Was Obama's Trip to Europe, Turkey, and Iraq a Success?

I have to wonder at the criticism toward Obama for distancing himself whenever possible from the last administration; especially considering the fact that Dick Cheney has missed no opportunity to run down his presidency, to paint him as weak on national security and nearly a traitor to his country. I have to give George Bush a lot of credit for not chiming in. It is just too bad he was swayed for all those years by the Cheney vision of America.

As to the European trip, I thought he did beautifully and fulfilled the hopes of many Americans. It takes a real man to stand up and say "we are not always right". In light of the nearly universal disapproval in which we have been held in recent years, even by our friends, I would say it is one of those moments. That is not "playing to anti-Americanism", it is an attempt to begin to turn it around. We cannot go it alone in the world anymore. We need friends, allies and the good will of other countries. Obama engenders good will among people of good will. It is his greatest strength

phoenician lady of AR 11:56PM April 08, 2009