Obama: 2008 or bust

Sean — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 23:47:28 GMT

I am lost on why he feels the need to say this. He may be in a differnt place in 4 or 8 years - but just seems murky as to why he would say this.

Obama: 2008 or bust

Lura, Philadelphia, PA — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 23:49:34 GMT

That was a strange comment from the Obama's, and I wonder why you thought it worthy to be posted on First Read. It doesn't speak to any strength of character, commitment or resolve on their part.

Obama: 2008 or bust

Jay Link, Chicago, IL — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 23:50:26 GMT

So Obama is a one-trick pony. His whole statement sounds too elitist for me.. Let's send this neophyte on his way.
Hillary Clinton 08

Obama: 2008 or bust

Ron, TX — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 23:54:42 GMT

Obama is right again. He was right on Iraq. He has the most comprehensive and clear foreign policy vision of ANY person running. If we really want to CHANGE the world, if we REALLY want to make America BETTER again, we NEED Barack's judgment. Think of it this way: some people have been artists for 30 years. That doesn't take away from the raw talent and skill of an artist, who paints infinitely better, who is vastly superior to the "old pro"... Right now, we can't afford the old pro based on experience. We need someone with talent, with a real vision, with real judgment. We need someone who can not only repaint America, we need someone who can work a -masterpiece-.

It's also worth noting that no candidate will say "Oh yeah, we'll run again next year" because then people will say "ok then! we're safe voting for Hillary! We'll just vote for you when it's your turn!"

It's the exact same as saying you aren't running for Vice President. "I'm not running to be President 8 years from now"... "I'm not running to be Vice President"... no big deal.

Obama: 2008 or bust

asdf — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 23:59:27 GMT

I agree. Its a natural observation. I am really happy Obama's think just like regular folks. The audacity speaks. You can't try in 8 years Obama. US constitution limits more than 8 years presidency. :)

Obama: 2008 or bust

Eliot, Los Angeles, CA — Sat, 29 Dec 2007 00:00:02 GMT

Very strange is an understatement. The beliefs and convictions he feels today will not be the same in four or eight years? Wow and he has the nerve to talk about Hillary's character. You either have a set of beliefs or hold strong convictions or you don't but surely they don't change every few years. Not when you are well into your forties anyway.

Obama: 2008 or bust

truthwill, out — Sat, 29 Dec 2007 00:04:56 GMT

obama grew up in an upper middle class family, attending a private elite high school, and never hurt for money.
he flirted with the middle class by pretending to live the lifetstyle.

he's never had to worry about paying bills.

But I am glad to see obama admit that he won't run again when he looses.
Now will it hold true?
let us allow him to raise his children hands on and prove he won't run when he looses.

Obama: 2008 or bust

mike, dallas, TX — Sat, 29 Dec 2007 00:08:07 GMT

I think the reason why this piece is confusing to the readers is it is somewhat shortened of its previous length and has lost its context in the process. I think this came in a discussion about secrecy in govenrnment and what he is implying is the longer you stay in Washington the lesser you are willing to be open and transparent.

Obama: 2008 or bust

sonya, atlanta, ga — Sat, 29 Dec 2007 00:09:16 GMT

Obama's right again. The longer you are in politics the more remove and insular you become. Remember when Pappa Bush didn't know how much milk cost. And we know old George is in his WH bunker not reading newspapers, not taking questions from reporters or the public. I can remember with rosy colored glasses what it felt to be a teenager, but I can't (thank God), tap into that feeling of angst I had while young. It's just that there is a season to every life and right now Obama really understands the plight of the middle class because he was in the thicket too just a few years back and prior to two best selling books.

He is being honest, money and time does change things. Look at all the entertainers who act like they are beyond reproach, living the good life and not remembering where they came from.

Obama: 2008 or bust

Benjamin, Houston, TX — Sat, 29 Dec 2007 00:10:45 GMT

Basically, he's saying that in 8 years he will be like Hillary Clinton. Well, good riddance -- if that indeed happens, I wouldn't want him running again. Pity Clinton is running this year; she really got away with pretending to have experience, didn't she? I'd be CFO by now if the HR department is as easily fooled by "35 years of experience" claims as the poor American public.

Obama: 2008 or bust

HMT-MI — Sat, 29 Dec 2007 00:16:27 GMT

Michell made this statement months ago---she said it is their time now not later.Not much fighting spirit wonder what Ophra thinks?

Obama: 2008 or bust

NANA AMA — Sat, 29 Dec 2007 00:22:05 GMT

I WATCH THE RACE VERY WELL AND EVERY DAY ON TV AND ANYTIME OBAMA IS AHEAD CNN WILL BROADCAST IT FOR FEW MUNITE BUT IF CLINTON IS ON TOP IT GETS MEDIA COVERAGE ALOT THE MEDIA WANTS CLINTON BUT LET ME ASSURE AMERICANS, SHE IS GOING TO BE DISAPOINTED BY THE MIDLE EAST BECAUSE THEY DONT LIKE WOMAN TO TELL THEM WHAT TO DO THIS IS NOT THE RIGHT TIME FOR WOMAN PRESIDENT IN THIS FIGHT AGAIST TR.WE SHOULD THINK WELL WHAT JUST HAPPEN TO THE WOMAN PM. AMERICAN SHOULD THINK WELL. CLINTON IS GOOD BUT THIS IS NOT THE RIGHT TIME FOR HER.

Obama: 2008 or bust

RW Houston,TX — Sat, 29 Dec 2007 00:24:24 GMT

I can't believe it. You are finally running this story. It has been all over CNN and Yahoo. That's right America, this is your one chance to cash in on the Bama Hunt. Do you think Wal-Mart got its feelings hurt to know Michelle does Target? I think the real Barak Obama is showing his cards. Keep going. BTW, in one of you past editorials you commented on the 12 things to do or not to do before Jan. 3. I think Obama just hit gold with one of them.

Hillary '08

Obama: 2008 or bust

Mark G. Atl., Ga. — Sat, 29 Dec 2007 00:24:30 GMT

Pay attention people. He said that to draw a distinction between Hillary and himself.

Obama: 2008 or bust

Raffia, Los Angeles, Ca — Sat, 29 Dec 2007 00:25:16 GMT

What a sales pitch! The arrogance of this egotistical Obama is amazing. It shows that his life is not about service to anyone other than himself.

Obama: 2008 or bust

Shadow, Hamden, CT — Sat, 29 Dec 2007 00:39:41 GMT

truthwill - Your will to tell the truth isn't as diligent your moniker suggests. Obama worked for years as a community organizer making $13,000 a year, is the least affluent of all the major candidates running this year, and as the article points out, was middle class just five years ago (compared to every other major candidate running in either party, who haven't been any less than millionaires for decades).

Obama: 2008 or bust

DesertStormVet, IL — Sat, 29 Dec 2007 00:42:02 GMT

Hey truthwill, you might want to actually read a little before you spill off at the vomit hole and make it very obvious that you don't know what your talking about. Obama did not grow up in an upper-class family, when in fact, he grew up with a single mother that struggled to make end's meet. He made his way into school the hard way as a young black man from a lower class family. He don't pretend to be anything when it comes to middle class Americans because he has been there. It's real idiot's like you that shouldn't be allowed to vote because you don't know what your doing. His announcment goes a lot deeper than your brain is obviously capable of thinking. You just keep reading your MAD Magazine and stay at home on election day, please! lol You probably sit at home and praise Bush and his administration for everything that they have done!
Idiot

Obama: 2008 or bust

Ed, Houma — Sat, 29 Dec 2007 00:42:42 GMT

It shows the difference between his self and Hillary and Edwards. I respect him for that.

Obama: 2008 or bust

Jack Roses — Sat, 29 Dec 2007 00:45:59 GMT

I would rather have a common man then a Queen any day.

Obama: 2008 or bust

Devin, Champaign, IL — Sat, 29 Dec 2007 00:46:21 GMT

well, if Obama doesn't win (God forbid), hopefully he will run for Governor of Illinois. God knows we need someone who doesn't spend $6000 PER DAY on airfare between his nice home in Chicago and the Springfield Capitol (cough, cough, Blagojevich). I am saddened though by this comment. I really hoped he would run 8 years from now if he gets beat by the Republican.

Obama: 2008 or bust

JH, NW Iowa — Sat, 29 Dec 2007 01:01:39 GMT

Whatever chance he had - Gone!

Obama: 2008 or bust

Sahmed, Memphis, TN — Sat, 29 Dec 2007 01:06:28 GMT

Obama sounds like TV evangelist, where he asks for donation to save his ministry or God would take him away. Obama can’t be that desperate? Or is he

Obama: 2008 or bust

Diamond — Sat, 29 Dec 2007 01:08:35 GMT

The comment is simple and straighforward to understand. It's only confusing to people who have themselves, lost touch with reality.

IT MEANS HIS EXPERIENCE AND READINESS FOR THE PRESIDENCY AT THIS PARTICULAR MOMENT IS ROOTED IN THE LIVES OF REAL PEOPLE.

If Bill Clinton ran for office now, he wouldn't get 25% of the vote. That's because he became a different man in Washington - cheating, lieing, obfuscating, triangulating, etc.

Obama: 2008 or bust

pmorlan, Louisville, KY — Sat, 29 Dec 2007 01:12:10 GMT

He reminds me more of Kerry every day. Kerry used to come out with some weird, off the wall comments on the campaign trail when he was trying to go after his opponents. His comments, like this one, ended up boomeranging on him. This comment is clearly designed to ding Hillary but I think it says more about Obama than Hillary.

I actually don't think we have to wait for 4 or 8 years to see him change. I think as the campaign has worn on the more he has started to believe in his own press clippings. Of course what do I know I'm just one of the "normal" little people that Obama has to struggle to identify with.

Obama: 2008 or bust

lionred — Sat, 29 Dec 2007 01:24:34 GMT

Obama obviously is not committed to this great country. His comment also shows he can't handle the thought of losing. So he tries to threaten the electorate with this vote for me now or never. Well, good riddance Obama. This country doesn't need your false hope peddling and lack of experience!

Obama: 2008 or bust

Marbw — Sat, 29 Dec 2007 01:33:56 GMT

Barack Obama received a scholarship to go to school in Hawaii. His mother was once on food stamps. She died of cancer while worrying about the medical bills/paperwork. He lived in an apartment with his maternal grandparents. His maternal grandmother held them together.

I believe that, based on Barack Obama's self-written books 'Dreams from MY Father' and 'Audacity of Hope'/
his work throughout the years to give voice to the voiceless and hope to the hopeless(poor and union-workers)/ his speeches etc, he is a better candidate. He did not just happen upon Dem principles in this campaign, he gave up hundreds of job offers over 20+ years ago to go work for $12,000/yr in one of the poorest neighborhoods in Chicago.
After graduating from Columbia, Obama went to work with churches that organized job training and other programs for residents of a massive housing project in Chicago. He persuaded the city to provide summer jobs, remove asbestos, repair toilets, pipes and ceilings. He went door to door, offering help for three years, then went to Harvard Law School.

He graduated Magna Cum Laude. He became head of Harvard Law Review/Civil Rights Attorney/taught constitutional law for over 10 years etc. After law school, he registered 150,000 new voters in Chicago. The proceeds from his 1st self-written bestselling book "Dreams From My Father" was used just a few years ago to pay off his college student loans. Compared to the other candidates in this race, his financial wealth is only about 1+ million.
He once said (paraphrasing) that Washington politics will always try to beat the 'hope' out of congress people.

Obama: 2008 or bust

Janine, MA — Sat, 29 Dec 2007 01:36:18 GMT

Give me a break. Let's all jump on the Obama bandwagon while we still can!

And since Obama seems to think he is the next coming of Kennedy, I wonder... Should Kennedy not have run for President since both he and his wife were from ridiculously wealthy families? Certainly neither one of them knew what it was like to be normal.

Obama: 2008 or bust

OhioForEdwards — Sat, 29 Dec 2007 01:44:59 GMT

The Obamas ought to vote for John Edwards--the one candidate with both the commitment and the drive to clean up Washington. Then Barak could serve out a few Senate terms while retaining the ability to stay "open and transparent."

Obama: 2008 or bust

J of ARK — Sat, 29 Dec 2007 15:06:48 GMT

This is a bizarre tone to be taking at the last minute in a campaign - so does this signal to people 1) "I am such a good deal you can't pass me up, 'cause I won't reconsider if I am left out? (Obama-too-sensitive); or 2) "I am just saying stuff to let you know I do talk to the wife from time to time" (Obama-the family man); or 3) "I really am a very impressionable guy, and as I go through life, I may loose my way" (Obama-the-prodigal son)! Yikes - whatever one's take, it seems that a life-long passion is not in his cards, nor is a desire to understand the plight of the common man/woman. Reeks of elitism (Bill Bradley?).

Obama: 2008 or bust

Travis, Louisville, Ky. — Sat, 29 Dec 2007 15:16:06 GMT

Wow, seems to me that Obama is starting to think he's as amazing as the reporters do. First, we have him in a yelling match in an open forum with an honest question asking citizen, now we have this? Oh, in 8 years the little people will be so far below us that we won't really be able to know what they need so that we can oh so generously give it to them since we're so much infinitely better than them. Bah!

Obama: 2008 or bust

I am a speech guy — Sat, 29 Dec 2007 15:21:35 GMT

Where is the Obama "fight for this country ?" Speech guy is speech guy, can't stand hit, can't be trusted. We don't vote for you anyway. But thanks, because of you, we voters know Hillary, Edwards and Biden better than ever. Go home now.

Obama: 2008 or bust

Biden-Paul2008 — Sat, 29 Dec 2007 15:24:52 GMT

Whatever Obama is all glitter with no substance.. rEBMEBER he lied and said that he wouldn't run for president before, but then one year after he was a senator decided too.

He lied about being against the Patriot Act beceause he voted to reauthorize it.

He is a hypocrite. I never liked Obama because he is an idealistic, naive, opportunist. He criticizes money in politics but happily accepts money from PACs and lobbyists. Very self-loathing, huh? Obama is a politician and not a savior to save us from politics.

www.commondreams.org/archive/2007/04/22/681

Obama: 2008 or bust

Ryan — Sat, 29 Dec 2007 16:33:49 GMT

Dems, please don't waste this opportunity. It is a once in a lifetime. Voting for Obama is something you can be proud of for the rest of your life:

If he wins: You helped elect the country's best leader in modernt history and restored the faith of the American people that the government is really working for them.

If he loses: You can use it to teach your children what once in a lifetime means, and explain to them the consequenses when people pass them up. You will have made a final stand for change before the country fell from glory.

Obama '08 - A gift to future generations.

Obama: 2008 or bust

Marbw — Sat, 29 Dec 2007 16:52:45 GMT

His comments related to this topic.

Barack Obama Q&A http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/politics/2007/12/28/yellin.obama.interview.cnn

Obama: 2008 or bust

PulSamsara — Sat, 29 Dec 2007 17:05:41 GMT

America is a Democracy - We are not a Monarchy.
Wiser folks than us - saw to it long ago, that we be fortunate enough to realize this life blessing.
Nepotism may be fine for the old-corner-store but it will only serve to fail us again -as it has, most resoundingly, for the entirety of this millennium.

Voting for the worst policy decision in our life times does not make one 'experienced'. It -IS- high time America elected a woman as commander-in-chief. When a self made woman of conviction and talent stands up and demonstrates the character that can stand as an example for us all - we should stand behind her - with conviction and fortitude. Hillary Clinton is not that woman. She is the spouse of a former and popular President. In a nation, 300 million strong, are we to believe that the person most suited to be the President just happens to be related to the last President ?!
Are we really to believe this is the case ?
Will we make this mistake, again ?

Barack Obama has the strength and certitude to take America in a new and positive direction - a direction that our evolving nation - being formed all around us all as we pass through our daily lives - very much is in need of. There really is an immediacy of the 'now' that we all share. We truly must begin to think big again and to face the immense challenges before us in brave and selfless ways again - like those people in the old faded photographs on our walls did - for us. It really is time to wake up again America. The time is, most certainly, now.

Barack Obama for President of the United States of America.

It's time for America to Rise and Shine again.

Obama: 2008 or bust

Anthony, Seattle, Wash. — Sat, 29 Dec 2007 17:23:45 GMT

Many of you misread Obama's message. His intentions are not to run again because simply in 8 years he will probably be too much like Hillary and not really be any "grassrote" person. If he won't be effective anymore, why should he run? It's a simple distinction from Hillary. He understands the troubles in America now but these problems can develop/morph into something he doesn't recognize or can solve in 8 years.

Obama: 2008 or bust

Ellis B. Kingman, Az. — Sat, 29 Dec 2007 17:31:07 GMT

It is now clear, Obama is a talker not a doer, his words flow freely but his resolve is shallow. If Obama were really committed to changing America for the better he would not put a time limit on his efforts. R.I.P Obama, we have someone who is really committed to the fight.....Edwards/08

Obama: 2008 or bust

ace — Sat, 29 Dec 2007 18:52:24 GMT

the misperception of these statements by obama's wife is amazing. the sense of humility so rarely exemplified as a part of one's charachter that shows the stark difference in attitude towards politics and the presidency as not being the obama's only priority in life is commendable.

unlike bill or hillary, the obama's are showing that their life long adult ambition has not been to ascend to the presidency. they have other interest's and priority's besides that.

it is a shame that so many of you would make such ugly comments that in essence has been sound bited to exact reactions to keep this site active. it is a sad day that we as people look for anything said or done to make it ugly.

all the democratic candidates are good ones. it is the ugly american the rest of the world calls us that has constantly showed up in this room everyday.

as americans we aresupposed to be a light of hope and freedom. we however show so much ugliness towards each other. i have read posts by the non-americans that show up here and point out this ugliness.

the things that are being said are on a level that the very candidates all of you support would say to each other or disrespect each other in such fashion.

no one seems to care about issues. it seems as though to many are manipulated by partial threads that are posted by the editors here at msnbc.

i wouldn't be suprised to see the democrats lose the presidental nomination if the group here is reflective of the unity with in the dem's party.

you can bet that no matter what is going on with the republicans they are going to unite irregardless of who wins the nomination for them. you guys just want to hate, twist facts, lie on each others candidates and disconnect from the fact that at some point you will need to come together to win this thing.

as an independent i am absolutely amazed at the hatred all of you display towards the deocratic candidates of your party. you disrespect each other as well.

it is sad when people can't look at the issues and intelligently address why they feel their candidate is the best choice.

it wouldn't matter if you loss the independent vote. it doesn't seem that you all will go out to vote if your candidate doesn't win the nomination. thus giving your party low voter turnout.

if your attitudes are of so much hate for each other and the various democratic candidates why don't yo just tell the republicans they have won the presidency in "08" or go vote republican?

what kind of message are you folks sending independents?

heck, what kind of message are you guys sending each other? that is a more important question.

Obama: 2008 or bust

Deon, Iowa — Sat, 29 Dec 2007 19:32:23 GMT

Remember this statement that Hillary "have you ever been experienced" Clinton called naive:

Obama: "If we have actionable intelligence about high-value terrorist targets and President Musharraf won't act, we will."

Well, consider what happened this week and cross-reference it with Benazir Bhutto's own words:

BHUTTO: Well, I wouldn't like the United States to violate Pakistan's sovereignty with unauthorized military operations. But the issue that I would like to stress is that Barack Obama also said, if Pakistan won't act. And that's the critical issue, that the government has to act. And the government has to act to protect Pakistan's own serenity and integrity, its own respect, and to understand that if it creates a vacuum, then others aren't going to just twiddle their thumbs while militants freely move across the border.

BINGO. Once again, Senator Obama has proven he has the judgement to lead.

Now, wait what was that I heard the other day? Hillary is bemoaning our not being tough on Musharraf? Welcome to the bandwagon, seasoned pro. Just get in line and follow the leader, Hil. You are late once again - like on Iraq, Iran, and now Pakistan...

Obama: 2008 or bust

DAVID ANDERS PHARR,TX — Sat, 29 Dec 2007 20:42:15 GMT

OBAMA SHOULD LOSE IF HE AFRAID OF THE CLINTONS, BILLS BROTHER SAID BILL HAD A NOSE LIKE A VACUMMN CLEANER WHEN BUYING COCAINE FOR BOTH OF THEM OBAMA SHOULD LOSE WHEN BILL SAID TO JENNIFER FLOWERS AND I QUOTE FROM HER BOOK THAT HILLARY HAS HAD ORAL SEX WITH MORE WOMEN THAN HIM. SHE WAS HIS LOVER FOR 12 YEARS AND TOLD OF HIS HARD DRUG USE.

Obama: 2008 or bust

Colleen Rajkovich, Mattawan, MI — Sun, 30 Dec 2007 18:29:39 GMT

I had my doubts about Obama; I do not think he is comfortable and as confident as he should be. I think the man will be relieved if he does not have to continue in this race. I do not see a fighter when I consider Obama. When he made that remark he really goofed - and I never thought he could or would be able to stand up to pressure from others including members of his own party.

I see it differently with some other Dem candidates. Clinton, Biden, Dodd and Edwards. Each of them have ability to stand up to their own party pressures. Edwards more than the others.

I do see a fighter when I check out Edwards. He has a desire to attack our problems and really make things work for us as I study the situation. Have you ever met/seen those people who like to make something out of nothing -- an old house: a wreck of a car? - a weedy landscape? a poorly run school, a badly run program, of any kind?

I see Edwards as one hard working man who has more fight and stay with it attitude and sppitude to see each fight through, to accomplish what is best and completely right. I see him as an idea man who welcomes looking at even more possibilities. I perceive him as seeing what is possible - all the ways we really can improve and right things here. I don't think that man wants to let anyone down. I don't think that Edwards could look at himself if he let us down.

Edwards knows that he is working for us -- not special interests. Dodd seems to be much the same. I like the honesty and knowledge of these men. A combination of Edwards and Dodd for the U.S. -- amounts to positive change.