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Obama Defends Driver's Licenses for Illegals in Interview with ABC News
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ShareFebruary 02, 2008 1:57 PM
ABC News' Teddy Davis Reports: Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., told ABC's David Muir Saturday that his support for driver's licenses for illegal immigrants will not block his path to the White House because he and G.O.P. frontrunner John McCain share substantial overlap on immigration.
"I think they will pounce on any issue that has to do with immigration," said Obama, referring to Republicans, "but my position has been very similar to John McCain's, who's may be the likely Republican nominee, and if he wants to try to parse out this one issue of driver's licenses, an issue of public safety, my response is that we have to solve the overall problem and this driver's license issue is a distraction."
McCain does not support driver's licenses for illegal immigrants but he shares Obama's support for giving illegal immigrants a path to citizenship without requiring them to leave the United States.
Obama defended his stance on driver's licenses for illegal immigrants on the same day that La Opinion, the nation's largest Spanish language newspaper, cited his support for licenses -- and Sen. Hillary Clinton's, D-N.Y., opposition -- in its endorsement of Obama.
"We were disappointed with her calculated opposition to driver's licenses for the undocumented, which contrasts markedly from the forceful argument in support made by Obama," wrote La Opinion's editorial board. "We understand that this is an extremely controversial issue but we believe there is only one right position and it is that of the senator from Illinois."
While Obama's position on driver's licenses for illegal immigrants helped him win the endorsement of La Opinion, Republican Party officials believe that it could become a lightening rod in the general election.
"With positions like this, it's easy to understand how Obama is labeled as 'most liberal' Senator," said Republican National Committee spokesman Alex Conant, referring to a study of 2007 votes by National Journal magazine. "It's a position that may appeal to the left-wing, but the vast majority of Americans reject. There's no question it may help in some primaries, but it'll hurt him in the general. To the degree that immigration will be an issue this fall -- and it will be -- so will Obama's unpopular stance on drivers' licenses."
Asked about the Republican criticism which is already being directed at him, Obama said, "Well, I'm sure that the Republicans will try to make immigration an issue because they've been talking about it in political terms instead of trying to solve the problem. But I've been very clear working with John McCain and Ted Kennedy and others that we have to have a comprehensive reform package and if we are doing what we need to do to control the borders, if we are doing what we need to do in cracking down on employers who are hiring undocumented workers and undermining U.S. workers then we shouldn't have a problem with driver's licenses because we will have legal workers here in this country as opposed to illegal ones."
"So, I'm interested," he continued, "in solving the problem, not perpetuating the sort of political football we've been seeing out here."
During his interview with ABC News, Obama also brushed off the suggestion that his recent endorsement from MoveOn.org, the liberal anti-war organization, could undermine his centrist image.
"Well, David, I'm hearing this theme of Republicans suggesting that I'm too liberal, keep in mind that it was only last week that I was a follower of Ronald Reagan," said Obama, referring to criticism recently directed at him by Clinton for comments he made about the former president to a Nevada newspaper. "This is the politics of the past, where folks are trying to parse out and figure out who's Left and who's Right. I'm interested in solving problems, that's what I think the American people are interested in, they want to get past these old ideological arguments that dominated so much of our politics over the last 20 years."
"They want to see problems solved," he continued, "how do we keep people in their homes, how do we make sure that they get jobs that pay a living wage, how do we make sure that everyone has health care, how can kids go to college. If we're focused on those issues then I think we'll do just fine."
"Look," he added, "we're here in Idaho, considered perhaps the Reddest state in the country where the last time out you had 5,000 Democrats participating in a caucus, we had 13,000 people in an arena, just a few moments ago. So, I think it gives you an indication people are interested in looking to the future and not getting into these same old divisive arguments."
The interview will air Saturday on ABC's "World News".
February 2, 2008 in Kucinich, Dennis | Permalink | User Comments (238)
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Just one reason why Obama won't be getting my vote.
Posted by: Ed | Feb 2, 2008 2:41:44 PM
When will the public wise up & realize this guy will be the death to our country if elected?!!? Stuff like this just proves what a complete moron he is. NO WAY I would EVER vote for him!
Posted by: Jill | Feb 2, 2008 2:47:27 PM
Obama is thinking constructively. He deserves to be rewarded and he will take the country in the right direction.
Posted by: Peace | Feb 2, 2008 2:54:03 PM
Giving driver's licenses to illegal aliens only continues to provide support for a very problematic situation. It cannot be defended. Find a path to legal citizenship first. Vote Hillary Clinton.
Posted by: MHHunt | Feb 2, 2008 2:56:04 PM
The "details" of his plan are just a "distraction". I'm surprised that he has ANY supporters. Oh, I forgot it's not about race. I think some people would still vote for an Obama/Kwame ticket.
Posted by: JAS | Feb 2, 2008 3:00:34 PM
Just a few more examples of the devisive Republicans.
Posted by: BUSHSUX | Feb 2, 2008 3:01:18 PM
Obama definitely gets my vote. He understands that our country's problems are complicated. Most people are tired of the politicians running this country. They are tired of the bickering about trivial things. Let's elect a President who wants to get our country back on track. Go Obama! Yes we can!
Posted by: JoAnne | Feb 2, 2008 3:01:37 PM
Good for you Obama! You are a man of integrity...we certainly need you as our President. Let's work on solving problems instead of playing the blame game.
Posted by: EdNH | Feb 2, 2008 3:06:19 PM
If an illegal HITS you in an accident and he/she has NO COVERAGE you are screwed!!!!!!!! That's why an Hispanic like Richardson approved illegals getting driver's licenses in NM - it helpy YOU if you get hit!!! Think about it........most of these posts here are from stupid people who will probably vote for the warmonging McCain (we'll be in iRAQ FOR A 100 YEARS) OR never vote anyway.
Posted by: michaelinphilly | Feb 2, 2008 3:07:40 PM
Just a quick comment to the friend above who is opposed to the idea of issuing driver’s licenses to undocumented persons.
I worked in the legal profession for over 20 years. I know that it is critically important for safety on the roads that everyone who drives a vehicle in any state has studied the Driver’s Manual and has proven their knowledge of the laws of the road by being able to pass the tests to get a driver’s license.
It is not like anyone is providing a driver’s license to everyone — ONLY THOSE WHO HAVE TAKEN THE TIME TO STUDY AND LEARN THE LAWS AND WHO WANT TO OBEY THE LAW AND DRIVE LAWFULLY CAN OBTAIN A DRIVER’S LICENSE. Am I not right here???
Should we penalize them because they are trying to do the right thing and obey the law?? Aren’t we saying that we want undocumented people to obey the law?? Then when they are trying to be good Americans and obey the law by getting a driver’s license, let’s allow them to do so!
Furthermore, if we deny people driver’s licenses, they are not able to obtain car insurance AND THAT LEAVES EVERYONE WHO DRIVES IN DANGER OF AN ACCIDENT WITH SOMEONE WHO HAS NO INSURANCE COVERAGE TO PAY FOR DOCTORS, CAR REPAIRS, ETC.
In my home state of Oregon, have seen the devastating problems that arise in accidents with uninsured motorists, and there is no reason for that to happen, if we take the anti-immigrant anger and rhetoric out of the discussion.
I think we need to be realistic and reasonable on this issue. A driver’s license does not equal citizenship — what it does show is a desire to obey the law, study hard to learn the law, and the courage to seek a driver’s license that could be used against them. It also proves that undocumented workers can and do obey the law in obtaining a driver’s license in order to drive, and that they can and do understand the laws governing driving. I agree with Barack Obama's support of driver's licenses for undocumented people who study to earn them!
Posted by: Rose Walker | Feb 2, 2008 3:10:12 PM
Giving driver's licenses to illegal immigrants is a matter of public safety. These people still drive regardless of whether or not they have licenses. Giving them licenses allows the cops to do their jobs more effectively. People forget that cops across the country support Obama's position.
Posted by: Roca | Feb 2, 2008 3:11:55 PM
My bottom line. We will always be lied to, we will never elect the most intelligent, righteous candidate. Actually, in the current field, that would be Ron Paul. If you dismiss this, I suggest you do some research. As to people pulling for Clinton, please look at Judiciary watch, and do a google search under clinton contributions overlap. Obama might be real, or maybe the antichrist, but to me, there is no contest. At least there is hope with Obama. Just think of how many people are becoming involved in politics. This is because people are not being apathetic because they feel hope. We need to nurture that hope.
Posted by: Joe B | Feb 2, 2008 3:12:13 PM
Obama, give it up, Latino voters have got your number. Too late to kiss up now. Plus we all ready know your typical political moves and the Latinos are not falling for it. Hillary represents real longterm solutions for Latino concerns. Also, too many of your supporters on these posts have denegrated the Latino community, so buzz off.
Posted by: irma | Feb 2, 2008 3:12:34 PM
before Obama (in a debate) is against giving illegals driver's licenses now he is for it? A flip-flop.
Posted by: anon | Feb 2, 2008 3:12:35 PM
You made my points, michaelinphilly. Without drivers licenses, the rest of us end up paying. People will drive anyway, since in most cities our public transportation is almost nonexistent.
Obama is inspiring and will make a fine president. Can't wait for November and then January 2009 when there's NO MORE GW!!!!
Posted by: Jackt51 | Feb 2, 2008 3:14:17 PM
Very true, michaelinphilly, not giving out a driver's license only creates more hazards. This is America. People will find a way to come here one way or another. We can work with people or continue the same arrogant & punishing positions we've had toward the very people that make our country better -- immigrants.
Posted by: jared | Feb 2, 2008 3:14:59 PM
And comparing Obama to Bush is a joke. They couldn't be more different. Obama is an intelligent, self-made hardworker who never had anything handed to him by elite parents, or a spouse that used to be President. All these racist people posting their idiot opinions in here, make me ashamed to call myself American. I am white, well-educated, upper-middle class, and seriosuly want to begin to move beyond the politics of hate and rage, and division. Obama offers a vision that i think is right for our time, and i fully embrace it.
Posted by: Roca | Feb 2, 2008 3:15:45 PM
Yet another reason for illegals to remain illegal.
Posted by: Publius | Feb 2, 2008 3:17:00 PM
It is a sad state of affairs when the Laws of our Father can not be held to be Just. How can I trust you with so much when something so small can not be dealt with. It is wrong, think 1986 and remember what we called for. They need to return and get in line behind those who seek a proper and legal entry into the USA. Increase the work permits by triple during the first 3 months prior and 3 months after the I-date. But seat a date for all prosecution. There will be those that have covered their trail with paperwork that does not belong to them. They may be the ones you open your plan for amnesty. Simply because their true stories need to be heard and that weak point can be closed forever. This last is more dangerous then the first. Because they climb faster to the top, because they have motivation to have the other around them. They know one another, secretly but known to many.
Illegal immigration is wrong. It is not something you give an ear to. The ear shoould have been the original visa process. In fact all our actions state we wanted to encourage the illegal immigration. Our fees, our abuse here, or sad eyes for the legal immigrant was never available to them ( yet we give it to the illegal). It is not right and anyone that thinks this way needs to be voted out of Office.
Posted by: washbasin | Feb 2, 2008 3:18:59 PM
Obama and McCain are both globalist who will sale out this country in a second..Ron Paul 08... back to the rule of LAW..the CONSTITUTION....
Posted by: arthall33 | Feb 2, 2008 3:24:18 PM
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