Honesty appears to be the best policy! Hillary may be confused with this issue since her husband always mixed a little deception with the truth, that is, until he was truly caught with his pants down and had to fess up. Obama at least rattles his own skeletons before the GOP pulls them out of the closet.

Is this honestly the image to which we would want our children to aspire? And is this truly the legacy we want for the future of America? We the Parents and Teachers Associations All Across America Stand Up and Shout NO MORE!!

Bill Shaheen is my lawyer, a crummy one at that, and the fact that he is co chairman of Hillary's campaign makes me even sicker. Vote Obama or we are all in serious trouble for the next 8 years!

Posted By Anonymous Somewhere, NH : December 13, 2007 3:35 am

Hmmm - right and this lady who doesn't even have the brains to dump her lousy lawyer and get a new one is telling the rest of us how to vote?? LOL

GOP TROLL

Just ask Bill Clinton, he should know. And while you're asking him, ask him if Hillary joined him, they were hippie boyfriend and girlfriend.

I'm soooo relieved we won't have to listen to ANOTHER 8 years of Bush telling our future generatons: "Don't worry if you were a C or D student - you too can someday grow up to be the President."

Instead we can just have Obama advise the little darlings: "Don't worry if you are a drug abuser - you too can someday grow up to become the President of the United States of America."

Has such a nice ring to it, don't ya think?

You peeps crack me up = You are such a hoot and a half. I'm sure there's a village somewhere in Texas which will be soooo happy to finally have it's Idiot back. Yep - obviously Just Say NO isn't working.

Inhale or not to inhale that is the question (which will determine the 2008 Presidential election).

come on!!! we need REAL people and if youve never done marijuana then ill tell you what….youve missed out!!! you gotta try things because how can you understand people if you know nothing about what they have been through?? you know what i hate about these "conservatives" is that they wish they could bring us back to "leave it to beaver" but the problem with that is LEAVE IT TO BEAVER WASNT REAL!!!!! none of that brady bunch stuff was real!! thats why when national lampoons vacation came out everybody related to the griswalds!! everybody thinks there family is, at least a little bit, disfunctional. life was never leave it to beaver, so why do our presidents have to be???

JTo McKinney SW MO

1 sentence is a stmt.
2-4 sentences are an in-depth opinion.
5 or more usually go unread due to the numberous other rambling rants.

In your case: I blurred out after: How far do we carry this "honesty" thing?" skipping down to "I am for Hillary–we need her."

nuff said, now I’m rambling..

This photo looks like he's auditioning for American Idol. Wonder if he would be sent home as the "geek" he is. Between him and Hillary I don't know which is the most laughable as President. My fellow Democrats–take another look at John Edwards. Let's oppose the media selecting our Presidential candidate–and do it ourselves!

J. McKinney of SW MO says, "I don't exactly understand this 'honesty' thing. Does it completely fix everything?…"

I don't understand the "pretend" thing. Why pretend that the truth is other than it is. Street drugs and party drugs are common in America, including the traditional American drugs horse, maryjane, and blow as well as the newest products of America's pharmaceutical industry like oxycontin. There is no reason for unmarried women to pretend they are virgins. There is no reason to pretend that Congress is not owned lock, stock, and barrel by corporations. There is no reason to pretend any more that those corporations are even slightly interested in our welfare. There is no reason to pretend any more that America is the greatest, best, toughest, biggest, proudest anything.

We have lots and lots of problems. Our country doesn't just need to have a couple of screws tightened; we need a complete overhaul, a lot of body work, and a paint job. We are not riding around in a Ferarri.

I have always seen Hillary as an opportunist. Now we see her true colors when teh times get tough and her numbers start to slide. How will she act if she were to ever get into office and things got tough?

I am glad things are starting to come out about the real Obama; no thanks to the media. He, himself told us that he used drugs heavily in college and growing up. So, now, they want to get on Hillary's case and once again yell about Bill. Obama and his campaign are such hypocrites. Obama wants to have it both ways.

Obama is an extreme left wing person and the more his records are revealed the better informed we will be. Right now, he is living on HOPE and his arrogance to think that he will be able to fool the Democrats; then if he wins the nomination, the Democrats will be horrified when the Republicans spill all of the left wing issues Obama supported while a State Senator.

The Democrats will then lose the general election because no matter what you all want to believe, America is not a left wing country.

Edwards and Obama started the negative attacks on Hillary when all she wanted to do is discuss the issues. Now, that Obama's veneer is starting to crack, all of his supporters are upset and his campaign continues to try and divert his left wing liberalism.

Well, you reap what you sow.

Todd Dedham, what did the Clintons do to you that makes you hate them? Why do you take it so personally? Seems to me that overall things were not so bad under Bill Clinton's watch.

Since when does it take 2 days to moderate one of my posts??

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

(My post–again)
I don't exactly understand
this "honesty" thing. Does it completely fix everything? Obama apparently did some pretty serious drugs, and because he was "honest" about it, that makes it all ok, and he is wonderful. How far do we carry this "honesty" thing? If it is learned that someone murdered someone 15 years ago, but they admit it now, does that mean that the murderer is wonderful, because he is now being "honest" about it, and it was a long time ago, and he is a better man for it now? Or is he still a murderer? And on Obama's drug use, and drinking. I think it is worth wondering, if he gets the presidency, if things get rough, he might go back to the drinking and drug use. I don't agree that "everyone" did drugs and went on drinking binges at a teen. I didn't, and my friends didn't. And I don't think it is anything to be proud of, even if he is "honest" about it.
I am for Hillary–we need her.

Posted By J. McKinney SW MO : December 12, 2007 7:50 pm

Obama tried drugs as a teenager: So What? He has strong character, which is the only relevant issue. Were Republicans should not play this up - Bush abused drugs and/or alcohol well into his 30's. It seems to me that Hilary Clinton needs to pay more attention to the character of her staff.

I'd rather have a guy who smoked a blunt and admitted it (Obama) than a guy who had more snow up his nose than on the slopes of Kilimanjaro (Bush) and won't admit or acknowledge it.

sadly…they're all pathetic..bush was an avowed drunk for 25 years of his life…and now he's running america..go figure..dont tell me his brain cells aren't burned out..lets not foget he woke up one morning and said.."god"told me to go to iraq..problem is..god never told him when to get out…great!

No not everyone has skeletons in our closets. Most of us do. But not everyone and that isn't fair to the good people who have lived a decent life. Shame. Obama prior drug use isn't the story. That he isn't a worthly candidate is. I can't imagine why this man thinks he has a chance. Vote right - vote Clinton. or for that matter vote for anyone other than Obama.

I didn't inhale. That was a lie. Like I never had sex with that women was a lie. We need people who can tell the truth. Tell the Clinton's that Obama has my vote.

There is NO evidence that Hillary ever took drugs when she was young. There is evidence that she did NOT take drugs. Someone she wrote to nearly 40 years ago when at college had kept her letters and they were made public about two months ago.. In one, she wrote how upset she was about a friend's use of drugs, clearly indicating she was then against use of drugs.

This is ridiculous. Dubya is too much of a coward to tell the truth about his own drug use, and he got elected twice. I can honestly say that the best and the brightest people I have ever encountered usually smoked weed at some point in their lives. Those that never touched any drugs, are frequently (not always), wierd, scary types that I wouldn't trust to run a faucet, much less a country.

Obama has a better chance at getting pregnant than winning this election. He can save his time and money, and go home now.

Posted By Jennifer, Palm Beach, FL : December 13, 2007 9:49 am

Declarations of desparation, heh, Jennifer.

To all appearances, Obama's wiping the floor with Hillary and it's largely her own doing. She has no one else to blame when she's at home watching the Presidential election results in her nightgown, next November.

I don't know why people are getting hyped up over Obama. He is not going to win. If Iowans throw their votes away at Obama they are just going to make this a long drawn out process, but Hillary will be the nominee.

It is so hard to believe that Obama and Edwards are tied with Hillary in Iowa. It sounds to me like Iowans are listening to the people who thrive from hating Hillary. Neither Obama nor Edwards can beat Hillary on policy. The only people who will not vote for Hillary are people who do things out of spite.

Hillary Clinton is the most qualified candidate, the most experienced candidate and she's READY TO LEAD.

Lord knows what Hillary has been smoking these days! I'm pretty sure she would not want anyone discussing her past indiscretions let alone Bill's!

Another sleazy surrogate from the Clinton campaign-

This follows Andrew Young saying Bill Clinton dated more black women than Barack.

And Geraldine Ferraro saying Mrs. Clinton was the victim of sexism at the debates.

And Tom Vilsack saying "who really watches Oprah anyway?"

Q-OKC posted "HILLARY CLINTON IS AN IDIOT, FIND ME AN HONEST POLITICIAN, A JUDGE OR LAWYER, AND DEAR FRIEND YOU HAVE FOUND GOD!"

Do you really believe this? To imply that Lawyers and Judges and yes, even politicians are all dishonest proves that you are the moron that you claim Hillary Clinton is. Perhaps you should run off to see the Wizard and ask for a brain…

Susan, you're right. We need better judgement after the last two Presidents. That's why Clinton's a big "no go".

I am personally glad to have a candidate for President who is willing to tell the truth - it is a refreshing change!

BTW - Obama came out with this long before he announced for he was running for President - read his book Dreams of my Father that was published in the mid-90's.

What this is is a complete desperation move by HRC because she knows that she is going down.

Obama has a better chance at getting pregnant than winning this election. He can save his time and money, and go home now.

Polygraph test don't just focus in on drug use, there are some pretty graphic questions asked. I say give every candidate a polygraph test and let the results be publically exposed. Remember, people that live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones.

Obama supporters posted about Obama's drug use by their convenient way. They are confusing the TRUTH, truth is what that means he used drug when he was teens. We are talking about the qualification of the President, tell your mistake or bad childhood is not a proud thing as the candidate. Obama supporters like to put the ring on the nose and make nosering, put the ring on ears make earrings, what about tonguering?

You Clinton sheep are not only blinded by BDS, you are the most hypocritical posters as usual.

Just like I applauded Bush for admitting his past indiscretions, I do the same for Obama.

Secondly, BUSH IS NOT RUNNING FOR PRESIDENT ANYMORE (no MORE Bush's).

You geniuses doing the hammering, can you ALL look in the mirror and say you NEVER twisted one up or maybe tried a little nose candy at a party in the 90's?

We have a politician that is speaking the truth, something we should covet, but you are attacking him because he is not YOUR candidate, he's not mine either, but he earned my respect.

Two phrases come to mind, "I didn't inhale" and "I did not have sex with that woman", so much for the truthfullness of your king.

This reeks of the typical Clinton "dirty tricks" of the 90's, raise your hand if you have seen this before, the gutless wonders have their surrogates spew the hate so the message get's out there, they come out and claim they had nothing to do with it and the media let's them off scot free with "no blood on their hands" and the needed "damage is done.

The 90's are long over and they can't get away with this anymore.

so he obviously has worse judgement than many people. By all means, we need more bad personal judgement in the White House after the last 2 presidents.

Hillary 08! (Women really run the country, so let's admit it and elect one!)

Posted By Susan : December 13, 2007 8:43 am

Susan, you're kidding right? First of all, he HAD poor judgement…25 years ago. You never exercised poor judgment when you were a teenager? If not re drug use, than boys you dated, friends you chose, decisions you made. If not, then by golly, you should run for President.

And you apparently forget that one of the past two President's was Hill's husband, based on that and the depths to which her campaign has and is sinking, what on God's green earth, makes you think her judgment will be any better.

As for your last statement: Just keep telling yourself that as your paycheck is about 80% of your male counterpart's

You really should wake up and try to inform yourself OBJECTIVELY. Take off the Clinton-colored glasses and do a little research.

And this from the "I didn't inhale" and "define is" camp. Another well deserved self-inflicted blow for "wanna be queen hillary". Again all New Yorkers should be very proud of the reverse carpet bagger for showing her true colors

BS
Many Americans were able to lead productive lives and NEVER use illegal drugs. I think, his exploration of his past sins–was preemptive–in case any skeletons leaped from the closet. This guy, and Hillary, have been grooming themselves since "Hahhvaad" education days, to fit into a system, and collegial community that by it's very nature is "exclusive" and "narrow viewed". Like his book, the only thing "audacious" about himself, or Hillary for that matter–is that somehow they are in "touch" with the needs of everyday Americans. If you've never had to choose with paying your utility bill or buying food–you are not in touch with everday Americans, particularly, at this time in our nations history. They are Ivy League "wanna-be's". Thier messages–change like the wind in reaction to polls. They really believe that by controlling the "science" of the political process: money, proper message, poise, personna…it will win an election for them. Fact is, Americans have grown up and understand how the process works, we understand and clearly see the machinations in their words and on the air. At this time in history–Americans are looking for the genuine article–not more of the same false hope/no action leadership. The only Democratic candidate who retains large favor–and has stayed on message without being twisted/reactive to the polls–is John Edwards. He really lived as an average American. He really lives today, in touch, with average Americans. He really believes in what he says, and practices what he preaches. His family is representative of the fact–and his record is also representative of the fact. Both Hillary (more Bill?) and OpraBama are devoid of anything but career aspirations–Edwards has fire, zeal, and the will to "fight the good fight" in Washington. He will "really" kick up some dust, and perhaps–change the plight of the average American voter. His Presidency, is the only one that promises to be as historical as Roosevelt or Kennedy.

Give me a break. Obama's past drug use is the least of our worries about this man. Get real and start being concerned that he's an empty suit held up by allot of hot air.

Hillary is a despicable person. I am a life long Democrat but if she wins the nomination I will vote Republican. How dare she make an issue out of nothing. If she wants to call into question someone's character, she might want to look across the table at her own husband.

"Did you ever give drugs to anyone? Did you sell them to anyone?"

Bingo!! I think we just heard what the hidden dirt on Obama is.. Was that a Freudian slip Hillary or politics of personal destruction??

Who cares? He's a junior senator from Illinois and that's all he'll ever be for the next 4-8 years.

up until now i've been observing the political campaigns thats a low blow by the clinton campaign to bring up past drug use as a negative when obama has been open about the issue. if anything this gives drug users and others with various indescretions in their past hope that a person can over come any obstacles and still do great things with their life. obama just got my vote.

I have been a republican the majority of my voting years however I can honestly say that I have voted all my years based on the character of the individual and the topics at hand. I have voted for democratic offices in both local and federal positions in the past. I have yet to decide in this presidential election and probably will not be able to decide until the final two candidates. I found this article rather comical to say the least. We as a society preach honesty and forgiveness. We are a nation of laws and moral character yet for the majority of our society has at one time or another broke a law in ones’ life. As an individual we must all learn from our experiences and decide which road we are going to take. I commend Mr. Obama for correcting his path he was on and choosing the path of honesty, integrity, and public service. Furthermore he was honest about his past and that is very commendable in my book as he is honest to himself as well as to his constituents. If I were Obama's advisor I would just reference the “source” of this story and leave it at that!

"When was the last time? Did you ever give drugs to anyone? Did you sell them to anyone?" -said Bill Shaheen, a national co-chairman of Clinton's campaign.

"These comments were not authorized or condoned by the campaign in any way," -said Clinton.

ie…, the chairman of Hillary's campaign is not authorized to speak for her campaign.., in this case.

Hmmmm..The Clinton Camp should be very very careful here. They need to remember who disgraced the whitehouse, while in office, by comitting ADULTRY !!!

Obama gets in trouble for telling the truth? Only in Washington do you get in trouble for being the one honest peg in a corrupt hole.

1)2/23/07 David Geffen makes negative comments about Clinton at an Obama fund-raiser. Character attack.
2)11/3/07 Obama mocks Clinton for playing the gender card.
3)6/19/07 Obama said his campaign made a dumb mistake for criticizing Clinton's financial ties to India.
4)A youtube ad shows Clinton in the 1984 movie format. Great ad. Guy that did it has ties to Obama camp.

This is when the fun begins. LOL

Senator Clinton reel in those campaign persons speaking out of line! Telling the truth should not be a hinderance to a candidate. Have we forgotten the George Washington cherry tree story? Go Senator Obama, focus on what is good for our counrty and let Hillary's own campaign people ruin her.

Obama saying this makes him more real, most of the country has probably smoked pot or tried cocaine, so for him to level with the fact that he tried it, he seems far more human. Clinton is trying to seem like a better person, but in the end just looks stupid for trying to take easy, underhand digs at Obama. smooth.

The minute you need to resort to using Obama's past admission of drug use as a way of discrediting him tells me you are not confident in your own abilities-give me break-who cares what he did in the past-judge him for what he is doing today

Posted By Jerry : December 12, 2007 7:05 pm

OK, Jerry, first of all, Clinton did go negative first, and still hasn't stopped. Her "campaign" has, for the last several weeks, leaked misinformation and outright falsehoods re Obama, digging up kindergarten and third grade essays, planting questions in both GOP and DEM debates, packing audiences (with an assist from CNN).
She is desparate, she is a liar, she is a megalomaniac, and Flying Spaghetti Monster help this country if she becomes President.

Secondly, the Obama drug use is a non-starter for the GOP. They would have to defend W's use and abuse or come across as being major hypocrits(then again that has never stopped a career politician before). Besides that, Obama's drug use has been in the public domain since he wrote his first book.

Essentially his honesty in this matter has pre-empted anything the GOP may try to do with this information. By the time the general campaign heats up it will just be old news.

EVERYONE has a past, EVERYONE has a skeleton or 2, NO ONE is perfect! But FEW people have the INTEGRITY and HONESTY to look you in the eyes and say 'I am human, I made a mistake, I am sorry to anyone I may have hurt. And I have learned from it'.

Does Clinton think the Republicans will not jump on the Bill affair, the Hillary Health Care plan while Bill was the Pres., the Hillary sexual preferences? If she wins the nomination they will use every one of these. And does anyone in the world think Bill did not inhale?

UPDATE: Shaheen issued the following statement Wednesday night: "I deeply regret the comments I made today and they were not authorized by the campaign in any way."

When 'the campaign' realized this one was backfiring in their faces…they retract Shaheen's statement. What a JOKE! Are they going to get rid of him too? There has been a lot of that going on at the Billary camp!

I can't believe they are even questioning Obama on this one. This is what politics are all about, mudslinging and Billary is doing a great job at it. This country needs something new and having the Clintons back in the White House is old news!

Go Obama!!

The more they try and tear him down the more the People will rally behind this decent man. Like the Republicans or Clinton can take the HIGHER road on this issue, give me a break.

Obama for change: 2008

Who would you rather have as a present, some one who tells the truth or some one who avoids it. Very Bush like of the Hillary camp me thinks.

Just because some idiot in New Hampshire made some stupid unauthorized statement Hillary is again being demonized. What candidate
ahs control over everything everyone in the campaign is saying? None! So let's get real people..

The pot calling the kettle black yet again, We all know Bill did drugs, and Dubya was a drunk and did cocaine, probably smoked pot too. Hillary s futile attempt to slam Barack for being one of the only politians I have ever met that actually tells the truth. This didn't hurt him it gave him credibility, something Hillary doesn't know anything about. Thank you Barack for telling the american public the truth it is refreshing. Can't wait for you to be President so we can finaly fix our country. It will be nice to actually hear the truth in realtime instead off finding out 4 years later what was really going on like in the Clinton and Bush administrations. The public can handle the truth.

As the saying goes, Deperation is a stinky cologne. Or in this case, perfume.

it is really time for a president to wake up and realize the economic benefits of ending the drug war and taxing certain substances for recreational use. can anybody say bye bye national debt?

the clintons have attracted, and surrounded themselves with, weasles like shaheen. remember the disgusting weasle from the past, who got caught with his pants down with a prostitute in a sleazy hotel room to whom he blabbered top secrets (or something like that) shared with his boss, bill clinton? you know the sleazeball that fox news regularly has as one of their disgusting political pundits… oh well, my brain refuses to retain dirty names like that…. these sleazeballs are like miniature versions of karl rove, their mentor.

This is outrageous; Shaheen has, in a back door way, just accused Barack Obama of being a drug dealer. This is overt racism. The Clinton camp did the right thing by firing the two campaign workers in Iowa for sending the false e-mail about Obama being a Muslim plant, they should show Shaheen the door today.

I for one would prefer to have a president who's actually a human being and admits it, than one who pretends they're on some sort of robot programmed for "perfect" morals. Look where electing someone on that platform has gotten us over the last eight years.

The people form an idea and personal sense of what's right and wrong is via trial and error; Obama tried it and knows its hubris firsthand. I trust that more.

Youth wants to know: (Since the Clinton camp brought it up.) Did Hillary smoke dope and where and when did she see Bill smoke dope? Because anyone their age (my age) who claims to have gone through Yale, Oxford and the Sixties in that period and claims they never smoked the joint being passed around is not squaring up and no one in their generation believes them. People smoked dope in court and in the stairwells of banks and publishing houses. It was the bonding ritual of the generation.

I wonder if the politicans know why we have such little trust in them. Somethings never change. As they get more and more desperate, the deeper the mud. It is a hell of an example for our youth to follow.

I agree with Jesse below me…

that actually made me more respectful for Obama. I'd rather have someone who has gone through those situations and try to stop it then someone who hasnt. I bet 90 percent of the time the person who has experienced one of the issues will do a better job of handling it.

number two, hes apparently a very honest man. i havent heard about any of the past experiences of clinton. Thats something i would definitely like to see more of.

Hillary, please don't punish me for supporting you…I feel pain when you go out and talk negative. STOP negative campaign NOW. Hillary08!!!!!!!

He may have been honest…but I bet if it weren't for that book…we wouldn't have heard a word about it.

When referencing Obama's drug use, Bill Shaheen's comment struck me as odd: "There are so many openings for Republican dirty tricks. It's hard to overcome."
Have we become so decadent and self indulgent that considering recreational drug use as an irresponsible, self destructive, and questionable behavoir is now old fashioned? I hardly consider it to be a 'dirty trick' to question a candidate for Commander In Chief of the United States Armed Forces about his self admitted illegal drug activities. I may be behind the times, but I believe buying, selling, or using marijuana and cocaine was and still is against the law.

Cocaine is serious stuff. I actually think it's not so bad that the public was reminded of Obama's mistake. Many of us managed to grow up and not use cocaine so he obviously has worse judgement than many people. By all means, we need more bad personal judgement in the White House after the last 2 presidents.

Hillary 08! (Women really run the country, so let's admit it and elect one!)

These candidates will say anything to get elected. Once elected, everything changes. Depends, on who buys them out first.

It's become totally acceptable to make mistakes or trash someone else as long as you apologize later, or say you didn't know anything about anything. Even if those mistakes kill, maime or emotionally destroy thousands of lives in a war based, not on necessity, but one based on lies, fear and greed. And, there's always the old hat trick where someone in your camp used dirty tricks against a rival only to be recanted later and, after the seeds of doubt have been planted, or the damage has been done.

WOW! The Clinton campaign is REALLY deporate.

Your kidding right? Come on bill didnt inhale??Im sure hillary didnt either???Yeah thats it and the easter bunny is gonna bring me that egg,Santa is going to come and bring me ALL the gifts that he had forgot to bring!!!And what hurts hill,her husband siqned NAFTA.

Why should something like that hurt him. Remember our curren tpresident and the one before that. But not even because of that. People grow. He can have compassion or understanding for others who may have taken that path, because he knows how/what can make it happen. And further, what about these ridiculous new drugs created legally, approved by our gov't!

I just can't believe that the Clintons are so self-destructed. Come on. Can someone come to their rescue? That is so sad. I am feeling that Hillary needs to protected against herself. Please, stop the suicide. That is surely not a good way to put an end to such a great career.

I think it's time for a complete reform in the Clintons team. Fresh blood is need and Hillary needs to sit down, take a look around, and ask herself whether or not she should drop out of the campaign. It would be very much easier to handle instead of keep advertising their negatives. It is obvious that they are heading towards another national scandal.

Now, is it too late for the Clintons? Not at all, but they can't afford to lose one more MINUTE of this campaign. Time is running out.

I would trust a candidate that admits to his past rather than hiding it or trying to "sugar coat" it as something less serious than what it was. If anything his honesty would make me consider giving him my vote. It's nice to see that someone human, with real life experience is running for president for once.

Hillary and her spokespeople are the Achilles heel of the Clinton campaign.

Obama's honesty is refreshing. Besides, it is time to end the drug war nonsense and stop persecuting our own people for smoking what God has given us naturally. JUST SAY NO TO THE POWERFUL PHARMACEUTICAL LOBBY THAT PUSHES *ITS DRUGS* AT US CONSTANTLY.

Antidepressants, anyone?

Sure wish we could get some news on the Edwards campaign. I guess if there's no scullduggery or mudslinging–the status and activities of other leading primary candidates isn't reportable.

Better reel in your dogs, Hillary; you're campaign seems to be rift with people who speak for you who "don't speak for you". THIS is what we're all so tired of–don't you get it yet?

Obama '08!

What about George Bush's substance abuse problem? At least Obama's "drug use" is in the past. Bush not only has had past substance abuse issues, he apparently has an ongoing problem with alcohol, etc..

Does the Hillary campaign know something that we don't? Why would anyone ask Obama if he has sold drugs? Hmmmmm…….Interesting.

I think it's wonderful that Obama has the integrity to be honest about parts of his life that weren't exactly pure. I would much rather have someone in office who is genuine and does what he thinks is right instead of doing what will get him elected. Perhaps, instead of voting for who we think will win, we should vote for the people who are going to do what is best for the country.

Who cares!! Let them use all the dope they want. Just because someone didn't smoke pot means we should trust them?

Wait… this man has used illegal substances before? That makes him sound almost (I don't know), crazy? Maybe even human? & surely we can't elect one of those crazy "humans" into office, now can we? What is this country coming to??

Having a President who hasn't tried drugs in his youth would be un-American.

As a Obama supporter, this is old news from a few weeks ago. Many of the posts were positive because he DID NOT LIE. I could careless what the man did or did not do years ago. My true fear is that most americans will think that he is a bad or unmoral person because he did drugs which is not true. Hiliary would rather lie, just to save face than tell me the truth. So with that said, HRC is saying that any person who used drugs in the past is BAD and SHOLD NOT be president. Whatever…..Obama has my vote. Honesty in the white house, could you all imagine that?

The Sillary Campaign is getting sillier every day.

What Sillary being honest about your youthful years too much for you to bear?

Obama is honest, open and i belive more truthful than any candidate we have had to date.

Sillary self destruction is now imminent. Plus waht a dumb way to try and derail the Obama train.

well your time is almost up SRC.

Obama will soon be able to focus on winning the election and bringing this country back to common sense politics and get the middle class back into the lime light where they belong any way

Obama 08

Yet no one ever discusses George W. Bush's years of cocaine abuse…..

Posted By Wayne, Greenville TX : December 12, 2007 6:14 pm

Wayne, no it's never reported… Well, it is only pointed out on a daily basis by the secular, socialist libs on CNN… but that doesn't count… and neither do the indiscretions of a liberal politician. Only Republican faults are unforgivable. Four legs good, two legs bad, right Wayne? Go back to the sheeple farm where you belong.

To the chase:

1- Hey Hillary, did you inhale?

2- Why isn't your team asking where he bought it? Is it because he's half black? That sounds racist to me. If he was 100% white, I doubt you would be asking if he sold it to anyone.

3- Apparently you cannot manage a small campaign team, how can you expect us to trust you to govern the most powerful nation on the planet?

I don't see what the big deal is! Having admitted to doing it, shows a sign of integrity and a person whom is willing to take responsibility for his own action. Isn't this the type of person whom we are looking for to be accountable for the people of this country. Or are we wanting another puppet? People there are real problems going on in our own back yards, smoking a little pot over 20 years ago is not a barn burner. Smoke or not, I am still voting for Obama!

Hillary becomes desperate. The only thing is, going negative makes people like her even less and not want to vote for her.

WHY CAN'T SHE FACE THE FACT THAT PEOPLE DON'T LIKE HER, DON'T TRUST HER, AND WANT HER (and Bill) TO GO AWAY.

I don't see why it's an issue. I mean our President used cocaine and is a former alcoholic. Our former president smoked weed - and other kinds of cigars which got him into a little trouble…

None of the candidates in this election have a squeaky clean past and if any of them claim to they are full of it. Frankly, I don't care what they may have done in their past. It is irrelevant. What we need to focus on is the future. There are more important things to worry about than who smoked some dope when they were young. The candidates need to stop slinging mud and start slinging some hope to the people on the streets. This country is in rough shape and we need someone who is going to try to fix it or at least point us in the right direction.

When the polls showed Hillary Clinton's lead evaporating she did what the Clinton's are expert at: mud slinging, and the politics of personal destruction. Her campaign is starting a high tech lynching of Obama. The country would be far better served if ANYONE other than Hillary Clinton wins the Democratic nomination. As a proud Black woman I will never vote for this woman. She is polarizing and throws whatever mud she can find when she fears losing. America can do a lot better and I urge all my fellow African Americans not to waste their votes on this phony.

It's "dirty tricks" to point out that a guy who wants to be president used to be a drug user? Last time I checked, it was against the law. Just because he was "candid" about it in a book doesn't make it any less true. I guess if I rob a bank and talk candidly about it, you should assume I'm rehabilitated.

Tied in Iowa? Who cares. Useless red state that, in the end, doesn't matter.

Let's talk about states with real electoral votes–California, New York, etc.

If the way she runs a campaign is any indication or a preview of how she would function as president, I don't think we need it.

Just think about it.

Bush is an alcoholic. Who has a criminal record for this stuff? didn't seem to effect him in the end.

But seriously. Give me Al Gore. Please.

To his credit Obama has been very honest about his past. A lot of people do things as a teenager they regret later. Unlike Hillary's husband Barack was candid and open about it. I'm sure Clinton did'nt inhale he just ate the brownies instead.

We have no doubt that the republicans will bring this up. How do we know he isn't toking it up right now w/Michelle and Oprah. That's the only way these fools would honestly believe he has a chance - is if they were on some awesome trip. Truth be said Obama really isn't the candidate people should be backing. Far better candidates. I support Hillary 100% but there are some really good candidates running Biden being one.

to: Kathy Caudle; Salt Lake City, UT : December 12, 2007 7:33 pm.
I agree no one really cares aboput pot use…ITS THE COCAINE JUNKIE PART THAT IS THE REASON FOR GREAT CONCERN!!!
thats what you want to represent you! NOT US!

I will vouch for Tom Topolinski's comment, as a fellow classmate of Obama's at Punahou School in Honolulu. Around 1978, there was a push for athletes to treat their bodies as "temples" as a reaction against the existing culture of substance-use-as-expression-of-manhood (a culture we still have on college campuses). Since Barry Obama was an athlete (on a State Championship Basketball team, remember), it's not surprising he inhaled. And remember, shortly after the "body as a temple" movement was aimed at the athletes, we had the overzealous use of steroids and other enhancement drugs. We're talking about an elite preparatory high school where Barry Obama was a member of the literary elite, not just the athletic elite. And unlike the 60's, our poets went to Princeton, not to pot.

I find Obama's memoir candid, accurate, and insightful, just like the candidate you see in front of you. After 36 years of knowing this man, hearing from common friends at Harvard Law School and students at Chicago Law School, and from people who knew him on Chicago's South Side, I have no worries about his past. The Clintons and the Republicans should dig all they want — the more people discover about him, the more people admire him.

I cannot say the same about the Clinton campaign. The more one discovers about how it operates, the less one thinks of all involved. No wonder Al Gore distanced himself in '99 and continues to have no part in its aspirations.

I agree, I dont think voters care too much about a littel pot, but COCAINE is a very different story. Yes, Bill Clinton smoked Pot, he never claimed he was a cocaine "JUNKIE"
I think this makes oprahaboy not such a good role model for our children…

"junkie" and a "pothead."

I have no problem with the Smoking pot, should be leaglized anyway, but a cocaine "JUNKIE" is someone who had a terrible habit and that is a different story!!!
Like we need another DC politican like EX-DC Mayor Barry caught smoking crack in a hotel…

good choice oprah!

And you believe Hillary & Bill never smoked dope together? I have a bridge for sale in Brooklyn New York… Ya interested?

I think we should have a mandatory drug test for ALL candidates (both parties) and see what comes up.

Heck, they do it in the private sector, why not our Public Officials…those that are making "informed" decisions for the rest of our country.

Think back people: we ALL did things then that STILL today we're not proud of but this man stepped up and told the truth. Clinton did not. I'll take O'bama any day over Clinton (either of them)

Obama used drugs, but he didnt' stay on drugs. I think his admission is inspirational. It tells kids that their life can turn around even if they have done some stupid things. It also tells them not to waste their life as he did. With the help of Oprah, he is able to reach out to many of them, have an organization to get them involved in public service early. Public service can be a noble profession and not dirty as politics these days. Many people stay away from politics simply because of these ugly attacks.

I am glad to see both Huckabee and Obama rise in the poll. The American people like to see decent people as their president, people who can bring the country together, and people who can heal their wounds. Both of these people have this quality.

They will have to withstand the attacks because of the nature of politics these days, and yet not to attack back, and still stand strong. This is their test and challenge.

Hillary has sunk down to the attack level. Let's hope they can both stand strong and turn this country around. The people of these early states send a strong message to a candidates - play nice - no more politics as usual. That would destroy this country. Tell the people where they intend to lead them and not to attack their fellow candidates.

Henry, the reason Jesus isn't a politician is not because he's too honest, but because he's too smart. So saith the Huckster. Anyway, with all the Christian rhetoric coming from the Republicans, can they possibly emphasize "punishment for past sins" over "forgiveness?" Geez, then where would their White House icon be?

Those were just "youthful indiscretions".

Who hasn't done drugs sometime in there lives. At least he isn't denying it. What was that " I didn't inhale". At least he is honest by taking the stand and admiting to it. Are we ever going to find a "Virgin" President????

When Hillasry was working her summer in Haight-Ashbury for a known communist law firm what chemical experiments did she do? If she was not experimenting, then she was one of a kind in that area at that time.

Bush is candid about his alchohol use, Big headline. Bush lies to the american people at every turn and yet everyone buys this BS? 3 blackeyes. 3 BS stories. Give me a guy who tells what the skeletons are every time. Bush gets elected with a history of DUIS and Cocaine abuse that he never admits but this will sink Obamas ship when he readily admitted it? Only in America and only in the looney world of Faux and Hate radio will this blimp fly.

What is telling is that Shaheen stated that is was the 'public admission' of drug use and not the drug use itself that was the potential problem. I extrapolated that to mean that Hillary could have used drugs too but she won't admit it, So We Win !!!

Come on Now ! Bill and Hillary were coming of age at the

dawning of the Age of Aquarius.
Ah - quare - ree - us
Aquarius.
Ah - quare - ree - us

Seriously, the majority of people in our generation have tried something, even if just alcohol, and most have then grown up to have normal, productive lives. It's not like he's confessing to murder. Looks like it's mudslinging time already.

Looks like Barack never recovered:

http://www.law.com/jsp/dc/PubArticleDC.jsp?id=1196849068428&hub=TopStories

…NOT.

Go Obama!

To the obnoxious racist who still believes "We The People" still think as we did in the 60's, stop making a fool of yourself. Obama can win this thing!!!
And why does everyone overlook the fact that this guy is special, more special than any african american who ever ran for the nomination, maybee because he's half white?

Maybe Oprah can get Dr Phil to talk to Obama about his drug use. maybe it's got something to do with "audacity" or being a minority. LOL

Bill Shaheen is my lawyer, a crummy one at that, and the fact that he is co chairman of Hillary's campaign makes me even sicker. Vote Obama or we are all in serious trouble for the next 8 years!

It's just sad that Clinton and her officials are making direct attacks at the competition regarding things other than political issues. Useless jargon like this pushes an uninformed voter to pick a candidate.

Please, people, read about the issues! Don't rely purely on character, charisma, wealth, and vanity. It's this kind of abuse of democracy and the right to vote that causes problems for this country.

Don't worry Hillary, if Obama can beat you, then he can beat anyone!

The country needs the smartest and most honest candidate, and that person is Barack Obama!

Shame on Hillary for her smear campaign! She's falling hard, and only trying to take others down with her!

Obama 08!!!

Well…if you got nothing else to talk about…

Hillary is pathetic and this truly shows how desperate her campaign really is.

May God spare the nation from this nasty woman.

Past drug use??

Where the hell is the Ticker story on Criminal Bush and the Cowardly Democrats voting ANOTHER $70B into this loser war?

Where's the ticker story on Bush vetoing children's health care again?

What the HELL is wrong with you idiots, CNN? Bush's DRUG problems?

How about his criminal behavior? How about pulling your heads out and quit abdicating your role as public informer.

The media in this country used to be a valuable government check, especially during the '60s.

The media now is an irrelevant government propoganda tool.

So what the guy has a past like we all do.. its what learn from his experince what make a man up .

Let me see: hmmmmmmm
OBAMA breaks a law to smoke put and breaks another law to snort cocaine for years!!!! (not one time) even before he was of age to drink. (broke that law too)
But, he says he did it now so, he is honest. WOW he is GREAT!!!!! You have to be kidding me.
Clinton's advisor says it will hurt his chances for the election and that is probably true without a law broken and he is the one being made out to be a bad person and not the law breaker who is going to be our highest government official (president)??? MAYBE–I doubt it, but someone who is supposed to obey all of our laws has broken many bad and serious laws.

Hey, if a murderer murders a child and says he did it, does that make it ok if he admits he did it, because it is honest and you vote him in to head our schools say?

YOU GUYS ARE NUTS!!!!!

Senator Obama will not even make Senator next time after everything comes out.
I pray he will not be our President.
We have had enough of an inexperienced alcoholic and drug addict C student already in office, we do not need another one.

why do all the negative attacks come from hillary?

Let me get this right. We need someone in a top post working for Hillary, tell us that the Republicans are going to bring up the drug use issue of Obama. I don't suppose you would have brought it up anyway? Pretty desperate move, you must be starting to understand we don't want Hillary or what she stands for.

Yo! What a strategy! saying in front of young people that i used drug when i was young. OMG! So u teenagers can use drug and one day u can be a president of United State? U must b joking Mr. Obama!
It's not that u r telling the truth but it's u r trying to be a hero for teenager. u r trying teenagers to use drug and saying it is normal and nothing's wrong
Come on Grown up Mr. Obama.

I like his honesty, and I'd same the same thing if a Republican admitted it. I'd rather have an honest policitian that's experimented with drugs than a dishonest policitian.

Just another Clinton campaign backfire blunder! I hear so much about how great this Hillary political machine is well
Axelrod has kicked there ass at every
Billary smear at every turn! This alone
will generate another 2 Pts. in N.H. for the man of integrity.

Rock the nation and the world!!!
Baroooock the vote!!!

I also find it ironic that Senator Clinton wants to make "electability" an issue. Perhaps she should talk to her pollster Mark Penn (before she fires him) he would tell her that she of ALL the Democtratic candidates has the HIGHEST unfavorables in a general election campaign. He would also tell her that polls have consistently shown that Senator Obama does as well or even better than Senator Clinton in matchups with the Republican candidates.

hey karl rove said he could tell barack obama how to beat hillery clinton the cocaine marjuana smear about obama may do clinton in but they thank obama would be a easy win for the republicans open the doors here come the republicans white house again 08

I'm not concerned on where Obama has been, but on where he is going.Obama has a lot of good ideas and points in his campaign that I have applauded. The one negative that I have being a former Marine,will be his view on patriotism as a US President.As a citizen of the United States freedom has given us the privilege not be patriotic if we don't want to be patriotic. When Obama didn't were an American Flag on his appell or hold his hand over his heart during the national anthem is his right, but where I feel he has alienated at least a lot of serviceman past and present is that he is running for President of the United States where patriotism by it's leader or prospective leader of the free world is looked upon on how we became who we are and where we are going;This shouldn't be tossed with such cavaliere in running for president.I haven't made a decision on who to cast my vote,But because of his personal views on patriotism as President of the United States I can't and will not be voting for Obama.

The hypocrisy abounds! Is there anyone in the civilized world who doesn't believe that Hill and Bill were doing drugs back in their "hip" law school days of the 60's? (Of course Bill, at least, didn't inhale!)

Uh huh!

What's a moderate Republican to do? Dear old Dr. Dobson is threatening to ressurect the suicide wing of the party lest we dare say a candidate who says an abortion is okay if the mother was raped on a leap year when the Cowboys are in the Superbowl can bear the standard during the election. Some of us don't like being blackmailed. Some of us may have some silly notions that an abortion is a necessary evil, or that maybe the people ought to have a voice in politics over the deepest of corporate soft-money treasure troves. Some of us may not even be scared by the concept that gays and lesbians might want to form stable, nuclear families.

This, however, I vow. We hate Hillary Clinton to the core. This woman, more than any in America, will make us remain in common cause with Dobson's ilk if for no other purpose that to stop that shrew from realizing the power she so desperately covets. She will be the single, driving, unifying issue that brings Republicans of all stripes together. We will put aside differences and work together to defeat this shrew.

On the other hand, Obama just doesn't arouse the same hatred in us. He seems to at least stand for what he believes in, not openly prostitute himself to every causehead that a focus group says will bump him two points. Sincerity and character count. He's sincere, and he has the (expletive deleted) to admit that he did the drugs he did, instead of trying to say something contrived like "I didn't inhale."

We won't vote for the man. Certainly you must realize that. On the other hand, a number of us aren't exactly going to go out of our way to stand in his path to office either. If Shrewery is the nominee, you can bet I'll take the day off and drive people to the polls if it halts her path to office. If Obama is the nominee (and Romney, Huckabee, or Thompson is the Republican nominee), I may just stay home and play video games.

The thing about this attack that gets me isn't that it's idiotic, it's that it just reeks of the kind of childishness we've seen from Washington for the last eight years! Enough already! I'm sick of it. The man screwed up in his early life. I'm 24 and I can relate. I can only hope to have had a tenth of the success Obama has had in his later years, but even if I don't attain that, I wouldn't expect anyone to blame my mediocre life on mistakes I made in High school! The Clintons are this country's past, Obama should be its future!

SERIOUSLY, Obama definitely wins for honesty. I would be willing to bet money other candidates have also tried or experimented with substances in college. We all make stupid mistakes that seem fine at the time. So what, he said that he tried it. We obviously ALL know he doesn’t do it now so let’s get over the drug thing. If anything him mentioning his past makes him a better candidate in my eyes for being honest and showing that he is a real person just like us and he too makes/ made mistakes in his past.

Give Obama credit for honesty about his youth,it didn't damage his amazing intellect, Bush got a free pass.

Wow, Obama did drugs in high school. Stop the presses - the four horsemen are riding! Please, at least he had the sense to quit. And now has the sense to admit to it. It makes the man human. I'm glad to see a candidate admit to being human for once instead of skirting issues, redefining words or slinging mud to divert the fire to someone else. Hillary should be ashamed of herself. With all of the bull that has been slung at her family, some true and some not so true, one would think she would have more sense than to bring up issues from high school years. It is rather disgusting.

"It'll be, 'When was the last time? Did you ever give drugs to anyone? Did you sell them to anyone?'"

Gosh, I don't recall anybody asking Bill Clinton those questions…"Did you sell them to anyone?" Somehow I have to think that if Senator Obama had white skin, that question would never even come up in a debate…But maybe I'm wrong. Let us hope that these questions don't come up, because they are no longer relevant. Gosh, Senator Clinton, maybe it's time to start looking into better aides and people working on your campaign. They seem to be doing more harm than good…