Ah, yes; I'm sure Voinovich was equally as critical of Gov. Bush when that loser, that zero, decided to run for office. Maybe the Republicans here should read up, before they end up looking even more stupid that they already do:

On January 1, two days before the Iowa caucuses, Obama left a message for Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. According to Robert Gibbs, Obama’s Communications Director, Rice called back “as we were driving from Sioux City to Council Bluffs on January 1. They talked about the situation and Rice asked Obama to tape a Voice of America message calling for calm.” Obama taped the message on January 2, after a rally in Davenport, Iowa. […]

On January 3, the day of the caucuses, he had a conversation with Bishop Desmond Tutu, who had flown to Nairobi to see if he could begin negotiations with the factions. In the days since his Iowa victory, Obama has had near-daily conversations with the U.S. Ambassador in Kenya or with opposition leader Raila Odinga. As of late this afternoon, before his rally in Rochester, N.H., Obama was trying to reach Kenyan President Kibaki.

This smells like a Bush cronie who knows a dirty plan is in the making to affect the outcome of the election. Perhaps another terrorist attack? Perhaps a direct attack with Iran? Voinovich's comment is scary.

You are absolutely right senator Voinovich, Obama is just talking about foreign policy experience. He claims, he got foreign policy experience from where? To get any kind of experience you need to have work hard or involvement, talk is always cheap and reality is different, I hope American people don't get trap word "change". Particularly young generation. Obama foreign policy will fall apart against powerful countries like Chaina, Iran Russia. Wisdom(experience) don't come overnight, you have to earn it.

January 8, 2008 4:46 pm ET

Chuck,

I don't hate republicans, I hate what I have becom because of the republicans

Darth–

First, have the discussion intelligently and submit a real name, not what you likely think is great achievement in humor. Second, people will take you seriously if you learn to spell (becom???). Third, and most importantly, the above statement is completely ignorant. What you have become is others' responsibility? GROW UP. It is polluted thinking such as that–thinking you share with so many other "victims–" that will keep the country from moving forward. The responsibility for what you "are" or what you "become" lies at no doorstep other than your own. Quit blaming everyone else. It's a big time waster, and no one buys it, anyway. Voinovich is correct in his assessment. Obama is arguably charismatic and certainly likable, but there's no "second act." Give me experience–REAL SUBSTANTIVE EXPERIENCE. Obama may be many things, but the one thing he is not is QUALIFIED.

Same old fear mongering crap!!!!

Obama is a very nice, and well spoken Jr. Senator with no management experience.

The reality is, in our competitive society, the most talented among us do not often pursue positions in government, they pursue fortune in the private sector. To get the best of what is available to us, I wish to see a seasoned executive manager from the private sector in the White House.

This is why I support an independent presidential run by Michael Bloomberg.

http://www.RunMikeRun.com

And where was George Bush's foreign policy experience. He had never been off the Northern American Continent! And look where we are with all the "experience" he surrounded himself with…Cheney and Cronies.

Ohio is going to show Hillary that we are behind her.

To: Ethan.

Yes how much foreign policy, did Bush have? I didn't vote for him. Look what he has done. What a question.

How much Foreign policy experience did Bush have at the start of his presidency? r

In a world increasingly obsessed with television culture, the cult of personality blah blah blah, it would indeed be apt if Sen Barrack Obama wins the Dem ticket and goes on to fight it out with the Rep nominee. However, be warned. Whoever is elected President effectively takes on one of. if not THE, most important job in the 'Free' world (a conundrum, but that's another story). Don't vote for Barrack Obama just because you like him or because he speaks eloquently about change. To me he preaches Idealism and people for the sake of everyone's future, let's keep it real. With all his talk and for now it really is JUST talk, how much can he reasonably change things???? Let's KEEP IT REAL.

Problem is this world is so screwed up right now, our deepest yearning seems to be for a Saviour to fix the mess. Hello? The ultimate American Idol. Yeah right. But no matter how the pundits and the media pitch it, while Barrack is smooth, stylish and will look good jumping out of helicopters onto the White House lawn, he isn't the second coming.

Vote Hillary. She's smart, hard-headed and REAL.

He's nuts. With very little experience and a savvy supporting cast (Dick, Satan, Rummy), George W achieved everything he aimed for: an endless war to keep our troops in the Middle East, a terror attack to solidy the fearful nation under its protective leader, record oil profits, rollbacks of the constitution, legalization of spying on American citizens, consolidation of wealth. He may be the most successful president in history.

If Obama does have foreign policy experience, as his supporters claim, why did he not vote on the Iraq Senate decision in the fall, and why did he blurt out he'd "invade Iran?" Sounds real savvy to me … NOT

Arnold "The Terminator", a movie star right out of the movie studios in LA , has shown in California that his judgement is better than Gray Davis' long term political experience.

I see people saying that it is okay that Obama does not have foreign policy experience. To back up their position, they say that Bush didn't have any either. Well, look at the mess Bush has made. Obama has no experience and he will be a disaster, just like Bush. The world is not simple and you cannot solve the problems of international terrorism by just meeting with the enemy like Obama suggests.

Americans are so darn stupid! They vote for a dumb Texan with no military or foreign policy experience who makes a whole bunch of bad decisions like invade Iraq and then they go and give him 4 more years to mess up their country even worse. And now they want to give some freshmen senator from Illinois with no military or foreign policy experience at a time when the world is at its most hostile with Iran building nuclear weapons and North Korea refusing to dismantle and Pakistan in turmoil and China threatening Hong Kong, etc. You Americans are so BRILLIANT! Talk about gullible westerners who buy into anyone who talks a good game! LOL

Excuse me? How about a report on the actual pre-presidential foreign policy experience of each of our past presidents. Most had NONE! And Hillary Clinton claims experience by osmosis. John McCain is a distinguished war veteran held captive by the enemy and would deserve respect, but has become a puppet of the Bush administration in support of ongoing war.

Senator Barack Obama has been endorsed by sixy foreign policy experts. He serves on the Foreign Policy Relations Committee. He showed judgment, integrity and vision by speaking out against the Iraq war when it was unpopular and has been right on Iran, and right on Pakistan. He has supported funding of the war only when necessary to support the safety and equipment for our troops. He laid out a withdrawal plan in September 2007 that was widely approved by other Democratic leaders.

Many people think it would be good to have "somebody that was of his background" become president, Voinovich said, because it would be a "good message in terms of culture."

What BACKGROUND or CULTURE are you referring to, Senator Voinovich? I don't think you mean because he is from Hawaii.

It was the great foreign policy experience of people like you, Dick Cheney and Donald Rumsfeld that got us in this mess in Iraq. You voted for the Iraq War and then you and the GOP Senators absolutely abdicated any responsibility to exercise oversight. So that's what we need now? More of that?

Sen. Obama has wisdom and good judgment beyond his years. He will be more effective on American foreign policy on his first day than you've been in all of your pointless years doing next to nothing on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

Bush earned an MBA from Harvard Business School. The first Harvard MBA to be president, right? He was surrounded by experienced managers from his father's administration. He screwed up. So much for experience. Give me a break!

George in Kansas. You are completely ignorant for that comment about Jessie Jackson as vice president. When did he come into the conversation? Hello..we are the laughing stock of the world right now. You would be better off just unplugging your computer right now.

Gov Voinovich ruined Ohio. Ohio is second in the nation in forclosures! He then went off to DC to be an obscure, unknown Senator that has not sponsored and managed to get "one" piece of useful legislation passed. It is sad that the first time he has been featured on CNN, he shows how uninformed and outdated he is.

Someone of his culture? Man, it didn't take long for the submerged racist long to show up here. Which media genius came up witht the 'white people voted for Obama in order to feel good about themselves' meme? Does it occur to any of these clowns that we are now into the second generation that grew up in a more varied society than baby boomers and they really can see beyond skin color? Speaking as a white woman in her sixties, it is way past time for these old, tired, ego-maniac white guys to shut up.

Uh, did GWB have "any experience in foreign policy" when he was first elected?

This Voinovich character has alot of nerve to critcize Obama when he himself is in cohoots with the Bush administration. Bush certainly had no experience in foreign relations (as we all know) and look at the mess we are in. All the countries can't stand us, even England got Tony Blair thrown out because the" Bobbsie Twins" were making such trouble over in the middle east. The English people have had just about enough of us to. I have no idea who could ever straighten out the mess that these two men have created.

But Voinovich warned "things are very fragile in this world" and "we're pinned down all over the place. It's not going to be an easy deal for our next president to come in and deal with these problems.

I know the other states must be laughing at Iowa and maybe now even NH. They honestly have been so blindsided by this toke. Alot of democrats will crossover. Stop making this guy out like he is something when he actually is nothing

The 'experience' question is a red herring. I value objectivity, critical thinking skills and judgment far above 'experience', and Obama has those in spades over all the other candidates. Look at all the 'experience' dating back to the Nixon, Ford, Reagan, and Bush I administrations in the current administration. And what has that done for us?

And sorry Beatpanda, you must be referring to the AFT, or American Federation of Teachers, because I don't see anything stating that the National Education Association (the larger teachers' union) endorsing Clinton. A couple of STATE chapters of the NEA have, but I have not seen an official NEA statement endorsing Hillary.

And, merit pay programs do NOT work. Why? Show me the administrator who knows each and every subject area well enough to be able to judge student performance on a level playing field, especially when many of them are not tested.

There is not one of these people on this planet. Merit pay is the buddy system in public education. Obama knows this much.

Al in Wpg writes:

"'Between now and the election there are going to be many things that are going to happen in this country that will have an influence on people's choice in terms of who the next president will be,' Voinovich said.

That sounds like he knows something that he's not telling. Pretty scary actually. I wonder what they're planning."

The same thing occurs to me. What exactly does Voinovich know?

Gotta love the Obama Kool-Aid drinkers. Simple minded yet worth many good laughs.

The Rock Star Image is not a positive one when it comes to dealing with the future of our country——-How can we be so desperate as to blindly join a presidential candidate's wave when the candidate may not be able to swim and is out there without a tested life jacket, boat or paddle? Bill Clinton is right. The media is giving him a free ride. They are not holding him to the same standards as everyone else in the race. That comment is not our of desperation; it is a true fact. The media is very wrong in blindly promoting a presidential candidate for our country without knowing or caring anything about about how he plans to bring about change–without giving the country the benefit of what he has to say about "how,"

"Between now and the election there are going to be many things that are going to happen in this country that will have an influence on people's choice in terms of who the next president will be,' Voinovich said.

I wonder how many out there have harbored the thought that certain factions within our country would pull off another terror scare/attack just before the elections?
I have worried about this for a long time and now it seems as if the cat is out of the bag.

Be scared, be very scared.

If the world is a fragile place Mr. Voinavich, with problems in the east and elsewhere, then Mr. Obama is the PERFECT person, with his background and sensitivities! Also, to paraphrase Mr. Obama, Washington experience has
not helped us much in the last many years, going back several administrations!

Get a grip folks. Having lived in this country for 20 years plus 20 years in Canada and now being a North American in almost every way, I see both sides now.

There is a GREAT and desperate need for understanding of other cultures and norms, peoples and places. Sorry, Clinton and whoever have not a clue as to what it's like to live in another skin, in another place, to rise above circumstances and what's more, to get above the fray (witness Bill Clinton's tirade of yesterday – what was THAT about? Certainly wasn't classy, or in any way what America wants to be portrayed! Goodness!)

Only someone who has worked in the trenches (what – three years at 10K a year plus mileage, in the mid-80's? I earned more than that as a clerical worker in the Loop shortly after that) – only someone who has done the kind of work Mr. Obama has done, not for 3 days or 3 weeks or 3 months, but for 3 years, voluntarily, deliberately, and STUCK IT OUT (while others aimed at the White House, WITHOUT such experience), can have the sense of what's needed, among the disenfranchised, here and elsewhere, and can diffuse tension and bring about lasting peaceful and positive solutions.

This someone is no newbie – he has all the educational pedigree needed, seven years as a state Senator (with much useful legislation behind him) and his years in Washington, quickly contributing there as well, plus his teaching of constitutional law at the U of Chicago, his practice in the field of law (civil rights) and so on and so on.

Mr. Obama is a true son of America, and truly can represent us here and abroad.

To date we have seen nothing but rubbish.

We are desperate and long overdue for quality and honor.

This quote from Les is absolutely correct:

"Frankly, Obama doesn't have any idea at all, he is a subcommittee chairman for European and Foreign Relation, he has NOT held a single hearing. Obama was busy prior to announcing his candidacy for nomination crisscrossing USA pimping his books."

Obama has maybe a year's practical experience in the senate. The rest of the time he has spent it on the campaign trail. He has one of the poorest voting records in the senate and that's prior to the campaign cycle.

I just heard on PBS this past week that Obama is not well liked among his colleagues, it appears that they think of him as being lazy and arrogant. Senator Voinovich's comments prove that point.

IIRC, Dubya didn't know the difference between Sunni and Shiite when he was elected — he didn't know there existed more than one "type" of Muslim.

Would you guys rather vote for someone who professes to know everything?

How about someone who realizes they don't know everything, but promises to work hard to learn?

In the latter, you have Obama.

TO: spdubois, Oakland, CA

What media ploy are you referring to? All the major media
favor HRH. Reality check, please.

~ Jess

For those of you unfamiliar with the man, and there appear to be MANY, George Voinovich was the governor of Ohio and mayor of Cleveland before becoming a US senator. I lived in Ohio when he was the governor, and although I'm a rather strong liberal, I proudly voted for him for US Senate. He ran the state incredibly well (before Taft drove it into the ground), and this was after he led the revitalization of Cleveland. When Voinovich speaks I listen. This is a man that Bush would *love* to get out of office, because back when W was still "popular", Voinovich was one of the few Republicans who would openly criticize him … and do it extremely intelligently.

That all having been said, very very few of our presidents have had strong foreign policy experience before becoming president, and the experience they have brought has had mixed results. W had no experience, and, well, he has clearly been a failure. Clinton had no experience, and he was relatively successful in foreign policy and helping the US' world image. You could go back about a hundred years (to when the US first became a real world player), and I think you'd find that prior experience in foreign policy has had very little to do with how reality played out.

"Between now and the election there are going to be many things that are going to happen in this country that will have an influence on people's choice in terms of who the next president will be,' Voinovich said.

Uh oh! sounds like the GOP is engineering another 9/11 style terrorist attack to try to scare us into voting for them again. I'd take this statement from a republican insider as a direct threat/prediction for the coming months. also: Dont be surprised if they suddenly find Bin Laden just before the election.

Beatpanda…this is for you:

We operate a democracy in this country and not GERONTOCRACY…you Mccain with all his 'experience' sadly is too old for the 21st century.

Excuse me…..

But didn't W call the Greeks "The Grecians" at one time?

"Between now and the election there are going to be many things that are going to happen in this country that will have an influence on people's choice in terms of who the next president will be,' Voinovich said.

Is that a promise, a prohecy or a threat? I wonder what crisis they are planning to manufature this time to try to scre the American public. The GOP fit the definition of terrorists, spreading fear in an attempt to gain power and further their cause.

Less,

Yes, yes, a Obama win will give the republicans the whitehouse and congress again,

THAT IS THE DUMBEST THING I EVER HEARD

All that turnout in these Iowa, a Red State, and NH mostly independent state is not because of Mit Romney or McCain. Its because of Obama. The republicans, as we speak, ARE BEING CRUSHED BY DEMOCRATS.

Don't believe me, check out hom many people voted for Democrats and how many voted for republicans (I can assure you it will be at least 2:1 for the Democrats)

Get your head checked Less.

we don't want a present who has foreign policy experience, every single one of them has cuased themselves and us problems. The least amount of foreign policy experience the better. Look at Clinton, then check Bush with Cheney. Who did a better job on foreign policy? We need to leave the wack-O-moles along around the world and handle our own business. He has just enough experience to handle that. If you look at McCain, he is a broken gent who gave his life, body and soul to getting involved in people business around the world and look what happen to him. Let's just handle our own, like China, Japan and those other countries that have recognized that you can't invade everybody.

…
"People thought he'd be a much better manager than he was," Voinovich said of the president. ….

What?! Who ever thought that? We all knew his managerial record. He failed in every business he ever attempted.

Joe Biden, Bill Richardson, and John McCain are the only people running for President that have legitimate foreign policy experience. Biden dropped out (which I think is a real shame), and Bill Richardson, despite his experience, keeps making completely asinine foreign policy proposals (like proclaiming that the United States has the leverage to convince Musharaf to step down).

John McCain is the only one with a chance of winning, but I believe that at this point in his career, he's not going to be able to form the new political coalitions we're going to need to make progress on important issues in America over the long term.

Moreover, I would ask that people consider that the U.S. has a completely unprecedented foreign policy challenge. We have never faced an asymmetrical stateless entity whose objectives are ideological and whose reach is global. The traditional conception of "experience" doesn't work here, because no matter who gets elected, they're going to have to implement new strategies in our foreign policy that haven't been tried before.

What Barack brings to the table is a degree in foreign affairs, a history of sound judgement on the most important foreign policy issues of our time (correctly predicted the outcome of Iraq in 2002, did not support escalating tensions with Iran, identified the threat in Pakistan early on, etc.), and a willingness to bring all the relevant experts to the table, regardless of ideological attachment.

That's what we're going to need over the next decade, because currently, we don't have anyone operating in the foreign policy establishment that has an effective way to get at terrorism from the source. We need someone willing to bring outsiders to the table. Moreover, there is no one else running for President who can bring any credibility to a debate with the Muslim world over pluralism and moderation. Barack IS pluralism and moderation.

I would wager that part of the reason this President got our foreign policy so wrong over the last 7 years is that he chose his advisers strictly out of the extremist neocon camp- people who were considered absolute psychos when they were working for Reagan and Bush I. This is why Barack's approach is so much better and so important- he has demonstrated a willingness to seek advice from across the spectrum, and to not be concerned with "isms" when crafting policy.

This is why his healthcare plan doesn't have a mandate- because it was crafted by going to the people and asking them what they need, and they all said they didn't want or need a mandate to buy health insurance. You can see some of the town halls that crafted this policy at http://www.barackobama.com (look under "Media"). It's why he didn't get the teacher's union endorsement- because best practices in other states show that merit pay and rewarding innovative programs does work, whether the unions like it or not. It's the reason he didn't get AIPAC's endorsement- because even though it's politically correct to value our allegiance with Israel above all, he went to AIPAC and told them that the next President must consider the suffering of the Palestinian people.

This election is not about who has been most tempered by experience in a system that is not working. This election is about who will restore Federal leadership that actually works and isn't an obstacle. I believe Obama is that man, and America, and indeed the world, are beginning to agree.

Don't be bitter just because your candidate is losing. Read Obama's policy proposals if you don't like his rhetoric. He's definitely the man for the moment, and he's definitely got my vote.

Honestly, many presidents don't have much foreign policy experience. Ronald Reagan, who non-partisans usually agree was a great president and was a success with foreign relations, was actually not a foreign policy wonk. Also, think about this: how, other than being party to senate discussions and her husband's policies, does Hillary Clinton have foreign policy experience? It is much more important to have a good team than to have years of experience as a diplomat. After all, the last 2 presidents that had REAL foreign policy experience were George Bush Sr. and Richard Nixon. Anyone up for going back to those days?

I find his comment "Between now and the election there are going to be many things that are going to happen in this country that will have an influence on people's choice in terms of who the next president will be" to be very interesting. Just what are the NeoCons and the Republicans planning…… What are they planning to stage, produce, invent? They will do anything to win and have absolutely no code of ethics. Beware what is ahead – to be sure. However, the people are wiser than they were 4-8 years ago. Experience is the best teacher.

Many people forget that wisdom not experience is the main requisite for leadership. Knowledge based experience is only important when it informs proper decision-making. If a candidate's experience supported the Iraq war, this is not the kind of wisdom I want in leadership for the future.

What's interesting about the campaign is that those opposing Barack Obama are making his case for CHANGE. Their experience did not prepare them for what they encountered in Iowa. Now, everybody is changing their stripes and redesinging their campaigns to capture the vision that Barack Obama first establlished.

The original is always better than the copy.

Dr. Melvin T. Jones
Lansing, Michigan

Ohio Sen. George Voinovich, a key moderate Republican in the Senate chamber and influential member of the Foreign Relations Committee had the influence to get George Bush elected again. Remember that debockle in Ohio? Thanks Voinovitch.

If I were him I would duck and cover every time a camera came near me. The sooner we get poor representatives like him out of government the better. He cares more about his party than he does the american public and the people who elected him.

As for voting for the right person, a very good president comes once every 20 or so years. One who puts the people first. I just hope that the american public does not see the side show and votes for the wrong person. Eight years is enough.

I welcome any change that will make the USA respectable again. It's time for term limits on some of these old senators who think the senate is some club where they rule the world from. No infusion of new ideas or blood and when somehting other than the staus quo comes along they unite and backlash like scared children. It's absolutely frightening how nothing has changed in this country. Some of those people in Washington might as well still be wearing the hoods of their relatives!

George KS, why don't you just say you don't want a black person as president, and P.S. we are already the laughing stock of the world!

Duh! What did you expect him to say. What a stupid article. You think a Rep would say anything good about Obama.

The Republican right wing are not dumb!! Why I say that, if you were a Republian and you see someone stealing votes away from YOUR OWN BASE and Independents you better throw EVERYTHING including the kitchen sink at this guy. Barack will beat any Republican so bad until I don't think a lot of you guys or gals realize it. It's almost funny. Please America tell the status-quo you can't TRICK us every single election. Their is a cliche' "Fool me once shame on YOU, fool me TWICE shame on ME." Who is being FOOLED now?

An Obama nomination is a WIN WIN SITUATION for the REPUBLICANS from the WHITEHOUSE all the way to CONGRESS.

I'd VOTE REPUBLICAN if Obama is the nominee for the Democratic Party, there are MANY of US who will ABANDON our party!

Obama is a LAZY SENATOR, he even refused to meet foreign leaders when he had the chance to do so.

OBAMA IS THE REAL DUMBING OF AMERICA!

For all of you Obama supporters look at the track record of Obama in the US Senate, he was elected 2004 as US SENATOR, he's now running for President!

We are NOT electing a class President, we are electing a President to LEAD this COUNTRY!

We are NOT electing a PROM KING!

BG, this is for you.

If you are satisfied and contented about the current state of things in ALL aspects in this country, then vote Republican, if not…try CHANGE

It is obvious that Vornovich is not too bright based on his analysis. It appears to me that the "status quo" is hanging on by the skin of their teeth to keep money flowing into their pockets. Yes, the nation is pinned down all over the place. Ask yourself, "Who would be better to deal with leaders of other countries who hate the "status quo" in the US—Clinton, McCain or Obama?" The correct answer is Obama. The leaders of other countries would communicate with Obama long before even considering opening lines of communication with the "status quo". Who do you think got us in this mess in the first place? America needs a serious face lift. We are "pinned down" because of greed, lies, deception…you name it! Obama is brilliant not experienced. The correct answer vs. the wrong answer is welcome any day of the week.

I would ask the Senator from Ohio… what experience he has had in foreign relations, to sit on this committee? When reading his bio, I found he has spent his entire career in Ohio politics. I didn't realize that Ohio was such a "hot bed" of foreign relation information. I ask, as did others, what experience did the current president have? The former president (whom I liked) have? What experience does Huckabee, Romney (oh, lest I forget the Olympics), Clinton, Edwards, Guiliani? How does one get this so-called "experience"? By relation? By travel? I've been to the Caribbean, Europe, Canada, and Asia. Does this give me enough experience? So, Mr. Senator… give me a break!

What's more important? Foreign policy experience or good judgement? or let me phrase it different – Alot of Foreign Policy experience with not so good judgement or little Foreign Policy experience with sound Judgement. Hillary is said to have the best Foreign Policy experience but how sound is her judgement. Hillary voted for the invasion of Irag and voted to declare the Iranian Revolutionary Guard a terorist group. Is that good Judgement? I don't think so.

Barrack Obama has always been against the war and did not vote to declare the Iranian National Guard a Terorist group.

So my question again, What is better alot of Foreign policy experience or good Judgement?

"Between now and the election there are going to be many things that are going to happen in this country that will have an influence on people's choice in terms of who the next president will be,' Voinovich said.

I don't know about anybody else who follows the CFR, and the NWO. But this statement by Voinovich pretty much sums up that its time for America to experience some sort of attack. Just what we need eh? Things don't go their way, and boom! That'll teach ya!

"Between now and the election there are going to be many things that are going to happen in this country that will have an influence on people's choice in terms of who the next president will be,' Voinovich said.

Oh My God! Are they that scared? I hope we do have enough Secret Service to protect Obama.

Is Voinovich goin gto recruit the KGB>

LIKE WE NEED OBAMA AS PRESIDENT AND JESSIE JACKSON AS VICE PRESIDENT. WE WOULD BE THE LAUGHING STOCK OF THE WORLD. BEST IF WE HAD HILLARY IN THERE. BEST OF THE TWO EVILS.

Voinovich all of your so called republicans with the right backgrounds have screwed America's reputation up around the world.

Where are you from? What is your background? Are you a supporter of Hitler?

Please stop being a racist. We all can see what you are saying. Barack can stop the terror attacks better than George Bush.

As a matter of fact The 9/11 attack occurred on your Watch the Republicans George W Bush. You people did not have the experience to stop the 9/11 attack.

Stop trying to divide America, we are one people, one nation.

Grow up you are too old to be divisive.

IT IS VERY INTERESTING THAT HE STATED:
Between now and the election there are going to be many things that are going to happen in this country that will have an influence on people's choice in terms of who the next president will be.

COULD "THEY" BE PLANNING ANOTHER 911 FIASCO IN ORDER TO SWAY VOTERS TO "911 GULIANI" OR HILLARY READY CLINTON. COMMON SENSE TELLS ME THAT THE ONLY WAY DEM OR REP CAN STOP A UNIFYING OBAMA, IS TO DIVIDE WITH FEAR.

I cant believe the media is putting Obama on this change pedestal. I feel like its 2000 again. God help us.

I would like to hear Obama explain some of the beliefs held by Trinity Church of Christ that he is a member. Everything is geared toward the Black Community only. From what I read, ( and this is all the information I have ) they do not embrace any other ethnic groups at least in their church. They state their total committment is to Africa. This disturbs me a lot because even if we say that our religious beliefs shouldn't be a factor in electing a president I highly disagree. When we have certain religious beliefs this does have an effect on the way we think, react and make our decisions. I want a president that is in tune to all people in all areas. A place where my grandchildren can enjoy and be proud being and living in America. One last note I am waiting to hear in more detail, just what CHANGES he is going to make. I think we need to find out more about his character, and his record. Be careful media, your role is very influenicial. We need the truth of each candidate, because most Americans will not be able to hear or meet the candidates in person. They totally depend on the things they hear in the news media. Such an awesome responsibility. I just heard a comment " Rock Star Obama" We aren't looking for a Rock Star we are
trying to decide who we want for a President to lead the United States of America the greatest place to live in the world and I hope continues to be the greatest.

"Between now and the election there are going to be many things that are going to happen in this country that will have an influence on people's choice in terms of who the next president will be,' Voinovich said.

Hmm, know something we don't Senator? Remember folks, we still have 11 more months until the election and just over a year left of DUHbya and Darth Vader. Don't spend all your time thinking the Bush years are behind us. Bush still has a lot of time and a lot of uncomfortable executive power he was granted by Senators like Voinovich and a lot of others with "experience".

D says:

"Barack Obama (U.S. Senator with 3 years on the Foreign Relations and Homeland Security Committees) has a lot more foreign policy experience than did Bill Clinton (Governor of Arkansas)."

I love that. Except that as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Europe his colleagues, independent think tanks, and former European officials have openly criticized him for not having called a single meeting on European policy because he has been in "presidential mode" — not one. They've also criticized him for blowing off high-level foreign dignitaries because he's too busy campaigning.

Even when presented the opportunity to garner experience he's arrogant and lazy enough to dismiss it as unnecessary.

Yet the American media won't call him on these things. This "Obama change" foolishness really is embarrassing.

What is WRONG with you Barack supporters? You attack anyone and libel anyone that doesn't eat your Barack's fluff. These people see first hand all about Barack and it's too bad for you that you don't like what they say. You sound like a bunch of junior high children. What's going to happen when Barack doesn't get the nomination or when a republican beats the pants off him election day? I fear for the answer.

Voinovich wants the Republican candidate to run against Hillary, as do most Republicans who've commented on it. Seems like they might be scared of Barak Obama… and BTW, the snide little remark about "good message in terms of culture" is the coded racism from a senator whose state is hardly an example of racial equality.

hey people, can someone tell when the world was not a dangerous place. obama gets it. old timers need to go and the new generation needs to take care of the tremendous problem we face. this senator had nothing to say when we could stop the invasion of iraq. let me tell you, the fear factor tactics had their day in 2004. if you want more of the same, cool. but i guess the american people are proving that they cannot be fooled anymore. obama is here to stay, and this country has a great future. you hear me. stop the crying.

Yeah… not only is Voinovich's racism thinly veiled here, but he seems to be hinting that another conveniently timed terrorist attack is on its way.

Funny how that seems to happen at the most convenient times for the GOP.

I'm so amazed at the naivete of people to think because a freshman senator serves on a committee that he has experience. Are we going to fall for the same ole rope-a-dope? He received assignments just like the other freshman senators. He probably used his charm and networking skills to get assigned to that Committee because he knew that he was going to make a run for the white house. Think about all the folks that serve on Boards in corporate America because of clout than experience.

This eager beaver was taken down a notch by Senator McCain when he arrived in Washington and wind up apologizing. Recently, he made the remark that children will change the way that they think about each other and themselves when they see his black children playing on the White House lawn. Is this man serious? What will make children think differently about themselves and other children is equality in education, safer neighborhoods, parents who earn decent wages, so that they can afford to live in better neighborhoods; as well as a government and parents who care enought to achieve those things for them.

He does makes us all feel good. As an African-American woman he also makes me feel proud that he is intelligent with a fist full of degrees and can make a run for the white house. But as a voter, he hasn't delivered the goods to convince me that he should have my vote. No one gets to run for the highest office of the land and not be indebited to BIG money! In the last debate, Hillary mentioned that someone in his campaign was a lobbyst…why didn't he refute it? Obama is in someone back pocket and it will come out before the sunset on November 4th. His wife sat on Wal-Mart board but resigned not because she and Obama had a conscience and felt that it was right thing to do because Wal-Mart's employees in Illinois had no health insurance; but did so to get the media heat off their backs. I want to know how do the workers at University of Chicago Medical Center feel about MIchelle; has her presence in that gigantic medical institution benefited anyone except her? What about the controversy about that questionnable land deal that surfaced about Obama? Let get it all out in the open before Super Tuesday!

I wish the American voters would slow down and take a deep breath…go look at his voting records…what' is up with all the no votes, Obama? Scared to take a side, huh? I guess, straddling the fence seems to be working for you. We allow the media to focus on Obama and Hillary as if they were the only candidates in the race and let Biden fall to the wayside…way too soon.

I would like to hear less from Oprah (God knows I love her but…) and more from the benefactors of his grassroots efforts in Illinois. How has his constituents benefited from his service in their State Senate? Speak up please let us know how this man walks on water or at least made your woes fewer. As for Oprah, I remember when Evander Holyfield appeared on her show after he took the championship from Mike Tyson…her man Steadman came out to greet Evander, shook his hand and praised Holyfield declaring he was a champion that we could get behind…well …well Oprah and Steadman, we later learn from Holyfield that he had fathered two out of wedlock children in the same year that his new wife gave birth to their child.

Oprah can use her amazing popularity with the public and like everyone else I would love a ticket to her "favorite things" show …getting a new president is more important then a refrig that has a built-in tv….it's about the supreme court… Should the American people forget how much they really like Obama and doesn't go to vote or vote for the republican …three supreme court justices may be replaced by wannabee Scalia and Roberts… As with any of the candidates…. when the sun rise on November 5th…there will still be people without health care….the yellow and orange alerts will pop up from time to time across the CNN crawl…and our education system will continue miseducate our children…and jobs will continue to be outsourced overseas…and the troops will still be in Iraq and most likely in Iran.

These people doing their rah rahs for Obama has the notion all Obama has to do is dealer speeches to foreign leaders like he's doing right now, all of them will nod their heads like a bunch of lemmings.

Frankly, Obama doesn't have any idea at all, he is a subcommittee chairman for European and Foreign Relation, he has NOT held a single hearing. Obama was busy prior to announcing his candidacy for nomination crisscrossing USA pimping his books.

I've talk to my friend awhile ago, she's working for NY Bar Association, she doesn't understand how people are totally besotted with Obama. She's casting her vote for Hillary Clinton.

I can't wait for NH primary to be over, it would be our turn to be heard who we want to represent our party not independent voters.

Obama is not getting my vote, I will never put this country in more danger base on hope and dreams. It REQUIRES work and KNOWLEDGE how to put back this country in the right direction, not some speech like a preacher.

Obama wanted ALL Americans to get along, he's talking like Rodney King! We cannot get along when our country is falling apart. Obama has NOTHING to offer but plain EMPTY WORDS!

January 8, 2008 3:52 pm ET

I wonder why CNN's, pro-Hillary commentators didn't ask him about his opinion of Hillary?

What? Didn't you read the entire article? *eye roll*

Im also from california ! and I see michael not effected huh? Bush was effected by the same thing COCAIN !!! my god again here we go ! I lets just have drug addicted people running the country ! Im recovered and used and i know that we have different minds when we use drugs !! and any man or woman who says it doesn't effect there judgement then they are hustling you ! so with that in there past and not honest with us are doing a very disservice to there country and to you !!

Does GEORGE know something that we do not? False Fs??

Someone needs to check him out, based upon this quote:

"Between now and the election there are going to be many things that are going to happen in this country that will have an influence on people's choice in terms of who the next president will be,' Voinovich said.

Green,

You are totally correct, these old cronies cannot think past their superficiality. Sooner or later, these cronies are just going to cough up their hatred….how can a junior senator rise so well….it is just pure jealousness.

It is a history in the making and the world will look up to the US again as a beacon of hope, justice and above-all, the leader of the free-world.

Voinovich……..get your 10-minute of fame and move on.

Voinovich sounds like he's making a threat to me. "Between now and the election there are going to be many things that are going to happen…" He is scathing with resentment for Mr. Obama. "Somebody that was of his background." Exactly what background is that? He is a senator just like Voinovich, is he not?

Does anyone else hear the threat in his statement? What is our response?

Be afraid! If we don't elect a republican all Americans will die!

May I ask what does the statement "of his background mean"? Maybe it is time for a change. All of our presidents have been of "his"( Vonovich) background, and the only thing its gotten us is econony that is sinking, a war that is questionable, and a land of oppressed people. Maybe Mr. Obama's background and influence will add a little stability and humanity to this dewndling superpower we call the U.S.

Hey Vincent: There are perhaps more out there that say the same thing about Hillary, which is why the GOP is so concerned about Barack…

Ok, everyone below is a piece from a document that obviously no one read while they were in High School Government, it is called the U.S. Constitution; I know such a scary word. Anyway it states what the QUALIFICATIONS are to be president. For all you Obama hatters especially you Joe it is my suggestion to you that you read it. Once you finish you will notice that it does NOT state you must have any the following: National Security or Foreign Policy Experience, any length of time in a government office, an English Name, the last name of Clinton or Bush, White Skin, or an extensive resume that says yes I have been apart of the national government for more than 2 years so there for I am responsible for the Beep hole that this country is in now. I keep reading a lot of post where people keep saying wake up, well you know what everyone does need to wake up. NO ONE is experienced enough to be the President but the people who have served in the position, and the last time i checked they were either ineligible because of the second part to the 22 Amendment or they are dead. Let's start using some common sense people and take your head out of your Alpha Hotel. Think inside of the box, because the outside it too crowded. By the way this is to Joe, if one you read you will notice that Barack Obama is actually qualified according to the mere document that no one pays attention to anymore. One more thing for the Hillary Supporters, Hillary is running not Bill they are two different people. I though I would throw that out there for those who are voting for her because of who she is married to. And this 35 years of "experience" where did it come from show me some proof. Thank You

Age and Citizenship requirements – US Constitution, Article II, Section 1

No person except a natural born citizen, or a citizen of the United States, at the time of the adoption of this Constitution, shall be eligible to the office of President; neither shall any person be eligible to that office who shall not have attained to the age of thirty-five years, and been fourteen years a resident within the United States.

Term limit amendment – US Constitution, Amendment XXII, Section 1 – ratified February 27, 1951

No person shall be elected to the office of the President more than twice, and no person who has held the office of President, or acted as President, for more than two years of a term to which some other person was elected President shall be elected to the office of the President more than once.

I ARGEE WITH YOU BOB, OBAMA LOOKS GOOD SOUNDS GOOD . BUT DOES HE HAS WHAT IT TAKES TO WIN? I NEED MORE INFO I JUST DON'T KNOW.
AND DO WE WANT ANOTHER NEWBIE? THIS COUNTRY OUR COUNTRY IS IN VERY BAD SHAPE.I AM GLAD THE BADS GUYS ARE HIDING OR RUNNING
BECAUSE IF ANOTHER ATTACK HAPPENS WE ARE SCREWED .NO ONE TO FIGHT FOR US THEY ARE FIGHTING FOR IRAQ .I GUESS WE WILL HAVE TO USE OUR OWN WEAPONS. WHILE WE CAN BECAUSE I DON'T LIKE THE FEELING I GET WHEN YOU LOOK AT ALL THE THINGS THAT NEED TO BE DONE, THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN DONE. SAD VERY SAD.

Hey Chuck, tell us all about Barack's lack of experience on Feb 6…:)

Barack Obama means another 4 years of Republican Rule.

Looks like everyone wants to bake in Barack's fame and rise. No matter what you say, Hillary will not be the democrat nominee to fire up your republican base. If you criticize Barack's experience, what have you done so far? solved the mid-east crisis, stopped the violence in Darfur? …..despite your old-age you too have nothing to show far, at least Barack has charisma, hope, and a great attitude that the younger America is yearning for. Vionovich….please go test for dementia.

Republicans are worried Obama's message could win a significant portion of the Republican vote in a general election if he becomes the Democratic presidential nominee, a leading Republican strategist told CNN Monday.

"I think Barack Obama is a potential Robert Kennedy or Reagan figure," the strategist, who requested anonymity because this person advises a number of Republican presidential candidates, told CNN. "If he ran the right campaign he could appeal to a substantial number of Republicans and Independents."

Sounds like the GOP is already sharpening their swords to attack Obama and he's not even won the nomination yet. what's even more sickening is a former president who disgraced the highest office in the greatest country in the world once before is doing the same thing again by attacking a presidential candidate so that his beloved Hillary(whom he had many extra marital affairs while married to the STAND BY YOUR MAN woman of his dreams) can be left alone to assume the presidecy unchallenged. How dare Obama do that to his wonderful wife.Doesn't Obama know that he owes Bill and Hilarious. How dare Obama have the gall to try to take away from Hilarious something that she is ENTITLED to.

…and all those experienced Senators and Congressmen as well as the vastly experienced "Intelligence Community" (that would be quote/unquote) believed a non-experienced Bush that Iraq had weapons of mass destruction…so how does experience explain that one. What we need is integrity, leadership, common sense, moxy and INTELLIGENCE in our next President who can ask the right questions when all the experienced think tanks don't know what they are saying let alone hypothecating.

Voinovich sounds like a racist to me. He also sounds like a Republican who's scared to death that they'll have to run against Obama instead of Hillary.

I am still highly bemused how Obama people are utter Zealots.

If news came out he was selling secrets to the chinese- they would STILL put a spin on it somehow.

The republican guy isnt going to like Obama. So what?

Its also just as true he will hit Obama where he is WEAKEST , and no tapdancing and name calling is going to change the fact.

We are DEADBOLT stupid to stick a guy in office soley cause he looks and talks like he is different than traditional politicians.

she bullies when she's up in the polls, then she cries like a baby when she's down, or throws a temper tantrum like a two-year -old. Sorry, Hill, but not every democrat likes you, not every woman likes you. She claims to have 35 years in government service…there are housekeepers that have scrubbed toilets in Washington for longer, and I am sure that there are "escorts" who can claim 35 years in government service . All she has done is ride on Bronco Billy's coattails, then claiming his ideas as hers…wonder whose idea it was to give Vince Foster a "going away present". Would like a scandal -free White House for a change, and am tired of the bush-clinton-bush-clinton years …hard to believe that the last president we had whose last name wasn't Bush or Clinton was Reagan…almost 20 years of the same faces…maybe that's why even Ron Paul is looking better to voters than Hillary. Someone, anyone is better than a Clinton or

isn't it funny. 8 days ago the market started loosing again, 5 straight days of big loses. Obama's wave 5 days old. We have no faith in Obama or his political tatic, like targeting college students with his drug use. If he leads one child to drugs he will have darkened the whole United States. No to Obama

Chuck, if Obama loses the delegate count despite thumping everyone in the popular vote, it will be no different that W stealing the election from Gore and the Dems will have a huge problem on their hands. I have a horrible feeling that HRC might just win the delegate count. That will destroy all the hope I and others have for this party.

HRC is no different than any of the Republicans who got us into this war and who favor the special interests. The only difference, the only change she could point out in the debate on Saturday, would be that we're getting screwed by a woman president.

It's all of the corruption and deal-making that I hope go away. If HRC manages to become the nominee based solely on the delegate count I certainly won't be voting for her. I am suffer from Clinton-Bush fatigue and will no longer abide by either family's shenanigans. If Obama loses, I'll be praying for Bloomberg to get into the race.

I quote from above:
"D January 8, 2008 4:20 pm ET

Barack Obama (U.S. Senator with 3 years on the Foreign Relations and Homeland Security Committees) has a lot more foreign policy experience than did Bill Clinton (Governor of Arkansas)."

That's nice and all, but Barack has not shown up to vote that much during his partial first term in the Senate. Having a position does not mean you have experience. Talking is not experience. Actions equate to experience. What did he do? Anyone? Anyone? Bueller? Bueller? Anyone? Bueller? Wow, it's quiet.

"Of his background?" Is this Senator from Ohio 2008 or Alabama 1963?

How about you GIVE ME A BREAK Voinovich! Stop wasting your time criticizing other people’s credentials and start focusing more on cleaning up your own! Your job is to take orders from your fellow Ohioans, and help improve the Buckeye state’s future, NOT flapping your gums at an attempt to become a political commentator!!!

tony

From California.

the funy thing is that anytime a republican is in charge everything seems to go wrong, i don't know why? but i sense that when they think to run for the office i think they do it over night. Example, Rudy decided to run cause he went through september 11, Mitt decide to run cause he made him self so much money that he thinks he has the idea to make America better. I have respect for Jon Mccane, but he has been in washington for so long he has so mony lobbiest that he will be led by them. so we need fresh person who has not been effected by the virous of politics thats Obama.

"Between now and the election there are going to be many things that are going to happen in this country that will have an influence on people's choice in terms of who the next president will be,'

Really Voinovich? And what exactly is going to happen to sway the votes of American voters this time? Fear? Hate mongering? Or maybe the administration could just sit on vital intelligence and wait for a disaster, that could SCARE up some votes couldn't it?

Perhaps I am taking the senator's quote out of context, but I must admit, the way the phrase is worded, it certainly sounds ominous.

Just so you know Senator, the majority of this country is very displeased. Things will happen in the coming months that will have an influence on the people's choices, but it is not quite the influence that you will be expecting.

And what cabinet position were you promised before the Clinton coronation was cancelled, Mr. Voinovich? And why weren't you speaking out when Bush made his most notable foreign policy statement, "I looked into his eyes and could tell he was a good man'". If I rememer this was in Iraq, nonetheless! Geez!

Clinton was the greatest President of all time and Hillary will be even better. Obama doesn't know what he will do. The only one that says change more than him is David Bowie…C'mon, define change. I will vote for the democratic nominee regardless unless Hillary decides to run as an independent but Obama needs to give us some details…

Chuck,

I don't hate republicans, I hate what I have becom because of the republicans

Ask another Republican, Dick Lugar, former Chair, what he thinks since he went to Russia with Obama. Cheap political shot. At least Ohio's nutcases are bi-partisan. Governor Strickland did a total disconnect in Iowa. Jeez!

George Voinovich? Who? George Voinovich? Who? Talk about 15 minutes of fame! Another old guy who is republican that voted for the war in Iraq. I expect as the situation on the ground in Iraq improves through the surge, more and more Republicans will become confident to speak out publicly against the Democratic frontrunner, which is Obama currently.

But as soon as the surge ends (which it has to) and violence picks back up with no Iraqi government reconciliations, these same vocal Republicans will be silent until their re-election campaigns are over.

Give me break! A republican talking about Hillary's foreign relations experience over Bill Richardson.

Hmmm…why would a republican want McCain and Hillary to be the nominees? Because Voinovich knows Hillary's nomination will ignite the Republican party.

I'm surprised others haven't taken up the not so subtle race card played by voinovich – he said:

Many people think it would be good to have "somebody that was of his background" become president, Voinovich said, because it would be a "good message in terms of culture."

What he is saying is he doesn't think Obama would be good because of experience – but why make reference to his race ("someone of his background"!). Sooner or later the race card will be played – in subtle and not too subtle ways that will make the next year very ugly if Obama gets the nomination

playing the "experience" card again when she has voted for what history (and currently) will show as one of the most monumental mistakes in the history of the United States as well as the world MUST be considered.

And concerning the issue of "specificity", Clinton always accuses Edwards and Obama of being unspecific on issues when they clearly have been VERY precise and detailed and nuanced in their explanations. Again, go watch the debate on youtube and decide for yourself. If "specificity" is such an important issue for her, then she should be more specific about her so-called "experience". Merely touting a word based on having been first lady in the white house and a dubious senate record that was complicit in inheriting a disasterous foreign policy is "experience"?!?!

JESUS. people please educate yourselves.
it seems the clinton's talk about fairy tale politics that they claim obama is preaching greatly overshadows the policy decisions that obama has actually been developing for quite a while now.

hillary's camp keeps saying that all obama speaks about is "change change change" and that he is inexperienced in foreign policy. go watch the debates and interviews especially with russert. he's made clear distinctions on health care, yet clinton continues to mischaracterize it as misleading. if you want to see the "judgment" he always talks about, watch this interview with charlie rose and three foreign relations experts who all have praised barack for a distinctly nuanced and broader approach to the problem of al-qaeda, pakistan and iraq:
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=9096494510369193024

The problem with Clinton has not been her “hitting us over the head with her resume” rather it is that she did not stop Obama’s campaign against her Iraqi vote. Someone who did not vote and did not know where to vote cannot citizen someone who was there to do her duty for America. It’s unfortunate that Obama is now using his ignorance over Iraq and failure to perform his congressional responsibility as wisdom. Perhaps, he was waiting to see how it will all turn out and then he will jump in on the “people’s” side. That was smart. But how smart will an American President be when he will miss vital votes.
\
Kelechi

The last thing a Republican should currently talk about is experience or foreign policy when it comes to the presidency. Fix your experienced, foreign policy genius, George Bush.

This experience argument is ridiculous! Obama has twenty years of experience in public life, and it couldn't be more obvious that his community organizer experience is WINNING HIM THE NOMINATION!

Finally, we have a candidate who understands the need to build a new majority of all types of Americans from the bottom up. No single leader is going to solve America's problems if they are divisive, regardless of "experience."

I will abandon the Democratic party if the Clinton machine somehow rebounds and wins the nomination. If it's between Hillary Clinton and McCain, I'm going with McCain. Obama's my candidate and I'm a Democrat, but if Hillary tries to bury him, I will become an independent and fight against her.

The problem with Clinton has not been her “hitting us over the head with her resume” rather it is that she did not stop Obama’s campaign against her Iraqi vote. Someone who did not vote and did not know where to vote cannot citizen someone who was there to do her duty for America. It’s unfortunate that Obama is now using his ignorance over Iraq and failure to perform his congressional responsibility as wisdom. Perhaps, he was waiting to see how it will all turn out and then he will jump in on the “people’s” side. That was smart. But how smart will an American President be when he will miss vital votes.

Kelechi

We are pinned down and have "all these problems" why exaclty Senator?

So one of the old guard doesn't think Obama would be good…that's the greatest endorsement ever. We should just find out who the GOP likes the least and vote for them.

Who out there is not sick of all these Stay the Course GOP goons?

I of course meant "Doesn't require him to carry a big stick"…which means I need to surround myself with people with a stronger ability to proofread.

Man this place is filled with haters. Obama has not XP, that is a fact and you all know it. He will get beat by the delegate vote.

Funny, Obama lacks "all this experience" but he was one of the very very slim minority to oppose the Iraq war. Not only that, but he opposed it, and correctly predicted EXACTLY what an Iraq War would lead to. Then, people called him naive and inexperienced a few months ago for saying he would bomb Osama bin Laden in Pakistan if the Pakistani government failed to act, and all of a sudden, a few nights ago, the top democratic contenders all started to echo his "naive and inexperienced" sentiment on Pakistan.

For someone with so much inexperience with foreign policy, it must be pretty surprising that he keeps hitting the nail on the head EVERY time….

Between a painter with 30 years of experience painting reprints of flawed originals, and a painter with 3 years of experience that paints masterpieces every time, I think everyone would rather have the masterpiece.

Just another politician that needs to MOVE on. It's time for many of the Boomers to retire out of the House and Senate so the Youth can take this country into a new direction. This sounds just like a HRC talking point… Blah.Blah.Blah.

It's great to see a candidate succeeding by remaining positive. Barack's campaign is in of itself a PRIME example of why he is the BEST candidate to be the next POTUS. No dirty politics, no slamming of other candidates, HRC and all the others can spin all they want but once this country unites around this good man, there will be no stopping him. BTW as stated above, there is much more to being a President than just foreign experience. None of that matters if you can't play nice. Look at Rumsfield and Cheney on that!

So tired of this same old arguement. And please, stop comparing GW Bush to Obama….Geez!

For Obama and all his fellow supporters, keep positive and keep your head up! If the old farts in Washington D.C. and the establishment is talking about Barack then he must be doing something right; just remember they talked about Jesus too! And no, I'm not comparing Barack to Jesus, but they do share some same similarities. Now I'm not the best biblical historian(for all those that want to critique) but from what I do know, Jesus had the roman empire(Washington) against him and some of the rabbi's and Jesus's own people didn't believe in him(blacks & black churches), when all he wanted to do was bring about change and fairness to all, he wanted to help the poor and the sick. Everyone laughed at Jesus too and thought he was a fake or just plain crazy. So there are some stricking similarities. This is just my own personal take on the scene.

Everything this pin-head Voinovich has to say embodies what it means to be a republican. It's the reason I jumped ship after nearly 30 years. It's also the reason "Obamamania" persists. When are these idiots gonna get it through their thick heads? This is not simply a short-term fad. We are sick and tired of their brand of leadership; on both sides of the aisle! They are so thoroughly disconnected with the will of the american people as to be completely ineffective. I am now a registered democrat and although I will always vote my conscience and not my party's ticket, I will never go back. The GOP and their right-wing neocon loonies have screwed up the world to the point that it will truly be miraculous if we can ever fully recover!
GOOD RIDDANCE HILLY-BOB!!!
GO OBAMA!!!

Voinovich is a Bush hack….and he better watch out!

Since 2004 the EVERY state-level state-wide office has switched from Republican to Democratic hands in Ohio (with the State Auditor the lone exception):

Also, since 2004 Democrats have seen a net increase of:

1 U.S. Senate seat (out of 2)
1 U.S. Congressional seat (out of 18)
1 State Senate seat (out of 33)
11 State House of Rep. seats (out of 99)

During the same time Republicans have seen NO net gains for any chamber of their legislature or any state-wide office.

With 4 Republican Congressional Reps. having now announced their retirement (and no Dems), there is a real possibility that Democrats will also be in the majority of Ohio's congressional delegation by the end of the year.

Voinovich isn't up for re-election until 2010 but, with the wind at the backs of Ohio Democrats, he can't afford to be a lap dog for the Republican Party.

Ohio is turning BLUE!

Right…George didn't have any experience with Foreign affairs, and that does call to question Obama's experience and brings up thoughts of the future remaining status quo…if it wasn't for the fact that he has at least been off this continent, is on the foreign affaris committee, and has a personality that does require him to carry a big stick to get his point across. Obama's reactions always seem to be cool, calm, and thoughtful. One quality of a good leader is to know where your are strong and where you are weak. To surround yourself with those that are strong in those positions where you are not as strong. Bush pick Cheney, Rumsfeld, Rove, and a handful of other winners….what does that tell you?

I want to know just how Obama has proved himself? By not being in the Senate to vote? By never submitting any bills or co-sponsoring any bills so that his positions remain undetected? I don't know if he is a rational, reasoning leader or not. He says he is, but then George Bush lied too.
Hilliary we know.

Well Mr Voinovich since that is what you really believe than we as a nation are looking to you to bring him up to speed when he attains the presidency of the United States of America. I mean isn't that what we are about' , isn't that what you swore as a United States Senator to do, to lead our country forward in the world and since you have so much experience wouldn't it be in our country's best interest for you to do just that and if not why not.

"Things are very fragile in this world". They sure are thanks to the Republican party leadership that got this mess racheted up at least another notch. I believe Obama has the smarts to take on the job and appoint appropriate persons to positions based on knowledge instead of political favors and friends like our current Republican President. I also understand that Obama would crush any Republican contender and that is the real issue here with Republicans trying to get Hillary the nomination so she will polarize the Democratic party and many of us will search for an independent over choosing her. Thus splitting the Democrats and ending up with a Republican President.once agian. Anyone can read through this. After all, are you saying Bush had foreign policy expertise when he was elected. Oh that's right he only started 2 wars under Republican control of congress. Nice job.

What foreign policy background did Bill have coming into the White House? What foreign polict experience did Bush have coming into the White House? What foreign police experience does Hillary have coming into the White House? What all Presidents need are expert foreign policy advisers to the President, like just about every other area of government where experts are hired to advise the President.

The reason things are so out of control with foreign relationships is because of the same old politicians that know absolutely nothing about cultural differences. They claim to have all the right experience, but it serves us no benefit. We need change, and a new vision, and a new face to represent our country. I gaurantee we will gain more respect once Obama is President.

This is an example of a old washington insider, that have been there for so long and things arent getting any better.
They are so set in their ways they dont/can't hear the cry of the nation for change.
we need need hope and change, Barack can provide that. We need a different direction.

Senator Voinovich and his fellow Republicans were duped time and again by Bush and Cheney, yet he has the audacity to say that Obama has things to learn. What that bunch thinks it knows has left them with egg on their faces and America in the toilet. Please Senator, watch and learn from Obama and you might yet get something right..

Wisdom and intellegence are more important than Washington experience. The USA needs the widsom of Obama, not the politics of Hillary.

We all agree that W. had absolutley no experience and I m not sure he has any now….but….all I know is that I have never voted for a republican for President but if Hillery gets the nod I will think long and hard about voting for a Republican

So we shouldn't sit down to talk with pple we have differences with?.. I guess we should just bomb, bomb bomb bomb the whole world>>> then we wouldn't be bothered about foreign relations and the trouble it brings.. we'll be the only nation on earth!!.. WAKE UP PEOPLE!

I agree with Voinovich. Obama doesn't have the experice to deal with the complecated world in front of us. He is good at talking but …….. I do not know where he will bring us, change to where?

Give me a break, Obama…….the President? He is not mature enought to be the President ! You can love a movie star just for his personalities but not this pisition, Kids! You guys will pay the price afterwards for this election when something serious happen.

I think people need to realize that being president means that you have to have a vision, clear understanding of the constitution, integrity, compassion, diplomacy, and plain ole sense. Obama has proven himself as a reasoning, rational, leader. He is clearly able to galvanize people personally, and also hire others in key positions to be advisors to him. Experience only gets a person so far. Usually the experienced person will only repeat what they have done in the past… A person with leadership and integrity will take opportunities to learn and grow, match it with their experience and create solutions. I say Go Obama. I'd rather have a forward thinking leader than one who is entrenched anyday.

bill clinton should be on the attack because of all the negative media coverage that cnn and cbs give to hillary .

It seems as though almost anything obama and john edwards does gets free positive media coverage and no negative coverage. Robert in texas

I think Voinovich is right about one thing only "People thought he'd(Bush) be a much better manager than he was," I never felt he was a good manager or a good President. What he should do is what he has done is to side with Bush as he has in the past.

Barack Obama (U.S. Senator with 3 years on the Foreign Relations and Homeland Security Committees) has a lot more foreign policy experience than did Bill Clinton (Governor of Arkansas).

Darth Vadic, don't pretend to be more stupid than you're. If you name is right, YOU'RE from Russia, although I doubt that you're the spy. Sen. Voinovich is a veteran senator from Ohio, former chairman of Foreign Relations Com. , his name is on the parks and highway and he's moderate enough to find a mutual agreement with Dems and Republicans. Why anybody would be suprised that Obama doesn't have any foreign experience and Clinton and McCain do? Obama has less experience and knowledge in anything than his colleagues except being a talented demagoge and speechwriter.

Do these politicians realize that the comments on Obama's lack of experience is great for his campaign. What Obama supporters are telling you is that the experieince that all of the politicians have, is not the experieince we are looking for in our next president. By using all of their experiece, they have managed to ruin the United States and we want a fresh approach. So H – E – double hockey sticks to all of your EXPERIENCE!!!!

Many people think it would be good to have "somebody that was of his background" become president, Voinovich said, because it would be a "good message in terms of culture."

…. Translation…… Many people think it would be good to have a Black as president for Cultural reasons.

When will this mentality die? Who out there is still scratching their heads as to why the world hates Americans. If you want to talk "culture", Voinovich, I BET YOU anything that all the places you traveled have adopted many parts of the culture of someone of Obamas "background". Lets be real. Black culture is VERY welcome in Europe. In fact, its MORE welcome there than here in our own backyard. If Obama makes Americans more approachable to the rest of the world, who can imagine how much positive change can happen with just that fact.

The days of the stoic, uncultured, racially and socially segregated White American male who has no reason to expose himself to other cultures, races and etnicities having all the power is OVER. Welcome to 2008

Goergy boy,

"People thought he'd be a much better manager than he was," Voinovich said of the president. "Even though he's dedicated himself to management, I think some of the screw-ups that have occurred have really hurt him. A lot of Republicans are disappointed because they frankly thought he'd be a better manager."

You have done a wonderful job. Thanks for letting us know now and NOT OPENING YOUR BIG MOUTH LIKE YOU ARE DOING NOW. SO PLEASE, YOU GIVE US A BREAK.

Obviously Voinovich doesn't have any foreign policy experience either, just take look at how he has handle things the last 7+ years.

This will be a recurring conservative GOP mantra until November … "(Insert the name of the appropriate Democrat) doesn't have the experience to be president."
Republican have been trying to frighten the American voter with this tired, old saw since at least 1960.

Consider the fact that the most experienced person ever to become president was George H. W. Bush, aka "Bush 41." He was a WWII vet, son of a Senator, a Congressman, RNC Chairman, our ambassador to the U.N. and then China, Director of the CIA, and a two-term vice-president. Yet Bush was an average president.

Then there is Harry S. Truman. He was the most inexperienced person to become president in the modern era. His qualifications: he was a WWI vet and a Senator. Yet Harry Truman, by all reasonable measures, was a near-great president.

The bottom line is that it isn't the exprience, it's the individual.

A Republican in charge of U.S. foreign policy over recent years thinks Obama would be bad. Does America need any other reason to know Obama would be good?

Seriously, the Republican party is getting very worried about Obama. they did not think a black candidate could win predominantly white states. Now he is about to win his second straight by double digits of HRC. The Reps have employed the Nixon capture the south strategy since 1968. What happens if overwhelming black turnout in the south turns some red states blue? Politics in this country could be realigned for the next 100 years.

While W has led George V around by his nose for 5 years, Obama knew from the state legislature in Illinois that invading and occupying Iraq would be a complete disaster. The best McCain can offer is that we will be in Iraw for 100 years.

Obama and the American people have an opportunity to crush the GOP and see to it that Voinovich has many fewer GOP colleagues in the Senate in January, 2009.

We should start thinking about the 2008 election in terms of 1932 and 1964. Bush and the GOP have made a new FDR possible.

Ohio Sen. George Voinovich, is out-dated politicia and his words are tented with a sort of racism thing. America is not George Voinovich
Annie

George Bush had no foreign policy experience and we all saw where that got us, but let's ignore that Obama has none either? Oh, yeah. By the way, Obama should read a bit of history (about 1,400 years' worth) before he sits down for a friendly chat with Amadinejad.

Wow.

Just wow, George.

So, failing to manage Arbusto, and failing to manage a major league baseball team gave you no clue as to George's ineptness at management? Come on.

Besides the fact that it was the Neocons' horrible idea to go into Iraq in the first place. All Dick had to do was convince George he was a "war president" and to go kill the guy that shot at your Daddy, and off we went. And the Neocons got absolutely NO audience with Barack.

But they do with Hillary.

Um, Obama is on this foreign relations committee to get experience because he doesn't have any! doh! i'm sure if we looked it up, he coincidentally joined just prior to announcing his run for candidacy.

anyone ever think that you're just being duped by this guy? he's a politician. just like all of them. he got lucky just recently hitting on a marketing ploy that happened to resonate better than other candidates. but its still just a MARKETING PLOY. He'll ride it until it fades, and the real issues get born out as we get closer to Super Tuesday.

Experience and capability to deal with the current state and issues of this country = Hillary Clinton -Dem or McCain-Rep. Obama is nothing. All fluff.

I won a nice dinner from a friend who insisted there was no way Obama would win in Iowa. Well, some just don't understand that after 8 years of this disaster in the White House people in this country are fed up and not only want a change, they NEED a change. Going back to a Clinton with all the accompanying BS and melodrama doesn't represent change at all. TWENTY YEARS OF BUSH AND CLINTON ARE ENOUGH!

"Between now and the election there are going to be many things that are going to happen in this country that will have an influence on people's choice in terms of who the next president will be,' Voinovich said.

That sounds like he knows something that he's not telling. Pretty scary actually. I wonder what they're planning.

Excuse me sir who are you. You don't look to familiar Barack has enough experience to be the POTUs. You are just angry because it is not you,

God Bless!

Deliver for Obama NH

I think he brings up a good point. Its not that I don't like Obama, but its scares me that some of leaders in both parties, Obama, Huckabee, Romney, do not have extensive backgrounds in foreign policy. We need a president, republican or democrat, who has had some experience and can really grasp the complexity of the issues that face America in the international arena. President Bush couldn't name the general who over Pakistan in the coup…it was Musarraf, and look what has happened. America needs to rebuild its diplomatic ties, and people with connections like McCain and Hillary have with foreign leaders. I don't think people should so quickly dismiss the need for a president who has the experience and expertise to guide us out of the mess we are in. Obama is fantastic and his personality is great, that doesn't necessarily mean he has great foreign policy expertise. Maybe he does, but its kind of a scary gamble.

Sounds like you need to retire. who in Washington has any REAL Experience.
And just what is Hillary's 35 years?

I am a life-long Democrat but I have occassionally voted Republican or Independent. I have voted for Senator Voinovich in the past because he is trustworthy. He is a straight-shooter and is not one of Bush's rubber stamps. When he speaks, it's worth listening to. I like Obama but I have some of the same uncertainties about his foreign policy experience. That said, I think Obama would be the best choice to try to bring both parties together to actually get some legislation passed. It's going to be a tough choice on election day.

Exactly — BUSH had NO experience and either does Obama. It's all a media play -Obama has had a cake walk…..lets just wait and see what happens Feb 5th.

And where was George Bush's foreign policy experience. He had never been off the Northern American Continent! And look where we are with all the "experience" he surrounded himself with. Bush/ Cheney, now Clinton fear playbook, anyone?

Check!

Yea George, you guys have done a hell of a job, I am more than willing to give someone else a try..

Wake up Democrats if you want health care. Obama isn't interested in partisanship anymore so he will cede to the Republicans on this issue. But of course what would be more appropriate than a do-nothing US President. Given the lack of achievement by Bush and Clinton though, what's another 8 years.

so what has voinovich and his ilks in the Senate foreign relations committee achieved so far except to turn this once respected country into a foreign relation disaster, if that is the kind of experince he wants then God save America! and what is this talk about an Obama candidacy beign a "good message in terms of culture" what culture? that of freedom, liberty, opportunity or what.. anyway senator traveling around the world to kiss babies in front of media cameras don't count as foreign experience… get real senator

This coming from the same guy who let Sean Hannity walk all over him!!

"He hasn't any experience in foreign policy. Give me a break,"

"his colleague from Illinois, who also serves on the Foreign Relations Committee."

So Obama has no experience in foreign policy, but serves in the Foreign Relations Committee? Anyone else sensing a bit of a contradiction?

And just what foreign experience did george bush have when he became President, excluding, of course, his tight ties to the Saudis thru the Carlyle Group.

Thank you Senator. It's about time other Senators are informing American citizens that Obama is not yet qualified to be President. "Give me a break" is RIGHT!

Well as far as I know, Bush didn't have any foreign policy experience. I remember him not being able to say who was the Pakistani president. But you did suppor him right???
Obama has Birezincky (don't know how to spell his name), and he will be surrounded by other experts. It is all about having the right team.

Thanks, and don't be bitter

The Republicans think they are so sly, eh
Don't want Obama to win the nomination, eh
Want to run agains Hillary, eh

I DONT THINK SO

Just go away and drink a glass of blood, or whatever you Republicans do.

I wonder why CNN's, pro-Hillary commentators didn't ask him about his opinion of Hillary?

oooohhhhh

I know what it is, the republicans want Hilary to be the Democratic nominee,

no no no no no no no Sen. Voinovich it wont work this time.

Off to bed you go now… shu shu…

Who the hek is Voinovich, sounds like a Russian spy to me, but anyway…

…and which republican has the experience?

McCain, the guy that wants to bomb everybody (bomb bomb bomb, bomb bomb Iran…), who says shoot firs ask question later? Give me a break, this guy belongs in a looney bin.

Obama has PERSONALITY, and that goes a long way, you have appointed ambasadors for foreign relations anyway plus the secreatry of state (Bill Richardson I hope).

Nice try Voinovich no go take your medication…

About time someone got it right. WAKE UP AMERICA — WE need someone with experience. I am as far LEFT as you can get. I would NEVER have imagined even thinking I would vote republican – EVER — but I will vote for experience. If it's BHO on the ticket — YOU DON'T HAVE MY VOTE.

More of the same generation responsible for the worlds current problems sounding off about how valuable experience is…why am i not suprised