OBAMA GOES SOUTH - AT 8:19 A.M. ET:  From The Politico:

MEXICO CITY— On his recent trip across the Atlantic, President Barack Obama was greeted enthusiastically by European leaders just glad that he wasn’t a president named Bush.

This week in Latin America, Obama will find a far more skeptical audience among leaders in this newly assertive region. It’s a group that will take some convincing that this time, a new American president will stay engaged.

Without the Spanish-speaking, governor-of-a-border-state cachet that George W. Bush initially brought to the table, Obama will rely on a hefty dose of show-don’t-tell diplomacy to prove his administration will be an active ally.

It’s an approach his aides say he laid groundwork for in advance of his arrival in Mexico City Thursday, a move that makes a statement in itself. Obama will be the first U.S. president in 13 years to travel to the country’s capital city.

COMMENT:  Let the groveling begin.  The president was severely criticized, except by the left in his own party, when he went on bended knee to Europe.  Let's see if he's learned anything.  He starts the southern tour with a performance in Mexico City today.  The Mexicans have a tendency to blame the United States for their problems.  No apologies, Mr. President.  Okay?

Next week Mr. Obama will have to contend with Hugo Chavez.  We fervently hope he doesn't do a deep bow.  Reserve that for the Saudis.

April 16, 2009