Dick Morris: "[T]he question that plagues Obama is ... Is he pro-American?"
SUMMARY: While discussing his latest syndicated column on Fox News' America's Election HQ, Dick Morris asserted: "[T]he question that plagues [Sen. Barack] Obama is ... Is he pro-American?" Morris has previously stated that "the determinant in the election will be whether we believe that Barack Obama is what he appears to be, or is he somebody who's sort of a sleeper agent who really doesn't believe in our system."
Hours after Fox News host E.D. Hill apologized for including "terrorist fist jab" among possible interpretations of Sen. Barack Obama's on-stage "fist bump" with wife Michelle, Fox News contributor Dick Morris said, "[T]he question that plagues Obama is ... Is he pro-American?"
Morris made his comment on the June 10 edition of Fox News' America's Election HQ while discussing his latest syndicated column, "How Obama Can Win." After host Bill Hemmer commented, "[T]he point you were trying to make, Dick, in this latest column, is that Barack Obama can win in November, but to do it, he has to first show America why this country means so much to him," Morris asserted:
MORRIS: And the question that plagues Obama is not issues or his record or positions, it's whether he believes that or not. Is he pro-American? How does he feel about white people? How does he feel about American history? He needs to look America in the eye and say, "You know, America, you are a great country. We bombed Nagasaki and Hiroshima not without batting an eye, as Reverend Wright said, we bombed them to save five million Japanese and one million Americans from dying if we had to invade Japan." That's the kind of statement he needs to make.
Morris previously stated on the May 7 edition of Fox News' The O'Reilly Factor: "[T]he determinant in the election will be whether we believe that Barack Obama is what he appears to be, or is he somebody who's sort of a sleeper agent who really doesn't believe in our system and is more in line with [Reverend Jeremiah] Wright's views?"
Fox News personalities and guests have frequently questioned Obama's patriotism or asserted that Obama has a "patriotism problem[]," as Media Matters for America has documented (here, here, here, here, here, and here).
From the June 10 edition of Fox News' America's Election HQ:
HEMMER: Dick Morris is here to comment now. You can read his column for free at dickmorris.com. Dick, good evening to you.
MORRIS: Hi, how we doing?
HEMMER: This news, by way of -- let's call it Columbus, Ohio -- that he will absolutely not seek the vice presidency or accept it if it's offered. What do you make of this? Ted Strickland --
MORRIS: Well -
HEMMER: -- supported Hillary Clinton. She won that state quite handily back in the primary season.
MORRIS: I don't think that has much to do with it. I think it probably relates to his domestic ambitions in Ohio and maybe his pessimism about the ticket, although I don't know. But the point is that the old model for choosing a VP was choose somebody that can deliver a state, and it didn't work. You know, John Edwards was from North Carolina, and Kerry didn't come close to carrying that state.
I think that, fundamentally, what Obama needs is a national security type. He needs somebody like a Biden, a sort of Democratic Dick Cheney who's immersed in Washington, conversant with national security and can give people some level of assurance that he knows what he's doing in that area.
HEMMER: Well, there are rumors today that he's talking to a lot of people with military background and military experience --
MORRIS: Yeah.
HEMMER: -- which could be the angle he goes. You wrote a piece today about how Obama can win.
MORRIS: Right.
HEMMER: And the point you were trying to make, Dick, in this latest column, is that Barack Obama can win in November, but to do it, he has to first show America why this country means so much to him.
MORRIS: Exactly.
HEMMER: Has he not done that?
MORRIS: The president to the United States is the priest of our secular religion. He's the keeper of the flame. He's like the pontiff of our secularism. He's the one that tells us we're an exceptional nation, between two oceans put there by God to protect liberty, to give people another chance in life to fight for values around the globe. And that's the opposite of what Reverend Wright said.
And the question that plagues Obama is not issues or his record or positions, it's whether he believes that or not. Is he pro-American? How does he feel about white people? How does he feel about American history? He needs to look America in the eye and say, "You know, America, you are a great country. We bombed Nagasaki and Hiroshima not without batting an eye, as Reverend Wright said, we bombed them to save five million Japanese and one million Americans from dying if we had to invade Japan." That's the kind of statement he needs to make.
HEMMER: Your suggestion in that statement is that we're still getting to know Barack Obama --
MORRIS: Yeah, we --
HEMMER: -- and I guess in a lot of ways America is.
MORRIS: That's right. And Obama's a guy who has no immune system, you know? You build up an immune system in politics by people knowing you for a long time, adjusting to you. Like if we hear something nasty about McCain, we know he went through the Keating Five; we know that he ran against Bush; we know that he was a maverick; we know all of that stuff about him. Obama, we don't know anything.
And therefore, the first negatives we hear really shake us. That's why that Jim Johnson story has legs. The first guy he reaches out for is somebody who's hopelessly in bed --
HEMMER: Jim Johnson is the guy he's assigned to his what -- his trio of --
MORRIS: -- VP screening committee. First guy he reaches out to is hopelessly in bed with probably the most corrupt financial institution in the United States, Countrywide Mortgages. And the other guy he appoints, Eric Holder, is the guy who vetted Marc Rich and recommended to the president that he be pardoned.
So when he starts doing stuff like that, there are no antibodies in his system to resist that infection and it ends up hurting him more than it would hurt somebody who's more experienced.
HEMMER: Obama's response to that was, I can't vet the vetters that are going to vet the vetters.
MORRIS: That's ridiculous. Of course --
HEMMER: And it went around and around like that. Dick, I gotta run.
MORRIS: Of course you have to vet the vetters.
HEMMER: Thank you. We're early on here. Dick Morris, thanks. Check out his column for free, dickmorris.com. Megyn?
Dick Morris, getting his talking points from scumbag loser diner patrons in Indiana, huh?
Well, dere ya go... all we need ta know...
Congratulations to you, Dick Morris, for uncovering the secret Muslim sleeper-agent trying to infiltrate the U.S. government.
What tipped you off? His dark skin?
Dick Morris doesn't regard himself as a citizen of this nation either, apparently. That's why he won't pay his taxes, like all true, patriotic Americans.
http://www.wtnh.com/Global/story.asp?S=6134720
I think the question that plagues McCain is.... does he care about the American people, and what they think?
He clearly thinks that withdrawing our troops from Iraq is 'not that important'.
I'd rather my candidate be pro-Americans, than just pro-America.
"Dick Morris is a disease. And I'm the cure."
I disagree with all you folks...
Just kidding, Dick Morris is an a-hole.
"what is his obsession with the Clintons?"
A paying gig, that's what it is.
Morris was never a very ideologically driven person even when he worked for Democrats. Bill Clinton hired him because of his work in "triangulation" which is basically the Republican-lite, poll driven, slightly left of center politics that the DLC has come to represent. Morris has always been about getting office for the sake of getting office rather for achieving any sort of goals.
His big problem with the Clintons is that they FIRED him over the revelation that he has a habit of hiring prostitutes to let him suck their toes. Apparently he thinks that doing so was some form of unthinkable betrayal.
And Fox gives this sap money for doing it.
No he is still insanely jealous of Mrs. Clinton to the point one can almost determine he has an unrequited love for Bill Clinton. It is all so obvious. I have had some clients in his sort of dilemna and it is not pretty at all. Poor thing is to be pitied. His crush on Bill Clinton still haunts him and compells him to be so distructive to Hillary. And to think Fox News is so clearly clueless.
Pray tell, which one of our conservative friends on this site told us that americans were smart enough to not fall for the Obama is a muslim schtick again?
My my my...If only you could wait till I actually posted something before launching a personal attack, that would be kinda nice. But I'm getting used to your angry young man shtick. It's kinda cute...
I just got here, haven't posted anything about Dick yet, & here you are talking trash about me. Gosh, what a shocker :-O I'd never expect such a thing from a Liberal ;-)
Tell ya what 8, go suck on Morris's toes, & have a nice day :-)
Now on topic. Morris is a waste of space. Nothing he says is worth repeating. I'm not the least bit concerned about Obama being "pro-American"...of course he is. This is just more propaganda from FOX. Totally expected & will likely continue. I'm more interested in Obama's plans to recharge the economy & get us the hell out of Iraq.
I know what he should do to bring gas prices down...call for a Manhattan style project to get Americans off oil. The reason gas is so high is because of speculation, and if he did that, the speculators would freak out.
Also, he should take the contracts for oil back that are not being used and give them to someone who will use them.
That's just what I hope he'll do though, we'll see...
I think that, fundamentally, what Obama needs is a national security type. He needs somebody like a Biden, a sort of Democratic Dick Cheney who's immersed in Washington
Biden should feel very insulted. That has to approach the level of legally slanderous.
The question that plagues Dick Morris?
Why is he bias? How much money does the GOP smear machine pay him? Watch for his idiotic statements throughout the next 5 months.
Of course only on FAUX.
Amazing as usual unless he says America is perfect and has always been perfect some will say he isn't patriotic.Why isntthe patriotism of those supporting display and reverence of the confederate flag challenged the same way...esp other Presidential candidates likeMcCainand Huckabee..
Hmm, that's funny. When I hear stupid questions being asked, here or anywhere, I realize how lucky we are to live in America, where each person is free to express their own views, no matter how nutty.
So Gov, yesterday you said Fox must go, now you say they, or someone on their network, is not free to say something. Put your money where your blustering is and tell us what you would do about it.
Wow, Tommy, this 'free speech' thingy seems to be a sore spot for you. Why is that... were you told to shut up often as a kid? Same way that Billy O'Reilly tells his 'guests' to shut up whenever they make him uncomfy in front of the television cameras?
Yeah. Some 'freedom', huh?
Whatever, Crispy. You cannot even address the double standard issue I brought up in my post. Oh sure, it wasn't OBVIOUS but I wanted to make you exercise your brain a bit more than usual.
You have another crack at it. Go...
His revelation later in the thread where he indicates he will single handidly take down FOX News is pretty much all we need to know about his mental health.
Um.... I never made that claim. Are you stupid?
"but I'm taking steps to put them out of business"
Ah, yes you did....above and elsewhere.
Here is what is stupid "You can celebrate and/or defend Fox News’ deplorable act of treason if you must, but I'm taking steps to put them out of business." The word "I'm" is not plural here sir. If not single handidly then you should have said we, or me and some others, etc. not "I'm."
Written any new Zodiac letters lately?
I'm not arrogant enough to speak for people other than myself. Google "boycott fox news" and you may glean from the hits you get that putting them out of business in not a singular effort."but I'm taking steps to put them out of business"
Yeah, silly us, nothing arrogant about that statement.
It might also help to lift the fog of stupidity that has been foisted onto otherwise good and decent people for the past ten years or so.
Yes, I am calling Fox News and those who are influenced by it 'STUPID'... for those who want it said OBVIOUSLY.
Oh come on, Tommy. This is dumb even by your standards. Any time any of us fight back against a bad business, we are "taking steps to put them out of business." Nowhere did Gov say he was doing it alone. Get over yourself.
I see you didn't address the issue raised in my earlier post about the double standards therefore my more recent post to you still stands. Have a nice day. :)
Oh, and as far as degrading your intelligence? You have to have intelligence in the first place for me to degrade it. :)
Tell that to the slimeball loony rightwing radio talkers. I am simply mirroring them.
Stings, doesn't it?
"Oh, and as far as degrading your intelligence? You have to have intelligence in the first place for me to degrade it. :)"
Wow! Another wonderful example of Rabbitman's excellent debate skills. Please tell me when I should start being impressed with you.
Take a hint - I learned how to be nasty from YOUR side. So in a sense I've been Hannitzed, Savaged, Levinized, CunTinghammed, etc. I've learned to play by their rules. Get the picture now?
And yet your response... it proves that the silly double standard still exists... the double standard in which the Right can get away with being slimeballs, bigots, racists, namecallers, you name it - but if a lib does it then it's 'insulting' and 'treasonous'.
Want a challenging topic? Here it comes... explain why that double standard exists and why it is accepted.
And again... you didn't address the first part of that post so don't get all in my face with the debating skills crap. You haven't put anything on the canvas yet in regards to the topics I brought up.
When you decide to do so then you will have my attention and respect.
I think what you fail so miserably to understand is that just because I admonished Govenor and agree with Tommy at times doesn't make me part of "your side" i.e. conservative, you silly rabbit. I have posted here for quite some time and most here will tell you that I am quite far from being an arch conservative or anything close. In fact I am quite liberal on many issues and conservative on some. What your posts tell me is that you troll for anyone who doesn't tow the far left line and you try to pounce on them as being conservative. Your idiocy, although appalling, is simply indicative of your inability to be objective. Your no different that the partisan hacks on the right. In fact your quite pitiful really. I feel sorry for you because your whole argument here hinges on your speculation that I am a conservative. You have based that on my admonishment of Gov saying he hates his country. So what you have done is made a uninformed judgement about me based on one post and then based an illigitimate argument on that judgement. That being said, it is amusing to watch you continue to dig yourself deeper in that whole, given I am not a conservative in the manner of which you want to portray me. I have voted Democrat 90% of the time in the past 42 years you silly rabbit. Your argument is baseless and flawed. You got nothin'.
Furthermore, I don't have to explain Sh!t to you. Your inability to make informed judgements has destroyed your credibility with me sir. I certainly haven't sought your respect and getting it would not even be as important as a pimple on my arse. Anyway, I realize there is a double standard in the realm of political discussion in terms of people like Savage, Hannity, etc. That is in no way a justification IMO for saying that you hate this nation because certain policy makers led us into a unecessary war. As a veteran who has shed blood for this nation and watched my friends die, I take umbrage to Govenors assinine comments. Not because he is liberal and I am conservative but because it is simply disrespectful of not only the opportunities this nation gives people but more importantly it is disrespectful of the millions who have given their lives for this country he hates. The reality is that I could care less if you agree with his sorry comments but you need to understand that such beliefs, although permissable and well within his rights as an American, are flat out disrespectful; as are you for defending them. It's numbnuts like you and Govenor who take advantage of everything this nation has to offer, which came through blood sacrifice of others, only to sh!t on it later when bad people make bad decisions. Pathetic.
.
Feel better now?
Since we are now in a pissing contest - hey, fine by me, btw - I find you to be PATHETIC that you are DUMB enough to not look deeper into the Gov's comments. Now does he REALLY hate America? Maybe... or maybe not but why take such offense at it even if he does? Why does it affect YOU on such a personal level. Personally, I couldn't care less whether someone hates this country or not. Their opinions, beliefs, values, etc. do not affect me whatsoever. The only thing that matters to me in this regard is whether I hate this country or not - which, for the record, I do not - and I certainly do not have to justify my view with you or anyone. There are MANY things about this country I DO find detestable. I will list those if you wish.
Perhaps the Gov's comment about 'hating America' is more about hating certain things in this country's history, certain things in this country's culture, certain UNWRITTEN values this country has held for a long time that have caused distress to not only citizens of this country but others as well. Many examples of that can be found in history. Go research them if you must on your own time... this isn't the place for it.
What disgusts me about the rightwing is that to them this country cannot be legitimately criticized with impunity. The 'you're unpatriotic, you hate America, you traitor!' mentality that's spewed whenever someone, usually someone on the left, makes a thoughtful and intelligent criticism of a policy, politician, Administration, President, etc. It's almost as if those people who scream 'traitor!' are indoctrinated in the same sort of propaganda that led to such horrible events as the Holocaust. There is no rational thought, no reason, only raw emotion and I know that those who depend solely on raw emotion as a substitute for reason are utter fools. Dangerous fools in fact... as history has borne out.
Lastly, while your service to this country is commendable, I find it to be offensively arrogant that you would use it as a justification for attacking another person's opinion. I find it appalling that you would choose to dishonor your service in such a shameful manner.
Just my opinion, of course, take it or leave it. I really don't give a damn.
Don't expect a profound answer from Tommy on this. He will simply sulk off into his corner for a while...
"taking steps to put them out of business"
Really? But you keep saying they have "no right", what steps are you taking in that regard?
Well, since you asked me 12 times, here you go...
----------------------------------------
> From: XXXXXXXXXXXX
> To: e.d.hill@foxnews.com
> CC: roger.ailes@foxnews.com
> Subject: Question
> Date: Tue, 10 Jun 2008 11:36:57 -0400
>
>
> Dear E.D. Hill:
>
> I am unclear as to why on earth you would ask if Senator Obama would give a "terrorist fist jab" to his wife. As you know, terrorists killed 3,000 Americans on September 11, 2001. It is plainly and simply beneath contempt for you to link a man who will likely be the next President of The United States of America with people who have absolutely no respect for human life. Shame on you.
>
> Sincerely,
----------------------------------------
RE: Question
From: XXXXXXXXXXXX
Sent: Wed 6/11/08 10:26 AM
To: e.d.hill@foxnews.com
Cc: roger.ailes@foxnews.com
Dear E.D. Hill:
Your statement (non-apology) regarding your "terrorist" remark about Senator Obama was truly strange and totally nonsensical. Fox News most certainly did mean to associate the word "terrorist" with Senator Obama and his wife. This is obvious because it was written into your script, which you read from your teleprompter.
Dear Fox News:
If you fail to issue a real apology on this matter and if you continue to tar Americans with vicious slander as you trivialize terrorism for the blind sake of vile and partisan corporate propaganda, you’ll be out of business by the end of the year.
Sincerely,
I applaud anyone concerned enough to take their time and write to any media outlet detailing their grievances with their programming, you get a high five from me on that.
Not sure how you intend to put them out of business?, but if enough people do what you are doing, irrespective of the your promise "they will be out of business by the end of the year", it may have an impact, we will see.
Pride in country is out of guilt?
In part, yes. And whenever it's required, it's also false.
And an inability to resist watching Tommy chase his tail for a while. ;0)
Not bagging, Gov., I've been known to do it too.AChris is usually pretty reasonable, and I generally like his posts, but I think he may have misunderstood it, probably with some help from Tommy's twisting.
What a moron. I never voted for Bush. If the policy is criminal then so be it.
I never said you voted for Bush. As for the countless dead from this illegal and unjust war and as for your "so be it" to the ongoing body count, to me, that's simply un-American. I can honestly say that there are times when I hate my country and what it does in my name. And, as a rugged American, I don't care what you think about my opinion. Rock on.
"People who voted for Bush (some twice) have more blood on their hands than me. Their so-called pride (and yours) is inspired, in part, by guilt. "
You moron, you effectively lumped me in with those who voted for Bush with you comments above. You remind me of a 8 year old trying to lie his way out fo trouble after being caught red-handed. Your hatred for this nation which so many have died for is flat out disrespectful of their sacrifice. Rationalize it any way you want. Justify it you can't.
Tommy: be grateful to those who have served and sacrificed
You and Chris do not get to determine how other people engage in this activity. You are both absolutely powerless in that regard.
No, you're right. But if you think those that have served and sacrificed appreciate it when someone says they hate America simply because we allow all sorts of varying points on view on cable TV, then you are sadly misguided.
For those who have served and sacrificed fought and died for the very freedoms you despise, if you can't see the blatant disrespect in that, you're hopeless.
Don't hand me that ridiculous argument. It's not about the war or the right or wrong of any foreign conflict, it's about the respect that those who serve their country, especially those who do so on any foreign soil as part of their directed mission, deserve from us, the fortunate citizens who sit here and type of blogs. One doesn't have to love everything their country does, but to hate America because we celebrate opposing points of view, aka Dick Morris, which is specifically what Governor said, is a slap in the face to anyone who has served and dies for our freedoms. If you don't get that, and he obviously doesn't, that is too bad. You have your opinions.
We disagree.
I thought all the "America love it or leave it" fossils died with that crook Nixon.
Agreed, but he probably should expect a visit from O'Reilly's - well, in this case, Dick's goons from 'Fox Security'. ;-)
Who are you to decide what someone or some entity doesn't have the right to do?
Yeah, whatever. You hate this country which is obviously evident by your self absorbed thinking that your rights are more important that others.
Seriously, have you written any new Zodiac letters lately?
Tommy,
You bring up a good point about freedom of speech. Not withstanding what you think about Morris, he didn't say anything that outrageous. He is actually being a realist and letting Obama's camp understand what he needs to do to win.
If anyone thinks Morris is wrong and Obama is above having to prove he is pro-American to the electorate, then they don't understand politics. Obama's associations with Wright, Ayers, Pfleger, Rezko, Khalidi, and Michelle, are all going to be used to paint Obama in an unflattering light. He is already coming from the left, which has the stigma of being anti-American with conservatives and independents alike.
No matter how much you think this is unfair, lots of people will judge Obama, not only on his platform, but also of his associations.
I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it. ~VoltaireAA,
I could care less what Dick Morris says, but to say that a presidential candidate has to prove he is "pro-American" is ridiculous. And I know you are smart enough to see through such fear mongering crap from Morris, and Fox News.
If there is substance to debate Obama over, fine, that is fair game. Morris is just being provocative on Fox for obvious reasons, his own self preservation.
Tommy,
We simply disagree. We'll have to watch and see, but it is my opinion that Obama's patriotism will be questioned all through the campaign.
Yeah, that's right. Can't win on the issues so go for the low blow.
AA
That is a right wing smear, to give the imperession Senator Obama is not patriotic. Why would someone who hates America want to be our President? This is really nonsense and IMO wrong, sleezy and borderline racist.
And once again Barack's assertion that McManiac is running for Bush's third term is accurate.
If that really is the case then this election will be a landslide of epic proportions.
Sue-
You forget that all of those things are the fault of the Democratic-controlled Congress, which has ruled the country with an iron grip since 2006.
</sarcasm>
I see that you've joined the nutjobs.
Worrier,
Nice attempt at a putdown. But lets talk substance shall we?
One of the weaknesses that Obama has as a candidate is that we are finding out he says things that he has to later retract. Add to this the fact that his lofty rhetoric for "change" and a "new style of politics" is not matched by his political record or his campaign.
I have enough disagreements with Obama on policy alone that I will not be voting for him, (but you knew that.) My point is that for you (and others,) to say Obama's patriotism is above reproach by avoiding the issue and instead resorting to putdowns does not win any argument nor take away from the reality of the opposition that Obama faces.
If you think Obama is pro-American, that is fine. You can still agree with Morris. You cannot ignore the fact that Obama has long term relationships with people who are anti-American. Having these long term relationships makes it difficult for many people to believe that Obama didn't share in their views about America.
We are now seeing that he changes his views for political expediency. We've seen it with Wright, with his church, with meeting our enemies, with bitter Americans, etc., etc.
If Obama can disown Wright a few weeks after he said he could not disown him, it goes to the heart of the matter as to whether the public can trust what Obama is saying. I believe this will be one of the central themes of the Republicans against Obama.
The right doesn't have to prove Obama isn't patriotic, it only has to plant the seeds of doubt. My guess is that will keep Obama on the defensive and having to counter with his proclamations of patriotism.
You've got the balls to put the Voltaire quote about defending everyone's rights in the same post that you state that both conservatives and independents think that anyone on the left is Un-American?
You've gone from being someone willing to discuss issues to a flame thrower AA. You've lost any semblance of integrity with this accusation that we're Un-American because we're on the left.
You owe everyone an apology.
"You owe everyone an apology."
Nah... he'll just pull an 'E.D.' or play the miserable 'I was misunderstood' card that the Shrub played while in Europe. He won't take responsibility for his words. Nope.
You've gone from being someone willing to discuss issues to a flame thrower AA. You've lost any semblance of integrity with this accusation that we're Un-American because we're on the left.
You owe everyone an apology.
BRAVO King!
Worrier,
You are right. I chose my words poorly.
I should have said "some" conservatives and independents.
I also apologize for saying the left is anti-American. My intention was to say 'the left is considered by some conservatives and independents as being weak on defense and wanting to quit fighting in Iraq.'
Sorry if I offended you.I don't know why the words came out so small. I wrote:
Sorry if I offended you.
Anyone who thinks that there's a question about Obama being pro-American will not vote for him in any case. It's a wild-goose chase for the Obama campaign to go after those voters. That being said, they should still combat the false meme, and Media Matters should continue to point out the fakery that comes from Fox News et al.
AA,
Their not "anti-american" because YOU say they are. I am so sick of people taking it upon themselves to define what is "american" and "anti-american." Brave men did not die for this nation so that we all march goose step in line with some nationalistic dogma sir. If you want to believe that Obama's casual relationship with Ayers proves him to be "anti-american" despite having nothing to back that up except your own baseless assertions then fine. Sell yourself short all you want, just don't disrespect the brave folks who ACUTALLY SERVED THIS NATION with your pompous idea that if they don't fit a conservative mold they are "anti-american."
Achris,
Everyone has their own opinion. I am expressing mine. I respect the fact that you and a whole bunch here disagree with me. I am in no way disparaging anyone who has served our country.
It is not that Obama isn't patriotic. He very well may be. :-) My point is that some conservatives and independents may think otherwise based on some of Obama's associations.
I am only pointing out that, imho, the Republicans will use these associations, and legitimately so, to try to paint Obama as on the radical left and weak on national security a la Carter in the 70s. So far Obama's rejoinder to talk to our enemies in the first year, his various pullout strategies for Iraq, and his associations all point to that type of characterizations by the right. The left may not like it, but that is the reality.
I have no doubt those on the left will try to portray McCain in an unfavorable light. Fair is fair. Have at it.
Your "some will use this" is in fact using it, as a matter of fact. It's ignorant and shallow and not worthy of the sacrifice made by those who created this democracy. In order to keep this democracy, we are going to have to do better and be better people.
Saying that Obama is an "unknown" or questioning his patriotism is a lazy way to say you just don't care enough to get informed and would rather listen to the misinformers.
Mary,
We disagree. Everyone uses associations of the candidates to help form and opinion as to who is presidential. Democrats highlight questionable associations the as Republicans. If you don't believe me take a look at Pearlene's comments further down bringing up McCains associations and his wife. If that isn't enough, take a look at the concerted effort on the left, including Obama, to tarnish McCain by tying him to the unpopular Bush. How many posts have you seen where McCain is called McSame or McBush or something like that?
What's good for the goose is good for the gander.
AA, the thing you are missing here is whether those associations are VALID for inquiry. Quick example - the constant emphasis placed on 'Hussein', which leads IGNORANT PEOPLE... as in the loser diner dude from Indiana... to say INCORRECT things like 'he is a Muslim'. Same thing with Ayres... come on, AA, Obama was EIGHT years old when the Weathermen were active!
Don't you GET it???
Mary,
Go ahead and show what you have. Your side is doing it anyway. McCain's associations should be vetted.
Here's another source since I'm sure you won't like that one:
"John McCain (R-AZ) has repeatedly said he relies on his economic advisers, including former senator Phil Gramm " McCain's econ brain " to make up for his lack of experience on economic issues. "I would rely on the circle that I have developed over many years of people like Phil Gramm," he said in February. Yesterday evening, MSNBC revealed that Gramm worked for the bank UBS "to lobby Congress about the U.S. mortgage crisis at the same time he was advising McCain" about economic policies. The revelations come as McCain banned several advisers from advising him on subjects covered by their lobbying work. As recently as December 31 of last year, still working for Swiss bankers, specifically to help kill the Emergency Home Ownership And Mortgage Equity Protection Act and the Helping Families Save Their Homes and Bankruptcy Act, a bill that would have let bankruptcy judges adjust mortgages terms so American families facing foreclosure could repay their loans and keep their homes. Gramm's deregulation help set the stage for an explosion of banks slicing up subprime mortgages, bundling them with other mortgage slices, to hide the credit risks, and stelling mortgage stew to other investment firms. That gave lenders powerful incentive to make as many loans as possible, regardless of risk.[2] It's Wednesday and the world hasn't ended, so you know what that means: another one of John McCain's campaign staffers has been outed as a lobbyist..."
from newsfeedresearcher
Frankly, I don't give a s**t about Obama's 'associations'. They do not define Obama and, oh! guess what?, they are not running for President.
This 'guilt by association' card you morons are playing is all the evidence I need to confirm that your side is full of s**t and desperate.
Here's some advice. After Obama wins the election and sets up shop on Penna. Ave., instead of bitching and moaning about your pending tax rates that'll drive you to the Velveeta lines, how about getting off the couch and getting into a classroom and take courses on logic and critical thinking. Do something useful for yourselves.
Didn't your mamma always say, "You can't soar with eagles when you hang out with turkeys."
Or this one... "You are judged by the associations you keep".
Obama has such a thin record that political opponents will also look elsewhere to try to let the rest of us know what type of person Obama is, and if the rhetoric does indeed match the actual person.
We all know that everyone does it, both on the left and right. (Remember Hillary anyone?)
Obama talks the talk, but does it match the walk?
Let's try out a few examples...
I go to a Catholic Church where, it turns out, the priest had been molesting young boys for years. This was just revealed yesterday. For all those Sundays, I went to church and I listened to his sermons and took them to heart. Question: am I a child molester as a result of attending that church and having a 'spiritual' rapport with that priest?
I live next door to a man who was arrested yesterday in connection with a murder investigation. Turns out just an hour ago I found out that the police have the goods on the dude and he's gonna be charged tonight with Murder One. Prior to this, I used to hang out with my neighbor and we would have cookouts at each other's houses and we used to go to the bars to shoot pool, drink, and leer at women (kidding :)). Question: am I also a murderer?
I had a teacher in college who was my favorite. He was so intelligent and his lectures were inspiring. I even received a letter of recommendation from him when I applied for graduate school and I was accepted based on the strength of that letter and my accomplishments. Recently, it came to light that this teacher was involved in a racketeering enterprise and may have been involved in a double murder three years ago. Question: should I be thrown out of the graduate program based on these revelations?
AA, I just don't buy it. Obama may have a limited legislative record, but look at his proposals, his stance on issues, his intended direction with regard to taxes, health care, the war, the economy, energy, etc.......go after him on those ideas, attack their merits, there is nothing wrong with that.
I most certainly have issues with many of his policies, but I have been screwed by Bush on many of his, so if I decide to vote for Obama knowing full well what his are, I will not be surprised - and disagreements will be based on integrity and honesty, not what the big government Republicans gave us. How much worse can spending be? How much worse off can we be on the national stage, our reputation, our global standing? Not much.
Obama has repudiated to my satisfaction these associations of his, Wright is a nut, but I don't believe Obama is Wright at all, the Wright is not running for anything. If you don't believe Obama, that is your business.......but to continually question his patriotism as a result is nothing more than smear politics, I am sick of it, and I will not support anyone who slimes in it, from either party.
Not withstanding what you think about Morris, he didn't say anything that outrageous.
AA you never find fault with anyone expressing YOUR feeling about Obama.
How does he feel about white people?
That is a stupid AND outrageous question. Obama's mother and the grandparents who raised him were white so how the hell do you think he feels!
When you try to paint Obama as only a black man and ask outrageous questions about him and white people you forget that not everyone is as dumb as are to the fact that Obama's mother was white. It appears that both you and Morris would like people to think Obama hates white people.
Pearlene,
We have enough disagreements, there is no reason to go out and invent new ones. I could care less about the color of Obama's skin and this discussion has not even remotely broached that issue of race until you brought it up.
I challenge you to point out any post of mine that says I want people to think Obama hates white people.
Not withstanding what you think about Morris, he didn't say anything that outrageous.
Morris: How does he feel about white people?
You don't think THAT'S not outrageous? Obama has a white mother and YOU don't think that Morris questioning how Obama feels about white people outrageous?
AA, don't try me with that bull sh*t about you never said Obama didn't like white people. I said It appears that both you and Morris would like people to think Obama hates white people. Since you think it's acceptable for Morris to question how Obama feels about white people IMO you must question it as well.
I find your objections about Wright unbelievable considering you NEVER questioned Catholics who still attend churches with a history of child molestation and cover up. You claim associations with Ayers, Resko and Khalidi are questionable but you make light of McCain association with Keating forgetting McCain's wife invested in Keating's shopping malls and the McCain family took trips on Keating's jet and stayed at his resort. You've never questioned McCain sudden change in pushing a land swap deal for a rich rancher who in turn gave the job of building 12,000 homes to a longtime McCain supporter, Steven A. Betts or Rick Renz, co-chair of McCain's Arizona campaign indicted for extortion, money laundering and other crimes and yet you never find McCain's association questionable JUST Obama's. You even had the nerve to say Obama's association with his WIFE will be an acceptable subject to raise against Obama.
I challenge you to point out any post of mine that says I want people to think Obama hates white people.
AA, you may not believe that Obama doesn't like white people but you find nothing wrong if someone else raises the question. I find that outrageous, asinine and just plain wrong!
I second that!
Mary & Open, thanks for the kind words.
Another great post.
I've been through two marriages and I vowed never to do it again, but, for YOU I would do it. Will you marry me?
Morris: How does he feel about white people?
No it is not outrageous. The question is probably one many white people have I would think many black people have the same question regarding white candidates. I know Obama has a mixed race genealogy. However he tossed his grandmother under the bus as “a typical white person”, when he was defending Wright.
If you think it “appears” that I hate black people, then you simply haven’t been paying attention. Morris’s statement no more proves he would like to people to think Obama hates white people than it proves Obama hates black people. It simply isn’t there.
As for Catholics. You do not know what I question. As a life-long practicing Catholic, I have never had any priest that I knew of who was guilty of such things. My feeling is that the priests who are child molesters should be defrocked and thrown into prison. I am appalled and heartbroken over this issue and saddened that the bishops did not stop these sick men. I believe the bishops should also be removed from their administrative oversight. I know of at least on Cardinal who was. (Cardinal Law of Boston.) And I think there were others. Their crimes are egregious and their misguided actions indefensible. Most of these cases took place years ago and I do believe the Church has learned never to allow this again. I am glad that people are being partly compensated for their injurie. My heart goes out to them. I recognize that the Catholic Church is filled with sinners, (me being one.) My faith does not rest on any individual priest’s actions. I recognize that these priests constitute less than 1% of the priests out there. I will not condemn them all for the sins of a few. I feel the Catholic Church , on the whole, does immeasurable good for the poor and the sick, of all religions.
I think it is fair game to pick on McCain’s associations and his wife’s business dealings. I never said I find McCain’s associations unquestionable. I am not a McCain fan, so I look at his associations too. I have looked into the Keating Five and am satisfied with the outcome. If more stuff comes up, I will consider that too when considering whom I am going to vote for.
We know that one’s spouses do have an effect on a campaign. You mentioned McCain’s wife. So you judge McCain in part on his wife’s actions. You stopped liking Hillary in part for what Bill said. If that is fair for Hillary, why not Obama? Of course it is fair.
You believe on balance that the Catholic church does more good for the sick and the poor than the evil of priests who are molesters.
Obama was a member of Trinity all those years because of their Christ inspired work for the poor which include a wide array of programs.
I never argued otherwise. Good for them. Hamas hands out money and food too.
It is the anti-American rants of Rev. Wright, and Rev. Pflegar from the pulpit of that church and Obama's 20 year relationship with those two that I find disturbing. If he couldn't find it in himself to disassociate from them... until he is getting flack from the media, it doesn't say much for him before or after.
What exactly was 'anti-American', AA? Was Wright saying that American foreign policy led to 9/11 an 'anti-American' thing to say?
Hell, let's just start from the beginning. Define what qualifies as 'anti-American'.
HAHAHAHAHA!!!
You included his wife as one of his conspicuous "associations." His wife. Really?? This is going to be one of the most outrageous races for the presidency.
I won't attack your beliefs, but I will say this: For every bs reason the republicans come up with as to why we shouldn't trust Obama, the democrats will have a similar reason to implicate John McCain. Pay attention. It's already happening. This guilt by association won't doom Obama, because McCain has just as many so called shady associations. The independents that are still undecided aren't going to be swayed by Obama's past associations which have been discussed since January!! But they will be swayed by Obama linking McCain to Bush's war policy. They will be swayed by McCain's bogus economic policy. And they will be swayed by negative attacks like "Terrorist Fist Jabs" But what do I know.
"You included his wife as one of his conspicuous "associations." His wife. Really?? This is going to be one of the most outrageous races for the presidency."
Yeah, because she was never 'proud' of her country until now. *rolls eyes*
They are so desperate, they will stoop to ANY level to slime this decent, level-headed, and QUALIFIED man and keep him out of the White House.
The Right wing and its behavior is simply beneath contempt.
Rabbit,
Michelle's comments regarding when she was really proud of her country go to the heart of the issue we're discussing, that is why I included her.
HAHAHAHA!!!
Another Yank, let me ask you a question. If the ethnic group you belonged to was only forty to fifty years removed from Jim Crow and not being allowed to vote, would you have 100 percent trust in your country? You guys are a riot. The woman had every right to make that comment, because where she's come from. Most blacks of her generation have seen some atrocious things all because of the hue of their skin. Do your really think its that easy to forget?!? A lot of people (black people) felt the same way she did. It is good to see that white America has accepted blacks in a forum that isn't entertainment. That Obama has the opportunity to become our next president, the fact that he is being seriously considered and is not just some token does mean this country has come a long way in its attitude towards African-Americans.
August,
She is entitled to her opinion, whatever it may be.
August,
Thank you for agreeing with me. :-) Yes, the Democrats will attack McCain on his associations too. I feel that they have the same obligation and freedom to do so. I may not like it, but the reality is that it will happen. If the Dems "guilt by association" plants the seeds of doubt about voting for McCain with some, then so be it.
Deciding on who is to be our President involves more than just what their campaign platform. Obama is running on something as nebulous as "change". That is fine. But if Obama wants me to believe the change is going to be better he is going to have to show me.
As far as the priest goes, would you say, "I could no longer disown him than my own grandmother?" after this child molestation came to light?
As for your neighbor. Had he said he had blown up many buildings, but killed no one, would you still be associated with him? Would you go to his house to start your political career?
As for your teacher, would you have asked for a recommendation from him knowing what you know now? Isn't his reputation tarnished as to make his recommendation worthless?
Hey all,
Part of the note above should have been addressed to Rabbit,
Sorry for the confusion.
Thanks to all who are discussing this with me.
"As far as the priest goes, would you say, "I could no longer disown him than my own grandmother?" after this child molestation came to light?"
"As for your neighbor. Had he said he had blown up many buildings, but killed no one, would you still be associated with him? Would you go to his house to start your political career?"
"As for your teacher, would you have asked for a recommendation from him knowing what you know now? Isn't his reputation tarnished as to make his recommendation worthless?"
You didn't answer the three questions I asked, AA. Sorry, won't answer yours until you answer mine. Dems the rules. :)
Haven't you ever answered a question by asking a question? Just because it wasn't the answer you were looking for, does not mean I didn't answer.
The reality is that I thought you were being rhetorical because the answers were so obvious.
Yes, I think you are a child molester.
Yes, I think you are a murderer.
Yes, I think you should have been kicked out of grad school retroactively.
:-)
"Haven't you ever answered a question by asking a question?"
No.
"The reality is that I thought you were being rhetorical because the answers were so obvious.
Yes, I think you are a child molester.
Yes, I think you are a murderer.
Yes, I think you should have been kicked out of grad school retroactively."
You may be kidding here but based on what people are saying about Obama and his 'associations' they wouldn't be kidding if they answered the questions the way you just did. THAT is the point. THEY are not using logic and critical thinking. THEY are the people who can be considered to be ill-informed.
And that is what the Rightwing is counting on to win this election. For them, it is not about the issues - it's simply about winning at any cost.
rabbit,
Who are these people to whom you are referring? Sounds like obogeymen to me. :-)
Come on, AA, do the work! I'm not gonna do it for you.
You really aren't putting much effort here... no grad school recommendations for you. You ARE qualified for Fox though - and whaddaya know! A vacancy has been opened. :P
rabbit,
I noticed you didn't answer the question. I recognize it is because you cannot. It was a bit of hyperbole on your part to try and follow your silly questions.
No, you've proven that you cannot seek out information for yourself. Typical rightwinger... has to rely on some 'surrogate' to do it for him, hence the 'success' of moronic rightwing radio and teevee folk.
Case closed. Have a nice day. :)
"obogeymen"?
you either placed the "o" there intentionally, or it was a fruedian slip
No.
As far as the priest goes, would you say, "I could no longer disown him than my own grandmother?" after this child molestation came to light? - AA
For your analogy to work, we'd have to assume an equivalence between child molestation and criticism of your government, which is the worst thing Wright did. That is a very weak analogy.
Your neighbor analogy ignores the reality that Obama had no genuine relationship with Ayers, simply peripheral contact.
Your reply about the teacher completely ignores what RabbitLuvr actually asked. It's a non-answer.
Bill,
I get the feeling you are just being argumentative. :-)
"I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it. ~Voltaire"
AA, Voltaire did not say that, Evelyn Beatrice Hall paraphrased those words from Voltaire's works under the pseudonym Stephen G. Tallentyre in an early 20th century book entitled "The Friend's of Voltaire."
Curse my liberal education! ;)
Not withstanding what you think about Morris, he didn't say anything that outrageous. He is actually being a realist and letting Obama's camp understand what he needs to do to win. - AA
You don't actually think that's what Morris was trying to accomplish, do you? What he is doing here is keeping alive an anti-Obama narrative that has no basis in fact. His approach is closely akin to the "some people say" method of smearing.
Obama's associations with Wright, Ayers, Pfleger, Rezko, Khalidi, and Michelle, are all going to be used to paint Obama in an unflattering light. - AA
Wright and Michelle haven't said anything that's unAmerican or unpatriotic. Unless, that is, you're of the idiotic opinion that criticism of America is inherently anti-American.
Obama's "associations" with Ayers, Pfleger and Khalidi are peripheral nearly to the point of nonexistence. Rezko so far appears to be an attempt to manufacture the appearance of a scandal in the absence of anything truly scandalous.
I don't disagree that the right will try to smear Obama with those "associations," but it won't be done honestly.
Did something come in and disappear between our posts that I missed? Your reply doesn't actually look like it goes with my post.
Bill,
Must have.
"Unless, that is, you're of the idiotic opinion that criticism of America is inherently anti-American."
DING DING DING!
You are the winner. You just revealed the deep, dark, and dirty secret the rightwing has been keeping near and dear. Basically, it goes like this: America is ALWAYS 'good' and America's policies and actions are always 'correct' and anyone who says differently is unpatriotic and anti-American.
Now, to the intelligent members here: What other country has (or had) that same mentality? Hint: a country that the USA had fought with indirectly in several areas but never directly.
Bill,
The above reply regarding the quote was meant for DB.
We simply disagree on the extent to which Obama is associated with these people. You say the relationships are negligible. I feel they are much more and speak to the worldview of Obama.
I don't believe that it IS just a matter of opinion. Every bit of evidence I've seen indicates that Ayers, Pfleger and Khalidi have had very, very little to do with Obama's life or career. There is really nothing to indicate any substantial degree of influence from any of them.
Wright's statements have consistently been portrayed as racist and/or anti-American, even though no one can actually find anything he's said that is either of those. It's shameless how Michelle Obama's comments have been misrepresented.
Obama has years' worth of statements and actions on which to judge him. Is there anything he's ever done or said that should make it reasonable to question whether he is actually pro-American? I don't think another candidate has been put in the position of having to answer such a charge.
Ayers is quite a stretch. Obama was only EIGHT years old when the Weathermen were doing their thing.
But if Fox says so... then, by sweet Jesus, it must be true! :P
rabbit,
Obama tried that line of reasoning (or lack thereof) and it didn't work then.
It is Obama's association with Ayers and his wife, who are both unrepentant terrorists who bombed police stations and the Pentagon among other buildings, as an adult. But you know that.
Obama served on the same board as Ayers. Obama's wife worked in the same law firm as Bernadette Dohrn. Obama started his political career in Ayers and Dohrn's house. If Obama didn't know of Ayers and Dohrn's political history when he started associating with them, it doesn't speak much for his ability to vet and choose his associates. However, I give Obama more credit than that. Obama knew and thought nothing wrong with associating with Ayers and Dorhn.
Yeah, I want a President who knowingly associated with anti-American terrorist bombers.
Unrepentent terrorists? Where do you get that?! One excerpt from a Chicago Tribune article: http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-ayersapr18,0,2384590.story
..."He was reportedly introduced to Obama in the mid-1990s. The two men served together for three years on the board of the Woods Fund of Chicago, a grantmaking organization founded in 1941 to help the city's poor. Obama left the board in 2002; Ayers remains a member.
"He's admired as an educator and a social justice advocate, and that is why he's on our board," said Laura Washington, chairwoman of the Woods Fund's board. "Everyone has a past. My feeling is he left that period far behind him and since then he has served the community well."
The same fawlty logic fails with your attempt to associate Michelle Obama with Bernadette Dorn because they serve on the same board.
Mary,
Obviously a person on the same Board would feel the same way toward Ayers as Obama. That is like saying the Cheney's like the Bush's. No secret there. The other person is the mayor of Chicago,
Here is more from that same article you linked regarding Obama to Ayers.
Obama and his wife "are part of our neighborhood and part of our social circle," said Elizabeth Chandler, a neighbor of Ayers'.
The Weathermen were responsible for at least four bombings, one in a Pentagon bathroom. In 1970, three members of the group were killed when a bomb exploded in a Greenwich Village apartment.
As for Ayers, he said this:
''I don't regret setting bombs,'' Bill Ayers said. ''I feel we didn't do enough.'' Mr. Ayers, who spent the 1970's as a fugitive in the Weather Underground, was sitting in the kitchen of his big turn-of-the-19th-century stone house in the Hyde Park district of Chicago.
http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9F02E1DE1438F932A2575AC0A9679C8B63
It does not matter that he is now a celebrity in the radical left of Chicago or even if he is nice guy. He is still a terrorist bomber similar to McVeigh, Terry Nichols, and Kahlid Shaikh Mohammad. An unrepentant anti-American terrorist bomber was/is Obama's neighbor, friend, and associate.
oops. I left out the part about Obama and Mayor Daley.
Then, in late December of 2007, the tumblers all clicked into place and Daley made his nearly unprecedented endorsement of Obama for president. About the same time, it was announced that his brother Bill would be going to work for the Obama campaign.
It is hard to overstate the coup Obama pulled off by getting both Daleys on his side. Bill Daley has a rolodex of Democratic contributors that could rival Hillary and Bill’s. It would be an interesting counterfactual to imagine the Obama campaign’s finances without the younger Daley.
So what did Obama promise in return?
In effect, Obama surrendered to the Machine by promising to endorse its corrupt mayor rather than his reform minded challenger :U.S. Sen. Barack Obama today endorsed Mayor Daley’s re-election bid, asserting that City Hall corruption is being cleaned up and that Chicago has “blossomed” under the mayor’s “innovative” and decisive leadership.
http://poligazette.com/2008/03/09/was-there-an-obama-daley-deal-on-the-presidency/
U.S. Sen. Barack Obama today endorsed Mayor Daley’s re-election bid, asserting that City Hall corruption is being cleaned up and that Chicago has “blossomed” under the mayor’s “innovative” and decisive leadership.
http://poligazette.com/2008/03/09/was-there-an-obama-daley-deal-on-the-presidency/
Shall we vet all your neighbors and loose associates? Bet we'll find some real interesting ideas some of them have.
AA just doesn't get it.
You seem to have forgotten what Ari Fleischer said during a press conference right after 9/11.
Dick is just having as hard a time as all of the other right wing nuts giving up power. These constant demands for Obama to "say this!" and "do that!", the helpful instructions as to what Obama should explain to mental defects like Morris, who wouldn't vote for Obama to save his life, in order to get Morris to vote for him.
Waning power in authoritarians isn't pretty.
Sure , it's sad, but in a funny way.Like seeing some 90 year old demented former beauty queen all made up and wearing her sash, wandering around the neighborhood.
Not sad at all to me. I relish it.
Dick is just having as hard a time as all of the other right wing nuts giving up power.
Morris never had any power to speak of.
When I hear Americans like Dick Morris asking stupid questions on the TV, I start to hate America.
Ok I really can't ignore this post by Gov.
Dick Morris asking stupid questions is all it takes for you to hate America? Give me a break. That ranks right at the top of the list of the stupidest things ever written here. I'm giving you my Worst Person In The World Award
Hey Colonel I laugh at Gov everyday :-)
But sometimes you gotta show some tough love & give a Worst Person In The World Award.
Normally when Gov starts to get tired & write stupid posts I just give him his binky & put him down for a nap.
Hell Mary I might write a book ;-)
Gov wasn't kidding around. I know his stuff by now. He's off the wall one minute & just purposely annoying the next. . I usually ignore him.
August I hear ya, but one should direct that hate towards Morris or anyone that utters this kind of slop. Saying one hates America because Dick Morris [or anyone] says something stupid, hurtful, or hateful just doesn't make sense.
There once was a scumbag named Morris
Who leaked insults through brains that were porous
He spews patriot fog
Like a turd in a bog
Thinks a patriot acts like chuck norris.
Hey I have a logical approach to assesing Obama's patriotism.
How does a presidential hopeful gather sooo much support if he is upatriotic?? He doesn't. Enough people disagree with Fox and the lunatic edges of the right wing or else Obama wouldn't have received the support he has. He was elected senator of Illinois. He successfully took out one of the strongest political names since the Kennedy's in defeating Hillary Clinton. How can anyone question the man's patriotism? Who questioned Bush's patriotism, when he was about to sign off to have the United Arab Emirates controling our major U.S. ports post 9-11? Yeah, real patriotic not having a plan in place for the victims in Hurricane Katrina, where American citizens were labled refugees and left to fend for themselves for weeks. Or how about sending thousands of our young men and women off to die for a bogus weapons charge. Real patriotic. Why doesn't the media question Bush's patriotism and get off Obama's back.
I won't question McCain's patriotism, because I respect the man's body of work.
Hmm, that's funny. When I hear stupid questions being asked, here or anywhere, I realize how lucky we are to live in America, where each person is free to express their own views, no matter how nutty.
I don't see how that is uniquely American. Most modern democratic nations promote free speech\free expression too.
Carn,
Only in the sense that what she says does affect his campaign. It can be positive or it can be negative.
Bill is the perfect example but the discussion is about Obama and not Hillary.
It can be neither. She is not running for President.
Did Laura Bush's killing of that kid long ago affect W's campaign?
AA,
I'm just a lurker out here, but I must say that I re-read your comments and could not find where you accused the left of being un-American. You did say that Obama had been associating with people who are un-American, but that is not the same thing. There really are some people who are citizens of this country who are un-American. Some are from the extreme left, and some are from the extreme right. The folks whom you refer to happen to be from the extreme left, and happen also, in my view, to be un-American. So, I don't think you have anything to apologize for.
Increasingly, throughout the last last three or four decades, people with what are considered to be "traditional" viewpoints have been made to feel like they must apologize for those views. Hogwash. No apology necessary. On the contrary, those who attempt to stifle your or my expression of those wiews have everything to apologize for. Shame on those who ridicule folks who disagree with them!
Thanks Dad! :-)
Old,
Sorry. I couldn't pass up the reply. :-) I do appreciate your words.
Worrier made a good point by calling me out. I would have done the same if the situation were reversed.
(However I do not recall him apologizing for calling me names.)
Oh well... :-)
I accept your explanation and apology and I apologize and retract the names I called you.
Not that you've questioned my patriotism but many others have done so for the last 7 plus years and I've grown tired of it. I used to let it roll off my back. But from here on I will not be quiet.
Check out his column for free, dickmorris.com. ..
Appropriately priced. He should be paying US to read his tripe. I read one once ... that's 10 minutes I'd like to have back ...
You can varnish a turd and it is still a turd. You can beat our Dick but he's still a Dick.
Please leave Mr. Morris alone. Doesn't anyone realize that this is the only "talent" he has? What would he do to support himself? He needs this job. I believe a "Don't Play With Our Dick" campaign be started in which no one questions what Dick does or says. He will continue to preach to the chior and they too will exit the church leaving Dick to be devoured by his own words. I know that drivel like this should be challenged but it is a waste of time with this Dick. Polite letters to sponsors are a better way to combat him.
Or, we all visit Dicks' website and post over there...if he allows freedom of speech.
You are not fooling anyone.
Your lofty proclamation of idealism is not matched by your arrogant insults toward people with whom you disagree.
AA,
Since you are big on associations, how many of Obama's prominent campaign leaders have been arrested in the past year? How many of McCain's have?
You blame your associations for your lack of military service in Vietnam. If you were running for President, according to your line of reasoning, you would accurately be portrayed as an un-American radical, correct?
You say that its not fair that McCain would be portrayed as a 3rd Bush term. Would you please point out major political differences between the two? We don't know where McCain stands on immigration. Iraq? I see no differences. The economy? I see no differences. Please, if they are different in substantive ways, show me.