August 17, 2007
Posted: 10:05 AM ET

Watch CNN's John King report how Obama is responding to foreign policy criticisms.

WASHINGTON (CNN) — Illinois Sen. Barack Obama's foreign policy experience is increasingly questioned by his Democratic presidential rivals. But Obama is confronting the criticisms head on, CNN's John King reports.

Filed under: Barack Obama


nnaemeka edeh, atlanta georgia   August 18th, 2007 9:50 am ET

What is Hilary Clinton's foreign policy experience apart from being the wife of a former President. Indeed what was President Clinton's foreign policy experience apart from being a former governor.What we need is Leadership and Obama has got that.Foreign policy does not make a leader. A leader makes foreign policy.

nnaemeka edeh   August 18th, 2007 9:45 am ET

What was President Clinton's foreign policy policy experience before he became president aside from being a former governor.What is Senator Clinton's foreign policy experience apart from being the wife of a former President,And indeed what was President Bush foreign policy experience before being elected? Absolutely None.What you need is Leadership.Obama has got that.

Andy, Huntington NY   August 18th, 2007 8:43 am ET

Kudos to CNN for posting Mick's ridiculous comment. It elucidates perfectly the roles of both judgement and experience.

My judgement tells me his comment is small-headed and can likely do no good. My experience confirms my disgust.

My experience also tells me that ignorance is alive and well and my hope tells me that through experience even someone like Mick can learn to love other people.

Kevin Keene   August 18th, 2007 3:32 am ET

What is Hillary's foreign policy experience? She was the wife of a president….period. She was just elected to the senate, same length of time as Sen. Obama. Obama has been elected to office more times than Hillary.

Claude, Mesa AZ   August 18th, 2007 1:55 am ET

TO DAVID IN SALINAS CA….RESUMES MEAN NOTHING IN THE HEAT OF THE BATTLE. THAT IS NOT WHAT GETS THINGS DONE NOR DRAWS A NATION TOGETHER.

Erik: Brooklyn, New York   August 17th, 2007 9:38 pm ET

To: Mark Ramsey MD Fort Lauderdale FL : August 17, 2007

Thank you for the compliment. I would be liar if I did not say that I haven't posted an angry message a time or two lol. But I am trying to change that and be more positive about all of this.

I do believe that we have some really good candidates to choose from. I guess I'm partial to Obama because I believe his capacity to connect with the American people is part of what makes him experienced. Check this out if you get a chance…http://www.barackobama.com/about/

Mark the world is changing everyday. Issues come and go but a true connection with people is rare anywhere you go in the world. Obama's willingness to be transparent and honest with the American people makes me believe I have a stake in the “experience” a candidate has. We the people are ultimately responsible (or should be anyway) for our countries policies by way of our vote. Do I believe Mrs. Clinton is can ignite this belief I have the same way Obama has…sure! But I feel she has spent so much time proving her self to be “experienced” her message has lost it's connecting with the people. She has accomplished too much to feel as though she needs to constantntly be aggressive in her approach to getting her points across. This is what gives me the feeing she is polarizing. Still though I will take your advice and listen to her speeches a bit more.

I hope you will give Obama the same opportunity to see what I'm trying to explain. I've learned in my life that God puts great people on the Earth that seemingly have little "experience" but turn out to do great things including his own son Jesus. I do not equate Obama to Jesus but I do believe he is truly a man of God like Martin Luther King Jr, Abraham Lincoln Nelson Mandela and Gandhi where. In the end if God has it that Obama's message does not get him the nomination, well I guess God has sent a woman (Hillary) to do the job. Thanks for the conversation. Take care.

David, Salinas, CA   August 17th, 2007 6:06 pm ET

To Mick from Indiana - stop spreading foolish rumors. Barack Obama was baptised in the Thinity United Church of Christ.

I would also suggest that Michael James of Illinois tone down the rhetoric, if only for the good of his candidate. The suggestion that Obama lacks experience is not “a lie that is being propagated by the Clintonistas”, it is a legitimate concern being voiced by the Clinton campaign and others. I’ve been to Obama’s website:

http://www.barackobama.com/index.php

I’m not a “Clintonista”, (For the record I’m an undecided Democrat), but I must admit I find Obama’s resume less impressive than those of Senators Clinton, Biden and Dodd, or Gov. Richardson Of course, as Dave of Evergreen, CO quite rightly points out Abe Lincoln had even less experience. Experience matters, but so do other things, and Obama was right about authorizing the war.

Overall I’d be delighted with any of the Democratic contenders. I would hope that we can get through the primary season without tearing each other to bits or so offending the other Democratic candidates’ supporters that they stay home in November 2008. My message is: Don’t speak ill of your fellow Democrats. Your candidate may be sharing a ballot with them soon.

Adam, Plano, TX   August 17th, 2007 5:35 pm ET

Why doesn't one of these candidates rise above criticism and tell voters what he has done that qualifies him for the Presidency?

What is your foreign policy experience, Sen Obama?
Posted By xtina chicago IL : August 17, 2007 11:49 am

start reading his book, The Audacity of Hope, and you might start understanding. i've seen you post the same question on lots of different political ticker stories. the answers are all out in the open with obama, all you have to do is look past your nose.

Mark Billingsley, Sacramento, Calif.   August 17th, 2007 5:06 pm ET

And especially just because you've been a first lady doesn't mean you have foreign policy experience. People, DO NOT TRUST ANY CNN polls!!! They are run by a company (infoUSA) that is headed by one of Hillary's largest contributors and friends. CNN should disavow any business dealings with this company and do their own research - otherwise they are nothing more than, well, the Clinton News Network.

Shola, Indianapolis IN   August 17th, 2007 4:51 pm ET

It is very funny and interesting that non of the people that are against Obama have nothing to say except that he is inexperienced. Which is ironic because congress has its lowest approval rating in years, when you look at the polls people are looking for change. But here comes a candidate who is offering change, instead of embracing him, they are calling him inexperienced. This is typical American behaviour, we fight vehemently for our rights to bear arms but we let the government take away our rights to free speech, we let the government spy on us but anybody suggest that we get rid of our guns, we moan and whine. We need to get real and make up our minds. Do we want change or do we want the same whole polarizing politicians that would further more divide us alongst red and blue lines.

Ocala Florida   August 17th, 2007 4:26 pm ET

The list below represents "approved" presidential candidates. Recognize any of the names? What makes them "approved"? They are all members
of the Council of Foreign Relations. This organization is hell-bent on destroying the sovereignty of the United States. Democrat or Republican, it makes no difference. The GOP is still supporting the Bush administration that is currently moving full speed ahead with the SPP program in Canada today. The SPP will move to to create the North American Union (NAU . US citizens would loose their Constitutionally given rights.This is TREASONOUS. If you really love this country, you must learn more about Ron Paul. He is our only hope.

Democrat CFR Candidates:
Barack Obama
Hillary Clinton
John Edwards
Chris Dodd

Bill Richardson
Republican CFR Candidates:
Mitt Romney
Rudy Giuliani
John McCain
Fred Thompson
Newt Gingrich

Mark Ramsey MD Fort Lauderdale FL   August 17th, 2007 4:14 pm ET

Erik,
Thank you for the respectful and intelligent tone of your post- looks like this thread could use more of that. I just think that Barack Obama needs more time and more experience in dealing with foreign poicy issues. I really respect Obama's message of bringing us all together and having more open government. While I do worry that Mrs. Clinton seems to be a polarizing figure, my hope is that people will set aside prior prejudices and really listen to what she's saying. It was when I watched the debates (and I've watched all of them) that it became clear to me that Mrs. is the best choice this time around.

G. B. - Seattle, WA   August 17th, 2007 4:07 pm ET

That W. got elected proves that one doesn't necessarily need a grasp of foreign policy issues to get elected, he would have had a hard time finding Canada on a map. But considering the beating that America's image has taken over the past 7 years, we will need a President who is capable of re-establishing America's credibility, and recapturing its leading role in world affairs. Lack of experience may be a bit of a handicap if a President were to operate in isolation, but truly effective leaders surround themselves with people who's skillset compliment their own. Make no mistake, Obama will do this, and his credibility at least at this point is unblemished. This is not to say that Clinton is not a quality candidate, either will be so much better than what we have now, I am optimistic that better days are ahead if either of these candidates makes it to the White House.

VanReuter NY NY   August 17th, 2007 4:00 pm ET

Hiliary Clinton = Professional Politician

Barak Obama = American Visionary

Hmm, who to pick? Another dirty politician who will do anything for power, including lie about everything, or, a young, bright, intelligent American that is similar to all of young America in thought, mind"

Posted By John S. Chicago, Illinois : August 17,

Hillary-haters Myth#1

"She'll do/say anything to win/get elected."

Yet she won't say she made a mistake and repudiate her vote on Iraq in 2002, when other candidates have, this despite the fact that it has caused her lots of criticism from the left-wing of her party. If she'll say/do anything, why not this?

Where are the stories to back up this lie/myth? Tales of the terrible things she did and the lies she's told in her election campaigns should be the stuff of legend by now, if there was any basis in FACT.

You will see the usual suspects repeat this accusation/slander over and over and not ONCE do you ever see an example. Where are the examples?

We will examine other myths as the usual suspects repeat them, and you can bet they will.

Van

John S. Chicago, Illinois   August 17th, 2007 2:50 pm ET

Hiliary Clinton = Professional Politician

Barak Obama = American Visionary

Hmm, who to pick? Another dirty politician who will do anything for power, including lie about everything, or, a young, bright, intelligent American that is similar to all of young America in thought, mind. Hmmmmmmmmmmmm. I must be an American if I can't figure this one out. Wait for it. It's gonna come to me I swear.

Bottom line, if you want to label someone as a flip flopper, just start with the blonde in the pant suit. Flip=approving the Iraq war Flop=lamenting on her position that the war was mismanaged.

So does this mean Hiliary that you would be in favor of staying in Iraq had we merely implemented the right plan of attack?! WOW< that still makes no sense.

I'll distinguish myself from the herd and display my intelligence by declaring that I will use my BRAIN and choose the best candidate, Barak Obama, the smartest candidate in the race.

RuthieM   August 17th, 2007 2:48 pm ET

Funny, not ha ha but ironic, sad, disgusting, typical, now John Edwards is talking about speaking directly with Iran. Who's blasting Edwards? No one that I've seen. Who's calling him 'naive','irresponsible'? No one that I see. They all go and follow Obama in speech and deed, then they 'invent' it while ridiculing him. GO OBAMA!!! GO!!!!!

John, Erie PA   August 17th, 2007 2:40 pm ET

I don't care about how long Barack Obama has been in the Senate. It's judgement that matters, and I think he has good judgement, especially since he opposed George Bush's war in Iraq from the beginning.

To all the Clinton supporters attacking Barack: You didn't seem to care about Bill Clinton's lack of experience in 1992. He was governor of a state whose population is around 2 million- about the size of metropolitan Pittsburgh. He was attacked by the Republicans at the time for waffling about whether he supported the first Gulf War in 1991.

To all the Republicans attacking Barack: I'm sure you'll be more than happy to support Mitt Romney (Ann Coulter's favorite candidate), who served just four years as a govenor and didn't even bother to run for re-election. And you'all supported George W Bush in 2000, after he told an interviewer he didn't know what the Taliban was (he asked if it was a rock band).

I'm proud to support Barack Obama, and I think my fellow Americans will to.

Chris, FL   August 17th, 2007 2:38 pm ET

I'm sorry people offend each other, but until we all stop watching distasteful television, CNN, FOX, along with the rest of the media centers will publish garbage.

You can wish people not to vote until you're blue in the face, but come election time, the informed along with the sheep are going to vote.

Instead of putting hateful remarks to each other, try winning the other over with love and knowledge.

Justin, I'm glad you all for Jesus and whatnot. Kucinich supports homosexual marriage. I'm all about included homosexuals in our system and educating them. Jesus ate and drank with sinners as well. I just don't htink Jesus would be for homosexual marriage. Jesus is God and we all know God isn't for homosexuality. So to claim Jesus and that we should all vote for Kucinich is a bit strange brother.

See how it works. Love and knowledge.

Dave B.   August 17th, 2007 2:37 pm ET

To CNN,

Shame on you for publishing this statement from Mick of IND
"Obama's foreign policy message: Be ready my Muslim brothers when i am elected then we will finally finish off this country and jihad will be to our glory !"
What a funny little boy you are mick.

Linda, Chandler AZ   August 17th, 2007 2:17 pm ET

To Mick from Ind. : Barack Obama is NOT a Muslim. I am so sick to death of people like you…so ignorant and full of hate. Please - go educate yourself - it's people like you that cause the rest of the world to look at us with distain.

VanReuter NY NY   August 17th, 2007 2:14 pm ET

"What direct forgein policy experience does Hillary has?" lol

"In the Senate, Clinton has been involved in foreign policy issues through her assignment to the Senate Armed Services Committee and her significant involvement with Homeland Security issues.
Foreign Policy Positions:
Senator Clinton voted in favor of the war in Iraq, but has since been highly critical of how the war's execution.

She's called for the U.S. to lead renewed international cooperation on Iraq and a number of other issues.

Clinton has had mixed positions on free trade issues. She is a leading supporter of Israel and has been outspoken on the failure to end genocide in Darfur.

For the last Congressional term, Citizens for Global Solutions gave Senator Clinton an A+ rating on her foreign policy positions.

http://usforeignpolicy.about.com/od/2008presidentialrace/p/hclinton.htm

Now you know.

Van

Dave B.   August 17th, 2007 2:07 pm ET

". I think that there is something wrong with us Christians if we do not have hope that a person like Dennis Kucinich who offers that does not get much respect or attention."

What kind of Christian are you? Dennis Kucinich supports Gay marriage. What a hipocrit. I think we need a less hipocritical America!

Adam Zettler, Toronto, Ontario   August 17th, 2007 2:06 pm ET

As long as he knows that Tel Aviv is where the orders come from, he will do just fine as "Puppet In Charge"

Dave   August 17th, 2007 2:01 pm ET

WHO POSTED THIS MESSAGE?: "Obama's foreign policy message: Be ready my Muslim brothers when i am elected then we will finally finish off this country and jihad will be to our glory !?" YOUR AN IDIOT DUDE!!

Josh   August 17th, 2007 1:48 pm ET

"Just becuase you've been to a foreign country doesn't mean you have foreign policy experience." - ReadBtwthlins

Does that mean Clinton doesn't have any foreign policy experience either? What is Clinton's foreign policy experience? Being First Lady?

Richard, Indy, IN   August 17th, 2007 1:32 pm ET

Posted By Justin, Los Angeles, CA : August 17, 2007 12:54 pm
I think it is funny that Americans do not choose a candidate who is for peace in the world. Jesus spoke about peace and surely we Christians don't laugh at that. Yet when our presidential candidates talk about peace, we seem to not take them seriously. We shrug them off thinking they could never win. I think that there is something wrong with us Christians if we do not have hope that a person like Dennis Kucinich who offers that does not get much respect or attention. Let's stop fighting our brothers and sisters and put someone in the White House who will unite us. What would Jesus do?

Jesus would clearly mind his own business while heretics in the Muslim world bomb the basement of the World Trade Center. He would then sing Kum-by-yah (I know that is probably the incorrect spelling but I don't care to look it up). Let's just go ahead and let people attack us as long as we are not on the offensive. The world will just be a safer place when we have a meek and mild United States of America.

Richard Indy, IN   August 17th, 2007 1:25 pm ET

[b]Posted By Christian, Palmetto FL : August 17, 2007 12:28 pm

Obama is absolutely right when he says that judgment overrules experience in foreign policy matters. Both are great together, obviously, but I'd choose a leader with sound judgment and moral integrity over someone who just has a lot of conventional experience (Dick Cheney, G.W. Bush, Rumsfeld).[/b]

Should we take Barak Hussein Obama's word that he has sound judgement? Give me a break. Experience is a lot more valuable than "fresh, new ideas". You can call upon personal experience of being in the trenches when you've been there before. Otherwise, Barak Hussein Obama would just be a group's sock puppet who the citizens of the United States of America did not vote for.

sonya, atlanta, ga   August 17th, 2007 1:19 pm ET

What direct forgein policy experience does Hillary has? Did she negogiate any treaties? no. She only visited countries as a first lady. I say Obama who's family come from Africa and he has extensively traveled and lived in other countries has a better understanding of how other people think than Hillary who just rode a motorcade from the airport to the political event.

Obama is the only candidate that can attract Republicans and Independents in voting for him. The Democratic Party is the smallest bloc of voters compared to the other two. Ms. Clinton can not attract any Republicans and very few independents. Her politics is of division, like Karl Rove. I have not heard one word, about her vision for America. She reminds me of a person that once had ideals but has now become corrupted by the system. Obama is the one canididate that can change us for the better. Obama 08!

Eustace, New York, NY   August 17th, 2007 1:16 pm ET

Obama too green on foreign policy?

As a student of international politics, i've read his policy positions on foreign policy in his book the audacity of hope and his positions during the debates and he appears to be the only one who has a pragmatic strategy in moving the U.S military and alliances beyond a cold war era. His mulilaterist approach, his acknowledgement that the U.S needs to engage the world rather than work against the world, his keen insight into multi culturalism and diversity also offers a great asset to foreign policy. Lets not fool ourselves, the U.S riskes a major downturn in hegemonic power unless it changes course internationally and nationally. If you are a superpower and the world does not respect you (much of what has occured under previous administrations), then your power means nothing. Obama appears prepared to talk to the world in order to forge American interests…he mixes the liberal internationalist perspective so well with a neo realist position and I think this is key if American foreign policy is actually to prove effective in achieving material results.

Its not so much a matter of experience…if you are frank and forceful, able to negotiate without being arrogant, if you understand people then you have the experience to conduct foreign policy. Foreign policy is largely based on discourses that moved throughout academia and process… I am confident that Obama has exercised his ability to elevate the discourse of American Foreign policy from one of strict unilateral arrogant militarism to one of mulilateralism, engagement, human rights and values. America needs to return to those roots when conducting foreign policy if it plans to lead the world.

Saying you won't use nuclear weapons sends the right signal to the rest of the world… thats enough experience.

Saying you would target the perpetrators of 9/11…thats enough experience

Committing to engage the muslim world…thats enough experience.

Pledging to talk with dictators without preconditions…that enought experience… experience says don't talk without preconditions… history has shown that that escalates problems…

He has enough experience… Obama 08

Dave, Evergreen, CO   August 17th, 2007 1:06 pm ET

Abraham Lincoln had exactly two years of legislative experience in the US House when he was elected President of the United States; and that was over 10 years before his presidency started. When he became President he surrounded himself with smart, experienced people and then LED THEM. As history tells us he turned out to be exactly what the country needed at the time.

Now I don’t want to get carried away comparing Obama to Lincoln or 2008 to the Civil War era but we undoubtedly need a leader who can unite America and be a champion of change as we face the unquestioned challenges we will be confronted with in the years to come. History will tell us if Obama is that person but one thing we can be certain of is that none of the other candidates have that ability. Their “experience” has already shown us that; and does anyone really believe that Hillary Clinton will unite the Country?

Obama is intelligent, open minded, hard working and forward thinking. Wouldn’t that be a nice change for America?

Tony   August 17th, 2007 1:05 pm ET

Great would-be leaders loose elections because people throw arround phrases like "flip-flop","naive and inexperienced", John Kerry's Presidential chances were ruined because we labelled his as a "flip-flop", We voted Bush who didnt flip-flop and see where we are today, can we actually say our lives have been better since bush was elected and re-elected, America is about to loose out on Obama, because we are already labelling him as "naive and inexperienced" , without giving him a chance. Let us deeply and trully consider each candidate, and elect one based on their merits, and not because we are hung on phrases such as "naive and inexperienced" or "Flip-flop" the stakes are much too high this time arround. We are in a war, we have an unstable economy, poverty is on the increase, people are loosing their homes, people are without health insurance. America please wake up.

Justin, Los Angeles, CA   August 17th, 2007 12:54 pm ET

I think it is funny that Americans do not choose a candidate who is for peace in the world. Jesus spoke about peace and surely we Christians don't laugh at that. Yet when our presidential candidates talk about peace, we seem to not take them seriously. We shrug them off thinking they could never win. I think that there is something wrong with us Christians if we do not have hope that a person like Dennis Kucinich who offers that does not get much respect or attention. Let's stop fighting our brothers and sisters and put someone in the White House who will unite us. What would Jesus do?

DJ, Los Angeles   August 17th, 2007 12:48 pm ET

I am so sick and tired of all the trolls that want to critize Obama and the sheep in D.C. that bow down to George Bush's head in the sand foreign policy.

Clinton will just be more of the same and keep us in Iraq permanently. She admits to taking $ from big money lobbies…undoubtedly the oil corporations and Bush backers will be bankrolling on her policies.

Obama is the only candidate to tell the truth that we need to improve our diplomatic standing and perception in the world among all nations…including those that Bush now considers foes.

Bush and Clinton are in the naive ones assuming that pre-emptive wars and tough talk can somehow get adverserial nations to adopt our viewpoints.

Scott, Fort Lauderdale, FL   August 17th, 2007 12:46 pm ET

Foreign policy experience and Obama equals that of George W. when he was first elected to state office in Texas.
We need better.

Posted By John, Michigan : August 17, 2007 12:18 pm

George W. never even traveled abroad before being elected President. I do not want to mention my other blatant objections for your comparing these two men who are nothing alike. Please listen to this man speak, analyze questions and take on any question whether asked by a reporter or individual. HE IS NOT AFRAID TO SPEAK THE TRUTH! Why are we so afraid to hear it???

Antony, Dallas TX   August 17th, 2007 12:45 pm ET

It is time for us to trust judgement as opposed to hollow experience. It is time for us to ask a few questions. Those people who question Barack's experience, can they look back at Clinton's "experience"?. With all her experience, she did not read the National Intelligence Estimate (NIE) to know that the war was going to be a facade. She had ACCESS to it but did not read it. Is that what experience is all about? Dick Cheney and Donald Rumsfield have more experience that Billary. Look at where our country is because of this. Look at a clip of Cheney in 1994 saying that going into Baghdad would be a mistake. What has happened when his experience was supposed to be getting even better? 8 years after..what happened to experience? Can somebody please press Hillary to have her white house records unsealed so we can see what she is hiding? I have a hunch that this nomination process will be different.Look at Romney buying voters. Usaing up over $ 1.5m just to get 4,500 votes in the straw polls. Money talks now?. He is downright pathetic. I do not believe the polls at all. All I know is those being polled are probably those who have landlines and have voted before. How about those who rely on cellphones and have not voted before (hence not on the voters database from where the pollsters get the numbers to call) and are planning to vote for the first time en masse? I think this is the bunch that will carry Barack to the nomination. Please ignore the polls and let us go to work for change and BaROCK the vote. How about Obama/Edwards ticket?

Christian, Palmetto FL   August 17th, 2007 12:28 pm ET

Obama is absolutely right when he says that judgment overrules experience in foreign policy matters. Both are great together, obviously, but I'd choose a leader with sound judgment and moral integrity over someone who just has a lot of conventional experience (Dick Cheney, G.W. Bush, Rumsfeld).

Also, "mick Ind" and anyone who is as ignorant and immature as he is needs to stay out of the political process until they shape up. Shame on you for such a disgustingly imbecilic statement.

Suzanne, Colorado Springs, Colorado   August 17th, 2007 12:27 pm ET

It was a joke when Jr. Bush entered presidential race in 2000, he didn't even know many of the countries, their locations, etc. Even the high school kids knew more about countries than the candidate Bush. And, its pathetic that we elected such a model person two times. That is why we are seeing such biggest blunders in our foreign policies as our president okeys everything what Cheney wishes and decides. Obama may not have direct foreign policy experience, but he talks in practical terms and common sense. So, to those who ctiticize Obama, just SHUT up and see what kind of mess this administration has made.

r curtain - beloit, wi   August 17th, 2007 12:25 pm ET

OH, so it's OK for Barack to constantly mention that he's a Christian, but ooooooh, Mitt Romney better not let his Mormonism influence us.

John, Michigan   August 17th, 2007 12:18 pm ET

Foreign policy experience and Obama equals that of George W. when he was first elected to state office in Texas.
We need better.

Jeff Spangler, Arlington, VA   August 17th, 2007 12:17 pm ET

His experience on the Harvard Law Review would qualify him to research foreign policy, and his work organizing public housing tenants might help him pick a cabinet and advisors to really know the policy, but these are inadequate surrogates for personal experience.

Michael James -- Illinois   August 17th, 2007 12:16 pm ET

At Columbia University, Barack majored in political science, with a specialization in international relations.

As for the comment referring to him as a Muslim, it is simply not true. He did live in Indonesia and, obviously, interacted with a lot of Muslims, but he never attended a madrassa (sp?) and he is a committed Christian. If you don't want to vote for a Muslim, that is your choice, but get your facts straight because Barack Obama is a Christian.

As for his alleged lack of experience, that is a lie that is being propagated by the Clintonistas because they know their candidate is not able to win on substance. Even if we were to concede that Clinton has more experience (which I do not), let's talk about the record of those with experience like Hillary's in terms of Iraq. Iraq is a case study on the kind of decision-making a president faces — serious consequences at stake, imperfect information, passionate voices on both sides. Barack sure nailed that one, didn't he? He had the foresight to see that it was a bad move and that is better than looking at it in hindsight as a bad decision. He had the same general information we all did and he chose wisely, despite the prevailing political winds at the time. Hillary didn't even bother to read the entire National Intelligence Estimate. I will take Barack's considered and demonstrated good judgment over experienced people like Clinton making a mistake every time.

In short, no candidate from any political party will be able to repair America's standing in the world as well as Barack. No other candidate appeals to such a wide variety of people both within and without the United States. No other candidate has more sheer intellectual talent combined with the leadership skills and record of getting things done. With all of that going for him, there is no way he can fail if enough people start paying attention and truly examining the erroneous strength and experience claims of the Clinton campaign. Her alleged strength and experience are not as good as Barack's leadership, authenticity and truthfulness on substantive issues.

Chip Celina OH   August 17th, 2007 12:12 pm ET

RE: mick Ind:

"Obama's foreign policy message: Be ready my Muslim brothers when i am elected then we will finally finish off this country and jihad will be to our glory ! !"

Check your facts, he's a Christian, not a Muslim.

Chip

Erik   August 17th, 2007 12:10 pm ET

A good man. Headed in the right direction. He's going to be a great president- someday. Maybe 8 years as vice-president would help.
HILLARY 2008!

Posted By Mark Ramsey MD Fort Lauderdale FL : August 17, 2007 11:38 am

Hey Mark,

You stated that Obama will someday make a great president but I say why not now! You don’t tell yourself someday I'll get up and do something to better my life. What you do is go out and try to grasp it as soon as you can. Hey man, I totally respect your view but how long do we have to wait for real substantive change in our country. We need to move this country forward. If we see something good and valuable lets go for it NOW! We as AMERICANS together have to all fight for this and not just leave it up to politicians answer the questions or do the hard work for us. When we don’t act all we get is more pandering and neglect. Even though I truly respect Mrs. Clinton for her intelligence and charisma I do believe we need someone who can help pull Americans together for the greater good. We need someone with the type of experience, strength and intellect that Obama has. Again Mark I respect your views and I understand were it comes from but don't give up on the hope that is obtainable to us. It does exist and will prevail! May god bless.

spinstopper   August 17th, 2007 11:57 am ET

What a blatant case of bias. -Eugene Minter, Kennett Square, PA

Are you expecting a fair and balanced forum on CNN?? Funny how the libs decry CNN as bias and then whine about it when it splits their numbers..

Slick9   August 17th, 2007 11:49 am ET

The two previous posters "mick Ind" & "ReadBtwthlins" are examples of why inbreeding is illegal.

xtina chicago IL   August 17th, 2007 11:49 am ET

Why doesn't one of these candidates rise above criticism and tell voters what he has done that qualifies him for the Presidency?

What is your foreign policy experience, Sen Obama?

Eugene Minter, Kennett Square, PA   August 17th, 2007 11:43 am ET

I see that CNN will allow a distasteful and highly offensive Muslim remark about Sen. Obama, but fail to post reasonable critical remarks about Sen. Clinton. What a blatant case of bias.

Mark Ramsey MD Fort Lauderdale FL   August 17th, 2007 11:38 am ET

A good man. Headed in the right direction. He's going to be a great president- someday. Maybe 8 years as vice-president would help.
HILLARY 2008!

ReadBtwthlins   August 17th, 2007 11:37 am ET

Just becuase you've been to a foreign country doesn't mean you have foreign policy experience.

mick Ind   August 17th, 2007 11:26 am ET

Obama's foreign policy message: Be ready my Muslim brothers when i am elected then we will finally finish off this country and jihad will be to our glory ! !

Robert M. Reidy, Tillson, N.Y.   August 17th, 2007 10:27 am ET

Wow!!! Did you hear Mrs. Obamas introduction to Baraks speech? Now I
know why the Republicans fear a national democratic campaign against this couple of courage. FEAR NOT - help is on the way America and it will be the extraordinary new way of looking at and solving problems brought to the White House by this energetic, intelligent, charismatic, possibility thinking and action orientated man with a heart for the people - PRESIDENT BARAK OBAMA!

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