Abdullah gives Obama a lift

Posted: Tuesday, July 22, 2008 2:49 PM by Mark Murray
Filed Under: Security

From NBC/NJ's Athena Jones

King Abdullah gave Obama a ride to the airport, after their one-on-one meeting and a dinner with several American and Jordanian officials at the royal palace today.

The king, who drove the car himself, walked the senator to the edge of the stairs and they chatted briefly, out of earshot of cameras, before Obama boarded.

Obama now heads to Israel for a day packed with meetings.

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Comments

Obama’s trip abroad has shown that his diplomacy, communication, political, military, nonpartisan, and strategic skills far exceed those of John McCain. It’s like a bright examination light has been turned on, and the contrast between the two candidates is blaringly clear.

retfemalevet (Sent Tuesday, July 22, 2008 2:54 PM)

Why is he going to Israel ? He could care less about those people. Oh just another publicity stunt. I can see him meeting with Muslims but not jews.My next question, if he gets elected do we have the honor of rolling out the red carpet to Osama Bin Laden and Pres of Iran to so he can talk about giving in to them or surrender to the war on terrorism ? Will he offer up the Lincoln bedroom ? Will he fly one of theri flags above ours ? You people who want this man as president please answer this, since you know him and his plan of action so well.

Independent Texan (Sent Tuesday, July 22, 2008 2:56 PM)

The king drove the car himself.

Unconfirmed reports state that the car had an "Obama 08" bumpersticker.

McOver (Sent Tuesday, July 22, 2008 2:58 PM)

It's a rule. Cab drivers are not supposed to discriminate.

Bhrun Bhagolvia, NYC (Sent Tuesday, July 22, 2008 2:58 PM)

That was very nice of the King, however, it's going to make the media lose their jealous minds! :)

Nashville_fan (Sent Tuesday, July 22, 2008 2:58 PM)

"Thanks for coming. See you in 6 months, Mr. President."

Bruce, Madison, Wis. (Sent Tuesday, July 22, 2008 3:01 PM)

I love what Obama is doing. It makes me all squiggly wiggley inside.

Donna (Sent Tuesday, July 22, 2008 3:01 PM)

Hmm...interesting. I've always thought King Abdullah was a pretty cool guy... I wish I knew what he said to Obama...

fascinating (Sent Tuesday, July 22, 2008 3:01 PM)

WOW! WOW!! Spin THAT Repubs! "Oh he's a Muslim?!" Last I checked Jordan was one of our ALLIES!!

Oh. WOW!!

Matthew (Sent Tuesday, July 22, 2008 3:04 PM)

This is the type of image that with drive the McCain campaign nuts, especially the unhinged Randy Scheunemann. How often do we see a King drive a public official to the airport. Obama must have made quite an impression on him. A future President that can help restore our standing in the world thus helping us get things done on the world stage with greater cooperation, what a concept.

Obama 08

greg chicago (Sent Tuesday, July 22, 2008 3:04 PM)

The Saudi King chauffeured Senator Obama. This is going to make the haters go insane.

From a boy abandoned by his father, to the highest heights of success. I'm absolutely thrilled for Barack. He deserves these blessings, each, and everyone.

donna (Sent Tuesday, July 22, 2008 3:04 PM)

Independent Texan:
I will take the opportunity to answer you. The answer, simply, is "no."

Cullen S, Kalamazoo, MI (Sent Tuesday, July 22, 2008 3:09 PM)

Bishops takes queen (Check), McCain it's your move!!! Lets see what the guy who was in the bottom 5% of his class do. This isn't a world based on color no more....it's all about money and brains.....

i'm just sayn, MD (Sent Tuesday, July 22, 2008 3:09 PM)

Independent Texas - you are just so out there!!! And you believe Obama doesn't like the people of Israel because you had this wonderful conversation with Obama who told you he doesn't like Israelies? Not only is this trip a good fact-finding mission but look at the PR it is bringing to America!!! There is still hope overseas that America doesn't consist of a bunch of morons - so please don't you start being one!

Caa, Nevada (Sent Tuesday, July 22, 2008 3:09 PM)

McShame, you are TOAST. Abdulla said

"we cant wait for a real person with a brain to lead the US. McBush will be more of the same and the world can not afford that"

Nj (Sent Tuesday, July 22, 2008 3:10 PM)

Donna you crack me up.

What kind of whip was The King rollin'?
(He's got a few nice rides, iirc.)

All right Barack, rock steady.

Dave, OC, Vets for Obama (Sent Tuesday, July 22, 2008 3:11 PM)

The king is a pretty cool guy. And his wife. Oh lord his wife!!! She's an absolute goddess...

Tim, Albany, New York (Sent Tuesday, July 22, 2008 3:15 PM)

Independant Texan,

Since the current adminstration could not find OBL than that is a great suggestion.

Maybe Obama could invite OBL to the White House than at least we will not have to lose another life to capture him.

Placing cheese in the mouse trap waiting on the mouse.

Again, thinks for the great idea. You should have suggested it to Bush 7 years ago or McBush at least give them insight since they seem to have none.

"Lead um to water and watch um drink"

Tex Mex (Sent Tuesday, July 22, 2008 3:16 PM)

Independent Texan: '...surrender to the war on terrorism ? Will he offer up the Lincoln bedroom ? Will he fly one of theri flags above ours ? You people who want this man as president please answer this, since you know him and his plan of action so well...'

Is there something in the water in Texas ?
jerry, George Bush, John Coryn (Big Bad John) and this independent ...... ??

Is the CIA testing crazy pills in Texas ??

MSierra, SF (Sent Tuesday, July 22, 2008 3:17 PM)

WOW !!! drove him to the airport himself. now we have to listen to all the jealous conservatives. Dont act like president bush dont hug and kiss this fellow. You can talk to everyone, jew and muslim, that is exactley what we need in this world today, we
need someone to make it better not worse. for facinating, I think he was telling Obama that he hates to kissed by bush.
OLd Obama Mama- from the uninformed state of s.c.

marty holloman (Sent Tuesday, July 22, 2008 3:17 PM)

Independent Texan,
I am sorry but first answer why you think that Obama does not like Jewish people. So Bush, McCain etc. can meet with world leaders and not be accused of being against American interests. You sound like a bigot please look objectively before you make acusations. At the very least provide evidence for your false claims.

Jack Mitchell (Sent Tuesday, July 22, 2008 3:17 PM)

Boy, I bet you Bysh and McWar are going crazy!

Capt. Smash, Salt Lake City, Utah (Sent Tuesday, July 22, 2008 3:19 PM)

"You can keep calling McCain old, give him goofy Mc names but that won't make people like Stinky!
NObama (Sent Tuesday, July 22, 2008 11:58 AM)"

...and it's OK to call Obama Stinky because...?

MI Chick (Sent Tuesday, July 22, 2008 3:19 PM)

Independent Texan, your jealousy is showing.
Just mad b/cause the O-train is blowing the Snide Talk Express right off the tracks. DeRailed!

Maria (Sent Tuesday, July 22, 2008 3:19 PM)

OK, ease off the crackpipe, MSM. I like Obama 'n' all, but really, what are you going to do next, follow him into the bathroom?

Oy (Sent Tuesday, July 22, 2008 3:20 PM)

So what's the King of Jordan driving these days? Help us out MSNBC!

Wilson, Seattle (Sent Tuesday, July 22, 2008 3:21 PM)

Donna you crack me up.

Dave, OC, Vets for Obama

--------------

Ever see her face? Then you'll know why.

Answer Mann (Sent Tuesday, July 22, 2008 3:21 PM)

Independent Texan

We would answer you- but since your post is so ridiculous and ignorant - why bother?

Obama '08

Fed Up, NY (Sent Tuesday, July 22, 2008 3:22 PM)

Becareful what you wish for, why Mccain and Republicans didnt see this coming, I have no clue. Obviously, Bush/Mccain under-estimated a ONCE IN A LIFE TIME PHENOMENAL

Thomas T (Sent Tuesday, July 22, 2008 3:23 PM)

"You people who want this man as president please answer this, since you know him and his plan of action so well.
Independent Texan (Sent Tuesday, July 22, 2008 2:56 PM)"

Please tell me that you are just pretending to be that ignorant...

MI Chick (Sent Tuesday, July 22, 2008 3:24 PM)

Hmm...interesting. I've always thought King Abdullah was a pretty cool guy... I wish I knew what he said to Obama...
fascinating

He was asking Obama what state he would get and which ones were already taken by the other muslim countries.

Independent Texan (Sent Tuesday, July 22, 2008 3:26 PM)

To independent Texan,

Do you honestly believe that he's somehow a manchurian cadidate that going to invite Bin Laden for tea and cookies on his inaguration day? Conservates has some legit talking points in regard to Obama but people like you do people that oppose Obama for legitimate reasons a diservice. After a while a voter will just lump ridiculous hate based, fear mongers like you with conservates who oppose Obama for political reasons. So I guess we Obama supporters should be thanking people like you, independent Texan!!!

Archon (Sent Tuesday, July 22, 2008 3:26 PM)

That was a TREMENDOUS show of respect for him to have done that. That single gesture speaks volumes about Obama's ability to restore our standing in the world. Now, just wait and see how he's received in Europe - his speech in Germany on Thursday is supposed to be quite an event.

Linda. Boston, MA (Sent Tuesday, July 22, 2008 3:27 PM)

Don't forget T. Boone Pickens and the Oil Boys! It is my personal belief Texas should seceed and keep their crazies to themselves.

David W. (Sent Tuesday, July 22, 2008 3:28 PM)

One thing that has really benefited us from Obama's overseas trip, is that we are getting to see McCain's true self.
He is coming across as an insecure, petty, jealous man who is not capable of taking any form of criticism without coming unhinged. I think there is a lot more going on behind the scenes that we don't know about.
Very frightening to think as McCain being our next president.

Eileen, Portland, Maine (Sent Tuesday, July 22, 2008 3:30 PM)

TO MSIERRA,SF

THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH TEXAS -- WE ARE NON-BIAS, OPEN-MINDED, SUPERIOR, FREE THINKING INDIVIDUALS THAN YOU GIVE US CREDIT.

TO BAD WE CAN'T SAME FOR YOU -- MCCAN'T LICKER!

WILLIS, TX (Sent Tuesday, July 22, 2008 3:31 PM)

The Texan who pretends to be Independent convinced me of only one thing, I overestimated the intelligence of far too many people. Anyone who believes that foolish swill has lost all grasp on reason and logic.

G (Sent Tuesday, July 22, 2008 3:32 PM)

Jack Mitchell I don't think he like the Jewish by the way he looked when he addressed that jewish coalition. He looked so fake and like he was ONLY doing it because he had to.

Independent Texan (Sent Tuesday, July 22, 2008 3:37 PM)

Someone should tell all those folks who pretend to believe Obama is a Muslim, that they all should just stop it... And go take a look in the mirror and admit to themselves that they are racist. Stop hiding behind the misinformation that is out there. Come clean. Stop the madness.

Henry P. , Albany New York (Sent Tuesday, July 22, 2008 3:40 PM)

He had to get a ride somehow. Condi emailed that assistance for buses and rides were not allowed.

tj (Sent Tuesday, July 22, 2008 3:42 PM)

To Independent Texan:

Do you really think you are all that independent?
I know one state the Muslims already have -- Texas. Who do you think buys the oil they are selling?

David W. (Sent Tuesday, July 22, 2008 3:42 PM)

I'm sure Andrea Mitchell is saying this is an artificial conversation Obama had with the king, since she wasn't there in the car.

Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA (Sent Tuesday, July 22, 2008 3:43 PM)

Independent Texan (Sent Tuesday, July 22, 2008 2:56 PM)

No, No, and No.

A question for you now.
Have you seen someone about this paranoia?

Gary Schear, bozeman Montana (Sent Tuesday, July 22, 2008 3:46 PM)

All obama supporters,
I am tried of the past 7 years, I am tired of the economy, the war, and all the bs that we live with each day. I dislike Bush as much as I dislike obama. I don't feel we can trust him, just like Bush. I don't care for McCain that much either, but out of the 2 evils I feel better with McCain until someone good does come along. God lets hope he chooses and decent VP. Obama has said nothing that says what he will do. He and Mccain say alot about what they WANT to do. Big difference. I don't want my taxes so high I can't enjoy what I work for, I don't want to have to support a medicare system that gives to illegel aliegns, and I want a better immgration system in place. I want our borders secured ( which should have been done in 2001) I want America to be the best. to be the world leader we should be. Obama hasn't shown me that plan . All I've heard is blah blah blah. Yes he talks a great game, but I don't feel he can deliver. So instead on making the reverse Bush, I want someone in somewhat the middle of the road. He has some great ideas but so does McCain.

Independent Texan (Sent Tuesday, July 22, 2008 3:46 PM)

I’d for one like to thank Barack for what he’s doing overseas. I can’t remember the last time we had so many world leaders and citizens of other nations as anxious as they are now in hearing what one of our premier political figures has to say.

Not to mention when he speaks, he actually knows what he’s talking about and is able to construct constructive and articulate statements. I’ve grown accustomed over the past eight years of people domestically and abroad running from the presence and words of these ‘politicians’. Barack appears to be genuine in his ability to actually want to hear the concerns of these individuals.

It will be amazing or should I say less so, the criticism he will face for being liked by those other than left of center Americans or those disaffected by the last eight years. Who knew being liked around the world would be such a bad thing.

Lee-- Dallas, TX (Sent Tuesday, July 22, 2008 3:52 PM)

What will the Republicans do? All these brown men getting along and talking. Current and future heads of state. The "white man rules" party is trying so very hard to stop this from happening but it is inevitable. Take a good look into the future.

Benny, SFBayArea, California (Sent Tuesday, July 22, 2008 3:52 PM)

McCain & the GOP pressurized Obama to go to IRAQ. The never saw this coming. Be careful for what you wish for. Take that McCain.

banko (Sent Tuesday, July 22, 2008 3:53 PM)

Donna, King Abdullah is the King of Jordan, not Saudi Arabia. He is a very cool guy, both he and his late father, King Hussein have been and will continue to be a very good friend to the USA. This was a gesture of hospitality not many receive, it bodes well for our future relationship in the Middle East.

Peace

gmhussein, Jupiter, Fl (Sent Tuesday, July 22, 2008 3:54 PM)

Independent Texan

We would answer you- but since your post is so ridiculous and ignorant - why bother?

Obama '08

Fed Up, NY (Sent Tuesday, July 22, 2008 3:56 PM)

Good luck, Senator. I pray for God's guidance and protection in your travels.

Doreen Augusta Maine (Sent Tuesday, July 22, 2008 3:56 PM)

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