Sometimes these politicians should just keep their mouths shut. He is obviously exploiting the fact that he was against the Iraq war as he should, but he needs to get the basic facts correct.

This is what many of us have been saying for 6 months. In addition to a total lack of national or foreign policy knowledge or experience plus poor judgment in his personal relationships, the man is not even well versed on real issues. Going against McCain, I see another Gerald Ford "Poland isn't a satellite" type gaffe which will make him look like the unqualified candidate that he really is.

The basic message is correct and I do not know if we are sending agricultural specialists to Iraq or not. Just because they are not growing poppies in Iraq they have been trying to reclaim some wetlands destroyed by Saddam. I am sure that after completely destroying the infrastructure in Irag there has been a need for all sorts of specialist in IRAQ includining agricultural specialists .

I think your conclusion is wrong
Obama08

And this is the Democratic candidate who has been forced upon me. God help us all. Don't blame me -- I voted for Hillary.

And remember that Obama has said that foreign policy is his strong suit. Also remember that he Chairs the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee which handles Afghanistan.Too often he has shown that he does not have command of the issues and the details.

No one will be able to say anything except Barrack Obama if he is elected. Everyone else will not be allowed to have an opinion unless it's Obama's opinion. Free Speech will be a long-lost concept. This dude is not only creepy, but also scary. Eeeek.

Yeah, he definitely needs to clean it up a bit before the general election picks up...

It doesn't matter what Obama says, his supporter such as "Thinking" will stay right behind him until they all drink the Cool Aid.

Obama might have a good brain for book learning and speaking but he is lacking in the logical reasoning department. That is probably why he chose to listen to Rev. Wright for 20 years.

I hope people will study his wife's writings, speeches and Obama's actions before they vote for him.

He is sporting a flag pin now but is he still indulging himself in the speeches of American haters? Is he still trying to change the National Anthem? Does he cover his heart when it is played? Does he respect anything about our government? To me, he is an empty politician and as the Rev. said, he speaks as a politician when he speaks. In other words, he says whatever it takes to get elected and to hell with the working class people.

This campaign has made Americans weary -- it's too long! And the candidates -- all three of them -- are physically exhausted at this point! Give 'em some slack--all three of them. They've each made gaffes, and the press has unnecessarily jumped on those mistakes to make the candidates look like idiots. All three are bright people -- certainly brighter than the current president. Again, give all of them some slack!

Really Obama doesn't know anything about foreign affairs. Gee Wow how shocking!!!

Um he's unelectable and unqualified.

He also talked about the Great Lakes of Oregon. He's totally unqualified.

Unfortunately the MSM has been so smitten with his empty rhetoric they haven't even noticed he knows nothing.

The voters have.

God Help Us. I hope you people that voted with your hearts instead of your heads are happy.

Sporting a shiny new American flag pin.. LOL .. So he's NOW sporting an American flag pin??! Oh boy.....

It seems to me after a little reaserch that the gaff is realy ABC's

Obama08

And this is the Democratic candidate who has been forced upon me. God help us all.

The DRAMA is just getting started! Just wait to see what else is coming.

Obama Apoligists...

Thank you for translating what he said. I don't speak Obamaish so it's nice of you'all to help us poor, bitter, gun-tottin, Bible clinging folks out.

It would be helpful in the future if had a translator with him or if he can be sub-titled so we can all be on the same page when he speaks.

best description of the Obamanics

GO HILLARY

I'll take those slip ups any day over Bosnia Sniper fire Lies.

AnyDay.

Hard to compare tired slip ups with outright lies.

Obama 08

I find it very insulting that no matter how many times this man says or does something to make us question his integrity, these democratic analyists come on tv and "spin" everything to make us look like "idiots"!! Like we can't comprehend what we've seen, or heard. I personally am sick to death of it already!!! It is what it is, and he is what he is!!!!! I personally don't trust him.

I remember hearing an Obama spokesperson on the all Obama network, MSNBC, say that Obama studied foreign relations in college and that is why he is good at it. Uhhhh, uhhh, don't blame me, I didn't vote for him, will never vote for him, thank you WV for showing Donna Brazile and Howard Dean what the "old" democrats have to say about this election and the so called "new democratic party". Hillary all the way to Denver!

You have to excuse Obama.. He doesn't have much experience.. so yes, it's ok for him to goof up.

Well, racism and ignorance are alive and well in America, thank you abc blog.

Meanwhile, My Vietnam vet grandfather and myself read the posts and see how easily folks forget both HRC and McCain screw ups, ready to jump and bash Obama-

And we both laugh. Mt grandpa taught me well, he served in Vietnam and has the wounds to prove it- we are BOTH voting Obama.

Obama 08

The entire election process is changing. My grandfather says not a moment too soon. He has lived through more than most of you, and he can see through through the rhetoric and debates you are posing.

If you guys wouldn't trust West Virginia to be the only vote and deciding factor on economic issues, why in the hell would you expect them to decide a president.

I will say- my battle wounded grandpa finds all these arguments entertaining. he was raised in a racist era. He even says pissed off women and racist will be our worst enemy, and guess what, he IS RIGHT.

Move On.

Obama 08

okay

sunlen and david you both have made a gaffe

farsi is spoken in iran and presently in iraq...

Farsi translators are in Iraq...yes they are ...and if you didn't know that you should not be reporting this gaffe as it is.

He may have said Arabic... because he had it backwards...but the translators needed in Afghanistan ARE in Iraq.

get the story correct.

and yes... there are farm specialists who should be in afghanistan that ARE in bing bing bing

Iraq.

I wish i could copy someone on this so you all could make sure YOUR gaffes don't spread misinformation.

This really isn't that big of a screw up...he'll make alot worse in the months ahead...LOL...just wait!

This is the same guy, your Barack, who said the US has 57 states!

Pathetic.

Hillary should be the nominee!!!!

Well at least unlike Sen. McCain, Sen. Obama knows the difference between Sunni and Shia! At least he didn't MISREMEMBER being under fictitious sniper fire!

minil and Hillary was under sniper fire which she repeated at least 4 times LOL Yes, that is pathetic.

One would think that he would have his facts straight before opening his mouth. Of course, he has been making misstatments and distortion so long, it is part of his charm and political rhetric. Farming specialist needed in Bagdad and 57 US states.
Bet if all those 57 states had primaries, he would not win. That man is not qualified. He is a hack.

WE ARE STARTING TO SEE THE FLAWS AND CRACKS IN OBAMA'S ARMOR. NO CHANCE HE WILL DEFEAT MCCAIN, NOT THAT MCCAIN IS ALL THAT GREAT.
HIS ULTRA LIBERAL/SOCIALIST VIEW, UNWILLINGNESS TO SAY THE PLEDGE, SALUTE THE FLAG OR ACKNOWLEGE THE MIDDLE AMERICA POINT OF VIEW (PATRIOTISM) WILL BE HIS DOWNFALL. IF YOU LISTEN LONG ENOUGH YOU WILL HEAR THE THUD.....

Thats it. I guess when he spoke openly against going to war in Iraq, he meant Iran. Another staff gaffe not his. But, I guess it has positive results. Ooops.

I did not see anything on these ABC blog posts about the Obama campaign setting aside $20 million to help get all those superdelegates reelected the next time around. This was on talk radio yesterday.
If Obama is elected, George Bush will look like a genius compared to Obama. HELP AMERICA. THE SHIP IS SINKING.

OBAMA! WHAT A JOKE!

ITS TIME WE GET REAL, AND CAST OUR VOTES IN THE GE FOR A POLITICIAN WHO KNOWS THE LANDSCAPE, AND HAS SOME EXPERIENCE. ITS HILL OR MAC IN 08'

For God's sake! He is still in training pants. And you wonder why some of us have continually been saying, "he is green"? Whether it is giving a speech by Patrick as his own inspired speech, not remembering if he was at Rezko gatherings with Middle Eastern money figures, not knowing the rantings of his 20-year pastor and spiritual mentor, 57 states, NAFTA, double-talk, you name it. He is lacking in knowledge on too many issues, he is lacking in experience. Why did he get in this race? Ask Kennedy and Kerry. They felt "a tingle run up the leg", and they knew he was qualified and ready to lead this country in so many areas of danger, crisis, and need. He is green now and he will still be green in November.

We need agricultural specialists in Afghanistan, people who can help them develop other crops than heroin poppies, because the drug trade in Afghanistan is what is driving and financing these terrorist networks. So we need agricultural specialists," he said.

So far, so good.

"But if we are sending them to Baghdad, they're not in Afghanistan," Obama said.
----------------------------------------
Wow am really suprised how you can twist a perfectly logical argument by putting your spin on it and then claim it to be a gaffe. Do yourselves a favor go over the article again and you will find how very simple minded you both are! I won't be suprised if your degree in journalism was bought off the internet. What a sad piece of -------(fill in the blanks) by a sod of a writer. Another American loss

The real force behind Barack Obama is his wife, Michelle Obama.

She wants so desperately to be First Lady that she will stop at nothing to bad mouth Hillary and others to get her foot in the Whitehous.

To have to look at this "Man-Woman" for the next four years, gives me the creeps.

We do not want a Bitter, angry, unhappy Un-American First Lady in the Whitehouse.

Please Obama's go away!!!!!

Hypocrites abound. Calling Obama a racist?! Of course the shot at him because he is multiracial. The one saying how could fellow Americans support a man with a non-"american" sounding name. You are truly what America does NOT stand for and why True-Americans have been supporting Obama. Sorry but the Good Ole Days are fading fast. Guess what there are some people that don't live by a prejudiced and isolated viewpoint.
Cool-aid? No just clean and crisp water. But maybe you ought to look in the mirror for the indelible stains of Bigotry.

Ugly and Bitter talk indeed

Is this not the same Obama who made fun of McCain for not able to see the difference between Shite and Shia?

What a joke?

Btw - Obama things there are 57 states in the US .

Mary what the heck are you talking about. Michelle wants desperately to get into the white house. And you know this how???? I'm just jesting with you. The Clintons on the other hand are the desperate ones to get back into the white house.

Jack, I guess it's like Hillary and her sniper fire which she repeated 4 times.

come to think of it , it is not that hard to live in peace with the terrorists , you know? ..all we have to do is scrapping that Bill of Rights that we have , well , that document is over 200 years old any way.....We can sit down ( like Hussein Obama said ) and talk to them nicely , okay , they killed a few hundred Americans in the past , but hey , who did not make a mistake , huh??..All that is required of us is that we follow SHARIA laws, Treat our women like slaves , kill our neighbor by bombs if they dare disagree with us , and well,we will be loved by our terrorists brothers and their loving GOD , we will be able to practice polygamy ( having many wives that is )and hey , what is wrong with listening to a few crazy mad men ??? We will be guaranteed a place in Heaven with all those virgins....that 's what they said ... Hmm....not bad....just give up your FREEDOM folks...it's not that bad....maybe it is about time America learn a little , they have been free too long (thanks to their ancestors' sacrifices) now it is about time they learn to live without FREEDOM a little , just like how people in the Middle East , in China, IN Tibet , In Eastern Europe , in Cuba, In Venezuela, in SouthEAst Asia ....have learned all this time ....then , they probably appreciate FREEDOM a little more and maybe wise up a little.... maybe....

THIS IS WHY THE REPUBLICANS WILL DEFEAT THE DEMOCRATS AGAIN AFTER 8 YEARS! DEMOCRACTS CAN SEEM TO LEARN FROM THEIR PREVIOUS MISTAKES. GOOD 'OLE BOYS RUNNING THE SHOW AND WANTED A CANDIDATE THEY CAN CONTROL IN THE WHITE HOUSE AND THAT'S IN THE LIKE OF OBAMA.
SO THE DEMOCRATS LOSE IN 2 GENERAL ELECTIONS IN A ROW AND ABOUT TO MAKE THAT 3 IN A ROW.
OBAMA IS UNELECTABLE AND THEY BETTER REALIZE THAT BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE...

What to do? What to do? The Dems leadership is beginning to realize that Obama is unelectable. But they can't give it to Hillary because "it would tear apart the democratic party." The irony of it all - race being the dems downfall when it has touted itself (as has Obama) as the party of inclusion and tolerance. I don't see much of either going on.
Also, to avoid future gaffes Obama may want to take a mobile teleprompter around because he does give a great speech when it is scripted but he is pretty awful when he has to fend for himself - just ask the people living in the 57 states who speak arabic and need ag specialists.

Gordo

I say that the mainstream dems that are the ones that want Hillary force Obama and his Obamaphiles to form their own party and try to beat her that way... they cannot have the dem nomination!

After all this debate, being in Afghanistan for last one and half year, I can certainly say that the engagement in Iraq certainly affected US's position in Afghanistan whether it is troops or other forms of aid. Having said that if you talk about the need for Arabic Translators in Afghanistan I repeat in Afghanistan and the need for Agricultural specialists in Iraq repeat in Iraq, there is something amiss in the statement and betrays lack of knowledge about the situation in respective countries. There I am totally with the contention raised by Mr David Wright of ABC News

After all this debate, being in Afghanistan for last one and half year, I can certainly say that the engagement in Iraq certainly affected US's position in Afghanistan whether it is troops or other forms of aid. Having said that if you talk about the need for Arabic Translators in Afghanistan I repeat in Afghanistan and the need for Agricultural specialists in Iraq repeat in Iraq, there is something amiss in the statement and betrays lack of knowledge about the situation in respective countries. There I am totally with the contention raised by Mr David Wright of ABC News

After all this debate, being in Afghanistan for last one and half year, I can certainly say that the engagement in Iraq certainly affected US's position in Afghanistan whether it is troops or other forms of aid. Having said that if you talk about the need for Arabic Translators in Afghanistan I repeat in Afghanistan and the need for Agricultural specialists in Iraq repeat in Iraq, there is something amiss in the statement and betrays lack of knowledge about the situation in respective countries. There I am totally with the contention raised by Mr David Wright of ABC News

David,

Apparently, you haven't covered Afghanistan extensively enough. PASHTUN is a TRIBE not a language! And nice try trying to correct it now without putting in an editorial note noting the correction. It definitely said PASHTUN and not PASHTU earlier!

The only reason you are making an issue of this, is because you THINK you've "extesively" covered both these areas - Iraq and Afghanistan. You go out of your way to say "That strikes me –- as someone who has covered the conflicts in both countries extensively -- as doubtful." Like the smart ass in class who can't stand that somebody made a better point in than him, so he has to contradict whatever the person said no matter what, to prove he's smarter.

Not only is Obama right, that Al-Qaeda in Afghanistan are mostly from the Middle East, and therefore, we WOULD need Arabic translators, he blows you out of the water by also correctly asserting how agriculture specialists could absolutely help with reducing the dependence on Poppy, which funds most of the insurgencies.

Just because you've traveled to Iraq and Afghanistan a couple of times does NOT make you an expert. Please go back and get some more on the ground experience before you start running your mouth off.

I have to say, when the bloggers slamming Obama were doing Lush Rambo's work, posing as democrats, I was a bit concerned, but now that the party is (slowly) coming together, I'm kind of laughing. It's obvious from the naked foolishness of many Republican posters that the fence-sitters will be amply reminded of why to come home to the Dems this fall.

On the need for Arabic speakers in Afghanistan, I think the article is too quick to dismiss Obama's argument. The article says that the foreign fighters aren't talking to NATO troops and that one only needs translators to interrogate suspects. What this overlooks is communications interception. I have no doubt that the NSA has bugs of one kind or another all over the place in Afghanistan and Pakistan, attempting to listen in on these foreign fighters. But someone has to evaluate intercepted communications.

All you Obama defenders piling on the "nitpickers" should remember the piling in you couldn't wait to be a part of every time GW had a slip of the tongue. Bottom line is, everyone's human. Maybe you should all back off and stop assuming that our elected officials are demigods. That's the reason they feel they are entitled to the aristocratic system we are stuck with now. Bring back the good ol' days when the farmer from down the street went to the state capitol a couple of times a month to actually speak on your behalf. We coddle these fools so much now, no wonder they act as though they are beyond reproach. Since when do you need "experience" to be qualified to represent people in your home district? Since when do you have to be a silver-tongued law school graduate to be President? Have we lost complete sight of government BY and FOR the people? We are becoming nothing more than slaves to the military-industrial complex. Remember when your parents used to tell you that anyone can be President? I fear that is no longer the world we live in.

Maybe he got the information from someone living in America's 57th state.

Stan - "I was a bit concerned, but now that the party is (slowly) coming together, I'm kind of laughing. It's obvious from the naked foolishness of many Republican posters that the fence-sitters will be amply reminded of why to come home to the Dems this fall."

You should stay concerned. None of the Hillary Dems I know plan to vote for Obama if he is the candidate.

Yes, he has a lack of foreign policy experience and if this article is something their campaign is wasting their time trying to correct they're morons. Maybe he should have campaigned in WV instead of ignoring the state! They will not forget that! He needs to take a class in foreign affairs and learn what he's talking about instead of making an ### out of himself! If he becomes the democratic nominee, the Republicans are going to eat him up. He's gonna need Clinton to win and I hope she says "NO" and comes back in 2012 after he loses the GENERAL!

The Democrats are about to nominate someone less able, psychologically, to admit error than George W. Bush.

Own the mistake, learn more about the region and prepare better, and move on.

Well, if Obama does come out the nominee I guess we can all say that, finally, the best liar won.

"We need agricultural specialists in Afghanistan, people who can help them develop other crops than heroin poppies..."

They're opium poppies, not 'heroin poppies.' Heroin is one of many derivatives. It's like calling oil fields 'gasoline fields.'

How Obama's original point still "valid?"

How did massive amounts of troops in Afghanistan work out for the Russians?

For someone who criticizes the presences of U.S. troops in Iraq as one of the CAUSES for all the problems in Iraq (that means you ABC and Obama) why is it the problem in one country and a solution in another country? (Afghanistan)

These are questions that are never asked and never answered because you are so beholden to conventional wisdoms that are false and would force you to overhaul your previous misconceptions about the wars we are fighting (Iraq=bad, Afghanistan=good).

How about continuing to ask questions ABC and add the questions above to the debate.

and we all know that if McCain or any Republican for that matter, spoke out of their ### the way BHO has, they would be pilloried in the press. Obama, will once again, get a pass by the vast majority of the press primarily because they are in the tank for him. You won't see his mistakes make the evening news, but you will get story after story about McCain's 100 years statement which was taken out of context, and is still reported as the Obama camp would like it reported.

Obama's continuing a proud tradition of command-economy, one-size fits all directives. Just as Stalin decreed that corn would be planted in areas where the growing season was insufficient, Obama's mastery of socialist economics will direct Iraqis away from poppies and into lush cash crops that will do just as well in the rich oil fields.

Apparently history and economics were both unavailable in Obama's degree program.

"now that the party is (slowly) coming together" - Stan

Your party gave a pretty good getting back together ###-whipping to your nominee in WV last night and a another solid kicking is coming in Ky.

Has a nominee of a party ever gotten his #### cooked as badly as Obama last night? When is Obama going to start using his magical "uniter" sprinkle dust?

Which of our 57 states are Iraq and Afghanistan ?? AND THE DEMS CALL GEORGE BUSH STUPID-- THIS GUY IS A READER NOT A SPEAKER--

Your description of Obama's statements as "gaffes' is unfair. Basically, Obama made one verbal mistake (Arabic, vs. Pashto) which he quickly acknowledged and corrected, and a second point (the diverting of agricultural expertise from Afghanistan) whose nuances are a matter for debate. Obama's larger point is what's significant. It's undeniable that the U.S. invested far more resources in Iraq than it did in rebuilding Afghanistan, relative to the size and population of each country. You're saying that the rebuilding effort in Afghanistan has been impeded by the security situation, but one could just as easily argue that the security situation has deteriorated in part because we didn't do a very good job of rebuilding.

It seems to me the press has been trying to force Obama down our throats for 15 months now. They have protected, supported, and smoothed over as much of his jaded past and present that they possibly can. The press is owned by big oil and friendly "bankers" who want Obama as they have "paid" for him already to be thier "democrat" guy.

If you think you can fool ALL of America guess again. We do have other sources besides your biased broadcasts to judge these candidates by and with. Not only are we learning about Obama and his ilk but we are learning about you and your ilk as well.

Obama is not to be trusted and neither is the "News". Just give us the facts. We will find out the truth for ourselves. The internet is a big place "out of your reach" and influence. And we know how to use it. Spin your tales and tell your lies. We see through Obama and we see through you too!

Dude, you got served. You thought you had a big "gotcha" scoop that got reduced to "are these really the best examples?"

Lame story. Move on.

He's an idiot! And you all know that if Bush had said any of this he would be hung up by the media and ALL these Dems that are making excuses for BHO. Let's see, if you add this to the "57 states" comment...he actually makes Dan Quail look bright!

He's an idiot! And you all know that if Bush had said any of this he would be hung up by the media and ALL these Dems that are making excuses for BHO. Let's see, if you add this to the "57 states" comment...he actually makes Dan Quail look bright!

This guy graduated from a top US school? That says a lot about the quality of US education. Once again, his complete and total ignorance and lack of foreign policy shows again...this cancels out how he brags he voted against the war.

This is the same guy that thinks there is 57 states. Gee what a President he will make.

not surprised that obama did not know what he was talking about. he only knows how to talk about how awesome he is.

he's inexperienced and if he's elected, that inexperience will definitely show.

Maybe we should see if he can spell the word potato...lol

Yet, another clueless speech...trying to play in the big league without his teleprompter...remind you of anyone named Bush? Elementary school as foreign policy experience, no wonder he's clueless. In regards to the 57 states, he should have started his sentence with "I believe..." just like Ms. Teen from North Carolina. Good grief.

Obama is so pathetic - I feel sorry for him, being embarrassed in public again, after his 57 states gaffe, his President of Canada gaffe…. That’s why his supporters want Senator Clinton to drop out so Obama can take a month off and take Domestic Policy 101 in the AM, Foreign Policy 101 in the PM, followed by social sciences 101 before bedtime. Once again the US will be the laughing stock of the world should Obama be elected President.

We have agricultural specialists in countries all over the world. Why do they have to be pulled from Iraq first? How about pulling them from Africa, or Southeast Asia?

In any case, I would like to see specific numbers attached to these claims. Let me know how many Arab speakers we have captured in Afghanistan this year. If its above 100, I will vote Obama.

Not to mention that Iraq probably produces and provides practice for more Arabic translators than we had before the war.

Obama is essentially saying he can't talk and chew gum at the same time.

This just goes to show how in the tank the media is for Obama. If Hillary or McCain made this gaffe all the news programs would have made it their lead story and talked about it over and over.

BO has had problems with basic facts. He is living in a country of 57 States. Boy! He is only good at bombastic high-flown language backed up by emotions. That is why his followers find him inspirational because they have yet to find the 7 states; they are so educated that they would spend all their energy wondering. Their idol can't be wrong. They just do not understand the metaphorical depth.

His campaign manager do understand but he is afraid that you may know the truth under their packageing.

My daughter is one of those Arabic linguists in Iraq. When I read Obama's comment to her she laughed so hard at his cluelessness that she had to get a drink of water before continuing with our conversation. A quick look at Wikipedia gives you better foreign policy information than listening to him.

Obama is a great speech orater, but get him in a situation where he has to ad-lib, he is awful. Um, er, ah.... He's not cut out for the the big times. The consortium behind him doesn't realize that he is not ready for prime time.

And Michelle O... SCARY

The more we learn about Obama, the more I cringe....it is unbelievable to me that this elitist and ignorant empty suit has found a voice. The MTV generation has come of age.....and the U.S.A. is the worse for it. McCain, Hillary and Hussein.....the pick of the litter.....Lord help us!!!

"And we both laugh. Mt grandpa taught me well, he served in Vietnam and has the wounds to prove it- we are BOTH voting Obama."

Obviously head wounds!

"To reiterate: Obama's main point may well be fair: that Iraq has made Afghanistan tougher to win by stretching our resources too thin."

Of course, one might consider the effect on our efforts in Afghanistan had the "foreign fighters" that were busy killing innocent Iraqis had instead gone to Afghanistan to support the Taliban. Is easier to defeat al Qaeda in the Hindu Kush or on the streets of Mosul?

If Obama was truly interested in weening Afghan farmers from growing opium poppy crops, sending them US Ag experts is not the answer. All that he needs to do is propose legislation in the Senate to increase the Federal mandate on the percentage of corn-based ethanol required per gallon of gas, and the price of corn will be more expensive than heroine.