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Power, pop, and probings from ABC News Senior White House Correspondent Jake Tapper
Jake Tapper is ABC News' Senior White House Correspondent based in the network's Washington bureau. He writes about politics and popular culture and covers a range of national stories.
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Obama About to Be Hit on Questionable Associates
October 04, 2008 10:28 AM
The Chicago Sun-Times reports that the FBI is looking into whether or not former Obama pal Tony Rezko -- convicted in June of attempted extortion, mail and wire fraud, and aiding and abetting bribery -- paid for all or part of $90,000 worth work on the Northwest Side Chicago home of Gov. Rod Blagojevich.
Rezko apparently liked helping out his politician pals on their real estate transactions. As you may recall, Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., and Rezko's wife, Rita, bought adjacent properties in a controversial and complicated series of real estate transactions, one of which Obama later called "boneheaded" because it might cause people to think he'd been done a favor in exchange for something untoward, which he denies is the case. Rezko at the time was under federal investigation.
A federal judge Wednesday froze more than $100,000 of Rezko's cash. Rezko's sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 28.
The conservative Judicial Confirmation Network is running a TV ad tying Obama to not just Rezko, but William Ayers (now using cartoons to spread his ideas) and the bombastic Rev. Jeremiah Wright.
"We don't know who Barack Obama would choose" as a Supreme Court justice, the ad says, "but we know this. He chose as one of his first financial backers a slumlord now convicted on 16 counts of corruption. Obama chose as an associate a man who helped to bomb the Pentagon and said he 'didn't do enough.' And Obama chose as his pastor a man who has blamed America for the 9/11 attacks."
There's also a curious story bubbling out there about a former Obama poker buddy, Will County Executive Larry Walsh, and questions leveled by a political opponent about Walsh's connections to a county contractor.
It's unclear that Walsh did anything remotely wrong, but, hey, it's October.
Meaning?
Meaning you should expect to hear much more about these Obama associates -- some questions fair, others not; many associates legitimately slimy, others mere road kill on this political Autobahn -- in this last full month of the campaign.
To wit: the Washington Post reports that Sen. John McCain's campaign -- convinced that the maverick thing alone isn't working -- is about to open up a can of whoop-ass on Obama with a focus on his personal associations.
"We're going to get a little tougher," a senior Republican operative tells the Post. "We've got to question this guy's associations. Very soon. There's no question that we have to change the subject here."
Fasten your seatbelts!
-- jpt
October 4, 2008 | Permalink | User Comments (1476)
I am not affiliated with a party. I try my best to be fair and decide who would be the best to vote for based on what they stand for and their character. I can't see much good in either candidate really, there were others in the running that were a far better choice, but dirty tactics eliminated them early on.
One thing that bothers me is when people say that the hand of god is on Obama and other zealotic rhetoric. It scares me that someone would make statements like this only relying on what they have been told by the media and others they associate who have similar ideas. I wish people would do more open-minded research before they claim someone is a "God Send".
Obama is not a Saint, and neither is McCain. Please try to vote based on true American values, don't vote for someone because a Hollywood star tells you to.
Posted by: Too Late Nate | Nov 3, 2008 1:20:51 PM
Obama can not pass a top secret security clearance and anyone who argues with that is just stupid. Enough with all the justifications. He is not fit to lead the free world nor does he deserve the chance.
Posted by: J | Oct 12, 2008 4:21:52 PM
McCain is right to want to investigate Obama and his radical, risky relationships.
Facts are facts.
Obama did have meetings with the domestic terrorist.
McCain did not.
Face it.........Obama is risky and yes has had many shady characters in the past.........Rev. Wright, Ayers, Rezko, Farrakhan.
As Americans we should be scared of all of these guys.
Including Obama.
The media is so pro Obama they don't know how to handle reporting this.
Would it be okay if Obama had a party for Osama Bin Laden too?
William Ayers is a TERRORIST.
We need to get to the bottom of this.
Go McCain. He is a true patriot!
Posted by: al from nj | Oct 11, 2008 6:51:30 AM
u r blog Is very nice
Posted by: matthew | Oct 10, 2008 6:11:21 AM
Obama may appear to be leading, however there are many people who have no idea what Obama's history is, however when they hear about it they are not in favor of him winning. Some of us are willing to sit down and take part in trying to paint a more balanced election rather than let Obama and his campaign manipulate the public into thinking Obama has a good judgement of others Characters. The last thing we need is another terrorist using the Americans aa a tool to attack America again. When Obama is connected to have tiers with questionable people rather than say yes in my history I have had interactions with those who could be seen as the enemy.... They surely better be honest because if they are lying it will be exposed. there is that cliche once a liar always a liar. If that were to happen some just might stop and say you know, maybe Larry Sincalir was telling the truth, maybe.
Posted by: Jackie Allen | Oct 10, 2008 1:15:11 AM
Americans, have lost their respect and dignity in the world by their uncivilized behaviour throughout this election. I thought they know better to behave well in an election. They have become a disgrace to themselves and the world. You call your country, "God's country" yet you are full of lies and smears. Even communist Russia behaved well in their election. You will agree with me that morals has declined from the American society.
Posted by: Harrison | Oct 7, 2008 10:08:27 AM
We do understand, don't we, that when McCain-Palin audiences boo and shout, "Obama is terrorist, and when McCain doesn't challenge that, it means that McCain-Palin are promulgating hate speech? They are encouraging people in racial hatred. The next step is attempted assassination. Let's just be blunt. McCain-Palin either speak out strongly against racial hatred and verbal slander or they are trying to use it for their own political advantage. PS This comment is blunt and so true, I doubt it will remain on the site.
Posted by: JAB | Oct 7, 2008 9:39:02 AM
It kills me how people want to judge Obama for KNOWING someone and serving on a couple of boards with a person who did some wrong things. How does Ayer's ACTIONS & PERSONAL decisions have anything to do with Obama CHARACTER? I am not understanding that. I am a Christian and I am sure many of you are as well...and for you I ask this question. Did the fact that Jesus ate with and befriended the prostitutes, tax payers and sinners make Him any less Jesus? We have ALL done somethings in our past and we have ALL had some dealings with folks with questionable character...but does the character of someone and what they did in the past have anything to do with who you are today? Especially if you weren't involved in the activities the other person has been convicted/accused of?
We need to take a long hard look at the state of America...how we got here and who was in power. Do we want more of that?
Could it be more of an issue of white folks having an issue voting for a black man? Someone brought up the race issue...and I will say this...us black folks have been voting for white presidents since we were give the RIGHT to vote and we didn't have a problem with it. But what is really ridiculous...is being a human being and having to receive the RIGHT to vote from WHITE America....because you are a BLACK American. You want to talk about racial issues..that's one for you to ponder. I am not playing a race card....because I love being a black woman and I would not change it for the world. But it kills me how many people can see the WRONGS of Obama...but totally skate over all the mess McCain and Palin have done. To me..its a black and white thing and that is sickening. It is 2008....the racial stuff needs to die.
Posted by: Dee | Oct 7, 2008 9:14:42 AM
It kills me how people want to judge Obama for KNOWING someone and serving on a couple of boards with a person who did some wrong things. How does Ayer's ACTIONS & PERSONAL decisions have anything to do with Obama CHARACTER? I am not understanding that. I am a Christian and I am sure many of you are as well...and for you I ask this question. Did the fact that Jesus ate with and befriended the prostitutes, tax payers and sinners make Him any less Jesus? We have ALL done somethings in our past and we have ALL had some dealings with folks with questionable character...but does the character of someone and what they did in the past have anything to do with who you are today? Especially if you weren't involved in the activities the other person has been convicted/accused of?
We need to take a long hard look at the state of America...how we got here and who was in power. Do we want more of that?
Could it be more of an issue of white folks having an issue voting for a black man? Someone brought up the race issue...and I will say this...us black folks have been voting for white presidents since we were give the RIGHT to vote and we didn't have a problem with it. But what is really ridiculous...is being a human being and having to receive the RIGHT to vote from WHITE America....because you are a BLACK American. You want to talk about racial issues..that's one for you to ponder. I am not playing a race card....because I love being a black woman and I would not change it for the world. But it kills me how many people can see the WRONGS of Obama...but totally skate over all the mess McCain and Palin have done. To me..its a black and white thing and that is sickening. It is 2008....the racial stuff needs to die.
Posted by: Dee | Oct 7, 2008 9:14:42 AM
YOU SEE WHAT BRAIN WASHING DOES!ABSOLUTLEY GUILTY BY SOOOOOOOO MANY ASSOCIATION.IT IS NOT PALINS FAULT IT IS OBAMAS DOING. HE HAD THIS AWFUL RADICAL FRIENDS. NOW IF IT WAS ONE BAD APPLE , YOU CAN SAY OK. ALL POLITICAL CANDIDATES HAVE SOME JUNK IN THERE TRUNK BUT OBAMAS.IS ENDLESSSS AND YOU AND SO MANY INTELLIGENT PEOPLE GOT TAKEN IN.
Posted by: MARIANN | Oct 7, 2008 8:35:04 AM
Guilt by association is an attack on voters and on the electoral process. Voters need to learn about the issues. Governor Palin should apologize for raising this STUPID guilt by association tactic against Senator Obama. And if she REALLY believes what she is saying, she REALLY should demand that they return Arnold Weber's campaign donations, because they are blood money by her definition. Weber was a member of the Chicago Annenberg Challenge, the organization formed by BILL AYERS. Keeping that money is blatant hypocrisy.
"Sooner or later, people are going to figure out if all you run is negative attack ads you don't have much of a vision for the future or you're not ready to articulate it." John McCain - 2/21/2000
Posted by: underdog | Oct 7, 2008 8:11:03 AM
The fires of hell are frozen glaciers compared to my hatred for the American government. And I won't be buried under their damn flag.
Ask McCain if he knows who said that. If he refuses to answer, ask his running mate. She will know.
These smears have to stop. McCain is throwing every loose association into this. McCain has far more to lose in guilt by association. The Keating scandal was about Cindy McCain too. A $300,000.00 dress for the RNC? Please.
Posted by: W Underwood | Oct 7, 2008 8:04:49 AM
Obama is a disgrace.
He should step down.
Why is anyone defending Obama and his radical ties?
He IS involved with radical far left associations.
He IS risky.
Plea to the Media:
Please keep these associations of Senator Obama in your news coverage daily.
Google anyone of these characters and it’s enough to rethink if Obama is the “All American Guy”
First it was convicted political fixer Antoin “Tony” Rezko;
then it was Nadhmi Auchi;
then it was William Ayers and Bernadine Dohrn; the domestic terrorist
then it was Rashid Khalidi;
then it was Rev. Wright, Rev. Meeks, Rev. Otis, Father Pfleger
then “black liberation theology’ and the ten point system taught at Obama’s church: Trinity United Church of Christ,
then it was Louis Farrakhan; the “Nation of Islam” leader from Chicago
then it was the New Black Panthers;
then it was Aiham Alsammarae;
then it was Jodie Evans;
then it was Hamas;
then it was Hugo Chavez;
then it was Fidel Castro;
then it was Muammar al-Gaddafi;
then it was North Korea’s Kim Jong-Il;
then it was the Communist Party USA;
then it was ___; and then it was ___.
Please have your “fair and balanced” media coverage remind the public of Obama’s past
Barack Hussein Obama doesn’t sound “All American” to me and to my community
If the media doesn't do their job, Obama might end up being President.
That's insane!
Posted by: al from NJ | Oct 7, 2008 7:10:06 AM
A
world of sorrow and we know have a movie to compare it to. Batman begins,corrupition and a society who loves death and unfairness.obamba says he is firing back with attacks like mc cain.well the whole time he has been playing dirty and so has the mainstream media/they have covered only the so called good things about obamba and have tried to brainwash people into believing that he is sincere.OBAMA IS A LIE. EVERY THING HE HAS SAID HAS BEEN A LIE.HE HAS PLAYED ON OUR WEAKNESS AND VIPED THE MEDIA IN TO LIES.HIS RADICAL HISTORY AND HIS REAL AGENDA IS MUCH WORSE THAN BUSHES AWS .NO WAY CAN ANY DECENT HEARTED PERSON COMPARE THIS EVIL DARKNESS TO A MAN OF GOD WHO REPRESENTS LOVE AND FORGIVENESS AND TRUTH.HIS CHURCH REPRESENTED WHO HE REALY IS.AN ANTI GOD AND HATEFUL DANGEROUS INDIVIDUAL WHO HAS BRAINWASHED US BY USING LIES AND THE BUSH ADMINISTRATION TO ATTRACT US. HE HAS NO EXPIERENCE ONLY IN RADICAL HATEFULE BELIEFS
Posted by: mariann | Oct 7, 2008 6:51:36 AM
McCain leads a rally where his supporters are screaming that Obama is a "terrorist" and he says nothing.
Palin supporters scream "kill him" and she says nothing. What does that say about the kind of people they are and the kind of people who support them?
One Car.
One House.
One Spouse.
Obama 08
"Jesus was a community organizer -- Pontius Pilate was a governor". Obama/Biden - 08
Posted by: kate buckingham | Oct 7, 2008 5:57:57 AM
I never heard anything about Obama's association with Rezko or Ayers. It should have been clearly presented by the press. These things really matter to mainstream Americans who aren't caught up in personality cults.
A lot of people I know don't have any idea about Obama's associations. Given those facts, it's very clear who the lesser of 2 evils is. Obama is radical and dangerous and the greater evil.
He's going to lose votes and this election.
The American people haven't heard about this stuff. I told people, and they'd never heard about it.
It's very important for Governor Palin to keep speaking out and she will.
The MSM and Obama supporters don't get to "decide" what is important to the American people. We decide that.
This matter is key - a lot of people haven't heard about it - and it will change their vote.
As Americans, we do not want a man in the White House who has associated with a US Terrorist and repeatedly lied about it.
That's enough to consider him the greater of two evils.
For a lot of people, they vote according to the "lesser of two evils" maxim. Just prove this level evil, and it's over.
As far as Keating, people won't care. McCain was cleared and it was 20 years ago. With Ayers, he's not changed. He's still radical left Marxist and has not ever apologized or shown remorse for his actions.
He doesn't get a "pass" on being a US Terrorist. Bombing US buildings doesn't get a man a "pass". It doesn't matter. You might say that it was when Obama was 8. Well, that's an unAmerican pov, imo. An American pov is that a person who has designs to be President should never risk his future political career by associating with a man like that and allowing one's political career to be launched from his living room.
Obama is way left. So, he might think that is "OK". Others might overlook it. But I don't and most Americans will not who are undecided or swing voters.
We refuse to be told that our patriotism doesn't matter and we're "wrong" to care that Obama associated with Ayers and Ayers committed treason.
That dog don't hunt.
We're patriotic. We don't hate America like some people do... like Ayers... and those who aren't proud of America.
We're thankful for America and we're a different sort than those who want a handout. We just want jobs. We'll work for what we get.
I honestly believe that we have better hearts than anyone who would try to sweep under the carpet a US Terrorist and call him "respectable" and one's "friend". A man with designs on the White House should be more careful of the "friends" he makes and who he calls "friend"... because he will be judged. Ayers has not changed.
America will not give Obama a "free pass" on Ayer even if others will. As a whole, there are enough of us that will swing.
Why? Because we love America. And we don't condone terrorism against the US and we don't condone treason by Marxists... like Obama clearly does as well as his supporters.
Do I question your patriotism?? Absolutely.
Posted by: laura d | Oct 7, 2008 1:55:11 AM
I'm not sure why you're holding my comments as 'spam' but if it's to protect McCain, then please know that any propaganda you and the McCain campaign throw out there is not going to work this time. Period.
Posted by: Sandra S | Oct 7, 2008 1:46:20 AM
Hmmmm... those are federal prosecutors with whom Rezko is speaking. Wouldn't they be under the Bush administration as federal prosecutors?? Wonder if they'd be going after the truth about Rezko's dealings with Obama as federal prosecutors??
Hmmmmm... interesting that Rezko is singing and his sentencing has been postponed.
Gotta ask. Why would someone want a Chicago politician with so many shady associations as President??
I really see no qualifications for President in Obama.
This whole race makes no sense. Hillary Clinton should have won the Democratic nomination.
Posted by: laura d | Oct 7, 2008 1:42:21 AM
I remember when John McCain said, "I pledge again a respectful campaign. A respectful campaign based on the issues and based on the stark differences we have on the vision for the future of America." What a liar!
Posted by: sawrad | Oct 7, 2008 1:37:42 AM
The fact of the matter is that we didn't really even care that Bill Clinton was unfaithful to Hillary. That wasn't related to him doing his job.
Obama lying to the American public about a relationship with Ayers is directly related to his truthfulness in the job of President. He lied to the American people again and again and again.
Now, you may not care about that because you may be like Scientologists you're in so deep in Obama worship.
However, to normal people - it matters. We really don't want a man who would have the associations anyway in the White House. But then he lies about it again and again.
So, are you Chicago mobsters?? Just checking. You're friends of Obama... and you don't care about corruption... so it makes a girl wonder.
Posted by: laura d | Oct 7, 2008 1:13:28 AM
Laura D - I noticed you casually left out the adultery, and the marriage while still legally married to the first wife.
Apparently character isn't much of an issue to a Republican. If a person has none in his personal life, he sure as hell isn't going to have any in his public life.
Posted by: kevinbgoode | Oct 7, 2008 1:07:46 AM
Gee Laura. . .aren't we haearing all of this dirt from the same people who assured the country that George W. Bush was a man of character and such a "uniter, not a divider?"
Don't you think it's time for the rabid, whining Right to give it a rest?
Posted by: kevinbgoode | Oct 7, 2008 1:04:32 AM
Hey, big news!! Rezko's sentencing is being delayed. He's singing like a canary regarding corruption in Illinois.
October... SURPRISE!!???
There is that land deal where Rezko's wife bought a lot adjacent to Obama's at full price the same day Obama bought his mansion for $300,000 under the asking price.
Some might see that as a bribe. Some people are prosecuted for taking bribes. Let's see what Rezko says about it now that he's singing like a canary. If he wants to stay out of jail, and get a reduced sentence, let him give some testimony regarding his dealings with.. OBAMA.
I know. It would be disappointing. You all want the "change" a dirty Chicago politician who lied to the public about a relationship with a US terrorist and who had political/business dealings with a convicted criminal,etc.,etc., etc.
You want to believe he's "the One" and you want to continue to defend him.
That's why I think you'd take the mark of the beast, really, if he really was "the One".
Posted by: laura d | Oct 7, 2008 12:53:39 AM
Gee, Kevin, you're brilliant. You equate 2 people with an attraction lying about their ages... with a candidate for President lying to the American public regarding his association with a known US terrorist. Again and again and again- Obama lied about it.
You're under strong delusion. That's how it goes when people worship a mere man... and prepare to take the mark of loyalty to him.
Posted by: laura d | Oct 7, 2008 12:41:45 AM
Maybe if the Republicans could find a candidate without so much dirty laundry of his own, their attempts to pretend to be concerned about character might be newsworthy. But since the GOP knows very little about character - and the American people have witnessed that for the last eight years, it really is a bit of a waste of time for them to be crowing about it now. . .especially when they are saying the same stuff they whined about months and months ago.
Clue Number *1: I am NOT going to vote for a Republican liar simply because the ones who nominated him claim we MUST elect him to prevent some dire disaster in government.
Y'all tried that crap when you ran George W. Bush. And what did America get? A disaster.
Posted by: kevinbgoode | Oct 6, 2008 10:55:45 PM
WHO is the racist here?
IT can’t be Obama's paster, Rev. Jeremiah Wright, even though he calls Italian “garlic noses” who killed Christ or SPEWS Black Liberation Theology about the unique evils of the white race.
IT Can't be Obama, who personally signed the “Black Values System” pledge and its rejection of “middle-classness” as being to close to “whiteness.” Just because Obama spent 20 years in a racist, anti-semitic church, and gave that church more than $50,000 in the past two years, ONE OF THAT means Obama actually supports the church or its racist theology, no, no, no. COME ON PEOPLE, wake up and smell the racism!!!!!
Just sign me a "typical white person"
Posted by: sickofobamalies | Oct 6, 2008 10:39:49 PM
Oh puhleeze - the party running an adulterer and professional liar. . .with a runningmate who is an amazingly calm professional "Christian" liar....wants to talk about character and professional associations?
For godsakes - John McCain married Cindy while still legally married to his first wife. He lied about his age when he met Cindy. Cindy lied about her age when she met John. Two people who would manufacture a lie just to pursue an interpersonal relationship will certainly not hesitate to lie to the American people to gain power.
Then there is Sarah Palin, and her wingnutty association with a crazy-butt con-artist church which believes, apparently, that the Flintstones is a documentary. And her association with a treasonous, potentially "domestic terrorist" organization of secessionists.
It is sorry enough that the GOP is home to a nice cabal of more contemporary domestic terrorists. The party has been terrorizing America for the past eight years, trampling the Constitution, attempting to establish some wingnut official "religion" supported by taxpayer dollars, trying to stack the Supreme Court with wingnut ideologues, whining about every other American but themselves and when the whining doesn't work, they use their radio shows, newspaper columnists and television network to bully and shout down other citizens. Enough already.
It is time for America to take out the trash and rid the playground of these bullies. We need leaders - which means people with an ADULT temperament. Apparently the Republican Party cannot produce such a candidate.
Posted by: kevinbgoode | Oct 6, 2008 10:36:50 PM
THE ONLY REASON SARAH PALIN LEFT THE AIP TO JOIN GOP WAS TO BECOME VIABLE
PALIN THE RADICAL
Palin is a radical disguised as a GOP scoccer mom
The Alaskan Independence Party and Palin''''''''''''''''s Connection
In October 2007, AIP''''''''''''''''s vice chairman Dexter Clark was recorded on another video saying that, "Palin had been a registered member of AIP before switching to the GOP to be viable.
The founder of the AIP, Joe Vogler, who died in a plastic-explosives accident (but that''s a whole other story) is clearly a radical simply by his own words.
ABC and CBS reported that Vogler said, "I''m an Alaskan, not an American. I''ve no use for America or her damned institutions." He also said that "the fires of Hell are glaciers compared to my hate for the American government."
Posted by: smithville01 | Oct 6, 2008 10:01:25 PM
What I don't understand is this, why such a great reporter like Jake Tapper would report these lies about O'Bama and not report anything about John McCain. Everyone has a skeleton or two in their closets, and as we have seen from republicans, many of them are still in the "closet". O'Bama's link to Ayers is just something to cause a storm, he worked with him on a charity board, nothing else, and this I know from my own personal experience because I was the one of the members of that board. They were not pals, they were not people who hung out after meetings, etc. Furthermore, Sarah Palins husband was a member of the Alaskan Independence Party which wanted Alaska to secede from America. The leader of that group Joe Vogler once said, "I'm an Alaskan, not an American. I've got no use for America or her damned institutions.” As for bringing up the Rev. Wright issue again, Palin should through her crap too far from her feet. The pastor at her church in Wasilla was a witch-doctor who, while in Africa, went on witch hunts and had women thrown out of town because they were the root of the all the evil going on. As for Tony Rezko, the report that the FBI is looking in to anything relating O'Bama and Rezko is a farce, not true, at least from my sources at the FBI, Jake,where do you get this stuff?
Finally, McCain has decided, at least his staff has put the word out, that if he tries to discuss the economy he will lose the election. Absolutely correct because as we know, McCain is partly to blame for this mess to begin with, he was the head of the commission that was supposed to do oversight and it never happened because he doesn't like regulations! So, by voting McCain into the white house, you will have the markets doing whatever they want and this kind of economy crisis will continue. Furthermore, Palin would like to have more Vice Presidential powers, I think we can all agree that Cheney wrote the book on overstepping the powers of the VP, and we definately don't want some winking, joe-six-pack getting any closer to the nuke codes than necessary!
Posted by: Gary | Oct 6, 2008 9:43:03 PM
listen.We all realize how bad the economy is.this is serious.we also should be equally alert and aware what is happening around us with other nations.it is scarey to say the least. now the most scariest thing is how in the world can everyone be so blinded about who obama really is.If there was just one association with someone such as rev, wright for 23 years thats bad in itself. but there are so many associations with so many radical groups that just cannot be explained away. he is not fit to be our president and leader. and what is scariest is all the intelligent people of our country that are closing their eyes to this truth. i am really sad at what has become of us when we chose such a person for a leader. i think we will wish we did not.
Posted by: mariann | Oct 6, 2008 8:38:58 PM
The ONLY bad thing now for the USA would be McSame and Failin to get into office and continue with the dark alley what-they-don't-know won't hurt em policy that Bush and Cheney have had for the last 8 yrs.
McCain IS Bush
Palin IS Cheney... with lipstick!
God Save Us From More Republicans At The Helm!
Posted by: Ala | Oct 6, 2008 8:29:02 PM
NY Times and the lib. media is complicit in trying to put in office Obamaman, probably the most dangerous man to run for the highest office in the land. His past associations reflects his future.
If nothing else, Obamaman is Neville Chamberlain, the most left-leaning pre-WW2 British PM who created the mess that Winston Churchill and Truman had to deal with.
Finally, 93% of blacks are rooting for Obamaman. This is a level of support that even Sadam Hussein never really had. It makes me wonder whether race was the basis of their judgment. If so, this would make this election the most racist in US history and most Americans can be expected to react negatively to this in the ballot box, when all is said and done.
Posted by: Frank L | Oct 6, 2008 8:21:21 PM
How lame of Sarah Palin to tell Carl Cameron in a Fox News interview that she refused to answer Katie Couric's questions because she was "annoyed" by them. She thinks Americans are morons and will buy into that excuse for her lack of foreign policy expertise. Heaven help us, were she ever U.S. president, would she wink and refuse to answer a foreign leader's questions because they "annoy" her?
Posted by: Denise | Oct 6, 2008 5:49:03 PM
Obama and Ayers? Obama met Ayers on a charity board. Ayers is a professor at Chicago University. He was a weatherman when Obama was eight years old. Now he works on charities and community educational projects. Unlike McCain and Keating who an owner of a Saving and Loan. McCain did the dirty job of getting legislation passed that helped Keating rob people out of their life savings. The Keatings and the McCains were really close friends that went on vacation together. And then there is Phil Gramm who as Chairman of the Banking Committee in the Senate under funded the SEC so they couldn't afford to do the oversight of regulations, and Gramm was the write of the major legislation deregulating the financial industry. McCain has him as the chief adviser on his campaign. The selfish creeps McCain hangs with have contempt for the averagle American and their retirement savings. Graham even calls them "whiners". I would take Obama's "associations" over McCain's forked tongued, sociapathic buddies, anytime.
Posted by: Madeleine | Oct 6, 2008 4:58:13 PM
McCain was a punk kid who got into Annapolis because his father was an Admiral and then he graduated at the bottom of his class. He went on to be a pilot but annoyed his instructors because he didn't bother reading the manuals. He crashed his multimillion dollar tax paid jets five times. He came home to find his gorgeous wife had been disfigured and crippled in a car accident and was no longer beautiful. He cheated on her and then married a young beautiful debutante and got a high paying job for her millionaire father. McCain looking distand and profoundly saddened says this is a moral failure on his part and regrets it. Be now could meet a lot of influential rich people who gave him entree to the Republican elite in his state and ran for Congressman. He really wanted the job and did campaign for it. Then as a Senator he helped out his multimillionaire good friend Keating for whom he passed legislation which would help Keating rob people in his Savings and Loan of their life savings. Keating went to jail, a felon. McCain was reprimanded by the Senate ethics committee. McCain serious and saddened says he regrets this too and he is profoundly sorry but "he learned. learned" from it. But he pals around and received primary advice from Phil Gramm the leader of the deregulation movement who will be a framer of his economic policy. Since McCain admittedly knows little about economics - we can be sure that Republicans like Gramm will help him out and in doing so help themselves out as well.
Posted by: Madeleine | Oct 6, 2008 4:47:44 PM
I watched the Hannity special last night, there is something just really shady about Obama. I can't believe I haven't seen stuff like that on here. It's info people need to know.
Posted by: wahm5 | Oct 6, 2008 3:55:57 PM
It's a shame the McCain, Palin duo has now resorted totally to the low road. Seems to be what has become typical of ones now associating with the Republican party. If you can't win by discussing the issues, throw the mud. (aka Limbaugh, Hannity) Some will stick. Just too bad once the mud is thrown, the stench stay's behind.
Posted by: devilkev | Oct 6, 2008 3:35:20 PM
McCain/Palin do not have anything to offer to the American.They are now changing the real issues to a negative attack. PLEASE KEEP IN MIND THAT IT WON'T WORK. NOT THIS TIME , NOT THIS YEAR. Enough is enough with 8 years failed policies. NO WAY!!!!!!
Posted by: I.A.T.SMITH | Oct 6, 2008 1:37:55 PM
If you can name ONE thing Obama has ever done in his life or as a state/US senator that proves leadership, I’ll vote for him too.
Teaching us about the tire gauge and how it can save us from the dreaded oil drilling doesn’t count.
Posted by: Bogey | Oct 6, 2008 1:36:28 PM
Honesty is always the first victim when Republicans attack. Apparently, honor is the second victim. If you can't win on your own merits, I guess their philosphy is to cheat - tear down their opponent in order to lift themselves up. There is a certain type of voter who falls for that approach and actually believes the mean-spirited drama. Most voters, however, think for themselves and simply see the mark of a desperate campaign.
Posted by: DaveM | Oct 6, 2008 11:51:35 AM
Why is it negative to properly vett a candidate when the media has ignored major issues. I guess ABC news is out of touch with the communters as well. They don't know how to use Google, newspaper archives, Illinois Senate Archives, or numberous other public record sorces when it comes to Obama. However, they are hot on the trail of Palin's 17 year old daughter and her 5 month old baby. Real super slueths!
Posted by: ubu1991 | Oct 6, 2008 8:08:48 AM
Does anyone know FOR SURE that Obama is NOT a card carrying member of Al-Qaida? The weakest link in America is the Democrat party. What a pathway to take over this country! OBAMA grew up being rejected by both parents. He has no one - a perfect soldier for an Anti-American Terrorist Network.
Posted by: Obama Scares Me | Oct 6, 2008 7:29:10 AM
Dear Palin, so poor little thing, you think you can take the white house with dirty politics? I can see now that you will get dirty as much as possible, all the lies you have been telling us, you could not even name a single news paper when you were being interviewed. But you are going for VP. Are you an American? Definitely an American knows the name of at least one news paper, just the name at least. We are expecting even more, much more ugly jokes and criticisms about Obama. Because the economy has revealed who you are and what you stand for, the death of America's Promise
Posted by: PeterMikePeter | Oct 6, 2008 7:02:06 AM
Guilt by association is just stupid..are people going to buy this? I hope not.
We've already been over this during the primary. How sad and pathetic are the McCain people to resort to this.
Posted by: Paul | Oct 6, 2008 5:14:21 AM
o'sarah
gotch'u or fact
country first OR
alaska first
you & dear todd will close your eyes and writeoff AMERICA in a heartbeat to be the monarchs of alaska.
COUNTRY FIRST ?????
That wink of yours , next time you talk in the heartlands , better leave it back in alaska. we aint buying that crap
Posted by: intwtchdog | Oct 6, 2008 4:24:31 AM
October 6th, and the GOP is desperate and showing their fear. Instead of addressing issues voters are most concerned about, they are concentrating on taking cheap shots, making slanderous allegations, tossing mud left and right. The GOP still doesn't get it. It's about the economy, jobs, Wall Street, investments, retirement, housing, and more real issues. If I could shout anything into any of the candidates ears, it would be "it's the economy, stupid!"
Posted by: Lawrence | Oct 6, 2008 4:06:02 AM
Thanks to the McCain staff and bimbo Sarah, McCain involvement in the 1989 Keating 5 scandal should be the final nail for this campaign. It's the same crime only 20 years ago and like today back then millions of seniors lost their life savings. McCain's campaign staff consist of the Keating team, Enron and Fannie Mae criminals. If McCain got in office his team would continue the crimes they have been doing.
Posted by: Jackie | Oct 6, 2008 2:08:57 AM
Sarah Barracuda Palin's INTIMATE associations with Todd Palin, a former member of the Alaskan Independence Party (AIP), and her participation in AIP conventions on multiple occasions, the latest being her address to the AIP convention in 2006, make one wonder about her loyalty to the constitution and the institutions of the United States of America. After all, AIP's philosophy summed up by the words of Joe Vogler who founded AIP: "I'm an Alaskan, not an American. I've got no use for America or her damned institutions" and AIP's motto "Alaska First, Alaska Always!".
So tell us, Sarah Barracuda Palin: How do you reconcile "America First" with "Alaska First"? Does consorting with Alaskan secessionists intent on rebelling against the American constitution, the very idea of United States of America, and the institutions of US government make you and your husband Alaskan terrorists? Don't you see the contradiction between Alaskan secessionist agenda and the duties of the Vice President of the United States to uphold and protect American Constitution and the United States of America?
Posted by: Jane Sixpack | Oct 6, 2008 2:04:55 AM
There is not a comment or a blog online that can make my decision of who to vote for.
Posted by: Earl | Oct 6, 2008 1:44:35 AM
Well Cindy perhaps you can explain the 550 tons of yellow cake just removed from Iraq then. You do know what yellow cake is used for, don't you?
Posted by: chattyway | Oct 6, 2008 12:19:44 AM
The MSM failure to delve into the past of Barack Obama is not just criminal, it is treasonous. Why are Obama's years at Columbia off the table per the Obama campaign? Why are his years at Harvard the same? Why did Obama seal the release of his grades from these years? His fans are so impressed with his scolastic achievements, why the need to seal everything connected to those years? There is just too much about this man that is "off limits" to the American public, and that the MSM goes along with this whitewash is treason, plain and simple. I am a Democrat voting for McCain. He isn't perfect, and I don't agree with him on all the issues, but his life is not hidden from me, his associations are not "off limits" to any questioning, and I trust him to do no harm to the country I love. No one should be allowed to be as secretive as Obama and be a candidate for POTUS, no one.
Posted by: Grammy Barb | Oct 5, 2008 11:59:20 PM
I'm just glad the truth is finally coming out. These associations and Obama's character are the MAIN ISSUES of this campaign. He has no history or track record (other than being the most left Senator in his votes).
Since he's THE MOST LEFT Senator in the US - we don't know how far left he goes in reality.
We have to check his associations. His associations state he's so radically left he's a Marxist communist who will use violence. (He picked Ayers as a "friend".) We have nothing to state to the contrary in evidence. He had dirty dealings with Rezko... and thinks we're such "boneheads" we won't figure out he was bribed by Rezko through his home purchase.
Obama really thought he was going to get away with all this. Nope. The mask is coming off.
He's lost this election.
Posted by: laura d | Oct 5, 2008 11:55:08 PM
No body is ready to listen Palin - McCain lies.
No body is ready to vote Palin - McCain ticket.
No body is ready to have Palin - McCain government - a 3rd term of Chenney - Bush administration.
Straight lie express has Sarah Palin, a russia neighbor as an additional passenger to turn the page from economy to fear mongering.
We are worried all about our future and republicans - McCain too know very well that americans are not going to vote for him.
Truth is God and God's hand is on Obama.
Posted by: Marmayogi | Oct 5, 2008 11:45:43 PM
No body is ready to listen Palin - McCain lies.
No body is ready to vote Palin - McCain ticket.
No body is ready to have Palin - McCain government - a 3rd term of Chenney - Bush administration.
Straight lie express has Sarah Palin, a russia neighbor as an additional passenger to turn the page from economy to fear mongering.
We are worried all about our future and republicans - McCain too know very well that americans are not going to vote for him.
Truth is God and God's hand is on Obama.
Posted by: Marmayogi | Oct 5, 2008 11:45:38 PM
It's about time all this was brought out! Considering the smear campaign that the democrats and the Obama campaign have been conducting against Sarah Palin for the last six weeks, it's time for them to start fighting back! They've taken enough and they have the right to fight back! All of this needs to be brought out so that the people can see the kind of man that Obama really is! The Obama campaign started this fight! If they can't take the stones being thrown back at them they shouldn't have thrown them in the first place! This campaign season is just about to heat up and get interesting! And it just might be about to be turned upside down! I think when all of this is brought to light the polls will change considerably and the Obama campaign won't like the change at all!
Posted by: carlyonsue | Oct 5, 2008 11:35:28 PM
Perhaps the media should be looking into why Sarah Palin's INTIMATE associations with terrorists and secessionist groups are not being looked at. After all, Sarah Palin has been married to, and barring the unlikely event that her children were the result of immaculate conception, has been sleeping with her husband Todd Palin who was a member of the Alaskan Independene Party (AIP), a secessionist, rabidly anti-American group founded by Joe Vogler. Sarah Palin has courted this group and has addressed their convention despite the fact that the founder of AIP has openly professed hatred of the American Government and advocated Alaskan independence from USA.
Posted by: Jane Sixpack | Oct 5, 2008 11:29:45 PM
This is not a free country. People are being deceived and their minds are being warped to believe the media.
It makes no difference what McCain and Palin do at this point. Virtually impossible to compete with the huge media controllers (Left wing Democratic Media Maniacs) that own the airways, have continually brainwashed so many weak-minded people out there and the leftist professors in colleges have done the same,teaching the students that the Democrats are the only perfect party, while they bash the conservatives.
It would take a very rude awakening in this country before people wise up and it will probably be way too late to save them.
Posted by: Lisa | Oct 5, 2008 11:20:43 PM
The NEW YORK TIMES (Obama and ’60s Bomber: A Look Into Crossed Paths, Published: October 3, 2008) article that Sarah Palin referenced, states that:
even some conservatives who know Mr. Obama said that if he was drawn to Ayers-style radicalism, he hid it well. “I saw no evidence of a radical streak, either overt or covert, when we were together at Harvard Law School,” said Bradford A. Berenson, who worked on the Harvard Law Review with Mr. Obama and who served as associate White House counsel under President Bush. Mr. Berenson, who is backing Mr. McCain, described his fellow student as “A PRAGMATIC LIBERAL” whose moderation frustrated others at the law review whose views were much farther to the left.
Radicalism is not a trait that one can effectively hide for DECADES. Republicans are trying to distort who he is. Furthermore it would be STUPID to insinuate that Obama is a secret racist because he is half-white, and was raised by his beloved white relatives. That would be like accusing someone who is half-Jewish of being an Anti-Semite. It makes no sense!
As far as his patriotism goes…Given what happened to Medgar Evers, Martin Luther King Jr., John F. Kennedy and Robert F. Kennedy, politicians who challenged the status quo of the 1960s “Joe Six-Pack” American society, Barack Obama must love America a heck of a lot to run for the Presidency of the United States to begin with. Sarah Palin’s accusations, especially in the last days of this campaign, are criminally negligent and endanger his life even further. THE McCAIN CAMPAIGN IS PAINTING A BIG FAT TARGET ON HIS BACK! We can’t let them get away with this.
Posted by: Eve | Oct 5, 2008 11:09:15 PM
He's a war monger. Bomb Iran? War with Russia? Invade North Korea? McCain's got a beef with Spain? Dump McCain before he dumps your grandson or granddaughter into another unnecessary war.=====Posted by Steve from Danville=
======================================
I do follow that war is a mess for the young..most times soldiers are young..alot of the times its a military that weens them in with half-truths..and whats left after such administration seldom falls on a grace../..BUT..America did create the All-Volunteer Military..there are NO DRAFTS..you volunteer to offer your patriotism--in search for more....its really the only place to find more--if patriotism is your intial thought..however people in this New Millennium seem to fall short of holding on to the reality that started them--instead they fall for some--act related to false promises/..it brings out the coward in a society--to argue the point about a volunteer military.
Posted by: Mark S. M. | Oct 5, 2008 10:52:08 PM
The Flim Flam Obamaman has accused the McCain camp of trying to smear him by bringing up his questionable "friendships"!
The Republican camp is merely bringing forth the facts...they are what will "smear" the Flim Flam Obamaman...the facts mam...just the facts!
The Flim Flam Obamaman is unqualified to be President of the United States. He is a socialist in Democratic garb. He isn't fooling anybody...well he is some people who are ignorant and ill-informed of the truths. But that is all about to change...the facts and investigations are forthcoming.
Then and only then can the American public see who this man is...an enemy of the United States. His friends have always said they want to see the destruction and demise of our democratic government in favor of a socialist state. That is just a fact!
Think about it, America, why do you choose your friends? How about you have something in common, how about you share the same values and morals and how about...sometimes you even share the same friends! That says it all about the anti-American and his choice of friends.
"Birds of the feather flock together"!
My vote is going for the only all American Presidential candidate...President Elect McCain and his running mate...Vice President Elect Palin. Together they bring honor, integrity and commitment to the American people...all the people!
I will also be voting straight Republican to get rid of as many of these do nothing democrats headed by the Speaker of the failed Democratic House - Marie Antoinette - Pelosi.
A vote for a Republican this year is a vote to continue our Democratic way of life.
VOTER REVOLUTION HERE AND NOW!
FLIM FLAM: HE IS DECEITFUL, HE IS A FRAUD AND HE IS DOUBLE-DEALING AND DOUBLE-TONGUED!
Posted by: Eileen | Oct 5, 2008 10:45:59 PM
I just listened to Fox News and they a big story on Obama and his radical friends. He had told the story of him and his friends plus more than what you thought. And the money he made. He was not a community organizer for the people he was doing it for political reasons, perferably the highest office which means the presidency. What a story Fox news told. Radical friends that are just coming out now and he was a close associate of Ayers. Palin is right. What I heard tonight about Obama and friends I had never heard before. I hope that all stations play it and it becomes a video.
Posted by: Mariann Pepitone | Oct 5, 2008 10:20:01 PM
Well, it's evident the Timothy McVeigh wing of the GOP is quite active right now.
Posted by: Truth Triumphs | Oct 5, 2008 10:17:03 PM
Gene,
McCain showed that he is most comfortable in the company crooks, fascists or terrorists, socialists and white-hating preachers.
_._
Liddy broke into the office of the Democratic National Committee, propose to kidnap anti-war activists, planed the murder (never carried out) of an unfriendly newspaper columnist.
"Liddy spent more than 4 years in prison for his role in the 1972 Watergate burglary.
"Over the years, he has made at least four contributions totaling $5,000 to the senator's campaigns -- including $1,000 this year.
"Liddy was in the thick of the biggest political scandal in American history -- and one of the greatest threats to the rule of law. He has said he has no regrets about what he did, insisting that he went to jail as "a prisoner of war.
How does McCain explain his howling hypocrisy on the subject? He doesn't." (Chicago Tribune | May 4, 2008)
_._
The Keating five: "Back in 1989, McCain, along with four other Senators, was accused of improperly aiding Charles Keating, chairman of the failed Lincoln Savings and Loan Association, in efforts to hamper regulators from intruding on the industry's risky investment practices. McCain, who had received over $100,000 in campaign contributions from Keating, was ultimately rebuked for "poor judgment" but not for violating the law. He has claimed an ethical revival since then, pushing campaign finance reform as an example of a mistake learned." (Huffington Post | September 17, 2008)
Posted by: Ludmila | Oct 5, 2008 10:06:44 PM
Palin needs to worry about Troopergate and stop stealing Hillary Clintons old attack lines. Did not work then, will not work now.
Posted by: Mary | Oct 5, 2008 9:38:31 PM
Obama has shown that he is most comfortable in the company or terrorists, socialists and white-hating preachers. He spent years with these people and now they are all G O N E!
The MSM and you Obama supporters must think the worldview of his friends are OK.
Please tell me why? You can answer that can't you?
Posted by: Gene | Oct 5, 2008 9:06:03 PM