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Obama plays up his Irish roots

Posted by Foon Rhee, deputy national political editor March 17, 2009 03:13 PM

President Obama learned during the long campaign that he had some Irish roots, leading some to call him Barack O'Bama.

Today, he joked that it would have boosted his early political career if he had known earlier.

"As has been mentioned, it was brought to my attention last year that my great-great-great grandfather on my mother's side hailed from a small village in County Offaly," Obama said at today's St. Patrick's Day luncheon hosted by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

"Now, when I was a relatively unknown candidate for office, I didn't know about this part of heritage, which would have been very helpful in Chicago," he continue. "So I thought I was bluffing when I put the apostrophe after the O. I tried to explain that 'Barack' was an ancient Celtic name."

Addressing the visiting Irish prime minister Brian Cowen, the president said, "Taoiseach, I hope our efforts today put me on the path of earning that apostrophe."

Obama also took time to note an absence at the annual lunch: Senator Edward M. Kennedy of Massachusetts, who is battling brain cancer:

"This St. Patrick's Day seems different than most because there's one person missing...one person who has touched all of us fortunate enough to walk these halls with his mentorship and his friendship; the hardest-working Irish American we know; friend to all, father to some: Teddy Kennedy. He sends his best."

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O'Brother!!!

Posted by pat March 17, 09 03:48 PM
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This despicable man is disgracing American Veterans, active and former with his plan to make to make their insureance if they are injured while serving. He has plenty of money for Marsh Mice and Acorn, but not for the people that serve this nation and protect it. Trillions for useless programs but not a dime for the men and woman that serve us. He is a disgrace to the country and should be impeached.

Posted by Big Jim March 17, 09 04:28 PM
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Well, for the first time people are talking about his white half . Couldn't do that before the election.

Posted by gfrales March 17, 09 05:08 PM
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I think it's freakin' hilarious.

Top of the Administration to you, Mr. O'Bama.

And the rest of the term to us, of course.

Posted by Richard Haley March 17, 09 05:34 PM
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Wonderful article and Obama was lighthearted - the spirit of the Irish on St. Paddy;s day.

Posted by Chris March 17, 09 06:27 PM
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Big Jim,
What are you talking about? I have heard nothing from President Obama about changing health care coverage for American Veterans. I have heard him on many times speak about enhancing these benefits. What is your understanding on this and where did you get this perception?

Posted by TJ March 17, 09 06:47 PM
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Ok. I found the press release on this, Big Jim. I think the President is looking at all alternatives but I do not think he would even think of eliminating the benefits of the veterans. He may be looking at options or alternative ways for veterans to get better care and more prompt attention as everyone is aware that the veterans' facilities leave a lot to be desired. The health care benefit, funded by the federal government, will remain intact, I am certain. It just may be that veterans will receive their care from the private sector, which based on my experience with VA facilities, will be better care.. He is looking at all of the different ways health care is provided to the different groups of people and trying to determine if there is a better way but veterans will continue to have care provided for them.

Posted by TJ March 17, 09 09:53 PM
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Check out the American Legion website. There has been discussion and briefings on folding VA coverage into a "privatised" national health insurance plan.
There were discussions on this in recent days with Secretary Shinseki, Rahm Emanuel and President Obama to achieve substantial cost savings of $500million +.

Posted by RayMac1 March 18, 09 01:39 AM
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