From The New York Times:
If Europe wants a sensible conversation with America right now, who should it call? It is not an inquiry that is as glib as it perhaps sounds. President Barack Obama has been known to speak on the phone to European leaders. But it could not be claimed with any credibility that relations are good.
Sure, voters in Europe are still enthusiastic about him. However, almost 18 months into his presidency any early excitement among his fellow leaders here has long since faded. What is left is a sense that the president cares little for Europe, has no more than a passing interest in its leaders and, to the limited extent that he is interested in foreign affairs, he is focused on wooing emerging powers such as India.It is difficult for President Obama to have conversations with other leaders. His style is evangelical. His style is pedagogical. His style is grand visionary. His style is not sensible conversation.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2008