Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Hot on Facebook
Uproar After NC State Agent 'Fixes' Girl's Lunch Preschooler has to eat chicken nuggets instead of mom's meal »

5 Things We Learned From Obama's Trip

Among them: Obama is a bit like Bush, and he needs to strike back harder at Mac

By Jonas Oransky,  Newser Staff

Posted Jul 31, 2008 6:00 AM CDT

(Newser) – Here are five things we learned in the wake of Barack Obama’s overseas trip, via John Heilemann in New York:

  • Obama's got guts: The trip was “risky business, fraught with peril”—but we know now that he's willing to gamble if the potential payout is right.
  • His team is great, but imperfect: The trip once again proved the organizational brilliance of his aides, but the non-visit of troops in Germany gave McCain ammo.

  • Obama is near Bush on foreign policy: Sorry lefties, he’s closer to W. than to the anti-war movement. That could, however, defuse criticism from McCain.
  • He's vulnerable on the surge: Barack’s maneuvering on the subject “veered into…falsehood.” He needs a better response.
  • He must fight back: He’s clearly got McCain rattled, but he can't get complacent. He has to hit back harder at McCain’s newly negative attacks.


Obama shakes hands with the Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki.
Obama shakes hands with the Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki.   (AP Photo/Iraqi Government, HO)
Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., waves to the media at 10 Downing Street after a meeting with British Prime Minister Gordon Brown in London, Saturday, July 26, 2008.
Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., waves to the media at 10 Downing Street after a meeting with British Prime Minister Gordon Brown in London, Saturday, July 26, 2008.   (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
U.S. Democratic presidential contender Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., left, and French President Nicolas Sarkozy.
U.S. Democratic presidential contender Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., left, and French President Nicolas Sarkozy.   (AP Photo/Remy de la Mauviniere)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Be the first to comment on this story.

More Newser Stories

Detroit Bust Would've Been Better Than Bailout

How Much Did Obama Really Add to Deficit?

Most Popular National Politician Today Is ...

Speech Was Obama's 'Mission Accomplished'

Obama Doctrine? He Just Borrowed Bush's


NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne