Obama "Gravitas" On Display Abroad (WATCH)

The Washington Post's Chris Cillizza writes a glowing review of Barack Obama's press availability with reporters in Jordan today, saying the event, like his trip in general, has demonstrated the Senator's "gravitas" at a key moment.

Barack Obama's press conference this morning in Amman, Jordan, was a major moment -- perhaps the major moment -- of the Illinois senator's much-ballyhooed trip abroad this week.

All eyes were on Obama to see how he would perform on a world stage with every political reporter of any consequence either on the trip with him or watching closely on television.

And, as he has done before in the course of the campaign, Obama seemed to be up to the moment -- sensing the need to convey gravitas and bipartisanship while also strongly defending his own beliefs about America's role in Iraq and the broader Middle East.

Gone were the jokes and "rah rah" language that won over many Obama partisans but left many undecided voters wondering whether there was any there when it came to the Illinois senator. Instead, we saw a serious explication of his position on removing combat troops in Iraq, a position bolstered in recent days by repeated calls by the Iraqi government to remove U.S. military forces from the country by 2010.

Watch some of Obama's speech (we'll post the full video when it's up):

And here's raw video of Obama meeting with with Gen. David Petraeus:

Comments

[garrylee]

Where O where is Bin Laden? Iraq?--If not, why don't we go where he is and complete the job? Also, JM and MSM keep hammering on BO nt giving credit for the surge-why? JM is a big man. Does he need to be constantly reassure?

I want to hear JM opinion on the base in Afghan that was overrun by the Taliban and is now close. Why? Is it because most of our troops are in Iraq?

[Truthfighter1]

Riley your facts are wrong like all you Obama haters, you simply spread lies, you dont research. If you are online blogging you should never misquote or misunderstand your candidate or your candidates opponent, your on the Internet for God's sake, you can get the truth if you search a little.

Sunni's decided to fight back against Al Queda at least 3 months (Sept.'06) before the surge was even thought of, as u know the actual troops didnt start going in till about March '07, so it was not only the surge, some might argue the surge didn't do much at all.

Please ask your candidate what else is he going to offer besides Obama bashing, he already has you guys for that, time for him to start making sense to the American people and tell us what his plans are abroad besides " depending on positons on the ground" such hogwash. That is not a strategy that is Military tactical talk, he is not running for General.

[riley85]

I don't understand why the troops support Obama. He has essentially said that all of their hard work and extreme sacrifice has been a failure. According to Obama the surge didn't work and Iraq improved because they solved their own problems at the same time more troops were sent in.

And Obama is willing to fight a war in Afganistan and send more troops there(a surge?). So he's going to end one war and start another.

[Bados]

This is too funny. Beware of the word "ESSENTIALLY". Usually the statements following are grade A shullbit. Did you really say sending troops to Afganistan would be starting another war? LMAO you cant be that dumb. You obviously would like to keep fighting in a place that is confirmed to have nothing to do with attacking us. Brilliant I tell ya!!!!!! "Come on troops lets go not get the guys that attacked us on 9/11. Are you with me?" Does that make any sense to you? What? It does?????

[ksyellowdog]

As a retired Marine, I support Obama because he wants our troops home. Fully 95% of all combat troops seek to return home and away from a place where we are not wanted. This is not about "winning" or losing. There is no win or lose here, only more death. Do you want to defend this mess we call a clusterF*ck? We don't.

[wdw101]

the words you are searching for is "I surrender"

[wdw101]

corrected:

the words you are searching for are "I surrender"

[nycdave]

Maybe because he treats them with respect for the service they've performed, rather than as plastic toy soldiers he can throw around in some sick grown-up game of army men.

[QuicksilverKW]

riley85 - you really DON'T understand - especially when you say that going to Afganistan would be "starting" another war???? Where have you been? It's obvious that the troops support Obama. What do they know that you don't? I suggest you keep researching until you figure it out.

[splendidbeast]

Mc Ca in had no problem supporting the GOP after Ni xon(republican) did it during Vietnam.

[ComnCents]

While gravitas is important. Mostly we need a president that has a properly functioning brain.

Our current president is a poorly constructed marionette who says we should replace him with one that is old technology AND worn out.

For you 14 year old comment posters supporting Mac who probably don"t know what a marionette is:

A marionette is a puppet controlled by a puppeteer called a manipulator.

[wdw101]

Great another Hussein Obama supporter with empty headed response for change. Hey let us ponder Hussein 's word "change", it sounds good until you give it more than 2 seconds of thought. if Hussein actually gets in what will be left in my pocket will be "change" from all the taxes he will institute. Someone burns my house down that is "change". The list could go on and on, but you should get the point by now, see not all change is good.

But the sad thing is that it is very true "change", why most people have a good view on "change" is by filling in their personal view. However that is not what the candidate said he just stated he wanted "change".......I want to hear it from the candidate without all the normal platitudes. what do you want to change, how, and how will the change be paid for.

[splendidbeast]

How will we pay the bill for 8 years of Bush? Did you miss the report on how spending goes up when the GOP is in power. wdw101 let's see if you can actually answer a question with facts. I dare you to answer how we are going to pay the deficit. can you bring it above the 101 level?

[nycdave]

What's your middle name, maybe I can call you by that, too...

[QuicksilverKW]

Wow - your reading and listening choices have been very limited. It's very evident by reading the last few lines of your comment. Obama never said he just wanted change without explaining what that change should and could be? How is that you think that Obama's supporters only view of change is what they want personally? It is what you want to believe - not that it has any real substance. Maybe you don't feel that America has a chance to once again be respected by other countries - that the best we can do is McCain. Where do you go for the information that has fed your mind? Maybe someday - in time - you will be able to say, "So that is what he meant when he talked about change." There is hope for even you - to open your mind.

[mairs]

Your comment and some spare "change" will get you a cup of coffee and nothing else.

[Voltage]

I don't believe there's a 14 year old out there who would be stupid enough to support McBrainless

[wdw101]

that's good because a 14 year old can't vote.....just thought I'd help you out

[DaOne]

McCain should adopt a new attack strategy against Obama. Here's one that would work. McCain should say that Obama is unamerican. Why? He's obviously too smart to be a John McCain American.

[rose london]

I HAVE A DREAM. ALL PAST AND PRESENT LEADERS WERE IN A ROOM PLEADING WITH GOD TO GIVE THEM ANOTHER OPPOURTUNITY TO MAKE RIGHT WHAT THEY HAVE DONE WHILE THEY WHERE LEADERS. I RECALL GOD SAYING NO......YOU HAVE YOUR CHANCE AND YOU BLOW IT. YOU FAILED TO CREATE BETTER LIFE FOR OTHERS... YOU DID NOT CARRY OUT MY WISHES. THEN A YOUNG HANDSOME MAN CALLED KENNEDY PLEADDED WITH GOD AND ASK GOD TO GIVE THEM A CHANCE SO THAT THEY CAN COME AND ENJOY THE GLORY IN HEAVEN AS HE IS ENJOYING. GOD PAUSE A BIT AND REPLIED..."KENNEDY I WILL DO AS YOU ASK BUT ONLY IF THEY GO BACK IN WHAT I REPRESENT BOTH IN HEAVENS AND ON EARTH". KENNEDY BECAME SO HAPPY AND HE GAVE THE LEADERS SOME HINTS..HE SAID." I BORROWED YOU MY HEART AND I GIVE YOU THE WISDOMS OF EMPATYHY, LOVE AND MOST OF ALL I GIVE YOU ALL THE COLOURS OF THE RAINBOW AND THE CHILD WILL BE BORN IN USA BECAUSE I WANT HIM TO BE CLOSE TO MY FAMILY, TO LET THEM KNOW IM FINE.". AND SO OBAMA WAS BORN. NEED I SAY MORE. THANK YOU GOD FOR OBAMA.

[BOISATOOL]

Wow, you need help! LOL that was quite a post! I hope you never wake up, keep dreamin.

[wdw101]

good point

[wdw101]

you have got to be kidding............let me get my boots cause the crap is getting deep in here.......Even if this crap you are spewing was true.......one more reason not to vote for him......obama is very much like your post missing words and content....

[mairs]

That's because you've got your fingers in your ears while saying "Nyah nyah nyah.... I can't HEAR you!" And your boy McGoo is only whining about O, no content there.

[altara]

related fake news

SUB-ROSA NEWS
Some of the News
That May be True

MCCAIN TO ENDORSE OBAMA
Walk across Sea of Galilee was Clincher

Butte, Montana Senator John McCain interrupted his campaigning here in Butte to call a press conference. He opened the conference with the startling announcement that he was withdrawing from the race and endorsing his rival, Barack Obama. He released his delegates and urged them to support Senator Obama.

The Senator noted the clearly presidential manner that Obama exhibited during his meetings with generals and foreign leaders. He added that he and his staff were impressed with Senator Obama's grasp of foreign policy issues and his firm and clear exposition of United States' interests and policies.

In responsse to a question from the reporter present, Senator McCain said that his decision was supported by his family, particularly his younger grandchildren.

In closing, Senator McCain stated that it was important to make this announcement at this time, before Obama's ascension to the presidency was confirmed by his performance and his reception in Europe.

homer www.altara

[mergina]

And WHY is this race still SO CLOSE and getting closer as november nears?

[freebeer]

Because as ALWAYS the Democrats are moving to the right at election time, alienating their "loyal" progressive base.

The support of Bush's faith based funding by Obama and his support of the new FISA law with immunity hurts his numbers.
But not to worry, as this will ensure another minority in the election giving Democrats the cover they have used since Pelosi got the speaker's gavel. Razor thin minority, we just can pass this legislation, we need to compromise and on and on.

The only compromising being done here is by the American people. Politicians in both parties serve their corporate masters and close elections make it much easier.

[wdw101]

I say we vote none of the above.....Scrap both candidates and start over

[scorpioleidy]

People recognize a winner when they see one! GObama!

[awb]

gee

a smart president who we can be proud of
what a novel concept

[Lemeritus]

Just a sneaky Obama ploy to make McCain look bad. Waaaaaah! :)

[NotFooledByDistractions]

This press conference confirms that Obama actually comprehends the information he's providing - based on his research into the region. IHe proved his intelligence, logic and comprehension of the situation in the middle east. He's not just rattling statements provided by an assistant - talking points. He is well versed in the region - has a true comprehension of the big picture. His composure and ability to intelligently answer all of the questions posed is impressive. He should win big on this trip.

I think McCain lost big on his challenge to Obama - prodding him to travel to Iraq was a gift that will keep on giving. Meanwhile, the McCain campaign continues to run in shambles.

[Soulsurfer]

It will become painfully apparent when they meet for a debate. That will seal McBush's fate.

[DarthDerisive]

...your heart almost goes out to McPalpatine doesnt it...

And keep in mind the debates are YET ANOTHER thing Mycane is trying to push!! OKAY!!!

[Lemeritus]

Debate, yes! Townhall meeting, not so much... which is why Obama has wisely chosen not to engage in them. McCain has the advantage talking off-the-cuff, even if he doesn't know what the hell he's talking about half the time. Obama seems to struggle extemporaneously.

How 'bout a heads-up game of basketball???

[DarthDerisive]

Yeah thus far Mycane has been a great campaign manager for O! HA!

[charon]

Did you see how the troops cheered Obama? I think they want him elected even more than us. They know Obama would liberate them from Bush's ridiculous Iraq mess, and McCain won't. McCain's support is probably mainly among the ideologically promoted upper brass.

[BOISATOOL]

Yea right, like our troops are a bunch of cowards who want to surrender. This field trip Obama is on, is like American Idle, he's cute doesn't know anything, can make a 3 pointer. Reminds me of a USO tour, or course the troops are happy, the got nothing to do, the surge worked, they are bored. There is so much press, they probably thought they were their to replace them. With so much press fawning over Him, they could of thought it was theThe Dark Knight Premier in Baghdad, the only one missing was KO JO and he would have been the smartest one.

[helonias]

What are you on you 4th or 5th tour?

[wesinohio]

You're spouting complete and malicios fabrications. I hope you'll show Obama some respect when he's our president.

[Grunty1]

You republicans have no respect for the soldiers at all.
Calling them cowards for wanting to end an illegal and immoral war?? How dare you!!

[mgray34]

Typical war monger. Go suck McCane's teet...lol

[NotesFromME]

First of all, getting out of Iraq is SUCCESS, not surrender. The Iraqis hate us and want us out; and we want out. It is time to redeploy back to the States to rebuild our military and strengthen our forces in Afghanistan.

Who are YOU to call the troops cowards because they don't want to continue the clusterf*** occupation of Iraq? Most of the military guys that I know think the war is a fiasco that is destroying the military and getting people killed for no good reason. I spent six years in the US Army, and was a defense contractor for about 15 years. No one in the military wants to fight and die because the politicians in Washington are too cowardly to admit they were wrong and bring them home.

[wyntka]

In January, we are going to go from one of the darkest periods in this country's history to one of its finest. Hearing our president talk in something more than three-word clusters punctuated by a self-satisfied smirk will be so wonderful. It won't be the first time "in my adult life" that I've been proud of my government, but it will be the first time in eight horrific years.

[charon]

Yep, if ever there has been a "Dark Ages" in America, it was the last eight years. We can thank bushco, their wealthy backers, and the religious right for that. I will never forgive or forget.

[Midnightrain]

We're not exactly out of the woods. There are many who like the darkness; it's familiar to them.

[wdw101]

that is "Dark Age" unless you were defining multiple ages......if there is a "dark age" it is the ignorance of people like you.......our education system failed you didn't it.......

"we surrender"

[NTO08]

Gravitas?

The man is LITERALLY a featherweight...physically and mentally.

[ChicagoPunk]

And yet he's already dictating foreign policy to a sitting President, and has the other candidate racing to adopt his positions.

Featherweight like a fox.

[BOISATOOL]

LOL, I could not agree more, he looks like a Frenchman. I bet the cowardly French love his facination with retreat and smoking. Maybe he will stay and run for Emporer of all of Europe, I can only dream. They could both appease Iran until they start to take over one European country after another slautering Christians and Agnostics, and once again we would have to save the day.

[ChicagoPunk]

You could have saved a lot of typing if you'd just written "I don't have anything to add to the discussion."

Why don't you just excuse yourself while adults are talking?

[cindyw]

What does a "Frenchman" look like? And in case you haven't heard, our government is now "appeasing" Iran. Try to keep up.

[urbanliterati]

I think you put "tool" in your name for a reason.

[NotesFromME]

Appeasing Iran? It would sure be better than appeasing ISRAELl, and a lot less expensive.

[BarackstarObama]

A featherweight? Our next president is amazing.

[RoseMerry]

You wanna talk about gravitas? How about the ungodly GAUL to vote for and support an unconstitutional wiretap bill with retroactive immunity for criminals that even John McCain could find time to vote for?

He has betrayed us all.

Nader/Gonzales 2008!

[DarthDerisive]

Ummm...you dont get out much do you?

[nellie]

Mc Cain didn't vote at all. Courage? Where is thy vote?

[wdw101]

I wish there were a credible 3rd party candidate........NADER is just not the one.

[midknightryder13]

So what we have to do is make sure the Congress -- ALL of them, NOT JUST BO -- hear our voices when we say we DON'T LIKE THE FISA BILL!

It's "gall", btw. "Gaul" was part of the Ancient Roman empire.

[ICanHasDemocracy]

a featherweight can still beat your butt, n00b8

mentally he leaves you in the dust while you are still working out finger painting. You don't get a law degree by being friggin' 'tard.

[NotesFromME]

..and a Harvard law degree at that.

[StarkRavingNakedEmperor]

O'bama has gravitas to burn, as well as je ne sais quoi, grit, grace, style, coolness, star power, animal magnetism and a well-endowed brain pre-vetted by Harvard Law.

[MissDirection]

Did that headline say, "Mobbed by crowd of GI's" or "GI's crowded by The Mob"???

[StarkRavingNakedEmperor]

You'll figure it all out pretty soon, honey!

[BOISATOOL]

It is ok to stop drinking so much kool aid, it is bad on the hips, plus your car will fet more milage.

[DarthDerisive]

Well we all need you to put some miles on your spell checker....