Was Obama Overseas Tour Productive?

 

Standing in an Istanbul hotel beneath huge crystal chandeliers and a ceiling decorated with Ottoman motifs, David Axelrod argued that Mr Obama's first appearance on the world stage had been an "great success" that had yielded "tangible progress".

Certainly, Mr Obama was feted across Europe. In Prague's Hradcany Square, more than 20,000 Czechs turned out on a Sunday morning to hear him promise to seek a "world without nuclear weapons" and demand that "the voices for peace and progress must be raised together".

In Strasbourg, there were squeals of delight as Mr Obama led a crowd of surprised students in a chant of: "Liberté, égalité, fraternité." Arthur Renaud, 19, said afterwards: "This was a wonderful moment for the human race."

...But Mr Obama returns to the United States with few demonstrable results to show for his tireless efforts to woo Europe and rebuild relations after President George W. Bush by apologising for American "arrogance" and declaring at every turn that he wants "to listen, to learn and to lead".

Excited media and political pundits are chomping at the bit to discuss the merits or the failures of President Obama's worldwide romp through Europe and Muslim countries. Here is one view.

Bowing to the King of a Muslim Nation, Proclaiming America is not a Christian nation while in Turkey and romping through Europe apologizing for arrogant Americans, Obama returns to an insulted and belittled nation. Will we get an apology? Not likely!

The truth is, Michelle Obama, through her words, actions—and, yes, her clothes—is setting a new standard for what we think of as an American first lady. She's approachable, she's warm, she's highly educated, she's African American, and what she wears is unlike anything you'd expect from someone in such a prominent position.

...But perhaps what is most interesting about Michelle Obama's style is it seems honest, real, and relatable. It's fashion with a sense of humor. She wears comfortable shoes. She makes mistakes. She doesn't always know what to put with what. She's like us.