Joe Klein, a political columnist for TIME, writes that Obama has been vigorously involved in some behind-the-scenes work to calm the violence in Kenya. On January 1st, he called Secretary Rice to discuss the situation and, when she called back, he agreed to record a message to be aired on Voice of America. Since then, he’s talked with Desmond Tutu — who’s been trying to jumpstart the negotiations — and has had “near-daily” conversations with both the American ambassador in Nairobi and with opposition leader, Raila Odinga. Meanwhile, as of earlier this week, Obama’s been working to get in touch with President Kibaki. (I can’t even imagine the phone bill.)
As Klein notes, “it does seem noteworthy that, in the midst of the most amazing week of his life, Barack Obama has found the time to do…some diplomatic scut-work.” Who knows what success (if any) he’s had so far, but Obama, in a way, seems an appropriate figure to lead the international peace charge — he’s a huge celebrity in the country, and his words clearly carry a lot of weight.