March 10, 2008
Posted: 06:30 PM ET
 McCain will head abroad next week.
McCain will head abroad next week.

(CNN) — John McCain will lead a congressional delegation to Europe and the Middle East next week, his Senate office announced Monday.

McCain will visit Jerusalem, London, and Paris next Tuesday through Friday. He will be joined by South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham, a longtime supporter of the Arizona senator's presidential bid, and Independent Sen. Joe Lieberman.

Lieberman, a former Democrat, endorsed McCain late last year.

Filed under: John McCain


Don, San Francisco   March 10th, 2008 7:09 pm ET

Too bad the Democratic candidate doesn't have the same luxury. McCain is out shoring up his foreign policy credentials while Clinton and Obama continue boxing each other. McCain is getting himself ready for November while the Democrats are slugging it out for mid-April.

Jacob   March 10th, 2008 7:11 pm ET

Libermans policies are dangerous considering he was Al Gores running mate in 2000. I wouldn't be surprised if he loses his seat next election cycle.

OBAMA 08   March 10th, 2008 7:12 pm ET

HE SHOULD CHECK WITH HIS DOCTOR ABOUT THAT REPEAT THE PHRASE AND SENTENCE THING. HE MIGHT MAKE DOUBLE OR TRIPLE THE PROMISES. AND LIEBERMAN IS OF NO HELP. HE CAN'T EVEN REMEMBER WHAT PARTY HE BELONGS TO.

Weiss   March 10th, 2008 7:17 pm ET

So McCain will be going on vacation while the rest of the country is experiencing so many problems… Very nice!

Grif   March 10th, 2008 7:18 pm ET

Yessere.. Visit, where you can do the most productive good… Survey what you will have to sort come Spring 2009…

One man and his Moe, went to Moe a meadow. Well almost!

Young Rep   March 10th, 2008 7:19 pm ET

I wish more people who right on these blogs would do there own research instead of mouthing out what they hear. I hope McCain's choice for VP is J.C. Watts… It's good to hear that McCain is traveling to these countries and hopefully the people outside of America will get to know him unluck many Americans who choose not to look up what he has done while he has been in Washington… The last thing that I have to say is I hope Clinton and Obama would stop acting like kids and talk about issues. Not just two or three but a wide range of issues. yes, i'm already done my research on both of them. All i got to say is Obama's foreign policy is not very good. Very naive to say the least,… and yes i've actually have live outside of this country so I do have a good sense of what it's like outside of our great country. People stop acting like America is going down the drains… if you feel that way go visit other countries where people are not so lucky to have what we got… Feel blessed to live here!!!!

ed   March 10th, 2008 7:24 pm ET

I wish these Washington politicians would quit advertising[ for there benefit] that they are going to visit the middle east. The higher the ego of said politicos the more the countries kill or blow up american troops just to show they can and will control the tenior of such visit. Just about every time the show offs try to impress there egos more american lifes are lost . Mccain latest venture was publicized so the terrorists showed who really is in charge. The press is so good at keeping score of ballots etc why don'tyou keep track of the above statistics on the show off visits. 5 killed yesterday, each time they brag how much they are in control the host country shows what can happen if they really want to.

Polly   March 10th, 2008 7:27 pm ET

I hope he can take all the traveling…..at his age.

Christi in Canada   March 10th, 2008 7:29 pm ET

He can fly around the world - it doesn't matter. He called America the "last great hope for the world" - he is a fear monger and war monger. If he is elected, his finger will be poised scarily above the button. Mushroom clouds anyone?

Rohit   March 10th, 2008 7:33 pm ET

McSame should try to learn a thing or two about economy and get some fund-raising going rather than focusing on national security credentials. He is already strong on that.

spirit of america   March 10th, 2008 7:37 pm ET

At this critical time in the 60-year struggle of the Palestinian people for justice and peace and statehood, it is vitally important that anyone who aspires to be the US President visit the Occupied Territories and make an unequivocal call to end the occupation in Palestine and end the war in Iraq. Anything less is just more of McSame as Bush, a national and international tragedy.

SAP   March 10th, 2008 7:47 pm ET

See ya!!!

Brenda Waters   March 10th, 2008 7:56 pm ET

While Senator Clinton is determined to be her usual divisive self to promote her own ambitions, and sets out to destroy Senator Obama and the Democratic Party, the Republican Nominee is let loose to build up his President-elect credentials..

WAKE UP DEMOCRATS - LOSE CLINTON, SHE IS A LOOSE CANON. FOR THE FUTURE OF THE PARTY - she just a self-serving, overly ambitious, arrogant, and ruthless woman - certainly NO STATESPERSON.

Senator is a borne STATESMAN, with vision, judgement, intelligence and…humility, like all the great Statesmen.

Brenda Elizabeth Cowley Waters

joanna   March 10th, 2008 8:10 pm ET

If not Clinton then MacCain! He has what it takes to be president of the USA. But if you do not care about this most important political office , then vote for a greenhorn whose only experience has been as a neighborhood organizer and a neophite senator. Barely enough experience for a first grade teacher. Is the White House big enough for his oversized ego? Where will he go after that? Political office in Africa?

Chris, Middletown, CT   March 10th, 2008 8:17 pm ET

He so has to be hoping that Hillary can manipulate people to vote for her….because…thats the only way he will be president….against Obama - he doesn't have a shot…against Hillary….he wins by 5%

Grif   March 10th, 2008 8:20 pm ET

Yes John I guess its all yours for the asking,.

If Borack Obama really wants to be no 1/ on the Democrats side.

I guess he will be after your Elected…. No1/ down the Toilet..

Still better than in his Pant's………….

Erik   March 10th, 2008 8:24 pm ET

Senator McCain presents as disagreeable and quavery. He does not inspire confidence.

Arizona Goes Blue in '08   March 10th, 2008 8:25 pm ET

It's pretty obvious the travel-chatter on that plane will center around VP nominations. Watch for which "guest" comes back with the grumpier face and you'll know the GOP VP candidate.

On another note… it might behoove the "Straight-talk Express" to make stops in Afghanistan and Iraq so Mr. McCain can be slapped in the face with the REALITY of where the Iraq situation is currently. He'll need to be briefed on the CURRENT state of affairs if he has any hope of debating Iraq policy with any of the other presumptive nominees. Judging by the way he talks, I don't think anyone has given him updates since Saddam's initial capture.

Arizona Goes Blue in '08   March 10th, 2008 8:26 pm ET

It's pretty obvious the travel-chatter on that plane will center around VP nominations. Watch for which guest comes back with the grumpier face and you'll know the GOP VP candidate.

On another note… it might behoove the "Straight-talk Express" to make stops in Afghanistan and Iraq so Mr. McCain can be slapped in the face with the REALITY of where the Iraq situation is currently. He'll need to be briefed on the CURRENT state of affairs if he has any hope of debating Iraq policy with any of the other presumptive nominees. Judging by the way he talks, I don't think anyone has given him updates since Saddam's initial capture.

Nat, Brooklyn, NY   March 10th, 2008 8:45 pm ET

Hey, Mr. McCain and Co. you have to stay in Congress and do your work the people of America want you to do. It is not a travel time!

Jay in Kansas   March 10th, 2008 8:47 pm ET

If there are any places he can be effective. Being linked with Joe Liberman takes most credibility out of his Republican credentials. The Middle Eastern governments are already abuzz with the Anti-Isreali rhetoric.

France however has become much more conservative. While Spain's socialist party is ready to make bold initiatives in the opposite direction.

I just hope McCain is flexible to truly deal with the challenges in this truly new world.

Jack from California   March 10th, 2008 8:56 pm ET

John - Why don't you stay there!

Gary   March 10th, 2008 8:57 pm ET

Nice. Running for president and still has time to do his Hill duties.

Suck on that democrats.

Black Man in Dixie   March 10th, 2008 8:59 pm ET

Wow, this is definantly going to be one EXPENSIVE photo op so all these folks can say they did it come election time.

NCLaw441   March 10th, 2008 9:04 pm ET

Hey, Nat, what do you think Clinton and Obama have been doing for the past several months, and are doing to this day? They are also in the Senate.

Val in PA   March 10th, 2008 9:11 pm ET

Well, he's been hanging out with his pal Crist lately. Crist looked really concerned about the "new" primary issue when I saw him on his field trip with McSame. I'm just glad I don't have to see Cindy's scary eyes for a while, yiiiiiikes!

Ralph Tindell   March 10th, 2008 9:12 pm ET

The Clinton campaign's suggestion is both clever and extremely cynical, more of an attempt to weaken Obama's campaign than a serious suggestion (as commentators have already indicated).

I have long been an admirer of Bill Clinton and also of Hilary. But this campaign has shown a side of the former president and first lady that has diminished my enthusiasm.

My most fervent wish is to see a Democratic president after the next election. And I believe Obama is the best hope for that outcome.

Bell, C .   March 10th, 2008 9:15 pm ET

Very Pathetic.

It's either these politicians think Americans are the dummiest species on earth or they don't give a fly about insulting people's intelligence!
Which mosquitoe has bitten McShame? Where has he been for the past decade in the senate? What makes him believe that one of his visits can fix the middle east problems? Maybe he is going there to check which one of this countries he will push the red button on first !!! This is completely loco! when you think they criticizing Obama for thinking of reaching out to other troublesome countries!

Politics stinks and sucks!

james   March 10th, 2008 9:22 pm ET

McCain should take a walk down the street and ask people what they really think about America and his imperialistic policies. I'd be a slap in the face, but nope he's going to talk to rich politicians who have to hold their nose and tell him everything is peachy. No one outside is small sphere of influence care for what he stands for and as for Lieberman the comes across as selfish and hypocritical.

Brian, Austin TX   March 10th, 2008 9:31 pm ET

This guy is a good man in all. He is not like George W. Bush. His policy's are just too much like the failed old one's of yesterday. If Gore had lost to a Republican in 2000 I would have rather it been McCain. Now is not his or the republicans time.

VOTE BARACK OBAMA 2008!!!

Mary   March 10th, 2008 9:32 pm ET

McCain should worry about his election not his frequent miles card

sandy   March 10th, 2008 9:34 pm ET

Oh great, he can go overseas and make nice with the other big guys, then he can "sneak" into Iraq because it's not a safe place to be, and then he can come back here and tell us that "everything is hunky dorey " over there. God forbid if this man becomes President.

Bill, Covington,LA   March 10th, 2008 9:38 pm ET

On a daily basis I hear the citizens want "change" they do not define the change they would like, just "change" How sad.

I am of an age advanced enough to be able to remember when the people of Germany wanted change. Just like with Obana there was a great speaker, people bowed down, people fainted, people screamed and jumped up and down, just like with the Obama rallys, they never inquired as to " just what kind of change do you propose sir?" Then one day he became their leader, We know what Hitler gave them, have you asked what Obama has in mind for you? Do you care as long as you have "change"? What administration do you wish to imulate, Stalin, Hitler, Castro, Mao, Hugo Chavez? To quote General Honore " Don't get stuck on stupid."

Anonymous   March 10th, 2008 9:38 pm ET

He's going to wear himself out huh? After all that Obama's still going to trash this guy…simple as that!

Mike   March 10th, 2008 9:44 pm ET

What an august, "bi-partisan" delegation. What are their specific objectives? Are they acting on the behalf of the Bush administration?How are they serving the American people? I smell a political stunt designed for favorable coverage by a compliant press.

Joe Black   March 10th, 2008 10:02 pm ET

Meanwhile, on the other side of the ticket, John McCain quietly plods along, doing his job, without attracting a lot of attention or heat.

Maybe this is the guy we need right now. Not a polarizer like Hillary, or even a decent and honest person like Obama who doesn't know how to handle Iraq.

John McCain is a decent and honest person. About time we elected a President based on these qualifications.

Someone wrote:

"On another note… it might behoove the "Straight-talk Express" to make stops in Afghanistan and Iraq so Mr. McCain can be slapped in the face with the REALITY of where the Iraq situation is currently"

Hmmm.. John McCain has a SON in Iraq. I think he knows about the reality of the situation and the reality of war, all too well - both firsthand and as a parent.

Like I said, maybe this is the guy we need. Do Hillary or Obama understand the realities of war? Obama will give up too soon, and Hillary will send countless thousands to their deaths without understanding what is going on.

FWIW.

Belle   March 10th, 2008 10:09 pm ET

Almost funny…the CNN analysis said McCain should look Presidential by going to foreign countries…and now he does….

Power of the Press 08. Let's let them run our country!

Jeff   March 10th, 2008 10:14 pm ET

This is merely an indication of where McCain's primary focus would be as president. The same place as the Bush administrations, albeit most likely with a smarter approach. This underscores the fact that McCain has been growing less Conservative and more Neoconservative (aka Ultraliberal) in the past decade.

Regardless, the comments about McCain getting a jump-start on building credentials are entirely true, while the lunatic ravings of Clinton supporters deluded into believing her 7 years of experience trump Obama's are still, as they've always been, entirely false.

My order of preference: Obama > McCain > That Green Party Guy > Clinton

Young Rep   March 10th, 2008 10:18 pm ET

Actually Arizona Goes Blue… McCain was one of the biggest supporters of the "surge" in Iraq. I would love to have our troops back home and I've had family serve in both war zones. I'm a realiest and I know what will happen in Iraq if we pull out to quickly. I would refer to Vietnam as an example of what could happen. I know people wish we never have gone into Iraq but that's the past. We seriously need to think about the future and what is the best thing for the future of not only our country but for our young soldiers… The thought of having to go back into the middle east is what makes me worried. Should have finished Saddam in the Gulf War and Clinton administration should have jumped at getting Osama but the past is the past… By the way I think it would be best of McCain waited till we all know who is the winner between Obama and Clinton.

Also, can any Obama supporter tell me how he is in the Congressional Black Caucus(CBC) and doesn't hold one leadership post? He's the only senator in the group…. and he's running for the President of the United States.

moderate   March 10th, 2008 10:25 pm ET

This is a smart move in many ways. It makes Clinton and Obama
look "small" for their constant bickering, it makes the democratic
party look petty for fighting over delegates, and it shows that McCain
can not only handle foreign policy but is very knowledgable about
the countries.
It doesn't matter to whom your vote will go; you have to admit McCain
is way ahead of the game while the Dems are still not settled
on a candidate.
McCain knows exactly what he is doing.

James, Houston, TX.   March 10th, 2008 10:27 pm ET

McCain traveling to the Mid-East; At Whose Expense? Oh, I suppose its from the same fund that pays for all of Laura Bush's Trips ! Tax Payer!

VOTER FOR TRUTH AND DIGNITY IN AMERICA   March 10th, 2008 10:33 pm ET

GO, John, Go. This will your ticket to win the Presidency
of the United States. While the Democrats, Hillary and Barrack
are out busting their butts, you will be on a plane. When you
arrive at your destination, you can show foreign countries just
how stupid you really are!

OBAMA for President, Never VP under a coniving liar, well
two coniving liars, Bill and Hillary.

John, NC   March 10th, 2008 10:41 pm ET

I am amused by the level of ineptitude by some of the above comments from my left leaning countrymen. Contrary to popular belief, the dominant issue in this election will be, as it should be, National Security. While Obama and Hillary blather on about phone calls at 3 a.m., their potential opponent continues to get stronger.

The answer to the 3 a.m. question is blindingly obvious…neither liberal candidate is qualified to be the next Commander in Chief on the grounds that they both are soft on terrorism and horribly inexperienced in matters of national defense and foreign policy.

Liberal America needs to wake up from your isolationist dreams and smell the coffee that is radical Islam.

Oh by the way…Christi in Canada…keep your nose out of our business…no one down here cares to comment about Canadian politics…so why don't you extend us the same courtesy…eh
maybe when Canada becomes relevant to anything other than maple syrup production we will listen to you

joe   March 10th, 2008 10:46 pm ET

DEMOCRATS FOR MCCAIN HERE IN FLORIDA IF OUR VOTES ARE NOT COUNTED….

DEMOCRATS FOR MCCAIN…THE MOST CENTER REPULICAN..HE

HAS WORKED WITH KENNEDY, LIEBERMAN…I WILL VOTE MCCAIN

OF THE ON THE JOB TRAINEE OBAMA

HILLARY 08 !!!!!!!!!!!

citizen3591   March 10th, 2008 10:47 pm ET

What's his agenda on this trip? He's not exactly in a position to make any commitments about future policy.

Rather than touring, he should really be brushing up on his Econ.

TerryD   March 10th, 2008 10:49 pm ET

John McCain try not to start another war while you are visiting the

Middle East and please watch your temper, a diplomat you are NOT.

Relax Joe   March 10th, 2008 10:50 pm ET

Liebermann is the one who basically being on the ticket with Al sank his shot at the US Presidency.

Janel, St. Paul, MN   March 10th, 2008 10:58 pm ET

Yes, thanks to Hillary, McCain can go off to make himself look good. . .while us voters pay for the bill.

McCain has no worries as Hillary continues to bring the Democratic nomination to the brink. . .costing time and money.

Congratulations, Senator McCain. You are the winner in this mess!

Charlotte   March 10th, 2008 11:19 pm ET

The tax payers get to pay for this trip, and he will use it in the election????????

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