Obama to Break Promise, Opt Out of Public Financing for General Election

Flip Flop. Don’t listen to what he says; watch what he does. I ahve said this for months. There is often a disconnect between Obama’s words and deeds.

Typical.

I told you so?!?!?!

Can’t blame them. If you look at all the possible 527′s out there funded by a bunch of right wing nut cases, he’s right to protect himself. Kerry got “Swiftboated” and why should Obama sit still for it again.
Agreed that after this election, we need a bi-partisan commission to draft a meaningful campaign financing statute that outlaws 527′s and other “slight of hand” organizations.
Nice to see the usual Obama bashers out this morning. I’d say he’s got it about right looking at the posts.

He DIDN’T “break his pledge” since McCain has already stated that he will opt out of public financing. He said that BOTH major party candidates would “agree on a fundraising truce.” McCain never did this. No pledge broken.
To say that he “broke his pledge” is disingenuous at best.

Why is the headline on the McCain post on drilling not “McCain Breaks Pledge on Drilling”?

As long as companies can sponsor presidents we will be going to war and watching our young soldiers die just to increase a random company’s profits. Until this happens America will remain the laughing stock of the democratic world.

I guess everyone has forgooten that CLinton and Bush the youonger both ran on a platform of change in washington. Clinton was just a pathological liar, and proved it everyday. Bush tried to ‘change the tone’ in washington and look how the media and the washington establishment treated him. Now Barry wants us to forget the human nature thing and believe he will really change D.C. God save us from the changes he envisions. Barry is so ignorant of how the world works, it amazes me everyday how he can reinvent history for his own nefarious purposes, which I believe are to make this country a socialist/marxist state. Read his policies, people…don’t be fooled by this charlatan.

If this is an example of his best negotiation attempt, I don’t want this guy across the table from Iran, Russia, North Korea or even people that like the US…..He can’t even work w/someone that is NOT out to kill us.

That power of persuasion is working well, Obama! Can’t wait to see how it works with the Iranians.

lol
oh you silly republicans, you guys have messed with the system so badly and for the first time your seeing your own candidate who cant raise money like the dems are usually in, and now your scared…
obama has such a massive donor list and i doubt more then 5% of those people are capped out.
This is exactly what the republicans would and DO do everytime they make the same proposals…
the only reason this is an issue for you people is that the only donor list mccain has is the one hes on in hopes for a new body and mind
i hope youve greased up good for us… finally get to take you repubs out with the money we cna raise

Thank you, Jake, for the proper headline. I looked at other sites and they seem to be missing a HUGE part of the story, which is that he’s breaking his promise.
Good reporting on your part!

Obama breaking a promise and going against his theme of “change”. Wow, what a surprise. Didnt see that coming.
Obama is nothing but a pathetic loser who is the afirmative action candidate.

Barack’s polish is wearing off, quick!
I thought I would vote for change in Washington. I was wrong!!!

Obama has a point, he is new to all this, and its a smart move to count Mccain and his 527 supporters. Mccain has done this campaign thing before and knows why he is accepting public funding. I bet he was hoping to get one over Obama.
Flip Flop by who, This is not a policy position, he is responding to his ability to get support from ordinary americans. Flip flop is Mccain switching his policy position on Not Drilling to Drilling in America’s reserves for a less than 1% gain in oil production that will come good in 10yrs and have absolutely not impact on rising oil prices.
Go Dems

Obama version of “read my lips” I guess.

I am a diehard Democrat I voted for Clinton, Gore, and Kerry. But Obama scares me with his naivity and ignorance. As upsetting as it is to say, I would rather risk “4 more years” with McCain, than 4 terrible years with Obama.

This should come as a huge surprise to all those who think Obama is the candidate of “change.” What a joke. I can’t imagine this great country electing this guy into office – a speech maker with no substance, no character, and certainly not guts enough to hold the office of Presidency in these great United States. God help us through this election because the people have been wickedly deceived.

You are distractions. Republicans are distractions. My words are distractions. My lies are distractions. Please vote for me, I am honest.

The shine’s off the kid. He’s just an ordinary pol. And if he’s not the Kennedy everyone pretends that he is, then he’s really just a junior senator with no substantial business, legislative or military leadership credentials…and who’s in favor of raising taxes in the face of a recession that could last thru the entire next term. No thanks.

It doesn’t matter what the 527 is doing. When a person makes a promise they make a promise. Is he this dumb to think that earlier last year when he claimed not take Private finacing that the 527 wouldn’t use smear tatics. This is an excuse to break a promise. I thought his whole campaign was built on change. What a jerk. I am so sorry I voted for this boob. He appears to be very naive and not of good judgement like he touts himself to be. One good call on the war and the rest is all bad judgement.. This country is doomed.

From one concerned citizen of U.S.A,
Dear American Voters, reporters, media. professionals, political parties, and presidential Nominees,
Hon. Senator McCain and Obama, besides each having many attributes and characteristics.
The critical differences between the two of these presidential presumptive nominees in my opinion are as under:
1. Presidential “Temperament and Caliber”.
2. Little Washington “insider Versus outsider” experience.
3. “Vision and mission” for our nation future rather than past.
4. American policies, ” first U.S.A Centric” than any other country [ ies ] centric.
In my professional opinion Senator Obama leads in all above qualities and attributes.
Senator Obama and his administration along with congress will address all the critical current and future domestic and foreign issues, challenges, and opportunities in coming years.
Let us remember and recite following concepts:
” Family, Friends, Fellows, Faith, Funds, Foundation [s], Fun, with Freedom & Fairness and without Fear, Favor, & Failure” . It applies to every citizen of our Greatgrand Nation.
Please stay involved, stay engaged, and stay informed. Please do not allow any seduction, deception, and or confusion by some partisan media and leaders effect your vote [ Psychological Terrorism ]..
Yours truly,
COL. [retd] A.M.Khajawall
Disabled American Veteran
Forensic psychiatrist, Las Vegas
PS: Please talk about the ” Presidential Temperament And Caliber ” of our presumptive presidential Nominees. We do talk about the “Judicial Temperament” of our Supreme Court Justices nominees and so far we have failed to talk about the ” Presidential Temperament ” of our presumptive presidential nominees. The ” Presidential Temperament ” is the ultimate and in my opinion only requirement of our president as that effects every living soul here and around the world.
Thanks again.

The veneer on Obama is peeling rapidly but the yellow dog Democrats could care less whether Obama has a clue to the issues, is honest, forthright, capable, or can even fog a mirror when breathing. He IS their “hope” and that is all that matters.

Take note – Obama will say anything to get elected.

Notice the Obama supporters are attacking the messenger and blaming Republicans for their own candidates lies? Revealing.

Told you so. The ONLY person of character that we can trust in this whole process is Ron Paul. What planet are the people from who thought Obama wasn’t the slick, politically polished salesman that would cast old friends aside, make new ones as convenient and do anything to get into the white house?
It takes all of about one speech to see his act.

Obama complains about the 527s – what exactly does he think moveon.org is?
And those awful PACs he’s always railing against due to influence bought and paid for – they seem not to include his own Hopefund PAC which contributed to his endorsers’ and supporters’ campaign funds.
It’s laughable that he – who has raised more money than any candidate ever in the history of our elections – claims to have to “catch up” to the Republican fundraising.
The One Who Would Change Washington wanted to use public financing before his own fundraising proved to be a gusher. The idea behind public financing is that the candidates compete on a level playing field. Obviously, Obama only wanted to hold this election to that standard when he thought he’d be the underdog.
Is this change we can believe in? No thanks!

countallthevotes – that’s just as bad. “There is often a disconnect between his words and his deeds”. Then how do we know wether this disconnect exists on which issues. How can one possibly know which is which and what he stands for. Waiting for him to act may be too late. What kind of broken logic is that? That doesn’t make any more sense then he does.

“I think we should start planning the Obama impeachment proceedings now since all of you Obamalovers are blinded by the truth and your hatred of President Bush.”
Obama’s decision didn’t get 4000 americans killed in Iraq.
Next.

The man for change, hope, and a different kind of politics is nothing more than another waffling politician.

Mccain 3 weeks ago was opposed to drilling off the coast
now he is for it…
hmmm looks like when obama and mccains camp got together and couldnt get eachother to opt into public financing mccain realized he was going to have to get in bed with the oil tycoons!!!!!
LOL

This has been a strange election cycle where the news media has taken sides. ABC was pro-Clinton during the primaries once it became clear MSNBC carved a niche for itself being pro-Obama. CNN was a little better but tilted Obama with Cafferty and their political team. CBS News – no one watches them anyways so they don’t really matter.
It must be driving some segments of our country crazy to realize that there is much more than a 50% chance that Obama will win. He has tapped into the correct youth networks (people under 30) to mobilize them over the next 5 months. African Americans will register the highest levels of voter participation in our nation’s history. Democrats will be voting in record numbers for Obama despite the claims and activities of PUMA and other pro-Hillary groups. (They really need to consider what theyh are giving up by voting Republican). Obama isn’t a shoe-in but he is doing everything necessary to position himself to be the next president. It is amazing that political competence would trump name recognition and attack machines. The RNC must be afraid when even Huckabee publicly states the demonization of Barack will lead to certain defeat. If Republicans want to win they have to present a better message and get their base energized. Tearing down Barack on blogs won’t work. Before the first vote was cast in Iowa Terry McAuliffe said their challenge was going to be getting people excited enough to come out and vote in the primaries. He acknowledged that Barack’s supporters needed no prodding to donate, turn out the vote and heavily promote their candidate. That has now spread to all 50 states. He won’t win all states but the House will probably see defeats in places where the Republicans had no clue they were at risk of losing a seat.
What a great year for politics! Don’t hate – Investigate!

Another reason why I do not trust Obama. Already he is doing the opposite of statements already made. His claim of “change” already shows that change will not necessarily be good – it will be his change and not the will of the people he represents. McCain will get this Democrat’s vote. Broken promises, broken dreams. Time for me to switch party after 40 years believing in the Democrats.

As long as he keeps his pledge regarding lobbyists and PACs, then I don’t really care. McCain could do the same thing, and it wouldn’t bother me.
All politicians are liars, and its funny how folks cherry pick issues to justify their choice of a horse. Obama is a racist and McCain is a bigot, right?
Point is this, Obama found a way to get millions more then normal system, and do it legally and with some modicum of honor, and people are decrying him of that? Politicians break pledges all the time, but why is just as important as the what.

And the great disapointment continues…
Wiat until after his coronation and Obama doesn’t remove forces from Iraq as he appears to have promised.. Oh the wrath.. it will be fun to watch.

THAT’S NOT change we can believe in!

It was never a promise.

Now that Obama’s sucked off individual donors by selling “one set of ethics,” so to speak, he’s switching to tweak a system he’s already said he didn’t believe was ethical (thus, he’s “joined the dark side,” and made it official).

I also notice the “growing makeup” on Michelle Obama (VIEW theatrics recently). These two Obamas are increasingly showing themselvse to be real phonies.

Most of you have got to be kidding me. You all have tough talk regarding this mans decision to fight from the same level as Mc-idiot. you all should do one of thoes pros and cons lists and count the amount of fli-flops cheesey-mac has done. Get you heads out of the sand and come into the real world.

The candidate of change. Anybody get it yet?

McSame already broke it using his wife’s jet, signing on for loans etc. And McSame and the republicians will use PAC and 527′s
Waaaa waaaa waaaaa waaaaa waaaaaa ……..The VOTER’s/SUPPORTERs will support Obama at 3 to 4 times the money McSame could ever raise

But, oh, ha, yeah, this is “CHANGE you can BELIEVE in”: Obama will change and change and change and if left to run his course, who knows just what he’ll spring on a gullible nation (as to anyone who’d vote for him). It’s amazing how some people will still buy snake oil from snake oil salesmen, just amazing.

Wake up people, A liar,is always a liar, BO, does and says what is convenient for him at the time. He is a suculent sponge who is being molded and shaped by his liberal A..advisors. Think!!! He has the most negative background, I have ever seen as a candidate, and I have been voting for many, years,since Kennedy. He can be as racist and bias as he wants, but heaven help any other conservative say and do the things he does, he is such a privilage fellow. But all those who are put on pedestals are being set up to fall. He will not allow drilling off our coasts, but other countries, China,India,Velensuela,ETC. are all out their salivating and working with Cuba, to start drilling 50 miles off our shores. That is not fair to the American people who are struggling to put food on the table to fill their gas tanks just to go to work, they work one day for the Govt. and one day for oil. that leaves the American people with 3 days for surviving. While foreign countries are drilling oil from underneath us. THAT IS NOT FAIR TO THE AMERICAN PEOPLE….GO MCCAIN DO WHAT IS FAIR, AT LEAST YOU HAVE THE GUTS. BO, is so impotent when it comes to foreign affairs and terrorism.

I started off a Obama supporter as well as most of my friends, over the last few weeks we have become nervous with his rhetoric and actions. We are moderates and McCain is appearing more and more appealing. THis break of the pledge does not help at all.
Neither did yesterday when I read McCain is putting out ideas for energy for all of us who need to pay bills and actually get to work and all I heard from Obama was “auction off carbon credits”. Hmmm, I’m green, but come on!

I guess Obama’s got his eye on another jet from George Soros.

Obama is the same old rusty bucket with a new coat of paint.
Elections tend to power-wash the bucket though, and that new paint is chipping away, revealing the old rust beneath.

It’s amazing that people cannot see through Obama. He and McCain are equally narcissistic, but Obama’s primary motivation is self-aggrandizement, while McCain believes he has the vision to lead the country. Neither man is a true leader, but McCain comes much closer. A true leader would never succeed in American politics because the American people (regardless of party affiliation) are really just looking for someone who tells them what they want to hear.

People put this into perspective; changing your financial strategy (mind) on campaign financing as compared to sending American’s to war and/or agreeing to continue this senseless occupation, and even disagreeing then agreeing with the Bush’s Tax breaks, a wash for both Presidential Candidates. Next Subject…

“Speaking of hypocrisy, why don’t some of you McCain lovers do a little research on this subject and not accept as the gospel truth the drivel from this McCain shill posing as a reporter. McCain only took public financing because his campaign was broke. He then used this public money as collateral for loans, and then tried to back out of public financing once those loans were secured. The guy has broken his own campaign finance laws. The FEC, or whatever’s left of it, either can’t or won’t do anything about it. The problem with many conservatives these days is that they don’t adhere to any actual conservative principles; they just hate democrats. The party of Goldwater is dead – it has been invaded by neocons and religious nut-jobs. Thanks for ruining it for me. I had no choice but to join the other side.
Posted by: Pete | Jun 19, 2008 9:27:28 AM”
The best post of the day…hands down! I’m not a “party” guy like Pete, but I echo his sentiments. Even if Obama did “break his promise” how does this affect the average American if he’s leaving EIGHTY-FOUR MILLION DOLLARS of TAXPAYER money on the table, not taking the money from PACs/Lobbyists, who btw have more access to your Government than you do, and accepting it from average Americans who GIVE OF THEIR OWN FREE WILL?!?
I’d rather you just say “I hate Obama” for no good reason and have a nice day than to try an propogate this weak argument of promise breaking.
“We’ll be greeted as liberators.” Cheney, Bush, McCain-how’d that promise work out?

It all comes down to whether or not you think we should still be spending $10,000,000,000 a month in Iraq or you think that money could be better spent here helping the average Americans that have taken a huge hit over the past 8 years. Do you think the bush-league has done well with the economy or do you feel they have benefited only the top 5%, because mc-more-war would certainly be a bush 3rd term. Obama 2008!!!

I find it shocking to hear all these Republicans whinging on about good old capitalism at work. If McCain is the great dear leader you all think he is then pony up. That’s what all your tax breaks for millionaires were for, remember. Feel free to spend your dollars on your grandpa.

$360mil raised to date? disgusting. Both candidates should accept public funds and then apply these funds to a social program they support, healthcare, education, child welfare, infrastructure, investing in ‘green energy’, Iowa flood, rebuild new orleans etc. i can’t belief americans donate to politicians rather than the truly needy. disgusting.

MCCAIN PEOPLE ARE SIMPLY SCARED OF OBAMA’S FUND-RAISING. PERIOD !!!

A more accurate headline would be McCain and Obama break promises. They had both months ago agreed not to accept 527′s. Since McCain was the first one to reneg, Obama responded with an adequate political survival response. In the previous posting, Obama was presented as a softie for his adherence, like the Supreme Court , to Habeas Corpus. Now in this morning’s post, he’s supposed to back down from McCain’s instigating a broken promise to 527′s. Thank you, Mr. Tapper, this former Clinton supporter is gaining a further appreciation of Mr. Obama.

This has nothing to do with McCain, political positions or the like. It has everything to do with Obama’s INTERGRITY. He has, once again, gone back on his word. Then again, according to him they are “Just words”. So much for him being a new type of politician. He crawled up from the Chicago political muck leaving a slime trail all the way.

Did you really believe that he would keep his promise. Obama will say/do whatever is popular at the time he is asked. If he needs to change his mind when the time comes, he will. He is not a man of character or conviction. He just found out he is in a high stakes race for the presidency and money is important. Too bad he was too naive the time he was asked the question about federal funds in Nov 2007. Wait until he starts making promises about protecting the middle class with tax cuts (oh, he already did). He will break those once he gets elected. I don’t think he even knows what middle class means.

THE SOONER THE DEMS TAKE TOTAL CONTROL OF MAKING LAW (CONGRESS) ENFORCING LAW (EXECUTIVE BRANCH) AND INTERTPRETING LAW(THE COURT) THE SOONER THE COUNTRY WILL GO BROKE FINANCILLY AND MORALLY, AND THEN THE REVOLUTION CAN START. PEOPLE OF PEOPLE WHO FOUNDED THIS COUNTRY WILL TAKE OVER AND GO BACK TO BASICS. YOU THINK IT WONT HAPPEN. HOW DID RON REAGAN BEAT THE SOVIETS? CAUSED THEM TO SPEND THEMSELVES INTO OBLIVION. THEY SPENT IT ON THE MILITARY, WE WILL SPEND IT ON WELFARE PROGRAMS. WHICH DO YOU BELIEVE WILL RESULT IN THE MORE APPROPRIATE OUTCOME?

Obama must think that the American people are stupid. This is a straight up lie. Not a flip-flop, not changing of his mind, but a bold faced lie. Haven’t we had a enough lying over the last 16 years?

I love how conveniently democrats notice only republicans not playing by the so called “rules”. As much as I hate to burst your bubble both sides are corrupt almost beyond imagination. Regarding the 527s this again is not exclusive domain of the republican party who have only had one notable 527 group “The Swift Boat Veterans for Truth” while the democrats have a littany of groups doing their dirty work; moveon.org, dailykos, code pink, center for media research, brookings institute. The list goes on and on and this isn’t even delving into the deep corruption and complicity of the main stream media who have forgone any semblance of impartiality to absolutely worship Barrack Obama.
With that said I do not disagree with what Obama is doing here as there is a certain nobility to being funded by the voters as they choose. However you and I both know it will be funding from hollywood, George Soros, and other marxist / anti-capitalist groups that will provide the bulk of the funding. With the restrictions removed I am curious to see what sort of foreign funding he gets as well from nations who want to see America move toward socialism and therefore lose our economic power. Remember when the Chinese donated millions to the Clinton campaign in the 90s and were rewarded with the trade agreement in 98 that has cost us millions of manufacturing jobs and greatly damaged our economic clout.
You should all quit being sheep and basing your vote on the animal on their party button and base it on actual issues. Declare your independence and move away from this cancerous two party partisanship that is destroying our country and re-register yourself as an independent voter. Don’t let the mainstream media cast your vote for you!

And they call this change? Yet another example that Obama is no different from every other politician in Washington, DC, except perhaps a bit more dishonest by casting himself as somehow different and above the fray. What a hypocrite!

Obama is just another political hack and doesn’t care about anything except winning. He lied about campaign finance and will lie about anything to get elected. He has never served in the military and is a pseudo-intellect without morals. Elect someone with character, elect John McCain!!!

IT’S ABOUT TIME! REPUBLICANS ARE SHOCKED THAT SOMEONE NOT ONLY UNDERSTANDS THE SYSTEM BUT CAN OUTSMART THE SYSTEM. BARACK OBAMA IS SMARTER.

TO FRANK:
YES HE DID MAKE A PROMISE. HE PLEDGED ON AT LEAST 2 OCCASSIONS – A PLEDGE IS A PROMISE.
IS HE THAT NAIVE THAT HE THOUGHT THE 527 AND THE RNC WOULD NOT RUN A SMEAR CAMPAIGN. HIS DECISIONS ARE NOT OF GOOD JUDGEMENT AS HE TOUTS.
I TRULY FEAR FOR THE FUTURE OF THIS COUNTRY. I HAVE NEVER BEEN A BIG SUPPORTER OF MCCAIN OR OBAMA BUT I THINK MCCAIN WILL SCREW UP THE COUNTRY LESS.

What a liar.

Obama never said he would opt out of public financing. That was a low level staffer who said that, who has since been let go by the campaign.
Newkindpolitics, ftw!
“Chane you can believe in!”
“Hope” no one notices!

This election is like no other. I have never seen the republicans this scared.
They are so scared of Obama that it shows.

TO ALL OF YOU WHO THINK OBAMA IS SMART BECAUSE HE OPTED OUT OF PUBLIC FINANCE. THE RNC DID THIS IN HOPES HE WOULD BREAK HIS PLEDGE. SO NOW THEY WILL HAVE THIS TO FEED ON. A BROKEN PROMISE AND YES “CHANGE” AND NOT FOR THE BETTER. WHAT A FOOL HE IS.

I’m dissapointed in Obama. You expected it from McCain/any Republican….I dont think either candidate has the courage to really take on the sytem. Vote for someone besides McCain or Obama or just dont vote.

Damn right the republicans are scared and the democrats better be scared also if Obama gets into the White House. He is an image that is being sold and shoved down the American’s throats. He has no substance, just someone running a good campaign on fluffy rhetoric. He is a mirage to Americans thirsting for something better, unfortunately, they will end up getting nothing but a handful of useless sand.

Can’t blame them. If you look at all the possible 527′s out there funded by a bunch of right wing nut cases, he’s right to protect himself. Kerry got “Swiftboated” and why should Obama sit still for it again.
Agreed that after this election, we need a bi-partisan commission to draft a meaningful campaign financing statute that outlaws 527′s and other “slight of hand” organizations.
Nice to see the usual Obama bashers out this morning. I’d say he’s got it about right looking at the posts.
Posted by: Show Me the Money | Jun 19, 2008 9:14:37 AM
————————————–
Show me, can you tell us how much is coming from the left? I guess AFL-CIO, SEIU, Teachers Unions, Soros and others are not pumping in way more money then the right. At least people on the right are donating their money by their own free will and not having it taken from them like the Unions do and they use it to only help dims. That is the kind of free America the dims like.

Glad Obama made the right decision. It would be stupid to turn away such large contributions. Woudn’t want a stupid president. If I did I’d vote for McCain.

If Obama was raising $10 million each month, I don’t think the republican would mind if he opted out of public financing. Hmmm

This isn’t much of a story and I don’t take it is Obama breaking an oath or anything. When he made this promise, he was hoping he would be matched with someone who had a decent amount of civility. This is before people started blindsiding him about being a muslim, his church, his wife, etc. I also think that this is a big turn for the worse for the Republicans. The man can fundraise like nobody’s business. He has got to give himself the best chance to win and this is it. Obviously, the right winged, paranoid propaganda laden conservative Republicans and a few still bitter at the world Hillary supporters will take this ball and run with it but at the end of the day it was the right move. I am a moderate Republican who hasn’t had a viable presidential candidate to vote for since 1996. I love how we put up a man who wasn’t good enough in 2000 and 2004. I’m going Obama on this one because this country has to change its though process accross the board and McCain will not do that.

One of the traits of a strong leader, in business or politics, is being open to admit that a choice made 12 months ago may not be the best choice for right now. This man is attempting to free himself of money influence in the act of getting elected because it will enab le him to more easily achieve his goal. This is only a “bad thing” if his goal is not your goal.
This man is going to be our next president. Deal with it.

The only reason McSame and his camp are upset, is because they know they can’t get a quarter of the donations from the general public that Obama will.
Obama will be the next president.
Deal with it.
Wednesday, June 18
Race Poll Results Spread
Maine: McCain vs. Obama Rasmussen Obama 55, McCain 33
Obama +22.0
General Election: McCain vs. Obama Gallup Tracking Obama 47, McCain 42 Obama +5.0
Virginia: McCain vs. Obama PPP (D) McCain 45, Obama 47
Obama +2.0
Wisconsin: McCain vs. Obama SurveyUSA Obama 52, McCain 43
Obama +9.0
General Election: McCain vs. Obama Reuters/Zogby Obama 47, McCain 42
Obama +5.0
Pennsylvania: McCain vs. Obama Quinnipiac Obama 52, McCain 40
Obama +12.0
Ohio: McCain vs. Obama Quinnipiac Obama 48, McCain 42
Obama +6.0
Florida: McCain vs. Obama Quinnipiac McCain 43, Obama 47
Obama +4.0

Change we can believe in, indeed. It appears that Senator Obama believes in change only if it suits his own ambition. He changed his mind only because he believes he can raise more money from special interests (unions, trial lawyers, Hollywood, George Soros to name a few). This is not I person I can trust to do what’s best for the American people. This is not a person I want in the white House.

The voter’s desire for shared power will translate into a McCain win. People will simply be more comfortable voting for the older white guy. It really is that simple.

Well, he did say it but it was like the Celtics saying we promise not to shoot baskets too well if the other team doesn’t. And the DNC does not raise funds as well as RNC and its support groups so that playing field would never be level.
What it does do is cast a spotlight on who donates to the campaign. If the money is all relatively small contributions then all is basically well and good. If not he is more of a hypocrite.

Exxon Mobil, Shell, Total and BP — the original partners in the Iraq Petroleum Company — along with Chevron and a number of smaller oil companies, are in talks with Iraq’s Oil Ministry for no-bid contracts to service Iraq’s largest fields, according to ministry officials, oil company officials and an American diplomat.
The deals, expected to be announced on June 30, will lay the foundation for the first commercial work for the major companies in Iraq since the American invasion, and open a new and potentially lucrative country for their operations.
The no-bid contracts are unusual for the industry, and the offers prevailed over others by more than 40 companies, including companies in Russia, China and India.
LOL
looks like since the war wont bring bush the legacy he thought he could get from starting this war, hell go after the oil for all his buddies anyway
no contract deals lol wow
thanks republicans
thanks george bush
thanks john mclame

Unbelievable Obama worried about Republican 527s???? The only group running negative ads Move On and they are for Obama.
Obama is freeing himself of big Money ???? Instead of taking tax payer money to finance his campaign he will take it from any one and is most likely selling himself to get it Obama is no new style Politician Just another slick willy trying to get everything he can talking out both sides of his mouth and hoping the majority of us will buy into his Bulls—.

A reply to some of the other posts–non citizens can’t contribute to campaigns nor can corporations. There are 57 contests in the Democratic nomination contest–50 states plus DC,Guam, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Democrats Abroad, Virgins Islands and an Unassigned Category. Obama has set a record for number of contributors and is not for unilateral disarmament as McCain is also opting out of public financing. The Republicans are upset with him the most because he is beating them badly at raising the most money for election. A lot of small folks spare change will bring change.

So he’s already changed his mind on changing “the way Washington works”. Not a surprise. What other changes (changes that we can BELIEVE IN) are in the works. Just another liar and corrupt politician who is in this for himself. The only difference between he and the others iS experience (of which he has none). THIS IS THE CHANGE I CAN BELIEVE IN! You had your chance with Hillary and a few of you democrats (about 1/2) blew it.

Yes David – he (Obama) is lying to someone – The hardworking proud American Citizens. Meanwhile, the wealthy left liberal democrats are licking their chops in anticipation of RULING America exactly how they want to – they picked the perfect puppet to accomplish their mission.

Ok, we know Obama lies, thats a given. But whats the difference if he takes “public” financing or “private” donations? Its all the peoples money! He would just be limiting himself to what he can spend. Hopefully McCain does not fall into Obamas trap, and he also refuses to accept limited “public” financing.

If Obama was raising $10 million each month, I don’t think the republicans would mind if he opted out of public financing. Hmmm

Oh and just for those who think a “questionare” is a promisary note….
Well, sorry to break it to you but it’s NOT!
Barack has said that he wants the American people to fund his campaign because he wants to be accountable to them.
Not Lobbyist, and fat cats like the ones working on John McCain’s camp.
McCain’s camp calls him a typical politican.. but the funny thing is that this is coming from a camp who advisors LOBBIED for ERON!!! That’s a TYPICAL POLITICAN! Getting lobbyist to pull your strings!
Posted by: LeAnn | Jun 19, 2008 10:46:31 AM
————————————
So LeAnn, can you tell us where public financing comes from then since Saint O is saying not from the public? What a load of crock. Where do you think his money is coming from? Your cookie jar? He has the same crowd that has always donated, so they don’t go through lobbyists. They go right to the head of these company’s and have them bundle the money directly. Yea coming from the people, yea right LeAnn. Public financing comes from the public not wealthy donors. Just thought I would clear that up for you.

yeah…this may not be the greatest statement of something that was inevitable once obama saw he could raise money from small donors and a wide array of the country in a fashion that would dwarf the “democracy’ of the public financing situation…
but between the fact that “who knew” you copuld raise money from the real peoples of the country and McCain switcharoo with the whole falsified loan thing… this is a non issue.
America wants the bums out… …thats why he was able to raise so many small donors and McCain can’t.

Obama is the king of lying politicians. He completely changed his position regarding Jerusalem just hours after he made a commitment to a Jewish Jerusalem, and not he has been found to have straight up lied to the American people regarding campaign funding. Obama’s actions are disgraceful!

Obama has already Won this thing…
The rest just have to Live the History!

This comes as no suprise to me. As a Hillary supporter, I paid attention, did my research, and saw through Sen. Barack Obama’s “new politics of change” BS. I just wish more voters had as well. Sen. John McCain may not share the same ideas on the issues that I care about; but a Presidential election is more than just voting for what YOU want, its about voting for what is BEST for the USA. Barack is not the best man for the job.

A promise is a promise! Unless you figure you can raise more money by breaking your promise. Watch the spin on this one. It will somehow be because McCain and the Republicans forced him to do it. Change? I think not!

I LOVE how all these young Barack “followers” suddenly rail against “Big Oil” as the root of all evil in America; then, then fill up the tanks of the new V8 Mustang that their rich daddy bought them for graduation, and gun it down the highway. Too funny.

Why is the GOP so scared. Allowing government invest tax payers money into something else aside election is a good thing. Obama is setting standards. Hate him or not ,McCain will be so angry because if he does not accept the funds that means he equally believes in Obama’s principles of playing straight and if does, my God Americans are going to eat him raw. Check mate. People this is politics at its peak. Stop being scared.

Remember the campaign finance reform that McCain sponsored and many Republicans opposed? Opponents argued that all that money going to candidates was free speech.
So Obama, without even getting the big donor money from lobbyists and such, is setting financing records by getting small donations from over 1.5 million individual supporters. That’s democracy in action. Republicans should be all about this type of fundraising.
They’re obviously just mad because it’s not their guy getting the most cash.

Wait, I’m confused. Is this “Change” or “Nuance”? Which of those should I “Hope” for and which should I “Believe” in?

marie,
IT’S JUST OK TO BE FOOLED ONCE…LEARN FROM IT…BUT IT’S JUST TOO SILLY AND TOO DUMB TO BE FOOLED TWICE OR MORE…NEVER LEARNED FROM IT…. THAT’S EXACTLY WHAT YOU HAVE BEEN, OBAMA SUPPORTERS… FOOLED AND TRICKED BY OBAMA MORE THAN ONCE….

Notice how all the supporters of Sen. Barack Obama [esp. the really young naive ones] are reacting to his blatent breaking of a steadfast and moralistic promise are defending him by simply says, “Who cares!” and “Its not a big deal!”. WOW. GREAT arguments guys! Well-intentioned Barack is about to find out what it takes to play hardball politics and he is going to crumble. Hillary was compassionate, well-intentioned, AND TOUGH. She would have made an excellent “Madam President”

You know what’s really sick. The fact that everyone is making a big deal out of this, and you have Republicans posing as Hillary supporters, and so-called Barack Supporters to say they are “deeply dissapointed” and will not vote for him.
Let me tell you all something…. Barack not taking public financing is not what put you out of your homes, or cost you your jobs, or placed you in an endless war where we spend $12 BOLLION DOOLARS A MONTH!
McCain has said on numerously that he doesnt’ understand the economy. And so who does he get to run his campaign? Phil Gramm.. the same man who Lobbied for ERON, and who many economists have labeled as the part of the cause of the mortgage crisis.
Charlie Black, another Eron Lobbyist, and a lobbyist for foreign tyrants!
These are the people who is running his camp, and these are the people who’d tabs YOU will be paying if McCain wins.

Dean, you sound pretty bitter to me.

How long have presidential candidates been using public financing. Have others opted out? Seems to me that all candidates in recent memory have used public financing attempting to play on a level playing field

Perhaps this wouldn’t have been necessary if McCain had been stronger on denouncing the 527s that were helping his campaign. And I think the very fact that he’s taken a strong pledge to not accept money from Lobbyists and PACs is a great change. So who cares of 2 million more American’s finance his campaign.

It doesn’t matter how many promises he broke the fact that he isn’t taking tax payer money for his campaign is a breath of fresh air. But if you think he or McCain will make ANY difference once in office you haven’t begun to understand the source of the problems.

I feel sorry for all the people who were sucked in by his promises.

If McCain does not make similar decison, I will vote obama who has the ability to stand up for truth. We republicans should be ashamed of ourselves. What do we stand for anyway? Bush and his cronies including McCain has messed up all standard the American people look up to us with. McCain should take the same step or Obama has my vote. White elderly man.

nightthief, first of all your link is to Senate campaign financing, not the Presidential race. Secondly, I don’t think that’s showing industry contributions at all.
When you donate to a campaign, you have to list your occupation. Your link clearly shows that most of his money in the 2003-2008 Senate cycle came from individual contributions:
Individual Contributions $14,816,448 (91%)
PAC Contributions $1,301,378 (8%)
Candidate self-financing $0 (0%)
Other $248,011 (2%)
I’m not clear on what the “industry” chart is showing as the numbers add up to far more than the $16,365,837 raised by Obama in 2003-2008.
From your own link though, here’s Obama’s career fundraising:
Individual Contributions $280,843,385 (97%)
PAC Contributions $1,324,618 (0%)
Candidate self-financing $10,500 (0%)
Other $6,822,608 (2%)

kabooeky-
It is really said that you and everyone else on this board cannot.. will not provide me with what I requested.
ACTUALLY PROOF WHERE HE SAID I PROMISE, OR I PLEDGE TO TAKE PUBLIC FINANCING!
And on a second note, if money to his campaign wasn’t coming from the american people… then tell me how is it that he raised over $250,000 in one minute on Apr. 21 from ONLINE DONORS???!! And that wasn’t somethig run by the campaign… it was done by a freaking blogger on his website!
Once again… I want proof of him breaking a “promise” or “pledge” for public financing.
HERE IS YOUR PROOF
This is from a Washington Post interview.
If you are nominated for President in 2008 and your major opponents agree to forgo private funding in the general election campaign, will you participate in the presidential public financing system?
OBAMA: Yes. I have been a long-time advocate for public financing of campaigns combined with free television and radio time as a way to reduce the influence of moneyed special interests. I introduced public financing legislation in the Illinois State Senate, and am the only 2008 candidate to have sponsored Senator Russ Feingold’s (D-WI) bill to reform the presidential public financing system. In February 2007, I proposed a novel way to preserve the strength of the public financing system in the 2008 election. My plan requires both major party candidates to agree on a fundraising truce, return excess money from donors, and stay within the public financing system for the general election. My proposal followed announcements by some presidential candidates that they would forgo public financing so they could raise unlimited funds in the general election. The Federal Election Commission ruled the proposal legal, and Senator John McCain (R-AZ) has already pledged to accept this fundraising pledge. If I am the Democratic nominee, I will aggressively pursue an agreement with the Republican nominee to preserve a publicly financed general election.
Once again:
If you are nominated for President in 2008 and your major opponents agree to forgo private funding in the general election campaign, will you participate in the presidential public financing system?
OBAMA: Yes.
“Yes.” Not “Yes, but” or “Yes, with a caveat” or “We’ll have to wait and see.” The answer is “yes.” Period. Full stop.
Well, we have ourselves another Bill Clinton. I guess it depends on what the meaning of “yes” is.

Are you kidding? Who cares? Beat Bush and the Republicans!

“So just where is this 200 million plus that Obama has supposedly raised coming from ? Its not from the average American family for sure !! ”
Umm… that’s exactly who supplied the money. Obama was over 1.5 million individual donaters so far.

Barack’s “followers” are talking as if Democrats backing Sen. Barack Obama are also not going to create “swift-boating” 527s against Sen. John McCain as well! They still seem to feel the need to hide their heads in the sand and not admit that Democrats use the exact same smear tactics that Republicans use to be elected. Barack just does it in a more subtle manner. [btw, this was written by a Democrat]

It is shame that we can not even recognize that this Obama man mean well for common Americans. It is a good thing. I am republican but I will vote Obama not because of his party but because of the future of my kids, my kids do not have no future with war mongering BUSH/McCAIN. My love for America begins with common reasoning not party lines. God bless America

He’s already setting the tone for “Worse Precedent In U.S. History!”

This isn’t the first or last promise this man will break before it’s all over. He is a shrewd opportunist who knows how to manipulate his way through the political maze. HE thinks he’s smarter than everyone else and has come to redeem and save us all from those bad men in Washington. PLEASE – give me a break. He’s just like they are and will prove to be another failure like his idol, Jimmy Carter. When we we learn????

I TOLD YOU SO!!!!
this guy is all about talk, misrable liar, he is so fake!

Politicians break promises all the time. If McCain gets elected, he’ll break some promises too. But he’ll do it slyly by claiming something to do with National Security or some other form of an excuse. People this is nothing new. And for that update from the McCain Campaign, if that is not the pot calling the kettle black (no pun intended with the word “black”) I don’t know what is.

As time goes on, we see more and more of the real O’bama, a liar that can’t speak with a script or a teleprompter. He panders more the Hillary and Bill ever did. He changes with the wind, a chameleon. Change? How is this change?
He is a puppet and Soros and the far left are pulling his strings.

So if he said one thing; but did another, then when he says he is ONLY going to raise taxes on the RICH, what will he really do?

Let us see if McCain will respect the American people and take the same line with Obama on this. This is all about management. I am a Republican but gosh, our party stinks with double standards. Obama is outsmarting powers that be. Gosh! if McCain do not take his line on this then I will vote Obama because what he is doing right now is for the good of Americans and not politicians. That is how it ought to be!

To Lewis:
You are a great american and a man of commonsense.
It’s good to know that some of us are still able to rise above our sentiments. That’s maturity !!!

It’s no surprise that Obama is breaking his pledge – with Democrats we learned long ago that yes means no and it depends what the meaning of ‘is’ is. Some may chalk this up to just another sleazy politician taking us all for fools. Obama fanatics prove they’re no different than their messiah by mindlessly parroting his illusions.
And that’s the real story here – Obama supporters are some of the most shallow voters I have ever met. Clinton supporters knew what their candidate stood for and could explain details about her plans for America. Obama speaks in platitudes, reveals an astonishing ignorance that belies his inexperience, and as we have seen today – is as dishonest as any other politician he pillories. But his supporters, seduced by HOPE and high on CHANGE, praise their savior without any sense of what it is they are actually voting for. I expect that America will see this clown for what he truly is – a charismatic far-left activist who’s avarice is as bitter as his voice is golden.
You’re just another shyster politician. Thanks for showing us that today Obama…

don’t blame me I supported Hillary….as do the majority of the people in the U.S…this is just one of the first of his broken promises with many more to come.

If Obama was raising just $5 million monthly, would you mccain lovers be bothered at all if he opted out of public funding?

Mr. Clean loves that green. It’s a “parallel public financing system”, yeah that’s it. It operates this way, Sen. Obama solicits donations and backers send in checks. That’s not public financing!

To Independent;
Well said.

“The fact is, once McCain said that he would do NOTHING to police the 527s and the RNC, he lost this battle. At that point, there was NOTHING to negotiate.”
Exactly, the republicans care little about fairness. They will try to cheat lie and steal away this election like they have done the last 8 years. I commend Obama for this.

Wait, I’m confused. It clearly states in the article that he said he would forego the soft money if McCain also agreed to do so. That didn’t happen. How is this “breaking a promise?”

Obama actually found a way to break a promise BEFORE being elected! Way to go chimp, you are the new record holder for the earliest broken campaign promise. What is next to be broken? Your sudden patriotism?

America should get used to the broken promises. The fairy tale of Hope and Change is quickly becoming a reality–Obama is just another dirty politician.

Another broken pledge. Obama can’t buy the election if there are federal regulation looking over his shoulder, putting a cap on what he can spend. There will be no debates but a bare minimum, because Obama and Obama lobbyists are trying to buy election outright.
Dems were wrong when they let this fox inside, and it won’t help them in the long run. Obama outspend Clinton 3-1 and still lost elections, and when he looses the Dems are finished for a long time. No lobbyists will touch them. Win or loose, 352 superdelegates and Al Gore are wrong.

Depends what your definition of “promise” is. The bottom line is he said what people wanted to hear, then did what was best for himself. Very early in the race to show yourself as a liar.

That was not the promise he knew!!!

The DNC is sham–they bullied the superdelegates into endorsing a weak, inexperienced candidate with poor judgement and questionable character.
The DNC should fit in nicely with the dirty politics in Chicago.

So much for Obama being a different kind of politician like he promised. Face it, he’s just like all the rest. I can’t believe that he is blaming it on the Republicans that he “must” do this. I’ve never trusted people who blame their actions on others.

My last comment made no sense I forgot that McCain did not refuse to stop accepting public financing. That kind of kills my argument, sorry Jake.

ONE POINT FIVE MILLION AMERICANS deciding to donate to Obama’s campaign = REAL CAMPAIGN FINANCE REFORM.

If he did not opt-out in the face of the Rove-politics campaign MC Bush is mounting, I would have to wonder if he has the sense to run the country.
I am happy……. I hope with my help and a couple million other small doners like me he will bankrupt the RNC and their 527′s in a 50 state campaign.
Go get’em Barak

President McCain will veto Obama’s second piece of legislation.
The Obama Contributor Relief Act.

How foolish of Sen Obama. Whether or not it was actually a pledge between Obama and McCain is a minor issue at this point. By going for private funding, he will open himself up to full scrutiny of each and every private contributor to his campaign. The media will find out who the ringers are and they will pounce on them. He could have avoid that if he stayed with public funds. Now, he better pray that one of these private donations isn’t somehow linked to some notorious entity.

I love how Obama acts like he has no 527 groups when his campaign accounts are flooded with MoveOn.org money and Soros funded groups that run smear ads. Obama is nothing new. He is playing the same democratic playbook from 2000 and 2004. Hopefully history repeats itself another extreme left candidate is sent back to the Senate to finish his term…or perhaps Obama can get a job working for Al Gore.

The whole point of gov’t financed campaigns was to keep big money donors out of the process – well Obama has small money donors making up the vast majority of his donations.
AND – if Obama said no to private financing that would prohibit me from being able to exercise my right to donate to his campaign and surely the Right Wing folks would not want to try and block my RIGHT as an American to donate to the candidate of my choice.

politician THEY ALL LIE AND LOOK AFTER THEMSELFS AND THERE FRIENDS. SO YOUR GOING TO VOTE FOR THE PERSON WITH ALL THE MONEY??? SO WERE VOTING FOR MONEY.
SO YOU NEED TO BR RICH??? I THNK EACH SHOULD GET 10MIL AND THATS IT AND TAKE THE REST OF THE MONEY AND GIVE IT TO THE POOR LIKE ME

Yhanks for answering the question!

I wonder if Barack committed a felony such as Nixon did back in the days if his supporters would justify it. As far as Barack is concerned. It is all about winning. The fact that he complains that Bush has no integrity is different when it comes to Barack. Keep on drinking.

Media….Call him out on this. Call him out on lying about not taking lobby money. Educate people that he is, he is taking state lobby money. The fed lobbyists are sending it to the states and he’s taking it.
Obama is manipulative. He is a sexist.
Remember…in Iowa he played Jay-Z’s “Got 99 problems, but a Bitch Ain’t One.’ Stop giving this elitist free rides.

Openyoureyes, They support him because he has nice posters that say CHANGE on them, and he can read from a teleprompter well. That is about as deep as it goes.

Obama sure seems to exemplify that famous quote “Politicians and diapers should both be changed regularly and for the same reason.”

I guess the only “change” Obama is bringing is his change of morals.

OpenYourEyes =========================
Have you had time to study Obama’s policies?

Obama promised to bring Change. What everybody is missing is the point that he has to be elected first before he changes anything. Therefore, for anyone to suggest that he has to sit there and play nice while RNC and McBush are raising record amount of cash is simply unacceptable. Doing that would rather be giving in. I say raise as much money as you can, and fight as hard as you can to win this election. Then the real Change starts.

Tony -
So the end justifies the means?

When are you people going to open your eyes – he has flip flopped on nearly everything he said in the primary on the money, on NAFTA, on terrorism – oh yeah and he thinks that we should give terrorists due process and spend taxpayer money to prove that they are terrorists and then more taxpayer money to incarcerate them for the rest of their lives. If Obama manages to get elected we are in big trouble

Barack Obama knows the tricks of the enemy and now the enemy (Republicans) are running scared. Obama can raise hundreds of millions from simple 5 & 10 dollar Average USA Citizens WHO ARE FED UP!!! with the Republican Charade !!! And so the Republicans Are Cryn Foul,,,
Bye Bye John & Cindy McCain

billy bob =========================
So who is that best candidate ?

Obama has proven to be the very thing he says he is not. A typical Washington Politician. Just like every candidate running for office. The only difference between then are their visions for the future. They all just different flavored sh*t sandwiches. But what flavor will keep our enemies from over taking our country? Can’t say Obama is the man for that. As much as I don’t want a 3rd Bush term, it’s a better choice than a 2nd Carter term.

I’m tired of Obama’s flip-flop.
Sen McCain-08

Good job Obama. McCain has been skirting the laws and raising as much money as he can. McCain even has a sceme where he takes money from the national GOP where donors can donate up to $73,000.00 per individual. McCain also uses his wife’s private jet to fly around to events. Thatmoney spent should count as a donation but it does not. Go Obama! I am giving you my $2,300.

Who was it that had over 900 unpaid parking tickets and then paid them when he decided to run for President? Who was it that couldn’t disown his pastor until the public outcry was so loud he threw him under the bus? Who is it that counts among his friends those who would bomb other Americans? Who is it that got a sweet-heart loan to buy property from a shady embezzler? Whi is it that professes change and then changes his promise?

Where is the change, Senator Obama? Like John Kerry, you flip-flopped. Like Bill & Hillary Clinton, you went against your words. WHERE ARE THE CHANGES?

This is what I have been saying all along… Obama is a fraud, a liar, a typical politician I saw through him on day 1. He did NOT FOOL ME. Neither did Bush. I hope now the Democrats loose big time… they deserve it now… I will go independent or maybe McCain. I will never vote for this vorciferous liar and his liar anti american wife. They are both frauds. He has no backbone to be the president.. and unfortunately all the SUPERDELEGATES made sure a very qualified woman would NOT BECOME THE FIRST PRESIDENT. Insted they chose a crooked politician that is out the drawer with steak knives to support his own ambitions. Do you really think he wears the flag pin now just because of change of heart? It was cause the Super Dees told him he better if he wanted their vote. Rev Wright has done this man and his wife well. Now they have to give her a make over… lol! why? cause she is so unlikeable and so un first lady like… they were scared to let her run with it.
This is going to be a nightmare American will not soon forget…. he will be worse than Bush. You people want him? You people will probably, sadly get him!@!!
Our only hope was Senator Clinton.
Hopefully the women will stick together and vote against him.. either independent or McCain… at least he is an American we can count on.

OpenYourEyes ========================
Well, since you have not looked at Obama’s policies as compared to Mccain’s, it looks to me like you’ve got other things against Obama.

Izzy, the lead in the movie “Liar, Liar” compulsively spoke the truth no matter how much it hurt him through the majority of the movie. I agree, Barack Obama would have been perfect.

Another “flip-flop” for Obama. First, he was against NAFTA, now he’s for it. He was for public financing, now he’s against it. I see what his campaign of “change” is all about….the right to change your mind at any given time. He doesn’t want public financing, because that would put a cap on his campaign expenditures…without it, he can still get all the money he wants from James Sorrels (anti semitic) and other questionable donors. I see this as a way that Obama will be setting up favors for them if he gets elected President. Obama is dangerous and his true character is slowly being revealed. He has a hidden agenda.

Where has Obama’s money been coming from??? $5-$10 on line contribution? I don’t buy it. Has any news media really looked into this?

Different Jim’s. Fomr now on I will be Jim #1

Republicans are double-talking,
double-dealing, double-faced
deceivers. Obama campaign did
the right thing. That’s exactly
how you drub those double-crossers
and their dirty doings.

I can not find where Obama “promised” to participate in the public financing system for the general election. I see where he thought he might, I see where he proposed to “if”……..but I can’t find where he actually commited to use the public finance system.
And for those idiots out there who are trying to stir up s@#t by asking why we will support Obama in November here is my answer.
I will vote Obama in Nov. because he has committed to changing our Foreign Policy. ie getting us our of Iraq and keeping us out of any other sham wars. He has committed to fixing our crumbling infrastructure. ie bridges, levees, roads etc.
And because he has committed to changing our current economic system. ie. the outsourcing good American jobs to foreign countries, stopping corporations from raping and pillaging our blessed country to line their CEO’s pockets with gold and giving the American middle class a real chance to prosper and flourish.
Buray98
Pasadena Tx.

After 8 years of Dubya in the White House, and all the irreparable damage he’s done to this country, and the world, the Democratic Party needs a Presidential win like never before.
And so, in this time of extreme pressure and absolute necessity for a Democratic Victory in November, what do we do? Common sense would dictate that we choose a candidate who’s absolutely sure to win the White House in November, right?
Nooooo…
We instead decide to “take a chance” and make ourselves some history by placing Hillary and Barack out as our two frontrunners for the Democratic Party nomination. Hillary’s a great woman, and a smart lady; she’s got a few political skeletons in her closet, but who doesn’t? Still, I fear there are lots of people in this country who aren’t yet comfy with the idea of woman in the White House, no matter how smart, confident or qualified she is to be there.
And Barack… good guy, I think. Smart guy. Visionary, many say. He’s my age, and how cool would it be to have somebody that young in the White House?
But, his middle name is “Hussein” and his last name rhymes with “Osama”. You do the math, and tell me how that sits with the millions of Walmart Shoppers buying “Git-R-Done!” t-shirts on Saturday afternoon.
I’m not sexist, and I’m not racist. I’d elect Oprah in half a heartbeat. And I’d love to think the good people of this country are smart and progressive enough to elect a black man or a woman President, and do something positive to lift this awful veil of gloom and depression that seems to have engulfed our country.
My fear is that they’re not.
God, I hope I’m wrong.

Obama = Just words, not action!
Obama = Flip flop politician!
Obama = Another swift boat of Democrat!
Obama = Mr. “Hope”. Will “Change” his mind on any issue that is suitable for his political career!

To BillyBob – it’s been my experience that all Jims are confused.

kmw0382: Do you really think Obama supporters understand facts? They’re all too busy with undefined hope and unspecified direction.

This is not a flip flop, this is called winning an election on private donations. That means individuals, not corporations. Exactly the opposite that you are trying to imply. I’ve sent him four installments of $25.
That’s where his money is coming from, people like us.
McCain flip flopped on torture, tax cuts for the wealthy, and changing our foreign policy.
And you guys try to compare that to changing your campaign to run off of citizen donations?
For shame.

I just read Jim #1′s post toward the top. He’s an idiot… brainwashed into thinking that Dubya has been “protecting” him. Jim #1… you’re not even bright enough to call yourself a Republican. LOL

If you want to elect a 21st century president who will again make America the most powerful and the most loved country in the world then vote for Obama.
John Mccain is certainly an American hero but he does not have intellectual capacity to lead this powerful nation.
John Mcain can be given a position of great responsibility in a Obama administration for his great service to this nation.

…and he goes laughing to the bank as all you FOOLS donate your money. Wait, I think I can hear him laughing right now! Yes, give him your money. DO IT! All politicans are LIARS..

So much for the “Change” candidate. His true colors are coming out…just another Washington politician. Get ready for the same old tired story. Blame everything on the GOP. Instead of trying to fix the “broken system” he is just going to do as others do. This guy is a real phony. GO BACK TO CHICAGO AND UNITED TRINITY CHURCH BARAK!!
Can we find someone with some guts in this country?

McCain met with Bush and cronies in Phoenix Arizona, and walked out with 23 million in donations from the elite and corporate. He is bought and paid for. Obama works for the people, not corporations.
This change reflects this.
We cannot afford 4 more years of bought and paid for candidates.

Well Scoot, educate me. Who is responsible?

Let me see am I surprised!!! No..not at all. I can’t believe I will be voting for a Republican.

Honestly, funny word to start a post on politicians, but for anyone to act shocked that a politician will do whatever it takes to get elected and to live the life of the “Do as I say, not as I do” parental figure to we the sheep, is comical. Vote based on what is important to you locally, but realize that the decisions made by the POTUS reach globally. Change for the sake of change is change. And not necessarily for the better.

VM: You’re full of it!

OBAMA SUPPORTERS, this is a FLIP FLOP! THIS IS BREAKING A PROMISE! DO YOU GET IT????? I am an Obama supporter and I am very upset with this approach Obama has taken, because to me, its about winning, but under the pretenses that I had believed in. When you support OBAMA no matter what, you look silly, you like Bush supporters, you look like someone in love who could care less what these celebrity politicians do or become. They are here to serve YOU not the other way around, so do not delude yourself that Obama will be the answer to all your prayers and policy hopes, even if you do support him, please!

Obama bought his support of the young by giving away free concert tickets and promissing the world and now wants to be able to raise as much money as it will take to buy the election. He is just like fools gold but you people aren’t bright enough to tell the difference. It will be a very sad day for this country if he gets elected.

I can’t blame Obama for changing his mind. (We are allowed to do that). Hell, McCain has done it more often than anyone else wants to remember.
If the RNC is going to turn a blind eye to the 527s (or whatever they are), then Obama and the DNC need to counter it.

Izzy, Obama is just telling Obamanots what they want to hear to get elected. He has completly changed his position on Iraq since he started running. He knows we cannot just pull out of Iraq when he gets elected, he is slowly adjusting his position so his voters wont notice.

Obama has said that “if there would be a Democratic administration, it will not take any irresponsible, reckless, sudden decisions or action to endanger the gains in Iraq, the achievements, the stability or security. Whatever decision he will reach will be made through close consultation with the Iraqi government and U.S. military commanders in the field.”
Ok ……. so what are we supposed to make of that? The most important issue for this country is terrorism, and our efforts in Iraq are our greatest front in that fight. So here we have a Democrat candidate who is promising his voters a speedy withdrawal … then we have a foreign minister who says a speedy withdrawal would be disastrous … then we have a Democrat candidate who says he is willing to consult with the Iraqi government on how to handle the situation … and then we have an Iraqi government that doesn’t want us to withdraw immediately.
Again, saying anythoing to get elected. Typical Politician.

Jim, because he’s not a liar. The “pledge ” said “you would forego private funding if your opponent agreed.”
McCain did not agree. So Obama is going private funding ALSO.
You see there are loopholes, called 527′s. They are “independent” advertisements that have unlimited funding. So while they won’t say “Vote McCain”, they will just attack Obama with unlimited funding. See also: Swift Boat Liars for truth.
He did not break his pledge, he pledged to forego private funding if his competitor did. His competitor (bought and paid for McCain), naturally refused.

OBAMA supporters, stop defending him, by all accounts he broke a pledge; have you even been following this story at all???? McCain has nothing to do with this, come on! You look so foolish not to challenge your candidate at all, and it is a testament to why so many Dems are longing for Hillary to return — they were never delusional to believe she was squeaky clean, but damn was she fesity and smart, and less of a hypocrite than our adorned Presidential Messiah.

And now, Obama is even more beholding the those corporate dollars he falsy says he isn’t taking!

Personal opinions are just what they are. It’s always easy to coach the game standing on the sidelines but try playing the game you’ll find your comments are limited. Portentous and ignorant remarks only shows the change this country needs to incur.

Obama,you have learned a lot from the Clintons…LOL
Promise anything they want to hear,get the votes,then do as you please!

Obama continues to “flip-flop”. First he was totally against NAFTA, now he thinks its not a “bad idea”. He attacked Hillary because of her support of NAFTA, now he feels the same way. Now, he has opted out of Public Financing for the GE. Could it be that one of his biggest donors, James Sorels (proven anti-semitic) is contributing a lot of money to Obama, along with other questionable donors? Sounds like Obama is setting up promises to these people for when and if he gets into the White House. I’ve always felt Obama has a hidden agenda, and it seems daily now, with his flip-flopping, that he thinks he’s beyond reproach and the “real” Obama is beginning to show its true colors.

John Smith: Then vote for a guy who wouldn’t know the truth if it set on his lap and called him daddy!

Dems should have kept Hilary. I can’t believe how foolish this party is. After the Bush years this election should have been a slam dunk for us.

Republicans get money from corporations, Democrats get money from individuals. That’s why 527′s are unfair. Republicans will get unlimited funding for 527′s.

Jason: How can you possible be so poorly informed?

JOhn Smith, are you blind, go back and read the article again, Obama never talked to the McCain camp before making this decision.

Obama: “I ain’t flip-flopping. I just CHANGED my mind. Ya’ll want CHANGE, ain’t ya? I CHANGE but i don’t flip-flop.”

Jason, Rush wanted to divide the democratic party and have Obama the nominee, dont you know anything

Ron: Obama has downright lied so man times, how can a rational person possible believe he’d deliver on any of his promises?

Obama said… “Senator John McCain (R-AZ) has already pledged to accept this fundraising pledge. If I am the Democratic nominee, I will aggressively pursue an agreement with the Republican nominee to preserve a publicly financed general election.”
McCain pledged to accept and Obama had a more nuanced approach. Let’s all be candid about this… his word is subject to the exigencies of a changing campaign.
This is the same candidate that said of NAFTA: “devastating” and “a big mistake” when he was going after the white-collar vote.
BUT NOW in an interview with FORTUNE he said in response to those statements: “Sometimes during campaigns the rhetoric gets overheated and amplified”. He is now backing off of those statements.
In other words – taking him at his word would just be naive on your part.
Now that’s “change you can believe in!”

Flip-Flop Obama… one of many to come. He’s dishonest…look at the people he hangs with, racist Wright, crooked Tony, Ares the terrorist, Jimmy the Mortgage Johnson..Obama is a sham, con artist, an empty suit.

hey jason, why not you go back a couple months when McCain made it clear he would take public financing and Obama began swirling away. McCain called him out on it and knew from inside his camp that they were backpedeling. You have to be 100 percent crazy if you think McCain would not agree to this, especially with all of his work on campaign finance reform and repeatedely in the press challenging Obama to accept his pledge. I mean just CRAZY!

Billybob, Rush changed his story to wanting Obama to be the candidate when it was clear that Hillary had no chance to win. Until then he supported Hillary.
Essentially no matter who won he would claim that he “wanted them to win.” But his support for Hillary from the get go wavered only when it was obvious she could not win. It’s called saving face.
His story is no more reliable than a psychic who read the news and claimed to have predicted it.

Obama makes Nixon look like a saint!

More flip floppers include those terrible politicians from many southern (and other) states. Many in the ’50s and ’60 were rabid segregationalists, shame on them for flip flopping their political positions under the logic represented in this chat line. What about their poor betrayed constituants? Tsk, tsk more empty rhetoric by politicians.

Same old same old. not even at the convention yet and he’s already breaking one of his first campaign promises.

You Righters and Hillary cry babies are all alike. never read the fine print. Obama did NOT just answer yes. He qualified it in his narrative response. His yes was conditional upon McSameasbush agreeing to his proposition. McSameasbushnearlynothillary chose to go with the GOP327 approach. he now must live with obama’s fundraising ability and suffer the consequences.

This is an editorial article. Not an official story. I think that’s why McCain supporters are so confused.
The “broken pledge” headline is an opinion and not fact. He would’ve only broken the pledge if McCain agreed to forego private funding and he retained it. McCain, forego private funding? Nope. Obama would have, but without both on public funding that is an uneven playing field.
And some simpleton is saying Obama is bad for asking for donations from his supporters? What a laughing stock. You think McCain’s supporters won’t donate? What are you thinking?

Ron-
1. Obama’s stance on tax reform: Increase the amount of tax that Businesses and families earning over $75,000 per year pay. You call that fair – it’s a recipe for HIGH INFLATION AND UNEMPLOYMENT – Sound a lot like the Carter Administration. Obama would be wise to follow John F. Kennedy’s tax reform : Lower taxes increases Revenue
2. Make healthcare available to everyone: Have you ever been to one of those “QuickCare” see a doctor with no appointment needed places? You pay about $40 and don’t need insurance. It sounds great if you have about 5 or 6 hours to wait to be seen. If Obama gives free healthcare it’ll be CHAOS.
3. Bible and Constitution written on the “Same Cloth”? Now your comming to the table with some left-wing talking points. No Republican or Conservative believes that.

Jason, are you going to change to the Republican Party or are you going to pull an Obama and flip flop?

Jason: What exactly is an ‘official story’?

Tax reform are you kidding me. A dyed in the wool Socialist and he is for TAX REFORM. Inclusive of all citizens unless you happen to be a muslim standing near me while I’m running for president. Face it you don’t know this man. Have you even looked at his voting record. Is there really anything there that you take comfort from.
Admit it we should have kept Hilary and actually it’s not to late.

The Obama campaign is smart.
Knows how to fight fire with
fire. Dirty tricks with dirty
tricks. Republicans are getting
beaten to the punch.

“Republicans get money from corporations, Democrats get money from individuals.”
Wow, was this naive. The top three Democrat contenders this year were heavily funded by hedge funds. Hedge funds making a ton off the falling dollar. A falling dollar caused by higher oil prices. Higher oil prices cause by blocking production. Production of 68 million lease acres. Leased acres of mineral rights, not surface rights.
And the hedge funds get richer and the Democrat nominee now announces he will gladly accept every dollar they throw at him.

I was always thought when you pledged something you were giving your Word. ————– How can you change a pledge? ———- Oh that is the change Obama has been talking about ———– Obamas Change = My word is no good

Jason, if you are nominated for president in 2008, why would funding be an Issue???

obama said in oct 2007 that he would accept public financing if he were teh nominee. mccain said he would do the same
obama is such a liar and hypocrite.
nobama

Count the lies and con tricks
McCain and the Republicans
have fooled you with.

patriot—-all good points but then we are dealing with those who won’t see reason.
Fear makes people soooo irrational. 1.6 million samll donors must make the McSame Camp very, very afraid.

A, this is a blog. Read the captions on the left hand side. It’s an editorial, an opinion piece. It’s signed as an individual “-jpt”
Are you seriously that clueless?

Obama lacks experience, judgment and integrity. Open your eyes. He is no agent of real change.

It is interesting to read all these comments from half way around the world and as an observer of all the stupidity that both group of supporters dish out at each other.
-Mr. Obama is a smart man, no denying is necessary. Isn’t he a politician? Yes
Will he change America? Yet to be seen
Supporters will love him no matter what? It looks that way.
Is Mr. McCain a good American? To most of us the man has had a decent and heroic life, yet we read all sorts of insults being hurled at him by Obama supporters. It seems odd to propose civility while hurling insults. Is McCain a politician: Yes, he’s been for aa long time. Will he fix America: Yet to be seen.

This is merely another ‘case and point’ of Obama and his deceitfulness.

Hillary is smiling big time. The “Glen Close of 2008 Election” ain’t dead yet.

xax, Most of McCain’s money comes from corporate lobbyists and PACS. He has not decided to go public money. Could have/would have/should have. He isn’t. That’s the bottom line.
What is there to negotiate about? It’s fairly simple, will you go public money or private? McCain chose private. How can you possibly blame a decision McCain made on Obama not pressuring him enough? That’s just indicative of our nation’s problem with not having personal responsibility.

.
Another item to add to hussein”s one paragraph resume: LIAR.
That can go just just after “twenty-year disciple of rev. “God D@#! America” wright, pal to weathermen terrorists, experienced drug user, partner-in crime to convicted felon Tony Rezko and hijacked the Dem nomination with FEWER votes than Hillary received.”
/

Hey, this is change and he is the agent of change. Unfortunately for him, flip-flop is bad change, or does he not know? When I vote this November, I will have no problem with the flip-flop. John, you are the man. We Americans who designated on our tax returns to have tax dollars contributed to public finance expect this guy to use such funds. For transparency purposes therefore, it is incumbemt upon the government, watchdog, and oversight groups to identify the source and amount of funds he will receive.

Ouch – I’d be embarrassed to call myself an Obama follower today. Maybe tomorrow will be better…..we can HOPE anyway……

Agree with Curious George: Why no mention of McCain’s flip flop on public financing in the primary?? He’s in no position to be lecturing others.

Jon -
GREAT POST!!!

McCain IS participating in the public financing system. Obama unequivocally pledged to do likewise if his opponent did. Broken pledge.
Ah, but it’s okay because everyone knows Republican are dirty scheming little bastards who must be defeated by any means possible. Ends justifies the means.

Mike, you may want to peddle your excuses somewhere else, because no one is buying them.

obama supporter—–Did you read the article you linked to? If so, you must be in a alternate universe.
Obama’s pledge was conditional. Call it “flip flopping” if it hits your talking points but most intellectually honest types would say it was hedging.

Typical McCain, criticize someone for doing the same thing as himself.

Dan—-You seletively read what you want. It’s called “spinning” and it’s all your candidate has.

Thank you, Mike.
People don’t like flip flopping, or a change in opinion, but sometimes it is necessary. And you only look incredibly dumb if you don’t change your mind.
What if our goverment still believed that Iraq attacked us, and that they did have weapons? What if they never accepted the fact that they were wrong . . . and the gov’t kept telling us they were right. What if?!
Haha, it’s reality folks!
Keep in mind, flip flopping isn’t always a bad thing. It takes a strong person to admit you were wrong.

obama supporter—–round and round you go. Read the whole pledge and return with an honest answer.

We NEED a ‘flip flopper’.
Look what happened when Bush was in office, refusing to change his bad decisions or admit he was wrong.
Bush is the proof that changing your mind and being open about the reasons is a good thing.

This seals it. Obama can lie as much as he wants and the faithful will still believe. It’s a cult. Obama is not for the thoughtful voter.

The 527 groups are the special interests that barack is always talking about. He hasn’t accepted anything from them. And he wants to change the laws as far as their political stance. Like seperation of church and state I also believe in seperation of special interests and state

Bankrupt in real idea to offer, McBush is tripping over a non issue. Obama promised to go with public financing provided that McBush did the same. The republicans refused to even enter into agreement. Therefore,he has to go on with what works for him and stay competitive. Good job, Obama.

dudeman—–A conditional promise where the conditions were not met is not breaking a promise.

I am tired of listening to you whiners complaing about why we invaded Iraq. How about humane rights for women. We shouldn’t stop killing these middle east POS until they get the point that this is the 21st century.

I said vote for “change”. I never said what the change was. Welcome to my banana republic, suckers. You got to pay to play, baby.

nixonland, so because one’s wife became old, fat and boring, one can go cheat on her even though they made a vow not to? But she told me she would take care of herself. A promise is a promise, no matter thejustification. Typical bs and semantics from today’s society.

Joe from 2:39:15
NICE SPIN JOE.

I guess Obama has the Wright answer. Lie, Lie and Lie, until you get it Wright.

Obama said… “Senator John McCain (R-AZ) has already pledged to accept this fundraising pledge. If I am the Democratic nominee, I will aggressively pursue an agreement with the Republican nominee to preserve a publicly financed general election.”
Aggressively pursuing means getting a low level spox to meet with another low level guy and then say “no deal” because the 527’s (which no candidate can control) are running amok… how convenient.
McCain called Obama on it last month and the month before, when Obama was sounding soft on the idea. Mr. Hope and Change has had two months to come up with a good excuse and this is what he’s got… stunning!

Since mc cain has flip flopped on every other conceivable issue, why shouldn’t obama flip on this one. I dare say he had no idea that he could raise this much money

Both candidates are self righteous and grandstanding. What McCain did here was call Obama out knowing this would happen. I suspect world leaders will do the same thing to Obama if he is to be elected.
McCain/Feingold was one of the dumbest ideas put into law. Fortunately for McCain, Obama agrees with it.

“Since mc cain has flip flopped on every other conceivable issue, why shouldn’t obama flip on this one”
Typical logic of today’s society.

Both republicans and democrats love to spend your money. The difference is Repubs love to spend it on wars and rebuilding of some faraway lands, while dems love to spend it here at home helping out struggling Americans. it is your choice.

You can tell when Obama lies, his purple lips are moving.

Sen. Obama is right. The ultra-right and their henchmen will take every opportunity to “Swift Boat” this candidacy. Thanks to large loopholes in the McCain-Feingold systemt, the 527′s are not restrained and are still able to smear their opponents with impunity. The 1.4 million everyday people who have been supportiung Sen. Obama deserve an even playing field.
This time, this campaign will be fair -for a change.

But Obama LIED. Impeach!

A: Just another way for the democrats to get their hands on EVERYONE’S money.

It’s very suspective how Obama can raise such big money. Blacks and students cannot contribute that much to him. Mccain and Hillary should hire best detective lawyer to probe anything illegal and fire lawsuits on it.
The best way to win election is to make your rivals disquilify on the competetion. It’s they way how Obama won before. Why don’t Mccain or Hillary buy it?

Rev. Wright was correct, Obama is a “typical” politician.

Of course Obama rejects the money, because Rezko has set aside enough with Soros and all his liberal friends to allow him to spend as much as needed to cover his lies and his background. They have already bought off the mainstream press and now they will make offers that no one can refuse to put a man with a shady past linked to terrorists, criminals, communists, racists, etc. in the White house so they can constinue to destroy this country.

Typical of any and all politicians whether they be democrat, republican or some other fringe group.
Say one thing to get the votes, do another once you have them. This should make you sick – if it doesn’t you are almost as guilty as the politician.
Sadly, they are all pieces of garbage.

foxisms
Taking large corporate donations obligates a candidate. And Obama has many very large corporate income streams heading his way. Selling his soul isn’t surprising.

Poor GOP. Upset because Obama wouldn’t fall for the old Bait and Switch. Obama would have had to been insane to buy into public financing at this point and the GOP knows it. So they try to present a lose lose situation: Take public financing and we drown you with 527 support and our RNC deep pockets or Don’t take public financing and we smear you and call you a flip flopper and say how opting out will ” have far-reaching and extraordinary consequences that will weaken and undermine the public financing system” What spin. What a sucker deal.

I was just starting to think Obama was not such a bad guy but this just pushed me firmly behind McCain.
This is despicable.

Don’t expect the mainstream media to cover this one fairly.
All reports I’ve read so far focus on Obama’s “groundbreaking” fundraising efforts, not his lying.
And when the media does point out the contradiction, they only frame it as “McCain says Obama lied”.
It’s not “McCain says”. It IS a lie.
Obama is just another typical politican. And the swooning media will not cover this gross reversal fairly.

Obama supporting organizations such as Moveonorg. and Code Pink are classified as 527′s, so it is a LIE to say that Obama is not taking help from 527′s. Obama is BUYING this election. Who is in charge of the voting machines in VA and other highly contested states? They better check and make sure they are not “fixed” to all vote Obama in November.

When will Obama rein in the lefty 527′s like MoveOn.org or the unions? Those 527′s are ok because they support Obama, 527′s that support McCain are bad. Obama good, McCain bad. Pretty simple reasoning from the Obama camp. The dem party has become such a personality cult that I had to leave. And then to have Obama be just another phony baloney was the last straw. I’m registering as an independant.

What astonishes me about this is that Obama will go back on his promise because of a need to combat Republicans, “…opponents who’ve become masters at gaming the broken system.”
He had to know the system was broken when he made his pledge, but it seems he was unaware that his opponent would be a Republican.
FlipFlop!!!

At least Osama doesn’t continually change his mind. With him, we at least know what to expect. With Obama, it’s whatever way the dollars flow.
What a wooden puppet!

Politics went bad (again) under bill clinton and his endless lies ignored by liberals and the media.

Jimbo: I agree that Obama would be a 2nd Jimmy Carter with one big exception. Carter was an honorable politician with integrity. Obama is corrupt.

If McCain won’t why should Obama? This isn’t news worthy at all actually. Obama should play fair while McCains neocons flood airwaves with lies?

Sean -
McCain has not stated that he would forego public funds in the General Election. What don’t you understand? This is the first time since 1976 a candidate has said no to public funds.
Wake-Up and stop spewing what you hear and start learning for yourself.

Obama Supporter——Keep up with the same nonsense. McSame broke his own financing law and now says Obama is a typical politician?
Keep trying though. There’s some nice consolation prizes when you finally give up.

Obama Supporter—–If you do not understand a conditional pledge you should stop commenting.

nixNNonland-
McCain broke his own financing law? Really? A court found him guilty of this? Is that why it’s front page news? NO!
Your boy has done what no politician has done since the system was created in 1976 – Decided to go private; After he said only if McCain did.
News Alert: McCain has not said he wouldn’t participate in public financing.
THANKS FOR PLAYING; PLEASE TRY AGAIN

OBama Supporter—–Your beloved maverick accepted a loan against public financing when his campaign coffers were empty. This was in violation of McCain-Feingold. He’s now being sued and the FEC will decide soon enough.

nixNNonland -
At BEST, McCain will have to pay it back. NO CRIME THERE. And he still is going with Public Funds.

Obama Supporter—–You are one a one trick pony aren’t you? What part of this don’t you get?
In February 2007, I proposed a novel way to preserve the strength of the public financing system in the 2008 election. My plan requires both major party candidates to agree on a fundraising truce, return excess money from donors, and stay within the public financing system for the general election. My proposal followed announcements by some presidential candidates that they would forgo public financing so they could raise unlimited funds in the general election. The Federal Election Commission ruled the proposal legal, and Senator John McCain (R-AZ) has already pledged to accept this fundraising pledge. If I am the Democratic nominee, I will aggressively pursue an agreement with the Republican nominee to preserve a publicly financed general election.”

Obama Supporter—-At best? It’s not a matter of paying it back. That’s a given.
It’s his playing both sides of the fence with his own law. It. is. illegal. YOur maverick knew this but did it anyway.

Obama Supporter—-The Tribune article sound a lot like bitter Clintonites.
Obama is a politician. I never said otherwise. Getting ahead in that snakepit requires throwing some elbows.

nixnNNonland-
Obama said:”If I am the Democratic nominee, I will aggressively pursue an agreement with the Republican nominee to preserve a publicly financed general election.”
Again, McCain has not opted out. He had his lawyers show up with McCains lawyers, and Obama’s team said the meeting was fruitless. So are we to expect this type of negotiations when it comes to foriegn policy?
Sounds like another political stunt that got him into public life in the first place.
Again, what’s your argument; McCain has not opted out of public funds.

Wow a politician changed his mind on something that says he will not uncessesarily spend our tax money, because he raised money on his own? Besides a partisan www (wrong wing wacko) – who the heck would have a problem with that!

Good for OBAMA – We have to get the TRAITOR ELITES out of power now.
The system has been so gamed and exploited by the Republican elites that it is effectively broken.
John McCain, the Republican National Committee, and their allies in so-called 527 groups that raise and spend unlimited contributions are dedicated to manipulating this broken system to raise as much money as possible — and they’ve proven that they’re very good at it.
A top McCain adviser told MSNBC earlier this month, “now that we’re in the general election, the RNC money counts, the DNC money counts. So the truth is today, John McCain has more cash on hand and more money than Barack Obama does.”
In April alone, they raised nearly $45 million. That’s more than our campaign and the Democratic National Committee combined. And that doesn’t include the plans of 527 groups like the one called “Freedom’s Watch,” which has said it will spend as much as $250 million under Karl Rove’s direction to attack and defeat Barack Obama.
To compete, Barack has MADE A SMART CHOICE and will let the AMERICAN PEOPLE JOIN TOGETHER and give what they can afford. That’s been the strategy of his campaign from the beginning…. and it is working.
We have to get the TRAITOR ELITES out of power now.

Oh, misnamed Obama Supporter, there is a world of difference between some Repub 527′s (think swiftboating of Kerry) and moveon who tends to show actual video clips and give real news sources.

Good for OBAMA – We have to get the TRAITOR ELITES out of power now.
McCain SOLD OUT long ago — just because your a military family and you get tortured – does not make you a GOOD person. He left the crippled mother of his children for MONEY MONEY MONEY and POWER.
He is a smooth talking TRAITOR.

(not) Obama Supporter, I wasn’t born yesterday. Just as there is a huge difference in news organizations, (Wall Street Journal vs. The Daily Star) there is a huge difference is the integrity and honesty of 527′s.

So the race-baiting obamination has lied once again, and gone back on a promise…
what’s new?
chicago politics, is not new.
It’s the dirtiest kind there is.

This is great, if those politicians will not spend our tax money just for campaign that will be great for our country. That means we can use this money for the victims of the flood in the Midwest and Louisiana. So for all the people that whines about this stop whining and be greatful we have some money to spend for the needy.

This will not hurt Democrats, only Republicans! Go Obama!

Barack Obama is an absolute godsend for the Republicans. If anybody (and I mean anybody) else had been nominated by the Democrats, McCain would already be defeated…

McOld is unelectable, not Obama, get your facts right! Let’s not get caught up in technicalities, it’s either a hundred year war or Obama…I pick Obama!

Lydia-
You know sites like DailyKos and Democratic Underground don’t support free speech; what’s your thoughts on that?

Vote Socialist, Vote Obama.
Prepare for a tax reaming like you’ve never experienced before if these Socialists get complete control. Yes Democrats you are Socialists.

kmpk,
They aren’t socialists, they’re communists. If these jokers get in, it’s time for anybody gainfully employed to immediately retire, move to ecuador, take up citizenship there, renounce US citizenship & then say come try & take my money if you can (US citizens are liable for income taxes for 10 years even after renouncing citizenship…). America, what a country.
We defeated communism once. Why do we need to fight it again on our own shores?

Obama has met privately with the NAACP and ACLU and promised slavery reparations to African-Americans! He plans on using the funds saved from the Iraq war, the windfall tax to oil companies, and a tax on all hard working Americans to fund this slavery reparations program.

Is this his habit or he doesn’t know what to do?

“Since mc cain has flip flopped on every other conceivable issue, why shouldn’t obama flip on this one. I dare say he had no idea that he could raise this much money” – Lord of War
Is the type of standards you teach your children? Someone else’s misdeeds make mine ok? Try that if you get pulled over for speeding, or run a stop light. The problem here is that Barry portrays himself as a new type of politician when he is really just the same old kind of politician. Your statement that “he had no idea that he could raise this much money” proves that point. He does what is the best political move, just like every other politician.
Being good at being an underhanded politician isn’t a good thing.

ANYONE WHO HAS BOUGHT THIS SNAKE-CHARMER’S PITHY SLOGANS AND B.S. RHETORIC, CONSIDER YOURSELF A COMPLETE IDIOT!
HIS LIES AND ALWAYS CHOOSING THE SUPPOSED POPULAR CHOICES ARE DOWNRIGHT SCARY AND DANGEROUS.
*CAPITAL GAINS TAXES AROUND 28%!!!????
*PULL TROOPS OUT OF IRAQ IMMEDIATELY!!!???
OH MY GOD!!!! WAKE UP, THIS GUY IS A HORRIBLE REINCARNATION OF JIMMY CARTER, ONLY WORSE!!!!!!

Obama would have been crazy not to change his mind. We already have an idiot for a President.
I like the fact that Obama realized that he had a huge edge over McCain. This is smart. Even Republicans are using the way he raised money as a blue print for future campaigns. This guy has come out of nowhere to out organize and fund raise over so-called “more experienced” candidates.
McSame was out of money before the primaries started. And he’s running around talking about fiscal responsibility.

Hypocrite… my vote was up for grabs, but Obama has just proven to me he is far from a man of his word. He promises change and then reverts to old politics……..
Stop lying. Anyone who would be so easily misled by spin could not have been an Obama supporter. His supporters are smarter than that.

FB from NJ,
I don’t even know anymore what the meaning of his “Change”
Maybe because ” Change you can believe in”
He can change it anytime he wants.
Or,,,Change from Rep to Dem?

Ted Sampley, one of the founders of Swiftboat Veterans For Truth has even said of John McCain (quote): “THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THIS GUY,AND LET ME TELL YOU WHAT IT IS:___ DECEIT.” (end quote) And even billionaire H Ross Perot believes the American people have been TAKEN IN by a man who is unusually slick and cruel – even by modern standards OF POLITICS.

On the eve of Obama’s first public office election he had his lawyer friends go to the board of elections office and challenge the signatures gathered by his two opposition candidates (one of which was the incumbent). A minimal number of signatures were required to allow their names to be on the ballot. Obama’s lawyers had enough signatures removed so that both opposing candidates were removed from the ballot and Obama was allowed to run, and win, unopposed. What a champion of democracy!!! This guy was a slippery snake from the very beginning, and so many of you lemmings are buying into him because he comes in a shiny package. (Look up the story on CNN if you doubt me.)

Obama appears to be an impostor proped up by biased news media personalties thet can’t exercise a modicum of professionalism. Obama is an Islamic apostate according to the excellent journalism embobied in a March 16, 2007 investigative report by Paul Watson of the Los Angeles Times that should be read by all who claim that Obama has always been a Christian.
Obama has lied about many things besides campaign finance. He lied by saying he was conceived in 1965 following the Selma march, but he was born on August 4, 1961. He lied to AIPAC in his recent speech. He lied that he never practiced Islam, when the Watso report is bristled with eye-witnesses accounts that belie Obama’s false claim to the American people. Obama appears to lack any integrity. How can we trust a person who change religions and lied about it to gain office when we a threatened by radical Islam and radical Black Liberation Theology, which is a racist ideology masquerading as theology. Obama is adisciple of Louis Farrakhan, who like Obama’s first cousin Raila Odinga, is being bankrolled by Libyan madman Muammar Gaddafi.

Julie Give it a break. Obama takes way more money from Hedge Fund managers then McCain. Obama has taken money from Citigroup, JP Morgan Chase, UBS,
Exelon. British Petroleum, Exxon Mobil and so on. The Dems are the Wall Street darlings this year, not the Republicans. Even those candidates who take money directly from lobbyists only make up about 1% of their campaign funds- so it was no big sacrifice on Obama’s part. Obama fails to mention though that he takes money from “advisors” and “consultants” to lobbyists ( a nice slick way to get around taking “lobbyist” money) and “bundled” money from friends and family of lobbyists. Gee, Obama just pulled out of public financing- so much for change and new politics- and backed off NAFTA all within 24 hours. He appointed a bunch of representatives from Wall Street on his Economic Policy group and caved to AIPAC on Iran. I wouldn’t get your hopes up too much for that big change to come.

Yeah but let’s not forget whatever money he does raise it’s still America’s voice being heard as Obama is not accepting money from lobbyists or political action committees.

after release of the statement, obama was quoted to say “wow, that doesn’t sound like the barack obama i have known the last 47 years, pulling something like that….”
maybe with all that NON-public money, he can purchase an idea that isn’t a retread from the carter administration. THAT would be a change.

So this is the “Change We Can Believe In”.
With Wall Street in the tank for him, why am I SO not surprised.

Mike_B: Not taking money from lobbyists and PACS? Where in the world have you been? He takes money from both and half his staff are lobbyists.

Wow the right wing folks out on this blog in full force. Truthfully who cares if he opts in or out of Public Financing? He tried to make an agreement with McCain to ban 527s and other groups, but was rebuffed. So he did what he had to do.
OBAMA 08!!

Foxbat40,
There is nothing to do with Hillary.
Pls Don’t blame Hillary for his decision.

Obama’s reasoning is sound. Obama has always said he would only do public financing if it was fair. McCain and RNC have already shown that they will not agree to a fair playing field so Obama has no choice.

Mike,
You said that offshore drilling won’t lower prices. If not what will and why have they gone up?
The answer is that an increase in the amount of oil will lower the price of gas. It’s called supply and demand. We also need to drill in ANWR which would lower the price of gas and lessen our need for middle east oil.
Also, do you know that the total “above ground foot print” in ANWR will only be 3 square miles and they will only drive in and out of ANWR during the winter when the roads are frozen and no damage will be done do the landscape.
In the world we live in today, how can you not support the drilling of U.S oil. It will lower the cost and we will be more self reliant and it may give us a 15 year window to develope alternative energy.

Obama is a puppet. When someone isn’t pulling his strings, he flops. When the ventriloquist stops whispering, he flops.
That makes him a flop-flop!

Good point.
“Don’t listen to what he says; watch what he does.”
Turns out Obama is a moderate that works well within a broken system, turning the system for the benefit of the people.
Bravo, Obama.
It’s so funny how so many people trash Obama for being too “liberal,” yet he’s willing to pass up a government hand-out to empower the little guy. This move is about as Libertarian as you can expect from a statist-democrat. In fact, it’s WAY MORE Libertarian than anything going on in either of the big two political parties.
Obama certainly is no Libertarian, but he’s one of the best friends the Libertarians have in either major party.
Why aren’t people pointing out that Obama just saved the US Taxpayers over 80 million dollars? Yes, it’s just a drop in the bucket, but it’s the first drop of many he will support in filling the bucket that Bush emptied.
I find it amusing how the Democrat-bashers fail to notice that this “liberal” just turned down a government hand-out, and it’s the Republican that is funding his campaign on the backs of the US Taxpayers. If seeing a liberal leaning toward Libertarian ideals isn’t real CHANGE, then I don’t know what is.

I feel that Obama did just the right thing. He is playing the Republican game. Republicans are the enemy – Hillary was a friend who was bitter. There is earth and sky difference in that. I also believe that Obama should tone down his anger a bit. He is shouting to the point of losing his pich and rhythm, and that can turn some voters away. I do not want republicans to vote for him. There is a large mass of African-Americans who will drove en-mass that will ensure Obama win by 57% to 41% margin, 2% liberterian /Nader/ Paul fringe. Note my words June-19-2008 6:13pm.

People please wake up and see that Obama is wrong for our country.

Change is good. Change allows you to adapt to the forever changing environment, survive, thrive, and grow. And if something in the environment is broken, it’s reasonable to fix it before you use it. That’s just plain common sense. But if you sit still, or do the same thing over and over in a changing environment, then most likely you’ll be passed by and left behind. You have to move and adapt to live. Most sensible, reasonable people know that.

Bennet,
Obama didn’t turn down government funds based on principle, he turned them down because he can get more form private funding.
If you think he is a lebratarian you have a big shock comming. He is going to increase the size of government faster then we have ever seen, and he will do that by increasing taxes.

Curious…So where is Obama getting all his money? And from whom? Please don’t push the “grassroots effort” line. Politicians don’t raise millions upon millions of dollars from average folks who are just getting by themselves. It appears the only “Change” Obama is going to give us is “Spare Change.”

What so pathetic is the Kool-aid drinkers will likely keep making excuses for his lying, back-tracking, no-policy behind IF he gets elected because…
‘He’s So Well-Spoken!And So Handsome!And Makes Us Feel Happy!

Obama is a jerk! That sums it up.

Curt: Agreed..no silver bullet. It would have to be a culmonation of changes included changing our energy consumption habits as well. But even if off-Shore / ANWR were approved today…we wouldn’t see any oil begin to hit the world market for at least another 5 to 8 years.
You might find this site interesting..it is were I get the majority of my information: http://www.eia.doe.gov/

“Republicans are the enemy ” -say_something
You are exactly the problem with our political system. There should be no “enemy” there should be opposing points of view. I’d be willing to bet you actually harbor hatred for anyone with a R by their name. I don’t hate Obama, I just don’t trust him.
His associations speak for who he is. I don’t know if he agrees with Ayers, or Wright but I do know he was willing to look past their political views and use them for political advantage. And to discard them when it was politically advantagous to do so.
I don’t particularly like McCain either. But given the choice between a flawed politician and a conniving, oportunistic one, I’ll take the flawed one.

Can anyone say liar? Once again he shows he can be trusted to do what he says.

Any fool can lie to the American people. Any fool can be bought , like obama.
Any fool can say , I was against the war.
Any fool can deny the war is working .
obama sure looks like a FOOL. He is just missing the Jesters hat

I hope there is a strict accounting for all the money he is raising and make sure he is not going to pocket it for himself. Imagine how so much money can (turn ones head)money can be hidden here and there. He is such a liar, says whatever, How can anyone trust OBama.

Come on Bennett,
I don’t like defencing McCain but you have to be kidding. THe only people that can get a tax reduction are the upper middle class and the rich. The bottum 50% of income earners pay NO taxes. The top 10% of tax payers pay jsut over 70% of all income taxes.
Incase you have forgot, Jimmy carter was the lst President that substantially increased income taxes and that helped creat the one of the worst economies in modern history. Also, every time we have a president come into office and lower the tax rate the economy is stimulated. So, doesn’t it makes sense that raising the tax rate will slow the economy. When Regan lowered the tax rate the amount of money the government received in tax revenue increased. Why, because the U.S. economy improved substantially. Why can’t you Lib’s look at history and learn?

Oh, I see. The “change” Obama talks about is his change of mind. He just “hopes” he’ll continue to get a pass and a free ride. What a fraud!

Obama will not get elected..by November all the skeletons will be out of the closet and he will have worn his flip flop sandals so much that McCain will look like a saint!! McCain gets my vote! And I have never heard anyone say that would vote for him! And the polls are measured by 1000 people questioned…who knows what color they are, or what area they polled! The polls mean nothing!!!

OneAmericanCitizen,
“He can turn on a dime and leave you “haters” in the dust. He doesn’t lie, he doesn’t flip flop and he doesn’t break promises: he just changes his mind.”
It’s ok for him to do that but as soon as his opponents do he cries foul. No other politician would get away with it.

Remember when we said we had the technology to produce synthetic oil from coal, the price of oil dropped from $30 to $8 dollars a barrel. We have the Chinese and Vietnam drilling off our coast and we all know how environmentally conscience they are. It seems like Americans and Congress are suicidal. Next we will have Obama raise taxes on companies and either send them off-shore or out of business, kow-tow to the Al Gore nut jobs, give us rationed healthcare, give all terrorist in the world who have never step foot in this country rights to our court system (guess who gets to pay), illegals will be given SSI, healthcare, education (guess who gets to pay). When the lunatics take over the asylum.

Hey Obama,
There are no Super delegates to buy off this time!

“Lets face it’s either Integrity or Bush 3. The high road or the low road!”
This is a typical tactic. Name call and demonize the opponent. Also, this has nothing to do with the article, but you just can’t stand someone saying something bad about your beloved. It’s all emotion and no logic. Saying the man who throws his pastor under the bus for political gain (let’s be honest, he’s always known what Wright thought) is not a halmark of integrity.
Also, he should probably run against McCain and not Bush (another popular tactic. It’s called the straw man argument).

The problem is the Political Class. While it usually takes many years for a politician to become corrupted, Obama has achieved it more quickly than most. Term Limits. In Obama’s case no more terms.

I am not excited about Senator Obama reversing himself. Please do not worry the news media will give him another pass. Remember he out spent Senator Clinton 2 to 1 in Ohio, Texas, South Dakota, Indina shall I keep going. In short Sheator Obama loss all the above primaries. The above just proves that no matter how much you spend you cannot buy an election.

Obama is everything that is wrong with our politicians today. Say one thing when it is convenient to do so and then flip flop. Rev. Wright was right on one thing, he will say what he has to say as a politician. This man is no better than any other politician.

“As one of the 1.5 million plus individuals that have given small amounts to the Obama campaign, I’m glad he’s backed out of public financing. That is change, and it’s closer to true public financing than the current system has been in years.
Besides – we do not need another president that will “stay the course” no matter how stupid that particular course may have become, or how much proof has piled up that he was wrong. 8 years of that was enough.” – Sarah
Again, you’re making excuses for his breaking of promises to you. His promise was not to McCain, it was to you (since McCain wasn’t the nominee when he made the promise). I understand the impulse to want to give him a pass as you are already invested in him personally and his failure, in your mind will be your own (this goes back to the whole team mentality that has developed in American politics). But facts are facts. He has no problem doing whatever is necessary to get elected, and that should bother you.
Also, Bush is irrelvant to this discussion (except as a diversionary “straw man”). And Bush didn’t “stay the course” because he didn’t want to change his mind. He believes that Iraq can be a functioning democracy and that it becoming one is in our best interests. You can disagree, but he isn’t just sticking with his poisition because he doesn’t want to change his mind.

Given Obama’s incessant changes of mind, how can any rational person believe he’ll keep his campaign promises. ANSWER: No rational person believes he’d keep his campaign promises.

a flip-flop?
when will the media do AT LEAST 1 story on McCain’s flip-flops? why is the media giving McCain a free ride?
AND…why is Stephanopoulus carrying the water for Republicans?

Obama: “Change we can believe in”. Change after change after change!

anon: WRONG!

tony garcia
Why so?

Bush destroyed US economy of 340 billion SURPLUS, and will hand us $4,900,000,000,000 of debt created in less than 8 years. I bet Obama wins and the whole neocon-led industry dumps the Wall street market, leading to the so-prophecysed apocalypse. That is the game underway.

McCain has been elected by people of Arizona for 25 years for delivering nothing..so says John McCain himself. He delivers no bridges, roads, parks, water system to the Arizona. But was involved in rescuing his buddy from Saving & Loans disaster of 1989. I know he is not fit to take on the stress of presidency at age of 72. It will be too convenient for him to say I forgot. America does not deserve another lying SOB, sometimes termed flip-flopper by his republican colleagues.

America does not deserve another lying SOB, sometimes termed flip-flopper by his republican colleagues.
Posted by: Question Every Motives
Well then I guess we shouldn’t vote Obama either. Neither candidate is anything we should want running our country.

Obama is a hypocrite, charlatan and a con artist. Nothing surprising here.

“McCain has been elected by people of Arizona for 25 years for delivering nothing.”
Hmmmm … If he’s really delivered nothing, how is it that he’s managed to get re-elected so often? I guess maybe it’s because the people of Arizona are just a bunch of ignorant hicks like the people of Pennsylvania who are “clinging to their guns & religion”, huh?

So no one bothered to read the so-called pledge? “If you are nominated for President in 2008 and your MAJOR OPPONENTS AGREE TO FOREGO private funding in the general election campaign, will you participate in the presidential public financing system?” McCain did not pledge to forego private funding, so there was no pledge for Obama to “go back on.” You’re either intellectually dishonest or illiterate. Grow up.

freebird,
What don’t you understand? The McCain campaign has alreadt agreed to forgo private funding.
Obama is going to get hammered on this issue at every debate.

Why should we expect Obama to keep his word on campaign financing? The kid is a liar, his friends are racists or anti-American, when they are exposed he disowns them, but only when they are exposed.
Obama talks the talk but when it comes to walking the walk he falls short every time. We finally get a candidate that can talk, but that’s all, such a shame. For these reasons and more McCain will win the election and the democrats will do what they do best hate, instead of Mr. Bush it will be Mr. McCain. They will come up with many reasons for their loss, none of them true mind you, but something to justify spending millions of dollars on 16 month senator with no management experience. Obama’s excels at quarter backing others, no one does it better, but that is not enough to become president of the United States. A loser is a loser.

I love the fact that your smart Dem elect has paid attention to the negative press he has placed on himself. I’ll bet when the smoke clears, you will find most of his advisors are Republican. This is pretty much over.

It’s too funny listening to repubs whine cause they know McLame can’t possibly raise near the amt of money Obama can. HAHAHAHA!! Keep Whining Repubs –I can’t get enough!!!This is GREAT!!

A suggestion to both Democrats and Repulicans who love America. Arm yourselves now. The announcement yesterday (from a Dem representative) that we need sieze the refineries (he used the word nationalize) have in mind. Marxism, socialism, communism, whatever you want to call it has been synonymous with “Democrat” for as long as I can recall.
It looks like McCain has thrown in the towel and will let the Democrats purchase the presidency (with the “subjects” that will be ruled paying for it).
While I am proudly “Unaffiliated”, I am certain that those that buy Barrack Hussein Obama’s presidency and/or vote for him will be VERY VERY sorry about the results. It’s not rocket scientry to realize what his adgenda is.
ARM YOURSELVES TO THE TEETH so we can take America back from the “Comrades”

Wonder how Edwards feels about Obama’s decision.

Um hello, Obama is accepting Public funds; he’s just accepting FEDERAL public funds. Meaning he’s not taking public money that is gathered by the federal government and is instead using the small donor system he used during the primary season. If the system he used during the primary season, where he asked his supporters to donate what they could anywhere from 5.00 to 10.00 dollars or more, pretty much whatever they could afford to give. If money like that gathered from everyday people like you and me isn’t public funding I don’t know what is, and if people who criticize him for back out of the federal system would just sit down and think they’d realize that he hasn’t really backed away from public funding he’s just taking a different approach to getting it.

Um hello Logical Thinker. Have you read what you just wrote? That is the difference! The money Obama is recieving ISN’T from the same source.

Through the bundlers set up by oil corporations, and subprime lenders, they bought Obama and Obama pretends to buy the elections. DNC, August is not here yet, obama is nothing but the worst kind of politician a liar and a sold out.

And if Obama is elected:
I know I said I was going to lower taxes, but the tax system is broken.
I know I said National Health Care, but the health care system is broken.
I know I said I would end the war and bring the troops home, but the war-ending system is broken.
You know, like the public financing system is broken. If he has it all together, why do I get emails begging money from his campaign everyday? It’s nice to know that he cares so much about us, but he would prefer to take our hard scraped together dollars than take public financing that is available to him. About the last thing we need is to see more political ads on tv in the first place. If Americans don’t already know who they are voting for, they haven’t been paying attention.

I have a question here.
It’s real.
Somebody knocked my door and asked for donation.
He said he was from Obama campaign.
Is this a fraud or real?
I only know we can donate thru online.
Who should I contact?
Thanks

I think people are acting voraciously specious in this situation. Obama saw that the disadvantages to his campaign because of public financing outweighed his troth or previous position. The Republicans have been sheepishly cozened with the system. So Obama has prudently decided to manumit himself from that cumbersome situation.

For a long time we have known that Obama is a liar! He has no track record to back his promises he made through the primaries; and when not reading the script, he has shown that he knows nothing about American history, foreign policy, the tax, and the war; now he broke another word he promised. It’s no surprise at all. Do we really want a president like Obama??? Affirmative Action has given Obama the chance to get into Harvard and Columbia Univ., but is the Presidency the place for Affirmative Action at such a tough time for this nation???

Where in the world is Michelle Obama, and what does she hate about America today? Isn’t “change” wonderful? Obama changes positions, promisses, allegiances and principles as a baby changes diapers. Obama is the worst kind of politician, a two faces cynic and corrupt. DNC made a big mistake with this “affirmative Action” experiment. Write Hillary on the ballot and wait for 2012, we are dommed for the next 4 years.

Write Hillary on the ballot and wait for 2012, we are dommed for the next 4 years.

Is it not the duty of journalist to sift through the rhetoric and provide the context for the statement made by officals and news worhy sources? The was not been clearly done in this story about Obama. You insult me and all rational people by not doing your job properly. This is what made Tim Russert a beacon in his profession.
If this is too dffcult for you to understand then here it is. It seems that the whole Obama statement was a condional promise. If the Republican candidate did this then he would do this as well. The Republican candidate went back and forth on the issue and only has now said that he would take public finance after Obama made his anouncement at the eleventh hour. Is there not a case pending there this same republican said that the would take public finance and then changed his mind when private finance became more available?
ABC news is clearly anti Obama biased.

McCain is playing the system. He has organized a way for individual donors to give up to $73,000.00 each by giving to the Republican National Committee. McCain then uses the RNC money to attack Obama. So McCain takes the taxpayers’ money ($84,000,000.00) then uses extra funds in the RNC, as much as he can collect, to attack Obama.
Obama just nullified this plan by the GOP and McCain.
The news media never explains this situation and McCain’s plan in a very simple manner.

Why should Obama Limit himself to the 80 million dollars when he could get 500 Million? You have to remember obama wont just be fighting mccain but the entire RNC and their 527 groups, now obama will have to money to play in all 50 states and respond to lies from the 527′s Go!! Obama !!!

I’m voting Democrat because I care about the real victims of crime — criminals.
I’m voting Democrat because everyone deserves crappy healthcare. Sure, you’ll have to wait years for that life-saving cancer surgery. But it’s first come, first served at the cemetery!
I’m voting Democrat because I believe in minority rights (except in Muslim countries), free speech (with regard to pornography but not conservative talk radio), environmentalism (unless we’re talking about Al Gore’s house) and diplomacy (but never backed by the threat of military force).
I’m voting Democrat because I like the words “hope” and “change.” Also “kazoo.” That’s a funny word.
I’m voting Democrat because I believe that America’s founders were rich, white, greedy xenophobes, and that America’s founding principles are hogwash requiring periodic editing from an unelected group of liberal judges.
Most of all, I’m voting Democrat because I like the ideas they have over in France, but I don’t feel like moving there. I’ll threaten to move, but I really won’t. After all, I have a good job, healthcare, lower taxes, free speech and a social framework that promotes family structure. And all of it is defended by the most effective fighting force on the planet.
If only the institution of far-left values resulted in a great country. Oh, well. That won’t stop me from voting Democrat, though. After all, I’m voting Democrat because thought isn’t one of my strong suits.

“Barack Obama has attended Wright’s sermons for over twenty years. By his own admission, Obama consults with Wright before making any “bold political decisions.” Obama calls Wright his “spiritual advisor.” He calls Wright one of his prime mentors. Obama got the title of his book, “The Audacity of Hope,” from a Wright sermon of the same name. He says that Wright was extremely important in shaping his life and his views. Obama and his wife were married by Rev. Wright. Reverend Wright baptized Obama’s daughters. Barack Obama donated over $20,000 to Wright’s church in 2006. He continues attending services in Wright’s church.”- antiprotester.blogspot.com
Barack H.Obama wrote these words in “‘Dreams of My Father,” — “I found solace in nursing a pervasive sense of grievance and animosity against my mother’s race.” His mother is white.
Hillary has her Bosnia lie and Obama has….
( From “newsbusters.org”)
1). Will Obama get the same media treatment with his lies? Don’t hold your breath. In a speech to a Selma, Alabama crowd meant to pump up his civil-rights movement authenticity and his Kennedy Camelot image, Barack Obama claimed that the Kennedy administration paid for his Kenyan father to travel to America on a student scholarship and therefore was responsible for his “very existence”. However, the first march on Selma took place on March 7, 1965. Obama would have been about three and half years old at that time. For some reason the media never did the math on this.
2). Obama’s Selma speech offers a very confused chronology of both the Kenya student program and the civil rights movement. Relating the story of how his parents met, Obama said: “There was something stirring across the country because of what happened in Selma, Alabama, because some folks are willing to march across a bridge. So they got together and Barack Obama Junior was born. So don’t tell me I don’t have a claim on Selma, Alabama.”
…. bloggers pointed out that the Selma bridge protest occurred four years after Obama’s birth.
3). (From “freedomsenemies.com”) In his memoir, Obama writes of one of the watershed moments of his racial awareness — time and again in remarkable detail. It is a story about a Life magazine article that influenced him. The report was about a black man who tried to bleach his skin white. When Obama was told no such article could be found in Life, he says “it might have been Ebony.
He is 9 years old, living in Indonesia, where he and his mother moved with her new husband, Lolo Soetoro, a few years earlier. One day while visiting his mother, who was working at the U.S. Embassy in Jakarta, Obama passed time by looking through several issues of Life magazine. He came across an article that he later would describe as feeling like an “ambush attack.”
The article included photos of a black man who had destroyed his skin with powerful chemical lighteners that promised to make him white. Instead, the chemicals had peeled off much of his skin, leaving him sad and scarred, Obama recalled.
“I imagine other black children, then and now, undergoing similar moments of revelation,” Obama wrote of the magazine photos in “Dreams.”
Yet no such photo exists, according to historians at the magazine. No such photos, no such article. When asked about the discrepancy, Obama said in a recent interview, “It might have been an Ebony or it might have been … who knows what it was?” (At the request of the Tribune, archivists at Ebony searched their catalogue of past articles, none of which matched what Obama recalled.)
In fact, it is surprising, based on interviews with more than two dozen people who knew Obama during his nearly four years in Indonesia, that it would take a photograph in a magazine to make him conscious of the fact that some people might treat him differently in part because of the color of his skin.
4). Barack Obama in 2003, talking to the AFL/CIO:
“I happen to be a proponent of single-payer universal healthcare coverage. That’s what I’d like to see.”
In January, 2008, Obama claimed in a nationally televised debate:
“I never said that we should try to go ahead and get single-payer.”
5). Responding to questions about his intent to serve out the six year senate term, Obama says, in this video, (link removed), that he will not run for the presidency in four years.
Notice: The video has disappeared. Using WayBackMachine, I found two links — both played empty videos — a lot of stuff is being scrubbed from the web.
Here is what he said in the video:
“I think I’ve been very clear. Ah-ah-mumble-mumble, there’s a presidential election in four years. I’m not running for president in four years.”
Here is a backup story — during a meeting with reporters at his Illinois campaign headquarters after his election to the U.S. Senate, he ridiculed as “a silly question” whether he would run for president or vice president before his term ends in 2011. “I’ve never worked in Washington,” he said. “I can unequivocally say I will not be running for national office in four years, and my entire focus is making sure that I’m the best possible senator on behalf of the people of Illinois.”
6). On July 28th, the day after his speech at the Democratic convention catapulted him into the national spotlight, Barack Obama told a group of reporters in Boston that the United States had an “absolute obligation” to remain in Iraq long enough to make it a success.
“The failure of the Iraqi state would be a disaster,” he said at a lunch sponsored by the Christian Science Monitor, according to an audiotape of the session. “It would dishonor the 900-plus men and women who have already died. . . . It would be a betrayal of the promise that we made to the Iraqi people, and it would be hugely destabilizing from a national security perspective.”
In late winter, 2008, on the campaign trail, Obama says he wants to bring the troops home yesterday — you decide — was he lying then or is he lying now?
7). On the January 22nd edition of “Meet the Press,” Tim Russert and Obama had the following exchange:
Russert: “When we talked back in November of ’04 after your election, I said, ‘There’s been enormous speculation about your political future. Will you serve your six-year term as United States senator from Illinois?’”
Obama: “I will serve out my full six-year term. You know, Tim, if you get asked enough, sooner or later you get weary and you start looking for new ways of saying things. But my thinking has not changed.”
Russert: “So you will not run for president or vice president in 2008?”
Obama: “I will not.”
8). On January 24, the Obama campaign released a statement, saying, “To be clear, Senator Obama has never been a Muslim, was not raised a Muslim, and is a committed Christian who attends the United Church of Christ in Chicago.
On March 14th, in a statement to The Times, the Obama campaign offered this statement to correct their previous statement, that appears to be a bold-faced lie:
“Obama has never been a practicing Muslim. The statement added that as a child, Obama had spent time in the neighborhood’s Islamic center.”
And, the original statement began, “To be clear …”
So, in three months, Barrack’s campaign has gone from describing the U.S. presidential hopeful as never having been a Muslim and never having been raised as a Muslim to now never having been a practicing Muslim.
9). On May 8th, Obama, caught up in the fervor of a campaign speech Tuesday, drastically overstated the Kansas tornadoes death toll, saying 10,000 had died.
“In case you missed it, this week, there was a tragedy in Kansas. Ten thousand people died — an entire town destroyed,” the Democratic presidential candidate said in a speech to 500 people packed into a sweltering Richmond art studio for a fundraiser.
The death toll was 12.
10). On May 10th, Obama botched his facts in a speech criticizing the U.S. auto industry for “investing in bigger and faster cars while foreign competitors invested in more fuel-efficient technology.”
Obama stated that “while our fuel standards haven’t moved from 27.5 miles per gallon in two decades, both China and Japan have surpassed us, with Japanese cars now getting an average of 45 miles to the gallon.” But Toyota, which should know, has responded, “No carmaker gets 45 mpg; ours is closer to 30 mpg.”
Well, we’re glad to see Obama’s shifting the blame from the consumer to the automakers. That must explain why the Illinois Senator and Presidential candidate owns a HEMI-powered V8 Chrysler 300C.
Obviously it’s Chrysler’s fault Obama bought a big 5.7-liter engine from them — he just didn’t have a choice.
11). During his 12 years in politics, Sen. Barack Obama has received nearly three times more campaign cash from indicted businessman, Tony Rezko and his associates, than he has publicly acknowledged, the Chicago Sun-Times has found.
Seven months ago, Obama told the Sun-Times his “best estimate” was that Rezko raised “between $50,000 and $60,000″ during Obama’s political career.
However, Obama has collected at least $168,308 from Rezko and his circle. Additionally, Obama also has taken in an unknown amount of money from people who attended fund-raising events hosted by Rezko since the mid-1990s.
Everything you ever wanted to know about Obama and Rezko.
12). On October 6th, Obama accused his fellow American citizens of the indiscriminate murder of Iraqi civilians, saying, “And these private (Blackwater USA) contractors, they go out and they’re spraying bullets and hitting civilians and that makes it more dangerous for our troops.”
(According to newsmax.com; “Blackwater USA, the private contractor that provides heavily armed security for U.S. diplomats serving in Baghdad, has been under intense scrutiny in recent weeks. Security forces employed by the company are accused of killing 13 Iraqi civilians in a violent incident in central Baghdad last month. North Carolina-based Blackwater _ which Obama did not mention by name _ contends its employees came under fire first,…”)
13). Last fall during a nationally televised presidential debate, Obama hesitantly raised his hand and joined with most of his Democratic rivals to declare that he opposed decriminalizing marijuana. (first video).
But as a candidate for the U.S. Senate four years ago, Mr. Obama told Illinois college students that he supported eliminating criminal penalties for marijuana use or possession, according to a videotape of a little noticed debate that was obtained by The Washington Times.
“I think we need to rethink and decriminalize our marijuana laws,” Mr. Obama told an audience during a debate at Northwestern University in 2004. “But I’m not somebody who believes in legalization of marijuana.” (second video).
Asked about the two different answers, Mr. Obama’s presidential campaign said he in fact has “always” supported decriminalizing marijuana as he answered in 2004, meaning the candidate mistakenly raised his hand during the presidential debate last fall.
14). On December 22nd, in a small-town café in Pleasantville, Omaha, Obama was asked a question that typically only circulates on the Internet.
As he sat down to have a slice of pie with a small group of potential voters and an elderly woman asked him about being Muslim.
“I’ve always been a Christian,” the Illinois Democrat responded. “I have never practiced [Islam].”
Note: The newspaper editors had to add the word, “Islam.”
In his autobiography, “Dreams From My Father,” Obama mentions studying the Quran.
He was enrolled in two Jakarta schools as a Muslim. His teacher Tine Hahiyary said that she remembered that he had studied “mengaji” (recitation of the Quran).” Classmate Rony Amiris described Obama as being a very devout Muslim, saying, “Barry was previously quite religious in Islam.” Another classmate, Emirsyah Satar, now the CEO of Garuda Indonesia, was quoted as saying, “He (Obama) was often in the prayer room wearing a ‘sarong.’” (See Obama’s Education.)
Yet, on his official campaign website, Obama has posted this statement, “Barack has never been a Muslim or practiced any other faith besides Christianity.”
Obama’s grandfather was a Muslim. Obama’s father was a Muslim. Obama’s stepfather was a Muslim. His African relatives are Muslims. What was he for the 27 years before his alleged conversion if he wasn’t a Muslim?
If Obama has always been a Christian, why was he enrolled in two Jakarta schools as a Muslim, and why did he study the Quran?
And note his Clintonesque defense, “I have never practiced.”
This is Obama’s biggest problem — his dissimulation.
Saying, “I’ve always been a Christian,” is a bold-faced lie.
15). February — As Sen. McCain has pointed out, Obama promised to use public funding in the general election if the Republican candidate would do so also. Well, McCain has agreed to it, but now Obama wants to back out of the deal. After all, when he made the promise, he didn’t have a chance of raising more than the public’s $85 million stipend. But now that he can raise $300 million, well, what’s a little untruth between the waited-for one and his people? Yes, he can.
16). March 7th — Obama’s courage: Contrary to a recent hyperbolic campaign ad, it wasn’t “courageous” to give his 2002 anti-war speech, primarily because he delivered it at an anti-Iraq war rally.
At the last debate, America’s former co-president claimed that it was easy to give that speech, and it wasn’t a gamble for him because he wasn’t in the US Senate and therefore wasn’t in a position of responsibility. Obama’s impassioned reply was, “I was in the midst of a U.S. Senate campaign. It was a high-stakes campaign.”
Wrong. In reality, Obama did not announce his intentions to run for the US Senate until January 2003.

Obama’s not a phony. Really, he’s not. Really.

I truly believe he is the Black Messiah foretold centuries ago. Just look at the way he speaks and moves. How he came from nowhere to now-here! He has the answers we so badly need. His lies are forgiveable because he must be the leader of a free and open world, without borders. Lets join our hearts and minds and see the Light.

Well I for one am glad that the sweet talking, hypocrite who got his “experience” in old school Chicago politics is finally starting to show his true colors. I can’t speak for the rest of my disgraceful party but as a registered democrat for the last 25 years, I have just done the unthinkable and made a donation to the Republican candidate. I hope the Democratic leadership truly realizes how many of us they are chasing away with their support of the ultra liberal, inexperienced, dishonest, excuse making candidate.

Thank you Obama for proving that you’re a politician at heart, just like the rest of them. Promises mean nothing if you think that you’ll gain some advantage of going back on your word. This just reaffirms why I will vote for him (simply because my chosen candidate didn’t win the nomination and voting Republican is not a possible option for me) but I will not work for the campaign or support it financially as I have past Democratic candidates.

Now we know what is going on. Obama is trying to get the women’s vote… We all know that a women reserves the right to change her mind anytime she wants.

I think there’s more blacks that need help with the race card being played all the time….Some blacks think they are owed everything without working for it…And to me there’s more racist blacks then there are racist whites in this country…And this election has proven it….Look how nasty and mean some of Obama supporters have been to people that are not voting for Obama…Not everyone likes him for the person that he is not that he’s black ….Its who Obama has all his life associated himself with…These people are not who most American’s would associated themselves with…The people that Obama has chosen to be friends with are knowen to hate all America stands for….Bad Bad people they are….

with each flip flop the superdelegates are getting more nervous. maybe they will flip flop too… Hillary, don’t put your election material away yet.

Why does Obama assume that all women are pro-choice? Many are very pro-life, many women are anti-welfare, anti-gun control and pro-military. A lot of American women want closed borders and don’t like NAFTA one little bit. A lot of women want to send illegal aliens back home and certainly don’t want to provide medical care for them at taxpayer expense. I am insulted that Sen. Obama has such a simplistic opinion of my wife, daughter and other women in my family.
Sorry Senator, women are multi-faceted, and I like them that way. Each is unique. Not all women want abortions, not all men watch football, not all black people draw welfare and go to prison, not all whites belong to the KKK. Not all Californians are surfers and not all Texans own cattle and oil wells. Not all Indians live in a tee-pee full of whiskey bottles. Your stereotyping would be funny in stand up comedy, not in a serious context.

Hey Maeine , You said Nobama needs to fight the 527, You mean like the stuff MOVEON.org and its TV spots going after Mccain. The teamsters are also making ads that benifit Nobama. I would say its a pretty much a special interest group.

He didn’t break a promise. He answered yes to the question ” “If you are nominated for President in 2008 and your major opponents agree to forgo private funding in the general election campaign, will you participate in the presidential public financing system?”
McCain did not agree to a publicly financed campaign, Barak’s campaign tried to get him to do so and he would not. So Barak isn’t taking public financing either, just as he said he wouldn’t if his opponent didn’t either. How can anyone call that a lie? He did exactly what he said he would do.

Obama never “promised” anything.It is amazing to me how people will latch onto others words and represent them as fact. Answering “yes” on a Common Cause questionaire with a follow up elaboration of the answer with conditions does not a promise make. It became clear to Obama that McCain had every intention of gaming the system (including borrowing money by using public financing as collateral). It is about time a Democrat doesn’t cave into the hypocritical rantings of the Republicans. Go get ‘em Barack!

I see the hired Obama bloggers are out tonight all over the blogs trying to defend their flip-flopper. Obama more than once supported public financing. He even talked about it on his web site until it was erased off the other day. He has changed his mind on 3 issues just this week, public financing, NAFTA and the FISA. He starts to feel a little pressure and he throws out the race card.

When John McCain speaks he sounds tired. Its like he has trouble getting the energy to talk. If Joe is not around he is lost in corrective speech help. Can you emagine John McCain and Joe Lieberman running the white house. Please lets not be Republican for Republican sack. Lets vote Obama this time we can always go back.

Obama’s Rev knows him better than anyone and he said”Obama will say what a politian has to say” Enough said.

Barak Obama broke what is known as a campaign promise. It is a promise and when you are running for President of the most powerful country on earth, who and what you agree to support has huge implications and consequences. This wasn’t some little postcard in the mail, this is a massive issue.
Wake up Democrats! You are being sold the same way Republicans were sold Bush. With pressure tactics to vote along party lines, just because. Or “he’s better than the other guy”.
Obama represents a dictatorship because you don’t even know what you are voting for. A huge unknown. And Obama wants it that way. Because then he has unrestricted power. He doesn’t have to do what he said, because A. he rarely says anything specific and B. he can just ‘change his mind’ and the sheep will believe the wolf. He has been given every opportunity to give specifics and has been urged with many, many questions and yet, he gives the vaguest of answers. Obama is taking a page straight out of Dubya’s playbook, the page on dodging accountability.
Obama sold out his congregation, his pastor, and now Common Cause and the American People.
It’s not that Obama doesn’t need funding, he does he would just rather not touch the public pot because then he would be subject to disclosure laws about who gives to his campaign and how much.
It’s massive spin (and totally untrue) to say he is doing it to save the American people money. At best he is gambling that he will make more money (though the money won’t be clean or he could get it in addition to the public fund) by private (dirty) means than by accepting into a legit system.
The system is in place to entice candidates to run a clean campaign. If Obama had character, he would stick to his campaign promise, regardless of what McCain does. His words to McCain were simply a bluff to “appear” better than McCain. He isn’t fooling me. Truth be told he is a dirty politician like the bunch, but a sociopath as well.

“Obama on the other hand is sharp as Bill Clinton … “

Wow that trash that I am reading in these comments. “We don’t know who Barack Obama is” because three books is not enough. OMG he broke his promise to not except tax payer money to finance his campaign, the horror. “Palin is more experienced than Barack Obama.” Sure so is my four year old little sister. This on cracks me up. More experienced because she was city mayor of 7,000 people? Rookie governor of Alaska population 670,000? Columbus Ohio has a greater population. You really want four more years of Bush? McCain is no maverick. If he was he would not have chosen an inexperienced hack to be his running mate. You can’t see the publicity stunt? If he was a maverick he would have asked Joe Lieberman to be on his ticket or one of the countless republican women that have better qualifications than Palin.

thanks for this post quite good

hi – is it just me !! can any one explain why when i type in the bing browser “abcnews.go.com” i get a different site yet whe i type it in google its ok? could this be a bug in my system or is any one else having same probs ?
sadensy