Why did Obama leave NY without meeting any international leaders?

[Shanti Mama]

Edit: since I'm being blasted for asking for others' insight, let me explain.
I support Obama. I love him, most of the time.
He is the first in many, many years to not take advantage of this opportunity. Including previous presidents.
He had an opportunity to meet the new Egyptian president for the first time.
People on DU are sometimes very smart and might have been able to shed some light on his decision, provide ideas that I haven't thought of.
Instead most of you are being jerks.
Sorry I'm human.


Seems he should have used this opportunity. He has never met several of these key leaders and seems to have blown a significant foreign policy opportunity.

His spokesman says his calendar is busy. The only thing on the official calendar is a campaign appearance.

Any ideas to help me feel more comfortable about his decision?

[Smilo]

1. He is practicing diplomacy - if he met with one,

he would have to meet with them all and that would take a great deal of time.

He does have a very busy schedule and knew that he would not be able to meet with everyone who wanted to meet with him. So best not to "snub" some for the sake of meeting with a limited few.

[brush]

76. Smart

Great insightful answer, Smilo. Nothing else needs to be said.

[NYC_SKP]

2. No. No ideas to help you feel better.

I'm sorry about your discomfort with our black muslin usurper socialist president.

[houstonguy34]

6. NYC_SKP??

You dont have to name call just because someone doesnt worship the President.. Its actualy ok to disagree with him and still be a Dem

[kestrel91316]

13. Do you not understand sarcasm??

[mimi85]

27. I totally agree with you ....

I just pulled out my well-worn pocket constitution that I keep in my purse and re-read the 1st Amendment and yep, it's still about freedom of speech. I like to read it when I'm waiting in some doctor's office (where I've spent far too much time the last few years) and the ever present TV is invariably turned to Fox - I've gotten some very asshat reactions. I figure I can read anything I want while waiting. It's not like I'm sitting there with the Little Red Book from China, though so what if I did?

I frequent The Obama Diary as well as other forums unrelated to politics in addition to the DU and got chewed out once because I posted about some creepy racist asshole that was following me around on Twitter. I was told that bad news just isn't allowed on there. Ok, I dealt with it, but found it a bit weird. I actually thought I was doing all a favor by warning the group about this prick stalking me. Beyond PBO worship is pretty much the order of the day on that forum, so I deal with it - it's not MY forum and I don't make "the rules" - I'm still a daily reader however don't I post much at all anymore.

I sure can remember some extremely critical posts on here over the years about PBO - no obvious name calling, but definite criticism, be it about Gitmo still being open or "clean coal" and a host of other subjects and no one got jumped on about it. I truly adore the Prez and his wonderful family, however policy issues like the continuing "War on Drugs" bug the shit out of me.

It's a worn out cliche which usually means there is some truth to it, but we're all in this together. Our neighbors on one side are super nice people who have helped me out and been beyond kind while I've been horribly ill, yet they have Nobama stickers on their truck along with those idiotic "Not of this World" decals. It's their right, just as I can have an Obama yard sign in our front lawn.

Haha, btw, I remember making a blouse out of "muslin" back in my flower child days. Off to spend some time with my husband....enjoy the rest of your evening.

[progressivebydesign]

57. I'm tired of the "don't worship the president" meme that's been rampant this week.

Is this a concerted effort? because it's popping up all over.

NO ONE HERE WORSHIPS THE PRESIDENT. okay. geez. We respect him, we like him, we like the job he's been doing.

[KurtNYC]

4. He's 38 days away from an election.

Who are you so concerned that he didn't meet with?

[aaaaaa5a]

5. Easy!

The election is going his way and he knows it. He wants to make as little news as possible over the next 6 weeks until election day.

This is like a boxing match. Obama leads on points. His goal it just to stay upright for the last few rounds and not get knocked out.


There was no need to even risk a meeting with an international leader that could have rocked the boat off of its current winning path.

[Amonester]

8. Voila.

And he has debates to prepare for.

[Incitatus]

56. What could he discuss with them in person that a video conference or phone call wouldn't suffice?

Republicans have shown that they would criticize him no matter what. If he met with person X they would say why and why not person Y, Z instead. There is no winning position.

[alcibiades_mystery]

7. Wowie!

You got up to 600 posts! Impressive. Your dumbass colleague houstonguy is flaming out already!

[Shanti Mama]

20. Why do you have to be mean when someone is trying to learn?

I love DU because people post interesting info. I did not see any discussion of this and wanted to see if any of the SMART people have info/insights that would help.

Forget it.

[alcibiades_mystery]

23. Oh please

You're not fooling anyone.

It is funny that you feel the need to troll, though. Confident people don't troll. You're losing and you know it.

[Shanti Mama]

31. I'm not trolling. I reported the person whose post was removed.

I think if you look at my posts you'll see that I am thoughtful and considerate, and dislike name calling. I have been on DU since the early 2000s though I was booted off early on for asking what FR stood for. I petitioned to be reinstated after a few months and rejoined.

I feel accosted almost every time I post a question or thought on DU. Please relax and back off.

[gateley]

38. I am always dismayed when DUers jump on someone who is asking a question. And

I think the OP's question is legit. I'd be interested to know the reasoning, too, if only to get a better understanding of the politics involved.

People DO have legitimate concerns, you know. Why can't you be more trusting of a fellow DUer? We're all on the same side.

[Shanti Mama]

64. THANK YOU!

[mahina]

69. Read you. When I read questions that repeat what's being dished out on Fox, my bs meter

goes off.

He didn't meet individual leaders because he didn't have meetings planned. He didn't have meetings planned because he's the President of the United States and he's fucking busy. I agree with prior posters too that it's not so simple. It's not like driving through your Aunt's neighborhood and not stopping by for coffee. Unless maybe he should plan on 192 one on one meeting to satisfy all critics. As if that would do it.

I don't see any attacks. I don't mean to be harsh and I'm not judging the Op, but responding truthfully to the content.

Re hurt feelings, I remind myself daily: suck it up, buttercup! There's no crying in baseball.

[alcibiades_mystery]

74. OP's

a fucking troll. Dismay away.

[Politicub]

9. Maybe Ann Romney will cradle you in her arms to make you comfortable

Wouldn't that be nice and... comforting.

[Shanti Mama]

12. Not cool. I'm trying to understand. I love and support Obama

Obama is being criticized in the news and I count on DU to help me see other perspectives.
Jeez, give people a break!

[Politicub]

18. I love and support you, too, Shanti Mama. That's why I'm offering a suggestion

to help you feel more comfortable.

Good luck in your quest!

[Shanti Mama]

21. Gee, thanks, Politicub.

You're so kind. I really appreciate your sincerity.
Why can't you just be helpful?

[Politicub]

24. Who would you have liked him to meet?

[Shanti Mama]

32. The new president of Egypt, for one.

Ask Clinton. He met with folks at the convening of the UN even when he was running for reelection. Or at least that's my understanding of the situation.

[lefairhill06]

42. What Would They Talk About --

Mr. Morsi and several of the other new 'Arab-Spring' leaders are still in the process of forming governments, establishing constitutions, and so forth; just a cordial handshake with or without interpreters would satisfy no-one -- and, not really sarcastically, it's not as if they're going out for a beer....To meet Egypt's President or any of the other new ones as "equal" leaders will not occur without preparation, and anything less is simply a photo-op, and would promptly be called such by the GOP.

[JDPriestly]

68. I posted below that I think he gave two speeches, one that focused a lot on free speech

and another on human trafficking especially sex trafficking. (At least that is what he said he would do.)

He may have met with people and not announced it to the press.

But, more likely, he did not want to meet with diplomats at the UN because (a) his meeting with this one or that would have been cause for a lot of conjecture and "why didn't he also meet with . . . ." when his time was limited no matter what and (b) he may have had other very important things to do. Finally, if he had, let's say met with Israeli representatives but not with those from other Middle Eastern countries, then that would have been affront to someone. It may have been decided that the best thing to do was to save the diplomatic meetings until after the election.

Obama's speech in the morning that focused on free speech, tolerance and separation of church and state was, in my opinion, excellent. To have done a lot of chatting with visitors would have detracted from the very, very important content of that speech.

It was such a strong speech, so well stated. What more did he need to do or say? In my opinion, nothing. That speech answered all the little petty complaints that Obama would have heard had he say met with the leaders of Egypt or other countries.

[skeewee08]

10. Wow there sure seems to be a lot of trolls lately

That's right it's election year

[gateley]

40. Do you know the OP is a troll?

[NRaleighLiberal]

11. Are you really, really, really worried about this?

[Shanti Mama]

15. No, I'm not!

Why are people so mean?

Obama is being criticized. I want to understand if any of the smart people here can shed some light on this.

[kestrel91316]

14. Thank you for your concern.

[phleshdef]

16. Maybe he just didn't fucking feel like it.

Who gives a flying shit? He showed up and gave a stellar speech and then went on about his business. I'm sick of everyone second guessing our guy on every little thing. I'm sure he knows how to prioritize his life and his job just fine without your god damn help.

[Justitia]

53. +1

[procon]

17. The foreign leaders were here for the UN conference

This wasn't a state visit. Like Obama, they had official meetings at the UN, not the US.

[Shanti Mama]

33. ALL US leaders have used the UN convening as an opportunity to meet

I'm not talking about photo ops. I'm talking about substantive meetings.
The situation in the Middle East is EXTREMELY serious situation.

I'm only trying to understand. Why do people immediately jump to such mean-spirited comments?

[JTFrog]

80. You aren't only trying to understand tho.

You are trying to insist that he's done something wrong.

That's why folks aren't being the nicey nice you want.

[Tx4obama]

19. The Right-Wing are the ones that started the BS talking point bout Obama not having private meetings

at the U.N.

President Obama is THE PRESIDENT and it is up to HIM when and where he wishes to meet with anyone.

President Obama is in contact 'on the phone' with all the major players,

and we don't need him to be pushed around by the Republicans by them telling him who he must meet with.

I heard Wolf Blitzer today saying that President Obama screwed up by not taking the opportunity to have photo OPs with the other world leaders - that he should have done that so that he would look more presidential.

BULLSHIT. President Obama does need to do photo ops to 'look presidential' - he IS the PRESIDENT and he LOOKS PRESIDENTIAL every day

I think President Obama did it the right way today. He gave his speech to the United Nations and then went on his merry way.

The talking heads should focus on what he said in his speech - not on photo ops.

[davidpdx]

72. Coming from Wolf "I eat from the Republican bowl" Blitzer

I'm not surprised.

[brush]

77. Agreed

You are spot on, Tx4obama. Wolf Blitzer makes inane comments too often for him to be taken seriously ("President Obama screwed up by not taking the opportunity to have photo OPs with the other world leaders - that he should have done that so that he would look more presidential.&quot

Ridiculous!

He's speaking at the UN with his speech being covered by worldwide media. Now that's presidential.

Romney on the other hand is somewhere out in the hinterlands continuing his gaffe-a-minute marathon, definitely not presidential.

[Indpndnt]

22. Meet with one, must meet with all even remotely related to that one.

Otherwise, they get upset. Do you give only a few kids out of dozens a gift at Christmas (or whatever holiday is celebrated), while knowing the others are aware of this? Sure would look like playing favorites.

Besides, the President is in contact with them all the time.

[Tarheel_Dem]

25. Why would this "concern" you? This was not a state visit. You know the diff, right?

[dkf]

29. He has met with numerous leaders in previous years.

CNN said its virtually unprecedented for the US President to speak yet meet with no one.

[Tarheel_Dem]

48. Oh well, that's it then, "CNN said".......

[dkf]

49. Well I can only tell you what they reported since I don't have the data myself.

They showed pics of the leaders he met in past years.

[Tarheel_Dem]

51. It's over. Let's pack it in. Could you get the lights on your way out?

[Walk away]

26. I hate reading this troll crap! What is the deal here?

Aren't there rules about this?

[gateley]

39. Are you insinuating the OP is a troll?

[Walk away]

75. No. Only that they post like one.

[dkf]

28. I wonder if he is avoiding Netanyahu who is pushing for action or support on Iran.

David Gergen and Fareed Zakaria both said he made a mistake in not meeting the Egyptian President face to face and that could come back to haunt us. Speaking through translators over the phone is no way to build the rapport that we need with all these leaders especially in times of turmoil.

So the CNN commentators don't understand and neither do I. I refuse to believe its just about campaigning. He is more serious than that so I give him the benefit of the doubt.

[Historic NY]

30. Formal Introductions are concluded in with the aides and in

person usually at the WH. The POTUS will accept him according to protocol.

[Shanti Mama]

34. Thanks to those of you who wrote constructive comments.

It seems the word "comfortable" isn't OK to use here at DU. Nor is asking for insight from fellow members.

It's nice that a few smart, considerate folks replied without being rude.

[Thrill]

35. Meet for what? It would only be a photo op

If I'm President Obama in the middle of an election after what just happened. Why would I want a Photo Op with the Egyptian President. There was no missed opportunity here.

[gateley]

36. When he does something I don't understand (like this) we invariably eventually learn the

reasoning. It looks so black and white to us out here, but I trust they have very good reasons for their decisions and understand any implications far better than we do.

[Nancy Waterman]

37. I was wondering the same thing

I think it is a legitimate question. I agree with some of the above posters: I think he didn't want to meet with a few and then have the others feel dissed in some way. I also have heard that he talks to many of them frequently on the phone, including Morsi and Netanyahu, so it isn't as if he is snubbing them. I also think he is already doing two jobs - campaigning and being president. This is just another thing for the right to whine about with their endless carping.

And The View was taped yesterday.

[CreekDog]

83. sometimes you need to ask if the thing you are thinking is actually true

downthread, for example, posters point out, with links, that Obama did in fact meet with some leaders.

just because a reporter or pundit says it, and just because it sounds like a good question doesn't mean it is a good question.

in this case, it's not even a factual question.

[nycbiscuit]

41. but he DID meet with leaders

http://www.politico.com/politico44/2012/09/obama-meets-briefly-with-yemeni-president-un-chief-136637.html

President Barack Obama, who's under fire from Republicans and some in the press for failing to schedule the usual leader-to-leader meetings during his United Nations visit this week, did meet briefly on Tuesday with the president of Yemen and the secretary-general of the United Nations, according to the White House.

[Cha]

43. Here's PBO is talking(with interpreter) with President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi

Yemen’s President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi talks to President Obama through an interpreter on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly, September 25

Pic found at..
http://theobamadiary.com/

Random shots at UN via theobamadiary..





Edit: pesky syntax

[smorkingapple]

44. He doesn't need to rub nipples as President

I'm glad we finally have someone who leads without having to suck up to people. Whether it's donors, members of Congress, or foreign leaders.

[CitizenPatriot]

45. the best answer here is that you shouldn't bother

with Right wing talking points. The President is involved in very complex relationships with many of the leaders referred to and he is sending Netanhayu a message, as well as the Egyptian leader. You should read Juan Cole if you want input on how Obama has been playing this - but as usual, Obama is smart. He had to force Egypt to condemn the violence against americans and he is teaching Netanyahu just who is boss of American foreign policy (and that would be Obama, not Bibi). Republicans and many MSM are trying to force Obama into taking a "hard line" against Iran before the election because they know that Romney is losing, and Romney is their puppet for war.

So, considering all of that, Republican talking points ignore all of this and they will do anything to politicize anything they can to create "doubt" against the President. You can read up on each of their accusations, but eventually you will come to learn that they never amount to anything worth discussing esp when it comes to foreign policy where their only goal is war.

Good luck and the next time a Republican asks you why Obama didn't do this, tell them that his foreign policy has been proven a huge success, and ask why people without access to intelligence think they know more than he does.

[gateley]

46. I might have an answer!!!!!

I was just watching a clip of Rachel's show and she was showing an anti-Obama spot saying Obama is in league with the Muslim Brotherhood. This group is spending $7 MILLION to air spots lie these! Even if that wasn't the reason, it's probably good he didn't meet with the Egyptian Pres!

Here,s the clip -- the entire segment is outstanding, but the Egypt Muslim Brotherhood comes in around 5:00.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/101761492

[Tx4obama]

47. Here's a bit of TRUTH

I see in the OP up above it says: "... His spokesman says his calendar is busy. The only thing on the official calendar is a campaign appearance."

Well that can NOT be right.

Today, Tuesday, President Obama spoke at The United Nations, then later in the day President Obama spoke at The Clinton Global Initiative conference.

The President's speech at the Clinton Global Initiative conference was regarding putting an end to human trafficking. That was not a campaign event.


As far as his appearance on The View goes, that was 'taped' on Monday.

[Cha]

54. That's right, Duh! I saw that "campaign appearance"

and it didn't register until now!

http://theobamadiary.com/

[NYC Liberal]

50. What do *you* think the reason might be?

[Shanti Mama]

52. I'm so sick of nasty people.

I think he wanted to avoid any political mishaps. I'm looking for insight. I guess you don't have any.

[Tx4obama]

55. See comment #47

President Obama's schedule was full on Tuesday.

[speedoo]

59. There have been several constructive responses to your OP....

.....that you seem to be ignoring.

Makes me wonder if you are really interested in a discussion about this.

[Shanti Mama]

65. I guessed you missed my "Thank you to constructive responders" post

Why do DUers attack others just asking questions? It's true; I didn't jump to reply to the more considerate replies because I felt so attacked. And some felt less than kind.

Of COURSE I'm interested in a discussion. Do you need to immediately jump to the worst possible conclusion about my motives?

[Tx4obama]

67. Are you going to take anytime to reply to 'the constructive responders' or

only continue talking about the negative ones?

A lot of folks on this thread have taken the time to give you some answers and I do not see you replying to those folks.

I believe if you read 'all' the replies in this thread, then you'll see that you've gotten the answer to your original question up in the OP - several times over.

[Shanti Mama]

70. Is my thanking them not sufficient?

Do you think I should reply to each one individually, when I can barely bring myself to return to this because it's been so distorted.

[speedoo]

81. You seem to be having no trouble in coming back to complain.

So, no, a blanket thank you statement is not sufficient.

You say you want to engage in a discussion, so you should do so, and stop complaining.

[NYC Liberal]

60. I'm not trying to be snarky or anything.

I was just wondering what you thought about it since you posted the thread.

I think you might be right though. I wouldn't say he's playing it safe and not doing or saying anything. But I think he's avoiding doing anything that could be used to take the heat off Romney.

From SNL last weekend:

President Obama, what are you doing? Your poll numbers are looking great. Your opponent is in flames. I haven’t heard Joe Biden’s name in months, which is great. Then you come out and say, ‘Hey, I can’t change Washington from the inside.’ I’m not saying what you said isn’t true. I’m saying, why are you saying anything during this Romney tailspin?

I mean, let’s review. On Monday, a secret tape is released in which Romney insults half of the country. And then that same day he stands by those remarks. On Wednesday, he does a town hall for Hispanics in brown face. Then on Friday, Paul Ryan gets booed by the AARP. And then, instead of just enjoying it, you go, ‘Hey everybody! Remember my campaign slogan? Yeah, I can’t do that.’ Don’t make this hard on yourself. You’re like the criminal who gets away with murder and then starts sending the cops puzzles to figure it out.

[progressivebydesign]

58. I think his decision not to meet with the new Prez of Egypt was a good decision.

America is still trying to decide how things over there are going to shake out... and frankly, it's not as if a bunch of people on a comment board have ANY insight as to how diplomacy works.

We have no idea of the undercurrents or what else is going on. Not something i'm worried about. But that is a right wing meme.. that started with that POS Adelman and Netanyahu.

[Rhiannon12866]

61. Not according to the King of Jordan on The Daily Show tonight.

Well, it's awfully close to the election and the king suggested that many governments in the Middle East are still just forming, while the president already has a very full plate.

[Shanti Mama]

71. Thanks. This is interesting.

He was asked about this issue specifically?
On the other hand, he wouldn't want to criticize the POTUS on the best American TV show!

[agentS]

62. Maybe he'll talk to any of them (who request his attention) later this week?

I mean, it's not like he's in a cave all the time (Cheney) or playing golf and resting at Camp David (Bush II) all the damn time.
Heck, his house is on Google Maps! and so is the phone number! Those leaders can reach him any time this week.

Maybe the President wanted to see his kids? That would be my guess.

[Agnosticsherbet]

63. Meeting with international leaders requires time, preparation, advanced negotiations.

Each side must set up their agenda.

It isn't like stepping across the street to have a cookie with your neighbor.

Initial meetings are handled by low level bureaucrats and appointees such as UN Ambassador Susan Rice or Secretary of State Clinton. Most of these national leaders have very busy schedules and fly in for a short time for a specific purpose and then leave.

Obama has better things to do than serve as a door greeter at the UN and should not place himself at the disposal of national leaders visiting the UN to give speeches.

Presidents do not casually make themselves available to every foreign leader that visits the UN just to say hello. They talk when it is necessary or when State visits have been arranged well ahead of schedule.

Obama, himself, like other national leaders, showed up to give his speech and then left.

For instance, Nakita Khrushchev visited the UN for several days in 1960, where he famously pounded his shoe on the desk. Eisenhower did not see fit to sit down at the time for Vodka and scones. He did meet Khrushchev for several days in 1959 during a well planned and arranged state visit.

The tempest in a Teapot that has been raised by the right because "Oh my God, Obama did not visit leaders at the UN" is a pointless Tizzy. Our Presidents have never met every foreign leader at the UN, and President Obama is no different.

[JDPriestly]

66. He gave two speeches and is attending to other serious matters.

That's my opinion.

[davidpdx]

73. I don't understand why people have the need to be so fucking nasty

Yes, maybe the person has a low post count. It is possible the person joined recently.

The person was asking a legitimate question and didn't know the answer.

I'm not calling out one specific individual because there were quite a few that made rude comments.

[valerief]

78. thank you for your concern

[peace13]

79. I have an important observation.

The 'news' said that this is the first time in 20 YEARS that a president has not scheduled private meetings during this event. I find it hard to believe that * met with anyone in his reign of terror. The pictures that came out of these meetings during that time showed a seemingly inebriated * with leaders actually ignoring him. The US was the butt of jokes across the globe. Frankly if the * administration had asked me I would have told them to keep the little guy at home.


If Obama is not meeting with people there is a reason. We are not privy to what it is.

[Tx4obama]

82. I think the reason is obvious

President Obama gave his speech at the U.N. - then he had to leave in order to go give a speech at the Clinton Global Initiative conference.

President Obama had a full schedule Tuesday - his dance card was already full 'before' the right-wing started spewing their fake outrage regarding Obama not wanting to change his plans at the last minute to meet with 'other leaders' who by the way requested a private meeting at the last minute.

Btw, The Clinton Global Initiative speech was something that President Obama could NOT cancel. The speaking engagement was one that he had agreed to months in advance and also Mitt Romney spoke there earlier in the day. President Obama has given a speech at the CGI for the past several years - so this is not something that he decided to do at the last minute in order to have an excuse not to meet with leaders that attended the U.N.