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Obama Backer Calls McCain a 'Warmonger'

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April 05, 2008 2:52 PM

ABC's Sunlen Miller and Jan Simmonds report: A comment made by radio talk show host Ed Schultz at a North Dakota Democratic Party fundraiser that Sen. Barack Obama attended Friday night in Grand Forks, N.D. is getting some heat.

Schultz called John McCain a “warmonger.” Obama was in the building at the time, but was not in the room, according to a pool report from the event. The campaign says he did not hear Schultz's  remarks.

Three people spoke in between Schultz and Obama. When Obama spoke he thanked Schultz, saying he was the “voice of progressive radio,” and someone “who knows a little bit about sports.”

The McCain campaign is raising some dust over Obama thanking Schultz’ comments, saying they were “disparaging.” They also noted that McCain denounced radio host Bill Cunningham’s disparaging comments about Obama immediately upon hearing of them.

McCain himself weighed in during a press availability in Prescott, Ariz.

"It’s a free country and we have freedom of speech. And Mr. Schultz is entitled to his views. But I hope that in keeping with the spirit of Sen. Obama, that they condemn, that Sen. Obama will condemn such language since it was a part of his campaign. But that kind of language is unnecessary for this campaign. I think its very clear how I feel about war and my experiences with it."

The Obama campaign has just come out with a paper statement from national spokeswoman Jen Psaki: “John McCain is not a warmonger and should not be described as such. He's a supporter of a war that Sen. Obama believes should have never been authorized and never been waged.”

The campaign also says that Schultz is not an Obama surrogate and was asked to speak at the event by the North Dakota Democratic Party.

April 5, 2008 in McCain, John | Permalink | User Comments (184)

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User Comments

So, why is this news?

Warmonger may be a strong term -- I'll have to look it up on dictionary.com to see the precise meaning. But John McCain, who's view of the Vietnam war was largely from high in the sky (prior to his capture), is hardly a peacemaker! As a Vietnam Veteran, I think McCain has a much higher thirst for war than I am comfortable with.

Obama 2008 -- Yes, WE CAN!!!

Posted by: Jackt51 | Apr 5, 2008 2:57:23 PM

Obama as i said before says one thing and then changes when he sees it fit to help his agenda or when convenient for him. Is that the kind of president we want? NOT ME.

Posted by: Persio | Apr 5, 2008 2:59:11 PM

Clearly there are differences between words said by these two radio talk show hosts, Calling Barak's middle name which he rejects is intended for personal destruction because he has not chosen that name. Calling McCain a warmonger or a war lover, a militarist and interventionist is a policy issue and a choice he is making everyday in his adult life and as a senator. God bless America and God bless Obama. OBAMA08.

Posted by: BKMC | Apr 5, 2008 3:05:21 PM

McCain wants to attack Iran, Obama wants to go back into Afghanistan, can you say shell game.

Posted by: hey | Apr 5, 2008 3:14:57 PM

Uh, hey, we are already IN Afghanistan, and arguably we should be more involved there (and in Pakistan) where the true enemy is likely located. Big difference between that and continuing Bush/Cheney's war(s).

Obama 2008 -- Yes, WE CAN!!!

Posted by: Jackt51 | Apr 5, 2008 3:19:29 PM

Jackt51,
It's news because it exposes more of the bozos that Obama surrounds himself with. It also shows once again that Obama is politically immature.

Meanwhile we'll all sit back and watch you and Obama get swiftboated once again. Good luck with that!
========================================
Obama is green behind the ears!
Obama is unelectable!
========================================

Posted by: WestCoastMessenger | Apr 5, 2008 3:27:46 PM

If McCain wants an apology from Schulz, great, but why from Obama? From now on, can we all just agree that candidates are responsible only for their OWN statements?

Posted by: emily | Apr 5, 2008 3:30:44 PM

BKMC-Nine of eleven 9/11 terrorists are from Saudi Arabia. Get the facts at least correct. Osama can be in any country as he was back then (Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran, back in Pakistan and so on) and as he is now. Perhaps most Al Quaeda are now in Pakistan today and does that mean we should invade Pakistan? Facts: No one knows what the world will look like nine months from now so an program by any candidate predicting the future isn't worth the paper its written on. And thinking mind knows that.

Posted by: Dogsoldier | Apr 5, 2008 3:32:14 PM

Are we still in the silly season?

This is just dumb.

Posted by: Maritza | Apr 5, 2008 3:44:32 PM

Dogsoldier, Osama is from Saudi Arabia, that is not the point, some of the terrorists had a Saudi passport as Osama has a saudi passport. Mohamed Atta is from egypt so is the No 2 in Osama's alQaeda. Please, do not change the conversation. These terrorists were trained in and came from Afganistan and the epicenter of islam-terrorism is in Afganistan and Obama said that the war on terror has to be there, a demonstration of good judgement and leadership.God bless America and God bless obama. OBAMA08.

Posted by: BKMC | Apr 5, 2008 3:44:48 PM

Jackt51,
I'm all for Hillary winning fair and square, by the rules. The Obama zombies are the only ones walking around claiming she is trying to "steal" the election, as if they "own" the crown.

Good luck with those rules. It's all about the unions as we finish taking the hill.
========================================
Obama is politically immature!
Obama doesn't want all voters to count!
Hillary stands up for all voters!
Vanessa owes Hillary and apology!
========================================

Posted by: WestCoastMessenger | Apr 5, 2008 3:51:00 PM

Dogsoldier, let us make clear that Osama is between Afganistan and Pakistan (CIA report). Pakistan cannot continue to harbor terrorists who killed more than 3000 innocents Americans and not feel the heat. Obama will put on fire the feet of all these Pakistani leaders so that Osama is captured and brought to justice. The eye on the ball. Good bless America and Good bless Obama. OBAMA08.

Posted by: BKMC | Apr 5, 2008 3:51:15 PM

BKMC-Afghanistan is only ONE Al Quaeda training site. Al Quaeda is not some static entity otherwise they would have been wiped out years ago. Al Quaeda is a living breathing organization capable of functioning without Afghanistan or Osama. That was the lesson America SHOULD have learned if nothing else. Obama better understand this lesson as of yesterday because you did not.

Posted by: Dogsoldier | Apr 5, 2008 3:53:04 PM

New Yorker-Perhaps you could tell that message to the muggers in New York. That a fine place to start.

Posted by: Dogsoldier | Apr 5, 2008 3:57:28 PM

WestCoastMessanger, you owe an apology to Obama. I do not wish to go into character assassination. Today you have to come to term with your unelectable candidate Hill's lack of judgement. Chosing a campaign manager who is laundering money from Colombia is just a shame and blattant lack of judgement, period. That is what Obama said since day one, it is not about being ready on day one but getting it right on day one. Hill has to go back to the Bosnian snipers. God bless America and God bless Obama. OBAMA08.

Posted by: BKMC | Apr 5, 2008 3:58:11 PM

BKMC-WCM will apologize when Obama gives back money from the oil for food program Nadhmi Auchi a Saddam buddy gave Rezko for the Obama campaign.

Posted by: Dogsoldier | Apr 5, 2008 4:01:46 PM

Why are people so interested in pulling a good man down? If someone sneezes, it's obama, if another coughs, it's obama. Despite every falsehood being peddled against him, one thing that gladdens my heart is that no one has been able to come up with anything that could be linked directly to him. This attitude is a typical case of one calling a dog name in order to kill it.
Equally, i'm very happy that obama continues to thrive despite all the falsehood. He keeps outraising every other person out there, his numbers in the poll keeps rising, more and more endorsement keeps coming his way.
What does all these signify? It shows that you can never keep a good man/woman down. The more people peddles falsehood and hate against the person, the more successful he/she becomes!
Americans are solidly behind obama! We all want the glory of this great country to be restored, we're are all yearning for the good old days when this great country commanded respect from the international community. We all want the wasteful spending in iraq to come to an end, we need jobs, affordable health care etc and above all, we are tired of the same old system that has brought us to this level. And come november next, obama will be voted in as the next President of this great country, and he will do very well restoring us all! Pls do mark my words!

Posted by: dew5050 | Apr 5, 2008 4:07:14 PM

The truth hurts doesn't it. McCain's whole campaign is based on foreign policy. He starts out his biography tour talking about the admirals in his family that has made a big impact in his life. He says Americans can get over their cynicism by joining the army.
He goes around singing bomb bomb bomb Iran to tune of the beach boys.He said he will never surrender in Iraq. Come on now if the shoe fits!

Posted by: merle7 | Apr 5, 2008 4:08:01 PM

To all you Hillary lovers- don't vote for Obama in the national election if you are not comfortable doing so. Either stay home or vote for the Republican candidate, for 8 more years of Bush/McCain and wonderful Conservative/Republican politics . The choice is yours. Use your vote as you see fit- stick it to the Obama lovers- I mean really show them- suck up to Republicans and vote along side Rush, Hannity, and Coulter for more of the same. It's a free country- do what ever you think is right.

Posted by: rco | Apr 5, 2008 4:09:45 PM

Simply truth: a vote for Obama will be a vote for Mccain...

McCain will beat Obama easily by playing experience and race cards...

McCain will sweep all red states and win Mi., FL, Penn & OH...

If McCain pick Colin Powell as vp.. He may win MD, VA, SC, NC, GA as well...

So what else can Obama win?


Posted by: True Truth | Apr 5, 2008 4:11:00 PM

Better than voting Obama. Because if you are a reflection of the change Obama promised then McCain looks better and better every day.

Posted by: Dogsoldier | Apr 5, 2008 4:11:52 PM

Dogsoldier, my Republican friends welcome you aboard the McCain "Straight Talk Express"- the Bush endorsed, Mr. 894 out of 899 ranked graduate from the Naval Academy at Annapolis- the train is departing- all aboard?

Posted by: rco | Apr 5, 2008 4:17:24 PM

Dew5050,
I'm as concerned as you are about anyone that tells lies about Obama. Quite often I hear people make up information about Obama and I'm quick to correct it. For example, lots of people have tried to deny that Obama's 20 year relationship with the hate-speaking Wright is irrelevant in the political campaign. I'm forced to correct them -- it because relevant the moment that the politically immature Obama placed Reverend Wright onto Obama's campaign. We're on the exact same page with regards to telling the truth about Obama.
========================================
Obama is green behind the ears!
Obama does not standu up for all voters!
Obama admits he smoked crack!
========================================

Posted by: WestCoastMessenger | Apr 5, 2008 4:20:55 PM

rco: 56% of Hillay supporters who have been cursed,and demeaned by Obama supporters will do just that! If its Obama v McCain, well we can all just start calling McCain Mr. President, no need to wait!

Posted by: russell | Apr 5, 2008 4:23:36 PM

Franky, I couldn't see any leadership or accomplishment from Obama...

He was never in an executive position in town hall, city hall, state or Federal...

His recent job is just to push two buttons: Yes or No, maybe sometime, the third one: "present"...

Forget he did have experience from street as community and church organizer, where he was well trained how to speak the way some people will "fall in love" with him...

That is the sad fact..

Posted by: True Truth | Apr 5, 2008 4:24:50 PM

Russell, welcome aboard the McCain "Straight Talk Express". Mr. "894/899" McCain will appreciate you crossing over to join him and the Conservatives. Punish those Obama lovers- big time. Don't you folks understand the democratic nomination is already over? Get behind or upcoming democratic nominee or defect, do what ever you think is right...

Posted by: rco | Apr 5, 2008 4:30:50 PM

Russell,
That's funny dude. Maybe they can bring Rezko on for a guest appearance and call it the Little Give and the Big Take.
========================================
Obama got $250,000, Rezko gets jail!
========================================

Posted by: WestCoastMessenger | Apr 5, 2008 4:31:07 PM

Vannessa: Didn't federal marshalls arrest one of his SD in Puerto Rico! Guess the one you mentioned makes up for that one!

Posted by: russell | Apr 5, 2008 4:43:06 PM

Yes, the Clintons donated 10 Million to charity, which demonstrates their generosity and good will toward people in need. The Obama's gave $27,000 to Rev. Wright's church since 2005, which demonstrates their inability to represent all Americans.

Posted by: Emily | Apr 5, 2008 4:44:54 PM

Vanessa,
There's nothing wrong with accepting gifts from the parents. Just remember to share 10 per cent with the less fortunate. In other words, follow the Clintons lead (Obama sets a bad example on this accord).
========================================
Obama gives miniscule to charity!
Hillary and Bill give plenty!
Obama not ready for prime time!
========================================

Posted by: WestCoastMessenger | Apr 5, 2008 4:45:27 PM

backoffnewscensors-Way too deep for simple minded Obama supporters.

Posted by: Dogsoldier | Apr 5, 2008 5:03:31 PM

Mc Cain is no war monger.

Look. Invading Iraq was prez bushes baby. The authorization to 'use military force' was not the same thing as having a full scale Vietnam type war.

However, once we invaded Iraq, we made a commitment to the people fo Iraq to stabilize the area.

According to Obama and Clinton, we just uproot and leave the place in far worse shape than when Saddam was there?

This isnt fair to the Iraq people. Is it bleeding us dry? Yes. Was it stupid to begin with ? Yes.

But just leaving the area and allowing the place to be a free for all chaos zone is not something the United States can do.

We have a moral obligation to finish what we started. If we dont stabilize the country, the whole world will look at us as DESTROYING IRAQ and having it far worse than if we never went there.

So grab a brain and realize we have a responsibility here.

Posted by: tomdavie | Apr 5, 2008 5:49:18 PM

One I know for sure, as long as Obama is out there, I will never vote for him due to the fact that he's been associated with extremism movement. I would rather vote for another Bush 4 years knowing I have a patriotic president who genuinely cares about the welfare of each and every americans. I am sure Obama has more skeletons hidden in his closets waiting to be discovered but his extremism and liberal views are enough reason for me not to vote for him. He will never help me pay for my bills, get me a reasonal and reliable health care and fix our ailing economy. I want a President who is willing to work hard and find solution.

Posted by: JAMES, PA | Apr 5, 2008 5:50:56 PM

"In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act." - George Orwell. Who can argue that McCain isn't a hawk? Get over it, people. Move on to the real issues.

Posted by: Bill | Apr 5, 2008 6:07:49 PM

The situation is a little different. Cunningham was speaking at a McCain event, which suggests McCain might have vetted what he was going to say. Obama can't possibly hope to be responsible for what Schulz says on his own radio show, anymore than he can hope to be responsible for what his pastor says from the pulpit.

Posted by: markymark | Apr 5, 2008 6:40:59 PM

Obama thinks we can rid the world of atomic weapons. He wants to cut payroll taxes for those making less than $75K (even though the system is screwed), he hangs out with bigots and gets loans from a dirty guy, and he wants to ramp up capital gains taxes at a time that money is fleeing the market. Obama will merely continue us down a reckless road that Dubya got us rolling on. The final nail in the coffin of all these candidates will be a carbon tax that will kill out economy and send us all the Central America to try and scrape by on what we have left.

Posted by: Bubba | Apr 5, 2008 7:04:50 PM

I see the Obama whack jobs are in here trying to defend their Messiah.

I am voting for McCain. The number of Florida Democrats that are stating they are voting for McCain instead of Obama is amazing. Good!

This Democrat supports a war hero McCain over the lying sack of do-nothingness Obama.

Posted by: libby | Apr 5, 2008 7:04:55 PM

Has anyone else noticed.....I use my real name, I am proud of who I am.
These republicans use fake names...run out of their closets, type a few words, and then run back to their closets.
Just like their President.."All Mouth and No action".......a bunch of worthless punks who condone the damages to this country by the Bush administration and his republican congress!!
Take that into consideration when you read the BS they post......
They take pride in the destruction that's been done and will be done to our country...

Posted by: Dave Peck | Apr 5, 2008 7:17:17 PM

Not much of a story. What this comes down to is a harshly termed characterization of a candidate by a supporter of another.
If we held all candidates responsible for this type of labeling by some supporter, there wouldn't be anyone running.

Posted by: 63tango | Apr 5, 2008 7:23:01 PM

Be nice Obama, McCain is our next president.....you will be needing a job..

Posted by: pathlo | Apr 5, 2008 7:51:36 PM

Ouch, that really hurts One Foot! I was or course speaking in terms of National Defense, apparently your limited cerebral mass kept you from picking up that subtle nuance though, huh? How's blocking the voters rights in Florida and Michigan going?

Posted by: todd | Apr 5, 2008 8:02:48 PM

Here in PA Obama has ads decrying the high price of gasoline. He ends with saying that he would never take any money from the oil companies. This shows what a shallow person he is. It is unlawful for companies to donate to political campaigns. What he does not say is that he received over $400,000. from executives of big oil and $100,000. from their employees. another freightning thing about him is that call at 3 in the morning. With his affinity for drugs, one wonders will he be higher than a kite when that call comes. PEOPLE LOOK CLOSELY THAT THIS PERSON.

Posted by: Russ | Apr 5, 2008 8:13:18 PM

Obama sat in the church 20 years listening to Wrights filth about whites, aids and America. Markymark that is totally different? Of course Obama agrees with Wright or the first time he heard this he would have walked out. You must think people are stupid. I know you are blinded by color. Nobody in their right mind would vote Obama!!! The man is a racist. You know the word. It's the one Obama supporters use when Obama's back is against the wall. Or, if we won't vote for him. It's never because he has empty words or that he isn't qualified. It's never because he's the racist it's because we must racist or we would vote for him. I know a lot of Americans rights are being taken away lately but I didn't think our ability to think for ourselves or vote for who we choose had been taken away. Are you not voting for Clinton because she is white? Maybe it's because she's a woman? Which is it? Have a nice day! Try to get over your racism and sexist attitude. I've gotton over mine. Your an Obama plant aren't you?

Posted by: carolyn | Apr 5, 2008 8:13:29 PM

@Joanna Bickley

I have asked foxnews and the nytimes to point me to the resourcse that says Obama wants 60,000+ boots on ground in IRAQ by 2010. I have gone to the center for new American Security web site and read all the policy papers by Colin Kahl (Obama's adviser quoted on the issue) and there is nothing of such. If you have the original source, please post it here so we can all read it and make our judgements and decisions.

Oh!!! btw 2010 is consistent with Obama's 16 months strategy to withdraw troops from IRAQ. I'm an informed conservative republican.

Posted by: Ton | Apr 5, 2008 8:17:21 PM

So what, he is! All he knows is the war. He will do nothing for the economy (he has no clue). He served his country admirably and all Americans should thank him for that, but being a war hero/prisoner or war does not qualify one to be the President. All McCain talks about is the war in Iraq and possibly with Iran--promising there will be more wars--Enough said!

Posted by: J.L. | Apr 5, 2008 8:22:18 PM

Jackt51:
John McCain is a Patriot who served his
country!
In case you Dems forgot 3,000
American citizens, Not Soldiers, were
killed on 9/11!

Posted by: reaganfan | Apr 5, 2008 8:27:47 PM

What's the big deal - McCain IS a warmonger. Remember the guy PERSONALLY dropped bombs on North Vietnamese civilans. Why is it wrong to call McCain what he is and has always been: a professional killer and a warmonger.

Posted by: Ruths Chris | Apr 5, 2008 8:29:42 PM

One Foot....I guess BHO might win the European vote (I'm sure he likes croissants and fondu), probably get the bad bowlers vote too? Otherwise he's got all he can handle with Hill. I really loved the way he shimmied on that show with Ellen - so suave'. Keep those voters away from the polls in FL and MI if you can, better get back to your shrink now.

Posted by: todd | Apr 5, 2008 8:32:32 PM

Hillary: "Urban legends r us"

Posted by: Snoopy | Apr 5, 2008 8:32:36 PM

Hey Reaganfan - thanks for the reminder a-hole. But while you were home watching the whole thing on TV, I was there in lower Manhattan on 9/11. I worked two blocks from the WTC and it was my subway stop on the R train. I lost friends and colleagues that day and I was evacuated across the Brooklyn bridge, breathing in that horrible cloud of smoke and debris and god knows what else and now I have athsma that I never had before. So don't you friggin DARE attempt to lecture ME about 9/11 you stupid partisan Republican a-hole. Stop hijacking our horror and grief to justify your stupid, failed war and your retarded, failed, warmongering Republican ideology of collapse and regression. America hates you people now and we will for as long as we live! You've shamed yourself and our country and we will never, ever forgive you. Sit down and think about your disgrace!

Posted by: Kotke | Apr 5, 2008 8:34:36 PM

reaganfan,

spoken like a true oblivious reaganhead..I was in NYC, working on Broad St in 2001, 8 blocks from WTC. I had dust from WTC on my office window for 5 months. I wore a surgical maks for weeks follwoing the attackes. I do not appreciate your use of the attacks as a defense for a man who went to war against a country that was not an imminent threat. I was all for obliterating Afghanistan. I NEVER understood going into Iraq. Next time examine the facts and data, instead of using jingoistic statements!!!

Posted by: miles1967 | Apr 5, 2008 8:35:01 PM

A Republican who doesn't take pride in being called a warmonger?

What is the world coming to?

Posted by: Archos | Apr 5, 2008 8:36:47 PM

For all you Obama supporters read the following and know the difference between JOHN MCCAIN a PATRIOTIC AMERICAN and OBAMA a MARXIST SYMPATHIZER-

Here is an article in NewsWithViews.com dated 3/22 by Jim Kouri entitled “Talk Show Host Reveals Obama Connection to Terrorists“:

Syndicated talk show host Laurie Roth’s revelations make the news story about Obama’s relationship with a racist, anti-American pastor look like child’s play.

A top official at the Pentagon during former-President George H. W. Bush’s Administration and a former CIA intelligence officer maintain that Barack Obama and former Weather Underground honcho William Ayers funneled money to Professor Rashid Khalidi, a known terrorist sympathizer.

Khalidi serves on the faculty of Columbia University in New York and is best known as the professor who invited Iranian President Ahmedinejad to visit Columbia University after he finished his speech at the United Nations. According to confidential sources, Khalidi has direct ties to the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO), a group on the US State Department’s list of known terrorist groups.

“One source for this information was once a top military figure in the 1990s. He doesn’t take making allegations lightly. If he says something happened, believe me, it happened,” said syndicated radio talk show host Laurie Roth.

“Another source is a former agent for the Central Intelligence Agency, who is an expert in counterterrorism,” said Roth, who broke the story on her show Friday night.

“I certainly don’t want to demonize someone because they are a woman, black or liberal running for President. I love the idea that in our culture, a black and woman can now run. However, it does matter to me with any candidate, their consistency with good judgment, their voting record, their association with people with questionable backgrounds and commitment to our country,” she said during her show. To listen to Laurie Roth’s 3-21-08 show click here.

Here are the connections as described by very reliable sources, who possess impressive military, national security and intelligence backgrounds:

Allison Davis, who hired the young Obama into his small, Chicago law firm Davis, Miner, and Barnhill in 1993, left the firm in late 1999-2000 and became a housing developer. Davis went into business with Tony Rezko, the indicted businessman who’s scheduled to go on trial for corruption in Illinois, and who was a major fundraiser for Obama.

Davis met Rezko when he was a client of Davis, Miner, and Barnhill. Rezko is currently under indictment in Illinois for demanding kickbacks from companies seeking state government business contracts under Governor Blagojevich. Obama was identified as one of the politicians cited in the indictment as having received political contributions from Rezko out of his kickback funds.

Tony Rezko hosted fundraising events for Obama in his home and was on Obama’s US Senate campaign finance committee which collected $14 million for his campaign against conservative Alan Keyes, an African-American who served as an Ambassador during the Reagan Administration. In order to avoid a scandal during his presidential campaign, Obama returned $85,000 that Rezko and his family had donated to him.

In early 2000, while Obama served as a state senator in Illinois, he also sat on the board of the nonprofit Woods Fund. The Woods Fund is a Chicago-based foundation that claims its primary mission is to make financial grants in order to increase and/or create opportunities for disadvantaged people and low-income communities.

The chairman of the Woods fund board in 2000 was Howard Stanback, who like Obama also had connections to Davis, according to the reliable sources.

Davis submitted a grant request to the Woods Foundation for a $1 million investment in his development partnership, Neighborhood Rejuvenation LP, that would be used to finance low-income senior-citizen housing. Under normal circumstances, a board member is supposed to recuse himself or herself from decisions where they have a business or personal relationship.

Obama, who did not recuse himself, voted to approve Davis’ grant request. Stanback, on the other hand, abstained from voting. The housing project, which also received a $5.7 million loan from the city of Chicago, in turn donated almost $70,000 in political contributions to Obama’s presidential campaign.

In the past, Rezko gave Obama — who served as an Illinois State Senator — his first two political contributions in 1995, $1,000 each from two of his companies. In 1998, State Senator Obama wrote letters to city and state officials urging them to fund a Davis-Rezko housing project. It was an obvious quid pro quo arrangement.

Another major fundraiser for Obama is William Ayers, who also sat on the board of the Woods Fund with Obama and is a professor at the University of Chicago.

Bill Ayers, along with his wife Bernadine Dohrn, was an active member of the Weather Underground, a radical left-wing group that advocated violence against the United State. Both Ayers and Dohrn went “underground” in 1970 after others in the group accidentally detonated a bomb in a Greenwich Village (New York City) townhouse. The blast killed three of the group’s members including Ayers’ girlfriend at the time.

While Ayers and Dohrn were hiding from law enforcement, the Weather Underground participated in the bombings of the US Capital, the Pentagon and a State Department building. In 1981 Ayers and Dohrn turned themselves in to federal authorities, but all charges were dropped as a result of alleged “government legal misconduct.” In his 2001 memoir, Ayers wrote, “I don’t regret setting the bombs. I feel we didn’t do enough.”

Ayers and Dohrn are known to have held at least one fundraiser for Barack Obama in their Chicago home.

During Obama’s last year on the board of The Woods Fund (2002), he participated in awarding grants, including a $70,000 grant to the Arab American Action Network, a Chicago-based group founded by Rashid and Mona Khalidi.

In another suspected quid pro quo arrangement similar to those with Ayers and Rezko, Rashid Khalidi also held a fundraising event in his home for Barack Obama.

In the Middle East, Rashid Khalidi was known as a man to be reckoned with. From 1972 through 1983, Khalidi was the director in Beirut of the official Palestinian press agency, FAFA. His wife worked there as well.

According to sources, when the Khalidi’s left Chicago for Columbia University in New York, Rashid was honored with the Edward Said Chair in Arab Studies at that Ivy League university. Their goodbye party in Chicago included testimonials from Bill Ayers and Barack Obama.

“What other fund raising connections does Obama have? How many times can you look the other way in church and with fund raising situations with more than questionable people?” asked Ms. Roth.

“We all make mistakes in judgment with people and their backgrounds sometimes, but usually we learn and pick better friends and associates. How come Obama seems to have continued hanging around more than questionable characters with anti American backgrounds and some with criminal behaviors? Now one is being indicted, Tony Rezco, who raised a ton of money for Obama,” she said.

“As President, how much would he look the other way when dealing with national security and dangers to our country? How much would he listen passively to terrorist leaders then lecture us on our ugly American status? This kind of change is not what our country needs!” added the popular talk show host, whose show is syndicated by USA Radio Network.

“Do these revelations demonstrate a pattern of Barack Obama’s judgment? If so, then I do not want him dealing with world leaders. I do not want these groups having access to the White House. Do you?” asks the New Jersey-based political strategist.

Posted by: josef Nagy | Apr 5, 2008 8:38:39 PM

Actually McCain is a warmonger. He is totally sold out the war in Iraq and seems more than ready to bomb-bomb-Iran.

Posted by: Bob, DC | Apr 5, 2008 8:41:11 PM

josef Nagy, I'll spend as much time reading your cut and paste as you spent writing it.

Thanks.

Posted by: John Samuels | Apr 5, 2008 8:41:55 PM

Has Obama served in the military? McCain is a true american. Even his son is in Iraq, if asked he would be the first to pull troops back home if it is really feasible.

Posted by: GS | Apr 5, 2008 9:01:31 PM

Personally I think McCain is a warmonger, but Ed Schultz is a putz. With friends like him who needs enemies.

Posted by: White Mountain Girl | Apr 5, 2008 9:14:27 PM

I would think McCain would take that as a compliment.

Posted by: Bob, DC | Apr 5, 2008 9:15:06 PM

OBAMA SUPPORTERS: Yes, Obama gives lofty speeches about hope and unity. And, Obama can read a teleprompter better than anyone since Ronald Reagan, but his 20 year close relationship with his racist and anti-American "mentor and spiritual adviser," speaks volumes about his character and judgment. Would you attend a racist church for 20 years and consider its racist minister your "mentor and spiritual adviser?" I know I wouldn't. If I stepped into a church, the first time the pastor made a derogatory statement about "black people" I would be out of there, never to return. But then again, I'm not a racist.

Posted by: Cowbell | Apr 5, 2008 9:19:47 PM

To the members of the DNC: You've got a problem when a democrat who hears the charge that McCain is a "war mongerer" wants to leap to McCain's defense and slap the candidate that "encouraged" that uncalled for label.

Posted by: morningside | Apr 5, 2008 9:29:43 PM

John McCain deserves our respect as he is a REAL war hero and to call him such a thing is just mean and ugly.

Yes, McCain supports the war in Iraq. But I don't think this makes him a warmonger.

I'm voting for Obama, Because he has real vision for our country.

Posted by: youthinkimperfect | Apr 5, 2008 9:38:02 PM

Josef Nagy...You are so right! I have a done a lot of homework on this fake Obama myself. I read the trial Gavel to Gavel and many, many other articles. If Obama gets away with the political scams he is involved with it would be a miracle for him. Obama is up to his eyeballs in dirty politics. I think he will eventually be indicted also. These things take time. They have plenty on him already. I'm waiting for the other shoe to fall. This is the last person I want to see as President of this country. His friends are muslims. The muslims want him to win. Nice endorsement.

Posted by: carolyn | Apr 5, 2008 9:42:48 PM

Can you imagine if Obama wins the presidency, and has as a regular visitors his long-time mentor and spiritual advisor, Rev. Wright?
This is great comedy in the making.
Every day that passes I feel more and more convinced that Obama is just another politican.

His advisor says that Obama does not agree with the comment of being a warmonger, and then goes on to say that McCain supports the war in Iraq. Basically, suggestively a way to call him a warmonger without having to use the words. Classic.

WHAT HAPPENED TO THE NEW POLITICS? If this is the new politics, the old wasn't so bad.

Posted by: JA | Apr 5, 2008 9:54:40 PM

Miles,
Nope, not even a Republican.

I have to say this though, Obama is in a way a genius. The man has absolutely no track record and so has nothing on which to criticize him. He avoids taking positions on issues that could have haunted him down the road by voting present, or just not showing up at all. He has done absolutely nothing except plan for his presidency for the last 4 years.

And yet...and yet, it looks like he has a good chance of winning. Whenever pressed on an issue (of which he can never say anything beyond generalities) he changes the subject. When confronted on some other issue, he has his advocates pull the race card for him.

Indeed, it seems the new politics is knowing nothing about running a country, having your associates do your hit jobs for you and then say you don't agree with them, and do everything possible to discuss talking about REAL issues in depth and in detail. Other than "we need change", "yes we can" and all that other mantra.

I don't doubt that there are some genuine Obama backers with REAL reasons for their support of him. (I'd be curious to hear their reasons, other than the propoganda you've been fed for the last 6 months). However, it seems to me most of you Obama supporters are seriously mentally troubled. You literally go ballistic when someone signs of inauthenticity are shown of your messiah. Seems to me you're voting for a messiah, and Obama is certainly a false prophet.

Posted by: JA | Apr 5, 2008 10:09:49 PM

No Republican can win in '08 - McCain is the GOP's sacrificial lamb. They know that they've disgraced themselves and they're sending McCain out to take one for the team. Everybody knows that only Democrats can clean up the Republican messes.

Posted by: Elliot Jameson | Apr 5, 2008 10:16:02 PM

Obama said that as president he would bomb Pakistan and Iran preemtively. SO WHAT'S THE BIG DEAL? Does he and his supporters conveniently forget what he said?

Posted by: Starlight | Apr 5, 2008 10:22:08 PM

Before I ever traveled outside of the US i had the same fear and Ideology an many of you guys "fear of the unknown" fear of the outside world, thinking everyone out there hates us and will like to see us dead, but to the contrary we are well loved out here, but the hatered ahas been growing in the last 7yrs of "BUSHED" this is our chance to redeem ourselves the ones we really need to be afraid of are the ones in washington making bad policies and screwing up the world with their bad sence of judgement. the media those not report this to you guys back in the States. ALL AROUND THE WORLD, WHITE, BLACK,BROWN,ASIAN, ARABS, THEY ALL LOVE OBAMA, and if you dont believe me if you have a friend in Europe or other part of the world pick up the phone and call the and confirm it, if you have a family member serving in the US military posted somewhere around the world pick up the phone and call to confirm. As Americans we owe rest of the world this after we have trampled on it for on if for long.If we continue in this path, soon our allies will turn their backs on us. VOTE FOR CHANGE

Posted by: Justin | Apr 5, 2008 10:24:32 PM

"warmonger" wasn't it obama said let's "invade Pakistan" the only muslim ally the US has. idiot! Justin, you seems so embrace of the Europeans. maybe you should just stay in Europe. Some of you should check out huffingson website and what kind of people supporting Obama. yep, all the angry people (his closest wife and pastor) who just spread hate.

"INVADE PAKISTAN!!!"

Posted by: hannah | Apr 5, 2008 10:29:23 PM

Somebody said earlier that McCain is the only candidate who ever actually bombed civilians. I think that's an important point - I will never vote for McCain for that reason alone. He still has the sins of Vietnam to account for and I will never support someone like that. I am a Christian and I do believe that war is the last resort - not the first choice.

Posted by: Alison_In_Tulsa | Apr 5, 2008 10:30:28 PM

I do not like either democratic candidate but I will vote for whomever is NOT McCain.

Posted by: jessboston | Apr 5, 2008 10:32:55 PM

McCain is a warmonger! In fact I think Bush and Cheney are warmongers too! Bush, Cheney, & Rumsfeld all started the Iraq war based on lies--PBS frontline did a fantastic report on this (you can see it on you tube). McCain wants to stay the course on a bogus war--IMO that makes him a warmonger. The republicans want this term to be politically incorrect before the general election--But as far as I am concerned they will have to face the music. Over 4,000 young men and women have died in Iraq to give me the freedom to say it loud and clear. These men ARE warmongers.

Posted by: DEQ54 | Apr 5, 2008 10:35:12 PM

Alison,

You cant blame the military for taking orders, This includes McCain's service in Vietnam.


I have a lot of respect for John McCain for what he went through while in Vietnam. A real war hero.

What surprises me is that he can support this war after knowing why we are there. Thats where he loses all credibilty with me.

Posted by: youthinkimperfect | Apr 5, 2008 10:36:41 PM

Alison, McCain is STILL FIGHTING the Vietnam war. Listen to him talk about the Iraq war. He cannot, and I do mean, he is INCAPABLE of making a clear judgement on whether or not our being there is helping or hurting, all he keeps saying is "all the men who have died...." he is damaged good. He sounds like a footsoldier, not a president. YOu know, when you decide to go or to stay it is because of the FUTURE and the PRESENT situation, are you helping, are you a target, did you miss your window of opportunity to do good. You need to be PRAGMATIC about war and when it is a stay or go, and THAT is from General Washington's play book on war! McCain desire for full glory goes back to the defeat of Vietnam, which mind you ,was supposed to mean the end of the free world as we knew it ,and instead, Vietnam fell it meant......nothing, to our personal safety. nothing. So did all those men die for nothing. I'm sorry, but yes, they did. NOT OUR FAULT!!!!! And it's not the messenger's fault for saying so either. When war is a bad idea, i'm sorry, it is. You need to OPEN YOUR EYES and see it in order to SAVE FUTURE TROOPS from dying for just as empty as reason as those who died yesterday. And if you send more to their deaths it still doesn't make the war anymore necessary. McCain is UNABLE to think like that. He is unfit to lead. He is the MOST unfit to lead, in fact. God help us. We CANNOT Have McCAin. Of ALL the republicans who were options, McCAin was the worste and by God, leave it to the republicans to give us their WORSTE option again!!!

Posted by: jessboston | Apr 5, 2008 10:38:51 PM

All you Americans are warmongers - your nation is addicted to war and you invade countries and start wars that you can't pay for or win. The whole world is laughing at you and hates you now. We hope you do elect that old war criminal McCain and that he bankrupts you with Bush's failed war in Iraq. America is the past. China is the future. We will bury you.

Posted by: China_Power | Apr 5, 2008 10:39:01 PM

I'm talking about the only ally actively helping with terrorism. taking it out of context? and 100 years is not taking out of context. Obama supporters need to get facts straight about this man before all voting for him blindly on his empty of "change" and "hope".

Posted by: hannah | Apr 5, 2008 10:39:03 PM

Anyone who thinks Obama doens't recognize the good in America has never heard Obama open his mouth. What a silly statement. Listen to Obama for ten seconds and you understand how much good he sees in this country and how much potential we have for continued greatness.

Posted by: jessboston | Apr 5, 2008 10:43:40 PM

youthinkimperfect - I'm old enough to remember the Vietnam war and while I was never a hippy or a peacenik, I always believed that it was pointless and immoral. Vietnam never attacked us or did anything to harm us - so why were we bombing their civilians and burning their villages? I don't respect anyone who "followed orders" that involved bombing civilians like John McCain did. That is simply immoral and that defense didn't work at Nurenburg and didn't work in Vietnam, either. McCain should have refused orders to bomb civilians. He is not a hero - he's a war criminal who