Barack Obama interrupted by protesters

Question? Did he ever respond to the young men, or did he just ignore them like he does everyone that asks a question that doesn't have an answer on his teleprompter. You know he can't come up with answers without his advisors telling him what to say.

Just another Lee Atwater/Karl Rover dirty trick from their dirty trick bag.
Let's see, who was Nixon's guy he sent to disrupt opponent's speechs???

I can't stand Obama. I told people 6 months ago that he was very arrogant, way before others noticed it. An Obama presidency, coupled with a Democrat Congress will destroy whats left of America's economy. Just today Obama announced he was going to take $$$$ from the PUBLIC OWNED oil companies (Exxon, Shell, etc.) and give the money to the public. This is the same thing that is going on in Chavez's socialist utoipia. Obama is a communist pure and simple. Those large oil profits are going into many peoples retirement accounts. Obama is going to rob from the average person with a 401K and give the $$$$ to the lazy. Reward the stupid punish the responsible. Where was the government in the 1980's when the oil companies were losing $$$$$? Profit is not a sin unless you are a communist.

This is why Obama spends the majority of his time on the campaign trail hiding behind the teleprompter in tightly controlled and carefully scripted events. He claims to want to debate McCain "anytime, anyplace" but he's actually scared to death. We have seen Obama debate since he collapsed like a house of cards from simple questions posed by Charlie and George at the ABC debate. Then for the next 12 days, Obama refused to take questions from reporters traveling with him on his plane. He hid and pouted. These are not the characteristics of someone who is a strong leader capable of dealing with Iran, al Qaeda, etc. On the contrary these are the characteristics of someone who is weak, frightened and lacks the emotional fortitude to be president.

is this a continuation of the anti-bill cosby campaign? do these kids reject obama's call for personal responsibility in the black community?

I don't know what the problem is here. These young men asked a very valid question on their banner. Why were others in the audience trying to take the sign away? And what the heck kind of a response is "Yes we can"?

I'm only 26 years old, but I feel like this campaign season has aged me 20 years. The idea of Barack Obama being our President -- no, no -- the idea of people voting for Barack Obama for President is mindboggling. Actually, mindboggling isn't even the right word for it. What is? Do you people realize what President Obama would do to this country? What is "change?" What is "hope?" Did Obama even address the question those young men were asking? Probably not because he doesn't have an answer -- he hadn't been briefed on the issue yet -- no one wrote him a speech regarding it.

RFB-IL

Yes, he did answer the protestor. Unfortunately they did not print the whole story here. Sometimes that happens in the MSM. They only print what they want you to know just like some posters who only write negative responses when they don't like someone.

His inexperience is so obvious even in his own community. He really needs Hillary!

Off the teleprompter, Obama is like a deer in the headlights. He has no idea what to thnk, do or say. He's empty. He stands for nothing. I....uhhhh....uhhhh...well....uhhhh......you know....uhhh....uhhh....

Obama doesn't screen his "public" town halls the way McCain does, so yes, he does get some "protest" questions. So what? Where's the story here?

To "Hey Now": when you say arrogant, do you mean "uppity"? Profit is NOT a sin, and Senator Obama is not against making a profit. But when an industry raises its prices to the point where working Americans and their families are being squeezed, as we are at the pump, while the same industry is making record profits, far out of line with profits of most American corporations, it is legitimate to ask if there is something going on, like price fixing, speculation or gouging. I know you are very concerned about protecting the interests of corporations, but it is a Democratic value to protect the interests of working American families. That is what differentiates Democrats from Republicans.

Obama is nothing but talk. I can not believe that so many people are getting brain washed by him. I live in Illinois and he has done nothing for us. We are paying him to campaign not represent us.

The same MSM that is in the tank for Obama. They are NOT going to print anything that will detract from him.

Who wants 4 years of Obama, Pelosi and Reed..

Taking a line from the Dem's, I'll have to move overseas.. LOL

Did RFB-IL and jackie even read the article? Obama let them have the 2nd question slot, then answered. Sheesh.

If these young men, followed his campaign, they would be clear that he has spoken out on behalf of the African community. But they must remember although he too is African American and also an American citizen. He cannot just focus on one community base. His goal is to address all issues for everyone and he has and will continue to fight for African American dispeaties along with everything else. So young men I suggest you obtain the transcripts of his campaign and review them before you continue to be misinformed.

It's going to difficult to speak on this subject as too many people have formed opinions based on whether or not they like this senator. Nevertheless, he says he spoke out and cited written releases he has made. The obvious problem is that the people the questioner wants spoken to are not the people who will read a press release.
It seems to me that the senator has missed the piont on this one.

Does anybody believe this was NOT a set-up by the Florida RNC? Imagine, frame the question by a planted heckler so that you "might" be able to edit a soundbite out of the response for faux news to play over and over suggesting (1) Obama is a BLACK POWER anti-American or (2) Obama is ANTI Black.
Either soundbite would do for the no news/no plan McLame camp over the weekend!

"The rest of the audience started to chant, 'Yes we can.' "

Infer from that behavior what you will. I'm more disturbed by Obama's claim that this was some kind of town hall meeting. If so, why did the audience boo the only people in the crowd who dared to ask what seemed to be the only slightly challenging question asked? What would have happened to a racist wingnut who asked him a more difficult question on matters like taxes, affirmative action or the surge.

This is clearly a plant from the Obama camp. Set up Obama to be opposed to certain African Americans in order to placate nervous whites. How cynical of Obama to manipulate race like this.

JENA 6. Not GINA.

Why did Obama have to rip-off Bob the Builder's theme chant?

So asking a question and holding a banner is protesting? It is only protesting if you are screening who can come into these town hall meetings. Call it what it is, a fundraiser that some kids got into and asked a legitimate question.

Patrick, I would hardly say that a 9% profit margin is "far out of line with most American corporations". Well, actually maybe it is - in the fact that it is below many.
Who do you think the big oil companies will lay off if Saint Obama cuts them off at the knees. Do you think it will be upper management or Joe Six Pack doing the real work? Don't complain if Barrack gets his wish and socks it to big oil when you read "Exxon lays off 5,000 workers".

This incident has made Sean Hannity's program for the next two weeks. He will harp endlessly on how even the Black community is against Obama, citing this incident over and over again. Just watch his show for the amusement it brings, if you can stand him for more than 30 seconds.

Your building this guy up, and trust me each, and everyone will be wrong about Mr. "Yes we can." Don't worry about whether or not he's gonna help the blacks. He won't. He is as big of piece of trash as Mcain is. If you want to make a difference this election. STAY HOME. The elections are rigged, and we are being brought down as a country. That is what you call "Keepin it Real"

Looking at these comments it is so sad to see how much racism is still prevelant in america. If Obama was 100 percent white based on the 50 that americans always seem to forget that he is when they look at him they would not have half of the negative comments that they do. Do you really think that Obama is any less capable of running this country than "W". Look at the state of our country over the last eight years. Look at our economy. Look at how weak the dollar has become. I think if americans opened thier eyes and listened to what it is that Obama is trying to do, he actually has the best interest of our country in mind and creating peace among our enemies, as oposed to linning his pockets with the money of the poor and fighting a war we never should have went to in the first place!

All of you people talking hate on Obama are exactly why our country is so messed up right now.

You guys think you have all the right answers but all you really have is ignorance and prejudice. It is evident in the criticisms you launch - nothing to do with his policies or ideas, just attempts to paint him as some sort of evil communist.

You Rush Limbaughs and Bill O-Reilly's out there - the people aren't listening to you anymore. You were wrong. The proof is the current situation that our country is in - a direct result of Republicans running the federal government.

The writing is on the wall. Obama is going to be our next president.

Thank God we've got someone with a brain coming to get our country out of this mess.

As someone who deals with the English language as a profession, do you not think it is important to ensure that your work is error-free? The "Gina 6"? Really? That is appalling. It is the "Jena 6" as in Jena, Louisiana. Does anyone at the Swamp proofread their pieces anymore? Every article I read on "The Swamp" is rife with grammatical and spelling errors. You guys need to tighten it up.

Rosalind Weddings,

They came back and edited the article AFTER I wrote my comment. Check out the "updated" addtion after the author's name.

So to all of the "teleprompter" accusers, what about his repsonse did he get from a teleprompter?

With Obama recently giving back much of his lead one can expect some real crazy Axelrod type stunts.

As far as "Big Oil".
Another stat the media isn't interested in giving the public: Exxon paid more in Federal taxes last year than the BOTTOM 50% of tax filers! In fact Exxon's taxes were about 41% of their pre tax revenue. I don't know how anyone can argue that Oil isn't paying their "fair share."

this guy cannot answer a question unless he's got a scripted answer- we all saw his solution to oil- just inflate our tires and get tune ups. what an idiot!

Obama does not hide from the issues. The men asked about Obamas thoughts about the black community but they did not research the respones he already had done.

He has proven how he feels about the black community, take a close look at his district! Any 'change' there, I don't think so. And where is his Grandmother???Why has he not introduced her to America, is he embarrassed of his grandma who raised him?

Athena --

Gosh, talking about stacking the deck at public appearances! How about the Barack Obama camp telling Muslims they couldn't stand on stage with him because their headdresses would cause concern among voters?? You liberals are so ignorant.

"Sit down!" I'm wondering if this is how Obama always responds to people who question him? No wonder why Jesse Jackson said that Obama talks down to black people.

1) These three guys with the fancy printed banner are most likely a Republican dirty tricks operation. (Story idea for any real journalists, if such a thing still exists: find out who paid to have the banner printed.)

2) Obama answered their questions eloquently and without the aid of a teleprompter. (Imagine that, another phony wrong-wing narrative shot down.)

Where are people coming up with these comments about Obama not being able to speak without a teleprompter? I have heard him speak several times and not once did I see a teleprompter anywhere in the vicinity. Clearly his answer quoted above adequately addressed the question posed by the protester and could not have been prepared ahead of time. Those who are making comments about Obama not being able to speak without a teleprompter surely must be thinking of McSame.

Do any of you neobots actually READ the articles about Obama before posting your lies and rhetoric?

Wait, I though Obama was a racist due to the whole Rev. Wright situation? Now the haters are trying to work the angle that he's racist against African Americans? Sorry, but you can't have it both ways.

You people are blind AND illiterate...if you read the article, its clear he answered the question. Republicans need to face the fact that they're gonna lose the white house, and lose it huge. You people are getting everything you deserve for what your leaders did, or failed to do, the last 8 years.

The conservatives here are a joke. he gets bashed for being a glib speaker and he gets bashed for being unable to speak without a propmpt. The truth is that the bashers on this forum don't have a clue unless Rush first tells them what to say.

So, how does voting present >100 times amount to work to passing legislation? Someone should analyze the substance of his statements and take Obama to task for overstating those accomplishments. But, hey, that would be REAL investigative journalism, not the Obama campaign's swamp desk bureau.

Right. Newspeak in GOP for "uppity" is: "arrogant".

See also: vain, cocky, exotic...........

Lies, lies, lies. What we're not being told is 4 men where holding that sign up during President Obama's speech. The 4 men were Bush, Cheney, Rumsfeld, and McCain, all in disguise. Their motive is simple. Disrupt President Obama's thoughts so he makes more remarks about Iran being a pip-squeek and putting air in our car tires. We need to impeach these 4 Texans as soon as possible so President Obama can get back to Berlin and make another great speech.

ONCE AND FOR ALL -- THE ARTICLE WAS EDITED AFTER POSTERS STARTED ASKING WHETHER OBAMA HAD ANSWERED THE QUESTION!

The Yes-We-Can chant from his followers is very creepy. The Obama campaign is very similar to Bush's.

TK --

You're blind and illiterate because the article begins with the word "updated."

RFB- IL: Question? Did he ever respond to the young men, or did he just ignore them like he does everyone...

QUESTION: Did you READ the article or is it too many words for you?

Ben wrote: "You guys think you have all the right answers but all you really have is ignorance and prejudice. It is evident in the criticisms you launch - nothing to do with his policies or ideas, just attempts to paint him as some sort of evil communist."

Ben, I am not voting for Barack Obama. That does not mean that I am ignorant or prejudiced.

I am not voting for Obama because I do not believe that he has the experience necessary to hold this nation's highest office and represent our country on the global stage.

His first elected office was as a senator from Illinois. After 143 days - less than six months - as a senator he launched his presidential campaign. (Most companies require new employees to have a six-month probation period.)

Yes, he looks nice, and reads the speeches others have written for him very well. But other than that, I don't think there is much substance to him.

I am tired of hearing that those of us who have listened to both candidates and made educated decisions about who we will vote for are "ignorant and prejudiced" if we have decided not to vote for Obama.

tk-

"You people". Nice...Aaron when was the last time Obama made a positive reference to his other half of the family? Last time I checked his mother was white but he refuses to acknowledge it. Ben-Have you seen Rush's and O'Reillys viewer numbers, they are HUGE so obviously people are listening.....

wow- these Obama supporters are really drinking the kool-aid- if Obama even had a chance at winning the polls would not be tied now- for that matter- Kerry was up 17 points vs. Bush last election at the same time in 2004 ( July) and he lost. Something's wrong with Obama if he can't even get a wide margin at the polls now. My prediction- McCain wins the popular vote by 55% to 45% and wins the electoral votes hands down. sorry dems, you're going to have to wait another 4, no 8 years

Good gollie -- you liberals are sickening. The dang article was updated to include Obama's response to the young men. Just goes to show that you take whatever's on the surface and run with it -- just like you do with Barack Obama. Read between the lines!

I must admit, a part of me would like to see him get elected. He has set some many expectations that will conflict with each other, I could be fun to watch it all explode. We'd be back to race riots, the draft, potential a world a war, depression, but then again, WHAT politician ever does what they say. He's not as smart a bill clinton, billy figured out quickly as his world fell apart he had to change. Almighty Father Obama won't be able to get out of his god complex long enough to realize it. He will be 4 and gone, but what a funny 4 it will be.

These men are Republican shills and this thing was a plant to follow up on McCain's injecting race into the campaign. This wasn't newsworthy.

Staged. That was my first thought. Obama keeps getting caught playing the race card and people are getting disgusted. So he has these African-Americans come out and pretend that he has no interest in their community so he looks like a candidate of all Americans.

Obama played the race card with his "you know, he doesn't look like any of those presidents on the dollar bill" nonsense. Guess what Obama. You not only don't look like them, you have nothing in common with them because they were people of extraordinary achievement and character. That is what distinguishes them. Not their skin color.

And to the person above that says the oil companies are making high profits. They have raked in some large revenues, but their profits aren't mroe than about 10%, which is great, but not unreasonable. Microsoft is more profitable than most oil companies.

And Julie Roberts gets $20,000,000 a picture. That's all profit. Should be take 75% of that away - giving her 25% profit. What about Angelina Jolie's profits? Brad Pitts?

Let's show some common sense and understanding of economics. And check out the profits of other industries besides the oil industry. They do far better without taking such huge risks with their capital.

looks like the swift boaters are out in full force - I wonder how much $$ they were paid to hold the sign?

hey now!, just because he is smarter than you doesnt mean he is arrogant. I can see how the last president may have skewed your understanding of what it means to be an intelligent leader

Bob the builder YES HE CAN!
Obama stole this slogan from a preschool show.

Obama talks one way, but acts entirely different. Check out the connection with Penny Pritzker, the failed Superior Bank and Obama. What about Obama keeping the 1 plus million dollars that Obama has received from other subprime lenders. Me thinks Obama speaketh with forked tongue!

Lou asked: Does anybody believe this was NOT a set-up by the Florida RNC?

I have a feeling that the RNC would be hard pressed to find young black men to heckle Obama. I don't think the RNC has many in-roads with the young urban black community. : )

Not to worry, he was only heckled and not protested. How about accurate reporting so we bloggers can argue about factual information. Now we have to go back and rethink who was paying these guys if they only heckled instead of protested.

With regards to his windfall profits tax and related energy rebate proposal, exactly how is that going to help meet America's energy needs in the future?

I thought that "change" wasn't pandering to get votes. The more we know about him, the more we realize change isn't going to happen.

I need clarification is Obama Glib and smooth, is his only skill public speaking? Or does he need a teleprompter to say anything?

Can't have it both ways.

Second, of all the absurd comments on this board the saddest is the guy who says to "really make difference in the ecteion, stay home" Yep, don't vote, let someone else make the decision for you so no matter what happens you can say it's not my fault.

I would like to institute a rule that not only do we have to give a name and an e mail address, we have to prove we vote before we can post on a site that concerns any aspect of government.

If you don't vote you are squanderiing your best opportunity to register your opinion. Don't like any of the candidates? write someome in.
Why,? Because lots of write ins shows voters want something different. By not voting at all you join the faceless masses of non voters and no one knows why.

These right wing mouth pieces would rather repeat the noise they get from the Fox propaganda channel, than actually reading the article. It’s obvious that republics want to form their own style of neo-Nazi regime, as where the ruling privileged class runs the rest of the country into the ground. By the way someone here said that oil companies are only making a 9% profit margin? Please supply the proof, because if Exxon reported a 11 billion dollar profit for the second quarter how the hell much did they make?

I agree with Vatsi with one small caveat. He'll be in office for four years, but his reign of terror will only last two years. The Republicans will dominate the 2010 Congressional election after America realizes how bad Obama, Pelosi and Reid really are.

Im voting Obama. Now all you haters out there. Give me a reason to vote for McCain. All you do is spew the hate but give me no facts as to why I should vote for the old man.

Heres your forum. Instead of bashing obama give me some light on mcain that doesnt involve the name Obama.

Kevin wrote: "Ben, I am not voting for Barack Obama. That does not mean that I am ignorant or prejudiced.

I am not voting for Obama because I do not believe that he has the experience necessary to hold this nation's highest office and represent our country on the global stage.

His first elected office was as a senator from Illinois. After 143 days - less than six months - as a senator he launched his presidential campaign. (Most companies require new employees to have a six-month probation period.)

Yes, he looks nice, and reads the speeches others have written for him very well. But other than that, I don't think there is much substance to him.

I am tired of hearing that those of us who have listened to both candidates and made educated decisions about who we will vote for are "ignorant and prejudiced" if we have decided not to vote for Obama."

Very well stated, Kevin.
I agree, Obama does not have the credentials nor the experience to be the next President of the United States. Should he win the election (God forbid!) we will all see that the job is far too big for him.

people need to respect other people in these forums. Everyone has the right to ask a question, young, old, black, white and so on

Reading some of the neocon comments on this site (idiots all, in my humble opinion, who wouldn't recognize a fact if it hit them in the face) -- go ahead and put McShame into office. Then, go and sign up with the one of the military branches to fight WWIII, which is what you'll get. Maybe you'll get hurt, and when you come home -- whoops -- there won't be any care available for you because McShame doesn't think our vets need benefits! And if your kids manage not to get drafted (because that'll come next), go ahead and be happy to send them to community college -- because that's all you'll be able to afford.

hey now,

wow......it's not my job to educate you, but i will inform you that your ignorance shows. for starters, you're confusing socialism w/ communism. i can critique EVERY sentence that you made....yet i will end this with only a 2nd critique: you mention, "lazy"....yet did you know that the real crooks of fed funds are those with connections? all the social welfare programs which you so much hate are only a fraction of what high-powered connected "nice" people do with our federal money. go back to school son.

I too believe the banner wavers were planted to open up Obama's addressing black issues. He'll be damned if he does and damned if he doesn't. It could have been his own camp but has more of a transparent, clumsy, rnc tinge to it. To capitalist sympathizers: there is nothing wrong with a profit as long as it's not crippling the working middle class. Get it yet?

Well, first off, he claims he's been working on all this legislation for decades, but he hasn't been in office, where a difference could be made, for even ten years.

As far as Death Penalty reform went, that was done by a Republican Governor (George Ryan) not Obama.

Ron -- I'm undecided. Why should I vote for Obama?

Also, Ron -- why are you calling McCain supporters "haters?" That's the problem with a lot of Obama supporters. Like sheep gone out to pasture.

Ben said:
"a direct result of Republicans running the federal government."

Last time I checked, Congress was controlled by the Democrats. :)

Pretty sure it was an Obama setup. Has anyone bothered to look at who Uhuru News is? They took their website down but you can still see it in the Google cache. They seem to hold many of the same views that Obama held last year.

Think a "reporter" might want to check out the link on their banner to see who they were? Nah.

Karenanne wrote: "Maybe you'll get hurt, and when you come home -- whoops -- there won't be any care available for you because McShame doesn't think our vets need benefits!"

And Obama certainly won't be visiting. He proved that in his recent overseas tour when he snubbed the soldiers because the hospital told him he could not turn his visit into a photo op.

Well...would you look at that. All the crybaby Republicans posting to this article in a desperate attempt to make their voice heard with so-called intelligent arguments about what America "needs" and "wants". Wake up people -- the party you put in power led to 8 years of inaction, dissapointment and a cancer that has eaten away at our confidence. You helped nearly destroy America, which is ironic given how much you purport to protect it. Now you must face the reality you have helped create...a path to a better America that isn't on your terms.

"In the face of all these attacks that are clearly being made on the African community, why is it that you have not had the ability to not one time speak to the interests and even speak on behalf of the oppressed and exploited African community, or black community, in this country?" he asked. ~ J. McC.
--------

These are some of your un-swayable hard-core supporters, great Obama. Don't know what they are so hacked off about, exactly, but they have come to make their demands upon The Man. U r The Man.

He is an empty suit! He can be known as President Puppet if he is elected.

Joe-
Look at this board and tell me that the Mcain supportors on here are not Obama haters.

I'm willing to listen to why I should vote McCain. Really this isnt sarcastic.

Im not being led to pasture Joe. Have I been moved by Barack?
Yes. Is some of it idle rhetoric. I'm not dumb enough to think its not but I dont see this country making any progress with McCain as the president. Its my feeling on this.

Can either of these guys make all these changes in one term - doubtful as this country is in so many deep holes that 4 years will never be enough to dig out from.

But instead of the Obama haters going on and on about why they dislike him Im looking for the McCain supporters to tell us why he would be good for the country without bashing Obama in the process.

Im not looking to start fights just open adult dialogue.

Thats why I look forward to the debates these two have in the near future.

Im voting Barack. Today.
Unless I find a reason to vote otherwise.

And Mccain is anybetter? I had the opportunity to ask McCain a question on hardball and he went on a rant about how great our military was (The question had nothing to do with our military). Give him a break, I would like to see how you respond if you were dive bombed by loaded questions.

Why does Obama refuse to admit that the surge of American troops in Iraq (to which he was opposed) actually worked?

I would have more respect for him if he was able to say, "Yes, it worked." (And I'm not even asking him to admit that he was wrong.)

Obama handled that situation as best as anyone could. The African American community has placed a lot of faith in Senator Obama. Some of this faith is probably a little misplaced because he must appeal to Americans of all color. That being said, Barrack Obama is better equipped to right the wrongs of inequality and injustice for all American citizens based on his years of community activism.

Will an angry mob of senior citizens try to derail Senator McCain's next town hall meeting with questions about social security and healthcare reform? The senator's middling, equivocating responses to these serious issues beg further questioning. "The surge is working" mantra of McCain gets very tiresome. Not much is working in this country after 7 years of regressive Republican control of the oval office and 11 or so years of Congress. Apparently, the war McCain voted to start is eminently more important to him than any domestic issues. The last thing this country and world need is George W. Bush, the 2nd.

He says he "passed" all that legislation? Clue: A single legislator doesn't "pass" anything; he may vote for it but it takes the entire legislative body to pass it. Unless Obama sees himself as the dictator of the Illinois Legislature. And even then, weren't these some of the 130 bills that he voted "present" on so he wouldn't leave a voting footprint? Either way, Obama sure has difficulty with the language if he can't read a Teleprompter.

Why is this front-page news?!?

Arrogance is not always a bad thing. It shows that a person is confident and, that is definitly not a bad thing.
I get the feeling that some people are intimidated by people that put themselves "out there like that". People that can say "this is who I am and what I represent, here is my agenda". Then theres people like the other candidate that you just don't know what he's up to in that brain of his.

Ambient,

Actually, the Democrats currently control Congress, which is the powerhouse of the United States. AKA, more power than the President. if you want to blame someone for the past mistakes, look towards your Democratic government.

Amen Curtis. But you also forgot to mention that this current democratic congress has the lowest approval rating EVER. What was it last I checked? 9%! And the fact that they have offered up ZERO in terms of solving high energy prices....I wonder if their approval could go to a negative reading......

How stupid are these people? Before Obama can be a good president he has to become president. If he doesn't get elected than who will they go to with there compaints? You think John McCain cares about the black community? Keep it up and he will be your president. People are so selfish by using his campaign as a platform for their own selfish rants.

Democracy at work. Obama had the decency to field their question at an appropriate time and gave a thoughtful, accurate answer.

Bush or McCain would've had them tossed out.

Mo Shizzle | August 1, 2008 2:52 PM - Great POST!

I agree! This election is a no-brainer, but its going to be closer than it needs to be because of ignorance, greed and racism. There are some people full of evil and if you really knew how much - people would stop giving Barack such a hard time. Just like Dr. King before him, this guy is ahead of his time and full of great ideas about unity and hope. And those that are ignorant are following those that are full of evil and hatred. There is nothing to fear, and this country gains by having Barack Obama as President. Put your fears away and pray.

Obama answered the question indicating what he had done in each instance. I am sooooo tired of hearing Obama doesn't have experience. And Bush does right? It's because of Bush that we are in the finanical termoil we are now. Gas, the ecomnomy, food prices, job cuts. What's next? The deomcrats run this country better than any republican ever could. If people would just stop looking at race and at Obama as a person what he says MAKES SENSE. God forbid. How long did Bush wait after 9-11 to say something? Oh wait he had to wait for someone to tell him WHAT to say. Obama speaks to the people and speaks his mind. Why should he sugar coat anything? Tell people what they wanna hear. That's not what he stands for. CHANGE is coming....

Kevin,
I hate to break it to you, but Obama was ELECTED to serve in the IL state senate for eight years before he was ELECTED to represent IL in the Senate. He has served in an elected capacity for nearly 12 years, besides his experience as an attorney, law professor, community organizer, etc. If you don't like him fine, but I press you to do a little more research and keep an open mind. Our "best" presidents have not always been the ones with the most elected experience or the ones with executive experience. I've met him and he's smart, curious, thoughtful and everything I want in someone with the free world's fate in their hands. If you prefer McCain, good luck to you.

Ambient:

Actually, Obama did not forego visiting the American troops at the Landstuhl hospital in Berlin because he could not take cameras and reporters into the hospital with him. He was told by the U.S. government that the visit would not be paid for with funds for an official senatorial visit, which is what he was technically on in Europe. Instead, they would have to be paid for by his presidential campaign. As the two senators accompanying Obama on the trip said (one of them, Hagel, being a Republican), it was honorable of Obama not to visit the troops because it would be, both technically politically and obviously to the media in the US, an extension of his presidential campaign and not simply a compassionate visit to wounded troops.

Aside from the updating of the article, please try to research your facts before posting here. I apologize if I, myself, have made any errors in this post.

Athena --
Gosh, talking about stacking the deck at public appearances! How about the Barack Obama camp telling Muslims they couldn't stand on stage with him because their headdresses would cause concern among voters?? You liberals are so ignorant.
Posted by: Joe | August 1, 2008 12:40 PM

If the Repubs had a picture of Obama giving a speech with Muslim women in headdresses behind him, it would be on every mailing and TV ad they published. No sense giving the fearmongers any more fodder.

I read Obama's response to the hecklers and thought it was a good one. I think he should have followed his response and asked them what THEY have done for their community.

I'm an Obama supporter. Although I think it was improper to interrupt a meeting like that, I can't help but admire the man who stood up and asked the question.
I don't think many people would have the courage to ask a question like that to potentially one of the most powerful men on earth. I doubt many people would have the will to do something like that in similar company.
We need people to ask questions. Even though they are posing a question to a leader, they probably realize it takes more than one person to achieve something.

Obama can say he spoke out about each issue. Sure, if it means he just made a comment to a local reporter, or issued a press release. What the questioner was eluding to is Obama has never once stood in front of a crowd regarding one of the issues mentioned.

And, really classy of the people who booed the question. If there is to be change in this country, those types of deep questions must be answered.

Mr. Obama, your seat is reserved on the Straight Talk Express.

Kevin --
Like I said, you conservatives need to do some fact checking. Obama DID indeed visit our troops. And he didn't bring cameras in or make a photo opportunity of it. Andrea Mitchell, who was there, gave a report of what happened in Germany that was widely circulated in the MSM, of the real reasons he did not visit the German hospital.
I'd be happy to provide links to those unfortunate souls out there who have trouble reading, or doing internet searches (like McShame). . .

John Mc Conn is 2 years older than dirt and he certainly looks it.

Those of you criticizing the Democratic Congress seem to conveniently forget that their proposals/legislation go nowhere because we have a president in office who has been bent on torpedoing all of it and then blaming the Dems for inaction. Real logical, isn't it?

It's surprising to hear all this conjecture, like it's a scripted move or they were planted in the audience by the opposition, etc., when the answer is right there on the banner they're holding up. It's obviously a publicity stunt for whatever that website is. And I'm sure all the hubbub is getting them plenty of hits today. They even put their phone number on there. Could they be more blatant?

The main thing is that they all sang Happy Birthday - did they all hold hands?

A lot of us Europeans feel ashamed and in pain if we see and read every day that fellow Americans are bashing this man Obama, someone with the same intellectual and ethical capacity's as the great world leaders of the past. This is indeed a moment in history, not only for the USA ! Think twice, please.

When Jesse Jackson was caught in a live-mic flub a few weeks ago, he was complaining about the very same thing...that Obama doesn't do a thing for black communities.
Excuses for not visiting wounded troops on his trip? There are no legitimate excuses. Spin it anyway that makes you feel better about your candidate, but don't expect that crap to be swallowed by those not on the bandwagon. Obama's managers screwed up big time. The prima donna days are over kids. Obama is gonna have to act like a real candidate in order to win, Too bad no one in his campaign has explored that scenario yet.

Those of you criticizing the Democratic Congress seem to conveniently forget that their proposals/legislation go nowhere because we have a president in office who has been bent on torpedoing all of it and then blaming the Dems for inaction. Real logical, isn't it? Posted by: Ambient

Actually, if you really want to lay blame on someone, then you need to include everyone that is involved. You need to include republicans, democrats and independents. You need to include members of the House, the Senate & White House. They are all to blame.

Neither side in the equation has enough power to torpedo anything. If the House & Senate don't agree with Bush, then they need enough votes amongst themselves to override his veto. Sometimes they do and sometimes they don't. There have been many, many good proposals out of the Bush White House that have been torpedoed by the Congress.

This is how our form of government was designed to work. However, we get caught up in the Silly Season. All politicians pander to voters and say things that they believe will get you to vote for them.

There is a lot of anger out there. But anger will not help us vote for the right person. We need to start voting with our heads instead of our emotions!!

Just remember....those that God wants to destroy, he makes angry first. Hopefully we won't go down that path as a country.

You all have it wrong -Obama has turned into a LIVING GOD-

A dirty trick by Lee Atwater? That's pretty impressive work by Atwater considering the fact that he has been dead for upwards of 16 years. Go back to school you stupid liberal!

Mr. McCormick - a quick fact check - the "are you better off than you were four years ago" Reagan slogan was in his campaign against Walter Mondale since Reagan had a fantastic four year record to runn on as compared to the four years of the Carter/Mondale administration.

And I see the ObamaDrones shouted down the the young men with the only three words they know.

Then I love all you flat-liners that think the GOP was behind this. Aren't you same folks that say teh GOP can't get any black votes? So these lily white GOPers went out and got three young black guys to do this??? Just what is teh color of the sky in your world?

Obama wants to tax the Exxon-Mobils of the world even more. Let's look at their 2nd quarter earnings - $11.7 billion in net income and $32.4 billion in total taxes. The shareholders - owners make 8.5 cents per dollar of revenue that XOM makes. Gov't on the other hand takes in over 23 cents of every dollar of XOM revenue - and Obama wants more?

http://yahoo.brand.edgar-online.com/displayfilinginfo.aspx?FilingID=6069625-4578-40666&type=sect&TabIndex=2&companyid=3810&ppu=%252fdefault.aspx%253fcik%253d34088

If Obama wants to tax the "excess profits", do you think the oil companies will just raise their prices? Or maybe cut back on production? Do you think either of this will help the consumer?

--I think it was a legitimate question. Considering that when the issues, that affect the black community specifically, come up--- he's either deemphasizing their impact on the black community or extra-emphasizing the kumbaya "black white green we're all in this together." In example his response to Kim Millman in one of the democratic debates (Jan 31) who said,"there's been no acknowledgment by any of the presidential candidates of the negative economic impact of immigration on the African-American community. How do you propose to address the high unemployment rates and the declining wages in the African-American community that are related to the flood of immigrant labor?" Obama's response in part included -"And, so, I think to suggest somehow that the problem that we're seeing in inner-city unemployment, for example, is attributable to immigrants, I think, is a case of scapegoating that I do not believe in, I do not subscribe to."
Well there senator. Immigration HAS HAD the BIGGEST impact on the African American community. Considering that unlike the upper echelons of class they are in direct competition ESPECIALLY in INNER CITIES with immigrants for low skilled level jobs.
--Anyone who has spent any amount of time with the black community notices how , as Obama so willingly admits, Obama *frames* these answers and anyone who has a deeper knowledge of the black community than "I hate Jesse Jackson" would find this framing lacking. It gives you pause. You can say he can't be as direct as he should be for fear of what the fear mongers will do, but the reality is that when you edit yourself to please fear mongers the fear mongers have already won.
--So far the only thing Obama's been able to to do is talk about personal responsibility---that's all fine and dandy and really floats with typical white people who ha