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Obama Forgets Writing on Gun Questionnaire

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April 17, 2008 12:13 AM

ABC News' Teddy Davis and Talal Al-Khatib Report: Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., maintained at Wednesday's ABC News debate in Philadelphia that his handwriting does not appear on a 1996 questionnaire stating support for a ban on the manufacture, sale, and possession of handguns. The Democratic presidential frontrunner made this claim even though a copy of the original document suggests otherwise.

"No, my writing wasn't on that particular questionnaire, Charlie. As I said, I have never favored an all-out ban on handguns," said Obama.

The Illinois Democrat made his remarks after ABC News' Charlie Gibson told Obama: "In 1996, your campaign issued a questionnaire, and your writing was on the questionnaire that said you favored a ban on handguns."

The questionnaire, which was filled out for an organization called "Independent Voters of Illinois - Independent Precinct Organizations," appears to have Obama's handwriting on the first page plus a typewritten answer to the gun question on the last page.

Read the questionnaire with the handwriting here.

Read an accompanying story from Politico here.

The questionnaire asked: "Do you support state legislation to: ban the manufacture, sale and possession of handguns?"

Obama's campaign answered: "Yes."

Obama's response to an earlier 1996 questionnaire from the same group has the same statement of support for a sweeping ban on handguns.

Read the earlier questionnaire here.

When asked about the gun questionnaire with the handwriting on it, Obama adviser Robert Gibbs did not dispute that the writing was Obama's.

Rather than defend Obama's claim that his handwriting was not on the questionnaire, Gibbs argued that voters should instead focus on the Illinois Democrat's claim that he does not -- and has never -- supported a handgun ban.

Asked why his 1996 campaign manager would think that he supported a handgun ban if that was never his position, Gibbs said, "Why she filled out the questionnaire the way she did I have no idea because it didn't reflect his views."

The Clinton campaign swiftly rebuked Obama's unsupported claim that his handwriting was not on the questionnaire.

"He did not give a defensible answer," said Clinton adviser Howard Wolfson on Wednesday.

"Perhaps he could explain how his handwriting could appear on it without actually seeing it?" Wolfson added during a Thursday conference call with reporters. 

April 17, 2008 in Kucinich, Dennis | Permalink | User Comments (221)

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LOOKS LIKE YOU GUYS HAVE NOT GET THE MEMO YET..SHAME ON YOU

Posted by: kris | Apr 17, 2008 12:24:23 AM

Simple. When cornered, Senator Barack Obama will LIE. Sadly, Barack, just like a "typical Washington politician". He even LOOKED nervous like he was lying when he said it. He also tried to claim that he "disowned" his former Pastor - until George Stephanopolus called him immediately on it. Barack is learning the hard way that you cant run a campaign on speeches and constantly yelling "Change" and "Hope"! Hillary looked and sounded "Presidential" Barack looked scared and lost.

Posted by: PhillyPaul | Apr 17, 2008 12:30:55 AM

this is not a small issue, but merely yet another example of how Obama continues to LIE and betray the American public, and his supporters absoulutely refuse to believe it. That is what will drive this country to ruins.....a group of hypnotized voters voting for a dangerous liar like Obama into the white house. God help us, what is wrong with you people?

Posted by: justicenow | Apr 17, 2008 12:34:11 AM

Clinton: Affirmative action on ALL disadvantaged children - black, white and all in between. -The REAL uniter!

"It's time for female rule" - The Dalai Lama

Posted by: JJ | Apr 17, 2008 12:37:39 AM

ABC did a great job. If Obama can't handle this, he can't handle being president. What a mess he was!!!

Posted by: al | Apr 17, 2008 12:40:20 AM

So what...Hillary did not wear her flag pin tonight and McCain did not wear his flag pin on college hardball with Chris Matthews Tuesday night. Why don't you write about this? If you check the internet for a picture of that night you will see it. I am too through with ABC. This was a set up.

Posted by: voice of reason | Apr 17, 2008 12:42:21 AM

This is the first time in a debate (other than being questioned on Louis F) that Bo hasnt been coddled by the hosts
Up until this debate he was treated with kid gloves and was allowed to feed off Hillarys answers
Unless I missed something he was the one who started attacking her when asked about his latest boneheaded comments
So he didnt jump on the Bosnia thing -He certainly had no problem in his comedy shtick comparing her to Annie Oakley now did he
He was put on the spot tonite and couldnt take it
Easy answer as to why he has refused the North Carolina debate
He doesnt do well with out a teleprompter
If he never has to ever answer another question he will do just fine

Posted by: Betty | Apr 17, 2008 12:42:38 AM

Another attempted "hit job" by ABC and politico on Obama! The best part is people aren't as stupid as you think they are.

Posted by: judy | Apr 17, 2008 12:44:50 AM

I just have one thing to say-

YES, YES, YES !!

Excellent performance by both candidates in the debate tonight, despite the expected antagonistic questioning towards Senator Obama. At least no one can ever complain anymore about moderators being too tough on Clinton. All part of the great vetting of Obama that will help him in the national election tis fall. If he can stand up to the brutal Clinton attack machine, it will be easy to stand up to McCain, who is clumsier and a far weaker opponent than HIllary. We owe her a debt of gratitude for making Obama a stronger and more formidable candidate for the NE this fall.

Obama, 08

Posted by: rco | Apr 17, 2008 12:45:24 AM

Did anyone besides me notice that when the moderators asked Omaba about his remarks in San Francisco they conveniently left out his inclusion of racism and illegal immigration? They only mentioned religion and guns?! Will anyone ever ask either of these democrat candidates about their positions on illegal immigration during a debate???

Posted by: Valerie Bridges | Apr 17, 2008 12:51:41 AM


I guess Obama is having a Bosnia moment.

He 'forgot' that he was for a total ban on handguns.

Lol.

Lets face it folks. This whole thing has gotten ridiculous.

Its totally overplayed. They have nothing left to do but mock each other. The media has nothing left to do but find dirt on them both.

In 2012, they should move to a 50 state primary on the same day. This process has dragged out WAY too long.

Just have the primaries on the same day for christs sakes .

Posted by: tomdavie | Apr 17, 2008 12:56:13 AM

Obama supporters are wailing that ABC News dared to ask the Precious difficult questions instead of offering him a pillow.

Posted by: Joseph | Apr 17, 2008 1:00:12 AM

Maybe he will soon be giving a speech on handwriting...

Posted by: echo | Apr 17, 2008 1:02:15 AM

The press has all the right in the world to question Obama about the questionnair, BitterGate and now that Obama worked for terrorist William Ayers. He said he was 8 when Ayers bombed New York. Nice try Obama. You were 30something when you worked for him at the Woods Project. You as an adult made the decision to work for a terrorist. This is a legitimate issue, the judgment and associations of the possible nominee. Its goes straight to the reason why democrats have lost the last two elections. It is fair to argue Obama’s condescension to the small town folk because it goes directly to issues like religion, xenophobia, gun ownership and culture. And his associations with Farrahkan, Wright, Ayers and Refko should be fully vetted.

Posted by: Kay Lane Ray Rafko | Apr 17, 2008 1:02:25 AM

Please excuse Obama for his millionth mistake. By the way, he is the anointed one so he actually has automatic forgiveness -- asking to be excused just as a courtesy (not heart felt). Chris Mathews and Keith Blabbermann both say he is the one and only!
========================================
Obama, embittering voters one at a time!
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Posted by: WestCoastMessenger | Apr 17, 2008 1:03:12 AM

I was surprised how poorly Barack did in the ABC debate. His poorest responses were the "bitter" remarks he made about us. He also changed the subject every time his relationships to the terrorist and the racist hater came up. I only wish we had known these things about him sooner.
PA Small Towner.

Posted by: PA Small Towner | Apr 17, 2008 1:03:20 AM

I really don't care about a gun questionnaire he sign or didn't sign. My healthcare insurance is sky high, gasoline prices is through the roof , those are the issues I care about.

Posted by: Dorritt | Apr 17, 2008 1:03:28 AM

In a time when maybe this is last debate. A very important evening. ABC has commercials . In fact as it began they broke away after 1 minute. The first 45 minutes had no issues but attacks by Clinton and ABC on Obama. I think I have watched all debates this year both Republican & Democrat and Im positive now that ABC did the worse job. Charlie Gibson arguing his point of view as if he was running in primary. Shame on ABC , pitiful dispaly on yall's behalf.

Posted by: Cutter Brandenburg | Apr 17, 2008 1:05:07 AM

It seem like Obama with the hand-writing issue is like Obama with the other controversial issues that have dogged his campaign - first deny it ever happened, then when the evidence is overwhelmingly there - well "yes" it did happen but it's not the way it looks.

Interesting how the Obama supporters don't seem to be on "message" when Senator Obama is asked some tough questions. They resort to name-calling and personal insults as if that is going to convince anyone other than themselves that they are right. ( A suggestion - maybe a course on how to "win friends and influence enemies" might be helpful.)

Posted by: Cathy | Apr 17, 2008 1:09:25 AM

I think what is rather amusing is that the liberal media, including ABC, are beating up on the Democratic nominee, Senator Obama, at a time when they normally would be building and lifting their candidate in written and televised media for the upcoming national election against the evil republicans. After this media generated blood letting nomination process is over, the liberal media will suddenly do an about face, change their tune, say and write wonderful things about him, and proceed to trash the McCains every which way they can! It's so predictable. The same folks who are saying he sucks, will kiss up. What does this say about our party and the liberal media! LOL!

Posted by: rco | Apr 17, 2008 1:12:32 AM

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