In an interview of Barack Obama conducted yesterday and aired on this morning's Today, Matt Lauer employed the "swiftboating" code to ask whether the candidate is prepared for the Republican onslaught. For good measure the NBC anchor wondered if Obama is ready for Republican racism.
Lauer, introducing the issue, stated that "Senator Clinton has questioned whether he can withstand negative attacks from Republicans in the fall."
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LAUER: Have you stopped to think what the Obama version of Swiftboating might be in this campaign cycle if you get to the general election? What they did to John Kerry: what's that version going to be with Barack Obama?
BARACK OBAMA: Oh, I think we can already anticipate because we've already seen it. First of all, I've had to go up against the Clinton machine. It's not as if they're playing tiddlywinks, right?
LAUER: Right; it's hardball.
OBAMA: Every day they've got a press conference accusing me of this or that or the other. So we've been battle-tested during the course of this primary. But we've also seen the scurrilous emails that are going out, suggesting that I'm a Muslim and that I don't pledge allegiance to the flag.
LAUER: Right.
OBAMA: So I think there will probably be some of that, but it may not come explicitly from the Republican National Committee, but I think that we'll probably see some of that stuff underground.
LAUER: How about race -- in its purest sense?
OBAMA: I don't think that you're going to see explicit racial appeals. I actually think there are people in the Republican party who would be offended by that.
So Obama thinks some Republicans would be offended by blatantly racist appeals. Thanks! He continued.
OBAMA: I don't think the American people would tolerate that. But I do think that you'll see exaggerations of my positions, that make me as some wild-eyed liberal.
Like falsely painting you as the most liberal member of the Senate? Oh, wait.
—Mark Finkelstein is a NewsBusters contributing editor and host of Right Angle. Contact him at mark@gunhill.net.















Comments Policy
When Is He Going To Call The MSM Race Baiters?
February 19, 2008 - 10:15 ET by PamIt seems like every interview the guy does involves race baiting on the part of the MSM..
Of course they do!
February 19, 2008 - 10:26 ET by Mark_for_SenateThe MSM are the biggest and worst racist, bigot, homophobes class group America has to offer! Katrina coverage should have told us all that! These people are no longer tolerable.
To know and not do, is to not yet know
And when can we expect a
February 19, 2008 - 10:38 ET by dscottAnd when can we expect a Congressional investigation on the MSM manipulation in the election's process? Free air time is a violation of McCain Feingold. The MSM's use of selective, i.e. unbalanced gift, choice of air time gives an unfair advantage to candidates who have the approval of the MSM. If they can investigate steroids in baseball they surely should investigate the MSM for meddling and taking sides.
Lord Sidious / Darth Vader 2008 Long Live the Empire! Come to the Dark Side, it is your Destiny.
Not as long as Democrats are
February 19, 2008 - 11:58 ET by kgNot as long as Democrats are on the receiving end. They want to work on radio instead.
In defense of Congress
February 20, 2008 - 07:29 ET by TheHistorianJust to defend Congress on not investigating, I don't find Congressional investigation anywhere in my copy of
the Constitution. So by what authority do they conduct investigations of anyone (except possibly one of the other branches, or perish the thought, themselves. Now that is a good thought; what did Dianne Feinstein do on the Military Appropriations Subcommittee, and did it benefit her husband?
"What experience and history teach is
this - that people and governments never have learned anything from history,
or acted on principles deduced from it."
G. W. F. Hegel
It's who they see!
February 19, 2008 - 10:30 ET by pilsenerThey don't see Barack Obama, a man with a life of experiences, failures, and accomplishments. Matt Lauer, et.al., see "THE FIRST BLACK WITH A CHANCE TO BE PRESIDENT".
Obama is a character in a play, he's entertainment, he's a goal, he's good for ratings - but he IS NOT an applicant to a top executive position charged with running a huge organization faced with serious challenges.
well it's his turn
February 19, 2008 - 11:28 ET by red_dragon311well it's his turn now, didn't you hear. Issues have nothing to do with it, it's all about who's turn it is,
"Get off the phone you big dope!!!!!!!!!!" Mark Levin
And with the MSM, every
February 19, 2008 - 17:45 ET by motherbeltAnd with the MSM, every discussion of politics begins with an assumption of racism on the part of the GOP.
"an assumption of racism on the part of the GOP."
February 20, 2008 - 07:41 ET by Indiana JoeWhich is really funny (or sad), when you consider the facts. I happened to catch a snippet of a show explaining how one party blocked every attempt at civil rights legislation after WWII (at least), right up to (and including) the 1964 Civil Rights Act. This party was closely associated with the KKK.
Care to make a guess which party it was? Hint: it was the same party that tried to block Reconstruction after the Civil War.
You're right: it was the Democrat Party!
It's possible to be for Civil Rights
February 20, 2008 - 08:15 ET by sarcasmoAnd against the 1964 Civil Rights Act, which led to various beacons of longterm racial harmony & peace like "Affirmative Action." See Barry Goldwater's unheeded words at the time for what we SHOULD have done, but didn't, because we tend to ignore the principles in our Constitution these days. This vote is a pretty good example of "why I don't put exploiting racial tensions past either 'major' political party," come to think of it...
JMR
If this is winning, I think I'd rather lose...
Once again, sarc, you're
February 20, 2008 - 08:24 ET by Indiana JoeOnce again, sarc, you're right in fact. But, who takes (and is given) credit for being the party of "tolerance?" The party who "gave" minorities their due? The same party that is fixated on race. Every time I'm asked to check a box on a form to denote my race, I want to throw up.
Which party is labeled the party of "hate?" Of "racism?"
What does your average "man on the street" think? I think he'd be surprised at what the record actually shows. Shocked, even.
My policy
February 20, 2008 - 08:33 ET by sarcasmoHas been to check "other" when possible on race-forms, and then scrawl in something like "mixed" or "Earthling." It has gotten me a few strange looks, but if I can make just ONE person think about how-stupid the concept of 'race' really is, the looks are worth-it...
JMR
If this is winning, I think I'd rather lose...
How about "Daytona
February 20, 2008 - 08:42 ET by Indiana JoeHow about "Daytona 500?"
;^D
BARACK OBAMA: Oh, I think
February 19, 2008 - 10:24 ET by dscottBARACK OBAMA: Oh, I think we can already anticipate because we've already seen it. First of all, I've had to go up against the Clinton machine. It's not as if they're playing tiddlywinks, right?
Snicker, snicker... Obama fingers Clinton in slight of hand remark.
But really, the Clinton sleaze machine is gearing up big time now. Hillary herself said a week or two ago that Repubs have lots of dirt on Obama. That's Clinton Code for: I have lots of dirt on you Obama, drop out now! Well, the dirt is starting to fly, some guy is claiming he did both cocaine and sex with Obama and will take a lie detector test to confirm his story. It seems that they are pulling a Mark Foley on Obama.
There is no way with these kind of sleaze tactics that Obama and Clinton would share the ticket as President and VP. The Clintons will sink the Dem Party if they have to in order to get the nomination and the POTUS.
Lord Sidious / Darth Vader 2008 Long Live the Empire! Come to the Dark Side, it is your Destiny.
http://www.drudge.com/news/1
February 19, 2008 - 11:18 ET by dscotthttp://www.drudge.com/news/104311/barack-obama-gay-sex-and-drug-use
Lord Sidious / Darth Vader 2008 Long Live the Empire! Come to the Dark Side, it is your Destiny.
Who's racist?
February 19, 2008 - 10:36 ET by Indiana JoeThe left (MSM and Dems) are the biggest racists around. That's all they care about or think is relevant. Race, race, race.
The Dem campaign has already shown...
February 19, 2008 - 10:37 ET by krendlerthat the Obama camp and surrogates in the media are going to respond with charges of "racism" or "veiled racism" or "subtle racism" to any non-flattering comment regarding Obama. Whether that comment addresses his lack of experience or lack of substance, all criticisms are met with the same "negative, somwhat racist, attack" accusation.
Most Americans outside the cult of Obama have already wised up to this tactict.
Utterly laughable that Obama claims he's been "battle tested" in this primary. The guy couldn't have had an easier run. A complete free pass from the media.
If Obama was a conservative
February 19, 2008 - 10:51 ET by TWOTIMETUNAI might vote for him as I did Michael Steele in Maryland. Republicans are not racists. We do however, believe in different ideas that do not seem to appeal to most blacks.
Democrats are either Parasites or Parasite Enablers
The racism isn't going to come from the GOP
February 19, 2008 - 10:51 ET by Prester JohnHere in Virginia Obama took most of the state by about 65-35. Down in southwest (white coal-mining, yellow dog democrat) Virginia he LOST 80-20. Gov Rendell is right, it's the white rural conservative Dems who are going to beat Obama by either not voting at all or voting for McCain despite what they're going to tell the pollsters.
Disgusting
February 19, 2008 - 11:22 ET by iveseenitallTo paraphrase B.O. " I actualy believe this may be offensive to some Republicans"--subliminally implying the MOST Republicans are racists. This is an all-out, unprincipled assault from the left. The swift-boaters were right, never given a chance by the lefties in the media. Yet right won out in the end. Now it's the "if you don't want Obama, you're a racist" mantra rearing its ugly head. "Liberals" are liars. The one prominent racist I've seen so far in this primary is Michelle Obama, who can't be proud of anything "whitey" has done in America. As I've stated many times here, so-called "liberals" are the biggest racists, homophobes, sexists, etc. in their private moments. I know this from experience. Disingenuous dishonesty is disgusting and despicable.
NEVER, NEVER trust a "liberal"
word choice
February 19, 2008 - 11:04 ET by mom_rox(referring to the Clintons' campaigning tactics)
LAUER: Right; it's hardball.
If Bill Clinton were a conservative, my guess is that Lauer's response would have been, "Right, it's race-baiting".
I got a chuckle out of Obama's 'wild-eyed liberal' comment.
A government that robs Peter to pay Paul can always depend on the support of Paul.
- George Bernard Shaw, 1944
Planet Earth calling Matt Lauer......
February 19, 2008 - 11:13 ET by connmanIt's time to come back down out of the clouds little Matty! Watching this interview this morning was comical at best. I loved how Matt was standing behind the curtains with the "Rock Star". Listening to the adorning crowds getting worked to a frothy pitch by BO's handlers, Matt had a look on his face as if a thrill were running up his leg.The one tough question asked? Why have you waited so long to talk about your plans? LOL. Same old.same old despicable journalism from the msm. I also loved how Russert congratulated Matt afterwards for doing such a "good job". Did I say despicable already?
The Arrogance of the MSM
February 19, 2008 - 11:16 ET by mattmWho appointed the MSM as the arbiter of language? Why do they get to define terminology?
"Swiftboating" means to expose the lies of Liberal candidates, especially when they lie about their military record in the bogus attempt to portray themselves as a war hero.
Any other definition is a LIE...
Poor John
February 19, 2008 - 11:36 ET by iveseenitallPoor John Kerry (actually a rich gigolo) was "swiftboated" by the truth about what the traitorous s.o.b. did to our soldiers in Vietnam. "Mr. Honesty" Obama tacitly agreed with that. I was there, you wern't, fool. Here's a guy who wasn't even born yet, agreeing to an outright lie. How did this clown, using drugs at the time, get into Harvard? Moreover, how did this "rock star" from a "disfunctional family" pay for Harvard? Let's get some answers. Let's find some real "truths".
NEVER,NEVER trust a "liberal"
We can't handle the truth,
February 19, 2008 - 12:02 ET by dscottWe can't handle the truth, so let's not go there! <sarcasm> Reality is so over rated, that's why assertions are so much more comforting and uplifting. Get with the program iv.
Lord Sidious / Darth Vader 2008 Long Live the Empire! Come to the Dark Side, it is your Destiny.
How did this clown, using drugs at the time, get into Harvard?
February 19, 2008 - 12:12 ET by PolazerusWhile the choice to do drugs may not be the smartest choice, you can't use that to discount his intelligence too much. Some the moset intelligent, academically speaking, people I knew growing up were heavy pot smokers. I am not a fan of Obama's by any means, but you do have to be fair or you lose credibility.
you have no evidence he used drugs at the time
February 19, 2008 - 12:20 ET by sarcasmoAnd the fact that he became editor of the Law Review suggests the reason, even if some here don't want to hear it, is "he's damn smart -- Barak Obama the far-right edge of Charles Murray's infamous IQ Bell Curve."
At those levels "affirmative action" won't help you even if it got you in. Getting to the top of the Law Review at any law school is a rough intellectual/political competition, to say the least. Obama had to get the support of conservative law students (who knew he disagreed with them politically) along with the lefties to get the job. One does that by being very, very smart, because lots of other very smart people know it's a ticket to high-paying/high-profile jobs.
JMR
If this is winning, I think I'd rather lose...
Smart
February 19, 2008 - 13:35 ET by iveseenitallI also have been associated with some very "smart" people, very high I.Q's. They didn't use drugs and they didn't go to Harvard. To suggest that his color had nothing to do with his "success" is naive, IMHO. Moreover, never confuse character with I.Q. Goring was highly intelligent too.
NEVER,NEVER trust a "liberal"
Matt Lauer can go to
February 19, 2008 - 12:03 ET by Clear thinkerMatt Lauer can go to hell.
I hope that Republicans finally get some stones and bombard this fool and his employers for his destructive yapping of his gums.
Set the GOP back on the right course. http://gopteaparty.com/
The reason the Clinton's
February 19, 2008 - 13:12 ET by goldbarThe reason the Clinton's and the right can't stand Obama is because they can't find anything to smear him with. The phony plagiarism charge is dead in the water, even the cocaine use is a non-issue.
If you don't like Obama, vote for Hillary. If you don't like Hillary vote for McCain....Sorry, I forgot, you can't stand them either.
Nonsense GoldBar....
February 19, 2008 - 13:21 ET by connmanI'm not trying to smear him with anything. I've visited his website and I oppose everything he stands for. For that I'm entitled to my opinion.I think this blog has been consistent with it's opinions. But if you think for one second that he hasn't been handled with kid gloves you need to take off the rose colored glasses.
I wasn't speaking to you
February 19, 2008 - 13:41 ET by goldbarI wasn't speaking to you specifically, I was just stating my opinion. As far as the kid gloves are concerned, what are you waiting for? Take them off.
All in good time goldbar,
February 19, 2008 - 14:10 ET by dscottAll in good time goldbar, all in good time. We have a common enemy. The gloves will come off when the Clintons are dispatched, then it is Obama's turn...
Lord Sidious / Darth Vader 2008 Long Live the Empire! Come to the Dark Side, it is your Destiny.
Common enemy? You must
February 19, 2008 - 14:12 ET by goldbarCommon enemy? You must mean John McCain.
No, McCain is a patsy, a
February 19, 2008 - 14:36 ET by dscottNo, McCain is a patsy, a sock puppet.
The Clintons are the problem, even the Obama supporters recognize it. All the dirt that is turning up on Obama is from Clinton's opposition research. We on the Right need do nothing as far as he is concerned, Clinton will badly damage his image by the time of the Dem Convention. It's their MO, we know because we have seen this many times before used on us. I prefer to go against an ideological candidate not a sleazy one.
Lord Sidious / Darth Vader 2008 Long Live the Empire! Come to the Dark Side, it is your Destiny.
Which "dirt" are you talking
February 19, 2008 - 15:15 ET by goldbarWhich "dirt" are you talking about?
defining dirt
February 19, 2008 - 21:18 ET by acumenIs the accusation of plagiarism not considered dirt in hopeland?
No, that's called synergy
February 20, 2008 - 11:23 ET by dscottNo, that's called synergy between pols - building on the past to create a better future. <sarcasm>
Lord Sidious / Darth Vader 2008 Long Live the Empire! Come to the Dark Side, it is your Destiny.
Hey Goldfinger...
February 19, 2008 - 16:07 ET by connmanwith regards to the Kid Gloves I was talking about the MSM handling of the candidate. I see that the rose colored glasses are firmly in place!
huh goldbar?
February 19, 2008 - 15:27 ET by candanceDo you just make this stuff up as you go along?
I can't stand Obama because he's pro choice, he promotes more big government, and he believes in global warming. It has nothing to do with smearing him - unless disagreeing with his basic platform is a smear.
Phony plagiarism = came from the Clintons
Kindergarten essay = came from the Clintons
Slum lord in Chicago = came from the Clintons
Get back to me when you have proof of Republicans starting the smear campaigns against him.
The Clintons also started
February 19, 2008 - 15:35 ET by bigtimerThe Clintons also started the internet rumor about him being a muslim and not saying the pledge.
ya know bigtimer
February 19, 2008 - 15:54 ET by candanceTypical drive-by liberal argument. Pop in with a stupid remark, answer replies by asking more questions, and then disappear as soon as proof is required.
Hi cd... Yep ol' goldbar
February 19, 2008 - 15:59 ET by bigtimerHi cd...
Yep ol' goldbar is doing his job...justa' trollin'....
Umm wasn't it Clintons Campaign Manager....
February 19, 2008 - 16:04 ET by connmanthat pretty much called BO a Coke nose on national TV?
I never said the republicans
February 19, 2008 - 16:07 ET by goldbarI never said the republicans were smearing him. I said they don't have anything to smear him with.
um okay goldbar
February 19, 2008 - 16:15 ET by candanceYou say there is nothing to smear him with.
We produce five examples of things the Clintons used to smear him.
You respond by saying there is nothing to smear him with.
...
You wanted to insinuate that Republicans would smear him if they could. Now presented with smear campaigns (all from the left) you're backpedaling away from your original point.
Thank you candance and
February 19, 2008 - 16:31 ET by dscottThank you candance, connman and bigtimer for that set of marvelous exchanges. It seems that goldbar is a Clinton supporter, because an Obama supporter would be equally concerned about the sleazy political dirty tricks employed against their candidate in order for a Clinton to win by hook or crook. All evidence to date points to Clinton as the source of the ugly things being raised during a DEM primary.
The only comments by Repub candidates and conservatives to this point is to call Obama an empty suit, a Globalist Candidate, a Socialist, and maybe even a Communist. The shady land deal was also referred to a couple of months ago but Hillary was the last one raise that issue a week or two ago.
Lord Sidious / Darth Vader 2008 Long Live the Empire! Come to the Dark Side, it is your Destiny.
The Clinton smear job on
February 19, 2008 - 17:15 ET by goldbarThe Clinton smear job on Obama has been benign at its worst. None of the allegations have had any legs with the media and Obama has answered them as they've arisen. If Obama is the nominee, and the right tries to unearth these charges that the Clinton's are making, it will only make them look like a bunch of sore losers-to-be.
gb... Oh worry not, if
February 19, 2008 - 17:21 ET by bigtimergb...
Oh worry not, if the Clintons' lose...they will still carry on the attack far more than any repub will, they are vindictive now, imagaine the revenge they will take on him...just imagine...and beleive me they will.
There is a long and winding road to go yet.
"...they will still carry
February 19, 2008 - 17:26 ET by goldbar"...they will still carry on the attack far more than any repub will"
So what do you think they'll do...oooo...I bet they'll kill him, just like they did to Vince Foster....Earth to bigtimer---COME BACK TO REALITY!
Reality - check
February 19, 2008 - 21:07 ET by acumenSpeaking of reality....get back to us after the Dem Convention. How should we prepare your crow?
Obama? In the general
February 19, 2008 - 17:28 ET by NL207Obama? In the general election? You can't be serious. His Indonesian step-father is a reprehensible connection. Those charges of Madrassa al most likely true. How much influence did it have on Obama? Hard to say, but how much risk will the voters accept?
Watch for Osama Obama at a media outlet near you.
KOOL-AID! COME AN' GIT YER
February 19, 2008 - 17:37 ET by goldbarKOOL-AID! COME AN' GIT YER KOOL-AID!
gb... How did you lose
February 19, 2008 - 17:45 ET by bigtimergb...
How did you lose your way from the dailkykos kids site?
If it is like your reading retention abilities I guess it may be explainable...maybe somebody here can draw you a map back there with simple directions for you.
Nothing more intelligent to
February 19, 2008 - 17:49 ET by NL207Nothing more intelligent to say than this? Point mine.
You lose. >FLUSH!<
Hi NL... Just wanted to
February 19, 2008 - 17:59 ET by bigtimerHi NL...
Just wanted to apologize real quick, I meant to post my response to gb under the last post of mine he responded to...sorry about that.
NP.
February 19, 2008 - 20:13 ET by NL207NP.
.
February 19, 2008 - 20:14 ET by NL207.
The MSM removed the sting of the smear
February 19, 2008 - 17:43 ET by Hunter12Goldbar, the smears by the Clinton campaign remained benign because the MSM did no follow-up or pursuit. Had the claim been that Romney started his presidential campaign in Kindergarten, the press would have dug up a classmate to claim, "All Mitt could talk about was starting wars and dropping The Bomb." When a lib smears a lib, it never gets traction in the press. Since you sound like a staunch Obama supporter, maybe you could outline his position on important matters of the day and list his accomplishments in office.
"An appeaser is one who feeds a crocodile, hoping it will eat him last." - Sir Winston Churchill
The MSM didn't follow-up
February 19, 2008 - 18:08 ET by goldbarThe MSM didn't follow-up the "smears" because there was nothing to follow-up.
Wow, was I smacked down!
February 19, 2008 - 18:12 ET by Hunter12Positions????? Accomplishments??????
You can't think of any either, huh?
"An appeaser is one who feeds a crocodile, hoping it will eat him last." - Sir Winston Churchill
In the first month of the
February 19, 2008 - 18:24 ET by goldbarIn the first month of the newly Democratic-controlled 110th Congress, Obama worked with Russ Feingold (D–WI) to eliminate gifts of travel on corporate jets by lobbyists to members of Congress and require disclosure of bundled campaign contributions under the "Honest Leadership and Open Government Act", which was signed into law in September 2007.<68>
He joined Charles Schumer (D-NY) in sponsoring S. 453, a bill to criminalize deceptive practices in federal elections, including fraudulent flyers and automated phone calls, as witnessed in the 2006 midterm elections.<69>
Obama's energy initiatives scored pluses and minuses with environmentalists, who welcomed his sponsorship with John McCain (R-AZ) of a climate change bill to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by two-thirds by 2050, but were skeptical of his support for a bill promoting liquefied coal production.<70>
Obama also introduced the "Iraq War De-Escalation Act", a bill to cap troop levels in Iraq, begin phased redeployment, and remove all combat brigades from Iraq before April 2008.<71>
Later in 2007, Obama sponsored with Kit Bond (R-MO) an amendment to the 2008 Defense Authorization Act adding safeguards for personality disorder military discharges, and calling for a review by the Government Accountability Office following reports that the procedure had been used inappropriately to reduce government costs.<72>
He sponsored the "Iran Sanctions Enabling Act" supporting divestment of state pension funds from Iran's oil and gas industry,<73> and joined Chuck Hagel (R-NE) in introducing legislation to reduce risks of nuclear terrorism. A provision from the Obama-Hagel bill was passed by Congress in December 2007 as an amendment to the State-Foreign Operations appropriations bill.<74>
hmm look at that
February 19, 2008 - 18:38 ET by candance-Worked with a fellow liberal on campaign finance reform.
-Worked with another liberal to stop fraudulent voting tactics that had embarrassed the liberals.
-Worked with another liberal to stop global warming.
-Tried to end the war in Iraq.
-Sponsored a plan to investigate people for cutting government waste.
-Worked with yet another liberal to fashion even more economic sanctions on Iran (because the old UN sanctions weren't working).
WOW I can't believe what I've been missing! Such a stellar record of Republican accomplishment! We'll have to smear him with something stupid like kindergarten to explain why he's a liberal.
109th Congress Senate bill
February 19, 2008 - 18:46 ET by goldbar109th Congress
Senate bill sponsors Tom Coburn (R-OK) and Obama discuss the Coburn-Obama Transparency Act.<56>
Obama took an active role in the Senate's drive for improved border security and immigration reform. In 2005, he co-sponsored the "Secure America and Orderly Immigration Act" introduced by Sen. John McCain (R-AZ).<57> He later added three amendments to the "Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act", which passed the Senate in May 2006, but failed to gain majority support in the U.S. House of Representatives.<58> In September 2006, Obama supported a related bill, the Secure Fence Act, authorizing construction of fencing and other security improvements along the Mexico–United States border.<59> President Bush signed the Secure Fence Act into law in October 2006, calling it "an important step toward immigration reform."<60>
Partnering first with Sen. Richard Lugar (R-IN), and then with Sen. Tom Coburn (R-OK), Obama successfully introduced two initiatives bearing his name. "Lugar-Obama" expands the Nunn-Lugar cooperative threat reduction concept to conventional weapons, including shoulder-fired missiles and anti-personnel mines.<61>
The "Coburn-Obama Transparency Act" provides for a web site, managed by the Office of Management and Budget, listing all organizations receiving Federal funds from 2007 onward, and providing breakdowns by the agency allocating the funds, the dollar amount given, and the purpose of the grant or contract.<62> In December 2006, President Bush signed into law the "Democratic Republic of the Congo Relief, Security, and Democracy Promotion Act," marking the first federal legislation to be enacted with Obama as its primary sponsor.<63>
As a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Obama made official trips to Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. In August 2005, he traveled to Russia, Ukraine, and Azerbaijan. The trip focused on strategies to control the world's supply of conventional weapons, biological weapons, and weapons of mass destruction as a first defense against potential terrorist attacks.<64> Following meetings with U.S. military in Kuwait and Iraq in January 2006, Obama visited Jordan, Israel, and the Palestinian territories. At a meeting with Palestinian students two weeks before Hamas won the legislative election, Obama warned that "the U.S. will never recognize winning Hamas candidates unless the group renounces its fundamental mission to eliminate Israel."<65> He left for his third official trip in August 2006, traveling to South Africa, Kenya, Djibouti, Ethiopia and Chad. In a nationally televised speech at the University of Nairobi, he spoke forcefully on the influence of ethnic rivalries and corruption in Kenya.<66> The speech touched off a public debate among rival leaders, some formally challenging Obama's remarks as unfair and improper, others defending his positions.<67>
um....okay...
February 19, 2008 - 19:00 ET by candanceI guess your point with this is that he wants to build a fence (after granting amnesty to the ones already here) and he doesn't want Americans to die from weapons (because those economic sanctions will be enough).
Boy oh boy. Forget abortion, gun rights, higher taxes, global warming, or any of those other Republican agendas.....if he wants to build a fence, that's good enough for me!
So why don't you tell me all
February 19, 2008 - 19:05 ET by goldbarSo why don't you tell me all about McCain's accomplishments and why you're voting for him?
Well it is the Presidency
February 19, 2008 - 21:04 ET by acumenEr.....many, many, many more years of experience?
So which viable,
February 19, 2008 - 18:53 ET by goldbarSo which viable, conservative candidate do you like?
Anybody???
February 19, 2008 - 20:35 ET by goldbarAnybody???
goldbar... I'm not sure
February 19, 2008 - 20:40 ET by Clear thinkergoldbar...
I'm not sure what you are trying to prove by asking this question so I will only give you this... Real Conservatives do NOT have a viable candidate in this race. We are left with a handfull of stupid liberals to choose from.
Set the GOP back on the right course. http://gopteaparty.com/
Let's see. He joined with
February 19, 2008 - 18:54 ET by Hunter12Let's see. He joined with Chuck Hagel on a bill called "Honest Leadership and Open Government Act". Do you think Chuck was practicing this when he used Steele's credit card statements? He's in favor of the 'cut-and-run' in Iraq. He believes in AGW. His support of a pension fund divestment could be related to his ties to Rezko, who helped Gov. Rod squeeze a coupel hungred thousand out of investment management houses for potential access to Illinois $30 billion teachers' retirement system. You have one bill I can agree with in his support of the veteran's. Good work. By the way, are you going to accredit your post, or just plagarize it like your hero does?
"An appeaser is one who feeds a crocodile, hoping it will eat him last." - Sir Winston Churchill
No, I can't credit it
February 19, 2008 - 19:03 ET by goldbarNo, I can't credit it because I just made it all up on the fly.
The reason goldbar is bashful about giving credit:
February 19, 2008 - 19:13 ET by RJHis posts about Obama's "achievements" are just Wikipedia cut and pastes.
No, really. I fabricated
February 19, 2008 - 19:23 ET by goldbarNo, really. I fabricated everything, even where he partnered with republicans. None of it ever happened. It was a product of my overactive imagination....feel better now?
Just like a leftist
February 19, 2008 - 19:30 ET by RJWhen challenged to talk about what you like about your empty shell of a candidate, you are only capable of a Wiki c&p....which you try to hide.
Go ahead and do some cut and
February 19, 2008 - 19:31 ET by goldbarGo ahead and do some cut and paste of your own. I'll wait.
Without giving credit, like you and Obama, goldbar?
February 19, 2008 - 19:37 ET by RJThanks, but that's the leftist style. When I do C&P something, I'll be honest enough to credit it.
From
February 19, 2008 - 19:50 ET by goldbarFrom obama.senate.gov/issues:
Tax Reform
Our federal tax code has become increasingly complex and unfair. Tax rates should be as low as we can afford them to be; and everyone should pay their fair share. Reform options should focus on creating a system that is simple, progressive, easy to comply with and devoid of abusive shelters. When examining reform options, Senator Obama believes that we should ensure any changes to the tax code reflect the needs and everyday worries facing ordinary Americans, while also promoting America’s competitiveness in the world economy.
Good Government, Responsible Spending
Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act Senator Obama worked closely with Senator Coburn, to draft and ultimately pass the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act. President Bush signed this measure into law in September of 2006. This important bill will...
Energy
Senator Obama believes that America must commit to a new national energy policy focused on improvements in technology, investments in renewable fuels such as wind and solar power, and greater efforts in conservation, efficiency, and waste reduction. Shifting from our current investment and consumption practices to this new direction will be one of the great leadership challenges in the coming decade.
Iraq
Since 2002, and now, as a U.S. Senator, Senator Obama has continued to critique the Administration's mishandling of this war, and believes that while our troops have done an outstanding job in Iraq, there can be no military solution to what is inherently a political conflict between Iraq's warring factions. The only hope to end this burgeoning civil war is for Shiites, Sunnis, and Kurds to come together and resolve their differences, and that's why Senator Obama agrees with the Iraq Study Group's conclusion that we must begin a phased redeployment of American troops to signal to the government and people of Iraq that ours is not an open-ended commitment.
Defense
With the nation facing unprecedented threats, it is essential that our military continues to be the best in the world. The Pentagon must adapt to face 21st century threats such as global terrorists and loose nuclear weapons in the former Soviet states. Senator Obama is working to ensure that the nation's defense capabilities are strong, agile, and prepared and that our troops are provided with the equipment they need.
Seniors
As we transition to an increasingly global economy, many Americans are at risk of being left behind through no fault of their own. Among those most affected by these changes are senior citizens, many of whom are on fixed incomes. We need to modernize our social safety net to help senior citizens meet these new challenges, but we also must preserve those elements, such as Social Security and Medicare, that have enabled us to fulfill our moral commitment to our parents and grandparents.
Crime
Senator Obama is a strong proponent of tougher measures to fight crime and provide more resources to local law enforcement officers. He is particularly concerned about the growing problem of methamphetamine, which is ravaging many communities in Illinois.
Environment
As a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee in the 109th Congress, Senator Obama worked to ensure our nation's environmental laws and policies balance America's needs for a healthy, sustainable environment with economic growth. He will continue to push for sound environmental policies with his colleagues in the 110th Congress.
Homeland Security
Senator Obama believes that greater attention needs to be paid to the nation’s homeland security. To that end, he has supported efforts to distribute more funds to cities like Chicago most at risk of a terrorist attack. He has also introduced legislation to strengthen chemical plant and drinking water security and to enhance disaster preparedness.