Pajamas Media

161 Comments

1. Huntman:

Obama: Everything he says is a lie, including the “thank” and the “you.”

Jul 25, 2008 - 9:01 am 2. Stuart Schneiderman:

And BHO has also opened himself to ridicule. See Gerard Baker in today’s London Times. Perhaps other Europeans will see the pretense and the presumption better when they can see it up close. Being wrong is one thing; being ridiculous quite another. The latter will bring masses of people together… to laugh at the USA.

Jul 25, 2008 - 9:03 am 3. Arius:

I have come to the conclusion that Obama is a stealth Muslim. The next question is to determine if he is consciously or unconsciously a stealth Muslim.

Jul 25, 2008 - 9:19 am 4. Lily:

There are none so blind as those who will not see.

The MSM certainly does not see what a laughingstock they have become.

Jul 25, 2008 - 9:24 am 5. Chad:

The unfathomable thing with Obama is how he can’t simply change on Iraq and blame us for not understanding. His list of policy flip-flops is pretty much all-encompassing, from proposing invasion of Pakistan to coddling Iran to off-again-on-again support of NAFTA to supporting FISA. That he’s unable to make the same instaswitch on the surge speaks volumes to Obama’s motives and those of his principle backers.

Jul 25, 2008 - 9:29 am 6. Mikee:

I have long contended that Bill Clinton could have been laughed out of office more effectively than trying to remove him through impeachment. I propose that Mr. Obama will suffer greatly at the polls if he is made an object of ridicule. I suggest John McCain use a variation of Reagan’s “There he goes again!” comment in the first public debate with Obama, and repeat it as needed, along with, “I have heard that age is a factor in deciding who to vote for. I will not hold my opponent’s immaturity, lack of experience, and lack of record against him.”

Or just say, “Hey, socialism has failed everywhere it has been tried, why do you want to institute it here?”

Jul 25, 2008 - 9:31 am 7. Roger L. Simon » Magical Mystery Tour: Obama gets a bounce:

[...] it took us so long to get here.  I wish I could be as optimistic as Jennifer Rubin who, in her fine article, thinks that the World Obama Tour holds within it the seeds of his decline.  Maybe so, if one were [...]

Jul 25, 2008 - 9:38 am 8. Sandy Salt:

It is a shame that the MSM can dupe so many people, but let us hope that the scales will fall from their eyes before election day in November.

Jul 25, 2008 - 9:45 am 9. John:

Good piece, but the analogy should be to the 1948 election, not ‘44.

Jul 25, 2008 - 9:50 am 10. David Thomson:

“I have come to the conclusion that Obama is a stealth Muslim. The next question is to determine if he is consciously or unconsciously a stealth Muslim.”

Obama is not a stealth Muslim. He is something far worse: Obama is a Harvard University pseudo-educated yuppie! A more dangerous creature never existed.

Jul 25, 2008 - 9:51 am 11. Donnie Greer:

Facts! What do facts have to do with any coronation…..I mean political campaign? You people, and you know what I mean by “you people”, at PM are committing lese-majeste on a royal scale. If you are not careful the stident screams of “Off with their heads!!” will be emanating from the Red Queen at decibel levels deemed harmful by the arbiters of all the news that is fit to print.

Jul 25, 2008 - 9:57 am 12. ic:

they missed the real story (or chose to shield their eyes from it)

No, and no. They chose to shield our lying eyes from Obama’s truth.

Jul 25, 2008 - 9:58 am 13. nynick:

I’m a Hillary supporter who will not vote for Obama but I must say, you guys completely miss the point on Iraq. Obama is not going to pay a price for his non embrace of the surge. Long ago, the public concluded that the war in Iraq was a strategic mistake. Our military has performed extradinarily well but the end result in Iraq will still be something less than the democratic beacon of light that was promised by the Bush administration prior to our invasion. The costs far outweigh the benefits. Whatever emerges from Iraq will likely be much friendlier to Iranian interests in the region then it to ours. That is not something to cheer about. Maybe the right can spin this into victory but what have we won?

One more point. The Obama juggernaut is a direct result of Republican incompetence. The Bush administration has done serious damage to the Republican brand and that damage will manifest itself in a broad and decisive drubbing at the polls in November. As I said, I’m never going to personally vote for Obama, I think he’s as big an empty suit as you probably do but I can see the writing on the wall. We’re going to replace one incompetent with another.

Jul 25, 2008 - 10:01 am 14. Neo:

Sorry Dave, Obama only worships at the “Church of Obama.” Any other appearance in a church or mosque is merely a “visit.”

Jul 25, 2008 - 10:04 am 15. Chuck:

You Idiots. What part of the Iraq war do you still not understand? We should NEVER have even been their in the first place. We were lied too, decieved, and economically drained by Bush and Cheney and somehow Obama criticizing the surge still is bad for him? He for one has not varied from his views since he first voted not to go to war under these horrific pretenses. HE HAS CHARACTER AND MY RESPECT.

Jul 25, 2008 - 10:05 am 16. John Samford:

“I propose that Mr. Obama will suffer greatly at the polls if he is made an object of ridicule.”

ONLY if the MSM gate keepers allow that ridicule.

There once was a pol named Obama
Who created a little drama
When he started to beg
‘Get this Chris off my leg
it can’t be good for his karma.’.

Best I can do on short notice.

Jul 25, 2008 - 10:09 am 17. Yawn:

Even though I disagree with nynick’s feelings about Iraq, I am in full agreement with him on the second paragraph. I don’t think Bush is nearly as bad as so many make him out to be, but he has done some damage to the GOP. I would add that a lot of the GOP Congressmen and Senators have done more than their fair share of screwing up as well. Total end result is the GOP being in a poor position against a poor candidate. Are we going to be trading up in November or just trading? I am thinking even trade at best.

Jul 25, 2008 - 10:12 am 18. Joshua:

Barry Barry Quite Contrary! Or if you prefer, Scary Barry Quite Contrary! This is the only bumper sticker clear thinking Americans need. Come November when the messiah (little m) crashes into reality, the MSM will be sitting in the front seat with him.

Jul 25, 2008 - 10:14 am 19. nynick:

Chuck,

Obama was a state senator when the war started. He couldn’t have voted for the war but he did say he wasn’t sure how he would have voted if he had been in the Senate at time.

Jul 25, 2008 - 10:15 am 20. SF:

Comrades, Citizens of America….take a good look at this “Citizen of the World.” This Socialist is now on full display. He goes overseas and goes through a long litany of Americs’s shortcoming…with a THIN…Oh, but “I Love America”

Who does he think he is kidding? He has no love for America…Obama, Pelosi, Reid and the democrates want to turn America into a communist-
government controlled country.

Beware America..

Jul 25, 2008 - 10:24 am 21. Tim:

BHO can’t possibly lose now that he has both the press and the German public fully behind him, right?

Jul 25, 2008 - 10:27 am 22. Brad:

Whatever emerges from Iraq will likely be much friendlier to Iranian interests in the region then it to ours.

**You don’t know what you’re talking about. Iraqis HATE Iran.

Jul 25, 2008 - 10:30 am 23. John:

Hey, Chuck.

Let’s assume that what you say about how we got into Iraq is true. It was a mistake to go there.

Now what?

Compound the mistake by pulling out and leaving a power vacuum in the center of the most politically explosive region on the planet? Pull out and allow unfettered Iranian and/or al Qaeda influence over what some claim are the largest petroleum deposits in the middle east?

Once again prove to the world that America is no longer the country of it’s grandfathers? Reinforce the notion that we don’t finish what we start and that siding with us against tyranny will just as likely leave you at your enemies mercy after we decide that the fight is no longer worth is and pull out?

There’s a lot of people out there that totally miss this point. It’s much easier to just want the problem to go away… problem is that it won’t.

According to your line of thought, we made a mistake going in. Surely we should be prudent enough to not make another by pulling out and leaving Iraq in chaos.

No?

Obama panders to those who just want to be done with the whole thing, which is understandable. It’s also dangerous.

Vietnam should have been enough of an illustration of this point, but I guess not for everyone.

Jul 25, 2008 - 10:32 am 24. editknit:

Good point, but seeds are sown, not sewn.

Jul 25, 2008 - 10:33 am 25. Pappione:

Stuart, You mentioned that article in the times regarding ridicule. I read that this morning and I have not laughed so hard in ages! As my dear friend Barbara would say, “It was a hoot!”

“He ventured forth to bring light to the world”
Just the title alone gave me hope that I would enjoy the article

Jul 25, 2008 - 10:34 am 26. misanthropicus:

Now it’s the wounded military personnel in Landstuhl, Germany, who’ve been thrown under the Glibama-bus – is there a limit to the cynicism and opportunism of this “vessel of our hopes”?

Crappy excuse #1: visit canceled because Obama had determined it would be “inappropriate” since he was traveling on a campaign plane is ridiculous – traveling on a campaign plane hasn’t stopped him to show up in more sensitive places like Afghanistan or Iraq.
The true reason for not doinig the visit was/is the fact that in the balance of loss/gain, the Landstuhl visit didn’t rate high anymore as photo-op. Next: let’s do the Champs Elysee set up, pays better. Simple like that.
Crappy excuse #2: The Pentagon advising Glibama not to do it (for “mis-perceptions” reasons): even more crap. Has the Pentagon advised favorably Glibama’s trip in Afghanistan? Iraq? Its proceedings? Crap & crapobamatics.

Those poor soldiers were rolled upon by the Obama-bus – ugly path this charlatan’s ambitions have.

Jul 25, 2008 - 10:42 am 27. nynick:

Brad,

“**You don’t know what you’re talking about. Iraqis HATE Iran.”

Really? Let’s examine what we know has happened since our invasion and occupation. We know Iran has close ties to the Shi’ite mullahs who have a great deal of influence over their communities. We know Iran has been training insurgents and funneling arms into Iraq. We know that several Shi’ite militias are effectively proxies for the Iranians. We know that most of the ruling parties inside the central government have close ties to Iran. Iran seems pretty invested in this. What do you think they expect from their investment?

Jul 25, 2008 - 10:45 am 28. Gary Bonner:

Obama won’t win; but for the reasons your presume:

What a perplexing position citizens of these United States find ourselves. We have reached a cross-road as a nation. These are perilous times at home and abroad. Economic uncertainties abound and our fast eroding moral standing in the world threatens to place at risk our role as the world’s most powerful influencer. Before us stand two starkly different choices whom, depending on our choice, may lead us into another “American Century” or may lead us further down the road to a permanent erosion of power and influence.

Essentially we are asked to vote for either of two approaches to moving forward. One approach seeks to harness American power and influence in order to rule the world; the other approach realizes that rather than American power, it is American principles and core values which must be harnessed that we might lead (not rule) the world.

We all know in our hearts that the right and just perspective to adopt is to “…harness American principles…that we might lead the world.” For this is and has been the decidedly American root of our world perspective as a nation. This is our American way…our ethic. But there is one problem that causes us great consternation. The leader who most effectively espouses (and seems to most passionately believe in) the “decidedly American root of our world perspective…” is born the son of a minority group – the fruit of a relationship that in years past (and perhaps even now, if we be truthful with ourselves) was taboo.

The white guy, we know in our hearts is dangerous and wrong on almost every substantive issue affecting our welfare at home and abroad; yet we struggle to bring ourselves to truly embrace the other guy who espouses the most American of American ideals with enough eloquence and passion to ignite and capture the imagination of an entire next generation of Americans.

And so we vacillate and try to find ways to justify our guttural instinct to choose the guy who represents the past, though we yearn to step into the promise of the future. We whisper within the shadows of our body politic about “…is he Muslim…his middle name is Hussein…he’s part Black…etc.” We know within our hearts that Senator Barack Obama is the product of a conflagration of conspiring American ideals: freedom, justice, equality, meritocracy, our American melting pot. He is, as much as anything, one of our own.

My fear is that when we as a nation are on the other side of this decision…when we, in the end, vote our fears and forsake our promise; when we hold our heads down in shame as we watch John McCain’s inauguration on our TVs; I fear that the Great Scribe of History will be left with no choice but to pen within our national epitaph, “…He came unto his own; and his own received him not.”

Jul 25, 2008 - 10:48 am 29. matt:

I think it’s hilarious that McCain visited a German restaurant while Obama was in Berlin. Was this McCain’s sense of humor or serious?

“I’ll have the brats and a side of cole slaw, please” versus “eech bean ein Rockstar”? Despite the protrayal of McCain as a fumbling old geezer, perhaps we may want to reevaluate his campaign. As McLuhan said, the medium is the message to a lot of people, but when electing presidents, we have to dig a lot deeper….and McCain has to begin using his own way of delivering his message rather than being stage managed like Barack. Honesty and forthrightness usually trump glib platitudes in a real campaign. Even the media have to be getting nervous about how phony Obama is coming off now.

Jul 25, 2008 - 10:53 am 30. Mike Stretcher:

My ancestors came from German. I like that country. The idea they like him does mean something. I’d rather be making effort there than in Iraq.

Being in Iraq is TREASON. Bush threw the war in Afghanistan just like a sports player would throw a game….to loose. He wanted at avenge his looser daddy and he committed treason to do so. That makes him a TRAITOR to his country.

Your corporated minded support for McSame, and your limited views, show your limitations.

McCain can’t even remember what peoples are in what countries. He has to have the Zionist Lieberman with him to hold his hand and help keep his dementia from becoming headline news.

Bush’s treason of going into Iraq and threatening Iran is giving us our current gas prices. Vote for McCain only if you want $8 to $10 a gallon gas.

“Bomb, bomb, bomb Iran” said McCain….meaning bomb, bomb, bomb the American economy.

Jul 25, 2008 - 10:55 am 31. Eva:

The green monster is kicking hard, you all are plainly jeolous that Obama is using resources and spreading goodwill, something completely foreign to the whole lot of you who’ll never get it; you’ve been sleeping for almost 8 years if you can’t see the mess the GOP has created.

Jul 25, 2008 - 11:00 am 32. RedShep:

Everything I needed to know about Obama’s Tour in 60 seconds…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yA29Rn4cRdI

Jul 25, 2008 - 11:00 am 33. Napoleon:

NY Nick’s 2d graph is right, I am furious to admit. The republicans spent the last 8 years gorging themselves at the public trough, with “Denny” Hastert being the most irresponsible Speaker of the House in history.

Jul 25, 2008 - 11:03 am 34. Dan Irving:

Gary Bonner, you forgot to put the chapter and verse – Gospel of Barry, Chapter 5 verses 12-24.

Jul 25, 2008 - 11:07 am 35. Emerson:

Re: Obama’s character. He’s either destroyed or will not allow access to records one can look to to judge his accomplishments and agenda. I can then only rate him by his results and associations. His housing project was a slumlord’s paradise, and his associations have mainly been with political fixers, race-baiting ministers and murderous domestic terrorists. That’s a public record that speaks for itself. How can a man sponsored by the Chicago political machine claim to represent a good kind of change? He can’t, so it’s just a slogan. Who knows, he might at best be Chance The Gardener and at worst The Manchurian Candidate.

Jul 25, 2008 - 11:11 am 36. Joshua:

nynick – “Long ago, the public concluded that the war in Iraq was a strategic mistake.”

Long ago, the public decided that Iraq was locked in a quagmire (just like Vietnam) and the violent civil war would tear the country to shreds once again proving what a complete morons George, Dick, Donald and the imperialist gang really are.

nynick – “…you guys completely miss the point on Iraq.”

So obviously, nynick, based on your clear and comprehensive grasp on Iraq and geo-political, middle eastern affairs you can declare Iran the winner here! Bravo! Well done!

The MSM spoon feeds “useful idiots” (Vladimir Lenin’s words not mine) like you and your willing accomplices mis-information and anti-American propoganda 24/7/365, year, after year, after year, after year and for some reason your skull full of mush just can’t think on it’s own anymore.

Maybe this will help. BAD PEOPLE HAPPEN… globally! All terrorists are NOT in Afghanistan! If right wing conservatives (like me) were out to get you, we would have gotten you by now! Democracy, even a fragile but growing democracy in Iraq is better for the world than Saddam Hussein and wahabism! IRANIAN REFORMISTS, freedom & liberty loving souls like me and you (but I’m worried about you)not the wild eyed mullahs and ayatollahs are benefitting from the ugly, heartbreaking mess we call war in Iraq. Nobody likes war, not even GW & Cheney! HISTORY not YOU (or the MSM) will judge America’s attempt to open the door of freedom and liberty to Iraq!

GW has one thing right, and it boggles my mind how so called “liberal progressives” like you don’t get it when you claim your the chosen people (Al Gore etc.) who really care about this world and not the ice cold, evil right wingers. GW said over and over, freedom and liberty are not America’s gift to the world, freedom and liberty are God’s gift to mankind.

nynick – Snap out of it! A free and peaceful world is a little more complicated than you and your buddies want to make it. If you don’t want to do the heavy lifting that it takes to support America and what makes our nation great then please don’t stand in the path of those who will. Think for yourself and be open to facts that may not fit with your narrow world view. Otherwise, clear thinking people will continue to see you and your kind as part of the problem and not part of the solution and we will fight you with our last dying breath! This is important, are you willing to die for the liberal socialist dogma that you believe? “Give me liberty or give me death.” – Patrick Henry

Jul 25, 2008 - 11:12 am 37. KF:

My husband is Iranian, Iranians and Iraqis do not like each other.

On another subject, Obama did not go to see the soldiers in Germany because the Pentagon said his group could not bring their CAMERAS. In other words, no chance for a photo op, so he decided not to go.

Jul 25, 2008 - 11:22 am 38. Fred:

Gary, Obama does not represent a bright shining future carrying the banner of American ideas and principles to the rest of the world. The most important right Americans have is the right to bear arms. An armed populace has options when faced with oppressive government. Obama would disarm everyone, except the state. He would nationalize medicine destroying the final medical system in the world. He would raise taxes to the point the capitalist economy would collapse and all but the selected elete, would be dependent on government handouts for food, clothing, and housing.
The future Obama is preaching is an old dysfuntional utopia that was tried and abandoned at the original Ameican colony of Jamestown.
Quit drinking the Kool-aid.

Jul 25, 2008 - 11:27 am 39. Peter:

I just want to point out a funny dichatome I see in many of these comments (and on liberal and conservative blogs).

1) How is it that Obama is seen both as stubborn on the issues and a flip-flopper issues. Aren’t they the exact opposite?

2) How is it that Obama is deried by critics alternately as a “Republican-lover” and a “Socialist Democrat ideologue?”

I can understand an attack on the man… but shouldn’t they be consistent?

Jul 25, 2008 - 11:30 am 40. ac1:

Obama is entering into congenital liar territory – and no one is calling him on it. He’s not even honest about the languages he speaks, something that should be pretty clear to oneself. In 2006 he told Roll Call he spoke Indonesian and a little Spanish. Now he says he doesn’t speak any foreign languages. Which is it?

Jul 25, 2008 - 11:31 am 41. Javelin:

Nice to see all the morons here babbling about Communist conspiracies. Keep it up, that should win you votes from the grave or the asylums.

Jul 25, 2008 - 11:33 am 42. Jbl:

My prediction: When Obama gets back from his world tour, it’s all down hill from there. He’s done. Seriously.

Jul 25, 2008 - 11:45 am 43. Jbl:

1) How is it that Obama is seen both as stubborn on the issues and a flip-flopper issues. Aren’t they the exact opposite?

2) How is it that Obama is deried by critics alternately as a “Republican-lover” and a “Socialist Democrat ideologue?”

The same way Bush is a “moron” and an “evil genius.”

Jul 25, 2008 - 11:48 am 44. Algen:

Obama was playing to his supporters. His campaign is receiving millions of dollars from foreign nationals who expect him to promote their interests once he becomes president. And from all indications they would not be disappointed. All Hail World President Obama ! NOT

Jul 25, 2008 - 11:53 am 45. Joshua:

Javelin – “Useful idiots” of the communist party and the western media/academic elite lovefest are not a conspiracy they are a fact of history. The useful idiots that gorged at the table of communist/socialist ideology push their flawed reasoning and failed philosophy on us everyday in MSM and most universities in our country.

Barack Obama and the current media orgy over this liberal socialist (marxist)are irrefutable proof that it is not a conspiracy but reality.

Peter – What the hell are you talking about? “…stubborn on the issues,” “Republican lover.” You are a horrible Barack Hussein Obama apologist! I would quit.

So just to clear it up for you, Barry Barry Quite Contrary! That’s it, nothing to add.

Jul 25, 2008 - 11:57 am 46. John:

Gary Bonner,

You sound like a thoughtful person and well educated. You wrote a long post that could have been summed up by just saying that; Senator Obama will lose because we are all racists!

When Senator Obama was winning primaries it was despite racism and when he lost it was due to racism. Which is it? Can it be both? No.

Senator Obama has little experience and what little he has is not impressive. Irregardless of his skin color. He couldn’t do my job.

His friends and associates are a large collection of vile anti-american bigots, yet I am a racist. That’s rich. His associates trouble me and your inability to see that troubles me more. William Ayers is a terrorist. In my opinion he is worse than muslim terrorists because he was born here as a son of priviledge.

Senator Obama is on only half black. So, if I am a racist, at most I am only half of one. That should put me on par with many I would guess.

Wake up!

Jul 25, 2008 - 12:03 pm 47. nynick:

Joshua,

Okay, I’ve been warned many times not to engage morons who can’t offer anything more than idiotic rants informed by a skewed, RED/BlUE worldview they picked up from listening to Hannity everyday on the radio but here goes…

“If right wing conservatives (like me) were out to get you, we would have gotten you by now! Democracy, even a fragile but growing democracy in Iraq is better for the world than Saddam Hussein and wahabism!”

If you’re going to use words like “wahabism”(sic), it would be useful to not only know how to spell it but also what it means. Saddam was not a follower of the Wahabbi sect. That would your hero George W Bush’s friends in Saudi Arabia. Do you remember our good friends the Saudis? They’re the guys Bush invites to his ranch and likes to hold hands with. Oh, they also happen to be the leading ideological exporter of terror. They fund the Madrasses that populate the world with their nihilist garbage.

“The MSM spoon feeds “useful idiots” (Vladimir Lenin’s words not mine) like you and your willing accomplices mis-information and anti-American propoganda 24/7/365, year, after year, after year, after year and for some reason your skull full of mush just can’t think on it’s own anymore.”

Is this the same MSM that cheered on the Iraq war? Who swooned when George W Bush donned a flight suit and landed on that aircraft carrier to declare “Mission Accomplished”? At the time, the war was quite popular and so was Bush. What happened? Could it be that people realized the Mission was far from accomplished? Could it be that people realized the war was being used as a political prop? That most of the pre war predictions such as weapons of mass destruction, we’ll be greated as liberators, Iraqi oil will pay for the war, we don’t need 300k troops and it will not cost $300 billion dollars turned out to be wishful thinking? Could it be the country concluded that this president failed to plan sufficiently for the post invasion occupation? Could it be that Bush’s hubris in the run up to the war contributed to, and magnified how the nation viewed it when things started to go sour?

“If you don’t want to do the heavy lifting that it takes to support America and what makes our nation great then please don’t stand in the path of those who will.”

Unless you’re writing this from Baghdad or Kabul, you have no standing. I’m not standing in your way at all. Have it my friend. Go make the world embrace Democracy. Godspeed.

“Otherwise, clear thinking people will continue to see you and your kind as part of the problem and not part of the solution and we will fight you with our last dying breath!”

Really? Should I be scared? Can I expect revolution if and when Obama wins in November? Is that what you think Democracy is? If I were you, I’d quit writing for a while, turn off the radio and go find a good book to read. May I recommend something by Camus or maybe Voltaire. Conservatives love to hate on the french but they have a lot in common with the fridge French philosophers. I think it was Voltaire who said real Democracy can only be acheived when you strangle the last politician with the entrails of the last preist.

Jul 25, 2008 - 12:05 pm 48. Armando:

Obama Said:

In July 2004, Obama “There’s not that much difference between my position and George Bush’s position at this stage.” By September 2004, Obama was declaring that to pull out of Iraq “would make things worse” and that therefore he “would be willing to send more soldiers to Iraq if it is part of a strategy that the president and military leaders believe will stabilize the country.”

on January 10, 2007, on MSNBC:
“I am not persuaded that 20,000 additional troops in Iraq is going to solve the sectarian violence there. In fact, I think it will do the reverse.”

On January 14, 2007, on Face the Nation, he said:
“We cannot impose a military solution on what has effectively become a civil war. And until we acknowledge that reality — we can send 15,000 more troops, 20,000 more troops, 30,000 more troops, I don’t know any expert on the region or any military officer that I’ve spoken to privately that believes that that is going to make a substantial difference on the situation on the ground.”

On March 19, 2007, on the Larry King show, he said:
“here’s the thing, Larry — even those who support the escalation have acknowledged that 20,000, 30,000, even 40,000 more troops placed temporarily in places like Baghdad are not going to make a long-term difference.”

On May 25, 2007, in a speech to the Coalition Of Black Trade Unionists Convention
“And what I know is that what our troops deserve is not just rhetoric, they deserve a new plan. Governor Romney and Senator McCain clearly believe that the course that we’re on in Iraq is working, I do not.”

On July 18, 2007, on the Today show
“My assessment is that the surge has not worked and we will not see a different report eight weeks from now.”

Osama bin Laden said (Iraq is where the “Third World War is raging”, Ayman al-Zawahiri said(Iraq is “the place for the greatest battle of Islam in this era”)

Jul 25, 2008 - 12:14 pm 49. M. Simon:

Re: Iraq The costs far outweigh the benefits.

If Europe had gone to war with the Austrian Corporal in 1936 people would be still saying stuff like that.

The only way you can find out the cost of not dodging a bullet is to let the bullet hit you.

i.e. The costs far outweigh the benefits. is an unprovable assertion.

BTW the US government for its first 100+ years was no great shakes. Slavery. The women’s vote, etc.

Women got the vote from the beginning in Iraq. A pretty good deal in an ostensibly Muslim country. We will have a better idea of Iraq’s trajectory when we count the results of the October election.

Jul 25, 2008 - 12:16 pm 50. nynick:

KT,

Iran isn’t interested in whether or not Iraqi’s like them. I don’t think Saddam was all that popular either but he ran the country for quite a long time.

Jul 25, 2008 - 12:16 pm 51. misanthropicus:

RE: Javelin: “Nice to see all the morons here babbling about Communist conspiracies. Keep it up, that should win you votes from the grave or the asylums.”

Yo, blunt Javelin – you just can’t get it, buddy. It’s not about Communist conspiracies – it’s about a gross charlatan who might get in the United States presidential office, candidacy which should be seriously examined by any responsible citizen/voter. By normal standars, Glibama is a pretty dangerous operator – remember how well the New Yorker cover scandal MUFFLED the REAL STORY, the devastating article inside about the suave mister Glibama’s career?

You, Obamatons, live in a perpetual suspension of reasoning – look at the right now-evolving “no-cameras, no-vist at the hospital” scandal.
Not true? What you say of it?

Jul 25, 2008 - 12:21 pm 52. BB:

“Jbl:
My prediction: When Obama gets back from his world tour, it’s all down hill from there. He’s done. Seriously.”
Yup, Too bad for Hillery and the Democrats, she can’t jump on his grave fast.

Jul 25, 2008 - 12:22 pm 53. rocketeer:

Chuck – If i have to the blatant lie that Bush lied one more time, I’m going to go postal. Feel free to argue the merits of the decision to go to war with Iraq, but there is absolutely no truth to the glib comment that Bush lied.

Republicans are having a hard time with their brand right now not due to Bush’s actions (in large part), but due mostly to their miserable performance in the house and the senate when they controlled them. The party as a whole abandoned the principles that it’s core supporters believe in. The base feels betrayed by the party. The RNC is going to have to clean house, get a coherent conservative message, and figure out a way to get that message out, since they don’t have access to the fifth column of the mainstream media to disseminate their positions like the democrats do.

With that said, that the polls are tracking so close right now is not a testament to McCain’s brilliance, but an indication of what a rotten candidate Obama is. Most of the American population can see through the con job that the media is foisting on them. The rest agree with him (Obama), and those you can never educate.

Jul 25, 2008 - 12:23 pm 54. Joshua:

nynick – When challenged with an alternative world view why does the liberal socialist always get so bitter? Bitter, bitter, bitter… it’s really not very healthy comrade!

“Oh, they also happen to be the leading ideological exporter of terror. They fund the Madrasses that populate the world with their nihilist garbage.” You really outslicked yourself here Obama lover! I rest my case for helping Iraq become a new (Arab) democracy and an inspiration for other reform minded Arabs.

Some of us don’t have the luxury of being a tenured, academic elitist pontificating on the merits of socialism from their gilded perch. Some of us have to fight and die so you can spew your hatred for the very country that gave you the right open your bitter mouth.

Yikes! “Go make the world embrace Democracy. Godspeed.” You really are foaming at the mouth aren’t you? Liberal socialists like you are soooooooo predictable. If I have to explain “freedom and liberty” and “the world is better off without Saddam Hussein” to you it becomes an exercise in futility. You want to “make” the world not us. We actually care about people which you cannot seem to comprehend.

You exposed yourself for the hate America, love Obama the Marxist, liberal socialist you really are. Why don’t you go read the Constitution of the United States of America? The founding fathers warned us about you.

And while you’re reading… my karma will run over your dogma!

P.S. Check your own spelling (and grammar) you liberal socialist snob! We’re laughing with you not at you… really!

Jul 25, 2008 - 12:45 pm 55. M. Simon:

We were lied too, decieved, etc.

“There is no more clear example of this threat than Saddam Hussein’s Iraq. His regime threatens the safety of his people, the stability of his region and the security of all the rest of us.”
–W. J. Clinton, February 17, 1998

“Saddam Hussein has been engaged in the development of weapons of mass destruction technology which is a threat to countries in the region and he has made a mockery of the weapons inspection process.”
–Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D, CA), Dec. 16, 1998

“Hussein has … chosen to spend his money on building weapons of mass destruction and palaces for his cronies.”
–Madeline Albright, Clinton Secretary of State, Nov. 10, 1999

“There is no doubt that Saddam Hussein has reinvigorated his weapons programs. Reports indicate that biological, chemical and nuclear programs continue apace and may be back to pre-Gulf War status. In addition, Saddam continues to redefine delivery systems and is doubtless using the cover of a licit missile program to develop longer-range missiles that will threaten the United States and our allies.”
–Letter to President Bush, Signed by Sen. Bob Graham (D, FL,) and others, Dec, 5, 2001

“We begin with the common belief that Saddam Hussein is a tyrant and a threat to the peace and stability of the region. He has ignored the mandate of the United Nations and is building weapons of mass destruction and the means of delivering them.”
–Sen. Carl Levin (d, MI), Sept. 19, 2002

“We know that he has stored secret supplies of biological and chemical weapons throughout his country….
Iraq’s search for weapons of mass destruction has proven impossible to deter and we should assume that it will continue for as long as Saddam is in power.”
–Al Gore, Sept. 23, 2002

The above list truncated for the sake of brevity.

We were deceived by Al Gore. Not for the first time either.

Jul 25, 2008 - 12:47 pm 56. nynick:

Simon,

“i.e. The costs far outweigh the benefits. is an unprovable assertion.”

Interesting theory. Better let Wall Street and Insurance companies in on this nugget of information. They seemed to thrive on doing cost benefit analysis. I’m sure you meant the future costs and benefits cannot be known at this point and that is no doubt true. We can and should use judgement based on what we know and what we think we know. Let’s turn this around though. Suppose it’s 2002 and you’re making the standard argument for going to war in Iraq. If I said you can’t weigh the benefits and the likely costs of this decision, because they’re unknowable, what would your response be? Please try and keep it consistent with your previous point.

Jul 25, 2008 - 12:58 pm 57. Lee:

Upon reading many of the blogs posted here, I must clarify something.
Most Americans agree with the lofty words and visions for world peace that Obama so eloquently pontificates in his speeches … It’s Obama we don’t trust. those of you who hypnotically fawn over Obama take everything he says as gospel. But, you don’t even know the man. You assume that because his words are worthy, he is trustworthy. People they are just words! Obama, the man who is speaking those words has a horrible track record. He did nothing as a senator. He spent the last 20 years accepting an anti-American racist as his mentor. His associations have been with extremely unsavory people. However, you Obamabots keep trying to characterize the rest of us as disagreeing with what Obama says … when it’s Obama himself we don’t trust … nor should you!

Jul 25, 2008 - 1:10 pm 58. Dave II:

Oh, goody…limericks! Let me try one, John:

There once was a guy named Barack
Who the media said sure could talk
So the MSM gloated
And everyone voted
Barack lost to their amazement and shock!

And (drumroll)… one more!

There once was a guy so selected
The media went and elected
To forgo the pretense
They had any good sense
To see their guy being rejected

Okay…my work is done for the day…whew!

Oh, another great article Jennifer!

Jul 25, 2008 - 1:12 pm 59. Enableate » Blog Archive » Reason Enough to Not Vote Obama:

[...] The trip Obama took around the world did not impress me in the least. Others agree: [...]

Jul 25, 2008 - 1:14 pm 60. GL:

RE: Javelin: “Nice to see all the morons here babbling about Communist conspiracies. Keep it up, that should win you votes from the grave or the asylums.”

The dead and the crazy are the Democratic party’s biggest constituency come election time.

Javelin is the Acorn worker who – when told everyone can leave the graveyard now because they have enough votes to win… protests that people on the other side of the cemetery have just as much right to vote as the ones already registered. LOL

Jul 25, 2008 - 1:18 pm 61. nynick:

Joshua,

Is there a coherent point here? I’ve already said I’ll never vote for Obama.

“I rest my case for helping Iraq become a new (Arab) democracy and an inspiration for other reform minded Arabs.”

My dear friend, wishing does not make it so. I wish all the Arab countries would shake off their cruel overloads and embrace self rule, human rights and peaceful coexistence with their neighbors, that doesn’t mean it’s going to happen. Iraq is not an “inspiration for other reform minded Arabs”. How many Arab reformists would like to see their country experience what Iraq has experienced the last five and half years? How dumb are you?

“Go make the world embrace Democracy. Godspeed.” You really are foaming at the mouth aren’t you?”

I think you must have a problem with reading comprehension. I hope you DO help the world embrace Democracy, I’m not standing in your way, I wish you success. What’s so hard to understand?

“We actually care about people which you cannot seem to comprehend.”

Yeah? Which people? Does your concern for human rights end at the Iraqi border? If you really feel conservatives are so passionately pro human rights and dignity, maybe you can ask your friends in Saudi Arabia to stop punishing women for being seen with a man that’s not her father or brother? In fact, why are you here? Why aren’t you in Darfur helping the refugees? I know, because the world is more complicated than that. Exactly. Which is why your moral posturing doesn’t impress or persuade anyone.

“You exposed yourself for the hate America, love Obama the Marxist, liberal socialist you really are. Why don’t you go read the Constitution of the United States of America? The founding fathers warned us about you.”

Let’s see…

“hate America”, “marxist” “liberal” “socialist”.

Straight from the Sean Hannity handbook. If you want to know what these words mean, consult a dictionary. Nothing I’ve said remotely qualifies as supporting any of this although I will admit liberal as defined by the dictionary, not the right, could be applied to my thinking.
You have a very limited ability to follow logic so I’ll make it easy for you. Please go away and come back when you have something relevant to add to the conversation.

Jul 25, 2008 - 1:28 pm 62. Lori:

What a bunch of whiners that post on this blog.
Your candidate (McCain) has flipped flopped on almost every issue. His geography is laughable. His Commander-in-Chief credentials is the ability to crash planes. His home life ethics was to leave a loyal wife for a younger and much richer woman and to have the audacity to remake that, because his wife survived a car crash, she “just wasn’t the woman I married.” He then tries to blur the lines about when he met his new trophy wife and when he left the wife he was cheating on. Before you call me a liberal, know that I am a Republican conservative, who will not be voting for McCain. I will be voting for Obama because he is the better man.

Jul 25, 2008 - 1:29 pm 63. Diane:

It would be amusing if a GOP attack ad juxtaposed this photo of Obama posing with a fan after a workout at the gym of his Berlin Hotel http://www.bild.de/BILD/news/bild-english/world-news/2008/07/24/Bild-was-in-fitness-studio/with-barack-obama-before-his-speech-in-berlin.html
with his decision to cancel the visit to the military hospital.

Talk about a self-involved SOB!

Jul 25, 2008 - 1:36 pm 64. Sandra M:

The big story of the Obama trip is his not visiting the wounded troops.

More importantly, the Democrats are putting obstacles in the way of making voting by the troops count. Soldiers who put their lives on the line have earned the right to have their votes counted FIRST!

Jul 25, 2008 - 1:43 pm 65. Rachel Peepers:

Intellectually superior. Judgmentally superior. Oratorally
superior. In the race for Presdent, standing in downtown Berlin, every word Obama uttered sounded devinely inspired. From Obama’s mouth to the ears of people everywhere who thirst for an America that acts as a real world partner, not a bullyboy superpower.

Of course, there’s one man who can bring it about: a brilliant world visionary.

Barack Obama.

He will create a new world order where every man and woman are equal. Where people are no longer separated by language, boundaries or race.

So, naturally, I was appalled, shocked, stunned and dismayed when recently an American newspaper cartoonist tried to make a joke of perhaps the greatest, most outstanding man of our generation, albeit any generation.

The hateful cartoonist made light of Barack’s world tour by joking about Obama in a cartoon, “Ich bin ein beginner.”

Now I ask you, how does anyone dare to poke fun at the future President by taking the immortal words of JFK and turning them around.

After years’s in government service, Barack is anything but inexperienced.

To my way of thinking, this hateful cortoon qualifies as hate speech. And when Barack is elected, the beautiful, and Harvard law gratuated Michelle has reportedly stated in private that is strongly considering using her law education to help congress enact rules that prevent unseemly and hurtful attacks on her husband, the president. For this is a man who will reinstill a feeling of optimism and pride in America.

He’ll refill the Bush-drained coffers of America by
carefully raising capital gains taxes by as much as 30%, including capital gains on sales of homes and stocks. Today, if you sell a $300,000 house, the government gets nothing which is totally unfair. Matter of fact, the seller gets every cent.

When Obama is President, the government will get its fair share, and in turn, will redistribute the money. So the underclass of America and the children of immigrants legal and illegal alike will be cared for. We’re talking free health care America for those too poor to pay. For healthy children are our future.

Redistribution of wealth. It’s another positive touchstone of the change that Obama will soon bring to America.

Composed of America’s elite, Obama’s government will demonstrate that they know best what to do with tax money. Rich Republicans, it’s for your own good. And the good of America.

Now on to foreign concerns. 300,000 Berliners wildly cheered for America because Obama stands for not only universal nuclear disarmerment, but the cancellation of the so called nuclear shield that McCain’s America is about to make operational. Luckily, Obama sees through this shield. It’s only another way America will try to intimidate the rest of the world. It may make America safe from nuclear attack, but it will make Berlin and every other world city’s existence live or die at the whim of the American President.

When all is said and done, President Barack Obama will bring about the kind of change 300,000 Berliners and the rest of the world can believe in.

Jul 25, 2008 - 1:46 pm 66. Dave II:

Gary Bonner- Your eloquent post (much like Obama’s speech) is just so wrong on so may levels I don’t even have the time to go into all of them.

Suffice to say, the man you believe so well exemplifies “American principles and core values”…
has NONE!!

He is a clueless, pandering, snake-oil salesman and that’s being kind, because his background and associates would tell you PRECISELY what he believes, IF…they had not been all thrown under the bus by now! (Okay…that and all his “core” positions he’s flipped on!) And THAT tells you he only did what he did, and does, to further his political ambitions…

Again, NO CORE VALUES…just a CORE AMBITION!

But, I’ll give you credit here for that last line: “He came unto his own; and his own received him not.”

The author, Gerard Baker, of “He ventured forth to bring light to the world”, the BEST SATIRE yet on Obama, SHOULD have used it to end his article!

Here’s the link to it as no one has provided it yet:

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/columnists/gerard_baker/article4392846.ece

Jul 25, 2008 - 1:48 pm 67. JKB:

So true, I believe Obama has blown it. He blows off the troops who have sacrificed over this past year to bring so many out of Al Queada’s grasp. He says they weren’t necessary but did help, a little. He emphasizes he is a citizen of the world when so many aren’t so sure he’d be a zealous advocate for the United States. He has acted as if he speaks for the American people when his presumptive nomination is based on a few Democratic Party insiders.

While it means nothing really. I have to ask, who thought that when giving a rousing speech to a crowd of Germans before a historic Berlin landmark, it would be a good idea to extend his right hand forward and upward. Surely, someone in his campaign has seen a newsreel from the thirties on the history channel? Nothing really but a bit of unfortunate symbolism. I thought he had a whole cadre to guard against such gaffes?

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/picturegalleries/worldnews/2439544/Barack-Obama-in-the-Middle-East-and-Europe.html?image=3

Jul 25, 2008 - 1:50 pm 68. Joshua:

M.Simon – Don’t confuse the liberal socialists with the facts sir!

Jul 25, 2008 - 1:51 pm 69. Donna:

Mike Strecher wrote:

“My ancestors came from German. I like that country. The idea they like him does mean something.

McCain can’t even remember what peoples are in what countries. He has to have the Zionist Lieberman with him to hold his hand and help keep his dementia from becoming headline news.”

Ach, jawohl, ve Ayrans do not like the Jud- er, Zionist Leiberman!

But remember, kinder, ve should all care what the Germans think of Obama because Mike’s ancestors came from there! The idea that they like (they really, really like him!) means something! (What, exactly? Americans have ancestors who came from all over the friggin’ globe, and most of them didn’t fight 2 World Wars against us.)

Achtung! Fall into line! Vote for Obama and then ve vill dance!

Jul 25, 2008 - 2:09 pm 70. Joshua:

nynick – You have yourself convinced sir. Your circular reasoning fits you well! Good luck with that. My children and grandchildren will NOT be attending your institutions of higher socialist learning! In case you missed it, liberal socialism has failed everywhere it has been foisted on the people. You love Obama and then you lie about it…pathetic.

Jul 25, 2008 - 2:17 pm 71. nynick:

Rachel,

Please tell me that’s parody. Look, Obama is no doubt a gifted public speaker. What he is not now and has never been is a competent leader. He is an enigma, a vessel. Something to be filled and driven by others. He’s never going to be this divine visionary. He didn’t even win most of the votes cast in the Democratic primary. He is a smart man and maybe he will rise to the occasion but if you’re expectation is a man who will redeem all mankind, you’re setting yourself up for major disappointment.

Jul 25, 2008 - 2:29 pm 72. nynick:

Joshua,

“My children and grandchildren will NOT be attending your institutions of higher socialist learning!”

Do the world a favor, please don’t breed.

Jul 25, 2008 - 2:32 pm 73. Joshua:

Lori – No one is buying your slight of hand! I’m a conservative republican – LOL! Being gaga over Obama has turned your brains to googoo!

Which brings us back to point of this article for you and NYNICK.

Jennifer Rubin wrote: “The media is gaga over Barack Obama’s international trip. They fawn, they cheer, and they marvel. But did they miss the big story? It wouldn’t be the first time in this (or a prior) election in which the MSM collectively missed the boat. And this time, it happened largely at the hands of some reporters who gave Obama just enough room to do himself some damage.”

What is wrong with you people? You become so blinded by your twisted ideology that you will boldly declare the defeat of America in the face of success. As the famous philosopher Winnie the Pooh said…”Oh bother!”

Jul 25, 2008 - 2:57 pm 74. Jim:

You know, Obama’s speech was doing all right until he told the crowd that their “discourse grows tiresome” and demanded that they “touch my monkey! TOUCH IT!”

With apologies to Mike Myers…

Jul 25, 2008 - 3:05 pm 75. nystink:

No more hurricanes under Obama. He will cause the sea level to fall and the lame to walk. There is no messiah but Obama. He will cool an overheated Earth and make the sun to function normally again. This is the last chance for this planet to find utopia. Don’t blow it bozos!

Jul 25, 2008 - 3:11 pm 76. Joshua:

nynick – A little bit of a control issue I sense in the force! LOL!

Jul 25, 2008 - 3:12 pm 77. theWalrus:

Regarding Obama “blowing off” see the troops. Untrue, as usual. This was not his call. A Pentagon spokesperson confirms that because of longstanding Department of Defense regulations, Pentagon officials told Obama aides that he couldn’t visit the base with campaign staff. This left Obama with little choice but to cancel the trip, since the plan to visit with campaign aides had been in the works for weeks.

And, by the way, the very same thing happened to McCain on one of his trips overseas. So I doubt McNasty will be jumping all over this (non)story.

Contrary to Ms Rubin’s “big story” Obama’s trip to Europe was a success even beyond his wildest dreams.

Jul 25, 2008 - 3:13 pm 78. LeonidasOfSparta:

Arias hit the nail on the head with that question– does he realize he’s the trojan horse? I think he does. He has the same “outrage and seething” pattern of behaviour when ONE single question is raised about his ideas, his ideology, his faith, his patriotism, etc. That whole “rage boy” mentality comes out of the well hidden closet.

I think he is the trojan horse and HE KNOWS IT.

Jul 25, 2008 - 3:15 pm 79. lonestar78730:

FWIW -

ViveLiberty wrote:

July 25, 2008 17:41
Letter from a soldier in Afghanistan:

Hello everyone,
As you know I am not a very political person. I just wanted to pass along that Senator Obama came to Bagram Afghanistan for about an hour on his visit to ‘The War Zone’. I wanted to share with you what happened.
He got off the plane and got into a bullet proof vehicle, got to the area to meet with the Major General (2 Star) who is the commander here at Bagram.

As the Soldiers were lined up to shake his hand he blew them off and didn’t say a word as he went into the conference room to meet the General. As he finished, the vehicles took him to the ClamShell (pretty much a big top tent that military personnel can play basketball or work out in with weights) so he could take his publicity pictures playing basketball. He again shunned the opportunity to talk to Soldiers to thank them for their service.

So really he was just here to make a showing for the American’s back home that he is their candidate for President. I think that if you are going to make an effort to come all the way over here you would thank those that are providing the freedom that they are providing for you.

I swear we got more thanks from the NBA Basketball Players or the Dallas Cowboy Cheer leaders than from Senator, who wants to be the President of the United States . I just don’t understand how anyone would want him to be our Commander-and-Chief. It was almost that he was scared to be around those that provide the freedom for him and our great country.

If this is blunt and to the point I am sorry but I wanted you all to know what kind of caliber of person he really is. What you see in the news is all fake.

In service,
CPT Jeffrey S. Porter
Battle Captain
TF Wasatch
American Soldier

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Jul 25, 2008 - 3:40 pm 80. nystink:

Obama go anywhere without campaign aides? Perish the thought! He’s got to have his entourage, with lots of cameras. Capture the messiah shaking the poor wounded soldier’s hand. Capture the messiah shedding a tear for the poor injured marine.

What??!!! No cameras? No entourage? Scroo that!

Jul 25, 2008 - 3:54 pm 81. Joshua:

theWalrus- Oh no, the messiah (little m) has much wilder dreams than just shacking up with the EU! He wants and deserves a harem of big eyed lovers! If you were a loyal Obamistian you would know this or didn’t you read Ms. Rubin’s article?

As I shared with the narcissist NYNICK, we’re laughing with you not at you… really! LOL!

Gramps is going to clean poor little BO’s clock and BO is going to give him all the clock cleaner! Just my humble opinion (while I’m not breeding, again)!

Jul 25, 2008 - 3:58 pm 82. Donna:

The Walrus wrote:

A Pentagon spokesperson confirms that because of longstanding Department of Defense regulations, Pentagon officials told Obama aides that he couldn’t visit the base with campaign staff.

In other words, no photo ops. Gee, we were all looking forward to seeing Obama the Compassionate heal the wounded with one wave of his hand too. But why on earth should Obama visit wounded troops when there is nothing in it for him? It’s not like he feels gratitude for their service and sacrifices. Why, those dumb, bitter gun-toters are probably going to vote McCain anyway.

His time is much better spent with the media gazing in awe and wonder at the Obamessiah working out.

Jul 25, 2008 - 4:37 pm 83. John Samford:

“You Idiots. What part of the Iraq war do you still not understand?”

We understand that we are winning, which is worth whatever it costs.

Anybody else remember “Miss Congeniality”?
Remember the acceptance speech? “and World Peace”.
Didn’t that little soriee` in Berlin remind you of that?
Didn’t Hitler once call for world peace in that same location?

“The most certain way of insuring victory is to march briskly and in good order against the enemy, always endeavoring to gain ground.”
-Frederick the Great

“The doom of a nation can be averted only by a storm of flowing passion, but only those who are passionate themselves can arouse passion in others.”
- Adolf Hitler

Jul 25, 2008 - 4:48 pm 84. MaddMike:

Chuck wrote: “You Idiots. What part of the Iraq war do you still not understand? We should NEVER have even been their in the first place. We were lied too, decieved, and economically drained by Bush and Cheney and somehow Obama criticizing the surge still is bad for him? He for one has not varied from his views since he first voted not to go to war under these horrific pretenses. HE HAS CHARACTER AND MY RESPECT.”

Chuck, with apologies to all other Chucks in the world, YOU are appropriately named “Chuck”. People who mistake “their” for “there”… write things like “lied too”… and reverse the “i” before “e” but not after “c” thang… show their intelligence hole cards before the flop. And when you write “since he first voted not to go to war” that adds to the things you don’t know… in that case that Obama was still in the Illinois legislature when Congress voted overwhelmingly for the Iraq War Resolution.

Obama is most certainly the guy for you… and your ilk… just like Gore and Kerry before him. Just don’t expect him to win. Americans are smarter than that. Wish you could be among them.

Jul 25, 2008 - 4:55 pm 85. Donna:

For some reason, the walrus neglected to quote this paragraph from the story about Obama stiffing the troops:

The official said “We didn’t know why” the request to visit the wounded troops was withdrawn. “He (Obama) was more than welcome. We were all ready for him.”

But if Obama can’t use wounded servicemen and women as props, why should he visit them? Out of gratitude?

Oh come on, gratitude towards a bunch of bitter gun-toting types who will probably vote McCain anyway? Why should the would-be commander in chief depress himself talking to some Marine who’s had his legs blown off when Barry can shoot hoops and make the MSM drool over the wonderful wonder that is Obama?

Jul 25, 2008 - 5:17 pm 86. Donna:

Sorry for two posts which say pretty much the same thing. I got an error message when I hit submit the first time, so I wrote the second one.

It does steam me: Thousands of Germans swoon over Barry like he’s John, Paul, George, Ringo and Jesus rolled into one, but he can’t be bothered to visit injured American troops.

Yeah, that won’t go over well in the heartland.

Jul 25, 2008 - 5:25 pm 87. theWalrus:

By James Gordon Meek
DAILY NEWS WASHINGTON BUREAU
Updated Friday, July 25th 2008, 10:05 AM

WASHINGTON – The latest chain e-mail smear against Barack Obama: He “blew off” troops at an Afghan base to shoot hoops for a publicity photo.

The letter was apparently written by a Utah Army National Guard intelligence officer in a linguist unit at Bagram Airfield who claimed the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee was rude to G.I.s.

“As the soldiers where [sic] lined up to shake his hand he blew them off,” wrote the Task Force Wasatch “battle captain.”

But angry Army brass debunked the Obama-bashing soldier’s allegations, which went viral Thursday over the Web and on military blogs such as Blackfive.

The e-mail claims Obama repeatedly shunned soldiers on his way to the Clamshell – a recreation tent – to “take his publicity pictures playing basketball.”

“These comments are inappropriate and factually incorrect,” said Bagram spokeswoman Army Lt. Col. Rumi Nielson-Green, who added that such political commentary is barred for uniformed personnel.

Obama didn’t play basketball at Bagram or visit the Clamshell, she said. Home-state troops were invited to meet him, but his arrival was kept secret for security reasons.

“We were a bit delayed … as he took time to shake hands, speak to troops and pose for photographs,” Nielson-Green said.

E-mails to the officer who made the charges and a call to his wife were not returned.
# # #

Once again the Hallmarks of the Rightwing: lies, distortion and disinformation.

And, in case you didn’t want to hear (read) it earlier, McNasty was also cautioned by the Pentagon not to meet with troops in what might be seen as a political setting and guess what – HE DIDN’T. You see, boys and girls, these sorts of thing are planned way in advance and it’s very difficult to suddenly change those plans and “wing it”. Anyway, go ask McFlipFlop why he didn’t hang with the troops. He’ll explain it to you. But keep pushing the story – it will only embarrass you. Just what you don’t need right now.

Jul 25, 2008 - 6:02 pm 88. Dougmsbbs:

No more hurricanes under Obama. He will cause the sea level to fall and the lame to walk. There is no messiah but Obama. He will cool an overheated Earth and make the sun to function normally again. This is the last chance for this planet to find utopia. Don’t blow it bozos!

Wow. What did you say Al Gore is gonna do now? Seems like you just put him out of work…
Ah, come on, now. I want to follow the rich capitalistic pig getting richer on a carbon offset ponzi scheme he invested in, not the glib, smooth talking corrupt lying inexperienced muslum ‘I love the world while my wife hates America’ kid!

Jul 25, 2008 - 6:34 pm 89. JamesT:

I am so tired of hearing two words:
Barack Obama.
I truly believe Hell is filled with millions of Barack Obamas, and I am forced to hear his speeches and the pundits over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and….
what will make it stop?

Jul 25, 2008 - 6:44 pm 90. Rae:

Nynick and sundry: “…all wars are political props…” Of course…so too the world’s system. Earth’s crammed with “Little Tin Gods on Wheels”, R. Kipling.

“There’s just one rule for politicians all over the world: Don’t say in Power what you say in Opposition; if you do, you only have to carry out what the other fellows have found impossible.” John Galsworthy

Politics as played in America…Got deep-pockets? Deal yourself in for a slice of the pie!…deserves opprobrium.

“We are the hollow men…We are the stuffed men…Leaning together…Headpiece filled with straw. Alas!” T.S.Eliot

Liberals should stop genuflecting whenever Obama-nation traipses a stage plying cum laude crowds with large carbon footprints.

“We shouldn’t maltreat our idols; the gilt comes off on our hands.” Gustave Flaubert

“For the second time in our history, an American politician (sic) has returned from Germany bringing peace with honor. I believe it is peace for our time…Go home and get a nice quiet sleep.” (adapted, Neville Chamberlain)

Jul 25, 2008 - 7:30 pm 91. Believer:

I think we should be more understanding of BO’s situation. Put yourself in his shoes, for goodness’ sake.

Would you want to visit with the troops? Would you be able to look at them – manage a smile – after what had happened?

Katie Couric made him do it. It was all about that sucky “surge.” She kept at him til those ugly words came out. Dissing the American soldier.

It went something like this: Their contribution to whatever “success” you might think there is in Iraq really wasn’t so integral after all.

Just so he wouldn’t have to admit being wrong.

Come on. You wouldn’t be able to turn around and say to a soldier – especially a wounded one – “Hey, how ya doin’?” a day or two later.

Only a real creep could do that.

You’d rather head for a gym where it’s just you and a cute young thing who’s dying to write about your gorgeousness and get a photo taken with you: “32 kilos and didn’t break a sweat!”

I’ll bet he felt a whole lot better after that workout.

Jul 25, 2008 - 7:32 pm 92. fred:

Are we to credit the Germans for having an abundance of wisdom in sizing up leadership potential?

I am tired of our Lamestream Media fawning over a European electorate that largely considers us Americans to be hayseeds.

Europe… the place where an unelected coterie of apparatchiks in Brussels keeps sending out different ways to compel obeisance to the E.U. Constitution and the New Politiburo. Europe… the birthplace of statism and socialism in the 19th century, which would come into full flower in the sanguinary 20th century. Leftists in power in Berlin, Rome, and Moscow… The intellectual transplanting of Marxist theory dressed up as “neo-Marxism” (Frankfurt School)to the American intellectual establishment.

So now the last place on earth where socialism is still not discredited is in the United States. We are going to have to fight a political war (maybe, in the future, an actual shooting war?)on our own soil about socialism: up or down. This truly is one conflict we need to “have it out” on. Take it from someone who was, 25 years ago, a neo-Marxist, and who had begun making a break with the Left in 1987. I’ve followed this emerging conflict very closely. It is no accident that the Left sides with America’s enemies. When the Left did this in the face of Islamic jihad they outed themselves as enemies of the Republic, however “nobly” they wish to dress up their “loyal opposition.”

Jul 25, 2008 - 7:44 pm 93. fred:

One of the things I’ve seen a lot of from the Left nowadays, since we are experiencing military and political victory in Iraq – they are trying to find ways to change the goalposts or to even mock the very concept of victory itself as meaningful. Folks, we are dealing with post-modern nihilists. Look that up, and then, if you aren’t one of them, thank God for it.

Jul 25, 2008 - 8:06 pm 94. exDemocrat:

“Denny” Hastert being the most irresponsible Speaker of the House in history.”

——————

Ummmm, you’ve never heard of Nancy Pelosi? Ms. 9%?

Jul 25, 2008 - 8:12 pm 95. Synova:

Funny how McCain has no true-believers. I find that comforting.

Funny how Obama’s supporters can’t see or admit that going to campaign in Europe to those who can’t vote for him was not a good plan. This isn’t about who you like, it’s about the impression it will give to those who are *not* already swooning over him! Or does appealing to the unwashed *American* masses seem too low a thing to worry about? Much better to just accuse them of being uncultured and stupid, eh?

Maybe someone thought that a big foreign speech would make him look Presidential… it was easy enough for McCain to suggest it was presumptuous instead of presidential. And maybe Obama wasn’t foolish enough to have the speech in FRANCE but it was still EUROPE.

Now we know, oh yes we do know, that some people are highly enamored of all things European but all of *those* people are already voting for Obama. Aren’t they.

An Obama supporter should be clear eyed enough to understand that while their reaction is favorable the reaction of a whole lot of other people is going to be unfavorable. Arguing that those people are wrong is pointless. Those people vote.

What has hurt Obama more than just about anything is the perception, right or wrong, that he is not Patriotic… that voting for him as president would be a bit like getting married to someone who doesn’t love you better than anyone else… who isn’t passionate about *you*. But some people do seem to think that Patriotism is a dirty word and someone with a Cosmopolitan outlook would view being a citizen of the world as the proper thing to be.

But most people aren’t so “enlightened.” They want a husband or wife who is convinced that they alone are the frosting on the cake and a president who will advocate for this country above all others and do so with a measure of passion.

Obama is passionate enough… just not exclusive enough.

And it’s not going to play well at home.

That and not visiting the wounded soldiers… or at least making excuses about not visiting the soldiers. He’s a Senator for pity’s sake, if he wants to visit a military hospital he *can*.

Jul 25, 2008 - 8:15 pm 96. torrey:

JamesT -

I feel your pain.
When will it stop? Day after election.

*prays*

Jul 25, 2008 - 8:38 pm 97. Rachel Peepers:

In my humble opinion, anyone who fails to realize what a true genius Obama is deserves another four years of Bush.

In point of fact, Barack is vastly superior in every way to John McCain. Even in telling jokes.

A year ago last December, in fact, McCain and Obama met at a senate lunch. Seated together, Obama made small talk. “John, how bad was it when you were a POW? What’s torture really like?

In a quiet voice, McCain said it was the most terrible experience imaginable.

At which point, Obama, averting his glance, and staring at the half eaten tuna steak on his plate,looked McCain in the eye and said, “John, I’m sure it was awful. But, just between you and me, do you have any idea what it’s been like being married to Michelle all these years?

Jul 25, 2008 - 9:22 pm 98. Bogdan of Australia:

Obama goes GLOBAMA. Gee!

Jul 25, 2008 - 9:52 pm 99. nick werle:

There is NO repeat NO proof the surge worked but of course I dont expect lying moronic GOPers to understand logical fallacies.

Jul 25, 2008 - 10:00 pm 100. John Samford:

the Walrus is clueless. Must have never served. The Brass is clamping down on that poor soldier big time. He could be either a civilian or in prison as I write this. Never get between a flag rank that’s kissing a politician’s arse and the lips. You will get bit.

“The problem with political jokes is they get elected.”
Henry Cate VII

Jul 25, 2008 - 10:01 pm 101. nick werle:

SNOPES already showed you all are lying.!

Jul 25, 2008 - 10:03 pm 102. My name is...:

Well, I will believe this story if I can find one media person who will ask a critical question to McCain. Till now I have not find one.

Jul 26, 2008 - 1:03 am 103. Media Misses Big Story of Obama Trip « The Tizona Group:

[...] Reiterating The Spot_the_Dog post. The rest, here Posted in Obama. [...]

Jul 26, 2008 - 4:15 am 104. Weird John:

This is total nonsense. The “surge” is nonsense. Obama is right. We should have never been in Iraq in the first place. What exactly have we “won” in Iraq? What was the war fought over? Get a grip.

Jul 26, 2008 - 4:17 am 105. pappy:

it seem’s b.o.’s speech at the great drive up window in germany was quite an order. “world order” that is.and the volks listening were happy to scream and cheer as long as the UNITED STATES was picking up the tab. it was a slap in the face to the vets and their families that the hafrican king didn’t make it a priority to do so. to borrow a line from an old Merle Haggard tune, “were rollin down hill like a snowball headed for hell.” and to corinate b.o. will only quicken the descent. GOD HELP US.

Jul 26, 2008 - 4:41 am 106. pappy:

attach to above statement: visit troops….to do so.

Jul 26, 2008 - 4:45 am 107. Andrew Ian Dodge:

Obama uber ales? Does he think his cultish speech to a bunch of sycophantic Germans in Berlin will go down well in the US?

Jul 26, 2008 - 4:52 am 108. Per Andreas:

“SF:

Comrades, Citizens of America….take a good look at this “Citizen of the World.” This Socialist is now on full display. He goes overseas and goes through a long litany of Americs’s shortcoming…with a THIN…Oh, but “I Love America”

Who does he think he is kidding? He has no love for America…Obama, Pelosi, Reid and the democrates want to turn America into a communist-
government controlled country.

Beware America..”

I keep hearing all the time from right wing bloggers how Obama performed an anti-American speech to suck up to the European commies.

But if that was his goal, he failed miserably at it. Most of the newspapers, and every German I´ve spoken to, have reported that Barak Obama came off as a true American. As a patriot who loves his country, and wants Europe to join him in the fight for its values. During his speech it became all too clear for America-sceptic Europeans that Obama was not the European they wanted him to be. But they was still exited that a possible American president spoke in their capital – one that does not pretend like Europe isn´t the economic superpower it is. (Oh, well, that last one was mine, but what the heck).

The reason why I stress this so much, is because it is important. It is simply not correct that Obama´s speech was written to suck up to the European commies. His advisors are not that stupid.

Jul 26, 2008 - 4:54 am 109. Dodgeblogium » 200,000 . . . or 20,000? Obama’s Crowd in Berlin:

[...] sycophantic twaddle in the DT but PJM has got some realism for those suffering from [...]

Jul 26, 2008 - 4:57 am 110. Obama’s world tour… - DUC IN ALTUM:

[...] Pajamas Media has an excellent commentary of BHO’s tour in the Middle East and Europe… And finally, Obama’s mega-gaffe in snubbing the wounded troops in Germany (with the excuse he wouldn’t want to use campaign funds [...]

Jul 26, 2008 - 5:24 am 111. John Samford:

Weird John;

“This is total nonsense. The “surge” is nonsense. Obama is right. We should have never been in Iraq in the first place. What exactly have we “won” in Iraq? What was the war fought over? Get a grip.”

Freedom john, FREEDOM.
Just because you lack the wit to see that doesn’t mean it didn’t happen. Saddam is dead. I know this may come as a shock to you, but dead dictators are a threat to no one.
Now Iraq can try to build a democratic state. Not much the USA can do there, beyond what we have already done. We can depose dictators, track them down and hang them, but democracy has to be earned by those that value freedom.
The fact that you lack the wit to understand that doesn’t change anything.

If not Iraq, where? Iraq was a chance for us to win. We will NOT win in Afghanistan. Not for another 60 years or so. If then. The American public doesn’t have the gumption to stick it out over 3 generations. The terrs do.
We HAVE to fight somewhere. If we don’t it’s called surrender. If that seems like a good idea to you, tell your girl friend she needs to start shopping for a Burkka and see what she thinks about that surrender thingie.
As Bugs would say; “What a Maroooon!”

Jul 26, 2008 - 7:21 am 112. Jabba the Tutt:

Does MSM bias help the Democrats in general and will it help Obama in particular?

Yes, it does help the Democrats. It helps the Democrats by setting the political agenda. It helps the Democrats by puffing them up and presenting their socialism as “generous”, “healing” and “what the people want”. In DC, you have to be very strong to resist the Kultursmog as R. Emmett Tyrrell puts it.

But, at the Presidential level, this fawning, emotional, non-confrontational, boot-licking doesn’t do the Dem candidates any favors. It leaves them unprepared to answer serious questions. It builds up their egos to Mt Rushmore heights. It leaves them clueless as to how their idiotic pronouncements are received by ordinary voters.

McCain was a participant in this MSM love-bombing. The MSM loved McCain, because he reliably criticized President Bush and the Republican Party. McCain carried the water for the MSM’s favorite policy, Campaign Finance Reform, which was designed to enhance the power of the MSM by shutting down alternative voices.

McCain turned Dem policies into “Bipartisan”, universally-demanded policies. They loved him. Now they hate him, because he’s standing in the way of getting the Democrat into office. Many of us predicted this, but it’s hitting McCain hard, he can’t even get the NY Times to publish his opinion piece.

So, MSM bias helps the Left overall, but leaves their Presidential candidates unprepared.

Jul 26, 2008 - 7:25 am 113. RE:

Weird John,

In saying we never should have been in Iraq in the first place, you are correct only in the sense that our presence there represents the abject failure of every international institution to deliver on its charter to stand against tyranny, oppression, genocide.

We are in Iraq because ALL the left’s ideas have proven to be failures. All have proven themselves nothing more than hospitable petri dishes for corruption. (for starters see: UN Oil for Food scandal). But seeing as how the rest of the world has failed so badly, it falls upon the USA to do the right thing once again. And yes, it is getting very old.

We need to stop enabling leftist adolescence and narcissism. Too many are suffering as a result of it (for starters, see: Darfur).

Jul 26, 2008 - 7:30 am 114. Ben:

First time on this web-site folks. This must be where all of the miserable people hang out. I have read most of your post and they suck. It must be horrrible to live in your world of justified hate. The sad part is that most of you smucks have convinced yourselves that what you are posting is true and what is worse is that someone beleives you.I hope to God you don’t have children you talk to, or even worse that they beleive what you have to say.Well thats all I have to say, hope you continue to have miserable lives. God Bless You.

Jul 26, 2008 - 7:35 am 115. » Blog Commenters Are As Nuanced As Rough Sandpaper NewsAndMediaBlog.com:

[...] at Pajamas Media, Jennifer Rubin lambastes the mainstream media for “going ga ga over Obama’s trip to [...]

Jul 26, 2008 - 8:37 am 116. SNZ:

Ben,
It seems that you have convinced yourself that every opinion written here is incorrect. There are many differnt opinions expressed on this post and to comment that they all “suck” is a very arrogant and ignorant thing to say. People see actions that are injust and wrong. They express outrage, because those actions are wrong, and something must be done to correct transgressions. That does not make someone “miserable”, it makes them responsible.

Jul 26, 2008 - 9:17 am 117. Lee:

INSULT TO INJURY …
The ‘real’ story is that Obama could have visited the wounded soldiers, but the Pentagon said not with the huge entourage and media circus … however, Obama supporters are now trying to mislead the American people by enabling Obama to now blame the Pentagon for HIS bad decision. This is a typical form of damage control that the Obama and his people have used throughout his campaign. If Obama does something right, they shower credit upon him … if he does something wrong, they blame it on someone else, or they tell us we misinterpreted what happened.

Jul 26, 2008 - 9:48 am 118. Jabli Izvesti:

I happen to know an absolutely horrid person with a deeply flawed personality and obnoxious manners.And he is supported and encouraged in every way by the five members of his family,who say they love him very much.

This is exactly what is happening to Obama with reference to his adulatory media.He has been swallowing all that mindless stuff being churned out by the media.And that is going to bite him very badly.

Jul 26, 2008 - 10:18 am 119. Javelin:

Chuck,
I agree, but we are there and victory is better than losing.

Jul 26, 2008 - 10:41 am 120. Donna:

Oh, I see. Those who do not bow before the Shining Magnificence of the Obamessiah must be “miserable.” Praise the Glory of His Name and be happy!

Jul 26, 2008 - 11:54 am 121. Edward A.:

What makes Obama look so good and have universal appeal has much to do with the disaster caused by George Bush these past seven and half years. Americans are seeking relief, wanting change and beginning to have hope.

And, the weak McCain campaign proves he is unable to run his own show…how will he ever handle the anything larger? I have much respect for John McCain but he is just too old and behind times to be a world leader.

Jul 26, 2008 - 12:01 pm 122. Believer:

Weird John —

I suggest you read Omar and Mohammed Fadhil’s article: “Obama’s Fact-Fudging Mission in Iraq.”

Very informative. Scroll right up and link to it.

Jul 26, 2008 - 12:17 pm 123. dwigg:

What have we won? The right of the Democratic candidate to be able to play a pick-up game of basketball is what we won (apparently?). Could BHO or anyone else (how about those Kurds?) enjoy the freedom now spreading in Iraq that our troops are now providing to the people of that nation. Or should we mourn for Saddam, Qusay, & Uday. Enjoy your freedom!

Jul 26, 2008 - 12:32 pm 124. Obama Explains Nixed Troop Visit in Germany » The American Mind:

[...] McCain campaign and Obama critics are making too much of this incident. This was pretty much a staff snafu. A Senate staffer could [...]

Jul 26, 2008 - 2:50 pm 125. fleur:

MCCAIN MAY BE NARROWING THE GAP NOW BUT AS WE APPROACH THE ELECTION YOU BETTER BELIEVE THE PRESS WILL DO TO HIM EXACTLY WHAT THEY DID TO BILLARY: FREEZE HER OUT AND MAKE HER LOOK TOTALLY IRRELEVANT (NOT THAT I, PERSONALLY, CARED—I CAN’T STAND THE BROAD AND IT WAS DIFFICULT NOT TO GLOAT WATCHING THE PRESS, LITERALLY, TAKE HER RIGHT ON DOWN) AND MAKE OBAMA LOOK LIKE JESUS COMING HOME. IF THE PRESS REALLY DID STICK TO “THE FACTS, MA’AM”, OBAMA COULDN’T WIN BUT THE PRESS LOOOOVE HIM AND WILL DO THEIR BEST TO USHER HIM ON IN.

Jul 26, 2008 - 3:21 pm 126. harry:

The funny thing is not as much Obama’s believing he is the next President of the world it’s Europeans believing they have clout in worldy matters. You cannot negotiate if you have no muscle. Europe has no muscle and refuses to exercize. All they do is talk. Iran is a prime example of endless talking going absolutely nowhere as Iran creeps towards nuke membership.

Jul 26, 2008 - 3:58 pm 127. Ben:

Hey SNZ,
Don’t put words in my mouth, I never said every opinion. Look SNZ, we were in an illegal war. Thousands of our young men and women were killed and thousands more have PTS because of this war, this does not even include the possible millions of innocent Iraqies. Saddam was a bad man and may he burn in hell, but we have killed more people over there then he did. What does that make us? What makes this Web site so bazzar is that you have a site full of little FOX in the Boxes. Everyone is Hannity and Rush Limbuagh without their money(they get millions to talk hate). What about the moral obligation no matter what your religious beleifes are? Does it not bother anyone here that people lost loved ones in Iraq were sent over there because of a big lie? A lot of the comments I read here are from people who seem to just not get it.How ignorant that most of the post here are about Obama. Just say you hate the guy because of his race and don’t make phony excuses about it. Prime example look at Donna and Lees post where they talk about Obama not meeting with the troupes (get real), he has met with them on numerous occasions in the USA and on his tour.Prior to him getting to Germany he said “the best part of the trip was meeting with the troups”. War in the United States should never be about politics or someonelses oil. We trusted our leaders to give us reliable information and they failed to do so. This ain’t about Obama playing basketball, its about the real balls he had to say he was against the war. God Bless him, the others who were against it and our BRAVE MEN AND WOMEN who beleived in our lieing government to go fight for us. Look what hate has gotten us into.

Jul 26, 2008 - 4:09 pm 128. Marina:

Here in Germany the situation with the speech looks different than in the US. First of all NOBODY CARES. That’s true. When the socialists were at power, the German MSM were totally involved in the US presidential campain, on the side of the Dems of course. But Angie Merkel, the new chancellor, is rather Christian conservative. So the MSM don’t touch the problem at all. They don’t want to support a republican but try to show the loyalty to Angie and don’t advertize for Obama. Almost on one here has ever heard the names Jeremiah Wright, Tony Rezko or Obonga Obama. This campain is happening in the parallel universe for the Germans. I still have no idea where those 200 000 people in Berlin had come from, but the fact that many of them had left the Obama “Change”-slogans at home shows how much they really care.

Some attention was attracted by the scandal with the Gate of Brandenburg but also not so much. Not a big deal. For a couple of days the state TV was pretty active, but the topic was so “from another planet” that even this didn’t work. And after the speech the TV was so silent that we had to look for the info in the US internet. We couldn’t believe: what, he has already gone? and where are the hymns of glory? Nobody cares!

Jul 26, 2008 - 6:02 pm 129. Marina:

Oh, yeah, the greatest disapointment for the Germans has come a day later, when Obama was in France. That piece of news was in every channel. He said he wants Euros to participate more actively in the Afganistan operation and no previous mission limitation should be further allowed. Wow. That was a shock. You know, Germany does participate in Afganistan war on terror, but not very happily. And with a certain limitation: German soldiers actually don’t fight (and if so, please, not in the dangerous parts of Afgan). And now Obama wants to tell us: you will send more troops and you will fight (not only “help to restore”), and you will fight everywhere. Wow. Wow. That was hard for the country. Especially for the people applauding him in Berlin! Just imagine. Wow. So, he is not loved so much in Germany. NOT ANYMORE.

Jul 26, 2008 - 6:10 pm 130. Marina:

to SNZ:

Dear SNZ, please, don’t spend your energy on disputing with the brainwashed people. Just ignore them. You will never convince them. They don’t argue, they just insult. Very typical for ultra-left and ultra-right (here in Germany ultra-left are commies and ultra-right are neo-nazies, so I don’t want to insult any good person in your country). It’s not an idea anymore, it’s a feeling. How can you dispute with a feeling? Just ignore this Ben and people like him. Save your arguments for those who are able to lead a logical conversation. G-d bless you.

Jul 26, 2008 - 6:18 pm 131. Thomas:

A fine piece, but it falls short on a key matter that made the Obamessiah’s foreign trip a complete failure. This whole trip was a beautiful set-up by McCain’s folks that few, if any, have really picked up on.

Remember that Obama didn’t head overseas until AFTER McCain goaded him into going. If Obama was nearly the leader he and his followers…I mean supporters say he is, this wouldn’t have been an issue, as Obama would have gone overseas before McCain talked about it. Instead of regretting his part in getting Obama overseas as the Leftists say McCain was doing, he should be smiling because with one fell swoop he’s proven Obama isn’t a leader. He’s a follower, and that’s exactly the wrong man to be President.

Jul 26, 2008 - 6:44 pm 132. Ben:

Yeah Marina,
You sure sound logical, in a world where only the two of you understand each other. Now lets get this straight you said, “I still have no idea where those 200,000 people in Berlin had come from, but the fact that many of them had left the Obama “Change” slogans at home” etc. You mean you didn’t get the word? Obama had the people transported in and they were in such a rush they forgot and left them at home. Marina, you should audition for the Germany branch of FOX NEWS,you fit right in.

Jul 26, 2008 - 8:09 pm 133. Obama Explains Nixed Troop Visit in Germany |:

[...] McCain campaign and Obama critics are making too much of this incident. This was pretty much a staff snafu. A Senate staffer could [...]

Jul 26, 2008 - 9:00 pm 134. John Samford:

http://www.nationalpost.com/nationalpost/story.html?id=677723

That is for all you clueless ones that keep spreading the lie that the US is hated world wide.

Ben, you are projecting.
“Look SNZ, we were in an illegal war. Thousands of our young men and women were killed and thousands more have PTS because of this war, this does not even include the possible millions of innocent Iraqies.”

Where is your evidence that the GWoT is illegal?
Iraq is but a PART of the GWoT, it is NOT a seperate stand alone war. Nor is it illegal. Please provide us with the section of the US legal code that the GWoT violates. That is a lie put out by the Socialist Left.
And for who ever it was that thinks the MSM will freezer out McCain during the run-up to election day, guess again. The Republican already have a slight edge on the Democrats as far as total election money raised goes. Plus the closer it gets to election day, the more conservatives think about having a black (Arab?) Stalin as President and reach into their wallets. There will be lots more money to spend on advertising.
Plus, if it looks like Ohhhhh…..BAAMA is ahead, Iran will get bombed. That will bump up PRESIDENT Bush’s poll numbers and help out Big Mac. Of the 62% that dissapprove of President Bush, about half do so because he HASN’T bombed Iran yet. Of the 82% that disapprove of Congress, most do so because Congress has done nothing except steal more money.
Retribution comes in November to a polling station near you.

“There is no point in having the capacity if you haven’t got the will to use it.”*
*
_Viscount Montgomery of Alamein

Jul 26, 2008 - 10:12 pm 135. Marina:

to SNZ:

Dear SNZ, you see what I mean?

Jul 26, 2008 - 10:47 pm 136. Sandra M:

If I lived in Manhattan, I’d send palm frond to members of the press who are in thrall to the Obamessiah.

By the way, apart from the outrage over Obamessiah not visiting the troops, the second item that has everyone talking is Gerard Baker’s hilarious satire in the London Times which is now on Youtube with the title he Greatest Story Ever Told. And Letterman’s hack writers whined that Obama wasn’t funny.

Jul 27, 2008 - 8:15 am 137. Per Andreas:

Marina rambled:
Yeah, the greatest disapointment for the Germans has come a day later, when Obama was in France. That piece of news was in every channel. He said he wants Euros to participate more actively in the Afganistan operation and no previous mission limitation should be further allowed. Wow. That was a shock.

Not really. It was quite clear for those who saw his speech in Berlin that Obama called for a stronger commitment to Afghanistan. Furthermore, the German newspaper reported that this has been the subject of the conversations with Merkel.

What actually is surprising is that this did not stir more controverse in Germany.

Jul 27, 2008 - 12:21 pm 138. Angry African:

Maybe McShame should realize that having been from the military doesn’t give you a free pass to play politics with the troops. He should really not stoop that low. It’s too much like Bush. Mna-love I guess. And he should also know that visiting Iraq should not be a pre-requisite for knowing that it was a War in Error. Pull out. It was stupid. Or at least say you are sorry for making a stupid mistake McShame. http://angryafrican.net/2008/07/27/views-on-the-weakly-news-xvi/

Jul 27, 2008 - 12:36 pm 139. Rae:

In every affair, consider what precedes and what follows and then undertake it. Epictetus

Every nation desires prudent leadership. A good leader needs experience, with successes and failure, plus counsel. Clamor for quick solutions to long-standing problems is irrational.

Obama hasn’t the proper experience. Stakes are too high and the price too costly to endorse any junior politician for such a pivotal office.

McCain, mature in many areas, hasn’t been able to convey the strength, determination, and judgment needed for Presidential responsibilities.

We have failed to produce anyone equal to the task…and there’s the rub!

If we’d drop all party lines and look at facts…there’s enough blame to go round. Few in Washington want true change and turn around this country desperately needs.

We should have arduously worked a consensual plan of action to secure national borders and waterways. Instead of concentrating on AMERICA AND AMERICANS, our splintered government has only succeeded in embroiling troops, angering citizens, and squandering resources.

Why has Obama’s grand tour aroused such passion? It’s grandstanding; a side-show detracting from the main stage. Obama cannot gain gravitas through osmosis.

Athlete’s often quip, “No pain, no gain”, in regard to disciplined training. Although I don’t endorse 2008’s Olympics in China, hopefully every American athlete wants to win the gold for America and exemplify “our best”.

Obama is not “the best”.

“There’s small choice in rotten apples.”
The Taming of the Shrew

Jul 27, 2008 - 2:30 pm 140. Texpat:

“We will pay any price, Bear any burden.”

President John F. Kennedy

Spoken when liberal was something entirely different. (Sigh)

Jul 27, 2008 - 10:34 pm 141. Marina:

No uprise in Germany because nobody cares. He isn’t even a president yet. But this compain is really different from the 2 previous ones, when the slogans was actually almost: “Germans, vote for Al Gore” or “Germans, vote for Kerry”. This time it is something like: “O.K., there’s Obama, he’s agaist Bush. It wouldn’t be bad if he becomes a president, but Angie prefers McCain, so let’s not to make a story of it.”

And PER ANDREAS,

German media don’t want to make a big deal of his position on Afganistan and German participation, because this will turn the public from Obama. So the people will like: “yes, he’s not Bush, but he’s worse, at least for us”. Why is it so surprising for you? Our MSM, except maybe for Frankfurter Allgemeine and Bild (wow), traditionally support any Dem candidate. What are you talking about???

Jul 28, 2008 - 3:59 am 142. JamesT:

A comment from the IMDF on the German propaganda film ‘Triumph of the Will’:
“The shots of Hitler orating are interesting not for themselves, or their content — you realise at the end of each utterance that what he has actually *said* is fairly vacuous — but as an attempt to understand why he was said to be such a powerful speaker. I have to say that I just don’t get it. This doesn’t seem a man who can whip crowds to hysteria, or indeed — even with all Riefensthal’s efforts — hold our attention. The crowds hail him because of what he represents rather than who he is, but how did he ever get there?”

This is beginning to get scary.

Jul 28, 2008 - 5:17 am 143. JamesT:

Lest anyone misunderstands, it is that last sentence that caught my eye:
“The crowds hail him because of what he represents rather than who he is…”
Propaganda is never designed to convert, it is designed to celebrate a philosophy that has already been accepted. It is preaching to the choir.
I am not saying Obama will be another Hitler. I DO believe however that this generation is planting a seed that may someday result in America becoming a fascist state. When we begin to look to political leaders as Messiahs, WE ARE IN TROUBLE. When politicians are not looked at with suspicion, but instead adoration, WE ARE IN TROUBLE.

Jul 28, 2008 - 6:32 am 144. v for victory:

“…sometimes they lull you into a state of bliss, unaware that the sheer excess of their infatuation is itself problematic.”

Good work, Jennifer Rubin.

This is the same problem Howard Dean had: press too friendly, no competition for the microphone, believes his own PR blurbs, never sharpens his ideas in a real contest. Information-free slogans, like “I am the change I believe in for tomorrow,” are another symptom.

Howard Dean had his Dale Ungerer event, shortly before the scream.

Obama will do something else, maybe not with Dean’s level of rage but still arrogant and in full view.

Jul 28, 2008 - 7:30 am 145. Believer:

“Obama will do something else, maybe not with Dean’s level of rage but still arrogant and in full view.” I can only hope “v” is right.

But Obama’s handlers are really controlling all situations. I think it was Bill Hemmer of Fox News that asked him yesterday in an interview if he would do the townhalls with McCain.

Again, it was alot of stuttering to explain his way out of it. It was almost pathetic the phony excuses. They will make sure he only does those things that showcase his one ability.

Only 99 days to go. I think we can’t depend on his making a mistake. We have to go with the mistakes he’s already made. And educate the public on what they are.

In large part that would be his record of failure in all his previous years of public service. Along with those he’s partnered with as a “typical politician” to fatten his wallet and theirs. That includes his wife. He and his pals have failed at improving housing(Rezko), education(Ayers), and Michelle(his belle) failed to look out for the poor, uninsured patients at the NOT-for-profit hospital on whose board she sat as Community Outreach(!) and were being charged up to 400-500% above costs. Meantime, BO wasted no time with a million dollar earmark for her hospital that magically resulted in tripling her salary to over $300K/yr.

Chicago is a mess and he thinks he has the answers for the rest of the U.S. – not to mention the world? American Thinker had a wonderful article comparing Obama to the mythological rooster who thought he brought up the sun each day.

On top of it all, the man doesn’t recognize evil. He watched, unmoved, as his other pals, Wright and Pfleger, took away what “hope” their parishoners might have in their faith by teaching the antithesis of Christ’s cross.

How any “born again Christian” can even consider voting for such a man really is beyond me. I can only hope they see the lack of integrity, the lies and hypocrisy, his lack of character and judgment so we’re spared the damage this “leader” might bring.

Jul 28, 2008 - 12:43 pm 146. Bill Bradley:

All Obama developments are bad.

Especially the really positive ones.

Funny, I’ve been hearing this for a year and a half.

It’s been dead wrong for a year and a half.

Is it right now?

There’s a reason The Comedian is one of my favorite Watchmen characters …

Jul 28, 2008 - 7:01 pm 147. Believer:

Today they’re still talking about BO not visiting the wounded troops in Germany. Wondering why he changed his mind. Karl Rove goes back to BO’s first explanation – I guess they’ve given a number – which only leads one to believe BO and team are all lying about it.

I still think it’s because he dissed the soldiers by denigrating their efforts in the surge. To make himself look better. Not good for Commander in Chief.

He’s such a narcissist, he might not even have known how damaging it was. And if he didn’t (remember he actually said couldn’t understand how awful it was to say middle Americans cling to guns and religion, etc.) then his handlers probably broke it to him, “Dude, you don’t want to go visit them just yet. It’s a little soon.”

No. This guy should not be the Commander in Chief.

We owe it to the troops to vote for McCain. You say you support the troops? I can’t think of a better way to show them our love and gratitude for all they’ve done for us.

Jul 28, 2008 - 8:55 pm 148. Believer:

And I’ll tell you another reason to vote for McCain.

Because the Democrats work to make it almost impossible for the troops to vote.

That steams me up big time.

Jul 28, 2008 - 8:58 pm 149. john from cinncinati:

obama the antichrist- messiah

Jul 28, 2008 - 9:52 pm 150. DoNotSellMyEmailAddressOrContactMe:

You know… I like what Obama is doing. I am a supporter that thinks he should continue to stick it to the mainstream media. He does not owe them. The Surge is not working if
The idea of people dying means its working… That Obama’s position on this in a nutshell. When the alternative was not going to war in the first place. Any reasonable person will see the logic in his position. The question is do you care about logic? Or is your goal to dislike this man no mater what?

You see it’s clear that Obama understands that the Media is not his friend. It never will be.. it never has been. Sure some of the more visible talking heads are on his side.

But same is true for McCain… My gosh McCain has Bush supporting him as well as
49% of the Senate, a so called news network (Fox News) and many people like you
on the internet.

Also McCain is white… This gives him a huge advantage… So its’ unclear why some feel that the xyz is in the tank for Obama… Or if the Mainstream media is in the tank why it matters?

Who are you guys in fear of? The media in this county is lame… Most of us see right through it. We see it for what it is. Does the right wing want only Fox Style news? Does the Left wing only want CNN style news? Again it’s unclear… It would be nice just to have the news without Bias on either side… That’s what makes the BBC so refreshing.

Jul 29, 2008 - 9:33 am 151. J Milam:

“You know… I like what Obama is doing. I am a supporter that thinks he should continue to stick it to the mainstream media. He does not owe them.”

Whatever he’s “sticking” to them, they’re lovin’ it. And he owes them plenty.

“The Surge is not working if The idea of people dying means its working…”

The idea that fewer people are dying means it’s working. A LOT fewer. Let’s take your statement to its logical conclusion; can you say with any certainty that if we left fewer or no people would be dying?

“When the alternative was not going to war in the first place.”

What part of MoveOn are you having trouble with? The alternatives are in the past, regardless whether you or anyone else would have made a different choice at that time. The question is – what do we do now? Say, “Whoops, my bad!” and run off? I had a ham sandwich the other day that made me sick. The alternative was roast beef. My doctor didn’t say, “Of course, you should have had the roast beef,” without consideration of what condition the roast beef was in. He treated me.

“Or is your goal to dislike this man no mater what?”

The goal was to ascertain why he may be a better choice. I’ve decided “no” for a variety of reasons.

“Sure some of the more visible talking heads are on his side.”

…and about 90% of the rest of the media. Open your eyes.

“But same is true for McCain… My gosh McCain has Bush supporting him as well as
49% of the Senate, a so called news network (Fox News) and many people like you
on the internet.”

And Obama has the lion’s share of the media (print, most cable news, Europe, etc.), 49% of the Senate and folks like you on the internet. What’s the problem here?

“Also McCain is white… This gives him a huge advantage…”

Why?

“Or if the Mainstream media is in the tank why it matters?”

Because the MainStream Media control the information that most people get.

“The media in this county is lame…” etc., etc.

I couldn’t agree with you more. But the BBC? Ah yes, a government controlled news outlet is always better, right? Is this your way of suggesting our own media should be government controlled? No thanks.

Jul 30, 2008 - 4:35 am 152. Pajamas Media » PJM Political 7/30/08: John Edwards And The Empire Of The Undernews!:

[...] Rubin explains why “The seeds of Obama’s undoing may have been sown under the media’s very noses“, during his overseas [...]

Jul 30, 2008 - 12:14 pm 153. Ralph Woods:

I recollect that in the 2004 campaign Kerry said that several unnamed European leaders wanted him to be President. This certainly turned off a large number of Americans. We have shouldered a very heavy burden for many years defending Western Europe from aggression so they could live in their socialist utopia of the type Obama seems to admire so much.

Jul 30, 2008 - 6:11 pm 154. gmallet1000:

Up to the second world war, the US was a beacon of hope, despite its shortcomings. But since wwII, the US has become a victim of its own ideology, namely that everyone can blend into the melting pot and emerge with the country’s founding values, WaSP values intact.

In case anyone’s forgotten it is WASP values that created the engine of economic growth – hard work, saving for the future, emphasis on education….

Within fifty years, the US will be a South American nation dominated by quite different values.

Americans don’t see that because they’re blinded by their own ideology – which has led to identity politics, political correctness, dumbing down of the culture and everything else that’s wrong….

Jul 31, 2008 - 4:32 am 155. rae:

If what conspiratists say is true (i.e. Trilateral Commission, Bilderbergers, et al.) then leaders aren’t elected, they’re groomed and selected by elitist multi-national industrialist bankers…movers and shakers globally. If so…Obama merely glad-handed his fellow players publicly with an eye “on the prize”. American President…step #1…world stage mover and shaker in the making?

The American people are quite competent to judge a political party that works both sides of a street.
Franklin Delano Roosevelt

Jul 31, 2008 - 5:57 pm 156. Ojamas:

JR, even your skillful and pseudo-authoritative insinuation of negative adjectives cannot effectively spin the truth that Barack Obama is winning the hearts and minds of America in an unprecedented manner. The common man as well as elite “intelegencia” are sufficiently independent of thought and wisdom to discern the truth for themselves. The candidates themselves will be fairly regarded by the public, while paid consutants, pundits, pollsters, and spin doctors will align in whichever direction the wind is blowing. Don’t give the MSM or yourself too much credit. Wrap yourself in a pair of Ojamas, and relax until November. http://www.ojamas.us.

Aug 1, 2008 - 6:28 am 157. DoDKit:

The Anti-Obama email was wrong. Capt Jeffrey Porter, who supposedly originated the email asked that the email not be forwarded; that some of his sources were not reliable. There’s an article in the Air Force Times that discusses this issue.

Aug 3, 2008 - 12:14 pm 158. Pajamas Media » Pundits Begin to Worry About Obama:

[...] the accumulated evidence is too much even for the mainstream media to ignore. And it is ironic (but not altogether surprising) that the tipping point may have been the Berlin rally — an explosion of ego and meaningless [...]

Aug 6, 2008 - 12:35 am 159. Bster:

OBama a muslim? Are you people nuts? Or have you been watching too much Fox News? I’m afraid for this country. It’s not too difficult to find out the truth about McCain (talk about a flip flopper – my goodness). He has done numerous interviews where he says two different things. And he lied about how safe Iraq is supposed to be now by saying that General Patraeus goes out without any armour. When he was called on that statement, he just stared into space and began stuttering. Why is that interview not out on the media channels? Because the media is owned by Republican contributors. THe country should just split, with the ‘heartland’ being a conservative theocracy, and the east and west coast (minus the south)will be a progressive democracy. Everybody wins. I am so tired of trying to fight the corporate media. McCain will win – the media will see to it. And this is the sad state our country is in. Lying is accepted and embraced – anything to win.

Sep 9, 2008 - 4:21 pm 160. Pajamas Media » It’s All Coming Down to a Few Key States…:

[...] while the latter managed six. Youths working and standing in long lines for tickets may look good on television, but it’s also transparent and exudes ignorance. It is in fact those “dotards” [...]

Oct 3, 2008 - 1:50 am 161. It’s All Coming Down to a Few Key States … | USA TERM LIMITS:

[...] while the latter managed six. Youths working and standing in long lines for tickets may look good on television, but it’s also transparent and exudes ignorance. It is in fact those “dotards” over 65, [...]

Oct 4, 2008 - 9:12 am

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