Obama: His Jewish challenge

Halle Needels, Jackson, GA — Thu, 22 May 2008 13:23:15 GMT

You see Barack, there's your problem. When you say you'll unconditionally sit down with terrorist thugs in the mideast, the only thing they want is for Israel to be wiped off the face of the earth. Pardon the Jews for being a little edgy about your position.

Obama: His Jewish challenge

NO OBAMA — Thu, 22 May 2008 13:24:07 GMT

Obama on foreign affairs is to be feared. He is so underqualified to deal with the complexities of the world we live in. He listened to Wright for 20 years and one can assume that he and Wright are in lockstep on their views.

Obama is limping toward the finish line. I hope he falls short of that. I feel very strongly that Obama should not be POTUS. He says one thing about meeting with rogue nation leaders and when called on it says that he meant something else. THAT IS A FLIP FLOP. Obama is good at flip flopping.

Obama: His Jewish challenge

Taylor Chandler, Florida — Thu, 22 May 2008 13:25:10 GMT

Identy politics, the core of the Democratic party. Florida is already a loss for Obama. This even puts NY in play. Lots of people do not like Obama.

Obama: His Jewish challenge

SAY 'NO' TO HILLARY & the POLITICS OF RACE-BAITING..... — Thu, 22 May 2008 13:25:13 GMT

Hillary's "POLITICS of RACE" will have a negative effect on Obama --- in Florida and other states with a large prejudiced population --- that is why Billary was so eager to employ RACE-BAITING in the camapign.

SAY 'NO' TO HILLARY & the POLITICS OF RACE-BAITING.
____________________________________________________

Obama: His Jewish challenge

Pete - Albany, NY — Thu, 22 May 2008 13:27:09 GMT

Obama's "problem" with Jewish Americans isn't going to be as big as others...

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/05/21/mccain-backer-hagee-said_n_102892.html

Obama: His Jewish challenge

Obama DOES NOT HAVE A JEWISH CHALLENGE.... — Thu, 22 May 2008 13:27:41 GMT

Obama DOES NOT HAVE A JEWISH CHALLENGE.
Jewish voters will vote for the Democrat in Novemeber --- regardless who it is. That's the way it always is & will be.

Obama: His Jewish challenge

Lisa, New Britain, CT Lisas for Obama :) — Thu, 22 May 2008 13:30:39 GMT

Its funny, Dems have tons of diverse constituencies that they have to get year after year after year...whereas the Repubicans have their more homogenous base and then look to pick up whatever consituencies the Dems lose in any give year.

Welcome to American politics and the two-party system.

I do believe that Obama needs to spend more time (which he will have) to answer any and all questions all these consituencies have. People/groups have questions, as they should. They should get answers. The media as campaign facilitator -- they should get off the gotcha questions/issues and help these people and groups get the answers they need (for informed decsion-making) from the candidates. That would be doing a real public service. The candidates, should of course, not hestitate to give the detailed answers the groups need for decision-making (with any caveats they need to make, of course).

We are in an information era, if we all work together maybe this can translate to better decision-making.

(of course, the irony is, I saw this article closes with a sum-up of the viral email distortions on Obama that the politico.com article highlighted, I also like politifact for highlighting distortions, these emails play to low information voters who unfortunately have access to email and a computer :( )

Obama: His Jewish challenge

donna — Thu, 22 May 2008 13:32:46 GMT

Have the Jews no other agenda than Isreal? Don't they buy gas? I've shopped in Kosher markets, and believe me, the prices in these stores are 5 times more expensive, and have been for decades.

Like Carol, my good friend from Long Valley NJ says in her posts, we all need to put our own well being front, and center in this election cycle.

Charity begins at home. When is the last time you witnessed a homeless person putting a nickle in someone elses tin cup?

Obama: His Jewish challenge

Lisa, New Britain, CT Lisas for Obama :) — Thu, 22 May 2008 13:33:18 GMT

Hey if NARAL retracts their endorsement of Obama (and while I can sympathize on the prematurity of it and understand the frustration), I think they have a right to endorse him as it looks like its coming down to Obama versus McCain and it doesn't mean they don't like Hillary as well), then I call on the NY Times to retract their endorsement of HRC!! Fair is fair.

Obama: His Jewish challenge

BJ, CA — Thu, 22 May 2008 13:35:21 GMT

Obama has nothing to be put back by Rev. Wright..
The Jewish people are not quick to judge...
The saving grace that the voters of the country see are the qualities of bring together all parties..not splitting the nation apart, not splitting the Democrats apart...not continuing a battle that makes things worse....
Obama has done and will continue to give the message of togetherness (even if it is a difficult thing to do)....
not like Hillary Clinton or John McCain....

Obama: His Jewish challenge

No More Twisted Truths — Thu, 22 May 2008 13:37:25 GMT

Wow does it not make you wonder that Hillary , McBush,Liberbush, Romney and Carl Rove are using the same talking points. That alone tells me that Obama is on the right track. This whole thing is scripted to make him look bad. But the truth is if we keep up with the Bush tradition we wont have to worry we will be at war with the whole middle east before long.

Obama: His Jewish challenge

ge`pa`` — Thu, 22 May 2008 13:39:56 GMT

This morning on Today they finally admitted Obama has to win the Appalachia voters if he wants to win the white House. Obama lost badly to Hillary there. Now they are trying to give him some pointers and groom him up alittle on how to beg these people to vote for him after Obama let his Surrogates call them - Toothless, Green Teeth, brainless, no college education etc. `How Scum baggy can you get Obama? They are coaching him to give a sob story about 1. his working class backgroung, "REALLY?"-all of a sudden Obama is working class?? 2. They are telling him to choose a popular running mate from that region, `like Gov. Rendell, Hillary etc. 3. talk as if he cares about the hardships of the "so called, "white", working class of the Appalachia area. In other words -lie, lie, lie, `please give me a break! But of course this should com easy for Obama, he is very good at lying. One of his best lies was denouncing his radical pastor. He knew that would stop the playing and re-playing films of his radical speeches. `Even though Rev Wright openly admitted- when Obama gets elected he will be right at the White House door, to take up where they left off.

Obama: His Jewish challenge

Justine Granger, St. Paul MN — Thu, 22 May 2008 13:40:15 GMT

Donna:

Have the Jews no other agenda than Isreal? Don't they buy gas?

___________

Oh, are the Democrats and Obama going to cut gas prices? I'd like to hear their plan for doing such a thing. Seeing the Dems are against drilling, refining, nukes, and hug trees, and are for much higher taxes on the oil companies, it will be interesting to hear the Dems ideas on how they will reduce the price of gas. Can't wait for Obambi's speech on the subject.

Obama: His Jewish challenge

Pete - Albany, NY — Thu, 22 May 2008 13:49:45 GMT

Identy politics, the core of the Democratic party. Florida is already a loss for Obama. This even puts NY in play. Lots of people do not like Obama.
Taylor Chandler, Florida (Sent Thursday, May 22, 2008 9:25 AM)

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

New York is hardly going to be in play in November no matter who the nominee is.

Obama: His Jewish challenge

Tired Dem. OKC — Thu, 22 May 2008 13:54:44 GMT

I love it when someone writes "one can assume that he and Wright are in lockstep on their views".
On what, exactly, are you basing that assumption??
Surely NOT on anything Sen. Obama has publicly declared. In point of fact he has declared the opposite. Voters, be they Dem., Rep. or Independent, owe it to themselves, the rest of us, and the nation as a whole to become informed on the issues they choose to speak about, BEFORE speaking.
Its sad to say but a lot of the people I have spoken with on many of these issues are terribly uninformed. I did not vote FOR Hillary because she was a woman, nor would I vote AGAINST her for the same reason. Same with Sen. Obama's race. Or even McCains age. The logic behind many voters using this as the measure for support of their chosen candidate is a scary thing, and should be feared by all.
The solution??? Lets let Sen. Obama state his views on the subject HIMSELF, before rushing to judgement or stating them for him.

Obama: His Jewish challenge

Michelle Zee — Thu, 22 May 2008 13:55:55 GMT

NRAL has a right to do what they please, it was the right decision.

People need to get educated on the systems of government working in this land. NO state operates the same.

Obama is very disciplined in his decisions to get laws passed. Why vote on something with technicalities. Why not do it right the first time.

Why are people not talking about in New Hampshire, when the Clinton camp had those circulars going about Obama, which were inaccurate it turned women voters against him!

Even more so what about the women that jumped ship from Clinton's camp because of that?

Obama: His Jewish challenge

ELM in Florida — Thu, 22 May 2008 13:56:47 GMT

Our world has changed and Putin ain’t Chrushchev. Besides, Hillary and McCain have already declared war on Putin, which is not very smart, I do not think. If anyone reminds me of Khrushchev it is Hillary and Bill. Both of them make angry, irrational and dangerous statements, inspire people to hate each other and basically are giving Karl Rove free ammunition. Republicans love it!

Can you please verify if this statement by Bill Clinton is true? I quote:

The national Democratic Party, Mr. Clinton, said, “We’re going to decapitate them, smudge them, step on them, act like they never existed, act like they never voted. You know we can do that if we want, but you see the results.”

Obama: His Jewish challenge

Eric — Thu, 22 May 2008 13:57:17 GMT

Halle Needels... Your lies are not going to stick this time. Obama has repeatedly said he will not meet with terrorists. Are you ignorant of this fact, or just trying to play upon other's ignorance? Either way, it is shameful

Obama: His Jewish challenge

SANDRA — Thu, 22 May 2008 14:03:09 GMT

BLACKS AND JEWS WILL COME TOGETHER AND VOTE FOR SEN OBAMA AS THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Obama: His Jewish challenge

Class Warrior, D.C. — Thu, 22 May 2008 14:04:14 GMT

I think Obama will connect pretty well with Jews, but he won't pander to them, as Hillary would. He won't promise to nuke Iran, he won't down shots of Mogan David wine,he'll rationally explain his positions, and people will see he's ok. Better than the born-againners Mcbush has on his coattails, who want to see the Jews nuked in Armageddon, and all go to hell. He's not THAT kind of supporter of Israel!

Obama: His Jewish challenge

hass, new york, NY — Thu, 22 May 2008 14:15:12 GMT

Oh boy - more AIPAC control of our political system. Israel needs to be put back in its place, and AIPAC needs to be listed as a foreign agent.

Obama: His Jewish challenge

thomas — Thu, 22 May 2008 14:15:17 GMT

It will be nothing compared to McCains problem with Hagee's comments about hitler being sent from God to Hunt down the Jews

Obama: His Jewish challenge

Pete - Albany, NY — Thu, 22 May 2008 14:16:50 GMT

To "ge" in Pennsylvania:

Senator Clinton's staff also has issues with Appalachia, if you'll recall...

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24606056/

Obama: His Jewish challenge

pa voter — Thu, 22 May 2008 14:17:17 GMT

***Important

NOT only does Obama need the Jewish supporters he also NEEDS the "Typical white, gun totting, bible clinging, antipathy toward others who are not like them" VOTERS !!

My strong statement to Sen. Obama. Sir, good luck because you are going to need it!

Obama: His Jewish challenge

matthew — Thu, 22 May 2008 14:18:01 GMT

These editorials above exemplify EXACTLY why we need Obama.

Abortion

These wedge issues like abortion have decided elections in the past. Democrats have traditionally demonized anti-abortion groups. That is a mistake. Did no one watch the Compassion Forum in PA? Please people go back to his answers concerning abortion and the like. His answers did NOT imply that roe vs. wade is in jeopardy in fact he stated directly that it would be preserved. BUT that the discussion needs to be had to bridge the gap, reach some common ground on this issue, effectively taking it off of the table for the future, allowing people anonymity and freedom CHOICE on an INDIVIDUAL basis! THAT is a sensible answer. Done. No more government deciding if a woman has the right to choose AND if you don't want to do it then YOU DON'T HAVE TO. THAT is why the antiabortion group backed Obama. c'mon that is the most sensible and DOABLE response to the question that we've had from either side in like NEVER. But no if the anti-abortion groups are backing him that's a problem? be worried? Please people! We've spent so much time demonizing each side of this issue that we forgot WHY the whole thing started and that was to find some middle ground with all this.

Foreign Policy

People: The Foreign policy of the last 8 years has not made ANYBODY SAFER including ISRAEL!! Something must be done. What is wrong in principle with what the man said???! The pre-conditions that the RNC and the media is so bellicosely, disingenuously, Micro-interpreting and, in some cases, distorting are why N Korea has the bomb, it is why Pakistan and India acquired it back in the day, is why Iran is trying to acquire it. Naive?? Any country that thinks that attacking Israel directly or the United States isn't suicide is naive. N. Korea and Iran know this. This is all tough talk to dissuade an invasion the likes of what Iraq has suffered. Bush has virtually enveloped the planet with FEAR of the United States during his tenure. "You don't behave . . . you'll see!" The only time during Bush's tenure where we've stood down from the rhetoric of the now famous 'axis of evil' was when N. Korea went nuclear. The rest of the world saw this including Iran. NO ONE WANTS TO GO TO WAR WITH THE US or ISRAEL. If the people on this post REALLY believe the Iranian President is some stereotypical, crazy 'towel head' then YOU guys are crazy!! The people of the Middle East may be fervent in their religious beliefs but they are NOT crazy. The Specifics that Rove and Woodward are bait for 'gotcha' politics as usual. A foreign policy that is going to get us out of this planetary moral morass we find ourselves in HAS to include something NEW and DIFFERENT, as well as UNTRIED. We are so stuck in formula's for this and that, that even though it doesn't work and makes things worse we STILL continues because " . . . well that's just how it's done . . .!" There are plenty of great minds out there that have during the past 8 years have been stifled, marginalized, ostracized for not pulling the GOP status quo. Obama has already started pulling out of their 'coma' back into alertness. Hence his broad crossover appeals. The time is now for real patriotism: CHANGE!

Obama: His Jewish challenge

The - Democrat Soldier — Thu, 22 May 2008 14:24:57 GMT

Mark? What Jewish American is not feeling the same crunch as any other American. What do we think Barack Obama has to do to appease the JEWs and why is that a bigger issue than what any other President has done for it's Allies. Give me a break with these issues, why does Barack Obama has to prove more to the Jews than any other President or John McCain. This is unfair..and a topic that shouldn't received the amount of attention it's getting. Barack has said time and time again that he we will be their in time of crisis for Israel should that time come. His Stance on our support for Israel is the same as our country has always been. Unbelievable how we hammer on issues that doesn't deserve the attention it's getting. What about the U.S.A. can we get some attention on what's happening in this country for GOD SAKE.

Obama: His Jewish challenge

was feeling better but not anymore in ne — Thu, 22 May 2008 14:27:56 GMT

If one looks at this objectively there is no better time for Obama to NOT be president. Give it to Hillary and walk away. Move away if possible.

The Bush external (known) disasters will pale in comparison to the internal (unknown)ones and will only be learned of after the next President takes office.

Whoever the poor soul is - they're going to find themselves with a federal system that has been gutted and left with just enough of a 'hazy' facade to get past the public.

And that'll just be the tip of the iceburg...

If any of these candidates were really smart - they'd quit - right now. Walk away - run away.

No one is getting health care or education or anything else done. NADA!

The next President will inherit a failing state - running on bravado and Chinese loans. The next President isn't going to spend a lot of time explaining why there isn't going to be universal health care - they're going to be explaining their fuel rationing coupon system and the need to plant Victory Gardens and how some food staples will also be rationed. We'll be eating the polar bears and cute baby seals...while they are unveiling their new economy pkg - which will begin with how we have had to default on our loans from China - and just how China is going to punish us for it.

Gas is going to hit 5 bucks a gallon before our next President takes office.

Right now - as in RIGHT NOW - the news is trickling out (by design) that our oil reserves are NOT what we have been told they were and oh what a co-incidence - the world reserves are lower too.

The oil companies, the Bush/Cheney/Clinton/Saudi's and our own worst enemy - ourselves with our lack of self control have come together to create a perfect storm.

Don't worry, we'll have the band going and the deck chairs will be nice and tidy and everyone will be wearing a flag pin.

Obama: His Jewish challenge

MI Chick — Thu, 22 May 2008 14:29:11 GMT

Justine Granger, St. Paul MN (Sent Thursday, May 22, 2008 9:40 AM)

And I take it you are FOR drilling our national parks, cutting down all our trees, and watching Exxon make $10 Billion dollars in profits? 'Cause the Republican policies have been working so well...

Obama: His Jewish challenge

Obama for President of the United States of America — Thu, 22 May 2008 14:30:10 GMT

As an American Jew, I do not have one single problem with Senator Obama. I highly endorse, recommend and support Senator Obama. He is the only candidate that will receive my vote. If he is not on the ballot this Fall I will not vote.

Obama: His Jewish challenge

Adam S — Thu, 22 May 2008 14:31:30 GMT

This is almost the stupist thing I ever heard. Hillary had the same trouble against McCain on the issue of israel. http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/pages/ShArt.jhtml?itemNo=811576
To suggest this is a race, religous, or cultural issue is racist and anti-semetic in its own right.

Obama: His Jewish challenge

Mitchell Feldman, Vestal, NY — Thu, 22 May 2008 14:35:06 GMT

As a 55 year old Jew, and a rabid Obama supporter, I have to say (and I speak only for myself - we are not monolithic, no matter what the MSM would like others to believe, also Rabbis don't speak for us and there are NO Jewish leaders; wealthy Jews, big political donors or lobbyists like AIPAC, don't speak for us) that Obama's policy on negotiating with our enemies in the Middle East makes the most sense in terms of providing for a secure Israel. Israel suffered the greatest amount of violence from suicide bombers and terrorist attacks after Bush initiated his unilateral anti-Palestinian policies.

Of course, we have non-thinking idiots amongst Jews, as do all people, (who are not only simplistic in their thinking but racist as well - forgetting that memories of the atrocities of the Holocaust should make us the fiercest advocates of all oppressed peoples - not only Jews) and they may believe that militarism should come before diplomacy. But, we all have seen how this type of simplemindedness has led us to the quagmire in Iraq. The damage that the Bush administration has caused our nation, the resulting unrest, will be felt for generations.

Diplomacy does not mean appeasement. Obama knows this and I hope that in his search for votes stays true to his principles. That principle should also apply to not appeasing the more militant and older Jews who might support the idea that fighting (and please understand with some sympathy, that older Jews do remember that weakness among Jews in Europe, made them complicit in the crimes to which they were victims, during the Holocaust) because they never will let what happened to them in Europe, happen to them again. However in the same vein, they will have to understand that war is always dangerous for Israel and will only have to remember the horror of the scud attacks during the Gulf War which resulted from incompetent diplomacy on the part of the U.S. (April Glaspie was ambivalent in her assessment of Saddam’s proposal to invade Kuwait and led to the first avoidable conflict, setting the stage for the unrest seen in the region today). The conflict with Hezbollah in the summer of 2006 led to unnecessary and pointless destruction (obviously Hezbollah and Iran share much of this responsibility) and better channels of communication with Iran might have avoided this or more rapidly extinguished this warfare.

Most Jews are a logical people and if a plan is set forth with a honest goal for achieving security for Israel balanced with dignity for the Palestinians (which implicitly will do more to ensure a secure Israel than the narrow-minded, one sided policy of the last eight years), most Jewish Americans will support that plan.

On another note, it's laughable to me that McCain (and I think this is due to his unfamiliarity with the Evangelical movement, would endorse Reverend Haggey's support of Israel, as it is only motivated by the greater belief in prophesy vis a vis Armageddon and the day of judgment. Jews and McCain should not be fooled by the hidden agenda in this maniacal support of Israel (it's sort of like Rod Serling's story 'To Serve Man').

In the end, Obama's support by Jews should be fairly stable. Whether my proud people are Americans first, like myself, or Jews first, they know from our teachings, that God speaks strongly against needlessly sacrificing our sons/daughters (or those of others) in the story of Abraham and Isaac. Warfare is only to be, when diplomacy fails.
Obama '08

Obama: His Jewish challenge

Ian — Thu, 22 May 2008 14:39:41 GMT

So now we've got a "Jewish question" do we? Remember Joe Liebermann? He's Jewish and he represents a significant section of the Jewish vote that has "drifted somewhat to the right". These people are voting for McCain regardless of who becomes the Democratic nominee. They all sound like Halle Needels, Jackson, GA. You know. So paranoid they're willing to conflate anything to anyone.

Obama: His Jewish challenge

Gail, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan — Thu, 22 May 2008 14:48:48 GMT

I think the media pundits should stop projecting onto Obama their challenges. The Senator from Illinois has neither a white, black, latino, asian, pacific island or jewish problem... jews, like myself and others would do best not to buy into the media hype of the Holocaust Industry as outlined by Finklestein. Please give us all a break

Obama: His Jewish challenge

Delmar Fairchild, Barron, WI — Thu, 22 May 2008 14:50:34 GMT

Obama for change????
First he wants to destroy the upper hand America has against its enemies by making direct talk with despots

Second, he wants you to give up driving, eating and the American way. Here is his statement from Oregon put together by Newt Gingrich.

--Campaigning in Oregon last week, Senator Barack Obama seemed to forget his campaign theme of "Yes We Can," telling his fellow Americans that more pain -- not more production -- is the answer. He responded to a question about America's role in reducing global energy consumption like this:
"We can't tell [other countries], don't grow. We can't -- drive our SUVs and you know, eat as much as we want and keep our homes on you know, 72 degrees at all times, and whether we're living in the desert or we're living in the tundra, and then just expect that every other country's going to say OK."

I have two reactions to this.
First, I'm used to my doctor telling me I can't eat as much as I want, but it sounds eerie coming from a politician. Is the "No We Can't" Left planning to ban the buffet line as well?
Second, and more importantly, telling the next generation of Americans that they can't have the lifestyle that their parents enjoy is defeatist and wrong. It is a rejection of the energy, optimism and innovation that has made this nation great.

Vote McCain for 2008

Obama: His Jewish challenge

rich — Thu, 22 May 2008 14:53:52 GMT

Where in this article or on the msnbc site is the tape about MCain and Hagee?

It infuriates the press lets mcCain get away with ANY creepiness-Hitler is was doing God's work- has to be one of the most dispicable comments ever.
And Obama has a Jewish problem?

Obama: His Jewish challenge

Michigander — Thu, 22 May 2008 14:56:26 GMT

Ya-hoo, Mr. Feldman! Did everyone read Tom Friedman's piece in NYTimes the other day on this subject?

Obama is the best choice for people who care about choices.

Obama: His Jewish challenge

Nicholas: Minnesota — Thu, 22 May 2008 14:57:01 GMT

"Has Obama done a bad job defining exactly what he means when he says he'd meet with hostile leaders? The AP's Woodward thinks so."
--Yes, yes, I would absolutely agree (as a clear Obama supporter). Clearly smart and clearly eloquent, but the man needs to be more clear and concise. I've said that before.

Obama: His Jewish challenge

Are you quoting Karl Rove — Thu, 22 May 2008 15:01:40 GMT

Mark, I'm very disappointed. I don't know how you can attempt to write an objective article, and at the same time quote Karl Rove. Not only should this man be behind bars but he's also as responsible as anyone for the current demise of the Republican party. But for that I'm grateful to him.

Obama: His Jewish challenge

Debra — Thu, 22 May 2008 15:16:33 GMT

Frankly, comments about the Jewish vote by non Jews is a big NON STARTER. I'm a dual citizen American/Israeli Jew and I couldn't be more of an Obama supporter than I am. He represents everything the culture/religion is about. He has a perfect voting record on Israel and he does not favor any concessions that would weaken Israel. Having lived there, I know that collaboration and cooperation is necessary or else no one is going to thrive. There is a partner to talk with and that is with the Palestinian President Abbas. Obama doesn't want to talk with Hamas because they are a terrorist organization NOT a nation. This BS regarding Obama's Jewish problem is a problem Clinton's Jewish supporters have hatched and nothing more. I know, I've gotten the emails.

Obama: His Jewish challenge

S.B. Stein E.B. NJ — Thu, 22 May 2008 15:20:49 GMT

When it comes to the Jews in this country, we are not monolithic just like any other group. If you all will note, not all Blacks voted for Obama; not all women voted for Clinton. There are Jews who are Democrats and Republicans; some don't even like Israel despite it being the only democratic country in the region (possible exception of Turkey).

The Jews of this country will vote as they will. There is going to be a split because some will vote on how well the candidates speak, their issues and what they are and are not.

Obama: His Jewish challenge

Mike, Albany — Thu, 22 May 2008 15:23:27 GMT

In the general, Obama will do much better.

The Hagee "Hitler doing God's work" flap will send them Obama's way.

Obama: His Jewish challenge

Jeff M. — Thu, 22 May 2008 15:25:32 GMT

Delmar Fairchild: That has to be one of the silliest arguments I've ever seen. Obama was making a point that America has to cut down on its often-exorbitant lifestyle if it wishes to have any clout in calling for conservation policies that make this planet a better place to live. Little thing called leading by example.