OBAMA'S EXQUISITE TIMING – AT 8:55 P.M. ET:  Another exciting example of Barack Obama's priorities.  Never let 1) a budget crisis in the U.S. or 2) a nuclear crisis in Japan or 3) rebellions in the Mideast, from ruining a pefectly neat trip to a warm place with good food and terrific dancing.  Travel report from The Politico:

The crisis in Japan, the unresolved budget wars at home and continuing unrest in the Middle East have raised questions about whether President Obama will continue with business as usual on his trip to Latin America this weekend.

At a briefing with reporters on Tuesday, White House press secretary Jay Carney said no plans have changed, global crises notwithstanding.

“Obviously, the trip is on, and the president will be going to Latin America, and he's looking forward to having discussions with leaders in the region about our bilateral relationship,” Carney said.

Carney insisted that Obama is “capable” of maintaining contact with Washington throughout the trip, and National Security Adviser Tom Donilon will be traveling with him as well.

Yeah, just bring that iPhone along.  And if it gets lost, the iPad sends e-mails.

Asked by The Wall Street Journal’s Laura Meckler whether it was “awkward” for Obama to go to Latin America while “the rest of the world is exploding,” Carney, a little piqued, dismissed the question.

“Laura, he's the president of the United States,” he said. “And there are major issues all the time that the president has to contend with, which is one of the reasons why he has such a substantial support framework around him when he travels.”

COMMENT:  It's the appearances, Mr. Carney.  The appearances.  This trip, to vacation wonderlands like Brazil, can be put off.  The president's place right now is Washington, where he can call in any adviser for a face-to-face if needed.

George W. Bush was criticized for staying away from Washington for a day or so after the 9-11 attacks.  This president will go on a foreign trip despite crises breaking out all over and a growing reputation for indiffence of weak leadership.  He's either listening to the wrong people or not taking the advice of the right ones.

Ronald Reagan always understood the importance of symbolism.  This chap doesn't.

March 15, 2011