So Saint Barry can't take the time to shake hands with a few soldiers and thank them for their service - especially when his mere touching of them would cause their wounds to be immediately healed? He's worried that would look like a political photo-op? The whole trip was a photo op!

I suspect that Obama "loathes the military" as does Bill Clinton, and thinks it's purpose is not to fight for freedom but to save fat people who are too stupid to get out of the way of a category 5 hurricane. After all, Obama has been talking a lot about "ending the war" but never talks about "winning" it. That should tell you something…

McCrap is sure to try and make an issue out of this as well. McSenile needs to GET OFF MY LAWN!!!!

Who does this guy think he is? I'll tell him. He's so stuck on himself.
I guess he thinks his fake Presidential speech makes him President. Go away Obama!! You're a loser.

He can't look in their eyes and see their pain. He has no answer. He has no solutions.

What a complete sick joke his excuse is!

This coming from a man who has campaign posters put up
at the Wailing Wall.

AS always Obama lies.

He decided it is better publicity to have a speech (all he is good at) than visiting our troops!
The rock star type speeches are more important than visiting the troops!!!

Obama puts his campaign a head of this country just like he did before.

Obama lies.
Obama the deceit master.

To visit injured troops in germany is very appropriate.

To act like the American president giving a speech in germany is not.
He knows it. Saying what changes he wants in this world and who he wants to participate militarily and otherwise in world would normally come from a president, not a normal citizen ir candidate of another country.

This man has you know what!

In response to the lady who accuses Canadians of loving Obama, I must say that you are referring to members of the Canadian left only. We have had our bitter experience with socialism by electing Pierre Elliott Trudeua, a mistake that we're still paying for up to now.

Currently, we have a conservative government and prime minister (not a president as your oh-so-learned Obama thinks). As a result, we have a stable, common sensical, and peacful country.

Be warned: don't vote for Obama.

I can hardly wait

Proud Army and Navy mom you are an idiot. If that is who you trust with your children in a war zone I would hate to see who you hired as their babysitter years ago. We all know he went to Basara where there is no fighting and then on the the Green Zone. So in other words he didn't go to any of the smaller places where people are still getting killed daily. So from this horses mouth………..not everybody in the military loves or supports Obama.

I'd like to know how much time Obama had to spend there and did the generals etc want him to speak with the troops. There is always more than one side to a story. So it would be wise to find out why something happened instead of giving a one sided opinion about it. Think about it

These are Obama’s friends:

William Ayers (Anti-American Radical)

Larry Sinclair (Homosexual Drug Addict)

Jeremiah Wright (White-Hating “Reverend”)

Tony Reszco (Chicago Slum Land-Lord)

Louis Farrakhan (Muslim Fanatic)

What else needs to be said?

Anybody but Obama ’08!

Sure hard to have an intelligent conversation with a Democrat.

The trrops will understand he did what was right and not what the GOP wants him to do .

So what .. is he scared the people back home will shun him because he visited the soliders?? Just because he funded this trip he should not have shun those warriors. He is just scared again of losing votes.

If not Hillary then McCain PERIOD

PUMA

For those of you who say that Obamas record proves that he suports the troops have not read his record.I am no McCain supporter but any one who disputes his suport for the troops is an idiot.Oh and by the way for those of you who did get in to Navel academy you must be idiots because Mccain is ahead of you.

So of all the thousands of Americans stationed there and the wounded soldeirs shipped there he thought speaking to a crowd of Germans was more important? Well they can't vote, but I can and it wont be for him.

Many people I know are more revolted today with this Obama/media drama and this too much indulging played daily on the American news media, Barack Obama acting like a president already, and with all the media and his crew following him around, like the American Idol on the world tour. Something is terribly wrong with this picture. Why doesn't he run for the international leadership position instead of in America?

Senator Barack Obama surely has an issue with America. He must felt so proud to fly around the globe on the airplane with his logo painted over the American flag. This must be the change he’s been proudly talking about. It’s his dogma and one thing he is consistent about. There is something telling about the way the color is used for Obama though, his logo, the campaign site, posters, faked presidential seal, everything, I keep thinking something is missing.

My word, the guy did something out of patriotic sensitivity. A first. Why doesn't he speak in front of a screening of Triumph of the Will. I'm sure the Germans would go crazy.

Obama has violated the Logan Act. The MSM is not reporting this. Complain to your Senator. Press for legal action to be taken. The United States should not be mocked by a disgusting parasite like Obama!!!

Any citizen of the United States, wherever he may be, who, without authority of the United States, directly or indirectly commences or carries on any correspondence or intercourse with any foreign government or any officer or agent thereof, with intent to influence the measures or conduct of any foreign government or of any officer or agent thereof, in relation to any disputes or controversies with the United States, or to defeat the measures of the United States, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than three years, or both.

This section shall not abridge the right of a citizen to apply himself, or his agent, to any foreign government, or the agents thereof, for redress of any injury which he may have sustained from such government or any of its agents or subjects.

1 Stat. 613, January 30, 1799, codified at 18 U.S.C. § 953 (2004).

And the Republican propaganda machine is in full gear. Firstly it's been one hundred plus days etc. since Obama did so and so in the Iraqui war. He made a trip that's clearly been well received by the world. The world loves America and is in desperate need for its leadership; Obama is offering this hope. Now it's all about what he didn.t or should not do on the trip. And by the way the world likes him so therefore he can't be right for America. American Presidents are to be feared by the world not liked. Wake up you Republican skeptics and cynics. This is a global economy and like it or not we have to deal with the rest of the world. Thank God Obama understands that; this does not make America weaker, it makes us stronger.

Once again there are many misinformed people on this blog. The Obama camp had arranged to visit the troops and this was announced by a base spokesperson but then they suddenly cancelled. First the excuse was time constraints but Obama was overheard saying that they had some free time, then the excuse was that he did it out of respect for the troops!! If he wanted to visit the troops he could have arranged a private visit, but he prefers going out on the town. To everybody insulting John MCcain he has a son in the military that is serving with the marines and has completed a tour in Iraq. To those saying that Obama will pull out the troops and they will be going home WRONG…

1) He said he will leave troops on iraq to protect US interests, protect humanitarian agencies, to complete training of Iraqi troops and security forces.
2) he then wants another force to be stationed somewhere in the region to go back in if Al Qaeda in Iraq reconstitutes (this would be an invasion of a soverign nation)
3) He wants to send at least 2 brigades to Afghanistan..

The troops will not be going home they are just being redeployed

The whole trip to Germany to campaign with foreigners trying to steal the imagery of JFK and Reagan, who you have no connection to, is very inappropriate! Obama has no foreign policy or leadership experience! He should just go back to Chicago and do what he does best…say one thing, do the other, and get rewarded for being dishonest.

Beside his personal life running amok (McCain), his voting on veterans issues to say the least is bleak. I guess that is why there are some of us that won’t vote for this man.

Integrity is what I look for in someone running for President. Self-aggrandizement without end is a characteristic flaw that I cannot overlook in anyone running for that same position.

I commend John McCain for his service to this country. Having stated that, I wish someone would run an ad on his votes on Veteran's issues.

For someone who had, "been there, done that" McCain has done very little for the men and women who served before him and after him.

I guess this is one of many reasons a lot of us that won’t vote for him (McCain).

MCCAIN: ‘I RECEIVED THE HIGHEST AWARD FROM LITERALLY EVERY VETERANS ORGANIZATION IN AMERICA"

Hold on there big boy…..

The recognition McCain has received from veterans groups is not "high awards" but FAILING GRADES:

IRAQ AND AFGHANISTAN VETERANS OF AMERICA GAVE MCCAIN A GRADE OF D FOR HIS RECORD OF VOTING AGAINST VETERANS. (By contrast, Obama got a B+.)

DISABLED VETERANS OF AMERICA NOTED MCCAIN’S DISMAL 20 PERCENT VOTING RECORD ON VETERANS’ ISSUES. (Obama had an 80 percent.)

IN A LIST OF "KEY VOTES," VIETNAM VETERANS OF AMERICA (VVA) NOTES MCCAIN "VOTED AGAINST US" 15 TIMES AND "VOTED FOR US" ONLY 8. (Obama voted for VVA 12 times, and against only once.)

Vietnam POW Activists Called McCain ‘Songbird’ and ‘Manchurian Candidate’ We aren’t talking about a bunch of republican paid and funded operatives, we’re talking about all those who had to suffer at the hands of the Cong while McCain received special treatment.

Sequentially, integrity is what I look for in someone running for President. Self-aggrandizement without end is a characteristic flaw that cannot be overlook in anyone running for that same position.

Some Vet's might have forgotten, I haven't.

You would think Americans, after enduring 8 years of GW, would have enough common sense to now recognize this man for what he is:
A Charlatan

MIGHT be viewed as a political one??? Uh, can we just go ahead and move all tne NObama articles to the Entertainment page??? Sheez! He needs to get over himself! He's more egotistical than W ever could be.

i have a question for you big Obama supporters bragging about the big turnout. What would have happened if there wasn't a free concert before his speech? It is interesting the liberal press is boasting about the crowds but won't give full disclosure about how they occurred.

I feel terribly sorry to our service personnel to be snubbed by Obama. For the one person who said he will have plenty of time to visit the troops when he gets elected, you want to bet that will even change. Don't be fooled by "Do as I say, Not as I do"!!!

It would have been a very simple process to pay a private visit to the hospital–one call to the Landstuhl commnad would have done it.

Press go NOWHERE on a military installation unless authorized.

I'm sure the military commander there would have been excited to have a member of the politcal body who authorized them to get wounded in the first place–there to visit the troops privately without the press.

Again he's shown he is more concerned with political correctness than doing the right thing.

Karen,
I just read the same letter on another blog - word for word. How is it possible? The only explanation I can come up with - this is the campaign move. Nothing new - smear, spread the rumors, etc.
As to visiting hospital in Germany, I would like him to do it, but what spin would it give for republicans! Pity.
The point is, he has the vision of the 21st century leader, and understanding that we are not the only country in the world, and to survive and prosper, all nations have to come to work together, there is simply no other way.
His speech as always simply brilliant!

Canadians - let's get one thing straight - WE DON'T GIVE A FLYING F**T IN SPACE WHAT YOU THINK AND IF YOU ARE STUPID ENOUGH TO BE AN OBAMANOT AND ADMIT IT, IT JUST SHOWS HOW COMPLETELY STUPID YOU ARE. Just stay on your side of the border and lure him up there and then you can select him as your messiah - I mean president. You can even have his bitter, hate-spewed wife to top it off.

This is a decision for the United States so you outsiders best leave us alone. Can't you go elect you an Obama for Canada or play in the traffic or something? I agree with marianna - Obama 08 for Chancellor of Germany - or messiah of Canada.

Beside his personal life running amok, his voting on veterans issues to say the least is bleak. I guess that is why there are some of us that won’t vote for this man. Integrity is what I look for in someone running for President. Self-aggrandizement without end is a characteristic flaw that I cannot overlook in anyone running for that same position.
commend John McCain for his service to this country. Having stated that, I wish someone would run an ad on his votes on Veteran's issues.

For someone who had, "been there, done that" McCain has done very little for the men and women who served before him and after him.

I guess this is one of many reasons a lot of us that won’t vote for him (McCain).

MCCAIN: ‘I RECEIVED THE HIGHEST AWARD FROM LITERALLY EVERY VETERANS ORGANIZATION IN AMERICA"

Hold on there big boy…..

The recognition McCain has received from veterans groups is not "high awards" but FAILING GRADES:

IRAQ AND AFGHANISTAN VETERANS OF AMERICA GAVE MCCAIN A GRADE OF D FOR HIS RECORD OF VOTING AGAINST VETERANS. (By contrast, Obama got a B+.)

DISABLED VETERANS OF AMERICA NOTED MCCAIN’S DISMAL 20 PERCENT VOTING RECORD ON VETERANS’ ISSUES. (Obama had an 80 percent.)

IN A LIST OF "KEY VOTES," VIETNAM VETERANS OF AMERICA (VVA) NOTES MCCAIN "VOTED AGAINST US" 15 TIMES AND "VOTED FOR US" ONLY 8. (Obama voted for VVA 12 times, and against only once.)

Vietnam POW Activists Called McCain ‘Songbird’ and ‘Manchurian Candidate’ We aren’t talking about a bunch of republican paid and funded operatives, we’re talking about all those who had to suffer at the hands of the Cong while McCain received special treatment.

Sequentially, integrity is what I look for in someone running for President. Self-aggrandizement without end is a characteristic flaw that cannot be overlook in anyone running for that same position.

Some Vet's might have forgotten, I haven't.

If he visited the troop or not, then he is still be critized

Go McLincoln!
Go McAmerica!
Go McFreedom!

I just realized that Obama had cut all his chances to become a president of the USA. His real place is a president of Europe. Lets nominate him for that job.

Good move for Obama.

You can be sure the Republican attack dogs would pick it up and spin it to their advantage. Just look at all the crap that McCain is dishing out while Obama is away from home showing the world there is hope in seeing the US as a world leader again.

Yes, indeed; can't be seen with the "wrong sort" of Americans, after all.

I'm sure that no one otherwise preceives this fabulous worldwide tour culminating with "Obama-fest" under the German Victory Arch as a political stunt.

Obama "wanted to visit" wounded US soldiers in Germany, but "out of respect for them"… "he decided, it would be inappropriate"

Can anybody explain the logic behind that,

if there is any. It sounds like a mastery in flip-flopping spin.

or "meisterstuck" as Germans would have said

A one term Senator drawing over 200,00 people to hear him speak in Germany. John McCain wants to debate at town halls. He'd do better at any Bingo hall. Get over it Republican's, it's over and you know it.

As an active duty military member, it is frightening to think this man could be the next Commander in Chief. There she never be an innappropriate time to visit the troops. It seems like Obama is like most democrats, supportive of the military when it is politically convenient. I'll take McCain any day over Obama. Hell, I'd take Carter first… at least he has served. And it is an insult to describe Obama's little visit to Iraq as a "tour of duty"… try l years like the rest of us Obama! And I'll proudly do it again!!

Nate Hussein

Don't like either one of them too much.
Have to go with judgement and the record.
No reason to defend McCain's military record–he has held command positions and retired as an 0-6 all of this is in the public domain.
Obama's record is also in the public domain–and very weak.

I want a President who won't screw the pooch.

I don't believe McCain will because he has demonstrated through the years wise choices and good judgement. He owes nobody for his position–and has consistently reached across the aisle on various issues–a good quality in a President.

Obama has never admit he's wrong, or could be wrong on any issue, and distances himself from any colleagues who dissent from his views–this shows me he doesn't yet have the maturity to stand on his own values and is not open to dissent–if under political pressure to change course he may wag the dog just to save face. This is a fatal flaw in a President.

trolling…… trolling…… trolling…….

speed bump

trolling…

Obama '08

for Chancellor of Germany

Obama is politician. lest we forget. You do not defeat the Clinton political machinery by playing innocent. In my opinion he has shown his mettle. His decisions thus far have displayed wisdom beyond his years of experience.
I have no doubt he can play "dirty", and I hope he does when he needs to. Otherwise the Republicans will make minced meat of him.
Your strength is no less simply because you do not display it.
He afterall is trying to win the election.

Blast it, Obama!!!! Your trip is already political one simply because you are running for President of the United States!!!

This is a promise.

When McCain wins, I will be the first one on this blog. I will type a three page long editorial on the subject.

And it will be nothing but three pages of laughter for you idiots who thought that this moron could actually win. I don't care if the world likes him better. Screw the world. They liked Carter too, and he drove this country into a wall.

Come on Linda,

Obama doesn't care for the troops? It was two weeks ago when he went to Walter Reed Hospital to visit the wounded vets and the press was not allowed in with him.

His (Obama) voting records concerning our Veterans proves otherwise as he has the most consistant votes supporting our Veterans as opposed to another who is running for President and who himself is a Veteran. I guess it is the Veteran who can't vote to help other Veterans.

So I guess I just let the air out of your balloon.

Of course, making a political speech made the trip in no way political.

Is America too racist for it's own good?
Why complain about the economy and Bush and put the same
type of administration back in the White House. Chris Matthews
on the Tonight Show stated " I hope Americans can look beyond
race." I hope so Chris.

People, remember the letter conde rice sent overseas? I don't blame Obama with all the stuff going on here not to go visit the soldiers, but bet you a dollar to a donut, he sent them a message and they understand.

Karen, with the letter from the solider about Obama not shaking hands with everyone. All of the others said it better than I could. Maybe that soldier should volunteer to stay over there when Obama becomes President. With mccain, he won't have to volunteer, he will be stuck until death do them part.

Marcus, Great Lakes IL

EXACTLY!

Canadian black man for Obama:

"Just admit you hate Obama because either you hate black man or you are dying hearted Republican who will follow them to their graves"

OK - the race card has already been played over and over. You must be a sexist because you didn't support Hillary. I don't really feel that's true but you can see how ridiculous statements like that are.

To some of us what ever he does will be wrong

I agree with Obama's decision however I think he's gonna get backlash if he went or if he didn't go. But at least they can't peg him as being political for visiting them.

Face it - if you dislike Obama, you'd see it bad if he went and bad if he didn't. So please shut your pie hole.

Senator Obama could have easily gone to Landstuhl and left the press outside the door.

According to the press themselves, access to Senator Obama has been limited to a careful script from the campaign. And photograpers have not been allowed in at most places. The basketball 3 pointer was from the Obama staff videographer - the press was not allowed into the area.

This trip is all a photo op and a carefully planned one.

As a taxpayer, I don't even think that I should be paying for his "fact-finding" trip to Iraq and Afghanistan - he already had his plan in place -

I think his campaign should pay for all the travel and stops except Iraq and Afghanistan.

If this is a "political move" what were all the other stops about? He doesn't want to visit because he doen't care about our troops.

Dang!!!

What a lot of crap is being posted on this board!!

If any of you "Veterans" be you real or not looked at McCain's voting records on Veterans Affairs and you STILL back him, you must not need your Veteran's benefits because you are willing to not only sell yourself off but the rest of us.

Obama should be in jail, Logan Law!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

proud army and navy mom:

One thing we can all agree on is that Bush has been one of the worst CIC's in modern history. My brother has no problem criticizing him, either.

I know Obama would be a much better president than our current one. I guess my anger comes from the fact that he plays this innocent guy who doesn't play dirty when his past speaks to the contrary.

I'll get over it, someday!

Have a great weekend.

I am sick and tire to read how McCain is a very good and Obama is not in blog like this.

Where are the facts or where you getting your facts from? I view youtube McCain flip flops and I see lots of inconsistency in McCain's own words.

Where is the facts that you are talking about that MCCain has for the country.
Just admit you hate Obama because either you hate black man or you are dying hearted Republican who will follow them to their graves. If what is happaning to the country is the way the country have to be ruled, because if you have conscience you realized that country need better leadership.

You guys a busy dividing us America, but the enemies group us together. just take your mind back to 9 11 does the terrorist separated white from black before they striked?

To Independent in IOWA:
The proud parents were referring to the visit by Obama and not his candidacy. Keep your eye on the ball and don't let your hate distract you.
The service men have every right to vote for and have faith in whomsoever they chose. The visit was successful by all accounts. Lets agree and move on. The back and forth is tiresome.

To Karen who wrote about when Obama didnt speak to any of the soldiers over seas. You were misinformed. I was there and he did shake our hands. I was there and he did speak to us. He told us what a great job we were doing and to come back safe. There were soldiers playing basketball with him as well. So before you write something someone else sent or said to you, get it right next time.

Obama getting ethical?

When is it ever INAPPROPIATE to visit sick people in a hospital?

However, it may not have been politicially expedient not to pay them a visit.

To visit or not to visit that is the question, it is always far better to have visited… FAILED AGAIN!

HE went and worked out instead of seeing the troops. Typical OBAMA

The guy is rich. . .you mean to tell me he couldn't fork over a little of his own money towards the trip to say "this is for the time I spent visiting our troops"? Just pay a percentage of the trip to account for it? That would have gone much further than just blowing them off. He had plenty of money to go to the Carribean for a vacation. . .but I guess it was a tough tour of duty "fighting" Hillary across the U.S.; eating bad food; staying in uncomfortable 4-star hotels; and the rest. Our young hero's have had it easy in Afghanistan and Iraq compared to poor Obama!!

To Indepedent in Iowa:

Thank you for the kind words about my son's and daughter's service.

I would never presume to speak for an entire group of people, such as our fine troops. I absolutely love all of them, because they are sacrificing so that we can live in peace.

I was only stating the troops excitement that I have spoken with. I keep in daily contact with them. We email each other constantly.

They are tired of 2,3,4 tours. They cannot say anything negative about george w, they only speak about their issues. The troops I speak with wants to be informed and they want me to inform us civilians of the truth, not just what bush wants your to hear. That's what I promised them I will do.

Laura
"I love how Republicans are attacking him for this. If he HAD gone to visit them, they would have accused him of politicizing wounded soldiers. He can't win, can he?"

No he can't. Funny how McGramps dared him to go to Iraq and Afg, and when he does, McBush criticizes him. Jan 09 can't come soon enough!

Obama/Sebelius '08

I am very proud of Obama. America has been viewed lately as the 2 or 3 best country. I pray that China is now viewed as the #1 country. Me personally I would not move there even if someone paid me!
I am so glad he spoke in Berlin, it shows Obama is for all the people.

Quit haten on him, I don't see anyone trying to make a difference in this country.
McCain is not my choice for President, I have my own personal reason, but he would not work for me.
Hillary was my second choice, however if Obama looses, I will not vote for Hillary in 2012.. Because after this election, I have changed my personal views of the Clintons.

So let me get this right. Some people on this group are saying he choose not to see the troops in Germany because he is stuck up and does not give a dam_ about the troops. Hmmm - If he had gone the same people would say he was using the wounded troops for political games. You would be funny but you are really sad.

arc, Lugano CH:

We'll see what happens in November.

SHAME ON YOU KAREN………I'll bet your'e still shedding tears over Hillary !!!!!

The "didn't want to make it into a campaign event" is bull because the whole trip is a campaign stop (definitely not any "fact finding" going on) and as far as avoiding photos to be used against him. . .ever heard of closing the door and not allowing them. It's done all the time. Nice try, but it's obvious he doesn't want any part of thanking our young hero's for turning things around. He can't even accept what they've been able to accomplish over there.

NO, he'd rather go and speak as if he has been elected Emporer of the world than speak to those hurt defending democracy in a far away place. NO, he'd rather get his picture taken LOOKING magnanamous and PIOUS than to go and show care for those hurt fighting so others can be free. NO, he'd rather have HIS moment in the spotlight rather than go and give praise to people who have been hurt and treated badly for freedom's sake. Wake up America, just say NO right back at him.

some of you need to story again. These soldiers are injured and probably not in the mood for a nice photo op with anybody. OUT OF RESPECT to them and their families he is staying away.

Karen is really Karl hired by Rush/Rove to create negative will for Obama on the blogs - How much are they paying you??? I hear they have pretty deep pockets. - Texas Trail Dog must be making really good money for the crap that he spews!!!!

Independent in Iowa:

You sound very scared…

What is inappropriate is this whole "trip." It is nothing more than Obama "campaigning" overseas which is pathetic. He has hit a new low with this entire trip. It'll be interesting to see how much lower he can go and I do believe he can go lower. He is so ignorant and self centered. He has no conception of what is really going on in the USA or the world. He is just pathetic!!

And this man wants to be Commander in Chief? Well at least someone told him that once again the overseas military vote will never make it to the ballot box. Even Hillary would visit wounded troops.

I just read that Obama decided to take a tour of Berlin citing that he'd never been there before. Priorities, Senator??

"concern that trip might be viewed as a political one"??

Isn't the whole trip political?? Looks like one big campaign ad to me.

If he really wanted to visit the soldiers and not make it political, just go and leave the press bus behind. They don't have to be allowed with him everywhere. He could have gone without press and not even announced it. I'm sure the wounded soldiers would have appreciated the visit.

Of course, then it's not a photo op like the rest of the trip, is it?

So, you want the guy to shake every single person hand. Unbelievable

Praetorian
Guess I missed the part where you said that John McCain held a Command, led a flight, or even led a single seaman. Hypocrite to call it one way and not the other. At least he has the smarts TO make a mistake and admit it. By the way, haven't heard a single positive recommendation for or on McCain, why bash Obama??

I love how Republicans are attacking him for this. If he HAD gone to visit them, they would have accused him of politicizing wounded soldiers. He can't win, can he?

I read recently that he routinely visits soldiers at Walter Reed without any press, because he doesn't want to politicize visiting wounded soldiers. He probably decided against it today for the same reasons.

Marc PDX:

Careful now. If you say you aren't an Obama supporter that makes you old, uneducated, and a racist.

Don't touch the candy!!

Obama is doing the right thing. Those wounded bravehearts deserve honor and the best medical care in the world.

I don't understand his "judgement" on this one. I'm not an Obama supporter but it seems to me that a presidential candiate, a potential next commander in chief, ought to visit people who are serving their country. I really can't figure out what to make of this one…

karen:

Weren't Obama's publicity pictures of him playing basketball take place in Kuwait and not in Afghanistan?

Are you making a story up or is this just a case of McCain Geography?

You people are morons. The part of Obama's trip in Iraq was paid for by the U.S. The part in Germany and other places was paid for by Obama's campaign. The point the article was making, for all you uninformed nobodies, is that since the campaign was paying for him to be in Germany it could be seen as a visit to benefit his campaign, instead of his position as a representative of the United States on a visit abroad.

Please, CNN! Don't print something so laughable while I'm drinking. I've got Pepsi shooting out my nose at "Barack Obama has opted against plans to visit wounded members of the U.S. military in Germany over concern that trip might be viewed as a political one."

Has he done anything in his adult life that wasn't politically motivated?

Oh, that's right. He hasn't done ANYTHING in his adult life at all…

"INAPPROPRIATE"??, ISN'T HE A POLITICAL CANDIDATE RUNNING TO BE PRESIDENT?

UNITED WE'RE STRONGER

OBAMA (P) & CLINTON (VP) 2008-2014

NO TO "BUSH II", McWAR, "BUSH'S-INTENT-FOR-2ND-PARADE-IN-IRAQ"

Karen, you need to quit spreading hate people like you make this world ugly and unfair. You don'nt know the reason behind what you stated. Karen search your heart and hold your judgement. Obama in my opinion done well.

from a soldier's letter
-
Is a fake letter. You all understand that…right?

McArsenic…..you know something? the woman in the supermarket was complaining….WHY IS THIS MAN FOLLOWING ME ALL OVER THE PLACE?…..

Was a Democrat-Now an Independent…..what a rat´s a-s

zolesh:

Wow.. you guys don't like it when poor Obama gets picked on! Tell ya what, for MONTHS I heard nothing but hate coming from you bots regarding Hillary and she has done nothing but serve our country. I guess you're going to have to deal with the fact that Obama is NOT perfect and is subject to the same treatment Hillary had received from this treacherous party.

McCain…graduated 894th of 899 at Annapolis and you want him leading what?? I'll take the Harvard Law president anyday!

er….let me get this straight…Obama has been on an admittedly politically-motivated agenda on this entire tour of europe, and he can host a campaign rally in Berlin (but obama and state run media says we're not allowed to call it that) but he can't manage to visit troops? He's been discussing policy w/ leaders of nations as though he's president, yet he can't manage to make a visit. What's more, his rabid followers see his error and blame…republicans? really? nearly all of these comments blame republicans because obama chose not to visit troops. why?

Perhaps the question we should be asking is, if Obama cannot manage to stand up to the alleged threat of Republican criticism, how can he stand up to anyone? Namely, Kim Jong Il, Chavez, Ahmedinejad…. Think about it. Actually, try thinking, period.

Nate Hussein

No…it is not a prerequisite to have served in the armed forces to become commander-in-chief.

But it should be.

The President must understand the military command and NSC structure from day one–and on that day be ready to make split second decisions that involve the lives of potentially millions of humans.

Yep–there ain't no course at Harvard that teaches that buddy. Only through military service schoolds–or lots of high level OJT (of which Obama has had none).

You get a grip!! And wake up to reality.

Proud Army and Navy Mom:

"I don't know where you got your letter, but I hear it from the horses mouth. Sen Obama will be a courageous Commander-in-Chief and he's the candidate I trust to look after our troops and my son, daughter and son-in-law who is serving our country proudly."

First of all you have my deepest respect having your children defending our county BUT do not speak for all of the military. My brother has served two tours in Iraq and he has zero faith in Obama's ability to lead (or tell the truth).

All you Obama haters, shame on you.One thing is clear ,no amount of hate mongering will change what is predestined.
Barack Hussein Obama would be president of the United States and you can go and eat yourself.

You people are so full of hate you can't see through the good intension's he has.
Keep your hateful votes.Obama does not need your vote to win.

Is is not amazing that in this modern 21 century McCain would still be calling for support for the confederate flag?

Obama 08.

Vote for McSurge
Vote for McSurge
Vote for McSurge
Vote for McSurge
Vote for McSurge
Vote for McSurge
Vote for McSurge
Vote for McSurge

Nice Obama … way to ignore our brace men and women! What a waste!

Of course this isn't a politcal rally - it's more free press and our media is all to happy to comply. We already know what he wears to the gym, how often he goes, etc. Next we will have a story on his biological schedule.

McCain hasn't had that many people listen to him if you add up all the crowds from January 2007 to now, nor would Germans bother to come hear him if he were travelling abroad. I love how the Republicans act like Democrats are idiots because they see Obama as a different direction but have practically elevated Ronald Reagan to sainthood and defend Bush regardless of how many times he wipes his feet on the Constitution. Go eat some freedom fries and remininsce about the great days when Tom DeLay and Bill Frist were running things.

you haters…you people cease to amaze me…..

AND TO KAREN:

MY HUSBAND IS IN IRAQ NOW, AND SAW OBAMA, AND TOOK A PICUTRE WITH HIM WITH THE REST OF THE SOLDIERS…THE PICTURE YOU PAINTED IN THAT SO-CALLED LETTER…IS COMPLETELY WRONG……

THEY WERE HAPPY TO SEE OBAMA AND FELT THAT HE WAS DOWN TO EARTH…..

WHO IS YOUR COMMANDING OFFICER?

Well I wonder what all you Obama supporters have to say about that. Cut and run, cut and run, cut and run - and taking into consideration his Iraq strategy and his "listening to Petraeus when it suits him" attitude, this doesn't surprise me. But, look at the bright side - he can sink a three-pointer, pose with mostly black servicemen and women, and make the media's legs just-a-tingle……..

You idiots who let this stuff slide owe a big fat apology to each and every one of the wounded, and then you need to shut up.

Praetorian
Listen to yourself, "Could this be a vote of no confidence from military NCO and Officer leadership"

Could it be that the foot Soldier, the private, the junior NCO will tell him the truth? The enlisted man has a history of being brutally honest. How about for once we have a Senator or Congressman listen to the truth without the typical officer "tell them what they want to hear" truth? Get a grip Sarge!

Sure it would have been nice to see him go there, but I think it goes without saying that the scumbags on the right would have used it against him. "Look how evil he is, using our wounded as a political tool." In the end, it's unfortunate, but he probably made the right call. So much for McCain saying he wasn't going to run a negative campaign. McCain is so far over his head it's almost pathetic to watch.

Raymond Duke where did Karen say she was there? I think she was just posting a letter from 2 soldiers point of views which were named at the bottom.

Texas Trail Dog— WE'RE STANDING TOGETHER RIGHT NOW, BUD, AND IT'S TO GET RID OF YOU ONCE AND FOR ALL-(Sounds like a THREAT to me —-IDIOT!!!!
DOG GONE!!! Mr McCain need some new staff members …..Just maybe this a good way to get rid of you -do something positive for a change I don't have any more bones…. but you can take LISA with you !!!!

Google - "CPT Jeffrey S. Porter, Battle Captain. TF Wasatch, American Soldier", that letter is all over the place. It's fake.

Praetorian
From one Sr. Nco retired to another. You have no clue what his schedule was or what might have been said at Landstuhl. Being in the military IS NOT a prerequisite to be President. Get a grip Sarge!

Karen , I guess the Army has changed since I retired in 93 after the first Gulf War. I did not think women were allowed to be in the Infantry (which is what a Grunt is). I was a grunt for twenty years and even though I share some of your feeling about the officer corp I think this officer probably told the truth with all the anti-american , unpatriotic statements and his staff being allowed to call anybody who does not vote for him as Uneducated , gun toting religous nuts and "Crackers" Bob Beckel one of his main democrat strategist loves to call white peoplee that. So vote your heart you earned it. I will vote for the old man even though I don't really like him. I have to think of america first.

Someone in his posee must have reminded Obama that these guys wont get back to the USA in time to vote in November.

Why would he care about troops? He's going to save the world, make it a better place for everyone. Soldiers won't be needed. Hundreds of years from now, historians will look back and call the age he ushers in the Pax Americana. All because a freshman senator from Illinois wasn't afraid to apply his inexperience and make the world a utopia. Thank goodness none of us thought logically about his claims!

"It is a no win situation, but he chose wisely, these wounded soldiers do not have be shown off to the entire world."
@VB, They could have left the press out of the meeting. But of course that would detract from the spectacle. This whole trip was a political song and dance. Visiting wounded troops WITHOUT the press would have been the one genuine thing he could have done. Obama, all hat and no cattle as they say in Texas.

So Obama is admitting that this trip is nothing more than a Democrat presidential campaign gimmick! You are lower than low Obama!

Let me see if I have this right. Obama has plenty of time to have a work out before his speech, but he does not have time to visit the troops? Let me guess, it would not have been a good enough photo-op.This guy has a serious ego problem. I would like the Obama supporters to name five accomplishments Obama has made that qualify him to be POTUS. If you can think of more than two, it will be a miracle. This guy is nothing put a blowhard.

Funny how all of the Army troops he shared lunch with–were junior enlisted–and the only senior staff who got close to him was Petraious?

Could this be a vote of no confidence from military NCO and Officer leadership–or just staged photo-ops by the Obama ground team?

I believe it's a no confidence vote myself. Everything he has said and done is contrary to NCO Academy education and OTS, Command/Staff Training.

So–who's right? A body of knowledge with over 200 years of history and scrutiny of non-partisan foreign policy military experts from the Revolutionary War to Afghanistan/Iraq and around the globe or Mr. Obama?

Oh boo hoo, our future president is popular. You guys are crazy. If we wanted an unpopular president we'd vote for McSame or another Bush.

Obama 08

For all of you Obama haters-jealousy is so unattractive.

Karen

Good try. Every campaign trail and every state Obama went to during the primary you could see he was not the kind of person to brush people off. You are a liar and you need to stop printing these fabrications because you are either a Hillary fan of Mccain fan. nobody is falling for this, amazing what the evil mind comes up with.

Obama 08-2012

I doubt if that is the reason he did not won't to visit the troops wounded in Iraq and sent to Germany for treatment. It might be the comment that the american soldiers had nothing really to do with the growing stablization in Iraq. I guess he figured all they did was take up space , kill innocent civilans and be bullies.

Karen,

You know better. It is time to stop this smear. There is so at much risk here. It is one thing to support your candidate but another to put such a lie on the backs of our U.S. troops.

"Shortly before the address began, Sen. John McCain, the presumptive Republican nominee, chided Obama and said he'd rather give a speech in Germany as president than as a presidential candidate."

McCain's camp is so sad…………………………

He couldn't do it due to Neo-Con spinsters! 200,000 people came to hear him speak. McCain is trashing him about it! Can you say JEALOUS!

The letter Karen posted is actually real. I received it from one of my friends who works in DC and saw the email traffic.

As for the substance of it - political leaders are normally on very strict timelines and don't have alot of time flexibility. If Obama did blow of some service members it could probably be blamed on whatever aide was managing his schedule/time.

Obama is wrong not to visit the medical center in Landstuhl though. His whole trip is being portrayed as a photo-op - him visiting and encouraging wounded men and women wouldn't change that fact. He should have gone. The reason he gave makes no sense - he just visited US servicemembers at several military bases in Afghanistan and Iraq.

hey CNN John McCain was at a super market looking at eggs…why aren't there any stories about that. i wonder if he and Cindy bought the market?

And Bush in a flight suit on a carrier deck is what???????

McCain visits them and he should - he helped put most of them there by supporting the war!

He cqn't take time out to see the wounded soilders, but has time to give a political speech in Germany. Obama is so arrogant! I guess Rev. Wright taught him right, down with America.

"No, He did not want photos of the wounded taken out of respect for them and their family. Also remember that the wounded soldiers are in a govt bases facility, I think,"

Nonsense! Who said the media had to be with him when he visited the wounded? All he had to do was tell them he wanted a private moment if this was the case.

Barack if you were WHITE, you would be the greatest man that
ever walked this earth.

Why stop now? Everything else on this "fact finding mission" has been purely political, designed to make Obama look like a capable Commander in Chief. As if a week long trip to Europe and the Middle East should somehow compare to decades of public service…

I am able to see in my mind Obama just not able to deal with the commoners after all he is so brillant how could they come upto his level of deep thoughts and ambitions. He is just another upper crust eliteist that can't accept any counter ideas to his inspired brillance. OH pitty us who question his motives he is a fake problem both candidates really are the worst we have ever put in the path for the Pres. of the United States. I blame George W. Bushwacker and Dick the tin man Cheney for these two losers.

TO LATE - WE ALL KNOW THE WHOLE TRIP WAS A "POLITICAL MOVE"

ALSO - Europeans love Obama because he is a SOCIALIST who wants to redistribute the wealth in the US!

NO to Obama

Go Hillary

Karen - you're full of it….

All you Obama haters, NEED to get a clue, I WAS there in Afganistan and Iraq. Sen. OBAMA WENT OUT OF HIS WAY to greet the men and women of our armed services the BEST way possible.

However, in Germany, he knew with the media frenzy that has been following him, the "media" would have focused on HIM and not our wounded military members. He did NOT want that to happen.

So for all you OBAMA haters, go back to John McBush who does nothing but blow hot air about everything and anything just to get any level of "media" coverage.

I will tell you all one thing.

Barack Obama has done more for the men and women in uniform than John McCain.

If you want proof, all you have to do is google the voting records of these two men having to do with veterans benifits to see who REALLY backs us veterans.

And it aint "Songbird McCain."

Inappropriate? I guess Obama thinks he doesn't need those troops in a photo op.

Another example of how shallow this guy really is. His whole campaign is a joke, and only the press treatment of him is more laughable.

Why are there still American troops in Germany? Are we afraid the Russians will invade, or something?

A lot of what's being said sounds like two kid's gangs fighting. What a pity. Mr. Obama's decisions are (of course) of a delicate matter, as the other gang surely will twist it any way they want it. As a European, I have no doubt whatsoever that Obama cares for America. But, and here comes the tricky part, he also cares for the rest of the world. He doesn't want America to be "the leader of the free world" (which is a contradiction in terms). He wants for America to play a part, an active part, in an active international understanding. Now, as we say over here: "how horny is that ?"

57 States……it is not even worth mentioning you….read, be informed.

As a VIET NAM VET I say Sen. Obama made the right call no matter how the repugnants want to spin it.

All of the hypocrites in here saying he should have gone would be the first in line to call it a blatently political move and was done for pure gain if he did go so clam up. You can't have it both ways. I suppose if JM decided the same thing, he'd be praised as not trying to "politicize" the event

It is a shame that Obama has to be concerned with that kind of stuff. He is a congressman at the moment, not a president yet. Yes he is a politician, but he should visit regardless of what the republican party thinks.

If he goes: McSame backers will be saying, "Look he is using these wounded soldiers as a photo op for the war being wrong"

If he doesn't go: Mcsame backers will be saying, "Look at him, not supporting the soldiers, he does not support the true heroes of the country."

It is a no win situation, but he chose wisely, these wounded soldiers do not have be shown off to the entire world.

Cnn, it is not fair to close the comments. I know you are biased and you allow all praises to Barack about his speech. This speech was a disgrace to Americans. Why should he go to Germany and give a speech and score points with Germans and other Europeans. Secondly who is he to tell that we can be one. He has no knowledge about what is going on outside USA. There are different languages, different cultures, different races. Barack does not have to lecture them. He himself want to show to Americans that he is going to unite everybody. Barack you are a joke. You have a big mouth but no substance. You have no experience. You should have gone to South Africa or Darfur or even to China to see how the poor people are so helpless. Give them hope. Give them your campaign money so that they can have their daily bread. You are a hypocrite. You will do anything to come on the TV. Just go away. I want to see CNN's moderation. I am sure they will delete my truth.

Obama is a sick and a cocky person. You need to see the video of when he get down in Jordan and straight head for the car and does not cockingly look at anyone.

He is just a Pied Piper whom everyone followed and is changing is stance when he is in the middle of the lake.

KAREN YOUR PROBABLY A REPUBLICAN AND WILL VOTE FOR MCCAIN……….

THATS REALLY TOO BAD………I DONT BELIEVE WHAT YOU SAID AND ALOT OF OBAMA SUPORTERS WILL NOT EITHER.

BELIEVE IN THIS
OBAMA WILL BE OUR NEXT COMMANDER AND CHIEF.

I wish he had visited them anyway. It would have been a great morale booster for them, but I understand why he did not. What he has to realize is McCain and his supporters will complain no matter what he does.

Obama cares about the troops to the extent that they can help him get elected (photo ops and such). He throws everyone under the bus who gets in the way, including his own granny. He's vile.

Obama will soon die of thirst; unwilling to disturb his own reflection in the water.

TO KAREN - Were those real soldiers that were around him - or PROPS??? The soldiers he was eating with and shaking hands with - were they PROPS too???

Karen,

You know, I got one of those B.S. e-mail's too! The difference between you and I is, I don't buy into it as being the "truth."

Besides, politics are not on the public table when you are in the service. You could be reprimanded if it got out and I am pretty sure a Captain wouldn't risk it. Besides just think what could happen to you if the person you were slamming were to become the President. Then what would they do???

Nice try though.

I am a big Obama supporter but I don't think it's ever a bad idea to visit Americans who have been wounded in defense of our country and beliefs.

good move don't give them no more ammunication because the Republicans are watching every MOVE

What I saw on TV was solidiers trying very hard to get their picture
taken with him, oh well must have been one of those liberal TV's. Any how I bet McCain or Fox will not challenge him to go anywhere again. be careful what you wish for. The republicans need their A-game politician, unfortunate they are stuck with John. he is a joke.
I am the kid and I approve of this message. Peace out.

karen. I saw that letter, that's sad. I am not sure I beleive Obama's reasonig, he has no problem doing other inappropriate things.

Obama such a sorry sucker won't visit our wounded troops and he wants to be the commander in chief. A vote for this sap is a vote for the end of the world as we know it. Obama is a loser!!

If McShame was only half the man Barack is he'd be….well, he'd be half a man…………which would be twice the man he is today.
EVERYTHING McShame does is carefully, coldly calculated for political gain only. He cares for no one but himself, made painfully obvious by his phony, pasted-on smile whenever he interacts with real Americans. (You know ….people who were actually born here in America and not somewhere overseas )

As Sad as it is to say. I must agree. MCBush has been so highly critical of Obama's every move that he would be sure to put a negative political spin on it. He might make up another 60's AD with Obama dressed up as Beetle Baily or something else as corny.

KAREN!! Wow i bet GWB or MCCain would have sat down and had a two day talk with you! We Get your dift! just keep thing the way the are!!!

Well, you closed last before comments were posted (or since they were anti-Obama you closed at convenience). Anyway…… My perfect plan still stands…..All you "alleged" Latinos, Canadians, Germans, and who the crap ever else loves Obama so much, here's a plan—-just let us know when your bus will be here and we'll have him packed up LOCK STOCK AND BARRELL and you can have him, his bitter wife and All the Obamanots too. Take him with all the murderers, rapists, thieves from the US with you and have a good life. WE DECENT LAW ABIDING CITIZENS of the US (that we know and love - not Obamantion) are tired of working day after day to provide shelter, food and medical care for the slugs and thugs that kill, rape and steal their way through the US. Once you all get him on your side of the border - IT'S NO DEPOSIT/NO RETURN - HE'S YOURS FOR LIFE. Also, since you are NOT a registered, LEGAL CITIZEN of the US, keep your opinions to yourself. Don't TELL US WHAT TO DO WITH MURDERERS AND RAPISTS. WE'll just send them over the border and you can have them over for Sunday dinner with your family and friends. And we'll throw CNN in also.

karen July 24th, 2008 2:11 pm ET

from a soldier's letter: "Senator Obama came to Bagram Afghanistan for about an hour on his visit to 'The War Zone'. I wanted to share with you what happened. He got off the plane and got into a bullet proof vehicle, got to the area to meet with the Major General (2 Star) who is the commander here at Bagram. As the Soldiers where lined up to shake his hand he blew them off and didn't say a word as he went into the conference room to meet the General. As he finished, the vehicles took him to the ClamShell (pretty much a big top tent that military personnel can play basketball or work out in with weights) so he could take his publicity pictures playing basketball. He again shunned the opportunity to talk to Soldiers to thank them for their service. So really he was just here to make a showing for the American's back home tha t he is their candidate for President. I think that if you are going to make an effort to come all the way over here you would thank those that are providing the freedom that they are providing for you. I swear we got more thanks from the NBA Basketball Players or the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders than from one of the Senators, who wants to be the President of the United States. I just don't understand how anyone would want him to be our Commander-and-Chief. It was almost that he was scared to be around those that provide the freedom for him and our great country. If this is blunt and to the point I am sorry but I wanted you all to know what kind of caliber of person he really is. What you see in the news is all fake. In service, CPT Jeffrey S. Porter, Battle Captain. TF Wasatch, American Soldier "
—————————————————————————
Never hold one person's opinion as fact, they could have many unknown motivations.

Karen, this is Karen, cut the crap. I saw video and pictures of Obama talking to the troops. Your soldier is obviously a Republican who supports John McCain and that's ok; but don't try to bash Obama. Video, and photos don't lie. Plus, people who have followed Obama during this campaign knows that he doesn't act like that.

You people are starting to sound idiodic. If you don't support him, that's fine; but stop with the bashing. It's getting old.

Karen, Ohio

Big mistake. He will lose a big voting block of people (Military) who for the most part vote republican. That was a good chance for him to show the troops he cares as a possible Commander in Chief. Smooth move! You will lose and have lost many votes.

As a Sr. NCO and retired from the Air Force. I dispute Obama's logic.
Any American–regardless of their reasons for being in Germany–and in particular–an elected official–should deem it as a core responsibility to visit the hundreds of wounded heroe's in Landstuhl.
Because of his position–one phone call would have gotten him base access. The Commanders would love for ANY member of congress to visit the troops who are wounded in the hospital there.

It is true–that many of these troops might provide unscripted remarks–about how heroically they feel about defending the nations interests, the President, and the Iraqi people–which wouldn't fit in well with Obama's campaign message about how wrong everything is.

He's still a coward–and not a patriot. A military veteran wound never had made such a seriously flawed decision.

Another good reason for never allowing anyone to become Commander-In-Chief who hasn't served in the armed services.

I think this is a mistake. Why not visit US troops, who cares who's paying for it. If campaign funds that come from the people pay for visiting our troops no matter where in the world they are, what's wrong with that?

Not only is his little world tour one big gigantic media event to stroke his ego, he's not president. Hell, he's not even presidential material!

Talk, talk, talk. Look good on television. That's about it. This man absolutely is not experienced enough to lead our nation. He uses his children to gain attention. He uses the ruse of visiting Iraq, and Afghanistan, but doesn't actually visit with them? What? How very self serving and it speaks volumes!

No substance. Like I always say, every single day he proves how ill prepared he is to handle the job. Why does it want to be president so bad? Go away Obama. This is just one more thing to add to your long list of stupid things you say and do. And it all adds up to NOT QUALIFIED!!!!

Thanks Karen for serving! Thank you for being on the line and thanks for shooting straight about your comment. May God bless you and all the troops.