Comments on: Obama not giving up BlackBerry without a fight

By: Dave in Houston

Dave in Houston — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 17:58:41 +0000

As long as he knows how secure/insecure the device is (and I am sure that he is smart enough to figure that out), he should be fine.

I'm sure as soon as Bush got the "football", he probably would have texted: "Dude, I got it! And the nuclear codes are AHSSDJFEUHF and JHFD4389JHSDF!"

Obama is more clever than that.

By: swanspirit

swanspirit — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 17:58:37 +0000

HE ASKS the PEOPLE TO TIGHTEN their BELTS AND MAKE SACRIFICES but whiny wont give up his precious blackberry

By: B

Thu, 08 Jan 2009 17:58:08 +0000

The Secret Service is responcible for his physical security and safety. Not the safety of his communications, files, etc. So what is the Secret Service worried about if not using the signal for targeting.

By: educated Ron

educated Ron — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 17:58:06 +0000

He needs to give it up, it can only be used against him. He could type hello to someone and the media will find a way to make it look like he said Hell from Obama to someone who is bitter.

He will be the most scrutinized president in the history of america.

By: E

Thu, 08 Jan 2009 17:57:33 +0000

how would he check his facebook page if they took it away???

By: Objective thinking

Objective thinking — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 17:57:26 +0000

cbenji: GPS isn't something you can just disable. It doesn't work the same way as GPS in cars where you just press a button and turn it off. If you have a cell phone that has no explicit GPS function, your cell phone company can still use a form of GPS to keep track of your exact location. If your cell phone is getting reception, then your cell phone's location is being revealed to your cell phone company. You ever watched Harold & Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay? Kumar makes a phone call and Harold throws his phone away. It's not like the cell phone had an active "Press this button to turn on GPS" function. If your cell phone has reception at all, your location is being tracked. So they can't just "turn GPS off." If they could, don't you think they would have just done that?

By: Lynn, SiouxFalls, SD

Lynn, SiouxFalls, SD — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 17:56:48 +0000

Hooray for Obama!!! The technology is there to keep his Blackberry safe.....just do it!!

By: DPW

DPW — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 17:56:37 +0000

Black Berry Smack Berry.... he is dammed if he do and dammed if he doesn't. Can't please everybody.. Good that he wants to stay grounded though. That says alot about his up bringing... Yea, Barak... You go boy!!!!

By: Larry

Larry — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 17:56:32 +0000

Obama is not concerned about the Nations security .

By: Franky

Franky — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 17:56:25 +0000

Alright guys, we are out baby!! Time to get this party started!!

Good luck on your day and we'll see what happens...

By: Erik in SD

Erik in SD — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 17:56:17 +0000

@ Empty suit .... Would you rather have a president that says "um" while he searches for the right word to use, or a president that can't pronounce foreign leaders' names, let alone English words like "misunderestimate?" Get a grip, dude.

By: yellow dog democrat

yellow dog democrat — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 17:55:49 +0000

Welcome to the 21st century GOP!! get over it-technology is here to stay – just like indoor plumbing!

By: swanspirit

swanspirit — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 17:55:29 +0000

He talks about SACRIFICE for the people ... and BELT tightening , well serve by example you whiny crybaby give it UP

By: carment

carment — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 17:55:21 +0000

I can't believe that a country with some of the best IT people in the world can't find a way to secure his blackberry – even if it took creating a 512-bit instead of the standard 128-bit algorithm.

What is the point of moving into the future, with all the new things yet to be invented/developed, if heads of countries are restricted to continuing to use the horse-and-buggy methods?

By: Sarah Palin BF

Sarah Palin BF — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 17:55:20 +0000

my president is black!!!!!.....hurrray

By: Nick

Nick — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 17:55:07 +0000

I think there has to be a way that he can keep it, even if it's in the hands of an aide or something. Think of it like a CEO that has a secretary write all of their emails and answer all of their calls, and on occasion might send out an email personally.

This was a guy that pretty much revolved around the web. Eventually it's going to be even more difficult to remove yourself from it.

By: Sidney P.

Sidney P. — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 17:54:44 +0000

Why are so many of you so hateful about this? Sure are a lot of sore losers out there!!!

I think Obama could be trusted not to divulge state secrets on his Blackberry.

By: Brian From Fort Mill, SC

Brian From Fort Mill, SC — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 17:54:33 +0000

Do any of you know what rights a President gives up when he's in office? It's like being in prison, except the food is better.
1. He can't drive himself.
2. He can't go to the bathroom by himself.
3. When he's in the Oval Office, someone locks him in. The Oval Office is actually a jail cell.

Giving up your blackberry should be a piece of cake compared to that.

By: JB

JB — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 17:53:53 +0000

How else is he gonna gain 3 inches or get free viagra?

By: Steve in Las Vegas,NV

Steve in Las Vegas,NV — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 17:53:45 +0000

It's not called a "crackberry" for nothing. Just ask anyone who uses one, if they would give it up. I think NOT!!!

By: B

Thu, 08 Jan 2009 17:52:55 +0000

Because a Blackberry and all "wireless" devices use a wireless signal, it may be possible for that signal to be ID'd for his device and then tracked and used for weapon targeting. I don't know this for a fact but it seems plausable as the reason why the Secret Service wants it gone.

By: Brandon

Brandon — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 17:52:43 +0000

I always find it funny that when CNN writes an article about a total non-issue, as long as it involves Obama, all the bitter right-wing drones come on here and actually try and make something negative out of it.

"Maybe he has something to hide"?

Seriously?

Why are your ward attendants letting you psychos access a computer? You all make me sick.

By: Mother Nature

Mother Nature — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 17:52:38 +0000

I believe he should keep his blackberry!! We need change, we need a president who is in touch and in touch with REALITY, this is the future!!
He is elected for the people by the people let him do his job, CHANGE! Maybe this should be standard issue for all future presidents...why not?
You go Obama god bless you! Stand up for change start with your freedom to have a blackberry!!
The land of the free and the home of the brave!

By: Be progressive

Be progressive — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 17:52:36 +0000

I guess part of conservative definition is to resist anything that may be different or a risky move to try and advance. People, 75% of office workers have blackberry's. The PE is not asking to keep it for secret military notes or confidential correspondence. He's trying to stay in touch with the world as he travels. Which, as president, he will be doing a lot. Basically, it's not about following the "rules." It's about progression to keep up with an ever changing world. Wouldn't we want our president to have every means of connection possible!?

By: swanspirit

swanspirit — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 17:52:15 +0000

He needs to lose the blackberry ; he talks about SACRIFICE AND BELT TIGHTENING

well serve by example you whiner cry baby, guess that is too much too ask

By: Dan

Dan — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 17:52:07 +0000

The administration should contract RIMM to make a super-secure blackberry, just like they've contracted with Cadillac to create a tank/limo. I don't see how it's any different.

By: Alan

Alan — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 17:51:26 +0000

Now that is just plain sad. Here we are invading other countries under the guise of defending our way of life but the President can't send email or use a blackberry.

By: Nelson Colorado Springs Co.

Nelson Colorado Springs Co. — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 17:50:15 +0000

As long as president Obama don't use his Blackberry for goverment use. or The CIA can use USVT coding for E-mail

By: Jessica, DE

Jessica, DE — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 17:49:45 +0000

First of all, the fact that some people are getting up in arms about this either way ("GROW UP OBAMA I H8 U DEMOCRATZ!!111" "SECRET SERVICE IS MEAN LET HIM KEEP IT!!111") is hilarious. Second, has anyone heard these comments in context? The fact that he said you would have to "pry it" away from him makes it seem like he was joking. I'm sure he's not happy about giving it up, but I doubt he's going to raise a huge fuss over it.

By: PaulMoATX

PaulMoATX — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 17:49:43 +0000

Sam - "thats the problem with technology, people get too addicited and its rediculous" What's ridiculous is you and 60% of the posters that don't know how to spell, use proper grammar, or proper sentence structure. When you tend to read and write at a 10th grade level, you tend to think and write at a 10th grade level. Hence, your dumb comment.

By: Dave, Central Illinois

Dave, Central Illinois — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 17:49:43 +0000

Proud American said "I hear he need to keep the Blackberry so he can keep up with Idiot republicans"
Yet another brilliant contribution by a child to add to the discussion. Hey, PA, why don't you call upstairs to your mom, have her fix you some pizza puffs or something, and let the adults talk a bit.

By: SFA Grad

SFA Grad — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 17:49:22 +0000

Mike Dallas January 8th, 2009 10:24 am ET

Those surrounding the next President should be encouraging the use of electronic communication not "dumbing down" the PE by taking the same device that keeps him connected to everyday folks.
/
/
I'm curious...just what everyday folks is the incoming president (or any past president for that matter) going to be connected to?
/
There's probably not much he can keep up with on his blackberry that he can't keep up with through other means.

By: Jazz

Jazz — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 17:49:04 +0000

If Obama wants to keep the black berry so what. What can he say on the black berry that the Secret Service needs to know.. They are worried about controlling his talking with other people,and by keeping the black berry they will not have acess to any of his news unless published. Trying to screen is everyday black berry will be a problem. How much time will he spend on it anyway. He will be busy doing other things but when he is asked a questions, email the answer. Let the black berry stay. Text your wife or kids while you are away. Go Obama fight for the black berry.

By: Jerry S

Jerry S — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 17:48:50 +0000

I served in the White House Communications Agency during the LBJ years and it was dificult to maintain secure communications even without the e-mail capabilities of today.
However, I believe WHCA, the Secret Service and president elect Obama will come up with a solution to the problem that will satrisfy all parties to achieve the integrity of the presidential communications.

By: Janice

Janice — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 17:48:46 +0000

Seriously, who cares. Its a blackberry – whoop di doo

By: carey

carey — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 17:48:40 +0000

For pity sakes, let Barack have his blackberry. It is a very necessary personal item!!!!!!!!!!

By: AndyL

AndyL — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 17:48:19 +0000

@ Obama-mama, first of all "heirs" are people who inherit your money when you die. Perhaps you meant "he does not put on airs" which would mean a facade. You can go to dictionary.com if you don't understand some of the words I use. Second, I have been in the IT business for 20 years and for all you young hip people who think that Obama's use of a blackberry is cool, these devices can be easily compromised and given his position, would be a major security risk.

By: Brian From Fort Mill, SC

Brian From Fort Mill, SC — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 17:48:12 +0000

ga. January 8th, 2009 11:24 am ET this has become a necessary tool in most everyone's life, he should be able to keep it, make it hacker proof. -------------------------------------------------------- There's no such thing as hacker proof. China and Russia are hacking into our governement computers, as we speak, and they have been doing so, ever since Al Gore invented the internet!

By: Pat-Pittsburgh

Pat-Pittsburgh — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 17:48:01 +0000

First cigarettes, now his blackberry, how many more addictions does this man have. Oops, basketball too.

By: OBAMA IS SO FULL OF IT

OBAMA IS SO FULL OF IT — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 17:47:57 +0000

What a bunch of crap. He always looks for a way to cheat.
God help this country.

By: oregon thinker

oregon thinker — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 17:47:50 +0000

Barack is a cool guy people that don't like him, are COLD

By: Jennifer

Jennifer — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 17:47:41 +0000

To Sweetie: "Humas" Really?

By: Droppedrod

Droppedrod — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 17:47:31 +0000

The security concerns raised by the Secret Service are more indicative of an change-adverse organization than a legitimate risk. The military uses blackberries and email on a daily basis as do the vast majority of the world's most powerful business people (who are probably using both to convey more valuable information than anything included in Obama's casual conversations). The fear that the handset can be used as a locator to target the president displays a complete lack of technological understanding. If that is a real fear, give the president a new device each day. It's the device's unique identifier on the network that allows tracking and not the email address that is being fowarded to it, particularly if you are forwarding through a secure email system. Moreover, we are talking about the head of one of the most technologically advanced intelligence services on earth. If it doesn't have the technological capability to let the president securely use a blackberry or email, how on earth can it be effective in today's high tech environment?

By: The Techie

The Techie — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 17:46:56 +0000

Actually, 'The Patriot', it's not that easy. What breaks the Air Force ONE analogy, is that the traveling path of the Pres cannot be monitored safely enough. If a rogue plane or missle aims for the Pres in AF ONE, it will be tracked and intercepted. The public Internet/mobile phone networks are not so "monitorable". The Pres' calls and data transfers can be intercepted without anyone noticing. That is just the state of the digital highway as it currently stands. Yes, his phone can be enhanced... but it will still need to use the same highway that entire world has access to. And, of course, it must be stated... if someone can develop a better security technology... someone else can hack it. And, lucky for the hacker, it's physically available to them wherever they are.

By: Tracy

Tracy — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 17:46:54 +0000

Just the kind of reaction I'd expect from an egocentric, ego maniac like Obama. He puts his own concerns ahead of the security of the White House and the government. I've worked in IT for over 15 years...there is no way to secure a connection to the Internet 100%.

By: Russ

Russ — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 17:46:17 +0000

Why not if they can keep it secure? Whats with the personal attacks and name calling from republicans? We don't have any election till 2010.

By: JS ...... santee

JS ...... santee — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 17:46:16 +0000

Sweetie........
GROW UP

By: Valarie

Valarie — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 17:46:09 +0000

Why not let him keep his blackberry? He's an intelligent man, and won't abuse his use of it by sending messages he knows shouldn't be sent. As far as ecurity, give me a break!! It's funny to see people say "I don't understand the problem, I could give it up." Yeah right!

By: Adam

Adam — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 17:45:08 +0000

Obama Is acting like a kid and needs to grow up a little.....drop the phone or drop the Job

By: keith A. sillsbury

keith A. sillsbury — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 17:44:54 +0000

Some of you people are so retarted I can't believe we put up with you.
The man wants a line to the real world and not just a bunch of yes men around him, and you people are making snide comments about it. get a life or better yet go join hamas getting their butt kicked for being stupid. all they have to do is have all communications on the frequency go to a communication station to change it over to a coded feq. and sent to a high level BB. The man isn't even in office yet, has been working on fixxing issues he never created that are still the problems of the current pres. and idiots want to put him down. I'll say it again... retarts.