Comments on: Obama again denies Iraq shift

By: Ron Seamon

Ron Seamon — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 16:23:58 +0000

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'.

By: Manuel TX

Manuel TX — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 16:19:56 +0000

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. ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||

By: McViagra 3 times removed G. Pa

McViagra 3 times removed G. Pa — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 16:19:37 +0000

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 .

By: Kathryn Irby - Metairie, LA

Kathryn Irby - Metairie, LA — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 16:16:47 +0000

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!

By: georgie

georgie — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 16:16:42 +0000

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

By: dan

dan — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 16:15:47 +0000

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

who really votes?

By: larry buchas

larry buchas — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 16:13:34 +0000

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!

By: Biff, hussein Biffington

Biff, hussein Biffington — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 16:12:56 +0000

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)

By: Ian

Ian — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 16:11:35 +0000

Never believed him in the first place.

By: Chanda-Cincinnati

Chanda-Cincinnati — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 16:10:02 +0000

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!

By: Not fooled by distractions

Not fooled by distractions — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 16:07:08 +0000

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.

By: JONNA

JONNA — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 16:06:15 +0000

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.

By: ANGIE

ANGIE — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 16:05:50 +0000

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

By: OBAMAN

OBAMAN — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 16:05:17 +0000

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

By: KJ, CA

KJ, CA — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 16:02:54 +0000

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.

By: STILL VOTING FOR HILARY!

STILL VOTING FOR HILARY! — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 16:02:28 +0000

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

By: Frostlanta

Frostlanta — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 16:01:35 +0000

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

By: Clinton Fringer

Clinton Fringer — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 16:00:52 +0000

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?

By: Brian

Brian — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 15:57:44 +0000

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

By: common sence check

common sence check — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 15:55:38 +0000

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

By: American

American — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 15:55:24 +0000

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

By: Chuck

Chuck — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 15:54:51 +0000

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

By: Dee

Dee — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 15:52:55 +0000

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.

By: Lorna, NY

Lorna, NY — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 15:52:32 +0000

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.

By: LUIS BARRETO

LUIS BARRETO — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 15:52:21 +0000

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./////////

By: NELSON Colorado Springs, Co

NELSON Colorado Springs, Co — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 15:49:15 +0000

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

By: Last Honest Man

Last Honest Man — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 15:44:41 +0000

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.

By: TiredofMcCainsFreeRide

TiredofMcCainsFreeRide — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 15:43:30 +0000

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.

By: Connie

Connie — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 15:42:55 +0000

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

By: Obama 08: Female, 60, white

Obama 08: Female, 60, white — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 15:42:51 +0000

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

By: Andre

Andre — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 15:40:50 +0000

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.

By: TiredofMcCainsFreeRide

TiredofMcCainsFreeRide — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 15:39:31 +0000

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.

By: Tammy - KCMO

Tammy - KCMO — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 15:38:08 +0000

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.

By: INDEPENDENT WHITE WOMAN for OBAMA

INDEPENDENT WHITE WOMAN for OBAMA — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 15:37:36 +0000

(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????

By: Kevin, Little Rock

Kevin, Little Rock — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 15:37:34 +0000

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.

By: Sacto Joe

Sacto Joe — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 15:33:43 +0000

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.

By: Mauri

Mauri — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 15:31:06 +0000

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.

By: Florida Voter

Florida Voter — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 15:30:50 +0000

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

By: J Lucas

J Lucas — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 15:28:34 +0000

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

By: A.J. in Fla

A.J. in Fla — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 15:27:45 +0000

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

By: hussein

hussein — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 15:27:31 +0000

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.

By: Florida Voter

Florida Voter — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 15:24:18 +0000

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!

By: kim hussein taylor portland, oregon

kim hussein taylor portland, oregon — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 15:23:24 +0000

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!!!!!!!!!!

By: @HusseinIsAmerican2

@HusseinIsAmerican2 — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 15:22:24 +0000

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 !

By: Farrell, Houston, Tx

Farrell, Houston, Tx — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 15:21:35 +0000

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.

By: PEOPLE WAKE UP

PEOPLE WAKE UP — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 15:21:20 +0000

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.....

By: caribbean admirer of Obama

caribbean admirer of Obama — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 15:20:54 +0000

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.

By: Sean Mulcahy, San Diego, CA

Sean Mulcahy, San Diego, CA — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 15:18:31 +0000

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

By: Wal

Wal — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 15:17:40 +0000

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

By: TiredofMcCainsFreeRide

TiredofMcCainsFreeRide — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 15:17:06 +0000

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!