ROCHESTER, New Hampshire (CNN) – A group of about a dozen anti-abortion protestors interrupted one of Barack Obama's New Hampshire rallies Monday night.
The group shouted in unison, "Abortion is abomination," forcing Obama to pause in the middle of his speech.
When the noise erupted, Obama first paused and looked up into the balcony where they were standing.
"Alright," Obama said, attempting to squelch the commotion. "Alright."
The rest of the crowd soon got angry with the protestors.
"No need to boo. We appreciate [their] point," Obama said, adding that he'd be happy to talk to them afterwards but that shouting "isn't going to solve anything."
The whole incident lasted about two minutes before they were escorted out by police.
Before leaving the room, one protestor yelled, "True change is ending abortion!" Change has been a major theme of Obama's campaign.
Once the audience calmed down again, Obama said, "Let me just say this, though... Some people got organized to do that. That's part of the American tradition we are proud of."
"That's hard, too, standing in the midst of people who don't agree with you," he added.
– CNN's Chris Welch
From CNN Politics
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BO, you probably planted those people to try and prove to people that you're actually pro-choice. in reality, you are against a women's right to choose...you couldn't even vote "yes" or "no" on choice issues when you were an Illinois state senator...Illinois NOW wouldn't even endorse you because you were too weak on the issue! How do we know where you stand today?
Com on people – Can't you see through the acting of these candidates? CNN has been great at showing Hillary's tearful moment (not one tear might I add). As far as I am concerned it is all an act – she is doing what she thinks might get her votes. Cafferty where are you? Dobbs???
These thugs were plants and sent in from Hitlery's camp! She knew about it and knew that the numbers are not on her side for tomorrow in NH, she is desperate, she wanted to see how Obuma would handle the situation, he did a good job.
Hitlery is such a coward, she will deny she had anything to do with it like the government of Pakistan didn't have Bhutto knocked off.
Hitlery your days are numbers, you will be put back into the cow pasture, so MOOOOOver over Billy boy, your companion is about to join you lol
Go Mitt!.
Barack has said a lot about "change" but what about it? What will he do? What is he capable of doing?
He says he can cross the isle, but let's be realistic. He is only saying what he thinks will get him more votes.
Why are we overlooking candidates like Edwards? Geez!
I can only imagine what lies ahead. So many views, so little time! Some will make tremendous sense while others, sigh, will be totally anal!! How many lunatics are yet to open their mouths and stick their feet all the way in ?! We've got many months yet before the next Presidential election so I'm listening and getting as many facts as I can before I decide who to vote for.
This is what I love about this candidate – finally, someone who realizes that differences in politics are small compared to the things we all have in common...someone who can disagree while respecting and truly appreciating the effort it took for the other side to speak their truth. I really hope our country seizes this opportunity to be led by someone who brings us together rather than pitting us against each other. With the challenges our country is about to face, we need every person we can get – republican, democrat, independent, to get engaged and involved for real and lasting change.
Don’t let them stop you Barack, this is our time. For eight years the Republicans have been doing nothing about abortion. Let’s get in the White House and change the other terrible things going on in the world that Dick and George have neglected. The years of Dick and Bush will be stopped by Barack Obama. Obama 08 I can’t wait.
Wow ! Is Barak Obama a class act or what !?!?
His personal touch is so right on, and compassionate as well.
great man. obama exemplified his appreciation of alternative viewpoints in this incident. he will make a great pres
Oh my goodness! So Obama didn't answer to any of the harsh words spoken to the dozen or so "American Voters" that had questions of him? What, Obama actually didn't have anything bright to say this time? What happened? I thought he was supposed to be so eliquent in his speaches? Come on America, let's face it, so the man can talk? What happened to "talk is cheap"?
We had better vote for someone who really does have experience and not just a sharp tongue. We American's had better vote someone in office who DOES have experience working in foreign affairs that can truly clean up the mess Bush has created with all of our friends overseas!
Let's vote for Clinton, who truly does have the experience we all need! Let's not make another HUGE mistake this time around.
Thank you!
Calm and cool in the face of whackjobs. Very presidential demonstration.
"That's hard, too, standing in the midst of people who don't agree with you," he added.
Is that What Obama says the first time people don't agree with him - DO YOU EVEN KNOW WHAT IT MEANS AND HOW HARD IT IS TO GET ANY THING DONE WHEN PEOPLE DON'T AGREE WITH YOU. YOU ARE RUNNING FOR PRESIDENT.......... GO GET SOME EXPERINCE FIRST.
DON'T BE LIKE THE YOUNG GUY WHO TOOK MY PROMOTION.
What a sick thing for Barack to say. He basically brushes off concerns from the opposition. Smooth pimp talker he is.
Abortion is an issue that has been exploited by Conservatives to activate the evangelical base. Let us say that a healthy woman could conceive and deliver 15 children in a lifetime. We pretty much agree that American women should not be having 15 kids. One to three children would be a nice sized family. So what is the woman to do?
If she chooses to abort pregnancy 1, give birth to pregnancies 2, 3, and 4, then prevent pregnancies 5-15 by birth control or having her tubes tied, what is the issue? Some people believe that the soul enters the body at birth, some at conception, some at 6 weeks or 12 weeks. Some believe that we don't have a soul. None of us know, and none of us should force his theology on the others. Any group that is able to do so will be a minority imposing its opinion on the majority, since NONE of our opinions is held by a majority of Americans.
Personally, I wish there were no abortions and no unplanned pregnancies. That would require a lot more research into new birth control methods and a vigorous sex education program in all schools.
However I believe that we will continue to shout at each other, resolve nothing, learn to hate each other a little more, allow our teenagers to get pregnant and have a kid they don't want or feel guilty about having an abortion. It's becoming the American way.
Obama is such a gracious man. He handled a disruptive ruckus in a way that was jest soooooo cool. Way ta go, Obama!
The slogan of Mr. Obama "Change". I am asking the american people what kind of change we are talking about. I don't like to change anything in this great country of ours. The only issue I would work upon is the medical care and the mitigation of taxes for retired people, care for the elderly must be the first thing any politician should be interested as their primary goal. Slogans like "Change" are totally childish, this is not matter of whom has the most attractive slogan, this is matter of exposing a platform with projects, let me tell you that anyone can say "I am the change" this may mean a change of a dollar into quarters, dimes or nickels!
So lets have actual projects, we are looking for honest people in the government with management experience and not talkers. Be honest to the tax payers explaining in details without maintaining a "limbo" make taxation easier and will reduce medicare costs by half, peoples struggle and get sick trying to survive among all the expenses and taxes they have to sustain every day. So please give the american people a break!
Regardless of partisanship we have the necessity of somebody Female or Male no problem! but to talk with honesty to the American people and not to abandon the elderly of this country that have made America great with their abnegation and sacrifice.
Everyone in the media is focussing on the fact that Obama has become a movement. One question has anyone really focussed on which candidates from both parties have any experience or could possibly do this important job I mean we have had a president for the last few years that was voted in and really has no experience and look what has happened to the country. Lets all take a look at the real issues not the presonalities it would be a real shame if we were to vote for a president because of only change other issues we have as a country etc.
I hope the protestors stayed around so Obama could talk to them so they could learn how engaging he is for change. He understands their need to be heard and a responsible solution.
Very presidential. Classy too.
wow, they were taken care of with alot of dignity!
Isn't this intersting. No comments for Obama article but many for Clinton artilcles
He just seems to say the right thing at the right time that leaves those to whom he is speaking with dignity and those who a listening inspired.
I really applaud Obama because he did say he will talk to them. That sound like someone that want to know what making a person upset.
Barack Obama is the leader we need now to unite this country.
"Abortion is abomination,"
Huh?
Then don't do abortion if it's an abomination!
I mean, who is forcing these people to abort? LOL
The final comments noted from Sen. Obama are what give me hope that his presidency may be right for America: "Let me just say this, though… Some people got organized to do that. That's part of the American tradition we are proud of."
It was American zeal for their country and it's proper governance that so impressed Alexis de Tocqueville when he wrote about democracy (not the political party) in America. I can support a candidate that is excited to see Americans being Americans.
Finally with the election year dawning in Amerca there is a great urgency to choose the right leader.The damage done by Bush's presidency and that smeared its image can only be undone by one single person;Hillary Rodham Clinton.She truly personifies experience and with her steely resolve can make America once again the nation it once was.
This is a hope shared by many human rights activist across South Asia.Notwithstanding the fact that she went alonh with Bush in its war against Iraq,time has now come where it can be safely concluded that through Bush's manouevering of facts many democrats at that time, in fact voiced ,similar opinions.
I would very much like to see Clinton there !
This is a perfect example of what we need more of in politics. A leader who won't will listen to everyone, even the radicals, and be willing to have open discussions with people that disagree. Maybe if we had more politicians like Obama, people like that wouldn't feel like they needed to yell themselves hoarse in order to be heard.
I love the fact that he can be so gracious to people who disagree with him so strongly. That is how a good leader leads.
Obama's typical speech messages:
"….stand by me and we will change the country and the world…".
" The country needs a real change…."
"…folks, change is what this country need right now!",
"…we don't want the same people in the white house, we need change"
"…I am an agent for change, help me implement change…"
"…this is a revolution for change!"
"…..if you vote for me you will be voting for change"
Notice the lack of content. Notice the repetitive term "change". Notice the lack of willingness to point to any realistic records for change. Notice the lack of details to the changes that he is proposing. Most importantly, notice how broad the definition of 'change' is and how VAGUE it is. A vote for Obama is a vote to confirm that you this country can not be bother with specifics. A vote for Obama is a vote to say…"don't ask don't tell"…..A vote for Obama is a vote for ignorance. The country is at a cross road, we need a Woman who has defy the odds to get where she is now….a woman who has done the tough battles….a woman who knows what it really takes to make change happen and know too well that talk is cheap.
I think that Iowa and New Hamphire is giving Obama a false positive. I also wonder why the media is not as harsh on him like they are on the Clinton campaign. So far there is no scruntiny. I believe that he's being set-up for a huge fall. I'm very proud of the way Hillary is handling all of the negative press. Her and Bill can't even say good morning without some type of ulterior motive reported by the pundits. I can't wait to see how Obama handle the same treatment; then we'll see who has the stamina to be president. The Democrats have to ask the question do they want to make a social statement or win the white house.
Looking more presidential every day...
OBAMA in '08!
This is exactly what we need in a President.
Obama '08
http://www.barackobama.com
Some people's nerve. Tsk tsk. Don't those protesters know that abortion isn't the greatest problem this nation faces? And I personally disagree with that one protester: keeping abortion legal allows for freedom we otherwise wouldn't have. I mean, nobody's forcing you to keep or sacrifice a premature lifeform.
I am Bradley Schaubs, I am pro-choice, and I think it's great to have your own opinion, but please don't force it on others. Let them make their choice, for only they can be satisfied with the end result.
Courtesy of the Hillary Campaign I'm sure.
When the tough gets going act like a dayum fool!
I’m surprised Broom Hillary fans didn’t jump off the balcony to gain attention.
U-N-I-T-Y that spells unity....... No one can stop change not even anti-abortion protestors can interrupted or stop what the people wants. Which is change,,,
Well, I have to say that Obama has some class. Not only did he address the protesters, he said to them that it takes a pair of cahunas to stand up in front of a partisan crowd and make your point.
Is that not more american than you can be?
More times than not, most candidates pander to the home crowd, and jump on the pile when protesters single a person out, however Obama acknowledges the protesters, and says that it is what america is about, speaking out against what you believe.
They will never vote for Obama, but you have to give the guy credit, he acknowledges the protesters, but has his own view point on how things should be.
If you listen to his 2004 DNC speech (iTunes) he gives a great oration on what we want as a great nation and how we should proceed.
Personally I have been wafering between Clinton and Obama for the last few months, however I find myself leaning more towards Obama because of his straight up open and honest conversation with the american public....., i. e. no spin
Hillary/Barack would be a deam ticket - experience and competence plus inspiration and a real possibility of bringing America together. It's unlikely to come about but I'll enthusiastically support support either of them, or Edwards, or Richardson as a most welcome change from eight years of Bush/Cheney. Ugh.
Obama handled that well.
this is the way we can put civility back into our discourse. thanks to obama for modelling it.
There is no real "change" in Obama's rhetoric. Obama reminds me of G.W. Bush when he was running in 2000. Cliche: Fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me. I'm not going with the inexperience again. Whoever the nominees are, I'm going with the most experienced and one who has the record to show for.
G.W. Bush said in 2000 he was all about change but look at what has happen to this country:
1. war in Iraq, because Obama kept voting to authorize $300 billion to fund the war. We need a fighter, someone who is willing to stand up against the status quo. Obama had several years to prove that he was the agent of change but chose not to because he has no back bone.
2. America's reputation is ruined around the world because we, as americans, put the inexperienced in the Whitehouse
3.list goes on.
We Need someone with a clear record on National Security, Foreign policy experience, and real accomplishments.
G.W. Bush didn't got this country in a turmoil because he's a republican but because he did not have enough experience to lead this country.
i really think OBAMA has given respect to these ppl that decided to be rude and interrupt his speech...not only did he tell others not to boo them..but he also said he loved america for that ability to organize...i appreciate the fact that he is able to apprecaite ppl's differences...go OBAMA!!!!!!!!!!!!
Great job by obama!
Also Womanwithhope I think you totally missed his point, he was saying we need to listen to people who disagree with us even though it might hard to do so at first it makes all better in the long run. He was praising them for organizing their protest. He was saying he admired their courage for them to do that when the entire crowd disagreed with them.
Someone obviously has some issues [Womanwithhope]...Doesn't sound like she has ANY hope at all.
I find it very admirable that Obama was able to be so polite and realistic about it. It's very difficult dealing with that–I can imagine. This is just another extension of how incredible a candidate Obama is. The ability to be able to be diplomatic in the face of adversity is exactly the change this country needs!
It's this kind of grace & dignity that will unite our country & make solutions possible. As long as people only shout & name-call, they won't talk to each other and until people talk, there won't be solutions, We NEED this man & his grace & dignity.
Obama has my vote. Listening to his Iowa victory speech made me think I was listening to RFK.
LOL at WomanWithHope.
Thinking of RFK makes me think of Ed Muskie and his teary eyed implosion to his campaign. Looks like Hillary had her Muskie moment.
Only question remaining for the Dems is who will be Barack's Veep. Edwards? Richardson? Kucinich? Okay, I threw that last name out there strictly for the laughs. I like Richardson, if Hillary wouldn't do it. You would get the midwest and the southwest, blacks and hispanics. That would be one hell of a ticket.
obama showed some class with how he handled that situation. i'm not so sure other candidates would have responded with such tolerance.
and please, WomanWithHope, just because a young man took your promotion does not give you a valid reason to justify Obama's response. i admire the fact that he had no influential or wealthy family members to usher him into political world (*cough hillary/george w. bush cough*) he has faced opposition but managed to make a name for himself. statistically, a person like obama shouldn't have succeeded. a young boy whose father abandoned him, multiracial in a world that doesn't know how to deal with it, moving around to new places at a young age – he obviously had to overcome a lot of obstacles to get where he is.
and in a world that is rapidly changing, i don't know if experience is really relevant or helpful for a President. times change. what worked five years ago won't work now. we need a President who has no baggage from the past, who will be able to make decisions objectively without worrying about how it would affect a family member's legacy. we need a President who is able to think fast, make decisions wisely, command respect and inspire trust and confidence from the people.
WomanWithHope, so sad, so pathetic....What would you have him do or say.....You support Hillary because she is a woman no more no less. She has never made an decision on her own...Her decison are always based on what someone else does......And that my dear is not being a leader.......
Senator Obama's response to this disruption is exactly why I am voting for him! We have had 7+ years of bully politics - we have had leaders that fear difference and conflicting views - who would prefer to curb liberties. We need leadership that preserves and protects our constitution, and has the courage of his convictions necessary to withstand the protests and arguments from opposing views. This is discourse, this is dialogue, this is the foundation of our political freedom. This, quite simply, is just some of what the true enemies of freedom and the US, fear and despise and seek to destroy with bombs and terror.
It takes more strength of character and courage to remain true to your principles and values - to act with integrity - in the face of opposition, than to lash out or respond with anger or indignation (was President Bush demonstrating leadership when he threatened the world after 9/11 with 'either you're with us or against us'?)
So, good on you Senator Obama. Please continue to demonstrate the strength of your character, your integrity, and your leadership.
That was an organized protest in the midst of supporters of Obama whom obviously support a womans right to choose (most of them anyways). Here in Canada, we call that real politics, the real way to get things done. We believe that the US of A needs to elect a president who will Unite, not divide, Mediate, not take sides. I think this is just a small sample of what everyone can expect from an Obama President.
I happened to watch this incident on CSPAN earlier, and I have to say – it's these sorts of moments that show you whether a candidate is all talk or whether they actually believe what they say.
This answered the question of whether Obama is the real deal or all talk.
The fact that Obama showed respect for them while disagreeing with them, and asked the audience to allow the protesters some dignity was classy.
It showed me that he actually believes in listening to people and bringing the unlike minded together to settle their differences with civility, no matter how different their views may be.
Wow. What a class act. This man has what it takes to be president.
Finally! A president who is willing to meet and speak with protesters! Unlike GW who never speaks with the moms of soldiers who have died for HIS war.
To WomanWithHope. Maybe there's a reason he took "your" promotion.
WomanWithHope – perhaps you should display a little less bitterness and a little more hope, like your name implies
Obama handled the incident with a lot of class, and yet again is showing why he would make a fantastic president – one that we can be proud of!
"DO YOU EVEN KNOW WHAT IT MEANS AND HOW HARD IT IS TO GET ANY THING DONE WHEN PEOPLE DON'T AGREE WITH YOU. YOU ARE RUNNING FOR PRESIDENT………. GO GET SOME EXPERINCE FIRST.
DON'T BE LIKE THE YOUNG GUY WHO TOOK MY PROMOTION"
-WomanWithHope
What does age have do to with anything? And why are you suggesting that "somebody" is stealing something that belongs to another "somebody" you fail to specify? At least he opened the table up to talk first, unlike Hillary – who goes straight for the kill, which many DEMOCRATS, Independants and Republicans alike are finding to be tasteless and of poor character.
You know, its fine if you wanna use age and 'experience' as reasons to go after this man, but look at who you are supporting in his stead; An woman, who in calling Obama's presidency a 'risk' and in resorting to using smear tactics in N.H., is using what are essentially scare tactics to rally support around her. The same dang thing that the Republicans used against Kerry in 2004. It's ironic that she talks about being the only candidate who can withstand the Republican attack machine; she is, after all, the only candidate they have actively pursued. So it would only make sense she learn how to defend herself. The kinds of criticisms aimed at Obama are nothing compared to the attacks aimed at Hillary by the Republicans, if only because they honestly know better than to attack someone who has given them no reason for such attacks (and who, in his popularity and overwhelming public support from people from all demographics is a greater threat to THEM than Hillary ever could be). This is far more compelling when remebers how this attack machine and its members are the ones responsible for warping public opinion and producing one of the most disastrous presidency's in this nations history. The radical Republicans and Hillary want to play games with each other, and thats fine. But Obama wants to get down to the core of the issues at hand, and forego this petty tit-for-tat philosophy that has dominated washington for almost two decades now.
Hillary may be 'experienced', but whatever she is experienced in will not bring peace. She's just too hostile. Now I am not at all doubting her ability to produce change, but if she wants to be a militant and force that change into being, then she really does need to stay in the Senate, where that kind of behavior can actually make a difference.
It's like what Robert Kennedy said about his Senate election in 64:"Now I can go back to being ruthless". Well Hillary, you can go back to being ruthless in the Senate. But do us a favor and save some civility for the presidency.
WomanWithHope, I believe you misread the article/situation. Obama was referring to the fact that it was hard for the protesters to stand in the midst of the pro-Obama crowd. He was making a point that the people protesting were making their voices heard, even when unpopular to do so. I would be proud to vote for a man who wants to hear from both sides for a change.
Mr. Obama always manages to display such grace even in the most precarious of predicaments.
And FYI – despite catch-phrases motivated by BIGOTRY which try to indicate otherwise (and only sway the IGNORANT) Sen Obama is an incredible INTELLECT… in fact he is a MAGMA cum laude graduate of Harvard Law. I’m not suggesting that formal education is the sole form of education or a lone determining factor, but I am underscoring that surely such a superbly
prudent individual understands the difference between ARTICULATING change and EFFECTING it. Considering her scholar self-label and the fact that her supporters unwaveringly emphasize her purported brilliance, I thought it interesting that Hilary FAILED to earn a cum laude degree.
Follow Iowa’s lead… they don’t have the highest literacy rate for nothing.
Don’t be blinded by BIGOTRY… vote SMART America !!
D, FL
so a young guy took your promotion?
Well let me say that I am a young guy who has always tried to better myself and one thing I've learned is that not everyone with experience is ready or wants to lead!! I've done a fine job in filling In. I don't know what your experience or job is so I not judging you but Obama said nothing wrong in his comment (like Rich said they were taken care of with dignity) and in fact does have enough experience to make good opinions. Im democrat but honestly there no other Democrats running for president that I would vote for.
Woman with hope you really don't sound like someone with hope..... Get this straight....The young man obviously got the promotion not because of his EXperience but because he brought change. So forget about your beef with Obama and be more open minded!!
I agree with Richard. Obama kept his cool and acknowledged the right of those protesters to their opinions. But he did not yield an inch on his opinion. He just made sure the protest did not erupt into something bigger. That takes dignity and real statesmanship. LEADERSHIP.
"True change is ending abortion."
The sad thing is, abortion will never end. It's a grand idea, but abortion's been around for hundreds of years (even St. Augustine wanted his lover to have an abortion, but she refused, and he later abandoned her and his son).
We can certainly do things that will lessen the number of abortions, though; for example:
1) abstinence and birth control education,
2) better support and conseling for women who find themselves with an unplanned pregnancy,
3) parenting teenagers with a style that is neither too autocratic nor too permissive, and
4) higher employment rates for women in the "at-risk for unplanned pregnancy" category
are all strategies that can lower the number of unplanned pregnancies.
Making abortion illegal won't stop abortion, just like making murder illegal hasn't stopped homicides from taking place in America. It just allows us to punish the perpetrator if s/he is caught and is proven to have committed the crime beyond a reasonable doubt. Making women and doctors into criminals is not some easy solution to ending abortion. We all need to work a lot harder to solve this issue, because it's much, much deeper than some anti-abortion law would fix.
Nicely handled Senator.
Is that What Obama says the first time people don't agree with him — DO YOU EVEN KNOW WHAT IT MEANS AND HOW HARD IT IS TO GET ANY THING DONE WHEN PEOPLE DON'T AGREE WITH YOU. YOU ARE RUNNING FOR PRESIDENT………. GO GET SOME EXPERINCE FIRST.
DON'T BE LIKE THE YOUNG GUY WHO TOOK MY PROMOTION.
First off, please take off your caps lock... sounds like you are shouting, too.
Secondly, I am sure Mr. Obama knows what it is like to deal with people that don't agree with him. He was a church organizer (activist... very similar to the abortion protesters that he faced tonight), served in the State Senate and is a member of the US Senate. I promise you he has come along folks that don't agree with him. It sounds like you are bitter about some one taking your job. I understand that frustration, but Mr. Obama was not the cause of that. In my opinion, he handled that with dignity and class, and reminded us all that while folks may not agree with each other, it is your right as an American to loudly and boldly disgree. Very similar to what I am doing with your comment.
Mr. Obama always manages to display such grace even in the most precarious of predicaments.
FYI – Despite catch-phrases motivated by BIGOTRY which try to indicate otherwise (and only sway the IGNORANT) Sen Obama is an incredible INTELLECT… in fact he is a MAGMA cum laude graduate of Harvard Law. I’m not suggesting that formal education is the sole form of education or a lone determining factor, but I am underscoring that surely such a superbly prudent individual understands the difference between ARTICULATING change and EFFECTING it. Considering her scholar self-label and the fact that her supporters unwaveringly emphasize her purported brilliance, I thought it interesting that Hilary FAILED to earn a cum laude degree.
Follow Iowa’s lead… they don’t have the highest literacy rate for nothing.
Don’t be blinded by BIGOTRY… vote SMART America !!!
D, FL
I did not like to see Obama to be president because Obama has no experience at all!
Everyone has their own personal opinion about abortion. Personally, I am against it, that is simply the Christian in me. But the woman in me does not want the government to intervene with my personal affairs. Senator Obama handled that situation very well by tactfully acknowledging them. And as far as experience goes, no one said anything about Bush. He was supposed to have experience, he was in the military, his father was President, etc., and look where that has landed us. We are in a war with no realistic end anytime soon, we(America) are so far in debt that it is a complete and utter disgrace, and no one is profitting from any of it. IT IS TIME FOR A CHANGE, GIVE OBAMA A CHANCE!!!
Senator Obama's response to this disruption is exactly why I am voting for him! We have had 7+ years of bully politics — we have had leaders that fear difference and conflicting views — who would prefer to curb liberties. We need leadership that preserves and protects our constitution, and has the courage of his convictions necessary to withstand the protests and arguments from opposing views. This is discourse, this is dialogue, this is the foundation of our political freedom. This, quite simply, is just some of what the true enemies of freedom and the US, fear and despise and seek to destroy with bombs and terror.
It takes more strength of character and courage to remain true to your principles and values — to act with integrity — in the face of opposition, than to lash out or respond with anger or indignation (was President Bush demonstrating leadership when he threatened the world after 9/11 with 'either you're with us or against us'?)
So, good on you Senator Obama. Please continue to demonstrate the strength of your character, your integrity, and your leadership.
Now this will be a real change!!
The Muslim revenge! Bush took down SADAM HUSSEIN and still hunting OSAMA and the desperate Democrats will elect BARACK HUSSEIN OBAMA. Is this the Islamic Republic of the USA????
WomanWithHope, he was talking about the protestors, not himself...
I have finally found a candidate that I can believe in. Someone that can diffuse a situation without causing more harm than good. Although it may hurt me financially to vote for Obama – he is what America needs. Go Obama – the last few days you have won my vote...
GW has been in the White House for 8 years – has abortion been outlawed yet?
When are these "issue" voters going to realize they are being used?
Abortion, Gay Marriage, the war in Iraq, whatever. The parties use the "single issue" voters to elect scoundrals.
"Elect me and I'll legalize or outlaw __________, while at the same time stealing all your money!"
And they fall for it every time!
these religious zealots are tactless and dangerous.
Obama is AWESOME!
No other candidate stands a chance.
Abortion is a sensitive issue. I don't agree with abortion, but abortion is legal; it is a personal choice. Should it be legal? The alternative: Young ladies finding a way to get the procedure done underground, increasing their risk of infection and death. I wonder if any of those protestors actually opened up their homes to foster children, or adopted a child, or actually participated in any programs that educate people about sex and contraceptives.
I guess it would have been more "presidential" if he just told them to "shut up!" like Bill Clinton did?
Nah, I like Obama's approach a bit better. Those people DO have a right to say what they think. No one should tell them to shut up. They just need to find an appropriate forum and not disrupt everyone else.
womanwithhope – get a life, quickly. one of the geatest tests for a democratic society is to be able to let someone yell at the top of their voice that which you most disagree with....... and do so without harm or reprisal. thats free speech and in a free society.
dont have it out with someone who took your job because they were either better than you, smarter or more efficient at their job.
the smart thing to do is to see why they got that promotion and if you want it so bad, do your job better and smarter and get it back, otherwise move on and get another job that suits your current abilities.
and dont try to press your personal religious, political, moral or ethical views onto someone else.
sure, yhou can scream them at the top of your voice so long as you are not tryinto force feed others with your ideals
and live a happy life, smile
"Don't be like the young guy who took my promotion"
a little bitter are you? Sounds like Hillary herself is on these message boards – and yes, Barack will be taking the promotion you thought was so securely yours.
WomanWithHope,
I thought Obama's last remark was very conciliatory. He was gracious enough to stand up for those women who protested. He applauded their courage to stand up for something even though it was hard...to protest in a room filled with thousands of (most likely) pro-choice dems, that takes courage.
As a single mother, I appreciated the support of the protesters that I made the right choice. I would take my baby over money any day,
Thanks for the encouragment by the protesters me and my little American appreciated.
I know nothing will change but the fact that people want me to keep my baby means a lot. Thank you Protesters.
Barack Obama is a man of integrity and can easily handle people who disagree with him with dignity and remain self confident. He is ready to do so in Washington, as President of this country. I am so proud to be able to say that he is truly the "Candidate of Change" and just what America needs to unite us and bring back the hope we've needed for so long.
maybe the above mentioned promotion was given to someone who deserved the position instead of yelling at the position.. wait.. that sounds familiar doesn't it?
I think that was the single best thing he could have done. In the army we call this asymetric warfare. Turn weakness into strength. This could have been an ugly " dont tase me bro" situation, but the ability to listen, turn it into a pro for you, and demonstrate your ability to listen to everyone, even those who dont agree with you, or are obviously hostile against you is an great testament to the problem solving ability of the candidate. Problem solving is what i want from my president, and this was a great demonstration.
Just for kicks, I would like to see a pro choice protest in a romney, or thompson rally. that would be funny.
Or like running on CHANGE, nothing BUT CHANGE, but he won't say how that change manefests itself or or why the only other things he says is how Hilary is not a person you want as a president. That is NOT CHANGE, the boys beating up on a girl.
I Think that People are always "TALKING" about change and tolerance, and then when they get it (Some willing to listen to opposing views):
"No need to boo. We appreciate [their] point," Obama said, adding that he'd be happy to talk to them afterwards but that shouting "isn't going to solve anything."
They don't want it!
True CHANGE means, not always getting just what YOU WANT:
It means accepting opposing viewpoints...........
i hope that the voters in new hampshire are smart enought to vote for clinton,simply because shes is without adoubt the best person for our leader of our country.
Womanwithhope: are you medicated? If not you CLEARLY should be. Anti Abortion activist are truly radical christian whack jobs.
Wow those protesters were dumb, how's wanting to go back to lifestyle in the middle ages considered "change"?
Obama handled that situation with class. (I saw it on CSPAN, so I'm not just reacting to second-hand print reports.)
He could have let his supporters continue to boo the protesters. He could have stood in silence while the protesters were escorted out, and then resumed his speech without saying a word about them.
Instead, he calmed the crowd down, defused the situation, and basically gave his supporters and all those who watched a lesson in tolerance and calm.
He even told the protesters he'd be happy to talk with them after his speech.
This is a man who is truly willing to respect and listen to people who disagree with him. That's the kind of leadership we need.
DON'T TAZE ME BRO!
Obama is the next US president for sure, he's the best man. I hope he becomes next US president and make Kurdistan to a separate country.
I think people should shout their mouth when Obama is speaking and listen for what he has to say.
SO WHAT HAS BARACK DONE- WHAT DOES HE STAND FOR
HOW MANY CLINTON PEEPS DOES HE WANT AS HE MENTIONED IN THE WHITEHOUSE????
I HAVE NOT SEEN ONE OF HIS PLANS MENTIONED OH YES JUST THE PLAN OF CHANGE AND HOPE –
HE'S ARROGANT AND VAGUE
NO MATTER WHAT HILARY DOES THE PRESS AND EVERYONE ELSE JUST TRIES TO MURDER HER
WELL IT WON'T BE THE 1ST TIME YOU IGNORANT PEOPLE MADE THE WRONG CHOICE
GOOD LUCK
IT SHE DOESN'T GET THE NOMINATION I AM DEFINITELY NOT VOTING NOR WILL I CALL BO MY PRESIDENT
HINDSITE IS ALWAYS SO MUCH BETTER
REMEMBER AL GORE????
It seems like Senator Obama doesn't handle himself so well when faced with those that don't agree with him on the abortion issue. I wonder what Senator Obama would say the majority of Americans who disagree with his position on supporting driver licences to illegal aliens? In the previous debate on CNN Obama said he supports this when asked for a yes or no answer.
Ah, the saga continues. Beat up Bush – put any inexperienced moron democrat in the White House and hope for the best. Let me ask a question – how many more terrorist incidents have occured here, on US soil, sonce 9/11? What? NONE? Really? ZERO? That's pretty amazing, don't you think? Do you think its a co-incidence; that Osama and al-kaida just took a little break? The general public, the entertainment community and yes even the media are so niave to what is reallyy happening on the world stage, its truly scary. This is th greatest country in the history of the world – do you really think the corn farmers of middle america will elect a female OR an african american ( MUSLIM no less!) to the the White House in November? WHO are you kidding? The dumbest, lamest Republic, McCain or romney, is a shoe in. In a way, I'm a little sad, being pro-choice and pro-environment. But I want a strong US military that goes into the 3rd world countries and kicks in doors and shoots people in the head in their beds at night SO IT NEVER HAPPENS HERE AGAIN!! And I am 100% fine with that.
Anyone who thnks the Democrats are anything less than the devil himslef is a fool. I'll take Dick Chaney and big oil any day. Maybe I should go buy some stock. THANK YOU President Bush for keeping us safe since 9/11/01. I wish we didn't have term limits.
People in He-l, probably want ice tea to easy the flames, but no one is going to take it to them.
Obama, wants change and unity. What planet is he living on. He'll spend four years trying to unite and change and accomplish nothing.
Enjoy the spotlight for now, beacuse that's going to evaporate soon.
Who are you people??? Let me get this right, Senator Barack was supposed to engage respectfully with individuals whose only goal was to be disrespectful, disruptive and insolent? Yeah, lending an ear to these presumable religious zealots would've totally been productive...
I think he handled it with maturity and tact. But what's the point in going to a rally full of Obama supporters and protesting something he can't do much about anyway? Since when does the president say if abortion is legal or not? You might note our not-so-brilliant present president doesn't believe in abortion–and yet it's still legal. And I thank whatever God for that.
"Wow those protesters were dumb, how's wanting to go back to lifestyle in the middle ages considered "change"?"
Goes to show how warped people's thinking is. Please explain how being opposed to the termination of a human life is a bad thing. Feel free to address how babies are made in your answer.
THIS BLOG IS FULL OF HILLARY SUPPORTERS!
Obama the trickster January 7, 2008 10:30 pm ET
What a sick thing for Barack to say. He basically brushes off concerns from the opposition. Smooth pimp talker he is.
Just because a candidate doesn't agree with you doesn't make him a smooth pimp talker.
If he agrees with every one he's a flip flopper. Wait a minute; that's ROMNEY.
GO OBAMA/08!!!!!!
Senator Obama has a careless record on flip-flopping, and talking generalities. I like the guy (I've said it before and I'll say it again (I'm not one of the attack vultures out here like the anti-Hillary ones)), however, he is after 8 years of Bush and the doldrums that we are in...
we cannot afford a "tag-line" candidate like Obama. His flip-flopping just proves his inexperienced shuffling and its just not his time, just like for others its not thier time....
Obama, who just recently cleaned up his long-time incessent "ahs" in his overly-academic speaking, must be viewed for his ENTIRE record dating back to the Illinois legistlature. America can't just support the "flavor of the week,"....we did that when GW Bush implied that we should support him because hes "the kind of person you can have a beer with..." WE ALL SAW WHAT HAPPENED THEREAFTER!
I actually thought he handled this very well as the crowd probably wouldn't have been so polite had they had their way. He acknowledged their rights to speech and assembly etc. Too bad the poster above can't except that. On a personal note I'd like to know how many abandoned children of the world those protestors have taken home to care for and raise.
I find an interesting sub story with the "womanforhope's" comment. It is clear that there is a HUGE age gap in those that support oboma vs clinton. Some have argued that there is a generational divide at work here. I think many baby boomers are nervous that a new generation is taking charge. That has to be wierd after being the center of everything for the entire lifespan of that generation. I hope that the narritive that would eventually emerge is that the new movements are as a result of the hard work of the previous generation. That a generational battle 'us' them would not result. But I think its important to recognize this tension.
Obama does not even have a plan let alone any experience. He is just all slick as oil. I don't trust him.
Richard,
how else do you think they should have been taken care of?
Isn't it the responsibility of the police to ensure peace? This was the US police not Obama staffers so what's the point of your comment!
Don't worry change is coming and we'll have different ways of handling situations like this.
I bet its an Obama/Edward ticket, I mean just look at how John Edwards has started to side with and even defend Barack in the debates. It totally cool with me, and its a brilliant stratigy because Edwards can attack Clinton and Obama can keep his hands clean.
I bet its a Obama/Edwards ticket. I mean just look at the debates, Edwards has already started to side with and even defend Obama. Which is totally cool with me and a brilliant strategy in my opinion because Edwards can attack Clinton and Obama can keep his hands clean.
If Obama was acknowledging how difficult it was for the anti-abortionists to protest in a democratic, mostly pro-choice crowd – this was very reasonable.
Tickster– When have you used the word 'pimp' to refer to a white person ?
woman with hope– why are you imposing your own personal situation onto a politician? is he responsible for your disappointment with being overlooked for the job promotion?
where are the comments about his policies instead of your own personal biases?
If you don't like his actions in the senate- give some details?
He has spent longer in the senate than Hillary.
what experience is he lacking- Does hillary's unelected time as first lady count?
how- she destroyed the health care reform
Did George Bush have enough experience to make judgements on foreign policy ? military operations without serving ?
be specific !!!
curious canadian observer
Classy on Obama's part
This is interesting I am undecided as to who to vote for at this point. I will say that I am impressed that Obama is willing to listen to all points of view. That is refreshing after 7 long years of being told we don't have a right to an opinion. The real fact with Hillary is that we can't survive another 4 or 8 years with a Bush or Clinton in the White House. Not after having a Bush or Clinton on the ticket since 1980.
Reading some of these people's comments make me feel ashamed to live in this country. Typing in all caps, irrelevant quasi-sentences and points, and quickness to hate a person who is trying to fix a wrong all show me that our nation is made up of a bunch of third graders.
I hope you all don't vote.
-Keller
It is not at all true that Obama has no plan, no stand on the issues. Feel free to check out the many links on http://www.barackobama.com, starting with the one labeled "Issues." Then, even if you still disagree with him, you will have a better idea what exactly you are disagreeing with.
Otherwise, you just make it clear that you aren't interested in knowing the truth.
As for "what has he done", the website covers that too. Check under the "Learn" link at the top of the page.
There are some things I don't understand about the concerns about Obama...
1) His message about change isn't just about changing the whitehouse, it's about working to get the people elected to lead the USA to actually acheive goals, vs. partisan bickering and congressional deadlock. This can only be done through inspiration, comprimise and communication, and not through strong arm tactics that we have seen used and are likely to see used under clinton or edwards. Where am I wrong here?
2) Obama has very specific policy points! He is recently being accused of his campaign being entirely about change...but when you go to his website he lists detailed plans for a variety of issues, and how he would pay for them. You may dissagree with his points (how much can taxing the wealthiest 2% more really pay for?), but he has them!
So please: help me figure out what I am missing!
Carl, Carl
Count me out as Hillary supporter. I'm supporting a candidate with the most experience in leading this country forward. And definitely someone with a positive track record....not just someone who voted "present" on critical issues. Incompetence is a direct results of Katrina, Iraq, and 911 attacks.
Wow, Obama handled this so well.
For all of those who say Obama doesn't have a plan go check out his website: http://www.barackobama.com
He has so much more content on it as far as his policy plans than any of the other leading candidates (at least Democrats.)
I hope you take time to read it before posting comments.
Again, Obama showing why he is best qualified to be POTUS.
Hey y'all....particularly the negative ones....can't you just be nice and support your candidate and their viewpoint on the issues?
Obama leads a nice example, if you need one.
If you don't like his actions in the senate- give some details?
He has spent longer in the senate than Hillary.
what experience is he lacking- Does hillary's unelected time as first lady count?
how- she destroyed the health care reform
Stewart- State Senate? Obama is someone who just voted "present" on critical issues like abortions or to support a bill that would let some juveniles be tried as adults. 136 times Obama voted "present" when he was in the State Senate. That's easy, even I could have done that.....voted "present" 136 times but I certainly wouldn't count that as part of my experience.
stewart: Actually, no, Obama hasn't spent more time in the Senate than Clinton. She was elected to the Senate in 2000, and is in her second term. He was elected to the Senate in 2004, and is only half way through his first term.
I'm not a supporter of either. I'm just sayin' ...
This situation shows that Obama is willing to listen even in the face of opposition. He acknowledged them, even though they were being rude and disrespectful by interupting his speech. This is he kind of leader America needs, someone who will listen to the voice of the people. He handled the situation with dignity.
I cannot imagine how anyone of ANY level of intelligence can determine that Obama handled the disruption with anything but class.
Don't be blinded by party or even candidate.
NO MORE CLINTON'S OR BUSHES
We have had a Clinton or Bush in the White House for the last 24 years... Pappy Bush) was a Veep under Regan. They are nothing but scum bags.
Bush senior was a do nothing president, out of touch with reality, did not even know the price of a quart of milk and loaf of bread.
You want to talk about do nothings,,,what did Bubba Clinton do in the longest period of prosperity in American History...nothing but a skirt chasing piece of scum
OH yes and his Co president Mrs Clinton..her claim to fame in the health care fiasco was the infamous quote, Small businesses are undercapitalized and thats why they cannot afford health care...a direct quote from 1994 I believe...That was the last we heard from her for the next two terms. a- men
Oh and remember the Bible carrying Bubba going to confessional with his Hilary standing by her man...The two of these bring scum bag politics to a new level
Anyone that even thinks of bringing back either of the two characters is in la la land.
Look at their (Clinton wanna-bees) up their on the Podium after Iowa, Madeline Allbright who basically give the green light to Sadam to march into Kuwait and went to N Korea and watched a parade of their nukes and said nothing
Oh yea and the Dude who was caught shuffing 911 documents down his pants
The Hilary campaign has him lurking in the background..
Oh yes and lest we forget General Clark, He sure added a lot to Gore's campaign
As for Dubya, you think its due to him the walking moron that we have not been attcked since 9-11..Boy what are you smokin...The man who was in texas drinking gin while New Orleans flooded. The guy who it took 10 mins to stop redaing to choildrena fter the 9-11 planes hit...This man saved us..oh my god and you can vote
and the democrats don't have the Kahones to say the Impeach word. Nancy Pelosi what a lightweight joke...Is this an improvement over Denny (Mr Dunkin Donut's) Hastert
Real Change...Bloomberg;Obama and Ron Paul and Huckabee
Drain the swamp
Actually, my mama's not for Obama. But I am...as Rob correctly identified above – there's an interesting generational issue dynamic in these early primaries, between the Boomer Dems and the X+Y Dems, and I have to say, it's kinda funny.
Thanks, Canadian Stewart, for your comments, especially for pointing out that Barack has more elected experience than Hillary. (Though Hillary's supporters might be quick to point out that he's been planning that since his earliest years – as evidenced by a 5th grade essay. Heh.)
And – Ron O – the Fox News Blog called – you're late for work. (they're impressed though, with your idea to infer that Obama is Muslim, which he's not. Sheer genius, you. A product of no child left behind, perhaps? Some words from Benjamin Franklin to think on...
"They that give up essential liberty to obtain a little safety deserve neither liberty nor safety."
This nicely sums up what Obama's change is all about:
At Saturday night’s debate Hillary directly took on Obama’s false hopes and small change – and lies. Hillary later expanded on her comments.
If you give a speech saying you’ll vote against the Patriot Act and you don’t, that’s not change.
if you say you’re going to prevent members of congress to have lunch with lobbyists sitting down, but they can still have lunch standing up, that’s not change.
If you say you passed the Patients Bill of Rights, but you don’t mention it never got signed into law, that’s not change.
If you rail against the special interests…but you voted for Dick Cheney’s energy bill, that’s not change
If you gave a speech — and a very good speech — against the war in Iraq in 2002 and then by 2004 you’re saying you’re not sure how you would have voted, and by 2005 six and seven you’ve voted for $300 billion for the war you said you’re against, that’s not change.
She contrasted that her accomplishments she said had affected people, taking credit for the children’s health funding known as SCHIP and for getting health care for guard members and reservists, among other things.
And she quoted Mario Cuomo: “You campaign in poetry but you govern in prose.”
It is so sad that for some people, that is the basis of their vote...Not that I speak personally for or against abortion, and I recognize the right of the people to peaceable assemble, but this article calls to mind how I am simply aghast to see that we have been driven so far off track on the rights of the government that matters like abortion and gay marriage (rights that should belong to the state) have become the making or breaking factors of a candidate for election for the presidency. There is just an incongruence there that isn't being addressed. Somehow we have failed in maintaining the true functions of the federal and state governments. I'm sure at this point it's obvious I am a Ron Paul supporter, but I do feel that Mr. Obama handled himself with tact and sincere grace and I admonish him for his ability to respond so peaceably in such a difficult moment.
Christina Sedor
Ron Paul '08
As Lou Dobbs said last night CHANGE but to WHAT !.Obama never seems to say !.I thought his comment re the Bush problem with "nuclear" was inappropriate.Please USA do not crown another rock star Utopian .Think of the rest of the world, who have to stand by and suffer the consequences.Surely you can find someone with some experience in two years.
Go Ron Paul!
Obama has been a senator for two years; he has not spent more time in the Senate than Hilary. Unless you are talking about being a state senator; a totally different gig. The man is pleasant, dispassionate and arrogant. I cannot understand his rise except of course, this is a society that increasingly puts more credence on charisma and who the media annoints a celebrity. I wonder why nobody is asking why the corporate media is choosing him for us. Quite frankly, Obama outspent everybody in Iowa; by a lot.
Biden, Dodd and Edwards and yes the much reviled Clinton all had more guts, knowledge and passion than this guy, and yet....
You can tell a lot about a person by their enemies. Hilary has a lot of them; a lot of them, in the right. So how much of an establishment "tool" is she really?
Democrats have been bending over and taking it from the Republicans for eight long dreadfully disastrous years. If Americans fall, once again, for a manufactured media favorite with perceived charisma, because they "just like him" better than his opponent (not based on records or facts) hmm that sounds familiar.
Finally, I smell a whole lot of sexism coming Hilary's way. Only one thing would surprise me more than America electing a black man and that would be America electing a woman.
Well, I believe he handled that pretty well. I am a registered republican, and have been for years, but no candidate has truly represented what I want. I think Bush did what he thought he needed too. Right or wrong, it's better than doing nothing. Having said that, I am actually considering voting for Obama if he wins the nomination. You can keep Hillary. I wouldn't vote for her for City Trash Collector. Not because she's a woman, but because she is exactly the same as the rest of them. She will say and do anything to get power. I guess when it comes down to it, any of them pretty much will. I don't want the job, so I guess I can't complain to much now, can I? Think about that before you start your useless incessant compaining and figerpointing. Oh, and I don't like abortion either, but it's your body, your choice! If I were a woman, I would want to have that same choice.
All i'm saying is if you Americans end up electing a religious zealot like Huckabee again, i'll enjoy the destruction of your country. Because that's basically what will happen.
The world is counting on you not to vote for a retard this time.
For once, actually try.
Thank you
– The rest of the world.
To Ron O. – Are you seriously going to pull the Obama is a Muslim bit on us again? Do you think that we are all that stupid to belive that, even though it has been documented ad nauseum and detailed extensively by Obama himself that he is not nor has ever been a Muslim? Or are you simply showing your own ignorance?
Comments such as yours regarding the third world is what made the US a target for terrorist attacks to begin with. Continuing the strategy of going to other countries with no provocation or proof that they have harmed anyone is not going to win the hearts and minds of the world, nor those that wish us harm – it just provides fuel to their fire. By the way, who was in office when 9/11 occurred? Who was it that ignored Clinton's turnover reports that Al Qaida was America's #1 concern? Who has done nothing to shore up the defenses of our ports, borders, and actually opposed the Department of Homeland Security before caving?
We need to change the direction in which the US is headed – a fresh face with an objective view would be nice for a change. People with opinions like Ron O's want to continue the status quo and make me wary of our future and that of this country.
I am "infatuated" with the idealism of Obama but not ready for commitment. Foreign policy experience is too important, and change can be more solid, less volatile and uncertain if the right person leads. Not just a generation thing.
Actually, the President does legislate abortion... such as when Clinton vetoed the partial-birth abortion ban (or also indirectly in appointing Supreme Court justices). Congress was only a few votes shy of an override of Clinton.
Slaveholders in the antebellum South also said the same of slavery and defied a President to change the law with the help of a northern-dominated Congress. It was legal and noone had a right to legislate change, the South said. Southerners called abolitionists religious fanatics too because they thought blacks should be given rights as human beings, not chattel.
It is only a matter of time before, either through Congress or the Supreme Court, the rights of infants in the womb will be asserted (as they already are in certain instances such as when a pregnant women is assaulted resulting in her infant's death in the womb–the assailant can be charged with murder). If Barack Obama is truely the candidate who cares about all Americans, he should care too about the most helpless and at jeopardy of Americans who have been denied their full recognition as human beings under the law.
It is this inability on the part of many candidates to embrace and protect all Americans that leaves many people with little choice in voting...
If the Democratic Party is the party of the poor, the diverse, the forsaken... then why does it turn its back on the weakest Americans?
I'm waiting for a Democratic candidate with the conviction and courage to stand up for what is right. Until then, I'll have to vote Republican.
Nicely, professionally and respectfully done, Mr. Obama. Acknowledge them, but also acknowledge that that wasn't the setting to immediately "fix the problem"... and for the lesson on tolerance and American Democracy. It gave me chills when I heard that. He kept his head on straight. Very nice...
And for all you posting that say that Obama doesn't have any plans, peel your eyes away from the TV and do some research – there's a ton of info on the barackobama dot com site under issues (much more detailed info than the other candidates). His take on abortion is one of the most reasonable and thought-through takes I've ever heard on it, that in the long run would work very well.
Very well done, especially considering the amount of sleep he's running on!!
The thing Obams does best is campaign. Great inspirational speaker potential...not so sure about leader of one of the most powerful countries in the World.
Where's the beef???
WHAT ? no one bum rushed the stage, threw pies or garbage at the speaker ? what kind of radicals are these bums ? could one of you lib radicals show these morons how to crash a speech ?
i agree with CanadianMetal above: Please elect a sensible guy/gal by looking at issues dispassionately and not based on media stardom or because he's likable!(mike huckabee,obama;altough Obama seems genuine). U may ask who the heck are u(an outsider) to say how to vote. Well I am just requesting you to vote for the right person because its not just americans but the rest of the world that have to suffer the consequences..Look at what bush jr. did!
Rest of the world(ROTW)
Does anyone really believe that these anti abortion activists would only go to Obama's rallies and not Clinton's if they were really from the right? Sounds like a set up to me. Especially when just the other day, Clinton was trying to say that Obama wasn't a pro choice candidate.
Two things I want to point out.
What Obama did was classy and impressive.
The people here verbally bashing pro-life supporters as Christian extremists are fools and drunk on their own political kool-aid. A person can have RESPECT for the sanctity of life and not be a "Christian wack job."
Learn how to spell experience before you talk experince. Secondly, Obama did handle the 'organized interruption' the best way he knew how. He offered to talk to them afterwards but they didn't want that. They had one purpose and one purpose only, to disrupt the rally. I wonder if Hillary's people had something to do with that.
For the Hillary supporter who called Obama a tag line candidate you should look at Hillary you is as confused about what she wants her tag line to be as she is on major issues. Its not about if you change you positions as you listen to the opposing view point and combine the best of their's with the best of yours because that is a good thing and that is what Obama is about.
WomanWithHope, did it ever occur to you that the young guy that took your promotion did it because he's smarter and works harder than you do?
Experience isn't all it's chalked up to be.
BTW, I'm NOT an Obama supporter but I do respect him and his vision of change and hope.
Ron Paul 2008!
Anotoly, I'm beginning to wonder if you and others are Clinton supporters invading the blogs. Your exact comment has been used on several blogs.
"Michael – Stamford, CT January 8, 2008 1:58 am ET
It seems like Senator Obama doesn't handle himself so well when faced with those that don't agree with him on the abortion issue. "
.... just the opposite!! He handled himself very well!! He didn't let them take charge of the speech that others came to hear.
I'm never sure why anti-choice people believe the rest of us should just roll over and play dead whenever they speak ... compared with the national and international challenges, abortion is such a minor issue – and someone wiser than I pointed out that if the GOP ever did ban Roe v Wade, they would have no issues to rile the radical base!
a shout out to Ron ... who said "put any inexperienced moron" ...
we already did that – his name is Bush Jr, the Shrub, Bush Lite and other nicknames that are not appropriate for a family newspaper.
and gold stars awarded for those posting rational discussions of the issues
and candidates rather than just blathering with personal attacks and e-mail rumors that aren't true.
IT IS NATURAL TO HAVE OPPOSING VIEWS. BUT THINGS SHOULD BE RESOVED WITH CALMNESS AND DIGNITY. OBAMA HAS THESE QUALITIES OF ENABLING GOOD RESOLVE.
IT IS NATURAL TO HAVE OPPOSING VIEWS. BUT THINGS SHOULD BE RESOLVED WITH CALMNESS AND DIGNITY. OBAMA HAS THESE QUALITIES OF ENABLING GOOD RESOLVE
would you have preferred him to have the protesters tazed and dragged away kicking and screaming? lol "dont taze me bro!"
Young guy probably 'TOOK' your promotion cause you don't deserve it... as is the case with Obama.
Bush had experience from an imperial dynasty, can't say that he never did.. do your research. OBAMA!!!
Obama is the best at "rappin". Maybe his throat will get soar and he can't rap no more.
Since when are all people opposed to abortion "religious zealots"?
Why didn't he debate the issue then and there? Instead, he waits for the police to take the protestors (a right granted in the Bill of Rights!) away and poses himself higher on the Kool-Aid platform. With enough sugar....anyone will drink it.
NObama '08
For you idiots that think Obama did not handle the situation well, at least he offered to talk to them afterwards, rather than simply ignore them like most leaders. These foolish protestors do not get anything done by shouting and being disruptive. Obama's absolutely right.
1. Maybe we don't need someone with traditional "experience." When a machine is broken, perhaps sometimes you need a new one.
2. Maybe abortion should not be a presidential issue. Mayby there are more important things on the agenda on a federal level folks.
3. Maybe all you people trashing him are GOP or HIllary supporters and were not going to vote for him anyway, so mouth off all you want.
4. Maybe Obama will crush Duckaberry or Rommel...conservative Stay the Course GOP wannabees.
5. Maybe this country does not have as many bigots as we used to. The GOP won't be able to come up with anything better to hit Obama with other than his name? Please.
The guy is electable and I think at this point we need a Mr. Smith Goes To Washington. Nothing can be worse than W so what are you afraid of?
thats ludicrous. the last candidate i would think to plant anyone. and while many ask "why can't you vote yes or no" on this issue it isn't a yes or no issue surely. i believe obama is anti-abortion but free-will. i agree. and people aren't looking for experience in this race. the youth is coming out in numbers and we are speaking out like we never have before and our demographic might be the decider in this election. if that is so look for obama to stay out front. obama was the first to promise change and we believe him. and i concur, his coolness demonstrates presidential ability.
to Womanwithhope:
Could you sound a LITTLE more jaded and defeatist, please, as if America doesn't have enough people like you in it. Get off your ungrateful ass and MAKE something happen instead of complaining about it.
"Oh, the younger guy STOLE my promotion", are you serious! If thats true, file a lawsuit against your company for Ageism (sp?). If you feel Obama is inexperienced, prove your point by showing/siting where he made incorrect or unwise decisions. Don't just make blanket accusatory comments. That sort of behavior is generally displayed by those who are inexperiened and prone to rash judgements.
to Ik in NH:
Wow, conspiracy thoeries... are the aliens reading our minds too!
That last comment the protester shouted was actually very pointed and potentially damaging. Yes, Obama side stepped it by praising the protesters for their resolve, but show me a politician who doesn't dodge trully tough and devisive questions or subjects... thats the game we live with in our political system today.
Another Steve: Those protesters are the same people who want to end welfare for those abandoned kids as well. It doesn't make any sense when someone wants to end abortion and also end welfare to help those needy people they are trying to save.
Sounds like Barack handled this situation well, and in a very classy manner – something missing from our other politicians. The more I see and hear from this man, the more I like him. Easy to see why he is gaining popularity so quickly.
It looks as if the U.S. will get what it deserves once again. Yesterday we saw the charming Barack bragging about his work on the patients bill of rights. Hillary the knowedgeable one chipped in with " We don't have a patients bill of rights." Which Barack admitted, It didn't pass both houses evidently. NOT ONE REPORTER ON CNN PICKED UP ON THIS. Amazing!!! Then we see Barack's Grandmother in Kenya preparing corn for the animals. My question is, what kind of cold fish can't or won't get his Grandmother out of the appalling situation in Kenya??? Its true he has a school in Kenya which can't be used because of the situation there. Nice try though Barack. Unfortunt\ately at this time in U.S. history we need experience rather than charm and a lot more than a nice try. In fairness to Obama perhaps he has TRIED to talk his Grandmother into coming to the U.S. Surely, with all this charm he CAN talk immigration into at least an entry visa for Grandma.
I know and I do realise that at the rate China is going if somebody doesn't do something soon we will no longer be the most powerful nation in the world and perhaps it doesn't matter. Well it does to me, I'm not willing to relinquish our position to someone who in actual fact can't even get his own Grandmother out of harm's way much less us!!!
WAKE UP AMERICA. THINK!!
THE O B CAMP PROBABLY ARRANGED FOR THE PROTESTERS TO BE THERE TO MAKE THIS FUSS SO THAT HE COULD APPEAR TO BE UNDERSTANDING! WHY ARE SO MANY OF YOU OVERLOOKING THE EMPTINESS OF HIS SPEECHES. ANYONE CAN STAND IN A CROWD AND SAY "I WILL CHANGE THE WORLD" BUT WHEN WILL HE TELL YOU HOW HE WILL DO IT.
VOTE FOR EXPERIENCE AND PROOF OF ABILITY AND COMMITMENT TO OUR COUNTRY. HILARY HAS WHAT THIS COUNTRY NEEDS SO DESPERATELY.
It is nice that he tried to include the group in the sense that they are also allowed to do their own peaceful protest. There was no bashing of the other side. We need to have someone who respects all sides and is willing to listen to them. This doesn't mean that the candidate or president needs to be taking their point of view either.
Come on folks. THINK!! Obama is telling you what you want to believe. It is the oldest trick in the book. It is easier to BELIEVE then THINK but please dust out the cob webs and think. I do not know who the best person for the job is, but please look before you leap.
On the issue of abortion, it is MY RIGHT TO CHOOSE not yours or our goverment's. Although, I WOULD NOT HAVE ONE.
God gave us all a choice to choose right from wrong, good from bad. and he doesn't condem you when you make a mistake. This choice is no different it's their right to be able to choose. "What I would do however is to continue to make sure that plenty of information is out there. Continue in a civil manner to let the truth be known about abortion for them to be able to make a rational informed dicision.
Psalm 1
1Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.
2But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.
Isaiah 55:8 (King James Version)
8For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.
These are not evil, wicked people they are uninformed people. Use your resources to continue to inform them; not attacting other people that don't outrightly seem to except your way of living or making dicisions.
If you really want to force someone to do something, try forceing your goverment to bring down big tobacco. They are allowed to legally sell a highly additive drug(drug dealers) that is well known to kill people (murderers) while they all profit from it.
To: James Cox
Looks like you are invading the blogs.
This is what I love about this man. He may disagree with you, but he carefully considers your viewpoint and respects it for the merits that it has.
Exact opposite of someone like George W Bush!
wow...
the hillary supporters are getting really scared now... you can tell just by reading this blog.
the clinton campaign and days of status quo are over, and the clinton base is freaking out.
obama handled this with class.. we need a president that at least listens to people with opposing views, even though they might not agree. bush has put out a us against you mentality that needs to stop. we need a uniter
obama 08!
Hillary plants too not doubt, just like the ones screaming "Iron my shirt" at her stop.
Divisive political attack tactics like these are all the Clintonian's have left..
Hilary is goin down, The shock the entitlement democrats and repubilcans must fear coming election. Throw the bums out start fresh, drain theswamp
Obama and anyone but edwards, Edwards is the only one that is more scum sucking than Hilary. The guy would sell his mother and wife for a vote.
Huckabee while another evangelical nutcase at least is honest in his religion
aka BUSH trying to appear as a christian...p-l-e-a-s-e. He (Bush) is just a mad teetotaller...many of the conspiratist groups say he fell off the wagon 12 years ago
Drain THE SWAMP, get rid of the scum starting with the clinton and Bush lovers
Tell those people who want to prevent abortions; Support sex education and the use of contraceptives.
Here is my bumper sticker. Feel free to use it, and put it on lapel buttons.
CONTRACEPTION PREVENTS ABORTIONS.
I think Obama's reaction shows that he really is embracing change and wants to get America dialoguing/debating the real issues again. As I've said elswhere, while I may personally share the conviction that abortion is indeed wrong... I believe that the bipartisanship and unity that someone like Obama can bring to the White House will do more to facilitate a government that actually dicusses/debates "real" issues like abortion, rather than prevents dialogue from even occuring because of anger, party affiliation, and the desire to maintain the status quo.
Studies show that sex education in public school has failed to slow abortion, STD's and sexual promiscuity rates. In fact, in the last 12 years, STD’s and sexual promiscuity have skyrocketed while abortions have remained about the same 1 million per year. And yet, our liberal Congress chooses not to fund abstinence education. Yeah, something needs to change alright.., but we have to take our head out of our @ss first..
MR. AMERICA says if you don't like abortions, don't get one!
WomanWithHope January 7, 2008 10:25 pm ET
YOU ARE RUNNING FOR PRESIDENT………. GO GET SOME EXPERINCE FIRST.
DON'T BE LIKE THE YOUNG GUY WHO TOOK MY PROMOTION.
I think that young guy "took" your promotion because he knew how to spell "experience".....
I've been watching US politics unfold from somewhere in Afghanistan and it occurred to me that most of us Americans don't have a clue of what is happening beyond or within our borders.
Obama – credible, honest, and passionate young man, but Afghanistan and Iraq are of strategic importance to the US. Although the pretentions for the Iraq War are questionable (I am not pro-war or anti-war, just a pragmatic realist), there is no doubt in my mind that we must not leave Iraq or Afghanistan right now or anytime in the near future, but should establish a "Marshall Plan" as we did in Japan and Germany. People in this part of the world would consider American withdrawal as a despicable and dishonorable abandonment that would propagate a "de facto" victory for Al-Qaeda, not to mention the fact that it will further destabilize the region and affect life as we know it in America. How do you get food to the supermakets, go to the hospital, and go to work? – oil.
Hillary – her claims of experience are limited to gubernatorial and presidential first lady with limited success as a US Senator. I recommend you come out and live in Afghanistan or Iraq for a year (or ten) to develop "real" experience with foreign affairs and to gain a better insight on national affairs. Try building a school in Taliban-controlled areas or establish a single health care center in Sadr City. You will definitely come to tears when things don't go your way. Americans need resolve, tenacity and intestinal fortitude if we are to perservere in resolving national and foreign affairs.
Edwards – just seems like a well polished version of Hillary, with better hair ($400 dollars worth. Comparison: an Afghani Colonel makes $400 per month or less) and a warmer personality.
I think Obama has a good prospects, but I am very interested to see how his campaign will unfold and how he will put his words into actions.
The U.S. and the Rest Of The World have very high expectations, irregardless of Republican, Democrat or Independent leadership.
Somewhere in Afghanistan
P.S. For all you fools that can't write or spell, consider this: most people in this region speak or write three to four languages. The majority of Americans can barely even speak or write one language. Therefore, the idea of coming in to a foreign country and "tearing down their doors to shoot them in the head" is as reprehensible as what the extremists believe, Ron O., so please exercise a little bit of humility, tolerance and basic respect for humanity. Open up a dictionary once in a while too.
If a woman is raped and becomes pregnant, should she not have the right to choose an abortion in that scenario?
I favour this great man's position: Obama is pro choice and there is nothing wrong with leaving it at that.
He handled the situation with Presidential aplomb.
Obama say, “Some kind of change, I’m gonna make and I don’t have the experience it’ll take. If it’s change you want I’ll be your man and to tell you the truth I don’t have a plan. And I’m not gonna fell the stress, if my change creates a mess”. Next line someone
You know it's one thing to hold a job and accomplish something, another just keeping a seat warm.
WHAT HAS SENATOR CLINTON DONE FOR NEW YORK?
Just because i'm married to an Engineer does not mean I have gained experience to be an Engineer and are able to do his job!
Nor does the passage of time qualify anyone to say they have experience doing something they have never done.
"A person can have RESPECT for the sanctity of life and not be a "Christian wack job."
Unfortunately, the two usually go hand-in-hand. People opposed to abortion think that no one should ever be allowed to have one under any circumstances, and their basis for that decision always coes back to either the bible or God. They'd rather ruin 2 people's lives by forcing a child on someone who doesn't want it. Adoption, you say? How many kids are waiting to be adopted now? Like the previous poster said, if you don't favor abortion, then don't have one. But don't preachand mandate your beliefs on others who don't share them.
Hey yet another example of a time when a democratic candidate sat idly by as people were robbed of their right to free speech
First Hillary allowed a mob to expel a protester from one of her speeches and now Obama allows the police to "escort" people out for engaging their constitutional right to dissent with him. Their shouting was not hurting anyone so he should have let them remain.
Ron O.
Are you the missing link?...
Barak Obama can inspire people and that is extremely important. True inspiration can make you things you won't do otherwise.
"That's hard, too, standing in the midst of people who don't agree with you," he added.
Obama is speaking from personal experience here, as most people in the country disagree with him!
Yep...it's alright to organize...but what about when they start shooting physicians and abortion clinic staff? You know, I don't think any "Right To Life" groups are on the terrorist watch lists. Yet, in the past decade–we've had more "actual" violence crimes, assault and deaths among abortion clinic workers than many other categories of terrorist groups on our watch list. Why is that?
Louise posted:
"People opposed to abortion think that no one should ever be allowed to have one under any circumstances, and their basis for that decision always coes back to either the bible or God. They'd rather ruin 2 people's lives by forcing a child on someone who doesn't want it. "
That was a very specific statement to make for humankind as a whole. You were NOT, however, referring to ALL people opposed to abortion.
I agree with THERAPEUTIC ABORTION and in cases of rape and/or incest. I DO NOT AGREE with using abortion as a means of birth control. Practice a little SELF control and abortion would not be an issue in cases other than for therapeutic reasons.
And just an FYI:
Therapeutic abortion is defined as the termination of pregnancy before fetal viability in order to preserve maternal health. In its broadest definition, therapeutic abortion can be performed to (1) save the life of the mother, (2) preserve the health of the mother, (3) terminate a pregnancy that would result in the birth of a child with defects incompatible with life or associated with significant morbidity, (4) terminate a nonviable pregnancy, or (5) selectively reduce a multifetal pregnancy.
why US does not make a policy to give a president trial for – 1-2 months to show how he/she can lead and do the promised, if they fail, why not to go for the runner ups? Like in store, you buy – let's say clothes, try them on for a month, do not like it, return, and get better.... sounds terrible? Maybe the elections should be done different way. This candidates fighting is stresfull, sometimes out of dignity, out of most people abilitye to really know who is who, who will do the right thing.
Everyone is putting one person on pedestal – this is what was done for dictators, + mass hysteria, + badmouthing , + all the bad which comes from it. Why people are not able to deal with theri differencies with dignity? With tolerance to others opinions? Why it has to be throwing a dirt n others? Hillary is the one who is scrutinized without mercy – she is a human being, someone who wants the good fr this country too, you know? Not only mr. Obama and the others. I can read body language well, I found Obama to be arrogant, he does not like Hillary -it is obvious, she was pushed to defend herself, and she did it with dignity too. She pointed out what she knows- the truth, and she was scrutinized for it. When others point out on others or her, it is OK. Why? Double standard? Bc she is a woman?
my comments to following:
DO YOU EVEN KNOW WHAT IT MEANS AND HOW HARD IT IS TO GET ANY THING DONE WHEN PEOPLE DON'T AGREE WITH YOU. YOU ARE RUNNING FOR PRESIDENT………. GO GET SOME EXPERINCE FIRST.
well, this can be interpreted many way, as individual understands it – or wants to understand it.
He handled it the way he did, no need for ovations for having a class....I remember Hillary said at the table in NH talks that he is likable, he responded with not nice look and tone " you are likable enough..." this is rather harsh statement the way it was done....I felt sorry for her....
.... all this fighting can go on and on and on, and the winner is standing behind laughing to it all.... it is someone who is not involved usually....
Hillary shows her emotions – and she is questioned if it was gennuine emotion! Please, give her break. These attacks are terrible!
Intelligent and strong people do not need this. She is blamed of getting upset, yes, if I would be accused of no truth, I would get upset, would not anybody?
the whole world must be shaking their heads...
logistics:
the protesters event:
1) was orchestrated by oponent,
2) was it orchestrated by himself so he can show people how cool he is,
3) it just happened – not orchestrated by anyone from opposition
4) other ideas?
Sounds like the Clintons are singing a song called 'Oh, crap! Let's get mean fast! Bring out the mud catapults–and FIRE!!!"
It is obvious that you are just plain dumb/ignorant, put nicely. First of all why would you lay down and get pregnant? You do have CHOICES. Did you not know this? Especially when you already have all the answers. How can you place any value on life when you choose to detroy it. O, I forgot you do value life; your own you selfish..... Sex is meant to create life , did you not know this? Not just your selfish gratefication. How is it that someone else is destroying your life or your childs life if it lives by the choices you make? After all it is your choicesss not a Christian wac-job or any other person in this world. Trying to instill some wisdom and knowledge isn't preaching and mandating but trying spare you of the grief that you obviously are having now.
GO SOMEWHERE AND EDUCATE YOUR SMART SELF.
I think Hilary has the potential to be the President. As a Senator she has made changes for the best. She has plans for the future, unlike the other competitors. She has the will power to go forth and suceed. She is the kind of person that has the commitment to get to the place she wants to be.
People actually do force their young girls to have abortions.
I have seen many girls that are only 13 years old end up pregnant with one or multiples in her womb.
Her choice is to have the child, and her father MADE her get an abortion. Her mother was quite upset.
It really is a shame to support Obama, "IN MY EYES". Abortion was not here in the beggining and I hope it will not be here in the end.
Obama supports it because he believes it's the Woman's moral right and decision. It is her body and she should be able to say whether or not she wants to have the child.
I like the fact that he respects woman's moral decisions....but how many of those woman or young teenagers, even pre-teens act on moralality if their having free sex.?
San Francisco: First, you cherry-pick lines from Obama speeches. Then you write, "Notice the lack of content."
If you go to his website and actually read his proposals you'll find a tremendous amount of content: specific proposals for addressing health care, the environment, immigration and much more.
But of course it's much easier to just make stuff up than to do some research.
The Kool Aid must keep making the HRC (aka Hillidiots) mutter the phrase "but she has "experience"
HRC's experience was as the first lady for 8 years....aka the surgeons wife....as much experience as anyone reading the newspaper
Then Hillary (knowing that she had a snowballs chance in hell of being elected to anything in her home state of Arkansas) – picked up and moved to a place that would elect anyone with a D after their name....NY
She has 6 years elected experience – Obama has more years of "elected" experience than HRC....
Maybe you believe that saying it over and over makes it true....yet....its just sad (at least for people who are literate)
I'm a conservative Republican, I am on some level against abortion, I'm probably not going to vote for him this time around, but I still think Barack Obama is a class act and a true gentleman.
Obama for President 2008!!!
He has my vote!!!
Rono you lie – we've been attacked a few times since 9/11 – did you forget about the anthrax attacks? There were multiple ones...how about attacks on our embassies? Do you just get to classify who is a terrorist only when convenient for your argument? Bush didn't stop any terrorist lol (I could just see ol' George trying to wrestle a box knife away from Al Habbib hehehe). Increased detective work, better diplomacy, and financial restrictions played more of a role than throwing a big army in some general direction ever could.
You red staters need to stop the knuckle-dragging. Republicants.
You say talk is cheap for Obama but it's really just your own laziness to not understand where he stands on the issues.
Every candidate has a website, and a detailed policy platform. Obama's can be found here:
http://www.barackobama.com/pdf/ObamaBlueprintForChange.pdf
It is called "Blueprint for Change" and is 64 pages in length. Don't say talk is cheap; instead acknowledge your own ignorance. All the candidates have serious and lengthy policy platforms. However, one can't get all of it out on the stump. The media likes to quote soundbytes, and you shouldn't be relying on those to make up your mind.
Obama has a serious record in both the Illinois state senate and the US Congress. He has put forward serious, concrete proposals for change–energy independence, open government, principled foreign policy–so don't go around saying he's a one-word candidate.
I think Hillary, Obama, and Edwards are all smart and have great ideas to effect new policies. I also appreciate how all the candidates and their volunteers are making this the most exciting election year ever. But what I admire most about Obama is his understanding that change will come not simply through a change in policies but through a deeper transformation of the political system – and his ability to inspire that change. His grassroots campaign has done the most to make everyone feel welcome in the political process. Last night, my mom called me to tell me she and my dad had registered to vote for the first time. In their 33 years as American citizens, they have never voted in a primary or election. Now instead of watching the Korean news, they’re glued to the presidential debates. As someone who has watched them work incredibly hard and overcome all kinds of challenges to integrate into this country and establish their business and put their kids through college, I have rarely felt more moved than by their belief that it is important that they too get involved in the American political process. I believe Obama understands what ensures a democracy's greatness – the participation of all its people rather than a particular policy – and what my parents came here for in the first place.
I want to tell all of those people to shut it...but they do have a right to protest.