I think that your headline on this piece, "Obama again denies Iraq shift", is a bit misleading. It seems to imply that there has been a shift in policy that is being denied.

I've seen tapes of what Mr. Obama said last year and what he has said now. I can note no discernable difference in policy, nor can I see any difference in tactics. Mr. Obama has always said that he would begin a policy of disengagement and withdrawal whose tactics would be determined by conditions on the ground and the advice of commanders in the field.

Now, it is true that the McCain campaign is charging that there has been a shift in Mr. Obama's policy. So perhaps a more accurate, less misleading headline might be 'Obama again denies McCain charge of Iraq policy shift'.

These are the issues on which Obama has changed his position:

NAFTA
Public campaign financing
Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act
Mental distress as a health exception for abortion
Expansion of faith-based organizations
Support for ban on handguns
Opposition to death penalty for the rape of a child

I'm pretty sure that upon his position on the Iraq war and troop withdrawals will also change…or he simply won't follow through.

So all those rallies and speeches…were basically a bunch of BS.

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McGraham has absolutely nothing going so nothing to talk about is hallow so what he does is just make up something at his itty bitty Town Hall's .
They arrive early as must go round up his Town Hall crowd at near by rest homes .

Let the man campaign!!! He knows what is on his agenda! The word, "stupid" is not in Obama's vocabulary; wish I could say the same for Jesse Jackson, the chronic publicity-seeker that HE ALWAYS IS, OF COURSE!

just another obama lie. He knows he can't get out of this. At least he starting to act more like an adult……almost!

follow the big government machine lead or you dont get elected.

who really votes?

Barack hasn't flipped and he hasn't flopped.

He was not for us careless going in but he's about being careful coming out.

GObama 2008!

This headline should read "Obama PROVES There's No Shift on Iraq"
All you gotta do is roll tape people…

He has been extremely consistent on this policy. A REFINED policy is not defined as a 180 degree "about-face".

REFINE: to make more fine, subtle, or precise: (i.e. –to refine one's writing style).

(source… dictionary.com)

Never believed him in the first place.

If people were interested in the TRUTH…and not the SPIN, then thye would know that OBAMA has always said he would listen to the military leaders and experts on the growund in Iraq. Stop fishing people. Why doesnt' McCain have to justify the fact that if he is such a great "war hero", then why does he consistantly vote against legislation that would increase benefits to veterans and those still serving in the military. He knows nothing about the economy, and his plan for Iraq goes against even what the Iraqi government wants!! They don't want us over there any more!!! Buy a clue! There is no WIN to this war. By the way McCain…have we found Bin Laden yet…you know that guy that was REALLY behind the 9/11 attacks!

I'm glad he continues to deny the "shift" because there wasn't any. Only the media is trying to make an issue of it. To the rest of us, he's displaying good old fashioned common sense.

Let us not forget who was confused and mixed up the Iran's and the Iraq's, not once but several times. Yeh, un huh, Alzheimer's for McSame.

i guess people really having been paying attention to him do people know what REFINE means????

THERE IS NOTHING WRONG ABOUT REFINING A POLICY. WE BELIEVE IN CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT.YES WE CAN.

OBAMA 08 OBAMA 12 OBAMA 08 OBAMA12 OBAMA 08 OBAMA12

Barack Obama has always been consistent on his Iraq position. The Republicans are trying to paint him as a flip flopper because that is a problem with their candidate – if they can paint Barack in the same light it is no longer an issue. Guess what – good try but no cigar.

OBAMA KEEPS SHOOTING HIMSELF IN THE FOOT. CHANGES HIS POSITION TOO MUCH.

Once again Obama get's over scrutinized. CNN has to report every mishap that obama has. What they don't realize is change is going to happen whether they like it or not.

Go Obama

Hmmmmmmmmmm……….I rememberseveral Obams supporters on here really quick to attack people that mentioned he would do a change and the war wasn't gonna be over with immediate pull out. Eating those words now, hey? What happened to that 16 month timeline?

Obama is Not the one who flip-flops. That is Senile McCain !

Common, how many times does Obama have to say that he hasn't changed his Irak policy.

If all of the 500 members of PUCKA PAC believe so strongly in all of McFlip Flops policies why are they not enlisting into the military and go fight in Iraq? Too busy talking the talk here…and not walking the walk there…….Hello… awful quiet now…..losers.

OBAMA '08

Let's just call him "Eggo" they're not really a "waffle" either.

PUMA!!!

People act like they don't know what the word "refine" means. He wants to make his withdraw plan more refined- I.E. MORE DETAILED!! He realized that he talks about it a lot without giving much of specifics of how he will do so. I never took that to meaning that he would radically change his Iraq policy.

Everything that Barak has been saying all along is coming to fruition. The man is smarter than his years….I want this man in the WH.

he knows ceo financial corp.WITH JOHNSON JIM , DRILL TEAM HOLD OBAMA GROUND TO DEFETED THE CLINTONS. BUT HIS EIGHT [8 POOL TABLE GAME] IS NOT GOING TO WIN WITHOUT THEM,ON THE TABLE. THE D. PARTY TRIANGLE FRAME IS THE LAST 8 BALL POOL GAME./////////

This is much to do about nothing, anyone knows anything about the military, you just can't just pack up and go home. Time for change GO OBAMA

Don't you have to have a position…before you shift. I can't wait to see the Dukakis moment in Iraq. Those floppy ears of his will provide it.

FOR ALL THOSE WHO ACCUSE OBAMA OF FLIP-FLOPPING………..
Foreign Policy

7. McCain was for kicking Russia out of the G8 before he was against it.

8. McCain supported moving "toward normalization of relations" with Cuba. Now he believes the opposite.

9. McCain believed the United States should engage in diplomacy with Hamas. Now he believes the opposite.

10. McCain believed the United States should engage in diplomacy with Syria. Now he believes the opposite.

11. McCain is both for and against a "rogue state rollback" as a focus of his foreign policy vision.

12. McCain used to champion the Law of the Sea convention, even volunteering to testify on the treaty's behalf before a Senate committee. Now he opposes it.

13. McCain was against divestment from South Africa before he was for it.

I watch CNN and MSNBC almost all day. I am an Obama supporter,white and old. I am tired of both channels ramming down our throats every little word of Obama' s , but let McBush slide on every flip-flop. Why hasn't the 'little joke' made about the citizens of Iran being killed by American cigarettes any more of a story?Was the whole story why he did not address American companies doing business with a rogue country, I wonder who ships them beer, could it be the Cindy company ?To you senior's(which I am one)has the news reported on how McBush voted on the Medicare bill, nooo, he did not show up Obama was there. Wake up America.I do say I do love some of the news people who seem to be fair,Cafferty,Olberman,Abams,Gergen and Maddow and R.Martin to name a few.Then there are a few that should be on fox with O'Reilly and Wolfson. Barack Hussein Obama 08

Connie'Hussein"Sturgeon from Indian

Interesting you would put refine in quotations. It is not an obscure word, nor does it mean change. Talk about biased reporting!!

That's because people refuse to get it. So keep denying Barack if you have to—I'm still supporting you. In spite of the Obama haters.

FOR ALL THOSE WHO ACCUSE OBAMA OF FLIP-FLOPPING……………..

National Security Policy

1. McCain thought Bush's warrantless wiretap program circumvented the law; now he believes the opposite.

2. McCain insisted that everyone, even "terrible killers," "the worst kind of scum of humanity," and detainees at Guantanamo Bay, "deserve to have some adjudication of their cases," even if that means "releasing some of them." McCain now believes the opposite.

3. He opposed indefinite detention of terrorist suspects. When the Supreme Court reached the same conclusion, he called it "one of the worst decisions in the history of this country."

4. In February, McCain reversed course on prohibiting waterboarding.

The fact that he's keeping an open mind on what needs to be done and is willing to LISTEN before making a decision is why Obama is popular and should win. I'll take good judgement over "experience" and "staying the course" anyday.
As far as I'm concerned the "Mission" was never accomplished since Bush forgot why we went over there in the first place – to find Bin Laden. He was too busy going after oil and trying to finish what his daddy never did in Iraq.
The fact that McCain wants us to continue down this dangerous path and is not open to change is why I and others will be voting for Obama.

(CNN) – Barack Obama Wednesday night blamed recent criticism that he is shifting on his Iraq policy on skepticism about the political process.
Obama…….after visiting to Iraq he plans to sit down with advisors and “refine” his Iraq policy………That is the proper thing to do…..make a decision base on the present Situation
Trouble making MEDIA ……if you plan to wear brown pants this AM and discovered they were torn would you change to Black pants or wear the brown pants????

Obama did not flip-flop on Iraq CNN. The flip-flopper in this race is McCain but you don't want to talk about him. If you are quick to pull up a video of Jeremiah Wright, pull up a video of the Democratic debates where Obama talked about Iraq and meeting with advisors about pulling out of Iraq. Please do some homework and report facts not false rumors.

So who do you trust more to "end this war and bring our troops home"? John McCaine?

Please!

I expect this to backfire on the Republican media manipulators who think they've found a weak spot.

One thing it would pay politicians to emphatically remember, is that we the people really take seriously presidential candidates' stands on specific issues, and that we are not stupid. We recall every serious and specific stand the candidates take during their campaigns. So it doesn't matter how much they might try to deny earlier stands in favor of new ones for political purposes, we know better. Hillary always talked about "responsibly" withdrawing troops from Iraq; Obama did not until now.

This is a made up story by John McCain. You would think the news organiztions would have to report facts not fiction. There has been some news organizations who have backed up Obama's claim that he has not shifted position on Iraq with facts. Prior to the general election in a debate he had way back when John Edwards was in the race, he state that his withdrawal would be based on reports on the field. This is the only intelligent way to go and I applaud Obama for it. If Bush had of stopped and looked a the situation maybe we would be in this mess right now.

President Obama 08 & 16

Tell the media to GIVE IT UP. The public will not be swayed by this flip flopping hogwash.

For all the Cool Aid drinkers, Democrats, Socialist, Communist ,Anarchyst, Loosers,including Mr. Omaba himself or the Great Impostor as I refer to him, and all the rest of the liberal Wackos , the "truth" is a subjective issues open to discussion, whereas for the Conservatives the truth is an "absolute", Once you get it on your head and wake up from your demented ands allucigenic dreams you will realize that you have been taken or eventually will. Don't let it be too late…!!!!!! , Vote Republican

the republicans are the only ones shifting obama's policies.the republican lie,smear,war and fear campaign is in full swing and noone else believes them,anymore.bush was elected in 2004,because of same fear tactics,and everyone knows what a mistake that was,but,still republicans stand shoulder to shoulder with their 'great decider', who has done more damage to human rights,around the world,than any other country in the world, over the past 8 years.yes,he led us to victory,in the iraq war,but,when it was over,he traded that victory away,for an illegal occupation.

I coundn't get this under the story where Obama forgot Clinton so I'll try to do it here.

Had she wrapped up her campaign in a timely manner he may not have to plead with people so hard to give her money. It's ironic that she forced him to use his funds and valuable time to keep fighting in the primaries all the time knowing she had lost and now she wants him to help her erase millions of dollars in debt. He is already stretched out trying to catch up time missed from campaigning in the general election. Now he has to take time away from campaigning and raising funds for himself to help her. I can understand why the Obama people don't want to help her. He had to fight off both her and John McCain at the same time. All the while they were in the primary battle they both were making disparaging remarks about Obama. Although I do feel at this time of reconciling, it is best to not verbalize hurt feelings and heart felt animosity. They realized that he had a strong message and was fomidiable candidate and wanted to knock him out of the race. So they started attacking him at every angle.

May God Bless Obama all the way to the White House!

how is this even news, oh yeah, the repugs and rigthies are DESPERATE!!!

OF COURSE he will "refine" his iraq policy, only an idiot would go somewhere like that, where the situation changes DAILY, and NOT make any changes, corrections, or updates. that would be an irresponsible leader, aka McWARMONGERER type move. the repugs and righties ONLY see war and violence as the solution, and that's why we're in the disastrous position we are today!!! thanks losers!!!!!

please dont be so ignorant as to believe the right-wing media. obama is ADJUSTING his policy after going to iraq, duuuhhhh!!! move along, folks, nothing to see here!!!!!!!!!!

Why isn't there a debate about the ethics of the Fox decision to release the off-mic conversation of Jesse Jackson?

What about McCain joking about killing Iranian civilians through cigarettes?
CNN, which is more newsworthy?
What if it was Obama who joked about killing Iranians?

Shame on you guys for ignoring this story !

Iraq's Prime Minister Malaki has asked for a timetable of withdrawal which has been Obama's message from Day 1. McCain and Bush have both said "we will not surrender and will not leave until victory is achieved". The Republicans are trying to "flip over" what Obama said because right now McCain's war theory is already flipped and he has no choice but to agree with Obama.

ANY good leader will continually re-evaluate an issue like this. Things change so your stance may have to adjust also. The more information you have the easier it is to make the right decision. Your stance may continue to adjust all the way up to the day of execution because of the information they are working with is constantly changing. I'm tired of people making a big deal out of this. Obama or McCain are not God and don't know what the future holds for Iraq….so, their stance on Iraq has to be flexible…. Yes we need to get out of Iraq when and how are dependant on the information which could tell them 16 months from now or 2 years from now…..

Keep your track mr President and let the world know that you are one of the very high well educated americans with leader skills and enough knowledge about foreign policies (and not a prompter reader) to handle the Iraq war as the Commander in Chief, the first day you step in the oval office of the White House.

Sorry Barak, “What happens is people are used to seeing promises broken. They’re used to seeing us taking an easy way out. But not this time, not in this moment.” I just watched you break your word and promise to filibuster the fascist FISA bill and the killing off of our 4th Ammendment. You made that promise just this past February. The last 40 years have already dismantled the Bill of Rights into a hollow and meaningless document of antiquity. You claim to have taught Constitutional Law. You are not stupid, but it is evident you think the electorate is. And you are right to presume many Americans are so stupifyingly ignorant of their own history and form of government that they welcome the treasoness and illegal spying of American citizens and the criminal acts of the TelCom companies who didn't want to lose any of their valuable government contracts.

To stand up for the 4th Ammendment doesn't even take political courage. To turn yourself into demonstrative liar, to betray your own principles, and to attempt to "triangulate" and appeal to the same segment of the population who doesn't even realize they should care about their civil rights, just proves to me that you are exactly the same as John McCain and the Republicans. You are no different. You have lost my vote and support. And I will be forced to vote for a 3rd party candidate yet again. OBAMA = LIAR + HYPOCRISY

You are the only hope for Us and the rest of the World.

McCain makes more jokes about killing foreign citizens–ok. McCain dishonorably attempts to take credit for a GI Bill he was opposed to–ok. McCain lies about 300 economist approving his plan–ok. Iraqis want us out–ignore it. Obama doesn't let everyone interview his daughters–lets break out the hot tar and feathers!

In the primary, Obama said he would end the war and bring the troops home immediately.

Obama bashed Senator Clinton for wanting a staged approach to bringing troops home over the course of 1-2 years.

Now he is saying he'll have them home in 16-18 months… and it's not a flip-flop?

I believe people can change their mind but if he has changed his mind based on new information he should say that – not act like he hasn't changed his mind.

This is the very height of pandering. How in Christ's name does one 1/2 black man have the gall to think that he, alone, can win this war and bring our troops home? All you people that are falling for this crap out of him and plan to vote for him, better rethink the pandering promises of a liar! Caveat emptor!

I would like people to find the exact quote where he said he was shifting position before they jump on that bandwagon. DO NOT listen to everything the media tells you. Find out for yourself make up your own mind. You all have free will for a reason. I don't get why people like being spoon fed information. FIND IT for yourself and then make the decision for yourself. We all have the ability to make our own opinion.

I think it's important to consider that a good leader is open to continous consideration of important issues, and changing his or her mind as more facts reveal themselves. Our current president definitely isn't a flip-flopper. He never changes his mind, no matter how much the facts slap him in the face. Look where that's gotten us. I would much prefer a president who is mentally agile, and can make decisions in a quickly changing world. You call it flip flopping? I call it responsiveness.

In my book, flip-flopping is when the facts do not change, and a politician changes his or her message merely to pander to voters.
McCain has been a solid Bush backer for years. Bush and his administration have not changed one bit. Now, because Bush is increasingly unpopular, McCain is making statements against Bush. Nice. Perfect example of flip-flopping…

What's the big deal? EVERYBODY wants to end this war and bring our troops home. It happened, it's real, and it's HOW we end it that now matters — after investing morally and politically in it. Clearly, Obama has no clue — but what else is new!

(Obama again denies Iraq shift)

CNN!! MAY WE KNOW WHEN OBAMA TOLD YOU THAT HE IS NO LONGER INTERESTED IN STOPPING THE WAR, PLEASE MAKE THIS POPLIC, EVEN THE ON CAM. SO THAT WHEN YOO SAID THAT HE DENIES WE WILL UNDERSTAND YOU. ONE CAN ONLY DENY WHAT HE OR SHE SAID.

I USED TO WATCHED CNN BUT NOW I KNOW THAT I HAVE BEEN WASTING MY TIME NOT NEWS.

ALL THIS ;CAUSE HE IS BLACK>>>>SO LET GO TO WAR INSTED OF VOTING FOR NONE WHITE<<<<<SO LET HALF DEAD BE THE PRESDENT INSTED OF BLACK<<<<<HATERS!!!

WHEN WILL YOU OPEN YOUR EYES AND YOUR MIND AND THINK RIGHT.

OOOOBBBBAAAAMMMAAAA 08

Wouldn't it be a little unnerving if he wasn't refining his policy and plan for getting hundreds of thousands of our sons and daughters, moms and dads, husbands and wives out of the most dangerous place on earth?

He's living up to his rhetoric, as far as I can tell. I see no empty suit.

The GOP's spin ain't gonna work this time, baby. Not this time! Woohoo!

This guys all over the place saying whatever he needs to say depending on the audience of the day. First it was immediate withdrawal. Then it was withdrawal with the input of the commanders on the ground. Followed by sitting down with his advisors to refine his Iraq policy after a campaign trip photo OP this summer. Seems to be an awful lot of uncertainty going on. Or is it that he'll just anything to pander for votes thinking no one is listening? Should he be elected you Obamatrons can rest easy because his eventual marching orders will sound something like this: Left, Left, Left, Left, Left, Left.

Wonder how a statement like this is gonna be "spun" by the repugs? Oh, I forget…they have the IQ of Mcsame and don't know the difference between "refine" and "redefine"…

Well, he has a point. We're all looking so hard for it, we're seeing demons in the shadows. Seriously, some of the comments I've read kind of scare me that anyone could believe them….

This reminds me me of Kerry. He " was for it before he was against it, but is for it now" and and if the ultra liberal left wing happens to change their minds, he will be against again. I know that McCain has flip flopped, but Obama has become a serial one, and its getting hard to recognize where he stands on the issues. Yesterday's FISA vote is a good example. He has been on both sides of this issue and is this man the person you want negotiating with Iran. The super delegates need to be thinking about this and they need to throw their support to HIllary Clinton. She's smart, she experienced, and you know where she stands. Obama forever has his finger in the air testing the wind and whichever which way it blows that the way he will go. I was a life long Democrat, but I am now an Independent. I still don't know who I am going to vote for if Clinton is not the nominee. Might just stay home.

they should drop it already……………..this is ridiculous from the media trying this "got'cha" gutter journalism!

CNN, please report the news….and dont try to create 1!!!!

LOL redefines is his word for flip-flop.

Americans are so guilible and naive

Never fear though, he wants out of Iran, to take on the big guys Iran, so he should be flip-flopping again.

"What happens is people are used to seeing promises broken". What next, non supporters of Obama? Now it’s Obama shift on Iraq. Obama is right, the only different is you are promising us CHANGES that you will FIGHT HARD to implement for ALL people to positively benefit from once you are our President.

In the past, nominees who became our Presidents had a way of rewording speeches, dressing them up to sound petty, but once they became President, it was the same promises made during the last presidential elections, it benefited the rich, the good old boys system and fatten all of their pockets and bank accounts.

Obama 08

Yes, not this time. Not this moment. This time we wanna talk about our schools, our troops home and doing what the candidate promised. I believe in Barack Obama. Ladies and Gentlemen, he is the one, he is the one!

since when does 'refine' translate to a shift in position? Now Jesse Jackson's comments top the political stories. Can the media please return to the imporant issues and stay on track?

These aren't the droids you've been looking for. You can go now. Move along.

Of course most of America understood him. The Republican attack machine will try to jumble up anything he says, because all they have is McCains war hero story and Bush's policy's. Desperate people will say desperate thing!!!!!!!!!!

When, he keeps talking but doing nothing

What is wrong with the statement….that once he visits with Iraq he is going to sit down with his advisers again? Gee so sad that Obama is being ridicule for contemplating a situation … his bottom line is the same BRING OUR TROOPS HOME just he is going to reinvestigate his method of doing so…. the way the media is making a big deal out of this is simply wrong… stop it!

The word "refine" is hardy a flip-flop.It is sad to see tne media making John McCain talking points for him.Do you see FOX NEWS making Obama's talking points for him?

GOP desperate for something to stick on OBAMA.. OBAMA is not Kerry. Not this time.

I for one am glad to see a president that has the ability to rethink and revise any plans that will effect america's safety. What is it the problem people?

Note to Obama, you have got to get on the offensive and start labeling McCain as a flip flopper before their attacks work and start labeling you. As we all know by now, from watching the right wing tactics, its not about issues, its about who can make their opponent look worse.

Will the real Obama please stand up, please stand up..

Obama is swiftly moving to the center, even as we watch McCain moving to the right. Both candidates are now in full throttle as "politicians." The promises and heartfelt ambitions to "bring change" to Washington during the primaries have been left out on the porch to dry. I am so disappointed in Barack Obama's change of tune — from his NAFTA shift to his regret for exposing his children to the media. He was suppposed to be the man of principle calling for change, not the consummate politician courting all sides. What a phony he turned out to be!

I wouldn't call it a flip flop, but declaring that he would withdraw on a certain time table BEFORE speaking to generals proves 1 of 2 things…or both.

1. how naive he is
2. his words are spoken for votes only.

Does the man have a moral center???

Flip – Flop. To paraphrase Kerry, 'I was against Iraq before I was for it'. I bet he is sad we are now winning in Iraq.

I don't believe what this guy says just like I don't believe Jackson did not know that mic was on! Enough with trying to court the white vote. First, it's Rev. Wright making a fool of himself so Obama can "disown" him and now it's Jackson making a disgusting remark about Obama so that now AGAIN Obama can distance himself from this racist pig because he knows it will be a problem for him in the general election. Sorry Obama your campaign is very clever but it's not going to work. I can't wait to read in the future books about how the campaign strategized Wright and Jackson to make these comments to get Obama to win the election.

I love the Youtube Video that shows McCains flip flops….if McCain wants to go there with Obama, he's making a mistake lol. Can we say Off-Shore drilling? I also wonder why CNN hasn't posted what McCain said about "killing Iranians" two days ago? Sure Iran helped him out and so did Jesse Jackson, but I still think it was news worthy. Instead CNN seems to pick and choose the news articles they want to distribute just like they pick and choose the posts they let out; lets not make McCain look too bad. What a bunch of crock. I remember last year Senator Obama saying he wants to be as careful getting out of Iraq as he was going into it. RePUKEicans aren't used to someone straight talking them. They prefer to listen to idiots and hate mongers such as Sean Hannity and Rush Limbaugh. I loved seeing Rush being cut down to size when he stepped out of his comfort zone and did news commentary for a little time there.

since when is Refine Re-Define? two totally different things. I would rather he refine this, it means he's more than serious. MSM needs to find something better to do. Remember guys, if it Bleeds it Leads!! That's the News Montra!!! NO MORE!!!

OBAMA/SEBELIUS '08

I keep going back and remembering Senator Obama say in the primaries that he would be as careful coming out of Iraq as they were careless going into Iraq. So, as I see it he has not changed his position. All some people seem to remember is the 16 month part of it.

When will we stop picking on every word, taking it out of contest, and then making it into something bigger then life by itself? When will we start thinking? "He plans sit down with advisors and refine his Iraq policy". What a horror! He is not stubbornly sticking to his own words, but is willing to think and adjust the policy based on the reality! The main goal stays the same – end this war. The smart way to do it – this is something that requires a lot of thinking, discussing with political and military advisers in order to achieve the goal. Americans became so used to dumb way of current leader, that they are afraid of the smart person on the top. What a pity!

Once again Obama supporters, just because HE says he's not changing his position doesn't make it so. Early on he said he was going to pull all troops out of Iraq in a timely fashion. Now he seems to want to leave them there a little longer.
Just because he didn't say how long "timely" was doesn't mean he isn't a flip flopper.
This guy is about as vague on his vision for our country as Bush was on his pre-war intelligence.
He intentionally tells you only bits of his plan so that WHEN he changes his mind it won't sound or look like he's changing his position.
This guy as slicker than ol' Slick Willy (Clinton) himself.
I wouldn't trust him to take out my garbage much less run this country.

Man, the GOP are on Obama like white on rice! No matter what he says, he's blame for flip flopping. That's call desperation, because their days are numbered! Enjoy it while you can, because come November, your party is history!

Obamanation '08

Mr.Obama was the only one in this country who was right about Iraq from day 1… Doesn't matter what they say, Obama will win and bring the troops home.
McPain can go there to Iraq by himself and live there
OBAMA (2008 -16)

Note to Barack Obama: during the primaries you said you would "remove one to two brigades a month from Iraq and have our troops out in sixteen months." What you also said, but not as loudly, was that "situations on the ground would dictate actions." Are we beginning to see you shifting towards the latter?

poor guy, the entire media is trying to burn him down.

stay tough Obama.

"Change We Can Believe In". Obama, I totally believe that indeed you will change your opinion at every opportune moment.

Forgot my @$$! He took another swing at the Clintons,plain and simple! Are we surprised?Rev Jackson wasn't surprised ,I'll bet! The most honest words that have been spoken in this campaign,have come out of Jessie Jackson's mouth. Rev. Jackson,in my opinion, has nothing to apologize for! He has Obama's number! Obama is an elitist,liberal,radical,inexperienced ,younger ,more handsome white man with a darker tan,who has the audacity to think he has become the successful person he is ,on his own. He will betray his own convictions for a shot at the Oval Office. Gradually,everyone is figuring out ,blacks ,hispanics,and whites,that this man is not "Merlin" the magnificent. He is just an very ambitious young man,with a golden tongue. To put this in Presidential perspective,what Obama did to Hillary was kinda like having a State dinner ,in the White House,for the President of France,and getting up on stage and introducing everyone but the honoree! "Oh! I almost forgot! We are glad to have the President of France with us tonight,also!"

Enough about this already CNN. He didn't flip flip.

Lets focus on McCain making that bad "joke" about sending cigaretts to Iran.

This man doesn't need to be in the White House. He's to old anyway.

FLIP – FLOP, FLIP – FLOP. What else is new? He'll say anything to get people to vote for him – then look out. I know, Jesse Jackson should be his choice for VP. What a pair – almost as good as Nobama & Billary!!

Flip-flop!!

Please don't be confused by the flip-flopping–it's actually very consistent. So Obama is Consistent…see, no flip-flopping.

OBAMA: So, remain calm and just be woo'ed by my voice and excitement. Everything is fine. "others" have a history of broken promises which is causing you to think that my flip-flopping will lead to broken promises, well it won't. I'll remain consistent. And remember that there are 57 states, and kids with asthma need breathalyzers, Iran is NOT a threat, Iran IS a serious threat, and my Chief Joints of Staff would end the war.

He is all over the place and very confusing…that has been his consistency.

More pancake politics.

Quote: he plans sit down with advisors and “refine” his Iraq policy.

So there is a policy or isn't there? How much more escruciating mung from the unqualified one must we bear.

McCain/08

Obama: you're moronic flip flop on FISA makes crap like this that much harder to defend. You brought this on yourself.

He won his nomination by telling people that he would end the war at once if elected President. He is a fraud.

Here you go again. This story was stupid when CNN made it up and it is not getting any better when it is beaten to death. Other News Media covered Bush and McBush when they thumbed their noses at the Government of Iraqs call for a timetable for US Troop withdrawal. But no, not CNN. They just re hashed the same lie about Obama changeing his Iraq stance and ran the story again and again. I can go to Fox News if I want to see anti Obama propaganda all day. Actually, I think Fox has been more balanced in their coverage.

Cheap nitpicking and a FOX(like) twisting of the facts.
The main point here is that he will not jeopardize the troops and he always has their safety in mind. He is not a man of only one mindset like John McCain.
Keep trying Republicans, personally I thought the flagpin issue had more substance.

Concerned citizen: I don't understand why Senator Obama is under fire so much? I have tuned down on listening to the news concerning the election due too negativity on both parties; however more so on Senator Obama; One week he is to liberal, the next week he shifting to the center, and now he is flip flopping. It is a proven fact that Sen. Obama need to wake up and run his campaign the way he want to because he will not be able to please all America especially the pundants who keep looking for him to fall.

I mean really they have attacked this man from race, elitist, to liberal, being a Muslim, and to out right attacking this man family. I don't blame him for not wanting to expose his two beautiful girls to this mean society. I mean really the media and GOP is claiming this man keep screaming racism but this is not even a true statement. Obama has done everything possible to NOT make this election about race. It has been the media, GOP, and the Clinton camp that made the election about race. This man has tried to run a descent campaign but unlike him our sick society pry on negativity and just doesn't know good if it hit them in the face. I am not surprised we always seem to turn that which is good to bad; and bad to look good.

Lastly I must admit the black leaders have also failed this man. They can't seem to bring themselves to support him because they are either jealous or hate the fact that they couldn't accomplish what Sen. Obama have. Yes, Jesse Jackson whom I have never admired because he has never been a leader to me. He knew exactly what he was doing and saying. To put this man down on national television is sickening. Sen. Obama didn't put down on the black race he literally spoke the God honest TRUTH. Black men are failures when it comes to their children and family. They are very much behind on how to financially be stable and father their children. They definitely are weak at knowing how to be a husband. If they took out as much time to tending to these things as to getting a fine car, sporting name brand clothing, and getting a honest job rather than a quick buck maybe they would be taken seriously. This is not to say that other races are not faces some of the same challenges but the African American men have failed in this area much more. We have over 85 percent of our black men in prison then in their homes with their families so that tell me a lot. Somebody needed to tell them again because they lashed out at Mr. Cosby when he tried to address the same issues. But as the bible says, "A fool can never receive wisdom." Only a prudent man can receive wisdom and truth.

So, with all that said Sen. Obama just needs to run his campaign as honestly as he can and forget about the rest. Whether he come out on top or not at least he can hold his head up high knowing that he ran his campaign without losing his integrity and ran with good intensions. Bottom line people are going to think what they want to think and no one can change their thinking process. People will believe any lie to justify their own personal hate and racism. Yes, and know this no man can know it all and no one is perfect. It is a proven fact that we say we looking for experienced people to run our country, well look what the experienced has gotten us into; so on that statement alone I say experienced really didn’t matter because we are in the worst state we have ever been in. Sometimes we need to know that new and fresh ideas are good and realize that we got to get out of our contrary ways and stop looking for things to stay the same. Change is good we all need change at some point.

Bring the troops home! Troops who have served and are serving now will always have their honor. To keep troops in Iraq to "protect honor" and let more troops die would be absurd. Iraq government even wants the U.S. to pick a date to withdraw. Let Iraq government do their job. The U.S. has done more than enough, and has enough problems in U.S. at home to deal with right now.

Nixon promised to end Vietnam. Obama promises to end Iraq.

This political science major and lawyer thinks that both will say anything to get elected.

Now, show of hands. Who thinks that middle east leaders and terrorists will be so impressed by a withdrawal and soaring rhetoric that they will mend thier ways, make peace with Israel and leave americans and american interests alone.

Anyone?
Bueller?
Bueller?

Me thinks he doth protest too much.

I've voted Republican in the past 7 presidential elections. Over the past 7+ years, I've seen what can happen when we steadfastly refuse to consider any other option once a decision has been made. I'm not sure yet how I will vote this time but, one thing is for certain. I will not rule out any candidate who will listen, actually contemplate conflicting ideas and would consider changing their course of action. We ALL have changed our minds in the past regarding our children, jobs, etc. I would hope that none of us are in lockstep with church, government, union, etc. The ability to continually analyze any given situation and change one's position is a strength. It is NOT a sign of weakness.

Barack has no policy so he will always flipflop or try to criticise John McCain. He knows that people in North Dakota, Montana cannot accept hie Iraq policy so he try to refine it. This is called in-experience. Barack, have a life.

If he just goes there and sees for himself then he wouldn't have to be explaining himself so much about Iraq.

Why are the media outlets pushing this tssue that Obama has shifted his stance on Iraq when there are tapes out there to prove that he hasn't.? During one of the primary campaign debates which the late Tim Russet Moderated Obama was the only candidate to commit to troop withdrawal from Iraq when Clinton and Edwards wouldn't. Infact he was critized for having a time table. Instead of the news media to report the truth about this issue they preferred to play right into the hands of McCain camp.

I guess they used flip flop to cloud Al Gore and Kerry's candidacy and they wish to use it on Obama. It may have worked in the past. It wouldn't work this time around. We have tapes to prove it.

Changing the number of Troops coming out of Iraq in a specific month after listening to the Generals but still maintaining your goal of all troops out in 16 month is not a FLIP FLOP it's being smart, the following months will just see a larger amount of troops coming home.

PLEASE STOP BEING SIDE TRACKED AND USE YOUR ON MIND AND STOP LISTENING TO THE OPINIONS OF ALL THESE PUNDITS, AFTER ALL THEY ARE ONLY OFFERING YOU THEIR OPINIONS

Obama's nature is to shift positions – why else would he voter present so often. This is nort necessarily bad – betyter than being unable to process new info like Bush. Obama's mistake is trying to deny it.

Like a man who is caught cheating, deny, deny, deny and you will eventually convince yourself and others.

However, Obama is on tape and he remarks will be played over, and over and over again, until he is unable to deny. So he will change, that is change you can believe in, and utilize a new word, refine.

As in refine, his whole campaign,
refine his whold persona,
refine his whole family,
refine your policies
and finally refine everyone so much that we will be voting for a cardboard, imaginary candidate… Obama Who?

This sounds like an advanced version of: "who's on first"…

Does he really believe we are so ignorant as to not notice his gradual rhetorical move from the dizzying left towards the moderate center?

He spends more time now defending himself than coming up with something new that would help us. oh, wait. he never does, he steals other peoples' ideas or just critizises everyone.

Rob from NC

Obama is a candidate for change remember. He just forgot to mention that he changes his position just like any other politician in order to get the votes. CHANGE YOU CAN COUNT ON! Makes voting for him even scary than before!

There is nothing to deny people. I don't buy into everything the media say about the candidate. Pay attention to the person, his words and action. If you mislead yourself to think something different than what he has said, that is totally your mind.

I understand clearly what has been said about the war. It just so happen that now Iraq has sided with Obama on this issue. You can't continue to invade a country if they wish for you to leave. America (voters) has been saying this for awhile now. The rating shows this country believe we are headed in the wrong direction. We need to get out of Iraq. There are more serious issue with Iran etc……Iraq has never really had anything but oil.

This guy will say anything to get elected. he and Moveon.org belong together. No truth, just blather. The emty suit walk ons.

SOMETHING WRONG WITH YOU CNN, HOW IS THIS NEWS.
SO WHAT IF HE DENIES IT AGAIN.

Wake-up People!! This will be not be the frist time Obama lies his way out of a promise he made. Another great Black person stated that Obama should have his ball's cut off! Mr. Jackson know that Obama is not a good leader and big on broken promises. We hope that other Black American's will start to stand up to this fake Obama fame!! That's why were voting for McCain.

So, how is he "refining" his position now? probably will revert back to his original stance since the news propaganda media have stated that "Iraq wants us out". How do the news organizations get this security sensitive information and who are they talking to? Good way to inform all of the terrorist organizations of our plans, CNN. I can't believe that most Iraqis are biting the hand that feeds them. (at least MSM want to portray that). Maybe we should leave this to the people that know what they are doing–like the Pentagon?

CNN GET OVER YOURSEVES.
SO WHAT IF HE DENIES IT.
HOW MANY TIMES HAS MCSAME DENIED WHAT HE SAID , AND HOW MANY TIMES DO YOU REPORT IT.

ALWAYS REPORTING NEGATIVES STUFF ABOUT OBAMA.
WHAT IS WRONG
WITH YOU PEOPLE.
YOU CAN SAY ALL THE NEGATIVE STUFF ABOUT OBAMA BUT HE WILL PREVAIL AND YOU WILL BE CRYING.
SHAME ON YOU CNN, SHAME ON YOU.

Since when is making decision based on whats goin on at the current moment and changin policies for the better is flip flopping, is that all the GOP got?

"Bring our troops home, we will treat our troops with the honor they deserve."

Let me see…someone who has never been in the military knows all of a sudden on how to bring our troops home with honor???! Get a life! It's weak people like you that feel that if you treat everyone nice that they will treat you just as nice…how naive!

Americans are still loved in the middle east. Don't let the likes of this biased news agency tell you any different! People still want freedom and dictators hate that! Try living overseas and really see what goes on.

I'm afraid you would be just another weak man like Bill Clinton…why don't you do the tally on how many GIs were killed on his watch…and he was even too weak to call it war!

PS: Don't forget your big red nose and big red shoes in case the circus comes to town.

This is the change the country is getting? The same 'recalibration' and spin we've been getting for years? Lovely.. As I live in Ohio, I remember some firey anti-NAFTA rhetoric, but he's backed away from that now that he's locked up the party nod. Just another pandering politician, a symptom of the disease of institionalized deception, corruption, and stupidity of American politics.

America needs a change, and it's not the Marxism that Obama is going to bring. We need real, a substantive reform of the federal government. We're a divided country, but let's at least be intellectually honest about ourselves with each other.

Sedition '08

McCain's age isn't a concern. Of the last 11 presidents, eight lived to between the ages of 78-93 after they left office. Three are still alive. Of the nine presidents to die in office, the oldest was 68, the youngest 46, the average age was 58. McCain is one of the sharpest, healthiest 70 year olds there is. So nobody needs to be concerned about his age. Voters should be more concerned about Barack Hussein Obama's liberal tax-and-spend, big government, socialist ideas.

This should be put to rest!

He never wavered!!

Words, words, words.
Denials, denials, denials.
What is the substance of this sleazy weasel? Or, as the Republicans would ask, "does he have a core"?
Delusional, delusional, delusional.

Obama, had you spent your time since Jan 2005, when you first had an opportunity to go to work as a U.S. Senator for the people of Illinois and for the country, working to build a real record of accomplishments, you could afford to make a few "refinements" and not have to worry so much about how it makes you look. We'd know something about who you are and what you stand for.

Your woes are your own fault for running prematurely and elbowing your way into the nomination.

Also, thanks CNN for bringing this story back after Jesse Jackson's comments caused such a distraction from real issues.

"“So don’t be confused by any reports out there,” he later added. “I will end this war, I will bring our troops home, we will treat our troops with the honor they deserve.”"

The 16 month time limit seems to be missing from his statement.

Maybe he has to "refine" that.

This is rich, he has not been there in ages, has no military experience, has not been breifed by those who actually run the operation over there, but seems qualified to make these bold statements.

A lot of peolpe paid big bucks to get this empty suit this far along in the process, and if elected they will expect a huge return on their investment.

Just trying to make sure CNN actually posts my comment:

refine – to make more fine, subtle, or precise

Are journalists confused by this word? Refine does not mean change. It means he would get more precise with the details. What is all the fuss about? I would hope that as time goes on they work on the details of their plans.

He's weaseling out of a flip-flop with a very, very subtle nuance. Hey Obama, the sky is green! Maybe if you say that enough times, people will start believing that, too!

He looks nice in this suit.

Obama can not be trusted.

Obama has had four years to do this. And Obama is not President. He had the opportunity to meet with General Petraeus on more than one occasion and chose not to. His comments up until now are for the US to cut and run. Be a man and own up to it.

Why worry about the war? The morons in the netroots would have you believe that FISA is the most important make or break issue.

People need to realize that when someone is a candidate for the only national office, that someone needs to appeal to more then the far-right or far-left base of their party. You will not agree 100% with another person on every single issue, much less a political candidate. Hell, I don't agree with my wife on universal health care, I'm for it, she's against it, but I don't take a stand for principles or whatever and refuse to stay married as a result. We agree on a lot of things and we're compatible, I can overlook the things we don't agree on.

BHO, you said you would withdrawl troops immediatly…. then you said if there is a terrorist threat there, you would stay…. then you said you would withdrawl troops over a year or a year later…. sounds like Flip Flopping to me….

GoBama!!!

We dont need 4 more years of George Bush!

McLies

McBomb Iran

McWarmonher

McFear Monger

Mc72 years old

McCant use a computer

refine – to make more fine, subtle, or precise

Are journalists confused by this word? Refine does not mean change. It means he would get more precise with the details. What is all the fuss about? I would hope that as time goes on they work on the details of their plans.

people people!

"dont be confused". one of obama's favorite sayings. well if we are confused it is certainly because obama doesnt make himself clear. oh wait! another one of his favorite sayings is " let me make myself perfectly clear". well if he does that then we wont be confused about what hes all about and he wouldnt have to keep coming out and "explaining" himself and he sure wouldnt have to keep coming out and apologizing. the man doesnt know who he is how are we supposed to know who he is? all he knows is that he wants to be the president and that he will say and do ANYTHING he has to to get to the white house. what i have realized though is that he really does hate this country. this hate was introduced to him by his mom (probably) because she ran away from the hate that white folks showed to her after becoming interested in a black man from another country. remember the times and you will also remember that white/black relationships were taboo at the time. so she vented that hate for whites and the USA to her son. he came back to the usa and "saw" what she was talking about. today, the man does NOTHING but talk BAD about the usa. everytime something bad happens in the world, its the usa's fault. everytime something bad happens to black folks, its the governments fault. it is nver the fault of the person who made a bad choce. so there came a time in his life when he had to choose whether he wanted to be black or white. why couldnt he be both, because he is? no he chose to be black and thats fine but now hes dissing the black folks by telling them that they will never amount to anything. so hes anti black, anti white, anti government (usa) and anti english speaking usa especially. hes anti-capitalist wanting to punish (higher taxes) those who have worked hard to earn their millions. this man makes me sick and so do his followers.

It makes since…what is the best way to get our troops out if Iraq. It is not as easy as it sounds. Lots of things are happening and can not be closed over nite. It would be a disaster. Keep fighting the good fight Obama.

on July 29th we honor the 167 men who died aboard the USS Forrestal in 1967. please research and pay respect to those men…do not vote for John McCain and dis honor their memory. place the "songbird" back in its cage.
dumpmccain.com

Whatever… Its funny how the only thing you are CHANGING is your positions. You lost my vote!!!

NOBAMA EVER!!!

This guy will lie, then lie about lying. He has no integrity. He has no committed stance on any important issue. Check his past voting record, 55% of his votes were cast as 'present', not for or against. This way he would never have to defend his stance on important issues. As his own Rev. Wright said "Obama is a politician". Is this the man we need running our country? …NO.
…NO EXPERIENCE
…NO INTEGRITY
…NO QUALIFICATIONS
…NO HONESTY
…NO OBAMA

Refining the Titanic's course would have been better than "stay the course"

But then, the republicans think ramming an iceberg and sinking the ship is a good thing.

I'll trust a poker player over a craps shooter anyday! (Has john reported his winnings to the IRS yet?)

Am so tired of the distortions. New Media, start doing your job.
You exaggerate, distort statements and then sensationalize
them You are making a mockery of the intelligence of
"we the people". We want to hear, see and read about
important things, not your ideas of what will get you
attention.
Barack Obama has always been open to suggestions, thank
God, but he will not change his mind on ending the war in
Iraq. And, hopefully he will get into office before the war
mongers
McCain/Bush get us into a conflict with Iran, ie WW111.
News media, AP, get some integrity. We Americans are
fed up with you.

Like the Senator said earlier, people haven't been listening. I watch all the networks. Funny how only Fox seems to think that he's changed (at least on this issue) his position. There is nothing wrong with sitting down with General Patreus and discussing the situation on the ground and then make a plan based on that information. He is the commander on the ground and is respected by Senator Obama. I'll concede some issues seem to have a change, but not on the Iraq war. He's been consistent with that one.

FISA
Iraq
Death penalty
Abortion
Public finance
Gun control

Who is Barack Obama???

THis idiot obama needs to be forgotten…..without his teleprompter…he can't do or say anything worth listening to…he is a joke

I can't believe this "refine" thing is still an issue. Americans should have seen by now what the consequences are of treating foreign policy like a blunt instrument, bereft of nuance. We've had nearly eight years of that and look where we are. I'm glad Obama is sticking to a consistent message, but as far as foreign policy goes, the more refinement based on evidence, the better. The other approach clearly ain't working.

Sorry Obama, you keep changing with whatever is going on in the media. You say one thing. The media says the same thing. Then the media does a turn about and you then do the same. You need to stick with your own plans. And of course no one know how you really stand on the issues. Except raising taxes for sure. That will make our ecomony worse. Businesses will have to raise their prices that no can afford. Then lay people off because you cannot pay them because we are not buying stuff. A circle that will never end. We see it all now. Business are doing that all over the US. And when he raises them then watch what happens. Could go into a depression for sure. Obama you need more experience then run for President…..You are a puppet right now. Wait…..

he shifted on FISA, he'll shift on anything. he's a liar.

Oh please, enough already with the explanation of an explanation. You could ring the manure from his ears if you squeezed hard enough. His rhetoric in obtaining the nomination was unrealistic, and now he knows things need to be "re-evaluated" all the time. Maybe Jesse Jackson had already followed through on his threat, and we just didn't know!!

“What happens is people are used to seeing promises broken. They’re used to seeing us taking an easy way out. But not this time, not in this moment.”

You mean promises like….

"If I am the Democratic nominee, I will aggressively pursue an agreement with the Republican nominee to preserve a publicly financed general election."

You "agressively pursued" an agreement in the same way as you "agressively pursued" revotes in Michigan and Florida, i.e. – NOT AT ALL.

You are no different to a typical politician. Parsing and obfuscating your way to power. No doubt your besotted disciples will refuse to see this.

If the idiot media would listen and report what he said when he said that he would "refine" maybe he wouldn't have to keep coming out to defend himself. It's funny that the media covers for McCain on everything like they did with his Iran "joke" and Obama gets the reverse treatment. He's said over and over again that he would refine" his policies as they relate to the tactics of troop withdrawal, not the actual timetable. He's also said for the past year and a half that he's going to be as careful getting out of Iraq as we were careless in getting in. The media is trying so hard to make this a tight election that they've gone way overboard in covering for McCain and hammering Obama.

“What happens is people are used to seeing promises broken. They’re used to seeing us taking an easy way out. "

Like your promise to filibuster the awful FISA bill yesterday, Barack?

Why is McCain even criticizing him about this? McCain doesn't want to end the war at all. Complaints about this from him are just weird.

The more Obama flip-flops and the more he panders to whites and the political center, the tighter he draws the noose around his neck.
Voters are getting beyond the rhetoric and are seeing who Obama is.
Jesse Jackson, who said what he meant and meant what he said,
got it right.

Yeah right. It's everyone else's fault for interpreting his words incorrectly (including the mainstream media that is so heavily biased for him).

Perhaps he should take responsibility for his own words eh? That would be good judgement. Or maybe, just maybe, he could speak specifically about what he plans to do instead of always speaking in general terms (that are more easily "refined" if he wants to suddenly change direction).

I thought about supporting this guy but the more I see, the more I realize he's just an empty suit.

“I will end this war, I will bring our troops home, we will treat our troops with the honor they deserve.”

Just as MOST of America wants.

(Except McLieberCain and AIPAC)

Republican for anyone but McCain '08

The truth is McCain is so out of touch with reality on some issues it is almost laughable. Look at his statement about old age security and it beng wrong younger tax payers are funding this program. If anything this should sound a warning bell to voters that he just doesn't have a clue about people or economics…………just war.

YES WE CAN.
YES WE WILL.

Together we can make this world a better place for our children!

He is ot the teflon Don like some might suggest. He is a typical politician. He is saying what he thinks we want to hear. I bet u catch him next week and he says something else. Please could his supporters stop drinking the kool-aid. This man is a fraud.

He is suppost to bring Change to Washington, I don't think so.

Bring our troops home NOW!

Clinton/Obama 2008

I wonder why he voted with the Republicans on the most recent surveillance bill in the senate. Clinton, Biden, and Kerry voted against Bush — but Obama was right in line with him and 68 of his fellow senate Republicans. Kind of makes you wonder how liberal this guy really is…

If your gonna FLOP on this one, I sure would appreciate being told before November, so I can get totally out of the way! This is one of the main reasons you won the nomination, You FLOP now, that makes you no better than Bush. Wheres Hillary!!!!!!

OMG how many times are you guys going to cover this? This is so getting old now! My god, Obama has not flip-flopped, nor has he changed his position on the war in Iraq. The MSM is nothing but BS!

A good President is one that can refine a position if it is best for the country. Unlike the current President, Obama wants what is best for the United States, where Bush wants what is best for his bottom line.

McCain and Bush have the same mentality that US is master of the world, which is how we got into the mess we are in today in Iraq.

He's saying the same thing he always has said about Iraq……..PAY ATTENTION MEDIA MORONS! Do your own research!

obama doesn't have a position – he says whatever will make the crowds cheer and people faint….i'm getting sick of obama

When will people understand that refining a plan doesn't mean totally changing your position. Maybe if we our current administration would have taken the time to refine their plan they would have found out this was something we didn't need to be involved in. Instead they started a war using a "rough draft" and look where it has gotten us.

Obama has repeatedly said we have to be as carefuly getting out of Iraq as we carelessly were getting in the war.

“What happens is people are used to seeing promises broken. They’re used to seeing us taking an easy way out. But not this time, not in this moment.”- Sen Obama…that's right O, tell the truth shame the Devil.
CNN-why is it that this is still a story? why has there been no coverage of these facts on Sen John Sidney McCain:
1) the over 59 lobbyist running his campaign.
2)constant inappropriate jokes about KILLING IRANIANS…(after all he did say in Ohio "…in my view is respect for human life both born and the unborn.”
is he flip flopping on life?)
3) why does john McCain refuse to release HIS military record?
4) what really happened aboard the USS Forrestal in July 29,1967?
5) what about his relationship with Pastor Parsley and preacher Hagee…two men that make Dr. Rev Wright (a Hero who served in the Navy) look like Gandhi?
6) and alas no story about how many times McCain has "changed his positions…on EVERYTHING including his own team?
if as McCain's aid said in a CNN interview, "the media is his (McCain's) base" you seem to be proving her right.

oK, maybe Barack needs to stop addressing this on a daily basis……we know that he will end this war! Dem's unite!

OBAMA / SEBELIUS -08!

This is not news. Obama has always said that withdrawal from Iraq was going to be tough and we must do iy carefully. He said it, he meant it and he is acting on that promise.

I believe Senator Obama has been against the war from the very beginning. In fact, speaking out against it when we first moved into the war.
He's then said he would be "as careful getting out as we were careless getting into the war."
Now to me, I see that as saying, we're getting out, but we can't just stop everything and pack up. That would put soldiers too much at risk as we get potshots on the way out.
So, to now say, after I go to Iraq, I can ensure we're moving in the correct time does not change that statement in any way.

I see the Repubs and they want to go back to the flip flop that derailed John Kerry. I think that was effective and I too would probably try to go that route. But, Obam hasn't changed so I don't think this line of attack is going to stick much less work.

at least some good news for those of us who believe that winning the war on terror is vital to our national security. Maybe, just maybe, Senator Obama is becomming more knowledgeable about the war on terror as he gets closer to becoming the next President.

One can only hope, and Hope is the message of his campaign isn't it?

This is easy…….McCain wants to spend 7 to 8 more years in Iraq. Barack Obama wants to leave within the first year of office. Saving American Soldiers lives is what really counts right? What about the $10 BILLION a month we spend on a civil war that we created? Besides, the Republicans are the ones that are saying he is flip-flopping on his Iraq policy…..they are proven liars.

How dare Obama be open to new ideas! How dare he even consider 'refining' his policies upon being given new information… FLIP-FLOPPER!!!

Tell the sheeple what they want to hear and end the war in the first 9 months. If Big Oil wants to stay there and steal oil, let them hire Blackwater and see how that goes…

Whether he starts bringing them home in Jan or June it is still better than what McCain will do, nothing. Leave them there. This current admin is making sure of that by invoking Iran to anger.

I read your article and I know you are an Obama supporter. If you don't want well thought out statements answers to your blog that is critical of Obama about this issue that says he is a flip -flopper on this issue then you need to state in your article or monitor your person who is moderating your blogs. If you want only positive remarks , you should say "only Obama supporters need to comment." You must have the same mentality of the Obama campagin. If you don't vote for me you must be a racist.

Drink the Kool-Aid and repeat after me….I am a mindless voter…I will teach my children to speak Spanish….I will give more of my money to the marxist policies of the Democrats….we will not drill our own oil resources….I will accept government run healthcare and may even die if they deem my illness unworthy of finance….I will chant anti-war slogans even as we are on the verge of the dawning of a new Middle East Democracy…..I will blame all my problems on George Bush…I will…

Obama: I don't know why people keep bringing up the question of my changing positions…I have NEVER changed positions…I have been as consistent a flip-flopper as ever. And in this consistency, I do not believe that my position has ever changed. Oh, and remember to donate to Hillary, she needs our help.

shameless guy he is !

Obama lacks the courage to say, I may have been wrong, I need to change my position.

McCain 08
Proven Courage

The Republican campaign doesn't have much to offer the voters so it is only reasonable they have to try and discredit their opposition. Anyone watching closely will see the rhetoric coming from them is designed to create doubt in people's minds about Obama.

This shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone as history shows the Republican strategy has always been to scare people away from their opposition and it looks like they might have run out of credability with the American public who seem to have caught on to their tactics.

Obama now says it will take over 16 months to get our troops out of Iraq. I'm sure that estimate is a conservative one.

As Barack gets closer and closer to the White House, he sounds more and more like a tool of the War Lobby – the Defense, Israel and Energy lobbies collectively – and he sounds less and less like a reformer.

Yeah, the "reformer" has been compromised, if Obama wins the election, he will oversee the same, old, failed policies that he once criticized.

We need to eliminate the Electoral College, so that third-party candidates can have a legitimate shot at winning the presidency. Neither of the Major Parties will allow anything like that. to happen anytime soon.

He has clearly shifted to the middle on a bunch of things—
He knows he can't get elected courting the far left only—
At least McCain admits it—
Barack just lies about it !!
It all about character and the company you keep—

Why is he going to Iraq. Why because the Republicans have a countdown clock on their website – how many days since he been in Iraq. Why can't he figure it out himself what he needs to do. It is a shame it is all politics. Why is he going to all of these countries? Have you notice he is acting like JFK. I'm not fooled by his talk.

Just so all you nay sayers are clear.

re·fine Audio Help /rɪˈfaɪn/ Pronunciation Key – Show Spelled Pronunciation[ri-fahyn] Pronunciation Key – Show IPA Pronunciation verb, -fined, -fin·ing.
–verb (used with object) 1. to bring to a fine or a pure state; free from impurities: to refine metal, sugar, or petroleum.
2. to purify from what is coarse, vulgar, or debasing; make elegant or cultured.
3. to bring to a finer state or form by purifying.
4. to make more fine, subtle, or precise: to refine one's writing style.
–verb (used without object) 5. to become pure.
6. to become more fine, elegant, or polished.
7. to make fine distinctions in thought or language

What is wrong with a person, Barack Obama, "refining" his position on Iraq. It sounds pretty responsible to me.

Part of the "other" 18 million club – Obama '08

YAWN!!!!!!! The mainstream media is looking for a way to induce the public attention for politics that existed between Obama and Hillary now that Hillary is out of the race.

Somehow political reporters on the campaign trail (who get paid for reporting on just about anything) have decided that the word "refine" that Obama used in discussing his Iraq policy after he would talk to advisors means "change". The word "refine" means to make more pure or to make improvements with distinctions.

There are many more national interests to discuss than to belabor the point about Iraq. McCain wants to stay "indefinitely" and Obama wants to establish a troop withdrawal timetable basis.

I really think Obama means well, but in his efforts to please all voters he continually shifts on issues

Well Obama, with no record to speak of, we are just left with your words. So every word will get extra scrutiny. What did you expect, a free ride?

That is merely because a good number of citizens, including our media, have a narrow vocabulary. Just to help out those unwilling or unable to read for themselves:

▸ verb: make more precise or increase the discriminatory powers of

He said refine not alter. In layman's terms he intends to tweak the process of removing our troops from Iraq. Which is consistent with what he has said all along.

I have watch Anderson cooper, Morning Joe, Keith O, Chri Matthews and Fox news.

This story had no legs until the media put some on it.
After 16 months of the Dem and Rep debates, we the people can tell a BS story for ratings vs a REAL story that really means something to Joe and Jane Q. Public.

The price we pay for freedom to say and do as we please as Americans (Military Deaths) sometimes is wasted on Bogus BS news.
Maybe one day, the ratings money drive will give away to real news men and women to report facts and no fiction

Refining and developing a strategy to safely remove the military out of Iraq, isn't flip flopping! Consulting with both, our military leaders and sounding off with the Iraqi Government to take total responsibility.

Is something the current administration lacks off!

Senator Obama is intelligent enough to understand the measures to bring back our military safely.

I could care less about whether or not there's a minor shift. What we don't need is another leader like Bush who can never admit a mistake or change his position.

I would like to see a leader who will move his position with new information rather than change the information to fit his position.

The troops should come home as soon as possible, but clearly it cannot be done without adjustment to events and circumstances.

Thank you Obama, for showing your wisdom in this matter.

He's a flip-flopper. I'm worried if he would make a decision example – bomb a country – the next day he would say I didn't really mean to do it. He is inexperience. We need someone who has the experience to be President instead of soneone who needs on the job training.

So in a short and easy version…..He has no plans on how to deal with Irag?!
I thought he said the opposite months ago??!!

McCain blows him away with our foreign affairs

Mr. Obama, please do not pay ANY attention to the repugnants, keep with your positive and intelligent message, follow your true beliefs and we´ll be behind you all the way to our WHITE HOUSE. That´s right the people´s house.

Me thinkest thou doth protest too much.

This for previous ticker…..

People with all due respect for the elderly American hero by the name of McCain, I have to remind you all that the stresses and demands in the White House are so high that 4 years are like dog years. This will have a greater impact on McCain that it will on Obama without a doubt. Reality check, I am only 46 years old and a lot of people tell me I look young for my age but deep inside there certain things I do today that quickly remind me of when I was 30+. Get your mental cap on, think of what Clinton or Bush looked like and what happened after the 1st 4-6 years of their Presidencies.

What I can't understand is how an ignorant reporter that doesn't comprehend the definition of "REFINE" can not only twist Obama's statement into 'flip flopping on Iraq' but the entire US media organization can continue to drum on it for a week!

Refine: to make improvement by introducing subtleties or distinctions.

This does not mean change the plan to get out of Iraq folks!

I agree with Free speech but I think reporters and commentaries should have an IQ test before allowed to influence others with low IQ.

don't be confused Obama and Bush now have the same position on Iraq to listen to the troops on the ground, but Obama really really is the agent of change!

The Republicans have created a new buzz-word called "flip-flopping" and sold CNN and others on it. CNN, you really need to stop playing into Republican hands.

Here is the reality: Only a fool does not leave himself open to refine a position should the facts around a situation change. That is not flip-flopping. It is proper management. It is THINKING.

The right wing spin doctors have managed to package this as bad. Their view is that once you have an oppinion on something you must stick with it NO MATTER what changes. Just like the Bush administration does. If you want 8 more years of that, by all means vote McCain.

This is what I hate. This bs game the media plays. you can't refine an idea without people saying flip flop. It happens on both sides and is a bunch of crap.

I'm getting tired of this faux news, these faux flip flops, and the MSM sensationalizing EVERYTHING. The might wanna go back and learn vocabulary…"refine" does not mean "redefine" which would be to take a whole other position.

Another wonderful speach… Unfortunately the American people know when they are being mislead no matter how well you try to explain it.

HE'S NEVER CHANGED HIS MIND ON IRAQ, WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT?

1) Out in 2009!

2) 1-2 brigades per month

3) I'm going to Iraq and I'm going to listen to the advice of my military commanders.

Nope, no changes here…

zzzzz…(snoring)…zzzzz….

interesting story! really!

BO thank God you can refine. That takes a man and one of integrity. It shows you can adjust to the occaision and not just romp along in the dark like the GOP

What a jerk! EVERY candidate wants to end the war. I bet even George Bush even wants to end the war – sooner or later. Even Iraq wants to end the war! And now they want a date certain by which we will get out of their country and stop "saving" them.

This guy was going to end the war instantly. Then he was going to end the war in 16 months. Now he wants to talk to the "generals on the ground." Bragging because in 2002 he made a speech. No experience. Voted for every appropriation for war funds since he got to congress, which must be about 15 minutes ago as far as I can tell.

Now he votes for FISA. George Bush thanks him for that. What a coward, what sleaze. What a LIAR! Would you buy a used car from this man? NO.

He will do anything, say anything, embrace anyone, change positions like he changes his socks. Good luck, Obama supporters. Every day he betrays you once again.
If you elect him, he will betray us all.

And once again I'll say this: The reason Obama beat Hillary is because during the campaign, they tried to make Obama out to be something he was not. They tried to twist simple statements out of contex. People saw through that.

Now, we have the republicans doing the same thing. He said he wants to visit Iraq and refine his policy. Uhh, Duhh, that's what every president would do. He never said anything about changing his position on Iraq. But republicans want to twist it out of control, and Obama keeps gaining in the polls in the Battle Ground states, and the RNC keeps wondering why.

Sad.

Obama 2008!

Well folks, these comments make it pretty clear that he's just another Chicago Democrat politician. Willing to say anything to get elected.

America needs to ratchet down the war rhetoric and the war mentality with Iran and try an open and direct route of diplomacy
they are surrounded by american troops and about 7 or 8 ships sitting there every day intimidating them
I wonder how Americans would feel if there were 10 Iranian ships
in their back yard and they were surrounded by Iranian troops
America needs to STOP being the bully on the block
America needs a president who has a mindset for peace but yet who can protect the country in a time of need like Obama NOT another war monger like MCSAME who thinks, eats, and drinks WAR

War? What War!!??

Towards the general, he'll still maintain that he still wants to bring the troops home… but within a 100 years like McCain. Wake up people!

Obama’s emerging change on keeping troops in Iraq is bad but his change on wiretapping is the worst. I told myself I’d never forgive Bush for letting the government spy on us so why should I forgive Obama? At least McCain is a man of substance. Obama has changed so many of his basic principle’s that he seems to have no integrity.

Why should we pay off her debt how about everyones debt , is she the only one struggling.

CNN and other media have been are still acting very irresponsible over this Iraq shift story. Obama has consistently said he will get out as careful as we were careless going in. He would consult with military commanders regarding conditions on the ground for tactical reasons but they would have a direct mission to end the war in a responsible way. Obama has said that for a year now. When he said refine it wasn't any different than him saying he would consult with commanders regarding conditions on the ground. CNN recently stated it's not just the media but it's also the voters who believe this shift. It's because of CNN and other irresponsible media that voters believe this. You are SUPPOSED to be trustworthy.

No one said that politics was an exact science. The whole aim of practical politics is to keep the populace alarmed by an endless series of hobgoblins.

I guess if he had actually voted on the matter we would know for sure. He's ggod at avoiding voting on matters that may get in the way of his pursuit of the presidency.
Hmmm interesting typo I made … gGOD instead of good.

Obama is a bum.

A liar and a phony.

Typical politician.

Change?

Yeah, thats what will be left in your wallet after Obama gives your hard earned dollars to the people too lazy to get a job and do something for themselves.

More than any other factor, Obama's constant rightward drift has the potential to alienate many of his core supporters and cost him the election. As the campaign between Obama and McCain drags on, it is likely that the platforms of the two men will start to look disturbingly similar, emphasizing the real lack of choice that faces the American electorate. Aside from the candidacy of Ralph Nader, who unfortunately stands no chance of winning, progressive voters have nowhere to turn. Obama is being revealed day by day as anything but progressive and even the 'liberal' label is proving to be largely a myth. Rather than 'change we can believe in', perhaps a more honest slogan for Barack Obama's campaign would be 'plus ca change, plus c'est la meme chose'.

It is so amusing to read these CNN blogs that are desperate for controversy. Actually, CNN is a reflection of the sorry state of politics that continues to attack anyone seeking to serve their country. Most of these "news" items in CNN blogs are very subtle attacks……so CNN , continue to make something out of nothing to get your ratings…..so amusing, so sad.

AAAAh he is the candidate of change. Give him a day or two and he will change his position no matter what the subject. What a flipper.

By the way, how do you like the way he treated Hillary? He wouldn't give her the time of day to help her pay off her debt. i am shocked but what can you expect. he has no cojones. Jesse cut them off.

Senator Obama raises a valid point – "We the People…" are accustomed to being lied to, prevaricated to, told half-truths, etc. While this may be wishful thinking from an independent, is it possible that we actually have a candidate who just tells us like it is? Someone who calmly and quietly tells it like it is, rather than pointing out that he is to be trusted because his transportation is called the "Straight Talk Express"? This is not to say that Senator McCain is not truthful, merely to say that Senator Obama is not making a big deal about it like Senator McCain is.

ok..

That's cleared up. move along…

Lies. All Lies Obama. You are the worst Person ever. American Dems who voted for Obama over Hillary will be to blame for this mess.

Obama is an anathema to the fringe on both sides because you can't pigeon whole him. You aren't going to be able to put him into some political ideological box. He is exactly the type of leader we need – one who is interested in getting things done for the betterment of the country, not a political party. Its sad that when true leadership manifests itself we can hardly recognize it anymore.

When you refine something you change it. Just like how he refined his thoughts of his pastor for 20 yrs. He has refined his thoughts on the death penalty and on gun control. This is the same reason why he always voted present so he can refine his vote later on.

Why is he lying?
It is pretty easy for us to access the times (and words)…
I thought is was going to be "no more politics as usual" what happened to that? Another lie? Just another politician!!! They will say ANYTHING to get elected!

A few weeks or months ago everyone was accusing that he had no plan. He starts discussing plans, so now he is accused of shifting position?

What's wrong with that?

A few weeks or months ago he campaigning to Democrats. He starts campaigning to appeal to a broader base of voters, outside of the Democatic party, so now he is accused of shifting position?

Of course he's shifting his message, but not his position.

You Dumb republicans can't fight on real issues, all you want to play is cheap, dirty tricks!

Sick, I tell you! McFart ain't becoming President!

i would just say "let's be honest. My aim is to get out of Iraq. McCain's is to stay in Iraq. However, I also intend to not devastate the country by leaving. I will be cautious, but always moving forward with the withdrawal – McCain will only find excuses to stay."

I have never seen anyone lie and flip flop more than this man.

SLICK WILLY..

Guess What Folks?????

The stupid american people are falling for all his BULL.

This just shows obama needs a vacation and rest for afew days are got problems There are alot of people in obamas campaign that hate the clintons if I was Bill Clinton and mrs Clinton I would tell those people to kiss where the sun dont shine. let them try and win without Bill. and her.

I haven't seen a shift in his stance, he said he would end the war, he said it would take sometime to withdrawl…..so what is the shift?

Yes he will!

Ok, refining a plan is the role of a good president. You don't just keep doing the same old thing until you're blue in the face. Refining a plan on new information isn't so called "flip-flopping". It's a completely new ball game. You don't stick to a plan and act like whatever new info you get doesn't exist. You need to take all the info you have an add the new stuff and re-evaluate in it's entirety. I hate how this country is so obsessed that when someone re-evaluates and refines a position they're breaking promises, blah blah blah. The promises are made with information available at the time. New information comes, old promise is moot not "broken".

"I will end this War."

Easy to say Obama.

When?

By 2012?

By 2016?

Obama isn't going to end this War.

Whoever the next President happens to be, the War will end.

…and America is too smart to make the next President Obama.

Another great example of the main stream media taking the word "refine" which means to "make pure" and acting as if he said "redefine". Much ado about nothing. Anybody else notice how the coverage from the past two weeks has been about Obama's flip flops and NOTHING about any of McCain's ? Its like the elephant and hippo calling the gorilla fat. McCain says he'll win the war in Iraq to balance the books and no flac about how that makes sense. The coverage is mostly about entertainment and ratings and has nothing to do with "news"

Jesse Jackson and The Rev Al knew Obama was inexperience, that's why they voted for Hillary. It's clear from what Jesse Jackson said about Obama yesterday, he's a bitter Hillary supporter.

Does anyone know where this clown stands on anything? He CHANGES from hour to hour. Remarks he makes CHANGE more often than the weather.

We're not only used to seeing promises broken Mr. Obama.

We are used to seeing our elected leaders commitment to our values, loyalty to the constitution and law, and code of conduct change during the course of campaigns and periods of government service.

Nothing we've seen so far demonstrates any expected variance with regard to your actions cultivating your power base in Illinois, nor avoiding controversial responsibilities in the U.S. Senate.

Between the two "McMama" candidates (obama and mccain) there really is nothing coming from their agenda or rhetoric that would make us presume real change will happen when/if they are elected President.

Both believe in the falacy that a powerful President can develop, tweak, fund, or design a federal program to fix all ills. Meanwhile, the people of the United States of America continue to seek leaders who will respect their and limit their taxes, remove intrusive government from their personal lives, focus on national problems like energy, infrastructure, and fiscal responsibility –not as an after thought–but has valid and funded government strategies.

Libertarian 2008
Let's really change Washington–beginning with the POTUS.

I know what he said, the media blew this one out of proportion and some people just believe whatever it is the media feeds them – that's really too bad.

The Iraqi PM WANTS a timetable for withdraw – Bush and McCain have said over and over again they don't want one.

It's time to bring our troops home and support the new GI bill to help them with education when they do return. We owe them that!

Obama 08′

The man is an amazing ventriloquist. He can speak out of both sides of his mouth at once.

Do not Trust Barack Obama. He is as good as nothing.

people are trying to make this guy a bad person by saying what he did not said, i like this guy am he is a good person

"I will have the troops home… in 16 months" He said it. He lied and is now saying exactly what Hillary said during the campaign. There is not a bus big enough for all of those he will toss under before his election is over. Telecommunications amnisty, public $…the list goes on and on. Wake up and smell the $5 coffee he drinks. This guy is a fraud.

McCain's only hope is to try to drive this issue into people's minds. It won't work.

Both candidates have changed their positions on a number of issues. But not on this. It is unfortunate, but winning in the primary is different than the general election.

There is NO doubt that he has changed his stance on Iraq. All you have to to is to LISTEN to HIS remarks on the subject. Listen to ALL of them and you will find that he had changed possitions on Iraq at least 4, maybe 5 times.

This goes all the way back to the primaries, to the debates, and even after he first stated that he was a presidential cadidate.

Flip-flop Flip-flop

If you don't believe me, just go back and listen to his comments on the subject or read the transcripts. It is there in black and white.

Liebermann is a Mosad agent, he cares more about Isreal's interests than US interests.

We as citizens have to be very alert at how the news is reported. Reporters and journalists tend to leave out certain words so it can seem the candidate is saying something different. If Obama brings out 2 brigades a month, that is fine. We are out in 16-24 months. Generals opinions are going to be pro war most of the time. That is their life, their need, their fix. They are not diplomats. McCain will drag this thing out forever.

Agreed with the senator. It's the MEDIA that is making him look like a flip-flopper. That is a shame.

Obama/Biden 08!

I am a Democrat, but I believe Obama is shifting his policy on Iraq.

Poltiticians, any polititian, will say or do whatever isnecessary to win. Obama is no different. He wants the presidency and will tell everyone exactly what they want to hear.'

Whether you choose McCain or Obama, the fact remains that neither one of them will end the war and bring the troops home.

"Down goes Frasier! Down goes Frasier! Down goes Frasier!"
- Howard Kosell Kingston, Jamaica – 1973

He could of been honest like McCain and said if it takes 100 years then we will be there 100 years. He lied and said he would pullout immediatly for the sake of getting votes. If the commanders on the ground said we could leave in a year McCain would leave.

Obama is a flip flopper….All you sheep can take it how you want. If the commanders on the ground tell Obama they cant leave for 5 years then they will not leave. His policy is no different then anyone elses you all just bought into his innitial lie to get votes.

Most of Obama supporters voted for him because they thought he was going to end the war in Iraq. I guess he threw them under the bus too.

His people and his supporters can spin it any way they like but he chances his mind the moment he gets hit hard in the press.

1 will not throw Wright under the buss—-throws Wright under the bus
2 against wire tap bill —– for wire tap bill
3 meet with enamies no condition —– meet enamies with preperation
4 keep children out of spot light—- has them give interview– then says it was mistake

I am not saying McCain does not do similar flip flops
Just Obama supporters stop saying Obama is SOOOOOOOOOOOOOO great and pure.
He is the same as EVEY all polititions.
He is not change he is about winning and nothing else.

He has explained his postion on this issue on day one. The media has an interest to keep this nonsense going. They can clarify this in a nano second by just rolling tapes. In the meantime, the media McCain plane keeps running on falsehoods and blatant blunders non stop without any serious scrutiny. If they do refer to any of them, it's in the light of excusing him first and then reporting the act. It's like they are trying to protect their old senile uncle. And this is what educated people want to lead their children in the future. As Americans all to often, we get what we deserve. I hope this time we choose wisely.

Because idiot reporters don't know the meaning of "Refine" and accused him of trying to "redefine" or "change" his position. Leave it up to the media to tell us what to think even when we hear the words coming out of his mouth.

Obama always does this: says something that he does not understand, if there is a problem, he will either deny it, or blame other people. He just cannot take responsibility for what he said.

It's news organizations like CNN that help perpetuate untruths about both Presidential candidates. CNN was a major part of creating the perception that Obama was shifting his Iraq policy, even though he didn't utter a single word about changing his policy. Refining his goal of bringing the troops home, yes, but not changing the fundamental goal of the policy.

CNN and other 24/7 news (can you call it that anymore) outlets want their horse race, and if they have to make things up to get a horse race, they will.

Listen you Rove Republicans, the lies aren't working so you might as well start playing the race card to see how it pans out.

There are no accusations that he is shifting his policy. Look at his speeches during the primary – he states he will immediately begin pulling troops out as soon as he is sworn in and will have them all out in 16 months. Now that the primary is over and he can stop just pandering to the ultra-liberal left, he says he will listen to the generals on the ground and refine his policy as needed. So he went from having the MoveOn.org position to having a position like McCain has had from Day One. That is the definition of a flip flop and reversal of position. However, he will give speeches of rhetoric and empty promises and weasel his way out of this obvious credibility issue. If America votes this man into office we will deserve the horror it will bring.

I have no problem with Obama's position on the war. It seems consistent to me with what he has said all along. On the other hand, I am very disappointed with his FISA vote. While I intend to vote for him, I will not contribute any more money until and unless I hear some specifics from him about how he intends to oversee the implementation of FISA if he is elected as well as what changes he intends to make. The democratic party let the people of America down on FISA by trying to out patriot the right wing republicans. That was a serious mistake.

First the troops were coming home within 16 months now it may take 100 years, take notes folks.

Obama has not shifted on his Iraq policy. If reporter we not so lazy to do thier obs correctly and research what he has said, there would be a million apologies to Obama. Instead, it is easier for the MSM to let McBush and his thugs spin everything, and make that spain as their gospel. No wonder nobody trust the MSM!

" A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds, adored by little statesmen and philosophers and divines." Ralph Waldo Emerson..

Please CNN lets move on. yawnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn

Obama has not changed his position, at all. I can't believe this is still a story.

Flippity, floppety, floppety, flippity Bam Bam can deny all he likes – even CNN who made Oblahblah their God from the beginning is starting to say he keeps changing his position – WOW!!!!!

McSame is the world's greatest flip-flopper and CNN refuses to call him on it. He said months ago that we should leave Iraq if the government asked us to. Well now they have and he says we will not leave. That's not only a flip flop, it a half gainer with a full twist!!!!

Other stations are talking about it. CNN!!! Do your job, best political team and report all the news!!!!

Oh please. Wait until this clown gets into office. Then we will really see broken promises. The only thing that will change in Washington is the person sitting in the Oval Office.

The only thing Obama should think about ending is this dreadful campaign. Who isn't hacked off now with Obama? Hopefully, the Dems will notice the sliding numbers, the utter lack of experience, the mounting tensions with Iran which favor a tougher more seasoned leader and will pull the chain on this loser. Bring back Hillary and restore some chances to the Democratic Party.

It's obvious that he's a flip-flopper. This is just more "change we can believe in."

I am "only" an elderly German and retired manager and some of my comments did not survive the CNN moderation. OK so far. However, what bothers me the most is the tone of so many comments, that survived moderation. I admire the free speech in the US but many of the comments are so full of hate and stupid, making me questioning the line the CNN moderators are drawing. Is this still a matter of "free speech" or is it more the intention to letting matters heat up?

It seems that if thge Iraq government wants a timetable to get out the first thing he should do after his trip there is do just that…give a date to start the withdrawal. They don't want us there an most Americans don't want us there either. Just think how the BILLIONS of dollars thrown away there could help here at home.

I would be concerned if Obama just pulled our troops out without speaking with commanders on the ground in Iraq. Yes we want our troop’s home but doing it recklessly does no one any good, not us our troops or the Iraqis.

Maybe if Bush would have been willing to "refine" his Iraq policy we would be in a better position than we are now. I respect that Obama has the wisdom to know things should be “refined” instead of sticking to something whether it be wrong or right. Since there was never any WMD’s Bush needed to refine his policy but he didn’t and look where we are today. He owes no one an explanation for flip flopping because he didn’t.

Can yall go question John McCain about why he is so eager to fight a war? First he thinks it’s possible to stay in Iraq for 100 years, now he is repeatedly making jokes about bombing Iran and killing them with cigarettes. That is more serious issue to me than Obama wanting to meet with US commanders in Iraq to “refine” his policy

Obama has remained consistent on his desire to pull 1 to 2 brigades a month out of Iraq. That would only change he said if the soldiers safety was in question. How is that a flip flop, that is called good commanding. And the Iraq's want us out they announced two days ago, confirming what Obama has been saying all along – we should not have an unlimited timetable unlike what Mccain wants.

My head is spinning from these 180's. Thats okay barack keep repeating it and maybe even you will actually beleive you didnt change your position on Iraq just like the wire tape bill right?

He better listen to his advisers, what does he know?

His fans already believe him. After all, he is the messiah; he is perfect; he can do no wrong. And if he denies long enough, he will convince himself, he must be careful which audience he is addressing each time so he can phrase his denial just right. There are none so blind as he who will not see!!