THE PRESIDENT

Where Everybody Knows Your Name

Barack Obama has always appreciated a little anonymity. Now he's learning how to live without it.

By Holly Bailey | NEWSWEEK
Published Apr 25, 2009
From the magazine issue dated May 4, 2009

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  • Posted By: Rommel1l @ 10/09/2009 6:02:00 AM

    President Obama needs to legalize weed.......

  • Posted By: misskaren @ 06/25/2009 3:41:49 PM

    Good grief, we have elected a mensch.

  • Posted By: Dr. James @ 06/13/2009 2:17:40 PM

    Obama is doing a fine job as president. The nation is still in trouble. We need more jobs and less hate. We are all impacted when hate manifests. We need more positive news. The people hoping the president fails do not realize that this too hurts America. We need to challenge hate. I hope we can get past violence and hatred.

  • Posted By: lily437 @ 05/27/2009 3:16:48 AM

    Well I think it is good that people taking a break after a tired day especially Obama is a president of a country. Stress and depression are really harmful to human body, both of this sickness lead dead to people. If Oboma falls sick then it's a big problem for not only the US but the whole world because U.S occupies 50 % economic of worldwide. As we can see that the crisis of US relate to many countries because US imports many products from such as China, Canada, ect. If U.S stops import products from these countries then their economy would become as bad as the U.S. Becoming a president and be a president are not easy, time is needed. Every second needs to take care of because if make one little mistake then the country will meet the obstacle right as that moment. Yet taking care of a country is needed for president, but health is as much as important because without health, people can not do anything. It's weird that not too many precious president complain about leaving in the White House. As a president of the US, he is not only taking care of one country but much more than that, so pressure is a must for every president.

  • Posted By: swimmer @ 05/21/2009 9:28:15 PM

    I refer to him as ol' "Blue Gum", Colorful description,what?

  • Posted By: dking312 @ 05/07/2009 2:22:59 AM

    Noone worships anyone. I didn't help elect a King....We FINALLY elected someone with an actual BRAIN.

    So, sorry Bush didn't deserve any positive reactions, but stop hating cause someone is actually concentrating on something other than just making themselves and their friends rich.

    What is ABSURD is how "some of us" voted in a puppet, watched his puppeteers ruin the country, then want to complain AFTER he's out of office.

    Laugh out Loud at the tea party freaks who got verbally assulted by the actual guy who created the tea party idea. Even that guy realizes some freaks only like to take things to the next level when for personal gain.

    I FEEL SORRY FOR SLOW FOLKS. REALLY, I DO.

  • Posted By: techresmgt @ 05/02/2009 5:02:06 PM

    The absurdity over the worship of Obama cannot be overstated. Grow up and get over yourselves.

  • Posted By: dking312 @ 04/29/2009 5:49:12 PM

    3. Retroactively taking back bonuses paid out through private contracts
    This is contridiction...maybe...I mean, isn't this him seeing misusage of the very Tarp we just spoke of and righting the wrong? They were to be paid millions for helping us closer to the cliff? Are they becoming homeless, starving, or in any state of what lots of people go through everyday?

    • Posted By: Bryan078 @ 04/29/2009 6:11:17 PM

      The mismanagement occured before the bonuses were paid. The intentional loop hole was left in there for the bonuses to be paid, both sides agreed to the terms, and then Obama retroactively took the bonuses back as only he can.

      • Posted By: dking312 @ 04/29/2009 7:39:13 PM

        I thought it was kind of brilliant. Like giving them a recorder so they can tell on themselves. and they fell right into the trap.....Yeah, give them the money, see which idiots think it's a great idea to go vacationing, retreating, and bonus paying....then use that special phrase that was inserted......to recoup and, identify, & investigate. And call out the ding dongs.

        Baam!
        I JUST LOVE THINKERS.

        • Posted By: Bryan078 @ 04/30/2009 9:26:24 AM

          There was no special phrase that allowed them to retroactively tax the bonuses. The "special phrase" was what allowed them to get the bonuses. Obama over stepped his bounds and decided he would break into a private contract and take money away, plain and simple. I'm still not sure how that was legal.

          • Posted By: dking312 @ 04/30/2009 9:07:50 PM

            Yeah powerful companies are just gonna stand by and say nothing....BUT YOU KNOW BETTER.

            Geithner spoke of this specific language, talked about excessiveness or something.

            Like they really started returning money out of the kindness of their heart.

            DUH.

            • Posted By: Bryan078 @ 04/30/2009 10:11:37 PM

              "Geithner spoke of this specific language, talked about excessiveness or something."

              Nice specifics... Nobody returned it willingly, the government imposed a retroactive tax on their bonuses. Comanies don't need to stand up and say something, it was reported in the news. Have you been paying attention?

              • Posted By: dking312 @ 04/30/2009 11:31:20 PM

                You need to stop arguing with yourself. Are you mad that the companies attemped to misuse the money, or are you mad that they can't keep it and continue to misuse it?

                First you are mad cause he took the money, yesterday you were mad cause he didn't want to take some money back.

                Do they make pills for whatever that is? Do you get red when that happens to you?

              • Posted By: dking312 @ 04/30/2009 11:27:52 PM

                Okay, somewhere you got confused. First of all...companies, people, someone would be sueing or something if this wasn't within legal boundaries.

                Secondly, isn't this amusing...the guy who wants me to "google it" wants specifics. Sorry, don't you follow politics? Check when he or Ben Bernake was on Meet the Press or Face the Nation. I'm positive this is what occured. They laid off of the tax thing, after initially making it a big point.

                You claim you are true middle class, all you mentioned were your school loans. OKAY. Nobody wants anybody to pay those for you. But, if Dickhead A can get a 15% bonus every year with all of his Dickhead buddies in the surrounding offices, plus stock options, PLUS regular raises....why then is it so difficult to give it's employees 2-3% raises? That's the issues I hope get fixed.
                I don't know what traler trash you know that think they are gonna get something for nothing, This seems like your main issue. Everyone I know works hard for shitty pay.
                Are you middle class, or are you one of DIckhead A's cousins or sons or something. You keep complaining about who gonna receive help, who's gonna benefit. Who benefitted most during the previous administration??......did you complain then? I'm sure you were outraged when you heard about how businesses CLAIM they pay a certain percentage of tax, when in actuality, they have so many loopholes, they barely pay half of that. PLEASE tell me you were outraged over those types of things...

  • Posted By: Lee Holmes @ 04/30/2009 7:55:51 PM

    Well it can't be too tough, what with you hacks tossing nerf-ball questions at him all the time. [ the gossipy Bailey herself melting when she was ''hugged''by Obama], or idiots like the Times scribbler settling upon ''enchanting moments'' at last nights network infomercial while the Taliban moves closer to Pakistans nukes. When you bloviators get around to actually reporting any news with substance, get right back to me y'hear. Until then,I will get my news from REUTERS and my dog'n pony screed from NEWSWEAK. which should change its moniker to MARVEL COMICS....if it doesn't go broke first.

  • Posted By: dking312 @ 04/29/2009 12:58:24 PM

    Messiah...You probably voted for MR. BUSH.....(lol even though I'm barely amused.)

    So, your comments smell funny to most of us. Obama's scum for trying to help you live better than you have been.

    Copy...

    Go join some other old folks who hate cause they have nothing better to do with themselves.
    Do you remember telling your children the name callers in elementary were the retards you pay no attention to cause in actuality they really just hate themselves? I do.

    • Posted By: Bryan078 @ 04/29/2009 1:17:31 PM

      Obama is not trying to help people who have taken care of themselves. If you are well educated, successful, responsible, and self-sufficient, Obama's plans will see to it that you are brought down a peg so those who are not responsible and self-sufficient don't feel so left out. Rather than promoting success, Obama is promoting mediocrity.

      In case you are wondering, I'm not an old person with nothing better to do, I did vote for Bush in 2004, and given the chance, I would vote Bush over Kerry 100 times again. I was not of age to vote in 2000, but again, I would have voted for Bush over Gore many times over. Your mature anecdote about telling your children that name callers in elementary school were retards was sad and ironic.

      • Posted By: dking312 @ 04/29/2009 7:25:55 PM

        Oh my God how'd I let this one by me!! I am 28 now, I've been taking care of myself since I was sixteen. Infact, when I was fourteen, I moved to Minnesota just so I could get a job at 14 because their laws were different. I've worked all types of jobs....can't say I've EVER been so low adn so behind, and so deserate for a break. I pay taxes. Okay. But when a warren Buffet is paying the same as his coffee getting ass secretary...cmon..what's wrong with that picture?

        Who do you propose we tax more? us poor folks? Whenever you can go buy $700 coats and whatever else your lil heart desires...and don't blink an eye about that money spent....why bitch over taxes? You must be really raking it in. Good for you. What was Reagan's tax rate on you richies?? Hmmm. right, SO did you...well B was too young....but did the rich folks whine and moan then?
        My definition of a bubble.....All us down here at the bottom...a few at the top making the balloon inflate....well eventually us at the bottom weigh enough to where the balloon just pops instead of rising........as it would if all of us were going upward at a more even rate.
        Sure reward success. But why only rich folks get rewards? Factory boss, Restaurant boss, store boss, airline boss, they ain't just tippin cause you did great....they give you a silly funky azz pat on the back and keep it moving.....hmmm.
        Whew, don't let me get started on the working broke!

        • Posted By: Bryan078 @ 04/30/2009 9:32:43 AM

          I'm right square in the middle class, far from rich and buying $700 jackets. I have about $50,000 in school loans to pay back, and they are mine to pay. Just like when people get mortgages for houses they want to live in, they are theirs to pay. So why should someone who has more money than me pay for my choices? You say reward success, but who is getting rewarded? The only ones that have been rewarded by Obama to this point are companies that have blatantly failed. He has rewarded them with unheard of amounts of money, most of which come from people who are successful. It's seems pretty clear that rewarding success is not part of Obama's change.

      • Posted By: 40YearR @ 04/29/2009 1:53:56 PM

        Your first paragraph is just a distillation of the propaganda theme. Nothing at all to support that. Closest would be to allow the Bush tax give away to the rich to expire. McCain called that 'irresponsible' when he voted against it. When it expires, the top 1% will pay 10% less in taxes than they did under Reagan.

        Voted twice for Bush. Realized how massively that administration injured America. Voted for Obama (first D ever voted for) because he is the most able man for our difficult times I've ever seen in 40 years of watching.

        A 40 year republican

  • Posted By: rho1953 @ 04/29/2009 11:27:36 PM

    Give me a break. He craves constant attention and adores himself as much as any human ever has.

  • Posted By: Bryan078 @ 04/29/2009 7:17:23 PM

    I apologize for taking part in the hijacking of this board. I'll let it go now as it is beyond the point of no return.

    • Posted By: dking312 @ 04/29/2009 7:31:55 PM

      hijacking is a bit strong. I thought valid points were brought up for discussion. you ain't hacking in newsweek and disabling other comments or anything right? Well all righty then!

      • Posted By: Alvy @ 04/29/2009 8:23:02 PM

        I'm gonna run with the "he's not Bush" crowd too.

        Granted he's had good success so far - which will not be acknowledged by those who can't find their own hindside with a flashlight and a map.

        But, since the super-righties claim that the US is going to right itself regardless...
        He's not Bush.

  • Posted By: Bryan078 @ 04/28/2009 11:30:28 AM

    How does trash like this get on Newsweek? It's not news. It's also extremely unbelievable, because Obama's actions speak louder than the anonymous words quoted in this story. He acts like more a celebrity than a president, as he is still campaigning long after he has won the election.

    • Posted By: Alvy @ 04/29/2009 12:33:52 PM

      Maybe, but a multi-tasking celebrity that has done more for this country in 100 days than any other president in recent history.

      People do dislike success here. Do you get mad if someone else wins money? Just asking.
      What have you done for your family in your years? Other than insult them.

      • Posted By: Bryan078 @ 04/29/2009 1:10:54 PM

        I agree, he has done more in 100 days than any other president, possibly in all of history. Most of it for the worse, but you are correct. In case you were unclear, I was commenting on the article attached to this message board. I am not sure where you are going with the questions and comments about my family.

        I am not one to wish ill on the president, I just see the ill happening to the country and don't like it. I hope and pray everyday for Obama to get something right, I just haven't seen much of it. I have yet to hear anyone who boasts Obama's success cite any type of substantial success yet. The only success liberals can muster up is that he is not Bush, which is achievable by everyone in the world except for one person, and that he has laid out ideas that may or may not work. That isn't success, so where is all the boasting coming from?

        • Posted By: 40YearR @ 04/29/2009 1:59:32 PM

          Bush was the worst president in history. Almost everything Obama has done is to repair the damage done, or to reverse injurious policies like denigrating and talking down to our traditional allies, and to end the first institionalized torture program in our history.

          I'm not a liberal, so I may not qualify, but Obama is the most capable, focused, brilliant person I have ever seen as a President or candidate.

          A 40 year republican

          • Posted By: Alvy @ 04/29/2009 8:18:29 PM

            Bry doesn't seem to like liberal, broad or progressive thinkers.
            I sorta like being liberal minded. Not an insult really.
            Kinda get that "me or the highway" feel with this guy.
            The mighty-right "I'll sneer liberal at you and wreck your day" kinda fella.

          • Posted By: Bryan078 @ 04/29/2009 3:27:20 PM

            "The only success liberals can muster up is that he is not Bush, which is achievable by everyone in the world except for one person."

            Substitute "40YearR" for "liberals" above. Certainly you could come up with a better compliment for a man you admire so much than to say he is better than the president you perceive to be the worst ever. 40, please explain how well Obama's international outreach has worked. How is he perceived by other world leaders? It's amazing to me that you, as a proclaimed republican, think that a 4 year senator with nothing but a straight democrat vote on all issues in that short time is the most brilliant candidate you have seen in 40 years.

            • Posted By: Alvy @ 04/29/2009 8:14:17 PM

              Uh-ooh.

              The liberal word was rolled out.
              As in "I hate people who don't think like me" - or not liberally.

              I bet you think that just because you and a very few say Obama is a travesty, smearing the holiness that is the good ole' US of A -- that it must be true.
              If ya look around, MSN, ABC, The WSJ and a few other not-so-liberal thinkers and planners think he did pretty damn good - or should I say ---- the majority. As in 74 percent.

              I bet you can't guess what and who comprises the other 26%?

              And yes he showed well - since you like to dislike his popularity like it's bad or something.
              And like most of those who really dislike anything that ain't the mighty-right, you seem to assume his four years will be just as awful without the benefit of, ahmmm, ahmmmm -- four years.

              I actually hope the next four years are just as unplanned, awful and misguided.
              We'll be a pretty good country if that happens -- with allies and everything.

              It's not like he's Bush or somethin'
              And why worry. In 4-years you'll have Palin and Rove on the ticket. They'll get things straight, right?

  • Posted By: The Messiah @ 04/29/2009 8:52:49 AM

    ScumBama is good for the media - like a Train Wreck, but bad for America as his policies are destroying it economically, while the media Spins the news for profit.

    • Posted By: Alvy @ 04/29/2009 12:27:09 PM

      You're obviously smarter than Obama.



      Obviously.

      • Posted By: dking312 @ 04/29/2009 7:27:24 PM

        SO few words.

        Yet, so much was said.

        lLOL.....

  • Posted By: dking312 @ 04/29/2009 7:12:24 PM

    I got confused for a sec there...I haven't been on for awhile, I forgot the format...gotta start using that reply button.....

  • Posted By: dking312 @ 04/29/2009 7:04:34 PM

    Don't be so anal...it'z a spelling...You knew who I was referring to...Are you giving me a grade or something? Do I get paid for spelling their names correctly? No. What I do get paid for is what I do INSTEAD of googling names to appeasze you when I KNOW you will know what I'm talking about. We've done ALL THIS typing and your answer is google it????? I'm interested in the masses reading about it. Aren't you? All I want is the short version so I can compare when I DO decide to google. Don't worry, I wasn't planning on "just takin your word for it".
    II can't let you just pimp away on me like that. What you said is gossip until I confirm it. But I'm writing for more to see than just me and you....

    & now you justify wrong with wrong?? "They torture so who cares if we torture them"... You know what this GOOFY rationale sounds exactly like? That studip gangbanger mentality where they shoot them, now they MUST go back and shoot them cause they shot my boy....back and forth, back and forth, old ladies and kids bodies getting caught in the crossfire in the meantime. They make their women wear rags over themselves....we should do that too?
    They doo doo in unsanitary conditions.....should we do that too?
    The declassification of those memos shows how dirty this little system is. Protect, but don't destroy your intregrity in the process.
    Oh, and when I said Those people...I just meant middle Eastern in general. These killers are recruited and trained to hate & kill. I don't think they come out that way. Previous Americans didn't mind torture when they were hangin out with Bin laden....and who knew that waterboarding had all ready been prosecuted as torture?? HAH!

  • Posted By: dking312 @ 04/29/2009 6:49:44 PM

    Not a penalty for making money...but if you keep it all for yourselves, then whos gonna keep coming to these raggedy businesses to buy stuff that really isn't necessary?

    I remember having funds with Clinton....with W. man oh man...not so much......& it's crazy cause some of my friends are young to the point that they have only been grown under Bush, they think this massive struggle is all there is.

  • Posted By: dking312 @ 04/29/2009 6:45:57 PM

    I see your frustration B, I see it. I see a chess game being played...I see moves being researched prior to final answer. I feel options being weighed. What would you do? The credit is not flowing again...that's why the banks took the money right? So how can they justify giving it back if they have yet to use it for its intended purpose?

    Again, sounds like some sheistyness was all up in there somewhere. They owe regardless. Wouldn't you like to know we aren't being taken advantage of before we relinquish the right to observe and review what's REALLY GOOD.....I'm mean what's really going on?

    SO we really think Obama wants SOMETHING else to have to worry about....on purpose? If he wanted to run a bank, I'm sure they would have looked at his resume and welcomed him in. Why take on the hassle of daling with all of us and risking assassination? THINK DEEEEEEEPPPPPPPER, yes, DEEPER.......(I've got my pendulum swinging...lol)

    Oh and let me tell you who the mob is....The MOB is at the top.....that's where most of the money is. See rich were so greedy they act like they forgot it ain't the rich that purchase their goods and services.
    When I really read what REALLY happenedleading up to these recent events,it reminds me of being in Jr. high discussing the 1929 episode of how the rich came up with a great scheme to get all the money...which was........YES! IT WAS BAD. First of all...Do you make over $250,000 a year? I ask because it's important to kow whether I'm talkin to a rich kid....not aight....I mean like BAAM! rich or an average citizen. Have you looked at the disparities between the top and the bottom and the percentage increase over the last decade? Why is this? Bosses ain't workin harder....I never see many bosses with injured backs and asbestos poisoning...okay, I'm being over the top....my point is workers do the work....Yet few have ever just begged me tohave a raise. I know folks making $6 an hour....@ 40 hrs a wk thats....$240.....times 4 that's $960. Now how much are your bills per month? Oh, and taxes are gonna eat that UP! Rich whining about taxes when they buying 29 cars and what not...meanwhile, Suzy can pay the freaking light bill and the rent this month. There is no savings in that. But BIG MAN....the lazy "think of stupid ideas to implement on the floor guy"....he's the "rich genius". Not saying all bosses should be looked at in this light....but cmon! You know who I'm talkin about!

  • Posted By: dking312 @ 04/29/2009 6:22:56 PM

    Being criticized worldwide by leaders of other countries, after his reaching out to them was reported as a success here (doesn't really hurt the country, just embarrasses it)

    Well what criticism have you heard??? Tell me the gossip, cause I haven't heard this one yet.....DO TELL!

    The way most of them were giggling and grinning? Like lil schoolgirls...lol Yes, let me hear who had some dirt on him....I hope you don't speak of Merkel (?) & Sarkoszy(?)...forgive speling, no time ford oversea name checking......they had substantively different ideas about money....thats fair, they oppose stim in their country cause they are more stimulative than us just on the everyday. okay, okay...now lets hear that dirt.....

    • Posted By: Bryan078 @ 04/29/2009 6:33:26 PM

      Google it. Also google the spelling of names because you are way off on some of these.

  • Posted By: dking312 @ 04/29/2009 6:17:55 PM

    8.Declassifying memos and continuing the criminlization of Bush admin to distract the sheep from real issues
    Ummm, first I need to know who has fuzz on their butts...these "sheep".
    Second....We tortured. If I burn your house down it is arson. I cannot rewrite the fire laws and decide we aren't gonna call it that any longer..therefore I'm innocent.
    The rest of the world needs to know the US was highjacked and now we are back within reason.

    The people of those people I'm sure fuel alot of hate for uas over that, and wouldn't we if one of us was tortured over there? Would you want to sweep that under the rug?

    • Posted By: Bryan078 @ 04/29/2009 6:28:51 PM

      "Those people" you refer to, presumably Al Qaeda, torture people everyday. They video tape beheadings and air them to send messages. No sweeping that away. I personally do not care whether or not an Al Qaeda leader or an Al Qaeda no-name gets waterboarded, but regardless, declassifying memos was not useful to anyone. A change in policy is the only useful step, and that could have been done without making a big stir and deflecting the attention back to Bush. Convenient timing on the release as well.

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