Obama in Afghanistan
[Update 1:59 p.m. ET] U.S. President Barack Obama made a surprise visit to Afghanistan on Friday, personally delivering holiday greetings to U.S. troops stationed there and promising continued full support in the war against Taliban and other extremists. More on Obama's visit and his scheduled meeting with Karzai
Watch an excerpt from the speech:
Or read a recap of the speech as it was happening:
[Update 1:28 p.m. ET] Obama wraps up his address to the troops.
[Update 1:26 p.m. ET] Obama cites the story Staff Sgt. Salvatore Giunta, the recent recipient of the Medal of Honor for his actions in Afghanistan.
[Update 1:23 p.m. ET] Although Americans have their differences, Obama says, there is no hesitation back home "to give support to our men and women in the military service ... We're going to spare no effort to make sure your families have support as well."
[Update 1:19 p.m. ET] Obama acknowledges the U.S. war casualties in Afghanistan: "We know their memories will never be forgotten," he says, but because of their sacrifice, "We look forward to a new phase next year, a transition to Afghan responsibility."
[Update 1:14 p.m. ET] Obama says that as president, "I have no greater responsibility than keeping the American people secure. I could not do that ... without the extraordinary service each and every one of you perform each and every day. ... We are here to say thank you. I also want to say thank you to your families back home."
[Update 1:09 p.m. ET] President Obama begins to address the troops at Bagram, saying "I want to make sure I could spend a little time this holiday with the men and women of the finest fighting force the world has ever known." WATCH LIVE
[Original post] U.S. President Barack Obama arrived in Afghanistan on Friday on a surprise visit to U.S. troops.
The president, who is expected to remain on the ground there for roughly three hours, is slated to address troops at Bagram Airfield. Most of the troops are with the Army's 101st Airborne Division. Representation from components of all services will also be in attendance.
He will also visit wounded troops at a hospital on the base, according to reporters traveling with Obama. The president will meet with a total of eight patients - five soldiers and three civilian contractors. He will award four Purple Hearts.
Obama was originally scheduled to travel to Kabul to meet with Afghan President Hamid Karzai and greet U.S. embassy staffers, but will stay at Bagram because of poor weather conditions. Obama will, however, speak to Karzai via secure videoconference. National Security Adviser Tom Donilon, Ambassador Karl Eikenberry, and Gen. David Petraeus, the top U.S. commander in Afghanistan, will also participate in the meeting.
It is unclear if revelations about U.S. concerns with the Karzai government recently publicized by the group WikiLeaks will be discussed.
Almost a year ago, on December 1, 2009, Obama announced his new strategy for Afghanistan that would see some forces coming home as soon as July 2011. Officials have said the goal is to end combat operations in Afghanistan in 2014. A major U.S. military review of the war in Afghanistan is due this month.
Obama has made surprise visits to Afghanistan in the past. Once, earlier this year in March, he slipped into Bagram near Kabul under the cover of darkness. He met with about 2,000 troops at the U.S. base and told them their work is significant to security at home.
His first trip to Afghanistan came in July 2008, months ahead of the presidential election.
Odumwa is always flying off, never is home! GWB at least was in to win these "wars" and not just pull out and show weakness. America has lost it's will to win ever since wwII! It;'s sad that we send our young men and womaqn foo to fight for freedom when our politians take away our freedom here at home!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
What's it been? A week? Two weeks since his last trip? Nothing is happening around here, so we son't miss him.
I can just hear that video convo now..."Hamid, how are you? Keep it up, you're doing just GREAT. Another $6 million is on its way."
Obama, we just don't believe in you, your administration or your social welfare programs. It's that simple! The country and the economy have spoken!
I think it's great he is visiting the troops and I like most of his ideas but not his follow through. I am certainly not fooled by his trying to replace the wiki-leaks story with a more positive headline. I would expect to see more attempts. I wish him luck.
How long until the Republicans throw a fit over how much money Obama wasted by paying the troops a visit?
I think all of you are wrong, I voted for The Democratic President, why would my family vote Republican? Yes I understand that we want all troops home for the holidays, but think of the other side, who will grow up with out parents in a war torn country? The President is doing the right thing, taking it one step at a time. I am shocked that all you bloggers are sent off to Afganistan yourselves? I don't like war at all either, but it was the Previous person who got us in this mess in the first place!
Check your Facts and do us all a favor, please just stop taking crap, I'll make everyone who comes home in civil clothes clean and scape gum of desk chairs in all 50 high schools from Maine to California. by using a toothbrush. My point is bring troops home NOW! Not next year! NOW.
This loser would be the last person I would want to see!!!!
is nice to see CNN showing Live the politicians discussing on the "don't ask, don't tell" hearings while showing images from Afghanistan of the soldiers waiting for Obama while playing the song "I kiss that girl"... a lesbian song... and the Security of the US was not compromise at all.
To believe tat Obama went over there for a surprise visit would be thinking insane! He's over there settling all the problems considering ET's and our ancestors arriving on Earth over in YEMEN Gulf of Aden..His excuse is to visit the troops. Come on people. How long can you sleep?
You can see the raw venom americans have for this president couple of days ago a congress man was on anderson cooper swearing obama was not an american citizen almost 2 years after he has been elected. Now someone here says he maligned the military? come on have you people even tried to give this president a chance. Maybe if he had your true support we could all work to make things better. Its beyond me how most of these people here are fighting passionately against their interest. Like it or not he is Your President you elected him now you want to pull the rug from under his feet.
So much HATE here – no wonder this country is full of brown eyes.
its funny that obama disarms the troops and bush never did during his vists
What the TV show "Restrepo" on NATGEO. It will give you great insight in the Afghan war. It shows the hopelessness of ever "winning" there.
Our country is blessed to have such an amazing President. Mr. President, thank you for bring joy to our troops. God Bless our troops and God Bless America.
I may not agree with many of the President's policies, but going an visiting the troops is always a good thing. Again, I may not agree with Obama's policies, but I find it silly to think that he would ever do anything to deliberatly hurt the United States. People need to realize that just because they don't agree with policy or politics, does not mean that they don't both want the best for our nation. Its also funny to see all the liberal haters, who mercilessly bashed our previous president, now say that ANYONE who is President deserves respect. They are right, but seem to forget their previous actions when they did not agree with the previous president. I wish the looney-libs and the right-wing nuts would all grow up, but they are both just lemming groups following ideals and not thinking for themselves.
... and how long until "conservatives" are criticizing him over taking this trip? They never said a word when Bush went over to serve plastic turkey in a photo op... or his numerous vacation trips.. even the ones right after he declared war twice or while Katrina was going on.
As someone who has served in Iraq I can speak from experience. I too wish the wars were over but I will have hated for all this to be in vain and I know a lot of other troops feel the same way and they want to see it through to the end. While Obama does have a responsibility to end this he also has a commitment to the armed forces to do it right and not just throw our boys around like a marionette puppet.
Obama is still not far enough away!
oh no that means Biden is in charge until he gets back......
hey CASey
wow our sorry president cant even SALUTE Correctly.........i for got he has never been in the Millitary or shot a gun before.
Does Obambi even know what the hell he's doing? He just got his a** handed to him again by the World Cup...he sent over Holder and Slick Willy ...the world sent them packing! With the country in economic free fall, he's in Afghanistan? He's like a mental patient who can't see the repercussions of his own behavior.
Remember how you felt on September 11, 2001...most wanted to nuke the entire region. Instead the men and women who serve in our armed services stood up and fought back. The battle would have been won long ago if we did not start "nation building" in Iraq.
THAT'S WHAT YOU STUPIDLY THINK. little bush (running aound the bush, blockhead) was responsible for the 9-1-1- events. that mo....-f...ker blew those towers in an underground explosioI n with hidden explosives. DEATH TO THESE F..... YANKEES-MONKEYES. THE TIME HAS COME TO DESINTEGRADE that little grin....land into six parts. I SUGGESt THE CANADAINS AND MEXICANS ATTACK THAT little aeris from BOTH SIDES AND THEN SEPARATE THAT country inTO TWO PARTS. MEXICO SHOULD TAKE CALIF, TEXAS, CO, ARIZONA, UTAH, AND THE REST SHOULD BE TAKEN BY THE CANADIANS. little ameris WILL BE FINISHED THIS WAY.
I think this is wonderful. Those who criticize it sure didn't have any problem with Bush doing it. It does wonders for troop morale. I am active duty military and I support our president. The fact is if you are a Republican, you hate everything Obama does, even the good stuff, and if you are a Democrat, you hate everything Bush did, even the good stuff. It is time for everyone to grow up and keep this partisan crap out of these blogs so we can have some real discussions.
That's preaty awsome. It makes a significant difference to us when the man leading us is actualy there on the ground in Afganistan. God damned, id love to recive a purple heart from obama, pending that one day I earn one.
As much as people will complain and moan and whine about this artical, he can't be there in afganistan all the time. We'd be at a very consideral risk of looseing him. Although if we did, this "conflict" would turn up a notch, and I've not doubtwe'd declair it an "official" war.
Haha I got to say it, he's really rocking that pilots jacket. We've got ourselves a smooth dressing president.
What's that? The weather is to bad to land in Kabul you say. Well now what? I guess we could kill some time and visit some troops, besides I need some positive press about me.
If I was the President of the United States the day 9.8% unemployment was announced, I would be doing some "photo ops" with the troops as well.
This is a "no brainer" to me - Obama got wind the job numbers would be bad and made the (wise) decision to "get out of Washington."
@Kandace II work for the president as a civilian federal employee.
Since you are a federal employee, shouldn't you be working instead of using government resources to browse the Internet? You are the reason why it takes forever to get anything done that concerns government paperwork and now I see why the President froze federal employee's pay. You are a waste of government resources.
So you can go f!@# yourself
Hey, now more than ever, he needs to convince Americans that he is on our side. Though he may still be able to fool some Americans. He can be very persuasive.
Besides, all this flying all over the world with plane loads of "yes men and women" is being done on the taxpayer's dime.
NOTE TO CNN: Are you able to find out if the "Bobblehead" (Pelosi) still has her private tax-paid jet available for all her travel whims?
Stay there Obama, maybe Unemployment will get better.
Man, when did everyone get so smug and cynical? I don't care if you like him or not, this is a good story and part of the Presidency.
I can't believe there are people who think that trips on Air Force One increase their taxes when there's a serious debate over billions of dollars being added to the deficit going on at the Capitol.
I can't believe there are people who once attacked Bush so personally who would now defend Obama in the visceral manner they so despised of Bush-supporters years ago.
I can't believe there are people who are so stubborn as to hope the President fails.
I can believe there is a silent majority of us who want to see our leaders succeed in their second chances for all of our sakes, no matter what letter comes after their names.
Some of these people that posting are some of the most uneducated, irresponsible, and some of the stupidest people I have ever heard from in my lifetime. It amazes me how people have so much to say about the president when they dont have any solutions (republicans). Okay so you feel he is doing a bad job as president, fine, what do you propose. A bunch of people complaining, and they dont even realize what congress and the senate does. Dumb like Palin and cant even recite legislature or a ruling she agrees with. Since there is now a majority of Republicans that has just been elected, I can gurantee you, you'll be complaining about them next, even though you elected them. Furthermore, atleast he's taking care of his kids, not cheating on his wife, didn't forget where he came from, he's trying, and others dont want to cooperate. He's got people on his staff quiting because they want to win elections in the future and don't want to be associated with the president while his ratings are low , the american public is very critical, and on top of that there are republicans who wont say yes to some of his policies, not because their not good, but because they will never support a black president even though he's half white. If you dont think something is wrong with this country, I dont know what to tell you. And @ Kaneda, first of all (runs) this country, if you don tlike it you dont have to be here, because saying runs this country seem s like you have your verbs out of place and english may not be your primary language. Why dont you give your green card back and take your behind back to your country and help runs it over there. dont be complaining about the US when youre not even a American born citizen. who the hell do you think you are? Im just saying.
Just curious ... Did you have a point? Because you ranted without actually making sense.
Thank you for being my freaking twin in thought. I am really happy to see that someone else is picking up on the big picture of what is going on. And those truths are the exact sad truth no one has the balls to address, I would almost respect a republican party candidate for speaking up and actually saying "yes we wont support because he is black." Just to know that people have backbone, but sadly the days of true politicians, the NON superficial ones are long gone.
lieberman is the real POTUS. obummer can carry Lieberman's water around.
obamas mom said she prays he comes bac to his islamic roots and what do you now
Lieberman told Obummer to get the hell out of his zionist way, and finally started acting like the real president himself, telling the americans to shut up and criminalizing free speech.
I'm sorry but I thought we were broke as a country. This guy (President) burns dollars traveling everywhere and then wants to take salary monies out of the hands of the Federal workers that support the American Citizens. The White House needs to stop talking out of both sides of its mouth and act like we are trying to pinch pennies.
It pathetic that the liberals have taken over this great country. Great decison to elect Obama, bunch of smacked ass who cant keep their opinons to themselfs, if you dont like america or how its run go else where. Under Bush this country was a hell of a lot safer, he's done nothing but spend spend spend and guess what... are deficit is greater today, then it was 2 years ago. hmmm our unemployment rate just rose again from 9.6% to 9.8% and not to mention a breach of american security by Wikileaks and nothing is done about that. Obama is just a popular person who found his way to the white house by kissin ass.
We got hit by two planes under Bush. How fking safe was that? Don't set the bar then. Be fair and set the bar at the very start of his term. HOW MUCH SAFER WERE WE? Again don't you BS yourself or this country and set the bar after 911. I'm sick and tired of people saying that BS. Get it through that thick skull of yours. 911 happened under BUSH. We were attacked, he was president, he did jack to ramp up security before then even though he had the report from the CIA on his desk.
Lieberman is the real president. Obomber has no say in anything.
C'mon. . . .
Pres. Obama clearly got wind the job reports that came out today were going to be lousy.
What to do?
"Leave Dodge." And stage a photo-op with the troops.
If I was the President and I knew unemployment reports were going to show a 9.8% unemployment rate - right before the holidays - I'd be packing my bags too.
uh huh, the gratuitous trip ..a whole three hours to begin his campaigning for a second term. Hey I have an idea O-bummer. How about joining the Army and seeing what is like to actually serve your country.
in the meantime, Joe Lieberman, our real president, is criminalizing free speech and telling the americans to shut up and put up with the financial terrorism of his wall street buddies on wikileaks and the people of the world.
Oblunder is undoubtedly the worst President in history. I regret voting for him. The country is worse off than it was in 2008. He has kept no campaign promises and everything he has done while in office has been geared towards improving his legacy, not improving this country.
Campaign promises.
yeah. Not like he got the vast majority of troops out of Iraq or shifted focus to afganistan.
Or passed healthcare reform
Or got us out of recession
Or financial reform
Yep. No promises fulfilled.
Seriously.. do you people all just like closing your eyes and shouting about things you think you know about? Look at the figures for black friday alone and tell me they didn't blow estimates out of the water. The economy is recovering despite the jobs report, and once that truly sinks in, job creation will go up. He's brought us out ofthis recession.. but I guess that's still not good enough. All the things he's worked on, still not good enough. Okay, hey, you disagree, fair enough. Tell me what bills the republicans worked on or actively tried to make better with the democrats?
...
...
Didn't think so. You want to bash him and the administration, remember that the republicans were actively fighting every single piece of legislation he sought to pass.
get some perspective.
Everyone gives Obama such a bad wrap. @jay... You're right, 2008 didn't mean that our whole political system magically received a clean slate. It takes years to get back on track, especially when the majority of problems Obama faces are inherited.
I would have a little more faith in the President, not to mention a little more respect. Sure you're free to criticize and disagree, but "Impeach Obama" isn't the answer. I'm voting to reelect Obama in 2012. Policies that he's help implement take time to take effect. I want to see his presidency out because I believe he can make a positive impact.
It's a pain to see how many negative and immature comments are posted on this thread. I don't know what the future holds in store for our great country, but I doubt people with such childish opinions will have a positive impact on that future. Show some more respect.
Obama: Surprise! When you get home you won't have work because I've destroyed the economy!
wrong adminsitration.
Good try, though.
@ thehonestone...nice try. Pin that one squarely on GWB and his administration. Obama got stuck with the dirty dishes and is STILL trying to clean up the mess. I'm saddened at the level of ignorance on this board.
Haters!!!! If he were white you fools wouldn't question it.
can he stay there with his fellow brothers and sisters?
Comrade/Commander Obama is on the ground in Afghanistan! The war is over! Bin laden has surrendered! Can't wait until he appears on The View and tells us all about it!
Nah, you will know when the war is won when he hangs a banner up behind him saying 'Mission Accomplished'
Show some respect. He's our president like it or not.
Today, Republicans claim that it costs taxpayers $1B/day for Obama to stay in Afghanistan. Cost breakdown – $10M/day for the cost of trip; $990M for Republican machine to notify the press, the media, the public about the potential cost of the trip.
It's tough to get anything done when one party has vowed to block anything the other party tries to do out of sheer partisanship and politicking for the next election (however far off that may be). My point is that we can see quite clearly that was was done under the last administration didn't work – well intentioned or not. But people are afraid of change, regardless of the benefits that change may bring. And it doesn't even matter how big or small the change is. Rome wasn't built in a day, and the mess that this country is in won't be fixed in a couple of years totally regardless of which party is at the helm. GWB addressed invitation-only crowds as well. Every President has and will do the same. But the troops need to see him there. They need to feel that they are not alone in some far off country fighting a war that everyone else has forgotten. It is any president's patriotic duty to bring his pom poms and try to lift up the troops.
cool
Bring our men & women home. Afghanistan is just 1 more moot war! Why not spend the $ 2 help the desperate, unemployed, homeless U.S. CITIZENS?!:(
Will somebody please teach the clown how to make a proper salute?
I just realized that I misspelled their, I meant there. Forgive me.
Good news. I hope that he is delivering the news to Karzai that he will be on his own soon. He needs to stop ripping off the United States. Bring our troops home.
There is no need to try to debate unreasonable people, especially those with blinders on and only see democrat or republican. They don't see that their party had the man in charge when all of this craziness began, wars,down fall of the ecomomy,wall street almost bankrupt,people loosing homes, families being seperated,businesses closing down, but that was ok because the majority of the negative ones are the ones that have no worries for now let the government get in their pockets and watch the tunes that they sing change.It took eight years to get this country to where it is now, do they think it will be fixed in one. Get real.
AllieF represents the average selfish, ignorant citizen, incapable of critical thinking.
I find it ironic that the moment the Unemployment Rate increases he bails out to have others answer the tough questions.
He has no leadership qualities. He was, and still is, the "Campaigner In Chief"!!!
The report barely came out how long ago? And the President left for this trip how long ago? And it takes how long to get to the middle east? You think maybe he got the report while he was in midflight? Hmmm, let's work on logic before you jump to conclusions shall we?
Thanks to the media, Osama bin Laden knows where President Obama is almost every minute of the day. Keep it up and we might have one dead president to avenge. WikiLeaks is no worse than this report.
The strength of a president is the respect from his military.
As a current US Soldier who views Mr Obama as the typical politician, who promises a lot and delivers very little, I do appreciate the risk he is taking just by flying into Bagram. Love or hate the guy, most of those Soldiers will enjoy meeting or just getting a moment to see the President of the United States.
obama is by far the worst american president ever (George W Bush..please return..you're forgiven). Even his supporters admit he is a massive letdown. he has no brains and no ba++s as he has revealed himself bothinternally and externally a threat. Hillary clinton and the disastrous american foreign policy have just been humiliated with the wikileaks episode, proving what everybody already knows-that the democratic administration is made out of morons who prefer to bow and kiss the feet of our enemies-jihadists- than to face them as TRUE leaders are supposed to do.
Wow. Ridiculous much?
You REALLY think that these cables revealed anything that WASN'T going on during other administrations? If you do, I feel sorry for you because you haven't the slightest inkling about how geopolitics work. I'm sure in some faraway fantasy land all diplomats say exactly what they think of one another and NO ONE records information about other diplomats (likes, dislikes, habits, opinions, etc), and in no way, shape or form are asked to share their opinions about said characters.
You really drank up the partyline on this president, haven't you? I voted for Obama, and he's done some things i disagree with and really dislike, but he's the president. He, like every other one, cannot please everyone. But, man... some of you take it beyond a sane level of dislike.
You must be the stupidest Person on here??? Because Bush Jr and Reagan was!!!
For the people complaining about this trip, I can only assume you were equally as "concerned" when the previous administration made similar trips?
all i want is my man to come home for good
I will pray for that . . .
What does You Man have to say about that???
people can be pretty hateful.... 🙁
As a moderate democrat I don't understand this call to end the Afgan war. Afgan is not the utter cluster that Iraq was. We were justified in Afgan and we should stay in Afgan until the job is done. If not, the Taliban will take back the country and harbor more *real* terrorists that for example staged 911. If thats impossible, we need to back out strategically and not "pull them all".
@AllieF,
How dare you say President Obama has maligned our troops. It's one thing to dislike the President's policies, quite another to flat out lie as you have done.
basically just cross your fingers and hope and pray
He should pick up a gun and stay there.. and Let someone else runs this country!
that ain't too nice now
How come you are not in the military and you are trying to volunteer other?
I think it is fine for him to visit the troops. Regardless of what any of you think of his politics, he is the commander-in-chief and it is good that he take that commitment seriously. Usually these trips to visit troops are short–I'm sure he'll be back for the Senate session on Saturday; also, he does have communications that keep him plugged into what is happening in Congress so I don't think physical proximity is an issue. I think the remark about going 'home' for Christmas is a fatuous quip that could be expected from birthers, but is undignified and an insult to a President who should not have to face such inane claims about his nationality when it has been verified by the state of Hawaii.
With all the BS maneuvering around the tax issue, I'm glad that he has not forgotten those who are fighting for this country and are in harm's way. Good for him!
YOU HAVE OCCUPIED AFGHAN AND IRAQ ILLEGALLY, WITHOUT ANY REASON. THE TALIBS GO AHEAD KILL ALL OF THESE MONKEYS-YANKEES, DESTROY ALL OF THESE DEVILS. ПОШЛИ НА ХУЙ ПИНДОСЫ ЕБАНЫЕ, ТВАРИ ВОНЮЧИЕ. F. YOU, gr....ingos....................
Quite a few hateful little people commenting here. I`m just sayin`.
you are a dillusional person, are you saying GW didn't try?
Thats EXACTLY what I'm saying
Exactly what I mean*
All above comments that aren't neccessary, should be ignored. President Obama is in fact trying. It is not as easy as it may seem. You can say one thing but going about it, can be a difficult challenge. Unlike our last President. We should be pleased with the work and effort our new President has put into. You should always appriciate ones work & effort. Hopefully with time, everyone can see what exactly I mean.
I thought we were supposed to see changes... when does trying stop and doing begin?
Changes? Okay-
Wallstreet Reform
Credit Card Protection Act
Healtcare Reform (I may not agree with this one, but it's there and, apparently, a "big f–ing deal")
Additional tax cuts as part of a stimulus package (yes, additional ones, yet people argue about him not doing anything to help on that front)
Getting the vast majority of troops out of Iraq
Setting a timetable for Afgan withdrawal
Getting the START treaty moving with Russia
Getting Russia and China to approve sanctions on Iran
Working with Seol to get a new trade deal in place
Pulling us out of a recession
Nope. No change there.
There has been a lot of Changes in This Country since Obama has been President!!! If You quit listen to Fox You might learn them!!!
that hopefully means my fiance' will be coming home....i highly doubt it but something to think about..hopefully whatever the president is thinking works
Its about time. Or is this the first plane to bring our troops home
It is time for You to shut up!!!
Bravo!
I personaly don't care what it costs...and neither should anyone else. THIS is the most powerful man on the planet and just by him showing up to support OUR troops shows that we are not afraid to send OUR President...OUR Commander in Chief in to a hostile area. The cost to do this is worth the credibility that our country will het from it. It's money well spent.
RANDY GOOD POST.. . Also PRESIDENT "s visit is good for troops Moral welfare. He is a brave man and he trust his Army too. May God bless President and troops and their families who has done lot their country !!!!
Troops have done lot for their country and people. They deserve to have at least one happy moment .
Oh goody, he's come to extend our deployment another two years, or he might change his mind and then change it back like so many time before, this is not a man you want to see as he only shows to lie to you even more.
Are you referring to Bush or Chaney?
Chatting with my daughter right now who's at Bagram. He is addressing an "invitation only" gathering of troops. Way to support the troops moron.
Yeah,because in a war zone,everybody gets to leave their posts to see the President...of course they tell you if you can attend or not...haters are going to hate.......
These Idiots think you can stop the War so all the Troops would be able to see Him!!! The problem with that the Enemy would not stop to oblige to stop the war for us...
"invitation only" gathering of troops."
There are like 10,000 troops on Bagram. Do you think they "might" need to restrict access juuuuuust a little?
This is standard protocal for the military. Do you honestly believe we would give Soldiers and contractors with weapons open access to the President? Bagram has Soldiers and civilians from multiple countries including Afghani nationals working all over post which makes it a security nightmare.
Was that insult necessary? Or is it lack of intelligence?
...@ scott...every Preseident or VIP will have an "invitation only" list, due to logistics. You think every soldier @ Bagram or any other base/facility could all simultaneously stop doing what they're doing to sit and listen to a speech? Not feasible. Its called a chain of command. I tell you, you tell them, and so on. So if anyone's a moron, its you.
Well that was Iraq and they left Iraq. Trouble started in Afghanistan afterwards. I have friends and family out there. Every president the U.S. will get there will be someone down talking him or her. This president was elected into a system that was messed up already and it will not be fixed over night, so just PRAY.
You have one of the best and most reasonable comments on the subject IMHO. Thumbs up.
If he didn't visit the troops in Afganistan,you Repubs would be complaining about that....
Both Republicans and Democrats have a pre-written answer regardless of what happens. I am so tired of our system reduced to a football game between two teams complete with mindless fanboys with selective memories!
Looks like he's trying to pull a GW
As much as I'm trilled to see that Obama is supporting our troops, leaving Washington while Congress is trying to resolve the tax issue and still has not created a budget to run the government seems a little inappropriate to me.
What more can He do that He already has done??? He can not force them to do what is right!!! So He went to make the Troops feel better...
This shouldn't be about Obama this is about our troops! A morale booster like this can get a soldier through their deployment! Be excited for the troops about to meet their Commander in Chief, what a great opportunity in the midst of deployment.
Morale booster? Now THAT'S a joke! He's a disgrace to our military, he's a disgrace to our country.
You are a disgrace to man kind!!!
Going home to see the family for Christmas
haha awesome
Given that Air Force One costs $2 million for every HOUR of operation, I'd rather you not spend my hard-earned money to go on more surprise cross-continental trips than any other president in our history. I'd also rather you not rent out an entire 500+ room hotel in India for your visit, or that your wife have some more tact than to wear $500 sneakers when she visits a homeless shelter. Nobama 2012.
Sure, you can have your money back, as soon as you quote some numbers that are actually accurate. A quick google search finds several estimates for Air Force One's operating cost between $40k per flight to $180k/hour. Large numbers, sure, but you're high by at least 10 times.
As to renting out half of India and taking one third of the Navy with him... those were all made up by people... making up numbers.
Sure, Obama might be some horrible bad guy, I don't really have enough information to make that call, but you should try to use actual, legitimate reasons,such as policy decisions, voting records, etc., and not numbers that were made up.
I would be very interested to see your data on the cost of training, equipping and feeding the U.S. military units currently deployed in Afghanistan and some kind of proof that you opposed those expenditures as well since I'm sure they add up to much, MUCH more than the cost of a sitting President doing his job and no less than his predecessor did.
I am sure that you complained all about these costs while George W. Bush was in office, too, right?
It is to bad You didn't complain when Bush Jr made all the trips He did!!! It is also to bad You didn't complain about bush's War!!! Because then We wouldn't have the mess we Have today...
@AllieF. Where or when has Obama maligned the military? That's just bs on your part.
Fox News a good on making Obama look bad even if He doesn't!!!
How has he maligned the military?Give me an example..also it's two more years until election day...haters are going to hate....and you are just another hater..
No – haters are going to VOTE in 2 years. What do you think the outcome will be?
Can he not stay home???????????? It costs lots of money to make all these trips, why don't we save a little????????
So we can give it to the top 2% in tax subsidy and screw the country by denying the unemployed money for the basics in life and adding to the debt.
Or, give it to the military/pentagon?
oh look...another idiot! You people are all over the place!
In other news, who gives a sh•t?
Technically everyone, but it stopped being newsworthy a while ago.
Looks like Obama has learned what all of his predecessors learned. Whenever your popularity is sagging, stage a photo-op with the troops.
Cunning idea... if he hadn't been doing this since BEFORE his popularity was sagging. Kind of hard to thik he might actually respect and appreciate the sacrifices made by the people with their boots on the ground, eh?
Listen fanboys.......listen closely......Every President has staged photo ops since the invention of the camera......Every President since Ike has used a Teleprompter.......Every President takes vacations.........Every President travels to battlefronts...........You fanboys kill me with your foolish selective memory!
Because no president has ever actually respected the military or simply sought to make a moral boost. I'm sure even Bush did it genuinely on occasion. I can be a cynic.. but you take it to another level.
Right Bush showed his appreciation by sending faulty equipment to Our troops!!! At Least Obama gave Them good equipment when He sent them...
If Sarah Palin were president, there would be no need for such trips to Afghanistan. She can see it from her house . . .
She won't run. She's all about herself and the money, and she'll never walk away from the money she makes on her TV show, books, and basically bad-mouthing everything and everyone. She quit the governorship to get rich, remember?
Palin Run? You mean electing the shadow government of Rupert Murcdoch.
If she ran and won would quit with in a month because it was to hard work!!! Why would anyone with a brain think different???
Palin is in Ohio today for a book signing at a Kroger just north of Cincinnati. I noticed the pile of books and sign when I was in the store a few days ago. She's certainly found out how to make money.
LOL She see everything but what the President does from Her house!!! She the Tea Party and the Republicans are the biggest joke this Country ever had...
Well put,Larry. Thank you.
That was nice of Obama. Better than the previous President who spent most of his time at the Crawford Ranch.
EXACTLY!
Bush made at least three trips to the sandbox. Already forgot the shoe incident, did we?
Three times in eight years? it was probably a stop over on his way to visit his boyfriend the Saudi King.
Ya, well Obama was busy playing golf as the oil spill was happening. Also, Obama has spent the most days traveling abroad in his first 2 yrs then any US president before him. He should focus on the domestic issues such as our 9.8% unemployment rate instead of apologizing for Americans
If he stayed home more and traveled less you would still be complaining. People like you would complain if they hung you with a new rope.
If you'd stop being such an azz he wouldn't have to apologize for you.
@Logan Deen...You're blaming Obama for the BP oil spill now?!?!? Amazing! We might as well blame him for Lebron leaving Cleveland for Miami and Darth Vader converting to the Dark Side. If you want to talk about blame for a federal response to a national disaster (which the oil spill was not), let's re-visit Bush's response to Hurricaen Katrina, shall we? Please, please refrain from sharing any more of your ignorance.
Bush Jr was in a School when They told Him about 9'11... He say there like a dummy looking stupid until it finally got to Him what happen!!!
Answer me this where was Obama on Memorial Day? When he should have been in Arlington Cemetary paying his respects to the OUR brave fallen? He was on vacation (if you didn't know) Bush only missed one year in 8 and that was becuase he was in Europe paying his respects to the soldiers we have buried over there from WWII. I hate defending someone I didnt vote for.
Actually, he was in at the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, Illinois, about 50 miles south of Chicago, where he laid a wreath and spoke to veterans there. I am sure that ALL the family members of the Veteran's who are buried there were really touched that he was there. He didn't take the day off. He wasn't just on vacation. He was honoring other Veterans at another NATIONAL Cemetery. Get your facts straight.
Furthermore, he was not the first president to be away from Washington on a patriotic holiday.
In 2007 on Veterans Day ceremony, Vice President Dick Cheney spoke while President George W. Bush observed the holiday in Texas.
In 1992, Vice President Dan Quayle laid the wreath at Arlington on Memorial Day, 1992. President George H.W. Bush, a distinguished World War II vet, spent the holiday that year at his favorite vacation spot, Kennebunkport, Maine, where he spoke to a veterans group.
So before you begin to cast your stones, do your research. Nevertheless, I am not ecstatic about everything thing this administration has done so far, but that is not the point of this article. This article acknowledges the fact that our POTUS went to Afghanistan to Thank Our Troops. It is simple. It is a good deed. I'm sure they are grateful to see him and that is all that should matter.
Goose, on Memorial Day 2010, the President was at Yongsan Garrison in Seoul, South Korea...visiting US Troops.
You're letting your obvious bias and ignorance of the facts distort your thinking. You should stop watching Fox News for your talking points and do your own fact checking and thinking for yourself.
Obama did put a reef at the Grave sight!!! If you would watch any station besides Fox News You would have seen it...
Bush was on vacation approximately 1,000 days, more than a 1/3 of his 2-term presidency. It's probably just as well or else he would have left our country in even worst shape upon leaving office.
Wouldn't that be "A year ago" or "More than a year ago"?
Great. He should load every US solider aboard Air Force One and bring them all home with him.
He's only over there on a new apology tour to promote islam.
Moron. (You, BTW, not Obama)
When Obama says that "we are not at war with Islam" the right says that he is promoting Islam. When George W. Bush said "we are not at war with Islam" the right says that Bush is doing the right thing. This is a stupid game of partisan politics, and some of the people who post on this site either have amnesia or are blind fanboys.
@Flynn, @Peter I'm the moron? You libtards are the morons, thinking he's really keeping the country safe with his weak foreign policy. That's what you get when you promote a community organizer as the leader of the free world.
@Jack Let me guess, you think discussion and a diplomatic approach to world relations is a far inferior policy when compared to a militray invasion and/or bombing "targets of interest". Please tell me how our previous policies of aggression, specifically under GWB, made us any "safer"?? Are you that naive to truly believe that so much of the world despises us because we love freedom and our "way of life"? And did you also believe that Obama, in 1.5 years would cure all of the ills that GWB caused over his 8 year tenure? Open your eyes.
Physically Impossible
Jack: Obama is keeping this Country more safe than Bush ever did... You forget on who's watch 9/11 happen!!!
We be better off if You kept Your mouth shut!!!
Allie why can't you see that he is trying? Why is that people can't see that he is trying? Everyone in Washington wanted the war in Afghanistan.
He wasn't elected to TRY. He was elected to DO. Remember his slogan, "Yes we can." He ought to change it to "I thought we could."
Or maybe it should have been "No we shouldn't" all along...
I agree with Joe, he hasnt done ANYTHING but dig a bigger hole, I am glad he is showing suppport to our solidiers, but heres an idea...... BRING THEM HOME GOOFBALL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Impeach Obama.
"Bring them home"
yeah? Because he can just say:"Hey, let's all pack it up and head home right now."
Are you a total fool to believe that you can just pack up without an exit strategy? He's brought the vast majority home from Iraq, and is working to have the vast majority out by the summer of 2011- depending on situation on the ground. He cannot just tell them to pack it in and leave. The emense instability this would cause would bite us in the rear- badly. He is working to bring them home- from a war he did not start; two of them, actually.
Maybe you should get some perspective and shut up for a bit instead of knee-jerk responding and showing your ignorance.
He would have done much more if He didn't have the Republicans lying about everything He does!!! He has fought ever step of the way for the things He has gotten through so far...
Impeach Obama for what? Name one thing...ONE thing...that could be considered worthwhile of impeaching the PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES.
That's become the typical mantra for you folks now hasn't it? "I hate our President, so we should impeach him."
Honestly, you'd think he'd lied and duped the country into going to war against a country that has never actually attacked us. We didn't impeach that guy...and there was probably more cause to do it them.
So by all means, enlighten us with your intelligent, well thought out arguments as to why Obama should be impeached.
You may be waiting awhile Flynn.
Ok, so let me understand this WHY VOTE. Really, why? Republican Democrats libertarian. What the difference? Shouldn't we just elect the bankers and CEO to run the us Why are we voting for figureheads? Bernake for president there we go get it all into the open! Elect the FED! Yipping money for all -dances around naked with his schlog lapping around- Next year we get to go though all this BS hmmm....liers or more liars...we need to get BANK and Lobbyist out of our government for crying out loud before the TSA I was flying to France every year! I could take a bottle no two bottle on an airplane, cookies, snacks. I could chill now I get a chest X-ray I can't take a lighter a bottle of water or a leaf blower with me.
Well said Flynn, thank you.
D Jensen: If you quit listen to Fox News maybe You would know what He has done and has been trying to do!!! It is Idiots like You that is making it harder for Him to do His job...
Did he bring his pom poms to cheer them in to battle? Or is he bringing them all home?
I am sure that you said the very same thing about George W. Bush when he visited the troops in Iraq many times.
The sure sign of a fanboy........selective memory!
Way to keep it a secret CNN. You guys are idiots.
dude, your screen name is cartmanrulz...lets first consider the true implications of idiocy before casting stones 🙂
Did you ever stop to think that the media networks were given a pre-planned time to release this information?
It's a surprise visit, and all the other news agencies are reporting as well. Look up FOX NEWS if you don't believe me. Jesus Christ why don't you stop pundits from telling you how to think and what to hate and think for yourself.
Like Big Deal, I love how all the major news channels broke the news at the same time. So what Obama went to Afghanistan its normal and part of his job as President. The visits will always be a surprise because he can't let Al-Qaeda plan for his arrival.
When was the last time you thanked a troop? Oh, I guess you don't think it's part of your job do to do so, huh?
my job no, I'm not the President. But I do appreciate what my cousin is doing in the Navy.
Honestly, when was the last time, if ever you've told your cousin you appreciate what he's doing? Bottom line, stop being so cynical of your President. Like you and many others he truly appreciates the job they're doing and feels its an honor to be President and tell them so. 21 yrs military and I could care less who was President–f they came to pay me visit, I greatly appreciated it. I'm sure other troops feel the same way. We don't care if it's their job–we appreciate the 'thanks'.
Ok thank you for your 21 years in Service.
Just because you willfully signed up for a job to do, you shouldn't walk around asking for thank you's. When is the last time you thanked a mason?
@person, your comment is to who?
@ Person
So by your logic a soldier should only be thanked if they were Forcefully placed into the military? No soldier is going around asking for thank yous and this just points out your mentality. My friends and family joined up because they love this country. Nothing more. Go ahead and sit on your computer and talk badly all you want to troops. Just remember there's a reason you can do it without fear of someone dropping a bomb on your house.
@Dieygo, thanks for chiming in. Some folks just don't get it. I wasn't asking to be 'thanked' for anything. In fact, ask George to thank his cousin, NOT me. They have no idea what 'service' means. God help them.
Thank you Marv, I have two children serving out there, and I agree with you 100%. It infuriates me to read these crazed comments from the people who can't get their thoughts straight if their lives depended upon it, who have never sacrificed a thing for anyone but their sorry selves, and who blame the president for waging the war, for not waging the the war, for spending money to save jobs and homeownership, for not spending money to save the same things....
I thank Them every time I see them!!! I talked with one of the Troops that will be going back to Afghanistan for Their 4 tour the end of This Month... I say Prayers every night for GOD to watch out for Those that are protecting Our Country!!!
Thank you for that report George. That's George from our field office.
lol 🙂
You're welcome George! Now if you don't mind doing me a favor. Write your cousin in the Navy and tell him or her that you appreciate what they're doing. No, you're not the President and no, its not your job-but trust me, they will really, really appreciate it. Emails are great and really easy-'pen & paper' are keepsakes! Have a great weekend!
Yes right – you are sooooo grateful!
This is great
Bravo for Obama. With everything else he has to deal with, and all the B.S. from the Republican obstructionists, he takes the time to visit our troops. He is ending ground combat in Iraq and plans to start bringing the troops home next year.
I wonder where we would be if McCain was President. Probably planning how to spend another decade over there.
I'm glad you think your tax dollars are being well spent on things like this. These trips don't just include the President but him and close to 900-1200 staff members. I can think of plenty of other things this money could have went for .... say .... jobless benefits ... of the top of my head.
Linda B I agree with you 1000%
The jobless benefits that he's extended repeatedly? Or do you mean the ones the republicans want to let expire? Not quite sure where you are going with this one...
exactly.. im surprised he doesn't do it more often..
any of the "haters" out there.. have no idea how to motivate troops that make less than minimum hourly wage..
@ Mark your facts on the 900 to 1200 staffers are incorrect. I'm prior Air Force and had the priveledge of flying with President Clinton and the President's entourage. In many cases these trips costs are significantly less than other trips into theater. They fly military aircraft from a remote safe location, such as Europe and often times it is with far less staff, support and assistants than if he was going to California on the traditional aircraft. Second, I have yet to see 900 to 1200 staffers fly anywhere with the President. Last, is Generals and other high level members of the military make similar trips far more often than the President and require similar if not more support. Its the nature of war and the military...their leaders need to occassionally go to the front lines and present themselves before their troops. Its good for morale, even if you don't like your commander. So say what you will, but at least know what you are talking about and check your facts before you slam someone on their position.
This trip includes: "......900-1200 staff members."
Who told you that, Sean Hannity? Just like the "200 Million Dollars A Day" Indian trip, which was proven to be complete nonsense. Here....I'll give you the real story: Obama is taking 120,000 people at a cost of 289 Trillion Dollars an hour.
There. Have fun.
Wait Mark, i thought it was 5,000 staff and their pets. D o u c h e.
Linda B – good post and I agree with you. My husband just mentioned after seeing this that in 67 when he was in Vietnam, President Johnson came to see troops where he was stationed. He still remembers with with pride today and he said it was incredibly uplifting to the troops. No one likes war but we do love our troops. God bless them and their families.
I guess you told him David S. Way to F#@kin' be and tell these idiots how it really goes down.
It is difficult to believe there are still people who support this poor excuse for a "leader". You should visit your local Marine Recruiter and discuss what leadership really is and how you might learn it.
Mark, go back to FoxNews site. Or stick around to be the class clown.
That is because Obama listen to His Generals not like Bush that only listen to Cheney!!!
WOW...Linda B! You must read a lot of newspaper articles! Why don't you have a conversation with military...learn some facts, THEN comment! Your head is in the sand!...like a lot of other Americans that think they know what is going on overseas...and NOT just in the Middle East. Good heavens...wake up.
yeah yeah yeah – COULD HAVE WENT – FOR THAT STUPID mark ("COULD HAVE GONE") you stupid assh...le. little ameris CAN'T EVEN SPEAK THEIR OWN LANGAUGE REAL WELL. HOW STUPID AND STUPID IT IS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
NO WONDER THIS little ameris (grin....land) is having so many problems.
Those troops standing behind obama do not look happy. I've seen how they act when they are happy. Check back on some of the older pictures with other presidents. I'm a military wife and I'd say these guys were told to stand there. Obama must be saying something funny as he is smiling but not the troops. Those guys recognize a fake when they see one.
yeah... you're stupid. i'm in Afghanistan and we could care less about his visit. afghanistan can not be saved, the people here are hopeless.
you do realize that leaving so soon and announcing it is a mistake? the taliban can now plan future attacks, and will see our leaving as surrendering. they will feel even more open to attacking us. if it took ten more years to eradicate the taliban, id be behind it all the way, because its the sensible, logical, and best route to take. the longer terrorists are organized in key placces, that by the way, have nuclear weapons, the longer we have to fear.
A GOOD ameri IS A DEAD ameri
Linda please don't be fooled. In ten years from now we will still have troops in both countries regardless of how is in the oval office. Sure their numbers will be lower and we will call them support troops instead of combat troops, however they will still dress the same and carry the same weapons and will still fire back when necessary. The largest embassy in the world is in Iraq and it will need a good number of troops to protect it and all the other interests we have there.
Last time BO visited Afghanistan, he flew over secretly and "personally thanked" about 2,000 troops at the air base. Assume he thanks 2,000 more this trip. How much did it cost to take Airforce One over there, along with all his staff and pals? Perhaps a couple of million dollars? He could have made 4,000 personal phone calls to selected military personel, sent each of them a smoked turkey AND had money left over! Just another case of trying to make himself look good on our tax money.
Might have been cheaper flying all 4000 troops to Washington DC and thank them on the White House lawn.
Perhaps you do not understand the morale boost from a commanding officer visiting the troops at the front.
You want to give a moral boost give me some time off or a four day pass...I couldn't care less if the President came to visit my base because it's not me he's going to talk too only the TOP brass. He's look wave say good job and move on to his next piece of business. He's the president not to be confused with somebody who cares about everybody in the military. I personally detested those horse and pony shows where you have to march around a stuff to see some general off who you never cared about in the first place. That is WHY the military put DNC into place to kiss but.
I'm sure our troops would love to thank you for your support!
Its really sad how so many of you hate on everything our Wonderful President does but yet you praise other wack political figures I think it truly shows how weak we are as a people that we do not stand behind our leader and I really wish my voice was alot louder because so many of you have gone above and beyond in disrepect to our Wonderful Presdent and I as a young American and so sick and tired of it and I laugh at you all because God has OB and his supporters will stand behind him! You people burn me up with all your false accusations and regardless of what he does at least he gives a care about the people to take time to visit. I really wish all the Obama haters along with a bunch of republicans would go get a life and build a home under a bridge on a deserted Island we dont need you. I support Obama because Change is something I can be lieve in and he is the change this country Needed it was spoken that this day would come so to all the hater Shut up....thx!!
stop. just stop. every president from bush 1 to bush 2, to clinton and reagan and carter makes it a point to do surprise visits to our troops when they're (the troops) stationed overseas. do a little research before you post such nonsense.
I wonder if Bracky the trained Kenyan seal stopped off in Nairobi to visit his relatives.
Dave s: You have to have been in the Military to understand that!!! These People can't understand what you go through in the Military... They just think They know it all!!!
S Stiener: Do You really thing a recruiter knows more than someone that was There??? If You were ever in the Service You would know the difference!!!
ladyY, youre telling us that more than half the people in America aren't needed. Are you an idiot? people have a right to their opinions, but thats just stupid. So ar hes done next to nothing to prove himself in office. Stop glorifying the president just because hes a democrat. try looking at what they actually do, not what party theyre in.
grin...s GET THE F. OUT OF THE SOVIET UNION AND THE RUSSIAN EMPIRE – THE WORLD'S BEST, GREATEST SUPER NATION. YOU, LITTLE ameris STILL OWE THE RUSSIAN EMPIRE ALASKA. ALASKA IS A PART OF THER RUSSIAN EMPIRE. IF YOU DON'T – WE ARE GONNA DROP A NUCLEAR BOMB ON YOU, YOU STUPID grin......s///////////////////
You realize that he isnt increasing more troops but is significantly extending length of those who are already there – doubling time in several situations –
really dude, where do you get your facts?
There is nothing correct about this comment. Stop trying to take the criticism made against Bush and apply the to Obama. It is pathetic that you have no interest in facts.
The only thing He could do is start a Draft to get more Troops there!!! These People volunteer to be there... It would be nice if They had more People to take Their place!!! Why don't You People go if You feel it isn't right for Them??? You rather fight with Your Mouth than fight for Your Country1!!!
Thank you Mr. President for stepping it up and getting over there to address our people. It is comforting to know you have been so hard at work and also not forgetting your obligations as a leader.
Are you trying to be funny? What a sick joke!!!
Couldnt agree more, it appears those outside the US such as in Europe appreicate the President more than the ones within he's country.
Sit down and take a look at what the man has to deal with daily,
He's had the bi-partisan issue of the Republicans cutting at he's throat whatever issue he raises
Dealing with jobs,
Dealing with health care,
Dealing with the Bush tax allowances,
The Jobs Bill
Dealing with the complications of Karzai's corruption prone and wishy washy government on the war
Dealing with the issue of Pakistan's SIS complicating the war by leecing information to the Taliban
Dealing with the Wiki Leaks
Dealing with Iran's Nuclear issues
North Korea's Nuclear Issues, and recent attack on the South.
China's Currency manpulation,
The Feds decision on QE2 (US currency manipulation)
Spending the rest of the recent stimulus, essentially in place to keep the economy from drowning, talk less of growing
A wife,
2 Kids
The constant Press
...And yet he still has time to fly in to Afghanistan, a long trip, and see the Boys in Green. How many of the critics had this much on their to do list for today. Gott put yourself in other people's shoes before you make a comment.
Know matter what He does doesn't please You!!! He got Jobs for as many People as He could with the Republicans fighting Him... He got a Medical Plan than know one else could get... He fought for everything He got... All the Republicans did was say no to everything!!!
He is doing everything to make This Country better!!! It is the Party of no that is stopping Him... Now we will have the Tea Party to take up where the Republicans leave off!!!
No this is not great. This is classic Odumbo, dismal jobs report so he runs as far away as he can from it. Thanks for the change, it's working out just great for all the newly and ongoing unemployed!
Runnig away? Don't you mean the last admin and his 'retreats?'
Oh, or you mean the fact that black friday numbers utterly knocked the socks off of expectations? let me guess... you just saw the jobs report and decided to rant? Fair enough.. but don't forget to look at the rest of the economic picture.
Well said,izzieie. Thank you.
Name calling usually isn't the best way to make a point. It is little more than a childish act, and I don't know about you but I put aside childish things when I became an adult.
Don't worry the ones that caused the economy to tank in the first place will be in charge in January. Have Fun.
Ex-Grazia: These People wouldn't give Him credit for anything He got... They rather say We didn't need it are it is to little to late!!!
You can't blame Obama for the unemployed!!! He is doing His best to get jobs for everyone... The Republicans are stopping Him!!!
He has a good heart that he wants to distribute wealth to everyone. Unfortunately, it is only worked in the HEAVEN, not on the EARTH.... If I work my butt out to become millionair, I don't think that I want to share my wealth with the LAZY
What a sham. Barry isn't doing anything other than a caopy-cat trip like Bush did during Iraq when he served turkey to the troops.
At least Bush was respected.
What a blatant, poor attempt to try to garner some respect from real Americans.
I live about 10 minutes from G. Bush..
I respect my foot in his a$$ thats about it..
Well, obviously you respected Bush but many many did not then and still do not respect him.
When Bush was in office We lose all the respect of the Other Countries!!! Obama has just made Them respect us again!!! Your just to blind with Hate to see the truth...
Obama has done more for the Troops the first 6 months in office... Than Bush did in the 8 years He was President!!! Our Troops are a lot safer today...
Who, in their right mind, respects Bush?
larrykegel, hes makin the troops safer by taking them out of what they signed up for. this makes everyone in a more dangerous position. what happens when terrorists get pakistans nukes?
he gets 'shelacked' in the recent election. can't get anything done on the hill..................does he really think we cannot see through this blatant attempt to curry favor with an increasingly dissatisfied populus by traveling to see our soilders....................what a simpleton
Nobody cares what u think d o u c h e.
You are a real Idiot!!!
Live Video feed of Afganistan is serverly echoed. 🙁
The job of the President isn't an easy one, but he's handling a lot of issues and the holiday season well by visiting the troops instead of his own family. No matter what any President does he will never win.... But after BUSH F'ed everything up for years to come.. Good Luck cleaning this mess... It all starts with us and to better our own financial future... Not playing the blame game...
Umm he is going to Hawaii where his family lives for the holidays.
@Wonderwall,
If you're angry because there has not been enough change, then you should be angry at the conservatives. They are the ones who have blocked Obama every step of the way. Their very name means "stay the same...DON'T change a darn thing! " In truth, most conservative politicians are afraid of change. At least Obama has the guts to challenge the party of "no."
Kandace, I agree with you completely. Obama can be credited with the best campaign of deception and lies in US history. He is turning into George Bush by the hour. RUSS FEINGOLD 2012!!!!
If You quit listening to Fox News You might learn the truth about what is going on!!!
Pathetic...and pure escape! Why is he not with the jobless!! He needs to bring our troops home.....
Only a clueless, ultra-partisan wacko could call a presidential visit to Afghanistan an "escape". I bet if Obama was visiting a homeless shelter or unemployment line, you'd be complaining that he was ignoring our troops!
Right on, MK.
i am only 16 years old and i might not know a whole lot about politics but , Obama has made some kind of a difference . everyone bashed Bush for makinq our coutry for what it is , now how do you expect Obama to fix everything in a year or so . Obama's campaign was all about change and as many know chage takes time . these trips to afghanistan are pointless and hes not going there to " cover up his lies " as i read in another comment . i think America in general needs to stop playing the blame game . jus because hes the president doesnt mean he has all the power in the world . this isnt a ditatorship , conqress and the supreme courts also control how this country is ran , and also American citizens control that as well . think of the word proqress . and think about this too , we are doing alot better then when bush was president . 🙂
you show a lot of wisdom for a 16 year old. Wish some of the old dogs would get a little of that enlightenment.
@Jordan:
You speak wisdom beyond your years. Your parents did a very good job in raising. You could teach some of these oldsters who are spouting foolish comments on this thread. Keep up the good work.
Your posting is a breath of fresh air. Thanks.
You know whats funny, everyone remembers the part where Obama speaks at length about Change, but most seem to forget he also said, The economy was packed up and will take time and effort to fix. 2 years and the ones who cheered him are Jeering him now.
The public is Fickle.
You understand more at 16 years old than These Idiots at Their Age!!! I really wonder how old They really are??? They talk like Children!!!
he has a good point. my main point is, though, that people shouldnt be either for or against obama because hes a democrat. i personally dont agree with many of his decisions, but i will not say he has bad intentions. every President tries to do what they feel is best for the country. Dont bash either rebublicans in general or democrats in general. Im sure other mostly republican sided people like me can find things they like about Obama, like this visit, and that mostly democratic people can find things they like about republicans. honestly, decisions in elections should be made well informed and without bias due to party. i know this is hard but people can at least try. i know im 14, but its still not that hard to make informed decisions.
Really cause my portfolio tells a different story. Cash for clunkers, first time home buyer credit, "Put America to work", the new health care plan... What other kind of pointless COSTLY plan is this moron going to come up with next?
Peter, I love it dude. Well said!
I don' t think Mark meant his comments as the crazies Hannity talks to would, but it is odd that these folks take a president who is working to revive an almost dead economy to life before it stops breathing, one who is focused on movement (not motion) and closure in this war, one who is trying to establish superiority of diplomacy around the world, and reduce our national risk as well as the need spend money in things like the arms race against the Russians – and construe his ambitious agenda as "inaction"!
Ex-Grazia: These People only know what Fox News shows them!!! I saw where Fox News cut out half of what He said... Because They don't want Their listen to know the truth!!!
They have so much Hate toward the President!!! They can't see the truth...
Cut me a freakin break, support for our troops and their families.......is that why he wants to freeze pay raises for the military, or make those that give 20+ years of service to their country wait years before being allowed to collect any type of retirement, etc The only thing he's good at is spreading BS on a regular basis when it comes to our troops!! He'll earn my respect when he starts sticking it to people like Congress and the big bucks that they give themselves on a regular basis and start giving it to those that truly deserve the money–and I don't just mean our troops!
where do you get your facts? He's the one pushing for budget allocations to take care of soldiers and their families. The republicans are the ones blocking spending on taking care of our people, and wanting to give it all to a very small portion of our people (the tax breaks for the top 1%). You sound pretty much ultra-biased, and like a lap dog getting its talking points from other crazies, one that can't think on her own –
The facts you state are incorrect. Obviously these are your opinions but don't state them as facts.
So I'm guessing you havent been paying attention, given the recent freeze on federal employee incomes? Or does that no apply to our representatives (but I'm guessing it does). Open your ears before you open your mouth.
If the Republicans would raise the taxes on the 2 Percent... Obama would have to cut wages on the Military!!! The ones doing it is the Republicans...
Obama has no respect from our military or the international community anymore. His words are hollow and he is a joke. He hasn't lived up to any of his campaign promises and is now desperately trying to hold onto the White House after his party got shellacked in the mid-term elections. He would do just about anything to hold onto his job and this desperation is obvious.
He should and Biden should resign or at least not run for re-election in the best interest of the country. I don't care if another Democrat takes the White House or if a Republican does..... we need a STRONG leader with experience in domestic and foreign affairs.
Obama was a marketing phenomenon and we are now paying the price for believing in his message of "hope." He is really hopeless.
@ Steve Powell...Can you provide a specific example of how Obama "has no respect for our military"? Are you implying that him going to visit is disrespectful in some way, because I dont see it and you sound like you're spouting a bunch of nonsense. As far as campaign promises, taken from one of the posts below:
Wallstreet Reform
Credit Card Protection Act
Healtcare Reform
Additional tax cuts as part of a stimulus package
Getting the vast majority of troops out of Iraq
Setting a timetable for Afgan withdrawal
Getting the START treaty moving with Russia
Getting Russia and China to approve sanctions on Iran
Working with Seoul to get a new trade deal in place
Pulling us out of a recession
So how is the man not making progress on his campaign platform? Unless you thought that in 1.5 years he'd clean up the 8 year mess that was GWB's presidency? Wake up.
Obama has done more for the troops in 2 years than Bush did in 8 years!!!
Hate to rain on the parade, but WHY couldn't he pull off a trip on Thanksgiving or Christmas or New Yearst? Answer, he really doesn't care that much. He started this Afghan quagmire. He made it worse with his pull-out deadline. He seeks to have another Abu Garaib scandal with the gays coming out. And he's made every GI's life miserable with North Korea and Iran kicking sand in our face. But all the saps, sissies and traitors are SO PROUD of Barry for visiting Afghanistan. Spare me.
@GI Joe...Obama started the "Afghan quagmire"? Sorry, but that's not correct. GWB sent our troops into BOTH Iraq and Afghanistan...Barack has withdrawn troops from Iraq and is in the process of doing the same in Afghanistan so he's in the process of doing what he said he'd do when campaigning for office. As for Iran and NK, what would you suggest, we bomb them too? That would solve absolutely nothing and only act to further alienate us from the rest of the world, as well as perpetuate the war mongering, imperialist stigma that is pervasive around the world today. Please start using your brain and think from other persepctives, outside of your feeble, narrow minded one.
@ scott...every Preseident or VIP will have an "invitation only" list, due to logistics. You think every soldier @ Bagram or any other base/facility could all simultaneously stop doing what they're doing to sit and listen to a speech? Not feasible. Its called a chain of command. I tell you, you tell them, and so on. So if anyone's a moron, its you.
Could it be because everyone that would have to go with Him would want to be with Their Families on the Holidays???
You know what is really disturbing about half of these comments.......Its the de-motivational factor, that rushes over me, after I was once again refreshed and motivated to continue another long hard month in the fight over here. I was at that speech, along with many of my buddies........many of whom did not vote for Obama. I can tell you we all came away smiling that he (Obama) took time to come over and speak to us, visit a few guy in the hospital etc......whether you be hard core liberal, or off the scale conservative, have the common sense in your head to STFU and support us over here. We are here fighting for your freedom to sit on your lazy rear ends and type all day.....coming up with all types of numbers and estimates of how much it costs to fly AF1; why is he on another overseas trip; stay at home and deal with the jobless; and even a crazy comment about how he is freezing military pay. Do you really think these things??? Please do every single one of us over here a HUGE favor, and just STFU and color....stop your stupid bickering and crazy fabrications of truth PLEASE!
From One Old Military Man to a Younger One... May GOD be with You while Your on Your Tour!!! I will always be here to fight for Your rights and Support You all over there... I just wish We had People like us to help support us during the Vietnam War!!! We will all way be here for You when You get back here to help You get through Your hard times when You get back... You will find us at the Veteran Hospitals!!!
thank you for stating that... we need more people not spouting off because of political loyalties
I feel for you, man. And I agree. These are like trolls, ogres living under the bridges, who spend their insignificant lives ribbitting like frogs. Some of them funny too. Let's laugh. Life's short and Obama still president.
So it cost almost $3 million dollars taxpayer money (according to govt estimate of $181,000+ to fly AF1 for an hour) to spend 3 hours on the ground.
Want to do something for the troops? Bring them home!!!
How dare You talk for Our troops??? The Troops that fought in Vietnam would have rather not to have Idiots like You on Our Sides!!! We were there to win not to give up like We had to do... We lose a lot of Brothers there and also left a lot of Brothers there because of Idiots like You!!!
People need to read before making comments! I can't believe people are complaining on how much it costs to fly over to Afghanistan to visit troops! President Obama had a meeting with the Afghan President not to just see the troops. It was cancelled due to weather conditions and if any of you knew half of what you think you do you would shut the hell up. People who make horrible comments about soldiers obviously have never had a loved one fight for their country. Everyone in America should serve a term in the military to know what it is like and should be respectful to the people who are brave enough to be over there. All of the idiots making comments have no clue. Good luck in life...you're going to need it.
Thank you, David S, for your informed reply. The amount of bad press and false information on Obama is quite large. Thankfully no one thinks he has an easy job. It is wonderful for the troops to see their leader, the symbol of the democratic values they risk their lives to keep. The misinformation that circulates as fact, irrelevant as it is, remains deleterious for our country and the world. Obama is the best president of the past 50 years. He will be remembered far more graciously than his greedy predecessor. I only hope he wins a second term. But with so many blaming the deficit on him when it was spiked by the stupid, pointless wars we are fighting, and which where decided by the greedy predecessor, I am not so sure... Peace.