Obama warns Republicans about attacking wife

I am glad that Obama is standing up for his wife and family. No matter what the response is, he knows he stood up for them. Maybe it’s not about us or even the Republicans; maybe it’s a man standing up for his wife and the mother of his children. Be smart anything and everything in this day and age can be taken out of context. And… if it’s the truth you act like we don’t have the right to feel a certain way at a certain time… I’m sure some of the people reading and responding have uttered or thought racially insensitive remarks and they will argue vehemently that they are NOT racist.

I find it so interesting that in a "free country" so many people are bent on holding people accountable to a level of behavior and expression that few, if any can live up to.

I love America for a number of reasons. However there are things about America that I am not proud of... I also understand that the things I like and find patriotic might do the very opposite for others. I am however, aware that the statements I make will communicate to others what my beliefs are.

For example:
I AM proud that people who were oppressed can seek and gain legal protection in this country even after years of state sanctioned oppression... immigrants, blacks, women, people with disabilities...
I am NOT proud that it took as long as it did and for those rights to come to fruition and that so many “decent” people were ok with the status quo.

I AM proud of the way people came together after 9/11.
I am NOT proud that it took an event of such magnitude to make people civil.

I could go on. Like many parents out there, they love their children, always and unequivocally they support them and stand behind them, but they are not always proud of the way they act.

People are so shallow and smug nowadays, they take one statement and without knowledge or history pass judgment and become experts. Just because you can post a comment and hit spellchecker doesn’t make you an expert. Here’s a little something about me. I’m sure as you read some of your stereotypes will be confirmed I just ask where they are challenged, instead of excusing them challenge yourself to become a broader thinker and see where someone else might be coming from.

I am undeclared, I voted for Bill Clinton, George Bush Jr., and I will be voting for Obama. I am an Attorney, I have an undergraduate degree in Computer Science and Math, I have been an entrepreneur, worked for large non-profits and the government. I am a Christian; I have lived in California, Alabama and England. My mother is Irish and my father is Jamaican.

And for the snide racist comments people are making, don’t run for office, someone might post your response, God bless and have a great day… like my granddad used to say don’t judge a man until you’ve walked a mile in his/her shoes.

1. Mr. Obama is making a valiant effort to run a relatively clean campaign based on issues, not on unfortunate remarks or personalities other than those of the candidates. Although history is against that happening, I admire his efforts. Hopefully, his campaign managers will get the message so the battle will focus upon the candidates and their arguments for building a better America.

Mrs. Obama is a well-educated and personable choice to be First Lady, and I whole-heartedly support her positive efforts on her husbands behalf, but would certainly accept any opposition to her ideas on solutions to the problems brought on by the incumbent administration and legislature.

But I will still be inclined to vote for the man whose respect for the rules kept him off the Michigan Primary ballot.

ISAIAH 26:3

“Disillusionment is a dangerous, slippery slope. First, we become disillusioned about our fellow man. Then we move on to cynicism. We have been burned. We’ve been taken advantage of; we’ve been mistreated. Before long, we trust no one, not even the Lord. Putting our complete hope and trust in the Lord - (not Lord of evil) but the true living LORD of every man and woman the simplest messages from the LORD will calm our spirits”.

I understand that sometimes when officials are running for public office like Senator Barack Obama that they are under close scrutiny. When comments are made by their better half regardless of the content-whether positive or negative- the News media and others are quick to criticize them. Sometimes people are insensitive to the feelings of the individuals they are criticizing.

If Senator Barack Obama is chosen to be our next Presidential Candidate he must learn to deal with this kind of criticism.

I for one have a lot of respect for the Senator and this is no time to give into the this negative criticism.

American
people the impession that he can not take negative critizem.

"Does this mean that Senator Obama and his team will not be attacking Senator McCain because his wife will not release her tax records? or is that OK?"

No. It means he'll fight back, which is refreshing to hear from a Democrat. McCain can fight back too if his wife is attacked.. Obama clearly said that attacking his wife was unacceptable. I didn't notice him saying anything about McCain's wife.

Maybe you'd call that hypocrisy. I call it advocacy, and in this case loyalty.

"low class"

what does that mean exactly? does it mean lower class?

is it opposite of high class?

like a high class education? like elite?

if it's lower class, than we can all just dismiss it. dimiss it like the low class people whose political views differ from Sen Obama's. their lower class considerations are too low class to be anything but flippant about.

I understand that sometimes when officials are running for public office like Senator Barack Obama that they are under close scrutiny. When comments are made by their better half regardless of the content-whether positive or negative- the News media and others are quick to criticize them. Sometimes people are insensitive to the feelings of the individuals they are criticizing.

If Senator Barack Obama is chosen to be our next Presidential Candidate he must learn to deal with this kind of criticism.

I for one have a lot of respect for the Senator and this is no time to give into the this negative criticism.

American
people the impession that he can not take negative critizem.

I'd rather have a man that respects his wife for President than a man that will call his wife a c**t or a woman that would place her husband back under the public eye when power and fame have led him astray from their marriage in the past.

Bush's wife killed someone when she was young. Clinton's husband had an affair and disgraced the office. And McCain's wife steals recipes and then touts them as her own.......

Who lives in the glass house?

I have been an American all of my life. Yes there are times that some Individuals have said how bad American Life is. But I have always been proud to stand up and say how great this country is. I have never made bone head remarks as to this is the first time I have been proud to be an american. That was spoken from the heart by someone that I believe felt it. All should read the books that have been written by people running for the president and their wives. I believe that Rev. Wrights comments are shared by a large segiment of our population who are now trying to distance them selfs from him.

It has alway felt and I hope someone in the Congress and the House will try to have a Constution Amendement that no one can serve in a public position unless they have served at least 2 years in a branch of the military. How can you know and feel what it is like to live day to day as a person who have been willing to put your life on the line for your Countrry? We would then have a stronger goverment to protect and serve each and every American. God bless America, The land that I love.

Oh yes Bart you hit the nail on the head. That's exactly what she meant. She may have said, "For the first time in my adult life, I am really proud of my country." But any sensible person knows what she really meant was... " I have never in this life or the next, or in any previous life been proud of the deeds and actions performed by any american who has ever lived and died in or for this disgracefull country."
She may have said she mispoke and was refering to political action, but we know that this was a purposefull attack on the very soul of America. Anyone who really loves this country is filled with pride everyday for everything that is America. Every American should be filled with an undying pride. After all we are the closest thing to perfection in the entire world, so what is there to criticize?

"Arrogance that is to be expected from some one who thinks they can get whatever they want because the press has given them a free ride "

"FREE RIDE" In "America" not for a black person !!! Barbara your pathetic. WE have learned to take what we want. God Bless America where freedom is for the taking get with that Barbara !!!

Tim...spoken like the true liberal....name calling at it's best. What do we call it when someone refers to ALL of a group:

you stated:
....harsher words that include much bigotry, exclusionism, racism, homophobia and sexism - all which could be leveled at the GOP should they bring it upon themselves to open that can of worms.....

Sounds like you are a little bigoted yourself !
Again, liberals love to call names and put labels on anyone who disagrees with them....ironic, you bigot.

Oh, yes and I am a black man who will vote for McCain

Who cares. Wake up america. If either party is commenting on anything other than this econmy (which is spining out of control) or the two wars abraud... Who cares. These are the only issues our next presedent will face.

OBama is the best candidate at this time to serve our country well, Everything gets said and printed about every person in public office to include Family members. HE IS NOT responsible for what comes out of the mouths of people, IF he is not a good candidate because the pastor of the church he attends says things that we may not agree with, then all the catholic members serving publicly should be ousted from their positions because they follow the POPE and everyone knows we all do not agree with the catholic church, even if we are catholic.
I also think the media picks and chooses the snippets they put out there to us. You cannot believe all of it, because they take it out of context and then argue about what it really means...or they speculate. You cannot blame Obama for for saying not to make commments about his wife in this Campaign....he is a MAN defending his family and standing on those principles, how many of us have a man Like that? CLINTON DOES NOT, she in fronmt of the whole nation CONDONES what BILL did in office, because she stood by him for her own gain...NY SENATOR that she has become, Bill said the hell with his family and her in front of the nation, now they are campaigning together, problem is they are a FAKE family with no morals, that's what they show the nation...can you say that about OBAMA and Michelle? I think not, this country has lost it sence of morals and family values. I would want a person as president, who LOVES his family and this nation, do you think that HIllary is in touch with the women in kthis country who are used and abused by MEN or Women, can she say just leave the bad relationship and move on...when she has not done so herself...she is all about the money for sure... is she going to tell immigrants in this country that if your man is cheating on you that you should leave...because that is happening in this country with immigrants, wives are not just cheated on they are beaten etc.....she had the financial means to leave Blll but chose not to so she could be a senator.....and the lies that fly out of her mouth..sniper fire...what an insult to the MEN AND WOMEN who serve our country...and if she cannot remember because she is exhausted according to BILL...then we cannot have her as president, because it is an exhausting job from the get go...he lies, she lies without a second thought. do you think that the MIDDLE east.....will respect her position as president as a woman....especially when they know what she will put up with from a man? She has lost herself repect as a person. The MEN and WOMEN who serve our country are exhausted as well, they have served more than one time over there...my husband has served 3 times as well in his 23 year career, but you can bet if he cheated on me in front of the world, I definetly would not be with him, no matter what, the Clintons cannot trust each other, how can we trust them?.....there are too many lies between them and the world...and everyone knows it...are they catholic? we are not perfect in this world, but YOU have to do whats right and OBAMA is the one who is showing TRUE character and grace in this campaign, he IS campaigning with dignity...all anyone can talk about is what reverend Wright says, OBAMA did not say it, nor does he claim EXHAUSTION when he cannot remember events correctly, Michelle is not up there lying or making excuses for her man like BILL has done for Hillary...the difference is MICHELLE does not have to. You can always vote for MCCain who has stated he will only do 1 term......4 years fly...this country is such a mess, morally, Financially, and BUSH has screwed it up in 8 years, McCain must have a miracle under his belt to think he can fix it in 4. Personally I would like to see an OBAMA/COLIN POWELL ticket, both these men have the ability to put this country in the best spot over the next 4 years or so.

It's party time, people! The warm-up act, i.e., the primary season, is almost complete. It's almost time for "Hate Fest '08" (better known as the general election) to begin. It's little wonder that we Americans have had the government we deserve for the last 8 years.

We're electing Obama, not his wife. Perhaps Laura Bush should have got a job rather than live off her husband all the years he was in office. See the point? This isn't about candidates spouse or family - it should be about the candidate. He is just another clownish tactic of the GOP - look over there! Boo!

I understand that sometimes when officials are running for public office like Senator Barack Obama that they are under close scrutiny. When comments are made by their better half regardless of the content-whether positive or negative- the News media and others are quick to criticize them. Sometimes people are insensitive to the feelings of the individuals they are criticizing.

If Senator Barack Obama is chosen to be our next Presidential Candidate he must learn to deal with this kind of criticism.

I for one have a lot of respect for the Senator and this no time to give the American people the impression that he can not take negative criticism.

I'm shocked and appalled by some of the comments made here, and the see-saw of expectations applied to the candidates. This entire "not proud" situation tends to reveal more about the person commenting instead of the person being commenting on. I'd love to find out how much overlap there is between those who parce up every statement by Barack and Michelle Obama, and those who do the same to the statements of George and Laura Bush. Certainly people don't let their political views keep them from overanalyzing or mistrusting all politicians.

But those who wish to read into Michelle Obama's quote a great list of supposed grievances aren't offering any insight into her, but only themselves. Michelle clarified her quote (devoid of context itself) later, and probably will again. She was talking about pride in American politics, not pride in Americans. Either someone believes that or not. If they don't believe her, that is their business but for people who don't know Michelle Obama to suggest they understand what she really meant is just foolishness. People who do that all have low IQs...oops see what happened there? I took a small fraction of the views of people I don't know and made a gross exageration of them! Looks like it can happen to anyone!

Asking questions of prospective first ladies is good. Trying to know what they think, feel, believe, and aspire for is great. Raising reasonable concerns based on facts free of distortion is necessary for an effective election. But what Obama was upset about, and what both he and John McCain have objected to, are campaign tactics based more on unatributted ineuendo than political action. This is a time to expect not just more from our candidates, but more from our fellow voters as well.

listen folks this is really ridiculous what you are saying about this obama and his wife issue.... really sling mud at obama not his wife... I would like to know the first american who is actually happy that we are in this war killing people...? huh? also i would like to know the first jewish american who is happy about an president who is so insensitive talking about the holocaust at a celebratory event? Which american is truly happy...? I am NOT.... i loved her speech that day ... that was the first time i watched anything political about this campaign and since that conversation i made up my mind to vote for obama her message resonates with concious people.....before that i was always voting republican....embarassingly admitting this.....Go OBAMA .......i am praying for you and your campaign.....Obama must win the whole race all the way down to nov and in january i want him to walk that first walk with his family to start this change ....

People need to stop taking words out of context!! If you can say that there was a time before this campaign where American citizens took an active role, to the same or greater caliber, as they are now with the politics of this country and cared about where this country was headed, then yes maybe this is not the first time. But that doesn't negate the fact that Americans, regardless of who you support, should be proud of how loud we are voicing our opinions to Washington. This has been a campaign for the history books, not only because there is an African-American running against a woman for the Democratic Presidential nomination, but also because of the spark that this campaign has ignited in the millions of voices of the American public. There has not been a movement like the one that is taking place with this campaign since the 1960's Civil Rights Movement. Even that movement for change does not parallel this campaign, for the American voice was divided by the racial confines that dominated in that time in history, unlike the unified voice that America is shouting out today. So yes, for the first time in our adult lives, we should be really proud of our country. That is Michelle Obama's point. Nothing more.

I understand that sometimes when officials are running for public office like Senator Barack Obama that they are under close scrutiny. When comments are made by their better half regardless of the content-whether positive or negative- the News media and others are quick to criticize them. Sometimes people are insensitive to the feelings of the individuals they are criticizing.

If Senator Barack Obama is chosen to be our next Presidential Candidate he must learn to deal with this kind of criticism.

I for one have a lot of respect for the Senator and this no time to give the American people the impression that he can not take negative criticism.

Why would a black woman have been proud of a country that had never had a black person or female person as president? This is the ego of SOME Anglo Saxons that suggests that everyone should be proud of everything they do. She will be attacked no matter what Obama says and the attacks will be unlike any that were placed on any potential first lady in history. Why? Because that is America. The America that she had a hard time being proud of.

I think the Senator is banking on the normal fear of angry black guys that most white people experience.

In this case, we're pretty sure he's not going to beat us up.

Though I do no support Obama as a presidential candidate, it is inappropriate to take the low road of attacking a women. I know that the feminist would like to say they have the same role as their male counter-part, but reality is God made men as the protectors of their family.

These men who are taking that low road to attack wives and children, probably also would hit girls when they were in school....just no understanding of how to treat a women.

And of course I must add in....I WILL NOT vote the lesser of evils, I WILL vote my conscience, so I WILL vote for RON PAUL!!!!

The GOB (Good Old Boys) need to start making travel arrangements. By this time next year democrats will control the white house, and the senate/congress by large margins. All the things that should have been done years ago will finally get done under President Obama. It's going to be better, you'll see.

The “Obama Train” is coming, and it is fueled by change. A change that will unite all Americans, not drive wedges between us. Most people are smart enough to see that we can only make change if we do it together.

Young voters, educationed voters, minority voters, and voters under 45 make up 56 percent of all voters, and they are voting for Obama in large numbers. And that is going to increase by a third for the general elections.

John McCain can't relate to any of those voters, because he can't see pass his "GOB training". Sure, he has gone against the GOB grin a few times, but deep down he is still just a good-old-boy. He served his country well, but that doesn't mean he gets a free pass on how he views other Americans. I served in the military for 23 years. One of the biggest racist I have ever known was a Vietnam Vet. Just because you served in the military, doesn't mean you have your finger on the pulse of the country or you view all people as equal. Hell, Rev Wright served 6 years in the Army, enough said.

Vote for Obama - be apart of the New Greater America

What can you expect from wife beaters? Tennessee GOP

I understand that sometimes when officials are running for public office like Senator Barack Obama that they are under close scrutiny. When comments are made by their better half regardless of the content-whether positive or negative- the News media and others are quick to criticize them. Sometimes people are insensitive to the feelings of the individuals they are criticizing.

If Senator Barack Obama is chosen to be our next Presidential Candidate he must learn to deal with this kind of criticism.

I for one have a lot of respect for the Senator and this no time to give the American people the impression that he can not take negative criticism.

Only one mail got it right! Obama is ready for the close scrutiny but i believe he feels really sorry for the GOP candidates who are the aggressors. it will be like the nation of Isreal and the Palestinians. They throw rocks at the Jews and here comes the scud missiles and what have you, the whole neighborhood is transformed for life into gaping holes and debris. McCain and his phony second wife get ready.

What I hope is that Barrack and Michelle not get bogged down feeling the need to defend themselves. All the people who know this plite of change, must occur for the SAKE and WILL of the majority of american PEOPLE who beg for change. The message of us liberal socialist as described by most close-minded conservative blowhearts who see no purpose other than thier own fatcat agenda. The Obama's plural have enough true supporters that will and can defend the unwavering ,unstopable convictions for change. The Tenn. GOP and all the conservative republican will assume to throw everything and the kitchen sink at Barrack Obama and obviously his wife. My grandma would say to her grandchildren when we where not being nice to each other (If you put your mouth
on someone" IT-ill "come back on you. This is true so be very careful as you
conservative republican attempt to describe ones integrity, worth or patriotism.
You have a conservative president and vice president that has made this country
less safe, less productive,record gas prices, this country even more divided,
approval rating in the 20's as we slide closer to a damn resession . If these where CEO of SHELL or any of the other major oil companies they would've been
fired for sure buy now. But since we appear to have lower standard for the office of
president and vice president I guess the taking care of and extingusing of this
incompetant, self-rightous ,pompus,selling our american goverment soul for a
dollar to China and Dubai on daily base(This is what they descrbe as less BIG
goverment) ,single handed non senseical approach that has rendered countless
american soliders mamed and dead(the effects of this to be felt for generation
and familes to come) The approval ratings and the WILL of the american people have spoken (GOP loosing 3 strong hold seat) This is only the start hope and
prosperity will be restored. The AMERICAN PEOPLE ARE SPEAKING.........
Rosaland Burke

I think most of us know what Michelle Obama meant. I can understand why Barak would want to protect his wife but if this is the best that some Republicans can do to fault him then they are sounding pretty desperate.

American is doomed if Obama becomes the president!

It doesn't matter if you're voting Democrat or Republican. If you're voting just because of the party line association, you're a f--reaking idiot and don't deserve to get a ballot.

MINDLESS PARTISAN POLITICS NEED TO END.

She hates America, Obama is a Muslim, the refuge of the uninformed. How sad that people like that exist, much less have a vote. This bitter old white guy is voting for Obama.

So it's not ok to go after Michelle Obama when she says something unsavory, but it is ok to go after Hillary's spouse when he says something stupid?

Who is Barack Obama to warn anyone? Is he so arrogant of an elitist to think he posesses the power to warn the huge percentage of Americans that belong to the GOP.? And if he makes comments about Bill Clinton, Hillary's spouse, isn't that very two-faced? Nothing more dangerous than a wanna be like Barack thinking he has the position all locked up!

It's so painful that some americans are so naive, they believe too much in Obama JUST because Bush made them disappointed. However, that's their responsibiliy, because in the past they chose Bush, not only once, but twice! Now if they choose the wrong leader again, that will be totally their responsibility once Obama screws up USA in economy, national security and foreign policy.
The unexperienced and arrogant Obama can sink the USA ship in the very tough time ahead. Yes he can, yes he can!!!

He's not even the nominee and they're already taken cheap shots!

And Lisa,

McCain's father-in-law's still alive?? Is that entore family a bunch robots?!

/if they are I bet they run on Vista.

It's good news for the dems when the right attacks their opponent's wife. This means Obama has been fully vetted by the RNC and they have NOTHING on him and what they've tried to hit him with so far hasn't stuck. The Rev. Wright issue is done. They couldn't make the Ayers story stick. The Tony Resko story is dead. So they attack his wife! What a bunch of little sissies!

Bart, let's not overly simplify Michelle's comment. She said it was the first time she was "really proud of her country." In my interpretation, that means she was now more proud than before. In other words, she could have been proud of various aspects of the country, but now, was even more proud of the country for rallying behind someone like her husband. While I would say that I have pride in being an American, there are things that this country has done that I'm ashamed of. I don't thing pride in being American means we must blindly support whatever our government chooses to do.

He sounded very threatening in that interview about his wife...and John Mc Cain didn't say much when the Democrat made a big deal out of Cindy McCain not releasing her tax returns..it seem that Obama is truly a racist in the worst sense and does believe his race should make his campaign different because he is black..You don't threaten people as he did..it's a free country the last time I looked and we are free to say anything about anyone...especially in a campain like this...he certainly does and he has rained the criticism down on Senator Clinton relentlessly, but, when they turn the tables, it's a racist comment...and it's that way with anyone who says anything at all about him and other blacks...and he says it's not about race...it is...and he has made it that way. He and Oprah...

It's all part of the process. Be prepared to be scrutinized, both you and those around you, including your family. No free passes here. The fact that Mrs. Obama made such a reprehensible statement about our nation, certainly qualifies her and her husband to deal with the criticism and fallout that it brings. Senator Obama, you know better. Don't act surprised or even outraged. Hopefully, in this process of ours, all candidates will be treated equally. I didn't say fairly, but at least equally.

What doe she mean, h eis warning anyone, what heis in the Mafia and going to have them wacked. My daddy can beat your daddy up. Give us a break and let the grownup alone Obama. Go back to your sandbox.

Hey, all of you husbands out there. How would you like it if your wife was being attacked by your enemies? As a man, what would you do? As a husband, what would you do? I think that a candidate's wife is off limits, no matter what. People who posted those mean-spirited comments regarding Mrs. Obama must be lonely bitter men who cling to their netherparts on a regular basis while wishing they had an effective female counterpart to advocate on their behalf.

He is defending his wife like any good man would. Sounding like Rev. Wright, you people need to stop with that bs. Everything is under the microscope with these candidates. Personally if that's all they got on Michelle then why are any of us bothering to respond to this story.

I personally will be proud of this country if they elect a black man or a woman as president. If they elect McStain, well it's just more of the same bs as we have been used to these last eight years.

Oh so you don't mistake anything, no I am not proud of this administration or country right now.

Obama and his campaign (and the media) haven't hesitated to attack Bill Clinton - they even went after Chelsea a few times.

I guess he believes that's acceptable because Bill is a seasoned political figure, but this still smacks of a double standard. His wife shouldn't be campaigning for him if she is off limits.

Republicans can't run on issues, so they have to resort to this sort of thing. It's no surprise. Smearing and distorting is the Republican playbook bread and butter.

Yeah, let's talk about wives instead of about candidates.

The thing about white americans is they only want to see America through their white staind glasses. I think Michelle Obama and most African americans feel the same way. For the first time in my life I am proud of my country. I agree with her 100%.... Bart Robinson you forgot the million of slaves who gave up their entire lives to be the economy of this country, and the millions of native americas that were slaugthered for this country to become a nation... And that is nothing to be proud of. If Jesus Christ came back and destroyed america would you follow america into hell. White Americas seem to think they are Gods for some reason. It is idolatry to pledge alligence to anything but God... thats int he Holy Bible... Stop worshipping that flag and this country.. I am black and support Obama, but I am still not proud of America because America is nothing to be proud for, a country full of godless heathens. America is a hypocritical nation and she is an abomonation...All nations will bow before Jesus Christ....

Barack Obama has every right to support his wife. As others here have said, of course he knows what running for office means, that doesn't mean he's not going to stand up for his family.
Michelle Obama's comments were very different from anything Wright has said, and equating the two shows a great amount of ignorance. I think *a lot* of people can see where Mrs. Obama is coming from. America was founded on great principles and has done great things, but look at how our government has chosen to conduct itself in recent decades. The Iran-Contra Scandal, installing Pinoche in Chile, illegal wars that only increase anti-American sentiment, the list goes on. How can one not feel embarrassed? However, seeing so many Americans passionate and committed to change recently has made me proud, seeing a black man, who fifty years ago wouldn't have been allowed to use the same drinking fountain as me running for president has made me proud, as has seeing a woman running for president.
Stop letting the mainstream media tell you what to think about the Obamas or the Clintons and look at these things in context.

When it comes to comment #4.....

there is no way you can say that Obama has adequate Washington exposure.....
and... "A candidate not based on sexism, racism,regionalism,and ageism."?????

there is no one that meets this criteria so get over yourself Obama fans (notice I call you "FANS' not supporters...because many of you don't even know his true beliefs.... what you are riding, it's called a bandwagon, and get off!)....can't you see past his facade....

....charisma isn't everything...he has to actually be able to run this country, yet he has little experience and little knowledge.

Why in the world would you attack Michelle. She is not the candidate. At best, you proving the point that BO is the right candidate.

Forward Obama, we know what your wife meant. She states she was proud because people are not hung up on race.
We don't care if you're purple. You have our vote.
McCain in our books????????

Onward.

p.s. I'm white

As far as I can tell, saving of course in the instance of a Hilary victory, the President's spouse doesn't play a significant role in our governence. That being the case, all spouse's should sit down and shut up if they insist on a "hands off" policy! Kids and extended family should also be left alone and stay out of the mix. You can't pick your relatives, but you do have some say in picking a spouse.

Does anyone remember the debate when Obama said to Hillary Clinton that it was hard to tell whether or not he was running against her or her husband? Obama--as a Democrat I will support you tooth and nail through to the presidency. But he really needs to be more consistent in terms of what he deems "appropriate." Anyone out stumping on his behalf is open to critique. he really needs to be careful not to get himself caught in blatantly hypocritical policy moves, too

A week ago my daughter graduated from college, I have always had some proud moments with her but for the first time I felt., really proud of her. Get real. War, killing, health care jobs.Proud are you. Define it.

For all of those who proclaim that racism does NOT exist in the United States, I suggest that you continue to observe this election, this is merely the tip of the iceberg and/or the opening salvo. It will get worse, I guarantee it.

There are those that will identify it as something else. But we will never advance, as we should, if we don't recognize and honestly attempt to resolve the issue of race in America.

The funny thing is that the only real reason to defend the comments regarding the pride in our country is because of the media's portrayal of the idea and people's ignorant interpretation of them. I must say I haven't been particularly proud lately. We face clearcut corruption from the relationship with the energy producers and the administration. I think Michelle's comments are correct...we act like international bullies, we don't join the world community on the environment, we can't see to tend to our own during disasters, we can't feed all of our people and get them health care...yet spend $400 million daily in Iraq, we don't take care of the brave people who fought for our country, we can't exist with a balanced budget, we have a philandering ex-prez., crazy earmarks are helping float lifers in congress, education takes a back seat to commerce. We don't need to be a bunch of whiny babies because someone was brave enough to speak the truth...sheesh. There are a million reasons to be proud of our country and the people who live here, but to face a bit of critical thought is hard because it turns up some ugly realities. I'd like to see this nation move in a better direction. Plus, it is cool to stick up for your family.

Maybe the Obama's can find a country they are proud of, and move there?

Oh wait! They can't say those things about another country without serious
issues. Obama wants change. We he gets down all we'll have is change$

Look it's simple. The dems have this unrealistc view of the world. They
think if we just put down our guns, and stop clinging to our religion, and
stop being so bitter and angry we can be more like them.

You are kidding me RIGHT?

After eight years of wars, sleeping at the controls, (911), highest gas prices in history, over 4000 American soldiers dead in a useless war,  greatest housing collapse since the Great Depression, a recession killing the middle class, a huge immigration problem, no action on global warning, failure to have any energy policy, lies  to the American people, reduced prestige in the world ......and on and on............ The Republican Party has the nerve to take a comment out of context and try to use it for political gain..... wow..... How about supporting the worst President in the history of the United States.............. as was said to Joseph McCarthy( another Republican)   HAVE YOU NO SHAME?............. I guess Not..

vote for change. vote to make us great again.

sincerely

When you step up to the microphone and support a candidate, you must be be ready for scrutony. Mrs. Obama wasn't forced to speak before the crowds, but curled up in a ball when people critisized her comments. Don't speak at a poblic rally if you don't want to be under the public opinion. She made the comments. Let Mrs. Obama deal with it. She opened her mouth, and let us all know where she stands.
Just like Chelsea Clinton standing up and speaking for her mom. She decided to act like an adult and speak for her parents. Someone ask about her parent's credibility, and she was offended. She should have sat at home watching her dad if she didn't want to deal with infadelity issues. I think she took this problem on when she stood on the stage talking to the crowds. We haven't forgotten Bill telling us live on TV that he wasn't cheating in the oval office.
I also see this race card being used recklessly. He's black, so anything he says is protected. If anyone questions it, They are racist. I know who I'm voting for, and it's not a dirty democrap................

Political Intelligence ?
A Republican Oxymoron !

Obama is right on this one, and lo and behold, all the low class remarks prove it. Attempting to equate an unfair analysis of his wife's personal views with Cindy McCain's tax returns is absurd. Because it has been pointed out that Mrs. McCain has a majority of the wealth in the family, and if one accepts that a candidate's personal finances are up for review, then her's certainly are. What makes Michelle Obama proud or not proud is her business, and since no one is voting for Michelle for president, it shouldn't matter. That said, part of the reason people are turning away from both the Republicans and from Hillary Clinton is because they like to wrap themselves in the flag as if they are the only true patriots or the only true Americans. They criticized Obama for not wanting to go around with a flag pin in his lapel like Bush and Cheney always do. Hey, in the wake of 9/11, that stuff was appropriate for awhile but it got old and tired and phony a LONG TIME AGO. All this jingoistic zenophobia is for the birds and mature Americans, regardless of their age, understand this all too well. The morons who swallow all that crap will never be able to understand how manipulated they are. All Obama needs to do is continue to treat Americans like they possess some innate intelligence and judgement. It will secure his path, not only to the nomination, but to victory in November.

If either of the Democratic candidates truly feel they are the "right" person for the job, regardless of the outcome of the primaries, they should marshall their supporters and run as an independent candidate! Failure to do so is an abdication of their core values. If nothing else, doing so would motivate America's Citizens to set aside sanguin partisanship, and support the candidate who shares their views, values and interests. The two party system is responsible for the sad state of our government, and until we address this issue, we're just rearranging the deck chairs!

It seems that the comments are "business as usual" try to dig up something innocent and make a mountain out of it...so let me comment on the Hillibilly shenanagans...it would be a two for one sale, you vote for Hillary, you get her AND Bill...now that is scary! He should keep his mouth shut,he detracts from anything good that could(but won't ) come from Hillary, does she really need him putting his feet in his mouth on this campaign?? Think about it. Sometime a 2 for 1 sale is just extra junk you probably can't use, and end up having to throw it away because it spoils! How about the blatent lies and boasting that Hillary has come up with? And she doesn't care about the party, she wants her name in the history books at all costs. An Obama supporter!!

I PERSONALLY THINK ATTACKING A CANDIDATES WIFE IS PRETTY LOW BUT I WANT PUT IT PAST REPUBLICANS NOTHING NEW. NOT ONLY WILL YOU LIE TO THE AMERICAN PEOPLE OVER WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION,GIVING PEOPLE JOBS DONT NEED TO HAVE I DONT THINK I NEED TO BRING UP HURRICAN KATRINA DO I. SO LET ME THINK ABOUT OVER 4,000 TROOPS DEAD FOR NOTHING ECONOMY IN SHAMS GIVING TAX BREAKS TO OIL COMPANIES WHO GROSSED OVER 123 BILLION. AND THE PEOPLE LEAVING COMMENTS ARE MORE WORRIED ABOUT MICHELLE OBAMA AND REV WRIGHT RATHER THAN THIS YOU MUST BE LIVING IN A DREAM WORLD YOU THINK THOSE TWO MATTER OR WHAT THE AMERICAN PEOPLE HAVE BEEN LETTING THE REPUBLICAN PARTY GET AWAY WITH AND ANYBODY VOTING FOR JOHN MCCAIN NEEDS TO WAKE UP WE DONT NEED 12 YEARS OF GEORGE W BUS. WHEN I READ THIS STUFF ABOUT PASTORS AND WIVES WHO WANT BE PRESIDENT LETS ME KNOW PEOPLE DONT THINK FOR THEM SELVES THE MEDIA DOES IT FOR YOU STAY IGNORANT BUT DONT BE MAD WHEN THINGS STAY THE SAME OR GET WORSE DONT VOT REPUBLICAN

It is a lie to say we must know every detail of a candidates life.

The GOP over the last two years has had some of their hypocrits exposed in the bathrooms and in the prostitution rings. Everyone then says they never knew. Bull-crap.

As I observe the American media, one thing has become apparent, the masses who subscribe to the slanted opinions that are presented are completely deluded.

Michelle Obama 's statement is not the problem. And she should not receive any more attention than any of the Bush spouses did.

It is the deep rooted racist madness that is the problem. Why do they fear the Obamas?

I've already held Michelle Obama accountable ... I'm voting for McCain. Are you proud now, Michelle? Idiot!

"Chelsea is being pimped out by her parents" is a completely unfair, unjust, unwarrented attack on a young woman and both her parents. She was being called a "Whore" because she was helping her mother get elected - not because of anything she said. Michelle is not being called a whore. She is justly being criticized because she is a co-follower of Rev Wrights anti-American anti-White racism and proved it by her remark.

I didn't hear Bill or Hillary yell "lay off my daughter". They know what comes with campaigning. Don't have one set of rules for B.O. and a different set of rules for everyone else.

I love his choice of words " Low Class " which he uses as a negative....not an elitist you say? Another Limousine Liberal...everyone (else) who works hard and makes a decent living is evil.

In comment to this article, Dr. Khajawall writes below his list of "essential criteria," to which he urges all of us adhere. His list of essentials includes:

"A candidate with little 'Washington exposure' and 'real connectedness with people and future generation'."

Although the doctor uses this forum to stump for his chosen candidate, when viewing his comments within the scope of the subject article's topic, the doctor's intended advocacy not only fails, but supports a more diligent scrutiny of his chosen candidate.

From the perspective of his own profession, I suspect that the doctor understands the mass phychology of Senator Obama's perceived "real connectedness" with the people (and future generations?). This "conectedness" is not due to the public knowing who Senator Obama is, but exists because of his charismatic presentation along with a lack of foundation upon which one can determine where he stands on any number of important issues. Therefore, people who are swept up with his well spoken, but wanting speaches, are able to fill in the gaps and perceive him as the ideal candidate.

The doctor's point that our Great Land, and presumably therefore its people, consists of "family, friends, fellowships, faith, funds, foundation, fun, and future with fairness and freedom," begs the question at hand: Why should Michelle Obama's comments not be scrutinized, particularly in light her 20 years of political indoctrination in Rev. Wright's organization? Why should the public not want to hear an explanation, so their own judgment of the candidate can have adequate foundation? Although the topic of the article should not by itself be dispositive, in order to make an informed decision, it certianly is one of many important matters that the senator and his wife should address directly.

The person standing beside a sitting president as first lady has a direct impact on a myraid of issues, including foreign policy. Desiring to hear an explanation to questionable comments made by that person is relevant to the decision of how to cast your vote.

Senator Obama's gauntlet further highlights his inexperience, because it demonstrates his failure to understand that many people want to make an informed, well thought, complete analysis prior to casting a vote. Shunning this element of society is not the best of approaches.

I am one of the few people I know who is undecided at this time. Senator Obama's avoidance of questions regarding his wife's comments, and now his attempt to close the door on the issue, does not help him. Although it certainly may help me.

I would offer more direct, nonpartisan advice than that of Dr, Khajawall:

Regardless which candidate you currently favor, do not retreat from thought by taking refuge in the current of mass sensation. Stay abreast of what is being said, and not being said, by the candidates. And certainly do not allow anyone to quell your desire to be well informed prior to casting your vote.

we have inflation, gas prices throught the roof, homeowners losing property in record numbers a war that we have no business being in, but the US wants control over the oil that's produced there. freedom and democracy doesn't have anything to do with it; if that was the case we would have helped to end apartheid in south africa. the US won't get involved in anything that doesn't present an economic gain. the government hasn't even partially made whole the katrina victims and have the nerve to ask for the money back. it seems to me that we are focusing on the wrong things. we live in a country that still practices racial injustice particularly the jena 6 in louisana and with the bottom about to fall out on our society america is focusing on this black man as not being capable to run this country. well the way i see it he can't do any worse than the powers that be that has run america into the ground give him a chance what are we afraid of?

Fair move on his part. Nothing wrong with standing up for your wife, even when she says something that could have been phrased more thoughtfully.

Obama can take more than what the narrow mined inflexable retentive closed minded people can dish out. Many of them after seeing and hearing Obama for the first time were reminded again of their own inferiority of a leader who will move this country in a sustained forward direction. Haters what will you do to save our country for the damage that has moved us backwards? Semper Fi

Correct me if I’m wrong here, but wasn’t McCain’s major blunder during the 2000 presidential election his inability to protect his wife from Bush operatives’ dirty, underhanded smearing of her? Moreover, as republican’s, whose moral claim is “family values,” isn’t it odd that when a democratic husband protects his wife he is suddenly an uninformed idiot and not someone to be held in esteem for valuing and thus, protecting his family? Furthermore, who cares? Why don’t we talk about the issues? Why don’t we talk about the fact that America’s GDP has doubled in the past twenty years and during that time the average American’s pay has been stagnant or decreased? Let’s talk about why the Clinton campaign is still even being covered in the news. Let’s ask ourselves whether we really want troops in Iraq until 2013. If ever there was a time to start having serious discussions about how the country is managed -- it is now. To the Boston.com people, please start elevating the debate, you do the country a disservice by “reporting” Jerry Springer style “news.”

why repulicans cannot attack Obama's wife? it is naive. His request is ridiculus. He and his wife are running together. He runs for president and his wife is running for the first lady. The voters have to judge whether the candidate's wife is qualified to be a first lady or not. If a candicate was super good for being a president , but his wife had a robbery record, do you think this is not important ?

Obama is attacking on this front because he can't find much negative to say about McCain.
All BO can do is try to make the GOP look bad. Fact is, it's Obama who doesn't have much political experience. He also does not appear to HONESTLY address the Rev Wright issue and all his other associations, which many people are uncomfortable with. Most troubling to me is that OBama attacks anyone who says something about him. By doing this, the media stops asking questions. Result = we dont learn any more about Obama.

How do you vote for someone you don't know?

My belief is that Mr. Obama decided to throw his hat in the ring & test the waters on how far he could get with his lack of experience in politics. He must be surprised that his efforts have gotten him so far in the race. The media is caught up in his praises and shutting their eyes to his poor qualifications for a leader.
The bandwagon is loading up without reason only because everyone wants to conform to opinions being touted by those "in the know'.
Stand back from the edge and make a list of what the leader of this country should be presenting to the world...I don't think everyone has given this too much consideration.

If Mrs. Obama would only aplogize for her comments the issue would go away.
If Obama would only come clean about his past relations with questionable people he might have a chance for election... C.C. Odom

I hope people wake up and realize surely Obama did not go to the same church for 25 years and not believe in what his pastor is saying and donate thousands of dollars to this church and be buddies with this pastor if he did not share his opinions ,bull crap they are both racist just because he's mixed don't mean crap my father is mexican and he hates mexicans. As for mrs. obama she knows she meant what she said. And as far as I'm concerned her comments were rude I would be ashamed of my country if they elected these two Racist Hipocrites to office .

Going by the amount of contributions rather than primary results Obama will be the next President of the United States. That is because Bush has alienated so many Americans on other issues everybody wants to see all Republicans go - even a war hero. Problem is the last President from Illinois who promised us change gave it to us in the form of the Civil War.

Oh come on Hilary supporter scared you have no idea what it is like to be a person of color in this country, there is no fear, but what happened to manners and respect. I know the Clintons play to the old school of personal destruction, which is why she is loosing not because she is a woman. The American voter is tired of that politics as usual and have rejected it. It's time to move on and elect Barack Obama as the next President and restore dignity to the White House

If I remember, Bill Clinton was called a "whiner". No one let him off easy.

When you choose to speak out, you just might say something that rubs people the wrong way. Choose not to speak if you don't want to be challenged for your viewpoints. This double-standard that the Obama camp is playing, is just ridiculous.

If Mrs. Obama chooses to enter the political process then her comments/actions should be scrutinized. This is what is so terrifying about Barack...please liberals get your heads together and vote for a worthy candidate!

Bravo to Barack Obama. He is sending a fair warning and has every right to do so. Out-of-context snippets and the ever-inflammatory "s/he is not patriotic" are irresponsible and definitely low-class.

I'm a person of color and the ONLY reason I'm voting for Sen. Obama is because of his race. I know that's the ONLY reason why all my friends are too. This election has NOTHING to do with policies or beliefs or relatives.

Wake up America! We're here to stay and will take over da Black House!

The game of politics has been a constant since the days of Washington. Abagail Adams was criticized for the jabs she sent about the press in support of John.
For any man or woman not to have been proud of her country until a day in Feb 2008 is surely ill spoken. How could she not feel pride for one's country when so many came together after Sept 11? HOW could you not feel pride for the country when the country (without the President's efforts) came together to aid Katrina victims? Did the pastor miss telling her in his sermons to pray for all the help the country is giving to strangers & to feel proud of them?
She is an educated woman who should have thought before she spoke. The eyes & ears of America & the world are on you.

How could she not feel pride for one's country when so many came together after Sept 11?

Hard to understand? if you have heard "God damn America" for 20 years, how could you be proud of America?

To Ben, Meg and FLM and other Obama Supporters:

I am the OP of comment #2 and am a Hillary supporter. You know, Hillary and Michelle Obama are more similar than you think, or care to admit. They are both strong women that have worked hard to achieve certain things. I wonder, if Obama was President for 8 years, and Michelle ran afterwards, how she would feel if she were not thought of as an individual but simply as an appendage of her husband? How would you supporters react to it? Can America actually digest the idea of a female being president??

Funny how the Obama supporters jump all over Bill Clinton the second he says something, but when Michelle comes under attack, you all are suddenly saying spouses and families should be off limit. The difference between Chelsea answering the infidelity question and Michelle choosing to say something is fairly clear. Michelle decided, out of her own volition, to make those comments. Frankly, if you are campaigning, you should know it is free range. If someone asked Michelle a question that was not appropriate, I don't think anyone would have had a problem if she had chosen to not answer it. If you still don't get it, maybe you should take a closer look at the message your candidate is sending.

Also, flm, I am a woman and I am a minority in this country. So before you make assumptions, why don't you see how it feels to be a well qualified woman and only NOW coming close to making what her male counterparts make. How many aggressive women had to work on that so I could be where I am?

Obama's supporters are basing everything on assumptions. Study the issues. If he had a great track record on the issues, I would have no problem with him. Also, he reminds me of Deval, who has literally gotten nothing done in his last 1.5 years in office.

I like Senator Barack Obama [and Michelle Obama]. I also like Senator Hillary Clinton [and Bill Clinton]. I don't know very much about Senator John McCain [and Cindy McCain] because [his] views keep changing. I'd like to hear more talk about the issues that affect all of us: employment opportunities, education, the American dream of purchasing a home. Religious freedom. Protection from hate crimes. Going green to save our planet so that generations to come can also partake in this great country. Have a better global understanding of the world and its needs. We all have a responsbility to participate in the political process; to educate ourselves and our children through that process and pull our heads out of the sand. We are going to have a United States and we are going to makes changes so that many more of us can be proud of this great nation in which we live. There are some who are comfortable with the status quo but there are many more who are not and realize that we have work to do; who strive to see and become a better America -- one in which we can all be proud of .

Michelle Obama is an angry Black Woman. She has the right to be so. This is America. I don't agree with the GOP Attack Policies, based on fear mongering & It's "my way or the highway" attitude. We have seen what they & their "righteous" supporters have enabled on this nation in the past 8 years, & it is no wonder we are so deeply hated around the world. We have also seen how they have literally stomped on the rights of regular Amercan Born & Bred Citizens of this country because we don't follow their crooked Evangelistic Leaders & so called "Born Again Christions". We talk about freedom of rights & religion yet, in actuality it is not being championed here or abroad, especially when taxpayer's money is being doled out to religious entities that many of us do not believe in. I knew of a Blind couple living together, who were burned out of their home, & when they went to the local church looking for some financial help for new housing, they were denied because they were not married & therefore did not follow the Churches Beliefs. This is the kind of thing that we taxpayers are being forced to support financially? We repeatedly see how these churches &/or their leaders are caught in sexual or financial improprieties, & still they receive taxpayer funds?. The advancements of Science have been seriously bogged down basedon the religious biases of this current President & his followers. They continually try to force the teachings of the Bible on our children in public schools & furthermore have tried to eliminate Darwinism, which has been soundly proven as factual history of mankind. Now look at how the past 8 years has affected the rights of Black Americans & their churches, & the their plight in New Orleans & we can go on & on. So Yeah, I don't blame her for making some of the comments she has made, however I am concerned that this anger may be brought to the forefront as this campaign continues & may even fester & ultimately be revealed in more light were her husband to be elected president. It will certainly give the GOP a lot of ammunition, so I hope the DNC is prepared for the usual republican party Swift-boating, & prepare to respond quickly & with complete Candor. IT will be the only way to head it off convincingly.

Well, the media won't touch Mrs. Clinton. What do I mean by that? Before the Clinton’s began their end-run around the 22-Amendment, both knew there was a fatal flaw. The Clintons knew their role in bringing about CSUMB (the Clinton College). They appointed the corrupt Vermont Congressman who would run it, and even helped select who would graduate from it. The Clintons in fact orchestrated the entire process. “Bill and Hillary Clinton have always believed that they’re very different than the rest of us … they’ve learned one important and consistent lesson: that rules don’t matter. Rules don’t apply to them. Rules are for other people,” writes Dick Morris. Chances are you’ve heard nothing of CSUMB. Which begs the question: why? http://theseedsof9-11.com

Ps. On a lighter note, for an excellent Hillary Clinton impersonation, That Hillary Show: www.rosemarywatson.com

To Meena:

Please do not put me into a rigidly defined category. Yes, I may be an "obama supporter" but that does not mean that I fall into the category of accusations you accused the "obama supporters" of. Not all obama supporters dislike Hillary. I actually like her. I wasn't too crazy about her at the beginning but then as I listened to her more, she grew on me. I have to admit, the woman is tough as nails and she has my utmost admiration and respect. So please stop making accusations based on a few comments you read. Its rediculous. Now if Hillary somehow clinches the nomination, I will vote for her. She is one of those people who have gained my respect. That doesn't mean I will like how she stole the nomination, but I will still vote for her.

So people please stop this quarreling with Obama vs Hillary supporters. Its pathetic and makes you all sound like a bunch of childish brats.

How very jimmy Carter like , make peace and everything will be just fine. BS !!! he doesn't want to talk about his muslim upbringing, he doesn't talk at all about his white mother, he throws his" typical white"grandmother under the bus, he doesn't want to talk about religion, his pastor, and his church, Does he still belong to this white hating church? Now he doesn't want anyone talking about his wife. obambi - then don't have her speak from the heart. Let a qualified lawyer prepare something for her, because if she invites it the voters will RSVP. So what does he want to talk about? How about some details and not just rhetoric? How about he fact that he is repeating the same failed policies and ideoligies of Jimmy Carter. With Carter at least we didn't know any better. Now that we do, its like half the Democrats are not listening to consumer reports and buying a defective product hook line and sinker. If you elect Obama - you will answer rev wrights prays in G**D**ING AMERICA

That is politics. It is okay for his people to attack Bill. What is good for the goose is good for the gander as they say. He better get use to it because the GOP has tape about his wife ranting about "Whitey " not Bulger either, at his church (REV Wright).

To Ben, "An Obama supporter"

Don't be such an idiot. The best way to deal with childish remarks like the media throws at Chelsea is to ignore them. Hillary and Bill have in the past told the media to back off but it's best not to dignify such moronic desperate remarks with any reply.

The remarks about Michelle Obama are based on something she said. Taken out of context? Probably, bu this is politics! There is no bashing of her looks, or her laugh or any other stupid petty drivel. Get a clue.

Type your comment here...I love the critieria espoused by our commenting friend above:

1. Vision
2. Character, Integrity
3. Sound/sustained Temperament and Judgment
4. Little "Washington exposure", connected with future generation
5. Inspires rather than Tears us Down
6. Not based on sexism, racism, regionalism, ageism.

And Obama supposedly fits this?
Obama -- definitely inspiring to some (#5) and definitely little experience (#4)... it fits together so nicely: Barry's attractive to people with little experience or understanding.

This same Obama, who defines himself mostly by being different -- whether the change is helpful or not. Yeah, he's different all right, one of the most liberal senators out there, right up there with Boxer and the rest. He doesn't like labels, but actions speak louder than words.

#1, a man of vision? Hardly - "let's change everything" is hardly a useful vision.

#2, Character and Integrity? Hardly, he disavows his deepest spiritual advisors, supposedly having never known them. He willingly accepts the African-American moniker and tries to ingratiate himself with inner-city blacks, while minimizing the fact that he grew up as Barry Obama, raised by his white (single) mom and grandparents while receiving elite private schooling in Hawaii. Sure, he was mistreated sometimes, just as any non-Hawaiian would be. I have friends who grew up with Barry -- and laugh about suggestions that he really understands what it is to be poor in America.

#3 Sustained judgement? Hardly. Time after time, he's having to say "that's not the guy I knew." Barry's choice of mentors, and subsequent disavowment, tells you all you need to know. It isn't the mentors who changed, it's Barry who is beginning to wake up to just how bad his own judgement is. Terrible.

#4 An outsider with little experience? If it is lack of experience you want, Barry's your guy. Yup! Perhaps that explains his waffling about Iran. Listen carefully to his May 19 talks in Billings and Portland. Besides the obvious no threat/grave threat stuff... what does he really believe? Very immature: Barry is impressed that the USSR had visible power, and waffles about Iran and terrorists because he doesn't understand that they pose an even greater threat because their power is invisible and driven by longer-term focus. Such immaturity is truly scary.

#5 Inspires rather than tears down? Yup, if you're needing a handout, Barry is inspirational. If you believe we all need to work hard to achieve the American dream, like Reagan did, Barry will tear you down.

#6 Not based on... racism... ageism? What was that about the younger generation? What was that about climbing to the top because of his race? Sorry, if ever there was a candidate defined by race and age, Barry's it! And he sops it up.

So much for the professional, political and personal wisdom of the contributor above who has plastered these criteria all over the Internet.

Barry Obama: your Wizard of Oz -- nice words, paid for by the mythical "other guys" who love to pay for everything, keep you free from harm, and are oh-so-politically correct as long as you agree with them. Just don't be a retired person whose fixed income comes from investments that will be wiped out by his tax and economic policies. Don't be a person of integrity, offended by his 20+ year association with a hate-mongering "pastor" and other radicals of the left. And don't be someone who actually cares about the values our nation was built on, because Barry's gonna change EVERYthing!

(At least that's his Big Talk. As we all know, reality eventually sets in...)

Why are you guys being so damn negative to Michelle and citing Obama's response to this situation as an example of his "naivety" in dealing with "tough issues"? First of all, this isn't a "tough issue" and certainly shouldn't serve as a basis for his ability to engage in political decision-making--we're all humans, and it's natural to show outward emotion in situations like this, and I think most Americans can relate. Secondly, her comment may seem dumb--but it's subjective..it could mean this, it could mean that. But in reality, you all know she isn't the anti-America monsters the media is making her out to be.

Some citizens may compare OBAMA to JFK (which I do not see any resemblance between JFK and OBAMA. HowEVER, in comparison of Obama's wife and 'Jacque', Obama's wife has zero, NO CLASS! Michelle is unable to represent the women of the USA as the First Lady. She is too ill mannered and lacks class.

you are in trouble you now have a socialist president that will follow in the path my country who is markedly socialist. Obama will attempt to create a government dependent populace with handouts that will bankrupt your nation. 47% of your voting population donot pay taxes now. Keep it up