Still better than John McCain, anyday!

We don't trust Obama. We voted Clinton in the primaries because we did not know much about Obama. Now we know A LOT about him, we will vote McCain. Monica: Wake UP

NOOBAMA

Enomisa, Enomisa You don't know what you are talking about

Frank: give us a break!

Anyone who looks back on the past 8 years and says "more republican" should not be allowed to vote for sheer stupidity!

Listen carefully folks…. he keeps changing his speech….. a "typical" politician he is turning out to be! Anything to get a vote…….

Senator Obama,

AIPAC may be very intimidating to you right now,

but trust me on this:

the people have spoken and we want OUT OF IRAQ ASAP!

don't be afraid to say NO to AIPAC and the neo-cons.

we've got you covered!

Actually Frank and enimosa it's you two who are the "sleazy" ones spreading spin. I've been reading these blogs for the last two years and it's comments like yours that make sweeping generalizations, but provide no facts to back them up, that are the real problem.

It might help if you disconnected from your source of anger and introduced logic into your arguments. You might be able to convince some of the other bloggers that you're actually being objective. "Might" being the key word here

He took one position to campaign against Senator Clinton. NOW, he is taking another position to campaign against Senator McCain.

Flip-flop might be too kind - he is a TYPICAL POLITICIAN! The very thing he claimed not to be.

Are more of his followers less blinded now by his empty words? If not, you have several more months to see him in his true light before the election. Too bad it did not happen in time to make Senator Clinton the nominee so the Democrats could win in November.

Democrats for McCain - Just Say No Deal!

Being an african male in the military i am more focused on the economy, and domestic issues. not so much iraq. What are these candidates going to do for US…….. the people who serve???? pay increases??? shorter tours????? better health and family care???????? the one who answers those types of questions is the one to get my vote!

ha ha i knew this day would come. he had a strict time table and promise to be out of iraq in six months, but he's back pedaling as we all knew he'd have to if he was going to be honest and realistic. he said that the surge was useless, wasn't working, etc. and that the only way to deal with it was to pull out our troops and make the iraqis deal with it.

at least mccain told us the truth even though we didn't want to hear from the get-go (remember he said that his iraq stance would probably cost him the general election, but he still stuck by it). of course obama just lied throughout the primaries in order to get votes from the left, and now he's trying to move to the center to get more votes. sounds like a typical politician to me.

and mccain never said that he doesn't want to be in iraq for 100 years, he was answering someone who asked how long we might be iraq and he said "we might be there for 100 years; we still have troops in korea, and other parts of the world." he didn't say that he wants us to be at war for 100 years. that was a clear distortion by the media and obama.

So the republicans start a rumor, throw it out there, and now the media is insisting on it without proof? It's all journalism.

We must leave more carefully than we rushed going in. Heck…we invaded the WRONG country for God's sake.

Experience comes with age for the learned at least for the human species. He believes the law of attraction will draw him to the Iraqis.

How is this really differenet from Mcain? Basically, he is saying I don't know when I will bring them home, it could within 16 months, 3years or 100. Whenever it is safe.

WHAT'S ASTONISHING is McCain supporters speaking so negatively against Obama, even though he is running the most spectacular campaign anyone has seen in decades.

Some people are ignorant of the fact that he has inspired a nation to do better. And they're even more ignorant to think we as Americans revere him as a God, as opposed to an emerging leader who inspires like a few other past Presidents…

I guess what Obama meant by "change we can believe in" was that he could "change" his mind whenever politically expedient. His supporters will now see him "change" his most vital promise…to withdraw all the troops in his first year of office.

Too bad the Democrats blew it again by not selecting Hillary!

Frank; and the McCain and Bush policies of going to war in Iraq have worked so well; tell that to the US troops who have just had their deployment to Afghanistan extended.

To everyone that says Obama lacks experience….experience is subjective, judgment is not. Some of our greatest presidents lacked political experience (Washington, Lincoln, Kennedy) but their judgment was sound. Take a look at what he's done, really, google his accomplishments before you attack his credibility. Afterwords look at the comprehensive solutions he has for the complex problems facing our nation. He's very practical and realistic and most importantly empowering the people of the United States to take notice. That's how real change happens.

16 months….18 months…24 months…

Let's face the facts. The Bush administration and McCain have absolutely NO IDEA when they would withdraw American troops. Never had a plan to from what's been observed.

Okay, so it might take a little longer, but if so it will be, as Obama has said numerous times, done with as much care and safety to our troops as Bush and his cohorts were reckless in going in.

Yet here we are, a nation of rational thinking people asking for concrete time lines and numbers from a situation that remains fluid and dangerous to those who already in harms way. Has it ever occurred to anyone that the mess left behind in November could be even worse then than it is now? With GWB looking to increase covert operations in Iran, talk of troop increases in Afghanistan and the already strained military, he's only showing that he's not through mucking things up before he packs his bags and retires back to Texas.

I'll give Obama full credit…he's not going to be backed into a wall that Bush built with a set of wheels on it.

enomisa…………This man has reversed ALL his positions since the primary.
He is the typical, lying, hypocritical politician.
Just slicker and sleazier than most.
And he has the race card playing advantage

TELL me what is the RACE CARD ………you are an IDIOT!!!!!

Obama has not reversed his Position. Obama have to move to the center to win this election. Mccain is the one who had and I repeat reversed this positions and now lying about saying he knows about the Economy and Mccain knows he stated many times that he knows nothing about the Ecomomy this is so scary Mccain is the KING Of FLIP FLOPS. Please People Mccain for President will be a BIG misstake for this country.

Democrats, Dean and Pelosi, you made a mistake.

You can tell who the people are that get ALL there information from FOX news.

Obama is focused and fierce in his mission. He hasn't changed his position or timeline. Read between the lines. McPain on the other hand said that we'll stay in Iraq for 100 yrs, then changed to 50 yrs, then 5 yrs, and more recently stated that he doesn't even know why we're in Iraq. Yet he voted for it. Well, John, we are there because of the mess you and your twin brother Bush got us into. Thank God we now have a brave smart leader who is intent on getting our fearless warriors out of harms way. He's cleaning up your quigmire, and wants to protect our heroes and heroins…not kill them in a useless and selfish war like Bush. And make no mistake, his character already shows great judment. He would never hesitate to strike an enemy…and will continue striking it where it matters…Afghanistan, etc.

I've watched alot of townhall meetings and every debate. I've read every policy Obama has.

The media is completely and total wrong on this. He has never changed his position on Iraq.

Meanwhile McCain is like a fish out of water he's flipping and flopping so much. When is the MSM going to cover those? My guess is never.

For goodness sake….leave the man alone ….he knows what he's doing….he has good judgment and will do what is best for all concerned. OBAMA 2008

Before they would let the rest of us eat so it was not that bad . but know this new crew is so greedy they won't let anybody but them get a few crumbs and thats going to be their downfall their greed mark my words

A politician who is any good SHOULD be prepared to alter his stance a little from time to time. Situations change.

I don't understand why Obama supporters hail him for his good judgement and sensibility when he is proposing to do what Bush has done all along-consult with and listen to his generals.

WE believe you! STOP the media from making this into a story. This is ridiculous, Obama is a brillant thinker he will do what is necessary to bring our troops home safely and then he will make sure they are treated well in hospitals. Not like McCain.

(CNN) – Democrat Barack Obama denied Thursday any suggestion he's shying away from his proposed 16-month phased withdrawal of all combat troops from Iraq, calling ……..I suppose he has to change
depending on the situation……..McSame Flip Flop
enomisa ………. This man has reversed ALL his positions since the primary.
He is the typical, lying, hypocritical politician.
Just slicker and sleazier than most.
And he has the race card playing advantage.

YOU ARE AN IDIOT………..to say all these nasty things about someone you don't know…….NOW GO BRUSH YOUR TEETH!

Nobody in the media forced him to make those blanket statements - he made those in an effort to woo lefty Dems in the primary. Any adult (or even a child with a lick of sense) could see that the situation is more complicated and would depend on decisions on the ground, but Obama had to outflank HRC on the left to win the nomination, which he did. Now he is frantically scrambling to the center with a more reasoned position.

What have we learned: Saint Barry of O'Bama is just another typical lying politician.

If you want a mnoderate Democrat who is strong on the war, you've already got McCain - so why vote Obama? Because of Hope and Change (as in a hoped he would change his position on the war; I hope he won't change any of the positions that I like)?

Words sure do matter. He has changed his words so many times about the troop withdrawal in Iraqi, I am not sure where he stands. He says 16 months he will begin to withdraw some troops, he is so green when it comes to this issue. I guess he doesn't care that once our troops pull out, Iran will be right there to take over Iraq and they will be stronger than ever and all of the Military efforts will have been in vain. I guess he will have a chat with the leaders of Iran and everything will be fine. He is so naive. NO OBAMA

Amazing. Obama was right about Iraq from the beginning and has consistently called for the withdrawal of US troops, yet he is being badgered with "questions" about his position on Iraq? Other than the McCain campaign, who is raising specific questions about Obama's stance on Iraq?

Bottom line: Obama completely trumps McCain on foreign policy. Obama was and is right about Iraq; he is actually took action regarding loose nukes (which Bush and Kerry expressly agreed was the gravest threat to the US back in 2004); Obama's proposals to negotiate more openly with unfriendly foreign governments (which were first derided by many) have been adopted by the Bush admin with regard to North Korea; the list goes on.

I like John McCain but he belongs in the Senate, God bless him. He just doesn't have the judgment or temperament to be President.

Bush and Mccain are bought lock stock and barrel. So Obama what did they offer you and by they I mean those who control the economic systems credit/the fed. the banks the oil. DID they say that they would let you go on and be president if you play ball. to hell with them you have the people, go out and tell the truth the people are with you!!!!! the people united can never be defeated and they know it !!! YES OBAMA CAN !!! P.S. NOT EVEN THE LIES OF CNN ABC CBS NBC AND ALL THE OTHERS CAN STOP THE PEOPLE WHEN THEY HAVE HAD ENOUGH AND WE HAVE HAD ENOUGH!!! ITS TIME TO STORM THE BASTILE!!!!!!!!

That's right monica.

All the haters and nay sayers want to turn this into something it's not. If people would remember when he debated HRC on ABC he said, he would listen to the military commanders on the ground. And if he needed to make some adjustments he would.

Obama 08

This is just the begining. I never belived him and I still dont. Lets start taking a running count of how many promises he changes until the election…Change my foot.

The thing that really bothers me about this candidate is that he does not stand for anything. "Gather information". For all his rhetoric, what does he REALLY propose to change? I have never heard an Obama supporter address this.

Frank!! Lots! of!! exclamation!! points!! don't! make! you! any! more!!! credible!!!!!!

Changing a position when substantiated facts dictate it is necessary, regardless of the effects on popularity with the under-informed public can hardly be viewed as "flip-flopping". Changing a position, despite information from advisors, to gain a short burst of popularity or alignment with a certain group of voters is what I have seen from first Sen. Clinton and now Sen. McCain. I want a leader for 4-8 years who will do the right thing for our country based on what is best for all Americans, not one who gets caught up in the moment and makes knee jerk decisions that benefit few in the short term and affect many in the long run.

This man has reversed ALL his positions since the primary.

Just slicker and sleazier than most.

Congratulations on earning your brownie points from the McCain campaign for propagating their mindless and baseless talking points.

And he has the race card playing advantage.

That's a very racist comment.

Should anyone be suprised. Obama is for change after all.

Flip Flop Flip Flop. Does this dude have any morals whatsoever?

peoepl obama 08!!!!!!!!! mcshame go home please

I know senator Obama is smart enough to not rush in 2009 if he becomes president to just end the war in Iraq.The Bush administration rushed in to began the war without any plans on how to surround , secure and stabilize the country once the war began.I know senator Obama will have a very careful plan that will allow our troops to come safely and allow the people of Iraq to run their own country. I know senator Obama will always make the security of the people and this country up front on his agenda.

Monic I know it is hard to admit you have made a mistake. It is ok. Lots of Democrates were taken in by this shyster. But please…open your eyes before you vote for him again. He is nothing new. An empty suit with only one goal. Grab for power. The closer we get to Denver the more we are going to be sorry we so trashed Hillary. Change his positions? What positions? the ones he stole from Bill and Hillary or the ones that he voted"Present" on? This guy is a snake.

Frank: I totally disagree with you. For you to say he is a total bust is proving that you definitely have a one-sided mind. You are totally for McCain and that is why you do not see any wrong on McCain's part as far as all of his flip flopping. I'm not saying that Obama has done any better but McCain is in the same boat. I wouldn't be upset if McCain becomes president but I think Obama is much of what America needs.

Monica, you continue to support Obama - I believe he is a genuine person and really can do a lot for this country. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion and their own VOTE. I will vote for Obama.

For those who are hating on Obama - go join Fox News with all the other Obama haters.

Obama08

I am sure Barack still plans to get us out of this insane war. We can't afford it anymore, like we ever could! Our country is so far in debt to China that we better all start learning a second language. We have so much to take care of at home in America, people don't have jobs and the few that do can't afford the gas to get there. Every time I go to the grocery store I need to take credit cards. My 401K is going down faster than I can put the money in and I max out at 25% of my income. We need a new vision and a confident leader and that is Barack Obama. There is no way I can ever vote for more of the same.
Let Barack go and see for himself that we can never end their religious strife in Iraq. They do not want to kiss and make up and we can't make them. We need to just pick up out bat and ball and come home. We need to take our money with us. It is needed here at home.

anyone who sees this as a flip flop is delusional

Frank wrote July 3rd, 2008 6:44 pm ET

"Monica: Give us a break! You should join the CNN's spin room as it appears you have a great gift for it! The guy is a bust when it comes to foreigh policy experience and ignorant folks like you keep defending his poor judgement and his poor record!!! It is truely astonishing!"

Yeah right, your buddies Dick Cheney and Donald Rumsfeld had 40yrs of foreign policy experience, and what did they do ? They screwed up the image of our country, went after the wrong guy in Iraq (Rumsfeld's buddy in the 1980's) and left Osama in the cave in afganistan. You must be paranoid to vote for McCain who is trying to gain political experience by going to Canada and Mexico

Allen from Hartwell: It was Obama, all during the course of the primaries, who kept making blanket statements without anyone forcing him to.

- "I will end the war and bring the troops home as soon as I take office.
- "I will negotiate with Iran with no pre-conditions."

No one forced him to make these "line in the sand" "blanket statements." He did it to appeal to people like you, those of you who were foolish enough to believe his nonsense. Now, that he has you, he's realizing they were idiotic things to say "in the heat of the campaign" as he himself has said.

flip flopper…Obama sounds more and more like George W Bush's third term…I think I have heard Georgie boy say he was going to listen to the Generals on the ground in Iraq..and then do whatever he wants anyway…Obama =George W Bush the kind of Prez you could party with -no experience-puppet strings being pulled every which way…Thanks DNC !!!

Obama Don't start with the bull ,Iraq never attack us the only reason those troops are over there is to help the bankers and oilmen steal their oil thats it. If they made you an offer you can't refuse then get out of the race but don't sell out!!! (I hope OBAMA CAN)!!!!!

barrack hussein obama is a liar, a bigot, hypocrite and slick and sleazy.
he is not the nominee yet. hillary clinton should be voted as the nominee at the demo convention. obama will not win against mc cain. obama may win one or two states and that is it. the republican will again win the white house. obama is naive, inexperienced, and will plunge our country into disaster and chaos!

Well, for the first time in 8 years we will have a President who will truly analyze issues and ensure that the right decisions are made for the good of the American people. A man who is a pragmatist and able to alter his positions isn't blinded by ideology. Its a refreshing change and a symbol of true wisdom. If Bush had like been educated enough to admit he wasn't always right….we would have stayed out of Iraq and finished the war on Al Qaida. Ensuring the right decisions are made is not "flip flopping".

Acually obama has never changed positions as far as withdrawal of troops. They are confusing him with hillary clinton who stated she would withdrawal within 60 days. He had always stated a careful withdrawal from 16 months. If it takes 2 years for safety reasons then that should be ok. It's about our troops saftey not our impatience.

All the guy said is that he would talk to the people on the ground before finalizing any plans. To do otherwise would be foolish.

I really wish the republicans peppering this site with all the hate and lies would do the country a favor and go to therapy to work out their problems. Maybe they can get a group rate with Rove and Cheney?

Obama is moving to the center to become President. I wrote about this at http://antiobama.net

Isnt it amazing how when he had a plan it was what everyone wanted but now that he is actually going to talk to the leaders on the ground he is so smart. This wont even be a story because the drive by media wont cover it and the Obamaniacs dont care what he says or does.

OBAMA = SOCIALISM

No, he is not smart he said at the beginning they would come home within 16 months without havent ever been there. That is called apeasement just like he did with NAFTA to win votes. All I can do is laugh "Hope" "Change" "Different Politics"

Same old same old but the sheep have made up there minds no matter what this clown says you will say he is right. Start McCain bashing from the uneducated in 3…..2…..1…….

SAD, VERY SAD

Oh god forbid he do something smart like be fluid about the iraq withdrawl situation, i mean we'd want him to wrecklessly pull all the troops out without considering events as they happen! right? i don't think he ever meant the idea of 16 months to be right on the freaking dime! would common sense be too much to ask from the news media?

obama is starting to talk and act like dubya, who's never wrong……makes sense considering the obama lemmings have acted like dubya's supporters for months now….

This guy, Obama, has to the idiot of all times.. What does he think will happen, if we unilaterally pull out of Iraq in haste. He has no sense.

Iraq will become easy pickings for Iran to send their terrorists into Iraq and create the kind of atmosphere that some countries found themselves in during the great Blitz Krieg of 1939 -1940 ie Norway, Denmark, Poland, Belgium and Holland to name a few. Hitler wanted to protect these countries from outside enemies and overthrew their legal governments. Iran would do the same to Iraq in a heartbeat.

Let's not let the liberal senator recreate history and lose this valuable resource to the western world.

Give me a break send Obama packing back his ultra liberal roots.

Why shouldn't he be called on this? He preached the 16-month timeline throughout the primary season, and now he's "refining" his statements. It seems to me that some folks might have voted for him in the sate primaries based on his aggressive withdrawal promise. Now that he's changed that promise, can those people have their vote back?

This man is so smart… he never holds to any position.
If it will cost him any votes…he drops it like a hot potato.
if it is unpopular…he nixes it.
If it is not well received he ditches it.
if it invites scrutiny or criticism he dumps it.

All he does is change his mind depending on what is selling at the moment. What will he do as president… He is clearly afraid to take and hold any position or stand.

No conviction whatsoever, this man of hope and change.

I love the lengths Obama supporters will go to keep the kool-aid down. The man made a big point his opposition to the war, he was against the surge and now he's talking about changing his policiies based on the facts on the ground. Those facts have been there a long time, but News coverage has just started to follow it. People are so desperate for improvement that they'll follow anybody who gives a shiny smile. I don't support the war or think McCain is that great but Obama supporters are nuts.

He changed his position on his lifelong mentor and friend, Rev Wright, he left the Church when it was no longer politically expedient for him, he changed on NAFTA, FISA, campaign finance reform and every other position he pushed to win the primary.

This man does not have the courage of his convictions… he blows in the winds of change… anything to get a vote.

CHANGE apparently means CHANGE YOUR MIND…
Why do dems feel they have to sell out their principles in order to get elected…Obama promised to be a different politician, specifically one that doesn't pander or just says what the people want to hear….and now he is just appearing to be THAT politician, not just on Iraq which really isn't a change of policy but with all other positions that he has shifted on just this week…is this his idea of unity and non-partisanship? throwing the baby out with the bath water??

What hasn't he back peddled and changed on?

He just changes his position depending on whose votes he is trying to win.

He panders to the left wing, and the evangelicals, the pro-war and the anti-war crowds.

What we don't know is what will this candidate actually DO when he is in the white house?

No track record, no experience, no resume, no qualifications- just a lot of hot air.

Monica: Give us a break! You should join the CNN's spin room as it appears you have a great gift for it! The guy is a bust when it comes to foreigh policy experience and ignorant folks like you keep defending his poor judgement and his poor record!!! It is truely astonishing!

This man has reversed ALL his positions since the primary.

He is the typical, lying, hypocritical politician.

Just slicker and sleazier than most.

And he has the race card playing advantage.

Barack will do what is necessary to bring our wonderful military home safely. He has not changed his time line but after he goes again he will do what is best. That's not a flip flop, it changing your mind to fit the situation.

McCain is trying to make it look like he is training Barack. McCain is kind of like Matt Lawler on ABC - "Where in the world is John McCain"!

I hope he does not change his mind regarding the phase withdraw. That is his most fundamental policy, He better not "refine" it. Go Obama 08

Why does the media always try to force public figures to make blanket statements on flexible subjects? Now I know why they liked "line in the sand" Bush the Decider.

Obama said over and over today 16 months is the mission. Dumb crows. It's like you are deaf and delete that fact on purpose.
caw caw.. flip-flop caw caw can't hear just repeat echo chamber spin. caw caw

This is what a president should do…think out the math and if the equation does not add up make changes as necessary…not be stuck like McCain and his bomb bomb bomb appraoch!…

The media is like a bunch of dumb crows. Obama made it clear months ago that if troops lives were in danger he would slow the with draw. Not change the mission to leave. 16 months out is his mission. Is it 100% sure? Nothing in life is 100% sure other than death.
It might be a couple of extra months if we hit pockets in the withdraw that put our troops in harm's way. Anything other would be crazy. He said the same thing in the debates with Clinton as he has said now. His plan has not changed. Stop caing like dumb crows.

Didn't Obama's staff clear this business up on CNN the other night? CNN haven't you learned from your reckless report over him snubbing a child asking for a fist bump the other day? Report the news, leave the tabloid, sensationalist journalism to Fox.

Obama lies once again.

YES WE CAN AND WE WILL VOTE NOBAMA

PUMA (PAC)

OBAMA 08!
he's someone who takes all the information at hand and can make an informed, intelligent decision about what is best for our country.
OBAMA 08!

I like the fact that Obama RE-thinks as circumstances change.

McCain doesn't even THINK. All that hot-head temperamental old man can do is bomb bomb bomb war war war kiss bush butt kiss bush butt, etc.

The man is a fraud!!! Does anyone believe that the troops will be fully out of Iraq in 16 months if Obama becomes President? This guy is all over the place. Nobody knows anything about him because he doesn't know himself.

Just like he didn't know Wright or Pfleger or Rezco.

You reports are wanting him to change his postion so bad that you are changing it for him. He has said the same things all along that he said today. Are you guys working for John McCain?

This is just one more thing that proves he is not ready for the Oval Office.

Since we have had 8 years of a "shoot from the lip" presidency, thinking through to a decision will be spun as weakness or being wishy-washy. Especially since the results have been sooooo good.

There is no change of timeline. The media is pulling up things that don't exist.

Every military service member is worth saving let bring them home safe….. McCain and Bush only care about the image of victory..

Obama has been very consistent on this issue. Going back to the debate in March 2008, where HRC challenged his position on Iraq; he clearly stated that as President of the United States he would start withdrawing troops at the rate of one brigade per month.

Most importantly, he also said that he would always take into consideration the opinion of commanding officers on the ground to insure the safety and well being of US troop and personel. Or as he put it at the time, we would be as carefull coming out as we were careless going in … I know this is hard for some people to comprehend, but seriously …

The GOP is once again grasping for straws … pathetic. Why don't they just send McSame to China for the summer olympics with his buddy GW. It's not like he'll a prayer for November.

Obama '08 & '12

If thats the case, then why did he have a solid timeline before today? If this is the right thing to do, why did he not visit Iraq earlier. What hits the spot is the recent report about things looking a bit brighter in Iraq.

Now I do not have voting rights in the US and I am rooting for the Democrats as always. But I am just trying to add a little perspective here.

I hope the world becomes better and what happens in the US plays a big role in that.

I think we should stop pickin' FlySpecks out of the Pepper.
I think he'll put an end to the Bush-Iraq-Money-Pit soon enough.
It just has to stop. He'll do it.
Elect him and let him!

It seems like Obama never says what he means or means what he says. After all this time, we only have a vague idea of his policies, and even that is subject to his constant revision. He parses his words so much that he is like Forrest Gump's box of chocolates, you never know what you are going to get.

It's hysterical listening to Obama back pedal on all the positions that got him the nomination. What do you think of your messiah now, he sounds like John McCain now when he talks about Iraq. What happened to the 16 months and we'd be home. This man's word mean nothing. He lies about everything. FISA, gun control, energy policy, race in the campaign. and now the big one Iraq. LOL funny, the campaign of hope and change. What a bunch of crap!

Next thing he may tell you is that the two years is the timeline for just the first phase of withdrawal… namely, the phase involving making stump speeches about it, while at the same time continuing to fund it the way it is… And it will end on election day when Obama's two year campaign for president finally ends.

I don't see any indication of change of plan here, do you?

too bad that people will continue to spew what they THINK he said instead of listening to his words. just like before when he said he will talk to our enemies without PRECONDITIONS and the press and the clintonistas twisted that to mean that he would talk to our enemies without PREPARATIONS. Obama has ALWAYS said he plans on having the major fighting forces out of Iraq within 16 months to 2 years, he has NEVER changed that view, he has also said that the speed of withdrawal and THE FORCES REQUIRED TO STAY IN IRAQ" WILL BE DETERMINED BY THE COMMANDERS AND SITUATION ON THE GROUND. So what he has said from the beginning is that he wants our soldiers, involved in combat and day to day operations out of Iraq in 16 monthsto 2 years and those involved in training and "support positions" to remain as long as they are needed. Sorry if oyu read other things into his speeches but maybe you should listen to them instead of just supposing you know what he is saying but that would mean you would listen to him and I have seen so far that most people do not listen or read.

If I can't vote for Clinton, I'll vote for Ralph Nader '08

It seems that Obama is beginning to understand how being the anti-war candidate is not a winning position, now that things are improving and McCain is getting credit for the "surge." The fact that he has made two press conferences on this issue shows how he boxed himself in with his campaign message of "I will end this war by 2009." Now, this probably doesn't mean he is changing his 18 month timeline, but it probably means instead of extracting most troops (as he has campaigned on), he will leave more behind if needed.

Nothing but lies from Obama just like any other politician. And he is not smart but coy. .

hey were is McC's lapel pin… Hold him to another standard.. Why..??

Barack didn't "deny" he made himself MORE CLEAR because NEWs and media outlets like to change words and stir the pot as they are embellishing the story… thus confusion happens..

Report the truth and you won't have this problem.

What is new for this man. Does anybody no where he stands. He changes with the breeze or what ever else that will help him. Of course I have got to watch what i say. I have never heard nothing out of his mouth except at first I didn't vote for the Iraq war. Of course he wasn't in the senate to cast a vote. The next thing he says "I will pull the troops out immiedately" . of course that has changed now like everything else. Of course you can believe in his hope and change. He changes all the time and hopes you will never pay attention to it.

"Smart he is"? For realizing how stupid a timeline is? And how much can he really understand in a 2-3 day visit?

The smart man would listen to those charged with fighting this, and temper their advice with what the nation will bear.

Running on a policy of "let's surrender" is despicable at it's best…

Scary Man…supported by very scary people. You know who you are! Just look at this Ticker

When are we going to learn that we NEED someone in charge that is willing to change their minds as the facts change? I'm sick of the term "flip-flop", look where we are now just because someone in charge couldn't admit that a mistake was made, or new information warranted a change in policy. I, for one, would be happy to see a President that is willing to swallow his pride for the best interest of our nation and world peace.

How smart is ambivalent. Let's not push him for answers. he's only a candidate. Maybe we'll find out when he's president. But for now why is he always questioned. We know he represents change and hope. Come on isn't that enough.

Attention to the idiotic media: Obama is not McCain. He actually remembers what he says.

Simply because Senator Obama hasn't talk about ending the war in Iraq does NOT change his position or views about the war. It's all just the media trying to drum up some news. We know what he wants to do; and he can not affect the war until he is in office. So, let's just back off until we can do something about the war.

Leaving out the words "16 months" didn't change his stance, just the way he worded it.

Do the math CNN. Removing 1 to 2 battallions a month would take about 16 months.

I don't care if it takes 16 months or two years, as long as they start removing them.

McCain wants them to stay permanently so they could have a military base in the middle east to watch over the oil they will be getting.

Is say anything politics his new position? That's why I didn't want Hillary and that is what is wrong with this country. If this continues, all the hope that a real change can be affected in this country is lost, and I will no longer believe that America's role in the world can lead to positive real changes in the way human beings treat each other. I will be through with politics forever unless I can find a way to use it solely for my advantage to the exclusion of everyone else. I will no longer have any Ideal or hope for the world. All the sacrifices that politicians have asked me/or the people for in history have been for enriching themselves and/or their buddies. I will no longer be a part of that shell game unless it is just for my enrichment. Real change? We'll see.

What in heaven's name is wrong with the media? Do we want a President who is so stuck in his ways, his party's ways? Or a President who is ready to listen act and change if need be. I prefer someone who can admit that they were wrong, someone who can admit that when in the white house when if I may add has more info availed to him can make sound decisions.

If the Candidates had all the information that the white house has today I bet they would make their stand known. I definitely like the Obama style. Is McCain privy to information that is not given to Obama? How else can he be so sure of what he will do when in the white house.

Once he is elected, he will do whatever he can to bring the troops home as soon as safely possible. If that takes more than 16 months, then so be it. I believe in his intelligence level to weigh all sides and make the best decision possible. I can't say that for Senator McCain.

typical liberal flip-flop.

Has he ever not lied?

Something short of 100 years would be nice. Not that I plan on putting it on my "bucket list."

Don't be supprise to see the MSM fueling rumors on OBAMA changing position. Remember McBush just brought in some champions on smears from the crew of the worst president in American history.
They will stop at nothing to create confusion in the voters mind. That's all they good at. Bunch of losers
I've just seen Three smears in 3 days.
1. Fist bump with child… Not true
2. Obama moving to the center…. Garbage
3. Obama changing position on Irak… Pure lie
4. Obama opposed to safe nuclear energie program.. Illusion.
Bring it on champions of smears. This is not John Kerry. We will destroy any missile rapidly and if possible return that on your own candidate. Remember we are in 2008 and you can only fool old people with no connection to the Internet.

After eight years of Bush's rigid, dogmatic, closed-minded, agenda-driven administration, it's a breath of fresh air to see a politician who is willing to look at all the facts and adapt his positions accordingly. Let the neocons keep parroting the flip-flop term to their heart's content. They just can't deal with someone who is flexible, open-minded, and intelligent enough to look at all sides of an issue.

Of course he is changing his position. He changes it on everything.

The Republicans changed his message with their right sided views, like my buddy Lars Larson. Republicans and Dems often don't answer a question as directly as it was asked. They'll instead go off on a tangent and bring another issue into the mix. Sometimes they come up with silly nick-names like gun-grabbing Obama.

He said many times over that he would listen to the commanders to prudently pull out. Flip-flopping would be him all of sudden saying, lets stay in Iraq for another 4 years w/o any explanation.

If Barack said he's pulling out w/o listening to the changing circumstances on the ground, then I will be worried.

Now if the MSM would cover McCain's total 180s (i.e. Bush tax cuts, privatization of healthcare, off-shore drilling)….But they won't.

WHAT??? Hollow words and nothing of substance from Mr. Obama??? who would have seen this coming? LOL

I can't wait until they debate without prescibed questions, Mr. Obama is nothing without his pretty speach writers.

I had heard they are thinking of making a movie about Mr. Obama. It should be called "The Ventriloquists" and actully be about the guys who have their hands up Mr. Obama's shirt pulling the tab to move his mouth while they throws their voice.

Spineless empty suit with yet another broken promise. I clearly remember during the primary season Obama touted his "16 months" combat troops pull out from Iraq and now he is changing that also. Liar - he never said that his timeline was "always premised on makig sure that our tropps were safe." That's a pure lie!

People: How can you believe a word that comes out of this guy's mouth? Unbelievable.

Here we go again!!!

The two faced swindler is at it again.

The fine-tuning continues huh? CNN

McCain 08!!!

Who is this man? I don't recognize him any more. I was truly torn between Obama, and Hillary. I chose Obama. I liked what he said, and he stood for. Now that he is our Democratic nominee and I can't take my vote back, Obama has changed his stance on most every issue that I chose him over Hillary for. I have never felt so USED, and MISLED in my life (other than when trying to make a purchase at a used car dealership) Same old politics. So much for CHANGE!
I feel so betrayed.

Barack! Carrrrrrock!

He's always said that he would listen to the military leaders in order to handle the situation responsibly. The media has gotten this new narrative in its head, that Obama is apparently shifting on everything, so therefore it interprets everything through this narrative.

For the love of God, media, stop doing this and start acting like the professionals you're supposed to be. It's no wonder no one trusts you.

If Obama had the wisdom and good judgement to be against the war in Iraq from the beginning, while supporting going after the terrorist in Afganistan, then I'm sure he'll have the wisdom and good judgement to make the constant and necessary adjustments to properly get us out of the mess the Republican White House has put us in.

At least his answer wasn't "…we'll be there 100 years if that what it takes!", as McBush has arrogantly stated! At 100 million a month, how long do you really think America will be a great country to live in???

Has anyone noticed how much Barack Obama lies?

That shows how smart he is. He has to see for himself and not just take the words of someone else. After he goes, he may have to change the timeline and that's okay. When ever the troops are brought home it will be done very carefully.

And no one should push Obama on this decision not mccain, cnn or fox news.

Any time you have a college professor who is supposed to be so eloquent in his delivery of the english language and they say something like "I mean we can chase this around, you know, for a long time.
What did he say prior to "I mean" that he had to clarify?
"you know" I f I know, why are you wasting my time telling me?
Who the hell are you to tell me what I know?
I hope when he visits Iraq the troops do not turn their back to him. Never trust any of those creeps that must continually throw "I mean" and "you know" into their conversation. They are hiding something, thrat them with the utmost of suspision.

Obama has changed his mind a lot about Iraq.

Let's face it–McCain has a more realistic plan. Is Barack going to steal THAT, too?

Guess what, folks– Barack is NOT going to bring the troops home right away. He just said that to get your attention and votes in the primaries.

Go to Youtube and search:" the Iraq video Barack Obama does not want you to see"

Seems to me and many others the only change we can believe in is Obama changing his mind.

Just say no deal!

p.s. has anyone else noticed how CNN closes the comments of stories related to McCain so fast but will have 1,003 post about a fist bump…that tells me that they must be getting so many comments they can post about McCain from allllll of the Americans who want change and know it is coming. so i guess we will have to prey for all of those hateful Obama haters…but only until November.

Barack I support you and I will continue to support and vote for you, but when it comes to the war that's on millions of Americans minds, don't reply with a laugh ok? War is not a laughing matter.

No he didn't alter his stance on Iraq but I am sure CNN would like for us to take the bait and turn this into a big issue.

CNN we're onto your little game where you play devils advocate while ignoring all the real issues. Shame on you!!!

Obama 08

I'm shocked. Just shocked. You mean Senator Obama really is just another politician who's susceptible to political expediency and not our messiah/Bobby Kennedy reincarnate?

Strangely enough, this piece of news seems to be getting little traction. Imagine the outrage if Senator Clinton had made a similar move…! I have a feeling that the Obama-philes would not sit idly then (and I would not be the first person commenting).

So, it looks like hope and change couldn't overcome reality after all? However, it's nice to see Sen. Obama is now attending a 'training course" so he can get educated on more of the reality that's going on in the Middle East. It doesn't matter if you were pro/con the Iraqi War, it only matters that you develop a real plan that reduces our presence, while ensuring the sacrifices of the American GI's were not in vain! Being able to give catchy speeches is NOT leadership. Proper planning and tenacity are the tangibles that you need to get the job done. Hopefully in November, the voters will decide that the executive office is not the place to conduct daily OJT courses and send this Jr Senator back to his day time job in the senate!

Flip flop #5343 and counting…

Folks seem to be obsessed with the term "Flip Flop" on here. Can a candidate actually think strategically and listen to sound advise and come to another determination about an issue without being called a Flip Flopper?

I am scared of Barack Hussein Obama.

He does not deserve the Presidency of the USA.. He has not been tested and his supported are being brain washed by his words.

Obama and his crazy wife will ruin this country - watch are taxes soar for his "special interest" programs.

This life long democrat will be voting for McCain - we are not a unified party this year because of Obama - no one in their right mind would vote for him.

he never gave specific timetable.he will set a GOAL!get it in your heads!he would never be irresponsible enough to do anything that may endanger our troops and our national security interests.he has consistently said this ,it has been on his web-site for almost two years!you people are illiterate!

Obama's speeches consist of impact headlines followed by lots of caveats later. If you listen carefully he uses the headlines to pander to the targets of the day and the caveats to cover his butt for later. He and bill clinton are slippery and have their own definitions of "is" As this campaign intensifies, obama will be shown to be the same empty vessel as was Kerry.

I remember him saying that we will be as careful getting out as they were careless getting in.

I'm shocked. Just shocked.

YOU BETTER NOT FLIP FLOP PLEAEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEESE

obama you are a LIAR! - Just ell it like it is - you are a Liar!!!
Rev Wright was RIGHT - "obama will say whatever he has to - he is a politician"!!!! - and he is right!
OBama has fooled the entire DNC - it is not too late to CHANGE your mind - you made a "bonehead mistake" - Nominate Hillary!!!

What is up with the press? The man say a few word varations and suddenly wire: ap news flash "Obama has changed position on Iraq". The American people can think, read and understand. We aren't all ignorant to the news reporting. I heard Obama speak both today in ND and reponse to questions. The premise to Obama troop withdrawal has not CHANGED. So what is all the media hip??? I have heard McCain fly all over the place from the economy to foreign policy. Why isn't he gettting hit for some of his what the media calls "flip-flip straight talk express??". This tick for tack media coverage is getting a bit ridiculous. And by the way Obama should visit Iraq to see for himself the situation there, WHAT ON EARTH IS WRONG WITH THAT? that doesn't change his premise. That's being a wise commander.

Too bad the media has to spin everything to get a story.
Let the candidates run the race without having to tell you guys first if you see there are better ways to get thier platform right instead of having you trash them later.
If you want to run the campaigns why dont you guys run. I would rather they change thier mind now than try to fix mistakes when its too late and thats both candidates.
Just report the going on and not create the stories as you have done for the past two years

These reporters need to be more responsible in their reporting of the facts. Senator Obama has not stepped back from his position to withdraw troops in a responsible and careful manner. As the commander in chief, he says that he will give the generals a new mission and that is to get the troops out. It may mean that the generals have to shift from a combat on the ground mission to a air mission strategy. These generals understand that the tactical mission will have to change. The Iraqy government need to step up their diplomatic efforts with the other region leaders. There is no reason that we need to stay in Iraq. It is so obvious that this war is about the oil and our getting American Oil companies into Iraq to drill for oil.

Obama is the next president of USA. The RNC will however try their best to prevent this but cannot succeed no matter how hard they try. It is basically a lost game for the RNC.

don't care as long as he intends to get us out. the alternative is staying there until the iraqis say we can go home.

Public financing…flip flop
FISA wiretapping…flip flop
Taxpayer funded faith-based initiatives…flip flop
Troop withdrawal…flip flop

OBAMA IS A LIAR!!!! He said anything to get elected during the primary and now he'll say anything to get elected in the general.

This Democrat will sit out in November (or vote McCain).

We all knew this, so it's kind of a non-story. We went in and completely up-ended Iraq. Thousands upon thousands of Iraqis have lost family members, their homes, millions of Iraqis are refugees. Tens of thousands of our troops are permanently injured physically and mentally, and our troops are continuing to die for a LIE.

Walking out and leaving the mess that we made is un-American! We have no idea what next month will bring, let alone January 2009.

Atleast Obama is addressing and talking about an end to an unjust war. Common sense!

I thought he had perfect judgement?

It doesn't count as "judgement" if you keep changing your mind until you get it right.

America’s new foreign policy: “Present.”

Fans will interpret every policy change he comes up with as the sign of insight and deliberation. But such changes are just as easily interpreted as the markers of inexperience and uncertainty.

WE JUST CAN'T TRUST HIM.

He also left out the phrase about how his 'withdrawal' is not going to be complete…
That's right! Even under democrat plans of 'complete' withdrawal we'd still have tens of thousands of troops left in Iraq…
Po-tay-toe, po-tah-toe…

This man has so little experience, everytime he opens his mouth about an issue, then gets the opportunity to really know the issue, realizes how his first position was totally without good judgement. We don't need a President who continually makes rash judgement calls affecting America only to change that position later on. BHO is not only inexperienced, he is dangerous and not the man we need leading this country. No amount of flowery rhetoric will change the fact that BHO is totally inept at dealing with the issues that are crucial to America in the coming years. We need to dodge this bullet before we end up with four years of disasterous leadership.

New information. New agenda. Gee, none of us have every done that in our business or private lives….NOT!

So, why pick on the candidates when new information brings them to better problem solving. I would not begrudge either candidate changes in position as long as they explain WHY they modiify their position.

Once upon a time, we didn't have to take off our shoes at the airport either, but …New information. New agenda.

Looks like CNN is running short on news headlines

Are there any good journalists left working for you?

Between Blitzer talking about Billary for 5 months (which nausiated me

And the SECOND RATE so called jouralists traveling with McWar what can you expect for a second rate news station.

Bet you won't post this on CNN

OBAMA = A FRAUD AND A LIAR !

Looks like a flip flop to me

Public campaign financing, gun control, free trade - now withdrawal from Irag. The list just keeps growing.

Wow, they're working hard to get something on this guy. I don't think it's going to happen - he's our man.

OBAMA '08!

The MSM is driving me insane!!! He has been saying the same thing as long as he's been running. I'm actually glad to have somebody who will look at the FACTS then make a STRATEGIC plan to get us out of Iraq. Following aimlessly has us on the path we are now, the path that McCain wants to drive us down. Why does every story have to be spinned? What happened to just reporting the news?

Well, well, well…guess he really is just a politician and not the Messiah! Looks like we will be in Iraq for quite a while longer. All you groupies who were duped and believed that he wasn't like the "others", watch closely as he morphs.

It seem to me a plan to start withdrawing troops in Iraq is viable as Barack Obama is planning to do. I don't see how the need to keep a host of troops in Iraq is necessary for the safety of the United States after all it was not Iraq who brought the attack on the Trade Center in New York. This is a far fetch stretch to use the excuse on keeping our troops in Iraq they went from Afganistan leaving Ben Laden without apprehension . I strongly believe there is another reason for keeping our troops in Iraq other than what they are telling us. It makes no sense.

It certainly does sound like a different tune than before he got the nomination. Now he is talking about maybe one or two brigades a month UNLESS there are problems and then he can slow it down. And what does he mean by a "counter terrorism strike force" that he plans on leaving that he said on CNN TV? And when the generals say it isn't the time to withdraw, what does he do then…probably the same as Bush has done.. Is there anything left he ran on that is the same as he is saying now? Republicans will say he has now out flip flopped John Kerry and they will probably be right.

BO,

Don't do it. Don't lose your brand because of whoever is pushing you to the center. Be clear in what you are saying. This is your time but you need to grab it with both hands.

"My 16-month timeline, if you examine everything I've said, was always premised on making sure that our troops were safe."

Ok, let's analyze this comment. The first statement "What I've said repeatedly is that my goal is to end this conflict in a responsible way as quickly as possible. " Isn't this what McCain and Bush want as well? You can take McCain's 100 yr comment out of context all you want, but he was mentioning it as he will be there for as long as we NEED to be there, not a second longer.

Now, "My 16-month timeline, if you examine everything I've said, was always premised on making sure that our troops were safe." Ok, well first the troops are never really safe while in a war-time environment, right? I think the GOP will corner him into either saying he's sticking with his 16 month timeline (which will please the LIBS) or get him to say their is no timeline for a withdrawal, either way it's a win/win for the GOP. He'll alienate some large group of people with his decision.

The goal is the same.. withdraw from Iraq as quickly and as safely as possible.

If Obama, as president, learns that they must slow down that pace for the safety of the troops, who would object?

People are acting as if he went from pulling out of Iraq to doing what McCain wants, a permanent occupation.

Stop with all the political drama.

Just one of the many reasons that it is hard to believe or trust Obama.
Just another politician. We lost the best candidate. Hillary.

This is inexperience. He haa a clean slate.

"What a surprise!"
He's been