Top Biden Staffer on Obama Trip to Afghanistan and Iraq
The chief of staff to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Tony Blinken, is accompanying Barack Obama on his high-profile trip to Afghanistan and Iraq.
Blinken is chairman Joe Biden’s right-hand man on the Foreign Relations Committee and considered his closest adviser.
Biden, a Delaware Democrat, has often been mentioned as a possible running mate with Obama and the presence of his top committee staffer and long-time friend and adviser is sure to further speculation about an emerging Obama-Biden relationship.
Elizabeth Alexander, a committee spokeswoman, described Blinken’s role as standard operating procedure.
“Tony is traveling in his capacity as staff director of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee,” Alexander said. “Two of the three 3 senators (on the trip) are on the committee and there is precedent for committee staff traveling with members other than the chairman.”
Obama is traveling with Sens. Jack Reed, D-Rhode Island, and Chuck Hagel, R-Nebraska. Hagel, like Obama, is a member of the Foreign Relations Committee.
Obama, Reed, and Hagel were each allowed to bring one staffer on the trip to Afghanistan and Iraq. Blinken was the only additional staffer authorized to make the trip, giving Biden unique access to Obama’s briefings and observations on the trip to both war zones.
Biden has taken on an increasingly visible role as a surrogate for Obama and went out his way this week to defend Obama’s failure to hold a Foreign Relations subcommittee hearing on Afghanistan and the NATO-led effort there to battle the Taliban and its Al Qaeda allies. Obama had the power to convene such a hearing but did not as he was pursuing the nomination for the presidency.
When Biden ran for the presidency he called Obama’s call in August 2007 for two more combat brigades in Afghanistan a “johnny-come-lately” position. Biden now defends Obama staunchly on all foreign policy matters and is viewed, if not as a running mate, then as a potential Secretary of State in an Obama administration.
This is Obama’s first-ever trip to Afghanistan and Blinken, a former National Security staffer in the Clinton White House, could provide valuable expertise, in addition to keeping tabs on things for Biden.
Pardon my ignorance, but, for how long now has Joseph Biden been the Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee?
I would assume that Senator Biden, in his roll as the “Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee,” would always have the most ‘up to date’ information regarding our military’s fight against Al Qaeda – along with the most up to date information regarding the situation in Iraq and Iran.
If Senator Joseph Biden does not get ‘constant’ up to date information, for what purpose is the Senate Foreign Relations Committee? What is its function? What does this Committee do for our nation?
How often has Senator Biden’s “right-hand man, closest adviser,” Tony Blinken, traveled to Afghanistan and brought back the FACTS to Senator Biden and his Committee?
Johnny Come Lately is trying to pull a political blanket over his inexperience. The U.S. cannot afford Obama’s liberal ignorance. Obama has always been against the war in Iraq, then the surge in Iraq, but NOW he’s all for the war in Afghanistan. When did this happen? Someone must have finally gotten through to him that we need to continue our fight against the terrorists.
I am not an Obama supporter because his liberalism, black power and Islamic ties here in the U.S. scare me. But, he is very naive and charismatic, and a good many people in the U.S. who are also naive and gullible, are so willing to drink the Cool Aid. Obama, supporting ‘typical’ liberal idealisms (dangerously unbeknown to himself because he “doesn’t know what he doesn’t know”) is making promises that will bring the U.S. to its knees – both economically and physically in total destruction. Pulling ourselves out of the economic problems we now face or defending ourselves from the terrorists who have already filtrated into the U.S. will cease being an option or a possibility.
Watch the clip “Barack Obama The anti-American & Big Brother” on http://www.youtube.com that shows him as the only potential candidate of all the politicians standing on stage who blatantly refused to place his hand over his heart during the “Star Spangled Banner”. Why would American’s ignore this signal? President John Kennedy would be so ashamed of the Democratic party today for giving Obama the candidacy.
This is not the Democratic party of the Kennedy era. The Democratic party needs to start calling itself by what it truly is “The Liberal Party” and quit hiding behind the Democratic party name. The Democratic party today does NOT hold the same values and principles of the Kennedy era and beyond to its beginnings. It has corroded into a cowardly, slothful liberal ideology where the energetic American workers are now obligated to support the lazy, prejudiced, you-owe-me parasites.
The energetic Americans cannot continue to support the parasites no matter what country we decide is best to fight the terrorists.
what a joke that would be. BHO picks a plagerist for his running. real good role models there.
wasn’t it biden who said bho was a really ‘clean’ candidate?
As a former staffer under Tony, I can tell you first hand that he is a class act.
Why didn’t Fox News report that Chuck Hagel is also on the Obama VP short list? Because it doesn’t want to hint that Obama is also gaining support amongst some Republicans… By the way, note to the writer above who has fears of Obama’s “Islamic ties,” there are no ties… He is not a Muslim. Just because he has a funny name and is black, doesn’t mean you have to fear him. get a grip.
This whole trip at this LATE date is just one BIG CIRCUS. The Big Tent will have been prepared for the 3 anchors of the Media to spin the entertainment on the Evening News and all the days to follow. In my opinion: This is not a fact finding tour it is a Political tour at taxpayer expense and/or contributions to Obama’s campaign. Am wondering how many boxes of peanuts and candy bars were also brought on board for distribution to all those lining the streets?
Teri,
Lots of info is available at senate.gov on Senators and each Committee. If you can find foxnews.com, you can find senate.gov if you’re genuinely interested in the facts.
Senate committee chairmanships depend on the party in power and seniority in the Senate and on the committee. Senators usually chair only one committee. Biden has been a member of the SFRC since 1975, and a member of the Judiciary Committee since 1977. He chaired the Senate Judiciary Committee from 1987 to 1994. He chaired SFRC part of 2001, 2001-2003, and 2007-present. Recently, he and Dick Lugar (R) have been trading chairmanship back and forth depending on D vs. R majority in Senate. I’m not sure what year Biden became the ranking (seniormost) Dem on SFRC, but it was some time during Helms’ chairmanship of the SFRC in the 1990s.
SFRC does have access to up-to-date info on international politics. They get private briefings, and hold public hearings, which are broadcast live from the SFRC website and archived there.
http://foreign.senate.gov/index.html – a few pages work better in Internet Explorer. Some of the hearings are also live broadcast on C-Span.org, and archived Do you watch them?
Biden doesn’t just rely on Blinken for info from Afghanistan; Biden, Kerry, and Hagel travelled there and elsewhere in Asia and the Middle East in February on behalf of the Committee.
Obama has always supported the war in Afghanistan – not sure why you think that has changed? He opposed starting the war in Iraq in part because it drew resources away from our military fighting the real “fight against the terrorists” in Afghanistan.
What “black power ties” do you think Obama has? What “Islamic ties”? Do you even know what you mean by those? You can’t simultaneously say he is naive and inexperienced and then claim he is a leader of some unnamed scary groups in your imagination.
The current administration has done quite a job of “bringing the U.S. to its knees – both economically and physically”. We can’t even take a strong stance against Iran, Russia, what have you, because our military is stretched thin and we’re in a downward spiral of federal debt due to Iraq.
There are as many clips of Bush not placing his hand over his heart during the anthem as there are of Obama. The custom in many parts of the country is to put your hand over your heart for the flag pledge, not the anthem. Something tells me you wouldn’t be happy with Obama regardless of this.
Of course this is not the Democratic party of the Kennedy era. Why would we want the Dem. party of the Kennedy era or the Rep. party of Eisenhower or Nixon? This is 2008.
When McCain visited Iraq, he had no reporters and flew on a military aircraft. But Obama has a staff of 300 handlers, lots and lots of reporters for Mr. Hollywood. He can’t do anything without a huge crow of handlers to insulate him…What a joke!
Mr. Obama is NOT a muslim, and he has no affiliation with so-called black power. Conspiracy theorists are also wrong about his being the Messiah and the anti-Christ.
How maney times, have the ones who know gone to Iraq .Visit the green zone and how nice our troops taken care of.But can you walk out of the green zone without air cover ground troops.Over five years their,slaughtering Iraqi citizen. If you can look your kid in the eye and say Iraq war is right Than america value have tanked..
Frightening. With less than 4 months until the election, Obama hope to gain in ONE week foreign policy/national security experience and to try to show some semblance of being a commander. This story reflects what can happen when this green kid goes off on his own. While Biden is involved in this campaign, I wonder whether Biden is somehow involved in this screwup with Obama. We are told Obama has 300 foreign policy adivers, and no two of these advisers can agree on anything. Thus, the Obama flip flops and screwups. Pray for America.
The BIG CIRCUS is coming over there. With the 3 Anchors preparing the BIG TENT…to entertain on the Evening News. At this LATE DATE it is just a Political rally for the benefit of the News media at taxpayer expense and those who have contributed to his campaign war chest. I just wonder how many boxes of Peanuts and candy bars will be distributed to those along the streets.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hU9iCANi02o
He was SINGING the anthem which is a lot more patriotic than just standing there with your hand over your heart…
You will also notice that John Edwards did not have his hand over his heart..
And I will wager that at any baseball, football, basketball game you will find many people singing rather than having their hands over their hearts.
Get over it… Obama loves his country and is a good American.
That dog stopped hunting a long time ago with people who know what REAL patriotism is. You obviously think it has to do with whose flag pin is the biggest.
Teri why does Black Power scare you? and what exactly are Sen. Obama’s ties to Black Power? If you had an ounce of intellectual honesty, you would admit that like thousands of your kind, any non-white person having an ounce of power over anything scares you. The real important issue is to ask yourself why.
[...] Top Biden foreign affairs aide is traveling with Obama on Middle East trip. Tea leaf readers go wild. [...]
Teri, get real, its people like you who give Americans a bad name shame on you!
Teri you are an example of how little we value education and intelligence in this country…
Mr. Obama is NOT a muslim, and he has no affiliation with so-called black power. Conspiracy theorists are also wrong about his being the Messiah and the anti-Christ.
****************************************************************
In a remarkable denial issued last November that still stands on the official campaign
website, Obama spokesman Robert Gibbs issued a statement explaining that “Senator
Obama has never been a Muslim, was not raised as a Muslim, and is a committed Christian.”
http://web.israelinsider.com/Articles/Politics/12918.htm
>>>> Pictures speak louder than words!
In a remarkable denial issued last November that still stands on the official campaign
website, Obama spokesman Robert Gibbs issued a statement explaining that “Senator
Obama has never been a Muslim, was not raised as a Muslim, and is a committed Christian.”
http://web.israelinsider.com/Articles/Politics/12918.htm
>>>> Pictures speak louder than words!
How is Rock Obama doing…..what a circus….but he left his ‘Sweetie’ home.
After reading MSM ans seeing TV I’m lissening my inner voice and it is telling me undoubtedly which candidate is an dangerous anti-Amarican and not trustworthy.
Well terry i agreed with you post
I am looking to send a contribution to the OBAMA-BIDEN ticket as soon as I get the official word on MSNBC.
I am a loyal Democrat and the two, Barack and Joe, have been my favorites from the start. I am a good, old, age 69 already, Roman Catholic widow and am praying and pulling that these two will be the changed plan for America for the next 16 years … yes, I said 16!!!
Good Luck.
suzanne-steele@wideopenwest.com
Comment by Suzanne Steele
July 21st, 2008 at 5:54 pm
I am looking to send a contribution to the OBAMA-BIDEN ticket as soon as I get the official word on MSNBC.
I am a loyal Democrat and the two, Barack and Joe, have been my favorites from the start. I am a good, old, age 69 already, Roman Catholic widow and am praying and pulling that these two will be the changed plan for America for the next 16 years … yes, I said 16!!!
============================================================
You need to be in a home for the truly sick.
Teri, Teri, Teri,
You are embarassing to white people. I am white and Im not sure why you
fear black people. Do you know any? I do know people like you and its not until
they actually become friends with black people that they understand they are
no different than white people. I am a 20 year veteran of the U.S. Navy. Yes,
I was in Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan onboard the U.S.S.
John C. Stennis (aircraft carrier). I have many dear black friends that I trust with my life. Maybe you need to spend some time in the U.S. military with black people and get a reality check. You are
part of the problem. You should not be scared. I am concerned for people
like yourself. Its 2008 not 1928. I know that you are capable of change by
educating yourself. What would be the harm in that? Would you not fit in with
your family and friends?
I have many military friends that agree with Obama so I want the world to know that not all military are voting for republicans.
I am so thankful that Obama is 1. proud of his country, 2. Hes making an honest effort
to know whats really going on in Iraq and Afghanistan by visiting the countries. (Too many
military members have lost their lives) 3. He represents all not just a small minority of
rich people and oilmen. 4. He and his family represent family values 5. He believes
in using diplomacy first and war as a last resort. But will use force and isnt afraid to use it.
Teri, Im sure you wont read this because the only thing you do read is Fox news. I would
love a response. Hint…Hint…Try Morning Joe. Joes a republican but his fellow correspondents come from both the republican and democratic sides. They have a respectful discussion of the issues and the candidates. This might be too painful for you but it would clear up alot of your confusion.
Good Luck to you and God Bless America and our troops around the world.
Do your best to look at all sides of the issues. Its your duty to your country.
Hello everyone,
As you know I am not a very political person. I just wanted to pass along that Senator Obama came to Bagram Afghanistan for about an hour on his visit to “The War Zone”. I wanted to share with you what happened. He got off the plan and got into a bullet proof vehicle, got to the area to meet with the Major General (2 Star) who is the commander here at Bagram. As the Soldiers where lined up to shake his hand he blew them off and didn’t say a word as he went into the conference room to meet the General. As he finished, the vehicles took him to the ClamShell (pretty much a big top tent that military personnel can play basketball or work out in with weights) so he could take his publicity pictures playing basketball. He again shunned the opportunity to talk to Soldiers to thank them for their service. So really he was just here to make a showing for the American’s back home that he is their candidate for President. I think that if you are going to make an effort to come all the way over here you would thank those that are providing the freedom that they are providing for you. I swear we got more thanks from the NBA Basketball Players or the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders than from one of the Senators, who wants to be the President of the United States . I just don’t understand how anyone would want him to be our Commander-and-Chief. It was almost that he was scared to be around those that provide the freedom for him and our great country.
If this is blunt and to the point I am sorry but I wanted you all to know what kind of caliber of person he really is. What you see in the news is all fake.
In service,
CPT Jeffrey S. Porter
Battle Captain
TF Wasatch
American Soldier
Here’s what the U.S. Military has had to say about CPT Porter’s lies about Obama’s visit to our AO (Area of Operations)…
http://urbanlegends.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?zi=1/X J&sdn=urbanlegends&cdn=newsissues&tm=55&gps=180_1285_822_38 9&f=20&su=p504.1.336.ip_&tt=2&bt=0&bts=0&zu=http%3A//www.ny dailynews.com/news/politics/2008/07/24/2008-07-24_army_offi cials_refute_claim_of_barack_ob.html
http://urbanlegends.about.com/od/barackobama/a/afghanistan.htm
CPT Porter is 100% a liar. I actually have met him out here at Bagram, Afghanistan and I am completely unimpressed. He is a disgrace to every soldier (including myself) serving out here. He may get court martialed for falsifying information, and he deserves every ounce of trouble he gets in for being an ignorant, liar. I am proud to serve alongside soldiers with integrity, as for soldiers like CPT Porter – he’s about as trustworthy as the taliban out here. I bet he got comissioned on some website online. Does he even know what a battle captain does? Because Battle Captains out here, who falsify information and report it to leadership are the ones who get soldiers killed. What a pathetic excuse for a servicemember. I am so ashamed…
- American Soldier at Bagram, Afghanistan