In South Africa, Obama pays tribute to ill Mandela

[Omaha Steve]

Source: AP-Excite

By JULIE PACE

JOHANNESBURG (AP) - Paying tribute to his personal hero, President Barack Obama met privately Saturday with Nelson Mandela's family as the world anxiously awaited news on the condition of the ailing 94-year-old anti-apartheid leader.

Obama, who has spoken movingly about Mandela throughout his trip to Africa, praised the former South African president's "moral courage" during remarks from the grand Union Buildings where Mandela was inaugurated as his nation's first black president.

The U.S. president also called on the continent's leaders, including in neighboring Zimbabwe, to take stock of Mandela's willingness to put country before self and step down after one term despite his immense popularity.

"We as leaders occupy these spaces temporarily and we don't get so deluded that we think the fate of our country doesn't depend on how long we stay in office," Obama said during a news conference with South African President Jacob Zuma.

FULL story at link.




Read more: http://apnews.excite.com/article/20130629/DA77IPH00.html

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U.S. President Barack Obama pauses during a town hall meeting with young African leaders at the University of Johannesburg Soweto on Saturday, June 29, 2013, in Johannesburg, South Africa. The president is in South Africa, embarking on the second leg of his three-country African journey. The visit comes at a poignant time, with former South African president and anti-apartheid hero Nelson Mandela ailing in a Johannesburg hospital. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

[mpcamb]

1. I don't get it...

I saw this last night before I went to bed but didn't want to be the first to post.

He's there in South Africa but doesn't go to Mandela's bedside.
I figure everything's tied up in political do's and don't, so here goes:
1) He goes, gets to be seen as the recipient as the torch is passed. He's trying to get some African trade initiatives going; there's a boost. Worldwide you're seen as a more empowered leader. Other spillover: racists hate it and you more.
2) He doesn't go. None of the above occurs, 'cept the racists still hate you and always will.

This seems so strongly weighted in favor of a deathbed visit. Why not do it?

Just my thoughts...

[BumRushDaShow]

2. The media might not be told if he did visit

when he met "privately" with the family (unless and until it gets reported later). Apparently there are some ongoing quarrels within the Mandela family clan across 3 generations, and between his wife, 2 ex-wives, and all of their children and adult grandchildren (where some may be not-so-subtly suggesting that no visitors be permitted). So why stir up something that could generate yet another manufactured controversy at this time?

Nelson Mandela was President from 1994 - 1999. He has not been in charge in 13 years. The person that President Obama would correctly meet with is the current head of South Africa - President Jacob Zuma.