Of course I feel a bit foolish suggesting to Senator Obama what he should do for his campaign because they are doing so great. But after watching the star like appearance he got yesterday in congress and the way the media was overwhelming positive, I came up with this thought.
After he declares victory on May 20, he should go abroad as chair of his foreign relations subcomittee on European Affairs. He should go to Europe, Israel, and even to Africa if he can make it look like an interest of his subcommittee. Such a trip would do several things immediately. First, his star like appearance would show that the people across the world love him, which pays automatic dividends in diplomacy when you are trying to change the world. The reception of people abroad would make him appear Kennedyesque. Wouldn’t it be great if he could somehow take Caroline Kennedy along?
Second, the experience factor would give him greater credibility instantly by showing that world leaders enthusiastically accept and like him, an instant improvement compared to Bush. The news media will contrast the enthusiasm of people and leaders to his trip with McCain’s and Obama will win that comparison. Expatriates would be tremendously excited about his restoring respect for America abroad.
Third, he will need to get away from Hillary as her campaign further implodes and the likely stuff the Clintons will try near the end. Obama will be soaking up the media attention and she won’t have as much of a platform. Anything she tries during that time will be viewed as a disruption and selfish.
Finally, the trip gives him time and away from the crunch of national media to think about a VP and completing his organization for the general election. The pundits thinks he needs a VP with foreign policy experience. I don't think he feels that way but this trip will help him decide if that is the case.
I think international trip would kick off the general election with a bang!!