JFK's daughter in new ad for Obama

A very powerful commercial!

he is a whinner and a whimp. l knew this long time ago. Hillary is more matured and how can obama even take care of the american people when his grandmother in kenya does not even have a television to watch this election? l am a full black woman and loving it, but obama cannot even come out and say what he really is. ls he black or white? he can't be acting black on day and then white the next. we need a president that is proud of his skin and race not a fake president that will get to the white house and dump alot of crap on us. he can't even take care of his family in kenya, so how is he going to take care of us? he can switch his race off and on at will like a light bulb. he needs to man up and take a firm stand instead of acting like a spinless, immature cow.

It's beautifully done and heartfelt, from a person who normally doesn't get into politics.

From a 17 year registered republican
Obama 08 - Yes we will

Again, last week he was working the MLK angle,this week he is working the JFK angle. Its great campaigning but I see it as he can't stand on his own merits so he has to pull from others who have proven their greatness. Barack Hussein Obama uses other peoples merits. Hillary Clinton and John Edwards are campaigning on their own experience and proven leadership. This is deceiving the American people and politics at a whole new level...so much for change.

Three Kennedys for Clinton. Still no swamp post:
http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/asection/la-oe-kennedy29jan29,1,1101821.story

Even in the Swamp's sister paper, the LA Times. Gosh, you'd think a candidate that was born in Illinois could get some love. Not like the one that was born in Indonesia and raised in Hawaii.

I was around during the presidency of JFK and was proud he was our president. Obama is nothing like him. I can't understand the Kennedys getting involved - especially Carolyn- except for the reason that they are irrelevant in today's politics. They should have stayed out of it. For Carolyn to compare Obama to her father, why its as if she didn't know him at all. Hillary Clinton or even John Edwards would be so much better for the nation. If Democrats are not careful we will have Mitt Romney for president. Obama can't beat him and its time that people understand that and get off the "feel good" bandwagon and go with a proven winner. Hillary Clinton. But American people were foolish enough to vote for George W. not once but twice and look where we are now.

Even in the Swamp's sister paper, the LA Times. Gosh, you'd think a candidate that was born in Illinois could get some love. Not like the one that was born in Indonesia and raised in Hawaii.

Posted by: Jeff | January 29, 2008 6:36 PM

Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!!!!!!

Waaaaaaaaaaaaaah!!!

Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!!!

Sniffle Sniffle Sniffle...

Come on Swamp editors, quit picking on our favorite college Republican...or he's going to pick up his John McCain doll and go home.

Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!!!

Kennedy is a divisive national figure, being far out on the left wing his endorsement may turn off more independents than gains from democrats. It's the independents that will decide this election.

Tony Rezko didn't just hand out money as gifts... he bought people, such as Barack Obama.

http://www.suntimes.com/news/politics/425305,CST-NWS-obama13.article

I love how the elite multi-millionaire libs tell Americans how bad our lives are and who we should vote for.
Caroline Kennedy wouldn't know which end of broom to hold.

Paulo

Caroline Kennedy is the picture of class. This advertisement definitely makes me proud to be a Obama Democrat!

Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!!!

Posted by: John E | January 29, 2008 7:14 PM

Gee, and here I thought John E was a dunce with nothing to say.

Tony Rezko didn't just hand out money as gifts... he bought people, such as Barack Obama.

Posted by: MJ | January 29, 2008 7:34 PM

I don't know why I'm bothering to respond to this anti-Obama obsessed, attention craving troll, "MJ", and this will be the last time no matter how much he screams and he will, that's what he's been hired to do.

Note: I'm the author of a new book, Barack Obama: This Improbable Quest, but I'm not part of the Obama campaign.

There’s been a huge amount of misinformation and rumor about Barack Obama’s dealings with Tony Rezko. This is not a new story. At the first Democratic debate in 2007, Brian Williams of NBC asked Obama about his connections to Rezko. The same thing happened on ABC’s This Week with George Stephanopoulos. But it’s a complex set of charges, and a lot of details have been falsely reported on blogs and in the mainstream press.

Here are 10 myths debunked about Obama and Rezko:

Note to readers: feel free to use these to beat this attention straved troll, "MJ", over the head with as needed.

Myth #1: Obama did legal work for Rezko

Claim: Hillary Clinton during a debate denounced Obama for "representing your contributor, Rezko, in his slum landlord business in inner city Chicago."

The truth: According to Factcheck.org, "Obama was associated with a law firm that represented the community groups working with Rezko on several deals. There's no evidence that Obama spent much time on them, and he never represented Rezko directly. So it was wrong for Clinton to say he was ‘representing ... Rezko.’ That's untrue."

Myth #2: Obama knew Rezko was a slumlord

Claim: The Chicago Sun-Times reported that in 1997, Rezko’s company failed to turn the heat back on in one of his buildings, while giving $1,000 to Obama’s campaign fund.

The truth: There’s no evidence that Obama knew about problems with Rezko’s buildings. A state senator doesn’t deal with tenant complaints, and the Chicago newspapers never reported on Rezko’s problems as a landlord until after he was indicted. According to the Chicago Tribune, "in the years before 2005, Rezko enjoyed a reputation in Illinois as an up-and-coming, even enlightened entrepreneur with a strong interest in the risky low-income and affordable housing markets."

Myth #3: Obama underpaid for his house in a deal with Rezko

Claim: Chicago Tribune columnist John Kass wrote: "Rezko paid more than the asking price for the side lot, and Obama paid less than the asking price for the big house. It’s the Chicago way." Kass claimed that Rezko was "Obama's Real Estate Fairy" and this is "the story of the dream house the Obamas wanted and couldn't quite afford and how the Rezkos helped."

The truth: None of this is true. The seller decided to divide the lot in offering it for sale, not Obama or Rezko. Rezko had paid the list price for his lot, not an excessive amount (as the resale value later proved). The owner reportedly had already been offered $625,000 for the side lot, so Rezko didn’t offer any more money and there was no way Obama could have gotten a special deal this way. The only special arrangement Rezko provided was selling the two lots on the same day, which simplified matters for the seller. Obama paid $1.65 million for a house originally priced at $1.95 million. His was the higher of two bids for the main property. It’s not unusual at all in the Chicago real estate business to see a 15 percent price cut on an expensive house that’s been on the market for four months. Nor is it unusual that a vacant lot next door would sell to a condo developer without such a discount. In the Hyde Park market, there are a lot of upper-middle-class residents making six figures, but not very many millionaires (it’s not Lincoln Park or the Gold Coast). Therefore, a pricey mansion is very difficult to sell, while a $300,000 townhouse is very common.

Myth #4: Rezko’s lot was a front (yard) deal

Claim: One blogger declared it was "a $925,000 favor to a sitting US Senator" because "the Rezko property was never intended to be a separate piece of land."

The truth: It’s insane to think that Obama arranged for Rezko to buy the lot as his front yard, and never intended for anyone to develop it. If Obama had arranged such a deal, it would be crazy for him to spend $104,500 to buy part of the land from Rezko. There is not even the slightest evidence to support this notion.

Myth #5: Obama underpaid (or overpaid) for the slice of Rezko’s lot

Claim: John Kass declared: "Obama’s appraiser told him the fair market value of that slice was $40,500. Since that’s one-sixth of the Rezko side, it means Rezko paid $625,000 for property that was actually worth $243,000. That would make Rezko a complete fool. But he’s no fool." Fox News Channel incorrectly reported that Rezko "sold half that lot to Obama for 1/3 its original value."

The truth: The appraiser was clearly wrong (probably basing the low value on the fact that 1/6th of the lot was too small for any house, which would dramatically reduce its value standing alone). That’s why Obama decided to buy 1/6th of Rezko’s lot for 1/6th of what Rezko paid for it ($104,500). A year after the 10-foot-wide strip of land was sold to Obama, a Rezko business associate bought the rest of the lot for $575,000, resulting in a profit for the Rezkos of $54,000 from the two land sales. This sale proved that Obama paid fair market value for his portion of the land.

Myth #6: Obama hasn’t returned all the money linked to Rezko’s donations

Claim: The Chicago Sun-Times accused Obama of downplaying the $50,000–$60,000 in donations he received from Rezko (Rezko, before his legal troubles started, had cohosted a fundraiser for Obama). The newspaper claimed the actual amount was $168,000.

The truth: The Sun Times came up with that figure by counting every donation to Obama from anyone ever associated with Rezko, even if there was no evidence Rezko prompted the donation. Obama donated additional money to charity, but he’s under no obligation (legal or even moral) to return every dollar ever linked to Rezko. If you play a game of "six degrees of separation" with Rezko, he’s linked to almost every politician in Chicago.

Myth #7: Rezko had a special relationship with Obama

Claim: The Clinton campaign denounces "Sen. Obama's 17-year relationship with the indicted influence peddler."

The truth: Rezko attached himself to lots of politicians. Rezko donated money to every major Democratic politician in Illinois, then helped organize a $3.5 million fundraiser for President George W. Bush in 2003. After giving large campaign donations to Democratic Illinois governor Rod Blagojevich, Rezko arranged to have his buddies appointed by Blagojevich to state boards such as the Teachers’ Retirement System Board and the Illinois Health Facilities Planning Board. With his friend Stuart Levine, Rezko threatened to hold up a $220 million deal to invest teachers’ pension fund money unless $2 million was paid to Levine or $1.5 million was donated to Blagojevich’s campaign. Rezko and Levine also demanded a $1 million cut from a developer to build a hospital. Rezko was indicted for pretending to sell his Papa John’s pizza restaurants while secretly maintaining control of them, and fraudulently using the transaction to get $10 million in loans. It is Blagojevich, not Obama, who did favors for Rezko. Rezko’s eye for scouting political talent was amazing, but he did not capitalize on Obama’s influence. Obama said he had known Rezko for twenty years and "he had never asked me for anything. I’ve never done any favors for him."

Myth #8: Obama did favors for Rezko

Claim: Chicago Sun-Times revealed that in 1998, Obama wrote a letter endorsing a low-income housing development for which Rezko was a codeveloper. As the Sun-Times put it, "NOT A FAVOR? As a state senator, he went to bat for now-indicted developer’s deal." Chicago Tribune columnist John Kass wrote, "No favors? When you transcend politics and walk on water, I guess it all depends on what your definition of favor is."

The truth: The common definition of a favor in this context is a political action done in exchange for donations. Rezko’s lawyer reported that Rezko had not asked Obama to write the letter. Instead, Obama (along with a local state representative and an alderman) endorsed the project because it had widespread community support. It’s difficult to imagine any politician on the south side of Chicago who wouldn’t have a routine letter written to endorse government funding for affordable housing and social services for low-income senior citizens in that area. When it came to political influence, Obama didn’t do any favors for Rezko. The Chicago Tribune reported, "when Rezko pushed for passage in Springfield of a major gambling measure, Obama vocally opposed it."

Myth #9: Obama should have known about Rezko’s sleazy background

Claim: The Chicago Tribune, although endorsing Obama, wrote: "His assertion in network TV interviews last week that nobody had indications Rezko was engaging in wrongdoing strains credulity: Tribune stories linked Rezko to questionable fundraising for Gov. Rod Blagojevich in 2004."

The truth: At the time Obama bought his house, there was no public indication of Rezko’s problems. When Obama bought a small strip of Rezko’s land in 2006, rumors were swirling around Chicago that the federal government was investigating Rezko, but he wasn’t indicted until October 2006. The Tribune stories before 2006 reveal that Rezko was a tightly connected political player, but the evidence of criminal misconduct wasn’t proven.

Myth #10: Obama hasn’t been forthcoming about his mistakes with Rezko

Claim: The Chicago Tribune editorialized, "Obama has been too self-exculpatory."

The truth: Obama has been honest about the mistake he made, and the fact that Rezko was trying to buy future influence with him. Obama declared, "I am the first one to acknowledge that it was a boneheaded move for me to purchase this 10-foot strip from Rezko, given that he was already under a cloud of concern. I will also acknowledge that from his perspective, he no doubt believed that by buying the piece of property next to me that he would, if not be doing me a favor, it would help strengthen our relationship." Obama’s mistake was in allowing the appearance of impropriety. He never actually did anything wrong. And that’s the key issue here.

Despite all of these rumors about Obama and Rezko, none of the evidence indicates any actual wrongdoing. Conservative Republican Tom Bevan called the evidence against Obama "pretty darn weak." Conor Clarke of the New Republic reported that Obama’s real estate deal with Rezko was a "nonscandal." According to Clarke, "journalists have followed the smoke and haven’t found the fire. At that point, accusing someone of something that looks wrong stops making sense."

Paulo,

Caroline Kennedy, based on her lives' work & experiences, could be the poster woman for the most inspiring among us.

Paulo,

You are a little, little man.

The best the Republicans can offer is to place some "Reaganesque" crown upon their own heads, and avoid being associated with the legacy of their own George Bush, Jr and his Republican Congresses, all without having to refund the contributions of Neo-Nazis and
White Supremacists.

Ron Paul 2008

I do not know what is the behind the curtain with the Kennedy and Clinton. They are or were friends. To back Obama is one thing but the way the came out and trying to embarrass Hillary Clinton is uncalled for. I hope the people of Massachusetts kick him out of the office on his next term of election. I hope Mrs. Hillary Clinton win the primary and the president.

Same for you Kerry shame on you to do the same thing to Edward your run mate in 2004. At least you both Mr . Kennedy and Mr. Kerry coulda stay neutral or show some respect for you friends.

I guess you Mr. Kennedy and Mr. Kerry will not get a Christmas card from either the President Mrs Hillary Clinton and Vice-President John Edward.

Go Mrs Hillary Clinton and Mr. John Edward. Take back the white house.

Caroline Kennedy's work and experiences?
Posted by Doug Kook

Oh yea! I remember seeing pictures of her running around on one of Aristotle Onassis's yachts....must of been alot of [work] and a great [experience.]

Paulo

Posted by: JohnKWilson | January 29, 2008 7:59 PM

There's absolutely nothing here, for all of your longwindedness.

Self-important "author" JohnkWilson, you haven't refuted anything. You've posited a few quite implausible alternate explanations. Sorry, unbelievable "maybes" just don't cut it.

And of course you've regurgitated the popular non argument that Obama wasn't the only pol that Rezko bought.

Yes, Obamabots, please feel free to use any of these lame talking points. Please do.

Oh, and "author", nobody pays me to blog, you paranoid twit.

Yes, Caroline is the epitome of class. This weirdo paulo couldn't even buy her level of class. She has published books and supports numerous charities. She has also always stayed out of politics, until now. For her to step up is awesomely inspiring. Who cares about those other Kennedys.

Ah yes, the clueless 'independents' will decide this election, just like they gave us GWB twice, huh?

Listen to John E cry for his mommy. Hee. This must be like what a regular day at his house is like. "Mommy, they're bein' mean to Barock!"

And the daughter of John F. Grabowski has endorsed the Clintons.

The one is about as significant as the other.

DEMOCRATS WHO INSPIRE

Franklin D. Roosevelt
Adlai Stevenson
John F. Kennedy
Robert F. Kennedy
Barack Obama

DEMOCRATS WHO USE RACIAL APPEALS TO GET ELECTED

Strom Thurmond
James Eastland
George C. Wallace
Bill & Hillary Clinton (1992 & 2008)

JohnKWilson,

Excellent post !!!

You nailed it about "MJ" and his obsession because if he isn't a hired anti-Obama hack (if he is his employers should ask for their money back) then this guy has absolutely NO LIFE for all the time he spends on here crying about Obama.

Don't worry Mr Wilson, no one listens to "MJ", they didn't listen to him when he called himself "Leo T and they didn't listen to him when he called himself "Juanito" either.

Why would an author take the time to fill this comments section? And then try and "nail" another commenter? If you wrote a book about Obama isn't that enough. Must answer Mick with the thought that Mr. Obama has not had time to show the substance and intelligence that JFK showed after he was president for a while. JFK came from a well oiled political machine (his family). Obama just doesn't have the experience or background to crown himself or have anyone else crown him as JFK's equal or successor. He couldn't even get near Robert Kennedy;s charisma. Some people need to get in some real time and get serious about who can solve the problems of normal decent working people.

In reply to Mona who said, "Hillary Clinton and John Edwards are campaigning on their own experience and proven leadership." What experience had Hillary had? This is her second termas a Senator. Is she claiming Bill's experience as being her own? Her is experience was as the WIFE of a Govenor and President NOT as a Govenor or President herself. My wife is a CPA, can I claim her 15 years of experience? Ha!!

ITS FUNNY TO SEE OBAMA following Teddy around becoming the Kennedys new hired help. Kennedys are used to servants
Again Clinton was outstanding and will be the next president!!!! Obama continues to cry and whine and loose ALL non-black voters in record numbers! Each primary his non-black support is dwindling. And of course his black support is rising, but that what we expected with Michelle obama stumping with her continued racial comments and attacks on non-black voters, which the media isn’t telling. Obama has proven that he has divided the voters among race and now with OLD crazy man Ted hes theory of change doesnt appear to be true since he is running behind the old establishment (Ted Kennedy) like a butler, before that Oprah lead him by the nose, He is just a political BOBBLE HEAD and should be ignored…

Joy,

This is not about race. He is both Black and White. He doesn't have to choose a side and he doesn't this is what makes him so impressionable and well liked. What matters that he is American and loves his country.

Mona,

Hillary doesn't use her own merits. She rides her husbands coattails.

ITS FUNNY TO SEE OBAMA following Teddy around becoming the Kennedys new hired help.- Jack

You are a racist!