Obama warns Republicans about attacking wife
Michelle Obama is a strong woman, but her husband the presidential candidate warned Republicans to lay off going after her.
The Tennessee GOP last week posted an online video hitting Michelle Obama for a comment that foes called unpatriotic. While campaigning in February, Obama declared, "For the first time in my adult life, I am really proud of my country."
She later clarified the remark, including in an appearance in Providence, saying that she was proud of how Americans were taking part in politics and that she had always been proud of her country.
In an interview aired today on ABC's "Good Morning America," Obama said, "The GOP, should I be the nominee, can say whatever they want to say about me, my track record. If they think that they're going to try to make Michelle an issue in this campaign, they should be careful because that I find unacceptable, the notion that you start attacking my wife or my family."
"Whoever is in charge of the Tennessee GOP needs to think long and hard about the kind of campaign they want to run, and I think that's true for everybody, Democrat or Republican," Obama continued.
Obama said his wife "loves this country. For them to try to distort or to play snippets of her remarks in ways that are unflattering to her is, I think, just low class. I think that most of the American people would think that as well."
UPDATE: In response, the Republican National Committee sent an example of the Democratic National Committee criticizing Cindy McCain for not releasing her tax returns, noting that Obama said nothing at the time.
can't have it both ways, bho. your wife makes a dumb comment in public, she should be held accountable just like your pastor.
Doesn't he understand that when you are the nominee, every single aspect of your life will come under attack? This shows his lack of experience? How will he ever be able to stand up to the big, bad Republicans?
This is precisely what the Obama supporters just don't see. Behind his "inspirational" words, there is a scared man who has no idea what he is getting into.
-A Hillary Supporter
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?
Dear Fellow Americans,
Our Great-grand Nation, the United States of America
is facing and will face very critical and substantial
"Challenges" in coming, months, years, and decades to
come.
It is very essential that we pick out our next
President keeping in mind the following criteria.
1. A candidate who has a clear and candid " Vision
and Mission" for our Nation.
2. A candidate with " Strong Character and Stable
Integrity" in-spite of adversity during primary
election process.
3. A candidate with sound and sustained
"Presidential Temperament" and
" Judgment".
4. A candidate with little "Washington exposure"
and "real connectedness with people and future
generation".
5. A candidate who "Inspires us up" rather than
"Tears us Down".
6. A candidate not based on sexism,
racism,regionalism,and ageism.
In my professional, political and personal opinion,
the only candidate who meets the all above
characteristics and has shown constant and consistent
coolness, calmness, and connectedness { PRESIDENTIAL
TEMPERAMENT } is Senator Barrack Obama.
As an independent registered voter since 1980. I voted
for Carter, voted for Reagan, voted for First Bush,
and second Bush in 2000 and In the process last
interest in Washington politics and I
stopped voting. Getting disinterested and disgusted in
our political process and stopping voting that was a
bad decision in any circumstance, particularly under
present circumstances.
This time we can not afford to stay on side lines and
let "Washington" stay the same.We can not afford our
Greatgreat Nation to become less than what we are,
what we were and what we can be?
We need to send clear, careful and candid message to
the world and some time 24 hour partisan hateful media
to set the agenda for our future.
These partisan media outlets are trying to deprive,
dupe, and derail us and our Nation getting it right
this time.
These partisan media and pundits are trying their best
to deny us better future and continue focus our
weaknesses and generate bitter future for us and our
Greatgrand Nation. { Our Greatgrand Nations people
are persistently and constantly subjected to this
Psychological Terrorism" without our knowledge. The
common and regular people do not have time to see
thru
and sort thru this psychological terrorism perpetuated
by these partisan media outlets.
We the Americans should not and would not to allow
these partisan media outlets psychologically
terrorized, traumatized and silence us this time and
any time in future.
I am sure that we will get it right this
time and elect Senator Obama our next President.
Let us remember that our Greatgrand is constituted of
family, friends,fellowships, faith, funds,foundation,
fun, and future with fairness and freedom and without
fear or favor.
We can not afford to lose any of above. Let us stand
up, be counted, save, build our Greatgrand Nation for
centuries to come and regain our world economic,
moral, and power status back.
God Bless our Great grand Nation and its diverse
people.
Our Greatgrand nation needs present and future
stability, security, safety,sustained progress and
restoration of our due status in this perilous Global
World at the all levels.
Yours sincerely,
COL.[retd] A.M.Khajawall M.D.
Forensic Psychiatrist.
Disables American Veteran.
Las Vegas Nevada.
Cell: 951-505-6975
I Think Michelle sounded a lot like Rev. Wright
Obama's wife is not proud of the millions of men and women who gave their lives for this country? She is not proud of the people who banned slavery, and worked hard over the past 100 years to eliminate discrimination? She's not proud of the people who give money to charity, help the needy, and solve problems in their own neighborhood? She's not proud of the entrepreneurs who entail great risk to start companies that bring jobs, benefits and economic prosperity to our country? She's only proud when her husband wins an election that will allow her to push her socialist agenda?
Why would we ever consider voting either of these disgraces for anything?
Umm....wasn't McBush's wife a self confessed drug addict who also stole drugs? Why doesn't the Tennessse GOP bring this up?
C'mon people...of course he understands his entire life is under scrutiny. Does that mean that he should stop defending his spouse and children like the Clinton's? This response shows spine and strength of character unlike Billary. Where was Bill and Hill when the press was taking shots at Chelsea's homely looks? I also have to laugh at Hillary's argument that Barack can't stand up to the big bad Republicans. So far he has done well against Hillary who is a wolf in a sheep's pant suit!
To respond to the Tennessee GOP is a waste of time. Obama has about as much chance of winning Tennessee as a snowball in swell. Does he really think that calling them low class will have an effect other than to increase their felling that he is a liberal elitist. The rough stuff hasn't even begun and the honest vetting of Obama has been virtually neglected up to this point. Mr. Clean is going to get hit with a lot of mud and have to get his hands dirty if he has a prayer of winning. He knew going into this contest that anything and everything will be considered fair game by the Republicans.
If she campaigns...
If she makes public statements at press conferences...
If she accepts interviews...
The GOP has every right to address her comments in a public forum in their manner of choosing. The tone of their comments may not be flattering, but some of comments Michelle Obama has made do not warrant flattery. This is not the 1950's where the office of Frist Lady is purely ceremonial. This role wields power and influence even though it is not an elected office.
If her comments were not material to Obama's campaign, then why did they go to lengths to retract them and explain them away?
Do John McCain or conservative republicans respect the moral foundation of this country? The U.S. Constitution was designed to protect the people of America from misguided government.
U.S. Constitution: Amendment I - Freedom of Religion
Right now, for the first time ever, your tax dollars are funding religious groups you may not agree with. To add insult to injury, conservative judges have ruled that taxpayers do not have a right to challenge this expenditure.
Amendment IV - Search and seizure
Under the guise of court action against abortion, Conservative republicans had John Ashcroft subpoena all the medical records of literally thousands of women just like you and members of your family. Conservative republicans are invading your privacy every day. Unfortunately for all of us, they don't appear to care about our U.S. constitution, or by extension, the people of our great country.
Amendment X - Powers of the States and People
John McCain and conservative republicans have tried consistently to overturn States Laws. They used your tax dollars to destroy the will of the people of Oregon, and the famous "Death with Dignity" law; they lost, but undoubtedly will try again. Conservative republicans and John McCain do not respect States Rights.
Amendment VIII - Cruel and Unusual punishment
Would you rather die, or support a government which supported and sanctioned torture? The founding fathers would rather have died, and in fact they were proud to fight and die for our government: A government which specifically outlaws cruel and unusual punishment for very important reasons.
John McCain and the conservative republicans are destroying the moral foundations of our country. I urge you to keep this in mind in the coming election as we rebuild our nation together by voting Democrat.
I like how every one is all quiet since the comment by Jamey. Brings me to the saying: People Who Live In Glass Houses Should Not Throw Stones.
Everyone should stick to the issues.
Double Umm....
McCain was still married and living with his wife in 1979 while, according to The New York Times' Nicholas Kristof, "aggressively courting a 25-year-old woman who was as beautiful as she was rich." McCain divorced his wife, who had raised their three children while he was imprisoned in Vietnam, then launched his political career with his new wife's family money.
Now he is calling the shots of how the GOP should conduct business. Should be interesting test for his skill at of talking to the opposition and getting a response. Good luck with that.
As soon as a member of a politician's family enters the political arena, they become fair game. Michelle Obama is actively campaigning for Obama, and as such is a legitimate target.
On a side note, Michelle's grammar makes my skin crawl. I expect a woman intelligent enough to achieve a juris doctorate to be capable of speaking complete and coherent sentences in proper English.
If she is going to campaign then they have every right to respond to her public campaign statements. I agree that it would be "low class" to attack her for a personal issue, but she cannot campaign and expect to be immune.
Does this mean we can't criticize Bill for campaign statements that he makes? After all, he's not the candidate, he's the spouse.
No way. She gets to talk to the press and take the flack, or shut up and stay out of politics and campaigning.
IQ of this discussion? Too low to specify.
Michelle's comment was neither dumb nor unpatriotic. It was taken out of context and blown up by a conervative media discrediting effort. Oh, how conservatives love to avoid discussions of issues and policies in favor of polemics! Shame on them.
Do John McCain or conservative republicans respect the moral foundation of this country? The U.S. Constitution was designed to protect the people of America from misguided government.
U.S. Constitution: Amendment I - Freedom of Religion
Right now, for the first time ever, your tax dollars are funding religious groups you may not agree with. To add insult to injury, conservative judges have ruled that taxpayers do not have a right to challenge this expenditure.
Amendment IV - Search and seizure
Under the guise of court action against abortion, Conservative republicans had John Ashcroft subpoena all the medical records of literally thousands of women just like you and members of your family. Conservative republicans are invading your privacy every day. Unfortunately for all of us, they don't appear to care about our U.S. constitution, or by extension, the people of our great country.
Amendment X - Powers of the States and People
John McCain and conservative republicans have tried consistently to overturn States Laws. They used your tax dollars to destroy the will of the people of Oregon, and the famous "Death with Dignity" law; they lost, but undoubtedly will try again. Conservative republicans and John McCain do not respect States Rights.
Amendment VIII - Cruel and Unusual punishment
Would you rather die, or support a government which supported and sanctioned torture? The founding fathers would rather have died, and in fact they were proud to fight and die for our government: A government which specifically outlaws cruel and unusual punishment for very important reasons.
John McCain and the conservative republicans are destroying the moral foundations of our country. I urge you to keep this in mind in the coming election as we rebuild our nation together by voting Democrat.
I am voting for one person to do this job, not a pair. I don't care if Mrs. McCain is a self-confessed drug addict, I simply hope she has come to terms with her addictions and could be a role model for others. I don't feel surprised by Michelle Obama's statement, having a viable black candidate and a viable candidate in this country for the first time is worthy of a pride never felt before. Get off it people -- who cares what the spouses do or say.
He should start running ads about Cindy McCain during the period of her life when she was a drug addict and stealing morphine from her charities. Or play a snippet of McCain calling her a "c*nt" in public.
No one's spouse, children, or other family members should be arbitrarily and/or capriciousy attacked.
All remarks are subject to (mis-) interpretation and distortion. Why do we find it so much easier to criticize than to understand?
All nations or nation-states make mistakes. Sometimes we get it right and sometimes we get it wrong. And it should never be a case of "my country right or wrong." That's one of the reasons we become involved in needless wrongful wars such as the imbroglio in Iraq.
Speaking of wars, why is it that there are billions for death and destruction, but not even millions for life and well being?
If she stumps for him, she is fair game, period. What a load of double speak.
To "A Hilary Supporter":
So, is it fine with you when Chelsea comes under attack? Cause it's not alright with me....Shame on you for declaring "open season" on wives and families...
An Obama Supporter
Obama did what any self respecting man would do, which is defend his wife. I find it very low class and disrespectful to distort her words. The problem is that Obama is such a damn good speaker that Republicans are having difficulty in attacking Obama directly.
He's right, and wrong.
Right, because HE's the presumptive nominee, not her. And because attack politics is so twentieth-century. And because her comments and beliefs are hers, not his.
Wrong, because she IS in a public forum, and has chosen to be there.
This isn't the only stupid thing this woman has said nor will it be the last. Liberals
always shoot from the hip as a manner of speaking. The Obamas aren't any
different.. Wait till the going really gets hot & heavy. Can't wait!! GLW, Erie, Pa.
I think that the Tennessee GOP ought to be very circumspect before going after Michelle Obama when one considers that Mrs. McCain not only had an addiction to pills, but she actually engaged in criminal activity, stealing the medication from the foundation she worked at. If we want to talk about patriotism, since when is being a thief a patriot? McCain would do well to ask them to stand down on their attacks. If they refuse, then they should get ready for the firestorm.
" Posted by Bart Robinson "
No, no, no, no, and no.
You're an idiot.
Let the Tennessee GOP put up someone to debate Michelle..... I doubt they have the courage for that.
Typical Republican tactics...
Lets argue semantics and breed fear of people who we see as not being like us instead of focusing on the REAL issues.
But the saddest part is that there are a lot of weak minded people out there who buy into this crap lock stock and barrell.
Makes them all seem kind of...oh I don't know...BITTER.
BO is such a whiner. Maybe he needs to lift weights, or do something to feel stronger. He's like the poor little kid on the playground who starts crying when anybody even comes near him. I say "get over it, Sweetie."
Re: Michele Obama's unpatriotic speech, her big fat pay raise on the back of her husband's advancements, not to mention the democratic outrage when President Bush use the "appeasement" word ----------- Me thinks they protest too much.
Sen Obama isn't President yet: If we can't judge him by what he says, his chosen friends, minister and what he has voted for and what he has done------ then how shall we judge him? His wife is part of the equation.
Obama's not doing this just for the simple reason of defending his wife, I'm sure he knows that his entire life (private and public) will be on display. This was a tactic to make the Tennessee GOP look petty and shameful. Obama has enough class to make this an effective technique, albeit not for an entire campaign.
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!!!
How amazing that Obama will win, so inexperienced, yet so competitive on the biggest stage of all, imagine what he will become! All the facts point to Obama being the next leader of our world, all the feelings in my heart point to Obama being the next leader of our world, I let go of my racist fears, of all my fears and embrace the future with him. I feel compassion for Hillary, hope she finds true success.
Obama is naive. His whining brings only emphasis. Michelle Obama needs to be fully vetted. Vetted for her patriotism; vetted for her personal views; vetted for her public bearing. The First Lady is just more than the President's wife; she also maintains her own office, a full diplomatic staff and often represents the United States at many formal occasions. Bring it on!
I for one would like to see them discuss the issues & not each others wifes
I am a supporter for Hillary Clinton from Pennsylvania. My objectives for blogging in your state are simple. I believe when you open your minds and listen carefully to both candidates, their plans and further keep a watch for who is free of pure political motivation; you will also stand behind Hillary Clinton. She has been a putting herself out on the line for the American people for decades and continues to do so for all Americans and for our children. If you have any questions or doubts, you can read or watch her message to your state at Hillaryclinton.com. If you want unbiased media coverage I also suggest either the BBC American news or the Associated Press and generally those new agencies are offering facts most of the time.
Thank you for supporting Hillary all the way!
Michelle Obama is an attorney, which means that she has been trained to choose her words very carefully. She said exactly what she meant and the later clarification was, like so many of her husband's, an attempt to stop the flood of criticism in response to her remark. Besides, she would be quite mistaken in implying that Americans were only now taking part in politics. What arrogance!
It has been open season on President Clinton and the Obamas were certainly a part of that, so for Senator Obama to now claim that spouses are off-limits is absurd, to say the least. Michelle Obama will certainly be as scrutinized and critized as any other spouse, as she should be, so the Obamas need to get used to it. The GOP will not give them a free ride as the MSM did for so long.
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!!!
Barrack will probably win, then we will get a upfront and personal view of just how unprepared he is for the job.
Oh and that is just MY Professional, Political and Personal Opinion as well.
Ummm...Jamey...why doesn't your party bring it up if you think it is so important?
When you have little ground to stand on, you take cheap, often inaccurate shots. This is the essence of the old Rovian strategy which has already proved disastrous to Republicans in three Congressional races in Republican-leaning districts. You would think they and their likeminded followers would get it that Americans are more interested in true patriotism this go-round and will not be fooled and distracted by phony distractions such as flag-pins, isolated fragments taken out of context, and personal associations such as former pastors none of which speak directly to a candidate's character or positions. It's also important that Democrats not try to retaliate by using this old playbook on McCain, but keep to issues and his words and politicies instead.
I guess that makes me unpatriotic as well, since there have been many times in the past 8 years under our current leadership that I was practically ashamed of being an American and felt it necessary to personally apologize for the atrocities that were allowed to happen in an unfounded war.
Face it, race hasn't evolved in some people, we haven't gotten over the fact that a 'black man' is running for president, and somehow having experience, which translates into skeletons in the closet and being female somehow makes her the better candidate? We as Americans are in a desperate need of a serious reality check!
I
Will Senator Obama go all Rev. Wright the first time he sees a Michelle Obama nutcracker doll at the airport? Will he scream and yell when they make derogatory remarks about her, belittling her accomplishments throughout her life and say "all she's been is his wife"? How will he react when they (Limbaugh) mock his daughters' looks?
GROW UP YOU YAHOOS.
DON'T PRETEND YOUR JUVENILE GLEE AT SEEING YOUR OPPONENT ATTACKED IN ANY OLD WAY HAS ANYTHING TO DO WITH HIS ABILITY TO GOVERN.
McCAIN SAID HE WANTED A RESPECTFUL CAMPAIGN. HOW ABOUT SHOWING SOME REPSECT FOR THE PEOPLE WE ASK TO LEAD US.
TAKE SOMEONE TO TASK ON AN ISSUE OF SUBSTANCE. THIS IS FLUFF AND YOU KNOW IT. ONLY A SMIRKING FOOL WOULD WOULD ACTUALLY BELIEVE HER COMMENT WAS THE LEAST BIT UNPATRIOTIC.
IT IS EASIER TO BELIEVE YOUR KNEE JERK NEGATIVISM IS UNPATRIOTIC BY ANNOYING THE ELECTORATE TO THE DEGREE THEY IGNORE POLITICS OF SUBSTANCE.
GROW UP.
It is very important for us to know everything about someone who is going
to take the most important job of our country. If he cannot handle it now, how
on earth will he be able to face the real critical issues?
I think the not-so-Grand Old Party needs to sit down and watch The American President. The parallels are interesting.
I respect Senator Obama's feelings, however, if the wives of the candidates make speeches on thier behalf, they too are fair game. Having said that, I would hope that anything said would be done with the utmost respect and focus on policy not personal or private issues. This should always apply during any election season.
Obama is a public figure and has to expect this type of scrutiny. He obviously doesn't have the jam to make it as a world leader. He comes across as being a woos in many ways.
Cindy Mccain is a multi-billionaire. Wonder what Daddy expects from John-boy--
This article is really drawing comments from the intellectual crowd.
I dont understand why no one is asking what actually makes him ready to lead this country as the commander in chief? he has only been in office for about 20 minutes. if that is all that is needed to be the next president then as a captain of industry i can run.
Until someone can draw a bold line of distinction between the religion that preaches death to Americans (remember 9/11) and Obama's religion, oh wait they are one in the same. maybe we shouldnt have a Muslim president just yet.
BHO is too thinned for the job. Hillary was not only vetted, but light years above and beyond such a childish outlook on running for President of the United States of America. A huge mistake was made by shielding Obama from scrutiny and giving him a free pass. Now it appears as though he won the nomination and what? We have a candidate that is looking way too weak to in November.
What's he threatening to do if his wife/family do come under "attack"? No one plays nice in politics. It's a little late to be asking for that now...
You can blog whatever you want, However Obama will be the next president of the United States. He cant and wont be stopped. You cant stop what God has put before you, haven't you noticed that from the rev wright controversy.
cry cry
I think most white voters in Tenn, will be busy impregnating their sisters on election day anyway. Nothing to worry about really.
lol.. If the republicans want to bring up wives then McCain's wife will be fair game. The distributor of alchohol to the millions, the lady who is keeping her taxes hidden because the lobbyists use her to funnel the funds that McCain does favors for.
I am a republican and the republicans are becoming more despicable by the day.
I guess it ok to hold Hillary Clinton responsible for her husband's remarks, but not ok to hold Barack Obama responsible for his wife's remarks. Oh,such double standards. Obama is just plain scary. Change for the sake of change is not always good.
Low class Tennessee GOP, just a little advice for you; try and talk issues, not flippancies.
Wow...a lot of readers here and people who heard of Barak’s remarks don't get it either because they don't want to or they can't: Barak is about as "scared" of an attack on his wife as I am of using this keyboard. HIs remarks are savvy, preemptive tough talk. McCain and the republicans are ill advised to not "get it" as some of the readers here. Cindy McCain will catch #ell otherwise...
Why should he be held accountable for his wife's comments OR his ex-patsor's comments. He is his own man, with his own opinions. Both his wife and his ex-pastor have their constitutional right to think freely as well. We are voting for one man.
Anyway, I applaud him for not muckraking all of the horrible things the GOP's confidants and 'religous advisors' have said in the past - 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.
Michelle Obama got behind a microphone and knowingly spoke to the public in regard to her husband's bid for the Presidency. Everything she says in that circumstance is subject to scrutiny and, although this sentence is just a snippet of her speech, it was ill-conceived and conveys the wrong message. Most of the previous posts got that message!
There is so much about these two that needs to be questioned!
Jamey wrote: Umm....wasn't McBush's wife a self confessed drug addict who also stole drugs? Why doesn't the Tennessse GOP bring this up?
yes, and according to McSame, she's also a trollop and a c*nt
Because you can't go five steps without the GOP making a personal attack on someone instead of focusing on the issues. Nope, can't attack the man, must attack his collateral.
I agree with Michelle Obama. This election people have taken far more interest in than in the past, and if it's hard to get around that bit then go ahead, flaunt your jingoism and redneck patriotism. It's not getting you anywhere.
I agree, going after someone's wife over semantics is totally legitimate. At least then I won't have to be bored by issues like healthcare and the war. Thank God for Ameria, the land of the free (though we have the highest incarceration rate in the world over China and Russia, who were supposed to be "the bad guys") where we can screw ourselves over with cronyism and name recognition - Laura Bush 2012 anyone? We get to be deceived by the manufacture of consent as any concept must be delivered in a 5 sec soundbyte, thus making it impossible to explore any complex subject as most real world situations are. Just play the sound byte over and over and let the person playing it give the context.
This issue of what Michelle Obama said has the legitimacy of people wanting to have a beer with Bush over Kerry - which secured him the nomination in 2004. Great reason to elect a president huh?
Voters should be concentrating on CHANGE.
Sen.Obama has promised CHANGE.
A great example of CHANGE is a potential first lady that dislikes America and a Potential President that discounts certain southern states,Such as West Virginia,Kentucky,Tennesee....after all they are not a part of the "57 states" are they?
Lets all concentrate on the CHANGE that is coming by staying beholden to OPEC countries so we can save a few polar bears.
The CHANGE that will come when the Fed controls what you can keep your thermostat at.
Will Obama go all Rev. Wright (and curse America) when he sees the first Michelle Obama nutcracker doll?
Will he go balistic when they make derogatory remarks about her gender and then belittle her accomplishments by saying all she's done is "be his wife"?
Will he lose his trademark cool when impotent drug-using idiots like Rush Limbaugh mock his daughters' looks?
Obama thinks the campaign has been tought so far... HE AIN'T SEEN NOTHING YET.
"Doesn't he understand that when you are the nominee, every single aspect of your life will come under attack?"
Then Chelsea should have dealt with the questions about the infidelity, right Hillary supporter?
It appears we value dragging people down to make them seem more like us than to admit that we have flaws also. If our flaws were revealed, we were slandered or misrepresented thru the media we may get our Ire up also.
Obviously, few of us are all that important to the media for them to waste their time on us.
I admire Obama. I think he may just have his head screwed on right (unnatural for a politician). But his pastor and his wife do cause me to hesitate. OK so the Pastor is a dolt but why didn't he leave the church at the first sign of the vitriol that spewed out during this man's sermons? Could it just be that he agrees with most of it and has for a long time? Could it be that he is rejecting the man's philosophy since it is not politically helpful?
As to Michelle, her overwhelming interests in things exclusively Black (yest not pc I know) make me wonder if she has sympathies to the large american population in distress which may not be black in color. No I do not think I'm being racist. If she was only involved in church chariites to the exclusion of all else I would find that a cause for concern as well. She will be first lady of America - not of black America and, as such, does she have the interests of all Americans at heart?
And why should Obama's wife's opinions matter? Well, he married her so we can assume that there's something about her he admires. Nothing the candidate himself has said is disturbing to me but the people he has around him make me wonder if he is showing his true beliefs yet.
if your wife is campaigning for you then she is in the game and must be able to take the heat. if obama doesn't like seeing her get attacked, then she should stay out of politics...! But even that wouldn't qualify and provide any protection (since bill clinton (Another spouse) and McCain's phony wife are also being attacked)
Go Obama!!!! Stand up for your wife. We need to quit!!! This is way we need to clean the White House. By attacking Michelle how is this going to put money in my pocket, put my daughter through college, and save social security.
Give me a break. Get a clue! Obama is going to crush the republicans this fall. And your girl Billary is going to help him do it. and BTW, how tight can Dr's pull Cindy McCains face across her skull..
It is absolutely true that it shows a certain naivity to believe that a presidential candidate can be judged on his own merits rather than sound bites of his friends and relatives, but shouldn't we as voters demand just that. I am offended by the media playing a several second bite of Michelle or Wright or McCain's wife, or some crazy pastor who's endorsment he is seeking. It's not that I think anything is necessarilly off the table, rather it's because these sound bites don't actually give us any useful information.
Do I know what kind of man Wright is from those few words I have now seen repeated 1000 times in the media? Do I understand any better Clinton's honesty by hearing for the 1000th time that she incorrectly claimed that she was under sniper fire in Bosnia? Does it give me any great insite into McCains personality to hear over and over again what a horrible student he was 50 years ago in high school and at the Naval Accademy? I would like some reporter to check and see if their is any evidence that McCain is simply not smart enough to be President (maybe he isn't, certainly Bush wasn't). I would like to see an investigation into Hillaries overall honesty (perhpas in comparison to her peers in Washington). Maybe someone could look into whether or not Obama actually hates America (seems pretty far fetched on the face of it, but let's see some more evidence than Wright and a few poorly chosen words by his wife)
Obama himself has been quoted many times as having grown up hearing stories of the bravery or WW2 soldiers from his grandfather, and the fact that he would go through hell to run for president seems to run contrary to the notion that he is not a patriot. McCain seems fairly well spokne for an idiot. As far as Hillary's honesty I can only say she is a politician and that puts he squarly at odds with honesty, but probably not much more so than her peers.
Yes, that's right Jamey...
Mrs McCain is a drug addict, and yes; she stole drugs too.
She also just recently stole receipes and posted them on McCain's site
until someone caught on to it; and later McCain removed receipes.
Cindy McCain is also an adulteress! She and John McCain got married
two(2) weeks after McCain divorced his wife.
The entire issue is this, the spouses are not running for office, nor are any children. To use the families of the candidates as a political punching bag is cheap and immaterial to how the candidate would fare as president. Look at their policies and there ideas, not looking to pick apart a statement from someone who is not an experienced hand at having to be put in the spotlight and watch every word that comes out of her mouth. i firmly believe that a candidate's family, while obviously present, deserves to be allowed to be normal people even if we expect the candidates to be larger than life.
It is reverse discrimination. If Hilliary Clinton had said that everyone in the world would be all over her. But let Obama wife say something like that and it okay. Ohh let's not get them mad. A recent article said that West Virgina showed its racial colors by not voting for Obama. Why is that racial. When 99% of the blacks that vote for Obama are voting for him because he is black not because he is the best candidate. That is okay I am sick and tired of it all. By the way when I attended my last church we have a minister that I did not like what they said. I left the church after one month. I didn't stick it out for 20 years and then say gee I didn't see that. B.S. I have voted Democrat all of my life but once not sure if I can this time.
michelle obama is not the candidate, nor is rev. wright. shouldn't we only listen to what BARACK is saying?
When you look at the history of African-Americans in this country, can you really blame her for saying that. When she was a child, she had to drink from separate water fountains. As a college student, her white roommate threw a hissy fit if she was forced to live with a black woman. And now, the country is on the brink of electing a black president. I agree with her (regardless of whether or not it was a slip of tongue), for the first time in MY life, I'm proud of this country. And believe me, there are a lot of reasons not to be (An idiot as president, this delusion we call foreign policy, and a war I don't see a way out of anytime soon).
Americans and their Mccarthyist (oops, I mean patriotic) ways, slay me.
Bush wears a lapel pin and has caused the death of over 4,000 of our troops. Michelle Obama makes a comment that has some validity, and the patriot-ites go to war. Give me a break. Stop worrying about the flag and start worrying about this war, our troops, the families they leave behind, the recession, the cost of gas (I could go on).
I completely understand that it makes a lot of White people (WV and KY, do you hear me?) sick that a black man might make it into office. Get ready all, change is coming. And it is going to be amazing!
OBAMA '08!!!
If she's a big enough woman to say it then she should be a big enough woman to stand behind it. Instead she cowers down and lets her husband "half a$$" take care of it. How can we ever expect to elect a woman leader of this country when people like her make women look bad?
He has no clue how politics really works in America. Everything in his life will be put under scrutiny....to include his airhead big mouth wife....whether he likes it or not.!
Reading the comments of several of these low-class morons, brings the realization that we should feel free to talk about their wives, sisters and their mothers. After all, didn't they open themselves up to the same neanderthal sensibilities they espoused-by posting this garbage.
Another perfect example of how he would run the gov't if elected..."Do as I say, not as I do"
Doesn't matter anyway... Neither Hillary or Barrack Hussain Obama have a chance against John McCain... he's got it in the bag....
god forbid a person stand up for their family. how somehow people can find fault in that is beyond me. i pity your families.
...and that a man standing up for his spouse makes him scared?!?!
laughable.
maybe he should just cry.
She subjected herself to our reasonable reactions when she entered the campaign trail and made her statements. We should welcome and be proud of rigorous political discourse. Must people's feelings on this too be dismissed Sen. Obama? Most of the American people, you claim, think so. The rest must be, as you say, "just low class."
Who are you people?....She can be under a microscope for all you people to judge a great strong women, what I truly cannot stand is for all of you to jump on a band wagin for one word taken out of context....but in all honesty she is not running for President he is ... get over yourselves, and get with the program. Obama is right, and I am glad he stood up for her and his family against the GOP , and for all you people who think you have the right to judge her like she is running go ahead, but in my humble southern opinion there is only one person that has the right to judge as critically as you all do, and we all know who that is. Get over it and stick to the issues. PLEASE.
Good grief, Bush and his whole family has been under constant barrage from the left since day one. It goes with the territory. If you want your wife to be sheltered from criticism you had best find a different job.
Who care's about Obama wife, look at what Obama can do to solve our current problems and issues we face today, my God Gas price is $4.10, that is my concern and food prices are rising!! .
We need a change and Obama can do it.
I understand and respect Mr. Obama for his defense of his wife that is what I expect anyone who cares for their spouse should do. The fact is that she made that statement; she then had to clarify it after the fact. I think like many other people in this country they (Mr. and Mrs. Obama) have forgot what actually made this country great, personal self reliance and hard work, not some give away to get votes to put you in power.
Words are words if you do not use them well you should stay quite.
What I find sad is how racist Obama is. He submits hisself as a African American, yet he was "raised" white. As a white American, I think it's appalling he doesn't recognize his other half of his identity. The black people in this country, especially those 92% voters, think he's a successful black man. He's a successful WHITE man with black skin, that's all. It's a shame they do not have anyone truely "black" to vote for. It's a shame Obama himself disrespects his mother and grandmother's heritage. He is a true racist in my opinion. And as for his wife, this country as every right to know about her. Let's say he wins the presidency, aren't her plans in the white house going to be important to the American public?
Laura Bush killed a high school classmate at age 17 when she ran a stop sign in Midland TX. This info is readily available if you do a search.
One would think that the first lady being a manslaughterer would've made mainstream news in the past 8 years. Obviously, a murderer is fit to represent the country, but a woman with opinions is not.
Cindy McCain is a drug addict who has stayed in a failed marriage for the media attention she craves. She stole vicodin and percocet from the medical charity she worked for and was at risk for losing her children due to her drug problems.
Whine ..whine..you are running with the Big Boys now. Grow -up. Think and that includes your wife before you or she speaks. The media can't save you from yourself.
Can't handle the heat... stay out of the kitchen.
Barack - SHUT-UP!!!
STOP WHINING ALL THE TIME!!!
BE A MAN!!!!
Your wife puts herself out there on the campaign trail and is fair game. She was bashing Hillary first over 10 months ago stating ' Before she can run the White House, she needs to learn how to run her own house'. Your a hypocrit.
Aren't you people late for a KKK meeting? Guess what suckers. McCain is the weakest GOP candidate ever. Make all the hate you want. Make it about race, Michelle Obama, Rev. Wright, experience, blah blah blah. You are all going to lose. McCain doesn't have the faintest chance. You know why?
No party has ever held the Whitehouse during a recession. No party ever will.
the obamas are naive fakes with a creepy agenda
Senator Obama,
If Michelle can't take the heat, tell her to stay out of the kitchen. The same goes for you, Sonny.
I'm sure republicans will raise this issue, and Obama team should be ready to raise McCain's black child issue which ,infact, the republicans themselves raised first (Bush's cronies.....Karl Rove et al. during 2000 primaries)
Please give me a break...it's called freedom of speech. I am not proud of the way this country has brought us to a recession. I am proud of are soldiers but not the cause for being over in Iraq giving there lives for no reason. Yes, it's good to be Patriotic for your country...but lets be real people...this war in Iraq has cost us billions in education reform and jobs. You want to agree with George Bush because he's your president...well your as dum as he is. This war is going to bring us to World War III and no one want to say anything just be patriotic. If Michelle isn't proud of her country, it's her right, I dont know why you would be proud of a red neck texas cow boy that sent us to war with no plan or initiative for change or diplomacy. When you loose your job or cant take your kids on road trips because the after effects of the war are you still going to be proud...ohh by the way we are focusing on the wrong country anyway...it was Afghanistan and Osama Bin Laden not Iraq people... and we are still there...give me a break...I'm am disguisted with this country and the way we..the American people have responded by putting him in the office twice.....
Obama is certain to have agreed with the HATE FOR WHITES that has been preached by "Reverand" Wright. He appears to disagree with him now because he wants to be president.
His hidden agenda is to change this country into a socialist nation. This will become more apparent as time goes by. The Democrats have made a terrible mistake by not delving into his deeper governmental philosophy before he becomes the Nominee of their party.
Am I mistaken, or is the Globe only read by functional morons? If it is beyond your grasp to fathom simple concepts, to wit, that a candidate for office is not responsible for the remarks of those around him, and that those people have their own opinions, perspectives, etc.; if all this is too much thinking for your fevered little minds, then maybe, just maybe, you shouldn't parade your monumental stupidity in public all over the Internet! Just a thought.
Wow, so because Obama has stated attacks on his wife are unacceptable, you guys are now labeling him a flip-flopper, scared, lacking experience.....and she similar to Rev. Wright (?)............sounds like a bunch of regurgitated pundit-speak. Please try to form an original idea or statement. Will people please just pretend to comprehend his and her statements? To have the GOP continue to highlight this, shows how little they have on him.
Most of these idiotic comments are pure foolishness! the bottom line is very simple and as follows; Republicans, you are now on very short notice and your days in the Whitehouse are very quickly coming to an end. Your current leader has seen to this. Thanks George and so long. . .
Well I guess we can do this all again than. We can vote for a candidate who intends to keep our military tied up in Iraq for the next hundred years fighting and depleting our nations most valuable members,
Perhaps we can vote in another version of a government that allows a huge portion of hardworking Americans to not be able to afford medication, allows jobs to go overseas while giving tax breaks to corporations who do so.
How about the fact that absolutely nothing is being done again to help our American soldiers when they return home? How about Katrina? How about all the other disasters where nothing is done for the American people in need.
It is all common sense...Same thing happened Gulf War I and now in Gulf war II. American soldiers have returned home to get the shaft after serving thier country with honor and distinction and both wars were instigated by people with the last name Bush.
If you want to pick a candidate at least pick one that has the common sense to focus on American's first. We really need one.
I'm with Michelle. This is the first time I have been proud of our country, especially in the last eight years. Think carefully about patriotism and what it means...is Michelle unpatriotic because she vocally disagrees with current policy, or is Bush patriotic because he has sent so many of our sons and daughters to die. There is nothing to attack Michelle for, she is a hardworking, intelligent and strong American woman and mother. Sounds a little like the rest of us American women, huh?
This is less than silliness. Obama and his wife have dedicated their lives to public service, they are stand-up, top-notch, A1 citizens, they love America and the American way, etc, etc.
Why do we continue to tolerate this low form of hysterical media-driven politics? It's dishonest, it's a waste of important campaign time, it benefits those who are the least scrupulous. It has nothing to do with the quality of the candidate. It is pure hype.
I encourage everyone to move on.
Michelle reads from the same book as Rev. Wright. She just let her guard down for a minute and her true colors shined thru. Don't give the out of context crap.
Hang on....you're not electing his bloody wife to run the country, are you? Even if she came out and said she hated grey haired old warmongering idiots who's last name is McCain, wtf has that to do with her hubby's job prospects? NONE.
Hell, it's bad enough that Americans have to go through all this ridiculous voting to even nominate someone to try and beat him, but then when one is obviously the most popular candidate for the job, your own party's supporters start slagging the poor guys family off. Seriously, politics in the US is a joke.
Every American has the right to defend their wife regardless
of his profession. Furthermore, one defensive statement does not
make or break a man's character. As for the idiot Rev. Wright,
his statements, no more than racist statements from your parents
do not determine your character either.
I see thinly vialed racism still hides behind the flag.
After reading all these comments, you would think Michelle was the one running for office! Or possibly Rev. Wright! Can we please focus on the person who is running? Barack Obama! Remember him?
I think it shows an incredible lack of ethics on the part of the GOP, and a lack of avenues for attack, that they have to stoop to attacking someone's wife, because they can't attack the man himself.
Can't we just once have an election that is about the condidates?
Wow. A lot of you are awfully happy to make judgements about someone you know nothing about...and all based on 1 snippet from a speech I'm guessing most of you didn't see. That much Michelle DOES have in common with Wright, ie the rush to judgement based on comments taken out of context.
I wonder if we could ever, EVER have a dignified political discourse in this country without the invented 'gotchas' and dirty, personal attacks?
One thing Michelle has freely offered is that she tends to be the more cynical one of the family while he has that "hope thing" as I believe she called it. That probably makes them a very well-balanced couple. He is the idealist but she helps keep his feet in the real world. I like them. I like them a lot.
The "Shrink Doctor's) long comment about how the "common and regular" people are not able to sort out and choose a leader based on the requisites he lists tells us what sort of person he thinks he is, and whyt he really is,... and he should be totally ignored... We are all blessed that he is retired from the Military, he is nuts.
We need someone in charge of this fine country of ours, that will place his hand over his heart and stand up like a man and give respect for the freedom that so many have died for. Obama is not that person..He has shown that and also his wife..Many of you served, and spent time in combat as I, and survived, but to the ones that didn"t, Obama want you to forget what freedom is all about. He does not care about ours sons and daughters in combat. Freedom does not come cheap, but I guess when you have no children , brother or sister, mother or father fighting for your right to be free, well I guess you think it comes on a silver plater.. For all the American people, take a moment and think about, Obama,,,does freedom mean anythig to you..
How about the real, substantive issues?
Many of us think that these non-issues are childish. Hillary's campaign took a sudden and huge dive because she started focusing on this kind of junk, and most Americans respond poorly and are not fooled by the next generation of Swift Boater types. The "political advisers" who know how only to copy what has been done before are their own worst enemies. Football teams frequently change plays for a reason. Many people are going to be intently focused on the issues, and are hyper-sensitive and seriously annoyed by those veering from the issues.
On the real issues that affect our country, McCain is to the right of Bush (very worrisome). I used to be a fan, though not a supporter of McCain, until I learned that he helped push though the bill that allows water-boarding, and he wants to bomb-bomb-bomb..bomb-bomb Iran. Anyone who even resembles Bush is wrong for this country. McCain's thinking is out-dated and based on fear. Time to turn the page. Vote Obama.
Sorry O, oh wait that's your sponsor's signature. . . .all's fair in politics and war. And unfortunately, in our country, politics is war. Civility is no longer a part of the playing field . . .sadly. Our next president needs political maturity and seasoning and the only one on the Democratic side that fits that "bill" is Hillary.
I am so sick of this kind of nonsense. It is time that politicians stopped all the name calling and nitpicking and stuck to the issues and offered some practical solutions. When candidates are elected to public office, the rule should be working together regardless of party affiliations. This "one-upsmanship" is nuts.
And the Media should shut up about stupid stuff and report what is important.
What a bunch of low classed people who responded to this article! Obama this Obama that, give me a break! When people even dared say something about Mrs. Bush, the GOP lovers almost die! Let’s debate Obama the man, not his family his Pastor and so on. If this is the case am sure you know people who make un-savoring comments, should you be judge by what your friends, co-workers, and pastor says on an ongoing basis? Grow up America. The country is upside down, and we want to talk about his wife, his pastor? Where are the real issues? Give me a damn break!
the next you mouth breathers make stupid comments on a blog make sure you know what you are taking about. when you take a 5-10 second "sound bite' out of anyones public statements you can twist and distort it to anyone's point of view, positive or negative. did any of you listen to the reverend's ENTIRE sermon where is said "god damn amerika"? I highly doubt it. did any of you mouth breathing ditto heads go out of your way to get up off the couch and do some research about what your raving about? I doubt it. next time you trash a person make sure your trash is accurate and not some rnc talking point.