Obama declares foreign trip a success

[babylonsister]

Obama declares foreign trip a success
Posted: Sunday, July 27, 2008 3:26 PM by Mark Murray
Filed Under: 2008, Obama

From NBC/NJ's Athena Jones


CHICAGO -- There was no rest for the weary as Obama attended a meeting of minority journalists today, just hours after returning from a whirlwind eight-day trip abroad that he deemed a success.

Obama said he was puzzled by the criticism by some of his trip abroad as “audacious” or somehow inappropriate, arguing as he did in a press conference yesterday that McCain had also traveled to these countries -- as well as to Mexico, Canada ,and Colombia after winning his party’s nomination.

“Nobody suggested that that was 'audacious.' I think people assumed that what he was doing was talk to world leaders who we may have deal with should we become president. That's part of the job that I'm applying for,” he said. “Now, I admit we did it really well. But that shouldn't be a strike against me. You know, if I was bumbling and fumbling through this thing, I would have been criticized for that."

The senator said he felt he had been able to assure world leaders that he would have to work with if he becomes president. “I do think that, in terms of me governing, being an effective president, that this trip was helpful, because I think I've established relationships and a certain bond of trust with key leaders around the world who have taken measure of my positions and how I operate and I think can come away with some confidence that this is somebody I can deal with."

As he did in London, Obama said he was unsure what kind of effect his trip would have on poll numbers since he had left the country at a time when people were most worried about pocketbook issues, saying “that’s what we will be talking about for the duration.” He said he was pleased the housing bill was passed, that President Bush planned to sign it, and that he would be bringing together his top economic advisors Monday -- including former Federal Reserve Chief Paul Voelcker; billionaire investor Warren Buffett, and former Treasury Secretary Robert Rubin -- to talk about short-term and long-term strategies for strengthening the economy.

more...

http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/07/27/1227666.aspx

[Cha]

1. Obama's Audacity Of Hope just

won't quitB-)

[TwilightGardener]

2. Somehow, I didn't think he would declare it a failure...

:D

[AtomicKitten]

3. The McLaughlin horde unanimously declared his trip FLAWLESS!!!

[babylonsister]

4. Did they? I missed it; was Monica Crowley in agreement?

Buchanan? :wow:

[AtomicKitten]

5. she concurred and uttered the word "flawless"

it was beautiful!

[moondust]

6. Zuckerman sat in for Buchanan.

And incidentally stated that: 1) he had talked to some Israelis (presumably big shots) after Obama's visit and there apparently were not any serious concerns; and 2) Jewish voters will go for Obama 2-to-1.