There were two very interesting statements made today on MSNBC by select Democratic representatives when asked about the Obama trip.

The first was...."...on this trip the Mideast, Obama has passed the test showing he is indeed qualified as Commander in Chief...". All I can say is if he was in a limbo contest and walked upright under the bar the media would say see....he can do it...very amusing. Does anybody really believe that is all it takes is to be a visiting dignitary to an area of adversity? I think not....my opinion and anyone else who has ever ever been a visiting dignitary. Absolutely no involvement with the day to day machinations of what it takes to run the situation. NONE!

The second profound report was quoting Obama regarding bringing the troops home..."...US combat troops no longer in Iraq in the next 16 months...". Since there are 50,000 of the 140,000 troops in Iraq with a duty spec of 'combat"....what does it imply for the other 90,000? It certainly is very different from the podium speeches of "...bring the troops home from Iraq during his first four years as President. At least it shows he has the ability to change positions when he is exposed to the reality of a position.

As was mentioned on other reports this past couple of weeks...in almost every country we have been at war with....first they are better off.....second and most jermain to the subject....US troops are still stationed there...i.e...Germany/Japan....some 60 years hence!!!!

I do think one thing the trip has afforded in the get to know Obama crusade....we at least get to see him from time to time without a podium and prepared remarks. A significant difference in presentation!

The mark of a good visiting dignitary is to know your subject matter regarding who/where you visit...but with 300 advisers how could he possibly be unprepared where ever he visits?

Rock Star......not hardly when measured against the real rock stars of my generation!!! But a nice journalistic poetic licence.

I am keenly aware there are shift issues with McCain also. I prefaced my comments above as interesting.....ONLY!

BTK