June 20, 2008
Posted: June 20th, 2008 02:05 PM ET

From

CHICAGO, Illinois (CNN) - Barack Obama sat down with 16 Democratic governors on Friday in his hometown of Chicago to discuss all things economic and to emphasize the future partnership they envision between the White House and the states.

Conversation focused on energy, infrastructure, jobs, education and health care.

Obama strayed from his initial scripted remarks to hit John McCain on his recent proposal to allow states to decide if they want to drill for oil off their coasts.

"When I hear John McCain say that he is now in favor of the same oil drilling off the coast that he was opposed to just a week ago, what he doesn't tell you is that George Bush's own energy department has said that this would have no impact on consumers until 2030," said Obama.

The governors in attendance included seven who had supported Hillary Clinton's presidential bid, and several who have topped many experts' of lists potential vice presidential prospects, including Kansas' Kathleen Sebelius, New Mexico's Bill Richardson, and Pennsylvania's Ed Rendell.

Filed under: Barack Obama


Independent-woman-4-Obama   June 20th, 2008 7:05 pm ET

EUGENE, dude, calm down. Since when has the right to change our minds been taken from us?

I, for one, am glad that Sen. Obama has not taken federal funds..... how about this idea....... LET'S USE THE 84.1 MILLION HE IS NOT USING AND PAY OFF SOME OF THE OVER $10 TRILLION IN NATIONAL DEBT? OR HELP SOME FOLKS THAT HAVE NO HEALTHCARE WITH IT? OR USE IT TO IMPROVE VETERAN'S BENEFITS!

I don't see how people are upset about this? IS IT BECAUSE SEN. OBAMA HAS RAISED A RECORD AMOUNT OF MONEY? Jealousy takes many forms.

And to all of you voting for McCain, hope you will be happy with more of the same!

MORE WAR, EVEN WITH IRAN...... A 100 YEARS IN IRAQ

MOUNTING NATIONS DEBT, OVER $10 TRILLION!

God help us!

gary   June 20th, 2008 7:04 pm ET

THE TRUTH IS OBAMA IS AGAINST ANYTHING HE DONT BRING UP HIMSELF.HE IS SO ARROGANT, HYPOCRTICAL ,AND JUST AN AROUND CON MAN. HE DONT EVEN WANT MCCAIN, OR HRC TO GIVE OUR COUNTRY SOME KIND OF RELIEF ,EVEN IF ITS SHORT TERM. HE TALKS BOTTOM UP .WHAT A JOKE HE IS. HE TALKS A SMOOTH TALK BUT BRINGS NO PLAN FOR EVEN A SHORT TERM SOLUTION.O.B. IS STUCK ON HIMSELF. HRC WAS IN THIS FOR US ,NOT LIKE O.B. TO MAKE HISTORY. YOU YOUNG VOTERS HAVE ALOT TO LEARN.MAYBE WHEN OUR COUNTRY GETS ATTACKED WORST THAN 911 YOU WILL WAKE UP. IT MIGHT JUST BE IN YOUR BACKYARD THIS TIME.

Olivia   June 20th, 2008 6:59 pm ET

This man is acting like a super president.......far more prestigious than any other president this country has ever had.

Now, he has even got his own presidential seal.....before he is elected. And, he's now talking about his white family only, not his african roots much.

The sheer arrogance of the man. This is the guy that was handpicked to elevate our country? This is the guy that you all tried to destroy Hillary for? WHY!

Many many bad things about Obama. Time will tell.

mel   June 20th, 2008 6:29 pm ET

Kathleen should be his vp and Edwards his atty general,hagel
secty of state,Hillary surpreme court justices Wesley Clark,
secty of defense and secty of commerce Mrs edwards.

Obama08   June 20th, 2008 6:27 pm ET

Eugene....you obviously have not done ANY research on mcBush...I've caught salmon in SE Alaska that flip-flop a whole lot less than Mcsame....

Haloalani   June 20th, 2008 6:24 pm ET

This is a preview of what will be the new presidential forum for change.

UMMUKHULTHUM   June 20th, 2008 6:18 pm ET

AH HE,S JN CONTOL

Phil, FL   June 20th, 2008 6:16 pm ET

McCain is a flip-flop liar.

puff   June 20th, 2008 6:06 pm ET

I AM BITTER AND CLINGING TO MY GUNS. HE WILL NEVER GET MY VOTE EVER....................
MCCAIN 08

Didi   June 20th, 2008 6:02 pm ET

Obama , does he really knows what he is doing?
MANIPULATIVE PRIMADONA, THAT'S WHY ALL HOMOSEXUALS LOVE YOU!

GET LOST!!!

I CAN NOT BELEIVE THAT AMERICANS ARE SO NAIVE TO TRUST THAT SNECK!

BJ   June 20th, 2008 5:52 pm ET

I understand the Oil Companies already have 68 million acres of land that they have never explored for oil. That is why the Dems keep turning down the off shore drilling projects. Why give them more until they do something with what they already have.

SZ   June 20th, 2008 5:30 pm ET

Senator Obama: please see Wolf Blitzer's blog post today about why it's okay for politicians to change their minds. Should clear up your consternation over McCain's change of heart vis-a-vis oil drilling.

Shawn   June 20th, 2008 5:28 pm ET

Don't know why he won't consider Tennessee Governor Phil Bredesen. He seems like a good choice for Obama's administration.

amtFresno,CA   June 20th, 2008 5:27 pm ET

Obama/Webb or Obama/Clark (the ret. General) Joe Biden or Richardson for Secy of State.& Webb or Clark for Secy of Defence if not picked for Veep.

Obama/Hillary 08   June 20th, 2008 5:17 pm ET

Let us elect the Democratic party this November for the white house. We need change in the war in Iraq, our economy, and our foreign policies. We need to restore US image around the world.

Jen, CA   June 20th, 2008 5:15 pm ET

I lke Obama's new presidential seal, especially the "Possum" part – sorta reminds me of road kill!

Debby   June 20th, 2008 5:13 pm ET

Rendell is the only decent one out of the other 2. Richardson is a turncoat and can't carry the Latino vote or probably the state for Obama and Dorothy from Kansas is a just blah.

Sabrina   June 20th, 2008 5:08 pm ET

Some times it is hard to change your mind, except when it is some thing that will be better for the people, in this case oil. of course it is not for short term but we have to start some time. What do you want .... keep pay higher higher gas prices. We can still develope other types of energy at the same time.People are really hurting are we going to keep debating this foer another 20 years. I,m glad McCain flip floped on this.

Loretta from California   June 20th, 2008 5:08 pm ET

That's right, AS USUAL they are focusing on all the the issues that are important to me. You go Dems.

DEMOCRATS UNITE!!!!

Fella from Chicago   June 20th, 2008 5:03 pm ET

Flip-flop, flip-flop; Obama will change his position on this subject as well within a month or so. Just depends when his "camp" decides to pull on the puppet strings that control his vocal chords.

Rea   June 20th, 2008 5:01 pm ET

Obama is keeping everyone on a string, especially Clinton.
Once he gets what he wants he'll throw them under the bus too.
He is basically a con playing Chicago politics.

jonny   June 20th, 2008 4:57 pm ET

Obama/Gore '08!!

Debbie   June 20th, 2008 4:51 pm ET

Obama/Hagel 2008

How's THAT for change??

James, SC   June 20th, 2008 4:45 pm ET

Senator Obama turns down public financing and the GOP calls that flip-flopping.

Senator McCain said no off-shore drilling last week, but this week he is for it; and the news media calls it adjusting his views. This may be true, but McCain didn't change his view until President Bush told him to change. Plus none of this drilling will help us today.

Why are we trying to fix tomorrow's problems with last year's answers. Don't you think it is time for America to lead the world in energy usage? No, that makes too much sense. We should keep on doing things the way we always have.

JJ   June 20th, 2008 4:42 pm ET

So tired of all the BS. Obama will kill the US. He is so sucky, and His Islam beginnings need to stay squashed. He is a sucky ducky.

RJ from NJ   June 20th, 2008 4:38 pm ET

O-blah-blah and NJ Dem Gov Jon Corzine....
In the same room...
Wonder if Jon-Boy was mentoring the big O on how to put tolls on every road to generate more revenue.
Two limousine liberals..... Purrrrfect Together!!

Speechless   June 20th, 2008 4:37 pm ET

Note to Sen. Obama: The sooner we get started toward energy independence the better. Where we will be in the future if we do nothing?

tigerakabj   June 20th, 2008 4:37 pm ET

Good Obama. Knights of the roundtable discussing the short and long-term strategy to get the idiots out of power and to secure a prosperous future for America at all levels.

I can't wait until Barack throws all of McSenile's flip-flops right back in his face during the debates.

TJ Johnson   June 20th, 2008 4:36 pm ET

It is totally absurd that democrats don't see the need to accelerate oil production, since it is oil that is the current energy base of our society. Why don't they know that? Didn't any of them ever read anything, or then again, maybe none of them ever used a gas pump.

Daniel, WA   June 20th, 2008 4:29 pm ET

Who cares. Barack is a joke.

Venus   June 20th, 2008 4:23 pm ET

By the way Bam! Nice move on McSame and his thugs for not going along with the public funding! I love it!

This means McSame has to really hit the air running because he will need to attend a lot of fund raising each week to generate money for his campaign!

I see no reason why you should have to bow down to McSame -if he wants to win this election... let him work for it!

Beltway Insider   June 20th, 2008 4:23 pm ET

All the politicians are now starting to suck up to who they know will be the next President. Expected.

EDW   June 20th, 2008 4:17 pm ET

Off shore oil drilling is fine by me, but President Obama what can we do right now about this problem???

Scott L   June 20th, 2008 4:14 pm ET

Obama is going to get crushed in the general election, what were Democracts thinking getting behind this guy?

Buddy   June 20th, 2008 4:14 pm ET

Was Rev. Wright there he's in the hunt for V.P.

FrankSmith   June 20th, 2008 4:13 pm ET

I guess Hillary and her "bitter" Clinton supporters need Obama (and supporters) more than Obama needs Hillary..

Obama can win those battle-ground DEM states without the help of Hillary.

Hillary needs the help of Obama to pay her sagging bills, loans etc. This is how terribly Hillary managed her campaign. I guess Hillary and her bitter followers need to beg Obama to come their help!!!

Bottom line, call on McCain to help retire Hillary's debts, loans...!

Obama stole the nomination   June 20th, 2008 4:13 pm ET

You picked and installed Obama.

You had to savagely and unfairly attack and demean HRC to do it.

None the less.... SHE wins.

Obama is a cheating hypocrit who bullied and threatened his way into the nomination.

I will vote ONLY for HRC.

Rise HILLARY, Rise   June 20th, 2008 4:11 pm ET

I loved the way you all treated HRC--so much respect and dignity. Showed her so much love and support for her dedication to this country and its people...

Yeah right.

You savaged the good woman.

I will NEVER vote democratic again.

Get back to your own ideals. Stop swiftboating your own. Stop meddling with fair elections. Stop installing the left wing puppet.

Then come back and discuss unity.

go suck an egg   June 20th, 2008 4:08 pm ET

I did not care for how Hillary was treated- most unfairly and hatefully.

I did not care for how Obama was treated- like god's gift and royalty.

I did not like how you sacrificed the BEST candidate- HRC- just to advantage and install the puppet.

Glad the kids are all happy... and glad the AAs feel like he is legitimate. But most of us see right through this con man.

No vote from me for Obama.

I left the democratic party over the sad handling of this primary.

Hillary Clinton is the ONLY democrat I will EVER vote for in the future.

enough for this old geezer   June 20th, 2008 4:05 pm ET

The democrats publicly displayed the abuse that occurs in a dysfunctional family- complete with the domestic violence.

Degrade, demean the woman- with vile, vulgar insults and hatred.

Throttle, bash and attack her into submisiion.

Beat her down and tell her she is worthlesa and should quit.

Then when you succeed and RAISE UP THE GREAT OBAMA- we will all bow down and submit and kiss and make up.

Fools. The NEW DEMOCRATS are full of bias and intolerance and hatred of everyone who dares to disagree with them. They want to win- even if it means lying and cheating and strong-arming others into doing what you demand.

The OLD, traditional democrats will gladly defect from the party, so that you can eagerly embrace all the hateful, selfish newbie leftists. We were turned off by this biased primary.

Good luck to you all.

No vote fro Obama from this old geezer who believes in fair elections on a level playing field.

Brandon Hillary Democrat for Mc Cain   June 20th, 2008 4:04 pm ET

PUMA FOR ME Unless I have the opportunity of casting a ballot for a ticket that includes Hillary !!

Vote Nader   June 20th, 2008 4:04 pm ET

Will he work with states whom have Republican Governors? I'm tired of his "across the aisle" rhetoric while he only meets with Democrats.

It also sounds like he is against state rights by talking of partnerships and speaking against Sen. McCain's thoughts on states deciding if drilling is allowed. I thought we were a union of individual states, and the Federal government had a limited role. The more Obama talks, the more I fear his agenda. It truly does appear he wants a socialist nation where the government controls everything.

VotePact

** Nader/Gonzalez 2008 **

MLG   June 20th, 2008 4:03 pm ET

Don't care. You are not getting my vote. McCain 08

Vito   June 20th, 2008 4:01 pm ET

This is going to be one of the greatest Democratic administrations the country has ever had.

I can't wait.

Farrell, Houston, Tx   June 20th, 2008 4:00 pm ET

I AM A DEMOCRAT AND IF OBAMA PICKS HILLARY AS V.P, I'D SAY GREAT CHOICE. ON THE OTHER HAND IF HE PICKS SOMEONE OTHER THAN HILLARY, I'D SAY GREAT CHOICE. IT'S ALL ABOUT WINNING THE GENERAL ELECTION.

rw   June 20th, 2008 3:59 pm ET

We are spending 100% more money on Gas and Food; Our wages didnt increasing 100%; Bush and Congress knew that it is coming; they are used to Ban-Aid management; Unfortunately, they don't care; Look at Brazil, they adopted a new policy Sugar Cane based Ethanol. What did we do Corn that gives 1/3rd of ethanol that sugar cane produces; Wrong policies; GM cars can run with Ethanol in Brazil and not in the US, GM blames on law-makers(no on OIL Lobby)!!! We need change; hope Obama brings it, otherwise next four years, gas at $6/Gal and 200% more than what we are paying now!!!

Venus   June 20th, 2008 3:58 pm ET

Way to go Bam! Hope the meeting was good!

Let's go team! Time to step it up!

independent   June 20th, 2008 3:58 pm ET

he seems like he's already the president.he's so far ahead of the gop,i think they may need to change their party name ,after this election landslide.i bet michelle is already picking out the new colors for the white house.i hope bush is packing,already.

sure...right   June 20th, 2008 3:57 pm ET

Of course I will forgive and forget all the corruption and dirty politics you resorted to just to fix the nomination for Obama.

I'm okay with sending the message that a campaign of hate and destruction is A-okay with me.

Next time, I want to see even more rabid attacks on the more qualified candidate.... whatever it takes to stack the deck in favor of the weaker and less qualified candidate.

I enjoyed the mean and nasty cruelty shown to HRC. I hope that sets the stage for how the NEW democratic party will be, going forward.

Sure... yeah... I'll unite.

Saad from NJ   June 20th, 2008 3:57 pm ET

No better than Joe Biden for our beloved country. But I look at Biden more as a President than a VP. But if he was to become one and hopefully stay for 8 years, then run for the President and stay for another 8 years, we would probably reverse the catastrophe this administration has showered upon us and our generation to come.

One can day dream a little.

RB   June 20th, 2008 3:57 pm ET

What? Another flip-flop from McSame?? The old man cannot remember where he stood a week ago! OMG!! I like McSame, but I don't want him to be president. He's already forgotten too much. Sorry buddy, but W stole your opportunity from you eight years ago! Move on, please.

Cynthia   June 20th, 2008 3:56 pm ET

It shows that Senator Obama wants everyone to be involved and wants to know what is important to all states.

after raping the woman?   June 20th, 2008 3:54 pm ET

I saw what you did to HRC.

Every night for ours, I watched as you twisted what she said and throttled and bashed her.

Each night I watched as you drooled with excitement over the IDEA of an Obama.

No matter about fair paly, or honest elections, or fair coverage. All that mattered was destroying HER so that HE could be pushed forward.

It was sick and foul and disgusting.

MY vote will never go to any democrat ever again. You destroyed your own party by betraying your ideals. You chose to install rather than elect the nominee.

NO CALL FOR UNITY will overcome the damage your own actions and choices have caused.

Jim   June 20th, 2008 3:52 pm ET

whoops, many* heads, not made. sorry :-)

Jim   June 20th, 2008 3:51 pm ET

I watched this online thanks to CNN (thank you!). It was so great to see so made heads come togather from the state's, and I heard some great idea's, it really really warmed my heart at work to see such leadership and working with at the state's level and the community to get things done, get idea's togather, and he isn't even president yet! I'll be donating to him throughout the month's!

Down with Obama   June 20th, 2008 3:50 pm ET

Get over yourself Obama, you are going to lose!!!!!!!!!

Obama has strayed before, many times!!!!!

GO PUMA;s

dream on   June 20th, 2008 3:50 pm ET

Unity? Are you all crazy? You ganged up to viciously and unfairly attack and destroy the female candidate. With glee. Why?

You adored the lesser qualified candidate because- being young, black and a gifted orator- "his time had come"

I want fair and honest elections where all votes are counted.

I don't want my party swiftboating their own best candidate just to advantage and install their personal choice.

58 old white ladies for OBAMA   June 20th, 2008 3:50 pm ET

LOOKS LIKE THE DNC WILL DO US RIGHT.

Sujith, NE   June 20th, 2008 3:49 pm ET

I donated today.Did you?
barackobama.com

Obama 08-16 !

David Goldman for OBAMA   June 20th, 2008 3:49 pm ET

AND DID THEY DISCUSS THE MCBUSH

OPPOSITION TO FLOOD FUNDS FOR THEIR STATES.

BECAUSE HE MOST CERTAINLY APPOSED IT.

RESPONSIBLE GOVERNORS

DEMOCRATIC AND REPUBLICAN SHOULD BAND

AGAINST THE MCBIGOT ELECTION.

Brandon Hillary Democrat for Mc Cain   June 20th, 2008 3:48 pm ET

Hes truly an arrogant idiot if he thinks he can continue to snub Hillary supporters it will take just a small number of us to tip this election.

Choose wisely Bambi !

The Great One   June 20th, 2008 3:48 pm ET

I WANT Kathleen Sebelius!!!

ted   June 20th, 2008 3:47 pm ET

That Obama doesnt want to do everything in our power to diversify and expand our energy pool shows how short sighted or ignorant he is. We need to do more domestic drilling as PART of an updated energy policy – alternative fuels and change in america's relation to fossil fuels are another part. This is exactly what McCain is proposing. Its sound and its actually far away from the Bush camp. Sure its going to take years for new drilling to make an impact but not doing anything will only increase our dependents.

Here's another example of Obama being politics as usual. It wouldnt bother me per se except he launched his bid for the presidency on the fact that he would not be "politics as usual". so I guess taking lines out of context for political ends is the change we can believe in

therealist   June 20th, 2008 3:47 pm ET

If Obama can't even unify the democrats, how is he possibly going to unify the country!?

one old white lady NOT for Obama   June 20th, 2008 3:47 pm ET

There can be NO UNITY after the intentionally dirty and hateful campaign that Obama waged against HRC.

Playing the race card and trashing and bashing BOTH Clintons and manipulating the DNC to turn the tide his way.

It was threats and lies and scheming all the way.

I will never vote for Obama.

I left the democratic party after 35 years in protest of fixed primaries and biased treatment of the candidates.

In my mind, HRC won and Obama cheated her out of the win and got himself installed as the party nominee.

Independent LAWYER for Obama   June 20th, 2008 3:46 pm ET

PUH-leease don't let them drill. If they screw up the coastlines of FL and CA both states will be in the toilet economically. I know not every state depends immensely on revenue from tourism – but we do in FL and I know they do in CA.

Don't screw up our economies and our environment for maybe a little bit of oil that will take more than 2 decades to hit to the market!!!

WE NEED THE TRUTH   June 20th, 2008 3:46 pm ET

Senator Obama is the leader this country needs. He will not work in a vacumn, you can tell by his inclusion of others in identifying the problems and working to come up with solutions to those problems.

This is truly great leadership at work

OBAMA MUST BE THIS COUNTRY'S NEXT POTUS!

Rudy NYC   June 20th, 2008 3:46 pm ET

Hmmph. Sounds more like a cabinet meeting to me. I would look for Lt. Governers, and not these actual governers to fill numerous top slots in an Obama administration. This group would be more useful on the whole remaining where they are.

That is not to say that none would make a good VP. In fact, look for the VP to come from this group if Obama selects a politician instead of a military candidate.

aware   June 20th, 2008 3:45 pm ET

Chicago roundtable?

Obama is a ruthless two-faced politician who will throw anyone or anything under the bus if it or they get in his way!

Obama will use his soft spoken professor mode while he hides his Machiavellian ambition and ruthless Chicago politics.

Is this the change America can believe in?

Not me – I see both sides of Obama! :(

Mimi De La Cruz for OBAMA   June 20th, 2008 3:44 pm ET

BARACK THE VOTE AMERICA.

LETS GO FORWARD.

AND GET SOME OF THAT HONOR LOST BACK.

AND THOSE LOST JOBS AND DOLLARS.

White Independent   June 20th, 2008 3:43 pm ET

Kathleen Sebelius please.

Eugene   June 20th, 2008 3:42 pm ET

Obama is a flip flop liar. He is the same old politician. He flip flop about Public Funding and NAFTA. During the primary, he said he did not aware of his staff talking to the Canadian about NAFTA but look at his position about NAFTA now, it is exactly what his staff said to the Canadian that time. He lies to Americans to get votes. This is change that you can expect from him. Also, at the Al Gore endorsement Obama rally, when the Governor of Michigan mention Hillary name, Obama's supporters boo her rudely. This is the Unity that Obama promise you. This is another change that you can expect from Obama. After all of this, I suggest all Americans do not ever listen to anything Obama say but look at what Obama did instead. He will never get my support or my vote no matter what Hillary say to convince us to support him. I simply can not support a flip flop liar.

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