Obama Explains Scrubbed Visit with Wounded Troops in Germany
EmailAfter meeting with British Prime Minister Gordon Brown today, Sen. Barack Obama, D-Illinois, came before the microphones and took a few questions from the press.
I asked him to explain the controversy about his canceled trip to visit with wounded troops at the Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany.
The campaign had initially said that Sen. Obama had said he thought it might be inappropriate to visit the troops since the campaign was funding his European swing.
Then after reports that the Pentagon had expressed concerns to the Obama campaign about the political aspect to the visit, the Obama campaign issued a statement from Maj Gen. Scott Gration (Ret.), a foreign policy adviser to Obama, saying that the Pentagon told him the visit to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center would be viewed as "a campaign event.”
"Senator Obama did not want to have a trip to see our wounded warriors perceived as a campaign event when his visit was to show his appreciation for our troops and decided instead not to go,” Gration said.
But the Pentagon said that wasn’t true, that Obama was more than welcome to come, it was just that he couldn’t bring the media or campaign staff.
So here’s what Obama said about it all:
"The staff was working this so I don’t know each and every detail but here is what I understand happened," Obama said. "We had scheduled to go, we had no problem at all in leaving, we always leave press and staff off — that is why we left it off the schedule. We were treating it in the same way we treat a visit to Walter Reed which I was able to do a few weeks ago without any fanfare whatsoever. I was going to be accompanied by one of my advisors, a former military officer."
Continued Obama, "And we got notice that he would be treated as a campaign person, and it would therefore be perceived as political because he had endorsed my candidacy but he wasn’t on the Senate staff. That triggered then a concern that maybe our visit was going to be perceived as political. And the last thing that I want to do is have injured soldiers and the staff at these wonderful institutions having to sort through whether this is political or not or get caught in the crossfire between campaigns."
"So rather than go forward and potentially get caught up in what might have been considered a political controversy of some sort," Obama said, "what we decided was that we not make a visit and instead I would call some of the troops that were there. So that essentially would be the extent of the story."
- jpt
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He really does speak out of both sides of his mouth. This is the 4th version of the same spin given by Obama and his camp.
At this point, I am inclined not to believe anything this guy says anymore .
Posted by: Jay | July 26, 2008, 8:09 am 8:09 am
Jay:You are either a Republican or a Hillary voter who is still sad..so why should we expect for you to believe Obama..You are behaving as though you believed him at one time..I think not! McCain is going to win in November..Why? Because most Americans love war and McCain is all about war..while the economy is going down the drain. Vote McCain,feel the pain and don’t complain.
Posted by: Stanley | July 26, 2008, 8:25 am 8:25 am
I am glad Obama called the injured troops.
Classy guy.
Posted by: Sandy | July 26, 2008, 8:28 am 8:28 am
Jay,
Senator Obama is not a ‘guy’.
He’s already a highly important historical political figure, a great American who will not go unnamed in any future history book.
He has the support of hundreds of millions of people on this globe of ours.
You, in comparison, are a tiny particle of dirty dust, of no interest to anyone in the whole wide world.
Posted by: Brighton | July 26, 2008, 8:29 am 8:29 am
Senator Obama’s excuse is very, very lame for not visiting the hospital. But he demanded a speaking platform in front of 200,000 Germans for his political posturing. I am ashamed of the man.
Posted by: Mary | July 26, 2008, 8:32 am 8:32 am
Actually, Jay, this is the same “story” the Obama campaign has been telling all along, because it’s the truth. The Pentagon told them the visit including some staff would be seen as “political”. The Obama campaign decided not to risk it being seen that way. End of story.
I don’t see the story here. It’s not like Obama hasn’t visited the troops before. Are we REALLY going to turn ANOTHER election into a silly referendum on how much the “commie-dirty-hippie-soldier-hating-democrat” hates the troops? Can we have a new storyline, please?
Posted by: Lisa | July 26, 2008, 8:32 am 8:32 am
On one hand you people say that Obama is looking for photo ops and on the other hand when he did not visit the troops in Germany which would have been a good photo op..you guys come with another argument to..Obama is damn if he does and damn if he does not..Its obvious that there was a mix up problem or Obama would have gone if he love publicity and photo ops like you desperate Republican supporters and Hillary still sad supporters..I like Obama but he would not win in November because he is viewed by most Americans as weak..why? Because he does not like war like most Americans..Bush and McCain are strong because they love war..War for most Americans is our way of flexing our muscles and telling the world that we are strong with the best army in the world..while the economy is going down the drain..Oh how foolish can we be!
Posted by: Stanley | July 26, 2008, 8:33 am 8:33 am
Jack Tapper,
Would you care to explain the controversy over using John McCain’s talking points as your list of questions?
Posted by: John's conscience | July 26, 2008, 8:37 am 8:37 am
Lisa,
I agree that this is a non-story. Obama has visited injured troops in Afghanistan and Iraq as part of CODEL and Walter Reed in the U.S.
Since this trip is considered a campaign trip not a Senatorial one, Obama didn’t want to make this visit to be as if he was using the troops politically at all since the Pentagon said that it would have been considered political. Instead he phoned the injured troops.
I am glad that he telephoned the troops.
Obama has been to Walter Reed and I am sure that he will go again.
Posted by: Sandy | July 26, 2008, 8:40 am 8:40 am
I just woke up and am having my first Wild Turkey and soda of the day and just had this call asking me what I thought about Obama and I told them that he seems alright to me and that I saw his Berlin speech and wished I was there and intend to vote for him.
Posted by: Holly GoLightly | July 26, 2008, 8:54 am 8:54 am
Tell me, Jake. Will George let McCain get away with spouting the talking point that “Obama didn’t want to visit wounded troops without the press watching” or will George point out that Obama just 3 weeks ago visited Walter Reed Hospital with no press?
Posted by: Lisa | July 26, 2008, 8:57 am 8:57 am
He also declined to go to Ft. Hood to do a town hall meeting. They left the date open. His “staff” said they couldn’t work it into his schedule. He refuses to debate with McCain in this format or debate in any format.
He is only good for “pretty” and prepared speeches.
Posted by: May | July 26, 2008, 8:59 am 8:59 am
Ida Tarbell insults anyone who thinks differently than [s]he, accusing them of being dumb. Speak to the issue, Ida. Mr. Obama has found himself between a rock and a hard place. One of these days he may say, “Perhaps, I should’ve …..” or “I’m sorry that I didn’t….” Our politicians disgust me… both parties.
Posted by: rusty | July 26, 2008, 9:05 am 9:05 am
I’m one of the wounded soldiers in a German hospital that’s part of all this discussion.
You people are making a mountain out of molehill. Nobody here that I know of is upset in the least.
So why don’t you just shut up.
End the war all you troop supporters. End this crippling, stupid war.
Posted by: Sgt Davey Malraux | July 26, 2008, 9:08 am 9:08 am
This guy makes Bill Clinton seem like a straight talker. BO’s dodgy, slimeball talk out of both sides of your mouth lawyer speak is getting very old.
Posted by: Asia2PA | July 26, 2008, 9:17 am 9:17 am
Remember all president bush is still commander in cheif i say he sandbagged obama with meeting with the troops, Make no mistake bush is behind this mccain was having such a disaterous week Bush had to step in at some point THINK ABOUT IT USE YOUR BRAINS!!!!!!!!
Posted by: angie | July 26, 2008, 9:31 am 9:31 am
Nonsense.
Why would meeting with the wounded be more political than shooting hoops with the able?
It makes no sense at all. None.
Obama blew them off. That’s it. No photo op? Then shopping was more important.
Posted by: drjohn | July 26, 2008, 9:36 am 9:36 am
Thank God he finally called the troops. Never knew about that. It still helps in a way.
Posted by: jayjay | July 26, 2008, 9:37 am 9:37 am
One visit to Walter Reed and that was so he could hammer Bush on the condition of the facilities – - not to visit the wounded troops. McCain has been 8 times to Iraq. This is a lame excuse. He will fire some low level staffer and hope this issue goes away.
Posted by: Dennis | July 26, 2008, 9:38 am 9:38 am
drjohn,
You’re misinformed. The first part of the trip, to Iraq, Kuwait and Afghanistan, was part of a Congressional delegation and was not campaign-funded so visits to the troops were fine. The 2nd part of the trip, to Europe, was campaign-funded so the Pentagon had a problem with the troop visit.
Posted by: Lisa | July 26, 2008, 9:39 am 9:39 am
If you listen/read what the Pentagon said and what Barack Obama said about this issue, it’s essentially the same. There was no deciet from Obama’s part. Americans we should not be so closed minded to judge a person off of the first train of thought that pops up in your head. Think logically about these things. The straight-talker, cowboy style doesn’t work in politics obviously or you’ll end up looking foolish, like we’re seeing and have seen. The issues that we all face are some much more than a simple one-liner. There are several questions that can be asked of all of us and we’ll look like a “flip-flop” because on one hand you see things this way but on the other, given a change in circumstance, you see things entirely different. Just trying to say, post here with common sense and not ignorance, fear, hate, or any other derogatory fashion. God bless you all.
Posted by: AF veteran | July 26, 2008, 9:39 am 9:39 am
I’m calling b s on “sgt Davey Malraux” below. That’s the name of a movie character.
Posted by: Chris | July 26, 2008, 9:41 am 9:41 am
Most people have had enough life experience by the time they reach 40 to be able to recognize a con artist when they see one. That explains BO’s lack of support among the older demographic. Fortunately for the nation, this older demographic is the most likely to vote.
Posted by: Asia2PA | July 26, 2008, 9:43 am 9:43 am
I’m embarrassed that this guy is even representing America. The Military resents his presence and word; we know that it will only mean surrender. What a Tool….
Posted by: Dr342 | July 26, 2008, 9:43 am 9:43 am
Chris, that would suck if you were wrong. How many people are in this world? There’s no chance of a same name perhaps. This is the type of nonsense we need to avoid Americans. And don’t call me an Obama lover or Democrat, because I’m independent. If you want to dig up the good, the bad, and the ugly, do so on both sides of the table. Then vote from your heart who you think is the better choice.
Posted by: AF veteran | July 26, 2008, 9:48 am 9:48 am
One question: Why didnt Obama go without the campaign advisor in question?
Posted by: Val Wallace | July 26, 2008, 9:49 am 9:49 am
I recall being in a military hospital and was relaxing and recovering fine when all of the sudden this group of doctors in there whits coats come right in the door and straight over to my bed. One doctor starts explaining my injuries to the other doctors and then starts asking me questions. The last thing I would want as a recovering injured solider would be a politician thanking me for my service. Its all words. Obama has never served. How in the hell would he even be able to phantom what my service or my injuries were all about. Hypocrite! I’m glad he stayed away.
Posted by: Harvey Shepperd | July 26, 2008, 9:51 am 9:51 am
A questions for all you Republicans that are so outraged by everything the traitor Obama does to insult and disparage your precious troops, Have you ever seen a troop? Have you ever talked to a troop? How about helping a genuine wounded troop? Well here’s your chance to stop blowing smoke and walk the walk, if you’re up to it. There’s VA hospitals all over the country. Stop whining and start doing.
Posted by: rocketman | July 26, 2008, 9:55 am 9:55 am
Obama voted against additional armor and protective equipment for the troops.
Maybe that’s why Obama didn’t want to visit them.
So he did what he usually does–tells a lie then blames it on someone else.
If Obama really cared he would have gone to see the troops.
Posted by: riley | July 26, 2008, 10:05 am 10:05 am
“One question: Why didnt Obama go without the campaign advisor in question?” -Val Wallace
Like Harvey Shepperd put it, “How would he even be able to phantom (fathom I think is what he meant) what my service and injuries were about.” He probably wanted to go with someone that has military experience, sense a lot people comtinuously point out him not serving. That’s what I would do if I were in his position, wouldn’t you? There are political games that are being played so lets not be naive. Why would he go up there and get slaughtered with military jargon of which he knows none. Once again, think Americans.
Posted by: AF veteran | July 26, 2008, 10:07 am 10:07 am
Why would the Pentagon care about someones trip to see troops wounded in battle? If McCain was to visit them it wouldn’t have been a problem. Obama was setup and now it might get ugly. I hope America doesn’t pin this on him. Why would our nations Pentagon do this?
Posted by: Mark | July 26, 2008, 10:18 am 10:18 am
Re:Mary
“He’s already a highly important historical political figure, a great American who will not go unnamed in any future history book.” Right, he’ll be seen as a bigger joke than Al Gore.
“He has the support of hundreds of millions of people on this globe of ours.” Hm, hundreds of millions? The ones who fortunately don’t get a vote?
“You, in comparison, are a tiny particle of dirty dust, of no interest to anyone in the whole wide world.” Typical liberal thinking they’re better than everyone else. This will be OhBuma’s downfall.
Posted by: Emm | July 26, 2008, 10:30 am 10:30 am
This is such a nonstory. Does McCain have an actual campaign strategy aside from whining about everything that Obama does? McCain has ceded the initiative and momenetum to Obama – his campaign is in purely reactive mode now and McCain has ceded the Alpha Male slot to Obama. McCain is the beta male in this race and that’s not what America wants in a leader.
Posted by: namaste | July 26, 2008, 10:40 am 10:40 am
Too many versions of what caused the cancellation from the Obama camp. Many of us have figured out that hope and change means that Obama hopes that the change in response, story, position, venue, etc. will win him more votes.
Posted by: smith | July 26, 2008, 10:41 am 10:41 am
I don’t understand what the criticism of Obama is here – clearly the military asked him not to come, so he didn’t. So what? I’m voting for McCain, but this just seems like a cheap shot to me.
Posted by: tim glynn | July 26, 2008, 10:47 am 10:47 am
I wish that a researcher, a reputable one would do a research on why Republicans love war so much..My God! War, war, war! Thats all it takes to win an election in this country. McCain is going to win this election because Americans love war..we think that war is how we can flex our muscles and tell the world that we are the greatest nation in the world..by fighting war..How stupid can we be! A nation’s strength is in its economy and the care it takes of its people. Millions have lost jobs, forclusures, 50 million without health insurance..millions go to bed hungry..veterans sleeping under bridges and some, maybe most people people are thinking about voting for McCain to perpetuate the stupid Republican policies of war,war, war. Anyone who believes that there is no connect between the billions of dollars spent on the war in Iraq and the weakening of the economy has got their head in the cesspool of stupidity. The dollar is weakening..the pound and euro are strong. The economy is in tatters. The Republican talking heads like Fox, Rush Limbaugh, Sean(the comedian)Hannity and the little lady on the view..don’t forget the master spinner bill Oreilly have been successful in conning Americans into believing that the economy is good and the bad economy is a figment of our imaginations. Even one of McCain’s advisors suggested that! You have to give these talking heads credit for being able to dupe Americans..Most Americans are unsophisticated voter who don’t read but depend on fox and the formentioned talking heads for news..Most Americans believe that the men on the plane that crashed into the twin towers were Iraquis..and Iraq played a role in 911 when all the committees suggest otherwise..that is how effective the Republican talking heads are..Their spin is based on the premise that a lie told often enough would eventually be believed by most..The typical American voter is gullible and believe everything he/she hear on tv..and the Republican talking head knows that and capitalizes on it. So, here it goes..my prediction..McCain will win in November..why? Because Americans love war and most American think that the strenght of our country is shown by the war we fight..Obama is weak because he does not like war..George Bush and McCain are strong because they know how to wage war.. So North Korea we are coming for you..Iran we are coming for you..and we will fight you while our economy is going down the drain..President McCain said the other day that he does not know much about the economy but that is okay..who cares about the economy anyway..Lets fight some war and flex some muscles..I say you want war vote McCain…you want peace vote Obama but Oh!I forgot he is weak because he does not like war..forgive me America! my mistake. TIME TO FIGHT SOME MORE..LETS VOTE MCCAIN
Posted by: Stanley | July 26, 2008, 11:05 am 11:05 am
Posted by: Lisa | Jul 26, 2008 9:39:08 AM
Sorry, Lisa, but you’re wrong. Obama requested the visit and the request had been granted. Gration, the General accompanying Obama, was not granted permission to visit the hospital. He was reportedly “torqued” about that refusal. Obama could have left him behind but chose to assuage the General’s ego rather than visit. Apparently both of them were bugged that no photo op was going to occur.
Posted by: drjohn | July 26, 2008, 11:16 am 11:16 am
Can one of you bloggers who may be musically inclined help we with this song that I’ve written..here it goes!..Vote for McCain, Vote for McCain Vote for McCain and lets start more wars again..Obama is weak, Obama is weak, Obama is weak..because wars he would not seek..Vote for McCain..and it goes on and on. Why do Americans love war so..I don’t know! McCain will win in November..Lets get the wars started and let stupidity reign…Vote for McCain and lets start more wars again. Obama has two strikes against him..he’s half black and he dislike wars..I wonder if he really believes that he would win..he should know that when the majority white voters go into that polling booth on November 2 they will vote for McCain..the warmonger..good experience for America is hinged on your ability to wage war or to fight one.Heaven help us!
Posted by: Stanley | July 26, 2008, 11:18 am 11:18 am
Posted by: Stanley | Jul 26, 2008 11:05:24 AM
Lighten up, Stanley. An awful lot of Americans think Obama is qualified to be President too.
Now that is amusing. Obama is the least qualified person ever to run for President.
Ever.
Posted by: drjohn | July 26, 2008, 11:18 am 11:18 am
excuse’s are like *&^% and Obama is one.
There is no reason why he could not go, There was no reason why should not have gone.
He just did not want go, would of been a waste of time for him, since he could not use them to market himself by it.
Posted by: seah | July 26, 2008, 11:19 am 11:19 am
Obama visits Germany.
McCain visits Der Wienerschnitzel…
and then complains about the media coverage.
How pitiful.
Posted by: John Quimby | July 26, 2008, 11:23 am 11:23 am
Obama explains everything. But, his MO is to talk in riddles. This manufactured world tour is a disgrace, along with the manufactured press releases.
Posted by: bpower | July 26, 2008, 11:23 am 11:23 am
kimbers
Where do you get your facts
Posted by: Aston | July 26, 2008, 11:24 am 11:24 am
Rob – as a Georgia resident, I can tell you firsthand that Bob Barr is the biggest crackpot that there is and doesn’t deserve one vote in the upcoming election. Barr is a disgrace to his own state and will be a disgrace in this general election. Please don’t waste your vote – Vote McCain!!
Posted by: fairelection2008 | July 26, 2008, 11:27 am 11:27 am
This just shows how very egotistical this liar Obama is….it is so much more important to him to have photos taken, reporters around to write a glowing report of his visiting the trips, then for Obama to be honorable and just go visit these troops and tell them what a good job they are doing. What a pompous a–.
Posted by: John Harrison | July 26, 2008, 11:41 am 11:41 am
If the man in question is not on his senate staff, he could not be included. Period. What part of “rules” does Senator Obama not understand the “r” or the fact that they also apply to him?
Posted by: beebop | July 26, 2008, 11:45 am 11:45 am
Why did Axelrod tell reporters that the Pentagon told them they could not go to the hospital?
Posted by: MayBee | July 26, 2008, 11:48 am 11:48 am
no Photographers allowed, no visit from Obama
it’s as simple as that.
the man is a puzt.
Posted by: trettione | July 26, 2008, 11:52 am 11:52 am
Orlando:There is no truth to that story..take it to another place..are you a paid Republican blogger?..That story is made up because I have a friend from the same base who said its a lie..so there you go!..take your stories to Rush Limbaugh and Sean the comedian Hannity. When will it end..these untruths all in the name of politics. Its okay Orlando..McCain is going to win so we can fight some more wars..you like war right?
Posted by: Stanley | July 26, 2008, 12:02 pm 12:02 pm
Pam: I see you took my advice and took your meds..okay have a good rest..take the sheet of your head..put the cross down..cause ain’t none of the cross burning stuff is happening anymore..sorry Pam..no more! Wait for McCain and the coming wars..that’s your thing
Posted by: Stanley | July 26, 2008, 12:10 pm 12:10 pm
Senator Obama more than likely has stood up against racism all his life.
Posted by: newz4i | July 26, 2008, 12:11 pm 12:11 pm
You know what? I actually read some of Baracks’ speeches. You remember that movie “A time to Kill” with Sammy Jackson and others? The closing argument was discribing all these horrible things that happened to this little black girl and Patrick had the jury close their eyes and then imagine that the little girl was white. I bring this up because a lot of you can’t get over the fact that he is black (mixed) and if you read most of his speeches and imagined that he was white, you would probably think they were wonderful and inspiring speeches. Try to get past the color issue. I know that it’s gonna be hard for some of you, but just try. OK? Peace.
Posted by: Keith H. | July 26, 2008, 12:19 pm 12:19 pm
It would have been easy to go visit the troops and get some great press about that (and he doesn’t need any photographers along to get great press –isn’t that the whold jist of the ‘the press is in love with Obama’ story?).
What is most telling to me about his character is that he actually took the higher road and simply refused to bring the wounded troops into this political mudslinging. And of course he knew McCain and his attack dogs would jump all over him for it. But still he chose the more honorably approach and kept the troops out of it.
This man is actually doing a pretty good and consistent job of demonstrating that he isn’t just about politics. His core of integrity is shining brighter and brighter.
Posted by: John H | July 26, 2008, 12:20 pm 12:20 pm
Mark and others..we all know that that so called letter from the so called soldier is a fake and not the truth. It is amazing how untruths can be spread and people believe everything they read on the blogs..People! that story is made up by Republican bloggers..many of whom are probably paid..don’t be duped. Here we go again with stories, stories..here we go again..Vote McCain and lets get the wars going..where shall we go first?Iran or North korea?
Posted by: Stanley | July 26, 2008, 12:30 pm 12:30 pm
@Rob
I more than likely will vote for Barr. I am sickened by the whining of both Obama and McCain. Both are despicable shameless self promoting idiots. Obama has a cult of non-thinkers, and McCain whining about no coverage. The press is hopelessly in the tank for Obama, and McCain is pissed because the press has always been in the tank for him and is acting like a 14 year old girl who doesn’t get asked to the prom. Obama plasters posters at the wailing wall, which is about the most shameless thing I’ve ever heard of, while McCain is so dumb he thinks Iraq and Pakistan share a border.
I’ll be voting 3rd party to show disdain for both PARTIES and for both CANDIDATES… who make Bush vs Kerry look like Lincoln vs Jackson, and that a SAD statement.
Posted by: Jon | July 26, 2008, 12:47 pm 12:47 pm
“Jon”, you raise some good issues (even though some are fantasy based). But wouldn’t it be nice if we lived in a colorless, society? MLK had that dream, too bad it has yet to be realized.
Posted by: Keith H | July 26, 2008, 12:57 pm 12:57 pm
Dennis, that’s like saying, GW should be held responsible and accountable for every lost life, every damaged limb, every case of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder that our brave soldiers have faced. Even though more directly, one can make that argument that he is responsible. But that would be as ignorant as your statement and I am not going to go there. Grow up!
Posted by: Keith | July 26, 2008, 1:09 pm 1:09 pm
All he had to do was leave his press and 300 advisors, take one Senator that was with him, no hype, no press. Talk to our wounded soldiers and he chose not to do that. He wants us to believe in his Judgement, His judgement on this issue really SUCKs eggs. He chose to go to the gym. what a guy
Posted by: Susan | July 26, 2008, 1:31 pm 1:31 pm
Very sorry drjohn. My previous message was for STANLEY.
Posted by: DrRicardo | July 26, 2008, 1:42 pm 1:42 pm
Susan, There was no senator with him. As stated before, this was not the CODEL part of the trip. This was the campaign-funded part.
Posted by: Lisa | July 26, 2008, 1:44 pm 1:44 pm
Wrong again, drjohn. There was never going to be a “photo op”, which is why the press had no idea about this until they read in a German magazine that it had been cancelled. Just like there were no reporters and no “photo op” when Obama visited wounded troops at Walter Reed recently.
Posted by: Lisa | July 26, 2008, 1:46 pm 1:46 pm
I remember so well my brother telling me about the two men that sat on his bed in an Army hospital and talked with him when he lost a leg in the Phillipines, Bob Hope and Alan Ladd, this actually meant something to him, there were no photos except from the camera that the other service men had, just snap shots. Obama is a nothing, a sorry excuse for a patriot, these wounded men will remember only that he decided they were not worth the effort.
Posted by: Marty in Iowa | July 26, 2008, 2:40 pm 2:40 pm
The trip was planned for sometime.
I think McCain or Bush got someone in the Pentagon to make this an issue at the last minute. If Obama had gone to visit the troops in the hospital than that would be the complaint.
Obama’s has visited troops in the states without camera’s and wasn’t planning to bring the press inside hospital room this time.
I read article that said he could only bring on staff officer.
Also it turns out that U.S. Embassy workers were told they could not assist in anyway Obama’s visit to the Germany at that they could not attend Obama’s speech in Berlin.
Obama’s speech was well recieved in Germany. He represented America in a way we can all be proud.
Posted by: Mr. Unite Us | July 26, 2008, 4:38 pm 4:38 pm
Yeah, so the military wouldn’t let Barry use his visit to the wounded vets as a campaign stunt, so B.O. scrapped it. WHAT A GUY!!! Every day, this fraud – oops, sorry about that- this great man gives us more and more reasons to vote for him. I can’t wait to push the button, pull the lever, punch the chad, touch the screen, or whatever we have to do, to vote for him. A tingle goes up my leg every time I think about it!!!
Posted by: donald duck | July 26, 2008, 4:42 pm 4:42 pm
The wounded vets and the military will remember come election time who DIDN’T visit them while he was making time to get his marathon run in at the gym!
Posted by: plainsm | July 26, 2008, 4:51 pm 4:51 pm
Obama Explains Nixed Troop Visit in Germany
In London Sen. Barack Obama explained why he canceled a meeting with U.S. troops at a base in Germany:
The staff was working this so I don’t know each and every detail but here is what I understand happened, Obama said. We had sc…
Posted by: The American Mind | July 26, 2008, 5:50 pm 5:50 pm
Obama showed poor judgement in not going to visit the troops.
If his position is that his staff was handling the issue, then it shows poor leadership on Obamas part.
If Obama will not apologize and admit it was a mistake to not go visit the troops, then we are viewing a character flaw of Obamas.
And for all those who make excuses for Obama on this issue, I suggest you go get another glass of Kool-aid
Posted by: robert neville | July 26, 2008, 7:59 pm 7:59 pm
Sorry Obama but the troops deserved a visit from a sitting senator and Democrat Party nominee. You were too quick to surrender that right, guess that workout at the ritz was more inviting…I’m so done with your American with a small ‘a’ mindset…
Posted by: AMR | July 26, 2008, 11:13 pm 11:13 pm
Yep, the free ride for this clown is over. Soon he’ll be back to handing out pamphlets for community service projects. That’s the only experience he’s got. Oh wait, he was born outside CONUS, so that and the 300 foreign policy advisers make him qualified to run a country.
Posted by: Emm | July 27, 2008, 4:38 am 4:38 am
who cares if he visits the injured?
Under any circumstances it would be a meaningless gesture.
And as a candidate for the presidency ANY thing he does automatically has campaign motivation, so the entire conversation is absurd. Whether or not the press would have been with him, any such visit is a campaign event – don’t forget, the soldiers he visits are voters, as would be all of the US personnel who are on the support staff of the hospital.
Posted by: hazmat | July 27, 2008, 5:32 am 5:32 am
McCain opposes the Congressional bill to end the right of the CIA to torture ‘suspects’, which CIA policy is both unconstitutional and against Geneva convention. Vote for Obama. Sen McCain prefers the present laws which allow you readers to be taken in the night and kept forever, tortured and never charged with a crime. Restore the Constitution of the U.S of A. Register, and then vote absentee. Dont trust the computers.
Posted by: Bruce Becker | July 27, 2008, 4:19 pm 4:19 pm
The Rove/Bush WMD war turned the dollar into 50 cents in Euros. McCain’s a one trick pony with scammer Tex’s Sen Gramm ( 32 billion down the drain, for his client United Bank of Scotland) for his financial advisor. UBS advises its employess not to travel to the US, lest they be arrested for mortgage fraud. That’s Gramm’s people. That’s McCain’s advisor, criminals in the mortgage scams.
McCain confesses he does not understand the economy. He confesses he cannot use computers.
How will he govern? WAR!!! That’s his one trick.
Say no to eternal war and allow Obama to build up America, and restore our bridges, education system and provide health care for all, yes, ALL. It’s ok. Its the Christian thing to do, dont you know?
Posted by: Bruce Becker | July 27, 2008, 4:29 pm 4:29 pm
With throngs of press around Obama their would be no way he could sneak off and see the troops alone. The MSM would find out and take photo’s. Obama could have tried to claim that he did not know he would be found out by the teams of media.. but no one would ever believe that. He did the right thing.
Posted by: adrienne | July 27, 2008, 4:44 pm 4:44 pm
Dark ominous music. In June, McCain apologized for using the image of Gen. David Petraeus in a political mailer, saying that politicization of the military would “not happen again” in his campaign. McCain is not a man of his word. Mccain has resorted to the politicization of the military for his campaign once again. Unlike Obama who cancelled a trip to visit wounded troops in Germany and called them personally instead to keep the troops from being politicised. McCain has chosen to misrepresent facts and go back on his word in order to exploit our troops for politics. Where is your honor John McCain?
Posted by: lila | July 27, 2008, 4:50 pm 4:50 pm
This campaign is about a metaphor of two movies. George W. Bush as “The Dark Knight” and Barack Obama as “The Distinguihed Gentleman.” I suggest you all watch both movies before you vote.
Posted by: LIberty RIsing | July 27, 2008, 5:23 pm 5:23 pm
I think the main point everyone is not seeing is. 1)This part of his trip was paid solely by his Campaign, ie plane and all expenses were paid for by Obama Presidential Campaign meaning this part of the trip was political in nature.
Even when McCain was told on his overseas trip he could not attend a hospital and other Military installations because that part of the trip was political in nature what did McCain do? He said ok and did not go, get over this non story already.
Posted by: jamesinmo | July 27, 2008, 9:04 pm 9:04 pm
Can any of the repubs drones tell me why are you backing Mcdummy ? First of all he’s uneducated. Graduating in the bottom 1% of his high school class in the 1900′s, no college at all, then he old as hell, and where are those missing military records ? He sounds so stupid with that ignorant surge crap. What a pitiful old fool. I can’t wait for the debates, President Obama is gonna tear him a new a-hole. Jealous, Jealous, Jealous You repubs are jealous of Obama.. He’s Brilliant.. You guys had better come on board soon or you’re gonna miss the Obama Bus to victory!!! hahahahaha !!!
Posted by: HATTIE/CHICAGO | July 27, 2008, 9:41 pm 9:41 pm
Jon,
I am just sickened by all the mess of this election. Maybe I am just insane with it all because, I read your post and I can not stop laughing at your analysis of the candidates. Even though this election is not a laughing matter
But,…
That was funny…lol
Jon wrote,
“I more than likely will vote for Barr. I am sickened by the whining of both Obama and McCain. Both are despicable shameless self promoting idiots. Obama has a cult of non-thinkers, and McCain whining about no coverage. The press is hopelessly in the tank for Obama, and McCain is pissed because the press has always been in the tank for him and is acting like a 14 year old girl who doesn’t get asked to the prom. Obama plasters posters at the wailing wall, which is about the most shameless thing I’ve ever heard of, while McCain is so dumb he thinks Iraq and Pakistan share a border.
I’ll be voting 3rd party to show disdain for both PARTIES and for both CANDIDATES… who make Bush vs Kerry look like Lincoln vs Jackson, and that a SAD statement.”
Posted by: warlock | July 27, 2008, 9:50 pm 9:50 pm
I’m beginning to think that John McCain’s supporters are as senile as he is. Can you people read? It has been confirmed a bunch of times that Obama had NO intention of bringing the press to the hospital. Hell, even the rightwing Allahpundit recognizes that.
You can debate whether or not Obama should have gone by himself or without General Gratiot. But I think he was being set up by the McCain campaign either way. He goes and McCain accuses him of using the troops as props. He refuses to go, and McCain accuses Obama of ignoring the troops. So he phoned them instead. John McCain, a man with no honor, would have ignored the troops and told them to pay their own hospital bills and stop whining. John McCain has lost all dignity and honor. He will make up anything to get elected.
Posted by: Elrod | July 28, 2008, 12:50 am 12:50 am
Obama took this political hit for the wounded vets. Go ahead and beat him up for it, for doing the right thing for the hospital and the vets and their family’s.
What possible political advantage would come from canceling this planned meeting? (That never had press scheduled to go, ask the press corp)
The DOD canceled the planned meeting. The DOD barred a general who had organized the whole trip and wasn’t paid staff, saying it would be seen as political.
Obama could have gone and avoided this negative press, but once DOD said that bringing a General would be political he knew his going would be made into a fire storm and that hospital would be swamped with press calls and so could the soldiers or their families.
So those that want to find fault with Obama protecting the wounded vets will find it.
Besides that no one would be in that hospital from the Iraq ware if Obama was listened to in 2008.
God Bless You and God Bless America
Posted by: Grahamvarnum | July 28, 2008, 5:40 am 5:40 am
I will write like the outsider I am to these unfolding dramas called Presidential Campaign. My heartfelt pity goes to the supposed supporters of the two great Candidates who are not too intelligent and discerning enough to know what this hullaballoo is all about – Politics. The hearts and minds of the weak will be preyed and sibblings will turn against each other because they belong to opposing camps.
One of the most important things that we should know, which we sheepishly refused to know is that America is not in any war. The Occupation of Iraq was forced on America by a President who was so willing to prey on the ignorance and fear of Americans by selling them bunch of lies which culminated into the quagmire we have on our hands. If a war must be waged in should be in Afghanistan who harbored Osama bin Laden and where the attack on the World Trade Center was hatched. Before the attack of Iraq, Iraq had no link with Al-quaeda.
Reading through some of the comments in this blog has more than ever before strenthened my belief that there are so many American youth that are so ignorant of happenings outside their immediate environment to the extent that anything they read in the blogosphere is considered to be true since they are ignorant of anything contrary. The spate of “cut” and “paste” is on the increase because the internet has been turned into rumour mills where unsubstantiated news items are fed to unsuspecting and ignorant people who serve as eventual Vectors to the outright lies, twisted facts and half-truths.
It appears Mccain’s Campaign has realised that Americans have not gotten wiser since 2004 and the same trick is being used to garner supports.
What we hear from Mccain’s camp is “Obama said”. It appears that the Campaign only waits for Obama to act before they will have things to tell Americans. They remain docile in Obama ‘s inactivity.
He didn’t visit the Troops because he didn’t want to politicize the visit. With Mccain knowing how dumb some Americans are, the spinning machine has started grinding and the ignorants are already falling over themselves to be the first to disseminate. “Cut and paste syndrome”.
With heightening hostilities in Afghanistan, Home foreclosures, soaring gas price and a depressed economy, I would think a responsible Campaign will tell Americans how he intends to better their lots in the next four years but what do we hear, “Surge, Troops, Bill Ayers, Antoin Rezko, Revd Wright”.
It is ridiculous that Americans are being sold on these type of propaganda at this age and time.
Posted by: Dare Nigeria | July 28, 2008, 7:32 am 7:32 am
Grahamvarnum:
Why isn’t “the right thing” Obama going without the retired general so he could still visit and thank wounded troops in person?
Posted by: JakeD | July 29, 2008, 1:10 pm 1:10 pm
How difficult is it to see that Obama is a sitting senator who can see the troops at any time should he choose? If he goes to the hospital BY HIMSELF and WITHOUT CAMARAS, it cannot be considered a political event. He chose not to do so. Period. End of story.
Also, if he’s worried about whether or not his campaign pays the tab for the short drive to the hospital, couldn’t he just pay for the trip there himself, or otherwise expense it to the government?? Barak chose not to go, when all he had to do was leave his campaign behind. It’s his fault, and he is rightfully criticized for it.
Posted by: Mark S. | July 30, 2008, 12:45 am 12:45 am
Just for kicks (and to get back to the actual subject of Jake’s article), how many gun owners here would vote for Obama? Anybody? Anybody? Bottom line, Obama will have the AFT knocking on your door to collect your soon to be contraband.
Posted by: Emm | September 16, 2008, 12:36 am 12:36 am