Washington ? Launching the Obama administration’s first Mideast peace mission, former Sen. George J. Mitchell brings a track record of patience and persistence in protracted negotiations.

Mitchell was described Monday by President Barack Obama as the man who “speaks for us” on Mideast issues.

Mitchell, 75, and Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton met with Obama at the White House on Monday before Mitchell embarked on what will be at least an eight-day journey.

His first stop Tuesday is to be Egypt, followed by visits to Israel, the West Bank, Jordan, Turkey and Saudi Arabia. His schedule includes stops in Paris and London early next week on his way back to Washington.

A State Department spokesman said Mitchell will be in “listening mode” and will report back to the president and to Clinton with advice on how to attempt to get the peace process back on track.