Obama: Johnson story isn't going away

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Obama: Johnson story isn't going away

Lisa, New Britain, CT YES WE CAN! — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 13:28:11 GMT

OK, I've decided. I'm not voting for Johnson. Silly season has begun.

In all seriousness, yes, perhaps the DNC should have vetted this guy before he became the defacto choice to do VP vetting. But this is not an issue that most of us think should have some legs (the abuse in the mortgage industry is...I don't poo poo that, that is serious stuff...but the Johnson connection to a future Obama presidency is too remote and attenuated).

Its yet more politics of distraction and it sends the message that McCain doesn't feel he can compete with Obama on issues.

Obama: Johnson story isn't going away

donna — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 13:29:21 GMT

Go for it with the Christians Barack. Obama would be a fool to ignore such a large base of voters.

Dump Johnson! Find the biggest bus you can, and pitch!

Friedman, and Egypt? MSNBC's site had front pages from all over the world with joyous responses to Obama's nomination. What about reporting on them too? Stop being inflammatory sensationalists!

If the RNC goes after Michelle, then Cindy is fair game too right?

I hope Obama does'nt have to go there, but, Michelle may be the target Barack will not suffer!

Obama: Johnson story isn't going away

Lisa, New Britain, CT YES WE CAN! — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 13:31:19 GMT

So, what are we saying...that the Republicans like to go after strong women. OK, let's all say that, as McCain tries hard to woo Hillary Clinton supporters.

Just more inconsistencies among the GOP.

(ps, I suspect Michelle Obama can "take" what they can dish out...but the GOP should be wary of BACKLASH BABY...attacking Michelle will increase turnout among career-minded woman, probably all sorts of other women, and the black vote).

Obama: Johnson story isn't going away

Lisa, New Britain, CT YES WE CAN! — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 13:32:47 GMT

I hope he will still have some rallies...they not only electrified those in attendance (I know, we attended the Hartford one Feb. 4th, a lifetime ago) but also were good to galvenize the troops when covered by the MSM.

He is smart to not rely on them though.

Obama: Johnson story isn't going away

Nate, Upper Midwest, Where Common Sense is as Plentiful as the Corn — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 13:34:42 GMT

He did take some questionable loans which are a cause for slight concern. I truly think it pales in comparison to Phil Gramm who has advocated the overall policies that allowed these loans to go out. Oh by the way- He is McCain's economic advisor.....

Obama: Johnson story isn't going away

lesile, indiana — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 13:36:41 GMT

This Johnson thing is such a "out of touch" republican and media thing. Most people are concerned about over $4.00 a gallon gas, high food prices, healthcare, jobs, war etc....

Obama: Johnson story isn't going away

Nashville_fan — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 13:37:40 GMT

Dear First Read:

I could not disagree more about Senator Obama's answerm about "vetting the vetters" being " the worst answer Obama has ever given in print."

The simple fact is what this guy did or didn't do with his mortgage is a bunch of media driven, irrelevent drivel that is a LARGE PART of the reason our government has become so ineffective.

Are you telling me that unless EVERY person that Senator Obama has EVER known or meets in the future is PERFECT, then we must waste precious time pointing out their flaws, and questioning Senator Obama's judgment for not taking time away from policy decisions or campaign strategy to find out if some yahoo in research didn't pay his traffic tickets?

It is PAST time for the media to get over your collective selves - I wonder if all of your lives could pass the same standards you subject others to?

I doubt it.

Obama: Johnson story isn't going away

Linda. Boston, MA — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 13:38:00 GMT

Johnson's ONLY job in this vetting process is to find dirt on potential VP picks. So what does that have to do with his lobbying connections? Johnson isn't shaping policy or running on Obama's cabinet.

For the life of me, I can't see any real conflict of interests here.

Obama: Johnson story isn't going away

BJ, CA — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 13:38:01 GMT

As long as people pay back there loans or debts...what's the beef....Hillary Who ?

Find two people in the world that a squeaky clean and put them in Vetter Land..

Obama: Johnson story isn't going away

Pete - Albany, NY — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 13:40:32 GMT

Does Uncle Fluffy's campaign and the GOP really want to go there?

This is a game and they should know better. I wonder who they have vetting VP candidates? Let's not forget that Uncle Fluffy's campaign staff is infested with lobbyists and this is nothing more than an attempt to bait and switch voters.

It won't work.

Obama: Johnson story isn't going away

Obama Supporter from NY — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 13:41:46 GMT

Again, the question is: why is far more attention being paid to Mr. Johnson, who is not an advisor to Sen Obama, or a paid member of his staff; then to Phil Gramm who IS an economic advisor and a paid lobbyist for UBS (who is deeply involved in the mortgage mess)? Why the free pass for John McCain?

How hypocritical of John McCain, who pledged to run a civil, clean campaign, to jump on this issue when 5 PAID STAFF members have had to leave because of lobbying issues and now this issue of Phil Gramm.

If Sen McCain can't even live up to the pledge to run a clean campaign - it doesn't bode well for anything else he pledges - does it?

Obama '08

Obama: Johnson story isn't going away

jerry/corpus christi texas — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 13:42:09 GMT

I hope Jim Johnson doesn't go away....
More ammo for my party......

This tells me something about the world if just nominating Obama helps our "standing" in the world...
Must be a lot of people getting sweetheart deals on loans around the world as well....

Barak Obama
A hypocrite for all seasons

Obama: Johnson story isn't going away

Class Warrior, D.C. — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 13:42:10 GMT

Obama---Cut this guy loose! Don't give the swiftboaters a chance to smear you!!

Obama: Johnson story isn't going away

Blake, Denver, CO — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 13:49:02 GMT

I find it an oddity how an unpaid person working for Obama who took out $7 million in loans at a good interest rate is news that "sticks" but McCain having 2 senior advisors who made millions off of lobbying in Washington is kind of a side story. Play fair!

Obama: Johnson story isn't going away

bill, okla — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 13:53:03 GMT

No big surprize there. Oh those Clintons. Biden, Richardson, Webb, Sebelius, Bredesen or Hagel for VP.

Obama: Johnson story isn't going away

JDB, Houston, TX — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 13:53:22 GMT

Hmmm...why no word on the shady characters in the mccain campaign which is largely run by lobbyists. Sharing info on the shady dealings of Charlie Black and Phil Gramm could occupy hours on end. C'mon MSNBC - let's cover both camps with equal scrutiny.

Obama: Johnson story isn't going away

Matt, Idaho — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 13:57:38 GMT

First Read:

How about you show some balancing in your reports, and vett McCain's chief vetter too, Arthur B. Culvahouse, Jr..

Not only was this guy also part of Fannie Mae, but as reported yesterday by Kieth Olbermann, he has been a part of numerous lobbying firms over the past 6 years, and only stopped lobbying immediately before McCain's "no lobbying" policy went into effect.

I smell a really big biased rat, and if you aren't reporting it, then shame on you.

Obama: Johnson story isn't going away

Obama 08 — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 14:11:49 GMT

Two comments:
1. I am white and I watch T.D. Jakes. I love him.
2. Has McCain vetted his search team, or does he even have one to vet? Obama can just go with the other two team members and be done with it.

Obama: Johnson story isn't going away

Doors Richardson — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 14:23:18 GMT

Meet the new boss! Same as the old boss!

Obama: Johnson story isn't going away

kilt — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 14:23:24 GMT

non story

What about the Asian Americans.
Candidates on equal pay.
Kerry, Kaine, Webb on Sunday talk shows.
What McCain doesn't want to talk about.
McCains Temper Tantrum.

http://sensico.wordpress.com/

Obama: Johnson story isn't going away

jackieblu Seattle White Woman Obama — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 14:32:20 GMT

Oh really! Well how about the fact that Cindy McCain was addicted to pills, not only that - she was STEALING them from a charity she was working with. Real nice for an elite, super rich "witch", stealing her drugs from poor people - she was supposed to be helping. First Lady behavior, I think not! Leave Mrs. Obama alone!!!

Obama: Johnson story isn't going away

Cindy Lou, TX — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 14:38:22 GMT

Obama's approach to the religious right is not surprising if anyone has read his book, "The Audacity of Hope." Obama believes that all religions share a common set of values that could unite us, rather than divide us. Food for thought.

One of the things that's really excited me about Obama is the fact that he's been embraced by the world. I really want to see America regain her place as a respected leader; Obama can help do that. Peace is more likely among friends than enemies. Bush unnecessarily made every country that wasn't America's ally an enemy. Surely, there is something in between.

Finally, I'm sorry the Republicans are so treacherous. On the few occasions when I've been able to stomach their media coverage, I've been shocked at the hatefulness and the kinds of stories on which they focus; it's as though they're covering an entirely different general election.

Candidates' wives should be off limits. I hope the Republicans' fearmongering backfires on them.

Obama: Johnson story isn't going away

Obama Supporter from NY — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 14:46:03 GMT

The Johnson story isn't going away because the media isn't going to let it. Are they? Playing 'gotcha' today?

Yes,the answer Sen Obama gave on this issue was not great - but he has a valid point. If we want Mr. Johnson vetted - who vets him? And who vets the person who vets Mr. Johnson? And on and on it goes. At some point it gets ridiculous - and I think a lot of people would still like to see the same coverage given to Sen McCain and Phil Gramm - why isn't that front and center too?

Still waiting for an answer on that one --

Obama '08

Obama: Johnson story isn't going away

Dalene Somerville, Arlington, Washington — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 15:04:22 GMT

It isn't just Egyptians and Arabs that are excited and pleased about the nomination of Obama. I have various contacts abroad in different countries and have received a similar feeling of optimism from the United Kingdom,Scotland,India,Ireland,New Zealand, etc. Many countries, even tho'they may resist US policies to varying degrees, have beeb unsettled by our loss of status in the world. The sense I am receiving is that people abroad are viewing the Obamas nomination as a new beginning and a return toward the honorable ideals that the US has resolutely stood for in the past.

Obama: Johnson story isn't going away

Obama 08 — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 15:06:10 GMT

Leave Michelle alone...Cindy McCain married John one month after his divorce from his first wife, who he ditched because she had a car accident and wasn't young and pretty any more. She also walked with a limp after the accident and wasn't rich.

Obama: Johnson story isn't going away

S.B. Stein E.B. NJ — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 15:06:22 GMT

Aren't there two other people on this VP search committee? Is this the best the Republicans can "leak" to the media? This guy has made some questionable business deals; but who hasn't made some level of mistakes? Is this guy the VP? If he is, then there could some question that could be raised.

As for targeting Michelle Obama, what is the point? She isn't make policy for her husband. Is she going to be the VP? What is the point of demonizing the spouse that is not running? I think it is because they can't nail the spouse that is running for office.

Obama: Johnson story isn't going away

Heather Black, NY — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 15:09:08 GMT

See, this is the core problem with Obama. He stands up on stages and gives pretty speeches about an utopian world where everything is perfect. Then he tells us that he is the model for that utopian world. Then reality hits and people like Rezco, Wright, Ayers, and Pfleger pop up and show us that Obama is anything but perfect. The Obama says we need to clean out the lobbiests in Washngton. But then the next day, one shows up with a very important job on his staff. So Obama is turning into a typical 'Do as I say, not as I do' liberal. How is that any different then what we have in Washington today?