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Obama Fields Another Farrakhan Question
April 09, 2008 7:55 PM
Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., was forced to deal with another question about the racially polarizing Minister Louis Farrakhan out on the stump in Levittown, Pennsylvania, a town with it's own history of racial tensions.
Obama was asked about his church's magazine giving Louis Farrakhan an award, saying he "epitomized greatness."
The questioner at the town hall was referencing Trumpet Newmagazine, launched by Obama's Trinty United chuch in Chicago, which used to be headed by Obama's controversial former pastor Rev. Jeremiah Wright. The newsmagazine was published by Wright’s daughters.
"How can praise for any anti-Semitic demagogue be considered a minor difference between you and the reverend?" the woman asked.
"It wasn't a minor different, it was a major difference," Obama answered defiantly of the differences between himself and his former pastor Wright.
He then went on to explain the award his church's magazine gave to Ferrakhan, "This was done by a magazine that was connected to the church. I would have never done it. It was primary focused on the rehabilitation work that they do for ex-offenders in Chicago. That doesn’t excuse it, that just explains it."
He expressed his denunciation of his church's praise of Farrakhan, "I've been very clear about saying that was wrong. And nobody has spoken out more fiercely on the issue of anti- Semitism than I have."
Obama referenced the race speech he gave in Philadelphia last month and said he knows that biases and hurt still exists in some communities. Levittown in the 1950’s was a mass produced housing community that included plans for white residents only.
Later another woman asked how he was going to run against John McCain.
"We got some work to do," Obama answered, countering that the democratic primary was not nearly over, "We’re behind here, we’ve got a lot of work to do."
April 9, 2008 in Obama, Barack | Permalink | User Comments (132)
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you have to admit he does a good soft shoe shuffle and can talk out of both sides of his mouth at the same time.
Posted by: don tufts | Apr 9, 2008 8:01:09 PM
Why doesnt he, or anyone else, mention the fact that McCain so actively sought the endorsement of the anti-catholic bigot John Hagey? Whatever we might think of Farrakhon, hes done allot for his people.
Posted by: Pat | Apr 9, 2008 8:12:33 PM
I wonder how long of a leash Rev. Wright is using on Obama. I can't help but think that Rev. Wright will denounce Obama before Obama denounces Rev. Wright.
Posted by: Haha | Apr 9, 2008 8:14:26 PM
Pat - Why? Because Obama has Farrakhan's support? Because Obama has Wright's support? Because Obama has Ayers support? Because Obama has Al Sharpton's and Jessie Jackson's support? Doesn't Obama have enough bigots to go around?
Posted by: Dogsoldier | Apr 9, 2008 8:17:19 PM
Pat
McCain did not seek the support of John Hagey. Why do you lie? Ignorance?
Posted by: Aston | Apr 9, 2008 8:17:33 PM
Obama should not seek the votes of idiots who are obsessing out Obama's ex-pastor. Too bad he couldn't ask her how she was doing in the current economy.
Posted by: michaelinphilly | Apr 9, 2008 8:18:57 PM
My o my. Obama has a shady connection? who would have guessed?
Posted by: Surelock Homes | Apr 9, 2008 8:18:57 PM
so obama will throw this race speech any time asked about race. (HuH) this will sound just like his good judgement? on the iraq war.
Posted by: toby | Apr 9, 2008 8:24:12 PM
And Sentor McCarthy was good for the white folk! Talking about talking out both sides of your mouth!
Posted by: jozy | Apr 9, 2008 8:29:36 PM
Straightforward answer if you ask me.
Posted by: Thinking | Apr 9, 2008 8:30:19 PM
While ABC is trying to reluctantly cover something that progressives consider "poison", it might be informative for the voters to know about a few other issues:
1) Mr. Obama's "association-by-guilt" - domestic terrorist Mr. Ayers,
2) Private papers by his adviser's (possible campaign's) position of a 2010 Iraq withdrawal _ contrary to what the campaign touts in public,
3) Some quotes from his books about his siding with Muslims (nothing wrong with that). Does this having any bearing on his position against Iraq war and desire to engage in "talks" with Iran without preconditions?
On only wonders what his agenda for America is? While not un-American, he certainly has been imbibing anti-American sermons for many years. To tell the public that such anti-American utterances by the pastor were rare is to belittle the intelligence of people. Interestingly, "more educated" people have fallen for this while "less educated" people seem to want to know answers that only Fox and WSJ are trying to provide.
Posted by: Onlooker | Apr 9, 2008 8:31:16 PM
This is exactly the stuff that the GOP radicals want. They will lose on the issues. People hate the War, they are struggling economically, gas prices are at a record high, foreclosures seem to be piling on... yet, people are worried about guilt-by-association. This is stupidity at worst, ignorance at best. Just as people voted for Bush because "he looked like us" they will idiotically vote for a warmonger. They'll finally realize what a mistake they made when their son is drafted to fight against Iran. WAKE UP people. Stop fooling yourself with these stupid reasons to NOT vote for the right person. Obviously, Obama is NOT Farakan or Wright. He is NOT in any way affiliated with Farrakan. Here's his connection. The church he attends, publishes a magazine, which honored Farrakan. WOW!!! PLease think for yourself and vote for the right person. Obama or Hillary 08!!!
Posted by: David | Apr 9, 2008 8:36:36 PM
David - If you dance with the devil don't be surprised if the demons pull you down in the gutter with them.
Posted by: Dogsoldier | Apr 9, 2008 8:41:30 PM
David
Have you been keeping up with Obama's ever changing position on the war? It looks like he's now a war candidate. Do stay informed.
Posted by: Aston | Apr 9, 2008 8:42:20 PM
if he had asked her-he could not have told her how he was going to fix it.
because he would need to check to see what hillary had said.
hillary has the orignal plan for getting us back on track economically
obama only copies
and like I have written before obama mantra is:
let me be clear
I did't hear that comment
I had not heard that
I didn't see that
I wouldn't have done it
If I had known
I would have done it differently
Please Pa, and all left to vote
do not vote for this man
he is not ready
there are a lot of good black politicians coming along-who are doing good work-expanding their political resumes-they will make you proud
this guy will not win-and he will prevent any good black politicians who aspire to be president-will set that goal back 60years.
Obama is very good at passing the buck
now that you know his mantra
from now on-when he has to take questions (not when he makes his speeches-everyone loves his speeches)
but when he has to take questions
you can sing along and see how many verses you get a chance to sing.
lets go back and read this article and see which verse he is singing here.
pick your own tune-since he has such a pretty smile-I call him the left-wing dems designer candidate
I will use the tune-I feel pretty.
don't forget go back and read the article to see which verse.
Posted by: jgaw | Apr 9, 2008 8:43:20 PM
With answers like that no wonder Michelle has to put out a casting call to get white people to sit behind her!
Posted by: russell | Apr 9, 2008 8:55:13 PM
he answered the question openly and honestly . and he did rebuke it many many times.
he is and does try to explain issues that come up . he does take responsibility of what he says and does. unlike others.
Posted by: LAUREN | Apr 9, 2008 8:58:31 PM
Obama says that it was not the church but a newspaper put out by the church! Well I don't about you but I think that clears things up! He knows we can hear him wright?
Posted by: russell | Apr 9, 2008 8:59:22 PM
Is Rev. Wright still in the spider hole Obama dug for him?
Posted by: russell | Apr 9, 2008 9:00:51 PM
I find it quite interesting how some people are so quick to find Obama guilty for his past association with his former pastor, Reverend Wright and at the same time overlook McCain's association with Reverend John Hagey. Rev. Hagey has given more anti american, anti gay, anti catholic sermons than one can shake a stick at, and yet he is not place in the same category as Frarakan, Jackson or Sharpton, what gives? Is this a blantant form of double standard? My point is simple, if you are so quick to condem and judge Obama for his past/present religious associations/support, let also condem and judge the others in the same light. One last thing, I view Obama as a white man who's father happens to be black. (ps, Obama mother is white and his father is black).
Posted by: con johnson | Apr 9, 2008 9:01:25 PM
david
well said. but as you see the hillary supporters dont see it our way they only and can only see it the Hillary way. but as we hear it is going to be a very close election.
Posted by: LAUREN | Apr 9, 2008 9:04:09 PM
I do take Obama at his word. In my experiences
in listening to his speeches, reading his writings, hearing from folks who know him and/or have worked with him, and checking out the legislation he's worked on, I have not seen any evidence that he holds the same views as his pastor on all issues. Certainly, there is no evidence that he holds the views of Farrakhan.
I am a Jew and I will be voting for Obama. I am comfortable with his stand about Israel. When I listen to him and look at the work he does I see that his views of inclusion, tolerance, and social justice are very similar to those values in Judaism as represented by the concepts of tzedakah and tikkun olam.
Posted by: Judith | Apr 9, 2008 9:07:04 PM
I wonder how long it will be before Hillary takes questions from the crowd? Bill skirted the press really well today, when he was recieving HIS award for the Ireland Peace Process.
I could help but notice thou THAT THEY DID NOT GIVE HILLARY AN AWARD FOR HER CONTRIBUTION OF THE PEACE PROCESS.
so much for her experience.
Posted by: LAUREN | Apr 9, 2008 9:09:23 PM
con johnson - McCain did no attend Haggee church at all. Obama spent twenty years in Wright's pews and found nothing wrong with Wright's preaching until Obama was called on this issue when running for president. Big difference there. Look, if you make a habit of hanging out with Wright, Farrakhan, Sharpton and Jackson and Ayers then you HAVE to be plain deaf and dumb not to imagine you will NOT be called on the kind of people who helped you formulate you world views on life and the world itself.
Posted by: Dogsoldier | Apr 9, 2008 9:10:32 PM
Rev. Wright is also somebody who has made enormous contributions in his community and has turned a lot of lives around," Powell said, "And so, I have to put that in context with these very offensive comments that he made, which I reject out of hand."
Powell added that he does not know Wright, and praised Obama's response.
"I think that Sen. Obama handled the issue well . . . he didn't look the other way. He didn't wait for the, for the, you know, for the storm to go over. He went on television, and I thought, gave a very, very thoughtful, direct speech. And he didn't abandon the minister who brought him closer to his faith," Powell told Sawyer.
Powell, who has been mentioned as a possible vice presidential candidate in almost every election since he retired from military service and public life, expressed admiration for Obama.
"It was a good (speech)," Powell said. "I admired him for giving it. And I agreed with much of what he said."
Posted by: Thinking | Apr 9, 2008 9:12:12 PM
Judith - Wouldn't you happen to be an AMERICAN with Jewish beliefs?
Posted by: Dogsoldier | Apr 9, 2008 9:12:50 PM
Yeah, Dogsoldier, you're working hard at pulling people into the gutter with you!
Obama 2008 -- Yes, WE CAN!!!
Posted by: Jackt51 -- Vietnam Vet and Proud Liberal | Apr 9, 2008 9:21:23 PM
Jackt51 -- Vietnam Vet and Proud Liberal - Having flash backs again?
Posted by: Dogsoldier | Apr 9, 2008 9:29:04 PM
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.
Obama CHOSE Marxist Professors as per his book.
Obama CHOSE to associate with communist/Marxist terrorists such as William Ayers.
Obama CHOSE to associate with Rezko and his arab connections.
Obama CHOSE to attend for 20 years a communist/marxist based "Black Liberation Theology" church headed by Rev. Wright.
Obama is suspect because of his ANTI-AMERICAN persona as well as his wife is with her same rhetoric.
The above is the window into Obama's soul which is open and if one will CHOSE to look hard enough you will find Obama is unfit to hold the office of President of the United States.
Posted by: J Nagy | Apr 9, 2008 9:29:52 PM
I am hard pressed to understand everyone. I can't think of any person in the world, that I agree with and admire all of the time. I loved the Kennedy brothers but disagreed with many things they did. I loved Dr King, but disagreed with things that he did. I can say the same for almost every public and private figure in my lifetime. I like Senator Obama. He's not perfect. He knows that and so do I. I love our country, but it too is not perfect and there isn't a person in the country who would disagree with that. Picking Presidents is about choices. For me, warts and all, I think Senator Obama is the best choice. For those who think that Senator Clinton or McCain are the best choice, then vote for them. But if our country is every going to move forward, then the time is now. Whether for Obama, Clinton or McCain can't we vote for them, rather than tearing down the others?
Posted by: Jerry | Apr 9, 2008 9:30:20 PM
lauren,
hillary has been taking questions from the audience from the very beginning.
and she answering them very well.
Posted by: jgaw | Apr 9, 2008 9:37:52 PM
Lauren,
It's good to se that you are down to shouting just occasionally, except for your name. It's also good to see that you are acknowledging that it will be a close race. If Obama continues to have to deal with Farrakhan questions, though, it won't be so close.
========================================
Obama, doesn't really matter who he associates with!
The press have already decided this for us!
ABC is out of touch with mainstream media!
========================================
Posted by: WestCoastMessenger | Apr 9, 2008 9:40:59 PM
Jerry, excellent post. Looks like Hillary hit another roadblock today. Look for the polls to show her & Obama even next week. Obama 2008!
Posted by: pt | Apr 9, 2008 9:43:56 PM
Americans can no longer trust the agenda driven media (especially those who are so far to the left such as Keith Olbermann of MSNBC) to present the truth. Voters must begin to ask many questions of Barack Obama who is attempting to win the White House in 2009. We must begin to ask “who is Barack Obama?”
Obama has been given a FREE PASS from the left-wing media as opposed to Clinton or McCain.
American voters must get your head out of the sand and not support a candidate for ESOTERIC reasons.
This country can not afford an individual such as Obama to be President. What this country can afford is a PATRIOTIC AMERICAN to be President who is not SUSPECT as to his political beliefs.
Obama is suspect and will continue to be so because he will not denounce and/or reject that wihich is truly within him.
Posted by: J Nagy | Apr 9, 2008 9:46:40 PM
Obama '08,
I see you are busy trying to hawk Dan Calabrese articles. I'm sure Dan Calabrese is a nice guy, and you may even be Dan Calabrese, but I still don't think washing dishes provides a means to establish one's credentials as an investigative journalist. Mr. Dan seems to be peddling recycled nonsense from whatever rumor rags he can find in the dumptster.
========================================
Obama, don't judge him be Farrakhan!
Obama, don't judge him by Wright!
Obama, don't judge him by Rezko!
Obama, don't judge him by his spinelessness on China!
Obama, no judgement. He deserves it.
========================================
Posted by: WestCoastMessenger | Apr 9, 2008 9:47:28 PM
As long as obama has membership to this church he will face questions about such things----he has resolved NOTHING with regard to his relationship with this church and what it teaches it's people. They can take the man out of the church, but they can't take the church out of the man.......
Posted by: What Happened to the REAL Democratic Party? | Apr 9, 2008 9:49:25 PM
Obama is a creep! He will be exposed.
Vote NoBama!
Posted by: Jesse | Apr 9, 2008 9:54:54 PM
McCain , with Hagey at his side, said that every thing he (Rev Hagey) stands for , I stand for. Obama didn't say that about the remarks of Wright or Farrakhan. I'm an middle age white guy. I have listened to Farrakhan speak many times to his congregation on cable tv. I never heard him say anything that was offensive to me. The man makes allot more sense, and has more love and compassion in his heart and soul then many I have listened to on the PTL network. He's more intelligent too. I get the feeling that this blog is dominated by right wingers or Clintonistas. Maybe both, cant tell the difference sometimes....
Posted by: Pat | Apr 9, 2008 10:04:21 PM
Hay folks...can you believe this? Rupert Murdoch family is having a fundraiser in Nottinghill, London, for our "champion of clean up Washington influence peddlers" himself; our illustrious reformer Sen. Barack Obama...Rupert Murdoch's daughter Elisabeth Murdoch will host the event...Does this mean that our beloved Barack is really the modern version of Faust?
Posted by: charleschaplin | Apr 9, 2008 10:04:53 PM
Obama gets yet another pass from the msm. Just imagine if the principal was McCain or Clinton. You'd have wall to wall coverage, and apologies demanded. Hate is hate, and good deeds don't fix it if one keeps hating along with the good deeds.
Posted by: Jessica | Apr 9, 2008 10:07:22 PM
It is no secret Rev. Jeremiah Wright courts nefarious people (i.e., Farrakhan and Momar Kadafi) who hold anti-Semitic, anti-white prejudges and beliefs which are un-American and ungodly.
Kadafi took responsibility for his Libya government officials who bombed the US civilian Pam Am flight over Lockerbie, Scotland in 1988 killing hundreds of innocent americans.
Association with Rev. Wright for 20 years listening to ANTI-AMERICAN racist propaganda should make you Obama supports proud to support a presidential candidate whose church's theology is based upon Communist/Marxist/Socialist beliefs.
Posted by: J Nagy | Apr 9, 2008 10:09:29 PM
Funny thing about the economy. When ask over 80% say they're doing fine but they hear their neighbor is having a hard time. Just proves poll results are whatever the questioner wants them to be. Funny also that the democrats won't admit that the economy, stock market and housing industry was booming for six years. Now after 14 months of their rule in congress we are headed into a recession. Now who would be at fault for that? Democrats lie and people really die as a result.
Posted by: Scrapiron | Apr 9, 2008 10:14:37 PM
geez west coast
i thought Hillary would have given you tickets to the concert tonight?
You really should be awarded for your
constant and unwaivering support.
Posted by: LAUREN | Apr 9, 2008 10:16:38 PM
LAUREN - You could have mentioned I had no tickets. I feel hurt for being overlooked by you.
Posted by: Dogsoldier | Apr 9, 2008 10:18:49 PM
geez dog sorry how in the world could anyone forget you ? cripes i must be sleep deprived.
shall i yell at hill for forgeting you constant and unwaivering suppot
Posted by: lauren | Apr 9, 2008 10:22:39 PM
Pat
I hope you are right.
It does sound good thou doesn't it.
President Barack Obama
Posted by: Lauren | Apr 9, 2008 10:24:24 PM
West Coast and Dog
heres a bone
president hillary and William Clinton
Posted by: Lauren | Apr 9, 2008 10:26:49 PM
lauren - Oh boy. This looks bad, huh? Heck you get a free pas at Hillary for not giving me a ticket. Go for it! I'll even silently cheer a little.
Posted by: Dogsoldier | Apr 9, 2008 10:27:19 PM
Obama's promises of change remind me of the techniques used to sell you and your doctor the latest insufficiently studied-FDA approved pharmaceutical product. You are bombarded with TV ads, in the newspapers, bus, train,with promises that such new product is the latest and better remedy for all your pains and ailments, but... when you start taking it, the side effects are worst than your original ailment and many times might even kill you. We better stick with the already proven best product in the market. GO HILLARY.
Posted by: Definitely Common Sense | Apr 9, 2008 10:30:45 PM
What Obama has done is to set a clear pattern. A pattern of unscrupulous associations that span decades, and that unfortunately, we weren’t privy to until recently. Obama has retained a standard of advisors and mentors that defy most terrorist expectations. The archetypal gaggle is truly mind-boggling, and includes such notables as Rev. Wright, Meeks, Ayers, Rezko, Farrakhan, Michele, et al. Obama supporters continue to tout the intrinsically weak argument that Obama isn’t defined by his mentors and friends. Just like mamma told you, you are the company you keep.
Posted by: Emily | Apr 9, 2008 10:34:16 PM
Mall...Obama's speech was brilliant. His insights were right on. You cant erase 250 years of slavery and 100 years of institutionalized racist segregation in a couple of generations.Its time we face facts and work together to build a better nation.I think Obama is the person who can help heal the deep racial wounds, acknowledge and address the mistrust that we are bound by....and end this illegal and immoral war.
Posted by: Pat | Apr 9, 2008 10:38:04 PM
I've been hearing over the last few days that Obama may have some real issues trying to gain "Top Security" credentials for obvious reasons. Has anyone heard any more on this. I also understand that he just applied for this clearance last week.
Which begs the question...Why are taxpayers footing the bill for Secret Service for candidates when we don't even know if the candidates are able to pass scrutiny for a Top Security Clearance?
Posted by: SadStateOfAffairs | Apr 9, 2008 10:40:26 PM
What about how the Clinton's spoke highly of Farrakhan and supported his Million Man March during Bill's presidency? If we're going to indict Trinity, then we should be fair and indict the Clinton's as well. The difference is that Obama didn't praise Farrakhan, his church's magazine did, whereas the Clinton's do so directly.
Posted by: Tane | Apr 9, 2008 10:41:52 PM
Lydia,
If you don't want to play with the big dogs then stay on the porch!!
Obama is a spineless Marxist Sympathiser who refueses to accept responsibility for his past actions.
Listen to any of his eloquent empty speeches and he never praises anything of America. Not bad for a I am black today and white tomorrow presidential candidate.
If you think having people nearly if not actually freeze to death because Rezko was given monies to rebuild living quarters for the economically challenged through Obama's actions then you had better redefine just what kind of person YOU ARE!
Posted by: J Nagy | Apr 9, 2008 10:42:53 PM
And as a reminder, the Clintons got money from the Rezko Three co-defendants. Obama did not. You may have heard of Google by now...
Posted by: kravitz | Apr 9, 2008 10:55:17 PM
J Nagy, I'm with you! Obama let's his constituents freeze, while he and Michele lived in luxury.
During Obama’s time as an Illinois senator, his friend, Tony Resko owned several buildings in Chicago. Obama’s law firm helped Resko to obtain rehab funding for these buildings, many of which were intended as low income housing for underprivileged people. Many of these buildings were never renovated, received multiple code violations, became even more dilapidated, and many tenants went without heat during the winter months. Derelicts, and drug dealers also used some of the vacant spaces in these buildings. Many of the buildings went into foreclosure. Obama was elected to the Illinois senate in 1996. These buildings were in Obama’s senate district, and the tenets were his constituents.
While his Chicago constituents were freezing in his friend Rezko’s buildings, Obama and Michele closed on their $1.65 million house. The adjacent lot was purchased by Resko’s wife, who was earning only $35,000 at the time. The seller wanted both properties to be sold simultaneously. Thus, Resko’s wife paid full price for the lot, but the Obama’s paid $300,000 below asking price for theirs. Later, to expand his back yard, Obama purchased a strip of the lot from Resko’s wife. Resko was under investigation at the time, and most of his assets were frozen.
Posted by: Emily | Apr 9, 2008 10:56:16 PM
J Nagy, When Obama is president, are you going to leave the country? You do of course know that nothing that YOU say is going to stop him, and nothing you say really matters to anybody. As a matter of fact I know that you are going to respond to this comment, but don't waste your time, I do not plan to return to this page. bye bye
Posted by: voice of reason | Apr 9, 2008 10:56:59 PM
Hey DC. I was always a Bill and Hill fan. But to suggest that the Clinton's are more principled? Thats a stretch. Let me just mention the Bosnia snipper fire story. "I misspoke". I think they would do anything or slander anyone to get the presidency, even if it risks pushes the election into the laps of the Republicans. When Bill said "Wouldn't it be great to have two people running for president that loved their country"? Principled? Not so sure. I'm not saying Hill wouldn't be a good Prez, She would certainly get my vote over JM, who still hasn't dealt with his PTSD. McCain and Lieberman would have our Air Force sending that air mail message to Iran within weeks! bomb bomb bomb bomb bomb Iran.
Posted by: Pat | Apr 9, 2008 10:58:13 PM
Poor Obama. The irony of all this is it will be other black men (like Wright & Farrakhan) who will bring down the (almost)first black president.
And Obama will have no one to blame but himself.
President McCain. Get use to it.
Posted by: Jo | Apr 9, 2008 11:04:35 PM
voice of reason: The Democratic Party is going to stop him. So, wake-up and smell the coffee. The party needs somebody that can walk the walking, not someone that can talk the talking. In other words, proven actions not promises of change by somebody that cannot back his words with his past and present actions.
Posted by: Definitely Common Sense | Apr 9, 2008 11:06:23 PM
It get's better with Obama and his supporters. Most now know that ex president Carter who supports Obama is going to meet with Hamas leaders....Hmmm what else can we expect from Obama and his supporters? The world is dangerous now and it's gonna get worse if we elect Obama the follower.
Posted by: persio | Apr 9, 2008 11:09:47 PM
To every one Bosnia embellishment, there are copious lies, twists, and fables from Obama. Hillary has stood the test of time, and the vitriol heaved at her by the misogynistic media for over twenty-six years. We've had only a millisecond of Obama, and already he's got more baggage than any other candidate in recent history. The Kool aid must be particularly potent these days for the Obama supporters to keep touting this nefarious character. Either that, or the compensation for Obama-blogging is better than we thought.
Posted by: Emily | Apr 9, 2008 11:12:38 PM
The only way Obama can win is by leaving out FL and MI Obama has not taken any questions since Rev Wrights story came he gave a speech and thinks that's the ticket. Hillary takes questions all day from the media. And he acts more white than black
Posted by: Bishop | Apr 9, 2008 11:14:34 PM
Carter endorsed Obama and now he is off to meet with Hamas leader what is it with Obama and his associates??
Seems like they all want to be close to all the radical nuts in the world, what are their intentions? Obama wants to chit chat with them, he wants to meet the Iran mad man, what is really going on with all of them?
Its is really starting to look as if they really want to destroy American from within, as some of these people promised to do.
Posted by: SJ | Apr 9, 2008 11:16:33 PM
dogsoldier, you used to be a very smart moderate critic of Obama.
you have become so desperate now to take him down you sound exactly like a Hannity clone.
you should be ashamed of yourself.
Posted by: Gion | Apr 9, 2008 11:16:53 PM
The Democratic Party is going to stop him. So, wake-up and smell the coffee. The party needs somebody that can walk the walking, not someone that can talk the talking."
if the party override the voters wishes, the Democrats have absolutely no business making Bush "selected not elected" jokes ever again. ever.
Posted by: Gion | Apr 9, 2008 11:18:19 PM
Emily: Very well said.
Posted by: Definitely Common Sense | Apr 9, 2008 11:18:52 PM
Judith - On exactly what data are you basing your judgement? Everything I've seen about Obama (aside from his comments about "don't listen to the facts" leads me to believe that he has NO GOOD AGENDA for Jews or Isreal. Please elaborate.
Posted by: MGPGH | Apr 9, 2008 11:20:23 PM
Ayres, Farakhan, Wright, Odinga, The Black Panthers, Rezko the list keeps growing by the day and the media wants to tell us as Americans something in here is not looking strange?
Its hard to understand how one man with all these types hanging around him is not in some way connected to them, he must be the most unfortunate individual in the world to be only attracting these types.
Posted by: SJ | Apr 9, 2008 11:23:56 PM
You are known by the crowd you hang with.
Posted by: waggdogg | Apr 9, 2008 11:24:16 PM
If the Wright scandal had broken in January, Hillary would have clinched the nomination weeks ago. There's no way Obama can win and the only reason many of the superdelegates are voting for him is strictly personal: if Obama can push the Clintons out of the way, and Obama loses as expected to McCain, then they have a clear field to push their own interests in 2012.
Posted by: proudamerican2008 | Apr 9, 2008 11:24:20 PM
Obama is a communist, extreme left wing liberal.
Obama is a racist and hates America.
Obama is an egomaniac who thinks he is doing a great favor to America simply by running for President.
Obama's loyalty is to Africa not America which is mean accoriding to Ms.Obama.
Obama is as corrupt as every other politician, and was hand in hand with shady characters in Chicago politics.
Obama lies through his teeth when he says he is a different kinda politician. More like he is a different kinda liar, a slick snake oil salesman.
================================
SAY NO TO OBAMA.
ANYONE ELSE BUT NOT OBAMA'08
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Posted by: ted | Apr 9, 2008 11:40:09 PM
Leaving out Fl and Mi is the only way Obama could win.
Posted by: Bishop | Apr 9, 2008 11:41:59 PM
I guess the Clinton camp broke the Wright story too late. But they are doing there best to keep it alive. And as for Carter meeting with Hamas? They are the elected Govt of the Palestinian people, elected in a free and fair election process. Probably more free and fair then our own 2000 election. Thats more then we can say of many of our allied nations in the world. I think a wise man should talk with his enemies. Not much is gained by perpetuating the distrust, hate and killing...for either side.
Posted by: pat | Apr 9, 2008 11:44:27 PM
pat - If facts mean anything for you Fox broke the Wright story, specifically Hannity. Check it out if you doubt.
Posted by: Dogsoldier | Apr 9, 2008 11:46:35 PM
Emily: Thank you for the information.
Posted by: Definitely Common Sense | Apr 9, 2008 11:47:41 PM
Sorry but when I read statements like this one in the news I cannot support anyone that want to talk with these mad people.
Muhammad Abdel-Al, spokesperson and a senior leader of the Popular Resistance Committees terror group, recently explained the U.S. willingness to negotiate and initiate dialogue "shows the Islamic resistance is bringing the giant [America] to is knees."
"It would be a great achievement complemented by more and more dead American soldiers they will carry in coffins to the U.S.," said Abdel-Al.
Posted by: SJ | Apr 9, 2008 11:50:13 PM
william - Blacks support Palestinians? You are aware there were no such thing as so called Palestinians as late as the Roman conquest of Israel and the destruction of the second temple, or are you? And are you aware that it was the Roman empire who changed the name of Israel to Palestine? So where did the Arabs come from?
Posted by: Dogsoldier | Apr 9, 2008 11:56:32 PM
I was going to vote for Obama, but now I would never, ever.
Someone said he was a uniter. Look at what he has done to this country now. He is a divider. Black's and White's are arguing more then ever.
It is too bad to, because we had all come a long way.
People are even afraid to bring up the subject. They don't know what to call white people without offending them, and they don't know what to call black's without offending them. How has this united us?
I am sorry, but I agree you are the company you keep. I can't imagine Michelle Obama being our first Lady either. She has never been proud of this country in her adult life until now.
AMERICAN'S WAKE UP!! This man is a disaster. He will only destroy this country. We can't risk our countries national security by electing this man for President.
Hillary may have exaggerating things, but at least we know what we are getting when we vote for Hillary. When Bill was in office we had Peace and Prosperity. Bill was once called the "First Black President".
Don't vote for a person, because of the color or their skin. Take into account their character, and what they can do for this country.
Obama can't even answer a question without checking to see what Hillary has said, and then he mimicks her statement. It is sad that you people won't open your eyes before it is too late, and we have to vote for McCain.
Imagine getting more white people in the picture. What does that tell you? It tells you that this country is in big trouble, and Obama has lost the white vote. He can't win on the black vote alone.
GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!
Posted by: nanci | Apr 9, 2008 11:58:05 PM
Pat - I take it your position is to disenfranchise the democratic voter of FL and MI? And in so doing you advocate giving both FL and MI to the republicans even before the general begins? That's a whole lot of trouble pal. Us Clinton supporters are holding Obama in absolute check right now and that not even counting republicans yet. And should Clinton lose who do you think we'll support?
Posted by: Dogsoldie



