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

Obama at the UN: Eloquence Is Not Enough

The president may face tough questions on N. Korea, Iran, and climate change

By Nick McMaster,  Newser Staff

Posted Sep 18, 2009 5:53 PM CDT
Email

(Newser) – President Obama will get a respite from America’s rancorous political scene when he appears at the United Nations next week, but he may find international squabbles just as heated, Economist writes. An enthusiastic multilateralist, Obama is loved by leaders around the world. But topics like North Korea, Iran, and climate change could blow a little chill into their international love-fest.

Thus far, Obama's friendly geopolitical stance has failed to curb nuclear ambitions in North Korea and Iran, or overturn Iran's contested national elections. On climate change, the Democrats are unlikely to pass a cap-and-trade-bill before summit talks in Copenhagen. So once the world's smile has faded, Obama may have to explain why the US is unable to reduce its own carbon emissions.

President Barack Obama answers a reporter's question during his meeting with Canada's Prime Minister Stephen Harper, Not shown, Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2009.
President Barack Obama answers a reporter's question during his meeting with Canada's Prime Minister Stephen Harper, Not shown, Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2009.   (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)
President Barack Obama waves upon his arrival at the 911 Air Force Reserve Base in Coraopolis, Pa., Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2009,
President Barack Obama waves upon his arrival at the 911 Air Force Reserve Base in Coraopolis, Pa., Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2009,   (AP Photo/John Heller)
« 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
Showing 3 of 12 comments
Forderon
Sep 19, 2009 12:28 PM CDT
Ladydi, I don't know what you're looking at but there's no teleprompter in that speech. NovThird2010, the stimulus wasn't done solely to keep unemployment down, I hope you understand that. But anyway, job losses have been falling at a very steady rate since March when it bottomed out. Banks are lending again. The housing sector is recovering steadily. The automakers are recovering. The main point of the stimulus (only 15% has been spent so far) was to calm everyone down and keep everyone from losing complete confidence in the banks. That was a success. Now the rest of the recovery will come slowly. It took 5 years to get to the recession. You'd be crazy to think it won't take at least as long to get back out.
DontLikeYou___
Sep 19, 2009 12:06 PM CDT
Here is a preview of the Obama Speech ------------------ "I am wonderful. America sucks. Please like me. Are there any kings in the audience I can bow to? The end.
Shannonals
Sep 19, 2009 4:17 AM CDT
What is all the hype over using a teleprompter? i would rather a President use a teleprompter than bumble his way through a speech

 
climate change • Iran • Barack Obama • Congress • United Nations • global warming

More Newser Stories

The Climate Change Bill Is Awful—Now Pass It

Obama Vows to 'Engage Vigorously' in Climate Fight

Wow! Obama Saved Us from the Canadians!

Climate Summit 'Takes Note' of Obama Accord

Developing Nations Were In on 'Danish Text'
NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne