Anti-abortion protestors heckle Obama

Posted: Monday, January 07, 2008 7:33 PM by Domenico Montanaro
Filed Under: 2008, Obama, Lee Cowan

From NBC's Lee Cowan and NBC/NJ's Aswini Anburajan
Rochester, N.H. -- Obama was heckled from the balcony of a theater here. A group of about 10 protestors began to chant "Abortion is abomination." The audience in turn began to shout, "Obama! Obama!" And in the top balcony many started screaming at the protestors telling them to shut up.

Obama from the stage said, "Guys! Guys!" Initially he told the protestors, "I'll talk to you afterwards."

The scene escalated with angry shouts from the audience directed toward the protestors telling them to, "Shut up, go home." And one man even screamed, "Kill the babies!" An older gentleman put his head down and stuck his hands in his ears. It was unpleasant on both sides.

The police came after about five minutes and were greeted with cheers by the audience. The protestors voluntarily left chanting the entire time. When the hecklers had left, Obama joked, "Excitement is over, or maybe it's just beginning."

And he said, "Let me just say this though. Some people got organized to do that. That's part of the American tradition we are proud of. And thats hard too, standing in the midst of people who disagree with you and letting your voice be heard."

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Comments

Could you imagine any candidate doing what Obama did in resisting the urge to pander to the crowd? McCain has been presented similar situations from the opposite side and reacted in a mean-spirited way. This is why Obama is gaining traction around the country.

Mike (Sent Monday, January 07, 2008 7:44 PM)

Watch this video this is great on Mitt Romney Flip and a Flopping!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D7y1HMZNJy0&NR=1

Jeff Hansen, New Hampshire (Sent Monday, January 07, 2008 7:47 PM)

Mitt Romney likes to Kill Babies also watch this video of his speech on him being pre-choice.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D7y1HMZNJy0&NR=1

Mitt the Baby Killer (Sent Monday, January 07, 2008 7:50 PM)

It is responses like this and thinking like this that makes Obama so much more of a true Presidential candidate and leader than Hillary. Don't hate them because they disagree with your beliefs, but honor their belief and be willing to have an open-mind and listen towhat they have to say. Pack your bag's Hillary, this is the reason the American people don't believe you and don't trust what you say.

DesertStormVet, IL (Sent Monday, January 07, 2008 7:53 PM)

Choice is the issue. I would never vote for any anti choice candidate. I'm not an Obama fan but I thank him for being pro choice.

April May (Sent Monday, January 07, 2008 8:01 PM)

This is one of many reasons why Senator Obama appeals to me. He will listen to everyone’s views, even if he doesn’t agree. And then thoughtfully respond, in a dignified manner. Americans have forgotten how to have civil discussions about all kinds of topics.

Barb Washing IL (Sent Monday, January 07, 2008 8:02 PM)

Plants. To show how great I am in dealing with other side.

An American (Sent Monday, January 07, 2008 8:07 PM)

Hey, DesertStormVet - I was there, myself. Obama's instincts are pretty presidential, I agree.

Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA (Sent Monday, January 07, 2008 8:08 PM)

I was watching this, now I can't say what was said up close. But Obama was great, the crowd did start to rise up against them but he calmed the crowd down quickily. And said I'll talk to you afterwards, this won't accomplish anything.
I was impressed!!! Thanks to Obama, I don't think it was as big of deal as your trying to paint it!!!

Jeff (Sent Monday, January 07, 2008 8:09 PM)

Kind of sad we have to bring the abortion into the race when the Supreme Court will make the decision and that won't happen for a long, long time.

jerry/corpus christi texas (Sent Monday, January 07, 2008 8:30 PM)

I was at this event and Obama was a pure gentlemen in how he dealt with this situation. He was willing to give the hecklers their say if they could have calmed down and let themselves be heard in a more appropriate way.

stephanie miller (Sent Monday, January 07, 2008 8:33 PM)

I am not sure that I would vote for Obama, he is far away from my views on some issues. I give him a lot of credit for staying on the high road and responding like he has. He has almost put an end to negative campaigning and maybe this will lead to people like Ann Coulter and Rush finally closing their mouths as well. The era of hate, finger pointing and name calling hopefully is over. If he accomplishes that alone, he will have changed the landscape.

Mark, Dunkirk, NY (Sent Monday, January 07, 2008 8:34 PM)

For get abortion we need more WAR.
McCain is WAR MONGER just let him be RAMBO with NUKES.

Wade Enns New York New Yok (Sent Monday, January 07, 2008 8:34 PM)

To all of you Obama people:where are all the PLANT accusations you were charging Hillary with when she had a similarly disruptive situation earlier? How come your not saying that now? Instead it's all about how well Saint Obama handled the crowd... you're all hypocrites! The ridiculous double standard never ceases to amaze me. Go Hillary!

Cathy, Upstate NY (Sent Monday, January 07, 2008 8:34 PM)

mr president

that took a lot of class

obama 08

teddy rlando (Sent Monday, January 07, 2008 8:35 PM)

Barack certainly showed that nothing gets him off balance and he evens talks of the positive side these protestors showed

Jeremy (Sent Monday, January 07, 2008 8:40 PM)

hell, they were heckling the wrong canidate. when barack had a chance to vote to defend a woman's choice, he voted "present".

he wouldn't want to be on record voting for or against any issue. He Nevers Stands up.

Tuck, Realityville, Ks (Sent Monday, January 07, 2008 8:53 PM)

Osama bin laden
Saddam Hussein
Barack Hussein Obama
Am I alone in feeling like they may have found
another way to get us?

Worried, Tennessee (Sent Monday, January 07, 2008 9:01 PM)

Did anyone notice the change Obama gave himself
so much credit for was to stand while he eats.
If he stands those special intrest can still buy
his lunch. Shoot, who wouldn't stand for a free
meal?

Please post me, Tennessee (Sent Monday, January 07, 2008 9:07 PM)

Exactly, Mike. McCain ridiculed the women who protested the war awhile back. He treated them with utter contempt. Obama is strong enough to acknowledge the validity of another point of view. Obama is our next President.

Amy B Portland, Me (Sent Monday, January 07, 2008 9:10 PM)

Osama bin laden
Saddam Hussein
Barack Hussein Obama
Am I alone in feeling like they may have found
another way to get us?

Worried, Tennessee (Sent Monday, January 07, 2008 9:15 PM)

When are the bible pounders going to get a clue.

Against abortion?

Don't have one. It's YOUR CHOICE!

OBAMA/FEINGOLD 2008!

RobK, Seattle, Wash. (Sent Monday, January 07, 2008 9:20 PM)

To Cathy from Upstate NY:

It's simple, Cathy. Hillary's campaign uses plants. Obama's does not. No double standard. Just two different approaches to running campaigns: the low road and the high road.

Charlie K., Bronx, NY (Sent Monday, January 07, 2008 9:25 PM)

The fanaticism of the Obamites is disturbing. The rabid snarling of audience members is typical of zealots.

SN, MN (Sent Monday, January 07, 2008 9:29 PM)

Osama bin laden
Saddam Hussein
Barack Hussein Obama
Am I alone in feeling like they may have found
another way to get us?
Worried, Tennessee (Sent Monday, January 07, 2008 9:15 PM)

________________

Why don't you take the time to educate yourself.....You sound as pathetic as Bill and Hillary Clinton and the rest of the members of her campaign

Leave Hillary Alone (Sent Monday, January 07, 2008 9:31 PM)

Well put, Charlie! Obama doesn't NEED plants! People already like him. Perhaps if Clinton was likeable....

M, Westchester NY (Sent Monday, January 07, 2008 9:42 PM)

Osama bin laden
Saddam Hussein
Barack Hussein Obama
Am I alone in feeling like they may have found
another way to get us?

==============

Worried, I think you figured it out. If we stop Obama, we will stop Osama!

Obama supporters were behind the 9/11 attacks!

Yes! That's it!

Daniel of Baltimore, MD (Sent Monday, January 07, 2008 9:53 PM)

Worried Tennessee must also think Obama was in the UFO Dennis saw.

I am amused by the Hillary supporters squeezing every last drop of blood from the stone. When she started chirping about being an agent of change, I knew she was done.

Randy Ewart (Sent Monday, January 07, 2008 9:55 PM)

Cathy from NY - give it a thought - why do you think that the majority of responses to Hillary's sexist incident today is "plants" while virtually no one is accusing Obama of that? Because it is a part of human nature to learn from our experiences - Hillary and her campaign have tried to fool the voter before with plants, so why wouldn't they do that now? Obama on the other hand has done no such thing so no reason to think that now.

MM (Sent Monday, January 07, 2008 9:56 PM)

What's up with this poster from TN? Who exactly do you think you are impressing with your posts? Surely not the usually intelligent posters to FirstRead? And I really like how you post it over and over!! Really hammers the point in for all of us - lights are on, but nobody's home......

modernwoman, Anytown,USA (Sent Monday, January 07, 2008 9:57 PM)

'worried, tennessee' you posted it twice as if we didn't see it the first time. Cute, by the way are you married to your cousin--because you know all Tennesseans are married to other family members.

Joe, Philadelphia, PA (Sent Monday, January 07, 2008 10:02 PM)

Wellll.........We have to pray to Abba God almighty..Jehova The best person will run this country... Who knows whom, is telling the TRUTH NOW DAYS

Dolly Madison, all American and world resident........ (Sent Monday, January 07, 2008 10:07 PM)

To all those who admire HUSSEIN RODHAM CLINTON!!! It's time to put aside our differences and vote for the candidate who is "READY TO LEAD ON DAY 1!!!!" President Obama. I feel terribly sorry for the posters that have nothing to offer the dialog but baseless attacks. Friends, don't you realize that those tactics are sooo yesterday? My dear and true friends, we are all presented with an opportunity to claim this country by the people once again for the people. Let go of your hate. Don't engage in the politics of self destruction; it's like, so '90's.

Cathy in the Great Lakes (Sent Monday, January 07, 2008 10:14 PM)

"Worried in Tennessee" and "LEAVEHILLARY ALONE" are both Clinton plants...saw the exact same post on an earlier discussion...word for word!

Vince, NJ (Sent Monday, January 07, 2008 10:19 PM)

To the people that want to believe the protesters was a plant, that’s ok. To the people that make comments like Worried, Tennessee; there is nothing I can say to that, but it saddens me that people think/say things like that. As far as the story goes, it's a good one, and I hope in life, when I'm faced with peoples of differing opinions, that I can be so gracious. I also hope that I can pass such lessons on to my son.

R. Hatfield, Kentucky (Sent Monday, January 07, 2008 10:26 PM)

lol @ Worried,TN.Please,PLEASE go educate yourself on Obama's website before you say anything else.Your embarrassing yourself.I am still on the fence between Hillary and Obama.I like Hillary for her experience, I like Obama for all that he says he has to offer.I just hope he delivers if he gets the job.And what is up with the Lobbyist he hired in N.H.? kind of contradictory don't you think?

M.Northup,Kidder,MO (Sent Monday, January 07, 2008 10:35 PM)

Wow he handled that really well.

Kaye (Sent Monday, January 07, 2008 10:42 PM)

Wow! On the same day that Hillary's failing campaign puts a sexist plant in, Obama resorts to the same thing. The method is the same -- pick a group that your constituency hates, have them make a ruckus that supposedly is a surprise, and you handle it with class.

Shameful. Utterly shameful and deceptive.

Think about it... would anti-abortionists WANT to show up to help out Obama?! Would "iron my shirt" sexists WANT to show up to help out Hillary?

S. D., Denton, TX (Sent Monday, January 07, 2008 10:42 PM)

pro choice does not make him "presidential" if you want change, then choose a president that can actually change the status quo....not one that is the status quo! if you choose status quo then please don't ever utter a word later down the road about what a mistake it was to vote for status quo.....i am so sick of hearing this from all those that voted for bush and twice! my vote is going to edwards....he hasn't taken pac money like obama has clinton has.....i hate clinton but she absolutely right when she says he is no different than she.

Deborah, Iowa (Sent Monday, January 07, 2008 10:48 PM)

For M.Northup,Kidder,MO, the lobbyist is a state, not a federal lobbyist. I don't know if that makes a difference for you or not.

R Hatfield Kentucky (Sent Monday, January 07, 2008 10:53 PM)

Assuming Obi-Wan Obama was on the up and up...his response (in America you're free to disagree, ain't it great) was practically identical to Mike Huckabee's response to a heckler in New Hampshire yesterday.

For a long time I've seen the election as Obama vs. either Paul or Huckabee. (And every day it's looking more inevitable than Hillary's campaign has branded itself to be.)

Tasmanian Jedi (Sent Monday, January 07, 2008 11:11 PM)

Rob K,

The issue is wider than that: "if you are not for murder, don't murder anyone" wouldn't work very well, would it?

Curtis Smale, Colorado Springs, CO (Sent Tuesday, January 08, 2008 12:01 AM)

Does America want a black White House..we have seen what some black leaders have done in Africa..I think the black population is a great group but not to lead a country..I also get a funny feeling about his name Barack Hussein Obama..think about it American people..if he does come close to becoming the president, to have to live with that name for the next four years

Mary (Sent Tuesday, January 08, 2008 12:01 AM)

The guy was a gentleman and some folks want to trash him. This is precisely the type of attitude Obama is attempting to overcome. Perhaps after Obama is president the detractors and haters and fools will direct their energy to more productive ends.

George Hoffman, Lexington, Kentucky (Sent Tuesday, January 08, 2008 12:03 AM)

Obama is a good actor, every one knows how to show off in front of voters. I would rather let him impress voters with some deeper awnswers on issues. Tell voters the truth of voting Iraq war, tell people the truth of 2004 speech, tell voters truth of why he runs for presidents. As deeply fooled and fed, hope you all realized that Carl Rove did not retired. He is very busy now, that is why he left the office for a bigger pay offer.

More truth exposed:

"last month we had our annual Book Fair. Chris Matthews was one of the guests authors who attended as well as Jena Bush and Caroline Kennedy and a few others... well anywho, when an audience member asked Chris Matthews who he thought would win 2009 he said Hillary Clinton and went into a few points as to why he thought she would win the nomination and later the presidency. Then someone asked why he was so critical of her on her show and he responded "Ratings."

"http://digg.com/politics/National_Black_Chamber_of_Commerce_article_Did_Obama_lie"

obsessedwithhillary (Sent Tuesday, January 08, 2008 12:03 AM)

what about the babies choice? The mother should have chosen to not have sex or have "safe" sex! every child deserves a choice, a chance to "life, liberty and the persuit of happiness".
I vote pro-life. period.
And for you would-be hecklers, I grew up in Florida, I'm educated and not married to a realive, have my teeth and wear shoes too! And I do vote.

Linda, Tupelo, MS (Sent Tuesday, January 08, 2008 12:13 AM)

Hillary Clinton crying? Does she really believe she is entitled to the presidency?

Barack seems to have Americans coming out of the "woodwork" for a change, to make a change in our politics.

I am in Barack's corner but allow me to offer some advice to Hillary's camp. Stop saying, "I'm an agent of change, I've been here 35 years." Wrong, wrong, Wrong. Change speaks to the future. "I've been here 35 years" speaks (wrongly or justifiably) to your contribution to the mess we're in.

Hillary crying. Well, I have empathy for anyone who is "feeling" enough to either laugh or cry. But sadly, we now have a vision of her sitting in the oval weeping, and in this instance, simply because the American people are "siding-up" with their choice for the true agent of change in American politics.

Reggie Boykins, St. Louis, MO (Sent Tuesday, January 08, 2008 12:14 AM)

The man has class.

Mr. Unite Us (Sent Tuesday, January 08, 2008 12:30 AM)

All politicians are liars, Obama is a gentleman and Senator Mrs. Clinton is a high class lady. Lets not fool ourselves, Mrs. Clinton is the right choice for the next presidency. The American people should follow
their elders choice and not the teenage youth irresponsible beer and marijuana and party dreamers.
Could anybody tell me what had Obama done beside grooming himself for the TV screen and talk about change that will never come and happen. Wake up people and throw your weight behind Mrs. Clinton.

Adel Khalil Hermas (Sent Tuesday, January 08, 2008 12:32 AM)

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