ABC News should apologize for it's negligence in reporting Obama's request for protection was, in part, because he is black. Senator Obama said no such thing as can be seen from his website and other, responsible, news organizations. The only specific reason cited was because of the large crowds the Senator is drawing across the nation. I was at the democratic rally in San Diego this past weekend and was amazed the Senator appeared to have no protection while moving in and out of the convention center. There were hundreds of supporters. I was requested to help lead a group of fellow supporters who had gathered outside with our signs into the building to hear him speak. There was no security guiding us, and it felt very awkward. Regarless of what anyone thinks of Obama or his politics the need for security and assistance with dealing with crowd control is evident.

"All I can say is "what ever" dems dont want to spend money to help our soldiers but they can spend money protecting bama...what ever"

The Democratic party had nothing to do with it--the non-political Secret Service made the call.

I think we as americans need to wake up and stop this partisan preaching that has torn our society apart. We are too busy arguing amongst ourselves to realize that we need to keep improving our society. Education is horrible, Healthcare is horrible, the environment is deteriorating every day. The only way we are going to truly advance is to find someone who is willing to fix these problems. No matter whether Barack was Black, White, republican, or Democrat, he stands for things far greater than our current president ever has. Our current president was hell bent on finishing what his daddy started in Iraq years ago and his own personal adgendas. Why the majority of the country allowed him into office for a second term is perplexing to say the least. Republicans need to realize that there is not one decent candidate running from the right this election, and democrats need to awaken to the facts that Hilary and John Edwards are career politicians who cant be trusted to truly better our society. Barack Obama is not tarnished by years in office, he is fresh, he is an idealist, he is charismatic and has amazing virtues.

This seems like a re-run from Season One of 24... I guess if David Palmer had Secret Service, then why not Obama? I find it humorous that people can find so many nit-picking things to complain about the candidates (expensive haircuts, SS expenses, etc) that you all lose focus on whats important. Returning our Country to Glory. No matter who wins, I want the pride back in this country and not just when a flag is at half-mast because of a befallen tragedy. Forget the pettiness and minor trivial pursuits.

Whoever speaks to the need to fight corruption will be dead before the words echo off the nearest wall. None of them has, dem or pub. I'd immediately vote for that person, even though they would be dead by election day.

Nice political move. Make the candidate appear to be more than the candidate actually is which makes news for the candidate that elevates the candidate.

First things first. Obama smoked the other candidates in either debate. At least he gave answers that were both multi-syllabic and multi-conceptual. In other words, his answers were thoughtful.
Secondly, of course give him security. Give all of the candidates security. This is America.

We know he's going to be president. However, all candidates should receive some form of security, even if not from the Secret Service. With individuals out there that have their own agenda or are willing to gain attention through the murder of a political figure, then of course, security must be provided, especially for Mr. Obama and even Ms. Clinton. I am glad to know that consideration for a candidate's safety is now a great concern. Let's help prevent tragedies from happening.

Why does everything have to come down to race? I wouldn't vote for Obama if he were a white man and I wouldn't vote for Hillary if she were a man! Both have gutter morals. Anyone willing to abort a child because they feel they are not human didn't learn much from our history of slavery when people felt blacks were not human!

to josh:

your comments are insightful, geniune and articulated very well. this country definitely needs new direction. direction from someone who is above reproach. of all the candidates both dem and pub, obama appears to be that person. does he need security? of course he does! the history of this violent country clearly speaks for itself!

God Bless us all!!

If he wants security, he should provide his own. These so called LEADERS are screwing the public in more than one way. If they want to be BIG SHOTS, let them dig in to their own pockets. None are worth anything.

Capt Robert, why should US senators who are running for the highest office, provide for their own security? Read the 1st part of the Secret Service's Mission Statement:

The Secret Service protects the president and vice president, their families, heads of state, and other designated individuals; investigates threats against these protectees; protects the White House, vice president’s residence, foreign missions, and other buildings within Washington, D.C.; and plans and implements security designs for designated National Special Security Events.

Clear enough for ya', skipper?

Far too many Americans foolishly beieve that we do not have racial stife anymore. Unfortunately the greatest nation on earth still has signficant racial and class issues, some remain overt and a very large number have become systemic.

Some examples endured by minorities today include: higher unemployment rate, more homelessness, higher number in poverty, excessive foreclosures, higher percentage of convictions/prison time, continued job discrimination and unfair college entrance problems.

No matter, I still love America because she provides the best hope of any other nation.

Bill Pollard, Lt Col, USAF Retired

Sarah:

Some of us vote on more than one issue, as I am pro-life yet vote Democrat.

The reason is this: The Democrats will help the social programs (financial aide for single mothers, adoption agencies, drug rehabs, child protection services, gov. childrens nutrition programs) that will help take care of these unwanted children when they are born to irresponsible people who don't want them. The GOP, with their "no social spending" attitiude gives no money to any of these now suffering programs. Do they REALLY care about these babies, or is just the talking points they like?

The Secret Service is awesome.

Dems and Repubs are the reason we have the problems in the USA/NAU now.

God bless obama. With God's grace he will be the next president of the united states. Love him or hate him, don't you just LOVE hime

Plus, if Obama receives special protection from the secret service, so should all the other candidates, cause I gaurantee that all the other candidates have received some sort of hate mail and threats, etc. But Obama's the minority! I smell reverse racism. I wish the world was color-blind.

Obama rocks! stop all the hating you'll! he is going to be our next presisdent! So why not protect him now?!

Puhleeeeaaaazzzzeee! Let us not waste tax payer dollars on this guy. He has only been a Jr. Senator for 2 years. Let's save some other lives first before considering even giving Obama protection. Let him prove himself first!