Obama: '300'

Rick Martindale, Spinrgstead., MO — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 13:22:46 GMT

How many advisors do you need to surrender?

Obama: '300'

PM — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 13:23:39 GMT

The 300 didn't end that well.... Is this Obama's fate. Let's hope Not!!

www.MyObamaStore.com

Obama: '300'

Joe Reed, Miami, FL — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 13:25:45 GMT

Who cares where Obama got the money? McCain gets 90% of his money from lobbyists and PACs ( Political Action Committees) who have been setting the agenda for the American people in Washington for over 40 years. Obama receives $0 from these folks. We need change.

Obama: '300'

Huggly Smith-Joones, Jenkins, PA — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 13:26:45 GMT

Only problem with the Spartan comparison is that the Spartans were very interested in winning their wars. Obama is only interested in surrendering.

Obama: '300'

Nashville_fan — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 13:27:20 GMT

"What does it say about Obama's experience that he has 300 advisers in this area?"
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Considering the gravity of the challenges we face, and the tremendous price that has already been paid in human life (4000+ American soldiers and untold civilian casualties), I don't think that having 300 advisers is a bad thing.

It is amazing how much Senator Obama is criticized for being organized, thoughtful, and successful.

Jealous much?

Obama: '300'

Pete - Albany, NY — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 13:28:09 GMT

So...what, you're not allowed to have advisors?

I have no issue with a team of 300 foreign policy advisors. The only issue I would have is if Senator Obama were to not listen because we know how that's worked out for us with the current administration...

...talk to foreign policy advisors and then do whatever he wants to do anyway...that's the Dubya method!

Obama: '300'

Pass the Arugula — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 13:28:39 GMT

300 advisors? Are you kidding me?

Obama: '300'

Independent VET for Obama — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 13:29:49 GMT

This group must be good inthat McCain and Bush are both embracing Obama's foreign policy stance. Obama has repeatedly shown he more progressive, forward leaning and better judgement than either McCain or Bush.

Obama ... better for America and better for the World.

Obama: '300'

Lisa, NY — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 13:29:58 GMT

Given the state of the world, this does not seem unreasonable to me. Obama impresses me as someone who likes all the facts and this would be a good way to get them.

Its clearly better than the team of 5 that Bush likely surrounded himself with.

Ironically, as someone who has been slow to see the benefits of Obama, this did impress me...not becasue I think he's stupid...but because it shows he may actually listen to experts.

Obama: '300'

Brian, Wausau, WI — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 13:30:52 GMT

I don't think that having 300 advisors speaks to anybody's experience level, just their desire and willingness to learn from experts. Don't we all wish that Bush/Cheney had had 10 outside advisors (that they'd listen to) before invading Iraq?

Obama: '300'

Ryan — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 13:32:31 GMT

He manages 300 people in one sliver of his campaign...sound like solid leadership to me!

McCain has 1 advisor - Bush, and that's all he needs because he just repeats whatever he says.

Honestly people, how are we ever going to get anywhere if we don't do our best to get the best advice and reverse the failed policies of McBush? This is leadership, this is the future, this is how we can be proud again of our standing in the world!

Obama '08

Obama: '300'

camie — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 13:34:41 GMT

just another example of the new york times making a story out of a non story. McCain needs 300 economic advisors and he would if his campaign had the money.

McCain attacks Hillary's healthcare effort
http://sensico.wordpress.com/2008/07/18/mccain-tries-to-attack-obama-but-hits-hillary/
or

http://sensico2.blogspot.com/2008/07/my-blogs.html

Obama: '300'

exregis, Newport News, VA — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 13:35:19 GMT

"he relied less on Internet donors [in June] than he did in February, when he took in $55.4 million.”

Because of more fund-raising events? Don't forget that many of these events were joint events for the DNC and for Clinton. Best to wait for the facts before throwing around out-of-you-know-where guesses.

Obama: '300'

Small Time Donor In The Midwest — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 13:35:55 GMT

Don't worry, us small time internet donors are still out here sending in our little donations that add up. You've got to expect a lull while those donations are still counted as "primary" donations and not "general election" donations. This is still a campaign financed by the people, for the people.

Obama: '300'

jp,michigan — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 13:43:50 GMT

Like the joke said, 'How many to replace a light bulb? Three: one to get the light bulb, one to hand it to the person and the third to put it in". Well with Obama it takes 300, to read and get the facts on foreign policy. More spending in the White house and the cost of adding rooms to accommodate the masses of 300.

Obama: '300'

Don - Dayton, OH — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 13:44:00 GMT

Just what we need.....an "unwieldly" Democratic administration. This speaks volumes. Does the man have any knowledge at all without a teleprompter?

Obama: '300'

A Charles, LA, CA — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 13:46:39 GMT

I guess the WSJ won't rely on Republican estimates of Obama's fundraising next time. If it weren't the WSJ I'd think they just made their number up.

Obama: '300'

thats a fact jack — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 13:48:33 GMT

sounds like a ggod thing, having different groups of people getting information and comming up with the best way to deal with that area, as a matter of FACT that is what the business community and the military DO. To compare the sparton 300 who had just one objective to having 300 divided up into groups to tackle different problems is ridiculos but then again so is the rethugnutz party and the right wing wackos who support them.

Obama: '300'

BJ, CA — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 13:52:00 GMT

Way better than not remembering or how to respond........AHHH I don't know about viagra pills?

Obama: '300'

Pacheck, Huntington Beach, Ca. — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 13:58:50 GMT

Sen. has 300 advisors on foreign policy. If it is true, of what importance is it to anybody except Obama? I am sure he don't sit down and talk with all three hundred people. I bet all the info gets reviewed and sumarized into a very well researched document. To bad bush relied only on Cheney and Rove. The NY Times obviously is really searching for some nasty stuff to accuse the candidate of. The ability to assimilate the information generated by 300 is fantastic.

Obama: '300'

Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 13:59:31 GMT

Rick - "How many advisors do you need to surrender?"

Surrender to who? And for that many, if we win, who do we beat? Who signs the surrender for the other side?

This worn-out Republican mantra has gotten so old and fatiguing. Its almost as old as the worn-out wartime rhetoric thrown around about intoxicants. I'm still waiting for the surrender ceremony in the war on drugs. Which plant, by the way, is going to sign that one?

Obama: '300'

States Rights — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 14:00:20 GMT

[[sounds like a ggod thing, having different groups of people getting information and comming up with the best way to deal with that area,]]

See, this why even when the Democrats win, they lose. Democrats can never come to a conclusion, are never confident of what they are doing, and think they'll get more information by asking more and more people for advice. It makes the Democrats confused, unsure of themselves, and weak. See the current Congress for more evidence that this is true.

Obama: '300'

JoAnn, Moundsville, Wv — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 14:04:42 GMT

I think it is smart to have many advisors. It shows that he want to get many points of view before making any decisions. To me that is how it shoud be. Unlike the present administration that didn't listen to anyone.

Obama: '300'

Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 14:05:58 GMT

As for having 300 advisors, why in the world would we want a president who can manage a large structure of advisors?

We'd be much better off with an insular president who only relies on a handful of inner-circle advisors. That seems to have worked out well for the last seven years.

Obama: '300'

GP Chicago — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 14:06:05 GMT

How many advisors do you need to surrender?
Rick Martindale, Spinrgstead., MO (Sent Friday, July 18, 2008 9:22 AM)
-----------------------------------------------------
In order to surrender you must have something that you are giving up. Being that "war" is not a tangible item, you must be referring to Iraq, so what you are saying is America owns Iraq...in which I would whole heartedly disagree and restate that the Iraqi constitution establishes its own soveriegnty.

Maybe you are talking about Iraqi Oil? Just what are we surrendering? Oh maybe you're talking about surrending to terrorism...in that case:

WRONG BATTLEFIELD GUYS...THE FIGHT IS HUNDREDS AND HUNDREDS OF MILES NORTH EAST.

Obama: '300'

NoBama — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 14:08:00 GMT

Q: How many people is needed to train a (pandering, self-proting, lame) potential President of the US on foreign policy?

A: 300

Obama: '300'

ADKer, NY — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 14:23:38 GMT

The fact that they are segmented into 20 different teams by region and issues shows that he recognizes the complexities of a global community and that you can not interact with all nations/regions/cultures with the same approach. Your diplomatic tactics and protocol must be adjusted to each situation. The better understanding of each that you possess and the more insight you have gives you a better chance of finding the key to fostering a positive relationship and productive dialog. It's called good foreign relations strategy. Something we've been lacking these past 7 1/2 years.

Obama: '300'

Buzz — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 14:24:44 GMT

So, JP, Michigan- I wonder how much 300 rooms 'for the masses' would cost us? $10 BILLION a MONTH?
I'm not much af a shopper, but I bet the cost of 300 of 'em would be a hell of a lot less than listening to zero advisors (well, ok, one advisor- De Dick) has cost all of us!

Obama: '300'

Gary Schear, bozeman Montana — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 14:27:30 GMT

Rick Martindale, Spinrgstead., MO (Sent Friday, July 18, 2008 9:22 AM)

How many advisors do you need to commit the worst foreign policy blunder in the nations history?

Obama: '300'

Paula Milner, Union City CA — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 14:28:52 GMT

==== As for having 300 advisors, why in the world would we want a president who can manage a large structure of advisors? ====

By the time Obama figured out what to do, the enemy would be knocking on the White House door asking for the keys.

Obama: '300'

Kathy Corey, Boston, MA — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 14:29:26 GMT

Obama needs a "Verizon network type throng" to support him on foreign policy...because like everything else he has no experience, bright ideas or beliefs. The three networks sending their anchors is proof positive that the networks are in the bag for Obama. The question for November is...do we elect a President McCain, who will put the country first or Barack Obama who will put himself first.

Obama: '300'

Class Warrior, D.C. — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 14:30:18 GMT

300 advisors, and not one of them the stature of a Donald Rumsfeld, or a Condi Rice, or a Wolfowitz or "slam dunk" Tenet. You gotta wonder what kind of advice he's getting from these people, don't you...?

Obama: '300'

GW, Vancouver, Canada — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 14:32:08 GMT

Domenico, you opinionate "what does it say about Obama's experience that he has 300 advisers in this area" Have you read the article ? Apparently not, which explains how it is funneled to a tight-knit group of advisers. It also explains Obama's dynamic in the process.
In another post, you say Obama is leading in New Jersey, but just. What does that mean? You give no context?
IN both cases , you make positives for Obama look bad.

Obama: '300'

Suburban Mom paying attention, IL — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 14:44:21 GMT

One point of this "300 advisers" announcement that has not been examined:

How many of these 300 are on the "I WANT IN" bandwagon, where they are begging to be included before the train leaves the station. Some of these people are pure politicians- they want to be viewed as having backed the winner, all along.

Nevertheless, it will likely be the team leaders reporting to Obama, much the way our government and corporations work already. Seems like a decent system, to me.

Obama: '300'

yvonne, Greensboro NC — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 14:47:28 GMT

When I read the "full article" not just the tidbits that are posted on First Read I was very impressed!! No matter how much experience you may have in foreign relations, when you are president or running for president you do not have time to focus on just one issue. The POTUS needs to be an expert and up to date at all times on the Economy, Domestic as well as foriegn issues. The reason why McCain and Bush sometimes look stupid when asked a question by reporters is because they do no research on policy. They just go with what they are feeling that day. Or the are just repeating what one other person has said to them.

It is impressive that Obama can take in so much information on a daily basis and actually articulate his stance on issues effectively. This is good and I am glad that he has a well oiled "think tank" on foreign affairs. It's like when you write a collegiate research paper. You form your idea and opinion and you go and research information to support your thoughts.

Kudos Obama

Obama: '300'

Robin, Country Club Hills Il — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 14:53:03 GMT

Whatever the number of advisors they must be darned good. Since Bush and McCain are implementing many of the foriegn policies of Sen Obama just days after he mentions them. Maybe the republicans should have hired them.

Obama: '300'

Barbara C. - Fort Lauderdale, FL — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 14:58:33 GMT

Did it ever occur to the Mainstream Media and the rest of us out there that this so-called 300 are so sick and tired of the politics of division on foreign policy these past 7 plus years that most of these 300 volunteered to help out? I don't think out of that many you will get any cohesive foreign policy but what is staggering is the amount of people that just "HOPE" Obama will listen to their advice.

Obama: '300'

JBD — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 14:59:50 GMT

Man, smart move with the regional advisors! Very impressive - and key to getting the info he needs.

Obama: '300'

Paul — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 15:04:12 GMT

Democrats tend to have government jobs, are school teachers, union types, academia. In other words people who really don't make many decisions. The groups above favor concensus type decisions because individually they lack judgement and confidence in themselves.Real organizations such as the military and successful businesses cannot run by concensus.... nothing would ever get done and competitors would eat them alive by lunch time. Obama's 300 smacks of his only experience which is government in one form or another. Obama's ego is quantum times larger than his intelligence and if elected he will prove to be wishy washy, unsure of himself and unfortunately our country will be extremely vulnerable to our enemies because of his makeup.

Obama: '300'

S.B. Stein E.B. NJ — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 15:07:51 GMT

I wonder how many of these people are specialized in one field or another. If it doesn't take a Ph.D., then Obama could hire me. I look at the facts and have a good idea of what is going on! It does speak to the idea that foreign policy needs a lot of information and people to look at it.

Obama: '300'

kenn — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 15:15:48 GMT

AMericas word is only as good as its people NOT VERY it blows in the wind with their values,now democrats tell yopu the fight is in afganistan HOW MANY WILL ENLIST NONE HOW MANY TALK A GAME LIKE BUSH ALL PUT YOUR MONEY WHERE YOUR MOUTH IS FIGHT OR FLIGHT its not as funny as the chucleheads make it out to be lets wait till were are hit again like 911 till we get serious BUSH HAD A 80 plus % approval rating after 911 must have been some of you OBAMMATRONS

Obama: '300'

Lynne, Germantown, MD — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 15:18:16 GMT

What having 300 foreign policy advisors, neatly organized into 20 teams based on region, says about Obama is that he is actually willing to listen to experts and base policy decisions on facts and expert opinions and not "gut-based" ideology. We've had gut-based ideology for 7 years now. It's time for some brain-based leadership.

Obama: '300'

Independant, Houston TX — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 15:19:48 GMT

Rick, you must think that Iraq is the only other country in the world. The 300 advisors all have specialties in different regions. Like Obama says, you can't let one conflict cause you to take your eye off of the ball in other regions. You know kinda like Bush did. We also have to ensure stability in Afganistan, Pakistan, N.Korea, Cuba, etc. (the list goes on and on). Any presidentional candidate shoud be advised on countries friendly and hostile to us. I think is more prudent that Obama has advisors for as many regions as possible, you never know what problems are going to come up and where, so Obama has to gear up everywhere.

It is a heck of a lot more than McCain is doing!

BTW ... Leaving Iraq is not surrendering because we had no business being there in the first place. There were no WMDs, stupid. Bush lied and the US is not and should not be in the business of fighting other peoples civil wars for them. Get it?! There is nothing to "win" there! We need to after Bin Laden or did you forget who attacked us?

Obama: '300'

Rodney Hopper, Waxahachie, TX — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 15:22:32 GMT

Wow... Obama can organize a well oiled machine of 300 to power his foreign policy? How terrible!

How dare the Democrats nominate someone who can run such a powerhouse? This senseless overachievement must stop now!

I'm personally going to go for the man that ran a campaign that almost fell apart last fall. I don't want all of this 'organization' and 'advice'. I want someone who just goes headstrong into things with a small group of similarly-minded sycophants. That's what I want.

Seriously, though, folks, despite the New York Times, MSNBC, and First Read's attempts to paint this into the "Obama has no experience on foreign policy" agenda on the eve of his tour overseas, I think this actually shows that Obama as more presidential. If a man can run such a huge organization so efficiently and accept advice from such a diverse group that includes former Secretaries of State and Defense, doesn't this speak volumes to how we could run, say, the State Department?

Obama: '300'

brenda — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 15:28:23 GMT

I just one of those samll time internet investors too, and will continue to send donations via the internet. I think it is truly amazing how well this campaign has been run and he still doesn't have to try to make McSane look bad, he does enough of that for himself, instead he focuses and knows with his campaign team what they need to do next or where to go. Working so far and it's only the beginning. Go Obama!!!