June 10, 2008
Posted: June 10th, 2008 04:10 PM ET
 Obama rooting for the Celtics.
Obama rooting for the Celtics.

(CNN) – Presumptive Democratic nominee Barack Obama back-tracked on one campaign trail prediction Tuesday, switching his pick in this year’s NBA Finals.

“I tell you what, I thought the Lakers were the better team,” he told NPR’s All Things Considered, according to a transcript of an interview scheduled to air Tuesday night. “But the Celtics have been tough. I might have to revise my prediction here. I assumed Lakers in six. I don’t think that’s realistic now at this point…It does not look like it. It may be Celtics in six.”

The Celtics are leading the Lakers 2-0 in the best-of-seven NBA Finals.

The Illinois senator said that even though he had lived in Boston for several years as a student at Harvard Law School, “the truth is that I’ve got no dog in this hunt.”

“I’m a Bulls fan. We’ve gone through a drought for quite some time now. But we got the number-one draft pick, so our games may get a little bit better.”

Filed under: Barack Obama


Demhypocrisy   June 10th, 2008 9:09 pm ET

A true politician. What a dork. He needs to stop acting like he can play sports and be a regular Joe. Kerry did that. He is an elitist. He has had everything easy all his life. Don't let him fool you. Lakers in 6

Operation Chaos   June 10th, 2008 9:07 pm ET

@The Truth; you pose as a different supporter everyday. Must be a Republican after all. LOL

RB, TX Get a life fool!!!

Gary   June 10th, 2008 8:58 pm ET

If Obama is going to 'Flip-Flop', I'm glad it's on sports and not politics like McCain.

Hey, 'The Truth', are you at least getting paid to blog by the GOP or the McCain campaign?

Wanderer   June 10th, 2008 8:57 pm ET

Because McCain is consistent? He's a moderate ... he's a liberal ... he's hard right ... he's secular ... he's hyper-religious ... he's ... whatever his party tells him to do.

They're politicians, all of them. Until we voters start looking more at someone's overall qualifications than at what they said most recently, they'll keep on giving us what we want.

marianna   June 10th, 2008 8:54 pm ET

Flip-floping already?

Toot   June 10th, 2008 8:54 pm ET

Flip flop in everything he does. Nothing new for him. Always back paddling!! Obama can't even make up his own mind and think for himself so what do you think is going to happen if he get in the WH.
Oneday we are here and the next we are gone because he flipped and flopped all in a matter of seconds.
Shame on the DNC for making sure the non experience get the nominee so that they can flip flop again!!

Louise   June 10th, 2008 8:48 pm ET

I hope this isn't a harbinger of his leadership style, but then again, Obama's used to switching sides by now. He's dumped his life-long preacher friend, so switching his team choices must seem like second nature.
You go, slippery guyl! Good luck against the Republican machine.

Mark (Seattle)   June 10th, 2008 8:48 pm ET

Wow... rough crowd.

Poor Obama cannot even comment on sports without the bitter Hillary supporters and conservative McCain supporters bashing on him... oh well, everything seems dark to the blind.

Virginia is Obama country   June 10th, 2008 8:45 pm ET

RB TX

You are a moron.

How many time have you said the underdog will win, then you changed your mind after seeing the first quarter?

Obama 08

scott in GA   June 10th, 2008 8:40 pm ET

another riveting news flash from CNN

Versailles   June 10th, 2008 8:38 pm ET

Well the truth always comes out. If you are found out that your close friends are extremely unethical – then just disavow them.

If you say one sports team will win, then do what you do best and "switch" sides.

Confidence is an individual who has the ability to take ownership of "his/her" actions, make appropriate decisions, then take a stand.

Let me see, did that just eliminate NOBAMA?

NOBAMA is so busy asking everyone else to make his decisions he forgot (because he is not capable) that during a recent speech he adopted many of Hillary Clintons phrases, ideologies, and policies.

Wasn't his platform "change?" Oh, yes – change means I can change my mind and my platform because afterall I am running a "change" campaign.

NOBAMA for me.

PhD

Harvey, Tampa, FL   June 10th, 2008 8:38 pm ET

Whoopdie-friggin-dooooooo. Obama's now a sports expert...

DAN   June 10th, 2008 8:36 pm ET

How cute. Mabe he could get a job as a sports commentator after he looses to McCain. Cnn is really blind to the real news Oye veh.

Eric   June 10th, 2008 8:29 pm ET

The Truth and RB TX have no sense of humor.

At least Obama has taken a stand on the issue.

McCain is clearly soft on sports.

Ha!

Obama '08

Boye   June 10th, 2008 8:29 pm ET

Don't be an ignorant fool, this is not equal to flip flopping. When you make predictions, you make them based on the facts at hand. Things change just like in the NBA. Earlier on, everyone would have thought the Lakers will win but things look a little different now.

patrick   June 10th, 2008 8:29 pm ET

Geez, its a Basketball game.....

Talk about UPTIGHT!!!

But then again, thats Republicans for you...

LMAO

Marcelo   June 10th, 2008 8:28 pm ET

Hey Truth and RB, you're a spinner for the republican agenda and I really don't appreciate you taking small issues and projecting it over larger ones. And if anyone wants to talk flip-flop, lets look at McCain. Sen. McCain has changed his positions on several key policies from his 'maverick' stance to be in-line with the conservative agenda.

I don't know about you, but its sort of refreshing when a leader can admit their mistakes and revise his strategy. Unlike Bush or McCain, they still can't acknowledge that they made a mistake going into Iraq... how many WMD's did we find again?

My position on the war is that we made a mistake going in but since we're there and we've destabilized the country, we are responsible for cleaning it up. Like Colin Powell said, we broke it, we bought it. Barack Obama is an honest leader and he'll make sure we pull out our troops in a responsible manner. I believe in Barack Obama because he's intelligent, he doesn't make decisions involving our national safety and the lives of our troops hastily, and the guy is just downright honest with us. People are suspicious of him because they have never known an honest politician. The media will spin stories to sell headlines... the Republicans will push lies and exaggerations to scare people into voting for them... Barack Obama will win this election through the efforts of millions of Americans (not lobbyists for corporations) and by leading by example.

Obama '08

Sean   June 10th, 2008 8:27 pm ET

Who cares?

TESAP   June 10th, 2008 8:25 pm ET

Many peolple flip flopped republican 1 and 2... who knew Bryant would crumble................... Its KG's year..... BABY..

tell the truth   June 10th, 2008 8:24 pm ET

We do not care about that go lakers but Obama still has my vote on issues, Gas prices,bush taxes cuts,pro choice, etc

Go Obama but leave my lakers alone

BIFF, BIFFINGTON...   June 10th, 2008 8:22 pm ET

Your comment is awaiting moderation.
for all the flip-flop comments that are sure to come… ("see… he can't even stick to blah-blah-blah)… (geez u guys are soooo easy)…

for all of these sure to come comments…. what he has done… is held an initial opinion….. seen somthings develop… and make an educated evaluation in forming a now 'evolved' opinion…

i know that is too much for some of the haters to understand…

i did try to use small words….

TBM   June 10th, 2008 8:15 pm ET

RB TX,

Didn't McCain oppose Bush tax cuts, but now he supports them?

Sounds like a flip-flop.

Try to be objective.

Peter E   June 10th, 2008 8:15 pm ET

BREAKING NEWS!!! Obama likes peanuts! BREAKING NEWS!!! Obama switches TV channel! BREAKING NEWS!!! Obama sits in a chair! BREAKING NEWS!!! Obama washes hands! BREAKING NEWS!!! Obama clears throat! BREAKING NEWS!!! Obama loosens tie!

tanya   June 10th, 2008 8:14 pm ET

What ever 51% of the people wants !

R.   June 10th, 2008 8:14 pm ET

"The Truth," it's not a game it's a 7 game series and factors throughout the series "CHANGE" the most probable outcome, the biggest factor of which would be Boston winning the first two games. The likely hood of LA winning the next four and closing it out in 6 is least likely. Therefore it is not a "flip flop" but the more intelligent call to be made. If you made a bet now and picked LA to win in six you'd be laughed at. You see, it's good to have the option to change your mind sometimes. Without that option or choosing to ignore that option you appear stubborn and foolish and ultimately stand to lose a lot more than you otherwise would had you learned from your mistake and righted your wrong initial decision...(you see where I'm going with this?)...

This is on the CNN ticker with a clever headline for one reason only...to stir the pot and keep things "spinning."

C'mon people, THINK!!

Mike in K'ville MO   June 10th, 2008 8:11 pm ET

Who cares what you think Barry. Go have another cigarette and try to think of something else to look cool for the media.

JJ   June 10th, 2008 8:03 pm ET

Go Barak, and go Celtics. He didn't flip flop... he merely realized the situation. The Celtics are the much better team, and people that didn't know that before now understand the Truth. Paul and Kevin are going to work themselves to death over this ring, it just isn't the Lakers Year. Even though I do like Bryant.

REPUB OF LA.   June 10th, 2008 8:01 pm ET

OBAMA IS SUCH A JOKE!!
GEAUX MCCAIN

Cynthia   June 10th, 2008 7:54 pm ET

He watched them play a couple of games and analyzed how they played then changed in mind on whom he thought would win. Somehow people will tie this to politics.

Alex   June 10th, 2008 7:52 pm ET

When I clicked the "comments" button, I was waiting to see what crazy conservatives would somehow equate changing a sport's prediction to being a "smoke and mirrors" candidate. I wasn't disappointed. Mindless people tend to say the same thing regardless of the appropriate context.

The only switching that I've seen on major issues is McCain's backing of the Bush tax cuts after explicitly saying that they would be harmful for America "in a time of war." The same war that he currently promotes.

"Go McCain!"

Andrea. California   June 10th, 2008 7:52 pm ET

ugh, yes this is trivial, its basketball. but geeze Obama, stick to something, anything, for once.

if we can't have Hillary, McCain 08' (he is not McSAME)

well....   June 10th, 2008 7:51 pm ET

As long as he predicts Americas needs wisely, the rest of the story is just about a game...

Jan   June 10th, 2008 7:50 pm ET

He thinks he cute–he really is some nerd trying to be cool to impress the people who put him in..what fools they are, the youth voters.

LJ   June 10th, 2008 7:50 pm ET

Democrats will flood the polls in November. If you think we turned out in record numbers for the primaries, just wait until November. McCain don't have a chance!!!

Mike   June 10th, 2008 7:50 pm ET

Obama says "I’ve got no dog in this hunt". And CNN's image caption? "Obama rooting for the Celtics".

Michelle   June 10th, 2008 7:49 pm ET

Maybe he should become a sportscaster. He has a baritone voice and interest in sports.

He is better suited for that occupation than the presidency.

Angelino, CA   June 10th, 2008 7:48 pm ET

Sen. Obama, do you know how many crazy Laker fans we have out here? Look what happened to Jiuliani after he said he was rooting for the Red Sox. People are now going like "who is he?"

You Democratic leaders, don't you ever take us California voters for granted! Just remember, we have enough Laker fans to tip this state from blue to red.....

Emma   June 10th, 2008 7:45 pm ET

Barack Obama, you are dead to me.

deadlowtides   June 10th, 2008 7:41 pm ET

The entire sports community thought the Lakers were going to take it, but they just ain't showing heart. ANY BASKETBALL FAN KNOWS THIS. We have all flip flopped, the Lakers have let us down!

OBAMA 08

ed   June 10th, 2008 7:39 pm ET

Rb Tx, there's no politician that has changed his opinion on issues more than John Mccain. He used to be in support of Amnesty for Illegal Immigrants, now he's not. He used to be pro-choice, now he's pro-life. He used to be one of the most vocal politicians against any form of prisoner torture. Now, he thinks bush is right and waterboarding isn't torture. So, please tell us – what issues has barack changed his opinion on?

Yes, I still support HRC...   June 10th, 2008 7:38 pm ET

Wow... this sure is news... Where would I be without this kind of hard hitting reporting from CNN. Let's write some articles about truth and substance... How about using your investigative reporters to dig up some history on your golden boy. Brilliant piece...

Dunces   June 10th, 2008 7:37 pm ET

"The Truth" and "RB TX", you're pathetic.

Anne   June 10th, 2008 7:37 pm ET

Come on, it's just sports...when people use something as little as this to say something negative about Obama you lose a lot of your credibility as being a rational person.

Debbie Maha   June 10th, 2008 7:36 pm ET

Flipflop? The real Obama ,please stand up"

Jon   June 10th, 2008 7:35 pm ET

Flip Flop in 7!

Scully/Hefley '08

Kenneth   June 10th, 2008 7:33 pm ET

to RB in TX :
you better watch out McCain will veto your beer
Go the mighty O

Angela Frazier, Memphis TN   June 10th, 2008 7:28 pm ET

Running out of things to report are we?

R in NC   June 10th, 2008 7:27 pm ET

RD TX, are you serious? Its basketball.

Obama 08.

Reggie TX   June 10th, 2008 7:23 pm ET

RB, my fellow Texan, he doesn't flip flop as bad as John McCain. Looks like the Maverick has turned into the rubber stamp. Goodness, I hope for the sake of America that Obama wipes the floor with McCain.

OBAMA '08

Greg Turner   June 10th, 2008 7:20 pm ET

Mr Senator. Kobe Bryant is the best player in the world and the lakers will win in 7. You still get my vote though..Lower Merion is the best

David   June 10th, 2008 7:20 pm ET

He is not real change; he is a real politician. Quiting his church after twenty years when the timing was right for running, wearing a flag pin now that the timing is right for running, switching his views on issues and sports events when the timing is right for running. He makes me sick

sophia nyc   June 10th, 2008 7:18 pm ET

What happened to the Lakers this season. Sunday they woke up after being 23 points behind! Only to lose by a few points.

I predict the Lakers will win tonight.

Cheryl L. Swaim   June 10th, 2008 7:18 pm ET

I'm sure Jack Cafferty and the rest of the news people will make his prediction come true. They're really good at shaping things.

California Voter   June 10th, 2008 7:18 pm ET

who cares!

antoine   June 10th, 2008 7:16 pm ET

RB ...get it together .... first of all...know what...you probably voted for Bush....dummy

Marj,Paso Robles, Cal   June 10th, 2008 7:14 pm ET

Flip Flop.

Country first party second   June 10th, 2008 7:10 pm ET

OF COURSE YOU SWITCH YOU FLIP FLOPPER, THIS IS WHAT YOU ALWAYS DO FLIPPIN AND A FLOPPIN. YOU ARE SICKNING.

Robert   June 10th, 2008 7:10 pm ET

Figures that guy who made the comment is from Texas. "Don't be fooled by speeches"? At least Obama is smart enough to actually make a speech, check your facts on Obama's education vs. our current 'nukular' president. Its quite impressive knowing someone running for president actually graduated from Harvard and didnt ride in on daddy's shoulders.

Loretta from California   June 10th, 2008 7:10 pm ET

Nice to see you having a bit of fun.

Oh by the way CNN, this was not the first time that Senator Obama shadowed a nurse. He worked as a home health aide also. So stop making it seem as though he is copying Senator Clinton when he isn't.

Penelope   June 10th, 2008 7:08 pm ET

This is news why?

Warrior   June 10th, 2008 7:05 pm ET

^Are you kidding me?

Bob   June 10th, 2008 7:01 pm ET

Another flip flop by Obama. Says one thing to get the nomination and another once he has it.

Mal   June 10th, 2008 7:00 pm ET

RB TX: It's a basketball pick, not an item of national security. Relax.

Jay from the west   June 10th, 2008 6:57 pm ET

The Bulls.....esh ..sorry for ya Mr. President.

Mr Fix it (fixmaster33@yahoo.com)   June 10th, 2008 6:56 pm ET

RB TX

Get over your self. Can't the man be him self and enjoy the NBA tournaments without some ridiculous comments for haters like you?

Do you know that McShame said he will "VETO EVERY BEER BILLS " Oh sorry he meant to say....... what now.....
I guess McShame think of beer all the time and he must have been drunk as well when he repeatedly confused the suni and the shiya (however way you wanna spelt it.

So before you post your comments on here again try to be sensible.

Democrat in LA   June 10th, 2008 6:49 pm ET

Lakers had a lot of us fooled, especially here in LA. Their play in Boston was erratic and unpredictable– just as the rest of the series is likely to be. Boston looks like the better team now, but who knows?

Give Obama a break– he hasn't had any time to pay attention this season.

Aaron   June 10th, 2008 6:49 pm ET

It's just a comment on the NBA Finals! He's not switching anything. He's just stating what's happening right now. He say he "MAY" say Celtics in 6.

McCain doesn't even know what he stands for. He's not the same person he was in 2000 and doesn't stand for the same ideas he did then. He's a say-anything-to-get-elected guy right now. He's the same opportunist he's always been.

John, Salt Lake City, UT   June 10th, 2008 6:49 pm ET

Personally, I appreciate a politician who is willing to re-evaluate a situation based on new data, rather than doggedly stick to his initial position and refuse to admit that perhaps he was wrong.

Even worse is to change positions purely for political reasons (e.g., McCain's "flip-flops" on the Bush tax cuts, conservative Christian religious leaders, and immigration).

unions are not stupid   June 10th, 2008 6:49 pm ET

ok and this is new why? least of all why is this in the political ticker and not the sports ticker? Come on CNN

hey RB TX no one is being fooled! you post is complete lies! like they all are why don't you try to read once in a while. If you post something that is bull it can be verified within about 2 min on useing Google!

tj   June 10th, 2008 6:48 pm ET

You cant be serious, you take a playful prediction and spin it into the way he will govern.....Were we fooled by dr kings speeches, or kennedy's speeches, or lincoln's......Im an independent I like mccain, although he has switched positions also, i.e. (the war in iraq staying indef. to having a 5 year plan) but im reseaching obama with an unbiased eye. You should do the same.

He displays loyalty.....   June 10th, 2008 6:48 pm ET

That's right Obama stay loyal to your team; they probably will get better. I admire so many aspects of your character.

Gregory H. Brooklyn New York   June 10th, 2008 6:47 pm ET

He's my guy, and America will be better when he's President Obama, but L.A. Lakers in six!!

aaron from minneapolis   June 10th, 2008 6:47 pm ET

RB TX, really? What has he flip flopped on? I love it, you make false accusations with no facts to support your claim. Another republican for you folks.

Mike Birmingham, AL   June 10th, 2008 6:47 pm ET

The RNC is paying bloggers to try and pull Clinton supporters over to McCain.

Don't listen to the same three or four people that flood the Ticker on a daily basis using different names – they are just paid hacks.

Jay   June 10th, 2008 6:46 pm ET

You can create whatever image you want RB but this country demands change. We will not be silenced. You will see in November.

mr. reality   June 10th, 2008 6:44 pm ET

RB you are comparing legislative decisions to a basketball game pick... WOW i hope Obama dosnt flip flop on what suit to wear tommorow.

Dustin   June 10th, 2008 6:44 pm ET

GO C'S!

hmmm   June 10th, 2008 6:43 pm ET

geez, as soon as I saw the headline I knew some nutter was going to post an Obama hater blog. So thank you RB TX for making me psychic. But CNN what's up with the headline? Why is this even something that should be on the ticker? I don't care who he picks in the NBA finals, the Eurocup, or Nascar. I care about the economy, Iraq (of which there seems to be absolutely no coverage of these days), the environment, etc. Do your job, CNN, and please post real news.

Vote the Issues 08!

David Buddingh in Naperville, IL   June 10th, 2008 6:43 pm ET

RB TX:

It's sports pal, give me a break.

Alex   June 10th, 2008 6:42 pm ET

Go McCain and Go Lakers!!!

Nom Deplume   June 10th, 2008 6:42 pm ET

Not that I don't appreciate the support for our Celtics, but this guy makes John Kerry look like a decisive leader.

Are any New England states suddenly battleground???

AP   June 10th, 2008 6:42 pm ET

Who cares?!?!? I'm a LOT more concerned with his ability to lead this country should he win than his pick for the NBA Finals. Can I get a little substance?

Liz   June 10th, 2008 6:41 pm ET

RB TX: are you kidding? This is basketball–McBush OWNS the flip-flop title. Try to keep up!!!

give me a break   June 10th, 2008 6:40 pm ET

picking a NBA team and running this country do not even come close

Charles   June 10th, 2008 6:39 pm ET

RB- you've got to be kidding me. We're talking about basketball of all things. Keep searching for anything to bring him down. Hope you're enjoying your Bush years with a war that never ends and $5 gas.
Stay the course lemmings...

Yes we can!   June 10th, 2008 6:39 pm ET

you just lost my vote obama,,,,,sikes....i'm a kobe bryant fan, but you're wrong on this issue......

@everyamericans   June 10th, 2008 6:39 pm ET

McCain doesn't even have an opinion!...McCain is clueless! Does this old hag McBush have a clue what is really going on in America? or he just wants to bomb, bomb, bomb Iran!

McCain needs to move to Irak to be the president and continue the war there...since he cares more about Irak than the the suffering people of the good old U.S.A!

Richard   June 10th, 2008 6:38 pm ET

RB TX, you are quite possibliy the biggest fool I have been subject to today.

Are gas prices not high enough for you yet, FOOL?

I bet the only thing Mccain watches on TV is Murder She Wrote reruns.

EDW   June 10th, 2008 6:38 pm ET

How many elitist's do you know that play B'ball? He isn't the one flying around in his millionaire wives' plane and he didn't loan his own campaign money (still in debt).

Farrell, Houston, Tx   June 10th, 2008 6:37 pm ET

I'm a Lakers fan and have been for many years. But like you Obama, the Celtics may take L.A. Colby's got to step up his game.

Linda   June 10th, 2008 6:37 pm ET

Obama is just smart. He's the one that thinks!

ItsObvious   June 10th, 2008 6:35 pm ET

When asked for his prediction, John McCain fondly recalled the time he teased James Naismith about his new invention, telling him nobody would care about a game with a bunch of guys running up and down a court trying to put a ball into a vegetable basket.

"I guess James gets the last laugh," said the Arizona Senator.

Independent in MI   June 10th, 2008 6:35 pm ET

We should be surprised that Obama bends with the wind?

Hillary supporter for McCain.

Tim   June 10th, 2008 6:34 pm ET

A Democrat flip-flopping on any kind of decision or stance is nothing new. I'm just surprised Obama didn't wait until the Finals were over before endorsing his favorite....sound familiar? Democrats will NEVER make a bold decision – which is why putting one in the White House is not good for our national security. Osama bin Ladin is alive and well today because of Bill Clinton's indecisiveness. Do the research and then try to challenge that statement.

Don in Florida   June 10th, 2008 6:33 pm ET

He's just having fun...lighten up. He's going to beat McCain like an old drum come November. Go Obama 08 & 12

Tjaye in LA   June 10th, 2008 6:32 pm ET

As a Laker fan, I must now reconsider my vote.

Rob   June 10th, 2008 6:30 pm ET

So totally predicable. I wonder what his spin will be if the Lakers manage to even the series or take the lead.
"Well, I said I MIGHT have to revise my prediction- not that I actually DID revise it."
If he can't even manage this trivial issue how can we trust him to run our country?

casanova   June 10th, 2008 6:29 pm ET

You mean .. Go McInsane!!!!! it looks like you have no family in iraq.

Anonymous   June 10th, 2008 6:28 pm ET

Come on. Don't tell me that if you had originally called the Lakers in 6 and saw the Celtics up 2-0, you wouldn't retract your prediction. The C's have it won. He's changing his views based on what's happening. He's adapting.

Plus, I think it would be awesome to have an avid sports fan in the White House. He's an everyday guy with everyday interests. McCain's old and out of touch. Obama knows what's up.

Obama could whoop McCain anyday on the basketball court. He's going to be winning states in November like he sinks jumpers on the court.

Victor in Saanich, B.C. Canada   June 10th, 2008 6:27 pm ET

Not exactly a political issue CNN!! Maybe Entertainment Tonight has some openings for you 'Newshounds'!!!

M King, Dallas   June 10th, 2008 6:26 pm ET

Barack, I am supporter, but I don't support turning on L.A.! On that prediction, YOU LOSE!!

Katrinka   June 10th, 2008 6:24 pm ET

Okay, RB TX, first you say Obama switches his opinions, and then you say do not be fooled by speeches. Huh?
I say who cares what the candidates think about sports, anyway. Once again the press is pandering to the lowest IQ Americans.

JV   June 10th, 2008 6:21 pm ET

RB,

Good lord...lighten up.
It's a basketball prediction.

Get over yourself.
And your sad candidate.

1st Mrs. McCain is the HERO   June 10th, 2008 6:20 pm ET

I believe in you Barack... and I think I will go place a bet..

Carol McCain – the real first lady...

Mario   June 10th, 2008 6:20 pm ET

RB TX, better changing one's mind but being up-dated with the situation. McCain is still thinking that the Suns have a shot at it, that much he lives in the past!

Go Obama

Raul Dominguez   June 10th, 2008 6:20 pm ET

Now we can't even have water cooler talk about sports without reflecting on policy! Let's focus on facts and can CNN expand the discussion on the economy and, of course, the war in Iraq with people other than the SAME pundits. Thank you.

MCD   June 10th, 2008 6:20 pm ET

RB TX
You are an idiot, the entire media thought the Lakers had it in the bag, but Kobe and CO are giving the series away – hell and the refs aint helping.

I agree with Obama on this

Hillary '12   June 10th, 2008 6:19 pm ET

No Hillary as his V.P.

McCain '08..!

Hillary '12..!!

bernj   June 10th, 2008 6:18 pm ET

RB.....You mean McDumb? No thanks.

Andrew in Iowa City   June 10th, 2008 6:17 pm ET

FLIP FLOPPER! FLIP FLOPPER! FLIP FLOPPER!
OBAMA IS A JOKE!
oh wait...this is basketball...
it has nothing to do with anything

Democrates   June 10th, 2008 6:17 pm ET

I had the Lakers in six also

JCB   June 10th, 2008 6:17 pm ET

Yes, he is changable! He constantly changes his mind on every issue as readily as he changed his mind about the Lakers and changed his prediction. You know, sometimes we can consider a person who is two-faced as just being a person dedicated to change, lioke Obama!

DEM'S 08, no matter what   June 10th, 2008 6:15 pm ET

RB TX: I'd like you to name one time where Obama has switched opinions on a major issue in this race. You're comment doesn't even make sense!

In terms of him being a smoke and mirror politician, have you even been paying attention to anything that's been on all the news stations? Obama's offered clear cut plans on healthcare and the economy. At least his plans for the economy cover the majority of Americans, as opposed to only the wealthy like McCain's plans for the economy.

Do not be fooled by ignorance.

Go Obama

Laker for Obama   June 10th, 2008 6:15 pm ET

Come on Obama have a little faith!!!!! We've come down from 2-0 before!!!

*I still love you though!!!

Saqib   June 10th, 2008 6:13 pm ET

No, unlike Bush/McCain and the Republicans he is willing to acknowledge that he made a mistake with his earlier prediction, to accept the realities on the ground, and change course. This isn't a matter of changing positions, it's a matter of having enough judgment and courage to admit mistakes and regroup.

Mervin   June 10th, 2008 6:12 pm ET

CNN does it again! How is this article relevant??? Who cares who Sen. Obama is rooting for. Our economy is crumbling and I'm paying $4.50/ gallon in Seattle. Give me a break CNN! Your newsworthy credibility is fading fast.

Black Cat   June 10th, 2008 6:12 pm ET

McCain – GREATEST AMERICAN ZERO

CLINTON 08 VP   June 10th, 2008 6:12 pm ET

TO "Terrell" AND EVERYONE ELSE WHO THINKS OBAMA SHOULDN'T HELP CLINTON OR GIVE HER THE VP: SHE HAD A TOTAL OF 1,923 DELLEGATES IN THE END AND OBAMA HAD 2,156, A DIFFERENCE OF ONLY 233 AND YOU THINK THAT SHE DOESN'T DESERVE IT? SHE LOST OVER BY A HAIR, THIS NOMINATION WAS AS CLOSE AS EVER! SHE OBVIOUSLY DESERVES THIS AND MORE BUT I THINK SHE WOULD BE HAPPY IF OBAMA WOULD STOP DELUTING HIMSELF BY THINKING HE "REALLY REALLY" WON THE NOMINATION BY A VERY LARGE MARGIN SO HE WOULD STOP WRITING HIS STUPID LIST FOR THE VP, OBAMA ONLY HALF OF THE COUNTRY GAVE YOU THE NOMINATION, WILL YOU CONSIDER THE OTHER HALF?

Gobama   June 10th, 2008 6:11 pm ET

Why 'stay the course' if present course is leading to debacle? lol

A good leader is one with good vision. And as things become clearer ahead, it makes good sense to make adjustments to one's course of action.

Iraq continues to be a huge cost to Americans, and NO benefits; yet all kinds of gimmicks (surge is succeeding) are being used to 'stay the course' of a COSTLY unprovoked war.

"Surge is working"? Huh!
Working to drain the nation's treasury!

There is NO upside to the Iraq war for Americans!
No benefits of Iraq war to Americans, only costs, surge working or not!

A wise leader would not 'stay the course'. He would cut his losses!

Tracey   June 10th, 2008 6:10 pm ET

Who cares? If anything it shows a man that can adjust his strategy based on the situation. Much better than Bush who has had this insane "stay the course" mentality in Iraq despite the obvious realization that his strategy has failed. It would be nice if he switched his course...maybe some of our fellow Americans would still be alive.

Vig   June 10th, 2008 6:10 pm ET

Obama is just one more self-indugent. Nothing special here. Now we have to hear about his sport's predictions. Who cares. What kind of leader is this????

Mike   June 10th, 2008 6:09 pm ET

The other day he was riding his bike, today shooting hoops, in the meantime we are paying $4 for a gallon of gas.

I take this guy as seriously as if "Mickey Mouse" were running for President.

Idiot!!!

Soooo trying to be Mr. Joe Cool, ain't buying it!

Has Michelle gone back to work yet, with that hefty, inflated salary of hers?

Theresa in Minneapolis   June 10th, 2008 6:08 pm ET

All smoke and mirrors... Sounds like the Republican's are little worried and if you've seen the gallup numbers going in Obama's favor, they should be.

This is a BS story about basketball but TB TX marks Obama as a political flip flopper. Look at your guy, RB – He's never changed his stance on anything, huh?

I think everyone thought the Lakers had it. It's not looking so much that way now though.

sarah   June 10th, 2008 6:07 pm ET

and didnt he blow the ncaa final too?

Perk   June 10th, 2008 6:06 pm ET

Flip-flopper!

Dan W   June 10th, 2008 6:05 pm ET

He even flip flops on his predictions , All Sports fans know to stay with your team. What a loser! This is our future pres? a bandwagoner? Shameful!

Lynn   June 10th, 2008 6:03 pm ET

He changes his position on issues everyday so why does this supprise me. His favorite words – he's not the person I thought I knew.

ksisi   June 10th, 2008 6:02 pm ET

At least he gets it right, its better to change your mind when you think you are wrong and not followthrough, rather than keep doing the same thing eventhough you know its wrong......like you and your fellow oil stealing republicans

annie   June 10th, 2008 6:02 pm ET

We have a mortgage crisis, a gas crisis, people starving because they have to choose between food and gas and THIS is a story.

CNN stop sucking up to Obama and focus on the real issues

LS TX   June 10th, 2008 6:02 pm ET

No, don't be fooled by speeches-just learn from actions, like we saw from Bush and what we will see from McCain, should he be elected.

Goodness, for the sake of our future generations to come, I hope not.

Go Obama

bob   June 10th, 2008 6:02 pm ET

That is smart!

Daniel, WA   June 10th, 2008 6:01 pm ET

Obama is flip flopper. Even in basketball he does not know whose side he is. Go Lakers.... Go John McCain.

emily   June 10th, 2008 6:00 pm ET

why does this matter in politics?

William, from Cali   June 10th, 2008 6:00 pm ET

Look, the Lakers are like the DemocRATS...........the favorite at first, thats before the "Game" begun.......now. that their down 2-0, they must come up with "Something New"..................I say Boston in 4, their the "Best" team.............................sign: "A Student of the Game!"............

Nick - Arlington, VA   June 10th, 2008 6:00 pm ET

RB TX – are you really going to try to apply his position on the NBA playoffs to the issues of the presidential race? lord.

LOL   June 10th, 2008 5:59 pm ET

TO RB TX:

He was just talking sports like a normal American. Stop trying to over-analyze everything.

R.I.F.   June 10th, 2008 5:57 pm ET

...and the haters will start in 5..4..3...

The guys switched a basketball predication, not his stance on taxes. What sports fan doesn't go back and forth on predictions of games and series wen they don't have a horse in the race. I guess if we are using this as some kind of political indication then Hillary picking a horse that had to be put down after the Derby was not good either.

C'mon CNN. Sometimes I think you find these silly stories to write just so you can get people all riled up. How about you do a ticker abou McCain and who Phil Gramm who is helping him mold his economic policy.

Anonymous   June 10th, 2008 5:57 pm ET

1. This is silly. Obama switches predictions? Undercurrent = Obama is a flip-flopper. What a transparent and meaningless post.

2. Caption says: "Obama rooting for the Celtics." Text says "Obama said, "I've got no dog in this fight."

3. Wow. This is asinine reporting

Alex   June 10th, 2008 5:57 pm ET

RB TX, is that the best you can find?

Independent (Ex-Democrat) in Iowa   June 10th, 2008 5:54 pm ET

who cares.

McCain = No Growth Economy   June 10th, 2008 5:53 pm ET

Obama switches on issues? The real flipper is McCain.

Bush tax cuts – McCain switches.

Torture – McCain votes against setting guide lines to Army Handbook

Iraq War – From 100 year presence to 5 year presence.

Economy – "I know little about it" to "My opponent knows less than I do"

Cuts spending – yet willing to spend bililons in Iraq.

John McCain is trying to hoodwink people into believing that Obama is somehow a risk and naive, yet he wants to continue what got us into the recession and into war, and he'll be more than willing to go to war with Iran.

Obama isn't just a speech; try reading his policies. How is McCain going to pay for his big tax cuts (that, historically, have NEVER happened during a time of war. Wars hike taxes but increase industry, thus good for the eocnomy, but McCain won't understand that), and he wants to cut pork barrel spending which is .5% of the national budget, while Iraq is spending billions a day?

He was right to begin with; he knows little about the economy.

Make Love Not War   June 10th, 2008 5:52 pm ET

Anti-Obama bloggers = Republicans
If not Hillary, then McCain = Republicans posing as Democrats

DEMOCRATS UNITED IN 2008!!!!!

Obama 2008/2012

Peace and Love to All

Impartial Jury   June 10th, 2008 5:51 pm ET

RB TX,
Do your research, McCain is a habitual flip-flopper on almost every issue of importance, accept Iraq which is the one issue he should reverse on.

Don't be fooled by tenure, old age does not equate to wisdom. Bomob, bomb, bomb – Bomb, bomb Iran.

What a fool.

OBAMA PRO   June 10th, 2008 5:50 pm ET

Obama is really good is political prediction like Iraq war. Those things are distractive and let us hit the real issues like gas price, dollar inflation , energy etc......

BS   June 10th, 2008 5:49 pm ET

RB TX,
He switched his position because of facts on the ground. That's a bad thing? And please remember that it's only basketball.

Enlightened Voter   June 10th, 2008 5:47 pm ET

An all around guy! And a down to earth one too!

WOW   June 10th, 2008 5:47 pm ET

He switched! WOW what a shocker! The guy flip flops like a sunny on a dock.

Michael   June 10th, 2008 5:47 pm ET

Ease up RB from Texas,

So you never thought a different team was going to win from the original one you picked in a 7 game series? Give us a break. You lose my friend.

former Hillary supporter

David Goldman for OBAMA   June 10th, 2008 5:45 pm ET

NOW YOU ARE TALKING.

I VOTED FOR YOU & WILL IN NOVEMBER.

BUT NOW WE HAVE ONE MORE THING IN COMMON.

GO BROTHER GO.

Mimi De La Cruz for OBAMA   June 10th, 2008 5:43 pm ET

WE LOVE OUR FUTURE PREZ.

HE HAS THE HABIT OF TELLING THE TRUTH.

BUT THE LAKERS WILL WIN!!!!

RB TX   June 10th, 2008 5:38 pm ET

And we are surprised why? Obama switches his opinion on issues every other day. The guy is a smoke and mirror politician saying one thing and doing another.

Do not be fooled by speeches.

Go McCain

Lori   June 10th, 2008 5:37 pm ET

Switching predictions?

It's no longer a prediction, Slick. Come on . . . you can do it . . . say "I was WRONG."

Typical.

Black Cat   June 10th, 2008 5:35 pm ET

I agree, Celts in six. But I've said this since Boston beat Detroit, a couple of weeks ago. Obviously he doesn't have money on the finals. You can't change your pick in the middle of the finals. It's like saying New England will win the Super Bowl and then changing your pick to New York with 5 minutes to go in the fourth.

martin   June 10th, 2008 5:35 pm ET

whatever obama says,i believe.everyone else in politics are blowhards.

Alisha(Independent voter) MN   June 10th, 2008 5:35 pm ET

Go Celtics!!! Obama you are starting to win over my heart...I love ESPN more than CNN :-D

The Truth   June 10th, 2008 5:30 pm ET

that is what has come to be known as a "Flip -Flop"
doesn't seem like much because it is a basketball game,
but a Filp, and a Flop what is next?

Franky   June 10th, 2008 5:28 pm ET

Let's go Celts! Let's go baby! Let's go! Show me the money....LOL!!

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