20 summit, I expect him to.I do have a problem with media circus that surrounds it. The American Media has made a sham of the Presidency,and turned into a reality series.
I Report/ You Whine
March 31st, 2009
11:46 am
But now, in a little-noticed move, the House Financial Services Committee, led by chairman Barney Frank, has approved a measure that would, in some key ways, go beyond the most draconian features of the original AIG bill.
The purpose of the legislation is to “prohibit unreasonable and excessive compensation and compensation not based on performance standards,” according to the bill’s language. That includes regular pay, bonuses — everything — paid to employees of companies in whom the government has a capital stake, including those that have received funds through the Troubled Assets Relief Program, or TARP, as well as Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
Luckily, it doesn’t apply to the performance of Congress because if it did, those mofo would owe us, big time.
FT.
Ray
March 31st, 2009
11:50 am
If any of us had any doubt about who the main stream media is in bed with, look no further than the John Edwards fiasco. Here we have a script that defies improvement mixed with arrogance that knows no bounds. Late night tryst with a woman who, by all counts, mothered his child. Ignored by the media, all but the Enquirer, because of “lack of credibility”. NYT…. “We don’t want to present the readers with hearsay and unsubstaniated half truths just for the sake of sensationalism”. Wonder if that’s how they felt about the McCain story about his fooling around with one of his campaign workers. No apology, no retraction….. nothing. Wonder if Bozo will bail out the Times when they go t*ts up because they are “too big to fail”. Their smug arrogance and indifference to the truth defies description and is a sorry excuse for “journalism as we know it”. How do you feel about this, Bookman? No comment?
G
March 31st, 2009
11:50 am
Yes! We finally have a popular and intelligent President going abroad to represent us. No more of that ignorant @ss mangling the English language.
Go President Obama! I am so proud. I can’t wait to hear the progress.
I also can’t wait to see that joke of a budget plan the GOP is putting out tomorrow on April Fools day. Get ready for laughs everyone.
DB, Gwinnettian
March 31st, 2009
12:00 pm
Bosch @ 11.31, honestly I don’t know what “the wingnuts” are angry about; beyond the stray comments from the usual suspects here I haven’t really heard anything organized.
I was merely presuming that whatever criticisms we’d hear stemming from this trip would likely be rote and somewhat similar to the “how dare that uppity man go gallivanting off like that!” junk we got last year after Obama had made that speech in Germany. (Petty of me, I know.)
RGB
March 31st, 2009
12:03 pm
You people never disappoint.
What’s important, of course, is that Obama is liked–not that he accomplishes anything substantive. Sally Fields said something such as “you really like me” when accepting an award–and you folks believe being president is a mere popularity contest.
When you are the leader of the United States, you are envied, hated, and despised because of your success. This is similar to liberals hating people who are financially successful in America. You’d rather tear them down that pick yourself up. It may be human nature but it’s not appealing.
So, will Obama:
1. Get the other members of the G20 to adopt his proposals for reforming the global economy?
2. Persuade the members to provide more troops for Afghanistan and Iraq?
3. Convince Russia and the E.U. members to pressure Iran to give up its nuclear program?
4. Do anything substantive?
The answer is “no”. Obama followers think Obama is some American Idol star. As long as he’s stylin’ and profilin’, you’re happy.
Meanwhile, that’s your freedom that you just willingly gave up. Hope it’s worth it.
caz1158
March 31st, 2009
12:05 pm
G-Popular,yes. Intelligent,schools out on that one. Articulate does’nt make one smart. As for GOP budget, It’s got to be better than the one that Barry and sandbox playmates drew up in the sand. Now if they could only get they’re heads out of the sand, that would be the first positive thing accomplished by this gang of thieves.
Taxpayer
March 31st, 2009
12:05 pm
Monkeys! Bonzo tried with Reagan and finally just gave up. It wasn’t Bonzo’s fault.
Pray for Obama's Teleprompter
March 31st, 2009
12:12 pm
Le’ts hope Obama’s teleprompter doesn’t fail. After all, the future of the whole world depends on it.
Note to all you “Bush is dumb” people: President Bush didn’t have to have teleprompter to introduce a cabinet appointee or order off a menu–nor did he take one with him to the bathroom.
While you people are praying for Obama, pray for the teleprompter, the people who transport the teleprompter, the folks who set up the prompter, and the individuals who program the teleprompter. Also pray for the folks who run the electric power grid over there.
And let’s hope that Obama realizes that there are voltage and standards differences between the U.S. and UK that he should take into account (remember his shabby DVD gift to PM Brown?).
Bosch
March 31st, 2009
12:12 pm
DB @ 12:00 – funny there – I haven’t heard the word “gallivanting” in a long time. That’s such a funny word, if it even is a word – but I love it.
I haven’t read all the wingnutters posts today – but I’m sure there’s gotta be one about the cost involved transporting his teleprompter – it probably takes up a whole plane – or something to that effect.
Bosch
March 31st, 2009
12:14 pm
Oh, I see there is at 12:12. Yes, those wingnuts sure are funny people.
Kamchak
March 31st, 2009
12:15 pm
Maybe Bonzo thought his acting talent would “trickle-down” to Ronny.
Ray
March 31st, 2009
12:17 pm
DB,
Yes, a lot of voters in this country have trouble with this uppity clown representing us to the rest of the world. He represents a political philosophy that has not been front and center in this country for a number of years. He has his nose up in the air, like most narcissists, and feels that he is not mortal. He needs positive reinforcement at every turn and surrounds himself with those who dare not challenge him or his philosophy. He appears on the surface to be calm and cool at every turn but it is obvious that he is in way over his head. Most of this leadership stuff is well below his pay grade. Do I have a problem with someone like him representing me to others? Damn right I do. And I am sure that you will liken my comments to GWB. Most every criticism of this clown eventually ends up comparing him to Bush. When will you libs realize that approval by those of the world is not always in our best interests. Making European socialists happy is not always front and center to our wellbeing. We are learning that right now on our Southern borders. Argentina and China are seeking to replace the dollar standard, just because they can. And it will continue without strong, reliant leadership from our elected politicians. Do I regret that we have sent an inexperienced community organizer to the G20? Yeah, spot on.
Midori
March 31st, 2009
12:21 pm
G,
have to agree with your 11:29.
they just aren’t worth the key strokes.
RGB
March 31st, 2009
12:21 pm
“Doubles collective U.S. debt of all presidents combined from Washington to G.W. Bush.”
“Paying for proposed 2010 budget would require 100% taxation of everyone making $75k or more.”
“Nationalizes financial services and auto industries.”
“Unemployment rate climbs sky high–millions unemployed.”
“Dow’s implosion continues. Millions can’t retire.”
Swami Dave
March 31st, 2009
12:22 pm
For my good friend DB @ 11:26
*cough* Ronald Reagan *cough*
*cough-cough* Inherited Carter recession and left the longest period of economic prosperity in American History *cough-cough*
*cough-cough* Inherited a confiscatory tax regime that punished achievement and provided real tax relief to those Americans who actually pay income taxes *cough-cough*
*cough-cough* Saw America as ripe for opportunity for all to achieve beyond their expectations instead of limiting them based on dependency and redistribution of their neighbors *cough-cough*
Thanks for the reminder. As of yet, the current occupant couldn’t hold his notepad.
-Swami Dave
ConservativeAnchor
March 31st, 2009
12:22 pm
fearless fosdick wrote “My question…Where were you during the last 8 years?”
1. Watching 50 million people being freed from abject repression and torture.
2. Watching little girls being freed from forced marriages to thier uncles at 9 years of age.
3. Watching women being allowed to go into public without a veil for fear of being beheaded.
4. Watching young girls being freed from sexual mutilation
5. Watching children being enrolled into schools.
6. Watching youth athletes compete without being murdered by rival factions.
Just a little busy … but now I get to watch Mr. Teleprompter make as arse out of Obozo.
Midori
March 31st, 2009
12:30 pm
I watched something too: Incurious George pissing off the Queen because his massive security detail destroyed her garden. What a cowardly wimp loser. He couldn’t go anywhere without security up the wazoo.
Oh yeah – talking about trickling down: the tasteless, clueless Texas version of the Beverly Hillbillies were invited to lunch with the queen, and one of his equally tasteless and clueless daughters showed up wearing jeans.
Wonder which one of them is Jethro, the Double Naught Spy?
Brad Steel
March 31st, 2009
12:30 pm
ConservativeAnchor,
A lot sure has happened Arkansas in the past 8 years. Congratulations! You’re gaining on Mississippi.
your pal,
B. Steel
Midori
March 31st, 2009
12:34 pm
Brad,
should someone point out to him that some of those behaviors are being practiced openly and vigorously in most FLDS communities in Idaho, Arizona and Utah?
Barry one kanobie
March 31st, 2009
12:34 pm
Midori-I would’nt get family involved if I were you, I hear Michelle is up for the part as the monster in the remake of FRANKENSTEIN!!! What a scary looking woMAN.
Night Train
March 31st, 2009
12:35 pm
The worst possible scenario for Republicans, conservatives, neo-cons
and “haters” is a successful President Obama.
And how does that differs from the libs being successful only if they can make President Bush fail?
The libs spent 8 years working for and hoping for Bush to fail at every turn, yet they expect us to support the ‘American Idiot’ they elected?
He is failing this country and leading it into an abyss that we may never recover from yet you libs cheer him on and encourage his failures!
Kamchak
March 31st, 2009
12:39 pm
Night Train
You write as if we weren’t already in the abyss when Obama was elected.
Mrs. Godzilla
March 31st, 2009
12:40 pm
….teleprompter….still?…hehehehehe heehee
Brad Steel
March 31st, 2009
12:41 pm
FRANKENSTEIN – ha. great joke. what a hoot! you should get a show!
caz1158
March 31st, 2009
12:41 pm
NightTrain-If the left could get heads out of Barak’s A*S long enough to get some oxygen to the brain.Oh, but they would have to be told by the leftwing media first to see if it’s ok.
Barry one kanobie
March 31st, 2009
12:42 pm
No Joke That woMAN scares the sh*t out of most humans.
fearless fosdick
March 31st, 2009
12:50 pm
Barry one kanobie .. BARRY, all i can say is if Michelle Obama scares you…you must be a real SISSY!
Midori
March 31st, 2009
12:52 pm
no sweat Barry — Obama’s teleprompter will protect you!!
Dave R
March 31st, 2009
1:04 pm
G, you HAVE to ignore us, because whenever we try to get into an intelligent argument with you, you run away and hide.
Liberals = surrender monkeys.
Lee
March 31st, 2009
1:04 pm
What the foreign press will see is an inexperienced, bumbling, out-of-his-league pitiful excuse for a president and they will have a jolly ‘ol time laughing their ass off at us stupid Americans for electing this joke.
Bud Wiser
March 31st, 2009
1:12 pm
Lee, they already are.
SuperDave
March 31st, 2009
1:25 pm
Conservative Anchor 12:22
Are you referring to Iraq or Afghanistan?
I can’t tell since neither one has a population of 50 million.
If you are referring to Afghanistan, I hate to break this to you, but all those things are still taking place there because neither we nor the government have control over large areas of the country.
If you are talking about Iraq, you forgot the number one reason for the invasion, which was to rid the country of WMD’s. That worked out real well didn’t it.
I can think of about a half dozen other countries where those conditions exist. Why don’t we invade them. Maybe…..because they aren’t sitting on a whole boatload of OIL.
Rush Limbaugh for President
March 31st, 2009
2:09 pm
Wild Bill,
Nice try. “I didn’t say he was a monkey, he just acts like one”. A very fine distinction indeed. Oh, and he is a fool on top of that. Still beneath you I think.
In case you didn’t notice, Castro and all his merry friends you mentioned didn’t change their behavior one iota during the 8 years of the Bush administration. Their behavior actually got worse. Wild Bill you must surely live by the code of the old west….shoot first and ask questions later, diplomacy is appeasment… That is very much a good old boy (what are you looking at- I’ll kick your ass) attitude. A macho sounding but highly insecure trait.
DB, Gwinnettian
March 31st, 2009
3:14 pm
Swami, I’m not sure why you chose to rewrite economic history in response to a post of mine that stuck to a simple perception of leadership, but, whatever floats your boat.
Bottom line is, I think Reagan sucked ass, you don’t. Life goes on.
DB, Gwinnettian
March 31st, 2009
3:15 pm
Ray sez of Obama:
He needs positive reinforcement at every turn
Well that’s new. Where are you guys getting this one?