Nuclear crisis in Japan, a civil war in Libya and where is the President? Heading for Rio de Janeiro
Mail Online ^ | 17 mar 2011 | David Gardner
Mr Obama has refused to scrap a five-day trip to Latin America that will take him to Brazil, Chile and El Salvador.
Resisting demands that he should remain at home in the White House to deal with the international response to Japan’s nuclear crisis and Colonel Gaddafi’s crackdown on anti-government rebels, the president insists he can stay on top of the fast-moving developments while on the road.
Some Republican critics have complained the sunshine trip symbolises Mr Obama’s lack of leadership at a time of international chaos. But White House press secretary Jay Carney said Mr Obama felt the visit was important to help boost U.S. jobs.
'The President is taking this trip because he is committed to growing the economy and rebalancing our national security posture,' Mr Carney said after he was asked if the trip might be shelved.
'He remains confident he can fully execute his job when he is on the road,’ added Mr Carney.
He said the President will monitor ‘all major issues, all the time’ wherever he is.
Mr Obama will be giving a speech at the Cinelandia Square in Rio on Sunday and his family is expected to join him to take in the city sights, including the famous Christ the Redeemer statue on Corcovado Mountain.
The Obamas will be heading to the beach after meeting Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff in the capital Brasilia on Saturday.
(Excerpt) Read more at dailymail.co.uk ...
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I monitor the news on my blackberry - can I be prez?
