Obama’s Tour, One More for the Campaign

Before Obama, there had never before been in the history of American electoral campaigns such an ambitious international tour taken by a candidate. Afghanistan, Iraq, Jordan, Israel, the Palestinian Territories, Germany, France, and England: in one week the Illinois senator succeeded, without committing a major blunder, in tackling three major geopolitical issues [necessary] for any candidate for the top position in the United States. At each stop, Barack Obama was known to present a clear strategic message.

In regards to the two principle areas of operations for the American forces, the democratic candidate recommended a reduction in size in Iraq in six months coupled with a reinforcement of troops in Afghanistan, a war that he promised to “win.” As for the conflict in the Middle East, that the Bush Administration first let worsen before tardily involving itself, he sees a settlement with two states living side by side on the land of [the former] Palestinian Mandate.

At the same time, he reassured Israel against the Iranian menace by promising to do all possible to prevent the regime in Tehran from gaining the atomic bomb. Cleverly, he a supported the recent initiative of President Bush in sending a high level official to talk to the Iranians, a direct dialog that he himself had recommended six months ago. In Europe, the Illinois senator also sent a very clear strategic message; the times of the unilateralism of the neoconservatives is over. America sees itself working hand in hand with its old allies on all big international problems.

In London, Barack Obama confided to reporters that he did not anticipate a short term bump in the polls due to his voyage because, “the people back home are first preoccupied with the price of gas and by the risks of the economic crisis on their jobs.” But he added that the interest of his voyage would be to, “show the voters that I am capable and effective on the international stage, something that they will have in their heads when the go to the ballot boxes.”

Intelligent modesty from the Democratic candidate. But the reality is that the success of this trip has already born fruit for Obama, confesses even a number of Republican observers. “To be honest, McCain has lost this week,” declared John Weaver, who was recently the primary political strategist for the Republican candidate. “In showing his character, his personal history, the capacity with which he can still rebound electorally, McCain is still on course. But he cannot permit another week like this one.”

The reality is that the Americans are far less adventurous than one tends to believe in Europe. They are not at all indifferent to the polls that show their popularity at a low the world over, and they openly fault George Bush for having, “fought with the whole world.” Thanks to his tour, Obama has not only diffused the Republican’s criticism over his “lack of international experience,” but he has also shown the American voters that he is capable of reconciling their nation with the rest of the world.

Today, Obama tackles the financial crisis. To elaborate his solutions, he decided to bring around him for a work session, three experts who are well respected by the American public: Paul Vocker, the former Federal Reserve Boss; Robert Rubin, former Secretary of the Treasury under Clinton; and Warren Buffet, investment guru of the last two decades who has donated some of his immense fortune to charitable organizations. Always the same method: consult before proposing. The electoral impact of Obama’s tour held to the fact that it happened at a good moment, neither too early nor too late. There is still, in effect, 14 weeks for the democratic candidate to concentrate on domestic issues.