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!!

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

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?

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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!!!!

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!!!!!

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

Please CNN lets move on. yawnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn

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

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!

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

Obama/Biden 08!

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.

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

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.

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.

"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.

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

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

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

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′

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.

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

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.

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"

"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.

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".

Yes he will!

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?

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 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.

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."

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!

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

ok..

That's cleared up. move along…

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.

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.

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.

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'.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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!

War? What War!!??

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

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

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!

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.

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

zzzzz…(snoring)…zzzzz….

interesting story! really!

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…

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

Me thinkest thou doth protest too much.

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.

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

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.

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.

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 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

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.

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?

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

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.

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

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.

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—

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.

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

McCain 08
Proven Courage

shameless guy he is !

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.

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…

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.

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.

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…

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

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.

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?

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.

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.

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!

“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.

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.

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

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

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.

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!

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!!!!!!

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…

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

Bring our troops home NOW!

Clinton/Obama 2008

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.

YES WE CAN.
YES WE WILL.

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

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.

“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

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.

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.

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.

“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?

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. 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.

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!!

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

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…..

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.

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

FISA
Iraq
Death penalty
Abortion
Public finance
Gun control

Who is Barack Obama???

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.

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.

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?)

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

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

NOBAMA EVER!!!

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

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.

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.

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.

GoBama!!!

We dont need 4 more years of George Bush!

McLies

McBomb Iran

McWarmonher

McFear Monger

Mc72 years old

McCant use a computer

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….

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.

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.

Obama can not be trusted.

He looks nice in this suit.

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!

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.

"“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.

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.

This should be put to rest!

He never wavered!!

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 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

"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.

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?

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.

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?

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.

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

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

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.

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!

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

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?

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?

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

Me thinks he doth protest too much.