Informal Obama adviser steps aside

The Truth. — Fri, 09 May 2008 21:10:13 GMT

Nice, so, do you think Bush will resign from his presidency for being the leader of a terrorist organization? I mean, Sen. McCain surely would not want to be associated with someone who in 7 short years destroyed a country and started a war in Iraq, right?

Informal Obama adviser steps aside

Paul, Miami, FL — Fri, 09 May 2008 21:11:19 GMT

I heard that David Duke & the KKK endorsed McCain today. Has anyone heard about this?

Informal Obama adviser steps aside

drk in tn — Fri, 09 May 2008 21:12:54 GMT

If Obama were elected, those would be his "buds".

Informal Obama adviser steps aside

Deward Bowles, Houston, Texas — Fri, 09 May 2008 21:14:17 GMT

Obama in 08!

Informal Obama adviser steps aside

mr — Fri, 09 May 2008 21:16:09 GMT

whatever...next

Informal Obama adviser steps aside

Jeff M. — Fri, 09 May 2008 21:16:32 GMT

Sad that a move like this has to be made in this day and age, and from one who seems to be a man of honesty. Unfortunately, it wouldn't be the kind of politics we're trying to change if it weren't still alive and kicking. I'm sure Obama appreciates his support, respects his decision, and may call on him again in more civil times.

Informal Obama adviser steps aside

pacificaharry — Fri, 09 May 2008 21:16:42 GMT

Hmmmmm, as a rightie part of me wants to beat Obama over the head with this one but I would have to first find out if this is the sort of stuff think tankers actually do? If this is normal protocal for the foreign policy intelligencia, then Obama should have stuck to his guns (but he's not very good at that and had previously read obama is the one who cut the ties?). I am sure its going to be used as a blunt object and not sure if that's fair game, although I personally believe that Obama has some very naive foreign poicies - this in fairness may not be one of them (depends on the normalacy of this practice).

Informal Obama adviser steps aside

Mark, St. Louis, MO — Fri, 09 May 2008 21:16:51 GMT

Racists (Rev Wright), Terrorists (Bill Ayers, Hamas), and communists (Obama's father and official blogger). Quite a cast of characters this clown keeps around him.

Informal Obama adviser steps aside

Kim M--AZ — Fri, 09 May 2008 21:18:33 GMT

Good of Malley to put Obama ahead of himself.

A vote for Hillary would mean a nuclear winter in Iran to get rid of the global warming problem in that
part of the world.

Obama '08

Informal Obama adviser steps aside

SMS — Fri, 09 May 2008 21:18:39 GMT

There's more at work here than the usual, nearly boring, attempts to slime a liberal candidate as anti-Israel for the "sin" of supporting what Israel needs most -- determined diplomatic efforts to achieve peace. Lurking in the background is another of the battles over how Israel-Palestinian history is told. In that fight, the original furious critic of Barack Obama's adviser is former Israeli prime minister Ehud Barak. There's also a lesson about Israeli-Palestinian diplomacy: Besides settling the practical questions, it requires resolving the conflicting narratives about the past. To approach this task, the next president will need not just hard work but a gift with rhetoric, with words.

The Malley story actually goes back to 2001, when the former Clinton foreign-policy staffer began writing about what went wrong at the Camp David summit the summer before. First in The New York Times, then in a joint article with Hussein Agha in The New York Review of Books, Malley described mistakes made by Israel and the United States, not just by the Palestinians, that led to the collapse of the Israeli-Palestinian peace process.

As special assistant to President Clinton for Arab-Israeli affairs, Malley was part of the American negotiating team at Camp David. Today he is the Middle East director for the International Crisis Group and one of many informal advisers to the Obama campaign. Though it should not be necessary to mention this, he is Jewish. Agha, his frequent co-author, is an expert on Palestinian affairs, today at Oxford.

Informal Obama adviser steps aside

mom — Fri, 09 May 2008 21:21:32 GMT

It is my fervent prayer that the republicans, with their evil politics of lies, and slander, suffer the same fate as Hillary, and Bill,ie., political backlash the kind of wich destroys campaign.

Pat Buchanan said 4 weeks ago that the repubs had better formulate a strategy, other than swift boating for Obama. He said he did not see that as a plan that could stop Barack.

I've said it before, if Obama can defeat Hillary, with all of her misguided mess, he can take the repub gossip mongers.

Informal Obama adviser steps aside

KN, HI — Fri, 09 May 2008 21:22:51 GMT

If the Republicans and specifically John McCain had a compelling message they wouldn't have to dredge up and twist a man's job and law school classmate into something it isn't.

It didn't work when Hillary tried to "Clintonize" the message and it definitely won't work when McCain tries it. The definition of Clintonize is to frame a half-truth into a lie then repeat it until someone comments on it then quote that statement as fact, as if you'd just heard it for the first time then completely reverse the process.

Informal Obama adviser steps aside

Hermine Clouser Middletown Pa — Fri, 09 May 2008 21:24:23 GMT

Another brilliant person, like Samantha Powers, taking themselves out of the campaign picture so as not to be a distraction. Again we college educated Obama supporters can understand that diplomacy involves speaking to the "savory and the unsavory". I guess we have to prepare for a Republican strategy that hits below the belt. Now "losing one's bearings" and "bitter" are regarded as insults!

Informal Obama adviser steps aside

SMS — Fri, 09 May 2008 21:26:49 GMT

Informal Obama adviser steps aside

MANDY, California — Fri, 09 May 2008 21:28:52 GMT

Here is a man who thinks party first! Best of luck in your regular job!

Informal Obama adviser steps aside

Bill,Rochester,NY — Fri, 09 May 2008 21:29:52 GMT

Yep the "no negative" McSame campaign will be all over this like white on rice.
The amen corner at Fox Noise or Fixed News will be after
this like sharks after chum too!

Informal Obama adviser steps aside

A Harvard Grad — Fri, 09 May 2008 21:30:03 GMT

I hope and pray that everyone one of those delegates lost their senate or house seats.

Some folks are dumber than dumb.

Informal Obama adviser steps aside

ernest — Fri, 09 May 2008 21:31:27 GMT

Consider this, please. How will Hillary's insulting characiture of the good people of West Virginia, fall on their ears? Just how will it play out?

How many of them will her words offend? Will it deflate some of them so that they lose interest in voting on Tuesday? Will she actually drive some to Obama? As ever with Hillary, there is going to be some negative blowback against her in the polls. If nothing else, we have seen through this primary how for her, at this time in her life, she is under Divine Judgment. What goes around, comes around on her so fast, that the rest of us barely have time to run, and take cover before the lightning strikes!

Informal Obama adviser steps aside

A Harvard Grad — Fri, 09 May 2008 21:31:54 GMT

I hope and pray that everyone one of those delegates lost their senate or house seats.

Some folks are dumber than dumb.

Informal Obama adviser steps aside

Lana, California — Fri, 09 May 2008 21:33:29 GMT

Go ahead McBush....criticize Obama for this guy and by association, you criticize the Bush Administration also since the State Department (i.e. Condi Rice) gives him their blessing to do this type of work AND report back to them so that they can get the facts directly.

And now Senator McCain, what's the scoop about YOUR paid lobbyists/advisers and the use of wifies plane? Still mum about the FEC hearings? Or are you now trying to distance yourself from McCain/Feingold?

Be very careful where you tread McCain. Very careful.

Informal Obama adviser steps aside

Nothing Wrong With Hope Or Integrity — Fri, 09 May 2008 21:36:54 GMT

I have such high regard for the Obama folks who step aside during times of crisis or distraction when they believe it is in the best interest of the work and message Sen. Obama is trying to accomplish with his campaign and service to the American people and the Democratic party. Those who've made such decisions have done so with class and expediency and I applaud them for their intergrity that serves the greater good.

This is just another example of how highly it speaks of not only the people Sen. Obama has working on/for and around his campaign now, but the kind of brillant members of his cabinet he will surely surround himself with as POTUS.

Informal Obama adviser steps aside

He isn't ready to be president. It's all just words, nothing behind the words. — Fri, 09 May 2008 21:37:06 GMT

Informal Obama adviser steps aside

Molly — Fri, 09 May 2008 21:37:14 GMT

MY MY - OBAMA has an advisor on his campaign that has talks with Hamas - Could THIS be yet another
QUESTIONABLE ASSOCIATE!!!!!
And you thought HILLARY would step aside - Not a Chance!!!

Informal Obama adviser steps aside

Ron, TX — Fri, 09 May 2008 21:39:46 GMT

Are we REALLY going to start judging the candidates by WHO endorses them now? I mean, the candidates have no control over it. This opens the floodgates to all sorts of ABSOLUTELY ridiculous arguments and accusations. This is the exact politics America is sick of. "So and so said your great, and so and so is a terrorist!" Well guess what, all roses are flowers, and all daisies are flowers, but that sure the heck doesn't make all roses turn into daisies...

Informal Obama adviser steps aside

reddy, FL — Fri, 09 May 2008 21:43:31 GMT

Pay To Attention To Obama's Voter Registration Drive
On election day, Obama might have more than a million individuals volunteering on his behalf. That should scare the beejeesus out of the McCain campaign and the RNC.

Informal Obama adviser steps aside

Henry Deluca — Fri, 09 May 2008 21:44:04 GMT

When I heard that Hammas had endorsed Obama I couldn't believe it. Now it all makes sense...

Informal Obama adviser steps aside

Amy, TX — Fri, 09 May 2008 21:46:40 GMT

McCarthyism is indeed alive and well.

Informal Obama adviser steps aside

Tevin Tolin — Fri, 09 May 2008 21:47:13 GMT

Does Isreal Own this Country? Being a young student we should work without enemies.

Informal Obama adviser steps aside

FGR, Oakland — Fri, 09 May 2008 21:51:42 GMT

Hey Mark in St. Louis,

I've always been curious if being really, really ignorant and/or stupid was painful. You would appear to be in a perfect position to comment.

Informal Obama adviser steps aside

Richard, Dover, NH — Fri, 09 May 2008 21:51:59 GMT

Malley works for the International Crisis Group? And who pays the bills for ISG, MoveOn.org, etc.? Hint: A self-hating billionaire named George.

Informal Obama adviser steps aside

Eric, Salinas, CA — Fri, 09 May 2008 21:52:18 GMT

What a sad state our democracy has sunk to if an Obama advisor has to resign because he's had meetings with Hamas to try to keep on top of what they're thinking and saying. This sad state of affairs comes from the conservative lunatic fringe being unable to do anything but keep the world friction level at it's top level for political advantage. Time to retire these conservative lunatic fringers, like Flip Flop McCain, to the dustbin of history where all Reagan foot soldiers belong.

Go Obama 08/12!

Informal Obama adviser steps aside

Denise M, Los Angeles, CA — Fri, 09 May 2008 21:54:49 GMT

Obama is going to do just fine. I am confident that he is going to go all the way. Man cannot stop the will and plan of God (specifically, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob)

Informal Obama adviser steps aside

Manolete, San Mateo California — Fri, 09 May 2008 21:54:51 GMT

In the final analysis we now understand that many Hillary haters voted for Obama in the early elections, before they knew who the real Obama is.

We now know about Obama's close relationships with black supremacist and extremist groups that hate America. We also know why he doesn't respect the symbol of America and refuses to wear a flag pin.

We now know that Obama has no compassion or understanding of white rural America and their struggles, but he clearly understands black america.

Hillary has been attacked with the racist label, but in reality she has suffered of extreme racist violence from the black community; Yes! the black community is voting for Obama in mass, not because of his creative ideas and solutions put forward to solve the problems our country is facing, but for one and only one reason: because he is black; and that is racist.

The Latino community of which I'm part of, can see and feel racism clearly, since it has been part of our life. We see whites discriminating against non'white and in this democratic nomination process, we've seen blacks discriminating against non-blacks.

The questions remains for all the early voters that casted a no-Hillary vote, now that you know who the real Barack Hussein Obama is:

Do you vote for John McCain, a patriotic conservative that loves our country, OR you don't vote and stay home. The choice is yours........

Informal Obama adviser steps aside

JayRod, Morgantown, West Virgina — Fri, 09 May 2008 21:55:01 GMT

Uhhhhhhhhhhh, Oooookkkaaaayyyy...so that means we should all stop talking to each other? Brilliant!

Informal Obama adviser steps aside

CitizenJ — Fri, 09 May 2008 21:56:44 GMT

MY MY - OBAMA has an advisor on his campaign that has talks with Hamas - Could THIS be yet another
QUESTIONABLE ASSOCIATE!!!!!
And you thought HILLARY would step aside - Not a Chance!!!

Molly (Sent Friday, May 09, 2008 5:37 PM)

You want to talk about questionable associates?

Doesn't Bill Clinton (you know, her husband) work for the Colombian government? Oh yeah, and her chief stratagist too.

Ouch.

Informal Obama adviser steps aside

Scott in Sun Valley — Fri, 09 May 2008 21:57:27 GMT

He worked with the "esteemed" Sandy Berger. What a role model. I wonder if he takes important papers home stuffed in his pants

Informal Obama adviser steps aside

Tracy, Cleveland, Ohio — Fri, 09 May 2008 21:58:00 GMT

Obama's father is neither a blogger or a communist he is deceased. I cannot believe the misinformation that is spread around by completely ignorant righties and lefties for that matter. It just makes me sick reading this bull&%#@. YOU SHOULD NEVER SPREAD INFORMATION THAT YOU HAVE NOT PERSONALLY CONFIRMED-IF YOU DO THAN YOU ARE A PART OF THE BIGGER PROBLEM IN THIS NATION. SHAME ON YOU.

Informal Obama adviser steps aside

SJB, SLc, UT — Fri, 09 May 2008 21:58:18 GMT

Molly,

And of course HRC's husband lobbying for and getting paid by the Columbian government to help them get a trade agreement signed with the US is NOT a huge conflict of interest, right???

Malley also worked WITH the Clintons' for 6 1/2 years reporting the same kinds of information back to his administration that he now reports back to Bush's. So before you go all ballistic with your inuendo's, be careful. Be very, very careful!!!

Informal Obama adviser steps aside

LJ — Fri, 09 May 2008 21:58:29 GMT

KKK? Who is the KKK but a bunch of inbred, lunatic, fanatics, hiding their fear, hatred and bigotry behind white hooded dresses? Bottom line is, like it or not, America believes in freedom of speech and that allows me to say what I think here. KKK, the angry white man.

Informal Obama adviser steps aside

Richard, Washington State — Fri, 09 May 2008 21:58:33 GMT

Paul, Miami:

I hadn't heard that, but I don't see much difference between that and Rosie O'Donnell endorsing Obama and the reverend Wright. Who really cares when nutjobs endorse anyone? Except you, apparently.

Informal Obama adviser steps aside

M. Delphia Block, La Jolla, CA — Fri, 09 May 2008 21:59:15 GMT

Robert Malley is a man of peace. Like President Carter, he has worked very hard to advance peace in the Middle East

The 9-11 Report stated that the attack on the WTC and the Pentagon was to protest the presence of U.S. forces in Saudi Arabia and our support for Israel. Bin Laden pressed Mohammad to stage the attacks as early as mid-2000 after Ariel Sharon offended many Muslims by visiting the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. He tried to accelerate the operation again when he learned Sharon would be visiting the White House in June or July 2001. We have removed our U.S. forces from Saudi Arabia and it would be prudent to stop supporting Israel if that support encourages another terrorist attack on our country! To jeopardize our security by supporting Israel is un-American!

Mr. Malley is an asset to our country and to Senator Obama.

Chagrined

Informal Obama adviser steps aside

Lone Star — Fri, 09 May 2008 22:00:30 GMT

At least Hillary can take comfort in the fact that her defeat was the result of the block-votes of 90% of a certain group, 90% of whom think OJ is innocent.

I could have invested 99 cents in a can of Kiwi and done just as well.

Informal Obama adviser steps aside

HMM — Fri, 09 May 2008 22:00:32 GMT

Here's a funny image.

Barack, and Mcain duking it out in a boxing match. Obama with the height, and reach advantage, right. Then there's John, with all of his shortcomings. His geriatric problem, his temper, and given the fact that McCain can't raise his arms to block any blows, ....well you get the picture.

McCain is lining up for the fight of his life, without a punch, legs, wind, and no cut-man in his corner.

How can the GE end any prettier for McCain, than the primary did Hillary?

Informal Obama adviser steps aside

MR — Fri, 09 May 2008 22:00:41 GMT

For you nimrods, without a college education... how do you create peace, and diffuse hostile regimes if you don't have the courage to talk to them.

This may not be the way polarizing war-mongerers operate, but for rational people, its called -DIPLOMACY!

Informal Obama adviser steps aside

Sandra Dee — Fri, 09 May 2008 22:01:05 GMT

Molly, are you a moron? Did you even read the article? He was special assistant to President Clinton for Arab-Israeli affairs and is now the Middle East advisor to the International Crisis group. If you're going to attack someone at least bother to get the facts.

Informal Obama adviser steps aside

So over Hillary, WA — Fri, 09 May 2008 22:01:58 GMT

MY MY - OBAMA has an advisor on his campaign that has talks with Hamas - Could THIS be yet another
QUESTIONABLE ASSOCIATE!!!!!
And you thought HILLARY would step aside - Not a Chance!!!
Molly (Sent Friday, May 09, 2008 5:37 PM)

*****************************************************My My - another Clinton supporter that fails to listen to the whole story, like the fact that these meetings are done with the full knowledge and support of the State Department. Molly, you must be one of those poor, harworking & uneducated Americans that Sen. Clinton is so fond of....

Informal Obama adviser steps aside

tamika st.louis mo. — Fri, 09 May 2008 22:03:02 GMT

for Obama to be the candidate of change his advisors are every one who has been in politics of yesterday as he states all the time.It's just like when they change the pepsi bottle the outside is new and differnt but the inside taste the same.People are so happy to have anything but a Clinton that they will take whatever the alternative is even if it does more harm than good.It is an old debate TASTE GREAT or LESS FILLING. We are so dtermined to topple the best candidate that we'll accept anything from the race baiting throw the brick and hide his hand candidate the media darling. So thank all Obama supporters when Mccain is the next president.

Informal Obama adviser steps aside

Deborah Greenlawn, NY — Fri, 09 May 2008 22:03:10 GMT

BEARINGS:
I think it was a double shot, with a NAVAL metaphor (navigation, to know exactly where your vessel is located) to a navy guy, John McCain. Many would take Sen.Obama's 'lost his bearings' statement as an age thing. I think he was (also?) sending a shot to Republicans, many of whom think Sen. McCain's ship has NOT been sailing within Republican BEARINGS very often for a long time.

Informal Obama adviser steps aside

Thibodeaux, MO — Fri, 09 May 2008 22:03:33 GMT

Obama on foreign affairs is scary. At this time in history we cannot afford to turn the government over to a presidency that will need training wheels. Are Reid and Pelosi & Dean going to prop him up???? God forbid.
God bless American
He isn't ready to be president. It's all just words, nothing behind the words. (Sent Friday, May 09, 2008 5:37 PM)
----------------------------------------
Obama has the cream of the crop foreign experts on his staff. He may not be an expert but he knows where to find the best. That's the sign of a good leader.

I am confident he won't have a "you're doing a heckuva job Brownie" on his staff.

Informal Obama adviser steps aside

Scott in Sun Valley — Fri, 09 May 2008 22:04:02 GMT

He worked with the "esteemed" Sandy Berger. What a role model. I wonder if he takes important papers home stuffed in his pants

Informal Obama adviser steps aside

B, New Jersey — Fri, 09 May 2008 22:04:32 GMT

Does anyone know who the Int'l Crisis Group is? Check out their website. They are an amazing aide organization that operate in all corners of this world where suffering exists. It's no surprise that someone who works for this organization is on Team Obama.

Informal Obama adviser steps aside

MBM Chicago, IL — Fri, 09 May 2008 22:05:53 GMT

Hillary, in recognition of her outstanding efforts this week in marginalizing the black constituency of the Democratic Party, has been nominated by David Duke and the KKK boys to be thier personal representative. If she doesn't win a place on the ticket, she can start a formal lobbyist group with Bill. And maybe a joint venture with Mark Penn. Thye already represent common clients.

Informal Obama adviser steps aside

Sophie — Fri, 09 May 2008 22:05:56 GMT

I think we are just beginning to learn what Obama's advisers are doing around the world. Even though they leave the campaing now, I am pretty sure Obama will keep them in his back pocket. Hamas did endorse Obama, no matter how he spins it, now matter how he attacks McCain's ball bearings. This is what Hamas said: "We like Mr. Obama. We hope that he will win the election."

Informal Obama adviser steps aside

JimC Boynton Beach, Fl. — Fri, 09 May 2008 22:05:58 GMT

Molly
You're a freakin moron.

Informal Obama adviser steps aside

Joyce — Fri, 09 May 2008 22:06:22 GMT

More skeletons in the closet. I hope nothing major to upset him further in the GE.

I'm really bothered by his associations. His foreign policy is definitely naive.

Informal Obama adviser steps aside

Cynthia, Virginia — Fri, 09 May 2008 22:07:34 GMT

Molly. The guy worked previously for the Clintons. No story here.

Informal Obama adviser steps aside

The other Molly, MO — Fri, 09 May 2008 22:07:55 GMT

MY MY - OBAMA has an advisor on his campaign that has talks with Hamas - Could THIS be yet another
QUESTIONABLE ASSOCIATE!!!!!
And you thought HILLARY would step aside - Not a Chance!!!
Molly (Sent Friday, May 09, 2008 5:37 PM)

-----------------------------------

This man is an expert in Middle East issues. He is not a questionable associate. This man stepped aside because he was being hounded by and did not want to be a blemish on Obama's campaign. I also don't think you read the whole article. This man initially worked for the Clinton Administration.

Informal Obama adviser steps aside

kenn — Fri, 09 May 2008 22:09:12 GMT

Throw another under the bus with rev wright.What was the woman name who called hilliary monster but then again Obamma has run a clean campaign By THE by RACIST is 95% of one color voting for thier color canadate

Informal Obama adviser steps aside

karen sue leawood ks — Fri, 09 May 2008 22:09:22 GMT

Molly, What are you talking about. I am a business woman and know that you are no better than your weakest link. We should be talking to our enemies and learning about them. I read a book on the beginning of Al Quaida. The man who became the leader of Al Quaida was from Egypt and educated in America. He went to Cairo Illinois because it was called little Egypt and he wanted to see it. The place was so racially charged with hatred and he was treated with such distaste that he went back to Egypt hating the Americans. He wrote the book against us that is now the Bible for Al Quada. Gee, do you think if people would have treated him with respect, that we might not be hated as we are now. Come on people, get rid of your hatred and try to work things out before we destroy ourselves. Rome did not last forever.

Informal Obama adviser steps aside

Diane in Idaho — Fri, 09 May 2008 22:09:43 GMT

Could someone please explain to me why people say Obama is "just words" and nothing behind them? From what I can tell as many of his words have plans behind them as the other candidates. None of the candidates have anything but words right now because they aren't president yet.

Informal Obama adviser steps aside

B, New Jersey — Fri, 09 May 2008 22:09:45 GMT

I've had patience so far, but frankly, the media is really starting to piss me off. When did Malley have these talks? Probably long before Obama's campaign. What was the source of the discussion--what does "talks" mean? You people seem to insinuate that Malley was discussing policy and legislation with Hamas. This is such a fear-mongering article clearly intended to cast suspicion without any actual facts. Go to the IRC website and see what these people do for a living before you allow this air of suspicion.

Informal Obama adviser steps aside

Ralph — Fri, 09 May 2008 22:09:45 GMT

"Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer."
Sun-tzu, Chinese general & military strategist (~400 BC).

Repubs call this "sleeping with the enemy". Gotcha politics. Mission Accomplished!

Informal Obama adviser steps aside

John A. New York, New York — Fri, 09 May 2008 22:10:43 GMT

drk in tn, you can't be that ignorant. tell me it isn't so. pls.

Informal Obama adviser steps aside

Richard, Washington State — Fri, 09 May 2008 22:11:08 GMT

Barack: Rob, ol' buddy, got a favor to ask. Would you mind falling on your sword for me temporarily and then explain you did it to save me from those mean 'ol Republicans? Really, no problem? Hey, you're the man. I really really really won't forget this."

Informal Obama adviser steps aside

B, New Jersey — Fri, 09 May 2008 22:11:47 GMT

SMS, thank you for some background. Why is this information not in your post First Read?

Informal Obama adviser steps aside

kenn — Fri, 09 May 2008 22:12:29 GMT

What a nice way to say it INFORMAL then why resign? But andrea and the crew at MSNBC are pushing hard for obamma listen to Oberman or shisters voice the anger of that side of the democratic party Imean come on they are democrats using the airwaves to influence voters whats wrong with that?

Informal Obama adviser steps aside

BOO-HOO — Fri, 09 May 2008 22:12:51 GMT

WHO CARES ANYMORE. LET JUST GET ON WITH THE ELECTION. I FOR ONE AM SICK AND TIRED OF ALL THE LIES, HALF TRUTHS AND CHARACTER ASSASINATIONS GOING ON. WE HAVE A PRESIDENT WHO KNOWS ABSOLUTLY NOTHING ABOUT FOREIGN POLICY OR THE ECOMONY, AND GOT US INTO A WAR...BEFORE HIM WE HAD A PRESIDENT WHO WAS HAVING SEX WITH INTERNS, LET OSAMA BI LADEN ESCAPE, WAS, WITH HIS WIFE UNDER INVESTIGATION (HIS WIFE STILL IS) AND FINALLY GOT IMPEACHED. NO MATTER WHO BECOMES THE NEXT PRESIDENT, HOW BAD CAN IT BE?

Informal Obama adviser steps aside

J CHICAGO IL — Fri, 09 May 2008 22:14:01 GMT

"savory and the unsavory" for you red-neck repugs....

Savory- "Mmmmmmm Maw, them there viddles sure is good"

Unsavory- "Eeew, them viddles is fixin to make me sick"

Informal Obama adviser steps aside

dax, seattle,wa. — Fri, 09 May 2008 22:14:41 GMT

All of you Obama coat tail riders REALLY think he is going to change government, If he is elected and that is a big if,he will take over and not make any changes that he has promised.The so called educated have learned nothing, every candidate sells the snake oil but when elected all you get is an empty can.He gives a great speach,excately what the blind want to hear but his actions will be that of all the elected people in office.The false hope of change is nothing more then a great catch phrase that he will ride as far as he can at the expense of let down voters when its all said and done.As a devoted dem I will be voting for anyone but Obama,at least I know I will not be apart of the educated who fell for the politics as usual and the let down of a politician who talks the talk desperate people want to hear but when the smoke clears all you get is "gotcha again"

Informal Obama adviser steps aside

Jane — Fri, 09 May 2008 22:14:51 GMT

And Mark, St. Louis, (above) when you're listing the unsavory company that Obama keeps, don't forget about Obama's own wife who is only now proud to be an American.

Informal Obama adviser steps aside

John A. New York, New York — Fri, 09 May 2008 22:15:00 GMT

Mark of St Louis Mo. If you apply your logic; how do justify, Cheney, Bush, the brain dead Lieberman,Dobson, Robertson, Rumsfeld, Wolfowitz, Rice, Hadldey, Rove, Hughes, and all the others hanging out with Mc Cain.

Nice crowd you hang out with Mark. Good work baby!

Informal Obama adviser steps aside

justsaying — Fri, 09 May 2008 22:15:01 GMT

Why is it that so many of Obama's friends and associates are terrorist, anti- american or racists?

Stay in the race Hillary, the $hit might still hit the fan.

Informal Obama adviser steps aside

Dave, Denver, CO — Fri, 09 May 2008 22:15:30 GMT

I just love how people read a headline and then jump at the chance to BASH someone on a message board. Read the article, and god forbid read some of the other links that explain what the guy's job was.

More than anything, I'm concerned that the yahoos on here who jump to conclusions have the right to vote.

Informal Obama adviser steps aside

Irwin,CA — Fri, 09 May 2008 22:16:02 GMT

One more silly distraction. Even Israelis talk to Hamas. Talk might, just might, alleviate problems, but no, not to pandering McCain and the other Bushites.

Informal Obama adviser steps aside

Nobody NM — Fri, 09 May 2008 22:16:46 GMT

Obama has tapped Richardson who with the exception of Carter is the best in this nation with forign affairs! so stuff it! as long as he picks the right people to do the right job! he is good for the country! look who bush picked and was re-elected with the same bunch! NOW THAT IS NEWS, not Obama, not one person born in that region can claim they are not, as per our definition, a terrorist! Not freedom fighters wanting to secure a state to call home, and his home! face it folks the leader of the Hamass is a democraticaly elected head of state, just cause we don't like him, don't make the election rigged, as it was not!!! I know WE WANT a ONE STATE so kill everyone there but the jews-right!!! When will we allow the Nation of Islam to build a 105 acre embassy in Isreal-never but we will do it to them in a profitable heartbeat! go Obama, we need the change and McCain is not even close, and he [Obama] has not stolen anything from Clinton! She just can't take responsability for her own actions a-typical politican!!! As is McCain!

Informal Obama adviser steps aside

unshrub — Fri, 09 May 2008 22:18:08 GMT

to pacificaharry

This sounds like a case of condemn them if they do and condemn them if they don't?

Informal Obama adviser steps aside

KayTee, Sacramento — Fri, 09 May 2008 22:19:01 GMT

Now hear this, don't ever say anything nice about Senator Obama just in case there is something about you that someone can use (or make up) to smear him with. Apparently, Senator Obama is held responsible for the actions of everyone who has ever crossed paths with him or said anything nice about him

Also, anyone who has any expertise on any subject, do not share it with the Obama campaign. You might have gotten your expertise by doing some kind of research, which might have involved coming into contact with people for whose actions Senator Obama would not want to be held responsible.

From now on, Senator Obama will be sealed into a large bubble under constant surveillance to make sure that he never comes into contact with anyone or gives anyone any reasons to say anything nice about him.

Informal Obama adviser steps aside

Smoke and Mirrors in Ohio — Fri, 09 May 2008 22:19:04 GMT

The clinton campaign will manage to STEAL this campaign away from Obama just like the Bush family managed to STEAL it away from Gore. Wake up people, the powers that be are controlling this thing, democracy is just an illusion to let the masses feel like they are in control. The Clinton family will once again rule this country regardless of what the people vote.

Informal Obama adviser steps aside

justsaying — Fri, 09 May 2008 22:19:17 GMT

We are noting with concern some of Obama's picks as advisers, particularly Robert Malley who has expressed sympathy to Hamas and Hezbollah and offered accounts of Israeli-Palestinian negotiations that don't jibe with the facts," said one security official, speaking on condition of anonymity.

The official stated he was not authorized to talk to the media about U.S. politics, noting Israeli officials are instructed to "stay out" of American political affairs.

In February 2006, after Hamas won a majority of seats in the Palestinian parliament and amid a U.S. and Israeli attempt to isolate the Hamas-run Palestinian Authority, Malley wrote an op-ed for the Baltimore Sun advocating international aid to the terror group's newly formed government.

"The Islamists (Hamas) ran on a campaign of effective government and promised to improve Palestinians' lives; they cannot do that if the international community turns its back," wrote Malley in a piece entitled, "Making the Best of Hamas' Victory."

Malley contended the election of Hamas expressed Palestinian "anger at years of humiliation and loss of self-respect because of Israeli settlement expansion, Arafat's imprisonment, Israel's incursions, Western lecturing and, most recently and tellingly, the threat of an aid cut off in the event of an Islamist success."

Malley said the U.S. should not "discourage third-party unofficial contacts with [Hamas] in an attempt to moderate it."

Hamas is responsible for scores of deadly shootings, suicide bombings and rocket attacks aimed at Jewish civilian population centers. The past few weeks alone, Hamas militants took credit for firing more than 200 rockets into Israel.

Hamas' official charter calls for the murder of Jews and destruction of Israel.

Hamas maintained a national unity government with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas until the Palestinian leader dissolved the agreement and deposed the Hamas prime minister last year.

In an op-ed in the Washington Post two weeks ago coauthored by Arafat adviser Hussein Agha, Malley – using could be perceived as anti-Israel language – urged Israel's negotiating partner Abbas to reunite with Hamas.

"A renewed national compact and the return of Hamas to the political fold would upset Israel's strategy of perpetuating Palestinian geographic and political division," wrote Malley.

He further petitioned Israel to hold talks with Hamas.

"An arrangement between Israel and Hamas could advance both sides' interests," wrote Malley.

In numerous other op-eds, Malley advocates a policy of engagement with Hamas.

After the breakdown of the Camp David talks, Malley wrote a lengthy New York Times piece that mostly blamed Israel and the U.S. for the breakdown of the negotiations

Informal Obama adviser steps aside

justsaying — Fri, 09 May 2008 22:19:37 GMT

Informal Obama adviser steps aside

Grandpa Simpson — Fri, 09 May 2008 22:20:03 GMT

Hermine Clouser Middletown Pa said; Another brilliant person, like Samantha Powers, taking themselves out of the campaign picture so as not to be a distraction. Again we college educated Obama supporters can understand that diplomacy involves speaking to the "savory and the unsavory". I guess we have to prepare for a Republican strategy that hits below the belt. Now "losing one's bearings" and "bitter" are regarded as insults!

All Samantha Powers did was tell the truth that is evident now, Billary Republican Clinton will say and do anything to win, even destroy a party or nation.

McSame has his ball bearings checked everyday by Joe "Droopy" Liberman.

Obama will get right back in the face the Republican smear machine. Thats been the Dems problem all these years, grow some and hit back.

1027fm.org The Lunatic Fringe of the World Wide Web

Go Obama '08

Informal Obama adviser steps aside

Lisa, IA — Fri, 09 May 2008 22:22:13 GMT

Good God people, how do any of you think that anything in this world will ever change if we all stay in our respective corners and eye each other warily, then discuss with other people stuck in our little corner with us, what that eye movement by the other guy meant. You have to have advisors who actually have communication with those "others" , what do you think peace talks are about? Grow up, you are acting like babies. This is really getting old.

Informal Obama adviser steps aside

Linda — Fri, 09 May 2008 22:23:01 GMT

We see you are trying to swiftboat Obama. We are not believing anything you say without doing our own research. Robert Malley is an American lawyer, political scientist and specialist in conflict resolution. Malley is Jewish. Robert Malley writes about foreign policy including extended commentary about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Mr. Malley also attend Harvest Law School. I will be checking to see if this is posted.

Informal Obama adviser steps aside

sara, mesa,az — Fri, 09 May 2008 22:23:16 GMT

omg -- what is WRONG with some of these people? How on earth do you think peace can be negotiated if you don't talk with someone? How can differences be understood and resolved if you don't communicate?

Do you think we should just nuke everyone who doesn't think or look or act like middle white America? For those of you who didn't live thru the Cold War and didn't do nuclear bomb drills in school, it's a very very scary place for your children.

Informal Obama adviser steps aside

anon — Fri, 09 May 2008 22:24:04 GMT

According to HRC what keeps her going is the support
of "white people who did not complete college".

What a wonderful and inspiring statement! HRC is
incomparably presidential!

Informal Obama adviser steps aside

unshrub — Fri, 09 May 2008 22:26:21 GMT

regarding the following message:

"Racists (Rev Wright), Terrorists (Bill Ayers, Hamas), and communists (Obama's father and official blogger). Quite a cast of characters this clown keeps around him. "

This is a case of someone with a big mouth trying to talk like he actually knows something. You slander people because you have nothing else to add but you what to say something. If this wasn't politics you could be sued. My guess this comment will not be allowed because it is attacking someone's comment, but yet the moderater allows someone to destort the truth.

Informal Obama adviser steps aside

Obama Realist — Fri, 09 May 2008 22:29:51 GMT

Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.

Informal Obama adviser steps aside

justsaying — Fri, 09 May 2008 22:30:11 GMT

Informal Obama adviser steps aside

kenn — Fri, 09 May 2008 22:30:11 GMT

TIME TO PUT UP ,YOUR THE PRESIDENT when can I expect change ,dont hold your breath its always change after 8 years remember carter how about clinton now obamma hope he is as good as clinton was but I have my doubts see you in 4 years and time will tell I feel we will see no difference how business is conducted in this country just like the IDEALIST george bush we will see what happens.I will never forgive the democratic party for this she should have run in 2004 as a first term senater and said f john kerry we would have creamed him with a real fighter not a wimp like kerry obamma reminds me alot of kerry.

Informal Obama adviser steps aside

Mark, NC — Fri, 09 May 2008 22:30:19 GMT

Molly,

The guy reports to the State Department...it's his job. Please get a clue.

Informal Obama adviser steps aside

justsaying — Fri, 09 May 2008 22:30:38 GMT

Informal Obama adviser steps aside

Jim T. — Fri, 09 May 2008 22:31:26 GMT

The regularity with which advisers and onetime associates have had to recuse themselves from the Obama campaign (or have had to be "explained" away by the candidate) is less than reassuring to this college-educated Democrat who thought he was the wrong choice to begin with.

Obama's protracted delay in fully cutting himself loose from Reverend Wright is an example of a management style that I've seen get more executives (and in some cases their companies or educational institutions) into big trouble long-term. It reeks of indecision unbecoming someone who seeks to occupy the Oval Office.

If I'm skeptical of the guy and his judgment, it's because it seems that every time you turn around, another of his associates pops out of the woodwork with something potentially damaging to his campaign.

Makes me wonder who'd he appoint to his cabinet and his inner circle of advisers...and how long they'd last in those roles. For all his "inspiring" rhetoric, he lacks judgment chops. If he's the nominee, I'll pass. I'll vote for the Democrats down-ballot, but leave the presidential selection blank. I've had enough of voting for second-best.

Informal Obama adviser steps aside

kenn — Fri, 09 May 2008 22:32:29 GMT

He took himself out,samatha powers took herself out,REV WRIGHT NOW OBAMMA KICKED HIMK OUT but the black people dont mind him doing that. easy on the paronoia obammaswannabes

Informal Obama adviser steps aside

Gen I, Colorado — Fri, 09 May 2008 22:33:29 GMT

In response to "He isn't ready to be president. It's all just words, nothing behind the words". Hillary and McCain DON'T have any foreign affairs experience. "LETS JUST GET RID OF THEM BY BLOWING THEM UP AND ALL THE INNOCENT PEOPLE" No wisdom in trying to work with them. Yeah Right!

Informal Obama adviser steps aside

Blaine Rausch, Kingman, AZ — Fri, 09 May 2008 22:33:33 GMT

It seems that Obama will take the Democratic nomination regarldless of what McCain does or says about him. Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama have had differences on the issues during the campaign, but these will all be over when the nomination is complete. I believe the Democratic Party will come together to win in November. The United States is ready for a change in the type of leadership that we have had for the past 7 years. It is not a world where we act like the old west and just shoot first and then hope we don't have to ask any questions. At least in the old west your opponent was given the chance to face you and decide if they wanted to shoot or not.
Obama 2008

Informal Obama adviser steps aside

Jeff — Fri, 09 May 2008 22:33:50 GMT

But only Hillary worked for a communist law firm.

Informal Obama adviser steps aside

Albert Travieso — Fri, 09 May 2008 22:35:04 GMT

How can anyone in their right mind vote for Barack HUSSEIN Obama, a man with ties to sleazy crooks and the middle east thugs. Also his intelligence is questionable.

Informal Obama adviser steps aside

US Vet, Louisville, KY — Fri, 09 May 2008 22:35:30 GMT

Ah, informal, huh? Is that how the Obama campaign is spinning their contacts with Hamas? And I see this is discolsed on the Friday dump news cycle, no less.

Going to look into this more and spread the word. Thanks!

Informal Obama adviser steps aside

Blackbird singing in the dead of night — Fri, 09 May 2008 22:35:33 GMT

Relax you leftist quislings, there is absolutely no implied or intended reference here to race, ethnicity, nor to any hue of cutaneous pigmentation. Obama is, however, a very dark character(reference to his utterances, positions, slips of the slick tongue, associates, and off-the-mike insights, voting record [when minimally present in the Senate], and shady deals) with a very dark agenda for the USA. He is a very, very bad omen for our Democracy.

Informal Obama adviser steps aside

Matthew Badger, New York, NY — Fri, 09 May 2008 22:36:50 GMT

ISREAL!!!! someone tell me why a country that only has 5 million people and is the size of rhode island has the whole of washington marching to its orders. I HATE THE MIDDLE EAST!!!

Informal Obama adviser steps aside

Kay, Salida, CA — Fri, 09 May 2008 22:37:29 GMT

It is unfortunate that Hillary is going to drag this out. I know she has supporters, but the numbers don't lie. She can't win. She obviously doesn't know what she would do with herself after she loses because this is all she has known for year; or she doesn't want to return the NY. But one thing for sure, she will NOT BE OBAMA'S VICE PRESIDENT...no flipping way! And Obama is NOT going to pay her back her $11MM that she has loaned her own campaign...it was her power need and sense of entitlement that she continues her charade ... Obama 9 super delegates today....think about it. She can't win and she's going to bankrupt herself unless Bill goes to visit the Columbians again or DIP into the CLINTON, money laundering, Foundation.

Obama 08-12

Informal Obama adviser steps aside

Elaine in Sacramento — Fri, 09 May 2008 22:40:14 GMT

What's difference does it make, if his advisor steps aside, What about PENN? How quickly we forget!!!

Informal Obama adviser steps aside

Sam Jones — Fri, 09 May 2008 22:42:20 GMT

I'm a white, middle aged, professional male from Texas, but after eight years of Bush, I would vote for a Reverend Wright/Natalie Maines ticket for president before I would vote for another stupid Republican. Cindy Sheehan for Secretary of State?

Informal Obama adviser steps aside

Cheryll — Fri, 09 May 2008 22:43:02 GMT

Why does the TRUTH about Obama's own dirt have to be a conspiracy? If those are the facts..those are the facts. Now the facts are prejudicial? If McCain was black then his could claim the same thing as Obama..Oh, their picking on me again because I black with a Lily white background...BOO HOO!

Informal Obama adviser steps aside

Doug — Fri, 09 May 2008 22:43:21 GMT

In answer to Pacificaharry, yes this is standard practice for ICG and many other think-tanks. The point is not to endorse a particular group (like Hamas), but to learn more about its views so as to better inform the policymaking process. My guess is that Malley was simply concerned that ignorant fools, like some of the posters here, would automatically assume that talking to Hamas as a member of ICG is the same as supporting Hamas. Of course, anyone who would assume that and bash Obama as a result is already motivated to oppose Obama anyway, but even so, Malley probably wanted to prevent the McCain people from pouncing on it as though it were something important.

Informal Obama adviser steps aside

RobK, Seattle, Wash. — Fri, 09 May 2008 22:43:30 GMT

So an informal advisor meets up w/Hamas in hopes to broker peace and save lives.

Big deal.

Informal Obama adviser steps aside

JC — Fri, 09 May 2008 22:44:17 GMT

His only sin is to take a position on Israel-Palestine issues that is not hard-core Zionist. This is the root of what makes American foreign policy so flawed, people are not allowed to take a principled position on this issue, it's either be hard-core "Israel can do no wrong" or the trash can. Sick.

Informal Obama adviser steps aside

craig, ca — Fri, 09 May 2008 22:45:57 GMT

For the people that say "Obama on foreign affairs is scary". How well did the hyper experienced Cheney & Rumsfield work out for you?

I would venture to say Obama is more likely to surround himself with experts and take a much better approach to foreign policy than we have seen in the last seven neo-con years.

America can do better! America can be better!

Informal Obama adviser steps aside

craig, ca — Fri, 09 May 2008 22:46:12 GMT

Informal Obama adviser steps aside

Kathy from Pinellas Park, Florida — Fri, 09 May 2008 22:46:37 GMT

Good for this gentleman to step up and step aside. Now, the media frenzy will begin with the "guilt by association" banter again. Thanks to Mr. Tood for making sure his crew reports it fairly and accurately. Mr. Malley should be given credit to realize how things can turn. The sad part is he may be a great resource but now unable to contribute. Pity. I'm sure Senator McCain will cling to this .... yawn!

Informal Obama adviser steps aside

craig, ca — Fri, 09 May 2008 22:46:41 GMT