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July 9, 2009
Dear President Obama #171: Uh ... Are you coming home soon?
Posted: 11:45 AM ET
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Reporter's Note: President Barack Obama continues globe trotting; glad-handing it with foreign leaders, and enjoying adoring crowds all along the way. I am unfortunately stuck back in DC. No state dinners, no fancy gifts from overseas potentates, probably not even a postcard. Yet, miraculously, I continue my quest to send a letter a day to the White House.

G-8 leaders wait for an aide to remove toe markers as they pose for a family photo in L'Aquila, Italy, on July 8.
G-8 leaders wait for an aide to remove toe markers as they pose for a family photo in L'Aquila, Italy, on July 8.

Tom Foreman | Bio
AC360° Correspondent

Dear Mr. President,

Did you know that for a great many decades American presidents did not travel outside of the United States at all? Theodore Roosevelt was the first one to ever do it when he went down to Panama. Something about a ditch, if I remember right. Apparently Franklin Roosevelt (I’m not all hung up on throwing in that Delano like some people; What? We’re going to confuse him with all the other President Franklin Roosevelts?) was the first president to go on an official trip overseas by airplane. And unless I am mistaken, George H.W. Bush was the first president to ever throw up on a Japanese Prime Minister. Ah…I’ll always remember just where I was when I heard about that. But I digress.

While you have been away, the kids have been jumping on the furniture a bit, just in case your Congressional babysitters have not informed you yet.

Yes, your Democratic pals seem to be making all sorts of headlines about the economy, health care, taxes; and not particularly positive headlines at that. Of course the Republicans are slamming you too. That’s to be expected. But the degree to which your Dem buddies are making noise, I am beginning to suspect, could turn into a not-so-nice reception by the time you get home.

Even Biden! Your own Vice President! He’s out there saying the economy is worse than you all realized, and you’re having to sort of clarify, and yadda yadda yadda. It must kind of make you wonder if it’s all worth it.

On the other hand, like canaries in coal mines, you could also look at all their carrying on as a sort of early warning system; a reminder of sorts that the economy is still in bad shape, still issue number one for voters, and for all of our foreign affairs…which rightfully deserve attention…fixing the economy is still the first item on the “to do” list from voters.

Anyway, enjoy the travel. Buy souvenirs. Call if you can. But trust me, it looks like you’re going to have a desk full of work waiting the minute you get home.

Regards,

Tom

Find more of the Foreman Letters here.

22 Comments
22 Comments
stevekesh   July 9th, 2009 8:53 am ET

You're the man, Tom.

crobj   July 9th, 2009 9:01 am ET

Its been how long...6 months we thought you would have everything solved by now (never mind the last guy had 8 years to mess it up). As to people acting out while you're away its to be expected when you get back they'll fall back in line. Take care, have fun and take of business.

Joanne Pacicca   July 9th, 2009 9:21 am ET

The economic crisis does involve the globe. Travel abroad would not have been as critical if it had not been so completely damaged 8 years past! Attention must be paid. Our economy is no longer isolationist based as in times of old that you mention regarding President's that did not travel. The clock says it's 2009.

sissy saraswati   July 9th, 2009 9:27 am ET

Hi Mr. Cooper, do u know when will Mr. Obama visit to Indonesia? Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono is the elected President, again! 60% of Indonesia's people vote him, it's amaizing, first time in our politic history...

Get Real   July 9th, 2009 9:31 am ET

I am so sick of all of you, yes I said you. You say he is not tough enough-yes he is he has to fight the Republicans, half of his own party, the media, the public everyday and still keep a smile on his face. We (America) need to get out in the world, it is a mess. We need peace before we (the world) is blown away, and then you will not have the option to complain. And as for the Dems-I have a message for them-a house divided can not stand. So let's get real. And if everyone (both parties and others) would work with Obama instead of fighting with him very working hour of the day I believe things would get better. Face it TEAMWORK is what I have been taught that works.
GET REAL

Michelle   July 9th, 2009 9:39 am ET

As many presidents in my lifetime, I do not remember a president that has been on TV so much, has traveled around the glob in the first 7 months of office. Has he done any work at all? Didn't he get voted in to fix the situations we are in, not go around kissing the leaders rings of other countries and telling other countries how "arrogant" the United States has been, the people who voted him in office are probably feeling a little swindled by now. This man just wants to be a "super star" not a "President" Yes, buy some souvenirs on the tax payers dime!

RLWellman   July 9th, 2009 10:10 am ET

You think some of the Democrats have brains and are worried about election time coming up soon?
Do you think the majority of the United States is happy about the money that is being spent with little or no results?
You think the majority of the United States are stupid enough to go for another stimulis bill? Especially since only 44 billion of the 878 billion are actually spent.
Do you think the majority of the United States is stupid enough to think we can afford 3 trillion dollars for nationalized healthcare.
You think the majority of the United States believes the Government can run nationalized healthcare when they can't run medicare, medicaid, social security, or the post office without being in the red?

Karen Mango   July 9th, 2009 10:47 am ET

I keep hearing on CNN about the first Africian-American traveling to
Africia.
What do you think the President's mother would say about that?
If she had been alive, do you think he would of been elected?

Itai   July 9th, 2009 11:05 am ET

yappa yappa yappa

why the USA dont just build a walla arount its borders and keep there alone?

the USA needs oil from around the world, the USA sucks on near to every country... robbing resourcs in africa as in latin america searching allways for help in difficult situations from europe ... the USA needs russians or asians as enemy to keep the weapon factories up because there is not much left after GM had crashed

if the USA needs all others so much to stand on the own feets to be free and civilisated and yappa yappa

isent it normal to talk with the others about what ever
if not keep the politicans at home and solve all problems alone build a wall and shut up

many countries would be happy without undermining by USA ... latinamerica dont need the USA as asia and europe

why obama is going to speak with others in such a "eco-crisis" ... it would be better he stays at home... the world will rule also without the involving of the USA ... and in many places it would rule much better without bloodsuckers

the world is saving the USA ... china pays the stimulus ... europe share the crisis because the USA is so involved in europe ... africans will get more sucked ... and latinamericans have to stop the suckers

the USA did crash the economy because they were involved every where ... better dont speak to the sponsors of the USA ... better stay at home and hide

lew   July 9th, 2009 12:03 pm ET

OK! Children, take a chill pill, be have, time out, and no matter what you do, dont wake your mom! Ya'll sound like a bunch of youngens. lol. AND it takes two to fight! AND stop all the "she or he" looked at me mess. Also you know as long as the cat is away the mice will play. AND the last time I check none of us are walking on water.

GARY   July 9th, 2009 12:07 pm ET

You can see what this man is up to ,he's no leader some think he is but the general public are becoming more and more educated.
I mean we just celebrated July 4th and 80% of the fireworks were bought from China, lets start looking American Made.If you are for and from this country America goes first.

Michelle Johnson, Lomita, CA   July 9th, 2009 12:26 pm ET

I voted for Obama, and feel more disappointed and betrayed by the day. He is running all over the world, living in luxury and visiting other countries while our nation struggles to survive some of the worst crises in its history. He has distanced himself from the people who elected him, and is not following through or overseeing what he initiates. He is not acting like the president he promised to be.

Angie   July 9th, 2009 2:32 pm ET

Why are you people whinning that the president is living in lunxury? All presidents live in luxury. What do you expect; for them to live in a box? How do you expect him to live? Eating bologna sandwiches and spam? You people actually expect this horrible mess we're in to be fixed already? Where did you people go to school? Let me know so I won't send my kids there.

Ann   July 9th, 2009 2:33 pm ET

Really??? All this over the President traveling and working with other world leaders? Roosevelt et al as mentioned were president 60+ years ago BEFORE Air Force 1, before jet travel, before we were part of a truly global community! Get a grip. Especially after all the damage done to our image across the world with the last president it is IMPERATIVE that we do all we can to repair the damage and re-establish solid and productive working relationships with the global community. We have serious and critical problems that will not be solved in a vacuum. Get over all the childish complaining and look to what YOU have done today to make things better.

Brenda   July 9th, 2009 2:36 pm ET

Wondering why people are so distraught about Obama traveling all over the world. I would say that is networking, being aware of what's going on around the world. Honestly, did you think he could change the world in 6 months. Give him the time that he needs so that his decisions are not made in haste and that they will be wise and well carried out plans of action.

Brandi   July 9th, 2009 2:54 pm ET

Oh for pete sakes. Yes, how dare Obama visit places such as Russia and dare to make strides. He should sit back and bellow at all the other countries they are either with us or against us and then invade another country with proven false info. Oh wait, that's exactly why he got voted in. Cause he wasn't like the OTHER guy. Get over it already some of you.

Lampe   July 9th, 2009 3:16 pm ET

I don't really have a problem with him traveling some. But really there are things back here that do require his attention. Like why isn't most of the stimulus money already out, trying to help the economy? Why is the unemployment reat still rising? These are all things he said where going to get his undivided attention. But, instead he is running around trying to build relationships, that should not be his number 1 priority. And, I know he can't fix everything in 6 months. but, can you at least tell me one thing he has fixed in his first 6 months? And, I really don't mean things that are putting us further and further in the hole.

Mr. Bill   July 9th, 2009 4:18 pm ET

Perhaps Obama is not just traveling but running away from all the headaches at home that he does not know how to deal with them and instead have delegated all his work to Nancy Pelosi & Harry Reid and the 33 "CZARs" he has appointed.

Donna Wood, Lil' Tennessee   July 9th, 2009 4:52 pm ET

Am I imagining things or is the man standing next to the President watching the aides bottom? No, make that both men on the President's left I believe! Sorry! But I just saw that!

Donna Wood
Lexington, Tennessee

Tishila, NJ   July 9th, 2009 5:19 pm ET

And next week, the POTUS is supposed to be in NJ to support Gov Corzine. Save the CO2 emissions Barak - supporting Corzine is not good for you or NJ. We can't get rid of him soon enough.

Annie Kate   July 9th, 2009 10:53 pm ET

Hopefully we are all just suffering from a case of overactive & unrealistic expectations. The heath care, economy, wars, etc. can't be fixed in 6 months – it will take time. Its hard to wait particularly if you don't have a job and are struggling to provide for your family. Hopefully, Obama will come home and get things back on track.

Vicki   July 10th, 2009 6:04 am ET

Mr. Obama & the economy...

What I do not understand, when, he was elected to work for the United States of America. Bush did nothing but lied to America and the World. Mr. Obama realized, what those former presidents have been doing did not work so well. We have to stop living in the past and focus on the future. He is human and he is not able to pull a rabbit out of his anus. Mr. Obama has been blamed for spending too much, but in order to make money you have to take a risk, and spend it. Now, getting to these employers, who are not hiring. EVERYONE PLEASE READ!!! Businesses are not hiring because, they are earning money, which has been lost, so therefore unemployment is going to be on hold for right now, until those company’s make back the money that has been lost. Quality is not to be rushed because; it takes time to get back on track. Remember, Mr. Obama and his staff is not the Neighborhood Wal-Mart, or a President-N-D-Box, and definitely not Burger King (have it your way). Poor Mr. Greenspan, Bush did not listen to him and these are the reasons why America and the world are suffering. The main problem is America is addicted to hiring crooks and thieves to run a country starting with Enron and WorldCom. America is bouncing back, but businesses are stalling to hire, just to earn what has been lost.

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