Is the media's honeymoon with presumptive Democrat presidential nominee Barack Obama finally over?
When the New York Times begins questioning whether there's anything behind the junior senator from Illinois besides promises of change one has to seriously wonder.
Such was the case in a Times piece published online moments ago -- that is scheduled to be on Sunday's front page! -- entitled "Allies Ask Obama to Make 'Hope' More Specific" (emphasis added throughout, h/t Hot Air):
Mr. Obama has run for the last 18 months as the candidate of hope. Yet party leaders — while enthusiastic about Mr. Obama and his state-by-state campaign operations — say he must do more to convince the many undecided Democrats and independents that he would address their financial anxieties rather than run, by and large, as an agent of change — given that change, they note, is not an issue.
Hmmm. You mean the good folks at the New York Times are finally beginning to realize that change is not an issue? Well, better late than never, I guess:
“I particularly hope he strengthens his economic message — even Senator Obama can speak more clearly and specifically about the kitchen-table, bread-and-butter issues like high energy costs,” said Gov. Ted Strickland of Ohio. “It’s fine to tell people about hope and change, but you have to have plenty of concrete, pragmatic ideas that bring hope and change to life.”
Or, in the blunter words of Gov. Phil Bredesen, Democrat of Tennessee: “Instead of giving big speeches at big stadiums, he needs to give straight-up 10-word answers to people at Wal-Mart about how he would improve their lives.”
Wow. And this will be on tomorrow's front page.
Imagine that.
—Noel Sheppard is the Associate Editor of NewsBusters.



















Editor at Large
Comments Policy
not after Obama reads it...
August 16, 2008 - 17:05 ET by i was just thinking"And this will be on tomorrow's front page."
and retracted the day after that.
On the front page of
August 16, 2008 - 17:14 ET by bigtimerOn the front page of Sunday's NYTs....
Me thinks they are worried about the roll call vote and the upcoming convention...me thinks they may know the behind the scenes scoop and internal poll numbers for 'The One'...me thinks they may be hearing some rumbling from delegates ect...
Trying to shore up their investment with guidance that they think Obama had better follow...and fast.
Me thinks a whole lot of critters in the msm are going to be having the jitters and buyers remorse...as Hill has the last laugh.
"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh
"...as Hill has the last laugh."
August 16, 2008 - 19:04 ET by Scout FinchThe last cackle is more like it, bigtimer.
Scout... ....How right
August 16, 2008 - 19:06 ET by bigtimerScout...
....How right you are!
"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh
I never really thought that
August 17, 2008 - 00:07 ET by Seabeach4348I never really thought that we heard the last of the Witch even though she's been relatively quiet since she quit the campaign trail (or should I say contrail?)
Get it? Witch, broom, contrail in the sky whenever she flies?
Oh, never mind.
Cackle-cackle
August 17, 2008 - 12:55 ET by docbat Noel the old Hill supporter..What the MSM wants is more news to write about...they miss the drama queen and her cult...It did not help that Obama was on vaca...
The pundits want to get paid and they have little to write about with the old grey goat...Who is bush 3
Although one has to admire
August 16, 2008 - 17:19 ET by motherbeltAlthough one has to admire Gov. Bredesen for daring to point out the Emperor's nakedness, (or should I say the suit's emptiness?) one still has to ask when did it become the Government's job to "improve" people's lives?
unalienable rights....[ ].....-That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, -Declaration of Independence.
I don't see anything about "improving our lives."
Cmon now Mother, when has
August 16, 2008 - 18:42 ET by SnappyCmon now Mother, when has the government not improved what they have put their hands on, we as good citizens need to read between the lines of the constitution and understand that our elected officials know better than we what we need, and if its to improve our lives through grandiouse speeches and ensuring our tires are properly inflated ... then so be it.
and when the government
August 16, 2008 - 21:26 ET by motherbeltand when the government sets out to "improve" people's lives, they generally do it by taking away from some to give to others, which certainly doesn't improve the lives of those they took from!
So apparently, it's about improving the lives of only "some" people.
ssssssss...........
August 16, 2008 - 18:30 ET by MidAmericaIs that hissing noise the air coming out of a hot air balloon?
Soros' Saviour
August 16, 2008 - 18:43 ET by TexndocI read another post on a message board that sums it up nicely: Soros and his followers and media created the Bush Derangement Syndrome. They have created their Saviour from that syndrome and are stunned to know he appeals to no one else not suffering from the mental illness they created to begin with. The End.
It's a blind squirrel finding the occasional acorn
August 16, 2008 - 19:00 ET by kch50428Nothing to see here, move on....
I'm seriously beginning to
August 16, 2008 - 19:06 ET by Jack BauerI'm seriously beginning to envisage that McCain wins simply by being NOT OBAMA.
If the polls are running even through November, this could indicate, if not a landslide, then an above average win for McCain (no matter how undeserved), being that...
#1. For some odd reason, all the poll companies seem to over-poll Democrats.
#2. While many (white) people seem "embarrassed" to tell a total stranger they will NOT be voting for the black guy, come Nov 4, in the booth they will most certainly NOT be voting for the black guy -- NOT because he is black, but because he's just a slogan on legs.
Oh... and then the demented left will spend the next 4 years screaming that the election was "stolen."
Jack...
August 16, 2008 - 19:10 ET by Clear thinker"Stolen" by RACISTS!
45 Communist Goals for America http://www.nationmakers.com/com_goals.htm
Making fun of AGW Alarmist's is easy http://g
If #2 is true, how sad is
August 16, 2008 - 19:23 ET by ckc1227If #2 is true, how sad is that? I don't hesitate to tell anyone that I'm not voting for Obama.
Oh, the NYT wants specifics from Obama?
August 16, 2008 - 19:28 ET by jefflebowskiit's apparent now that the NYT is clearly racist! The nerve!
If they want more specifics for "hope," they're only going to hope for more specifics! There are none! Although Obama did say that he hoped that Russia and Georgia would stop shooting at each other. That should work.
Jeff Lebowski
www.angrywhitedude.c...
Oh... and then the demented
August 16, 2008 - 19:28 ET by ReaverOh... and then the demented left will spend the next 4 years screaming that the election was "stolen." And that we were too racist and bigoted to accept thier savior.
Obama an empty suit? I had no idea...
August 16, 2008 - 20:17 ET by PopularTechObama Supporter Cannot Name One Accomplishment (Video)
Name one accomplishment (Video)
Name one accomplishment - The Sequel (Video)
The Anti 'Man-Made' Global Warming Resource
Pop T...that first video what a CLASSIC
August 16, 2008 - 21:03 ET by upcountrywaterLMAO now it's a tingle up my leg.. sez more about the MSM.
Liberals62%
IranianUranium
Also...
August 16, 2008 - 21:09 ET by Clear thinkerChrissy went after him for no accomplishments, but now... chrissy thinks he's the messiah.
45 Communist Goals for America http://www.nationmakers.com/com_goals.htm
Making fun of AGW http://giovanniworld.wordp
ROFL!!!!!! LMAO!!!!!!!!
August 16, 2008 - 21:10 ET by mostlymoderateROFL!!!!!! LMAO!!!!!!!! OMG!!!!!!! (hung out with my 14yo nephew all day)
Wow. Those videos are fantastic. I am going to try and post those to every Democratic website I can possibly pursue. Thank YOU!!
Excellent idea
August 17, 2008 - 00:58 ET by PopularTechThe more that see it the better.
The Anti 'Man-Made' Global Warming Resource
PT
August 16, 2008 - 22:46 ET by Noel SheppardPT,
Absolutely freakin' delicious! Thank you.
As George Castanza would say, "I'm out!" ns
In answer to your claptrap:
August 17, 2008 - 14:18 ET by docbThis is just US senate and Hill has done one third in her seven years....Mccain does not support the veterans!!!
Barack's Senate Accomplishments:
The Secure America and Orderly Immigration Act
Introduced by Sen. John McCain in May 2005, and cosponsored by Sen. Edward Kennedy. Barack Obama added three amendments to this bill.
While the bill was never voted on in the Senate, the Comprehensive Immigration Reform Acts of 2006 and 2007, respectively, drew heavily upon the wording of this bill.
The Lugar-Obama Cooperative Threat Reduction.
Introduced by Sen. Barack Obama, Sen. Dick Lugar and Sen. Tom Coburn.
First introduced in November 2005 and enacted in 2007, this bill expanded upon the successful Nunn-Lugar threat reduction, which helped secure weapons of mass destruction and related infrastructure in former Soviet Union states.
Lugar-Obama expanded this nonproliferation program to conventional weapons -- including shoulder-fired rockets and land mines. When the bill received $48 million in funding, Obama said, "This funding will further strengthen our ability to detect and intercept illegal shipments of weapons and materials of mass destruction, enhancing efforts to prevent nuclear terrorism."
Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006
This act of Congress, introduced by Senators Obama and Coburn, required the full disclosure of all entities or organizations receiving federal funds in FY2007.
Despite a "secret hold" on this bill by Senators Ted Stevens and Robert Byrd, the act passed into law and was signed by President Bush. The act had 43 cosponsors, including John McCain.
The act created this Web site, which provides citizens with valuable information about government-funded programs.
Democratic Republic of the Congo Relief, Security, and Democracy Promotion Act
This law helped specify US policy toward the Congo, and states that the US should work with other donor nations to increase international contributions to the African nation.
The bill marked the first federal legislation to be enacted with Obama as its primary sponsor. Following this legislation's passage, Obama toured Africa, traveling to South Africa, Kenya, Djibouti, Ethiopia and Chad. He spoke forcefully against ethnic rivalries and political corruption in Kenya.
Honest Leadership and Open Government Act
In the first month of the 110th Congress, Obama worked with Sen. Russ Feingold to pass this law, which amends and strengthens the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995.
Specificially, the changes made by Obama and Feingold requires public disclosure of lobbying activity and funding, places more restrictions on gifts for members of Congress and their staff, and provides for mandatory disclosure of earmarks in expenditure bills.
The House passed the bill, 411-8, on July 31. The Senate approved it, 83-14, on Aug. 2. At the time, Obama called it "the most sweeping ethics reform since Watergate."
Deceptive Practices and Voter Intimidation Prevention Act
Following the Republican-sponsored voter intimidation tactics seen in mostly black counties in Maryland during the 2006 midterm elections, Obama worked with Sen. Chuck Schumer to introduce this bill.
The bill has been referred to the United States Senate Committee on the Judiciary. Obama said of the bill, "This legislation would ensure that for the first time, these incidents are fully investigated and that those found guilty are punished."
The Obama-McCain Climate Change Reduction Bill
The Obama-McCain bill, which is co-sponsored by Sen. Joe Lieberman, I-Conn., would cut emissions by two-thirds by 2050.
Iraq War De-Escalation Act of 2007
Introduced by Obama, this binding act would stop the planned troop increase of 21,500 in Iraq, and would also begin a phased redeployment of troops from Iraq with the goal of removing all combat forces by March 31, 2008.
Explaining the bill, Obama said it reflects his view that the problems in Iraq do not have a military solution. "Our troops have performed brilliantly in Iraq, but no amount of American soldiers can solve the political differences at the heart of somebody else's civil war," Obama said.
Amendments to the 2008 Defense Authorization Bill
Obama worked with Sen. Kit Bond to limit, through this bill, the Pentagon’s use of personality disorder discharges in the FY 2008 Defense Authorization bill.
This provision would add additional safeguards to discharge procedures and require a thorough review by the Government Accountability Office. This followed news reports that the Pentagon inappropriately used these procedures to discharge service members with service-connected psychological injuries.
"With thousands of American service members suffering day in and day out from the less visible wounds of war, reports that the Pentagon has improperly diagnosed and discharged service members with personality disorders are deeply disturbing," said Senator Obama. "This provision will add additional safeguards to the Department of Defense’s use of this discharge and mandate a comprehensive review of these policies."
The Comprehensive Nuclear Threat Reduction provision
Working with Sen. Hagel and Rep. Adam Schiff, Obama authored this provision, which would require the president to develop a comprehensive plan for ensuring that all nuclear weapons and weapons-usable material at vulnerable sites around the world are secure by 2012 from the threats that terrorists have shown they can pose.
A provision from the Obama-Hagel bill was passed by Congress in December 2007 as an amendment to the State-Foreign Operations appropriations bill.
"It is imperative that we build and sustain a truly global effort under an aggressive timeline to secure, consolidate, and reduce stockpiles of nuclear weapons and weapons-usable material to keep them out of the wrong hands. The comprehensive nuclear threat reduction plan required by this provision is an important step in that effort," Obama said of the provision.
Thanks for the Propaganda about Obama's "Accomplishments"
August 18, 2008 - 01:56 ET by PopularTechYou thought no one was going to check you propaganda? You posted this on the wrong site!
S. 1033 [109th]: Secure America and Orderly Immigration Act of 2005 (Bill)
Sponsor: Sen McCain, John [AZ] and 9 Cosponsors (including Obama)
Status: This bill never became law
* Cosponsoring a dead bill that was never even voted on is not an accomplishment. There are no Amendments to this bill.
S. 2566 [109th]: Cooperative Proliferation Detection, Interdiction Assistance, and Conventional Threat Reduction Act of 2006 (Bill)
Sponsor: Sen. Richard Lugar [R-IN] and 12 Cosponsors (including Obama)
Status: This bill never became law
* The actual bill Obama Cosponsored never became law.
Ad Exaggerates Obama's Credentials
S. 2590 [109th]: Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006 (Bill)
Sponsor: Sen. Thomas Coburn [R-OK] and 47 Cosponsers (including Obama)
Status: This bill became law (Public Law No: 109-282)
* Cosponsoring a bill will 47 other Senators is not an accomplishment. This was introduced by Coburn not Obama.
H.R. 2316: Honest Leadership and Open Government Act of 2007 (Bill)
Sponsor: Rep. John Conyers [D-MI] and 8 Cosponsors (none are Obama)
Status: This bill has been passed in the House. The bill now goes on to be voted on in the Senate.
* Obama did not even Cosponsor this bill.
S. 453: Deceptive Practices and Voter Intimidation Prevention Act of 2007 (Bill)
Sponsor: Sen. Barack Obama [D-IL] and 20 Cosponsors
Status: Scheduled for Debate
* Introducing a bill is not an accomplishment. This bill has never even been voted on.
S. 280: Climate Stewardship and Innovation Act of 2007 (Bill)
Sponsor: Sen. Joseph Lieberman [I-CT] and 11 Cosponsors (including Obama)
Status: Instroduced
* Cosponsoring a bill with 11 other Senators is not an accomplishment. This bill has never even been voted on.
S. 433: Iraq War De-Escalation Act of 2007 (Bill)
Sponsor: Sen. Barack Obama [D-IL] and 3 Cosponsors
Status: Introduced (Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations)
* Introducing a bill is not an accomplishment. This bill has never even been voted on.
H.R. 1585: National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008 (Bill)
Sponsor: Rep. Ike Skelton [D-MO] and 1 Cosponsor (none are Obama)
Status: This bill has been vetoed by the President
* Adding Amendments to a bill that was vetoed by the President is not an Accomplishment
H.R. 2764: Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2008 (Bill)
Sponsor: Rep. Nita Lowey [D-NY] and no Cosponsors
Status: This bill has become law (Public Law No: 110-161)
S.Amdt. 2692: To require a comprehensive nuclear threat reduction and security plan (Amendment)
Sponsor: Sen. Barack Obama [D-IL]
* 1 of 156 Amendments that specifically states:
"Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the President shall submit to Congress a comprehensive nuclear threat reduction and security plan, in classified and unclassified forms."
This has nothing to do with reducing nuclear stockpiles, it simply requires a plan to exist to secure nuclear weapons from terrorist threats. I am sure Bush never thought of this before Obama added this amendment to this Appropriations act.
That leaves us with...
S. 2125 [109th]: Democratic Republic of the Congo Relief, Security, and Democracy Promotion Act of 2006 (Bill)
Sponsor: Sen. Barack Obama [D-IL] and 12 Cosponsors
Status: This bill became law (Public Law No: 109-456)
Exciting Stuff! Surely this qualifies him to be President of the United States of America!
The Anti 'Man-Made' Global Warming Resource
Obama's accomplishments
August 18, 2008 - 02:04 ET by Cool ArrowBut he's done a lot to stop black on black crime in his home State of Illinois, hasn't he?
Sure can't take that away from him.
I ♣ my seal
Great stuff
August 18, 2008 - 02:20 ET by Cool ArrowMy favorites were
I ♣ my seal
"Change" is an issue. The
August 16, 2008 - 20:17 ET by Blazer"Change" is an issue. The fact is, if that Communist is elected noones gonna' have a whole lotta' spare "Change" in their pockets.
"You will never find a more wretched hive of scum and villainy. We must be cautious. "
- Ben Kenobi on Liberals, and the MSM.
" The Cake is a lie."
Life imitates art...
August 16, 2008 - 21:05 ET by XBOLTSThis has always been about the New York Mob vs Chicago's Syndicate with the MSM acting as dupes for the Syndicate by boosting their "celebrity'.
There is something wrong with the polling, by now ZerObama should have a 20 point lead over that nasty old racist McCain. Somehow he just can't seem to get traction, he goes to Europe, then goes on vacation, obviously he is totally dedicated to the cause.
Do you think Hillary went on vacation when she "suspended' her campaign? Nope, she took to the safe house like Tony Soprano so she could shore up her lieutenants and attack the weakness of her opponent.
The New York bosses are seeing the Clintons take over the Denver DNC and they are impressed. ZerObama is making concession after concession, obviously he is not a leader, he is a reactor. Even the libs are starting to see this.
Some major news is going to break between now and the DNC and it won't be good news for ZerObama.
Hillary or Obama?
August 17, 2008 - 12:34 ET by ironchefofmunchiesAm i the only one hoping that Obama makes it past the convention?
Right now, I'm starting to think Obama is in trouble and I'd rather see Obama than Hillary in November.
Wouldn't you?
Xbolts--yes
August 17, 2008 - 14:28 ET by docbThere is something wrong with the polls...They can not poll the cellphone users and the professionals are commuting between 5/7 pm. It is never good to be too far in the lead--remember Mondale?
The committee to unseat clinton in the Senate had their first NYC meeting and the turnout was excellent..
It is wise to let fools have a lot of rope to hang themselves and the clintons are doing a fine job all by themselves..No help needed from Obama. The clintons must do a good job or they will suffer the same isolation they did for 3 years after the 'pardons'...
There is a quote from
August 16, 2008 - 22:02 ET by FastEd"The Distiguished Gentleman"
"We won on the issue - and the issue is change . . ."
Seems life is imitating art.
There is no sense in being stupid, if you can't prove it! - my dad V
Gov. Bredesen: Obama already gave your 10-word straight up
August 16, 2008 - 20:35 ET by TDVanswer if you were paying any attention! 1. I 2. will 3. soak 4. the 5. rich 6. to 7. meet 8. ALL 9. your 10. needs.
The truth of the matter is,
August 16, 2008 - 20:50 ET by mostlymoderateThe truth of the matter is, McCain was correct when he said Obama was a "celebrity" candidate. Think about it, the man stands for nothing that can be outlined. He is popular with African Americans because he is half black. He is popular with the college crowd because he is young and looks different than your typical President (hence rebellion). All of these things equate to nothing more than Obama's *image*. As for issues? He is mute. CHANGE CHANGE CHANGE. That's all you get in a nice lil package with NO explanation of how or why we are going to change things.
McCain on the other hand has years and years of hard work behind him. A veteran, a POW, a longtime senator not to mention various other political ties. He's older and perhaps a little less attractive but America doesn't need a spokesmodel, we need a fighter! A PRESIDENT!
P.S. I still don't really
August 16, 2008 - 20:54 ET by mostlymoderateP.S. I still don't really *like* McCain because of his stance on immigration. HOWEVER, atleast I know where he stands and I can respectfully disagree with that! As for Obama, where does he stand? Nobody really knows.
From "whole cloth" we've
August 16, 2008 - 21:48 ET by FastEdgotten an "empty suit". Now if things go as they might, the convention "surprise", to all of those "journalists" in the loser media, will be the "closeness" of the ballot. The other surprise, COULD be, that Barry steps on his own crank, dose or says (or by a proxy - Michelle?) that becomes his own "October" surprise, and the Clintons then end up "stealing" the nomination.
Democratic politics should be considered an olympic sport
The 100 ah, er, umm speech
Triangulation of policy statements
The quick flip-flop
The 57 state marathon
Free-throw 'friend' under the bus
Additional events under consideration
There is no sense in being stupid, if you can't prove it! - my dad V
Character is the essence of our soul
August 16, 2008 - 22:06 ET by garyganuI often hear Obama supporters touting his Harvard education and high level of intelligence as one of the main reasons for their support. While it is true that education and intelligence are desirable qualities, they only play a minor role in my voting decision. Intelligence is not, in and of itself, a virtue. Intelligence, knowledge, and education can be used for either good or evil. While education, knowledge, and intelligence can help a good man make more informed decisions, they can also be used by an evil man to carry out diabolical plans. What is most important to me is the character of a presidential candidate. Character is what separates good men from bad men, bad men from evil men, corrupt men from honest men, loyal men from traitorous men, selfless men from selfish men, faithful men from philanderers, humble men from conceited "show-offs", modesty from vanity, and ethical men from scoundrels.
What's important is...
August 17, 2008 - 00:17 ET by Seabeach4348Examine a candidate's values, core beliefs, voting record!!! and character.
Yes, as your already said CHARACTER DOES MATTER when someone is running for president at least in the USA.
Preaching to the choir.
August 16, 2008 - 23:14 ET by peteroI have been posting a question everywhere, and that is, why hasn't anybody, MSM or otherwise, scrutinized Obama's career as a US Senator? I want to know if other people were blown off by his Senate staff, like I was.
The subject of the Change you can believe in advertising campaign, is full of it. He is employs people who are ignorant and apathetic about the issues that face his current constituents.
petero
August 17, 2008 - 00:37 ET by MrShy"I have been posting a question everywhere, and that is, why hasn't anybody, MSM or otherwise, scrutinized Obama's career as a US Senator? I want to know if other people were blown off by his Senate staff, like I was."
Hi. How do you mean you were "blown off" by his Senate staff like you were? You were on it??
And very good question. For the most part, the MSM has not bothered to inform people of his political resume in the Senate... basically because, well, he has a very short one (resume, that is)...
* * * SOCKS THE CAT '08 * * *
For REAL Change
To your ? accomplishments as follows:
August 17, 2008 - 14:48 ET by docbMuch more done than clinton who cosponsored 3 bills into law in 7+years... But she did name a lot of buildings!!!!
Barack's Senate Accomplishments:
The Secure America and Orderly Immigration Act
Introduced by Sen. John McCain in May 2005, and cosponsored by Sen. Edward Kennedy. Barack Obama added three amendments to this bill.
While the bill was never voted on in the Senate, the Comprehensive Immigration Reform Acts of 2006 and 2007, respectively, drew heavily upon the wording of this bill.
The Lugar-Obama Cooperative Threat Reduction.
Introduced by Sen. Barack Obama, Sen. Dick Lugar and Sen. Tom Coburn.
First introduced in November 2005 and enacted in 2007, this bill expanded upon the successful Nunn-Lugar threat reduction, which helped secure weapons of mass destruction and related infrastructure in former Soviet Union states.
Lugar-Obama expanded this nonproliferation program to conventional weapons -- including shoulder-fired rockets and land mines. When the bill received $48 million in funding, Obama said, "This funding will further strengthen our ability to detect and intercept illegal shipments of weapons and materials of mass destruction, enhancing efforts to prevent nuclear terrorism."
Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006
This act of Congress, introduced by Senators Obama and Coburn, required the full disclosure of all entities or organizations receiving federal funds in FY2007.
Despite a "secret hold" on this bill by Senators Ted Stevens and Robert Byrd, the act passed into law and was signed by President Bush. The act had 43 cosponsors, including John McCain.
The act created this Web site, which provides citizens with valuable information about government-funded programs.
Democratic Republic of the Congo Relief, Security, and Democracy Promotion Act
This law helped specify US policy toward the Congo, and states that the US should work with other donor nations to increase international contributions to the African nation.
The bill marked the first federal legislation to be enacted with Obama as its primary sponsor. Following this legislation's passage, Obama toured Africa, traveling to South Africa, Kenya, Djibouti, Ethiopia and Chad. He spoke forcefully against ethnic rivalries and political corruption in Kenya.
Honest Leadership and Open Government Act
In the first month of the 110th Congress, Obama worked with Sen. Russ Feingold to pass this law, which amends and strengthens the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995.
Specificially, the changes made by Obama and Feingold requires public disclosure of lobbying activity and funding, places more restrictions on gifts for members of Congress and their staff, and provides for mandatory disclosure of earmarks in expenditure bills.
The House passed the bill, 411-8, on July 31. The Senate approved it, 83-14, on Aug. 2. At the time, Obama called it "the most sweeping ethics reform since Watergate."
Deceptive Practices and Voter Intimidation Prevention Act
Following the Republican-sponsored voter intimidation tactics seen in mostly black counties in Maryland during the 2006 midterm elections, Obama worked with Sen. Chuck Schumer to introduce this bill.
The bill has been referred to the United States Senate Committee on the Judiciary. Obama said of the bill, "This legislation would ensure that for the first time, these incidents are fully investigated and that those found guilty are punished."
The Obama-McCain Climate Change Reduction Bill
The Obama-McCain bill, which is co-sponsored by Sen. Joe Lieberman, I-Conn., would cut emissions by two-thirds by 2050.
Iraq War De-Escalation Act of 2007
Introduced by Obama, this binding act would stop the planned troop increase of 21,500 in Iraq, and would also begin a phased redeployment of troops from Iraq with the goal of removing all combat forces by March 31, 2008.
Explaining the bill, Obama said it reflects his view that the problems in Iraq do not have a military solution. "Our troops have performed brilliantly in Iraq, but no amount of American soldiers can solve the political differences at the heart of somebody else's civil war," Obama said.
Amendments to the 2008 Defense Authorization Bill
Obama worked with Sen. Kit Bond to limit, through this bill, the Pentagon’s use of personality disorder discharges in the FY 2008 Defense Authorization bill.
This provision would add additional safeguards to discharge procedures and require a thorough review by the Government Accountability Office. This followed news reports that the Pentagon inappropriately used these procedures to discharge service members with service-connected psychological injuries.
"With thousands of American service members suffering day in and day out from the less visible wounds of war, reports that the Pentagon has improperly diagnosed and discharged service members with personality disorders are deeply disturbing," said Senator Obama. "This provision will add additional safeguards to the Department of Defense’s use of this discharge and mandate a comprehensive review of these policies."
The Comprehensive Nuclear Threat Reduction provision
Working with Sen. Hagel and Rep. Adam Schiff, Obama authored this provision, which would require the president to develop a comprehensive plan for ensuring that all nuclear weapons and weapons-usable material at vulnerable sites around the world are secure by 2012 from the threats that terrorists have shown they can pose.
A provision from the Obama-Hagel bill was passed by Congress in December 2007 as an amendment to the State-Foreign Operations appropriations bill.
"It is imperative that we build and sustain a truly global effort under an aggressive timeline to secure, consolidate, and reduce stockpiles of nuclear weapons and weapons-usable material to keep them out of the wrong hands. The comprehensive nuclear threat reduction plan required by this provision is an important step in that effort," Obama said of the provision.
Thanks for the Propaganda about Obama's "Accomplishments"
August 18, 2008 - 02:35 ET by PopularTechThanks for posting this propaganda twice!
S. 1033 [109th]: Secure America and Orderly Immigration Act of 2005 (Bill)
Sponsor: Sen McCain, John [AZ] and 9 Cosponsors (including Obama)
Status: This bill never became law
* Cosponsoring a dead bill is not an accomplishment. There are no Amendments to this bill.
S. 2566 [109th]: Cooperative Proliferation Detection, Interdiction Assistance, and Conventional Threat Reduction Act of 2006 (Bill)
Sponsor: Sen. Richard Lugar [R-IN] and 12 Cosponsors (including Obama)
Status: This bill never became law
* Cosponsoring a bill that never became law is not an accomplishment.
Ad Exaggerates Obama's Credentials
S. 2590 [109th]: Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006 (Bill)
Sponsor: Sen. Thomas Coburn [R-OK] and 47 Cosponsers (including Obama)
Status: This bill became law (Public Law No: 109-282)
* This was introduced by Coburn not Obama. Cosponsoring a bill will 47 other Senators is not an accomplishment worthy of becoming President of the United States.
H.R. 2316: Honest Leadership and Open Government Act of 2007 (Bill)
Sponsor: Rep. John Conyers [D-MI] and 8 Cosponsors (none are Obama)
Status: This bill has been passed in the House and now goes on to be voted on in the Senate.
* Obama did not Cosponsor this bill and it has not been voted on by the Senate.
S. 453: Deceptive Practices and Voter Intimidation Prevention Act of 2007 (Bill)
Sponsor: Sen. Barack Obama [D-IL] and 20 Cosponsors
Status: Scheduled for Debate
* Introducing a bill is not an accomplishment.
S. 280: Climate Stewardship and Innovation Act of 2007 (Bill)
Sponsor: Sen. Joseph Lieberman [I-CT] and 11 Cosponsors (including Obama)
Status: Instroduced
* Cosponsoring a bill that has never been voted on is not an accomplishment.
S. 433: Iraq War De-Escalation Act of 2007 (Bill)
Sponsor: Sen. Barack Obama [D-IL] and 3 Cosponsors
Status: Introduced
* Introducing a bill is not an accomplishment.
H.R. 1585: National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008 (Bill)
Sponsor: Rep. Ike Skelton [D-MO] and 1 Cosponsor (none are Obama)
Status: This bill has been vetoed by the President
* Adding Amendments to a bill that was vetoed by the President is not an Accomplishment
H.R. 2764: Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2008 (Bill)
Sponsor: Rep. Nita Lowey [D-NY] and no Cosponsors
Status: This bill has become law (Public Law No: 110-161)
S.Amdt. 2692: To require a comprehensive nuclear threat reduction and security plan (Amendment)
Sponsor: Sen. Barack Obama [D-IL]
* 1 of 156 Amendments that specifically states:
"Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the President shall submit to Congress a comprehensive nuclear threat reduction and security plan, in classified and unclassified forms."
This has nothing to do with reducing nuclear stockpiles, it simply requires a plan to exist to secure nuclear weapons from terrorist threats. I am sure Bush never thought of this before Obama added this amendment to this Appropriations act.
That leaves us with...
S. 2125 [109th]: Democratic Republic of the Congo Relief, Security, and Democracy Promotion Act of 2006 (Bill)
Sponsor: Sen. Barack Obama [D-IL] and 12 Cosponsors
Status: This bill became law (Public Law No: 109-456)
Exciting Stuff! Surely this qualifies him to be President of the United States of America!
The Anti 'Man-Made' Global Warming Resource
docb
August 18, 2008 - 02:09 ET by Cool ArrowIn other words, he ain't done a d@mn thing.
You coulda told this joke in a smaller post, and we still woulda gotten it.
You need to work on your delivery, and emphasize the punchline a little better. I think even Al Frankken could have told it better.
I ♣ my seal
Maybe miracles can still happen!!!
August 17, 2008 - 01:24 ET by PrairieSkyI've been wondering when or if someone in the MSM would finally have the temerity to suggest that there just doesn't seem to be much "there" there, with Obama. However, despite Gov. Bredesen's suggestion, imploring Obama to give succinct, clear answers to Americans, based on his performance Saturday evening at the Saddleback Church forum, I doubt that clarity is coming anytime soon. I watched the forum through twice, and am still amazed at how Obama can talk and talk, and still not say anything.
Every sentence that comes out of his mouth seems too carefully worded, and I'm left with the constant feeling that he's so busy being careful about not saying the "wrong" thing, and making sure that he's saying what he thinks people want to hear, that I have no idea what he really thinks.
"...peace is the highest aspiration of the American people. We will negotiate for it, sacrifice for it, we will never surrender for it, now or ever." President Ronald Reagan, January 20, 1981
obama
August 17, 2008 - 08:58 ET by jaywlIt is about time someone starts looking behind his smooth sounding rhetoric. Obama overloads his proverbial ass with the garbage put in
his mouth with his own hand and speechwriter's glibness. His speeches
are riddled with phrases that define "sound bite". My favorite is "digital grid". That impressive wordage is Obama's name
for an electric grid incorporating the technology needed for two-way
feeds at all levels. If your house produced excess energy, say with
solar panels, you could sell it to the main power company. Sounds great, but this is what it really is.
According to his web site, this is based on two pilot programs. One is at Univ.
of Ill, the other in a proposed development in New Mexico. Looking at
the actual plan for the NM community and using the absolute best and
favorable estimates, I come up with a minimum of $15,000 additional
cost for each house just to ready it to exchange electricity. That does
not count the cost of solar panels, or geothermal wells, or rabbits in
a rotating drum that would be needed to produce the power. With 114
million households in the US (2006) it comes up to about $1.5 Trillion.
Not counting industry, not counting the added cost involved in
retrofitting existing homes. And, like many of his dreams, he wants it
done in 10 years!
This is just another example of of a great sounding phrase that
means doodly squat. Obama probably saw the term while voting to spend
money on it. Of course, now he has moved in with the big spenders. If
anyone in the MSM would ask he would say something like this: "Hey its
new, its digital. Because it is good for the country I will require
every American household to spend whatever it takes to help the country
enter the digital age. Of course if you can't afford it we'll tax the
wealthy/big oil/SUV owners/profitable companies so on and so forth, you
see, and have THEM pay for it. I might even give all the middle class
folks another $1000 just for voting for me, uhm, I mean voting to enter
the New Digital Electric Age!"
After I calm down, I guess I'll just have to wonder how many
trillions, over ten years of course, the MSM will let this charlatan
spend before they begin to ask honest questions and demand to know how
his changes are going to be funded. When those people and companies
that he says will fund his dreams are tapped out, what then?
He has the election nailed.
August 17, 2008 - 12:42 ET by RackieBHO's biggest accomplishment will be getting crucified on Nov. 4th.
Thanks P.T.
August 18, 2008 - 09:45 ET by NorthCoasterThanks for doing the digging to refute the propaganda!
Obama's legislative non-accomplishments
August 18, 2008 - 19:04 ET by PopularTechNo problem, it was well worth the time now that I've learned in detail about Obama's legislative non-accomplishments.
The Anti 'Man-Made' Global Warming Resource