Comments on: Pentagon was concerned with Obama visit to hospital

By: Steve Jacksonville, Florida

Steve Jacksonville, Florida — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 20:15:58 +0000

The McSame campaign is totally in reaction mode. Unable to shake the Bush legacy, caught in the middle of trying to appease the conservatives and maintain his phony "maverick" image, McSame can only attack Obama with weak jabs.

By: TonyInKentucky

TonyInKentucky — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 20:15:54 +0000

Senator McCain should be stoned for even having the hypocrisy to question Senator Obama's dedication to our Veterans and the troops.

Look at the voting records.

McCain is a sham and his supporter willfully blind to his callousness regarding our vets and common citizens. They are also blind to his apparent ineptitude and limited intellect.

John McCain is not fit to hold the office of President of The United States of America by even the wildest stretch. If this disorganized, visionless, and dim candidate is all we can have then repeal the 22nd amendment and just keep Bush, his level of competence and command of issues far exceeds Senator McCain's.

This campaign has made it perfectly clear why Bush defeated McCain in 2000. The Senator is dangerously incapable.

By: Bill L

Bill L — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 20:15:39 +0000

Another case where Obama can't win. If he went to the military hospital, the right would say it was just a photo op for the presidential campaign and he doesn't really care about the troops.
If he doesn't go, he is criticized as not caring about the troops.

By: tim edmon

tim edmon — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 20:14:42 +0000

Nobody seems to be talking directly about the issue, so here it is.
Obama was told by the Pentagon that he was welcome to visit the hospital, but that he could not bring the media with him. So, without the media along to photograph the event, Obama saw no political gain and cancelled. Period.

By: Glenn

Glenn — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 20:14:22 +0000

The Pentagon wouldn't have had a problem with Obama visiting and talking with the troops in the Hospital if he could have done it like most Congressman and Presidents have done in the past....without a throng of press, cameras and campagn staff. If he made the decision that there was no value in that, well that was his decision. I'm sure many of the troops would have liked to have seen him.

By: Mike, Syracuse, NY

Mike, Syracuse, NY — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 20:13:29 +0000

Yep, Obama went to Germany and made a speech. That sure qualifies him to be President. He can't start with zero experience in foreign affairs and expect that one trip checks off the box. It takes years to understand the issues , cultures, and people. Years Obama hasn't put in. Come back in 10 years, and maybe we could take you seriously. A free Rolling Stones concert would have drawn 200,000 people too. That doesn't mean Mick Jagger should be President.

By: TheTruthHurts

TheTruthHurts — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 20:11:31 +0000

Idiots. Say he shouldn't go and then complain when he doesn't. TYPICAL, but it won't work this time. Keep tryin'

By: Pink Elephant

Pink Elephant — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 20:10:09 +0000

The Pentagon shot back saying that they never told the Obama camp that it was inappropriate. ABC news has published the story...CNN is a little slow.

By: ankita

ankita — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 20:09:19 +0000

MCCAIN HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH THIS. "the Pentagon did not explicitly say Obama should not visit the base, but was concerned with whether his capacity there would be one of a presidential candidate, not a senator. "then Obama had determined it would be "inappropriate." haha the whole thing was inappropriate. It was a campaign event. Period. Why else did he feel the need to "bolster his foreign experience"? If Barry was so concerned about it, then why didn't he go to Afghanistan and Pakistan (AS PLANNED) when he was on a REAL CODEL with Blayh in Jan 06? Instead Barry went to meet with Palestinians student and leaders and the Emir of Qatar (who by the way owns and operated Al-Jazeera the Arab network that receives Osama videos and airs American beheadings). Curious isn't IT? Especially when he said Afghanistan was the reason why he SPOKE OUT OF NO CONSEQUENCE about going into Iraq. And why didn't he call any meetings regarding Afghanistan in the last two years? HE WENT TO MAKE THE WORLD SEE HIM AS A FAUX LEADER AND FOR THE USA SEE HIM IN THE ROLE OF COMMANDER IN CHIEF. Haha how does sinking a 3-pointer (eighth attempt) qualify him as C-in-C and lecturing Europeans qualify for anything except arrogance? It was a campaign event. PERIOD. Wake up Barrybots. CODEL's don't take private planes (especially an official CAMPAIGN plane without an American flag.) or their official campaign staff. And any human being -- especially a potential C-in-C -- intent on helping the plight of injured and maimed American men and women who are sacrificing their lives to keep his kids safe would never be stopped from seeing them. And just how do you think our courageous soldiers felt watching him speak to thousands of stranger without a vote instead of seeing them? How much time and effort and cost (at the tax payers expense) did it take for Barry's security in his Berlin speech? Ridiculous. He could've visited them without the photo-op but what would have been the point? Barry is a fraud. And each day he goes home and laughs at all the gullible Kool-Aid drinkers. I know you won't post this.

By: ex republican

ex republican — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 20:08:39 +0000

Why is the oil spill in the gulf being covered up by the media? To protect mcCANE?

By: Uh

Uh — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 20:07:49 +0000

Casey Clark....

The current president is supposed to be focusing on the issues at home. He should be shining a spotlight on the many issues we face. The candidates are talking about 2009. GWB is the one at the helm right now.

By: Barry In Las Vegas

Barry In Las Vegas — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 20:05:02 +0000

The CNN Headline on your home page is very misleading. It says: "Pentegon Prohibits Obama Visit." As you read the story, that is not the case at all. Obama didn't go visit the wounded soldiers because he couldn't take the press along for MORE photo ops. CNN, and the rest of the MSM make me sick with your bias and it seems to be catching up-because your annointed one hasn't gained in the polls. Obama didn't get his law degree in 7 days and he sure as hell isn't going to be an expert on foreign policy on a 7 day press/photo junket.

By: Kathy, VA

Kathy, VA — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 20:04:40 +0000

CNN WHERE IS MY POST???

By: kay

kay — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 20:02:43 +0000

Its obvious from most of these comments that most Americans are thoughtfull, sensible people, who can look beyond the color of a man's skin.
Some on the other hand, can't see nothing but "black".

Stop lying to yourselves, look beyond race to the real issues.
Your country is in a state of decline, be innovative and move in the right direction.

We are all rooting for you guys to get out of this slump, it affects us all one way or the other....most world currencies are pegged to the dollar!!!

By: Carolyn

Carolyn — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 20:02:25 +0000

CNN- Maybe if you did your headlines in an honest manner, not twisted and misleading you would get more intelligent responses.Honestly, CNN, I don't know what you're becoming.

By: Obama Library

Obama Library — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 20:02:02 +0000

Help us by contributing your images and text to TheObamaLibrary.com

By: mary

mary — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 20:02:02 +0000

Open your eyes, "this hardworking public servant Obama" he only when to this trip for the PHOTOS of HIMSELF to GIVE IT TO CNN, NYT TM, ETC ETC. he is only an empty PHOTOGRAPH on a trip.
With no experice on International world.
Photographs of his trip is not experiece for being president of the USA.

McCain long life experiece, a greait president to be!

By: interesting

interesting — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 20:01:46 +0000

Bad move barry. Always see our troops that are sacrificing their lives. Your Berlin speech could have been cancelled for all I am concerned. I saw more flags, bumper stickers, and campaign memorabilia to say you were campaigning there.

You could have visited the troops in private w/o cameras. I guess he always wants to have the spotlight.

By: Kathy

Kathy — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 20:00:16 +0000

Obama is an arrogant idiot. Plain and simple. He has no respect for anyone but himself.

By: Rob

Rob — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 19:59:54 +0000

People please, don't undue all the the good rep Obama just made with the rest of the world by acting like the ignorant fools they think we have been for the last 8 years.
Now listen carefully.
If Obama would've went to the visit the troops with no staff, naked and invisible, the press would've still been there.
Couple that with the vague (how many differing statements have we recieved from the Pentagon now since yesterday?) advice by the Pentagon, how can you question his decision?
He erred on the side of not politicizing the event of going to see the wounded troops.
Are all of you Obama haters really that daft?

By: You should have voted for Hillary!!!

You should have voted for Hillary!!! — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 19:59:25 +0000

What was he afraid he might have to actually touch someone? That is just plain rediculous. Our tax dollars and his campaign funds are both being used for this trip. He should have gone to visit our wounded veterans. This guy is showing his true colors more and more each day.

By: Rave

Rave — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 19:58:00 +0000

Bunch of high school sissies jealous about the Rising Super Star of the World... nothing else
OBAMA (2008 -16)

By: Roz, IL

Roz, IL — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 19:57:09 +0000

this administration,Mcliar, and the rest of you President Obama haters are PATHETIC

By: Kelly Mix

Kelly Mix — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 19:56:25 +0000

If the goal of Sen. Obama was to visit the troops without any campaing benefit, he could hae simply, quietly, and without press of campaign entourage taken his secret service detail and made a short, quiet, and meaningful visit. That he cancelled shows his goal was to have footage for a campaing add trying to depict what he is not – dediated to the militaryt and the work that they do – shame on him!

By: Brittany. LA

Brittany. LA — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 19:52:54 +0000

The Obamafest goes on but he's falling in the polls, now down to about 4% which is statistically insignificant. What's happened is a great white backlash caused by CNN's and MSNBC's constant fawning over THE ONE. Keep it up boys and you'll put McCain in the White House.

By: Leroy

Leroy — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 19:52:49 +0000

Oops...I read it wrong. The Pentagon was quoted, quoted as saying that Obama's campaign is making things up. He was welcomed to visit the wounded troops but decided not to.

Again, McCain 08!

By: bibi

bibi — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 19:52:43 +0000

Obama stands for change. He is very creative in organising his campaign. He has been accused of not being able to cope with the world stage. He has shown you that he can. Oh, boy how presidential he looked! Very much at ease with World leaders! We no longer live in little villages. What happens in the World these days will affect us all. Obama knows that and that's why he had to introduce himself to the world. Leave the old ways behind people and look to the future. I am tired listening about the surge and the past! I like Mc Cain a lot but I find it very irresponsible of him to stand as a candidate for president. We need someone younger and who is IT smart. The country deserves the best especially in this hard time. Obama can achieve a lot for America with diplomacy! Others can only do it with bombs.

By: peter, dc transplant

peter, dc transplant — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 19:44:18 +0000

You can't win... If he visits, he ignored the pentagon and manipulated a senate trip to serve his campaigning purposes like a kniving politician would. If he doesn't, he ignores and hates our troops, is a cop-out elitist, and is a poor commander in chief. It doesn't matter what he does, the repubs are going to rail him for it either way. At least he's taking advice from the pentagon and not overstepping his bounds. right? That alone shows he'll be a better president than bush

By: ES NYC

ES NYC — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 19:32:35 +0000

God ! If only all the Obama-haters had scrutinize Bush like this before they voted for him a second time. Instead they are whining and crying that one of our senator and presidential candidate drew hundred thousands foreigner waving the american flag all around the world.
Shame on you, you dare calling yourselves patriots but you are along with Bush/McSame all but representing american values and ideas.

By: JoanG

JoanG — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 18:47:28 +0000

Nonsense. Obama should have fought to visit the troops. A short public statement of any Pentagon objection would have been sufficient to change their minds. But I think Obama was just as happy not to go.

By: vicky

vicky — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 18:46:01 +0000

Many people around the world, by Internet or Satellite have been and are watching the US canpaign for President as the US does have a lot of say in world politics. Because Barack Obama is so well spoken and thoughtful, other leaders are ready to listen to his opinions. Whether or not they agree has yet to be seen. I have watched and carefully listened to all three candidates and cannot believe those who say Obama is being favoured by the Press. Those of you who say that were not paying any attention to Glenn Beck, Fox News or even Cnn's Brown who's eyes lit up every time she latched on to anything negative she could dream up in regards to Obama. She seems to have cooled it to some extent. Barack Obama does not force those thousands of people who take the time to see him and no hired band would draw that crowd unless they were the Stones or such. You may be sure if he paid a visit to Canada he would get a different reception than McCain who sometimes smiles when it is not called for. As a Canadian we cannot vote but we can hope Americans make the right choice.

By: CTP

CTP — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 18:45:48 +0000

So, the US GOVERNMENT cares so much about the troops, that he stopped a Senator and Presidential Candidate from visiting them? What has this government come to? Were they afraid that it would help Obama out or what? This government is far too corrupt. Soon, Bush will sign an Executive Order delcaring that Obama cannot be seen on television or in-person for security reasons. NOT ON MY WATCH, WASHINGTON!!!

Obama '08!!!

By: Beca

Beca — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 18:45:40 +0000

Where is the crown???? King Obambi!

By: McNo

McNo — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 18:44:50 +0000

When Obama goes abroad people wave American flags when McBush goes abroad people waive protest banners. And this is what theGOP want for everyone to hate America it appears from criticizing Obama

By: seattle dave

seattle dave — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 18:44:38 +0000

Honorable call on Obama's part. I know "heroes" like John McCain think its Okay to get a photo-op in with wounded soldiers. McCain sent them to die for oil in the first place! How dare he criticize the man who would bring them home? McCain and Bush are just empty corporate shills.

By: moses woodruff, east point, ga

moses woodruff, east point, ga — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 18:44:37 +0000

At least Mr. Obama had the sense to abide by the pentagon's suggestion on this matter...

As to the people who STILL criticize Mr. Obama, I only have to say "did you criticize Mr. McCain's visits?"

By: Julian, MD.

Julian, MD. — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 18:44:32 +0000

Barack..you can't and wont please em all. Do what you think is Presidential...you are the next President of this country. Mr President!!!!

By: McNo

McNo — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 18:43:33 +0000

They were concerned Obama would expose the conditions these vets must live in compliments of McPhony voting against veterans all the time.

By: Zion

Zion — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 18:42:42 +0000

Now, in the last blog I commented on, people had an issue with Obama acting like he was already president, and he was accused of disrespecting the pentagon. Now, he is following pentagon orders and he still receives criticism. Then, some of you are drinking that same tired punch, I'm going to vote for McCain...... So...Who are you threatening. You're not threatening Obama because he will benefit from McCain's economic relief package for the rich.

Belle, if you have followed economic policies you would have understood that the policies supported by McCain have us in this economic turmoil that we are currently in. We are fighting this war on American tax dollars.... Hmmm... McCain cannot possibly balance the budget by implementing tax cuts for the rich.

By: David - Missouri

David - Missouri — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 18:42:31 +0000

If Barak wanted to show the voters that he could in fact command the world stage he has been hugely successful. 200,000 in Berlin. We need change in this country and we also need to act like a world leader. Barak is going to bring back the swagger that we once had in the US. He's willing to meet and listen to leaders of other countries. He's willing to be a moral leader. McCain is going to be out of political bullets very soon, he already wants to identify his VP to steal the spot light. What on earth will he have left this fall to grab the spot light. Barak Obama will be the next President of the United States. Most importantly, the view of the US will change over night. Thank God!

By: Phil in KC

Phil in KC — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 18:41:59 +0000

If he doesn't take the advice of the Pentagon, they blast him. If he takes the advice of the Pentagon, they blast him. Sounds like you just can't make the Republicans happy no matter what you do. Maybe that's their problem; they're just an unhappy group. Wait until they lose in November; they'll be even less happy.

By: ber6964

ber6964 — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 18:39:22 +0000

Jealousy is all!! All these people ranting about Obama's trip are tripping because Old Dead Eyes McCain couldn't get 2000 to attend a speech anywhere in the world. Wasn't he in Europe earlier this year without as much of wimper from anyone???

By: deb

deb — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 18:39:03 +0000

well i see the trolls are out in full force today. are these the talking points you picked up from mccain's website? ya know, the page that gives you tips on what to write about on message boards?

By: Steve From Dallas

Steve From Dallas — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 18:38:26 +0000

Obama will say and do anything to be president.... even pretend he is and take a workd tour...

Shameful and a clear display of an egomaniac...

Cant wait till he accepts his party's nomination... now that they found a stadium big enough for his ego.

NO Obama in 2008... we just cant afford another inexperienced president.

By: JJ

JJ — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 18:38:11 +0000

Here is the new name for the republicain candiate: McShame.... this guy is too old to get elected as president of the United Sates.

Write it down: Obama will be the next president of america. I am white but I like this guy.

By: michelle, atlanta GA

michelle, atlanta GA — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 18:37:58 +0000

ZOMG!!! obama hates the troops!!!

geez you sheeple are so G-U-L-L-I-B-L-E!!!!!!!!!!!

mccain in flames '08

By: Monica for Obama in Indiana

Monica for Obama in Indiana — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 18:37:15 +0000

OK CNN, I see that the media is not going to apologize for printing the untruth. But somehow the media has put the blame on the Obama Campaign, Everyone knows that Obama is not the President we need not be reminded. All of you are like Pres. Bush @1 said, "you are just jealous."

Strange how the white house and pentagon are trying to run something they are not even paying for.

By: Jim

Jim — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 18:36:54 +0000

You people have got tobe kidding me! It is quite clear that if Obama had gone you would have cried foul and claimed he was using the troops for political purposes when he decides that he doesn't want to make that impression and does not visit the hospital you cry foul. This is how Republicans and to some extent the Democrats have ruined the political process. Instead of talking substance we just look for things to hit the other guy with.

By: David

David — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 18:36:53 +0000

SO many people say the media is biased towards Obama. I certainly don't see it that way. He may get more coverage but 80% of it seems to always have a negative over or undertone. If they could critisize the way he breathes they would. (i.e. Is Obama taking too many big breathes robbing others of oxygen?) This is how stupid and petty the criticisms of this fantastic person have become. There is definately a double standard. The things McCain does and says would be intolerable if Obama did them.

By: INDEPENDENT NOW

INDEPENDENT NOW — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 18:36:47 +0000

obama obama obama we are kinda getting sick of all the coverage! You would think he was a KING> you guys have rolled out the red carpet for this candidate, the coverage is astonishing. I would be mad if I were Mccain.The bias is overwhelming and I dont want either of them! I will vote for HC cause this is just one big political photoshoot.