WASHINGTON - US Democratic presidential contender Senator Barack Obama kicked off an overseas campaign tour of volatile Middle Eastern countries and sparkling European capitals in the hopes of selling American voters on his foreign affairs and defense credentials.
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With star broadcasters on the scene, US media outlets plan to give outsized coverage to Obama's trip abroad; Republican rival John McCain's campaign has sought to portray Obama as a relative neophyte on international affairs.
There was no such media firestorm for McCain's own trip to Europe and the Middle East in March, and the Republican senator's camp has started grumbling.
News organizations have tripped over each other to get coverage deals for the Obama tour, with the three top anchors of US network television - ABC's Charles Gibson, NBC's Brian Williams and CBS's Katie Couric - having already cut deals with the campaign to follow Obama's footsteps.
Some 200 journalists were vying for 40 accredited spots to accompany the 46-year-old candidate on his foreign trip, according to The Washington Post.
But the extensive coverage comes with a genuine risk. Every gaffe will be caught by an untold number of cameras. But the risks also seem a good barometer with which to measure the potential gains.
A survey conducted last week by the Washington Post and the ABC network, showed that 72% of Americans think that the Republican opponent John McCain will be “a good Commander-in-Chief,” while only 48% think that Obama is capable of fulfilling this duty.
The Democratic hopeful is struggling to overtake the experienced 71-year-old McCain on foreign and defense affairs. In nearly all other parameters however, he has a significant lead over McCain.
Obama already receives daily briefings on current events, similar to a reigning president. An army of advisors ensures he is well prepared to answer questions on any issue that may arise. In each of the seven countries on the senator's itenerary, Obama's staff has already set up camp to make sure everything runs smoothly.
Experts on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict already await him in Israel. Obama is expected to meet with Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, Defense Minister Ehud Barak and Opposition Chairman Benjamin Netanyahu (Likud).
He will also meet with Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni, who will escort him on trips to Sderot and the Western Wall.
McCain, who knows Obama’s oversea campaign may dissolve his strongest advantage, has already gone
on the offensive, mocking Obama for announcing his positions on Afghanistan and Iraq before visiting them and before speaking with the field commanders. McCain last visited Iraq in April.
McCain likes to say he has the necessary experience to make the necessary decisions. Now, Obama wants to show that he can too.
Obama landed in the Afghani capital of Kabul on Saturday, a first for him. From there he will make his way to Iraq, which he last visited in 2006.
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