Assessing President Barrack Obama's overseas trip, ABC's George Stephanopoulos proposed it was “a real test for the President” and, no surprise, decided “he passed it pretty easily” since “he was confident, he had a sense of command in his personal and his public diplomacy, forged strong relationships with his European counterparts...” Furthermore, Stephanopoulos admired Obama's “strong” unannounced visit to troops in Iraq, touting how the President “capped off” his travels “with this critical visit to the troops. When you've got American troops fighting on two fronts, you have to end that visit with a strong visit with the troops, and he did.”
Asked by anchor Charles Gibson to list some minuses, Stephanopoulos acknowledged “good feelings with your allies don't guarantee agreement,” citing Obama's inability to secure help in Afghanistan and with North Korea, but the host of ABC's This Week wrapped up with how the White House is pleased with the trip -- as if it were possible they wouldn't be: “They feel this trip went exactly as they planned. They couldn't be happier. Now they're going to come back home and focus again on the economy.”
Hard to imagine how they could be any happier with the media's reverential coverage.
As Stephanopoulos oozed over how Obama “forged strong relationships with his European counterparts,” ABC displayed on screen the same photo of Obama, arm-in-arm with Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, which ABC showcased on Saturday's World News -- an image anchor David Muir insisted demonstrated how “other heads of state are seemingly trying to get close to the head of the class, or the cool kid in the class, if you will, President Obama.” Stephanopoulos echoed: “The President's stagecraft on this trip and his star power have really held up all through his trip to Europe.”
For more, see my April 4 NewsBusters item, “Obama's Week Through ABC's Prism: 'Cool Kid in the Class.'”
The Gibson-Stephanopoulos exchange on the Tuesday, April 7 World News on ABC:
CHARLES GIBSON: George, the President has now had his first week as President on the international stage. So, let's do a little summing up. Overall, the pluses from this trip?GEORGE STEPHANOPOULOS: Well, it's a real test for the President, Charlie, and I think he passed it pretty easily. He was confident, he had a sense of command in his personal and his public diplomacy, forged strong relationships with his European counterparts. He signaled to the European public that there was going to be a fresh start in relations with the United States, and especially to the Muslim world, that they have a friend in the White House, in some ways, one of their own. And as Jake [Tapper] just showed, he capped it off with this critical visit to the troops. When you've got American troops fighting on two fronts, you have to end that visit with a strong visit with the troops, and he did.
GIBSON: How about the minuses from the week?
STEPHANOPOULOS: Well, what we saw this week is that good feelings with your allies don't guarantee agreement. On the G-20, the European nations did not go along with the kind of stimulus the President would have hoped for. And even that trillion dollars that they came up with for the developing world may not materialize. On Afghanistan, NATO endorsed the President's policies, but it's pretty clear the United States is going to be carrying the bulk -- overwhelming bulk -- of the military load. And even though the President had good meetings with both the Chinese and the Russian leaders, we saw, after that North Korean missile test, that they're not eager to go along with what the United States would want when it comes to the U.N. resolutions to sanction North Korea.
GIBSON: So, some pluses, some minuses. Overall, White House aides happy?
STEPHANOPOULOS: They feel this trip went exactly as they planned. They couldn't be happier. Now they're going to come back home and focus again on the economy.
GIBSON: Alright, George Stephanopoulos, thanks very much.
—Brent Baker is Vice President for Research and Publications at the Media Research Center
Editor at Large
Comments Policy
The Trojan Horse in Office...
April 7, 2009 - 20:14 ET by Delia...Gained nothing. His 'performance' was just that...whilst he fawned and panty-waisted his way around, the Euros didn't give an inch.
Report Card?
April 7, 2009 - 20:15 ET by EverettPWhere's the report card? I'm on pins-and-needles in anticipation for his grade.
steph's grade chart
April 7, 2009 - 20:20 ET by katainkentA++++++
A+++++
A+++
A ++
A+
A
-A (for the really bad blunders)
ROFLMAO
April 8, 2009 - 01:18 ET by kgYou took my post right out of my hands. LOL
"DumbAssity of Dope"
Same here- I was wondering
April 8, 2009 - 06:27 ET by BKeyserSame here- I was wondering how Snuffy manages to even speak with nothing but "A's" in his alphabet!
Yes, he really is an
April 8, 2009 - 07:01 ET by SickofLibsYes, he really is an "A-hole."
SickofLibs, does that make him...
April 8, 2009 - 08:05 ET by Delia...an ACE? :))
LOL - yup!
April 8, 2009 - 08:27 ET by SickofLibsLOL - yup!
Can we spell naive?
April 7, 2009 - 20:21 ET by anneftxSorry, I wish Obama the best, but he came across as a naive sycophant. It seems he can't turn the switch and be presidential rather than the Great Campaigner. This guy's beginning to scare me. He apparently wants to nationalize our financial system, cave to the idiocy of Gorebull warming and give a major thumbs down to charter schools and vouchers. Perhaps he'd like to pay the tuition for the D.C. kids who are going to be tossed out of good schools w/o scholarships. So, are his daughters attending Key, Hardy, etc. Nope.
anneftx
Instead of thanking George
April 7, 2009 - 20:21 ET by DaBirdInstead of thanking George Stephanopolis (D-ABC), Charlie Gibson (D-ABC) should skip the middleman and just thank Rham Emanuel for these reports.
DaBird, why stop with Rahm? Why not go all the way to Soros?
April 7, 2009 - 21:17 ET by R D Helm-Dave
This coup has gone on long enough. The time to put it down is NOW.
Yeah, he did pass the test, if . . .
April 7, 2009 - 20:38 ET by CKA in Red State USA. . .he wanteed to insult the memory of those brave American soldiers who fought and maybe died at Normandy during World War II, given his refusal to visit the cemetery there with French PM. [Perhaps he doesn't know that part of American history?}
. . .he wanted to insult all people in America who believe in the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and God the Son, Christ Jesus, by saying America is not a Christian nation (he may have a point, but...)
. . .he wanted to pander to Muslims and use his middle name and his history of being a Muslim -- sometthing that, if any of us wrote about during the campaigns, led to us being called racists.
. . .he wanted to show his real ignorance of history and Islam, that violent political movement couched in manmade religious trappings.
. . .he wanted to show how naive he really is.
. . .he wanted to insult President Bush by lying and saying very incorrectly that America has been at war with Islam (it should be, but it's too politicall incorrect).
. . .he wanted to show weakness, by pandering to the Europeans and p*ssing on America and what we've done for Europe and the world
. . . he wanted to sleep with his mistress called Europa in plain sight.
As I heard someone, a woman, say today on Hannity's radio show, it is as if Obama slept with a whore/mistress and now comes home to his wife. He should take a bath.
But, then, we all should. Me, I feel dirty and ashamed at what this Marxist, this boy-president, this empty-suited metrosexual, this puppet has done to America's image.
He is the most dangerous man to hold the office he does in modern history, if not American history.
He wants to destroy America and its freedoms.
Why not, though? It's not just that he isn't a natural-born U.S. citizen, he's not an American. He knows nothing of our culture, our history. He'd rewrite the Constitution because those 55 men who did weren't as smart and cool as he is.
This man is more than just dangerous, though. He's an embarrassment.
So, yes, if he wanted to demonstrate all these things, then he passed easily.
You wonder: When does the next phase of the Second American Revolution begin?
And when do we throw out the shills and shillettes in the ASS -- advocacy/slobbering/socialist -- media who helped create and continue to cover for this monster who crawled out of the cesspool called the Chicago Political Machine and Marxism?
Marked lack of adulation from U.S. troops
April 7, 2009 - 20:49 ET by anneftxBoth our daughter and her husband have served in Iraq. IIRC, visits from President Bush were greeted with huge cheers. There was a background group that spanned races and regular looking folx.
In contrast, O's speech has greated with general silence and with a backdrop of extremely attractive young black soldiers who remained unsmiling as he gave his address.
Marked difference.
Our daughter fairly recently resigned her commission as 2nd Lt (AF is reducing middle management). She's extremely skeptical abt O. To put it mildly, she thinks he's an ignorant poser. Her husband (on terminal leave -- I know that sounds ominous, but you military folx know what I mean) -- is absolute disgusted with new Prez.
The unsmiling faces and lack of applause of troops sez it all.
anneftx
Wow. That's all waaaay over
April 7, 2009 - 22:17 ET by balboaWow. That's all waaaay over the top. It won't matter what Obama ever does, because it'll all be part of some evil plan of his in your eyes.
balboa
April 8, 2009 - 04:11 ET by well99Sounded more spot on to me.If Obama wants to suck up to Europe and Muslims that is his choice.It doesnt mean he isnt allow to be critized for it.It isnt evil it is still the right of folks to have a opinion right?Besides with all his lapdogs in the msm someone has to call him out when he gets stupid.George is to much in love with him to say something like you maybe arrogant but most of the country isnt.Obama is the president but so was Jimmy Carter.Both are worthless as tits on a boar hog.
C'mon, well99. He
April 8, 2009 - 09:50 ET by balboaC'mon, well99.
He wanted to insult the memory of those brave American soldiers who fought and maybe died at Normandy during World War?
He is the most dangerous man to hold the office he does in modern history, if not American history?
He wants to destroy America and its freedoms?
When does the next phase of the Second American Revolution begin?
That's not over the top?
balboa
April 8, 2009 - 15:54 ET by well99"He wanted to insult the memory of those brave American soldiers who fought and maybe died at Normandy during World War?"
I would say he is apathetic to those that gave their lives.
"He is the most dangerous man to hold the office he does in modern history, if not American history?"
That is someones opinion.Shoot I know people who think Jon Steward is funny.I know it is hard to believe but it is true.
"He wants to destroy America and its freedoms?"
He is trying to change this into Euro-socialism.So that would depend on your perspective.
"When does the next phase of the Second American Revolution begin?"
That maybe over the top.
"That's not over the top?"
What CKA said I agree with mostly.I have no respect for Obama.He threw his Grandmother under the bus.While Rezko was bilking money from the goverment.Obama let people in his district live in squallor and did nothing except get donations from Rezko.Those are the folks he was suppose to represent.He only represented his own interest.He is a Chi-Town politician and he shows it.
You think he's apathetic
April 8, 2009 - 15:59 ET by balboaYou think he's apathetic because he didn't go to the beaches at Normandy?
And how successful can you be in changing a America to a socialist nation when you're a president in a democratic republic? What are the odds that you'd ACTUALLY be able to affect that kind of change?
I don't think Obama is free of all criticism. I'm not all that inspired by him right now. But some of this stuff is just as bad as the deranged lefties who said Bush was going to have armies roaming the streets, that we were going to invade all kinds of countries just for their oil, etc.
→ Good point bal
April 8, 2009 - 16:03 ET by Cool ArrowI remember Bill Clinton at Normandy.
We ripped him to shreds over it. Of course it helped that he'd had some stones seeded on the sandy beach with which he could fashion a Cross in commemoration.
But visiting Normandy would not have served Obama well from a PR perspective. And that's what it's all about.
LYDSEXICS UNTIE!
balboa
April 8, 2009 - 16:20 ET by well99It is called respect.Those men died for the country and he could of missed a photo op to go show respect to the fallen.Gee your right no republic has ever been replaced with a socialist system.Well that get in their face part in one of his speeches really tells on Obama.I dont care if he is a Dem/lib.I dont like him because he is a user.He just cares about the O and forget the rest.
You wouldn't have thought it
April 8, 2009 - 16:22 ET by balboaYou wouldn't have thought it was sincere if he did go, so...kind of at a stalemate.
→ Agreed
April 8, 2009 - 16:25 ET by Cool ArrowI agree, as stated above.
LYDSEXICS UNTIE!
balboa
April 8, 2009 - 16:47 ET by well99If it wasnt a press op I would.Unlike his uncle who helped liberate Auschwitz he would of been honoring men who gave their lives in service of their country.
And when, if ever, on this
April 9, 2009 - 16:03 ET by balboaAnd when, if ever, on this trip was he going to be able to sneak over to Normandy? C'mon.
balboa
April 9, 2009 - 19:38 ET by well99Actually Normandy is that far from England.It wouldnt of taken that long to get there.
Good evening well
April 9, 2009 - 19:50 ET by cocodrieIt was too far for him to go to visit wounded soldiers a few blocks away when he was in Europe a while back. His gym workout was much more important.
It was also too far to go to attend the inauguration ball for the Medal of Honor winners on inauguration night.
Jesus Loves You so much He died for you
coc
April 9, 2009 - 20:27 ET by well99I remember.His gym workout had the press.Visiting the wounded takes second place to a photo op.
One of the underpinning
April 7, 2009 - 20:36 ET by PeskyDaneOne of the underpinning goals of this trip, was to get our Eurpean "allies" to send more troops to Afghanistan. By that simple grade-school level measure, this trip was an abject failure.
This trip can be neatly summed up with the following suggested headline: OBAMA GOES TO EUROPE AND SURRENDERS
You got that right. "Willingly surrendered," . . .
April 7, 2009 - 20:42 ET by CKA in Red State USA...couldn't wait to surrender.
One hopes he never finds himself on the wrong side of the law and ends up in prison.
Given his lack of testicularity, he'd last about one minute before some man made him his love slave.
The man is truly an embarrasment as a man, and someone who has the temerity to call himself an American.
If he's an American -- I don't mean just a U.S. citizen, but a cultural American, one who is of this country and for this country -- then, yes, Bill Clinton is a faithful husband and John Kerry really is going to release ALL of his military records.
If not getting even one ally
April 7, 2009 - 20:38 ET by snaggletoothieIf not getting even one ally to undertake one meaningful action is considered a great success, I'm sure I can't even imagine what it would take to get Stephanopoulosoff his knees.
I always keep in mind that
April 7, 2009 - 20:48 ET by TeddyI always keep in mind that the only barometer George has to use for "what is a foreign policy success", is his experience with Billy Jeff's administration and everything that came with it, when he's talking Obama and Europe, or Afghanistan, or Iraq, or Mars.
It's the Narcissism
April 7, 2009 - 21:16 ET by slickwillie2001You have to remember, the Bamster is a massive narcissist. He considers his trip to be a great success, because many thousands of his adoring fans in Europe and in the liberal media showed him the love. He needs these 'fixes' regularly, just as an alcoholic craves a drink. After a fix, he is sated for a few days. When he and M'chell turn out the lights at night, I can see him watching one of his own speeches on TV before sleep.
Whether the trip is a success or not in terms of diplomatic relations and foreign policy accomplishments is a secondary issue. He'll leave that to others to finesse the details on.
AMEN, SlickW!
April 7, 2009 - 21:21 ET by DeliaThis cretin is in permanent self-love 'mode'.
Will the left wake up from the kool-aid? So far...only a few have...the rest are still buzzing like angry hornets at anyone who defies the 'ONE'.
Yep, pretty much what I expected Goebbelsnopoulos to say
April 7, 2009 - 21:21 ET by R D HelmWhat an erect tool he is.
-Dave
This coup has gone on long enough. The time to put it down is NOW.
time for a personnel change at ABC News
April 7, 2009 - 21:25 ET by jdripperGeorge Stephanopoulos needs to be fired.
Jack
"If at age 20 you are a conservative then you have no heart. If at age 30 you are a liberal then you have no brains." Sir Winston Churchill
Listen to Georgie.
April 7, 2009 - 21:26 ET by pbthinkerIf you want to know what the White House spin is, just listen to Georgie. He's lost all credibility with his phone calls from Rahm. Just once, I'd like to see Georgie boy part from the Rahm given line and do a little critique. Since that isn't going to happen, why not, as was stated in another post, just skip the middle man and ask Rahm directly.
Election 2008-God's way of showing us that elections count.
This President did nothing but
April 7, 2009 - 21:30 ET by KH29show that he is a collasal failure! Nothing more than an empty suit. He kicked America in the balls, bowed to an Arab, invented a new language, gave away gifts to royalty befitting of a 13 year old. All he wanted to do this trip is show that he can kiss foreigner Arse to the millions of people who already voted for him. What a joke. I thought he was naive, but now I'm positive he is flat out STUPID. Heads of the G20 are probably laughing their heads off, knowing this guy can be manipulated.
Good luck America.
"There is not in all America a more dangerous trait than the deification of mere smartness unaccompanied by any sense of moral responsibility."
Horseman of the Apocalypse
April 7, 2009 - 21:48 ET by DustBunny01George has demonstrated that he is so in the bag for President Obama that if he turns and issues a critical report; all will know that the seal has been broken and the end is near.
This is turning into a joke
April 7, 2009 - 22:33 ET by SupermanCome on George. If you can't change your extremely biased reporting on the Obama Administration, then I suggest you recuse yourself from any such reporting.
what a tool
April 7, 2009 - 23:18 ET by i was just thinkingGood thing Step-on-all-of-us never became a teacher. He would be fawning over the football players and cheerleaders, giving easy A's, and the kids he didn't like... well, good luck to them.
Just another liberal tool.
What exactly has this guy
April 8, 2009 - 01:36 ET by RR GOPWhat exactly has this guy done to merit all this slobber?
All I've seen is BS and bluster.
If the foreigners are just as easily taken in as the majority of American voters were, then I guess it's a case of worldwide idiocracy...should that be reassuring-or scary?
One of the 34% who thinks George W. Bush was a great President. One of the 61% who wants to bring back the stock and pillory (yep...approval for Congress now at 39%...do you believe that!?).
Stinkanopoulos has pretty
April 8, 2009 - 06:58 ET by SickofLibsStinkanopoulos has pretty low standards.
If the test was Obongo left the US and returned safely, then, yes, he passed with flying colors.
Sheesh!
April 8, 2009 - 07:49 ET by RukusGood God Stephie! Someone needs to put a condom over your head and be done with it! Absolutely pathetic! Sheesh!
Gary
"Things can only bother you if you let them bother you" -My Dad
The fool bowed to royalty!
April 8, 2009 - 21:13 ET by rbosqueThe fool bowed to royalty! He just rolled over like a puppy. George, you are a #$@ @$$*!
Ok, am I missing something
April 8, 2009 - 21:24 ET by mandrakeOk, am I missing something here?? I remember a photo of GWB holding hands with some Saudi Prince...? What's the diff?
The difference
April 8, 2009 - 21:28 ET by RESTLESS 1Is that the Saudis don't see two men holding hands as one subjugating himself to the other. They see it as two equals. Now bowing, well we all know what that means.
"This
liberal would be all about socialize -- uh, uh, would be about
basically taking over and the government running all of your companies."-Maxine Waters 2008
No American President has
April 8, 2009 - 21:31 ET by rbosqueNo American President has bowed to royalty in 200 years (tradition). It's an act of submission to the Muzzies too.