starts off it will overshadow other controversies. >> so diplomats for example in saudi arabia, the government you know well, are finding that behind the scenes a lot of work is being done for that important trip, for example. >> definitely. definitely. past several weeks there have been many saudi officials in washington preparing for this trip. and there's a lot of excitement. >> so do saudi officials see the u.s. domestic issues as a sideshow? does it have any impact at all? i mean, is it an advantage actually in the sense that if the u.s. government is distracted saudi arabia for example can push its own foreign policy? >> i don't think there's much bearing on foreign policy. domestic issues in the united states aren't much of concern to saudi officials or arab officials. they have no bearing on the relationship, on the visit, i