By MichaelJames

May 9, 2008 7:57pm

Obama Fires Foreign Policy Adviser for Meeting With Hamas

The Times of London reports that Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., has fired one of his foreign policy advisers — Robert Malley — for meeting with the Palestinian group Hamas, which the U.S. State Department classifies as a terrorist organization.

"He was one of literally hundreds of informal, outside advisors," Obama spokesman Bill Burton told ABC News, confirming the Times account.

Malley, a former official in the administration of former President Bill Clinton, is Middle East and North Africa program director for the International Crisis Group, a conflict resolution group.

“I’ve never hidden the fact that in my job with the International Crisis Group I meet all kinds of people,” Malley told the Times.

Malley has been a criticized in the past as insufficiently supportive of Israel — the New Republic’s Marty Peretz has defended Obama as pro-Israel but assailed Malley — though several Clintonistas have defended him from the charge.

He participated in the failed 2000 Camp David accords and said that Yasser Arafat was not the only one to blame for those talks breaking down.

**

Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., has been attacking Obama over the fact that a senior member of Hamas praised the Democrat.

In an interview on CNN, Obama called the attack, "Offensive, and I think it’s disappointing. Because John McCain always says ‘I am not going to run that kind of politics,’ and to engage in that kind of smear is unfortunate, particularly because my policy toward Hamas has been no different than his. I’ve said it’s a terrorist organization and we should not negotiate with them unless they recognize Israel, renounce violence, and unless they are willing to abide by previous accords between the Palestinians and the Israelis. So for him to toss out comments like that I think is an example of him losing his bearings as he pursues this nomination. We don’t need name calling in this debate.”

McCain top aide Mark Salter then took issue with Obama saying McCain was "losing his bearings."

"First, let us be clear about the nature of Sen. Obama’s attack today: He used the words ‘losing his bearings’ intentionally, a not particularly clever way of raising John McCain’s age as an issue," Salter write in a memo. "This is typical of the Obama style of campaigning."

- jpt

User Comments

Glad to see Obama fire the guy who met with Hamas.

Posted by: Stacey | May 9, 2008, 8:08 pm 8:08 pm

Let the pandering to Israel (and the continued apartheid/genocide of the Palestinians) continue… And then we wonder why middle eastern terrorists want to kill us. Truth is often the 1st casualty of war. How can we ever hope for peace if we punish those who would meet to begin the process? I guess in the end, WAR is more profitable, therfor much more preferable. No matter how many Israelis, Palestinians, Arabs, or Americans have to die. Perpetraitors of war ARE terrorist by definiton, by choosing to continue to fail at peace, we are resigning ourselves to become “terrorists” of those we oppose for a very long time. But then again, nobody made money selling arms in a time of peace anyway…

Posted by: blog | May 9, 2008, 8:16 pm 8:16 pm

Hillary, please please please run as independent and save progressives!

Posted by: mark | May 9, 2008, 8:18 pm 8:18 pm

Well, well well… Is Obama going to proclaim that he doesn’t know what is going on here too? He sat in a racist, hate filled, anti=American church with a lunatic for a pastor for 20 years…and said he wasn’t there for those sermons. Go ahead you idiots, believe this one too.
You are asking for it…this is what you are going to get. Mr. Unity and holier than thou paints the picture but you all are too stupid to see the writing on the wall.

Posted by: MJL | May 9, 2008, 8:27 pm 8:27 pm

Barack Obama can fire his foreign policy adviser, but he cannot fire Hamas.
After all, Hamas endorsed Obama as the candidate they would like to see elected.
Before long, the President of Iran will do the same thing.

Posted by: Jayhawk | May 9, 2008, 8:31 pm 8:31 pm

This is just the tip of the iceberg.
You all must remember Rev. Wright’s church paper and the Hamas anti-Israel screed he printed in it. This “connection” to Hamas, within his campaign, is no mistake.
WE HAVE TO HEAR ABOUT THIS FROM THE TIMES OF LONDON first???? Our MSM is pathetic.
Rezko, Auchi, Said…..how many more are his friends? THINK before you vote.

Posted by: Vickie | May 9, 2008, 8:34 pm 8:34 pm

Weather directtly or indirectly, through some think tank group, or other governments we are talking with Hamas. To pretend otherwise is ridiculous.

Posted by: Thinking | May 9, 2008, 8:41 pm 8:41 pm

There he goes again with blame, name calling and throwing people under the bus after he used them to promote his political agenda and campaign. Obama knew this advisor’s professional duties and should be equally called on for the Hamas meeting. Do all these informal advisors simply send him a email stating they are available or did Obama recruit these professionals because of their knowledge and position? Obama’s position seems to be USE and FLUSH.

Posted by: Mariah | May 9, 2008, 8:41 pm 8:41 pm

Robert Malley
Professional background:
Special Assistant to President Clinton for Arab-Israeli Affairs (1998-2001)
Executive Assistant to Samuel R. Berger, National Security Advisor (1996-1998)
Director for Democracy, Human Rights and Humanitarian Affairs, National Security Council (1994-1996)

Posted by: Thinking | May 9, 2008, 8:49 pm 8:49 pm

geevill you could say the same about Hillary. Remember, Mark Penn and the Columbia trade agreement. Oops.

Posted by: d | May 9, 2008, 8:53 pm 8:53 pm

After all, Hamas endorsed Obama as the candidate they would like to see elected.
Posted by: Jayhawk | May 9, 2008 8:31:20 PM
They did? Could you post a link to prove it? I didn’t think so.

Posted by: jpmbz | May 9, 2008, 8:58 pm 8:58 pm

Another inconvenient truth … Obama has a really bad luck.
What other skeletons are waiting in his closet…getting ready for an Autumn surprise if he is the nominee.
Of the three of them Hillary is looking more Presidential every day.

Posted by: LL Barra | May 9, 2008, 9:05 pm 9:05 pm

Interesting. I am surprised that The Times of LONDON had to report this first…

Posted by: DMK | May 9, 2008, 9:05 pm 9:05 pm

Hillary, please please please run as independent and save progressives!

Posted by: mark | May 9, 2008, 9:07 pm 9:07 pm

HERE WE GO AGAIN, WHAT NEXT,HOW MANY FRIENDS AND RELATIVES WILL HE DUMP BEFORE NOV.?

Posted by: SHIRLEY ROYBAL | May 9, 2008, 9:08 pm 9:08 pm

Weather directtly or indirectly, through some think tank group, or other governments we are talking with Hamas. To pretend otherwise is ridiculous.
Posted by: Thinking | May 9, 2008 8:41:41 PM
Really?? I suppose your post would have been very very different if that was one of Sen Clinton’s advisers.. So please spare us your hyporcri
sy!
To all those who are yet to vote: Say NO to Obama. It’s not too late.

Posted by: Thinking CLEARLY | May 9, 2008, 9:08 pm 9:08 pm

This young elitist (even though he doesn’t think of himself this way) has a way with words. He really didn’t like being called an elitist. He traveled to Hawaii in January for a vacation, to the Virgin Island by private jet in March for a vacation. My family may wait a lifetime to take such a vacation, and he does them all the time? His daughter gets $10,000 dancing lessons, another just average American expenditure. He lives in a 1.65 million dollar home, which by the way Rezko helped him to buy, and a gift of the lot next door for another cool 600,000 plus. He has friends that donate to his campaigns (Rezko donated 1.07 million to his US Senate in 2003 for example). I do not have million dollar home or friends that can just donate millions to me for anything at any time with no strings attached. Rev. Wright has also “helped” Obama financially (through the church) and spiritually. That is why Rev. Wright was so mad at this “kid” because he is a “taker” not a “giver”.

Posted by: Anne | May 9, 2008, 9:20 pm 9:20 pm

I think a lot of farce and import has been unduly put on Rev. White and his comments than he deserves. Isn’t America afterall a land of free speech and individual freedoms. I believe that the American people understand this better than the media that sought to exploit that story to discredit Barack Obama. Should he now be blamed for rightly firing the Advisor who met with Hamas?? This act alone and of itself gives Mr. Obama great credibility.

Posted by: Freesby | May 9, 2008, 9:25 pm 9:25 pm

jpmbz:
Ahmed Yousef is the chief political adviser to the Prime Minister of Hamas. In an interview on WABC radio with Aaron Klein and John Batchelor, on Sunday, April 6, Ahmed Yousef stated: “We like Mr. Obama and we hope he will win the election. He has a vision to change America.”
Google it!

Posted by: James Danley | May 9, 2008, 9:27 pm 9:27 pm

Anne -
And Obama’s financial advantages over you differ from Clinton or McCain or anyone else in Washington how?
Oh yeah, that’s right, you can take his advantage over you and multiply it by ten, that’s the difference.

Posted by: fontapa | May 9, 2008, 9:28 pm 9:28 pm

Anne So you’re jealous of Obama being rich? This is America and everyone is created equal but after that you’re on your own to be successful. You sound like one of the bitter voters Obama mentioned.

Posted by: aaron | May 9, 2008, 9:32 pm 9:32 pm

I’m so tired of Obama and all the rest. Obama is so fake. He always tries to look like the “good little boy,” but he’s a jerk.

Posted by: tony | May 9, 2008, 9:34 pm 9:34 pm

If Obama couldn’t stand up to his racist, anti-american minister, how in the world will he defend United States interests with our enemies?
How can we trust him?

Posted by: s. valenti | May 9, 2008, 9:39 pm 9:39 pm

Thinking CLEARLY
YES WE CAN! YES WE WILL!
FIRED UP! READY TO GO!
Now can we all say Barack, Barack, Barack Obama!
Can’t wait to say: Oh, YES WE DID!!

Posted by: Kathy | May 9, 2008, 9:40 pm 9:40 pm

Who cares anymore?
Politico & The Page is where it’s at!

Posted by: Roxie | May 9, 2008, 9:44 pm 9:44 pm

Freesby: Yes, America is the home of the free and the brave but not for anti-american racist people like Wright. If you don’t like America then leave or America should do some deporting. Obama is racial and if you think he isn’t then why did he say in that racist church for 20 years claiming he never heard his pastor say those words. Give me a break. Obama has this generation of college students voting for him mainly because he fits into their category. 52% of college students are on drugs as reported on the internet and Obama was a drugger, boozer himself. Between the students and blacks that’s why he won big in NC and almost in IN. However, I do believe that there thousands of Hillary’s votes in Lake County were destroyed that’s why her total went from 58,000 ahead to 18,000 ahead. The mayor of Lake County can defend the counting that came in at midnight but he doesn’t fool me. I believe the news media is aware of this fact but can’t make any statements.

Posted by: Mariann Pepitone | May 9, 2008, 9:49 pm 9:49 pm

AMERCIA AMERCIA PLEASE WAKE UP HOW MANY TIME WILL YOUR LET OBAMA FOOL YOUR HE IS REALLY FAKE.HE WILL ALWAYS TALK SWEETS TALK AND YOUR WILL FALL FOR IT.PLEASE HIS PASTOR KNOWS HIM BETTER THEN YOUR.HIS OWN PASTOR SAID OBAMA IS PLAYING GAMES AND THAT HE IS HYPOCRITE AND ONLY PLAYING THE OLD POLICTIC GAMES.THIS GUY WILL NOT DO NOTHING HE IS GOING TO PUT THIS CONTRY IN DANGER.superdelegates are only backing him bcause the math does not works for hillary and they are scare to lose the election.deep downin their hearts they wants hillary but it does not look like she can win the normination.. or else they would have choose barack long time ago.thats polictics but we do not need them to fool us. right?

Posted by: shelia | May 9, 2008, 9:49 pm 9:49 pm

Todd -
Your right, it’s true. And that’s not all. The biggest dirt on this guy hasn’t been revealed yet, the Republicans are waiting until the fall to lay it out.
But I got the scoop from a friend. Apparently there is a video clip showing Obama eating a rat whole and another clip where David Axelrod’s face was scratched up, and instead of blood and muscle underneath there was… LIZARD SKIN!!!
That’s right folks, Obama and his staff are actualy the “Visitors” from the miniseries “V”. TRUE STORY!!!!
Sheesh, where do you nutjobs get this stuff…

Posted by: fontapa | May 9, 2008, 9:51 pm 9:51 pm

That is what Great Leaders do. Clean house when some-one overstep their bounds – or if their actions are questionable. This is totally a non story. Focus at the “STORY.” How do we help Hillary and all her supporters to focus at the Democratic Mission to defeat John McCain and the GOP. Where should we send Pres. Bill Clinton to cool off!
Sincerely, Lake Hart, a Native American Writer.

Posted by: Lake Hart - A Native American Writer | May 9, 2008, 9:51 pm 9:51 pm

Maybe people do not realize this yet, but Trinity will be end all for Obama come the General Election. I am not saying this to be mean, but he is not even technically the nominee yet and I am seeing references to this everywhere.
It is not about Wright anymore, it is about Black Liberation Theology and Cone’s message. Many people will not understand how Obama, who is portrayed as a uniter and defender of all, could belong to a church like that for so long. I do not believe anyone can dispute that he knew the basic premises of this theology.
Don’t get me wrong, people can belong to whatever church they choose, but this is someone who may be the President of the United States. The media has not really said a lot about this, yet they choose to focus on more trivial issues such as lapel pins and an egotistical Wright.

Posted by: memyselfandI | May 9, 2008, 9:52 pm 9:52 pm

Does this mean Obama will fire Brezinski next? Or shut down his call center in Gaza and turn off the funding spicket coming from the middle east? They featured Obama’s “Israel Pledge” on MSNBC tonight — what a big laugh! Another pledge he can turn on and throw under the bus with granny and uncle jerry the reverend.

Posted by: calli | May 9, 2008, 9:53 pm 9:53 pm

tony: Obama has always been a fake and a liar from the beginning. Any one who attends a racist church is racial himself especially for twenty years. Obama is making a fool out of the people who vote for him and that includes the blacks. He is in this race to make history the presidency comes second. But the news media is so dumb they can’t see the light. I willing to bet he goes home at night saying to his wife, I really have those voters fooled. He doesn’t fool me, I am very wise to him and would never vote for him. He is connected to Hamas that’s why he said he would sit down with him and talk. He just fired his foreign policy man for talking to Hamas. He probably didn’t want to be found out. I don’t know what is wrong with the white people in this country voting for a racist like him and having close ties to Ayers who bombed this country three times. He isn’t fit to be president because he has a corrupt slate.

Posted by: Mariann Pepitone | May 9, 2008, 9:56 pm 9:56 pm

This is a non story – because that is what Great leaders do – they normally clean house when some one overstep their bounds. Focus at the real story,
The safe and realistic ways in which Hillary Clinton exit the campaign. How would the Democrats take care of all the Clinton supporters – mend fences.
Sincerely, Lake Hart, a Native American Writer.

Posted by: Lake Hart - A Native American Writer | May 9, 2008, 9:58 pm 9:58 pm

All should know that we here in Illinois are suffering Politically because of obama’s friend and associate, Tony Rezko. During the Chicago Federal trial of Tony Rezko the past few months, Rezko, who is accused of corruption involving many Illinois Politicians, has all but ruined any future Democrat’s chances of continuing the last 8 years of Democratic “leadership” in the state of Illinois; though no current Illinois Democratic Politicians have been charged with wrongdoing, the proverbial “guilt by association” with Rezko will make many, many Illinois residents think twice about electing or re-electing Democrats when election time rolls around again.
I am ashamed of the Democratic Party in my state of Illinois. They have all but assured a Republican victory at even the top levels of state government.
This did not have to happen.

Posted by: If obama's the Nominee, I change Parties | May 9, 2008, 10:00 pm 10:00 pm

aaron: Where did you hear that Obama is rich. He is the pauper’s millionaire compared to every senator in the senate. He has about 1.75 million but not over 2 million. He couldn’t write out a check for five million like Clinton because the bank probably wouldn’t accept it. He can’t back it up.

Posted by: Mariann Pepitone | May 9, 2008, 10:02 pm 10:02 pm

I think its ashame that people are letting this presidental race come to racism . I personally think its because oboma is a black man. Black people deserve a chance to sit in the White house also. The white house is not just for white people but people of all race here in the united states of america. This is why we need change in america it is long over due.

Posted by: akron, ohio | May 9, 2008, 10:04 pm 10:04 pm

Sohaib Abbasi is Senator Obama’s friend who hosted the fundraiser in San Francisco where Obama made his “bitter” remarks:
Wikipedia:
Since the September 11 attacks an Islamic studies program and a professorship have been initiated at the prestigious Stanford University, California, with an endowment of US $9 million. A significant aspect of the program is the generous donation of 2.5 million dollars by a Pakistani couple, Sara and Sohaib Abbasi.
The support provided by the couple for the program — Sohaib and Sara Abbasi Program in Islamic Studies — includes graduate fellowships, research, new library, strengthened language courses at advanced levels and regular public programs such as lecture series by eminent scholars.

Posted by: LindaJ | May 9, 2008, 10:07 pm 10:07 pm

lake fart, I think you are just here to promote yourself…A native american writer…ok…now everyone go look him up. As for Obama and this Guy, I am not an Obama fan, and this doesn’t help. The situation speaks for itself. This dude messed up, Obama canned him. Now, if it turns out that he “messed up” at Obama behest…now THAT becomes news.

Posted by: hahawrong | May 9, 2008, 10:13 pm 10:13 pm

Robert Malley is just one of many Obama advisors with links to the middle east. Obama’s good friend Tony Rezko, who is on trial in Chicago for corruption, is from Syria, home of Hamas. Rezko was doing business in Iraq before the war with Auchi and Alsamaerre, and London newspapers have speculated that Obama gave his speech against the war in Iraq because of Rezko’s ongoing business deals there. But who knows. Everything about Chicago politics seems corrupt and it is very troubling to think that Obama will bring it to Washington under the auspices of hope and change. It will be more like Al Capone comes to Washington. This isn’t about race, it’s about national security.

Posted by: frisco girl | May 9, 2008, 10:17 pm 10:17 pm

GOP fooled us into believing this crap once before.
Fooled me once shame on you. Fooled me twice… well, you can’t.
Shame on you.

Posted by: fooled_once | May 9, 2008, 10:18 pm 10:18 pm

Since this person is connected in the past with the Clintons, I am VERY suspicious of the discovery now, when Hillary is hoping for a crisis with Obama to prove that she is more “electable.” This smells like a setup to me. Sounds just like the Clinton smoke and mirror stuff.

Posted by: Becky Montgomery | May 9, 2008, 10:23 pm 10:23 pm

For those of you who have not read the story:
Malley was a former official to President Bill Clinton, and an “unofficial” (one of hundreds) advisor to the Obama camp.
Stop trying to pin Hamas on Senator Obama

Posted by: s_ben | May 9, 2008, 10:25 pm 10:25 pm

To If obama’s the Nominee, I change Parties.
Well you better send in your change before the deadline sore loser.

Posted by: Dennis in orlando, FL | May 9, 2008, 10:25 pm 10:25 pm

“Brian”: I am a die-hard fighter for Michigan & Florida votes being counted….however, I did see a small article in my local newspaper that was about the Michigan Democratic state officials voting to settle the deal, so they can actually have their delegates seated: this is what I read that they decided: something like giving Hillary 59 votes and obama 49 votes (anyway, the final decision was to give Hillary 10 more delegates). I have not checked if this story is elsewhere, but this is what I had read (not that I give my local newspaper any credence).
Florida has yet to settle…..

Posted by: If obama's the Nominee, I change Parties | May 9, 2008, 10:26 pm 10:26 pm

LLBarra, Thanks. It’s a great link.

Posted by: katrina | May 9, 2008, 10:26 pm 10:26 pm

This is a joke. This guy served in Pres. Clinton’s admin..
This is just fodder for haters to hate.
Look him up for Pete’s sake.

Posted by: Thinking | May 9, 2008, 10:28 pm 10:28 pm

if you are bi-racial your still consider to be black have you ever seen any forms that ask what your race is and see bi-racial on there?. answer no. and i should know because my children are bi-racial. And they are consider black and i tell them they got the best of both worlds cause they are of both races. therefore they get to learn both races

Posted by: akron, ohio | May 9, 2008, 10:28 pm 10:28 pm

frisco girl – You don’t even know the half of what Chicago politics is like. I’ve lived here for almost all of my life and there’s always corruption. Everything the Chicago political machine produces is corrupted, including the county government. I make it a point to not spend one penny in that city or in its county government. Obama is part of the problem and part of the corruption. He came up through the ranks here, and attended the so-called church to get credentials (only it back-fired on him big time!). As more and more information comes out from the Rezko trial, you’ll come to be even more shocked by the extent of the dealings here. Stay tune.

Posted by: Frustrated Voter | May 9, 2008, 10:29 pm 10:29 pm

Dennis in orlando, FL: you are assuming that I am going to vote in the General Election…….NO, I AM NOT. But if obama is the Nominee, my “official Party” in the future until I decide to vote again is NOT the Democratic Party. The REAL Democratic Party was bought and hijacked by ultra-liberal, wealthy Democrats….

Posted by: If obama's the Nominee, I change Parties | May 9, 2008, 10:30 pm 10:30 pm

Brian”: I am a die-hard fighter for Michigan & Florida votes being counted….however, I did see a small article in my local newspaper that was about the Michigan Democratic state officials voting to settle the deal, so they can actually have their delegates seated: this is what I read that they decided: something like giving Hillary 59 votes and obama 49 votes (anyway, the final decision was to give Hillary 10 more delegates). I have not checked if this story is elsewhere, but this is what I had read (not that I give my local newspaper any credence).
Florida has yet to settle…..
**************************************
Yes but the number was 69 Clinton 59 Obama, but Clinton rejected it.

Posted by: Thinking | May 9, 2008, 10:30 pm 10:30 pm

If obama’s the Nominee, I change Parties
See ya!
Adios!
Don’t let the door hit ya!
Need some help!

Posted by: Kathy | May 9, 2008, 10:31 pm 10:31 pm

Mariann Pepitone, actually Sen. Obama says he is rich. He claimed his total income as $4,238,165 on his 2007 tax return.

Posted by: James Danley | May 9, 2008, 10:31 pm 10:31 pm

Robert Malley (born 1963 in New York) is an American lawyer, political scientist and specialist in conflict resolution. He is currently Program Director for Middle East and North Africa at the International Crisis Group in Washington, D.C., and a former Special Assistant to President Bill Clinton for Arab-Israeli Affairs (1998-2001). Prior to holding that title, he was Assistant to National Security Advisor Sandy Berger (1996-1998) and the Director for Democracy, Human Rights and Humanitarian Affairs at the National Security Council (1994-1996). [1] Malley is considered an expert on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and has written extensively on this subject.[1] As Special Assistant to President Clinton, he was a member of the US peace team and participated in the 2000 Camp David Summit. [2]

Posted by: Thinking | May 9, 2008, 10:34 pm 10:34 pm

McCain WILL WIN if Clinton is NOT nominated. I’m not kidding. AND, I’m not Clinton’s fan. But, Clinton won big states like California, Ohio, Pensylvania. Many Clinton’s voters already indicated that they would vote for McCain if Clinton is not nominated. If only 1/3 of Clinton’s voters in these big states go to McCain out of their discontent of Obama’s nomination, McCain will have enough votes to WIN THE WHITE HOUSE in November. Think about that!

Posted by: ablanche08 | May 9, 2008, 10:36 pm 10:36 pm

akron, ohio: I, myself, am Irish, English, Scotch—there is no “box” on forms that lists THAT ethnicity, either. Incidentally, I just go by “white” because I am, by birth.
I know several bi-racial people, as well as couples. It doesn’t matter to me at all….but I am finding it interesting that Blacks SEEM TO more often refer to mixed persons as “Black” instead of “white”…..am wondering why this is? The school kids (grade school age) that I know call ethnically “mixed” persons “tie-dyed”—–I think that’s great!

Posted by: If obama's the Nominee, I change Parties | May 9, 2008, 10:38 pm 10:38 pm

What would be good to know is what was Rezko doing on his numerous trips (at least 5-7 in the last 5 years) to Syria? Obama told the Chicago newspapers that he still considers Rezko his “friend”. Why not? Obama wouldn’t be living in his huge mansion without the help of Rezko, and the mansion money came to Rezko, via a wire transfer from Syria and Nadhmi Auchi.

Posted by: frisco girl | May 9, 2008, 10:42 pm 10:42 pm

frisco girl: This isn’t about race, it’s about national security.
You my dear are hilarious!

Posted by: Kathy | May 9, 2008, 10:42 pm 10:42 pm

actually didn’t disagree with him, just see that guy on a ton of these blogs. He is generally condescending and tries to “out intellectual” everyone. Wasn’t the case this time I guess, except perhaps the obnoxious how to get clinton out statement. But hey, whatever you say bro. There are many forms of disrespect. Perhaps you should look around for this guys posts and you will see what I mean. Matters very little to me. Yeah…Lake Fart was a bit childish I guess. I’ll give you that. But hey, like I said, many forms of disrespect and I have been the recipient of this guys crap. Blah, why am I defending myself on a blog. Screw that. Obama is not electable blah blah blah… he can’t carry the demographic that swings elections, Reagan Democrats blah blah blah.

Posted by: hahawrong | May 9, 2008, 10:43 pm 10:43 pm

“Operation Independant”: Has someone created a website that people like us can go to to sign a petition that we ARE changing Parties because the Democratic Party NO LONGER REPRESENTS US? I would be interested in how many people are actually thinking of doing this……it could be significant. I am hoping that all of these people will be able to unite under a “2nd” Democratic-like Party, under another name, with the core base of the original Democratic Party still intact.
Have you heard of anyone creating a website for this reason? Please pass it along if you hear something!

Posted by: If obama's the Nominee, I change Parties | May 9, 2008, 10:45 pm 10:45 pm

Whatever Sen. Obama did, he’s still a Democratic Nominee. Fix it in.

Posted by: The trueth | May 9, 2008, 10:45 pm 10:45 pm

I have seen that Hillary supporters will “write-in” her name on the ballot in November, if Obama steals the nomination. Me too…

Posted by: Abe in FL | May 9, 2008, 10:45 pm 10:45 pm

hee hee sounds like the apple does not fall from the tree, giggle!

Posted by: Kathy | May 9, 2008, 10:45 pm 10:45 pm

I think it will serve a great deal of help if Hilary’s supporters can stop bashing Obama’s and Obama supporters should stop bashing his. The country as a whole is bigger than any individual and it is really not about Obama, Hilary or Mccain. It is about us. Let’s think of the country, the gas price and the Iraq war. I tell you anyone that can bring the United States out from Iraq is worth supporting. Believe it or not that war is the bane of all these problems the United States is facing. Too much dollars in circulation as a result of the war is crippling the dollar and coupled with the uncertainties in the middle-east, Nigeria and Venezuela. President Bush with all his experience has no diplomacy. He threatens everyone and Mccain is about to follow the same pathway. Whether we like it or not, his age matters. I cannot allow my 73 year old dad to take decisions for himself not to talk of allowing a 72 year old man to take decisions for the United States. We need to move out from Iraq and I can place a bet that everything will reverse back to normal enomically. That money needs to be spent right here in the United States and not otherwise.

Posted by: vinny | May 9, 2008, 10:45 pm 10:45 pm

to if oboma the nominee
I pesonally think that you are someone with nothing else to do but think of a stuppid conversation. Everyone knows except for you if you are bi-racial more than likely you are consider to be black. And the blacker the berry the sweeter the juice remember that I think that you are racist person. May god help you

Posted by: akron, ohio | May 9, 2008, 10:46 pm 10:46 pm

McCain WILL WIN if Obama is NOT nominated. I’m not kidding. AND, I’m not Obama’s fan. But, Obama won numerous states; in fact, so numerous that he – not Clinton – has become the front runner. Many Obama’s voters already indicated that they would vote for McCain if Obama is not nominated. If only 1/3 of Obama’s voters in these big states go to McCain out of their discontent of Clinton’s nomination, McCain will have enough votes to WIN THE WHITE HOUSE in November. Think about that!

Posted by: ablanche08 | May 9, 2008, 10:46 pm 10:46 pm

To Kathy: Hamas is responsible for the murder of 26 American citizens, including infants in children, since Gaza was turned over to the Palestinians. This is not hilarious. I doubt you would be laughing if Hamas terrorists were shooting rockets into your childrens’ school playgrounds, or blowing themselves up inside your shopping mall. If you want to delude yourself that because Obama has the name Obama, that terrorists will make nice with him and be nice to the USA for now on, go ahead. The rest of the democrats, or former democrats since Donna Brazile has kicked us out of HER party, won’t be voting for a democrat in the fall if it’s Obama.

Posted by: frisco girl | May 9, 2008, 10:48 pm 10:48 pm

“hahawrong”: your points are well-taken…..incidentally, I’m not a “bro”—–I’m a female : )

Posted by: If obama's the Nominee, I change Parties | May 9, 2008, 10:49 pm 10:49 pm

I heard Hillary will go independant if Obama is nominated over the vote of the people. H. Ross Perot started this, Hillary could make this work !!!

Posted by: Akitisha | May 9, 2008, 10:49 pm 10:49 pm

McCain could run against my dog and lose. So stop threatening you will vote for McCain if Hillary isn’t the nominee. He will lose.

Posted by: haha | May 9, 2008, 10:49 pm 10:49 pm

I wouldn’t be surprised if he was a MEMBER of Hamas. I wouldn’t put anything past the America hating Obama and that disrespectful wife of his.

Posted by: lisa | May 9, 2008, 10:49 pm 10:49 pm

Bush helped Bin Laden family flee US post 911. He has best relationship with Saudis who essentially sponsored 911.
Does that make him weak on National Security?
I’m sorry, but your argument doesn’t hold water. It’s all about insinuations and suggestions, but fundamentally lacks any proof whatsoever. GOP and Clinton supporters must have realized by now that people are seriously tired of silly scare tactics like that.

Posted by: fooled_once | May 9, 2008, 10:50 pm 10:50 pm

If obama’s the Nominee, I change Parties why not create your own Operation Independent website. You better hurry, time is passing, and passing fast. Barack will be President of the United States of America before you can blink an eye.
YES WE CAN! YES WE WILL!
and we will be rejoicing to the tune of Oh YES WE DID! before you know it.
You better hurry. Its coming. Its on the way.

Posted by: Kathy | May 9, 2008, 10:53 pm 10:53 pm

Obama Middle East Advisor Robert Malley Fired Over Regular Hamas Talks

Barack Obama sacks advisor over talks with Hamas from Times of London reports that Middle East advisor to Barack Obama Robert Malley, has been let go due to his regular talks with terror group Hamas. Obviously this has been a

Posted by: PAXALLES | May 9, 2008, 11:08 pm 11:08 pm

Just today, the president of Iran, whom Senator Obama wants to meet with unconditionally, called the state of Israel a ’stinking corpse.’ Iran is the paymaster and state sponsor of Hamas. Obama has associated with Rashid Khalidi, a PLO supporter, and was seated with Edward Said and his wife at a dinner in Said’s honor. Said was an early leader of the PLO. And don’t forget that Obama’s good friend Tony Rezko is Syrian, and has been visiting Syria frequently over the past 5 years. How could the DNC not know any of this. Because Kennedy vetted him?

Posted by: calli | May 10, 2008, 1:08 am 1:08 am

I wonder if Obama will fire his advisoir who has been making deals with FARC?

Posted by: Bob4USA | May 10, 2008, 1:11 am 1:11 am

Overturn the popular vote/delegates with supers at the convention.

Posted by: Clintons plan for victory/riot | May 10, 2008, 1:12 am 1:12 am

The DNC is not going to overturn it because that will upset the Black votes, who are one of the bases for Democrats. At the same time, they are not thinking of the Hispanic, Jews, white blue-collar voters and possibly Catholics too.

Posted by: hannah | May 10, 2008, 1:19 am 1:19 am

Delegates even if now support Obama,they have the right to switch at the convention

Posted by: libre | May 10, 2008, 1:29 am 1:29 am

Sonia, don’t campaign for McCain. Write Hillary in.

Posted by: libre | May 10, 2008, 1:30 am 1:30 am

Scary Obama……what is next Al Sharpton comes out to support you? Wait, wait, breaking news, he did !
We support Hillary and write in her name.
Obama becomes the loser he has proven himself to be.
Join us !

Posted by: Cynthia | May 10, 2008, 1:31 am 1:31 am

Kathy,
Are you a well educator with college degree? If yes, then you really don’t know what I mean? Hillary and majority of US citizens don’t belong to any member of US Parties because they are too far from the left or too far from the right at this moment. What we need is a party who will serve the benefit of middle, working class and we can’t find it right now.

Posted by: stock_craft | May 10, 2008, 1:32 am 1:32 am

No you write her name on the ballot. do not have to vote for the party.

Posted by: libre | May 10, 2008, 1:36 am 1:36 am

Obama, divisve, deceiving, extremist.

Posted by: libre | May 10, 2008, 1:37 am 1:37 am

So,
The Wright church has Hamas write a church bulletin.
The “bitter” fundraiser in San Francisco was hosted by a Pakistani couple, Sara and Sohaib Abbasi who have given 9 million for “Islamic Studies”.
Hamas indicate they would be thrilled to have Obama as President.
All beginning to add up.
I am writing in Hillary too.

Posted by: Margaret | May 10, 2008, 1:37 am 1:37 am

I am an American first, a Democrat —
maybe 9th or 10th as part of my identity.
Americans for Writing in Hillary.
HAMAS? OBAMA? NO KIDDING!

Posted by: Mike | May 10, 2008, 1:39 am 1:39 am

Msg to Joan
I agree Ted Kennedy is the last person who should judge Clinton. How does he have the gall to say he supports unity and change. He challenged a sitting President and tried to change the pledges of delegates at the convention. The fact does remain though that Carter was a weak candidate and went onto to lose the election.
“The 1980 convention was notable, as it was the last time in the 20th century that either major party that a candidate tried to get delegates released from their voting commitment. This was done by Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, D-Mass
Carter was still able to maintain a substantial lead even after Kennedy swept the last batch of primaries in June. Despite this, Kennedy refused to drop out, and the 1980 Democratic National Convention was one of the nastiest on record. On the penultimate day, Kennedy conceded the nomination. On the platform on the final day, Kennedy for the most part ignored Carter.”

Posted by: hate dem hypocrites | May 10, 2008, 1:42 am 1:42 am

Go to that popular video sharing site and type in:
Unelectable (a tribute to Barack Obama)
So true and now Hamas !
Write In Hillary ’08

Posted by: McCollins | May 10, 2008, 1:43 am 1:43 am

Libre
In the next few weeks, the FBI will release to the public its investigation into Illegal fundraising activities by the Obama campaign!
David Axelrod/Barack Obama are complicit with George Soros since January 2008 of opening ‘fake dummy accounts’ with Banks across the United States.
Money Laundering Laws and The Patriot Act have been violated!!!!
You can bet they are investigating Obama and Rezco too.

Posted by: Bob4USA | May 10, 2008, 2:04 am 2:04 am

I know that GOP folks are on this blog trying to keep DEMS divided. Don’t fall for it. Folks are not going to vote for MCCAIN…he is for keeping us in this war…he is for making sure that your money goes to funding IRAQ. He is for oil companies raising the gas taxes and for jobs going overseas. He will do nothing as president, absolutely nothing. He does not plan to change a thing. Why would a Democrat vote for him. So don’t be fooled by the GOP bloghers who clearly would never want a Obama to change the way they see America. The 30% of GOP folks who think that Bush is the next best thing to slice bread. Fool me once shame…fool me twice shame…fool me a third time…just plain foolish! Don’t be a fool. Time to change the rhetoric. No to Mccain at all cost. This race is about changing Washington and ending Bush’s war and bringing our money back home.

Posted by: Belinda | May 10, 2008, 2:13 am 2:13 am

Bob4USA great they need to investigate not only the money he got from Rezko, but the money he laundered from Blackwell.through the law firm Obama was working for.

Posted by: libre | May 10, 2008, 2:31 am 2:31 am

Libre
Yes the FBI needs to complete their investigate of where Obama is getting all his laundered millions of dollars from. Rezco, Blackwell, Soros, Hamas, Palestinian sources, Islamic sources and Hopefully the FBI will arrest him before he does any more damage to the Democratic Party and the American election process. Hillary needs to stay in the Race thru the convention. Hopefully Obama will be arrested long before the convention so the Democratic Party can unite and make Hillary President of the USA.

Posted by: Bob4USA | May 10, 2008, 2:44 am 2:44 am

libre
Yes the FBI needs to complete their investigation of where Obama is getting all his laundered millions of dollars from. Rezco, Blackwell, Soros, Hamas, Palestinian sources, Islamic sources and Hopefully the FBI will arrest him before he does any more damage to the Democratic Party and the American election process. Hillary needs to stay in the Race thru the convention. Hopefully Obama will be arrested long before the convention so the Democratic Party can unite and make Hillary President of the USA.

Posted by: Bob4USA | May 10, 2008, 2:48 am 2:48 am

Can someone on this blog please define how they define someone an excellent presidential candidate. I personally look for judgement, honesty, leadership skills, communication skills, education level,transparancy, consistency, references from people doing the same job and of course what they say when no one is watching…Lets keep this positive. how about anti-Bush!

Posted by: Belinda | May 10, 2008, 2:51 am 2:51 am

Belinda:
Add a resume of proven accomplishment and super intelligence. Mix in a heavy dose of patriotism…. and I think you’ve got it!
I think that would give you:
HILLARY CLINTON!
And I approve this message!

Posted by: EYES WIDE OPEN | May 10, 2008, 2:59 am 2:59 am

Eyes Wide Open
I approve your message too.

Posted by: Bob4USA | May 10, 2008, 3:04 am 3:04 am

someone said that Obama looks like Alfred, the “What, ME Worry” kid in Mad Magazine…
and he sort of does!
he looked the same way in last Sunday’s B O comic strip about his ditching his pastor which ran in the Chicago Tribune.
since the media likes him so much, perhaps they could just imbed him between the ink and the paper for the duration of the election.
I’m for Hillary
and I approve of this message!

Posted by: EYES WIDE OPEN | May 10, 2008, 3:13 am 3:13 am

all of you really are underestimating this world view the world has of Obama…
all the countries are fighting for Obama…
he condemns terrorism over and over and both good guys bad guys alike still look up to him.
We need to lead with light “walk softly and carry a big stick”
Countries know we can obliterate them.
McCain does not make Hamas terrorists “scared” as he likes to portray… he just makes them angry….like rabid or aggressive rats that you spray with water. That does not scare them…that makes them more dangerous. He gives them something to argue to other nations with why these rabid rats are needing to attack. “look look they are threatening us”
stupid same foreign policy.
they know what hose can do …they see we have a huge hose… they see we have a history of using that hose…if they are going to be scared spraying them does not make them more scared…it makes them more unpredictable …and angry.

Posted by: dl | May 10, 2008, 3:53 am 3:53 am

How do you people think Obama has been raising so much money “online” Foreign groups from the middle east have been donating to his campaign on there. Not shocking to find out that Hamas is meeting with his people. Hell, they are probably his biggest fans. Wake Up people.
Hillary 08
If that doesn’t work out.
McCain 08

Posted by: Harley. | May 10, 2008, 4:54 am 4:54 am

It is unfortunate that Hillary received over 17 Million voters and yet these hard working white folks somehow felt that donating $5.00 to her campaign was a sacrifice they were unwilling to make. Coming to hear her speak when she came to their city was a sacrifice they were unwilling to make…Spending time in cognito lying about the potential democratic nominee not because of disagreement with his policies and etc. because I have listened to Hillary, Bill, and Obama speak and clearly the only difference between the direction they want to take this country in is how they intend to do it. From Day One, Obama has been about growing the democratic base, in all 50 states. This you must agree is a good thing. It is like the story about Who wants to make bread? Everyone wants to eat it but no one wants to make it. Obama made the bread and as a result, he gets to eat it. Hillary’s folks talk a great game but failed to invest in her campaign, plain and simple.

Posted by: Belinda | May 10, 2008, 5:43 am 5:43 am

Now I noticed also that many have speculated about where Obama money comes from…if you go to his site, you will find that he has over 1.5 million individual donors and many have elected to be monthly recurring donors at 5-25.00 per month. As the primary election winds down, the funds will start going into donating for the general election…another 2300.00 allowable per person. Everyone can do this math can’t they…Well his average donor donates 97.00…that is almost 150 million and then there are those fundraisers that every candidate does.. So I am certainly expecting DEMs to be supportive of any candidate that will bring us closer to ending this war and changing our way of life. The only reason at this point for critcism is if you are racist or really a GOP candidate poised to create division in the party. If it is your desire to vote for MCCAIN..do so…Because no one here is criticising McCain and Hillary, I can only assume that these posts are being written by people who are anti-American. Our constitution states that all men are created equal. Obama is a patriot. He has for 20+ years served this country when he could have ran off and made millions being a HedgeFund manager, Judge or highly successful Atty. Clearly, he has worked harder for this country than you or I. I sit here in the comfort of my home watching TV and blogging while he goes from city to city away from his family campaigning just as Hill., Bill and Mccain have done, Each very patriotic citizens of the US. To question a citizen’s patriotism is UNAmerican in my view.

Posted by: Belinda | May 10, 2008, 5:57 am 5:57 am

Lets see Belinda.
Barack Obama supporters= rich whites and African Americans
Hillary Clintons supporters= working class whites, Jews, Asians and Latino’s
Who would you think had more money to donate?
It’s not hard to see how Barack raised more money. Half of Hillary’s supporters are elderly and have never used a computer. Yet with all of Obama’s advantages, he couldn’t really beat her in big states where caucuses couldn’t be over taken with activist. We know who the stronger candidate is. The media just won’t tell you that it’s Hillary and that alone costs her votes because it depresses turnout when they hear over and over that she can’t win and that Obama has looked this up for months now. Obama will never win a general election.

Posted by: Hillary for McCain | May 10, 2008, 6:03 am 6:03 am

Sorry Belinda. You aren’t selling me Obama. The media has been trying for 16 months and I’m not biting. It’s either Hillary or McCain. I got no respect for someone who uses race to bash people over the head. You can’t even say a COLOR and Obama in a sentence without being called a racist. That is a HUGE turnoff to white voters. That and the fact he attended a racist church for 20 years and just now figured that out.

Posted by: Hillary for McCain | May 10, 2008, 6:08 am 6:08 am

So Obama’s base has more money? Wow…college students and BLACKS?

Posted by: Belinda | May 10, 2008, 6:46 am 6:46 am

Hillary has HARD Working Whites, wall street, lobbyists and Corporate america…she also has a Past President with ties to foreign contries…now their money is totally funding her campaign…including NAFTA lobbyist money.
Hills’ campaign money went to paying her consultants tens of millions of dollars. What an awesome manager she is…she is so qualified to run what…What has she done given the huge platform she has had for 35 years…definitely not past any legislation of health care reform or otherwise. Not one step closer…not even for NY. Solutions…no Ideas!

Posted by: Belinda | May 10, 2008, 6:51 am 6:51 am

You know Blacks have help elect every democratic president…period. They walk around America with brown skin that allows them to be singled out as different all of their lives…unlike folks that are Jewish, Irish, Scottish, or German.
Anything that is different is feared in America. Romney was Mormon that made him feared by his party. Hill was a woman and that was different…Obama on the outside has Black skin but grew up in a white house with white grandparents and values and yet because the shell is black, he is labeled a racist. Is he thinking he is superior to his Black side or White side of the family.
Some churchs in lower income areas talk to where their members feel they are at the time. If they see their sons being shot and killed and the government does nothing to stop it…if they see their schools inferior to other schools because the tax dollars are not their then the Pastor talks to the ills of the society that is their reality. If this is not your reality, then you could never understand. Understanding the differences in people being able to empathize with others make you a better leader, and protecter of your fellow human being. That is the core of the Democratic party. If you have not spent one day in Obama’s church, then you can clearly have no basis for judging it. If you have been sitting squarely in Hills camp the entire 16 months without stepping outside of the door to see what really is happening next door (with clear vision) then you are blind to real truth. It is impossible to make a clear decision when you make this election about white, black, female, male, poor, rich. America has never been about that until the frontrunner was exposed by Hillary and Bill as not being black enough…being too black…being muslim…being racist…supporting Nafta…not being patriotic…just having one speech…being elitist…and to be quite honest, Blacks voted for Bill Clinton in the same numbers they are voting for Obama and when I last looked Clinton is not Black…yet Blacks were able to look past that…so who is really the racist people. Blacks are not racist…they feel victimized, judged, fearful and frustrated,..

Posted by: Belinda | May 10, 2008, 7:12 am 7:12 am

OBAMA is covering his rear and his assoicates begin their moves in all directions.
Leadership, chaos, and judgment!!!
Hardly any

Posted by: John_Lai | May 10, 2008, 8:45 am 8:45 am

Of course he fired him; the voters aren’t supposed to find out yet that he’s a pro-Palestinian surrounded and supported by anti-Semites: Rev. Wright, Louis Farrakhan, Rashid Khalidi, Edward Said. If it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck…

Posted by: HoosierSue | May 10, 2008, 10:32 am 10:32 am

Wonder how far Obama would have gone in this race if he had labeled himself bi-racial instead of black.
Obama has sold his soul…hope it was worth it.
Hillary or McCain or no one

Posted by: cindy in nc | May 10, 2008, 10:53 am 10:53 am

TO MELINDA-
Please forgive me, but NOT to question the patriotism of the person for whom you vote to entrust the well-being of our country t is not only unpatriotic but also stupid and naive. Forgive me again, but you must be one of those college kids that got on the bandwagon with little or no information but with the promise of romance from the sweet talk of a two-timer.

Posted by: HOWITREALLYIS | May 10, 2008, 10:59 am 10:59 am

Outstanding post CICI. Obama supporters should read the information when they get up each morning and before they go to bed each night.

Posted by: Jayhawk | May 10, 2008, 11:30 am 11:30 am

have seen that Hillary supporters will “write-in” her name on the ballot in November, if Obama steals the nomination. Me too…
Posted by: Abe in FL | May 9, 2008 10:45:29 PM
———————————–
I am sure all the Hillary supporters
in both MI and FL will write her in on their ballots.
The write Hillary in campaign has begun! Hillary the WRIGHT ON candidate!!!

Posted by: HP Boston | May 10, 2008, 2:06 pm 2:06 pm

Obama only takes action against his advisers after they are caught and exposed in their backroom dealings. These behaviors show the inner feelings of their candidate. Americans will see for themselves after Obama becomes the president. It’s all a show. Stay tuned!

Posted by: SO | May 10, 2008, 3:21 pm 3:21 pm

Eyes Wide Open
I approve your message too.

Posted by: John_Lai | May 10, 2008, 6:26 pm 6:26 pm

Barack, don’t sweat it. Nominating Larry Sinclair as your Veep will lock up the jewish vote, guaranteed.

Posted by: Allison | May 10, 2008, 9:18 pm 9:18 pm

Posted by: Myst | May 11, 2008 4:00:45 AM
great post!!!!

Posted by: rrt | May 11, 2008, 4:53 am 4:53 am

Sneaky…
Almost as sneaky as praying in the basement with his racist pastor,
then going upstairs to announce his run for president of the United States of America.
Sneaky, like saying he loves America but attends a Black Liberation Church that is racist and anti-American.
Sneaky like spending 20 years listening to hate and not having the backbone or decency to speak up or walk out.
And 50% of Americans want him to lead our country…Unbelievable.
Hillary/McCain but never ever Obama

Posted by: cindy in nc | May 11, 2008, 1:46 pm 1:46 pm

Folks, these Free Republic plants are hoping to influence folks to not vote Obama. Of course, the dominant comments on this blog are as intelligent as those on Freep. The statements made about Obama are absurd. If Hillary supporters really mean the nasty things they are saying, if Hillary was elected imagine what the Bill Kristol/Drudge Machine would do to her closet full of skeletons. Obama is genuine and sincere.
The question to ask is why McCain has Max Boot as his foreign policy advisor (Boot was the originally cheerleader of the war and mimicked the Wolfowitz-Cheney position). And why has McCain changed his position on choice and gained the support of neocons and evangelicals? A man who cheated on his wife to marry Cindy? A divorced man who admitted to changing his stand on abortion to win a primary in 2000. And GOPers trust him?

Posted by: Miguel | May 11, 2008, 2:24 pm 2:24 pm

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