Mitt Romney calls Obama irresponsible for admitting the truth…I respect Obama all the more for it, in fact if it weren't for some issues I have with his GLBT stance, I'd support him more than I do Edwards and Clinton at this point. But I more than support him for VP.

Obama is a breath of fresh air with his honesty. I respect that immensely about him.

Obama in 2008

You're a tweeker! THAT's the point.

Hillary has so much more experience and brains over this guy it's sick.

Yea, you wouldn't want all the bars
and stores and gas stations to not be able to sell all their beer and booze if, heaven forbid, "if people were allowed to grow their own to use whenever they were simply "feeling really tense" and "needed a joint."

HE ADMITS===HE know what responsibility and truth is This is the fresh air Washington DC needs not more lies and Spin from the Clinton.

Get Clinton admit to her faults or miss deed during her life time

She have you believe she as holy as the POPE and live sin free.
The sad truth the HARD LEFT LIBRAL NUT CASES EAT IT UP LIKE CANDY

Was it the CLINTON who destroyed the Democrat party during the 1990s
Was it the CLINTON who was impeached by the house of congress with over half of the Democrat defecting and voted yes to impeachment.
Was it the CLINTON who dived the Democrats party against it self. And to this date is still trying to recover from the damage.

AND the CLINTON suppose to bring UNITY to the people?? They cant keep their own party united LOL.

JOE BIDDEN AND OBAMA 2009

Sorry Ginger. Obama is not running for VP. A Vice President Obama is not something you're going to see in your life time.

If Democrats trust his leadership, they will vote him to lead the ticket. If they want to nominate another candidate who VOTED FOR THE WAR BEFORE HE/SHE WAS AGAINST IT, then good luck to the Party. The Republicans already have experience running against and beating such a candidate.

I always appreciate that Obama, unlike most other politicians, is willing to admit to his mistakes openly. (It is well known that other politicians, including Clinton, Edwards, Bush, Dean, Gore, Kerry, and others did drugs, but they typically respond with a 3/4 denial when asked.)

This guy is a buffoon. So what's the moral of the story? Instead of giving his plans for America, he is fixated on whether he inhaled or not. We have heard it before, please move on, address the issue that you couldn't articulate time and time again, in the debates.

Alan St Louis MO,,,,, Got to say I have not heard a democrat as honest as you in some time,, I wasn't aware that half the dems in congress voted yes to impeach clinton. All I ever hear as a republican is how my party is to blame for eveything that happens in the world or the inafectiveness of the dem party to get there points across and sell them to america. Its good to hear from honest americans like yourself even if my politicl views are different then yours. thanks

Obama's an idiot. What kind of a guy admits he smoked pot..and then runs for president? All I can say is, I can't believe I wasted some $200 in donations a former druggie!

Cannabis. To legalize or not, that is the question. If those who do not imbibe aren't affected, then it can be safe to assume that the continual illegalization of marijuana profits only engrained corruption. Those advocates for the status quo must admit no first-hand knowledge of the substance; therefore, also admit to the ignorance and corruption which keeps our free nation woefully unenlightened.
Know cannabis, know peace. And so on.

I'm curious to know WHEN he smoked pot…if it wasn't perhaps when he was between the ages of 6 and 10 giving him his profound insight into foreign policy…or when he was in high school and college where he admits to being a screw-off.

… Why does the press care write about candidate trivia? How about health care? Economy? Why not about more on Huckabee's radical ideas?

I can't even believe this is an issue anymore. It's a sign of the times. Everyone has made mistakes, and some still ARE "experimenting" with drugs - legal and otherwise.

What the point IS here is that he was open and honest. You won't see that in many candidates from either party. You have to respect him for that.

I doubt I would vote for him anyway, but his past experiments with drugs and alcohol are not what's affecting my decision. It's his platform.

The problem with Obama here is that he thinks he was wrong to use marijuana, and that he would only support medical marijuana if it was the "best" choice. I wonder what he would say that if marijuana had been legal at the time when he used it? He is allowing others to be his arbiter of morality, he is basing morality on legality, and he is pandering to the status quo here. Using marijuana is not any more morally "wrong" than drinking alcohol, and he should call out the people who are questioning him with their apparent moral superiority.

Bill didn't inhale and Barack calls it a mistake of a young man - well, you're both lying. Bill inhaled and you enjoyed all those joints and truth be known, probably still do.
I'm with Willie Nelson on this one, legalize it and tax it.

TO ALAN/St. Louis….

First off, i feel out of the candidates available, Hillary is our best choice for DEM.
Yes, I agree that Bill had some issues, and did some things that he should not have. However, look at the big picture. He nearly eliminated the national debt to it's lowest point in decades, unemployment was at a 20 year low, and he WASNT looking for a war somewhere.
Bush eliminated everything that was accomplished, in less then a year, and turned them around the wrong way by over 300%. We are paying huge amounts for fuels now, and they arent going to change that since they are all making millions from their shares of oil.
I'm tired of our troops dying for him, and tired of our leaders supporting other countries when we have millions here that need help….
Do they make the other countries fill out forms to see if they Qualify for aid???? I Highly doubt it… Lets elect someone who CARES about the citizens of THIS country!!!!!

Obama has given an excuse, and yet to apologise. Romney is right that Obama has set a poor example for our young kids, and should not deserve the highest office of the land.

What enrages us is that typically a celebrity involved first takes the stance: “It’s none of your business.” When that line doesn’t work, he or she tries to make excuses, “I was drunk/stoned/conned/didn’t know that blah, blah, blah . . .”—fill in the blanks. When those excuses don’t calm the waters, the person finally comes out with a belated apology. Life goes back to normal. We once again buy the person's music, or see his movies, or go to his ball games, or elect him or her to office.

Meanwhile, Obama polls very poorly in a new general election poll of Kentucky, while Clinton defeats ALL Republicans! link.

I respect Barak's honesty,and I don't feel that it shows weakness. Nor do I believe that he is condoning marijuana use to our children. He admits that it was a mistake.And I believe he even gives hope to our young that a mistake does not ruin your life or your future.

Jeremy :

He was asked a question. A politically tough question. The same question that Clinton gave the now infamous "I didn't inhale" line to, and which was a precursor to the lying days ahead.

Obama was open and candid, while also statting his regret, as he has already done before.

That's the kind of leader this country needs. One who is unafraid to confront tough issues and can give a straight answer to the people.

Now that is the one true quality of leadership that the MRS. clinton severely lacks. Oh, and pray tell what experience exactly is she yapping on about?

I can give him credit on actually answering the question in a straight forward and HONEST manner. How many of us can say we did not make the same mistake as a teenager? At least he didnt try to pass it off with an obvious spin like Clinton or just a bold faced lie like Bush.

So he admits that he inhaled. Big deal… Who cares?

Obama is as clear as mud. He started the controversy and achnowledged the controversay and end the controversy. SO in the entire thing HE IS THE ONLY PLAYER. I don't see clinton pointing finger at him on this. Over he is just attention seeker pretending to be honest. Poor amerians are so gullible.

Jeremy, please read the first few sentences instead of skimming. Pay attention to the fact he was asked about drug use.

Also remember, questions are fed, reported or demanded based on many variables. This includes media sensationalism from the parties or reporting media themselves.

In my call, this is a deliberate approach to differing from the Clinton campaign as someone earlier compared Obama's response to Bill's. It proves nothing because it's an easy call given Clinton's evasive answer.

Medical marijuana is an easier issue to play with politically rather than, I don't know - jail terms given to people charged with posession (641,108 people, far outweighing the arrests for murder, robbery, etc).

Although I'm a Republican, I respect Obama for his honesty on this isuue. No Clintonesque double-talk here. I smoked marijuana as a college kid and, yes, the point is to inhale!

What an honest guy.
Barack 08!

Considering GW Bush did cocaine as a youth, I hope not to see any republicans calling Obama on this. Like it or not, a large percent of people at least try pot, and many professionals would argue its not even as bad as cigarettes. It would be foolish for him to lie about it or even try to brush it off, so I'm happy he didn't.

Who cares if he inhaled or not. Most Americans have done something in their past that was illegal. It shows that he is human. I wished that the media would stop asking this question as it is irrelevant to seeking political officee. Obama for President.

OK, that is the honesty and openness that I have been looking for in my choice for President. I am a user for pain, although not legal in most states. If our government would do the distribution and sales of the evil weed, we could eliminate many dealers and fill our financial coffers to fix many tax problems facing our country. Also I AM for change, our government has become a corporate entity through its close relationship to the many lobby finances which it so heartily embraces. I am finishing my post and going to the closest Obama for President site I can get to, He is now my guy. Thanks for the honesty Barak!

This guy is a buffoon. So what's the moral of the story? Instead of giving his plans for America, he is fixated on whether he inhaled or not. We have heard it before, please move on, address the issue that you couldn't articulate time and time again, in the debates.
Posted By Jeremy : November 25, 2007 6:27 am
you act as if these were the only things said at all during this q&a. its just the only thing CNN will report on. who's the buffoon now?

Being honest,telling the truth about weaknesses.What I hear is a rolemodle telling people that an admitted mistake in youth, is not the life sentence many would have you believe. He and countless more have proven that.

These posts just demonstrate the serious lack of dialogue in our culture.

Several people take the same event and twist it to support their pre-determined stance.

alan St Louis MO

said this:

The sad truth the HARD LEFT LIBRAL NUT CASES EAT IT UP LIKE CANDY

you do realize that Hillary Clinton is the most conservative of the Democrats running, right? I'll vote for her if she's on the ticket in Nov 08, but I'll be voting against her in the primaries. If you knew my views, you'd think that I'm one of those hard left liberal nutcases.

I have a brother who heard Obama say he did use drugs. My brother has been struggling with drug in high school and in college in and out of rehabs. When he heard this he has been following sen. Obama with all his speaches and encouragement since he really wanna be a good person. This weekend he told my mom he will try his best to put this behind him and make a better person out of himself. I think we have been so much used to be distant apart from our presidents and our politicians. I want to volunteer for Obama if he can make my brother feel better about himself and change his life.

It's not that he is fixated on the subject he was asked a question and answerd it. It's CNN that is making it an issue. I personaly respecttghe man for being honest unlike ou current administration. Obama 08

This is what is known as honesty to the core. I have never heard such a guy turn the lies dominated politics with the truth. Each time I hear Hillary talk all what I think are lies and I am so turned off to listen to her.
I am voting for Obama.

So who cares? He still is poorly equipped for President. We just finished trying to train one—who was resistant to what the majority of Americans desire. Do we really want to experiment another 4 years?

Some of this stuff are more than therapy. I think Obama is bringing mental cure too . I just want someone I can believe and it has to start with self.

New person, new hope new life in America.
Obama 08!

So we have a president(?) who took drugs incessantly. Who went AWOL because he couldn't pass a pee test to determine if he used drugs, and the press is stalking a man who said he inhaled several times when smoking a joint.

Two sides of the same coin over and over. The republican owned and controlled press stalk this man because he is a democrat and let the president off the hook because he was a republican..Hot darn it figures.

You go Barack!
We certainly have reasons to be opmistic……….

I am voting for Sen. Obama because of a number of reasons. This being one. Honesty is all what I am looking for this time around.

Should there be so much emphasis on drug use in the past, especially as far back as high school, for these candidates considering the country already elected someone for President who has a sketchy substance abuse past, and for things much worse than marijuana?

It still amazes me, are men really that dump?
How many years does it take for some one to see the truth?

I feel like a third person looking at a 40 year old telling a 5 year old what is right and wrong. US Government is the 40 year old by the way. What's that called again … psychology of the masses I think. pffff little fish… you deserve what you get. Good luck with your "future".

How many people at the age at which he did this were thinking "hey you know what I'm going to run for president some day so maybe I shouldn't do this."

I don't condone drug use in anyway, but to hold stuff like this against a candidate when they were in high school/college and had no idea what their career path would be is crazy.

What if all the stupid stuff we did as kids came out during an interview wouldn't we be criticized as well? We are far from perfect but politicians have it worse and I WILL never go into politics because everything they do gets attacked by the media

This guy is a loser, HILLARY is the ONLY Choice for 2008 president! she has the experience…

Obama inhaled. Clinton didn't. Who's lying?

My daughter just emailed me this link, and she said that "if presidential candidates can smoke cigarettes and pot, why is it such a bad thing?" Shame on Obama for making it look ok to smoke. It's so horrible for your health (pot has more tar then cigarettes!)

For crying out loud! What is you peoples' deal? If anyone thinks the "left winged nutcases" are eating this up. Look at Romney! He bashes Obama for TELLING THE TRUTH????? And yet there are people here doing the same?????

Either I cant read straight, or my brain just had a serious cramp, or people really need to slap themselves. Let me explain this for those who are uneducated about how this system is SUPPOSED to work…..

When you go to vote and your deciding a candidate you want someone who is of character.

A person of character is one who holds true values like honor and integrity among others.

HONOR AND INTEGRITY MEAN TELLING THE TRUTH!!!! HELLO!!!!!

This man just got two more respect points in my book.

Now if someone will find me ONE republican who will confess his mistakes THEN i might question my sanity…..

Its funny - some people say they like Obama's "honesty" (me too) - then they say they might support a Clinton run too? How important is honesty to you anyway?? I'm a Republican - and if Giuliani doesn't get the nomination and Obama does…he will have my vote (and other Republicans I have spoken with) - Hillary won't have the support of her own party…Obama is refreshing honesty in a sea of Clinton(lies)

If that didn't hurt him how about the fact that he has had and still has real estate holdings with a local chicago orginized crime suspect. Look it up, they own property beside one another.

Alan from St Louis MO says: HARD LEFT LIBRAL NUT CASES EAT IT UP LIKE CANDY.

The above comment shows your true colors: You are a right wing KKK white supremist religious fanatic who's masquerading as a Democrat.

Sometimes I like to read other's opinions before I send in mine- this time however I'm just going to say it off the top- I truly respect a man that can tell the truth WITHOUT hedging, without sugar-coating it. MANY of us have tried things in our youth that we regret now. That's life-live, and hopefully, learn. What this shows me, however, is that Sen. Obama is not trying to lie himself out of a potentially harmful revelation. I for one, have been looking for honesty in politics for a very long time. Thank you, Sen. Obama, for holding yourself up to a higher standard by admitting your mistake.

In this era anyone who does not have "skeletons" in their closet must be a bit strange. They did nothing wrong in their past? We are human! So Barack smoked some weed. What are they about now? Who cares if he smoked some weed years ago. Not me but then I am not voting for him. T
What is amazing about politics right now sad is that the Dems so hate Bush and these are the best they can throw against him? Sad!

Mohammad,LA. The kind of guy that says that and runs for president is called honest. The last time a president admitted that he screwed up was JFK. What a breath of fresh air, so to speak!

To state that he is ashamed of it is no less vote pandering than Clinton's idiotic remark.

I guess we should all be ashamed if we smoked pot or drank in high school and college, had sex in the back seat of our cars or diddled our girlfriends under the bleachers during the football game. Oh the SHAME…

Refreshing would be if a candidate told someone who asked to mind their own business and stop asking irrelevant questions.

Obama is a for real, for real candidate. We are all aware of the many inconsistencies in the lives of our public heroes and heroines. We still lie to our children, and forget that these very lies, caused us, to experiment with these very substances. Isn't it time for truth in the majority of Americans? Are we yet able to handle the truth, or do we still need the directors of the fbi and the military to lie to us, so that we can not tell the truth to the public. Obama did!!! Both Clinton did??? George Bush did!!!! and I did!!!! and you????– who can you really be honest with? Who can America really be honest with? I salute Obama, he is the best of what America is. He is the promise of America fulfilled. Let us elect a true American — who embodies in himself what this country was intended to be when the leaders signed the many documents, that stated their beliefs that one day we would rise up and live out the true meaning of the words, "…we hold these truths …that all men (women) are (were) created equal and they are endowed by their Creator, with certain, inalienable rights…"

For those of you who called Obama a "buffoon" for admitting this..what would you rather him do? Lie, dodge the question? You all would have tore him to sheds had he done that. This is forward thinking..It denies the Rebublicans an angle in the general election..Giuliani realized that and capitalized by applauding Obama, gaining political cover for his own history.

Gosh folks…most are either bashing Obama for smoking, or bashing him for admitting it… grow up already. And just cause he tried pot when he was younger, doesn't make him a "drug addict"…get real. I may not be a big fan of his, but give the man a break!

"The high-minded man" (no pun intended) "must care more for the truth, than for what people think." Aristotle

Kudos to Obama for displaying integrity, when he responded to the inquiry regarding medicinal marijuana…..and that integrity is more important than the "rightness" or "wrongness" of those mistakes that he might have made as a young man-didn't we all make mistakes as young impressionable people….

I am an old "hippie" who smoked amd made my share of mistakes that I tell my grandchildren not to make. I have a relative who smokes for pain and he is dying. If only it had been legal when I was younger maybe my mother would not have suffered so badly before she died…I mean to use medicinally. The media has always looked for DIRT on someone and that is what is happening to Obama for being truthful and honest. Now, leave it alone…let it die… and go on with the campaign. Thanks Obama for not lying and I see no where you have condoned drug use behavior for our children today!

Good on Obama! Finally a politician that isnt hiding flaws. Everyone has something we arent proud of from our past. We know we'll get a straight answer from Obama. Unfortunately we also know (but somehow accept) less than the truth from the Clintons (both Hilary and Bill). What gives? We know we are/have been lied to and still allow the Clintons to do so. You can almost see Hilary looking for acceptance as she speaks. Time for a change in the Whitehouse!

It's amazing how many holier-than-thou "never did marijuana" ranters don't mind taking a sip or thirty of scotch or popping a few pills because they're "really tense" and "need a drink."

What hypocrisy.

Come on CNN, this is old news. He wrote about this years ago in a best seller. Someone, in a post earlier, said that he seems fixated on it. No, but CNN sure is. And what's with that headline? Why not revamp the article to include something more substantive about the event and have the title be something like Obama answers questions about medicinal marijuana. Is a little evenhandedness too much to ask? We get it, you guys are going to be nicer to Clinton, but stop making me want to change the channel.

Don't Smoke pot. Don't want my kids to smoke pot. Don't think pot is a threat to our way of life, and should not use up so much of out social, legal, and financial resources. Legalize it, empty the jails of the stoners, and do some real police work, please.

Dennis from AK-

Like it or not, this is an issue that you are going to have to deal with. To think your daughter is unaware or isn't questioning drug use is naive. 85% of people in the US have tried pot. Some of those 85% are very successful people, some of which will eventually meet your daugher. So, the fact is, not all past or present drug users are in the gutter. Your job as a parent(like it or not) is to explain the pros and cons and hopefully she will be smart and safe in her decisions. But to blame Obama for addressing these issues is similiar to being mad at the sun for rising in the morning. Ignoring the truth doesn't make it any less true!

He just got my vote

Yes Obama smoked pot and did inhale and then went on to be editor of the law review at Harvard no less, a United States Senator, an author of two best selling books and now a Presidential candidate. He is the epitome of the American dream and honest to boot - what's not to like??

P.S. Also, he got into Harvard on his own merit not riding on anyone's coat-tails.

Now the differences between Mr. Obama and all of the rest of the sad, sorry candidates running for President will start to be evident. There's no "politi-speak" when Obama talks.

It's so refreshing to have an honest man run for office.

Obama '08!

Some people actually applaud his druguse. seems like his supporters are pot-head as well.

____________________________________
"I did," the senator from Illinois said to light applause. "It's not something I'm proud of. It was a mistake as a young man."

YOU ROCK OBAMA!!!! i appreciate his HONESTY, something new and refreshing! i think Barack is a very MORAl and decent family man that really wants to make a difference for his country… Kathy Harper, hgtn. Ind.

I agree that most of us committed indiscretions when young and these should not be held against us if we grow wiser with age. But Obama has a problem. Whether it's cocaine, marijuana, alcohol, or tobacco - this guy has always needed chemical assistance to face the day. He's a smart man with a weak psyche.

So according to Mitt, we're supposed to hide things instead of maybe trying to tell the younger generation - it may not be the best and smartest thing to do. That's those good ol hate filled conservative values for you that enjoy murdering people but don't like the truth!

I'm confused by the posters here who are claiming that Obama is the one bringing up this issue when it was clearly brought up in questioning. True, the other candidates aren't bugging Obama on this fact, but the media is.

As for his "that was the point" response, well that just made me laugh out loud. He's still my favorite candidate.

By the drug use criteria, at least 50% of the population of the U.S. is probably disqualified to run for president (which may not be a bad thing…). I think what Obama is saying is that in this day and age, the drug use criteria is no longer hugely relevant. I suppose the voters will decide on that. Obama is certainly more honest than Bill Clinton and that is too his credit. In the end, however, he is just not the most qualified candidate.

Clintons always want to have it both ways. I tried marijuana(nod to liberals) + didn't inhale(nod to conservatives) = win the presidency. Hillary applies the same formula, but some people are getting wise.

Clintons always want to have it both ways. I tried marijuana(nod to liberals) + didn't inhale(nod to conservatives) = win the presidency. Hillary applies the same formula, but some people are getting wise.

Pot is far less harmful than cigarettes and is as American as…MR AMERICA. To the "medical experts" on here that say "oh it's so bad for you, more tar than cigarettes…" Get your facts straight. It's not true. That's Phillip Morris talking, the same people that said milk was worse than smoking, Ad Nauseum.
Pot really is a mild drug and if booze is legal and controlled and taxed, so should marijuana. As far as Obama, he was honest that he smoked it, big deal, move on. The negative nellies on here weren't going to vote for him anyway, so of course they jump at a chance to rib him on this issue. At least Obama didn't plant that question!

come on Obama…you keep saying that you're ready to be LEADER of the country…TAKE A DEFINATIVE STAND and come out in full support of LEGALIZATION…or are you just a politician like the rest?

If anything, that makes me want to vote for Obama even more. It shows he admits his past mistakes and is not afraid to confront them again when asked. That shows courage and leadership.

What have we seen with CNN's beloved Hillary? Dodging questions and flipflopping.

Obama 2008.

I have never done drugs and I wish to see them eliminated from the experience of America's youth. If there is one candidate able to further that goal, its Senator Barack Obama. Obama's honesty is a welcome change to the political scene. Politicians that parse words and speak out of the both sides of their mouth have done more damage to our social fabric than those that admit their mistakes and stand as examples of honestly and good judgment.

yeah thats what we need a one time muslim turned christian. a one time drug user now doesn't use it anymore. he cant make up his mind what he is or who he wants to be. is he white or is he black? America can not afford this type of misleadership. flip flops belong in the sand whith the other alqueda operatives. send mr.Barack Osama packing.

I don't even think it should be an issue. Like others have said, who cares what a grown man or woman did in high school or college? I'm a different person than the person I was then; I hope he is.
But obviously some people must think it is important b/c this question is always asked. He spoke the truth - the whole point of smoking weed is to inhale.
He spoke the truth and isn't that REFRESHING!!! He did not condone it which is what that parent should tell his daughter. He did it, it's not something he is proud of, he admitted it.
Let's move on to important issues.

Has Hillary ever inhaled?

Or does she get credit for Bill's experience in not inhaling?

When is someone going to ask Hillary these same questions?

Its only fair that ALL candidates face the same questions

Good for you- Honesty is the best policy. You are showing young people that just because you are HUMAN - your life and career is not over- and you can still ACHIEVE great things.

Conservatives have only driven us to war, inflation and division over the past decade. Obama is honest and it's invigorating.

I'm from Florida. I'll vote for him and my dead grandfather will vote for him and no one will find the chad.

Evrybody brings up pot but he admits he used cocaine when he could afford it.This guy sounds like a phony, growing up in those TOUGH SLUMS OF HAWAII!

You gotta admit, this man is HONEST.

Hmmmmmm-honesty, that's a "new one". This just strengthed my vote for him. Unless he was a junkie, this piece of news was really a waste of time.

I have nothing but respect for Mr. Obama, at least he has the integrity enough to speak out about what he has done in his past. I think he should be applauded because now it won't come out if he is in fact elected and create a shadow over him. The public could not be mad about it because he didn't lie or skate around the truth he came out and said yes I did it, and yes it was a mistake.

Finally some honesty. Romney on the otherhand thinks you should lie about your life for the public good.

Glad he's at least honest about it. And he may really think that it was a mistake, but I think he's just pandering to both sides. Marijuana should be legalized and taxed for the following reasons, in no particular order:
1. It will create revenue. And to all those who claim it is a gateway drug, alcohol takes that spot. So shut it, right?
2. It will allow it's genetic brother Hemp back on the market and create a bumper cash crop for the US.
3. It will cut down on the amount of weekend and domestic violence in this country. Nobody gets stoned and then gets into a fight.

I say we should limit alcohol consumption. Any road fatalities cause be marijuana will be lower than those caused by alcohol. Worst case, same numbers.

"HILLARY is the ONLY Choice for 2008 president! she has the experience…"
Experience at what? Sleeping with a cheating husband? That experience is not unique.

Dennis from AK: Tell your daughter to put down the pot and learn to read with comprehension. He said it was a MISTAKE. MISTAKES are usually BAD THINGS that people REGRET DOING and WOULD NOT DO AGAIN if they could go back and fix it. If everyone in this country would teach their children the importance of education and how to think for themselves, we wouldn't have to worry about stupid crap like this.

My parents both tried pot as teenagers and both gave it up and went back to regular cigarettes - yep, those lovely rolled tobacco-based items produced by the tobacco industry - because the CIGARETTES did more for them than pot did. I CAN'T smoke ANYTHING even if I wanted to - I was born with lung problems because my mom smoked CIGARETTES while pregnant with me.

Instead of badgering candidates about what they tried based on whether it was illegal or not, why not badger candidates on habits they have/had that are harmful to themselves and others around them? Not only smoking cigarettes, but speeding, driving without a seat belt, driving after only one or two drinks or producing an excess of non-recyclable garbage per person in their households?

STOP REPORTING THIS. STOP REPORTING THIS. STOP REPORTING THIS. FIND NEWS. THIS ISN'T NEWS. CNN, QUIT BEING A BUNCH OF TOOLS.

I think what the whole of society fails
to realize about this man is that he admits to not being the perfect person let alone the Saviour of our society as some previous presidential candidates
have tried to portray. Obama is a man
nothing more nothing less so I accept his short comings along with his recent commitment to honesty above everything else which is hard to find in present day society. If there is a perfect politician who has not made
any bad decisions in their youth, let him or her cast the first stone!!
And the argument that by admitting to taking drugs encourages young people to experiment with drugs is a crock!
Each one teach one, Obama has just taught a nation of children that no matter what short comings you might face in life don't be afraid to tell the truth about them, because your experiences might help keep someone else from traveling down the same path.

hang on - this is an important issue, this is about the state's rights/voter's rights. if the voters of a state decide to decriminalize pot, the fed's should not override the decision. republicans tout states rights when it comes to "abortion" or other issues but you can't have it both ways.
our country needs real change. the war on drugs must end! stop putting our fellow citizens in jail for drug use, people need counselling and support not jail. and let's send the real criminals to iraq instead of america's best

Hey JB from Boston,

I don't they'll ever learn. Unfortunately, our current society and familiarization with keywords like accountability are becoming more and more fictional than ever it seems. I can't blame someone else for the actions that I do!! That's simply absurd! And if i am blessed to be a parent one day, it is the foundation of morals and values that i would teach to my children to become not just good Americans but good people PERIOD, because it is MY JOB to raise MY children, not the teachers, entertainers, politicans, or TV/media. Sadly, if we were to remove the blinders, maybe some of us will face reality of what is going on around us.

"Hillary has so much more experience and brains over this guy it's sick."

experience? with what? being a first lady? phhhhh.

Please raise your hands if you have ever smoked marijuana…dont lie either. Many people smoke…i have..still do. I agree with Matt from California. Had marijuana been legal at the time, there would have been a different response. Alcohol has been proven worse on the body than marijuana. This may be a shocker to those of you who pay attention only to the mass media: There is not one bit of substantiated evidence that marijuana destroys brain cells…in fact it has been linked to neurogenesis. Worlds upside down now right? Read a book. We need reform on the "war on drugs". The logic behind it is nonexistant and if you look at the history of marijuana criminalization you will see a crooked and backwards process of elitism. Point being: If Barak really wants credit for this, step up show your colors. Dont base morality on legality (that hasnt exactly worked for this administration). You have my vote over Hilary, god only knows how awful this country will become with her leading it.

Can't believe Obama is still harping on the marijuana story. Must not have got enough mileage out of it the first time around. The "I inhaled" line is just another cheap shot at Hillary. He's obviously desperate and simply can not get past her and on to issues we care about. I have heard nothing of any substance concerning immigration, health care, energy, education (oh yeah, he wants to make college free for everyone–let's hear your realistic plan on how we'll pay for that, Obama) or a host of other issues that affect us and are important to us. It seems that Obama's career peaked when he delivered that great, patriotic speech at the last Democratic convention. To the disappointment of many, he is not the inspiring leader so many of us thought he was. Now, when he's out there, unscripted, he's showing himself as a light-weight: weak, shallow, inexperienced, and in no way ready to lead our nation.

Big deal, so Obama admitted he used drugs in college or as a kid. OK shows over, this is not news…

I had a lot of friends who basked in the glow of adulation after starting a bad habit or addiction and then beating it, to be told how brave and courageous and honest they were to do so. Baloney…

I get very tired of these folks wearing their addictions, and childhood/teenage drug use like an "in" badge of honor.

Instead let's praise the folks who had the courage NEVER to succumb to peer pressure and media influence/history revisions and start using this garbage in the first place.

No honor is due you Obama for this, and you still lack the vital experience we need to recover the last 8 years!

as a medical marijuana patient who is one of the mentioned with pain and suffering brought on by Multiple Sclerosis, I'm living, breathing,walking,talking,working, voting proof medical marijuana works….

using marijuana as a teen or in college should be nothing to be ashamed of or arrested for.

A high applaud to a politican who speaks not what he feels is the correct answer to give but the truth. My gosh if every person was held accountable for the things we did in high school we would all be in trouble..

I wont be voting for anyone that went to "Yale".Look at the liars this school has produced over the years.How to undermine the Constitution and make sure mulinationals can take over seem to be their only goal.

Is this what politics have come to? I don't care if Obama inhaled or not! Is he running against Hillary or Bill?

LMAO. =-) I'm not a Obama supporter, but that is the best line I've heard from a pol in a looong time.

It is to Obama's credit that he admits it upfront. Those who critize him for "exposing" young people haven't been watching TV, movoies, news, etc. They need people who have experienced the drug scene and learned from that mistake. Whoever believed that Clinton didn't inhale also believe he didn't have sex with "that woman".

Alan St Louis MO,,,,, Got to say I have not heard a democrat as honest as you in some time,, I wasn't aware that half the dems in congress voted yes to impeach clinton. All I ever hear as a republican is how my party is to blame for eveything that happens in the world or the inafectiveness of the dem party to get there points across and sell them to america. Its good to hear from honest americans like yourself even if my politicl views are different then yours. thanks

Posted By mark wilkes barre pa : November 25, 2007 7:22 am

Mark Wilkes Barre are you such a fool? Half the Democrats didnt vote yes, if they did Clinton would have been impeached because Republicans were in majority.

I am amazed by uneducated foolish Americans who fall for gossip. Alan lied and you jumped to accept it because of your hatred for Clinton.

You are one of the reasons why America is in a mess.

Voting based on hatred is the most pathetic thing in life!

If Democrats trust his leadership, they will vote him to lead the ticket. If they want to nominate another candidate who VOTED FOR THE WAR BEFORE HE/SHE WAS AGAINST IT, then good luck to the Party. The Republicans already have experience running against and beating such a candidate.

Posted By Diamond : November 25, 2007 6:09 am

Diamond is another American who will fall for a lie and keep repeating it.

So Diamond, show me when the republican have the experience of beating a candidate like Hillary? Republicans have tried to throw mud on her for many years (because she has been in public life for many years). Have Republicans been successful even once?

Nope! But you still need to show why foolish Americans like you have America in a mess?

Hillary is leading in iowa in 11 other
polls. Why losing in one is such a big deal. We are looking at the execution of Hillary. The main executioner is the Media. Why do they HATE HER so much..She has my vote and money..

What I want to know is if he wrote this in his book? (which of course I wouldn't waste a dime paying for). And, if he didn't why say something now? Honesty? I seriously doubt that was his motive. Obama doest have what we need in our country. It's sad to think that a few of you out there thinks he does.

Your honesty is definitely bringing out the best in you! Keep it up! You have my vote and I pray you win!

Awesome Mitt, way to put your head in the sand. Reality is kids smoke and to try and create a false image of reality and cover things up with words makes me wonder about you.

Its funny - some people say they like Obama's "honesty" (me too) - then they say they might support a Clinton run too? How important is honesty to you anyway?? I'm a Republican - and if Giuliani doesn't get the nomination and Obama does…he will have my vote (and other Republicans I have spoken with) - Hillary won't have the support of her own party…Obama is refreshing honesty in a sea of Clinton(lies)

Posted By Chris, Middletown, CT : November 25, 2007 9:34 am

Chris is so afraid of Hillary as a Republican that now he is canvassing for Obama. Chris thinks Democrats can be fooled by spreading lies.

Many Republicans? Why lie so blatantly Chris?

So Democrats will be fooled by the statement Chris made above?

I find Mitt Romney's comment two faced. "On the other hand if we're running for president, I think it's important for us not to go into details about the weaknesses and our own failings as young people for the concern that we open kids thinking that it's ok for them." A good leader should be open about his mistakes and not try to hide them.

Mitt Romney clearly is a person who would lie to the American people if he thought it was best for them. We don't need any more presidents like that.

Ginger, how does OBama's GLBT stances differ from those of Hillary and Edwrads? They all three support civil rights equal to those of hetero married couples but leave the official term of "married" up to individual churches and states.

Obama inhales. So what. Admitting it is a sign of character and honesty, exactly the qualities we should be seeking in our next Chief Executive.
Suggestion to CNN and other news organizations: be certain to ask the Republican Candidates if they ever had illicit sex with Congressional pages.

I wish we could respond to crappy posters directly under their erroneous points for all to see. Instead I have to rely on FV scanning down to the bottom to see how ignorant he is. Hillary more experienced? She's one of the least experienced in the entire field. Only Edwards has less elected legislative experience than Hillary of all Democrats running. You must be the only one able to review her records as first lady during her days in Arkansas and D.C. because no one has been able to determine what experience she is claiming since she locked up all of her papers from those years. She has more brains? Obama passed his bar exam on the first try. How many chances did Hillary have to make? I'd take Obama in a Jeopardy-type debate any day.

Honesty, how refeshing. I'm liking and respecting this candidate more and more.

People on here are criticizing the guy…for something a HUGE percentage of Americans have tried at least ONCE in their lifetime? (Instead of worrying about Barack's former drug usage as a kid…maybe you should be worried about your own kids…who are probably experimenting behind your back as we speak)

What i want to know: did he smoke crack. He admits to cocaine use, but in what form?

What a guy…this guy can't possibly be our next president…HE TELLS THE TRUTH!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Wouldn't that be a novel idea, electing a politician (to any office) who has a nasty habit of telling the truth!
Obama 08!!!!!!!

Hey Hillary supporters…for once complete your posting without referring to the "rosy" days back in the 1990s when Bill was president. Guess what? HE AIN'T RUNNING! If it wasn't for Bill would Hillary even be in the position she is in now? Ask yourself that. REPEATEDLY. You folks keep reciting the mantra that a vote for Hillary will somehow bring those days back. Well folks, take off the rose-colored glasses and quit living in the past. We have different problems now that require sound judgment and REAL experience - two things that HILLARY (not BILL) is seriously lackingn. Well, Bill didn't use sound judgment with his marriage fidelity, that much is certain.

IT'S POT PEOPLE! It's FAR less destructive than alcohol!!! People pour themselves a martini when they're 'feeling really tense' all the time. There is not longer any REAL reason to keep marijuana illegal - never mind criminalizing it!

Mitt Romney is an idiot. Call me crazy but I trust a man who will admit to what he did as a kid. As Romney said everyone has engaged in things that we are not proud of, but at least Obama is willing to truthfully answer any question that is asked of him. By no means is he going around parading the negative things he has done in life, he is simply giving an honest answer to a question asked of him

Oh goody ;another proud inhaler!

The United States Government has been trying for 60 years to scare people and to proove Marijuana was bad, they used to have posters and commericals saying you would become a crazy monster, that you would become sterile and many other horrors, after spending millions trying to proove it was bad they finally gave up and admitted that they could not proove any of their stories, in fact the United states Government is the largest grower of Marijuana in America and it now has been prooved to have many very real medicinal properties. It is being prescribed to people who have Glaucoma, It is found to be very helpful for people who have eating disorders and many other tests and cures are being researched. In fact many scientists are saying it may very well be one of the most beneficial medically and for other purposes plants on this planet. Millions upon millions of Americans and people world wide have tried it and or our regular users of it, including patients, politicians, athletes, presidents, etc,etc,
For Obama to admit it just may just show he is the only politician being honest when asked the question about it. Now ask Hillary when Bill was puffing on a joint and handed it to her, did she also not inhale it or did she just sit and enjoy his non-inhaled 2nd hand refer smoke.
Well thats all for now, I gotta go roll one

The point of the media's question to the majority of political candidates as to whether or not they used marijuana is to create controversy. I applauded Mr. Obama on his honesty. In my opinion the majority of America has tried marijuana at one time or another.

"He added it would concern him much more if people were allowed to grow their own to use whenever they were simply "feeling really tense" and "needed a joint."

Well, I personally adore his honesty. It's a relatively harmless drug anyways, and whether or not he used it decades ago, should not be any bearing on whether or not he'd be a good president. And as far as the quote at the top is concerned, I believe that he simply had to say that, so as to not seem like he is pro-drug. A lot of people don't want to see it returned to personal choice, and simply want it banned forever. Those are the people that comment catered to. Personally, I believe that all "drugs" or medication should be legalized just like alcohol, and be up to the individual to regulate. It would not be the fall of our society as others would have you believe.

Mitt Romney say it's irresponsible to tell the truth? Well, he's a Republican. Believing that telling the truth is wrong does not surprise me. Let's count how many would agree: Bush, Cheyney, Rumsfeld, Gonzalez… need I say more?

hey thank you sen obama. you are the breath of fresh air we need. not to mention that i will take a pothead over the drunkin coke maniac that we have had in office.

I wont be voting for anyone that went to "Yale".Look at the liars this school has produced over the years.How to undermine the Constitution and make sure mulinationals can take over seem to be their only goal. I guess you won't be voting for Hillary then huh? Good, because Barack went to Harvard.

This may be a sign of the mans honesty. Contrary to Clinton, Obama actually tells the truth. America should only hope this does not hurt his chances. Marijuana advocates should and will step up and support Obama…..And gain more supporters…. but will they show up and vote??????????? Americans all need to VOTE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Judge in ana nichole's case got busted smoking pot, bush did coke, clintion had the smoke in his mouth but blew it out, america feeds on drugs. Drugs are bad for you and i have personally experimented with them before but will never again…his admission only helps me re-inforce that decision. Like Jesus said to the pharisees, stone the woman (prostitute) only if you have never committed a sin in your life. That's right romney i see you dropping your stone..

Romney claims presidential candidates shouldn't admit to mistakes made while young for fear of children doing it. Romney is a fake loser. Kids will experiment with "bad things" no matter what adults do or say. If the kids like what they're trying they will use more, if they dont like it they will stop like any cash paying consumer. Romney dont flatter yourself, a lot of kids wont try weed if some intolerent, dim-witted,self-centered, religious nut admits to trying it.

Both Clinton's should have inhaled. Close but no cigar. Oops, there was one cigar.

So Romney advocates lying about past behavior?

All of you need to get your thumbs out of your butts and hit a joint every once in a while. obama's right about medical marijuana. our country needs to learn that marijuana isnt a bad thing at all. "NO ONE" has ever over dosed or been killed from this harmless plant. its just a plant people. not a chemical drug thats kills hundreds everyday!!!

Sen. Obama's answer to the question demonstrates honesty and a willingness to be open - traits sorely lacking in the majority of our goverment servants. In my opinion, this is a much better example for young people than those who are dishonest and deliberately try to hide their past.

So… Romney would have us vote for the candidate who did *not* tell the truth? In a president, we should look for a man or woman who is *not* honest?

To A concerned citizen: It appears that quite a few Dems did vote for impeachment in the House, including five who voted for all four articles of impeachment. Whether it was half or not, the votes were pretty close and for the articles to be ratified quite a few of them had to vote yes. But, thankfully, no Democratic senators voted to uphold the articles and Clinton was saved. The vote was 45-55 against impeachment in the Senate. As we all should know, according to the constitution, the House shall raise articles of impeachment and ratify them (or not) and the Senate then approves the ratified articles (or not). Our system of checks and balances at work, even within one leg of the triad. It's a beautiful thing.

Finally, some honesty in DC. I'd rather vote for someone who shows they are an actual human with human vulverabilities than a politician who hides behind written scripts and a false persona. Bravo Obama!

SUSA just released a new poll from New Mexico, and it has the state leaning Democratic, though McCain and Giuliani would keep it more than very competitive.

OH PEOPLE.. PLEASE REALIZE THAT THIS MAN IS HONEST AND A UNITER.. ALL YOU HEAR FROM HILLARY IS HOW SHE CAN BEAT THE REPUBLICAN MACHINE . MY GOD.. OBAMA WANTS US ALL TO WORK TOGETHER TO UNITE US NOT TO DIVIDE US AND THAT IS WHAT WE WILL HAVE WITH OL' HILLARY. SAME OLD STUFF BEEN THERE DONE THAT

Romney is essentially saying that we should lie and cover up our pasts?!? As if we need another lying president. Obama may need to play the game and say that he wouldn't want people getting high for fun because his conservative constituants want to hear it, but at least he's honest.

If being forthright about past drug abuse qualified someone to be President of United States,then we should elect anyone who were once in the drug rehab facility. No matter how anyone spin it, DRUG ABUSE IS ALWAYS MORALLY WRONG. Next time anyone wants to cheer this kind of behaviore,please have one's logic check.

A politician who is honest.
A politician who represents a break from the ongoing feudal politics of the 60s.

Donating to Obama's campaign today for the 4th time… 10 bucks (hey I'm a college student, but apparently a lot of other people doing the same thing can raise a lot of money)

http://www.barackobama.com

Marijuana is a multi-billion dollar industry. The reason it's a billion dollar industry is that MILLIONS of American's smoke it. Is every one of them making a "mistake" ? Is every one a criminal?

Marijuana has been used by humankind for well over ten thousand years. The substance only became illegal here in the States in the 1930's. Anyone who does the research will discover that the plant was criminalized for very dubious reasons. Perhaps it's time to rethink marijuana policy and stop demonizing a substance that so many Americans embrace.

Ha! …so "most of us engaged in indiscretions we would not want to parade…" - it makes me wonder WHAT is Mitt hiding?

This is no news… Barack Obama is honorable and honest man and CNN, again just trying to stir the controversy. Is this is the worst you could dig out on the guy?

In the meantime Hillary Clinton is claiming 35 years of POLITICAL experience, doing what? 8 years First Lady + 7 years Junior Senator. Questionable, but even than - where are those TWENTY more years coming from? Working for the law firm and being the governor's wife? In Little Rock, Arkansas?!
WHO IS SMOKING NOW?

First off lets not dwell on the simple fact that he used marijuana. He admitted that he did it because he was asked, just like Clinton was asked and he answered. He even admitted that it was a mistake. Most people are faulting obama for being honest when most U.S. citizens are praising Bush for going into Iraq (supported by lies). There isnt much honesty in politics these days. Obama is a refreshment.

Obama earns my respect because he didn't dodge the question like others(*coughRomneycough*). Cliton's running scared, it's going to be Obama so she may as well go back to the senate seat she only won because of name recognition anyway.

Obama in '08, baby!

I am offended that Romney would think that people can't handle the truth. It shows poor judgment on his part to think that people are so easily influenced by people in the public. The point was Obama chose honesty over being condescending.There is no point in lying or denying the decisions you made in your life. All that does is make people trust you less. Especially when drug usage is a part of each and every Americans' life in some form or another. We are all impacted by this epidemic. And honesty will help us find a way to end it.

AConcernedCitizen in CA-

You are one angry individual. Before you go crazy with anger because of some peoples lack of intelligence, make sure you get your info correct.

CLINTON WAS IMPEACHED.

It's people like you blah blah blah

And last I checked Hillary had to become a carpetbagger and move to a blue state in order to gain a seat in the senate. If my memory serves me correctly that is THE ONLY TIME SHE HAS RUN FOR ANYTHING!

This isn't news. He's made this exact comment a long time ago.