Obama explains his non-vote

Posted: Thursday, September 20, 2007 4:17 PM by Mark Murray
Filed Under: Security

From NBC's Mark Murray
Obama's presidential campaign gives First Read this statement from Obama about not voting today on the Senate measure condemning the MoveOn.org print ad criticizing Gen. David Petraeus.

"The focus of the United States Senate should be on ending this war, not on criticizing newspaper advertisements," Obama says. "This amendment was a stunt designed only to score cheap political points while what we should be doing is focusing on the deadly serious challenge we face in Iraq. It's precisely this kind of political game-playing that makes most Americans cynical about Washington's ability to solve America's problems. By not casting a vote, I registered my protest against this empty politics. I registered my views on the ad itself the day it appeared.

Obama goes on to say, "All of us respect the service of General Petraeus and all of our brave men and women in uniform. The way to honor that service is to give them a mission that is responsible, not to vote on amendments like the Cornyn amendment while we continue to pursue the wrong policy in Iraq."

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Comments

thank you, Mr. POTUS.

scott (Sent Thursday, September 20, 2007 4:22 PM)

Obama is absolutely correct AND being correct is the only thing that matters. All this emotional blathering over the ad is juvenile at best and I'm being very generous with that assessment.

The rest of Congress can simply shove it. Yeah, I AM cynical indeed.

M. Boley (Sent Thursday, September 20, 2007 4:25 PM)

Obama has given my sentiment. Right on Barrack! The president needs to step up to the plate, pull his head out and govern. I say lets vote on Impeachment of Bush instead.

Greg P, Newbury Park CA (Sent Thursday, September 20, 2007 4:31 PM)

Obama has given my sentiment. Right on Barrack! The president needs to step up to the plate, pull his head out and govern. I say lets vote on Impeachment of Bush instead.

Greg P, Newbury Park CA (Sent Thursday, September 20, 2007 4:31 PM)

Senator Obama is right on point again. When are these morons going to realized that casting symbolic vote is meaningless. Infact, the whole senate body is a joke.

Bee (Sent Thursday, September 20, 2007 4:35 PM)

Go OBAMA!!!!!! Thank you Obama for taking on these petty politics! This is exactly what Clinton should have done, and I think she will regret it! The Cornyn amendment is a cheap political ploy that wastes congress' time!

Mark Morris (Sent Thursday, September 20, 2007 4:36 PM)

Very Eloquent and quite true! Good for you Obama!! It's beginning hard and harder for me see how he isn't a part of the democratic ticket in 2008!

Lewis, cincinnati, Ohio (Sent Thursday, September 20, 2007 4:40 PM)

God Bless Obama, and God Bless America! We finally have someone who knows when to stand up to these stupid political ploys the republicans use to distract us from what matters!

Mark Morris (Sent Thursday, September 20, 2007 4:40 PM)

GOOD FOR YOU OBAMA NO (omitted) VOTE WAS THE WAY TO GO!
I SUPPORT YOU ON YOUR DECISION.

H P BOSTON (Sent Thursday, September 20, 2007 4:44 PM)

See?

I'm glad he abstained . That's what I wanted him to do. Seriously. I posted that way before this was posted in another post on this website. I was watching it all on CSpan2 and I was hoping he would not dignify the Republicans with his vote either way and he did not.

DR (Sent Thursday, September 20, 2007 4:58 PM)

Senator Obama, you have my respect, admiration, and one day, after you have had the seasoning that only comes from years of experience, I hope that you will be my president. But for today, for all the reasons that our world is in so much trouble, and for his record of leadership, my vote will be for Senator Biden.

Stacy S., Medford OR (Sent Thursday, September 20, 2007 5:00 PM)

This man is right on the money.

Common Sense (Sent Thursday, September 20, 2007 5:09 PM)

Excellent, Obama rightfully calls out Congress for wasting the American people's time with this crap; the Democrats that voted for the GOP bill should be ashamed of themselves.

Shadow, Hamden, CT (Sent Thursday, September 20, 2007 5:09 PM)

Good for him! Tell it like it is. Those who fall for the sham the Republicans are doing to distract from the real problem, and that is that they voted NOT to give the troops more time home between deployments should be looking for what's really going on in Washington. That is more of an important issue than a newspaper ad. Shame, shame, shame on them for pulling this little stunt. And shame, shame shame on you folks for going along with it.

RAH (Sent Thursday, September 20, 2007 5:13 PM)

I can respect Sen. Obama's choice not to vote, now that it has been explained. What I cannot respect, and what fills me with outrage, is that any Republican or Democrat would have had the nerve to play such a game of stupid politics as the anti-MoveOn legislation after killing a bill to offer our battle-weary troops nothing more than adequate time with their families in between duty-tours.

What has this government come to? I am absolutely appalled at their willingness to play political softball with the lives of thousands of American troops and untold hundreds of thousands of killed, wounded, and displaced Iraqi citizens. This is indeed broken government. Maybe those old radicals from the 60s and early 70s were right after all. Maybe it's time to ride this entire polluted system out on a rail with tar and feathers and start over.

John Lennon's "Power To The People" is sounding better all the time, quite honestly.

Reverend Rock (Sent Thursday, September 20, 2007 5:21 PM)

Are you asking the Republicans to stop being scuzzy, tawdry and phony? Does that include Ann Coulter? I'm sure they'll be happy to oblige.

JIrby, Colorado (Sent Thursday, September 20, 2007 5:22 PM)

Good for Barack. I'm still not going to vot for him though. This so called amendment is completely absurd. I didn't think the moveon.org ad was appopriate, how ever we do have a thing in this country called the first amendment which guarantees freedom of speech and of the press. As citizens we can debate the merits or the ad, but I think it is highly inapropriate for the law making branch of our government to take pass amendments to laws that condenm another citizen or organization for exercising rights guaranteed to them by the constition, the same constitution our senetors are sworn to protect and uphold. This is a step towards the type of media censorship I would expect from dictatorship rule, not "greatest democracy in the world".

Greig Clawson, Augusta, GA (Sent Thursday, September 20, 2007 5:23 PM)

GO OBAMA! Some common sense. I was wondering the same thing. Iraq and the nations issues are more important than a ad. Obama keeps impressing! Obama 08!

Erik (Sent Thursday, September 20, 2007 5:28 PM)

Thank you, Obama for setting a great example for others to follow!!! That vote was just another attempt to distract America from the real issues surrounding the war.

Candace (Sent Thursday, September 20, 2007 5:29 PM)

Petraeus's loyalty is to Bush, not to the American people he supposedly has provided with 'service'.

Where is the accountability for a military that promised us the moon and has failed utterly every step of the way?

Sean, Torrington CT (Sent Thursday, September 20, 2007 5:37 PM)

A perfect example of why you have my support, Obama.

I think the phrase "betray us" is not appropriate in terms of the MoveOn ad. It wouldn't surprise me if Patraeus "cooked the books for the White House" or manipulated facts... just like many before him. Yes its frustrating, but they are a pawn for their "Commander and Chief" and I expect them to be loyal... even to an idiot. Yes it would be nicer if they were loyal to the American people, but then they would be out of a job where he might bring positive influence (I know, but give him a chance), and be replaced by a more obedient puppet.

So I don't agree with MoveOn's approach, and I appreciate any good General Petraeus can bring to this situation. I'm sure history will accurately reflect the General's success(es) or failure(s) in this role.

Peterooni, Redlands, CA (Sent Thursday, September 20, 2007 5:37 PM)

MSNBC is as Dum and Stupid as Obama Osama

Wil Antom , LB, Ca (Sent Thursday, September 20, 2007 5:38 PM)

Good no vote Obama.

Ashe, SF CA (Sent Thursday, September 20, 2007 5:42 PM)

You Stupid leftist. Wait until Osama hit you to realize how stupid is Obama

Cal Rip, Tolido, Colrado (Sent Thursday, September 20, 2007 5:42 PM)

Wow! I have been impressed by this HONORABLE man from the very beginning. The DISHONORABLE Senate can only fool themselves. We will no longer be fooled by the 911 co-conspirators in chief! We will no longer be fooled by Deceipt in Chief. Too bad America (black nad white) are not sophisticated enough in judgment to ELECT the Honorable Barack Obama who is teaching all the world what true CHARACTER means.

Lynn (Sent Thursday, September 20, 2007 5:43 PM)

That's all blow hards like Obama have to do in the Senate is vote. Now he doesn't even want to do that. He probably saw what going on the record has done for Hillary, Biden, Dodd, and Edwards, and said he wants no part of that.

The man is a full blown coward. And he stands there asking us to vote for him. Some leader he'd be. What a pathetic display. Obama is obviously deep in the pocket of Moveon.

Carol Rickert (Sent Thursday, September 20, 2007 5:43 PM)

Obama... no different than other politicians. All talk but no walk. All promises but later on full of excuses.

Democrats, Republicans, and any political parties ... forget about personal political interests. Forget about partisanship. Please unite to move the country forward. Many of us are getting really tired of all this partisan bickering.

Bernie, Altadena, CA (Sent Thursday, September 20, 2007 5:44 PM)

He doesn't seem to have a problem voting for other "stunts". It just depends on who is doing the political game playing, huh?

Don, USA (Sent Thursday, September 20, 2007 5:45 PM)

"I registered my views on the ad itself the day it appeared."

Did I miss something? What was his view, other than that he didn't want to talk about it?

Chris, Boston (Sent Thursday, September 20, 2007 5:49 PM)

Should have voted for the ammendment as should have Clinton and Dodd. You can bet the GOP will raise this isue as they should. Even Pat Leahy, who has little use for Bush or this war, voted to admonish "Move On". "Move On" and others like it will give the GOP another four years. Why do the Democrats have to self-destruct yet again.

Obama Supporter, Manchester, VT (Sent Thursday, September 20, 2007 5:50 PM)

Senator Obama you are absolutely correct! Enough of this nonsense in Washington - wasting time and avoiding the real issues!

Ann Oriadha (Sent Thursday, September 20, 2007 5:50 PM)

What a leaderNow we know who is ready to lead this country. For doing this, i am donating another $25 to your campaign. This what i have been looking for in Politics, someone that is willing to call a spade a spade.

Thanks for your leadership.

Bee (Sent Thursday, September 20, 2007 5:53 PM)

Wake up MSM!!!! This is the man you should be covering. A true leader. Someone who actually cares about the United States and it's citizens. Let's get rid of all of these other self serving politicians and find more people who bring this country back together, like Sen. Barack Obama!

Steve B (Sent Thursday, September 20, 2007 5:55 PM)

Obama your the man. Call it for what is a show boating gamesmanship meant to do nothing to solve the problem. Where was this consternation when we got into this whole mess, nearly 4,000 American GI lives ago. I don't see them or their children signing up to finish the job sooner. Oh nooooooooo that won't happen.

JG, Non DC, USA (Sent Thursday, September 20, 2007 5:56 PM)

To Chris: Yes, you did miss the fact that in the senate he registered his position by complimenting General Petraus and thanking the troops for their service. Too bad you were prone to jump against the Honorable Barack Obama. Too bad America (black and white) is too much blinded by racism and _NOT_ sophisticated enough to ELECT the Honorable Barack Obama who is teaching all the world what true CHARACTER means.

Lynn (Sent Thursday, September 20, 2007 6:01 PM)

Chris,

"Did I miss something? What was his view, other than that he didn't want to talk about it?"

You need to do your research before opening your mouth for venom. I'll sugest you watch his interview with Brian Williams or read the transcript.

To answer your question, yes you missed something.

Bee (Sent Thursday, September 20, 2007 6:02 PM)

Let's see we have a war going on, a mortgage crisis, tons of legislation yet the senate has time to vote on condemning something that is protected the the First Amendment.

Right on Obama

As for all of you Racist who get off calling him Osama why don't you just show us your true colors and use the "N" word like you do at home.

Eric D Fremont, Ca (Sent Thursday, September 20, 2007 6:03 PM)

But... but... THERE WAS AN AD! And it was IN A NEWSPAPER!

Seriously though, notch one for Obama. The best thing to do when the GOP pulls this crap is refuse to dignify it with a response. If Obama doesn't get the nomination for POTUS or VP, I really hope that he gets the nod for Majority Leader in the next Congress.

John Doe, The Peanut Gallery (Sent Thursday, September 20, 2007 6:08 PM)

This is what the American people can look forward to when Obama becomes the next POTUS. These silly games are time wasting and they have no meaning at all. Symbolic votes do not mean anything and are worthless. Good job Obama. Good job.

Antony, Dallas TX (Sent Thursday, September 20, 2007 6:21 PM)

How come it wasn't a political stunt when the Democrat version of the same bill was voted down. He voted yes on that one. I'm waiting to see which candidate, republican or democrat, can quit throwing stones and playing party politics. Whoever wins is going to have learn to "play" with everyone on the "playground". Didn't we learn that in kindergarten?

Soldier's mom, Dallas, TX (Sent Thursday, September 20, 2007 6:22 PM)

Chris, Boston
..you missed something alright. He was against the ad by move-on.org and he said that they should not attack HIS (Gen. Petraus) character but the Iraq war policies. Ring a bell. If it still does not, see his interview with Brian Williams of NBC.

Tony G, Dallas TX (Sent Thursday, September 20, 2007 6:27 PM)

Go Obama! We're behind you, 20%!

George (Sent Thursday, September 20, 2007 6:38 PM)

This from the man that wants to be President? What's he going to do if he's POTUS and some tough decision needs to be made, call up Moveon.org and ask them what he should do?

The man should be thrown out of the Senate.

Stanis Youblee, Rye NY (Sent Thursday, September 20, 2007 6:41 PM)

A perfect example of the lack of morals and spine that characterizes Clinton and Obama and the rest of the disgusting left wingers that control the Democrat party now. Obama's main concern was to not make Moveon stop funneling him their dirty money.

Jim S. Hoffman Estates, IL (Sent Thursday, September 20, 2007 7:00 PM)

Obama doesn't want to be on the record for important votes. That stuff tends to turn around and bite you on the a** later on down the line.

J Edwards, NC (Sent Thursday, September 20, 2007 7:04 PM)

Yeah, Obama. It is time we had a President with a brain. This man thinks and thinks and thinks before he utters anything. Good for you Senator. It is about time.

Peter M (Sent Thursday, September 20, 2007 7:14 PM)

It is very clear that Hilary is given to making bad judgment calls. The President is the Commander-in-Chief and Gen. David Petraeus reports to the Secretary of Defense, a President’s political appointee. It is a given that Gen Petraeus must be doing the President’s bidding. Challenging Gen. Petraeus and projecting him, as a liar by anybody was purely an error of the intellect and judgment. A person to challenge is the President.

Hilary Clinton almost destroyed her husband’s presidency due to poor judgment. A case in point, all reasonable people with sound judgment were agreed that it was better to settle Paula Jones out of court to avoid fishing expedition that legal deposition would entail. Hilary Clinton overruled and argued that if Paula Jones was settled, there were going to be others to come out of the woodwork to make similar accusations. Based on Hilary Clinton’s judgment, Monica Lewinsky became the outcrop.

The greatest handicap Democrats had in winning elections was the public perception that they are very weak on defense. Can anybody imagine what would happen if Hilary were to win nomination and her calling Gen. Petraeus a liar will be played over and over on TV ads. Hilary Clinton is the first politician l know of that went out of her way to start defending Lobbyists.

Edmond Joanesky (Sent Thursday, September 20, 2007 7:21 PM)

Way to go Senator. There's something going on in the grass roots! All the media pundits will soon be amazed at what americans will have to say on this election. We will leave not doubt to the racists, terrorist, and all the other "ISTS" It's time for a change. We're taking our government away from these traitors from both parties.

JimmieFromDayton (Sent Thursday, September 20, 2007 7:28 PM)

"Soldier's mom, Dallas, TX" asks "How come it wasn't a political stunt when the Democrat version of the same bill was voted down."

WHAT?! There was no democratic bill condemning Moveon.org's ad, that wouldn't even make sense. Notice the only people here arguing against Obama can only do so by misinformation by claiming hipocracy without a shred of evidence, or claiming "Did I miss something" without doing a simple google search to find out they did miss something.
Obama is setting an example for all of us. He is a true leader!

Mark Morris (Sent Thursday, September 20, 2007 7:28 PM)

I have thought this whole 'outrage' at moveon was stupid and a week long stunt.
Those that play along with the republicans in their little game are either chicken or stupid.
Obama is correct in not going along with this waste of time and a somewhat degrading of the senate for even bringing into the chamber when so many important things need to be addressed.

diane (Sent Thursday, September 20, 2007 7:33 PM)

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