« The Campaign Goes On, Even With Crutches | Main | Clinton Courts Women in Philly »

For Obama, It's Now or Never

Share

September 05, 2007 4:24 PM

ABC News' Jonathan Greenberger Reports: Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., said Wednesday that this may be his last chance at running for president.

Asked if his '08 bid was just a strategic move to position himself for a run in 2012, Obama said he didn't think his wife would allow him to run again if it doesn't work out this time.

"Well, I'm not sure- I don't think my wife's going to let me do this twice. So let me be clear about that," Obama said while campaigning in Iowa.

Obama also sought to answer charges from his Democratic rivals that he is too inexperienced to be president, by pointing to his experience in the Illinois state legislature.

"I've been in elected office longer than John Edwards or Hillary Clinton," said Obama. "I've passed more bills I'm sure than either of them --certainly in the state legislative level."

Obama served eight years in the Illinois state Senate before his 2004 election to the United States Senate. Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y., is in her second term as a United States senator, following eight years she spent in the White House married to former President Bill Clinton. When Sen. John Edwards, D-N.C., left the Senate following his 2004 vice presidential run, he had only served one six-year term.

Obama also took aim at Clinton's work on health care, arguing that the "closed" nature of the task force she led undermined the chances for reform.

"What the president can do," said Obama, "is shine the spotlight on the process and mobilize the American people to keep the pressure on.  And that's something that didn't happen.  And in some ways, in '93 that didn't happen because it was a closed process.   And not everybody understood what was taking place, so when the insurance companies and the drug companies starting airing those Harry and Louise ads, you know, nobody really knew what was what.  And that's why the American people have to be involved."

Obama's remarks come on the heels of a new ad, "Change," which seeks to position him as the anti-Washington and anti-lobbyist candidate.

September 5, 2007 in Vote 2008: Democrats | Permalink | User Comments (161)

TrackBack

TrackBack URL for this entry:
http://www.typepad.com/t/trackback/433071/21369431

Listed below are links to weblogs that reference For Obama, It's Now or Never:

User Comments

HILLARY CLINTON WASNT ELECTED WHEN HER HUSBAND WAS PRESIDENT-- JESUS H. CHRIST!!! YOU PEOPLE ARE AMAZING. HILLARY AS FIRST LADY IS NOT ELECTIVE EXPERIENCE TO BE PRESIDENT.

Posted by: Betty | Sep 5, 2007 7:09:51 PM

I'm glad he's finally playing up his experience! Hillary's experience is way overblown, in my opinion.

Posted by: Luna | Sep 5, 2007 7:15:43 PM

They never said her time in the White House was as an elected officer!

Posted by: Jolin | Sep 5, 2007 7:17:39 PM

"I've been in elected office longer than John Edwards or Hillary Clinton," said Obama. "I've passed more bills I'm sure than either of them --certainly in the state legislative level."

Posted by: Cuda B | Sep 5, 2007 7:21:35 PM

well neither one them is qualified either.

no senator has the experience to be president.

senator mccain, are you listening too?

Posted by: deroy | Sep 5, 2007 7:21:41 PM

Who cares, all three of them are a bunch of idiots. Just a bunch of socialist disquised at liberals...or is it liberals disquised as socialists? Maybe its too hard to decipher anyway.

Posted by: Mark | Sep 5, 2007 7:24:33 PM

Uhhhm, that's why he's part of the problem, not part of the SOLUTION. Edwards got out at just the right time, we dont need anymore politicians for life......

Posted by: JMac | Sep 5, 2007 7:24:59 PM

So Obama has passed a lot of bills...Is that what makes a successful politician. Pehaps in the political arena. Do we need lots of bills? We have so much legislation on record now that we can't pay for it nor enforce it. Maybe we need someone who just wants to take care of what has already been mandated.

Posted by: Jim O | Sep 5, 2007 7:31:13 PM

I thought Obama was running on the fact that he was an outsider. Now he's campaigning that he has been on the inside longer than Edwards or Clinton? Pick a strategy already! And oh, your years in the U.S. Senate don't count. You have to show-up to work for it count. And where have you been? Selling books, traveling to Africa and running for President.

Posted by: John Doen | Sep 5, 2007 7:33:17 PM

It's about time that people see that Obama is more qualified AND experienced than either Clinton or Edwards.

You can bet that Clinton won't brag about all the experience she had at the White House knowing her husband was cheating on her.

As for Edwards, his experience as Senator allowed him time to vote for the China Most Favored Nation bill, giving China a green light to take away our steel industry. And you wonder why the Steelworkers endorsed him today. Maybe they can't afford computers to type "Edwards China Trade" in Google and see that their boy is a turncoat.

Posted by: Jim Mell | Sep 5, 2007 7:38:35 PM

They are all worried about how we are viewed by other countries. Hell, since when does a LEADER sit around and worry about what other countries think? Obama et al are all a bunch of narcissistic, self-absorbed panderers. For instance, if they are so willing to appease a group of people that are here illegally, over the interests of law-abiding Citizens, then we are all being sold down the river. Obama would only serve to hasten the sale.

Posted by: Scott | Sep 5, 2007 7:44:15 PM

Most don't remember that if Peter Fitzgerald had sought a second term Obama would still be in the Illinois senate. Thanks or blame go to the Illinois Repulblican organisation .

Posted by: jack f | Sep 5, 2007 7:46:59 PM

Want to know why the U.S. is messed up?

Look at the responses of most of the people posting here. I am surprised some of you can afford a computer.

These politicians are mirror images of the people that elect them. Most of you will be ok because most of you don't bother to vote. You just sit and spout unfounded nonsense on news sites.

Posted by: Lee Yarbrough | Sep 5, 2007 7:53:12 PM

I'd like to see what the alleged bills are all about. Maybe they're like the composite fantasies in his books where he takes credit for other people's achievements. Obama is neither experienced nor prepared to be president. It takes more than a lot of nice sounding words to lead a country. With the mess that we're in we need a president with the ability to smash through the Gordian Knot not just try to talk it into uncoiling. Sometimes the best man for the job is a woman, and her name is Hillary.

Posted by: Juan Perez | Sep 5, 2007 7:56:20 PM

The primary system was intended to "reform" the way political parties chose their candidates. Now look what we've got going today. What a mess. Before primaries decided the issue conclusively, those smoke filled rooms had seen to the nomination of Abraham Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt (as VP first and then as President), Franklin Roosevelt, Harry Truman (as VP first and then as President), and Ike Eisenhower. In the last 50 years how many reform period candidates stack up well against that list?

Posted by: Knute Rockne III | Sep 5, 2007 8:07:57 PM

Juan...they are primarliy ethics reform something Senator Clinton knows nothing about.

Just ask HSU...if you can find him again. Maybe the Clinton's got him out of the country before he could talk

Posted by: Tom | Sep 5, 2007 8:17:27 PM

Obama is the best prpared not for lobby ,not for PAC money, Clinton and Bush can not rule the country for 32 years ,SHAME on You USA //////////////// 4000 dead, 3000 wounded shame on you Clinton and Edwards.

Posted by: Bertrand | Sep 5, 2007 8:26:20 PM

4000 young men and women, 3000 wounded, washington experience ,washington wisdom Shame on you , 32 years corruption from Clinton and Bush families......Where is the democratie???????????where is other people???????Poor people no chance for them . Where is america's dream??????? Shame on you , Shame on you. How to show example to the rest of the world. Bush told Liberia president to step down .How aboout his father, himselfs, Clintons?????? I am so sorry about you liars......

Posted by: Bertrand | Sep 5, 2007 8:33:09 PM

America is big liar country, 32 years torture, 32 years dictatorship,Hilary,Bill Clinton, Bush father and Bush W. America can you see yourself????? Hilary again ???? for how long???? we are tired to see them from young till old couple. America where are we going with our democratie?? Tomorrow CHELSEA will come too?????? Are we dreaming?????Are we dreaming????? Do you understand that AMERICA ??????????

Posted by: Bertrand | Sep 5, 2007 8:41:21 PM

I AM HAPPY TO SEE PEOPLE ARE REALIZING THAT HILLARY DOESN'T HAVE ANY EXPERIENCE EXCEPT FOR BEING BILLS WIFE AND BEING A JUNIOR SENATOR !! WAKE UP EVERYONE !!!!

Posted by: carole | Sep 5, 2007 8:43:53 PM

Obama is right. He gives Edwards far too much credit though! Edwards only has about 3 years experience as a senator. He abandoned us here in NC after 3 years when his ego took off, an he began chasing the presidency like it was an ambulance!

Posted by: NC for Me | Sep 5, 2007 8:44:56 PM

Stop Hilary , vote against Hilary is to give a chance to our children and grant-children. Somebody els but not Hilary is to open American's dream to all the citizen.....

Posted by: Bertrand | Sep 5, 2007 8:45:01 PM

Um, Abraham Lincoln didn't have much experience either people...either did George Washington!! check the historical record, which shows that vast prior experience is no guarantee of a successful presidency and limited previous experience does not portend failure.

Posted by: ted | Sep 5, 2007 8:52:20 PM

Hillary is not more experienced than Barak Obama. The media is trying to fool people into thinking Hillary is more experienced than Barak. Quite frankly, Barak is more experience on the legislative side when it comes to passing legislation. Also, even though Hillary served as first lady for eight years this was more of a ceremonial role that she served based upon her husband being elected President. Hillary is not more experienced on foreign affairs that Barak. I believe that their experience in this area is relatively the same.

Hillary needs to allow the media to have access to her records as a first lady to determine what experience she gained in this particular role and provide the public with what if any information they uncover. It is amazing to me that the media has not critically examined Hillary's papers when she served as the First lady. It is my understanding that her campaign does not want to allow the press to have access to these records until after the election is over. The media needs to be given access to these records and the public has the right to know what is contained in these records.

Posted by: Robert | Sep 5, 2007 8:52:29 PM

That does not mean Hillary or Obama will be a good president either though, but that 'experience' cannot necssarily determine either. Personally I pray that Ron Paul will be president

Posted by: ted | Sep 5, 2007 8:53:36 PM

Agreed, Bertrand. The Hillary campaign needs to be smacked down and Obama is my man in '08!

Posted by: Luna | Sep 5, 2007 8:54:26 PM

Bill got a chance but he didn't do anything for Black people,only eat and play music with them, now he need a chance again to correct it. Noway for Hilary , life is like you are write a book, impossible to correct it. Sorry Mrs President we don't need you again...You wife isn't the problem. The problem is 32 years you and Bush is too much for americans people. Do you understand that Mrs President Bill Clinton ??????? You are a liar and you can not change , even , we don't need you service anymore.

Posted by: Bertrand | Sep 5, 2007 8:55:28 PM

Why because Obama will keep funding regimes in Africa? We need smaller government, and a sound fiscal policy. Check out Ron Paul!!

Posted by: ted | Sep 5, 2007 8:56:17 PM

Big deal. All that means is that he's had less real-life experience than the others and he is even less qualified to lead this nation. Let's face it, if he wasn't black he would be laughed off the ballot. That's not a slap against him, it shows the cowardice of the mainstream media.

Posted by: ETF | Sep 5, 2007 8:56:41 PM

First of all, America is not a democracy at all... it's a republic. It's up to the voters to decide who shall be elected to office to make policy, and of course all of that should represent what the people themselves want, but alas, we are a long way from that reality. Candidates are bought & sold with such ease and nonchalance.

I vote every election, and I plan to do so again. To not vote would be to disgrace and belittle all those who have fought for my right to do so. But I refuse to vote for a proclaimed socialist like Hillary Clinton. According to her, she'd like to take any profits made by my business, or anyone else's, and delegate where it goes. Um, sorry honey - at this juncture, you don't have the right to touch my profits.

Posted by: Disdain Lady | Sep 5, 2007 8:57:17 PM

Ron Paul is the only candidate with a consistent view that is documented, he is a strict Constitutionalist, how many other candidates can say that without flip flopping all over the place? Romney, McCain, Obama, Clinton, they are all the SAME, they talk about change but what will they really bring? Ron Paul has a proven record that will stand the test of time and demonstrates his commitment to the values of our founding fathers.

Posted by: ted | Sep 5, 2007 8:59:43 PM

I'd vote for GWB if he COULD run again. GWB is AWESOME!

Posted by: No Doubt | Sep 5, 2007 9:05:43 PM

RIght.. Obama has been a Senator for just a short time. He's been campaigning.. not working. What Experience?

Posted by: Edgar BEavue | Sep 5, 2007 9:06:39 PM

Hilary has a nostalgia , sleeping in same house , noway Ms president we can not allow again. Now is our time , now is our time , time to punish whashington wisdom .No vote for them because of our 4000 young men died, impossible to bring them back again, 3000 wounded. Hilary will drink champagne in White House at the same time families are crying their children. America Shame on you/////shame on you people who will vote for them.They voted for the war and no judgment , no punishment sorry for all americans,,it is nothing t6o be ashame than be american in this situation. America is not difference with africa dictatorship . I am sorry about that but it is true...........really true 32 years same families unbelievable...

Posted by: Bertrand | Sep 5, 2007 9:10:31 PM

Obama strikes me as an empty suit; sound and pretend fury signifying nothing. And he's still the best candidate the Democrats have running. What a sorry state of affairs.

Posted by: PeakListing | Sep 5, 2007 9:21:44 PM

Obi-Wan seems like a very nice man maybe a little too nice. He seems to be willing to placate people for world opinion at the risk of the US. Clinton 2.0 forgets that sleeping with the boss did not mean she was the boss. The reality is that she was never elected to anything until after Clinton 1.0 was out of the Big House.

To Lee Yarborough: Your condescending attitude about people not being able to afford computers is based on such out dated arrogance it is amazing. Some of us are out here with our $500 laptop computers with more horse power than the arrogant idiots that pay $3,000 and don’t know how to use them. The rest of us make our living with them, including affording a 3 bedroom townhouse on the ocean in Miami Beach, some call it South Beach. Intelligence is no reflection on earning power; it is really based on luck and work, more on luck. By discounting a person’s intelligence based on what they make is really dumb.

Posted by: Jeff In Miami | Sep 5, 2007 9:22:59 PM

Clinton is saying that Mandela is his friend. The question is why Clinton is bringing help in Africa ? Black americans need help too. Why not help them ? Africa doesn't need your help, if they are poor let them solve their own problems...Don't be Jesus , it is a wrong place for you. Don't show up for nothing, it is media movie . Clinton go to New Orlans and help , go to Harlem and help, go to chicago and bring your help not Africa you are a big liar...sorry

Posted by: Bertrand | Sep 5, 2007 9:22:59 PM

Having been in office is no measure of your character or qualifications. Ted Kennedy and Barney Frank are just two examples. Extreme left-wing antics notwithstanding, I see no moderation of tone nor any leadership qualities. Obama is like a marionette. God only knows who is pulling the strings. Just listen to his speak extemporaneously. He's usually floundering for the right words to speak which is why he's uttered some pretty remarkable blunders.

Posted by: Schratboy | Sep 5, 2007 9:29:04 PM

Obama 2008! He has the best initiative to bring this country out of the hell we have been through, and he has the most credence as a moral family man! He can do so much for our country, and Hilary will never make it- So the Romney-Giuliani ticket will win and America will continue to go down the drain.

Posted by: Ms. Smith | Sep 5, 2007 9:30:23 PM

Barack Obama will lead this country back to the place of respect that we once enjoyed among the other nations of this world. Get ready to witness some real change. It is about time.

Posted by: eSPO | Sep 5, 2007 9:32:11 PM

I don't like hillary or her husband. Everytime the two of them appear on TV I turn it off. Why would the American people be so stupid and put that womanizer back in the White House. Some black folk are real stupid to vote for her. She will do nothing for them. She is nothing more than an empty wagon, making a lot of noise. I dislike hillary so that if she should win the primary I will not vote. She is a liar as well as her husband. I am still trying to figure out what change she will bring about. Oh, making she is speaking of changing the Oval Office so she can keep an eye on bill.

Posted by: desiree | Sep 5, 2007 9:34:35 PM

I would rather George W. Bush not leave office then elect anybody running on the Democratic ticket.

Posted by: Frank | Sep 5, 2007 9:38:35 PM

The NY Giants will beat everyone this year, and take home the Super Bowl trophy, you'll see! The rest of you jokers don't stand a chance this season!

Oh wait. Wrong forum. This is suppossed to be a forum of educated political debate...

Sometimes it's just hard to tell the difference.

Posted by: myteam vs yourteam | Sep 5, 2007 9:39:55 PM

After Katrina, I think Obama as a 1/2 African-American could bring a lot of racial healing to our states of america. Nothing personal against Hilary, except the fact that she is a wimp for not dumping Bill on his fat bum! Oh yeah, she wouldn't be anywhere without him. At least Hil has Bill, but who do we have? Even Oprah Winfrey who cherishes both her blackness and her womanness recognizes the good that a man like Barack Obama could do for the US.

Posted by: failin at bloggin | Sep 5, 2007 9:42:33 PM

Health care is it new idea from GOD? Bill Clinton didn't know americans need health care for all oh them ????? America is not a kingdom , 32 years BUSH and CLINTON shame on you americans, shame on you americans. Where is the leadership? Where is democracy . How to talk to others? Nobody stand up to stop them. America is democracy from the book. Big universities for zero democracy,big knowledge for zero human rights , strong economy for 4 000 000 children no food, no medicine. Shame on you Clinton, why helping Africa because of your lobby to provide medicine and making money we are not stupid. You don't like Africa , you need honor and serve you interest . 8 years in White House with Hilary why not health care for all americans ????????? Is it new idea from GOD ???????????????????????

Posted by: Bertrand | Sep 5, 2007 9:43:23 PM

Is Obama a man or a mouse?

"Well, I'm not sure- I don't think my wife's going to let me do this twice. So let me be clear about that," Obama said while campaigning in Iowa.

Posted by: Timmy | Sep 5, 2007 9:53:25 PM

The experience Hillary has is how to prevaricate, lie, and figure out ways to screw the opposition. Show me an accomplishment she's had since becoming a senator, or while she was in office!

Posted by: Bertie Russell | Sep 5, 2007 9:54:12 PM

Wow that's scary. Just what we need a president who brags about how many laws he's passed.

I came across this site covering 2008 and they do a pretty good job. Its a little Drudge like, but it works.

Take a look: mittreport.com

Posted by: Not4 Obama | Sep 5, 2007 9:58:05 PM

Obama will see if his wife will let him run again? So this guy wants to be President of the most powerful nation on the planet, but he has to check with the wife. Come on, this guy is an empty suit for sure.

Less than 50% of us ever vote and looking at all the numbskulls we have running now, there is no wonder the turn-out is so low. Both parties are offering the people nothing. I think we need some straight talking straight shooters, I vote Dobbs Doyle 08.

Posted by: Bobbo | Sep 5, 2007 10:02:28 PM

Edwards served "only" one 6-year term. Am I wrong in saying that Hillary has "only" served one 6-year term plus 10 months or so?

I agree with the poster who said being First Lady doesn't count. People just aren't buying that, especially since they've become disallusioned by events of the 1990s. They know that al Queda gathered in the late 1990s undetected.

Posted by: Jennifer | Sep 5, 2007 10:08:40 PM

Abe Lincoln was a one term Congressman,
Napolean was a junior officer when
he conquered France.
God save us from experience. That is wrong with America in 2007.What experience
did the workers on the Hoover Dam have on
dams, zero.

Posted by: Gary Neustrom | Sep 5, 2007 10:12:19 PM

Uhmm.. gee well,

Just a simple observation here but by threatening to preemptively strike another sovereign nation (Pakistan) who is also one of our allies does not show any experience to me.

NO MORE WAR!!!

Posted by: Dan Franklin | Sep 5, 2007 10:26:41 PM

Yes, we all talk about experience in terms of years. But what did any of these candidates DO in their "years of experience?" Don't look at the number of bills that Barack co-wrote and helped pass, look at what the bills were, and then go look at Hillary's silly bills in comparison.
Also, can we talk, GOOD JUDGEMENT and no-nonsense thinking, and working for the people instead of personal gain (the Whitewater scandal is deplorable, and shows what Hillary's all about.)

And why do you think she didn't kick his fat bum out with the Lewinsky scandal??? Bill was her ticket to the Senate, and (in her own mind) the White House. This woman is power hungry. I would love to see a woman president, but NOT THIS ONE!
Barack Obama, '08!

Posted by: Kelly Hackleman | Sep 5, 2007 10:34:18 PM

America will never have a regular president as long as the lobbyist, mega wealthy contributors put these people into office. We need campaign reform. No individual or corporation should be able to dictate whom we get to choice between. I find most of the canidates, from both parties, to be a joke. They try to pacify everybody with the smoke and mirror acts. They have paid speech writers and mouthpieces to tell them and say for them the things that the think tanks tell them the people want to hear. WAKE UP AMERICA!! We allow felony criminals to collect pensions for serving in Congress. We allow our representives to pass laws that override the constitution. We allow the super rich to dictate what and how our country will be run. We jail more people then anywhere else in the world. Educate yourself. Do not be a pawn to the system. Vote third party for no other reason then to send a message. And most of all, lets not forget the other countries on this Earth should not fear America, but desire to be free. Just like we used to be.

Posted by: Don | Sep 5, 2007 10:48:18 PM

Passing Bills should not be a badge of honor. I would be willing to pay more taxes to get our elected officials to go home and shut up. Every law they pass is another loss of freedom. Basically we now have a government of the lawyers, by the lawyers and for the lawyers. To top it off, most of them are what I call Comfortable Commies, that is rich elite lawyers who pass laws to redistribute eveyones wealth but their own.

Posted by: Richard Z | Sep 5, 2007 10:48:55 PM

Obama is a product of the corrupt Dem political machine of Chicago. He showed no leadership and did what his boss Ritchie Daley told him to do.

If Obama was truly a 'reformer' as he now brags, he would've fought the corruption in Springfield and not helped facilitate it. He only got the Senate seat because the media started digging into the divorce and child custody records of his primary and general election opponents. The Illinois GOP compounded the problem by bringing in Alan Keyes, instead of choosing the primary runner up, or even a true Illinois resident.

Hillary can't recall what happened during Bill's terms, excpet that it was all just peachy. She can't recall the shady people that got hired for her and Bill's staffs. She can't recall how the Rose Law firm records got into their private residence. She can't recall one position she takes from the next.

Edwards has somehow has fooled enough people to think he is one of them, when he has constantly shown himself to be a complete hypocrite.

The Dems are a pitiful bunch...One political hack, one amnesiac, and one total phoney.

Posted by: hermie | Sep 5, 2007 10:51:38 PM

Well, I would HOPE this would be the last time he runs for President, as bad a job as he's doing of it - he's been in desperation mode for weeks and weeks now - hardly a quality that is appealing in a candidate.

Posted by: Missourimule | Sep 5, 2007 11:00:28 PM

The most astute comment noted that few senators possess the necessary qualifications or experience to serve as president. We tend to elect governors -- men (or women) who have experience as chief executive of something similar to the national government and its structure.

Posted by: None | Sep 5, 2007 11:13:44 PM

Does it matter if it's Hillary or Obama? Either way my taxes go up, our nations' enemies rejoice in our supine foreign policy and any Mexicans who haven't illegally entered the USA will be free to do so, knowing they will not face prosecution or lack of access to welfare benefits.

Posted by: Jim Silberman | Sep 5, 2007 11:15:05 PM

I'm married to a doctor and I spend a lot of time around the hospital as a result. I like to think that makes me qualified to do open-heart surgery; any willing patients, drop me a line!

Posted by: synaesthesia | Sep 5, 2007 11:58:38 PM

The reaon you know Hillary Clinton = Bill Clinton.
The Reason you know about George W. Bush = George H.W. Bush
The reason you know about Barack Obama = Barack Obama!

Posted by: Mark Morris | Sep 6, 2007 12:12:54 AM

As a Democrat, the more I see on my side of the fence, the more I like McCain. Other than being old and Republican, what's wrong with him? He has a lifetime of experience. He seems like he's not putting on an act. He seems honest, and on many issues, he seems moderate. I wonder how he'd do as a Democrat ...

Posted by: mystified | Sep 6, 2007 12:28:38 AM

Senator Obama needs to run on the following basis:

1. He knows the Constitution (first black editor of Harvard Law Review, lecturer at U of Chicago Law School, civil rights attorney

2. He knows real people's problems (community organizer, state legislator, challenging upbringing)

3. He knows the world (lived overseas, multiethnic heritage)

4. He knows how to communicate, unite, and reform (best-selling author, U.S. senator, community organizer)

Posted by: Jonathan Skolnick | Sep 6, 2007 12:29:33 AM

I'd say then, it's "never."

Posted by: arouet | Sep 6, 2007 12:51:46 AM

Call me Shirley, but looking at the current crop of clowns running for office, regardless of D or R I'd have to say we are all totaly screwed. C'mon kiddies, put down the koolaid and the remote control, what passes for 'leadership' in this country is nothing more than slick marketing side show action. It would be hilarious if it wasn't for this pending fiscal suicide, a global enemy who waits and watches the circus and a growing number of people who can hardly read and write. Hope the motherships show up soon!

Posted by: Mauricio | Sep 6, 2007 1:01:21 AM

It's pretty telling when the politician thinks the number of bills he's PASSED is the most important metric.

As far as I'm concerned Congress is there to CONSIDER legislation, and that includes NOT PASSING bad laws, and laws that spend more and more money adding to debt the U.S. cannot afford.

"Passing the most laws" means the politician isn't doing any critical thinking nor acting responsibly.

Posted by: darkestknight | Sep 6, 2007 1:01:52 AM

Isn't that kind of like honor among thieves?

Posted by: don | Sep 6, 2007 1:54:14 AM

Bush has proven you can have little or no experience to be president. Just rich parents and voter fraud.

Posted by: eric | Sep 6, 2007 2:30:48 AM

I posted this on NYT a few days ago and it bears mentioning again.

For those HRC fans who claim that they "cannot understand" why people have such an aversion to voting for her, I urge you to talk personally to other Democrats and Independents who share these sentiments and see where you might agree.

It's not surprising that 99% of Republicans will be wearing (by next fall) Teflon brain armor preventing them from ever considering a vote for HRC. The right wing mind control machine will make sure of that. And it's vitally important that HRC supporters not be in denial about this basic law of 2008 political physics.

But what should be most alarming to HRC fans is the high level of resistance to Hillary from within the Democratic ranks. There is a deep and visceral anti-Hillary sentiment and only a portion of it can be eroded by the hard core sales pitch that would accompany. There's a very real risk that nominee Clinton's prospects in the general election will be thwarted not by the Republican attack machine, but by the legions of sincere, well-intentioned, and high-integrity democrats who simply refuse to "fall in line" behind a candidate that does not truly represent their interests.

The Democrats of whom I speak held their noses and voted for John Kerry in 2004, because the alternative was thought to be even worse. And they were absolutely right about that. It has been.

But the Democratic nominee won't be running against an insane end-times fascist in 2008. In fact it's quite likely that the Republican nominee will hold policy positions and display personality quirks that, in the full analysis, are not significantly dissimilar to those already espoused by HRC in this campaign. Unlike 2004, the choice will not be made so clear to these Democrats.

So if pulling either the Red or Blue lever yields the same result, many Democrats who are holding their nose and claiming to pollsters to support Hillary as the nominee will ultimately just skip the presidential portion of the ballot, or write in some protest vote name like "Al Gore," or "Michael Bloomberg," or "Ralph Nader."

Hillary simply cannot win the general election. It's a fact as plain as the earth is round. And even if this wasn't a fact, it's most certainly a fact that Hillary cannot govern the country. The Washington impasse that has given us the most constipated Congress in modern history would only deepen under a Hillary Clinton presidency.

Once we all accept these fundamental truths, we can get on with the business of choosing a nominee with better than a snowball's chance in Hell of winning the election and leading the country.

Posted by: Thomas M | Sep 6, 2007 2:43:43 AM

Where are 4000 young soldiers ? 3000 wounded ? Hilary wisdom and experience.....Shame on you Hilary supporters maybe your relative was not in IRAQ.How can we give Clinton chance again? Health care is not new idea.Bill Clinton was there , what happen ? Drinking and singing with Black people is it enough to be called Black President ? Now we are seeing clear. Hilary can recall what happen in Bill Clinton time because Clinton knows that he didn't do anything real. Health care is real, education still expensive that is real. We don't need them again 32 years ,more than 12 000 death Bush father and son, Clinton KOSOVO, we are tired to see them....No vote for Hilary somebody els,no vote for Hilary something new republican or democrat .She is 60 years old , stop Hilary is to stop Chelsea in White House.We don't need Chelsea rule USA tomorrow because of his father. For Hilary because of my husband. How about all the rest???????

Posted by: Bertrand | Sep 6, 2007 4:20:56 AM

Regarding Hillary, I know of plenty of people who have said they'll hold their nose and pull the lever but really won't like having to do that. Of course, Oprah is openly supporting Obama and that's probably going to have a large influence over the next several months...

Posted by: Luna | Sep 6, 2007 4:22:20 AM

Be proud for you husband record doesn't mean anything Hilary Clinton. Health care is one of the most important thing you can do for americans .low school fees is the most important thing you can do for americans but Clinton didn't Why ? He was busy , girlfriends up and down result scandal everywhere...

Posted by: Bertrand | Sep 6, 2007 4:31:23 AM

SLAVERY STILL IN USA .Hilary in White House means CRAIG-CLINTON lite , we don't want it again. No scandal again. Same families for 32 years, 300 000 000 citizens shame on you USA. Shame on you USA Bush-Clinton for 32 years shame on you USA.Because of my husband 's record Hilary, because of my father and brother, another Bush will come, because of my father Chelsea will come again, because of my husband Bush's wife will come again. Shame on you USA. Slavery still in USA , shame on you....

Posted by: Bertrand | Sep 6, 2007 4:43:13 AM

FRed08 - That's the ticket!

Posted by: Westerberg | Sep 6, 2007 4:43:50 AM

Katrina need help. Why Clinton is going to Africa ? He wants CNN,CBS,FOX,NBC,ABC etc.focus on him and show up. Blacks need help in USA. Help your own people if you wanna help. How much Clintons spent for Katrina ? Zero $ , but they want our votes rule again. 32 years same people in White House . America , shame on you,you you you you........America shame on you,you, you you.We don't want that, we are tired, we are deeply tired. I am deeply tired...

Posted by: Bertrand | Sep 6, 2007 4:56:11 AM

Stop Hilary ,is to say ,no to 32 years Clinton- Bush families in White House. No vote for Hilary is to punish war voting.Be against Hilary is punish Bill Clinton for his comedy .What is real???? Real for americans is Health care for all, low education for all.That is real....Clinton was there, Clinton was there... Clinton didn't.....He is a BIG LIAR, Hialry is a big LIAR, They knew all those things but no desire, no will, no feeling just go to Africa showing up.Now is our time to punish them , now is our time to punish them.No vote for Hilary is the only punishment .

Posted by: Bertrand | Sep 6, 2007 5:09:37 AM

John Edwards is Hypocrite , before the last debate Hilary and him had shown it. The MIC was open and every body had listen to them. He just want the power,he doesn't sorry for Black people.Katrina is nothing for him. Poof he is using lobbyist money to fund his charity why not his own money. Why John Edwards can not use his own money to fund charity???????????? JOHN EDWARDS IS A BIG LIAR.

Posted by: Bertrand | Sep 6, 2007 5:19:59 AM

I can't believe that Obama would basically make a fool out of himself like that. I don't know who is giving him campaign advice, but it's poor advice.

There is NO COMPARISON between decisions made at a State vs a Federal Level. A state legislature doesn't have to make decisions about wars, and funding in the billions of dollars, or laws that will affect over 250 million people.

Obama has had a nice little political career, but even if he was white or a Republican, he is TOO IN EXPERIENCED to take on an office as important as the Presidency.

Posted by: Mary | Sep 6, 2007 5:21:50 AM

That is not important we need people REAL VALUE and OBAMA has the best. Hilary has blood on her hands . 32 years Clinton and Bush in White House . It is SLAVERY isn't? Obama or not somebody els , no Clinton-Bush lite. Edwards is Big Hypocrite

Posted by: Bertrand | Sep 6, 2007 5:38:05 AM

Mary we don't want 32 years same families in power do you understand that?????

Posted by: Bertrand | Sep 6, 2007 5:39:54 AM

Bush-Clinton-Bush-Clinton = Change

Posted by: Jed | Sep 6, 2007 5:54:17 AM

You people at ABC continue to distort the truth to benefit Hillary. Her 8 years married to Bill is not an "elected office"!!! That is what Obama is debating. Her years as First Lady may be helpful experience but they do not count as being in an elected office!! You people at ABC just make me sick with your profound bias.

Posted by: zbob | Sep 6, 2007 6:47:47 AM

This WIMP needs permission from his wife to run for President of the United States? He'd be a great leader, "Dear the terrorists are attacking New York city what should we do honey?"

Posted by: Pete | Sep 6, 2007 6:48:16 AM

where is george patton right now???? oh yeah....he's dead/.....but he sure new how to motivate this country and cut thru the BS....stop the tiddlie winks and get serious.....whoever gets in needs to be really tough and fast too