Is that supposed to be a good reason for him not to go? How about showing a little respect for the circumstances.
Obama travels to foreign countries all the time, often for symbolic reasons (maybe always, really). I’m thinking about Mandela’s memorial, for one. I can’t think of anything more internationally timely for the US than the threat of terrorism and a showing that “we are not afraid,” which was the theme of the gathering, and to honor the victims, whose sacrifice in the name of free speech matters as much (or maybe more) to the US as it does to France.
It is fine if people don’t care if he was there or not, but the “good griefs” and “oh pleases” in response to others’ opinions is just rude.
“I cannot find documentation, but I do believe that diplomatic protocol - as outlined by the US State Department - would dictate formal representation by either the Vice President or Secretary of State, not the (outgoing) US Attorney General. President Obama has enough experienced advisors & protocol experts that I cannot believe the lack of US attendance is a mistake.”
Diplomatic protocol in place for a march? I find that hard to believe.
I do not believe it was a mistake by the administration not to have a high ranking official representing the US. I also do not believe the US was trying to make a statement by not having a high ranking administration official attend.
If anyone is not aware of not only our policies but actions on this issue by now - they must be living under a rock somewhere.
Really? This was a known and acknowledged terrorist attack from the outset.
Obama is not hosting the meeting with the world leaders this week on “workplace violence.”
I think there would be angry criticism of him either way, as always.
The summit is on “violent extremism” and it was originally supposed to happen months ago but was postponed and rescheduled. I agree all presidents have critics.
There’s been so much ‘outrage’ over who did or did not attend, yet I haven’t seen any reports of rallies/vigils, etc., in the U.S., in support. There have been several in Canada. Did I just miss them in the U.S.?
Obama should have been there. The Daily Mail reported that he had no public events on his calendar and watched football all afternoon. Really sending the wrong message about priorities. I don’t see how it could have offended anyone to march in support of free speech and against terrorism. Where’s the possible political liability in that? And as for security, the rest of the world leaders were there. I don’t think Obama is a bigger target than they are.
Of course the French president wasn’t going to say anything against Obama publicly. That wouldn’t have been very diplomatic. Who knows what he and the rest of the leaders are saying behind closed doors.
The logistics of getting Air Force One and the entire security entourage (it takes something like 20 C-5 cargo planes just to fly in all the equipment and limos) takes months to plan. It’s not something done on a whim.
I still dont see why some seem to think that this attack trumps others. Actually, I am not shocked at all given the fact that editor had been placed on Al Qaeda’s most wanted list. The office was also fired bombed in 2011.
I dont think President Obama shouldve gone to France. I think by continuing his daily duties, he shows the terrorists that they didnt win. Besides, sending the president to France on short notice is a logistical nightmare.
Frankly, I have no confidence in the French police force, as it has been written they missed so many clues with the terrorists. I also have zero confidence in our secret service. Hell, they have screwed up his security detail on US soil.
Some of the same folk whining about him not going, have done NOTHING to show solidarity with the French. I heard of one march in DC, thats it. Yeah, maybe he couldve sent John Kerry, but Obama shouldnt have gone.
Huh? Presidents travel to places on the spur of the moment all the time. I mean, agree or disagree but some of these excuses are very entertaining. No traveling on a whim Mr. President.
Anyway, the White House is now issuing a statement of regret and Mr. Spokesman says they should have sent someone with a higher profile.
Well, he probably should have sent Biden–but if he had, the exact same people would be complaining that he didn’t go himself. The predictability of the criticisms has become almost comical.
Here you go! I happen to think that it would not have made a bit of difference had Obama been there or dispatched Smiling Joe of his main waffler. The foreign leaders understand the limitations placed on the participation of the US and are not naïve enough to miss the current narrative. And they would not have missed the hypocrisy of a US display of solidarity in the form of the march, and especially if it had the form of the POTUS.
The US will have plenty of opportunities to redress its errors in the future. As they should.
It was a photo op staged in a closed street and not at the rally. If Obama had gone we would have heard from outraged haters about how he spent $X million dollars to use the Secret Service and Air Force One to do something for show.
It is notable that Canadian PM Stephen Harper was not there either. He too sent a lower-level representative of his country. Most of the world leaders who were there were from elsewhere in Europe or the Middle East, most of which is closer than the U.S.
Not everyone who was there was welcome. Apparently when Netanyahu spoke at a ceremony at a Paris synagogue, Hollande stood up and left.
The U.S., U.K. and Germany are the only three countries assisting with intelligence and law enforcement.
