WHY WOULD WE VOTE FOR SOMEONE THAT CAN'T CONTROL THEIR ADDICTION (SMOKING)

AND ADMITS TO HAVING DONE AN ILLEGAL ACT (SMOKING POT)

HOW CAN AMERICA LOOK PAST THAT?? THERE HAS TO BE BETTER CHOICES.

PLEASE, PEOPLE, LET'S GET PAST THE GOOD LOOKS AND CHARM.

WE ARE NOT VOTING FOR PROM KING!!

=-(

HE SMOKES?

L@@K ~ WHO SMOKES ANY MORE ANYWAY?

I was telling my 10 year old daughter that I am trying to choose a President based on their strength of charecter, and their judgement. My daughter then pointed out that Obama smokes. How was i suppose to explain that.

It speaks to weakness on a regular basis, poor judgement, giving in to addiciton.

I'm not saying it's reason enough to not vote for him, but we are trying to hang our hat on reasons to vote for him, and this just made me think, "um, no"

Obama -has no experience -what has he ever done –have you ever witnessed him working hard on anything–we need someone who gets things done–Go Hilary!

Do we really want someone who is a poor decision maker to run our country? Not only that but he's acts like he dispises everything about America.

Again, Obama is squeezing the "change" message, and I love it! Integrity drives such answers as this. That's change. His core values are a far cry above the Clintons who even stole as many items from the White House as they could get loaded into the moving truck when they left. Does ANYONE remember that?

I'm a Republican who is seriously considering a vote for Obama. Character DOES matter.

Can anyone say Barrack HUSSEIN Obama? Why has the media not questioned and traced Obama's religious and political history? Could it be that the Americian press and brain washed Americian people in Iowa and New Hampshire ignore
a movement that generally subscribes to the theory of destruction of the USA.

sure Jeremy, Obama is a buffoon but Clinton is a scheming skank, I'll vote for the dimwit Biden

Jude, Fresno, CA:

1) I am not running for president so I don't have to disclose my accomplishments to anyone. When I do - you will see and hear the full list of my accomplishments.

2) Don't assume being a "produce manager at Publix" yourself that everyone else is.

3) What's Obama's "record of service"? You mean one-term senator that does not even cast his vote on any important issues? You are laughable.

Sorry, that was a low blow on your part.

Republicans and Clintonistas are angry on this ticker because Obama eliminated the relevance of a topic they could have swift-boated him with. But instead of dodging the answer,(like Clinton. Which one? Take your pick.) he answered honestly and admitted he made a mistake. OMG, an HONEST politician? Bet the Repbus and Clinton-lovers are scarred now…

P.S. Hey Rob Cuba, your racism is showing…

What do you think the results would be if we had to drug-test every elected official?

If, in the private sector, you must first pass a drug screening to obtain employment then why are our elected officials not subjected to the same kind of scrutiny?

Maybe then, the losers would be asked to leave and the winners would come in and take this country in the right direction. It's sure a nice thought, huh?

Next time, I will not bring my son to hear obama talk. He will be a bad role model to my son to hear him goofing off & taking drugs at school, being lazy at home, and smoke 3 packs of cigarettes a day.

NoBama 08.

Obama is a loser. He has lost my vote.

The more I listened to Obama on TV and in town hall meetings, the less I like Obama as a person and as a candidate.

NoBama 08.

Are you people serious?! How can Republicans or Democrats fault Obama for this? BUSH DID COKE!! Look it up anywhere. Yes, America's current president experimented with cocaine. Clinton experimented with marijuana. It's obvious that youthful experimentations have little to no effect on what America thinks of a candidate. Ask your husband/wife/best friend if they've ever done anything like that. The majority of people, not limited to America, HAVE experimented.
REPS- remember your president Bush did coke
DEMS- remember Clinton smoked pot
AMERICA- look up past presidents affiliations with marijuana and you'll be amazed.
quit looking for stupid ways to bash candidates you don't like, it's lame

If the point is to inhale it's because Obama is a real Junkie, a nincompoop Junkie. I wouldn't want a President who was a former marijuana user, who can't respect our flag, who had numerous unpaid parking tickets for many years,who knows nothing about foreign policy, who has the worst attendance record in the Senate, who always bluffs with pure nonsense, who is plain conceited and who has a middle name of Hussein to be my President. No way Jose!!

Wow…such racist posts from so-called liberals and democrats. What a shame.

Wow…such racist posts from so-called liberals and democrats. What a shame.

Is this Rob guy above me serious? First off, Obama's not a Muslim, he's Christian. He worships at a Christian church, raised his kids Christian and took his oath of office on the Bible. Secondly, it's not "Civil Liberties" it's called the Constitution you dimwit. You know, that whole "freedom of religion" thing? It doesn't say anywhere in the Constitution or its Amendments that only god fearing Christians can serve their country. Last I checked, we even have an Atheist Senator (God help us!). Not allowing someone to run for office because of their religion goes directly against the foundations that this country was founded.

Oh my….a man is being honest about his past (a rarity in politics I must say) It doesn't change my opinion of Mr.Obama. Rather, I find it refreshing! I don't feel that it is sending the wrong message to our young people. I think it sends the message that— Yes, I made some wrong choices in my youth but I also chose to change my actions. What better message is there!

"OBAMA IS A LOSER!" - Val Davydov,

And what, exactly, have you done with your life, Val? I'm guessing that your list of accomplishments and record of service does not even come close to Barack Obama's. How you just summarily dismiss him as "a loser" is quite laughable. I'd give alot to see what your life consists of.

I suppose being the produce manager at Publix and a devout Rush Limbuagh listener are more impressive accomplishments than Havard Law and public service…

No, it is you who sounds stupid. You are going to support someone who is running for Commander in Chief who abused substances. He can't deal with terrorism high on "chronic". Get a life.
Posted By Jr., California : November 26, 2007 2:47 pm

Sorry, it's still you who sounds stupid. First of all, one-time pot smoking does not a druggie/pothead/addict make. And just because he smoked once does not mean he will do it again (in fact, he probably never did it again after graduating from college). Second of all, he said that it was a mistake. Get your idiotic brain around this.

If we included presidential eligibility based on whether or not anyone had used drugs at all, we'd have a woefully small pool of candidates.

Rob in Cuba, NY. Barack Obama is not a Muslim. Let's get your facts straight first of all. You sound like a complete moron.

Secondly, if he were Muslim, it would be entirely appropriate to take his oath of office on the Koran. Using the Bible is not exclusive, nor is it the law.

Must the far-right be constantly reminded that America is NOT a theocracy? There is SUPPOSED to be a separation of church and state.

In fact, the separation of church and state is whole premise for the "nation building" in Iraq that is so supported by the far-right, correct? Or is the goal to simply convert all Iraqis to Christianity? Can't have it both ways, Limbaugheads!

Food for thought - from a white, Christian, veteran.

Obama Has stepped up and done the correct thing,
Just let the fist candidate without flaws, cast the first stone!
There are none I'll bet if the real truth be known!

"No, it is you who sounds stupid. You are going to support someone who is running for Commander in Chief who abused substances. He can't deal with terrorism high on "chronic". Get a life."

Posted By Jr., California
He is not a current user. Read the quotes and the excerpts from his book. Your current Commander in Chief abused substances (cocaine, alcohol). Monica is right. You are stupid. Now you have a second opinion.

Obama, never a President of the USA, why not, he is Muslim, cannot "HONESTLY" take the oath of office if he were elected, and the oath is sworn on the Holy Bible, NOT the Koran, and this is "ONE NATION UNDER GOD" not Allah! He should have never made it into the arena based on this alone!
Posted By Rob Cuba, NY : November 26, 2007 3:42 pm
———–
This is another prime example that Bush should not have vetoed the bill for education. The ignorance here is appalling. First of all Barack Obama IS NOT A MUSLIM. If you have ONE PIECE OF EVIDENCE THAT HE HAS DONE ANYTHING IN HIS ENTIRE ADULT LIFE TO SHOW THAT HE IS A MUSLIM, THEN SHOW IT so the comment doesn't look so ignorant.

Secondly, ANY research will show that the president DOES NOT HAVE to take his oath on a BIBLE. It is irrelevent to the oath of office. Obama says he is a Christian, Bush says he is a Christian. Do Christians lie? Do they do research?

I really respect him for telling the truth. Hopefully he'll win! For the people that say that it makes kids feel like it's okay, I disagree, and advise them to shut up.

Isn't it slightly weird that Obama would be concerned if people smoked pot when they were tense and "needed a joint" when millions of people every single day have cigarettes, beers, cigars and various "tinis" for the exact same reason?

It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World

You Americans are really crazy (days and over 400 posts on an insipid topic). This guy would be the best to represent your craziness, just don't expect respect from bringing him up on the political arena.

Honestly who cares if Obama tried marijuana or not as a kid? Marijuana should be legalized and is not a bad thing. I'm sure there are much more serious things these politicians are doing but not admitting to. So good, be honest. And I firmly believe in the legalization of marijuana, it would be more of a positive thing that not.

Rob Cuba, are you really that ignorant?
First of all, Obama is NOT Muslim, inform yourself, moron.
Secondly, in case you did not know this, God and Allah are one and the same, they are both the God of Abraham. Again, inform yourself, moron.
Finally, there is no law that says the oath of office has to be sworn on a Bible. So, based on your false assumptions, you would deny someone the right to run for the presidency based on their religion. Have you read the Bill of Rights lately? Once again, inform yourself moron.

Isn't usings cocaine and other illegal drugs a felony? So how can a
"Felon" run for U.S.presidency? Isn't
this ALSO against the law? Yes! It is against the LAW for a felon to run for President of the United States of America.
This makes me wonder, what other laws
has Senator Obama broken?

Obama, never a President of the USA, why not, he is Muslim, cannot "HONESTLY" take the oath of office if he were elected, and the oath is sworn on the Holy Bible, NOT the Koran, and this is "ONE NATION UNDER GOD" not Allah! He should have never made it into the arena based on this alone!
But excuse the hell out of me for trying to step on someone's "civil liberties".

if he doesn't understand Bill Clinton's comment, he just wasn't paying attention. Clinton's point was that he was trying to try it, but he wasn't very good at it. Go ahead and take your cheap shots at Hillary Clinton, Sen. Obama, but please leave Bill Clinton out of this.

Hey, what about George W Bush. He had a documented drug and alcohol past including DUI. Is this just more republican doublespeak? Do as I say and not as I do? I think the US has bigger things to worry about than Barack Obama inhaling or not.

The Clinton News Network stoops to a new low with this non-story.

it's just weed, get over it.

im a little nervous that the supposed future presidential 'contenda' keeps bragging on his drug usage. don't give this guy the keys to white house. don't give this guy the nuclear football

Key to this comment is that it is in the past tense. I would not want a drunken president but I would not trust someone who had no reference points from their experience that are common for most people. Obama has more credibility, not less, for his disclosure

Honesty like this should not be punished. Clinton lied openly, everyone knew it, we blatantly elected a liar. Im a conservative 21 year old male, I have a lot more respect for this kind of honesty, this could potentially destroy him, but he tells it anyway.

Barrack Hussein Obama should not be praised for his honesty. First off, he was not asked a question if he did drugs or alcohol, they asked what he was like in highschool? Second, he is in front of young influential teenagers. Thirdly, let's hear him be truthful about his politics, What really matters…

To Monica, GA

You can't fight terrorism high on Chronic. Maybe it is you who sounds stupid for supporting this behavior? Jr.

To Monica, Georgia

No, it is you who sounds stupid. You are going to support someone who is running for Commander in Chief who abused substances. He can't deal with terrorism high on "chronic". Get a life.

"Hey Osama….have you got my stash, man?"

Pat, Huntington, NY: Sorry - you are wrong. If your friends are not actually inhaling - than they are really weird. Holding in their mouths like a cigar - well, I've never met anyone who ever smoked pot that did that..and I went to PSU!! Why do they not just buy a cigar??? Sorry, pot is nothing like nicotine in a ciggerette or a cigar. It does not give you a buzz just for holding it your mouth. The only way to truly get a buzz is to smoke it or actually eat it. For those who do say they get a buzz for "holding it in their mouths" probably actually inhaled some.

Bill Clinton lied when he said the did not inhale. Either that or he tried to, but he couldn't because he was not used to inhaling anything. He didn't do it because he was smoking it like a cigar.

I too believe there is no shame in smoking pot. I just watched my co-worker die from bone cancer. I bet you anything if given the chance - she would have smoked some pot to help her appetite or to take the edge off. Instead, she was given more drugs that weakened her and lessoned her quality of life. Anyone who's ever smoked pot in their life know's that stopping the use of medical marijuana is about the most rediculous thing imaginable but since too many people have this total misconception about it - including right wingers…it will remain as status quo.

Steve, Lyons, CO - you are so right!!

he took a hit and he is a DRUG user. Get real people. One hit does not make you a drugie.

While I am all forgivness, I would like to make one point clear, there were many in the 60's and 70's; 80 and 90s that saw no need to "experiment" with drugs that were deemed illegal.

There were many of us that thought ahead as to future results of experimenting with "illegal" substances. As much as I would like to sit there and pat him on the head and say thats all right we all we young once, I can not. The would be rewarding irresponsible behavior. For all the people that sit here and proclaim its so nice to have a politican come clean, my response is that this nation deserves a politican that does not need to "come clean", this is the office of President we are talking.

This is not a breath of fresh air, this is just another politican saying see I was a irresponsible youth but because I was a "youth" (anyone younger than you) you must forgive me because I knew no better. Bull hockey, moral and ethical behavior are not learned over night. Breaking the law is breaking the law. Johnny's sorry he stole the car, he was just a youth, Jimmy's sorry he capped the kid down the street hes just a youth, Bobby's sorry he set up a scam hes just a youth.

But then again maybe he will fit right in after all, it appears he has learned that all he has to say is I am sorry, but I was only a youth.

Frankly, Obama, your answer was as cowardly as Bill Clinton's.

There's no shame in smoking pot. Pot HAS NO LETHAL DOSE. All illegal drugs kill approx. 10,000 Americans a year.

Alcohol kills 113,000.
Tobacco kills 339,000.

Those are the drugs to be ashamed of, to apologize for. Not marijuana.

Obama's credibility is shrinking.

I don't smoke Pot, but some of my friends do. Some of them actually inhale, while others hold the smoke in their mouths like a cigar. The one's that inhale are typically cigarette smokers. The one's that don't, do not smoke cigarettes. Bill Clinton did not smoke cigarettes. So, it's not surprising that he said he didn't inhale. We know Obama smoked cigarettes, so it's not surprising he actually inhaled.

If I am not correct on the premises, hopefully some potsmokers can let me know.

My god. It has gotten way worse since I commented two days ago. Apparently I was wrong and the idiots are coming out of the woodwork for this.

First off, Brad from Texas, Obama didn't just announce he did it. He was asked. What are you gonna do? Dont answer? Lie? NO! Logically, you answer truthfully and comment on it. He made it clear to those people that what he did was wrong. It was a college. If the kids cant make out right or wrong then the blame goes to the parents for poor oversight. NOT HIM!

And to the right winged extremists who say Obama shouldn't be forgiven for "doing oh so wrong" by smoking pot, even after admitting it, just remember that each of you has done something just as bad or maybe even worse. Lied to someone? Took candy? Copied a paper? Something!

So before you blasting him for doing it so many years ago, make sure you aren't a hypocrite in some messed up way.

There, that should clear up this blog. Now I should only see words of support.

Wow, so far there are 440 messages on Obama inhaling and snorting pot and coke!!!!

I thought that the general consensus was that Hillary was the "divisive" candidate.

LOL!!!!

This is America people! I think you would be hard-pressed to find any person over the age of 25 who hasn't at least tried marijuana.

"Gotcha Obama, the point was that you inhaled (just as I suspected). So the point was never about trying to help children avoid the pitfalls of illicit drug use and addiction by highlighting your past problems with them. Glad at least you don't use drugs anymore.
Posted By Stacey, Chapel Hill, NC : November 26, 2007 9:03 am

How do you know he doesn't? he might feel "really tense" and needing "a joint" sometime? And if nominated, can you imagine the pressure?

This is not political honesty, is stupid 'Oprah show' cheap talk.

Jeremy, he was ASKED a question about medical marijuana and "prodded a bit further". He was answering questions, straight up, instead of dodging them. Did you not read the article? And Mohammad, if you've voted in any election since the 60's you've probably voted for a former druggie… And to all the people who keep touting Clinton's "experience" - is it her experience running her husband off or reading opinion polls that you're talking about? Or are you talking about her experience practicing a bad, fake southern accent? I probably won't vote for either of them, but I'd rather have a former pothead president who understands the concept of integrity than a psycho you-know-what like Hillary Clinton.

Obama has lost my vote. He never impressed me, my family or my friends.

NObama.

Lets judge everyne based on what they did when they were 17………………The man gave an honest answer to a question, he tried it, knew it was wrong and did not do it again. Lets next ask him if he looked at Playboy when he was a teenager tried to tried to lie to a teacher in junior high school.

"It's not something I'm proud of. It was a mistake as a young man." What part of that does Romney not understand?

We don't need a drug-addicted thug in the White House.

Posted By Jr., California : November 26, 2007 11:16 am
Wow do you know how stupid you sound. He tried drugs many many years ago. He only spoke about it because he was asked about it specifically and choose to be the only politician to be honest about it.

How can you hammer on the guy for being honest? Clinton smoked dope too, he just lied about it. Bush was a drunk coke-head. But come on…these are people who grew up in the 60's and 70's! Obama is not flaunting his drug use…I'm sure he would prefer not to talk about it. But when someone asked the question, he chose to be honest. Hellllo…has anyone read Dreams From My Father? He lays it all out in there anyway; it would be idiotic for him to lie about it at this point. I can't believe you people are getting all worked up about pot he smoked as a teenager 25 years ago! It obviously didn't effect his brain too much; he was the first black President of the Harvard Law Review! What a novel concept…a President who is smart and honest! Romney's response is classic Washington: Don't speak the truth if it's ugly. Just smile and wave while the country collapses under the weight of more lies and corruption. Hope, action, change…GO OBAMA!

Most of you writing comments have sorted pasts. Obama is not saying it's okay to take drugs…how idiotic of all of you to think that. Most of your rebellious kids are doing more than just smoking….can you say deviant SEX ! Please get a grip, OBAMA is as qualified as any one of the big liers running for office. I don't trust any of them especially the REPUBLICANS…we gave them total control and look at what they did and continue to do, they are a bunch of theives. Not only will our grandchildren have to pay off the national debt but their great grandchildren will have to do the same. This country is completely messed up!!! Only GOD can get us out of this mess… OBAMA 2008!!!

"there are few and far between that never smoked weed.."

Posted By The Truth

So, The Truth, you are proud by the fact that there are more of those that smoke weed? You are pathetic.

OBAMA IS A LOSER!

Drug Addict Thug?

Thug because he's black? Drug addict? Bush used to snort coke and was an alcoholic.

We don't need a drug-addicted thug in the White House.

I have a incredible amount of respect for Barack Obama, but this just raises it up even more for me.

He's the only truly honest presidential candidate I've seen in a long time.

Go Obama.

You "GO" Barak…You've got my vote!

justdeb

I would like to point out that the use of drugs of any type, a DUI at any time within a persons youth are grounds to deny enlistment in the armed forces of the United States. The use of drugs of any type other than those prescriped by a doctor or avaiable over a US drug store counter are grounds to deny an inidividual a security clearance.

The exception to these rules appear to be for holding of the highest office in our nation, President. It appears that while we hold the trust of the nation high in one hand we are willing to overlook youthful failings in the other.

Personnally I grew up in the 60s and 70s, everyone one was doing it, not. That was not an excuse then and is not excuse now. Illegal drugs are illegal, period. If I grew up in an age of open drug use, and choose not to use illegal drugs, nor abuse alcohol that was my choice and I choose to obey the law.

I am tired of politicains coming out and saying I did drugs of any type and partied hearty as a youth, therefore because I was young you must forgive me, no I do not have to forgive you, you broke the law, you were inmature and irresponsible and now you want me to forgive you and to support you to be President, I don't think so. As far as I am concerned the use of drugs should eliminate an individual from holding office, why should I put my trust in someone that has shown regardless of age poor judgement of this nature.

Now it seems to me that we have a problem if we have a past President who tried it and did not inhale, a current President who used drugs and has DUI convictions (but hes born again, had he behaved himself he would have had no reason to be born again) and now a front runner who says I smoked and I inhaled, but I was young, no excuse.

If these are the best this nation has to offer, I pity our county.

c.mon, Senator, Marijuana is way safer than alcohol, which many people use - abuse mostly, to fight off stress and become dangerous to others. It has been ridicuous that for years, pot is a criminal offense while drinking is acceptable.

It is one of the biggest cash crops in our nation. It might make snese to tax it and regulate it, just like the legal but unsafe drug, alchohol

the real essence of the story is all about honesty. no one is perfect,but some are liars.

mITT ROMNEYS COMMENTS ON SETTING A BAD EXAMPLE?? WHAT ABOUT THE CURRENT BOOB IN OFFICE? HAS HIS ADMITTED USE OF COCCAINE, DUI CONVICTIONS SET A BAD EXAMPLE? WE NEED TO EXAMINE THE EXTENT OF THE EXAMPLE SETTING STANDARD.

Pete, Des Moins, Iowa:

If my son came back from college telling me that he had been drinking and taking drugs - I would be dissapointed. But, I would also be proud of him for being able to come to to me to talk about it. Would I think my son was a looser or a joke - NO!!! Kids do stupid things - that is Obama's point. He was young and made mistakes. Kids think that they are invincable at that age - its not UNTIL you've made a few mistakes (and learned from them) in your life that you can truly call yourself an adult.

I think a lot of you all are writing things just to see them posted! How much insight is needed to see that this whole thing about Obama admitting to inhaling marjauna is to show his honesty and upfront approach on things we view as a backyard problem; when in fact its something that we deal with on a NATIONAL level. How many of you are honest in your everyday lives? How many of you will admit in public your wrong doings and short comings? I know, not many. As the days go on and reports on candidates are steadily coming in I am gaining more and more respect for Obama. I see the subliminal messages throughout the media outlet that AMERICA is ready for a CHANGE and there is no better time than NOW and Barack Obama seems to be the way. I truly believe if we were more upfront and truthful about things we encounter in life then this WORLD would be a better place and an ideal atmosphere in which to live. PARENTS IF YOU LOVE YOUR CHILDREN RAISE THEM TO UNDERSTAND AND RESPECT RIGHT AND WRONG. AMERICA DON'T LET YOUR CHILDREN RAISE THEMSELVES… WE ARE LOSING FREEDOM BY THE SECONDS! LOVE AND TRUTH!

OBAMA/EDWARDS 2008

wow, 418 stattements about Obama inhaling dope. This shows that OBAMA IS POLARIZING. I see lots of hatred in the threads here.

Well…

At the end of the day it won't matter who the president is, the price of gas, heating oil, groceries, ect, ect, won't go down anyway. Your taxes will keep going up, recession and probably depression is on the way. Crime will sky rocket. That's when the 2nd Amendment will come in handy. If you're a criminal and would like to do a home-invasion here, help yourself, we have something for you…!!!!

As soon as we stop the Political Correctness, can we finally start calling the Democrats, Bureaucrats?

Throw away our culture and endanger the sovereignty of our nation why don't ya.

Don't feel bad tho Dems, all politicians are crooks in my eyes regardless.

Thank you Obama. Day after day I support you more and more. What a great guy. Honesty in politics!

It's going to be a hard choice between Ron Paul and Obama.

I think that him telling the truth about his marijuana use is appealing. As he said we all have indiscretions in our past, but we do not have to allow those to dictate who were are or what we can achieve.

I, for one, am curious about one thing. Why has Obama been the only one asked this question? I think it should be put to each and every one of them at the next debate, both Democrat and Republican.
I think the answers would be very interesting.

Oprah is making a mistake.

To me, it's a little more obvious that she's got more than just political motives for this guy. Just watch how they are around each other.

Oh no…not…INHALATION! Yeah, I'm sure all the other candidates are squeaky clean. Why is this even news?

are you kidding? it is obama who has been in attack mode since day one like a pitbull. It just tells you what types are supporting him. they don't even know what is going on?

______________________________________-
Honestly I think it is sort of crazy that all Hillary Clinton can do a bash him. She needs to get her act together. She needs to work on making her campain better and not trying to ruin his.

Posted By Jacob Houston Texas : November 26, 2007 9:20 am

Pete, Iowa,
If Obama were you son, and he came back from his college telling you that he had been drinking and taking

"honest" statement.

You must be a joke parent or simply ignorant. Common sense parents demand honesty from their kids even on bad

habits. Most parents here, if they were to be honest enough, will want to know if their sons and daughters are

getting into bad habits for one reason. They will have a chance of reaching out and helping their children.

The lesson from Obama's talk to these youth is more about honesty. Not what he did. "stupid".

"Bush admits he freebased cocaine and snorted it as powder all the way through college. THEN he says he quit. Hee haw. Obama would have to drink moonshine all day and eat psychedelic mushrooms for lunch to run the country worse than Bush, Rove, and Cheney."

Posted By Bubba, Swainsboro GA

Bubba, are you basing your comment on facts, or just making it up as you go along? I'm going to guess the latter.

In case you haven't figured this out, he is making the point that he is different from the Clintons who would smoke pot then come up with the absurd statement "but I didn't inhale"
Obama may be wrong for admitting he smoked pot, or having done it in the first place, but you have to give the guy credit that he isn't as big a fool as Clinton who said he didn't inhale.

But then again, look how many people believed Clinton only because they wanted to. Facts, lies, trust all used when it comes to politics.

At least this guy is being honest. It's refreshing.

The great thing about this is that it wiped away any doubt I had about Romney's suitability as President. He as much as admitted that he is more concerned with "appearances" than he is about honesty. I think we've had enough hypocrits in office. Don't you?

He comes out with this how many months into this? C'mon the guy isn't honest - he was scared. This man is way to green. After Bush we need a strong leader and it's not Obama. He should have thought twice about what he addressed to high school students. Bottom line we all have skeltons in the closet. Sometimes it better to leave them there. Next thing we will be hearing is what toliet paper he likes to use when he……….

I love it! The MSM is so retarded.

"Obama has discussed his past drug use on the campaign trail."

They make it sound like he was a junky.

Come on….honestly…who cares? Just about everyone in the universe has smoked pot at least once..

Honestly I think it is sort of crazy that all Hillary Clinton can do a bash him. She needs to get her act together. She needs to work on making her campain better and not trying to ruin his.

Bernie Moore-Knowles.
How does smoking pot produce breaths of fresh air?

Finally! A politician who admits their mistakes, good or bad! Perhaps the rest of Congress would like to admit some of their misdeeds as well? We could really use some honesty in Washington for a change!

C'mon people!!! Calling him a druggie over a bit of pot in high school or college? It's obvious that people posting here have done NOTHING wrong or illegal in their entire lives. Personally, I find it refreshing that a political figure is willing to be open about missteps before his political career. How many people tried pot at one point in their lives? I think WAY more people can identify with him now that he has opened up. This will only bring more people onto his side!

With your honesty, you just got my vote. And the fact that you care enough about the young and healthy to let them know - don't make the same mistakes we made as young people/ and to care enough about the old and/or sick to use what we have to make the pain go away. Thank you again for your honesty and caring.

The next time you're feeling "simply 'feeling really tense' and 'need[] a joint'" just go to the bar, buy a few shots of vodka, drink them, and drive home.

People that smoke marijuana are not criminals, they pose negligible risks themselves or anyone else when compared to drinkers, and the only thing that usually ends up getting hurt is the snack cabinet.

Ridiculous.

Bush admits he freebased cocaine and snorted it as powder all the way through college. THEN he says he quit. Hee haw. Obama would have to drink moonshine all day and eat psychedelic mushrooms for lunch to run the country worse than Bush, Rove, and Cheney.

Gotcha Obama, the point was that you inhaled (just as I suspected). So the point was never about trying to help children avoid the pitfalls of illicit drug use and addiction by highlighting your past problems with them. Glad at least you don't use drugs anymore.

Hey Romney — you're saying it's better that we have a President who used coke and lied about it rather than one who's honest about his past? So basically, for Republicans, lies and deceptions are better examples for children than an underage beer or a puff of marijuana. Wonderful.

As many others have said, lots of people have made this particular mistake in their youth. So since Obama has made the mistake already, is it better for him to be honest when he is asked about it, or to attempt a Clintonesque cover-up? You can admire Obama's honesty in confessing to this indiscretion, without admiring the indiscretion itself.

That said, if you want the kind of honesty you heard from Obama here, plus the experience to take the reins of the country in these troubled times, take a look at Senator Biden. He has been around the track a few times, he knows what he is talking about, and he is unafraid to speak truth to power.

This guy makes more sense as I read more about the candidates.
He is not phony and talks straight.

Of course someone from Tampa would say they think Hillary has more brains. The average IQ of an adult in Tampa is quite low. I hate living here. Anyway…I respect Obama for being honest.

obama did weed… so what? people experiment things during their stages in life. it is not a great atrocity that he has used cannabis. i find nothing worng. in fact he should legalize that stuff…. for good.

An honest politician. Amazing… Absolutely amazing.

What? An honest answer from a politician? HOW REFRESHING!

He is playing the Bill Clinton card, Im tired of hearing what people did in there private lives in the past. It sould not be our business.

To: Pete IOWA,

If your kid was doing drugs or drinking in college most realistic parent would want to know the TRUTH. DISALUTIONED parents would be satisfied to have their kids LIE to them about taking drugs and doing alcohol.
The real concern is did your kid come out of that experimental phase ok and with a good understanding that self medication /drugs is not the way to go.
Looks like Obama came out that phase with his life priorities straight. The Leave it to Beaver expectation is hypocritical. As we have seen with many religious and Hard Right leaders be Outed for some of the same things they rail against publicly.

Lets have some TRUTH for a while on personnel, National and International dealings.

OBAMA will NEVER get my vote

Good Gravy, folks! Get a grip! Some of you on this post act like you are going to vote for Obama because he admitted he smoked pot? So what? One way or the other. But what about his lack of experience, his weak debating power (which he will need when dealing with foreign leaders) his ideas about things. The fact he can't make a speech without sputtering uh, uh, uh. We now know (due to his wonderful honesty) that he smoked pot, and was a complete goof-off in school. Maybe in a few years his wonderful honesty will cause him to admit that in 2007 he knew he didn't have the qualifications to run for president, but did anyway, but NOW (about 2016) he thinks he is experienced enough, and ready. Can we believe him now? Or then? Nice he is honest about his weaknesses, but where is he on what he needs to run the nation?
Clinton '08 We need her strength and experience.

Alright! He's not lying to us from the get-go by telling us he didn't inhal;e like the Clintons'! I could get used to a politician that isn't 100% phoney.

You idiots, Obama will not have any impact on whether kids use drugs or not. It's TV, music videos, and movies that you allow your kids to watch that have the biggest influence. Don't blame Obama. Blame your own poor parenting skills.

Pete from Iowa,
If he were your son and just came home from college after graduating at the top of his class, I hope you'd be proud! Be intelligent.
Obama '08

So Mitt, it's okay to lie or pretend something didn't happen in your past because people ar too stupid to make their own moral choices? Another example of how you have no credibility.

Obama is inexperienced. He hit himself in the foot by unilaterally reacting to Novak's rumour, and unilaterally disclosing his past indiscretions. He is psychotic and talks to himself. He is a goof ball!

Being weak in personal character and in plitics, he will be easily beaten by the republican nominee if nominated.

Mark wilkes Barre PA-

Got the wrong guy, I was mocking AConcernedCitizen. His rants against you and others annoyed me, and he was wrong. I may have mispoke, I believe he called you an "uneducated fool".

I'm really starting to realize just how stupid this Romney character is! I thought he was smarter than that! Obama setting a bad example by being truthful? What The World? He sounds like Hillary with her "You can think big, but you shouldn't always say what you think." Thanks for the honesty Obama. The status quo fears you!

Obama, supporters:
If Obama were you son, and he came back from his college telling you that he had been drinking and taking drugs, I bet that you would be disappointed or sad or enraged. Few of you, as a parent, would be happy to hear his "honest" statement.

Wake up. Obama is a loser. He is a joke as a politician.

Anyone who has a problem with the fact that Mr. Obama smoked marijuana has issues. Who is perfect? It's amazing how people can make issues out of non-issues! A part of being a great leader is being open, for it's only when people see where you've come from that they truly can see where you're going. I love Mr. Obama's judgement and character. He stands well above the rest. I can not vote for one whom I can not trust!
Obama '08!

This guy is a buffoon…

Posted By Jeremy : November 25, 2007 6:27 am

Nope. All the buffoons in this race have an "R" after their names.

I appreciate a candidate that is honest. Does it matter now? No it does not. Everybody "experiments" at some point in their lives. I am my own moral compass and make my own decisions and face the consequences of the bad ones. Because Obama smoked pot, that means the youth of today will think it's OK? Give me a break!

Ron Paul!

Way to go Obama…no reason to lie..there are few and far between that never smoked weed..

At least this guy is trying to be honest unlike the Mrs. Bill Clinton who can't answer a yes or no question with out blaming President Bush and the republicans for that; "Vast Right Wing" question. But my vote is for Huckabee.

Legalize, regulate, tax, just like alcohol and tobacco, which are far more dangerous LEGAL drugs. And Mitt Romney is an idiot if he thinks Obama's admission is going to make kids try drugs. Just another weak argument that the knee-jerkers will glom onto.

I am a republican. I fear universal health care, raising taxes with the falling dollar, and permitting citizens to abuse the system to obtain handouts.

However, I will be supporting Obama. Not because I share his political views or care for his experience(or lack there of). I will be voting for him because a harsh change in political leadership is needed to be respected on the world front.
Obama is a former muslim and an African American.(I hate that term… and I think hes half native Hawaiin right?)

Right now the world view is that the government is controlled by hardlined white Christians that are knee deep in kickbacks from big Oil. True or not, it doesnt matter.

Support Obama. Image isnt everything, but right now thats what we need.

Sorry; I meant democrats and election.
The excitement got to me.

SIMPLY: A man who thinks that MARIJUANA isnt grown from neighborhood to neighborhood is simply as blind as Bill Clinton on a Tour of Monica's home town~
ITS THERE, ya just have to open ya eyes!
MOVE ON CANDIDATES, the war on DRUGS is WORTHLESS and COSTLY!
LEGALIZE MARIJUANA!~
NOW!
Grampa is ready to smoke a fatty, his BACK IS OUT and ya know how it goes~ SIFT, SPARK and INHALE!

free the weed plant the seed OVERGROW AMERICA…..

to all those calling it an illegal drug, do you know why it was made illegal in 1937 ? lies based on racism and greed.

Obama is gwanna kick bootey and I am gonna feel so good when all you nay sayers (who if you ARE good democrates) will be casting your votes for him in the general electio…… so NYA!!!

JB Boston Ma,, Thank you for your comment, but my response to Alan was not based on my lack of intelligence. It was simply a compliment on his honest opinion and acessment no matter if his facts were not exactl. y on the mark. He was right about dems voting to ratify the articles set forth, But that is not what I was complimenting him on It was his honest opinion on the rest of his comment that I found refreshing. heres a guy who has the ability to not just bash and run but is willing to look inward at his own party like I do to see whats wrong and try to better it.

I should remind everyone that the criticism here is coming from Romney, who due to his religion, believes that the caffeine in soda, coffee, or tea is a drug and that it is against the will of God for him to drink it. (I'm not kidding.)

It is well known that other politicians, including Clinton, Edwards, Bush, Dean, Gore, and Kerry did drugs, but respond by mostly denying it, while leaving room open for them to say they were telling the truth. Is that what you want - to hear your elected officials proudly lie to you? Oh, silly me, I forgot that it all depends on what the meaning of the word is, is.

Kenster in San Diego?

Aloha and thank you for your reponse to my post. Unfortunately, I beg to differ. I fail to see what the man's color has to do with anything that I have commented on. Maybe the color of his skin bothers you? I am color blind? You couldn't possibly have met to say that? I am assuming that you were refering to my post where I stated that I find Obama a breath of fresh air with his honest answer to the question that we are all discussing? And you feel because he chooses to not wear a flag pin on his lapel that Obama has no character? It also appears that you have bought into the media blitz about his not having his hand over his heart during a ceremony that included the American flag - that he has no character? Kenster in San Diego? Are you really that simple minded?

Romney is such a tool, ragging on a politician for actually being honest for once in their carreer. Tim Leary forbid. Maybe if more polititians were open about their disgressions we wouldn't freak out every time one plays hide the cigar. Cause you know that's not really any of our buisness, or a matter of national security. Neither is what psychotropic substances a candidate may or may not do/did. Freedom of choice people get used to it! Let people figure out where north is on their own moral compasses. Yours may not help someone find their way when they get lost in the woods.

!!!!!!!!RON PAUL 2008!!!!!!

It's just pot, get a grip people. . .

I think it's a good thing. Not only do we need a real person to run for office but the people need to understand that they are only human. Everybody has a past, who cares what he did as a teenager. Its all part of growing up and learning about life!!!

The point of being young is to be young and stupid. And most presidential candidates dont have the honesty to tell people that they did smoke pot and they did enjoy it because they have a right to be young and stupid like everybody is when they are young.

Most of you on this blog really should pay attention to what's going on around you. Barack Obama WILL do great things if given the oppertunity. IF he only gets done half of what he wants to accomplish this will become a country that we can all be proud to live in once again. And Mr. Obama, if you're reading this, I will caucase for you in Iowa. The only regret I have is I Only get one vote. But I've also convinced my entire extended family that you're the right man for the job. And it wasn't hard to do.

Ross Lippincott in Davenport.

I'm betting all the idiots bashing Obama about being honest about smoking pot were the same people that voted for Bush when he was less than honest about using cocaine.

And someone needs to ask Romney exactly how Obama should have responded to this question.

He's got me. No other politician would ever have the nerve to admit to their mistakes in the past.

If people are just voting for Hillary because she is a woman then you have it all twisted. It's not about proving that a woman can be the next president. It's not proving anything at all, it's voting for the next best addition to bandage the wounds. There are a lot of other problems to worry about rather than the next "gender-specific" approach.

I can't believe so much ignorance still exists about Marijuana.

Marijuana is a safer substance to use than alcohol in nearly every way, the possible exception is that smoking anything damges lungs.

Yet, alcohol is a legal recreational drug and pot remains illegal.

All you right-wingers need to move to China or Saudi Arabia where the goverment restricts all aspects of peoples lives, since that is what you are clearly in favor of.

I think everybody should think the pain this country went through the last seven years. We need someone to show us the way. I want Barack Obama. Join us and let us make America great again,
Obama 08!

Only in u.s.a . Praying for you. Obama all the way. A fresh breath in the white house. Can not wait to see him in the white house. Barack 08!

Never stop to get amazed by this guy. I love him and would not wait to see him as my president!

Barack Obama 08!

the question was did you and the answer was yes. so it wasn't a matter of dem.vs rep. or black vs. female, it was a matter of a politicion anwsering a question with honesty.
the problem is that only the alcoholics who drink like fish, publicly or privately, are just a bunch of hyphocrits. does anyone asks the politicions about their experimenting in beer bongs or how many drinks they have during luncheons or dinner partys. how many drinks they have every night. the media distorts everything or blows thing out of context when it comes to marijuanna. why? because it's some alkeys moral issue. o please.
they won't legalize it because they believe that confiscating personal and private property is a far greater monetary gain. it doesn't matter what party is in office. the drinkers will always make sure of it.
now the other problem i see about whether a black or a woman will become president. the answer is neither. this country is not united enough within itself to handle it. it will pitch blacks against white and men against woman. why? because there are too many haters in all categories that will exploit the power that their party now has control of. i firmly believe that a man is a man and a woman is a woman, no color bounders and equality in the sexs. i'm one white male that only fears that whomever is elected that it's only going to be matter of time before they start turning on my race and sex for everything they've had to suffer decades prior.
it's when an elected candidate can stand before this country as the most qualifiy human being for the job then i can stop inhaling to relieve my stress and tension.

You can thank Bush for lowering the nation's standards. If you voted for Bush, you voted for a former cocaine user. If you voted for Clinton, you voted for a marijuana user. Nobody is clean.

The drug use issue is a non-starter.

Hillary has experience???

She has 6 years worth of coddled and unproductive senate experience in which she has exhibited no more than a "phone in" attitude to her constituents.

To keep up the tax and spend policies that the current administration endorse and every contender for the democratic nomination propose to accelerate is murder to our economy.

No one on the democratic stage is offering anything other than politics as usual in washington.

It is time for a change …

visit house.gov/paul and read a real and refreshing view on the issues of the day.

Bernie,

How can you call a guy who won't wear a US Flag lapel, or place his hand over his heart while the flag passes by a GREAT candidate?????

He lacks respect for our nation, it's heritage, it's veterans and the true sacrifices of those who have gone before.

ANYONE whom has served will understand the simple but pure ignificance that those two things represent. As an elected official, Mr Obama clearly is comming at all of us from WAY in left field.

It's not about how much he smoked or didn't smoke in HS. Who really cares that he made mistakes - we all did. Romnet did too, just doesn't feel the need to elaborate upon each to our kids who are so impressionable. What's wrong with that?

It's about the man's character. A man's character is represented by what he DOES - not what he says. Look to what Obama DOES - every day. Obama is a chameleon and you are simply color-blind.

yeah thats wonderful that Mr. Obama has the cajones to take on marijuana. What's he gonna do about Bin Ladin?

Anyone that is accusing Senator Obama of only bringing out this story now as a campaign strategy should read Dreams of my Father, his first bestseller published in 2004, in which he openly discusses this. I would suggest that critics of Senator Obama inform themselves before they post illiterate dribble on cnn.

People, get over it, it's an herb!!! How many people do you know that got stoned and went out and killed someone? Or went home and beat their spouse because they were too stoned?

It's 2007!! INHALE!!!

Seriously, if people keep claiming that it is sending a wrong message to the youth of America that our president used drugs. Our last two presidents have knowlingly used drugs and admitted it. And if your kid cant decifer what is right and wrong you must be a bad parent and you are to blame for ruining the "poor children".

"I knwo we make mistakes, it is human nature, but as a man in his 40's with little politicla experience, a weak platform, and his race and controversial parentage, this comment only furthers the concern I have for his lack of presidential potential."

Mary, you're kidding me, right? His race and "controversial parentage" is a concern for Obama's presidential potential? I suggest that you graduate from high school (should help to improve your apparent lack of reading comprehension) and go to college OUTSIDE the Bible Belt first before saying anything else blatently racist.

It's sad that this, not his stance on any particular issue, is making some of you say that you either will or will not vote for Obama. What does he think about the e