For us, on the eve of Barack Obama's first trip to Australia as US President
By Carmelan Polce on November 15th, 2011
Third time lucky!
President Obama is expected to arrive in Canberra tomorrow (Wed 16 November) afternoon directly from the APEC
leader's meeting in Hawaii. This report
on the Obama itinerary appeared in the Canberra Times on Saturday, if any of you in Canberra or Darwin want to attempt an Obama sighting or
encounter.
As reported to you in October, there are no public
events on the President's schedule and so no opportunities for Democrats
in the local vicinity to get up close and personal with POTUS. Often
times the Democrats Abroad Executive Director in DC organises tickets -
or even places at a rope-line - for us when there are public events on
the President's schedule on overseas trips. Otherwise, as the President
travels on the taxpayers' dime, he is unable to partake in partisan
functions of any kind. So, this visit is a little disappointing, but
maybe next time. Next term....?
Yes, the polls are suggesting there will be an Obama second term!
If
you have been paying any attention at all to the Republican party
candidates and their debates then you are perhaps as bullish as I am
about an Obama second term. Mitt Romney is seeming more and more the
presumptive - though of course it is still early and four years ago we
might have (probably did!) say the same thing about Hillary Clinton -
and Romney's record of unapologetic inconsistency will be a challenge
for his campaign to explain when they pivot towards independents.
We have all that to come and much work to do next year to deliver the vote
for Barack Obama amongst the 60,000 to 125,000 Americans (yes,
estimates are THAT broad) in Australia. I hope Democrats Abroad and
President Obama can count on your support.
This YouTube video called "I'm not disappointed by Barack Obama"
is making the rounds on the internet.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cJLvtVIk3R8&feature=player_embedded
On the eve of Barack Obama's
first visit to Australia as US President I urge you will watch it. And
pass it on. Makes a great Facebook posting!!
Democratically yours,
Carmelan
Acting Chair
Democrats Abroad Australia
PS.
Though we normally have to work very hard to get the Australian media
to notice Democrats Abroad, the media have beat a path to our door for
interviews regarding the President's visit. Look out for Democrats on
Channel Ten morning news on Wednesday 16 Nov, and on Channel 9's Today
program, ABCTV News Melbourne and Sky News on Thursday 17 November.
PPS. Reminder to Dems in Sydney of the "Third Time's A Charm - Obama in Australia" pub night this Thursday 17 November. http://www.democratsabroad.org...