The news media will be saturated with Obama's visit to Iraq, Afghanistan, Israel, Palestine, Germany, Britain and france. I think this foreign trip is long overdue and there could also be no better time to embark on one. For all, it should help him shore up is national security and foreign affairs credentials, eventhough i don't know how much a visit does compared to steady briefings and information gatherings.
Over the last week, we have seen a tightening of the polls, most especially the daily tracking polls from Rasmussen and a slight advantage in Obama's favour in the Gallup polls. I would hope this foreign trip would give him that well needed boost as we saw for McCains numbers during the prolonged democratic nomination battle as long as nothing negative occurs or is reported. Personally, i think it will be a successful one, and i have no doubt in my mind.
I will also advise the Obama campaign to do everything in moderation and to extinguish every sense of cockiness. More specifically, choosing speech sites or venues. They should remember that their candidate is not yet the president and should be there as a candidate just to listen for the most part. Obama himself has said he is going to do just that and we can trust him on that.
On Obama's visit to palestine, i think it's a wise idea and shouldn't hurt him amid reports of concern that Obama might appear to be appealing to Hamas and associates. For one, President Mahmmoud Abbas isn't a Hammas member eventhough he happens to share the government with them.I think strong leaders should be willing to talk to both their friends and adversaries. I also believe McCain made a blunder when he declined Abbas's invitation on his trip to Israel the last time. You cannot be a fair judge if you don't appeal to both sides, so if there's anything we've learnt from that incident, We know McCain might just pander to Israel. Even a sizeable amount of Israeli's seek negotiation with the palestinians amid equity and fairness. That is what a fair broker should represent.
On the situation in Iraq, we know the McCain campaign cannot wait for Obama to get there and give his take on the visit. They are already ready to label him as a flip-flopper or as one who wont listen to his commanders based on their advise.
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