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New 'Obama One' takes a bow
21/07/2008 07:35 - (SA)
Chicago - Barack Obama's campaign unveiled a sparkling makeover for his chartered plane on Sunday, ahead of the presumptive Democratic nominee's high-profile tour of the Middle East and Europe.
The remodelled Boeing 757 jet, dubbed "Obama One" is painted blue and white and sports the Illinois senator's distinctive rising sun logo on its tail and bears his slogan "Change We Can Believe In" along each side.
The aircraft was unveiled in Chicago before departing for the Middle East on Sunday, with Obama's staff and journalists.
The jet includes a secluded first class section for Obama, his family and top aides up front, a cabin reserved for staff with business class seating behind and economy-style press accommodation aft.
The Illinois Senator did not make the plane's official debut however, after leaving on a stealth visit to Afghanistan and Kuwait, and a possible onward journey to Iraq, ahead of the public portion of his schedule.
Obama's campaign, citing security concerns, has declined to publicly release his itinerary.
However, according to local reports, he is expected in Jordan on Monday, a visit that will include talks with King Abdullah II, before an onward journey to see Prime Minister Ehud Olmert in Israel and Palestinian leaders.
Obama is then due to head to Berlin, to meet Chancellor Angela Merkel, will travel to France to meet President Nicolas Sarkozy and will visit British Prime Minister Gordon Brown in London.
His trip is being seen as a chance for him to ease lingering doubts among voters about his capacity to serve as US commander-in-chief and to highlight hi claim he could repair damage to America's image abroad.
Backers of Obama's Republican rival John McCain however, have branded Obama's trip as nothing more than a political stunt.
- SAPA
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