I recall something now about overseas votes. If I recall correctly while Expats can votes there isn't an expat electoral block but they vote absentee. So campaigning to expats as block wouldn't be a good strategy as their votes will be diluted into the states there they come from. It looks like you are referring to primary delegates and not electors.
That's true... the Dem allocation of delegates was a quick way to demonstrate the numbers without doing much more Google work... but I'll go ahead... Looks like 3-7 million potential votes abroad for the general election and each one has to go through their home state.
You're not really comparing a private $100/plate fundraiser at the Economic club of Ontario to Obama's European and Mid East tour are you? His Columbian visit was much more public -- but again -- pales in comparison to the huge public speaking rallies you're seeing here. And you know this wasn't about expats. This was theatre for back home.
In Berlin, he wasn't talking for an administration... he went out of his way to make a non-controversial speech. But also, his is already a potential administration. Either he will be president of McCain will be president. That's why in the meetings with the leaders of Israel and Pakistan and Germany, etc. he probably does talk as if he will be President. That's the way politics works. You can like it or not, but it's not going to change. He's talking to folks about what he's going to do and he's trying to establish relationships so he can be successful. I don't think it is presumptuous. I think it's smart and calculating (in a good way) and serves the country well should he win in November. Hmmm. Now, which of these is usually not like the others? No, they don't have a vote, but they have a vote where they live... and international support is obviously key to what Obama wants to do in the Middle East and across the globe, so a bunch of people having a favorable impression of the American President makes it easier for the leadership of those countries to assist the US. The point I was trying to make earlier is that politics does not stop at the water's edge... for a president to be successful, they must also understand the world and the politics of the places we depend on or have an interest in. It's clear to me form this trip that Obama understands that as few have.
Excellent point. Except -- he's not the American President. Suppose he doesn't win. (i Know --- very doubtful) -- does his active promotion of his vision -- and himself as the presumtive president (which is -- understandibly -- somewhat critical of of the current regime, and by implication the McCain alternative) damaging?
How would it be damaging? The policies of the United States would be set by the winning McCain administration. Dems in Congress would oppose some of those policies. That we have a two party system is not a secret to other countries.
Is this presumptuous and arrogant? <object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/GAHcA0igE7w&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/GAHcA0igE7w&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>
Once again let me ask you if Hillary Clinton had done this or McCain what do you think the reaction would be? Its good that Obama is getting a better grasp of foreign affairs but that's not the same thing as having a campaign rally. I would also note that Obama isn't the president. He might be eventually but this is premature.
I wiser and richer man than I ever will be once give me some advice that I will never forget... ALWAYS ACT AND OPERATE AS THE POSITION YOU WANT TO BE IN…DON’T WAIT TO RECEIVE IT, BE PROACTIVE AND FUNCTION AS THAT POSITION WOULD REQUIRE…THAT SHOWS YOU CAN HANDLE THE POSITION. I cant argue with that man's logic nor his success
<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/jyC2mxT5gqU&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/jyC2mxT5gqU&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object> I guess McCain forgot he went to Mexico a few weeks ago.
