Comments on: Michelle Obama says America will be viewed differently with a black president

By: Mohammed

Mohammed — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 02:20:41 +0000

The stars are all perfectly lined up for President Obama.
Having him as America's next president will change the world in varied respects.
Whites, blacks, hispanics and all please do not hesitate to vote this guy in. I am a Canadian but I am seriously interested in what's happening in our big-brother country, the United States of America.

By: Captain-Sky

Captain-Sky — Sat, 24 Nov 2007 17:07:26 +0000

How Can You Obama Fans Speculate That Obama Has More Experience Than Senator Clinton,It Has Been Known That Former First Lady's Plays A Signifant Part In Policy Making Traveling Abroad To Help Solve Problems.Hilliary Clinton Were Responsible For The Appointment Of Several Cabinet Members,Who Were Obama Responsible For Making A Decision To Appoint,Answer Nobody How Many Countries Besides Indonesia,Has Obama Visited For The Reason's As Policy Making,Answer None,Why Don't Mr Obama Share His Last 10 Years Of Senate Experience With The Public,Answer Because He Got Rid Of The LIES He Tells,Madelaine Albright,Janet Reno,Does That Sound Familiar To Anyone.Fact Of The Matter Is Mr Obama Wants You To Vote For Him Because Of This Misconception,That He Has Experience From Living In A Foreign Country,Now That Has Got To Be The Most Rediculous,& Funniest Thing I've Ever Heard.His Experience As A State Senator,If It's True Why Don't He Present It To The American People,The Ones He Claims He Doesn't Have,But Yet He Has All This Experience,The Only Experience Mr Obama Has Is Of Telling LIES........PERIOD

By: jack, ny, ny

jack, ny, ny — Fri, 23 Nov 2007 20:52:13 +0000

"I'm asking you to stop settling for the world as it is, and to help us make the world as it should be," she said.

Is she on something?
We certainly don't need anything that sounds like Osama in WH with middle name Hussein. Bin laden will have laugh of his life time if Obama ends in WH.

By: Mike, TX

Mike, TX — Fri, 23 Nov 2007 06:59:27 +0000

"A message to African American women (and men) supporting Hillary Clinton.
...
Please remember that if you have a problem with black men as a black woman thats one thing, but you are not just electing a black man to office, but also a black first lady and two black first daughters. That said, I certainly understand that this election shouldn't be about race, but an opportunity like this doesn't come around too often. Young black girls and black boys will have a new more wholesome image on TV than the rappers and video vixens on BET.
Posted By O. A., Atlanta, GA : November 21, 2007 7:43 pm"

I really appreciate your concern and good intention to have a role model for African American youth.

First, its a bit weird to hear that by voting Obama, voters would elect not only him but his whole family.

Second, your message does not suggest that the reason to support Obama is because he might be the best candidate but because a vote for him would be a vote for an African American cause, am I right?

Although I respect your point, I don't think the election of the president of the United States has to reflect the interests of any racial group.

By: J. McKinney SW MO

J. McKinney SW MO — Thu, 22 Nov 2007 03:26:41 +0000

"We need an experienced CAPABLE individual in the White House, not somebody who is going to have to constantly muzzle his wife because of her loose-lip attitude."

Posted By Independent in IA : November 20, 2007 2:38 pm
---
Do you think Barack is capable of "muzzling" his wife? I don't think so–she looks meaner than a snake to me, and I would say is a very determined woman, who is pretty well wearing the pants in that relationship. She would be a disaster as a first lady. Mouth going all the time, and making more trouble every time she opens it.

Go, Hillary -08

By: Leslie Militzok Los Angeles. CA

Leslie Militzok Los Angeles. CA — Thu, 22 Nov 2007 02:20:39 +0000

Obhama is the least qualified candidate running. His speeches sound like a preacher not a candidate. There is no reason to vote for a candidate just because he is Black. There is only one Senator in the Senate that is Black. Black people make up less than 10% of the country. Democrats will not take back the Presidency with a Black candidate. Lets be honest right or wrong people will not vote for a Black candidate for President. I know when people are polled they do not admit this but it is true! For Obhama to even suggest this idea shows how ridiculous he is! He doesn't even have the support of the black community and almost all the Black legislatures are supporting Clinton. I think the idea that white, hispanic, asian and other groups will vote for him when his own people do not shows an unrealistic view of voters. Personally I do not want an inexperienced Homophobic Preacher as the Democratic nominee. Voting for him is a vote to put a republican in the White house. Personally I was an Obhama supporter until I watched the debates and listened to him. What happened to his pledge to run a Positive Campaign? He will do or say anything to be President. He is the biggest hypocrite running? Do you really know what he stands for? You think he is the anti war candidate except in 2004 Democratic Convention he made a speech supporting the war. Later that month he went on Meet the Press and told Russert that he supported the war! Do some research on this candidate you will be SHOCKED at all the INFORMATION you will discover.

By: O. A., Atlanta, GA

O. A., Atlanta, GA — Thu, 22 Nov 2007 00:43:32 +0000

A message to African American women (and men) supporting Hillary Clinton. I'm an African American man in his mid-20's and I do support Obama because I think he is the best person for the job in this elections cycle. But For the sake of argument lets assume that Obama and Clinton would both be equally good presidents. I've read some comments by some black women that they go for Hillary Clinton because she's a woman. I sense some sort of underlying issues of abandoning solidarity with black men here in part. But do I need to remind you that Obama is married to a strong black woman, and he has two beautiful young black daughters. Please remember that if you have a problem with black men as a black woman thats one thing, but you are not just electing a black man to office, but also a black first lady and two black first daughters. That said, I certainly understand that this election shouldn't be about race, but an opportunity like this doesn't come around too often. Young black girls and black boys will have a new more wholesome image on TV than the rappers and video vixens on BET.

By: t

Wed, 21 Nov 2007 17:22:47 +0000

In my opinion obama will do only harm to how we are viewed. Race has nothing to do with it. He would not make a good president.

By: David Weaver, San Antonio, Tx 78229

David Weaver, San Antonio, Tx 78229 — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 17:06:24 +0000

Why won't Obama pledge allegiance to our flag: He want's to lead our nation, but he seems not to care about our symbols

By: Doug, Brentwood, Ca

Doug, Brentwood, Ca — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 16:31:45 +0000

From day one, Michelle has displayed a pushy, aggressive, abrasiveness. She is too unlikeable to get by with shooting off her big mouth. Michelle, your husband is too inexperienced and unqualified to hold the highest office in the country. Possibly in 15 or 20 years, but not now.

By: anon, new york, NY

anon, new york, NY — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 16:08:47 +0000

Why Michelle keeps emphasing his blackness to gain votes? Obama is also half WHITE, with a white mother.

It appears he's willing to do anything to make his white side disappear, by over-emphasizing his black side.

Even though his Kenyan father, Barack, Sr. abandoned the family when Junior was only 2 years old, and he was raised, primarily, by his white maternal grandparents Stanley and Madelyn Dunham (and, for a short time, by his mother and Indonesian stepfather), he still seems to identify exclusively with his black lineage. He even named his 1995 memoir, "Dreams from My Father", even though that father showed little or no interest in his life.

How dishonest & untruthful can Obama be!

By: AJ; Montpelier, VT

AJ; Montpelier, VT — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 13:08:13 +0000

This harpy needs to go home and bake cookies. She never has anything intelligent to say. And again the race card.
Sorry honey – affirmative action does not apply to the Presidency. We would hope that the oval office would be occupied by the best and brightest. Obama is really NOT it.

By: Benny Brown Jacksonville Fla.

Benny Brown Jacksonville Fla. — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 11:56:25 +0000

Sen. Barack, I did take a thought of voting for you. But, seeing how you play dirty politics, the question came to mind, Can you really be trusted. As a black male, I myself will not be voteing for you now.

By: Me, Atlanta, GA

Me, Atlanta, GA — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 10:15:20 +0000

If you don't vote for Obama you clearly are a RACIST and an Islamic Bigot!

By: Kyu Reisch, Radcliff, Kentucky

Kyu Reisch, Radcliff, Kentucky — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 08:13:14 +0000

Mia Santago, two terms First Lady's experiences are bigger than 10 terms congressman, one and a half terms as New York Senator is deeper and wider than most of State Senators. IGNORANCE is suitable to you.

By: Kyu Reisch, Radcliff, Kentucky

Kyu Reisch, Radcliff, Kentucky — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 07:48:03 +0000

Monte Brown, I am impressed by your logical comment. Age under 10, childhood memories have no connection with foreign policy as President, Obama's head is too big to trust. People who hate Hillary support Obama, their support is not developed by his political view or his qualification. I read thousands comments from Obama supporters, most of them are demagogic. None of Obama's supporters posted comments like yours. I am proud of you and I will stick with Hillary.

By: Calla, San Diego

Calla, San Diego — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 07:03:12 +0000

"Your comment is awaiting moderation. Due to the volume of comments we receive, not all comments will be posted."

Go Obama Go, Win Obama Win!

Posted By Celia NYU NY : November 21, 2007 1:51 am

____ What the above message really means is that if HRC doesn't like the tone or essence of this message then CNN will easily drop it from any chance of posting. Too bad CNN, you will find out soon enough how the woman won't cut it in this important race. (Sorry Celia)

By: Celia NYU NY

Celia NYU NY — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 06:51:54 +0000

Go Obama Go, Win Obama Win!

By: Jed in Texas

Jed in Texas — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 06:20:43 +0000

Is it just me? Out of the 300,000,000 million people living in this country and this is all we can find to run for Office? Some of these folks from both parties are so phony, they couldnt get jobs as used car sales people.

By: Trang, Fremont, CA

Trang, Fremont, CA — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 06:07:25 +0000

I don't know much about Michelle, but I don't think her message is – vote for us because we are black, but race is no longer an issue for America. A person of any color/gender can be president as they demonstrate good leadership.

Of course, each person has different qualifications for what leadership constitute – for me, it's a person who can inspire people, who can move people. It's difficult for one person to change this country, but if he/she can inspire many people to join the movement to change the world for the better, then he's a great leader.

No doubt Hillary has connections and that is an asset, but I don't see she can move people as Obama can, and that's what counts.

I would like to see the Obama presidency and see what changes he will bring. I would like to give him that opportunity.

By: NOobomba

NOobomba — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 04:39:50 +0000

The world will also look at this country differently with a female president.

Posted By Dave, Foothill Ranch, California : November 20, 2007 2:11 pm

and i think the us would look different with a black president
there playing the race card .

Im staying with Hillary the gopers are scared to death of her.

and this is why i wont vote never for Obama
Hey, but just because Novak served up "shamelessly unethical" and "unconfirmed crap" doesn't mean Mr. Obama should use it, right?

Oh, and if you're wondering why I'm targeting Mr. Obama right now it's because his latest stunts are worthy of lambasting. Any Democrat using wingnuts to attack a fellow Democrat raises my suspicions. It further convinces me that Mr. Obama and his team have no dividing line and no party or Democratic policy loyalties (see Social Security), but only want to win as well as use Republican talking points to do it. It's further evidence that he will govern like a Joe Lieberman Democrat in the White House, to put it bluntly, seeing no party delineation at all, but preferring to bring anyone to his side he can, regardless of whether they will stab him in the back at the first oppportunity, not to mention make us compromise on policies we believe in strongly.

Obama's latest behavior is not the politics of change, or making the case on ideas, in case anyone is paying attention. It's the old school politics of Chicago,

I sont think he can be trusted.

By: Reuven, San Diego, CA

Reuven, San Diego, CA — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 02:26:26 +0000

I am a staunch Obama supporter, but i feel that Michelle Obama didn't need to say what she said. There is no need to bring race into the equation. No one should vote for a candidate because they think their race will make "America look at itself differently". I'm sure she means well, and she wants her husband to become president, but there was really no need to even mention that. A better thing to have said would have been that the fact that we have so many non-white candidates being considered for office is great. Then again, that wouldn't be "newsworthy".

By: stclaire,San Diego

stclaire,San Diego — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 02:26:12 +0000

Both are accomplished academians with diversed backround....what a gift for this generation and the generations to come. God Bless!

By: J. McKinney SW MO

J. McKinney SW MO — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 02:00:33 +0000

All these comments on Obama–honesty, integrity, compassion, intelligent, etc etc. Perhaps all this is true, and perhaps it isn't. I am wondering, since none of you posting this dribble, know him personally, where you are getting your information about him? I wonder if it is all what you are HOPING, and partially imagining. I haven't seen any evidence of it posted anywhere on the net. Let's try to stay with sensible things we actually know about. He probably is sincere, in his way, but inexperienced, hesitant, and often stumbling in his speeches. Lots of uh, uh. and Michelle seems to have quite a problem with the race issue. Quite a bit of beligerance there when she talks, also. I don't think either of them are ready for the white house, and the leader of the greatest nation in the world. They will be little lost kittens when the time comes to take over and run things.

By: Bryan Columbus, OH

Bryan Columbus, OH — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 01:59:14 +0000

Yes...but Barack Obama is not the man to get that opportunity. He is NOT ready to lead this nation. Try for 2012 when you have actually been a politician with relevant experience. Come on people, you know who the right choice is.....HILLARY CLINTON FOR PRESIDENT!!!!!!

By: Alice Newman Center Harbor NH

Alice Newman Center Harbor NH — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 01:29:10 +0000

... Senator Clinton created a stir seeming to play the "gender card" .... now Obama seems to be playing the "race card." ... wonder if that will cause as big a stir ... we already ignore those playing the "Jesus card." ....

By: Ernie. Truro, MA

Ernie. Truro, MA — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 01:14:38 +0000

You have plenty of Washinton experience in the White House that along with Hillary Clinton's got us into the Iraq war. If you want more of the same old corporate culture and corruption, put the Clintons back in the White House. Or you can vote forjudgment,honesty and real change – Obama 08.

By: Buggie, San Diego, CA

Buggie, San Diego, CA — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 00:32:15 +0000

Mrs. Obama,

If you and your husband want to overcome the “challenge of inequality”, a good place to start would be to stop playing the race card in your husband’s campaign. I was under the impression that Mr. Obama was running for President of the United States, I did not realize he was running for Black President of the United States. Thank you for the clarification.

By: Daniel

Daniel — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 23:58:52 +0000

Hillary has my vote! I'm glad Barack keeps mentioning Hillary's name.

Hillary all they, can't wait.

By: Patrick, Denver CO

Patrick, Denver CO — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 23:32:56 +0000

To be fair Alan Keyes is also running.

By: Heather, Nashville, TN

Heather, Nashville, TN — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 23:29:07 +0000

And America would be viewed differenly with a woman president. What happened to voting on the candidate themselves despite race, gender or even age. I personally look not to their skin but rather to their track record which is why I am voting Clinton in 08.

By: Fair,Washington DC

Fair,Washington DC — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 23:21:45 +0000

Obama supporters need to say "I like Obama and I don't care about his experience or lack of experience. Period. Throwing his short experience record on this level,Preasident of the US is not impressing anyone thats not a supporter. I mean come on if there was a Politics101 course , that instructed on how to be a good politician, touting your experience would be one of the first things taught. Thats not even dirty politics, questioning a candidates experience is an actual legitimate issue in this climate of half truths and innuendos and spins on people words.

By: R. Smith, Fairborn, OH

R. Smith, Fairborn, OH — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 23:19:00 +0000

Hillary's an experienced leader? Two terms as First Lady and one and a half terms as a State Senator and people talk about her like she's a seasoned veteran? Amazing! With voter ignorance at an all time high, it's no wonder this country's run amuck!

Posted By Mia Santiago : November 20, 2007 4:11 pm

Voter ignorance? One needs only look at the current occupant of the WH to know what TRUE voter ignorance is...

By: Dave, Cheverly, MD

Dave, Cheverly, MD — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 23:11:24 +0000

Michelle said that to a mostly Black audience, because that group says they may NOT vote for Obama BECAUSE he is African American. They believe that WHITE Americans will not vote for him.

Michelle is telling them vote from their hearts and minds for whomever they choose and don’t hold back a vote on those bases.
Some of the World sees America as oppressors who say one thing and do another. Telling the World to get along, don’t be racist, sexist, religious battling. While at the same time doing just that her in our Country.
As a bonus, Obama Presidency will shed a new perspective on that notion. It will get many of those doubtful Countries to sit up and take a fresh listen to what American has to say.

She is NOT saying vote for Obama just for that reason. She is saying it happens to be a bonus. The same if a women, Mormon, Hispanic were the President.

By: Lee, Mays Landing NJ

Lee, Mays Landing NJ — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 23:10:17 +0000

She is right. I'm not for Obama, I'd prefer Edwards, but there would be a few side benenefits to this country if Obama were elected. One is the foreign image – his wife is right.
But perhaps most importantly is what it would do to young black men in this country. The "man" would be a black man, and instead of just sports heroes, or worse rappers glrifying the wrong things, you'd have role model of a different sort.
The subtle cultural impact may have lost lasting and hugely beneficial consequences.

By: Brandon, Tampa, FL

Brandon, Tampa, FL — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 23:01:48 +0000

Rock on.

By: Cgeo, manchester, ct

Cgeo, manchester, ct — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 22:37:06 +0000

i am a obama supporter not because of the color of his skin but because he represents hope in a time when america needs it the most. barrack has strived to keep his message centered around the issues rather than about his race where as hillary is taking every opportunity to make it about gender. the bottom line is hillary represents everything that is wrong with our government she is under the finger of corporate special interests and would rather talk about making changes in our policy than actualy doing something. if elected she will do more harm then the current administation. the only real choice is barrack obama his true grass roots campaign (hasn't taken a dime from special interests) and fresh ideas may be the only hope this country has of regaining the respect of the world which GB has lost

By: tom, ny, ny

tom, ny, ny — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 22:36:48 +0000

Dear Dan
WHy do you keep "cut and paste message everywhere. I have read this same surgeon message more than twice. that tells me you really don't have much to say other than keep going like a broken record.
_______________________________________
If I was married to a surgeon it does not qualify me to perform operations. Hillary was married to the President. She was never President. She was elected to the Senate 4 yrs before Obama and is also the junior senator from her adopted state. All the Hillary lovers saying that Obama doesn't have experience. Nonsense. He has been an elected official longer than her and has a list of legislative accomplishments longer than hers. Wake up Democrats. The Clintons are playing word games again.

Posted By Dan, Albany NY : November 20, 2007 2:37 pm

By: tom, ny, ny

tom, ny, ny — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 22:31:21 +0000

I thought Michelle is smart lady. I guess not. She is pretty dumb to make such statement. AMerica will be viewed differently with a "good president". Your husband doesn't deserve to be president just because he is black. You should be ashamed of yourself for being so stupid.

By: Leo, VA

Leo, VA — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 22:25:48 +0000

"If Obama's elected, we are well on our way to becoming a Socialist state. Obamma will take from those that succeed and give to societal deadbeats who prefer to live off the success of the overachievers. 70/30 principal – 70% deadbeats living off the 30% that float this economy. Get a life – vote Republican!!!!"

Posted By J. Schmidt : November 20, 2007 4:02 pm

This is half true. Although I disagree that Republicans are the solution, everything about Obama tells something scary about the direction he is going which is totally against the principles on which this country was founded. He is trying to use the marginalization card to gain votes. Its certainly unfair to have a polarization of rich and poor, but its even worse to have everybody poor.

By: James Willis IOWA

James Willis IOWA — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 22:12:26 +0000

just not this black candidate! he is too inexperienced!!!!
CLINTON 2008

By: Jimenez

Jimenez — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 22:01:36 +0000

Michelle Obama is full of s****! God help us all. Soon this will be over. Obama will be out and we can hear something different other than voting for a black president "will challenge us on how we see this country and the WHOLE world will see us in a different light. Girl what planet are your from? It's not the skin color it's the man. And, that woMAN is CLINTON '08

By: Bryan, CA

Bryan, CA — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 21:56:54 +0000

I think there is a misunderstanding in many of those who have written critical comments about Michelle Obama's statements. I don't think she is attempting to "pull the race card" or rehash old feelings about prejudice in society in order to guilt voters into voting for Obama. I don't think that is what she is saying at all. I believe what she is saying is that that the United States is ready to have its first black president. She is also saying that America has an immense image problem around the world. While Michelle naturally believes that Barack is the most equipped for the position of the president regardless of skin color, she is talking about an added bonus that Obama would change the face of the nation positively. Something that the United States needs severely on an international level,

By: Farrell, Houston, Tx

Farrell, Houston, Tx — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 21:48:16 +0000

She's right, take a conscious look at the world around us.

By: james,buda,tx

james,buda,tx — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 21:40:42 +0000

Dee, Murfreesboro, TN

obama didnt have more experience then daddy bush who was the VICE PRESIDENT, not a junior or state senator, he was the head of the CIA, dont think obama can say that, he owned and operated several businesses, did obama do that. please Im not a bush family supporter by any means but your comment wasnt exactly true.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 21:38:22 +0000

I could care less if Obama is black, white, purple or green. I'm a white guy and I support Obama because he's hands down the best for the job. When he speaks, I believe him. I sincerely believe that he's listening, that he's paying attention, and that he's speaking from his heart about issues that I care about. He's fundementally the best leader I've seen in my lifetime. He's someone that I can see putting my life, indeed all our lives, in his care. I can see myself following him because i trust that he would do everything in his power to better this nation and this planet. he's the candidate of both my heart and my mind, and I've never believed in a political candidate in my life, not in the same way at least. For once, I'm for something, instead of against it.

By: Christian, Tampa FL

Christian, Tampa FL — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 21:35:00 +0000

She's actually right, and not just because of his race. If we elect Hillary, things will be different only because she's a woman; however, she is the predictable nominee and president because she's a perfect Washington insider type, and most of the world will be like "wow, we never saw that one coming (sarcasm)." With Obama, it will be seen that America has elected a young, rookie African American who is different from any previous president, and the world will be intrigued. I think it would be great.

By: Lou, Miami Florida

Lou, Miami Florida — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 21:26:37 +0000

As a mixed race American I get what Obama and Michelle talk about but we are shoulder deep in trouble. I am 1/4 African descendant, 1/4 Native, and 1/2 Hispanic and I can see from different spectrums. I know that not only a black president will challenge America to "look at itself differently” but also perhaps a woman president. We have such candidate and she is more qualified. That’s the case in my mind… Hillary is more qualified and prepared to lead America.

By: Susan, St. Michaels, MD

Susan, St. Michaels, MD — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 21:24:44 +0000

All of you who are screaming about the race card being used need to check yourselves. Michelle was speaking to an audience at a historically black college. She was speaking about, as she would well know, fear, doubt, and the negative influence our history has had on us. The black community has deep scars, horrible memories which have come rushing back with recent incidents such as the one in Jena LA.
She was only asking them not to let those demons dictate their behavior. She was asking them to be brave and make an educated decision, not one influenced by the injustices and limitations of the past.
All of ya'll are playing the race card, not Michelle.

By: Jonathan, Atlanta Ga

Jonathan, Atlanta Ga — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 21:20:57 +0000

Relative to Barack Obama's experience, PLEASE STOP ISOLATING HIM FOR HAVING LACK OF EXPERIENCE WHEN JOHN EDWARDS AND GUILLIANI HAVE LESS EXPERIENCE. Hillary was elected to the US Senate in 2000 (7 years of experience). Obama was a State Senator (8 years) and has been a US Sentor since 2004 (3 years totalling 11 years in politics. At Princeton, he finished first in his class. He tells the truth about his past mistakes–unlike others. When will America stop being dumb and blind and falling for canned phrases like "he has no experience" when Hillary doesn't have signifcantly more. NONE of the front runners have been governor except Mitt Romney and he is a part of a religion that thinks Blacks are inferior.