It is as official as it can be, the president’s trip to Ireland was a massive success, according to the largest news organization in the world.
The Associated Press stated that “Forced to compete for attention with a host of events in the U.S. and elsewhere, Obama tried to use his trip to cement old friendships, strengthen alliances for future world challenges and sync up with voters back home.”
Ireland, said AP was an important first stop for political reasons back home as much as meeting the Irish people.
“First stop, in Ireland, was as much about finding common ground with Americans as it was about connecting with the Irish."
"In a quick trip to the tiny village where his great-great-great grandfather once lived and in a rousing speech to tens of thousands in Dublin, the president whose very birth in the United States has been called into question by skeptics was able to identify himself with the tens of millions of Americans who claim Irish ancestry and the legions more who identify with the immigrant experience.
"The resulting images — more memorable than anything Obama said — were political currency for a president who also happens to be a candidate for re-election. There he was, raising a pint with the locals in the friendly intimacy of a village pub and standing before adoring thousands for a presidential speech that looked more like a campaign rally.” AP said.
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Switch to the desktop site to post a comment.JimMcGarity | May 29, 2011, 10:17 AM EDT
Great news, so he is bring back some trade so I can go back to work. Why are the Irish kids comming over here, we dont have any jobs.
eiriamach | May 29, 2011, 06:57 AM EDT
The Irish Times article has a good interpretation of the two visits, and it has a couple of great photos! I can believe that the visits by the monarch and the President will mark a turn-around point in Irish politics. Politics is, as the Times writer says, much about national narratives, history as destiny, and working toward common goals that the country can agree on. Obama 's speech recognized Ireland's strengths. The country is moving back on track politically, and the economy will follow.
SusanneK | May 29, 2011, 01:16 AM EDT
He doesn't have an ounce of Irish in him!!!
deburca | May 28, 2011, 11:07 PM EDT
Google "Queen and Obama visits can be benchmark for a new beginning" to read a great Irish Times article.
deburca | May 28, 2011, 10:18 PM EDT
President Obama stopped to see our friends and allies on his way to the G8 Summit. THAT is part of his job and he did it brilliantly! I am so proud to have him representing our country around the world. To the naysayers and haters who insist he shouldn't have gone or that it was a waste of money - are you kidding?? Diplomatic travel by the president is one of his important duties and it is already budgeted for. All presidents do it and this president, along with Clinton, does it phenomenally. That's what has your undies in a bunch - that no matter what you say about our president, the reality speaks for itself and your bitterness, negativity and unpatriotic bashing of the duly elected leader of your country makes YOU look bad, not him. Stop following Rush like sheep - he's leading you (and our country) to the edge of a cliff.
AngelPrecious | May 28, 2011, 04:27 PM EDT
Yawn, you guys STILL talking about this man?? Good comments, well, except pilib. I AM surprised that the Irish seem to adore this president that is so anti-life.
jnewnam | May 28, 2011, 03:03 PM EDT
The Associated Press is in the tank for Obama and wouldn't know a communist if they fell over one. And by the way 'being Irish' is about more than blood, it is also about soul. When Mr Obama was an Illinois state senator, Chicago hospitals were putting late term babies who survived abortion in there soiled linen closets to be left to die. These were babies who had taken a breath and were living. Nurses who were ordered by doctors to do this went to the Illinois State Legislature to stop the procedure. The senator who stood in the way of a law protecting these babies --Barack Obama! In 2002, before he landed in Washington, the U S Senate passed the Born Alive Baby Protection Act, 98-0, even abortion rights senators recognized that these babies once breathing where to be afforded all rights and protections of a U S citizen, including a right to life. Obama did not--it had to be explained to him. So much for his understanding of Constitutional protections but he didn't even want to protect these babies based on his so called Christianity. How do you not know this by Christ?
Dompedro | May 28, 2011, 02:35 PM EDT
the world's largest news organization is not world's largest unbiased news organozation
pilib04 | May 28, 2011, 02:25 PM EDT
cathy/marty-- No need to shout (ALL CAPS). As for your question "WHO SAYS HE HAS IRISH HERITAGE?" That's simple. The people of Muine Gall, Contae Uibh Faili say that President Barack Obama is Irish! I doubt you are even Irish! Who is to say that cathy/marty is Irish???
cathy/marty | May 28, 2011, 11:15 AM EDT
WHO SAYS HE HAS IRISH HERITAGE. BARRY? HE WOULD'NT SHOW HIS BIRTH CERTIFICATE WHAT MAKE US THINK HE WILL PROVE HE HAS IRISH BLOOD. IT'S ALL B.S. HE WANTS THE IRISH VOTE.
suzandpej | May 28, 2011, 10:51 AM EDT
Agreed...he's doing this just for reelection. He has no morals. O is out traveling the world while Joplin, Mo., Oklahoma and other places hit hard by tornados and floods sit and wait. He never has cared about Americans. I agree katieherk. Some of us can see right through him.
suzandpej | May 28, 2011, 10:49 AM EDT
Oh, please, Associated Press is in Obama's back pocket. They are so far left they nearly fall off the planet...now, there's an idea.
katieherk | May 28, 2011, 10:29 AM EDT
That's the only reason he went to Ireland was to get the Irish American vote. Now he's in Poland where he hopes to get the Polish American vote... what a scoundrel!!! But in the meantime he has spent thousands of $$ when he should have been US tending to their troubles. Bush was criticized for not jumping up when 9/11 occurred while reading to kids but Nobama has left American high and dry when all kinds of catastrophes are going on. What a jerk all in the name of reelection!