President Obama Cancels His Asian Trip Because Of The Partial U.S. Government Shutdown

Shutdown Prompts Obama To Skip Asia Trip -- Voice Of America

President Obama has canceled an upcoming trip to Asia because of the partial U.S. government shutdown, which entered its fourth day on Friday.

The White House announced late on Thursday that the president made his decision to cancel visits to Indonesia and Brunei based on the difficulty in moving forward with foreign travel in the face of the shutdown and his plans to continue pressuring Republicans to allow a vote to reopen the government.

The White House said Secretary of State John Kerry will lead U.S. delegations to both countries, as well as to Malaysia and the Philippines. Kerry will attend the APEC summit in Bali in place of the president.

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My Comment: This cancellation was a no brainer. How could he go to Asia and negotiate with the people over-there when he refuses to negotiate in Washington with the Republicans. At least this way .... he can now stay in D.C. and not negotiate on the shutdown.

As to his Asian pivot .... some are now wondering if "his heart" is in it.