LONDON (CNN) – It is no secret that Sen. Barack Obama’s whirlwind tour of the Middle East and Europe has left him, and everyone staffing and covering him, absolutely exhausted.
When asked how he was feeling the other day, he told reporters aboard his campaign plane that he was feeling a bit “sleepy.”
Earlier today, while meeting with Conservative Party Leader David Cameron, the pool camera microphone picked up some light banter between the two men about Obama’s current state of fatigue.
Cameron told the candidate, "You should be on the beach...you need a break. Well you need to be able to keep your head together."
Obama told Cameron he would try to take a week of in August. And he said he got advice from a Clinton White House veteran on how to handle the demands on his time.
Obama said, "Somebody who had worked in the White House who-not Clinton himself- but somebody who had been close to the process, said that should we be successful that actually the most important thing you need to do is to have big chunks of time during the day when all you're doing is thinking and the biggest mistake that a lot of these folks make is just feeling as if you have to be..."
Cameron interjected, "these guys just chalk your diary up."
Obama agreed, "right, exactly, in 15 minute increments"
Cameron told him, "We call it the dentist waiting room. You have to scrap that because you've got to have time."
Obama said not taking that break is when "you start making mistakes or you lose the big picture."
From CNN Politics
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All you so called Democrats who say you won't vote for Obama had better be prepared to explain why you won't vote for a black man for president. All you Independents who say you won't vote for Obama had better look at the last seven and a half years under George W. Bush and decide if you want four more years of this, and be prepared to explain why you won't vote for a black man for president.. All you Republicans who say you will hold your nose and vote for McCain had better decide if you are better off today than you were seven years ago, and be prepared to explain why you won't vote for a black man for president.
Bottom line – of the candidates who will be on the ballot in November, this white middle-aged, southern, retired military man thinks that Obama is the best one to lead this country back to where we were prior to Newt Gingrich and George W. Bush. This isn't about party or race: this is about the country and it's citizens.
Can you imagine if Bush or McCain made a trip one fifth as good as Obama this week, how crazy the media would be?
For all the good feelings Obama got for America, Bush never did in 7.5 years, the media still criticizing Obama heavily. Crying media bias against McCain? What a joke?
Conservatives, wake up. You guys have chosen a loser, live with it. Do something good for the country! cheer for Obama.
Fred, thanks for reminding us that the whole conservatives' victims culture is still here. "Bricks" at John McCain? The guy who doesn't know where Iraq is located in the Middle East (next to Pakistan, according to him) – if Obama had said that we'd be hearing about it 24/7. McCain the "i was against tax cuts for rich people before i wanted to make them permanent" – "i was against offshore drilling before I was for it" – "i was against waterboarding before i thought it was okay". Can you please play your pity party some more?
You forgot to include the most important part of the conversation:
Obama:"And the truth is that we've got a bunch of smart people, I think, who know ten times more than we do about the specifics of the topics. And so if what you're trying to do is micromanage and solve everything then you end up being a dilettante but you have to have enough knowledge to make good judgments about the choices that are presented
to you."
It was wonderful for an American politician to visit abroad and see people waving our flag instead of stomping on it. GWB gets burned in effigy and Barack gets a crowd of 200,000, How will the naysayers and haters spin that!?
Congratulations President Obama!
YES WE CAN!
...because it'll be the last time that you can for the next 8.5 years!
McCain would not have handled all this at one time because he is too OLD.
I think CNN has been by far the most "fair and balanced" cablenews network. Republicans tend to think they are pro Mccain, why Dems think they are pro Obama. I think they have reported fairly on both canidates. In my opinion though, I think Obama has ran a much cleaner campain thus far. For Mccain to say Obama would rather lose a war to win a campain is a little off base. "It's remarkable!" as he would say over and over again. People get tired of that negative politics.
I'd love to vote for Obama, however I'm afraid he's going to appoint the same incompetant Judges and FBI agents that have ruined New Orleans. Most appointed in the name of "racial justice", the rest we're owed a favor.
We do need change, and I really like Obama. However, like buying a car, I'd at least like a test drive. The problem is once he's elected the keys are in his pocket.
M.A. Smith - New Orleans
I would love Obama to visit Canada. He would be very welcomed by Canadians. America, I know you're not used to it but there's nothing wrong with an intelligent, charismatic, visionary leader that other world leaders would be excited to be able to work with. His visit overseas has affirmed this.
As much as your insular thinking likes to see yourselves as center of the universe, you do share this planet with many others and who you elect president has consequences across the globe. Other countries do not want to be dragged into the same sorts of messes President Bush created and would much prefer a thinking man be POTUS than an aging red necked war monger like McCain.
Imagine what you could have done to help your citizens with all that money you spent on the war. It's a disgrace.
At this point in the political election season, I'm watching this Week in Politics. To John King, Candy Crowly, and the rest of the politcal crew, I can't encourage enough to remember the role of a journalist. It is not to be equal, it is not to be bullied by the Republican complaints, it is to report what you hear and see....even if what you report is positive for Obama and....not so much for McCain. Your job is not to equalize, it is to render.
Good luck in getting out of the Republican groove and back to a sturdy self confidence ....you've got to report it as you see it.
And, to close, what's up with allowing the Republican spokespeople to rattle on, off subject, never responding to your actual questions?
What a load of crap! Obama needs to rest from what? Posing for photo ops? Playing basketball? Not visiting our troops? Going to the gym? Come on CNN, get real. The American people are so fed up with all this media bias, you aren't helping Obama. Matter of fact, you hurt him with all this glowing praise. He isn't God, you know.
Obama is moral and honest? I don't know the man personally so I will give him the honest part... Being so strongly in favor for gay rights or abortion doesn't quite qualify him as being moral, Regardless if he practices it or not.
Obama, you are such a delightsome soul, you have our prayers and surport, please do always remember that you have the backing of Heaven and the true American citizen publicly or secretly. Welcome back from you remarkable trip.
America and our citizen dream is morethan just one party and an individual quest. We are all together in this change movement campaign.
If the Enemy shall come in, like a flood the spirit of God will raise a standard against them.
If you are sure you need some break, then go ahead and take it, we will be praying for you all the way.
Obama08.
I am all done looking at Obama which is the same as saying I'm done with the left stream media of all sorts.
Even though I like Obama....I agree with Fred Dobbs, there is no more critical reporting...just bandwagoning on the bandwagon of the day. One sided reporting doesn't serve anyone well.
With everything at stake, I seriously doubt either candidate will take a true break. At least both these guys have better statesmanship than the current baffoon we have in office.
Barack Obama – an outstanding man, father and for America, just
what the doctor ordered!
President Obama!
Seem to me the public is left with crap when Obana keaves the
country!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hit the beach Obama, and drown!
McCain in '08
OBAMA
Fred – You're an idiot. Start looking at the reality we have right now in this country. We have a possible president that will be LOVED by the WORLD!
Don't you get it yet? Quit following Big Brother – He is dying.......
The People Will Be ONE
Obama – The Future President of The United States of America
It is about time that he gets well deserved rest, because of the long primary fight and general election run. he needs to rest for a week, but he needs keep in that the fight is not over yet as long mcbush is out there
I wonder if the average American working two or three jobs and paying a fortune to get to work is tired???? Also the poor soul who is living on a fixed income and is juggling medicine and food??Wonder if they are tired?? Wonder if the soldiers in the trenches are scared and tired??? Go figure...Obama has it made!!!!! What with Michelles kazillion dollar salary he could just call if all off and quit!!!!
How can one not be impressed with the energy, effort and intelligence of Barack Obama?. It is not that John McCain is not a worthy candidate, but it is time for a clean sweep. The country is ready and waiting for it to happen.
WHINE WHINE WHINE from the GOP camp.
Yeah right. Write critical articles about Senator Obama, and make Senator McCain King.