Friday, July 25, 2008
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FROM THE TRAIL
World Tour '08
Dispatches From Obama's Trip Abroad
Campaign 2008From The Trail
NBC/National Journal embed reporters file regular dispatches on their experiences from the trail.
NBC/National Journal reporter Athena Jones files daily updates from Barack Obama's trip to the Middle East and Europe this week. Check back daily for the latest news.
Friday: A Warm Welcome In France
LONDON -- Barack Obama's campaign plane touched down here just after 9 p.m. local time, capping off a day that began in Berlin and continued with a hectic flight to Paris, where the Democratic presidential candidate met with French President Nicolas Sarkozy.
On Saturday, Obama will talk with British Prime Minister Gordon Brown and opposition leader David Cameron.
The journey to the City of Lights was marked by a lengthy briefing by Robert Gibbs, a senior strategist for the Obama camp, who came to the back of the plane at least three times to emphasize to reporters that the decision to cancel the senator's trip to Ramstein Air Base and Landstuhl Army hospital in Germany came after word from the Pentagon that it would violate Defense Department regulations.
The impromptu briefing stemmed from confusion about two statements put out by the campaign, one from Gibbs and the other from retired Gen. Scott Gration. Gibbs' statement had not mentioned the discussion with the Pentagon, while Gration's did.
"The decision that Senator Obama made with that information was that we would not put our warriors in the position of being involved in a campaign stop," Gibbs said. He said that Obama would be criticized either way -- for going or for canceling -- and he reminded reporters that when Obama visited wounded troops at Walter Reed a few weeks ago, he did so quietly and without publicity.
Obama's six-hour stopover in France was brief but memorable. He and Sarkozy greeted each other in front of a throng of photographers, camera crews and reporters at the Elysee Palace before meeting for about an hour to discuss issues ranging from climate change to the Middle East.
Afterwards, they held a roughly 40-minute, simultaneously translated press conference before a swarm of French and foreign journalists in which the two men appeared comfortable, cracking jokes before making statements about the importance of a strong relationship for the U.S. with France and America's other European allies.
Obama spent several minutes talking about Iran, an issue he stressed throughout a press conference in Sderot, Israel, earlier in the week. He spoke of the need for the U.S. and Europe to be partners in negotiating with the country about its nuclear program, saying a nuclear-armed Iran would pose a grave threat, possibly emboldening terrorists and sparking a dangerous arms race in the Middle East.
Highlighting his view that the U.S. should engage with Iran directly, Obama hailed the decision to send Undersecretary of State William Burns, whom he called "an outstanding diplomat," to participate in talks with Iran.
As he did in Jordan on Tuesday, Obama said he had seen nothing over the past several days to change his "basic strategic assessment" of America's security and foreign policy challenges, mentioning Afghanistan and Iraq specifically. He has called for more troops in the former and a phased redeployment of troops from the latter.
He declined to say how many additional troops he would want France, Germany and Great Britain to send to Afghanistan, but he praised Sarkozy for his willingness to send more, and he did not criticize President Bush when asked directly to comment on the administration.
"What I can say affirmatively is that an effective U.S. foreign policy will be based on our ability not only to project power, but also to listen and to build consensus," he said. He continued, briefly lapsing from the campaign-free tone he had been careful to maintain on this trip: "And the goal of an Obama administration in foreign policy would be obviously to act on behalf of the interests and the security of the United States, but also to listen carefully enough to our allies that we understand their interests, as well."
Sarkozy didn't shy from directly endorsing Obama when asked. But he spoke glowingly of the senator and noted that many people in Europe came from different backgrounds. "Barack Obama's adventure is an adventure that rings true in the hearts and mind of the French and of Europeans."
Thursday: Obama Asks Europeans, Americans To Seize The Moment
BERLIN -- In an eagerly awaited public speech that drew an estimated 200,000 people to Tiergarten Park on Thursday evening, Barack Obama called on Americans and Europeans to work together to fight terrorism, poverty, genocide and climate change, and to work toward a world without nuclear weapons.
The presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, who was greeted with several chants of "Yes We Can" and was frequently interrupted by cheers and applause, returned to his common campaign themes of unity and hope, repeating a favorite phrase, "This is our moment," several times throughout a roughly half-hour speech. There were no attack lines against John McCain, but Obama spoke of the need to repair America's relationship with its allies.
He stressed at the beginning that he was speaking as a citizen of the world, not as a candidate for president. The Illinois senator touched on Berlin's Cold War past and the aid America provided the city and continent through the Marshall Plan. He said the city's people "kept the flame of hope burning," and that "this city, of all cities, knows the dream of freedom."
He also stressed the need for peace in the Middle East, a strong European Union and a free trade system.
"In Europe, the view that America is part of what has gone wrong in our world, rather than a force to help make it right, has become all too common," he told a crowd that stretched about a mile from his stage in front of the Victory Column to the Brandenburg Gate. "In America, there are voices that deride and deny the importance of Europe's role in our security and our future. Both views miss the truth."
The speech ended a day that Obama spent meeting with German officials, including Chancellor Angela Merkel, Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Berlin Mayor Klaus Wowereit. In Obama's meeting with Merkel, the two discussed a wide range of issues -- Afghanistan, Iraq, Iran, the Middle East peace process, Russia, NATO and climate change.
AUDIO Audio file playback requires Flash player. Download here. Obama On Tearing Down Walls Berlin (Jul. 24)
Obama's camp said last week it had chosen Berlin -- the city where President Kennedy, a politician with whom he has been compared, gave his famous "Ich bin ein Berliner" speech in 1963 -- because of its unique place in the history of the 20th century and because of Obama's desire to highlight the need to cooperate as closely with America's European allies in the 21st century as it did in the last.
Obama told the crowd it was important to remember that while there would be differences between the United States and its allies, no country could stand alone in fighting modern challenges. He drew applause when he said that true partnership and progress required constant work and the will listen and trust each other.
"That is why America cannot turn inward. That is why Europe cannot turn inward. America has no better partner than Europe," he said.
This was one of the most closely watched speeches of Obama's campaign, and his camp seemed particularly careful to stress that it would not be "political." The senator told reporters on the flight from Tel Aviv this morning that it would not be a "wonky" policy address. Still, it came smack-dab in the middle of a general election campaign in which more than one recent poll has shown that voters feel more comfortable with McCain on foreign policy issues.
Some controversy surrounded the event in its planning stages when reports came out that Obama had sought to hold it at the Brandenburg Gate, an 18th-century monument that became a symbol of the Cold War when the Berlin Wall stood in front of it and now symbolizes a reunified Germany. President Reagan delivered his famous "tear down this wall" speech there in 1987.
Obama made reference to the Wall, saying the walls that still exist today between old allies on either side of the Atlantic, between rich and poor countries, and between "races and tribes; natives and immigrants; Christian and Muslim and Jew" must be torn down.
And he acknowledged America's imperfections.
"At times, we've struggled to keep the promise of liberty and equality for all of our people," he said. "We've made our share of mistakes, and there are times when our actions around the world have not lived up to our best intentions. But I also know how much I love America."
The McCain campaign responded by calling the speech premature.
"While Barack Obama took a premature victory lap today in the heart of Berlin, proclaiming himself a 'citizen of the world,' John McCain continued to make his case to the American citizens who will decide this election," spokesman Tucker Bounds said in an e-mailed statement. "Barack Obama offered eloquent praise for this country, but the contrast is clear. John McCain has dedicated his life to serving, improving and protecting America. Barack Obama spent an afternoon talking about it."
Wednesday: A Show Of Support For Israel
JERUSALEM -- The latest stop on Barack Obama's five-country swing through the Middle East and Europe was another long, hectic day for candidate and press alike.
The senator's main point throughout a whirlwind of meetings was his strong support for Israel and its right to protect itself; in Sderot he spoke of his "unshakable commitment to Israel's security."
He also stressed his belief that the United States should be deeply engaged in the Middle East peace process and reiterated a tough stance on Iran, both in working to avoid nuclear development -- which he said would be a game-changer in the region and the world -- and in leaving all options on the table in Iranian relations, even as he favored diplomacy.
After a breakfast meeting in Jerusalem with Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak, Obama met with opposition Likud Party head Benjamin Netanyahu. In a light moment, per a pool report, Netanyahu asked the senator how he was feeling and Obama said, "I could fall asleep standing up."
Obama then toured the Holocaust museum and memorial Yad Vashem -- which he also visited in 2006 -- laying a wreath at the Hall of Remembrance. He signed the guestbook, writing in part: "At a time of great peril and promise, war and strife, we are blessed to have such a powerful reminder of man's potential for great evil, but also our capacity to rise from tragedy and remake our world. Let our children come here, and know this history, so they can add their voices to proclaim 'never again.'"
The senator met with Israeli President Shimon Peres before heading to Ramallah in the West Bank, where he met with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and Prime Minister Salam Fayyad. He returned to Jerusalem to talk with Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni.
Livni and Barak accompanied Obama on the helicopter ride to Sderot, a city near Gaza that has come under repeated rocket fire from the terrorist group Hamas. The senator met with a family whose house was nearly leveled by a rocket attack and took a few questions from local and international press at a police station that had dozens of rocket shells on display.
Obama ended the day by meeting over dinner with Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert. The two men spoke to reporters beforehand, with Olmert welcoming the senator to the country and expressing a desire to discuss issues ranging from the peace process to Syria and Iran.
Obama said he was "pleased that in conversations with Palestinian leadership in Ramallah, there's a strong sense that progress is being made and that honest conversations are taking place."
The candidate again communicated his "stalwart support for Israel's security and the hope that the United States of America will continue to serve a constructive role in moving the process forward."
The visit was intended to help Obama calm concerns among some American Jewish voters about whether he would be a true friend to Israel. In Sderot, Obama reiterated that Jerusalem should be the undivided capitol of Israel, but he said the city's status should be agreed on by Israelis and Palestinians.
For reporters on the lookout for gaffes, Obama make an obvious one at the Sderot presser when he began to list legislation he's supported to show that "vote after vote," he had been a friend to Israel.
"This past week we passed out of the U.S. Senate Banking Committee, which is my committee, a bill to call for divestment from Iran as a way of ratcheting up the pressure to ensure that they don't obtain a nuclear weapon," Obama said.
He is not a member of that committee. He did not correct himself.
Tonight, Obama will depart for Berlin, where he is to meet with Chancellor Angela Merkel and Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier and deliver a much-awaited speech on trans-Atlantic relations. Thousands are expected to attend.
Tuesday: Obama Holds Firm On Iraq; Press Mutinies
JERUSALEM -- Barack Obama's first day back with reporters in nearly a week proved to be a long and at times contentious one.
Obama began the day in Amman, Jordan, where he hosted a press conference at the historic Citadel Hill overlooking the city. The picturesque setting came complete with ancient ruins -- giant columns that once made up the Temple of Hercules.
The senator was joined by Sens. Chuck Hagel, R-Neb., and Jack Reed, D-R.I., who were part of the congressional delegation to Afghanistan, Iraq and Kuwait. Obama reaffirmed his belief that Afghanistan needed more troops and resources and that it was crucial to America's national security to begin drawing down troops in Iraq. The other two senators gave similar statements.
Obama also talked up his credentials in the foreign policy arena, an area where at least one recent poll shows voters favor John McCain.
"I don't have doubts about my ability to apply sound judgment to the major national security problems that we face. These are difficult questions and, you know, I don't think that anybody believes they have the perfect formula for solving some of these very difficult foreign policy problems," he said. "But I feel very confident in my worldview and my ability to shape a discussion that takes all arguments and facts into consideration and then come up with the best answer."
Later, he visited one-on-one with King Abdullah, who returned early from a trip to the United States to meet with the senator.
After dining with the king and queen and several American and Jordanian officials, the king gave Obama a ride to the airport in his black Mercedes. Then it was off to Israel.
The Obama traveling press corps had an interesting day as well.
It began in Amman with a briefing on background and ended with a near-mutiny on the campaign plane over another proposed background briefing.
The morning briefing with top advisers dealt with the senator's plans for the Middle East leg of his trip and his thoughts on the Israeli-Palestinian issue. Reporters protested about not being able to use names, and some were able to get a few statements on record.
But 14 hours later, when advisers came to the back of the plane minutes before landing in Israel to give another background briefing on the meeting and dinner with King Abdullah, the press refused, and the discussion quickly became heated.
Reporters demanded to know why the briefing had to be on background. One adviser said background briefings like this were common in the White House. At least one reporter retorted that they were not in the White House.
Obama, who sits in the front of the plane, several cabins away, was likely oblivious to the drama unfolding in what some in the press have jokingly referred to as "steerage," near the back entrance.
After touchdown in Tel Aviv, he gave a brief statement to a small group of reporters.
"We've had a long day, and I will have ample opportunity to talk to all of you tomorrow, but I wanted to start by saying that it is wonderful to be back in Israel," Obama said. "I am looking forward to spending the day tomorrow not only traveling around the country but also having discussions with Israeli leadership about some of the profound security issues that both the U.S. and Israel are going to have to confront in the years to come."
The presumptive Democratic nominee will be in for another long day Wednesday, when he will meet with Israeli leaders in Jerusalem and Palestinian leaders at Ramallah, and will make visits to the Holocaust Museum at Yad Veshem and the city of Sderot, which has come under repeated rocket attacks from Hamas.
Obama told reporters on the tarmac that he wanted "input and insight from Israel's leaders about how they see the current situation." He said he would also share some of his ideas, and that he wanted to "reaffirm" the historic, special relationship between the United States and Israel -- "one that cannot be broken."
Obama was hoping to visit the Western Wall, his advisers said, but at press time, it was still unclear whether he would be able to fit it into an already jam-packed schedule.
Monday: Arriving In Jordan
AMMAN, Jordan -- The Barack Obama press corps -- 38 reporters strong -- and campaign staffers arrived in the Jordanian capital Monday morning after a long flight from Chicago aboard the senator's campaign plane.
The candidate himself was in Baghdad. It was odd that the inaugural flight of his newly refitted 757 should take place without him, though several advisers made the flight, including David Axelrod, Richard Danzig, Robert Gibbs, Linda Douglass, Reggie Love, Wendy Morigi and Jim Steinberg.
The Democrat is to arrive in Amman on Tuesday morning, where he will meet with King Abdullah at the royal palace. The campaign says the two men plan to talk about "shared security interests, including stability in the region, the Middle East peace process and economic prosperity."
Jordan is an important ally in the region and in the war on terror; the country, which holds hundreds of thousands of Iraqi refugees, will likely have a hand in reshaping Iraq after U.S. troops withdraw.
Obama will then head to Israel, where he will be meeting with a long list of leaders from the Israeli government and the opposition, including Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Likud Party head Benjamin Netanyahu, as well as Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and Prime Minister Salam Fayyad.