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Barack Strikes Back

He's still a little uneasy pursuing politics as a game, played to win. But Obama is suiting up now.

By Richard Wolffe | NEWSWEEK
From the magazine issue dated Dec 3, 2007

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  • Posted By: annevilla @ 01/06/2008 11:28:52 AM

    "OBAMA PORTRAIT MUSIC VIDEO" on Youtube - Don't Miss It!

    For those of you who still have not heard:

    There is a WONDERFUL and INSPIRING music video on Youtube.com entitled "Obama Portrait Music Video by Bjarne O."
    You can use the free downloaded high-quality stereo version from the composer's website in DVD form to show at house parties. Even people who knew nothing at all about Obama have been moved: either a thrilling introduction, or further inspiration for those of us who already know and fight for Obama.
    The music soundtrack, which incorporates excerpts from the famous 2004 speech, can also be downloaded separately in high-quality.

    It is an uplifting and informative campaign tool - so please, SPREAD THE WORD!

    http://youtube.com/watch?v=mCPwbozpIzM

    Together for Obama,
    Anne

  • Posted By: ansybha @ 12/03/2007 12:58:13 PM

    Because Hilary Clinton has morals? Maybe you should take a look at all your candidates before you say anything like that.

  • Posted By: ansybha @ 12/03/2007 12:57:22 PM

    Because Hilary Clinton has morals? Maybe you should consider your candidates more before you say anything like that.

  • Posted By: bucko @ 12/02/2007 10:49:26 AM

    OBAMA IS A ROOKIE AND A LOSER.HE HAS NO MORALS.YOU CANT BELIEVE ANYTHING HE SAYS.

  • Posted By: dorian @ 11/29/2007 4:14:57 AM

    I would not; sit here and waste my time to write to you all just who IMO amongst the GOP or the Dems' is the best and why. The point is, (and I am afraid it is so true,) as Americans we do not have time to tech a young "hopeful" how to lead our country once in office. Our nation is going through a serious turmoil, 9inside and from the outside) and this young "pup" will most definitely turn to the "vipers" in Washington for advice at the first "bad dream" he has. It is bad enough that he answered -to that elderly lady in Iowa- that yes, he would fight terrorism because; his two young girls live in Chicago
    -which as he said, is a more likely target then her little no one knows town in Iowa-,
    Now you tell me; the man does not even know that the Whitehouse is Washington DC! How can he then defend my country? And now to you all "Barrack daisies waving" supporters, I say this. You want change? Then initiate a change, but not with the pizza delivery man. Choose Rep-Dem or whatever...but please don???t waste our time here yapping the same ole' song.....

    • Posted By: dolarbil @ 12/01/2007 12:51:27 PM

      America does not elect the most "qualified" for the white house because there iare only three qualifications: native american, over 35 years old and resident for last 14 years. All this other talk is about what the candidate makes you "feel" about them. Some of the elected presidents with the most experience did the most harm to the country. Some with no experience but a lot of common sense did the most good. This is not a business. This is a country and what matters the most is leadership. As the president, you are not expected to know the most about anything. You are not expected to have all the experience doing anything. You are expected to know how to listen to your advisors, listen to the people, weigh the options and make a decision you are willing to put your name on and, sometimes, the lives of your family and friends and citizens. that's it! Obama is as qualified as any one else running for president. He has enough experience in what counts to be a great or horrible president. The fact that he says he will listen to people outside his circle means he has enough sense to be president. I prefer to vote for who I feel will be the best person to make decisions for our country. Thats my choice based on my reasons....you can have your reasons but don't try to make it out like your reasons are any better than mine. but be honest with yourself when you say why you won't vote for Obama and you won't vote for Clinton...seems mighty convenient when the woman and the minority is not qualified enough...sounds like the good old boy system is back in full force like it was up thru the 90s....I sure hope that is not where we are going back to, though. I have more faith in america than that....

  • Posted By: redheaded blue girl @ 11/26/2007 10:28:03 AM

    Obama continues to impress. He is thoughtful and intelligent and it shows. Senator Clinton's 'experience' lead her to to vote for George Bush's war, which she really has not intention of getting us out of. Obama will do well in Iowa.

    • Posted By: Steven Daytona Beach @ 11/26/2007 11:52:49 AM

      Thoughtful and intelligent?? Have you ever listened to the man speak? He cannot say anything unless it's written weeks before so he can practice it. Give him a speech and he can deliver it as good as the best of them, ask him an off-the-cuff question and all he does is stutter and stammer. Never has there been, other than maybe Dan Quayle, someone so unqualified to be president. And you can claim victory in Iowa, but if you had any political sense, you would know that Iowa means nothing. I mean really, how many presidents has Iowa picked? How many of the past presidents even bothered to campaign in Iowa? Iowa is nothing more than an ego-boost for a state that is as insignificant in politics as a single snowflake is in a blizzard. I'm sure you'll feel great after January 3rd. But that feeling will be very short-lived since 5 days later New Hampshire will vote, then Michigan, and then all thos states favoring Hillary in February. So, congrats on Iowa....what do they have, like 1 electoral vote in the presidency?

      • Posted By: dolarbil @ 12/01/2007 12:06:36 PM

        I think you are talking about Bush instead of Obama.... Bush cannot speak off the cuff without sounding like an imbecile....If Obama ever stutters giving an answer, its because he is trying to make it simple for you all that don't understand complex issues.

    • Posted By: NYDEM91101 @ 11/26/2007 12:07:52 PM

      Hopefully, the American public will see through Obama's theatrical antics, and realize that besides his overwhelming "honesty," (WHATEVER THAT MEANS-He declared he would not sling mud, yet quickly joined the bandwagon when it was convenient to do so) Obama clearly lacks any significant political EXPERIENCE or public record of achievement---Wake up America!

    • Posted By: NYDEM @ 11/26/2007 12:05:40 PM

      Hopefully, the American public will see through Obama's theatrical antics, and realize that besides his overwhelming "honesty," (WHATEVER THAT MEANS-He declared he would not sling mud, yet quickly joined the bandwagon when it was convenient to do so) Obama clearly lacks any significant political EXPERIENCE or public record of achievement---Wake up America!

    • Posted By: card66 @ 11/26/2007 10:43:27 AM

      I couldn't agree more !!!!

    • Posted By: card66 @ 11/26/2007 10:41:20 AM

      I couldn't agree with your comment more !!

  • Posted By: Lester1934 @ 11/26/2007 11:49:58 AM

    I haven't seen anything that Obama has done so far. If Hillary was only the wife of Bill, I would vote for her over Obama.

    • Posted By: khasmi @ 11/26/2007 11:55:28 AM

      Sen. Obama is married to Michelle Obama. Does that get him any points? What about Monica L. She had a relationship with Bill too. Should she at least be on a Hillary Ticket? They seem to share.

      • Posted By: Steven Daytona Beach @ 11/26/2007 12:37:39 PM

        Why do you Obama supporters continue to spew hatred and smear? Why don't you respond to the question of "what has obama done"? As far as Monica L. (which I fail to see anything valid in that), : the time she spent in the white house has given her more experience than obama could ever hope to be able to claim, so yes, she is more deserving than him to be on a ticket!

        • Posted By: dorian @ 11/29/2007 3:51:05 AM

          Steven Daytona Beach.
          "Kudos to you friend". Finally someone who has actually read and done proper research instead of playing the "new hippie" songs of changing all with "daisies" as all the Obama supporters here are singing.

  • Posted By: mort72 @ 11/26/2007 11:02:26 AM

    Since when did the election of a president become a debating club . function.Little Barack is doing so much better now.He actually speaks.Well whoop- t -do. Is this what some people want in a leader.Is this the person you want to represent the U.S. in hard nosed negotations with a Putin or a Kim Jong Il.Come on folks,this world is no scholastic debating club.There are world leaders out there that would eat him up and spit him out. Instead of trying to find some kind of a flaw in our most knowledgable,tough,worldly and influential candidate, think about an America ,in this most difficult of times, being led by an inexperianced political novice still wet behind his leadership ears.

    • Posted By: khasmi @ 11/26/2007 11:47:19 AM

      We've been trying Hillary's ideas for the last 20+ years. She helped get us into Iraq. The Republicans have all lined up behind George W. and Hillary. Why do Dems think that Hillary is so tough? Because that is the word on the street. Why is she the experience candidate for the Dems? Because that is what we are told. She doesn't have any more experience than the others. Dems don't bother to ask..."What has she done?"

      • Posted By: Steven Daytona Beach @ 11/26/2007 12:32:52 PM

        Try looking at her senate record and the bills she has authored or co-authored. Try examining her record of public service her entire life from the time she graduated college. Then compare that to Obama's senate record and the legislation he has introduced or co-sponsored, and to his public service record. I'm sure you will find that not only is Hillary the most qualified and experienced candidate, but that Obama is the most unqualified, unexperienced candidate.

        • Posted By: dorian @ 11/29/2007 3:48:06 AM

          Steven Daytona Beach.
          "Kudos to you friend". Finally someone who has actually read and done proper research instead of playing the "new hippie" songs of changing all with "daisies" as all the Obama supporters here are singing.

  • Posted By: oldgramps @ 11/26/2007 3:35:21 PM

    I might vote obama If he will spend more time on other issues. and less t on the clintons. on face the nation he really was doing a jitter bug with the direct questions . I am losing my support of him.

    • Posted By: mbailiff @ 11/26/2007 4:27:57 PM

      I agree. What happened to his pledge to run a postive campaign? He has done more mud slinging than almost any other canidate besides Hillary.

      • Posted By: AUSTELL @ 11/27/2007 6:15:20 PM

        The way Obama is running his campaign is just fine. Trying to stay positive doesn't mean he should not address the issues discussed or respond to misinformation directed at him that is negative! He's running to be The President of the United States of America not for the student council. Obama has vision, just review his assessment of what would happen if the USA invaded Iraq. Meet The Press has this info. ainterview withIf we could all be objective and just pay attention to each candidate. Obama has vision. Review his assessment in reference to what woul

  • Posted By: dchappy@hotmail.com @ 11/27/2007 9:21:03 AM

    why not because he has the same habbit of putting his fingers in his ass hole and theb suck it like sucking the long tolol of "MOSAD AS DOES YOU BE LOVED PRESIDENT AND VICE PRESIDENT AND ALL REPUBLICAN PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES AND SENAYORS . OBAMA IS NO DIFFERENT AS HE THE COUSIN OF YOUR *** VICE PRESIDENT AND I SUPPOSE YOU TOO. NOW GO AND PRAISE THIS OBAMA I CALL HIM A FILTHY BUM. D C HAPPY

  • Posted By: GraceWalsh @ 11/26/2007 1:45:32 PM

    I assume by your post, Bear, that you're an American. If so, you represent America and its educational system poorly with your ineptitude with grammar and the English language. You seem to define American patriotism by hand gestures. I think we might be better defined by what we bring to the world, and how we present ourselves-- particularly because we have the very good fortune of some of the best education in the world, which should enable us to think well and communicate articulately (as Obama does). In this light, you appear to be a very poor representation of America. If you love America, please make use of its educational system.

    • Posted By: 4civility @ 11/26/2007 3:03:41 PM

      I was so glad to see your response to Bear. It gives me hope to read intelligent, well thought out responses to some of the vitriol posted. Thank you.

      • Posted By: theoldsill @ 11/26/2007 3:39:17 PM

        "Bear" does represent the Educational System of the US. One of the poorest in the world. Your comment about "well thought out", is not correct. Facts that don't stand.Grammer may not be correct-syntext is what conveys ideas.

        • Posted By: Lauren J @ 11/26/2007 10:08:35 PM

          Senator Obama did not refuse to recite the Pledge. He stood with hands folded and sang along with the singer's (bad) version of the National Anthem. If you have seen the video of it, you have watched him singing the anthem with her. As he later said, he was taught by his grandfather that you put your hand over your heart when you say the pledge, and when the National Anthem is played, you sing. That's what I do too. The nasty email that went around with a picture of Sen. Obama and the caption that he "refused to recite the Pledge" is just the same old, dirty politics. For once, I think this country is smart and mature enough to see through that and to elect the best candidate for President, Barack Obama.

  • Posted By: DonCinNorCal @ 11/26/2007 6:27:59 PM

    As a Mitt Romney Republican I think Barack Obama would be a great leader for our nation. Although, at this point, I would vote for Mitt, I think Barack would also make a great president.

    • Posted By: SFCW @ 11/26/2007 6:46:11 PM

      Thanks for a civil and bipartisan statement. When we start thinking about who is best for the country and not for a political party, we will be on tha way to solving the problems we face in todays world

  • Posted By: DonCinNorCal @ 11/26/2007 6:25:12 PM

    As a Mitt Romney Republican, it would not be at all disappointing to see Barrack Obama as our next president. Although, at this point, I would not vote for him, I really think he would be a great leader for our nation.

  • Posted By: M Durand @ 11/26/2007 5:59:08 PM

    I can see why Obama gets "flustered" when he's asked to make the complex simple. It's stupid to ask anyone to make and issue less than it really is. The simplification requires removal of some of the very important details of the issue. Asking for a yes or no response to whether illegal immigrants should get licenses is stupid. There are more factors to take into consideration than just the legality of the person's immigration. Some of these aren't as important as others, like whether the person can see or hear. Those are for the more general regulations for getting a driver's license. But there are some important ones, like whether the person can and will work. If a person is physically able and willing to work, to help the economy, to do those dirty jobs that nobody else does, then why must we bar them from practically getting to work by not allowing them driver's licenses? I am not trying to answer yes or no to whether illegal immigrants should be allowed to get driver's licenses. I am trying to show that there is more to consider than just whether the person immigrated illegally or not.

  • Posted By: mbailiff @ 11/26/2007 4:05:52 PM

    I can't believe anyone thinks Senator Obama has a chance at being elected president. I am so disappointed by Oprah Winfrey for doing the expected and backing the black canidate that I am as we speak canceling my supscription to O magazine. If Oprah thinks she can tell the women in this country who to vote for she is sadly mistaken. I have a great memory and I for one have not forgotten that she was backing Hillary Clinton before Obama offically entered the race. I hope that people don't vote for a specific canidate just because a celebrity told you to or because the canidate is black, white, male or female. Vote on the issues! Above all else please go vote democrat, republican, or independent it doesn't matter just educate yourself about the issues and go vote for who you think is the best canidate not who Oprah thinks the best canidate is.

    • Posted By: abadreview @ 11/26/2007 5:17:47 PM

      Not only does he have a chance, but he's going to be President of the United States, get used to it. It might not be this election, it might be the next one, or the one after that. Either way, this man is a born leader, and the perfect representation of 21st century America.

    • Posted By: pdmack @ 11/26/2007 4:55:52 PM

      Oprah is not supporting Obama because he is black. The fact that you would accuse her of "doing the expected and backing the black candidate" demonstrates prejudice on your part. The Oprah brand is not about race, but it is about gender. Why not expect her to endorse a woman? With all due respect, you are also mistaken to say that she endorsed Clinton before Obama got in the race. This is not the first black candidate to run for the White House, but is the first candidate she has endorsed.

      That said, I agree with you. Educate yourself and vote for your preferred candidate.

  • Posted By: whoelse @ 11/26/2007 4:38:15 PM

    to the post right before mine...you are probably one of the dumbest people i have ever heard. What does her backing anyone have to do with her magazine? That is why YOU have your own brain. Everyone does for that matter! How many times have you seen something for sale, or just on the rack at a store and thought "I like this one, I think I am gonna buy it", then to walk down the next isle and see something that you like better and buy that one instead? This decision is much bigger than a cashmere sweater, and I think a person is allowed to change their minds the whole way if they want to. Let's be real now...how good of a decision did AMERICA make last two rounds? Now nobody really likes the decision now, and are desperate for change. Oprah can change her mind about who she backs, just like you can change your mind about oprah. Maybe you should of cancelled your subscription because Oprah was backing Hillary just because she is female. Hilary is hoping for your vote just for that reason. Now who is playing you for a fool, really?

  • Posted By: MSWARTZEL @ 11/26/2007 3:32:11 PM

    HOW CAN I CONSCIOUSLY VOTE FOR SOMEONE FOR PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA WHO CANNOT PLEDGE ALLIGIECE TO OUR FLAG, THE VERY SYMBOL OF AMERICA? NO MATTER WHAT HIS VIEWS ARE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS, ABORTION, TAXES, MEDICARE, SOCIAL SECURITY OR ANY OTHER PERTINENT ISSUE. IF YOU CAN'T PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THE AMERICAN FLAG, YOU SHOULD NOT BE PRESIDENT OF OUR GREAT COUNTRY!

  • Posted By: MSWARTZEL @ 11/26/2007 3:31:14 PM

    HOW CAN I CONSCIOUSLY VOTE FOR SOMEONE FOR PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA WHO CANNOT PLEDGE ALLIGIECE TO OUR FLAG, THE VERY SYMBOL OF AMERICA? NO MATTER WHAT HIS VIEWS ARE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS, ABORTION, TAXES, MEDICARE, SOCIAL SECURITY OR ANY OTHER PERTINENT ISSUE. IF YOU CAN'T PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THE AMERICAN FLAG, YOU SHOULD NOT BE PRESIDENT OF OUR GREAT COUNTRY!

  • Posted By: bebmason @ 11/26/2007 2:35:45 PM

    The time is now and Obama is the one to beat. Hillary Clinton was just the first lady. I voted for Bill Clinton. Bill Clinton ran the white house and did a great job but the counrty needs a new direction. I do not want the national race to turn into what Bill Clinton did in the white house or white-water. You and I know that is why they want to ran againt Hillary Clinton. They can bring back old news. With Brack Obama they do not have the uper hand in this race. The world is looking for change. The Unite States have always been the leader in the world. Because of Bill Clinton affair in the White House and Bush on the war, the Unite States I think has lose the leadership respect from other counrtys. Therefore we need a new direction to bring back our leadership in the world.
    Brenda for Obama

  • Posted By: garmel @ 11/26/2007 2:34:22 PM

    When I went to school back in the fifty, the U S A was number one in the world education. now we are so low that some third world country are ahead of us. Most of the people in the U.S. are only interested by what on the TV. They don't care who get elected. They don't care about higher cost of living, food, gas and health care. they are not worried about the take over of our lands by big corporation. The dumming of our children with poor education. I have looked at some of thoses that are running and I don't yet found one worthy for me to vote for. We must look at each one and see just what they stand for, not toss an coin.

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