Obama Arrives in Ottawa Today
Barak Obama arrives in Ottawa today for his first foreign visit since taking office in January. Ottawa is the traditional stop for new presidents, although his predecessor chose to visit Mexico first. While the visit is for the most party barely registering on the American media, the Canadian media seems to be going gaga over the arrival.
Obama will be in the nation’s capital a mere 6 hours or so and is not expected to appear in public. Security will be massive, crowds are expected to be large on the hill as people gather in the hope of catching a glimpse of him.
He’ll be greeted at the airport by Governor-General Michaelle Jean with little pomp and ceremony. From there he’ll travel to the Hill for a private meeting with Harper, talks with various government officials, a working lunch in the Senate speakers suite before being returned to the airport where he’ll have a brief meeting with Ignatieff before boarding Air Force One to be back in Washington in time for supper with Michelle.
Much speculation has taken place about what the two leaders will talk about. Officially, the main subjects appear to be the economy, Afghanistan and the environment. Nothing monumental is expected to come out of the talks. Visits like this are generally get to know you type trips.
For the media, these encounters are rift with speculation and attempts to read nuance into every move that occurs or doesn’t occur. The airport meeting with Ignatieff has drawn considerable comment both from the media and others. It is traditional for the leader of the Official Opposition to meet with visiting heads of state.
Ignatieff’s office is a floor above where Obama will be yet the PMO has put the meeting at the airport claiming it is the wishes of the American protocal people. Yeah right, and there will be two moons in the sky tonight. It doesn’t take much to figure out that Harper wants the optics to be the meeting is an ‘addon’ rather than an expected part of the event.
Had Martin done that to Harper when his buddy Bush arrived in Canada, there would have been hell to pay. But then Martin has class and Harper has demonstrated repeatedly, he lacks that gift. Speaking of which, I hope that Obama manages to find some semblance of personality in our rather dour PM.
Maybe he’ll wear a blue sweater cardigan for the occasion to warm him up a bit.
notice: The content of this post contains my opinions and my right to express them. I will respect your right to express your opinion in the comments as long as you’re not abusive and you respect my right to my opinion.
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