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April 8, 2009

While you were gone – evaluating Obama's trip

Posted: 07:30 AM ET

Political Correspondent Richard Lui

Eight days have come and gone, and now President Obama is back home.

So, much like when we finish a business trip, we start looking through our business cards, filling out expense sheets, and meeting with the home team to see what happened while we were gone … so President Obama must do the same now to determine how productive the trip was. He hasn’t asked for our opinions yet, but let’s give it a go.

The expectations were higher on some issues, lower on others. When it comes to the G-20 and coordinating economic strategy on a global scale, expectations were high. With the major economies of the U.S., Japan, China, and in the EU waning, people and politicians wanted action.

On the flipside, there was criticism of the U.S. and its possible role in the global recession. Did President Obama balance these perspectives on the world stage?

Then there was the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, which the U.S. helped form in 1949 after World War II. President Obama met with the 60 year-old organization to try to get support for his administration’s push in Afghanistan. Do you think Obama was able to form a coalition of the willing on that issue?

Add in an unannounced stop to Iraq to visit the troops and meet with leaders there, Obama-mania at many stops, and his statements of how he would like the U.S. to be perceived globally. So what do you think of his first overseas trip? Did he make the contacts the U.S. needs? Was it worth the time spent - given what is happening at home?

Blog your thoughts, and we may show them on TV.

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Tom   April 8th, 2009 7:38 am ET

He was AN EMBARASSMENT!!!! Please pass the following to him:
obama, we are sorry we, the people that elected you, are such an embarassment and disappointment for YOU. We in no way wish to force you to be in such an uncomfortable position. Feel free to submit your resignation - the sooner, the better. Thank you

jack4436   April 8th, 2009 7:40 am ET

I think Obama's visit was a resounding success, showing the world that the US does not want to pick fights like the past administration conveyed. I believe real peace and economic repair can be achieved by initiating constructive dialogue before flexing muscles.

tonya crouterfield   April 8th, 2009 7:41 am ET

I think Obama's trip to visit troops is a joke. It impresses only those who are ignorant to the fact that while he smiles and shakes hands with the military, he's signing off on numerous budget cuts that directly impact their already substandard quality of life. When the bonuses stop coming, when the budget doesn't allow for needed improvements to everything from military housing to better weaponry, those swayed by a smile and manipulative rhetoric will realize his 'appreciation' was only skin deep.

Luke Rhyner   April 8th, 2009 7:55 am ET

good morning Robin
you did my salue this AM with no mention of my brothers Air Force Cross. this is such a huge deal, even bigger than his purple heart. please mention this in the next salute. Thanks

Debbie   April 8th, 2009 8:22 am ET

I think finally we have a President that tells the truth and most people don't care for the truth. Sad to say but it is true. It took a long time for our ex President Bush to get us into this shape so they need to give him time before they start in on how bad he has done.We back him 100% Thanks for listening to me,,Debbie

Jennifer   April 8th, 2009 8:38 am ET

President Obama done a great job restoring the image of America and rebuilding relations with foreign countries. Naturally, nothing happens immediately, but at least he has started the groundwork for it to begin. I would like to commend President Obama on a job well done!

Travis   April 8th, 2009 8:42 am ET

I think people are tired of Obama acting like a rock star. Flying all over the world, appearing on talk show's ect... If he wants to do something for the troops, how about getting all the "stop-losses" stopped.

Alan   April 8th, 2009 8:46 am ET

I think president did a great job on his overseas trip.Bush has gotten this country in a mess that is going to take a long time to get over.People need to give him more time.

youa   April 8th, 2009 8:48 am ET

President Obama is sending troops to Afganistan to fight the war there. THAT IS HIS WAR.THAT is where he should have visited first, to show his support to the Afgans and the new troops being deployed. He was very implicit Iraq was not his war, he could have sent Hillary.

John Jones   April 8th, 2009 10:06 am ET

There is no such thing as a surprise visit. There had to be security issues to deal with. However my question is how much did it cost the tax payers for the separate trip home for Mischelle?

Christina   April 8th, 2009 10:31 am ET

How dare he tell people that we do not consider ourselves a Christian Nation. This County was built on Christian values. I could go on for hours as I am disgusted but the bottom line is....Obama is the worst thing to ever happen to the United States.

Tony M. Fierro   April 8th, 2009 10:32 am ET

Mr. Obama should be more concerned about what is happening in the United States more so than showboating across the country. There is no more arrogance than what is being said by Mr. Obama and his entire staff.

Tom Deschaine   April 8th, 2009 10:32 am ET

18 months ago the President was criicizing the troop surge and its immenent failure. What did he say when he was with the troops last? I have lost my trust in Washington, their credibiliy is an illusion. What this country need is honesty, "The TRUTH". Unfortunately the political parties give us their truths, not facts. The perfect examples are Ms. Pelosi and Mr. Reed.

William   April 8th, 2009 10:57 am ET

Embarassment?! What is that guy talking about? Explain yourself sir!
Obama was obviously a hit in Europe, more than we can say for Bush. At least now we have some respect in the international community. Obama did a great job.

Glenn   April 8th, 2009 11:00 am ET

I am upset that President Obama felt the need bash and criticize America to the French. I have been a public servant as a Firefighter/Paramedic for 26 years and I am Proud to be an American. I wish our president was just as proud to be an American!

Vicki Lamm   April 15th, 2009 8:23 am ET

Maybe when the entire world is cheering for our president–we might want to step back and find out why they love him! Could it be they love to hear him criticize the most prosperous nation in the world? Funny how when they're in trouble–they're not talking smack about us then are they? I want a president who is not afraid to stand up for his country–no matter if the world is against him (or us)! And let it be said–Bush may have had his Iraq, but Obama is going to have his Afghanistan! My how things change when you're actually the one who has to make the decisions

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