I was watching the football game and typing at the same time and realize now that what I typed didn't make sense. LOL
Basically, I was trying to say that no matter what President Obama does he is going to be criticized by the Right. If he had went, they would be outraged. He didn't go....they are not surprisingly OUTRAGED!
___________________________________________
He's catching hell from the MSM, as well, not just conservatives. For once, the EU nations seem to realize they have a major problem in their midst after ignoring it for decades. The US showing up would have sent a message -- too bad.
_________________
Help me out, what message would it send?
____________________________________________-
The EU and the French, in particular, have ignored the problem within their midst. Like Truman with NATO, US support might go a long way.
__________________
So, showing up to a rally is somehow going to send the message that they have a "problem within their midst"? Even the French aren't so stupid that they don't know that now. Are you saying that the US hasn't been supporting anti-terrorism programs in the last decade?
Symbolism.
It sometimes goes a long way.
It was a world event.
So what if it does any good our not.
No, this is an administration that has no clue as to handle world affairs.
No one even thought about the message it would generate?
No-show by any top US officials could be construed in several ways.
To the average Frenchman, it could be seen as a slap in the face.
I'm sure there a more than a few smirking Mufti and Mullah's, gearing up the next lesson to the ignorant followers, and pointing out that the US did NOT attend.
As to right wing outrage for the trip? I don't think many wingers would have objected to a little fuel being used to "symbolize" our commitment.
However, numerous trips to fundraising events, Spanish Vacations, Hawaii vacations, etc. are entirely different matters.