President Barack Obama World Tour 2009  

I think it is part of the job to know the people you are working with. As president it would seem wise to meet people in person to get a feel for who they are and how they function. As far as a positive step for the U.S., I think only time will tell.

It's part of the job to meet with other world leaders especially on a summit like the G-20. And yes, he has to make the introductory rounds. Will it be a positive step for us? The media sure seems to think it is. The newscasts I have seen thus far make it out like people over there will be kissing the ground Obama walks on... no mention of the numerous protesters, lol. Not even of those who specifically showed up to protest Obama;)

Personally I just hope that Obama doesn't continue to make a mess of international relations and patches things up with the British Prime Minister. But can he talk without his teleprompter leading the conversation????

He definitely has his work cut out for him as there have been multiple signals ahead of the summit that other countries won't follow Obama's spend-spend-spend philosophy and are even leaning towards the Chinese suggestion of a new world currency to peg to. Unfortunately, how he comes out of this summit will determine his future role among the world leaders. He does have to realize that these people aren't as easily dazzled as a lot of his fellow Americans. They are all interested in increasing their own position of power.

As I said, I hope he doesn't continue to make a mess of things.

Sure, it's a positive step for the US if things go fairly well. It's not unusual, in fact I think it's necessary for a new President to meet other world leaders face to face and to discuss the issues that face us all over the world.
Annie

It is a step, whether posative or negative remains to be seen. It's just part of the job really. It seems though that the world isn't as rosed up to him as everyone had hoped, including our allies. The enemies everyone thought would warm up , well, they haven't either.

Should be. I just read the BBC account of his arrival. Europe, inspite of differences with the US on the financial crises, is fascinated by this president. According to the BBC, when Obama meets with the queen will be the "only time the Americans will see a star as bright as their own". This is diplomacy at it's best and it's exciting. How they treat this new president is a reflection of how they want to feel about us.

Of course it is a positive step for the US. The new president has to get out and talk with the leaders he'll be working with for the next 4-8 years. The people in his administration need to get to know their counterparts in the world.

I just wonder if we should be running a pool on how long it takes for him to offend an ally or someone not so friendly to the US... You know, one of those acts he describes with the word, "Bonehead". :~D

I will say majority of truly free countries have positive feeling about USA, whether he visit them or not, except those Islamic states, communist and dictator regimes. Most of our friends and alliances opposed the long term occupation of Iraq during Bush era and his policy of uncertainty. Obama is making very clear of it after his was elected and leave no doubt to the world what his administration is going to do with Iraq, by visiting these countries will make them better understand USA's foreign policy stand.