Obama on GMA: 'I Majored in International Relations'

Photo of Mark Finkelstein.

Q. How do you know a presidential candidate has thin national-security credentials?

A. When he has to cite his undergraduate major as evidence of his experience.

Barack Obama made the morning show rounds today. The amiable Robin Roberts interviewed him on ABC's Good Morning America. Inevitably, talk turned to his presidential prospects.

Roberts: "You're calling for a slight withdrawal of troops and I need to ask you this -- are you concerned that your lack of experience, when it comes to foreign policy, may hurt your chances in the run for the White House?" [Note Robin's apologetic "I need to ask you."]

Obama: "Well, actually, my experience in foreign policy is probably more diverse than most others in the field. I'm somebody who has actually lived overseas, somebody who has studied overseas. I majored in international relations.

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But ultimately, foreign policy is really about judgment and having a since first and fore most of the strengths of America and the American people and being able to talk with them about what our values and ideals are and also having an understanding of what that world beyond our borders is like. That's something that I feel very confident about."

According to his Wikipedia entry, "Obama studied for two years at Occidental College in California and then transferred to Columbia University where he majored in political science with a specialization in international relations." What kind of world-view do you think was inculcated in international-relations major Obama at hyper-liberal Columbia?

I'm disappointed Robin didn't ask the obvious follow-ups: "OK, you majored in international relations. But were you a member of the chess club? Ever been to Epcot Center?"

Aside: Obama boasted that in contrast with his competitors, "I'm somebody who has actually lived overseas." Perhaps Barack forgot that John McCain "lived overseas" too -- if you want to call 5/12 years as a POW in the Hanoi Hilton "living."

Mark was in Iraq in November. Contact him at mark@gunhill.net

—Mark Finkelstein is a NewsBusters contributing editor and host of Right Angle. Contact him at mark@gunhill.net.


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Barack Obama: Our national d

Barack Obama: Our national douche bag.

Rochester, Minnesota: A Fem_Leftist City!

Also, Robin, in Mrs. Lindner'

Also, Robin, in Mrs. Lindner's 1st grade class I drew a picture of the Eiffel Tower. When I was little, my dad bought me a globe and I used to spin and spin that thing all day long. I guess you can say I've seen the world over and over again.

This is a global war on terror; except in Iraq. There are no terrorists there - Old Liberal Proverb

drew a picture of the Eiffel

drew a picture of the Eiffel Tower...sounds like you qualify to become the Ambassador to France!

face piles of trials with smiles

What exactly were George W. B

What exactly were George W. Bush's foreign policy credentials before becoming president? Was it a Volvo he got his DUI in?

As a resident of TX, I am mor

As a resident of TX, I am more than qualified to answer.  As governor of a border state, he interacted frequently with many Mexican officials, to include governors and its federal government. 

Funny you make that sideswipe at Bush.  If I say anything similar of Clinton, you would SCREAM like a two year old throwing a temper tantrum.

Can you tell me what Obama stands for on....ANYTHING? 

"HAV3 TH3 BRIDG3S OF INSANITY B33N CROSS3D AND FOR3V3R R3TRACT3D???."  - Meshuggah, "3ntrapm3nt", from Catch Thirty Thr33 (2005)

Do I give the impression th

Do I give the impression that I could care less about Clinton? I'm sure Bush's interaction with Mexican officials is really comparable to dealing with terrorist states, rogue dictators and invasions. Exactly how pleased are you with Bush's stance on Mexican/American relations these days anyhow?

I don't think Obama is all that great (although if he wins in '08, you'd better believe I'll come straight to this site to watch the heads exploding), but I think that what he's being mocked for here, his reference to his undergrad degree (while it does come off as stupid) is hardly pertinent. I don't think he's offering it up as evidence that he's qualified.

exploding heads

"Heads exploding" is exclusively a liberal adult tantrum reaction.  Most of us conservatives will find more constructive ways to spend our time and efforts.  We survived (kind of, sorry to victims of 911) 8 years of bill/hillary and we would find a way to survive him.

face piles of trials with smiles

"Heads exploding" i

"Heads exploding" is exclusively a liberal adult tantrum reaction.

Yeah, I'll agree with that one, actually. For the most part. If you're talking about things like the protests at Bush's inauguration and against the Iraq invasion, I wouldn't characterize them as tantrums, but what we see in college newspaper op/eds, Rosie, and Keith Olbermann, I would.

I was, however, able to indulge some schaedenfraude, both here and on a few certain radio shows, in early November. A few people seemed to think the Republican defeat (notice I do not say Democrat victory, I mean let's be realistic) was a sign of End Times.

...well I think we can all a

...well I think we can all agree that the Democratics never actually win anything, yes : ) !

Do you indulge in Schaedenfra

Do you indulge in Schaedenfraude on the rocks or straight up?

Rupert tries painfully to evade the answer

ANYTHING at all, Rupert, for you to twist and contort and duck the answer.  You asked if he had foreign policy experience and I point it out, and the you move the goalposts.

Sad but true, Bush has executive experience, unlike Obama; and having dealt with foreign officials from the nation we import 10.4% of our goods from (3rd behind Canada and China) and export 13.6% of our goods to (#2 after Canada) surely counts for something.  Unless you are a Leftist.

(All data can be found on page 841 of the 2007 World Almanac and Book of Facts.)

"HAV3 TH3 BRIDG3S OF INSANITY B33N CROSS3D AND FOR3V3R R3TRACT3D???."  - Meshuggah, "3ntrapm3nt", from Catch Thirty Thr33 (2005)

Um...

As Texas governor, he'd have had ample interactions with foreign entities. As a long-time private businessman, he certainly had dealings that crossed international borders. I don't believe that Obama's resume is even in the parking lot, let alone the same ballpark.

This Obama sounds more and more like a college grad looking for some entry-level corporate job...'er, I majored in...' good Lord, man...this is for the freaking presidency of the United States you're talking about. This guy's suit's emptier than William Jefferon's freezer.

Now, I expect to see you head straight over to the Kennedy-related thread and throw out a Mary Jo 'joke'.

Remember the libs themselves

Remember the libs themselves always whine about Bush's international oil conspiracy work - going back for decades of course : ) ...

And he surely dealt with more than Mexico - all sorts of countries commerce with Texas, and there were likely all kinds of international issues just surrounding the gulf ports...

Here's a bit:

http://www.austin-chamber.org/DoBusiness/TaxesAndIncentives/InInternational.html

But Obama did take a couple of college classes on this, I guess...

Weird...lefties whine about a

Weird...lefties whine about a 'draft dodging' Bush after supportnig Clinton. They blast Bush for lack of foreign policy experience, while hailing Clinton and this emptier suit Obama.

On goalposts and Leftists

Imagine how many times a GAME the goalposts would move/widen/narrow in football if they were running the NFL...

"HAV3 TH3 BRIDG3S OF INSANITY B33N CROSS3D AND FOR3V3R R3TRACT3D???."  - Meshuggah, "3ntrapm3nt", from Catch Thirty Thr33 (2005)

" and being able to talk

" and being able to talk with them about what our values and ideals are and also having an understanding of what that world beyond our borders is like. That's something that I feel very confident about."

Actually, his merits, the way he describes him, sound like they perhaps qualify him to be a host on The Travel Channel...

The dogs bark, but the caravan moves on.

- Arabian Proverb

"I'm disappointed Robin

"I'm disappointed Robin didn't ask the obvious follow-ups: OK, you majored in international relations. But were you a member of the chess club? Ever been to Epcot Center?"

Ouch! Wadda ya trying to do, here? These are tough questions. Give the guy a break, will ya?  Gotta go easy on him at first, let him get his feet wet so to speak. [Goodness, trying to embarrass MY GUY like this. Insulting, I tell ya.]

Nasty time

Nasty time-- I am not so much angry at Obummer as I am at the MSM showering him with unearned adulation. That being said, as to getting his feet wet, he does that every time he goes to the men's room due to his inexperience.

Sorry, I just don't understand the groundswell for this peckerwood.

If he ever gets elected, I want him to appoint me Ambassador to France. I was there once and I know about 20 French words.

These wouldn't be salty words

These wouldn't be salty words taught to you by, say, a sailor or anything, would they?

???? thisnthat

????  thisnthat. Not sure what you mean......

As if

Barack Hussein Obama

Yep, that sounds presidential...NOT!

Why is this guy taken so seriously?  As if.

And damn that requirement t

And damn that requirement that the President has to be born here anyway! If only we could elect an Iranian Mullah for President - they really understand the terrorists. They would know what to do.

Where Did He Study Besides A Madrasa?

Where did this idiot study besides a madrasa? Paris, the great site of the utter lack of appreciation, selfishness, and ignorance? Where does his working knowlege of international relations come from? His years in the Illinois state senate or the 2 years as a senator? The man has no sense of history or actual experience. What a buffoon. Anyone can consider living overseas "international relations experience." I lived in Madrid, Spain for a couple of months so perhaps I should run for president too. I can't believe this guy thinks he has what it takes to be president when he can't even clarify his Iraq strategy. Oh, let's withdraw but I don't know how, when, or even why. Yeah, that makes me feel so much better about this guy.

The difficult we do immediately; the impossible takes a little longer.  Air Force Motto

emjem says: When your brain's stuck on liberalism it self-destructs.

Obama is an abomination!

Obama might not have any real world experience in international relations but he certainly has the little Socialist platitudes down pat.   

First Obama Presidential Ad

Everytime I listen to this clown the first thing comes to mind. . .  

Obama:  And so, my fellow American: ask not what you can do for your country - ask what your country can do for you.

Obama and his socialist platitudes is like feeding crack cocaine to the liberals that dominate the MSM.

 

After watching that Obama youtube vid

After watching that Obama youtube vid and the one other below it, I realize they have another lanky liar like Kerry. Promise the world, the moon to your moonbats, and they will fall all over themselves in a frenzied worship session cheering and going out of their minds.

 It's funny, the comment immediately below the vid by a decmorat was " brilliant video, but let's not idolize."

 I'm sure slick willie gave them everything in their minds, if they could only go back to peace and prosperity, surpluses and kumbaya...they could forget our troops in the Balkans, the doubling of the fed budget and rising national debt under slickster, the dot com bubble blowup, and all the terrorist attacks where slicky "put every last one of them in jail", chopped their gov cheese programs and demanded they get a job or starve. Peace and prosperity. Peace and propersity.

I don't really care that my

I don't really care that my president understands and appreciates the customs and rituals of, say, Tonga or Bora Bora. I think it's of supreme importance that any president of the US understand and advance American interests and security.

The dogs bark, but the caravan moves on.

- Arabian Proverb

Oh, how I'd LOVE to see an Ob

Oh, how I'd LOVE to see an Obama/Gingrich debate.

Hahahaha...

Hahahahahahaha,hahahahahahahahahaha,

Breath....hahahahahahahahahahahaha...okay seriously, he isn't really running for President is he?  Really?  He is serious? Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha, this is going to be hilarious!!

I've lived overseas, I majored in international relations and so...I am qualified to be President....hahahahahahahahahahahaha, hahahahahahahaha gawd this is going to be gut busting funny!  Democrats, you better put this man back in the box while you can or return him and get your money back...hahahahaha.

If you claim to be a conservative, please don't disgrace yourself and conservatism by thinking and arguing like a liberal.

"Well no Robin.....But

"Well no Robin.....But I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night."

That was good.

That was good.

Ding

Folks, we have a winnah...

I'm counting Obama's Muslim years

I'm counting Obama's Muslim years, 6-10, at the "non-Madrassa" where his childhood friends claim he was a worshipful Muslim, and the school claims he was registered as one. Now that's foreigner experience. I'm sure the democrats count it as "understanding the greivances of our enemies and how the USA wrecks other countries." - right after they scream it wasn't a Wahabbist Madrassa and Obama has a non-belief past (aka childhood muzzie life).

 I like his answer though, since it supremely libbocratic. " Foreign policy is being able to talk to the American people about our values." ( hidden beneath that golden nugget is Bush hate and under the surface bashing training, anti-war fervor, and the inside the bubble BS platform of utopia these democrats feed their moonbats for chad power )

 Yes, foreign policy is you talking to the American people about our values Obama... exactly, that is exactly what foreign policy is... you deranged tree hugging lunatic.

C'mon...

Sporty P...look, this is exactly the finger-in-the-air, poll-a-minute...ahem...leadership the dems have been promising.

It's like watching a dieter curse aloud about the evil baker and butcher (and scale) failing them as they weigh themselves every half hour.

NB readers are going to hav

NB readers are going to have to go a ways to top the line from poster PennsylvaniMom at Free Republic:

"I've read a bunch of Martha Stewart magazines, can I be Secretary of the Interior?"

LOL - thanks for sharing Ma

LOL - thanks for sharing Mark. - My brother lived in his car for a while when he was young - maybe he should be Secretary of Transportation.

LOL. But was he livin' in a v

Dee, when I was a kid, I drov

Dee, when I was a kid, I drove my Mom to distraction. I want to be Secretary of Transportation.

"A communist is someone who reads Marx.  An anti-communist is someone who understands Marx."  Ronald Reagan

My sister...........

My sister...........had nine (count 'em, nine) kids. She wants to be the Secretary of Labor.

Ding! Ding! Ding!I'd say mi

Ding! Ding! Ding!

I'd say misterbill has just taken the lead!

Okay - I still think my ori

Okay - I still think my original was good - especially because it was spontaneous without thought and then Mark had a funny to go along (How is he able to do that!).

Now this one I thought about - As Mayor of New York,(home of the U.N.) Giuliani was closer to world leaders than any of the other candidate so if he is elected he can appoint Obama Secretary of the Inferior.

Misterbill, you get a job by

Misterbill, you get a job by this evening, or we're shipping you off to military school with that Finkelstein **** kid!

Sorry, Mark, I just had to!

"A communist is someone who reads Marx.  An anti-communist is someone who understands Marx."  Ronald Reagan

MikeB job???

MikeB  job??? I just retired in April of this year. I started my first job in June of 1950. I want to sit here and relax. And enjoy the writings of my fellow NBers. 

(esp. the ones with whom I agree.)

PS Do not forget the Ministry of Funny Walks directorship is still open.

I withdraw my directive, then

I withdraw my directive, then misterbill.  You've earned your retirement.  I'll support your directorship of the Ministry of Funny Walks.  With my knees from Hell I can only hobble, so I won't compete with you for that job. ;-)

"A communist is someone who reads Marx.  An anti-communist is someone who understands Marx."  Ronald Reagan

football??

Football knees??? I have had arthro on both of them over the years.

Or...

Sec of Labor could be taken by an illegal immigrant, (just another noble, thankless job that no American wants).

How's about she be named commissioner of Major league Baseball?

Mark,Oh, so you're saying th

Mark,

Oh, so you're saying the posters at Free Republic are better than us? You like them better? Is that what you're saying? :)

The dogs bark, but the caravan moves on.

- Arabian Proverb

I love [almost] all my read

I love [almost] all my readers. But the FReeper's post about Secretary of the Interior is definitely the clubhouse leader as line 'o the day. Can NB readers top it?

I don't work well under press

And your readers love you. But, I don't work well under pressure. Anything I came up with, trying to top that one, would just be lame. Maybe we can wait for Roger, MM, Jack, et al, to step up to the mike. They seem to be sleeping in late this morning. Hey, guys??!! Breakfast is getting cold! Up and at 'em!

The dogs bark, but the caravan moves on.

- Arabian Proverb

to mark finkelstein

See what ya started? The Bozoes are going to wank this to death. On a weak server, the subject most ganged up on is THIS?

tumbler no e in Bozo's

maybe we should get back to debating why "illegal" aliens should have the same rights a legal citizens?

BTW if I get to be in charge of Homeland Security (I live at home, in this land, and have a security system...guns), I will put you in charge of our borders.

face piles of trials with smiles

I started nothing. I merely d

I started nothing. I merely deferred to others. Mark can take the honors for this thread. I see he appreciates humor based on words wth double meanings - Interior, Labor, etc. I leave this post now so others can say their piece.

The dogs bark, but the caravan moves on.

- Arabian Proverb

Looks like all the good one

Looks like all the good ones are taken. What the heck:

I'm all for securing the borders. Can I be Secretary of De-fence?

"There are two types of people in this country; those who provide freedom and those who enjoy it." MM says...

I give that one a solid A-!

I give that one a solid A-!

Thanks for the Kudo Mark, I

Thanks for the Kudo Mark, I have to admit that mrbill's "Secretary of Labor" looks to be the winner so far! :-)

"There are two types of people in this country; those who provide freedom and those who enjoy it." MM says...

mm,Sorry, the way they secure

mm,

Sorry, the way they secure the borders, that job will naturally go to Robert Gates, also.

The dogs bark, but the caravan moves on.

- Arabian Proverb

Drat!! Well, back to work a

Drat!! Well, back to work at Wal-Mart. You can never have too many greeters! :-)

"There are two types of people in this country; those who provide freedom and those who enjoy it." MM says...

greeters???

Si si! Bienvenido a Walmart!

Your papers pleez!!!!!!!!!!!

Ooopps. Did I say "gre

Ooopps. Did I say "greeters"? Of course I mean't "geezers", mrbill. :-)

"There are two types of people in this country; those who provide freedom and those who enjoy it." MM says...

Thank God..........

Thank God..........you didn't say Greasers --you would suffer the wrath of Glod, our resident apologist!

I guess I qualify for VP on O

I guess I qualify for VP on Obama's ticket...I have worked in the Oil&Gas industry for 30+ years!

face piles of trials with smiles

I own a gun

Hey...come to think of it, I own a gun...I could be Secretary of Defense!

face piles of trials with smiles

oooh..this is fun

  • I help with judging my son's debate group competions...I could be nomimated for a Supreme Court Justice! 
  • I own a dacha (small farm) in Russia...wow that qualifies me for either  Secretary of Agriculture or Ambassador to Russia
  • My wife homeschools...could she be Secretary of Education?

face piles of trials with smiles

last one...I promise

Director of the National Drug Control Policy  I make sure my kids don't learn how to open "child-proof" bottles!

face piles of trials with smiles

vrwc:Just one? Im more qualif

vrwc:

Just one? Im more qualified. I was in the Army!..., and!.... I own lots of guns...:-))

Save a SeAL, club a liberal!!

bassndude

well actually more than one...and I am good at Laser Tag (StarWars policy qualifications?)

AND I used to watch "Combat" all the time with my dad who was a Major in the Air Force!

If appointed, I will make sure you are at least Secretary of the Army.

face piles of trials with smiles

Oh wow! Maybe I can carry the

Oh wow! Maybe I can carry the football, the little briefcase.

Save a SeAL, club a liberal!!

Well I've actually been pumpi

Well I've actually been pumping my own gas for 20+ years. How's that for qualifications?

"Today we did what we had to do. They counted on America to be passive. They counted wrong."    - Ronald Reagan

I have an alarm system in my

I have an alarm system in my house.....Secretary of Homeland Security?

My wife's a physician and talks to me...can I be Surgeon General?

I sometimes look at stars...can I get a top job at NASA?

I have a Bachelor of Arts...can I head the NEA?

This could go on  forever.  I came from a politically active democratic family.  When do I get to be Speaker of the House?

"People everywhere confuse what they read in newspapers with news."  - A.J. Liebling

stl,I stopped off at my frien

stl,

I stopped off at my friendly neighborhood QT this morning and engaged in a business transaction (I bought a cup of coffee) so by Barack Hussein Osama Obama standards, I should then be a natural for Commerce Secretary, should I not?

So what he is saying is that

So what he is saying is that he has had alot of input from liberal professors, telling him how it should be done? Great.

Save a SeAL, club a liberal!!

Let's hope that he IS the Dem

Let's hope that he IS the Dem nominee and not that Witch . . . I don't think this imposter has a chance in the General election if it comes to that. Hussein . . . really now?

His opponent's slogan could b

The Republicans' slogan could be, "If it ain't Barack, then don't nix it".

The dogs bark, but the caravan moves on.

- Arabian Proverb

I have heard that some are sp

I have heard that some are speculating that Hillary will get the nomination and Obama will be her running mate. Any thoughts on that?

Our President

I prefer Our President's foreign-policy and national-security credentials: Being governor of Texas. Obama is clearly green in this area and shouldn't be elected.

Don't Mess With Texas (its ou

Don't Mess With Texas (its our motto)

face piles of trials with smiles

 

He's barely qualified to be a

He's barely qualified to be a Senator, let alone President of the United States. As far as the liberal media is concerned, his qualifications include his charming smile, tight abs and handsome good looks.

That's all they're looking for in a President. I can't name one reporter who has asked Obama tough questions reguarding his qualifications to be President. All they care about is his good looks and charisma, not if he's capable of running a country.

"At an end your rule is, and not short enough it was!" -- Yoda

Don't forget Bubba

Don't forget what Bill Clinton said as a candidate in '92 when asked why he was qualified to be Commander in Chief. I don't remember his wording, but the gist of it was that he'd been in charge of the Arkansas National Guard.

obama

Jeepers......ya mean he actually once lived over seas?.. WOW.....he's got my vote!!

I have a question for Sen. Ob

I have a question for Sen. Obama.

I once had a really long layover in Frankfurt. So would I qualify to be your ambassador to Germany if you are elected President?

Or would I need to eat some schnitzel first?

Why heck Teddy, that would ma

Why heck Teddy, that would make you perfectly qualified as long as you have a 'D' behind your name...er...title....LOL!