RICHARD WOLFFE

Getting Ready to Rumble

Obama preps for combat in an uncertain climate.

By Richard Wolffe | Newsweek Web Exclusive
Sep 26, 2008 | Updated: 9:01  a.m. ET Sep 26, 2008

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  • Posted By: ICYEYES800 @ 09/26/2008 10:53:35 PM

    Too bad Osama's rumble turned into the rumba.....he looked as inexperienced and as ignorant as the majority of people have always seen him to be....NOT PRESIDENTIAL MATERIAL!!!!!!!

    • Posted By: it's about the future @ 09/27/2008 10:41:11 PM

      We all have Bad Eye Glasses Days.

  • Posted By: Beatrice_Aligher @ 09/27/2008 2:29:08 PM

    Well, if everyone wants to talk about the moral ethics of these two as individuals instead of the issues at hand, then I guess can give my two cents worth as well *shrugs*

    Maybe Obama does slice baloney, techresmgt. They're both politicians, so expect it on both ends. It's foolish to believe absolutely everything you hear from either candidate. Bottom line, they both want to win and will say whatever can get them there. However, McCain is old. So old that he's out of touch with young registering voters.

    And really, I just can't take the guy seriously.

    • Posted By: it's about the future @ 09/27/2008 10:29:19 PM

      Seriously though, n all seriousness,
      if we are talking about McCain,
      I just can't take the guy.

  • Posted By: Cantabrigian @ 09/27/2008 4:06:18 PM

    The problem with Obama is that he is young, too inexperienced, with a very thin resume, but somehow he and his followers refuse to acknowledge the truth that Obama really can not be taken seriously to actually be president of the United States of America. Obama is too much like Geo W. Scary thought.

    And, really, I just can't take the guy seriously..

    • Posted By: it's about the future @ 09/27/2008 10:25:26 PM

      Concerning McCain: Seriously, I just can't take the guy.

  • Posted By: rebjr @ 09/26/2008 8:24:05 PM

    Simply put. Most people know the difference between a "work horse" and a "show horse". McCain was in Washington to work and Obama was there for show.

    • Posted By: it's about the future @ 09/27/2008 10:23:35 PM

      But do YOU know the difference between working for show,
      and showing up for work?

  • Posted By: MeinVA @ 09/26/2008 5:35:59 PM

    McCain is going to make mashed potatoes out of Obama.

    • Posted By: it's about the future @ 09/27/2008 10:21:41 PM

      But friends, can McCain do (dance) the Mashed Potato ?

    • Posted By: benkrapf @ 09/26/2008 8:56:15 PM

      McCain will fall asleep dreaming of mashed potatoes. They're one of the few foods he can eat without worrying about his dentures.

    • Posted By: janieclark @ 09/26/2008 5:52:30 PM

      McCain is going to fall asleep half way through.

  • Posted By: bluebloodedLV @ 09/26/2008 7:02:01 PM

    lamm01 states: Let's face it. During the worst financial crisis this country has faced in decades, Obama is hidden in a secret location trying to figure out how to speak without a teleprompter.... Why doesn't he send one of Hollywood friends to bodydouble for him tonight....

    You really have no clue what is going on. Obama has been in Florida and then went to Washington as requested by your good man Bush. While in Florida, he had been calling Senators Dodd & Frank daily to find out where everything was at, unlike McCain who didn't even bother to read the 3 page Paulson plan. SERIOUSLY - when McCain got to Washington he HAD NOT READ THE THREE PAGE PLAN. You do not have the facts straight AT ALL. In addition, Obama has been speaking publicly all week on this issue, and has taken comments from reporters afterwards. McCain has acted like a drama queen and suposedly cancelled his campaign all for no real result. His presence was completely insignificant to resolving this crisis. Like the average McCain-Palin supporter, you are totally ignorant about the facts.

    • Posted By: benkrapf @ 09/26/2008 8:53:46 PM

      Do you seriously think that a law professor and grass-roots organizer has a problem speaking off the cuff? Get a clue.

      • Posted By: it's about the future @ 09/27/2008 10:20:30 PM

        Anyone who teaches, advises, or works with people in any public sense for a living, will tell you that "speaking off the cuff" is the job description.
        Speeches are the once in a while event.

  • Posted By: ICYEYES800 @ 09/26/2008 10:11:13 PM

    Obama's idea of deling with Iran in a diplomatic, lovey dovey way......Hell, I say, strap that dude on a NUKE and let it fly....that'll he his best way of getting out message to Iran's drive for nuclear power!!!!! That would cure our problem with CLUELESS OBAMA and the Iran fiasco.........kill two birds with one stone...Problem solved!!!

    • Posted By: it's about the future @ 09/27/2008 10:15:39 PM



      Hypocrisy at its finest.
      WHAT YOU ARE PROPOSING IS ILLEGAL.

    • Posted By: in debt to the company store @ 09/27/2008 12:32:49 AM

      By all appearances McCain feels the same as you do.

  • Posted By: Native New Yorker @ 09/26/2008 3:21:33 PM

    I will watch it to see if "The One" can make a whole sentence with out the stuttering and mumbling! Egad, he must be shaking in his boots....no telepromter. Perhaps Mr. Empty Suit has memorized his answers....hopefully he can connect them with the correct questions!!! You Liberal Dems are so full of bad BS and hate. How is it you don't bring up John Edwards, Bill Clinton, John Kennedy.....the "great" dems all cheated on their wives....so find other issues to discuss...like the economy, jobs, foreign policy....all the issues that really matter. And just for the record, Teddy Roosevelt, one of our beloved President's had less expereince that Obama...who has less experience than Mrs. Palin.

    • Posted By: rdonath @ 09/26/2008 4:05:25 PM

      Ah yes, "liberal dems" I knew that had to get in there somwhere. I suggest you go look in a dictionary for the meaning of the word "liberal." I'll be a liberal ANY TIME and PROUD OF IT!!!!

      In this context, Merriam-Webster (2005) says "liberal" is "not narrow in opinionn or judgment: TOLERANT. Not orthodox, not conservative."

      • Posted By: support_obama @ 09/27/2008 12:53:39 PM

        Did you read the NEW YORK Times on Mccain, he also cheated on his wife who also may I add faithfully waited on his sorry butt for 5 years. He has no loyalty to his first wife and the only reason he is still married to his second wife is for the money. Mccain is an opportunist and he will do anything to get what he wants. Including lie to the public to become president.

    • Posted By: Bobcat667 @ 09/26/2008 3:59:20 PM

      Its interesting that you seem to think that "liberals" are full of hate, not realizing you yourself have devolved into name calling to describe people who fall into a rough political ideaology that does not match your own. Its been done before when it came to race, sex, and religion. And when those kind of names have been spat at their intended targets, I doubt the intention was benevolent. Please, understand your own emotional motivations before assuming others.

    • Posted By: summer1216 @ 09/26/2008 3:24:47 PM

      Has less experience than Palin . . . . what a laugh!

      • Posted By: xanabella @ 09/26/2008 3:49:01 PM

        "The great "dems" all cheated on their wives"

        You mean like John McCain did? BTW, not all Obama supporters are "liberal dems", many of us are independents and former Republicans and not "full of bad BS and hate" judging from the spewing vitriol of your email???It seems more like your the one with an axe to grind.

        Only a closed mind assumes that people who don't share their views are "idiots".

  • Posted By: techresmgt @ 09/27/2008 9:02:04 AM

    For a guy that has NEVER served in the military; Oprahma does not know anything about combat. Baloney slicing; yes, combat; no.

  • Posted By: elrud @ 09/26/2008 1:47:32 PM

    Folks like Chuck who likes to give suggestions and pass judgement should get up and get a good education so as to attempt to serve his country. That's what Obama did, and folks who haven't done half as wellas he has with their lives have the nerve to put him down.

    • Posted By: ChuckGoodman @ 09/26/2008 2:24:21 PM

      I did serve my country for 26 honorable years in the United States Navy. Since my retirement from the Navy, I have been actively trying to keep graduates of the Indonesian Charm School out of the White House..

      • Posted By: Young Hickory @ 09/26/2008 3:11:44 PM

        If McCain, God forbid, dies in office which is possible given his age then you will be stuck with Palin in the White House. Would you get on a ship with an admiral whose experience was the equivalent of driving a fishing boat and who had never even been in international waters? That is Palin.

        • Posted By: Pallisor @ 09/26/2008 10:40:33 PM

          You have an awfully big mouth for someone who probably wasn't even born, let alone sh!tting your little diapers when McCain was serving his country. Serve your country before you slam someone who has.

        • Posted By: Redburn @ 09/26/2008 4:15:23 PM

          Or would you fly in a plane flown by a pilot who had crashed 5 times.

          • Posted By: Pallisor @ 09/26/2008 10:36:27 PM

            You probably never served in the armed forces, never flown a jet, let alone flown a jet in combat. Until you've actually done any of the above, stop jacking your jaws about things you know nothing about!

    • Posted By: paproudmom @ 09/26/2008 1:50:43 PM

      You mean people like John McCain who was a Naval Academy graduate, served his country proudly, then served as a senator.

      • Posted By: basedrum777 @ 09/26/2008 2:01:36 PM

        So graduating almost last in his class and then being a POW shows he can run the biggest econcomy in the world???? I'll take A Magna *** laude graduate from Harvard thanks.

        • Posted By: paproudmom @ 09/26/2008 2:08:32 PM

          A co-worker saw your comments and said "that does not mean jack____! Harvard is noted for grade inflation.

          • Posted By: dmspeech @ 09/26/2008 2:44:53 PM

            Your co worker must have gone to Yale

          • Posted By: AskPlus @ 09/26/2008 2:16:13 PM

            What? Now that is from a drop out.

            • Posted By: janieclark @ 09/26/2008 2:32:29 PM

              The first kid in my family to go to college is at an Ivy. I truly couldn't be more proud (though I couldn't be more poor either). They are fine institutions that have top reputations for a damn good reason. btw Obama has proposed a $4K tuition break for college students who give back to their community or government. I didn't see anything comparable in McCain's plan.

              • Posted By: paproudmom @ 09/26/2008 2:43:41 PM

                You should be proud of your childs accomplishments. But just because a person goes to a college that is in the ivy league does not qualify them for president.

                • Posted By: janieclark @ 09/26/2008 2:54:33 PM

                  I am proud, thanks. But I do think that those who work hard to get into such schools show an amount of drive not seen in the "legacies." I think Obama worked hard to get to be the editor of the Review; McCain had the benefit of his legacy to get in to the Naval Academy. But you're right: neither really means you can be the leader of the free world. But they are indicators.

            • Posted By: paproudmom @ 09/26/2008 2:28:27 PM

              No it's from someone who is not impressed by just an education. I have a daughter who graduate from a top tier college at the top of her class with honors, is a phi beta kappa, and is now in law school. She is not impressed by Obama either.

              • Posted By: Foxxpaws22 @ 09/26/2008 2:49:18 PM

                Being impressed by just an education is not right. However, having a great education, especially at a top tier school, Harvard providing one of the best educations, doesnt just send you on your merry way with a piece of paper; to even SURVIVE a top 10 school is so exhausting that to graduate with good grades and recommendations will serve you well in your life. If it didn't, everyone would go to a local college (nothing wrong with that) instead of a top tier school. Personally, I value someone educated at a top school, it shows a lot about their choices and character. I've seen it for years, first hand...

                My problem with McPalin is that it's like watching Snoopy at Christmas; zooming all over with no direction, just chasing the Red Baron.. without a parachute

        • Posted By: paproudmom @ 09/26/2008 2:07:26 PM

          It's funny but a group of my friends were talking and of all the ones we knew who were tops in the class, they didn't seem to live up to expectations. Sometimes the ones that are in the middle or bottom actually go on to do well in the real world. I can't imagine the strength of character it would take to endure what McCain did, but I admire someone who went through that and still came home to serve. He also has served admirably as a senator. I look at a person in total.

          • Posted By: russianmaksim @ 09/26/2008 3:02:44 PM

            remember the scandal in 80's that he was part of , very admirable senator, I say, or deragulation supporter, wow. I spend 8 years in Navy, and so other people did, that don't automatically qualify them to be president. Look at both voting records. Mccain slapped me in face when he didn't vote for new GI bill. isn't he one for military? Mccain is too old and has bad temperant, I am sorry I don't want this loose canon near nuclear arsenal.

          • Posted By: AskPlus @ 09/26/2008 2:17:23 PM

            He quit on his country and gave up secrets. But it was tough. That's what he said during his convention.

            • Posted By: paproudmom @ 09/26/2008 2:29:19 PM

              If that is what you took from what was said you are a sorry, sick individual. You are a waste of my time.

      • Posted By: jan2901 @ 09/26/2008 2:04:15 PM

        No, he means the McCain that was 3rd from the bottom of his class at the Naval Academy , got shot down, was strong enoght to spend 4 years in a pow camp but not strong enough to honor his marriage vows, had affairs, divorced his wife to marry his mistress. Now is the most wishy washey canadiate every to be on a ticket, and I thought Bill Clinton had a claim on that one. If McCain had acted the way he has the last couple of months during the primary, he never would have been the GOP selection.

        • Posted By: paproudmom @ 09/26/2008 2:11:37 PM

          McCain has acknowledge his prior character issues on returning from the war. His ex-wife actually supports him in his campaign. People who do mess up can learn from their mistakes.

          • Posted By: Young Hickory @ 09/26/2008 3:08:23 PM

            The fact that his ex-wife supports his campaign says more about her than about him.

        • Posted By: AskPlus @ 09/26/2008 2:15:29 PM

          He also gave up US logistics to save his hide. But it was tough for him. Most of us would have done the same thing had we been unfortunate enough to get shot down.

  • Posted By: benkrapf @ 09/26/2008 8:50:51 PM

    McCain was there for photo-ops and Obama went to make sure John McCain wouldn't burn down the kitchen. You know, senility can be a dangerous thing.

  • Posted By: ObamaMama @ 09/26/2008 8:22:42 PM

    Let's hope the moderator has prepared intelligent questions that address the serious issues of crisis proportions facing the nation and its next president, not campaign ads, media distortion and distractions. Then let's listen for intelligent answers that indicate potential back up plans if the primary plan doesn't fly. Let's identify useless rhetoric or blaming vs. problem-solving potential.

  • Posted By: ncvoter036 @ 09/26/2008 4:51:31 PM

    McCain has found a way to sneak back in without looking like the lame duck that he is. Obama isn't worried about the debate tonight because when McCain starts talking it will be all over.

    • Posted By: pinkpanther87413 @ 09/26/2008 4:54:35 PM

      WATCH MCCAIN AND HIS EAR PIECE!!! IT'S A REPLACEMENT FOR THE TELEPROMPTER...

      • Posted By: in debt to the company store @ 09/26/2008 6:54:48 PM

        Perhaps it will be open microphone night for Team McCain.

  • Posted By: Average-Jane @ 09/26/2008 6:53:53 PM

    I doubt Obama's dress rehearsals would create a realistic debate climate -- no one on his staff could possibly emulate the sneaky underhandedness that is John McCain; they have too much integrity.

  • Posted By: Average-Jane @ 09/26/2008 6:51:44 PM

    I doubt Obama's dress rehearsals would create a realistic debate climate, no one on his staff could possibly emulate the sneaky underhandedness that is John McCain; they have too much integrity.

  • Posted By: AskPlus @ 09/26/2008 5:03:31 PM

    I stil predict Palin will not be the VP choice by mid-Oct.

    • Posted By: janieclark @ 09/26/2008 5:07:37 PM

      I might agree with this. I wonder if the pressure is just too great.

      • Posted By: AskPlus @ 09/26/2008 6:50:58 PM

        CNN said she lost her confidence, and I agree. Plus, she doesn't know anything. When the GOP calls one of their own clueless, it may be true.

  • Posted By: in debt to the company store @ 09/26/2008 6:47:18 PM

    So who's the bigger risk taker? (And how do you feel about that?)

  • Posted By: Waakup @ 09/26/2008 3:18:18 PM

    Hey waht about Obama's success with ACORN why not bring it up so everyone knows about his relationship with these Community Organizers. They can google more about them like I did to get more informed..

    • Posted By: gsbraun @ 09/26/2008 6:44:45 PM

      You know nothing about ACORN, you only heard Fox's misleading story. Do you think they have a breaking story - heck no. Bush and republicans congress all voted for funding of ACORN. If you get your talking points from Fox - the Republican News Agency.

    • Posted By: HockeyMom18 @ 09/26/2008 3:45:00 PM

      Just anothe OOPPS! I am sure Mr. Obama had no idea about ACORN. We know he doesn't listen well, 20 years and never hear the Rev. Wright spew anti American speechs.

      • Posted By: janieclark @ 09/26/2008 4:57:15 PM

        Let's see: why don't we discuss Palin and her witchcraft pastor denouncing Jews!!!!

  • Posted By: jdklvans @ 09/26/2008 3:41:39 PM

    You people are so slanted toward the modern-day self-made robin hood. This isn't affirmative action here folks, it's actually the best person for the job. Have you ever heard the phrase NO EXPERIENCE. Obama couldn't string two words together unless he had a teleprompter. You liberals rely too much on feelings and have created a politically correct society that prevents people from voting basedon their convictions. We're talking lack of substance and superficial existence. Um, sounds like Hollywood....no wonder, they are part of you too. Take two stiff doses of truth and call me in the morning.

    • Posted By: pinkpanther87413 @ 09/26/2008 3:51:02 PM

      IT'S OK WE UNDERSTAND ON SATERDAY MCCAIN WILL NOT REMEMBER FRI NIGHT, AND SO ON, AND EVEN WITH REAGANS DISORDER [IT'S EASIER TO SPELL OK] YOU WOULD VOTE HIM IN?? SACRFICING YOUR COUNTRY, IS A FORM OF TREASON!! ASK LIBBY!

      • Posted By: gsbraun @ 09/26/2008 6:38:10 PM

        "String 2 sentences", Republican ticket: Dumb (graduate nearly last in his class) and Dumber (Attend 5 colleges in 6 years). They probably have the lowest combined IQ of any Pres/VP combo ever.

      • Posted By: jh35180 @ 09/26/2008 4:06:17 PM

        Pinkpanther. You just revealed your stupidity. First, I don't think that you can make a diagnosis of someone with Alzheimers unless you are a neurologist. Secondly, even if you are a neurologist you haven't had McCain in for a MRI. Thirdly, having seen real people actually suffer from Alzheimer's I wouldn't go around making asinine comments as you have.

        • Posted By: pinkpanther87413 @ 09/26/2008 4:35:41 PM

          I SEE YOU EVEN ,,FORGOT,,, THE IRAN-CONTRA SCANDAL STOPPED IN IT'S PROSICUTION, WHEN SOMEONE SAID " I FORGOT"
          iF I ,,,HAVE,,,TO RETIRE AT 65!!! AT 72 HE SHOULD BE AN AARP CUSTOMER AND RETIRED LIKE THE REST OF US!

  • Posted By: MChieco @ 09/26/2008 3:50:59 PM

    McCain graduated at the bottom his class at the Naval Accademy before there was television.. Obama graduated Harvard Law School where he was also the President of the Harvard Law Review. If you were an office manager an a 72 year old man applied for a job and he told you he wasnt sure how to send an email, would you hire him ?

    • Posted By: jh35180 @ 09/26/2008 4:01:42 PM

      First, the Obamists only tell half truths about McCain not being able to send email. Because McCain was beaten repeatedly as a POW, he is now unable to use a keyboard. Of course, this style of only telling half truths is so typical of Obamists. Secondly, age should not be a factor in determining who should run for President. I would rather trust a 72-year-old with real experience than a 47-year-old with virtually no experience. As far as sending an email, he can others to do that for him.

      • Posted By: gsbraun @ 09/26/2008 6:31:38 PM

        Being shot down make after only 20 hours of combat does not make you a hero, especially after waiting 7 years as the war was going on to join combat efforts (He only planned to make cameo appearance to further his career - enabled by his Admiral farther and grandfather. Also, nearly 100% of McCains injuries were caused by him crashing not torture like McFools would lead us to believe.

      • Posted By: pinkpanther87413 @ 09/26/2008 4:08:02 PM

        A [THIS IS HARDER NOW THE TRUTH IS OUT] BUT A HERO? DOES NOT A PREIDENT MAKE. AT THAT AGE [ AS HE VOTED IT FOR US ] HE SHOULD NOT BE APPLING FOR A JOB!! HE SHOULD BE REQUESTING SOCIAL SECURITY!!! AS HE VOTED TO APPROVE IT TO BE DONE TO US!!!

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