White House race set to head abroad

Time was when the idea of US presidential candidates taking their campaigns abroad would have had their political operatives shaking their heads in amusement.

But Democrat Barack Obama and Republican John McCain are doing just that - Obama going to Europe and the Middle East and McCain to Mexico and Colombia - and their visits carry significant risks and rewards.

Some time before the Democratic nominating convention in late August, Obama will go to France, Germany, Britain, Jordan and Israel. Iraq and Afghanistan visits are also planned.