December 3, 2008
Posted: December 3rd, 2008 07:37 PM ET
Above: Pre-election Obama makes a slightly smoother call.
Above: Pre-election Obama makes a slightly smoother call.

WASHINGTON (CNN) –A Florida congresswoman – convinced she was being prank-called by a Barack Obama sound-alike – hung up on the actual president-elect Wednesday.

Florida Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen was told by an aide that Obama wanted to speak with her. According to a statement released by her office, the Republican congresswoman cut off the caller, telling him she thought “this is a joke from one of the South Florida radio stations known for these pranks.” She then hung up.

Obama’s future White House chief of staff, Rahm Emmanuel – a fellow congressman – then called her to let her know she’d actually been speaking with the future commander-in-chief. Ros-Lehtinen, convinced the call was another hoax, hung up on him, too.

Finally, an aide told Ros-Lehtinen she had an urgent call from Chairman Howard Berman, chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee. Still suspicious, Ros-Lehtinen urged the California Democrat to recount a story only both of them would know.

Berman passed the test - and told her she had, in fact, hung up on President-elect Obama.

When an amused Obama called again, Ros-Lehtinen he was either “very gracious” to reach across the aisle by contacting her, or “had run out of folks to call, if you are truly calling me.” Otherwise, she said, Saturday Night Live “could use a good Obama impersonator like you.” The Obama transition team declined comment on the incident.

On Tuesday, Secretary of State nominee Hillary Clinton also spoke with Ros-Lehtinen by phone, relatively uneventfully.

Filed under: Barack Obama • Extra • Ileana Ros-Lehtinen


The Operative Word » Blog Archive » Lessons From Sarah   December 4th, 2008 8:15 pm ET

[...] From CNN: Florida Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen was told by an aide that Obama wanted to speak with her. According to a statement released by her office, the Republican congresswoman cut off the caller, telling him she thought “this is a joke from one of the South Florida radio stations known for these pranks.” She then hung up. [...]

Bill   December 4th, 2008 1:18 am ET

You all are morons... She is not a senator or a state representative, she is a congresswoman and a very prominent one at that. Just. Bbecause you Obamabots havent heard of her doesnt make her a nobody

In fact she is the ranking member of the house foreign relations committee, a moderate, and possibly the most promient cuban-american politician. Thats probably why obama called her.

And called id? Lol. A president elect calls on a secure line, as would a president elects chief of staff... There would be no caller id reading to help her out her

static   December 4th, 2008 12:40 am ET

Pulling a dialysis machine along??? Ya, that's how it works...

I think it's funny everyone always says, "why can't they find this tall guy with a dialysis machine." Like he's actually hooked up to a dialysis machine 24/7...

True they should be doing more about finding him, but I just find that hilarious.

John   December 4th, 2008 12:38 am ET

Barack Obama is a citizen of the United States......................................
Even most rightwing groups that have been critical of Obama's plans
don't use that. (check Factcheck.org which did a very good piece on this contrive BS) As for Congresswoman Lehithen she has been on
Bill Mahr's show and seem like a reasonable person. I give her a break as a supporter of President elect Obama because really this seems to be a non issue and folks we need to deal with real tough
issues like (the economy,war on terror and etc)

Julian, AZ   December 4th, 2008 12:37 am ET

Common guys and ladies...give this lady a break! Repub or not she just thought it was a prankl just like I would. Yeah! Barack has been elected and I voted for him, but if I get a phone saying Barack is on the line...believe me I will demand some sort of prove.......after all why out of the millions is he calling me personally?

doug.....!!!!! must sound like a Christma joke.....Santa coming to town tonight!!

Jerry   December 4th, 2008 12:37 am ET

Wait! What's that noise?? Oh, it's only President Elect Obama moving to the right now that he has bagged the presidency. He IS as smart as they say he is!!
Wait: What's that noise?? Oh, it's only the left wing gasping for air.

Ricky Rodriguez   December 4th, 2008 12:35 am ET

She is my representative. I voted against her. She is a Bush puppet. Neo-Con. This was hilarious. She is nice though although i disagree with her war mongering fascist ideas.

J, MN   December 4th, 2008 12:35 am ET

that's funny. I understand her being skeptical.

irishny   December 4th, 2008 12:35 am ET

Lighten up people,its perfectly understandable.Shes a republican congresswoman from Florida.If i was her i would have hung up too. Id be thinking why would the president elect call me?

There are numerous radio stations out there,who do make these sort of prank calls,so its hardly surprising some people would be distrusting.

Give the woman a break!

Erik in Iowa City   December 4th, 2008 12:33 am ET

Is this news? It's somewhat amusing, but do we need to document every instance of Obama's pre-presidency?

exomike   December 4th, 2008 12:32 am ET

It's no big deal, she hangs up on all black people.

tHE gREAT gAZOO   December 4th, 2008 12:32 am ET

Hello, dumb-dumb.

Alexander   December 4th, 2008 12:30 am ET

On the contrary– she probably thought she was important enough to be pranked the way Sarah Palin was.

george   December 4th, 2008 12:30 am ET

I wonder why the likes of Patrick are talking about being a Kenyan or African or Americans. Are you guys loosing your brain cells so much that you keep categorizing human beings on racial lines?

Marie Cash   December 4th, 2008 12:24 am ET

Lighten up people. This is a funny story.

Kevin   December 4th, 2008 12:19 am ET

WOW PEOPLE IT WAS A MISTAKE. OBAMA CAN TAKE IT LIKE A MAN

Jaye   December 4th, 2008 12:17 am ET

This is so funny!!!
This congresswoman didn't want to look like idiot Palin. LOL

SD Demo   December 4th, 2008 12:16 am ET

It is easy to see how this could happen, but Ros-Lehtinen is also an all-around jerk with nothing going for her other than her virulent anti-Castroism. I hope Obama was calling to tell her our policy toward Cuba was about to change.

leilani   December 4th, 2008 12:15 am ET

It's too bad this woman couldn't have been as mistrustful of Bush and Cheney when they said there were WMD in Iraq as she is of Obama saying he is Obama. It might have saved us all a lot of trouble as well as the lives of over four thousand American soldiers in Iraq.

Stephy   December 4th, 2008 12:15 am ET

LOL!!!!
that is funny after all!
But still she should apologize... (which is nowhere mentionned)

Rob   December 4th, 2008 12:14 am ET

What a moron

yvesanthony   December 4th, 2008 12:12 am ET

America is beautiful. America is unique. It's vry interesting to see people voice teir opinion by posting a comment. The negative comments is minime comparing to the positive ones. That, it's telling you, america is unique and race is an affair of the past. This is a new america. For you who posted a positive comment, your effort is not in vain, I believe you are already educated one or more of those reculant
bloggers who refused to admit the truth.

Pennie Johnson   December 4th, 2008 12:11 am ET

Poor baby. Palin's got them all skittish after her "Sarkozy" episode.

Sam   December 4th, 2008 12:10 am ET

Hell, I would've hung up on him 3 times if thats would it would've taken to get rid of this moron.

Who cares.....he nothing more then a bought and paid for "political correct" hire by the dems / communists and their blind followers.

Jim   December 4th, 2008 12:09 am ET

Oh boy, the liberal media making something out of nothing again. The sick, stupid and crazy left never will get it. They are just sheep following the lion to slaughter. I can't wait until it blows up in their face and they go around running and asking "how could of this happened"?

Idiots.....period.

Mark   December 4th, 2008 12:07 am ET

Well, I have never been a fan of this woman, and now even less so. I have never seen her with anything intelligent and substantive to say. I hope she gets voted out soon, especially now that Florida is a BLUE state.

dibick99   December 4th, 2008 12:06 am ET

WELL, SHE'S NOT TOO BRIGHT ANYWAY. IN 8 YEARS SHE'S VOTED ALONG WITH BUSH ALMOST 100%.

bern   December 4th, 2008 12:05 am ET

There sure are a bunch of stupid racists posting today. I wish them all well.......in hades.

Steven from Kunkletown, PA   December 4th, 2008 12:04 am ET

Holy Mackerel, people. This is a humor piece, lighten up.

Obama thought it was funny. Rep. Ros-Lehtinen thought it was funny. It was a silly misunderstanding.

c2   December 4th, 2008 12:04 am ET

Dude! Republicans are all about the gimmic and no brains. Sorry.

This is a funny story however. I'll have to admit I might do the same tjing without some sort of protocal to that this.

At the end of the day you have to be willing to have a sence of of humor and laught at life.

Kim-Florida   December 4th, 2008 12:01 am ET

Correction Mr. Lightfoot, the William Ayers interview was 11/14/2008...May God give you peace...

Merle   December 4th, 2008 12:00 am ET

ID HANG UP ON OBAMA!! hes still only a Senator till Jan 20th!!!!!!!! for petes sake!!!!!!!!!

parag   December 4th, 2008 12:00 am ET

Sarah Palin's prank call virus infected whole GOP!

jose soto   December 3rd, 2008 11:56 pm ET

Thank God!!!! ...She is not President-elect. Now, you know what she will do if she hears a 3am phone call!!!!

nate   December 3rd, 2008 11:54 pm ET

This really show how he is reaching both parties!!! His really gonna try to bring change!!!!!! Obama obama obama!!!!

keeth in california   December 3rd, 2008 11:51 pm ET

Why can't Obama be "very gracious" AND "truly calling [her]" at the same time?

CarMaker One   December 3rd, 2008 11:45 pm ET

I would have hung up on him too!!!!

Daniel   December 3rd, 2008 11:45 pm ET

Why did not everyone "hang-up" on election day?

This Congresswoman had the right idea.

jerry   December 3rd, 2008 11:42 pm ET

I'll betcha Superpolitician Sara Pallin wouldn't hang up on him.

David Somuah   December 3rd, 2008 11:42 pm ET

Wow these radio shows have everyone scared now.

monica   December 3rd, 2008 11:40 pm ET

Lay off the crack, lady, it makes you paranoid!

Change   December 3rd, 2008 11:39 pm ET

Journalism died in 2008.

Unnamed   December 3rd, 2008 11:38 pm ET

Shame to racist GOP comgresswoman. How wonderful of those criminals to start the Iraq war. I will NOT vote for those racists forever in my life. How nice that person who hate our President-Elect. I want no more GOP party next time we vote in 2010. I hate them.

Die hard republican   December 3rd, 2008 11:34 pm ET

Good for Obama for reaching out to other side. Did not vote for him, but so far pretty impressed with his choices and actions. I am sure the time will come when I will hate his choices but at least he seems to try to bring this country together. Gives me hope that he will not end up another Pelosi/Reid. Maybe we finally got politician who is American first and Democrat/Republican second...

Tab L. Uno   December 3rd, 2008 11:30 pm ET

I enjoyed article. It offers some levity and real-life humor in this time of darkness. I read it with a good deal of tactful decorum and understanding.

Sammy   December 3rd, 2008 11:29 pm ET

Priceless.

Brad   December 3rd, 2008 11:26 pm ET

Typical replies in this story... A Republican does something that in no way speaks of their achievements (or lack thereof) in Congress and is attacked simply for being a Republican. You idiots out there need to wake up, get over whatever problem you have with yourself, and find something constructive to say.

Mike   December 3rd, 2008 11:23 pm ET

I remember voting for her when I lived in Miami- she is one of the more reasonable Rs (at least by Fla. standards). If the Republican Party had more like her in high office maybe our country (and her party) wouldn't be in the dumps.

Davonne   December 3rd, 2008 11:19 pm ET

Lol This woman's lucky Obama's a very gracious man.

Chris   December 3rd, 2008 11:18 pm ET

This is actually kind of funny.

A lot of people in here are saying really rude things, yet they are the people voting for this so-called "change"? Is it change simply because there will be a liberal spin on all the name-calling and finger-pointing?

When I envisioned Obama's world, I thought of bunnies, birds and balloons – not bitter jerks who no longer have anything to be bitter about, other than the fact that Obama's words are only just that: words.

I really hope he can provide 1/4 of what he promised. But with people like this in his corner, I can't picture anything changing for the good.

Larry   December 3rd, 2008 11:15 pm ET

She is not stupid ,she did not vote for him.Why would she think he was calling her,she wasn't in the Clinton administration.

Joseph   December 3rd, 2008 11:14 pm ET

With all the things happening in the world, this is what CNN chooses to write about? Shame.

Mullsky   December 3rd, 2008 11:12 pm ET

A Republican Congresswoman is ridiculed for being cautious and yet Obama wins the Presidency on a platform of "Hopey Hopey Change Change" . Quite Ironic.

Jeanne Bean   December 3rd, 2008 11:11 pm ET

Wow, I cannot believe how utterly rude some people posting on here are. Obama deserves none, absolutely NONE of your insults!

I can understand why she thought it was a prank. Maybe people should stop playing the pranks.

Jim in Ohio   December 3rd, 2008 11:10 pm ET

And if the Congresswoman HAD been victimized by a crank call – then all of you flaming her for being suspicious would now be flaiming her for being so naive as to not BE more suspicious!

I'm NOT a Republican – but reading so many derisive comments shouts loud and clear that you are no shining example of "the change we need" by being so ingracious.

Miami   December 3rd, 2008 11:10 pm ET

When Ros-Lehtinen sees Obama in person she will laugh at him and make jokes by claiming he is just a good Obama impersonator who could work on SNL. What a great sense of humor we have Ileana. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen is just an impersonator of a Member of Congress. She gives the Congress a bad name my making herself the laughingstock of the country. What an idiot. Hang up on everyone that calls you and see how many friends you make that way. Boy I sure hope Ros-Lehtinen doesn't need to ask Obama's help for anything. She will hang up on him as soon as he answers.

Ross   December 3rd, 2008 11:08 pm ET

With their lame duck leader leaving office, these people can't even think with their own brains!!! First Martinez, now her! Click!

Antwon Davis   December 3rd, 2008 11:03 pm ET

Will the real Obama please stand up!

lol

sara   December 3rd, 2008 11:01 pm ET

I am an Independent who votes mostly democrat. What a hateful, lousy bunch of winers you all are. For GOD'S SAKE and this country's sake, get a grip!

The woman is NOT an idiot, she had no real way to verify the call. She acted appropriately. Republicans are NOT stupid because they are Republicans...Dems are not smart because they are Democrats. PEOPLE are what they are. When you trash Republicans because you disagree with certain ideas, you are trashing your fellow American. When you trash Dems because they are Dems, the same thing. When you trash anyone of these, you trash me. And I don't play that.

I do not worry about people from across the world trying to hurt our country. They don't have to do a thing to hurt us. If we do not learn how to pull together as a people, we will do it ourselves...and I for one, will not help you do it.

So Stop it.

Miami   December 3rd, 2008 11:00 pm ET

Ros-Lehtinen ... what a paranoid idiot. How does hanging up TWICE on the President-Elect help your constituents? Thanks Ileana. But don't worry, no matter what you do we will always vote for you only because you are a Republican.

ReasonedTraveler   December 3rd, 2008 10:57 pm ET

It's a humorous story that could happen to anyone. Lighten up, everyone.

TexasGoat   December 3rd, 2008 10:56 pm ET

She doesn't even think highly enough of herself to think the President-elect would actually call her.

PRICELESS.

Sunny   December 3rd, 2008 10:55 pm ET

Come on! Can't you see what she did? She played the super whami card...hang up on Obama, his staffer, question the third caller and then hey...make the national headlines...

dssdaasdsdasd   December 3rd, 2008 10:55 pm ET

Obama is awesome

Steve   December 3rd, 2008 10:54 pm ET

You people that post are armchair idiots...like most in this country...you talk...(oh do you talk) but do nothing to act!!!

You vote for a party like I cheer for a sports team and have no analytical ability on actual issues... GO SHEEP GO!!!

Debbie   December 3rd, 2008 10:54 pm ET

I remember seeing her on Real Time last week.

First one to talk, last one to listen. Yeah, instead of checking with her staff to see if this was real, shed rather avoid being pranked. Good gesture of showmanship and self preservation over a non issue, congresswoman.

Dave in Houston   December 3rd, 2008 10:53 pm ET

He was calling to offer her the post of Secretary of Education, but when she hung up, he got someone else!

Wah, wah, waaaaaaaaah!

Angela   December 3rd, 2008 10:50 pm ET

Oh, leave her alone. I can understand why she thought it was a prank. She probably thought she was too far down the line (and in the wrong party) to receive a call from the actual President Elect.

Stratofreaker   December 3rd, 2008 10:48 pm ET

Oh come on people, lighten up. True, this isn't a "hard news" piece, but a humorous one. And I think it's as funny as hell. Give the lady a break, I'd have probably hung up too. And I'm a dyed in the wool, big-time Obama supporter.

But there is an underlying story. Obama *is* reaching across political lines. Sorry to break it to you Repubes, but you won't hear that on Faux News.

Tim   December 3rd, 2008 10:48 pm ET

Florida Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen:

yet another – in a long line of – insignificant republicans.

Miami for Obama   December 3rd, 2008 10:48 pm ET

WHICH IS WHY I VOTED DEMOCRATIC IN FL

Andy   December 3rd, 2008 10:47 pm ET

Even if you think it was a prank call, it'd be nice to have politicians with the courage and temperament to play along. At least the second time.

honestly   December 3rd, 2008 10:46 pm ET

....And we wonder why Congress gets low approval scores....!

Proud American from New England   December 3rd, 2008 10:46 pm ET

ding-dong.

Ben   December 3rd, 2008 10:46 pm ET

I wonder if he asked the question, "Is Your refrigerator running?" If she said yes, he probably told her,"Maybe you should go out and catch it.". Or, maybe he asked her about Seymour.

Jesus Praising, Freedom Loving American Patriot   December 3rd, 2008 10:45 pm ET

Another seat for the Dems next in 2010

tim   December 3rd, 2008 10:45 pm ET

Tells you want practical jokes lead too – lack of trust.

What's the world coming to?   December 3rd, 2008 10:44 pm ET

This is priceless! One Republican gets prank-called by two comedians who say they are the French President, now another hangs up on the President-elect because she thinks it's a prank! Just goes to show how idiotic the GOP has become.

P.S.
REPUB, what the %@#& are you smoking?

Sunny   December 3rd, 2008 10:42 pm ET

Hey Thomas, re-read what you wrote...your grammar is not up to par either partner.

Matt, Manchester, CT   December 3rd, 2008 10:41 pm ET

Wow, another slow news day, CNN?

Jo-Ann   December 3rd, 2008 10:40 pm ET

@willy brown...

I don't think Obama would call you anyway....please get over yourself...all your blogs are hateful....WHY?

Were you so hatefilled in all the other presidential elections?

Joe from Dowagiac Mi.   December 3rd, 2008 10:39 pm ET

Am I the only one who noticed that CNN seldom allows comments on stories that might put Obama in a bad light? But if a story reflect poorly on ANY Republican the comments are open for days.
"CNN, the most bias place for news"

Dixie   December 3rd, 2008 10:39 pm ET

How could she know? At least she didn't get scammed like Polar Palin.

Joe from Dowagiac Mi.   December 3rd, 2008 10:34 pm ET

Hey Angelo, you pinhead, McCain was challenged and he produced not only his REAL birth certificate, but the military orders that put his father in the canal zone. Oprah, I mean Obama (well, same thing) had his attorneys fighting every day to keep him from having to produce a single document in federal court. WHAT DOES HE HAVE TO HIDE? Didn't he say his administration would be transparent? Now he refuses to answer questions on his selection of Mrs. Bill Clinton as Secretary of Hate. You picked a real winner there! Looks like a Democratic Nixon.

Ward Ciac II   December 3rd, 2008 10:33 pm ET

She's a silly.

JBS   December 3rd, 2008 10:32 pm ET

REPUB OF LA. After reading your statement I am totally convinced that you are from another Plant and if your not you should have a “second lobotomy” and you won’t care after that.

jean paul   December 3rd, 2008 10:31 pm ET

Wow,
We have so many things to worry about, like the war in Iraq and a recession, that are so much more important, but instead of doing something about it, people are arguing over such superfluous matters. We are truly a nation in trouble if our ideals lay so low as to insult each other over such menial matters. We as a nation have truly lost our focus.

Phil NY   December 3rd, 2008 10:30 pm ET

The whole world should hang up on this unqualified empty suit.

Anonymous   December 3rd, 2008 10:29 pm ET

the woman is an idiot

ChicagoSuz   December 3rd, 2008 10:29 pm ET

Does anyone know why he was calling her??

janet, ohio   December 3rd, 2008 10:29 pm ET

Dudes, I thought we Repubs were supposed to be hate-mongers, etc. You Dems are seriously hateful - even after you've won! Wow ...

KJL   December 3rd, 2008 10:29 pm ET

It's pretty funny, but at least she wasn't babbling like an idiot before she was sure who was on the line. Congresswoman Ros-Lehtinen will NEVER end up on Youtube!

John from Atlant   December 3rd, 2008 10:28 pm ET

She must be a friend of Sean Hannity. Idiots tend to stick together.

Pat Pa.   December 3rd, 2008 10:28 pm ET

@ Greg G.

A little paranoid, aren't you ?

I think it is very funny. She sure didn't want to become another Palin. LOL

Richard   December 3rd, 2008 10:28 pm ET

Don't worry, he wouldn't call you.

AdamW   December 3rd, 2008 10:27 pm ET

Typical GOP politician. Someone who knows nothing about politics or how to communicate appropriately. Is this how she would treat foreign dignitaries or others she isn't sure about? By hanging up? Extremely childish but I expect nothing less from the GOP.

scott   December 3rd, 2008 10:26 pm ET

Wow. That's a lot of partisan bickering.
Seems like she made an honest mistake.

JoAnn   December 3rd, 2008 10:26 pm ET

@Willy Brown..

Don't worry Preasident Elect Obama would not call you!!! You are a HATER!!

Have a Blessed Day and try to be not so NEGATIVE!!!

Joe from Dowagiac Mi.   December 3rd, 2008 10:26 pm ET

Good for her. I would have hung up on Obama as well, right after I told him where he could shove his opinions!

Pat Green (CA)   December 3rd, 2008 10:26 pm ET

HAHAHAHAHAAAAAAA. now that's a good one!

BobC   December 3rd, 2008 10:26 pm ET

This is a funny story! Obama has to have a great sense of humor dealing with republicans!

Carlos   December 3rd, 2008 10:25 pm ET

priceless

enoch needles   December 3rd, 2008 10:25 pm ET

you keep waiting for that call, willy.

Sue   December 3rd, 2008 10:25 pm ET

I can't believe that we have morons like this in office still.

Obama 08   December 3rd, 2008 10:24 pm ET

To "Willy Brown" you must be a republican too!! All of you think just alike, which you all don't think at all !

Proteus Decision   December 3rd, 2008 10:24 pm ET

The Congresswoman's reaction is pretty typical of the paranoid Republican mindset: everything is a conspiracy!

Marie in California   December 3rd, 2008 10:21 pm ET

I'd hang up on Obama too.....if I knew for sure it was him.

David Levine   December 3rd, 2008 10:21 pm ET

Barak Obama is awesome. No doubt about it.

lovable liberal   December 3rd, 2008 10:20 pm ET

Next step: Find an Obama impersonator and prank her for real.

patrick   December 3rd, 2008 10:20 pm ET

Angel wrote"as a Kenyan, there is no record of Obama being born in Kenya….Kenyans would have revealed this a long time ago….no one can lie about these things and a white woman giving birth to a baby in Kenya in the 60s would have been a big deal back then……"

YOU ARE NOT A KENYAN AND NEVER WILL BE! HAVING TO LIE TO SHOW YOUR INGORANCE IS REALLY A MAJOR LOW. AND TALKING ABOUT AFRICA(KENYA) AND MAKING COMMENTS LIKE "WHITE WOMAN GIVING BIRTH TO A CHILD IN KENYAN BACK THEN WOULD BE A BIG DEAL IS THE MOST UNINFORMED AND LOW LIFE STATEMENT I HAVE HEARD FROM THE LIKES OF YOU!
GO GET AN EDUCATION!MAY BE THAT WOULD HELP YOU CATCH UP PER INTELLIGENCE OF TRUE AFRICANS

Coultergeist   December 3rd, 2008 10:19 pm ET

So did she apologize or just blame it on the media?

Kyle   December 3rd, 2008 10:19 pm ET

I would hang up on him too!

Brittany   December 3rd, 2008 10:18 pm ET

I wonder how she lost all her brain cells?

California Gold   December 3rd, 2008 10:17 pm ET

Clearly the woman did NOT want to be lampooned as another Sarah Palin talkin' with the President of France Nicolas Sarkozy.

Palin has given us so many fond memories.

Tomas   December 3rd, 2008 10:17 pm ET

Great story ! But I think it would be even funnier if we could all find out what he wanted to talk to her about. I hope not a job.

Amy Q   December 3rd, 2008 10:17 pm ET

As annoyed as I am by the GOP I agree with those who said this is just a really funny story and nothing more. Let's face it, radio shows are big time known for their pranks anymore and I suspect she didn't want to look as stupid (and ignorant) as Palin getting pranked by the Canadian station... though it would be really, really hard to sound as stupid as Palin.

I really can't blame her one bit. The worst thing would have been her accepting the call, talking about issues that are not really public knowledge and find out it was actually a prank call from a radio station and she revealed information to the public she shouldn't have.

Still, pretty funny story and I image they all had a good laugh over it when it was all sorted.

truthbetold   December 3rd, 2008 10:16 pm ET

A little paranoid? Not wanting a Palin moment I suppose.

Josh from Montana   December 3rd, 2008 10:13 pm ET

Wow. Wow. Wow. That's all that comes t mind. How did this make the home page of your website CNN? You are a news organization. REPORT NEWS!!

Dimslie   December 3rd, 2008 10:12 pm ET

Sounds like one of those times when you have the facts mixed up and do the right thing anyway.

Ken, Plano, TX   December 3rd, 2008 10:11 pm ET

John December 3rd, 2008 8:32 pm ET

"I would hang up on this n- too."

CNN, did your moderators really find this language "appropriate for posting?"

Claire   December 3rd, 2008 10:11 pm ET

The way that radio station treated S. Palin, who can blame the Florida Congresswoman? Joke boomaranged. I think - no - I am already seeing it - and Obama is not even in office yet - a lot is going to boomarang in the next 4 years. Don't think I will read any reply comments. I am outta here after this vent.

Indy in AZ   December 3rd, 2008 10:11 pm ET

Republican scum!

TyWebb   December 3rd, 2008 10:09 pm ET

Hey, "Willy Brown" – I'm sure he cares.

Nameless   December 3rd, 2008 10:09 pm ET

I'd say "No Way, It's like a dream come true" and then hang up on him.

Elizabeth DC from Maryland   December 3rd, 2008 10:09 pm ET

I agree with Greg G. Would someone please give me some real news? Why was he calling her in the first place...I surely hope it wasn't to discuss a cabinet position for if so I am confident President Obama has reconsidered such a conversation.

Democratic Vet   December 3rd, 2008 10:08 pm ET

Repub of LA..GET OVER IT!!!! He published his birth certificate. He served on senate...so I am pretty sure he had an extensive background check. Why should he have to continue to prove his patriotism. He won..ITS OVER!

kbjudge   December 3rd, 2008 10:08 pm ET

Since CNN is doing the moderation of blogs, and they were clearly behind the Democrats, my comments probably won't be posted.

Ken, Plano, TX   December 3rd, 2008 10:07 pm ET

@REPUB OF LA (and anyone else silly enough to keep bringing up the birth certificate non-issue.

It doesn't matter where McCain was born. He was born to parents who were US citizens at the time of his birth, so the law says he was born a US citizen, even if he happened to be born in a tent halfway up Mount Everest.

Obama, same deal.

Ravi   December 3rd, 2008 10:06 pm ET

You know, it's one thing to be cautious, but this lady was over the top. After several people stated the facts, she still stubbornly refused to accept the truth. I didn't see this as a Dem or Repub issue. I saw it as a congressperson being disrespectful to the future president of the US.

But props to Barack on reaching out to the other side of the aisle. I'm confident that many Republicans will appreciate that once he takes office.

Diebold Bandit   December 3rd, 2008 10:05 pm ET

Yes, a black man is president.

I know this is disturbing to some of you.

And although every nerve in your bodies feeds off of the fear of someone – anyone . . . the sun will still come up tomorrow.

Grow up.

Alex   December 3rd, 2008 10:04 pm ET

All of a sudden, my fear that Florida will send a Bush to the Senate has increased 100 fold!

Sanity has Returned   December 3rd, 2008 10:03 pm ET

It's sad to see some of the racists comments made on this thread about Obama.. I guess ignorance is the rule of the day. Just remember, Obama is still going to be your President and he will do his best to bring much needed change to this country for all citizens, not just the haves and have mores. When his term (s) are finished, he'll still be intelligent, a great husband, great father, a former President, former US Senator, former 2 term Illinois Senator, an author, a former Civil Rights attorney and Constitutional Law Professor..What will you be other than whiney, jealous and probably still as ignorant?

Barack & Roll   December 3rd, 2008 10:03 pm ET

wow. the intelligence of republicans astounds me everyday

Vi   December 3rd, 2008 10:03 pm ET

Obviously, you people don't the morning radio talking heads here in South Florida, I would have been skeptical as well.

Johnny Logic   December 3rd, 2008 10:02 pm ET

This post just reflects the damage being done by the two-party system here in America. People wonder why things cannot get done in Washington, D.C. or even in their own states. It's because the loyalties to one's "party" are superceding the needs and desires of the people. It's getting worse every year. AARRGGH

Anna from Milton, FL   December 3rd, 2008 10:02 pm ET

Dear Republic of LA: The constitution actually says "natural born citizen". As the son of a U.S. citizen, it doesn't matter one whit where he was born. He could even have been born on Krypton, as he has claimed. He was born a citizen. Get over it.

rasabu   December 3rd, 2008 10:01 pm ET

I'd hang up on both the Congresswoman and Obama if either called me. I'm tired of the embargo against Cuba, which has changed nothing since it was put in place except destroy the lives of the Cuban people even further than the Castro's have, and Obama has shifted so far to the right he has been a Clinton clone. What ever happened to his liberal positions. He's reinvented himself as a New Democrat. That's what the Clinton's called themselves when they first arrived in Washington.
If we are going to have a Clinton administration, I'd rather the real thing and not someone acting like a Clinton.
I'll take SOS designee Clinton's call anytime.
I'd put Barack on hold.

Kimberly   December 3rd, 2008 10:01 pm ET

Shes not an idiot, I mean look how stupid palin looked thinking that the President of France was calling her to talk about hunting. I am an Obama supporter, but I can TOTALLY understand how this woman who was NOT expecting the call was not going to look like an idiot when it could have been a joke. Then everyone would have said what an idiot she is thinking Obama was calling her...SEE she cant win...It reminds me of the movie The American President when Anette Benning told the President he had a nice butt, because she thought it was a prank call, haha....

Ken, Plano, TX   December 3rd, 2008 10:01 pm ET

So are all the Pub pols quaking in their dress shoes because Palin got punked?

Maybe a little humbling's what they need, anyway. Not only did they really screwed up, but to this day they frantically deny that enacting their philosophy into policy has proven that their philosophy isn't viable. They're still trained to think like the Bush base, faithful, and with conviction undeterred by fact or crushing defeat.

If they can't get in touch with reality, we can't afford to let them govern.

jerry   December 3rd, 2008 10:01 pm ET

She is exactly the type of sicko we've waited to get rid of. She's both dumb and rude. A Spanish Palin. But for her, only ex-rich Cubans count anyway, so the president doesn't deserve her time.

The mystery is why did both Obama and Clinton call her?

Ayn Rand   December 3rd, 2008 9:58 pm ET

Howard Roark – You used to be such a good man and so much more intelligent than to comment on something like this! What happened?

Well maybe they Congress needs a secret code for the Cammander in Chief phone calls?   December 3rd, 2008 9:58 pm ET

Well mabe they the Congress needs a secret code for all phone calls from the Commander in Chief, likes, "Frozen Eagles" Jim, Wayne, Mi.

Ron   December 3rd, 2008 9:58 pm ET

I'd hang up on a joke, too.

me myself and I   December 3rd, 2008 9:57 pm ET

all of yall need to relax big time. it is jus a funny story and doesn't need to be politicized or made into some us verses them type of thing. lets learn to laugh together and get back to the center of things a little more. please? !

Caroline   December 3rd, 2008 9:57 pm ET

She probably did it on purpose and the joke thing was a cover up... I dont blame her.

nostradamus   December 3rd, 2008 9:56 pm ET

I have no idea what have to do a centrist pragmatic politician as Obama, with this political dinosaure right wing scumbag. Ileana Ross Lethinen is a Repug Cuban infiltrated in the US Congress. Obama should realize that Cuban politicians have their own Agenda, a pro-Cuban Agenda where Americans do not exist. Obama should understand that he must end the Cuban embargo immediately he got the Presidency, fixing a historical dirty mistake. He can't show the same weakness and lack of morality of past administrations pandering MiamiCuban votes. In exchange, they allowed that Cubans dictated the US foreign policy with Cuba and with Latin America. Cuban Immigration Adjustment Act should be repealed ASAP!!! The criminal embargo should stop at once.!!!!!

Joman   December 3rd, 2008 9:56 pm ET

How scary is it that ignorant, racist bigots have equal access to the Internet..!?

Maybe its actually a good thing – one can hope that they get directly challenged by rational, intelligent people – and end up learning something that changes their world view for the better.

Then again some people still think the moon landing was a staged hoax. Yeesh....

Jeff   December 3rd, 2008 9:55 pm ET

LOL, too funny. Please stop the hatred folks, it's not worth it. Hatred will lead you nowhere, except where you don't want to go.

Becky   December 3rd, 2008 9:55 pm ET

Am on the Phone with OBama right now

Obama 08-12

Anon   December 3rd, 2008 9:54 pm ET

Perhaps she should apologize?

Noneya   December 3rd, 2008 9:54 pm ET

geez people, lighten up! She made a mistake, and I am sure Obama did not take it personally. You people – both Dems and Repubs, need to get past the whole campaign and be gracious... both in winning and in losing!

Anon   December 3rd, 2008 9:54 pm ET

Perhaps she should apologize?

PZR   December 3rd, 2008 9:53 pm ET

Hey, Congresswoman Ros-Lehtinen, is your refrigerator running?

troy   December 3rd, 2008 9:52 pm ET

I love to see bitter people talk about Obama. You guys lost, we black people won. Get over it. hahaha.

Vendo Thefastlane   December 3rd, 2008 9:50 pm ET

Blame the terrible radio hosts who trick the listeners into thinking these pranks are legal. Any prank has to either be revealed to the "victim" before recording or it is prepared and packaged with the consent of the "victim". Of course not every lawmaker should know every law, though... It's sadder that this representative listens to hack morning radio when there are MUCH smarter ways to get your morning dose of comedy talk. OK? Terrific!

Rush Lameduck   December 3rd, 2008 9:50 pm ET

REPUB, AA is now accepting new drunks for the twelve step program,please leave your laptop home though.

BAD SIGN   December 3rd, 2008 9:49 pm ET

PARANOIA!!

THATS A SIGN. A BAD SIGN WHATEVER IT IS SHE WAS BEING CALLED FOR.

BAD SIGN.

Michael   December 3rd, 2008 9:48 pm ET

Quote from Thomas: ". . . she thought she it was a hoax. Lighten up and go back to grammar school." Wow, way to school him–thank the maker you were never my grammar teacher.

ADEMOLA OMISORE   December 3rd, 2008 9:47 pm ET

THE SADIST WILL ALWAYS BE WITH HIS OR HER OWN PERSONAL DISAGREEMENT.THEY WILL NEVER HAVE A GOOD THOUGHT WHETHER BEING GOOD OR BEING BAD BECAUSE THERE IS ALWAYS A RAPE ON THEIR THOUGHT.ONCE U DON'T HAVE NO RESPECT FOR YOUR LEADER SUCH THING WILL TURN AROUND ON U,EVEN IN THAT UR DARK AND LOCAL OFFICE.KEEP AWAY UR PERSONAL EVIL NO MATTER WHO IS UR LEADER TO TEAM UP AND BRING DEATH TO LIFE(america)FOR THE INTEREST OF PEOPLE WHO ELECTED YOU.FINALLY,IS HANGING UP A PHONE IS THE ANSWER TO WHAT YOU ARE BEING ELECTED FOR.KEEP IT UP FOR THE PROGERSS OF UR PEOPLE.

José M. Pulido   December 3rd, 2008 9:46 pm ET

To all those who are "still waiting to see President elect Obama's birth certificate," If they are open-minded and fair, would they also like to see Sen. John McCain's Panamenian birth Certificaet? He was born in 1936 "in Panama" and still ran for president.

mr. impartial   December 3rd, 2008 9:45 pm ET

let's just remember everyone, both of these candidates are American-born and citizens of this great country. President-elect Obama was born in Hawaii and Senator McCain in the Panama Canal Zone on an American Naval base, which means both were born on US soil. Please stop bickering over this pointless subject.

Iowa Mom   December 3rd, 2008 9:44 pm ET

Come on, it's a funny story.

Sue   December 3rd, 2008 9:44 pm ET

I feel sorry for you, Cliff. Lots of people, including me, do not say the Pledge for religious reasons (how can you pledge fidelity to a piece of cloth, anyway? What does that even mean?) That doesn't make me bad or a traitor.
And as far as good and evil, I'd say that the Bush years have more than shown us evil wouldn't you? Killing innocents in the Middle East, torturing people, lying about WMDs, killing a man who was supported by us because he held the Taliban at bay, but he was a convenient target for Bush's war, eroding our freedoms, tapping our phones illegally. It seems the republicans are the ones who can't recognize evil. What is it Bush has on you? He hasn't kept us safe...look at what his spending spree has done to the economy, the deficit, the debt. Bin laden said early on that our failing economy would be the demise of the US, and Republicans put us on the fast track to that. Obama is promising nothing except a hard trip back to a great America...I'm ready to work for the country, are you?

Flex   December 3rd, 2008 9:43 pm ET

Republicans are filed with hang ups.

Mike   December 3rd, 2008 9:42 pm ET

I'm a Republican and yes we lost. Some can't seem to accept that. Too bad for them because none of us can afford for Obama to fail. I wish him well and hope he is able to help pull us out of this mess but I highly doubt it. No one person, or for that matter one administration, can fix this any more than one man or administration put us in this mess. If you think Bush is to blame for the entire world's woes then you are a sad individual who puts too much credit on the lap of the US President.
And Oh by the way, if we lost and are supposed to get over it, then why can't the Democrat's in California accept the fact that the voters decided to void the gay marriage thing and why can't they get over the fact that they lost too. One word for you Dems, HYPOCRITES. Same old Democrats. It's either your way or it's wrong. You don't get that some people, millions of them actually, disagree with you. Get off your high horse and stop trying to push your liberal agenda on everybody.

DeDe   December 3rd, 2008 9:42 pm ET

John...one word...ignorant!!!!

ADAM   December 3rd, 2008 9:42 pm ET

I PREDICTED OBAMA WOULD WIN ALONG TIME AGO. I AM ALREADY WORKING ON 2012 216 ELECTIONS.

PALIN WILL NOT BE PRESIDENT EVER. SO PLEASE GET OVER THAT. AND GET OVER IT QUICKLY.

amy   December 3rd, 2008 9:42 pm ET

OBAMA doesn't have an impressive English dialect. He sounds like a n IDIOT. Sorry guys, but he doesn't sound intelligen at all–can't stand to listen to him talk.. ...BORING.

LM75   December 3rd, 2008 9:42 pm ET

Hello, you lost. Get over it,.

Pat in IL   December 3rd, 2008 9:42 pm ET

I can't really blame her for being suspicious of a prank call after the one that Palin got. Please, people, enjoy the fact that Obama is not only tolerant, but also has a sense of humor and could see that this was just a goofy mistake that anybody could have made. Why is anybody taking this so seriously and making such hateful remarks?

DeDe   December 3rd, 2008 9:41 pm ET

To Cliff lightfoot

As an African American woman who married to very great African American man and 3 wonderful African American children. We are very well educated Business Owners and how ignorant of you to sterotype all African Americans. There are just as many "white" people who are dead beat "sperm donors" as blacks. Grow up and think before you speak. Ignorance like yours will never die, because you continue to teach it to your children and other mindless sheep who are willing to listen to you!!!

Scully   December 3rd, 2008 9:40 pm ET

I don't live in Florida.

Representative Ros-Lehtinen demonstrated some "street smarts" by vetting the callers. And that's what the story is about.

Good for her. More of that is needed in DC.

colin   December 3rd, 2008 9:40 pm ET

mikeNJ,

THE 50 Sates
puerto rico
district of columbia
guam
mariana islands

looks like 54 to me, maybe they arent all states, but technically 3 of those 50 states arent states either, their comonwealths. so yeah, shut up

Dan in Chicago   December 3rd, 2008 9:39 pm ET

Well, Palin thought she was talking to French President Sarkozy when it was actually a Canadian radio station.... and you can't blame her, a single congresswoman out of 475, to doubt that the President-elect was trying to contact her.

truthbetold   December 3rd, 2008 9:39 pm ET

She is as stupid as Palin and just as insignificant.

ATL   December 3rd, 2008 9:39 pm ET

The real problem is that she couldn't believe after all the half-truths, lies,etc. the Republicans made up about Obama, that he really was serious about reaching out to them. Mostly because they would never do the same if in his position. I am afraid as much as the new President want to be bi-partisan in his approach, that it just is not in the nature of Republicans like this representative to be so. To his credit he will try, but just like the story of the frog carrying the scorpion across the river, he will get stung. The good news is that in 2010 the voters will throw out even more of these lunatics whose policies (or lack thereof) have brought this country to the brink of disaster.

CS King   December 3rd, 2008 9:39 pm ET

So much for the Cuban embargo......

Mean Green   December 3rd, 2008 9:39 pm ET

Maybe LA Repub was told the birth certificate the state of Hawaii stands behind and is available to anyone who wants to see it was a fake by the aliens that keep abducting him. One day the truth will come out that Obama was sent from space to solve our problems because humans weren't able to do it ourselves.

Ahhhh I'm soo looking forward to 8 more years of conspiracy theories by members of a party that have almost destroyed the economy and military not to mention our reputation around the world in the few years they were in power.

Put on your tin foil hats guys. Obama's about to turn on the mind control machine.

Ooops!   December 3rd, 2008 9:39 pm ET

Hey Dems, let's lighten up on these GOPs. Let's everyone lighten up!

I can understand how anyone could make this mistake. This Rep. deserves the benefit of the doubt.

Who *doesn't* deserve it are the idiots on these boards that use this space to vomit back the long-repudiated lies about President-elect Obama. Please look at snopes.com and put a sock in it, finally!

MichelleS   December 3rd, 2008 9:38 pm ET

Oh my God people...get a grip. What is with all of the negative remarks. The whole thing is supposed to be funny. Do any of you have a sense of humor? Apparently not, you immediately go for "she shouldn't be in office," "she's a stupid Republican," for crying out loud, no wonder this country is so divided when you can't even read a story just for the fun of it.

Pete Collins   December 3rd, 2008 9:36 pm ET

Paranoid nutcase!
Florida probably deserves to be represented by that lunatic as a little bit of punishment for their failure in the 2000 election that gave us Bush.

yellow dog democrat   December 3rd, 2008 9:36 pm ET

Maybe she wanted to talk to the President of France!! Yes?

miguel   December 3rd, 2008 9:35 pm ET

Jamie,
I'm afraid you're the dumb one (or at least not very literate). She is a representative not a senator.

bill for barack   December 3rd, 2008 9:35 pm ET

Just another Republican idiot – but then, aren't they all ?
The ones that aren't treasonous are just plain stupid.

José M. Pulido   December 3rd, 2008 9:32 pm ET

Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-Forida) hanging up on Soon-to-be president Barack Obama’s and future White House chief of staff, Rahm Emmanuel shows her despot and arrogant attitude. She should resign if she had any honor and dignity. Not only that, but she tried to hide her despotism by making up a story on how it happenned and impose it on all others. But it is no surprise, her cynicism represents the whole GOP's purpose and attitude toward the American people; they think they own this country. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen's petulance is a disgrace and an embarrasement to all Cuban-Americans. She should be voted out next time she runs for office.

sachincko   December 3rd, 2008 9:32 pm ET

I do not think this was funny at all. I am stunned at the disrespect people who are supposed to "love this country" show for the leader. How can America begin to heal when it is awashed in disrespect and racism. No one black or white would have hung up on John McCain whether or not we agreed with him or voted for him. If you don't respect the Man, respect the Office and at least give the Man a chance.

truther   December 3rd, 2008 9:32 pm ET

Dont you see what going on here, people?! Here is solid proof of the Liberal Media bias! I mean, why else would they cover a story about THE PRESIDENT-ELECT of the USA?!!!

(and for you repub/neocons/idiots, this comment is what you would call sarcasm.)

daune   December 3rd, 2008 9:32 pm ET

who could blame her, at lease she is smarter than sarah palin,remember those french canadain radio comedians.

Brendan H., San Antonio, TX   December 3rd, 2008 9:31 pm ET

This is the same woman who appears regularly on Bill Maher's program and exhibits an incredible level of denial when it comes to Bush.

And, quite frankly, she's under the impresion that not only is she the smartest knife in the drawer but the only knife in the drawer.

As regards Obama's real birth certificate – you right-wing dingbats are wearing the tin foil hats too tight; loosen it up!!!

SOUTHERN HOTTIE   December 3rd, 2008 9:30 pm ET

@REPUB OF LA. December 3rd, 2008 7:52 pm ET

STILL WAITING TO SEE HIS REAL BIRTH CERTIFICATE !

****************************************************************************
You're on the wrong blog, buddy.

FOX NOISE is probably what you're looking for.

Sue   December 3rd, 2008 9:30 pm ET

No wonder the Dems are now in charge. Thank God.

singasong   December 3rd, 2008 9:28 pm ET

Sarah Palin got pranked and you thought "hah, she believed him!" now a GOP thinks it's a prank from recycling , "oh no! I better have Gates stay on" Obama and she should have known?

Nick   December 3rd, 2008 9:27 pm ET

Very funny. And after the Palin phone call with a radio station, I wouldn't blame her.

Banner   December 3rd, 2008 9:27 pm ET

This is funny at first, but then it is also a bit worrisome.

Maybe this highlights a problem that needs to be addressed. The people running our country should have a secure line of communications that ought to prevent regular people from generating this "prank" calls that might one day be responsible for an important missed call.

Obama reaching out   December 3rd, 2008 9:24 pm ET

I am not surprised that Obama would call a congressperson or even a civilian. This is the type of person that he is- he doesn't put himself above anyone and we have seen that he treats every around him with respect. (unlike our last president who didn't listen to anyone)

He is a good person and no matter how much some folks want to hate him, his values and core decency towards a fellow man/woman will not change.

Pythonian   December 3rd, 2008 9:24 pm ET

Guess you have to understand this one, after all Palin thought she was talking to the French President during the campaign.

Sharon   December 3rd, 2008 9:24 pm ET

She most likely didn't want to appear as stupid as Sarah Palin when she was punked......Repub Paranoia...

Nick   December 3rd, 2008 9:21 pm ET

The election is done. Finished. Get over it.

Tom in Delaware   December 3rd, 2008 9:20 pm ET

That's because she knew he was going to ask her to lead the CIA....nobody wants that job in his administration because of the Eric Holder nomination.

People are leaving the CIA so fast that they are running job ads on TV.

Hey Barack, why don't you get John Kerry to do it, he wants a job pretty bad since you dissed him for Hillary.

bill   December 3rd, 2008 9:20 pm ET

She's a Republican. What do you expect?

steven harnack   December 3rd, 2008 9:20 pm ET

cliff lightfoot should change his name to cliff litehead , then take a running jump off one.

ck   December 3rd, 2008 9:19 pm ET

Geez, I'd hang up on him too.. lol

Dan, FL   December 3rd, 2008 9:18 pm ET

I know it wasn't the case here but regardless of which side of the aisle you're on, elected officials should be off limits to tasteless pranks used to boost ratings you're losing to sirius and ipods.
Im an obama supporter and I found this one pretty funny but if I were in her shoes, I'd have been skeptical too. sarah palin was hit by these fools while she was on the campaign trail and its pathetic to think that anyone seeking such an important and respectable position, regardless of how much I disagree with their beliefs, wasted even thirty seconds of their time for some moron's game.
have standards.
but like I said, this was pretty funny.

Andrea/ CA   December 3rd, 2008 9:18 pm ET

To Willie Brown and John you two are some idiots, he woudn't want to talk to you anyway, his IQ is way to high for you two ignorant, narrow minded, characters.

Doug   December 3rd, 2008 9:18 pm ET

This is NOT a funny story. It is a sign of how dysfunctional our government has become.

I voted for Obama, only because he might end the partisan gridlock that is destroying our country!

For 20 years both Republicans and Democrats have been more concerned about winning elections than improving the country.

McCain and Hillary were all about winning. Neither one could change things. I'm skeptical about Obama but he's the only one who has any chance to make things different.

Nikita McMillon   December 3rd, 2008 9:17 pm ET

Obama do your thing, don't let the haters, hate on you. I think you and your wife belong in the whitehouse and it's time for a change. I have a son who has been to war five times since he has been in the us army. he was eighteen when he first joined the milltary. he is the only child that I have. I think that you will make a difference with the american people. also I think you have a wonderful choice in your tansition select with your team, and it can make a difference in america. as long as you oversee the process. obama all the america people are watching you, so keep your god in whatever choice you make. because what's for you can't know man take from you,now work it out.
ps tell you wife she is a very bless young frist lady.
may god bless you and family.

mihalis   December 3rd, 2008 9:16 pm ET

*CLICK!* haha

Steve NY   December 3rd, 2008 9:16 pm ET

I would hang up if I thought it was him for real. LOL.

Get Real!!   December 3rd, 2008 9:15 pm ET

To barry...dana pt...calif – Yes, some Republicans are idiots. But there are far more idiots on the Democrats side. You all can blame Bush and the Republicans for the state of the economy but lets face it, it was the Democrat-led congress that got us into this mess! You know, the ones defending Fannie and Freddie. The ones lining their pockets with cash like Chris Dodd, Charles Schumer, and Barney Franks. Now Nancy Pelosi wants another multi-billion dollar stimulus package! WOW, just wait till Obama takes office. If you think the deficit is outrageous now – there will be no stopping them. Hope you all keep your half of your hard-earned money in your mattress (the other half is going to Obama!!!)

Dan, TX   December 3rd, 2008 9:15 pm ET

This is such a cute and funny story. Anyone who says ill of her or Obama is unAmerican.

Gisele from NY   December 3rd, 2008 9:15 pm ET

As Kevin stated, "Very understandable after the Palin-Sarkozy prank.". Oh, and Obama is a man of integrity. He promised to "reach across the aisle" and he has -numerous times. Perhaps Florida Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen is simply not used to that. This is all part of the change we were promised. Kudos to Obama!

Tim   December 3rd, 2008 9:15 pm ET

Quick, somebody prank call her. I bet she won't hang up next time.

Geoff in CT   December 3rd, 2008 9:15 pm ET

Typical republican jerk reaction. Losers, big time, all of them. Too bad it took so long to happen. The rest of us will be paying for the republcan misdeeds for decades to come.

Anonymous   December 3rd, 2008 9:14 pm ET

This is not news

steve r. from Wash st.   December 3rd, 2008 9:14 pm ET

good job!!!!! LOL

joseph   December 3rd, 2008 9:14 pm ET

She just didn't want people to see her in the same light as Palin who got punked: hook,line and sinker.

Michael Kuester, OH   December 3rd, 2008 9:12 pm ET

In her defense, I'm surprised there aren't more politicians with phone paranoia, what with the infamous Palin incident. Kudos to Obama for having a good sense of humor about it.

And beyond that, it really is a funny story.

m.   December 3rd, 2008 9:11 pm ET

a. How is this even a news-worthy story?
b. The commentary that followed it demonstrates the ineptitude of the American public.

Nathan in Cincinnati   December 3rd, 2008 9:09 pm ET

Thomas – you complain about spelling and grammar, however, you have both spelling and grammar mistakes in your post! "except" should be accept; and "she thought she it was a hoax".

Jeff From Jersey   December 3rd, 2008 9:09 pm ET

If a Republican doesn't hear the tapes or see the video,then it didn't happen!Just like the conference call Bush had with the hurricane center about Katrina when they specifically told him the levees would almost certainly fail.His response?"Nobody told me it would be that serious."!

Obama ought to call her at 3:00 AM to see if she's even capable of answering the phone when her country needs her.

They weren't even painting caves when McCain was born.Heck,they might not even have left the trees yet.For all we know,even if he has 6 or 7 or however many houses,none will replace his tree fort.

FreeNLovIt   December 3rd, 2008 9:08 pm ET

That's great! I think for National Security purpose, you should have a secret question to ask a person... seriously..

Erick in Alabama a loyal Obama supporter   December 3rd, 2008 9:08 pm ET

ok, obama was born in a state, hawaii, mccain was born in another country, panama.so check your facts people and get over yourselves.you GOP aren't the only God believing, patriotic Americans! You will go to hell for telling democrats and others that don't agree with you the they are going there.

Glen In Los Angeles   December 3rd, 2008 9:07 pm ET

Funny, funny, funny!

Just A Thought   December 3rd, 2008 9:07 pm ET

To:
Thomas December 3rd, 2008 8:36 pm ET

I find it very funny when someone makes a statement like the following:

"If you are going to talk about the intelligence of other people, then you should at least know how to spell and use words correctly. You also should display at least a slight degree of intelligence. The Rep wasn't refusing to talk to President Elect Obama, {she thought she} it was a hoax. Lighten up and go back to grammar school."

Thomas, before you go and sit on your perch and point down at us little people for not using proper grammer and spelling words incorrectly, try proof reading your own comments. You will notice they have been bracketed above in your statement. Your welcome.

Mary-Ann   December 3rd, 2008 9:07 pm ET

Oh, Thomas. Not to put too fine a point on it, check out the difference between "except" and "accept." but, don't feel too badly; my grammar isn't the best either.

Best of luck to all of us.

Democrat to the bone   December 3rd, 2008 9:05 pm ET

hahaha i love it! another great example why the GOP should be exiled from congress, white house and any form of goverment office LMAO

Bill   December 3rd, 2008 9:05 pm ET

Republicans are sooooo out of vogue – finally!

Chris   December 3rd, 2008 9:03 pm ET

Why do people bother to respond to anyone who types their entire message in caps?

Larry   December 3rd, 2008 9:03 pm ET

She didn't vote for him,obviously she not stupid,she acted vary intelligently,unlike the people here.If you get a call from Obama,I am sure YOU would think it was him,and ask him when he was going to give you those rich peoples money he promised you.

Jeff From Jersey   December 3rd, 2008 9:00 pm ET

FLORIDA!
THAT FIGURES!
ENOUGH SAID!

Eric   December 3rd, 2008 9:00 pm ET

Wow, judging by some of the comments, it really is sad that they don't bring back the 'three-fifths' concept for voting, but instead of discriminating against blacks, they could discriminate against morons. This way, educated people like me won't have their votes diluted by children in adult bodies.

mfh   December 3rd, 2008 8:59 pm ET

hey john,

nice comment. any idea what year it is by the way? the 50's were over a few back. unless you live under a rock, take a look at the us population. your days are numbered.... and so are mine.

Seth   December 3rd, 2008 8:57 pm ET

Always follow your instincts...

reggie   December 3rd, 2008 8:55 pm ET

I don't blame her one bit. There are so many pranks out there. AND, yes, I am sure some of them are pulled on democrats, too.

Gerry   December 3rd, 2008 8:54 pm ET

This person has a need of a personality bail-out. She ought to apply with the White House. I understand they will shortly have a surplus of personalities to hand out. Good Luck, and God Save Us from the GOP.

Obama Supporter   December 3rd, 2008 8:53 pm ET

This was an innocent reaction on her part. She was just overly cautious, probably based on prior experience with prank calls from S. Florida radio stations. No need to hurl insults at her.

Anonymous   December 3rd, 2008 8:52 pm ET

This woman knew very well it was Barack Obama. She just wanted the opportunity to disrespect the man.

Childish.

Erika, KS   December 3rd, 2008 8:52 pm ET

This is too funny!

Marc   December 3rd, 2008 8:52 pm ET

How dare she hang up on our President-Elect.

Obama.........A Real American Hero!!

Matt   December 3rd, 2008 8:52 pm ET

This is great. When a Republican falls for a practical joke they are an idiot (Palin), and when they think someone is doing a practical joke then they are idiots. Great thinkers out there. This is a really funny story that has nothing to do with the intelligence of the representative. Do you really think that a representative from another party, there are over two hundred of them, should have been expecting a call from someone who isn't even president yet?

Vegas Roller   December 3rd, 2008 8:50 pm ET

Is Ms. Ros-Lehtinen so important that she can't take a call from the President-elect or another member of Congress? For that matter, is she so important she can't take a call from one of her own constituents – even if it is a radio prankster? I've seen this public servant – and I use the term loosely as she seems only interested in serving herself – on TV and all she does is toe the standard Republican party line which as we've seen over the past eight years serves nobody but the super rich at the expense of everyone else.

Brad   December 3rd, 2008 8:49 pm ET

OMG I'm talking about politics on CNN; I'm so productive!

Trevor in Ja   December 3rd, 2008 8:49 pm ET

@ those saying you would hang up too

You know you are lying. You would be so full of yourself to have the President calling you that you would talk and then tell your neighbourhood the President called you

dickelocker, Ft. Lauderdale   December 3rd, 2008 8:49 pm ET

Why would Obama call Ros-Lehtinen?
She was one of the few GOP Reps who voted for the bail-out (TARP)the 2nd time around (not the 1st time). Her two Cuban cohorts, the DIaz-Bailart brothers, voted against both times. She is also ranking GOP member on the House Foreign Affairs Committee. She is someone Obama may need.

Why did she hang up? She's a humble woman, and saw no reason why Obama would call her. And Yes, these South Florida disc jocks call people out of the blue with accurate impersonations, and say the most horrid things. Vicious, personal, invasive.

I think it was wise of her to hang up, given the improbable circumstances. However, she knows both Emmanuel and Berman. Her native tongue is Spanish, so perhaps she doesn't easily recognize individual English-speaking personalities on the phone. There are a lot of Obama impersonators out there.

I hope Obama's outreach bodes well or future bipartisanship.
Where does the birth certificate fit into this? rel

Independent_m   December 3rd, 2008 8:48 pm ET

Sarah Palin could learn a thing or two from this Congresswoman!
Tooooo funny!!!

Terry Berg   December 3rd, 2008 8:48 pm ET

Hi, I'm Terry, and I'm a Republican. And a fair minded Republican at that. As much as I didn't want Obama in the Whitehouse, there he is. Nothing I can do about it. I hope he keeps up his campaign promises.

On the subject of his birth: What difference does it make where he was born. He was born of a United States citizen. If you are a United States citizen, and you have a baby in Kenya or anywhere else in the world. That makes you a United States citizen. End of story.

ttofast70@comcast.net   December 3rd, 2008 8:48 pm ET

Hey John you are miserable white trash with no life. The fact that CNN printed your gross, ignorant, in-bred, hillbilly statement shows a gross disservice in the taste department. Please print my response to that pig you let opine earlier.

kevin   December 3rd, 2008 8:47 pm ET

so both mccain and obama were not born in or anywhere near america. viva mexico

joe 6pack   December 3rd, 2008 8:47 pm ET

whatever happened to old fashioned face to face meetings.

Bohica   December 3rd, 2008 8:45 pm ET

I think this is funny myself.. Of course not as good as the Sarah Palin prank call from the french president. I was howling with laughter she sounded so so so dum......... and her giggling.......... next best was the turkey fiasco

clifford   December 3rd, 2008 8:44 pm ET

Hung up on Obama? That's alright because he hung up on all of his supporter's!!! You "left" wing liberal's have been "left "out!!!

Carmela, Longwood, Florida   December 3rd, 2008 8:44 pm ET

So, folks, since I have nothing to comment on this, how about who do you think will win Amazing Race? How about Survivor? Can you honestly get enough of Dexter?

Carramea   December 3rd, 2008 8:43 pm ET

Brook Aker. I thought the Sarah Palin prank call was one of the funniest things I ever heard............ She was so stupid and simpering with her giggles I was howling with laughter. The Florida congressman didnt want to look like a fool.......... we need some laughter in this country........ My next favorite hoot was the Sarah Palin turkey fiasco

Matt, Chico, CA   December 3rd, 2008 8:43 pm ET

I would hang up if he called me

Chris in Va.   December 3rd, 2008 8:43 pm ET

Cliff Lightfoot, What a hypocrite you are spouting bible verses (at least how your warped mind inerprets them) and racist filth in the same paragraph, and you probably wonder why your Repug bretheren were rejected by real Americans. Look in the mirror idiot, you are the problem you coward, and as long as the Repugs cater to morons like you you will continue to see the same result.

Joseph   December 3rd, 2008 8:41 pm ET

Just in case the news hasn't reached the Republicans who hate America so much they would rather us have a President that would continue on the same destructive path we are on now, Obama won is the next President.

Ok to those who don't have a brain and are as stupid as Sarah "I Can See Russia from my house" Palin is, why don't you al move to Canada, that way the poeple in this country are only the ones with brains, oh when you go can you please take McCain and Palin and Bush with you.

ed   December 3rd, 2008 8:41 pm ET

it explains florida doesn't it ? as to calling her and then having to do it again i wouldnt waste time callling her again for any post except fro garbage collector if the shoe fits ...................

Colin the Salesman   December 3rd, 2008 8:41 pm ET

What seems to have escaped the Rep from Florida's notice is that Obama won, and that she was being accorded a courtesy with that phone call. Its appalling that she chose to hang up on him, and it's probably a sign of what is in store for him from the Republicans: a sign of angry denial of the new reality. Its amazing how fast the Republicans have gone from being the party that prized personal integrity and honor to a vindictive and petty group obcessed with throughing public fits of pique( you have only to refer to Saxby Chambliss' remarks after a runoff: maybe Georgia is the only place where worthless ideas are tolerated in place of solutions).

SensibleFella   December 3rd, 2008 8:40 pm ET

I'd hang up on him also...even if I KNEW it wasn't a prank. If I wanted to hear more about bailouts, socialist policy, and more methods to "spread the wealth", I'd read the writings of Marx and Engles.

No thanks, spare the .25...you'll only wind up making me pay for the call anyway.

Willy Brown   December 3rd, 2008 8:38 pm ET

I'd hang up on him too.

Omari, AZ   December 3rd, 2008 8:38 pm ET

Repub of LA,

Im still waiting to see McCain's Birth Certificate. Considering he was born by the Panama Canal about 100 years ago, I wont hold my breath on that one. You lost, just let it be.

Thomas   December 3rd, 2008 8:36 pm ET

I find it very funny when someone makes a statement like the following:

"Sounds like something that my rep would do. She isn't very bright, and I can NOT understand why these people in south Florida would re-elect this women. Maybe now they will actually see that she isn't the right person to be in Washington representing our beautiful keys. I would hope that she will offer more respect to the president-elect then she would give to her friend that occupies the White House now. She seems to be buddy-buddy with him, and would except his phone calls immediately."

If you are going to talk about the intelligence of other people, then you should at least know how to spell and use words correctly. You also should display at least a slight degree of intelligence. The Rep wasn't refusing to talk to President Elect Obama, she thought she it was a hoax. Lighten up and go back to grammar school.

And Steve when you state that all Republicans should go to hell you clearly demonstrate how much you love and appreciate the freedoms of this country. People like you claim to be tolerant but you inevitably display your true colors.

Kevin Dem VA   December 3rd, 2008 8:36 pm ET

This is a funny story..but thats it. no need to say she's an idiot..im sure many people have gotten pranks from Obama impersonators.

rob   December 3rd, 2008 8:36 pm ET

A true republican, she wouldnt believe a tornado is about to strike until after it picks her up! Maybe she is related to moose hunter.

john   December 3rd, 2008 8:35 pm ET

GOP paranoia! wow!!!!

Micheal From STL   December 3rd, 2008 8:35 pm ET

Can you really blame her? It is all to easy to become the butt of the joke from radio jockeys and internet pranksters. Still this is priceless!LOL

Angel   December 3rd, 2008 8:34 pm ET

as a Kenyan, there is no record of Obama being born in Kenya....Kenyans would have revealed this a long time ago....no one can lie about these things and a white woman giving birth to a baby in Kenya in the 60s would have been a big deal back then......

Anonymous   December 3rd, 2008 8:33 pm ET

Hey he was talking to a Republiturd...he... should..........have......... talked....... really.......... sloooooowwwww!

MikeNJ   December 3rd, 2008 8:33 pm ET

Hey texasannie are you sure there are only 50 states?....Your President elect thinks there are 54.....maybe you could advise him

Stu-Florida   December 3rd, 2008 8:32 pm ET

@brooke
Oh it was funny... it was very funny because it showed what a dunce she is with her idiotic answers to what she believed was the President of France. The same generic answers she gives anyone who asks.
As they say in Florida... dumb as a cypress knee!!

Law against it... no way! you betcha ;>)

NOLARunman   December 3rd, 2008 8:32 pm ET

Repub of LA...please tell me that you are not serious? And please if you are serious...tell me the LA stands for Los Angeles and not Louisiana. We are already known for our shallowness (and our Senators cavorting with prostitues) but please dont put it out there for all the world to see. Wait, wait, let me guess...I bet you are a part of the Right Wingers who judge and condem all with whom you disagree but turn a blind eye to the transgressions of the Republicans.

Pier Giacalone   December 3rd, 2008 8:32 pm ET

I don't understand why they kept calling back. If she doesn't want to talk to the president then that's how her district has decided to be represented.

Lots of luck South Florida!

MikeNJ   December 3rd, 2008 8:31 pm ET

hey steve who said all republicans can go to hell........we'll be there starting January 20, 2009.............F.U.

Angelo   December 3rd, 2008 8:31 pm ET

To [REPUB OF LA] ... just like every other thing you guys said about Obama, your candidate always did the same or worse......

Remember that McCain was born in Panama but I am sure you did not care one hoot where he was born. Technically, McCain could have been challenged but WHO CARES!!!!

If I thought McCain was better I wouldn't care where he was born. THIS WAS A NON-ISSUE EXCEPT FOR THOSE WHO ARE SORE LOSERS!!! GET OVER IT!!!

TexasAnnie *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*   December 3rd, 2008 8:29 pm ET

To REPUB OF LA.–

Get a life, nitwit. His "real birth certificate" is on file in Honolulu, Hawai'i. The State of Hawai'i registrar and the Courts of Hawai'i have both ruled it is his valid legitimate birth certificate. You wingnuts that keep harping on this are coming off as really really really stupid.

Perhaps you have Obama's birth confused with McCain– who was actually born in Panama. Obama was born in Hawai'i, and Hawai'i IS one of the 50 United States last time I checked.

not newsworthy?   December 3rd, 2008 8:28 pm ET

I love how all these people always come on here when CNN runs a story like this, read it, and then comment that it isn't newsworthy. I guess it was worthy enough that you wasted your time reading and then commenting on it.

Chill out, idiots.

penelope Adams   December 3rd, 2008 8:28 pm ET

Not surprising she is the Representative from Florida.

EJ (USA)   December 3rd, 2008 8:28 pm ET

funny stuff

Brook Aker   December 3rd, 2008 8:27 pm ET

I fully understand the congresswoman's position. Has anyone ever thought about making it a crime to impersate a public official in prank phone calls. It's not funny... The Canadian thing with Palin was not funny, either.
Brook

steve   December 3rd, 2008 8:27 pm ET

all you republicans can go to hell!!!!!!!!!

LC   December 3rd, 2008 8:27 pm ET

I hope she didn't get another call from Obama...

Nannie Bouroughs   December 3rd, 2008 8:26 pm ET

I think I would hang up on Obama too, if he called me... how creepy!

Henry Ferry   December 3rd, 2008 8:25 pm ET

I would like to know the details of a story only she and the Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee would know.

It should also be pointed out that she misspelled both Barack Obama and Rahm Emanuel in her office's official press release on the subject.

ABC News reporting: http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalpunch/2008/12/an-actual-press.html

Florida...PLEASE get your act together down there.

Marie   December 3rd, 2008 8:25 pm ET

Repub. Of LA.... (STILL WAITING TO SEE HIS REAL BIRTH CERTIFICATE!)don't hold your breath waiting because there is no other birth certificate.Where is yours and is it real.Go get a life because it sounds like you need one if all you can do is keep posting these silly questions about Obama's birth certificate He's about as real as a born american as your are that is if your really one...GEEZ some of you republicans are sorry losers

Mark   December 3rd, 2008 8:25 pm ET

REPUB OF LA – You can go to FactCheck.org, a non-partisan web site that verifies the misinformation provided by both parties. It has analyzed many Obama statements and declared them to either be true or false and they have done the same with many McCain statements too. The Obama birth certificate imaginary issue has been analyzed here (and on many other sites) and it has been concluded as just that – an imaginary issue.

henry   December 3rd, 2008 8:24 pm ET

Plain rude!

Sly in Seattle   December 3rd, 2008 8:22 pm ET

HAHAHA! That is way to funny!

David   December 3rd, 2008 8:22 pm ET

This is not even newsworthy, but as usual if Obama is involved the liberal media will follow it. This is truly quite sad...

Flash Gorden /-\   December 3rd, 2008 8:22 pm ET

HA HA! Now THIS is funny! Guess they are all scared about being caught like Palin did with the guys from Canada!

Excited for the future   December 3rd, 2008 8:21 pm ET

RE: STILL WAITING TO SEE HIS REAL BIRTH CERTIFICATE !

Put the tin foil on your head before the aliens read your thoughts. Some people have no common sense. Don't you think if his birth certificate wasn't real that the republicans would have jumped on it? Remember, just because the republican mantra is tell a lie long enough and people will believe it, it still doesn't mean it is true.

Trevor in Ja   December 3rd, 2008 8:21 pm ET

@ Repub of LA

I think you'll live out your natatural life and be disappointed if you refuse to accept what is already there. Will it be worth bothering yourself with his Birth Certificate

Ra   December 3rd, 2008 8:20 pm ET

Not worth commenting on, dump it in the trash can with the junk mail

An Independent   December 3rd, 2008 8:20 pm ET

It sounds like she's either a bit paranoid or maybe has just been hanging around her neo-con colleagues for so long that she didn't realize that there are actually still people around that are civil and willing to talk with others that don't necessarily agree with them.

I guess it's a good thing he didn't try to visit her in person or she might have attacked him because she was sure he had WMDs and was trying to destroy her district.

Rush Lameduck   December 3rd, 2008 8:19 pm ET

REPUB,you moron,please tell us when you do see his birth certificate,I bet you wont though.Have another beer.

TB Melrose, FL   December 3rd, 2008 8:19 pm ET

Hey 'That's ok', that doesn't even make sense! Of course we've come to expect that from your wing, haven't we?

Todd   December 3rd, 2008 8:18 pm ET

I'm not in the habit of defending Republicans, but who can blame her after the Palin prank calls?

Angel   December 3rd, 2008 8:18 pm ET

I blame Palin

Meh   December 3rd, 2008 8:17 pm ET

Repub of LA> My god. We've already seen it. Go read Snopes. com and get a life!

Duh   December 3rd, 2008 8:16 pm ET

Birth certificate? It's been posted on his website for over a year idiot conspiracy theorist who is naive enough to think someone who is not a US citizen could be elected president.

LFC   December 3rd, 2008 8:16 pm ET

@REPUB OF LA.

You People are really ignorant. Obama snr left his wife and children in kenya to study in America, a fact he hid from Ann Dunham, Barack's mum. Why would he then take her to kenya to deliver her baby?

You guys are just too eager to pin something negative on Obama and your argument smacks of desperation.

Martin   December 3rd, 2008 8:16 pm ET

Keep waiting... because if your not going to accept Hawaii's birth-certificate, I don't know what to tell you.

Richard   December 3rd, 2008 8:15 pm ET

He does come off like a telemarketer in his speeches–

You don't need to know my name   December 3rd, 2008 8:14 pm ET

Well, what else can you expect from a conservative!

Jack in Florida   December 3rd, 2008 8:13 pm ET

Idiot.

Robin   December 3rd, 2008 8:13 pm ET

TO: REPUB OF LA

IF THE CIA AND FBI WHO VETTED OBAMA CAN DISTINGUISHED BETWEEN A FAKE OR AUTHENTIC BIRTH CERTIFICATE THEN WE ARE ALL IN TROUBLE AND GOD HELP US!!!!

BROOKLYN   December 3rd, 2008 8:13 pm ET

And this is news because?

mattnkeywest   December 3rd, 2008 8:13 pm ET

Sounds like something that my rep would do. She isn't very bright, and I can NOT understand why these people in south Florida would re-elect this women. Maybe now they will actually see that she isn't the right person to be in Washington representing our beautiful keys. I would hope that she will offer more respect to the president-elect then she would give to her friend that occupies the White House now. She seems to be buddy-buddy with him, and would except his phone calls immediately.

p   December 3rd, 2008 8:13 pm ET

It is a complement to President-Elect Obama that she reacted as if he saw him as so important that he would never call her casually. Her reaction is understandable given the recent Palin prank; however, even if she did not believe that Obama was actually on the phone, the correct response was to speak respectively and intelligently, so that even if she was being taped, she would not look ridiculous.

Ron   December 3rd, 2008 8:12 pm ET

Wow, you Dems really hate Republicans, don't you? If it was a Dem this happened to, you'd think it was funny.

And for the record, Jamie, she is a Representative, not a Senator, so you might want to rethink exactly who is stupid.

Nick   December 3rd, 2008 8:12 pm ET

Another sore looser! These born-again Republicans sure can hold a grudge....

george M.   December 3rd, 2008 8:12 pm ET

LMAO

Tyler W   December 3rd, 2008 8:12 pm ET

wow talk about schizophrenic paranoia...

how do you know ANYONE is who they say they are?

maybe everything is a prank...

never trust a phone again. only speak in person. wrap tin foil on your head so they cant read your thoughts......

Oh and to that guy "STILL WAITING TO SEE HIS REAL BIRTH CERTIFICATE !"

they've already proved his birthplace long ago. I suggest you open your eyes and close your mouth, and maybe youll see it.

Peter (CA)   December 3rd, 2008 8:12 pm ET

Repub of LA-

Give it up already will you? The "official" certificate is not a public record for viewing. The copies have been viewed and the state of Hawaii has said they are authenic.

What more do you want?

Mike   December 3rd, 2008 8:11 pm ET

I'd hang up on Obama too.

Hannah Stevens   December 3rd, 2008 8:11 pm ET

I am really beginning to wonder about republicans. Do they all have a screw loose? You must read The President's Wife. Go to http://www.presidentswife.com for more info.

John   December 3rd, 2008 8:11 pm ET

Where does Jamie get off calling this woman "dumb" when he improperly labels her as a Senator? She's a House member. UGH indeed.

Jeff   December 3rd, 2008 8:11 pm ET

Hell, I'd hang up on him too!

jason   December 3rd, 2008 8:10 pm ET

it's pretty ironic that some idiots are asking to see obama's "real" birth certificate. putting aside the fact that he was born in hawaii, john mccain actually wasn't born in the united states. he was born in panama. that is a fact. look it up.

common sense 4u2   December 3rd, 2008 8:10 pm ET

You need to get a hobby REPUB OF LA.

Chris in Va.   December 3rd, 2008 8:10 pm ET

Repube of La.-I fully support your constitutional right to make an arse out of yourself, but you lost, get over it, take it like an adult.

voter   December 3rd, 2008 8:09 pm ET

REPUB OF LA.

where is your true birth certificate?

Alice   December 3rd, 2008 8:09 pm ET

I agree with the poster who said it is better to risk being the butt of a joke than to hang up on the President-elect.

READY99   December 3rd, 2008 8:09 pm ET

repub of LA-IGNORANT,IGNORANT,IGNORANT!

Eric   December 3rd, 2008 8:09 pm ET

I am still waiting to evict rep of La out the country as soon I am elected.

steve   December 3rd, 2008 8:09 pm ET

she is a right wing cuban american has-been. i know many cubans here in tampa and they think the bush admin. causede a lot of problems with the cuban embargo and they are sick of it. this is the first election that the cuban-americans finally woke up to the miami 1960s crazy cuban lobby. this represntative is a hard line republican and probably a racist who hates obama. obama will be good for the cubans esp. when he lifts the embatgo and cubam americans can finally see their family and send them money. this representative is a right wing racist idiot.

cal carpenter   December 3rd, 2008 8:09 pm ET

Boy some of you liberal Dems really harbor deep hatred for other people of whom you know nothing about...In my State radio talk show folks pull this kind of stupidity as you call it on folks all the time, so the blast that this woman is dumb, idiot, etc. is a most vicious attack by hate mongerers.....One of you said she was your "Senator" and apparently you are lying because she is a " Representative" which tells me you are as dumb as you say she is!!!

ronjon of Burnsville   December 3rd, 2008 8:08 pm ET

Michelle Bachman - the even dumber Minnesota Republican congresswoman - told her earlier to beware un-American media pranksters.

Missouri   December 3rd, 2008 8:08 pm ET

silly season???? lol President-Elect Obama has a great sense of humor!!! AND now she owes him one. lol

Rob   December 3rd, 2008 8:08 pm ET

What is this world coming to? I'm a democrat, but I don't blame her one bit. We seem to live in a society where people have resorted to amusing themselves at other people's expense. Are we really that childish, still?

lynde   December 3rd, 2008 8:07 pm ET

To "Repub of LA" – would this be the first birth certificate that you've requested for a public official? Step away from the kool-aid!

Cynthia   December 3rd, 2008 8:07 pm ET

Good for her! I think it is funny and I probably would have done the same thing.

Alison   December 3rd, 2008 8:07 pm ET

REPUB OF LA.: Just for the record here, he wouldn't even been allowed to run if wasn't a US citizen. I mean how ignorant are you? You're just mad because McCain lost. Get over it. It's done.

fred a durnell   December 3rd, 2008 8:05 pm ET

sounds like most republicans i know

and i pray that that my GOD takes care of our president elect!!!!!

ED FL:   December 3rd, 2008 8:05 pm ET

Remember this is a cuban refugee who probably got educational benefits ,medical benefits,social security benefits and every other freebe that the US gave her family and relatives of cubans. Cussed out Castro then went to Cuba on a political junket and took her teen age daughter and allowed this child to hug and behugged while she stood there with a big smile on her face. This loser will do any thing to further agitate Cuban American cooperation to her constituancy in miami because it draws votes and furthers her own benefits. She will be gone along with all the other Cuban poiticians in the south Florida near future. Hopefully we will open both borders and restar real[HUMAN RIGHTS ON BOTH SIDES] soon.

Elaine   December 3rd, 2008 8:04 pm ET

REPUB of LA: Oh, grow up.

You Lost. Get over it.   December 3rd, 2008 8:03 pm ET

All of you idiots whining about Obama's birth certificate are pathetic. You lost. Get over it.

cliff lightfoot   December 3rd, 2008 8:02 pm ET

How does one judge someone like Obama when the media covers for him at every turn. A man who won't say the pledge to our flag, lies about the friendship with Mr. Wright, (we aren't stupid), best friends Mr. Ayers, and Ms. Dohn. Has done nothing in his life except write books, and spend three Rookie years in the senate. The Bible says in the last days that People will call evil good, and good evil, they will not know the difference. How about a man who wants to be President, but ran off to Berlin, Germany to speak to people who can't vote for him?...the Germans listened to him, eyes glazed over and mouths open, just like they did in 1933 to another would be Global God. The only change this man has is his own lifestyle, from the Senate to the White house, he's praying to Allah that the Clinton dream team will come up with an answer for him, just wait. Oh yes, we still don't have an afro-american in the white house, his grandparents were white, his mother was white, and the Sperm donor was black. The white side of his life raised him, fed him, and sent him to College, the black side skipped out as is the norm. At least Obama and a park bench can do what his half-black brothers can't. they can support a whole family................................

Michael Lane   December 3rd, 2008 8:02 pm ET

ummm...people should lighten up. This is funny stuff. I can see why she was sceptical; shock radio hosts do work in tandem. If she was not expecting a call from the President Elect then she had cause to be wary. By the way, I am not a Republican and supported Obama.

This is a recording   December 3rd, 2008 8:01 pm ET

Let all republican congress people and senators beware – After January 20th you may get a call from somebody claiming to be President Obama. The irony of it is - it will be the President – don't hang up

Smart Move   December 3rd, 2008 7:59 pm ET

Probably a wise decision-I would have hung just in case it was ODumbo.

Greg G.   December 3rd, 2008 7:59 pm ET

Why does this article miss answering the obvious question - why was Obama calling a Florida state representative? Is he actually calling state representatives individually around the coutnry? Or is there some reason the president elect should be involved in Florida's state politics?

How about some actual news in the middle of your cutesy fluff piece, CNN?

Lyndon from CA   December 3rd, 2008 7:58 pm ET

She should be representing the people of Missouri not Florida. Isn't it just like a Republican though, to react the way she did.

Howard Roark   December 3rd, 2008 7:57 pm ET

A transition team loaded with lobbyists, and a cabinet loaded with entrenched Washington politicians…yep, change you can believe in.

Kay   December 3rd, 2008 7:56 pm ET

Maybe it's just me but I thought it was funny and I'm a Obama supporter.

VOTED! OBAMA!!! VOTED! OBAMA!! VOTED!   December 3rd, 2008 7:56 pm ET

I can understand why she hung up it's not every day the Pres – Elect calls you and I for one wouldn't want to be a "Palin."

ohio for oboma   December 3rd, 2008 7:56 pm ET

go online if you want to see his birth cert. retard from repub for out of space.

MikefromDC   December 3rd, 2008 7:54 pm ET

The GOP have a bright future with such a bright star as the congresswoman from Florida. Maybe she can be the next VP nominee.

2young2vote   December 3rd, 2008 7:54 pm ET

haha, that's funny. That's how wars start. Hopefully this doesnt happen again.

DA   December 3rd, 2008 7:54 pm ET

She evidently doesn't have a lot of faith and trust in her staff. Maybe she's concerned they "pal around" with Governor Palin's staff.

David in West Virginia   December 3rd, 2008 7:54 pm ET

This doesn't sound like a very astute congresswoman to me, but I may be wrong. One would think the office of the congresswoman would have caller ID or callback on her telephone to prevent this from happening. I wonder if she is that naive, stupid, or what? I don't think I would be hanging up on t he President-Elect and if so, not a second call from his Chief of Staff. Sounds to me like she isn't too bright, but again she's a republican. That says it all!

Ted   December 3rd, 2008 7:53 pm ET

Ha, hilarious! Not the brightest woman on Earth, but for someone in congress, hey, it's expected.

Carli - Seattle, WA   December 3rd, 2008 7:53 pm ET

That is just too funny!

She'll never be able to live that one down. That was great for today's chuckle!

Anonymous   December 3rd, 2008 7:53 pm ET

Lets call this the...."Palin effect"

Hal   December 3rd, 2008 7:53 pm ET

Is it me or shouldn't she have at least appologized, out of commom decency. Boy have I had enough of these Sara Palin Republicans!

REPUB OF LA.   December 3rd, 2008 7:52 pm ET

STILL WAITING TO SEE HIS REAL BIRTH CERTIFICATE !

Tammy   December 3rd, 2008 7:51 pm ET

Ros-Lehtinen knew exactly who she was talking to, she is just another angry Republican

Pepou   December 3rd, 2008 7:51 pm ET

She is more suspicious that dimwit Palin who talked nonsense with 2 Canadian comedians impersonating French President Sarkozy. I am French and the exchange was hilarious. Anyone with 1/2 brain would have known this was a prank. Palin ? Nooooo....

Christian   December 3rd, 2008 7:51 pm ET

ooooo.....awkward, but funny. ; p

Florida Voter   December 3rd, 2008 7:51 pm ET

I actually know this woman – she's not my representative but I live near her district. Pretty amusing stuff.

Patrick Lewis   December 3rd, 2008 7:51 pm ET

This is just stupid. I'm glad other people intervened to get her straightened out, but it's just really really dumb.

Oh, and by the way CNN, this is not newsworthy.

That's OK----   December 3rd, 2008 7:50 pm ET

Al Qaeda will be hanging up on Obama a lot. He might as well get used to it. They've already taunted him and he had no response.

Peggy   December 3rd, 2008 7:49 pm ET

Wow. This woman should be forced to resign. This is not like Sarah Palin being pranked that the president of France was calling. Ms. Palin should have realized that the president of a foreign country does NOT call a candidate. This woman should have realized that the president elect DOES call representatives. This demonstrates that she does not have the judgment to serve.

PC

Ambrose Smith, Borrego Springs, California   December 3rd, 2008 7:49 pm ET

She didn't want to be PALINIZED!!!! (She got spooked!)

I Just Said Thanks, but No Thanks to Another 4 years of g.o.p. corruption, arrogance and incompetence   December 3rd, 2008 7:48 pm ET

I guess she didn't want to be another "Punked Palin".

Felines for Freedom   December 3rd, 2008 7:47 pm ET

Ok, I understand some skepticism when you are being told Barack Obama is on the phone, especially when you are a relatively unknown state GOPer, but how many people need to call you and tell you Barack Obama is on the phone before you clue in?

Even if I was doubtful, I would rather be the butt of a local joke than hang up on President Obama twice. Which does everyone else here think is worse?

Tom   December 3rd, 2008 7:46 pm ET

Let me be the first to say:

lol

ANAG LOS ANGELES, CA   December 3rd, 2008 7:45 pm ET

how is this political ticker?

Don   December 3rd, 2008 7:45 pm ET

Dumb

PJP   December 3rd, 2008 7:45 pm ET

Who can blame her?

The Blessed One   December 3rd, 2008 7:45 pm ET

And that boys and girls why the GOP are one losing team.

barry...dana pt....calif   December 3rd, 2008 7:44 pm ET

Are all Republicans idiots?

no bailouts   December 3rd, 2008 7:44 pm ET

this woman is smart, unlike someone else that got a call.

Jamie   December 3rd, 2008 7:43 pm ET

Not surprised. The woman is as dumb as she is a sham of a senator. I spent three LONG years living in Miami with her as my congress person. UGH.

Kevin   December 3rd, 2008 7:43 pm ET

Very understandable after the Palin-Sarkozy prank.

Joanna   December 3rd, 2008 7:43 pm ET

Who hit her with the stupid stick?

Carl Justus   December 3rd, 2008 7:41 pm ET

I am not surprised. The last eight years we have heard nothing but lies from this administration and republican leadership so they think every are like them.

Regniweol   December 3rd, 2008 7:40 pm ET

This may actually be the greatest thing ever.

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