Deval Patrick’s Timeline Doesn’t Mesh with Reality

Wow summer 2007 vs. March 19, 2007.
He was off by a couple months.
There must be a story here! Somewhere.

Nice reporting. Just words. I don’t think so. I do not trust him anymore.

You guys are ridiculous. If this is the harshest accusation you can come up with against Obama, you’re desperate. Both Hillary and Obama are democrats for crying out loud. Maybe you should devote your time to looking at flaws in what the REPUBLICANS say.

This is just too much to handle. Will the real Barack Hussein Obama please stand up!!!!!!

It’s like Toto revealing the Wizard of Oz is a fake. The great Obama is a manufactured fraud.

You guys must understand that: how many times we have seen Hillary reading speeches?
They are speeches written for her by other people. Can we generalise that she can’t manage to write her own speeches?.
Do you also understand that they are people known as “Speech Writers” for President? Should we say now that all Presidents are empty head or what? Guys, think, think, thiiiiiink!!! and do not blame Obama for nothing.

Wow, the Clinton supporters here all sound pretty desperate. So Patrick was off a bit on the timing, big deal. Obviously we all know that he and Barack are good friends and have spent time together on and off the campaign trail. Obama already said he should have credited Patrick for using those lines in his speech.
Hillary needs to avoid being the first candidate in 16 years not to release her tax returns. She also needs to release the names of the donors to the Clinton Library and Clinton Foundation. She should also explain why she is taking money from federal lobbyists and PACs.
Those are news stories. Any interest in covering them, ABC?

This is just evidence of what is wrong with the news media. Instead of talking about stuff that matters, they focus on really pointless fake controversies like this one manufactured by the Clinton campaign.

Makes you wonder if Obama has an original thought in his head.

I can’t believe this guy has suckered us all. He is just a PARROT. Mrs.Obama is for the first time proud of this country becouse of the Parrot running for Pres. The church he visits tell the story, RACISM at its best.

Obama the Poser for President!!!!! The reality is if no one brought this to America’s attention, everyone would still think WOW he is such a great speaker,NOT. First of all the words alone do not belong to either one of them, we all know they come from great men who came before them. The issue here is Obama not taking just a few words but a whole segment of the governor’s speech. Now he is saying Hillary quotes him as well,” Yes we can,” belongs to Cesar Chavez. One line and a whole segment of a speech are two very different things.
Real Change is a woman in the White House
Hillary 08

Hillary’s health care plan forces everyone to buy insurance, even if you can’t afford it. Is that the best we can do for families struggling with high health care costs?
Hillary’s health care plan forces everyone to buy insurance, even if you can’t afford it… and you pay a penalty if you don’t.
The way Hillary Clinton’s health care plan covers everyone is to have the government force uninsured people to buy insurance, even if they can’t afford it.
“…forcing those who cannot afford health insurance to buy it through mandates…punishing those who don’t fall in line with fines.”
- The Daily Iowan, December 21, 2007
Punishing families who can’t afford health care to begin with just doesn’t make sense.
Barack Obama believes that it’s not that people don’t want health care, it’s that they can’t afford it.
Barack Obama believes Americans who don’t have health care coverage desperately want it; they just can’t afford to pay for it. That’s why the Obama plan covers every American by reducing costs more than Hillary Clinton’s, saving the typical family up to $2,500 per year.
Bill Clinton’s own Secretary of Labor, Robert Reich, wrote, “I’ve compared the two plans in detail…But in my view Obama’s would insure more people, not fewer, than HRC’s.” – Robert Reich, December 3, 2007
The Obama Health Care Plan:
Offers health care coverage for all Americans similar to that of members of Congress, and subsidies to help those who cannot afford it.
Reduces insurance costs more than Hillary’s plan, including capping insurance company profits in places where they have taken advantage of people.
Saves the typical family up to $2,500 per year.
Read the entire plan at BarackObama.com.
Barack Obama. Health care we can afford. Change we can believe in. THIS IS A MAILER OBAMA MAILED OUT THAT QUOTES THE DAILY IOWAN AS A SOURCE FOR DISSING HILLARYS HEALTH PLAN.APPARENTLY HE COULDNT GET ANYTHING OTHER THAN A COLLEGE STUDENT NEWSPAPER TO QUOTE FOR HIM. DONT BELIEVE ME GOOGLE THE DAILY IOWAN CHECK IT OUT.

It’s better to know Obama is dishonest now, than later if he was to be nominated. He has really done nothing as far as his past experience and his WORDS are what people are excited about. So Words are NOT just words. Who is this guy? If he has written 2 books, why did he use someone elses words?

Dear Mr Tapper,
Most of your postings are good but sometime you try to stretch lot of insignificant stuff. As you pointed out, the two are good friends and share the same political guru.
WHY DIDN’T THE HILARY CAMP MADE THEESE ASSERTIONS OF PLAGIARISM THE FIRST TIME OBAMA USED THOSE LINES? I guess at the time it was just a simple coronation that was going to happen. So why mention the fact that an insignificant candidate was “lifting” lines from friends.
I often find myself repeating lines from my friends when I like them. What’s the big deal: you’ve been on this issue for three days now.
Lance D.
Lance D.

Do you libs get it, the democratic party is a carbon copy of Stalin, they are clones of him. Obama and the rest are controlled by elitists that just want power, the elitist love Obama because he will be the easiest to control.
By the way when is Obama and his wife going to give up their elites home and money since they think there is no Hope in this country of ours. They finally se hope after making millions off other Americans.
I wish the traitors Obama would leave the country!
He says nothing and what he says he repeats someone else!!
Manchurrian Candidate anyone!!

When they voted in 2002 90% of the people backed that vote.I really know I did Saddam souldnt have be allowed to have a rubber band,and Bush lied to get us into Iraq

Jake – you are coming off as not to smart. Obama and Patrick talked about a particular line of attack last summer – not that they never talked before last summer. As a journalist there is a big difference.
As for your “aspirations” quote: Here is what Obama said:
“But you know in the end, don’t vote your fears. I’m stealing this line from my buddy (Massachusetts Gov.) Deval Patrick who stole a whole bunch of lines from me when he ran for the governorship, but it’s the right one, don’t vote your fears, vote your aspirations. Vote what you believe.”
http://blogs.tnr.com/tnr/blogs/the_plank/archive/2008/02/18/obama-s-quot-plagiarism-quot.aspx
Competent journalism matters Jake.

ObamaNation has finally shown his true self. I now don’t trust him. Maybe he will make Deval Patrick his running partner. By the way everyone was excited about Deval Patrick when he ran for Governor with all his speeches and now he has a low performance rating.

He gained my vote!

If any of you former Obama supporters are disenchanted with the fact that Obama is another unoriginal politician without original rhetoric (although you have to admit he’s fairly good with the delivery of said unoriginal rhetoric) take heart, Biden was able to come back and make a second run even after being disgraced for his copycatting of another politician. I say Obama in 2012!!

Hey JT,
There’s a good question from Sinsouza. So Obama is borrowing great speeches from his friend,Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick. His friend was elected on those great speeches, what is Patrick’s performance rating as the governor of Massachusetts? Also so let’s see Obama had both Kennedy, Kerry and Patrick in his camp from Massachusetts and people still voted for Hillary?
Real Change is a woman in the White House
Hillary 08

People, you can’t steal if it is given to you.
Although after reading many of these posts I think that perhaps some of you have had your brains stolen.
Obama writes most of his own stuff. He is up 20 hour days and all over the country. He is a brillant orator. Hillary has speeches written she is also up 20 hour days. She is not a brillant orator.
To level the playing field her camp yells that Obama used someone else’s words…If you can’t compete with the messanger try and kill the message…
This has been reported on before and it is a non story. Let’s all look over Hillary’s stuff and see how much she lifted from others shall we? Oh, wait…her campaign said they wouldn’t sign the pledge that she hadn’t lifted a phrase or two…but that didn’t matter since she wasn’t running on the premise of hope anyway.
Gee, folks, this is way on to petty to be taking up any press or cyber ink.
When I heard what she said about “just words” I looked at my husband and said without ever having heard Deval Patrick, “oh, so “I have a dream” or “all men are created equal” are just words too I guess”….other people can come to similar thoughts without it being a vast right wing conspiracy….
Petty and grasping at straws….negative and devisive….that is the Clinton campaign. I have been a dem my entire life, but I will not vote for Clinton if she is the nominee…won’t happen and you can quote me on that without attribution.

Not to offend anyone, all the comments here clearly show why Obama supporters are more educated than Clinton’s. Do people really understand what “plagiarism” means? If Obama was all “stolen” words, how can he (with a tenth of experience in the political arena) put up a more effective campaign compared to someone with three decades of established political dynasty (including a presidency)? Think people. Think. If you can’t manage your campain for two years, how are you going to manage the whole country for four years?

Clinton’s attack was more than just Obama using “two” words from his friend. Obama’s message was lost – great leaders can inspire people to accomplish great feats.

Loved the way Joe Scarborough totally mocked this non-story this morning on “Morning Joe.” He sees it for what it is… grasping at straws.

obama “borrows” his substance from Senator Clinton and “borrows” his style from deval patrick……America needs a leader not a “borrower”

JenJen, about that JoeJoe ScarBro, now there’s a real champion for fairness in the Democratic party, right. He wouldn’t have a competing interest would he, like getting his man McCain elected?

This is such a non-issue. The original quotes (FDR, King, etc.) are so well known, there’s no need for attribution. The timeline above proves that from 2004 to today, they have been sharing ideas and campaign phrases/talking points since they have run similar campaigns. When asked to name an inspiring figure, would anyone fault someone for saying Dr. King (it’s certainly not a very original answer); it’s still a valid point to make. When someone says words don’t matter, the obvious response is to demonstrate words that have mattered. Case closed, let’s move on to actual issues

Deval Patrick actually told Obama to use the phrase “just words”… which are the only original words used by Deval Patrick.
What a joke. Clinton is so desperate. Unfortunately for her, about 75% of the population can stand the Clintons anymore.
Time to move on, folks.

Obama did not steal anything. Where is it written you cannot use anothers words or phrases? People do it every day!!
The hillary sheeple have come out of the woodwork to hit Obama over the head with this nonsense. I think its hilarious to hear people say ‘now I don’t trust him’. Well gee, more than likely, you didn’t trust him from the first day he started talking, so there is no surprise. But with hillary and all her distortions and dishonesty, you think she should be queen of the white house. You people are unbelievable!
Go make a mountain out of hillary stealing Obama’s words and co-opting his campaign message when she sees she’s behind. She has taken his words and used them in her all inspiring speeches =gag=….go make a mountain out that crap!
Ready from day one….now THATS a fairytale!

This last minute bit of desperation on the part of Clinton is truly pathetic to watch. If Democrats respond to this in their voting, they are truly an aimless herd of easily manipulated sheep. I’m a Republican, so it’s no skin off of my nose, but wow, is this how anyone with any character would want to win an election?

JenJen, Obama can always run against the incumbent in 2012 — he already has his speeches ready.

This whole story stinks like Karl Rove. Don’t be fooled, people.
How come we never hear about:
Hillary’s refusal to release her tax return?
Hillary’s avid support for Bush’s idiotic war?
Hillary’s support of a misguided and belligerent foreign policy?
Hillary government mandated payments you’ll be forced to cough up for her health care “plan”?
Hillary’s ABSURD claim to 35 years of leadership experience, starting when she was 25 years old?
Disenfranchisement in the NY primary?
Bill Clintons smarmy backroom Uranium dealings with shady Khazak dictators?
THE LIST GOES ON.

If he is “fudging” on inconsequential, insignificant matters such as being a copycat (pretty childish actually) what other truths is he taking liberties with. Man looks, speaks and behaves with such arrogance, I predict it will be his downfall. Humility and lack of pretense are most important in the political arena. Add this to his wife’s misspeaking over the weekend about this being the first time in her adult life being proud of her country – oh my goodness – some people just don’t know when to put a cork in it.

All this so-called plagiarism and recycled Resko dribble is such a waste of cyberpace when we have so many real and pressing issues to consider in the coming months. Hello, does anyone care about the American people? Or are some of us too busy trying to look like chief inspectors in charge at the expense of truth, thought or just plain common sense? I think the Clintons were done a disservice during the Whitewater/Lewinsky investigation. Have we learned nothing?

Wait, I’m seeing it with much more clarity, YES! YES! Obama in 2020!! Can’t be more clear than that.
(Note: I forgot to credit Obama for using the phrase YES!)

Yeah, how about those tax returns?
For starters.

And how many people are aware that Clinton’s healthcare plan will GARNISH YOUR WAGES if necessary to FORCE YOU into buying a health plan, hmmmm?
Everybody thrilled about THAT?

Odd how at 11:42 you’re writing this, and by 12:42 the Clinton campaign is pointing people to your story.

Adnora, I have no interest in seeing Obama’s tax return until 2020. Why are you so interested in Hillarys? It wouldn’t be because you admire her success would it? Do I sense a tinge of jealousy around the success of a career woman? Her success has always been in the public eye. Why would you want to try to tear it down?

So Obama is a recycled Patrick. How many terms did Patrick serve? Did his words help accomplish the peoples aspirations?

Alas, Obama is a fraud. However, Hillary is a bigger fraud by blatently misrepresenting her own experience as a leader. The practice of law is copying on a grand scale. Rember JFK’s statement, “when it is not necessary to change it is necessary not to change.” That was “copied” from Lincoln’s ststement, “if you like that sort of thing that’s the sort of thing you will like.” Obama utilizes many of the Reagan tactics of optimism and a “vision” for a better future. Is that a fraud? You bet it is, but at least it is a better alternative than political party warfare that fits poorly in our two party political system. We have a winner take all system, not a parlimintary system that requires compromise in Congress brcause our executive branch is seperate from our legislative branch. So I say excuse Obama’s copying “fraud” and eschew petty partisanship politics and concentrate on the real issues. As far as I can determine both Republicans are happy to “copy” Reagan.

As a college student, this is the best news I’ve seen from the campaign! I now know if my professors ever accuse me of plagiarism, I can simply say I “borrowed” a few phrases from a book I read a few months ago and I happened to share the exact same ideas and words with the author… no big deal, right.
Perhaps some enterprising reporters should research Obummer’s college papers to see how “original” they were. There’s already a good excuse floating around he may want to consider borrowing “I was high (on pot or blow) at the time I said that” by Joran Van Der Sloot.

LA in Indiana,
what do u conside a few words? a statement? a paraghraph? How bout an entire speach?
Obama used almost an entire speach and he delivered it almost exactly like Patrick. Don’t speak unless u know.

Obama ? who is that? Great speak but can he walk the walk. The other party want him to be the victor, so they can eat him alive.

Would MLK be MLK if he used his friends speaches? How bout JFK? What about einstein, if he had used someone else’s formulas? Oh but this is Obama he is still great because he can use someone elses words to sway us.
BS! Be orginal.

I tell you what. I admire Obama for coming forward to talk about the issue, right or wrong. He’s got more character than Hillary could ever hope to have, and that’s why she’s beating her brains out to scrutinize every bit of detail about this guy. I’d rather vote for someone who admits his mistakes than vote for someone who hides behind hers.

Irregardless of whether the words Obama used in his speech were plagerism or not look at what he said. He is comparing himself to Thomas Jefferson, Franklin Roosevelt, John F. Kennedy, and Martin Luther King. He is none of those and has done NOTHING close to what any of them have accomplished. He is just words (and evidently ego)whether they are his own or someone elses. Wake up Obama supporters and see him for who he really is. All talk no substance. And what is his wife Michelle all proud about all of a sudden—that her husband is duping the American people?

I sure hope you experts in 20th century speeches realize that the “Ask Not What You Can Do For Your Country” in JFK’s speech was recycled from Theodore Roosevelt.
And parts of MLK’s “I Have A Dream” speech came from a southern preacher in the 50′s?
Just checking…

Does anyone else remember how embarrassed Oprah was when the book she raved about, “A Million Little Pieces”, turned out to’ve been plagiarized? How it was in the news for weeks and the guy had to go back on Oprah’s show to explain himself and apologize to Oprah’s fans?
Do you think she’ll ask Obama to apologize?

Mr. Obama has portrayed Mr. Rezko as a one-time fund-raiser whom he had occasionally seen socially. But interviews with more than a dozen political and business associates suggest that the two men were closer than the senator has indicated.
Mr. Obama turned to Mr. Rezko for help at several important junctures. Records show that when Mr. Obama needed cash in the waning days of his losing 2000 Congressional campaign, Mr. Rezko rounded up thousands of dollars from business contacts. In 2003, Mr. Rezko helped Mr. Obama expand his fund-raising for the Senate primary by being host of a dinner at his Mediterranean-style home for 150 people, including some whose names have since come up in the influence scandal.
oh but what did obama say ….
OBAMA: I’m happy to respond. Here’s what happened: I was an associate at a law firm that represented a church group that had partnered with this individual to do a project and I did about five hours worth of work on this joint project. That’s what she’s referring to.

Let’s face this, if Senator Clinton had used a whole paragraph belonging to someone in her speech without giving credit to the person, the News media would have ripped her into pieces and her campaign would be over within weeks if not days.
Senator Obama quoted those words with full force and vigor like they were his own words and was applauded because to the audience he was being inspirational but little did they know that he was cheating.
Senator Obama is not untouchable and the media should treat all the candidates equally and fairly instead of favoring one more than the other. Noone else has brought divisiveness into this campaign than the media.
Thanks!

Susan ,
They are people who think they deserve the presidency . They are full of themselves. They are stuck up snobs. Obama thinks he is the gift from god. He believes in himself to be a messiah of men. When he is really a fraud among sinners.

“You Obama speech defenders aren’t getting it. Obama’s CLAIM TO FAME is his speeches.”
Jo, see what I wrote about JFK, FDR, Reagn AND Hillary HERSELF.
No, the claim to fame isn’t SPEECHES, it’s IDEAS. He’s not regarded due to elocution or mere words, it’s to ideas above all and the ability to ARTICULATE THEM.
Eleven, he didn’t take whole speeches; he used the same or similar phrasing in a few instances. Patrick and Obama are on record from having said a year ago that in 2006 they strategized on how to respond to the “speeches and words, not leadership and accomplishments” charge because they expected Patrick would be attacked on that basis in his Mass. Gov race, as Obama would, too.
Quit peddling falsehoods.

Obama borrows policy from Clinton and words from his buddy. What does he have that is original? Lets get someone who has spent the time and effort to develop positions that are their own. Hillary Clinton is a tough polititan prepared to fight the tough battles ahead. Not just the general election but the complicated fights ahead in DC. Change is not just going to occur overnight

Unless ABC News wants to achieve a Fox News reputation, I think it’s time to step back and reassess the sorts of ‘news stories’ being covered.
I’m just sayin’….

ELEVEN 22
THANK YOU FOR BEING SO KIND TO MAKE MY POINT ABOUT WHAT WAS NEXT; KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK FOR THE MORAL COMPASS OF AMERICA; HILLARY CLINTON. I KNOW YOU DON’T WANT TO “GO THERE,” I”LL BE KIND AND JUST REALIZE HOW COMPETITION FREAKS SOME PEOPLE OUT – HILLARY THOUGHT THIS WOULD BE OVER BY NOW. PLEASE NOTE THAT YOU CAN HAVE ALL THE POLICY PAPERS WITH ALL TYPES OF WONDERFUL “SOLUTIONS” LISTED, BUT IF YOU CAN”T EXECUTE THE PLANS WHAT DOES IT MATTER. I JUST DON’T SEE HILLARY CLINTON, THE POLARIZING FIGURE SHE IS AS A PERSON WHO CAN, WORK WELL WITH OTHERS. THE REPUBLICANS WOULD MUCH RATHER HAVE HILLARY AS THEIR OPPOSTION THAN OBAMA. AGAIN, I’M FINE WITH US HAVING A VIGOROUS DEBATE, BUT THE MUD -SLINGING IS SOOOO DESPERATE. AND “SWEETS” AS YOU CALLED ME, I THINK YOU NEED TO THINK BEYOND THE CONVENTION AND HOW THIS PARTY WILL WORK TOGETHER! AS OF NOW, I DON”T SEE IT HAPPENING! KEEP CARL ROVE’S DREAMS ALIVE!!!

Isn’t this just peachy. When Jake Tapper’s writing attacked Hillary I didn’t hear any Obama supporters complaining that Tapper was biased in favor of Hillary. Now that the tables are turned….heh, heh. I’ve arrived at the Nirvana of balanced reporting. I’ve apologized to Tapper, you should too.

Dear lord, please don’t prolong this trivial diversion any further. This is simply pathetic. I know the campaign is exciting and all, but uh, there is important stuff happening in the country. If you’d spent the kind of time investigating some of the really serious issues involving the current administration that you’re wasting on piffle here, we might all be better off.

Your timeline argument also doesn’t make sense. He could have talked to Patrick about this possible attack by Clinton at the timeline you pointed out but that does NOT preclude him from talking to Patrick about speeches, rhetoric and ideas from before.
Indeed, Patrick used Obama’s “Yes we can” refrain in 2006 before their discussions in 2007 and which proves that they talked about this stuff for a long time.
Logic and reasoned arguments are helpful for journalists – also facts.

Oh Grady, you just don’t get it. Obama is not real, he is a fake.
He is NOT the second coming, like his cult followers would have everyone believe.
If you people would watch his speeches, he is reading off a prompter!!! Those words are just not coming out of his mouth. He does not speak in front of crowds without a prompter.
If you notice, when he is asked questions, he stammers around trying to come with words. He just can’t think for himself.
And you want that for a president?

It’s no wonder that half the country hates HRC.
I get chills up my spine every time these phony propaganda stories come out.
Plagiarism? Give me a break. Unless you want to admit that Hillary has been plagiarizing Mario Cuomo for about 6 months straight. Wake up, Clinton zombies.

Jake don’t get wrapped up about these Obama-zombies. If you say anything that may paint the man in a mildly negative light you are going get all these insane posts. Half try to character-assassinate you and the other half will character-assassinate Hillary. Because those are the best argument the followers of the ‘hope’ and ‘unity’ candidate have.

Gosh Rob, that is another thing wrong with this whole thing. Everyone is afraid to criticise Obama on anything, for fear of being called a racist, and that is what you just did to the writer of this article. It’s not right. and I for one am sick of it. I don’t like Hillary either, but by God it is time someone started bringing crap out on this guy. The MSM won’t! They are all “followers” and drank the “koolaid”

You would think a person involved with journalism would have at least a RUDIMENTARY understanding of what plagiarism is and is not. Tapper does not, which is disgraceful.

Going GREEN does not mean recycling SPEECHES!!!

Oh come on, they might have discussed the specific respone at a particular time, this doesn’t mean they din’t discuss elsewhile. Also, remember Obama used the ‘yes we can’ slogan in 04 which patrick used in 06, and during the 06 camphain Obama was actively supporting him in Mas. So the exhange of ideas would have occured over a longer period of time (rememeber, 15 years of friendship), and specific issue might have been discussed at a particular time. So come on, stop trying to make a issue where this is none!

I find it ironic that any FACTS backed up with responsible journalism, such as that by Mr Tapper, is instantly attacked as “not mattering” and being a Clinton supporter.
These typical Obama supporters are tearing our party apart. For them it’s Obama or nothing and that’s not in the spirit of the Democratic party. Get with it or we wont win in November.

Political allies and friends trade lines and share ideas all the time – this is nothing new nor is there anything wrong with it.
Why hasn’t Hillary Clinton or John McCain released their tax reports?
Was it ethical for Hillary Clinton and John McCain to sell-out their donor list?

The Cambridge dictionary describes plagiarism as: to use another person’s idea or a part of their work and pretend that it is your own.
Why is it that there is so much denial that Obama has done this, when he’s admitted to doing it, has done it multiple times, and states he should have credited the author? If he’s accused of it, he admits it, and states he shouldn’t have done it, then what we think really doesn’t matter.

Even if this was important, it is clear that Hillary overplayed her hand. This should not be a central issue of her campaign.

I am LAUGHING at Clinton and her cronies for making such a BIG DEAL out of this! Just goes to show you how desperate they truly are! Thankfully, Clinton is in her last days as a candidate. It’s all but over for her! Bye-bye! We sure in the hell won’t miss you or Bill!

Let’s also not all kid ourselves here, the original words weren’t even those of Patrick, but those of his speechwriter. How many lines has every single candidate spoken as if it was his/her own when in fact they were the idea of the speechwriter? Seriously, let’s not be dishonest with ourselves about this.

Word on the street is that Obama has also used a “speechwriter”, whose words Obama quotes verbatim and without attribution on a regular basis.
This shocking plagiarism of the words of campaign staff and supporters must stop.

I’m going to copy and paste everything here and use it as my own and send it to all my liberal nutjob friends. I figure I can get away with it since a lot of people are screaming that no one cares wether or not it’s ok to steal someone elses ideas and words. Here’s a thought to ponder. The US Constitution is eerily similar in verbiage to Connecticut’s original “fundamental orders”….hmmmm. No one cares about plagarism unless you’re the one getting ripped off.

Yeah, bummer, Hillary is right. I guess with Barak was putting together his presidential ambition plan back in kindergarden, it was a fine point he missed.

A candidacy based on words, even if and especially since they are inspirational, should be those of the candidate’s. That’s the reason there is more scrutiny here. Base a candidacy on honesty, and when there are lies, they are more glaring. Base a candidacy on fighting for vets and voting records show that’s not always the case, that issue will become glaring. If the root of his popularity is his inspirational words, which seem to be the case, I would think that his own constituants would want them to be his own. How inspirational can someone be that only speaks the words he’s given??

Can’t people remember the WhiteWater Scandal with both Clintons caught right in the middle? Remember Monica L. and BillyBoy lying to the American People and remember when he was impeached for Perjury? Remember Vince Foster being Auf’d. Remember how Ms. Williams (current Clinton Campaign manager) broke in and ransacked Vince Foster’s office looking for some kind of damaging evidence about Ms. Clinton and then tried to cover it up to protect the “First Lady”, after Vince Foster was killed but before the Police arrived? Any just why won’t Mrs. Clinton release her tax returns? What IS she hiding? And does anyone remember the Dems pledge (including Hillary) to not put their names on the ballots in Fl, and Mich, nor to campaign in those states? Yet Hillary did indeed have her name on the ballots and did indeed campaign and now wants those votes to count (sorry Fl and Mich) even after she made a pledge to the American People and to her Party to not have these votes count? Doesn’t anyone remember that?? What about her vote to give authorization to start the illegal and immoral war in Iraq that to this day she still can’t explain nor apologize for it? Have you forgotten that? Remember what Billy Boy said – you get two for one when you elect us. (I am crediting Bill Clinton for that line). So, essentially it’s a vote to put Bill back in the White House. Why can’t people remember these things? The Clintons show a clear pattern of low blows, underhanded and sometimes downright illegal tactics and speaks volumes on just how the Clinton’s run their life and their political careers. Yes Clinton has the experience to run this country on Day One – to run it the same way it’s always been run for the last 100 years – lobbyists, corruption, we all know the rest. Obama isn’t twisted by the political coes in Washington. He’s not corrupted by the money sucking corporations, he hasn’t sold out to Big Business. He is fresh – he is alive – he is progressive – he is the New Century Leader. He is offering something different – something new and something we have always JUST hoped for – all races can agree – but never actually thought it could be obtainable. A vote for Obama is a vote for the future. A vote for Clinton is a vote for the past. Clear and simple.

The Cambridge dictionary describes plagiarism as: to use another person’s idea or a part of their work and pretend that it is your own.
Why is it that there is so much denial that Obama has done this, when he’s admitted to doing it, has done it multiple times, and states he should have credited the author? If he’s accused of it, he admits it, and states he shouldn’t have done it, then what we think really doesn’t matter.

Finally the press is starting to take note of what a phoney Obama is

How did he pretend those were his own words? When asked, he said they were Deval’s. So no it’s not plagiarism. And are people so STUPID as to think politicians don’t have SPEECHWRITERS. How stupid are you to believe they don’t have WRITERS really?

If you really read into Obama, his campaign and his autobiography there are so many inconsistencies that to ignore them or automatically write them off as insignificant is delusional. I’m voting for the man who spent years in a POW camp as a result of defending this great nation. I won’t ever consider myself republican, but if any candidate truly cares about America I think it’s Mcain.

You may not be aware that Hillary Clinton did not write It Takes A Village. She hired a ghost and never gave the real writer any credit. Google it if you want details.
This holier than thou attitude that seems to prevail amongst the Hillary supporters is surprising considering the laundry list of sins committed by the Clintons. There is one thing for sure, Hillary is going to cause the Republicans to get back in office.
When she starts throwing mud, then she further divides the party. She will carry this same divisive attitude into the White House and she will get down to the business of paybacks to those who opposed her or fought against her. She will take that same combat attitude into the world as she meets with our enemies and tries to improve our standing in the world.
Hillary is the one who should be feared because she is the one who can hurt you the most. Doesn’t anyone have any fear of a dynasty or co-monarchy setting up here.
For 30 years we have had a Bush or a Clinton in office. Bush 41 and Bill still stump together for their Foundation. There is another George Bush, son of Jeb, who is half Latino and would be ready to run in 2016. Then Chelsea would be in her 40′s in 16 years would be about ready to run. This is getting dangerous and we the American people need to turn the page. We need somebody else to look after our interests other than a Bush or a Clinton. Obama may not be who you want, but we need to stop this co-monarchy before the democratic process slips away into acceptance of the next Bush or Clinton.
I quote… “Absolute power corrupts absolutely”.

Re: “I particularly want to know why you are pressing for $120 BILLION in aid to Africa”
My heart goes out ot Africa, but I don’t want to give them 120 billion dollars. Meanwhile Obama votes for free trade deals that devastate people all over North America by putting them out of work. We need to focus on our own country and our own continent for a change.

The Cambridge dictionary describes plagiarism as: to use another person’s idea or a part of their work and pretend that it is your own.
Why is it that there is so much denial that Obama has done this, when he’s admitted to doing it, has done it multiple times, and states he should have credited the author? If he’s accused of it, he admits it, and states he shouldn’t have done it, then what we think really doesn’t matter.

The YES WE CAN slogan was originally coined by Cesar Chavez (Hispanic labor leader) and his movement in California.
I have been bemused at people complimenting Obama’s speechWRITING talent. To the best of my knowledge–ALL presidential candidates use speechwriters. Presidential candidates are worse plagiarizers than ad-writers. If the novice listener doesn’t factor that reality into their evaluations; they should learn that lesson immediately.
Good speaking abilities are judged in three categories:
1. Good delivery (voice control and quality and body language) -
2. If the speaker is speaking extemporaneously (spontanously– or, with little time for preparation (ex: debate) :
Knowledge, clarity of thought, wit or humor, skillful use of language
and good delivery (see above)
3.-IF JUDGED AS AN ORIGINAL SPEECH WRITTEN BY THE SPEAKER: the ability to make a clear and logical argument, factual accuracy, and use of powerful, vivid imagery. All intellectual property must be credited.
If you are listening to the speaker’s original thoughts, they will normally reflect how the speaker communicates spontaneously. In other words, they will still use the same style, syntax, knowledge level and clarity of thought.
If you want to evaluate how much of Obama’s speech is his own work; compare his debate exchanges to his stump speeches.

They are friends.
They riff back and forth.
Who cares timeline.
Change the channel.
(I would have said “turn the page” but that just keeps this hamster wheel rolling, for chrissake)

Obama is CORRUPT, his slogan of change an ILLUSION.
1) A houseowner wants to sell both a house and adjoining land. Obama can afford to buy only the house. No problem, the criminal Rezko to the rescue. Rezko pays full price for the land, whereas Obama gets a discount of $300,000 on the house. Nice to have criminal friends like this!!! (reference ABC News)
2) Exelon Corporation had not disclosed radioactive leaks at one of its nuclear plants in Illinois. Obama, a senator for Illinois introduces a bill to make disclosures mandatory. Seems like Exelon doesn’t like it. Each draft of the new bill by Obama goes more and more towards Exelon till disclosures end up being “voluntary”. What gives? How about $250,000+ donations by Exelon to Obama’s campaigns!!! Obama is not change, he is WASHINGTON BUSINESS AS USUAL. (reference New York Times)
People need to stop believing their fantasies about Obama and realize that Hillary is the one who has been fighting for them all along. All the way back to 1993 when she tried to introduce universal health care (before it became politically fashionable).

Thank you for this. People want Obama to be America’s Messiah. He can do no wrong. In fact, he and his team have cast themselves as the saviors of the world. The truth is he is a human being. And apparently he’s being caught in small lies that amount to small compromises in integrity now (to prop up an image of perfection). That image will have to fall at some point. I’d rather it fall now, than when small compromises have the chance to become much larger ones in the White House.

Well, Obama admitted he used Patrict’s “Words” and should have credited him when he used the “Words” and didn’t. I believe he credited him later when this became an issue for some reason. The good people of Wisconsin and Hawaii didnot see this as an issue, neither will Texas and Ohio and the remaining states. Another non productive fishing expidition by would be “anglers”, to put Senator Obama in a picture that only fits your preconcieved image. Get mad about the message “Words” not the messenger.

If words can be owned–and I’m not sure these simple stock phrases can be “owned”–but if they are owned by Deval Patrick–they can only be “stolen” by Obama if Deval wants to press charges. If I come home and find you in my living room eating out of my fridge, do you automatically go to jail for trespassing or stealing? Not unless I press charges. If I am the injured party, and I don’t press charges, nobody else can do that for me. What Deval Patrick gives away as a gift cannot be stolen–whether he approved it before or after it was “taken” is not the point.

I care! Obama has great words and nothing else!

Clinton shouldn’t be criticising anyone about a lack of experience. I wouldn’t let her take care of my goldfish much less run the country. I don’t think McCain is the greatest thing to ever come down the pike but it would be interesting to see how Obama would have reacted in the prisoner of war camp that McCain led his men through and eventually out of in Vietnam. It’s rare to have a candidate who’s leadership and character has been tempered as McCain’s has.

What is most ironic is this:
“We hold these truths to be self-evident…that all men are created equal…”
was indeed JUST WORDS, in the sense that, at the time, “all men” meant “the right kinds of wealthy white men.”
So, words do need to be buttressed by consistent authentic ACTIONS, else they just mislead, as those words misled Obama when he ‘quoted’ them in Patrick’s context.
About actions. The press hasn’t yet done a sufficiently thorough job of informing us about the comparative track records of the candidates, and the extent to which they allow themselves to be influenced by corporate interests.
For example, what’s the story on the energy bill, and how Obama, Hillary, and McCain stood on its various aspects?