Even more remarkable is the role of Israeli/Jewish politics and history in the trip: Israel and two holocaust museums in a week. Has anyone ever heard of the 'Jewish vote' back where Obama comes from?

Well on an entirely superficial level, he's going to be the man who withdraws and leaves the Ravening hordes with the playing field in Iraq. This may stress the local Neuclear armed gang, so visiting and making them see that they are not just being abandoned and that their fears are considered is probably a positive move in preventing them from Bombing the Iranians before the election. They may not have votes, but they can make the landscape of the upcoming presidency far more difficult than it needs to be.

As for the visit to Europe, his percieved weakness is in Foreign policy. Having him travel the world and seem more statesman-like than the current president is hardly a negative move on his part.

Any idiot can face a crisis - it's day to day living that wears you out.