A word of caution

teri, san luis obispo, ca — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 15:33:32 GMT

maybe they just wanted to see what race he had selected on his passport?
c'mon msnbc- this is part of the hillary kitchen sink-at all costs plan
which as nixon proved, can involve plumbers.
she kept the old fbi files for months gathering dirt in her first 'experience', why would now be different?
this has her tracks all over it
through surrogates of course.

A word of caution

kenn — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 15:36:22 GMT

Like the Obama camp releasing the piture of Bill and the Racist REV.They will try and pin this on Hilliary GO AHEAD OBAMMA is so over in the general election wait till youtube keeps showing the REV wright and more and more comes out that obama sat in the pews and listened which he claims to not have done LIAR LIAR PANTS on FIRE

A word of caution

Frank, Missouri — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 15:37:44 GMT

You know, I would not be surprised if this turns out to be linked to the Clintons (or the Clinton campaign because the Clintons will leave no finger prints).

On the other hand, I don't think there is anything you can learn from a passport file, is there ?

A word of caution

Joyce, PA — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 15:43:43 GMT

I really don't understand what the hopla is all about. It's not like no one else processing his passport application had seen those information. It's like filling out a driver's license.

If he's afraid of identity theft - geewiz - he is Barack Obama - why on earth would anyone steal his identity? It's a definite that one would get caught!

Unless he's hiding something, then that's a different case. So why again are we spending so much time on this? To difuse Wright's damaging effect?!!

Now MSNBC it is only fair for once that you folks post my comment.

A word of caution

Mox — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 15:45:03 GMT

Bill Gurtz that broke th estory for Washington Post says about Obamas statement-This is so bad and etc.is just politics. Yes The above it all guy is just same old politics. Poeple are really seing it more and more . Guess thats why his numbers are plumeting.McCanes wins over Obama Hillary still ahead of McCane. ummmmmm we want who.???

A word of caution

wait and see in Tennessee — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 15:46:16 GMT

The breach should be investigated. It is unfair to blame the Clinton campaign for this. Obama is probably thinking that anything to get the spotlight off the Rev. Wright (who is more wrong that wright) is a good thing. I think all Americans want the truth and a rush to judgment is not a good thing.

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ben brown — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 15:48:08 GMT

Wgat a joke: Everything in the U.S. Govt is time sensitive. Why the long delay in reporting this violation? Someone was trying to cover up this breach of personal/private security. An independent investigation should be made by the GAO and DOS Management held accountable, including DOS Mgmt and the respective contract employees.

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Earl Lutz — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 15:48:21 GMT

Look. We all want to know.. was Obama really born in Kenya and the family traveled to Hawaii to get his birth certificate...

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Nun U. Rbusiness Anytown, USA — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 15:48:40 GMT

Andrea, you can't make yourself look more liberal than you already do. You're leftist tripe makes me gag. Happy Good Friday. Oh wait, I better not wish you well on such an extremist holiday. Keep up the pity party for your candidate, it shows how pathetic your party is.

A word of caution

Jeff Smith, Tacoma, WA — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 15:50:02 GMT

I doubt the passport "breech" is political at all. I have worked as a contract programmer for many years. The temptation to look at the records of famous people, if one had access to do one's job, would be very strong. It was probably just idle curiousity.

Imagine what it might be like if we had a National Health Care Service.

A word of caution

diane — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 15:51:10 GMT

HRC had her file breached in 2007.

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Spike Murdock, Sacramento, CA — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 15:51:19 GMT

In a political campaign, underlings do the dirty work. Reporters also
placate sources by "taking care of them" in the press.

A word of caution

Matthew, TN — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 15:51:56 GMT

What is going on with the Obama camp? Why are they accusing Clinton of having something to do with this?

A word of caution

Dr.Strangedog, MI — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 15:52:06 GMT

So what is that? They're corruption resume? They served under the most wicked administrations consecutively.
Now that's experience you can trust!

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Jeff, Charlotte, NC — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 15:52:09 GMT

But isn't that the PERFECT person for the Clinton's to tap into??? One that can't be DIRECTLY traced back to them???

Please look into on how on MARCH 12th, the Clinton campaign questioned Obama's travel history. They specifically said where he had travelled and where he hadn't. How did they know this information, and isn't the timing of it on March 12th very suspicious???

This NEEDS to be investigated thoroughly!

A word of caution

Sierra, SF — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 15:52:41 GMT

53% of Americans DON'T THINK HILLARY IS TRUSTWORTHY
53% of Americans THINK HILLARY IS A LIAR

The Gallup poll:

'...One final dimension underscores another potential vulnerability for Clinton -- 51% say they would not be proud to have Clinton...'

SURPRISE !!
51% ?
GAME OVER

51% of Americans wouldn't be proud of Hillary

'...Obama (57%) and McCain (55%) both score above the majority level on this measure, which highlights that both tend to fare better on basic likability measures...'than Clinton...'

'...Implications

It is clear that voters are able to distinguish among the three major presidential candidates and rate some areas as strengths and some areas as weaknesses for each. Clinton would appear to have more weaknesses in the public's eyes than McCain or Obama, though that might reflect the fact that she is a better-known figure (and has lower favorable ratings)...'

Unelectable little Billary !!

Billary Bo Peep
Has lost her sheep
And doesn't know where to find them....

A word of caution

Suspicious, West Virginia — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 15:54:34 GMT

You are right, we shouldn't just assume that the Clintons had anything to do with the passport breach. At the same time I would say that we shouldn't assume that the Republicans had anything to do with it either. I know there have been the constant subtle hints that the Republicans did this to President Clinton way back when, but lets look at a few facts that make these two situations different.

1. When President Clinton's passport info was breached the Republicans knew that Clinton was going to be the Democrat in November. However the first look at Senator Obama's passport was in early January. Does anyone really think that the Republicans were worried about Obama back then? As I recall in early January Senator Clinton was still the presumed Democrat that was going to be on the ticket in November.

2. So armed with what we know from item 1, who would have wanted to know about Senator Obama's travels back in early November? That is also the time when Senator Clinton started to show some cracks in her armor by the way.

You have to ask yourself who REALLY would have been worried about Senator Obama at the start of this. Now it could be a case of a person just being too curious for their own good (as is what the initial story is telling us). I would have no problem with the curiousity story if it hadn't happened 3 times! Once, ok maybe... twice? I don't know... three times? Looks like a pattern to me.

I am not pointing the finger at anyone but just pointing out that if there was motive other than curiousity you have to ask yourself who would have benefitted from the info at the time, who would want to make Senator Obama look like he either has suspicious (anti-american) ties, or who would want to make him look like a light weight in foreign affairs due to no substantial experiences with foreign governments.

A word of caution

Pathetic — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 15:54:36 GMT

11:45 AM

CNN is reporting that the State Department has contacted Senator Clinton to inform her that her passport file was also breach in 2007.

So for all the Obama supporters, stop whinning and crying about Obama because he's not the only victim.

So much for your Clinton was behind the Obama breach argument.

What a pathetic bunch of people the Obama supporters are. Always trying to make something out of nothing and blame the Clinton's for EVERYTHING!

A word of caution

sozzi, mamaroneck, ny — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 15:56:10 GMT

These (3) individuals are connected to some political party or spectrum. For these individuals to snoop around on (3) different dates, isn't by accident. Maybe the first individual got enough info. to send in the 2nd individual, who then sent in the 3rd. NO ACCIDENT HERE. If it's not Hillary, then look out for the Swift Boaters.

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E, Cincinnati, Ohio — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 15:56:44 GMT

Andrea Mitchel is right. As an Obama supporter, I have been dismayed by Clinton's kitchen sink strategy and her endorsement of Republican McCain over Obama, but we need real evidence before we accuse her of a serious crime. It does say something, though, that so many people just assume it was the Clintons. Not a lot of respect out there for her "integrity".

A word of caution

Jay'O Pittsburgh, PA — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 15:58:23 GMT

Well, if this is politically motivated and not just "curiosity", then we know who the republicans think is the stronger Dem candidate. They fear him, unlike Hillary who they know they'll be able to beat.

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Rossie — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 15:58:40 GMT

Why journalists are not asking this question: The only reason Obama addressed the race issue was because he got caught. Otherwise his speech would have never occurred. He first denied knowing of Wright's rhetoric on national TV. When this was proven otherwise then he gave his speech. A speech that was extracted, FORCE on him because of the circumstances.

How come he allowed his daughters to witness Wright's demagogue thus perpetuating the cycle, diminishing the very post-racial America he is trying to achieve?

A word of caution

Senor Bob — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 15:58:44 GMT

Patrick Kennedy not known to be particularly political? Are you kidding????????

A word of caution

sara boyd — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 15:59:42 GMT

with open records for our elected officials and hillary suppose to release her meetings in the white house, tax records, campaign donations ..etc why wouldnt passports and trips abroad be open to the public??? Would it not be in the voters interest? could one go through legal channels for such???

A word of caution

Alan, NJ — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 15:59:54 GMT

Obviously they were checking to see if BO had attended a training camp in Afghanistan (This is a joke!)

A word of caution

debra1953 — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 16:02:50 GMT

well it has just reported that all the canidates passport have been briched so who are the obama supporter going to blame it on now

A word of caution

rafael diaz — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 16:07:42 GMT

Now Andrea, thou protesteth too much (and too quickly)! Recall the Clintons firing of almost 100 Bush era Fed prosecutors to install their own in '92. Doubt Ms Harty would've been kept on at State if Andrea's good friends Bill & Hil hadn't thoroughly vetted her allegiance. After the Clinton White House FBI files theft and Bill's #2 Sandy Berger's Top Secret file caper, this Obama "look-see" arguably has the Clinton stench all over it. Do not be side-tracked by reports of Hil's files being previously perused either. Sorry Andrea. Suggest going back to yr Hil 'talking pts" for further instructions.

A word of caution

Scott Gustin, San Antonio, TX — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 16:08:51 GMT

Well the Obama campaign wasted no time in accusing the current administration of being the cause. This seems to be in direct contrast to Obama's claim to being able to rise above petty partisan politics and bring people together. His default and gut instinct is to make unsupported accusations, making him no different than the Clintons. Andrea's stretched assertion that the Reagan Administration might somehow be involved is completly laughable and a pathetic drive-by attempt to provide cover for the Democrats actually responsible for the breach.

A word of caution

Sierra, SF — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 16:10:32 GMT

I once worked at Social Security
You can be FIRED for unauthorized access

You're counseled, suspended and FIRED

That's not just for celebrities, it's for ANYONE'S records

This is serious

This is improper

Bush or Clinton ?
They're BOTH equally crooked
They're BOTH equally unethical
They're BOTH SLIMEY

A word of caution

Fri, 21 Mar 2008 16:11:13 GMT

So many of you looney's out there make the rest of us blog loving Dems right now look like a bunch of idiots. Neither side is throwing any stones at anyone--the Obama campaign right now is blaming this on no one for political motivations. They are basically saying right now, there was an incompetence on someone's level.

And for the record, I just want to say that I read First Read on a daily basis, multiple times a day. But lately, with all the Clinton conspiracy theories, the Obama "he's not going to get the nomination" (grow up, will ya? It's pretty clear at this point), to the post I read way up top about the whole Kenya-Hawaii birth certificate crap, is giving the Republicans all they need to fire away at the Democrats come fall. And it's not only the Presidential race that all you damn crazies need to be worried about ruining, it's also all those Senate and House races that Dems need to win this fall as well. So, quit blaming either candidate of 'ruining the party' right now when the crazies out there are just adding fuel to the fire and creating an even bigger divide among Dems. I mean, it's one thing to have an opinion; its even another to provide facts and what have you when stating your opinion/theories. It's quite another to just say blantantly false assertions in hoping to garner some sort of attention

A word of caution

Lisa in New Britain, CT — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 16:20:36 GMT

Gotta agree with Andrea on this...I am not holding the Clintons responsible on this (unless new information comes to light).

Obama 08

A word of caution

Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 16:21:02 GMT

I suppose you have to follow the trap lines and see where they go (if we hadn't in an earlier episode, we'd never have had a President Ford), but odds are starting to look pretty good this isn't much of a story.

A word of caution

Sick of corruption, sick of the Clintons — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 16:24:03 GMT

Interesting that Hillary's passport was also breached. Could this be cover, so that people will assume she was not involved in breaching Obama's passport?

Not that I think that Hillary would do something like this. That would be like hiding confidential FBI files in the White House when she was First Lady, or hiding Rose law firm billing records until the statute of limitations expired.

Hillary wouldn't do that, would she?

Obama in 2008. Integrity matters and the Clintons have none.

A word of caution

SEE BEE — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 16:24:20 GMT

My conspiracy theory is that this was not known until now because someone thought this may be a good way to unite the Democratic Party....but then McCain's was breached as well...!

A word of caution

Jeff, Lincoln, NE — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 16:24:49 GMT

I think it's interesting that fellow democrats would go after each other anyway...that said, many political analysts have said that Hillary has gotten desperate-hence the 'kitchen sink' analogy/phrase. Regardless of shameless supporters on both sides, I do think that Obama has played his cards right. I think it's great the Hillary was quoted as saying that the Bush Administration should get right on this...perhaps there can be a unified party afterall.
Personally, I think the mud-slinging should be over because I care about things that matter to me-like education, social security, health care, and gas prices...

A word of caution

itsyourvoicestupid, Phila., pa. — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 16:24:53 GMT

OF COURSE HILLARY HAS EVERYTHING TO GAIN BY THIS AND NOTHING TO LOSE. GIVE ME A BREAK, she is desperate and we know this to be true.

Every month this year, is that a coincidence? NO!

She is so desperate to find anything to win. I bet if we knew the identity of those workers they belong to Hillary. The media can spin this any way they want to spin it but, it does not fly straight.

A word of caution

Karen, Newtown, CT — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 16:25:58 GMT

I thought it was laughable what a huge deal MSNC (particulary Oberman) made of this last night. I turned to my husband and said, "I bet people looked at passports of other candidates as well. Same as some curious hospital workers peaked at Britany Spears records." Get over it and stop blaming the Clintons for everything!

A word of caution

Patrick Casey. Salt Lake City,UT — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 16:28:13 GMT

Andrea. Very clever, you caution us about leaping to conclusions, that few of us would have drawn, if not cautioned. You are so transparent in your bias.

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Lin Lo — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 16:28:17 GMT

This just goes to show you what our country has come to under the Bush administration which obviously has no regard for our personal or civil liberties!

A word of caution

Dorthy, Kansas — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 16:31:35 GMT

Andrea Mitchel is right. As an Obama supporter, I have been dismayed by Clinton's kitchen sink strategy . . .

E, Cincinnati, Ohio

E- just pour some water on Hillary. She'll melt away.

A word of caution

davis pikesville md — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 16:36:31 GMT

hold clinton to this because even though we dont believe she intentionally means malice,but because of the comment she made about obama only having been to one country;how did she know? after all the media holds obama to rev wright....be fair msnbc!!!!!! now all of a sudden you(msnbc) wanna say lets find out first....i have alot of respect for the msnbc teams(all of them)please dont make me end up at the fox news!!!!!!

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Roy Logston, Huntsville, AL — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 16:38:07 GMT

Although it was improper access to passport files, why should any of the candidates care, unless they have something to hide? They are all elected officials and we, the public, have a right to know where they have been going. Maybe they've visited some unsavory characters that we should know about!

A word of caution

Mel — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 16:39:42 GMT

I think this warning is well placed.

My immediate reaction to hearing the story about Obama's passport file being breached was that it was probably just some employees that were curious - kind of like the phenominon of googling people.

However, when I found out the dates on which this occurred - I changed my mind:

Jan.9 - the date of the New Hampshire Primary...AFTER Obama had surprised everyone and won Iowa handily

Feb. 21 - After the Patomic Primary where Obama cleaned up and, I believe, the day of the Texas debate

March 14 - the day the Rev. Wright scandal broke big...These would have been very politically expediant times for something bad to come out about Obama.

Add to that the SAME person who did this, accessed Senator McCain's passport. The announcement that Hillary's passport had been breached in a training exercise LAST July did little to quell the suspiciousness of this - in fact, it appears to be the exception that proves the rule, it does not "fit" with the other breaches in its character.

WAY too much of a coincidence.

And yes, you can learn things from a passport file - maybe nothing of substance, but I'm betting that IF this were political, they wouldn't need to find something of substance to spin out into the media cycle and do harm.

That said, I am NOT blaming Clinton, it MAY BE just a very strange coincidence...but it is really questionable.

Maybe everyone wouldn't be so quick to blame Clinton were it not for her demonstrated willingness to do ANYTHING to win, she has lied, bent rules, and even tried to change the rules where it suits her. And she has a less then stellar record of honesty - One thing about Hillary's 35 years of "experience" that IS accurate is that it is wrought with scandal.

So, though she may be an innocent in this, and it may be unfair for people to speculate....Is it any wonder that they are?

Hillary has no one to blame for the wild speculation that she somehow has a hand in this - but HERSELF.

A word of caution

Debby, Northbrook, Il — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 16:40:19 GMT

As many of us have long believed, Hillary Clinton will do "whatever it takes" to try to destroy her opponents. This has her marks all over it...and what a clever diversion to have her own passport files peeked into...as if this can allay all suspicion thrown her way.
More each day, Obama confirms his transcendence over his opponents.
Hillary's dirty tricks will only come back to hurt her.

A word of caution

CitizenJ — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 16:40:38 GMT

A word of caution

Lilly, Olney, MD — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 16:40:48 GMT

An investigation should be launched into the Obama passport breach, as well as the Clinton and McCain passport breaches. I hope the people in question only did an extremely foolish thing, the alternative thought is very unsettling.

A word of caution

Trojan--North Hills, CA — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 16:41:05 GMT

Usually, one does not get an ambassadorship without either raising or contributing megabucks to a campaign; is there a financially tie in?

The way this thing is heading, it looks like CYA tactics.

Is there not a presidential candidate in this election whose passport was NOT breached????

How about dead candidates? lol

A word of caution

Ernest, Las Vegas — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 16:49:00 GMT

I am sick and tired of all of this, if and when America goes down the toilet it will be because of those Americans with the same mind set as some on this blog. For one Sen. Obama has done nothing more than to try and run an honorable campaign and what does he get for his effort? Total and blatant lies about his work record, being accused of playing the race card when in actuality others brought up the issue. Now people are poking around in this man private info. This country has some real problems to address but some including the media wants to just set back and try to bring down this one man. Keep it up America…don’t complain when in two years under an McCain administration when you are paying 7 to 8 dollars for gas and you’re living in the streets. The people you should really be focusing on will continue to be rich and they will continue to take away your rights and send your sons and daughters to unnecessary wars.

A word of caution

Typical White Person Washington State — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 16:50:06 GMT

Just waiting for Obama to say the is just the "typical white person government" tactics. No race baiting on his part..

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Ian — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 16:52:54 GMT

Perhaps if the Clintons’ ambitious avarice wasn't so complete people might not consider the possibility. Live by the kitchen sink. Die by the kitchen sink.

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stophillary — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 16:54:12 GMT

Love Andrea Mitchell. I'm sure she meant that Maura Harty and Patrick Kennedy are "not known for being particularly political." It reads like the Clintons are "not known for being particularly political." LOL!

Go Obama!

A word of caution

diane — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 16:54:57 GMT

I heard two breeches of Obama happened BEFORE Harty quit and THOSE were NOT reported UP. The latest breech of Obama happened AFTER Hartys exit and it WAS reported!

Clintons breech is NOT in the same catagory...it was during training, last summer w/ the passport overload, and caught immediately.

The Obama and McCain breeches seem stinky...now WHO would want those two investgated?

A word of caution

silverfin — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 16:57:07 GMT

Teressa Brewer is a mite concerned so she asks 3 repugnet wags (thats dogs) of what happened. Nothing new, that is why we need to protect those that invade our, read yous and mine privacy. Same old story

A word of caution

VC, OHIO — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 16:58:25 GMT

Joyce, PA
I really don't understand what the hopla is all about. It's not like no one else processing his passport application had seen those information. It's like filling out a driver's license.
*************************
Maybe the fact that they are not suppose to be in there, it is illegal and it took 3 months for someone to come forward with it?

A word of caution

D. Hagen , Spokane, WA — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 17:07:23 GMT

What is the matter with everyone? Adults are suppose to act like adults and set an example, not act like a bunch of children pointing fingers at one another. They should be questioning Maura Harty, period. Leave the Clinton's out of it and grow up. I bet the Republicans are sitting back having a great laugh as they watch Obama and Clinton make complete fools of themselves, for everyone to see. They both are acting like a couple of preschoolers and it is embarrassing. I am about ready to wash my hands of both of them and vote for another party. Shame on you two Democrats!!

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Deb, Mpls — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 17:13:56 GMT

Let me get this right. We don't want to hold the people accountable for the breach, who actually did the crime. We want to speculate that the Clinton campaign must be at fault because they could use the information. Yet the staff members worked for the Bush administration, were hired and trained by the Bush administration and the Bush administration is being selective about information being released. You can expect the investigation to have timely leaks/releases of information that coincide with the news cycle.

A word of caution

Wade J, Madison, WI — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 17:16:10 GMT

Okay - Why wouldn't this "most secretive administration in history" cover-up for the most secretive political campaign in history!

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Old Maine Guy — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 17:16:47 GMT

Please folks...no more Andrea bashing. The woman has a job to do and she's trying her darndest to do it well. Putting a liberal apologist spin on every news item may not be ethical journalism, but it is her job.

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Maria Christine, Richardson, TX — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 17:24:25 GMT

just listening to Obama......BORING!!!! THAT IS INSPIRATIONAL?

HE IS STILL A LIAR!!!! HE IS STILL ARROGANT!!!

TOO LATE OBAMA!! TOO LATE!!!
ITS EITHER HILLARY OR MCCAIN....NEVER OBAMA..

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Kristen IL — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 17:24:32 GMT

Well it seems to me the Clinton supporters are jumping in the Obama people a little too quickly. NO one and I mean no one in the Obama camp has blamed the Clintons. In fact the Obama camp blamed The Bush administration first. So take a breath and step off the crazy train and get facts right. Now you just look stupid.

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Sd — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 17:38:29 GMT

It's amazing that you obamyfans are so quick to blame this on Hillary Clinton. As you know it came out that they also looked at Clinton and McCain records as well. Feeling stupid now?

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Suzanne, Elkhorn, WI — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 17:45:45 GMT

The Obama camp is not putting any blame on the Clinton camp for this, so stop speculating. But, this is serious stuff and both Obama and McCain should be concerned. There is a lot of personal information in those records, including your social security number. Do you realize what someone could do with your social security number? I'm a banker, and I can tell you with authority the damage that could be done.

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lee — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 17:46:12 GMT

Perhaps if the media wasn't so slanted against Hillary, 'the kitchen sink' wouldn't be so ingrained in everyone's mind. And her guilt. This is why there's a problem - not because of Hillary - because people don't trust women. Obama's comment about her 'deep flaws' is as 'ruthless' as groundless and/or ruthless as any attack of Hillary's. Get real.

A word of caution

jd, chicago, il — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 17:54:03 GMT

first - although the access to the information may have been improper/illegal, i don't see how any of the information that may have been found in anyone's passport files is something they shouldn't be willing to admit to when running for public office. yes, the file will have information that has a privacy interest from an identity stealing standpoint (e.g., SSN), but you can't really argue that you have a privacy interest in which foreign countries you've traveled to using your passport. if your passport was stamped/processed as you traveled, then you likely traveled through official public thoroughfares (highways, airports, etc.). it seems dumb to try to assert that such travel activities are private information when anyone from a toll both operator to an airline gate agent to a fellow driver or airplane passenger would have been able to see exactly who you are and where you are going.

second - i think this was most likely just a case of low-level employees with too much access and too little sense of professionalism and common sense. the fact that it happened multiple times or on certain dates i don't think really matters. it can just as easily be explained as a consequence of obama's growing notoriety/curiosity factor as the primary victories pilled up as a calculated political dirt-digging mission, but the simplest explanation usually is the right one. not to mention the fact that any political operative, the clintons especially, would've known about the flagging system in the state department and seen such a move as way too risky when trying to gain enough momentum to take the nomination. they would've thought that the information could not have been gotten without setting off alarms and could not have been used credibly without admitting to the act.

third - i'm so tired of our energy and attention being devoted to such inconsequential nonsense. why is no one talking about the Iraq War winter soldier hearings from this past week? why do people think that the president we pick determines oil prices with any significance (simple supply and demand are raising prices much more than any policy we could point to)? this is just all so ridiculous.

A word of caution

Barbara C., Fort Lauderdale, FL — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 17:56:36 GMT

We live in what I call...The Vetting Era. You cannot pass the test for President unless you have been disgraced, embarassed and raked over the coals for at least 8 to 10 months. Glad I was alive when Presidents were elected over issues in the race instead. This goes for Republicans as well as Democrats and it has been a free for all on both sides this year, beginning with Mitt Romney and his being a Mormon.

A word of caution

Janis RI — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 17:58:33 GMT

Now that we know that a contract worker for the state dept has breached the security of all three candidates and accessed each ones' passport information--but of course, will not be fired-- how many of us feel secure, and that our government really cares about our welfare and security? Only the worker in the state dept. is actually safe.

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Gina, Washington, DC — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 17:58:59 GMT

Did I miss the breaking news where the Obama campaign specifically came out and accused Sen. Clinton's campagin of having a hand in this breach? Not based on the news channels I was watching this morning.

Therefore, any warnings are warranted now are they? But perhaps Ms. Mitchell understanding of Sen. Clinton's love of gutter politics could cast a bit of doubt in her direction. I'll say this...if it is found out that there is a connection will I be surprised? Absolutely not.

A word of caution

LJ — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 17:59:39 GMT

The woman in charge during this breach used to work for the Clinton's! Why should Hillary's people be given the benefit of the doubt, Obama wasn't. Oh yeah, I forget....He's BLACK! Post that! Don't be afraid.

A word of caution

Mark Walker Rey, Alameda, NM — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 18:03:33 GMT

So, all three candidates had their privacy violated in the same manner or are they grouping all 3 together so as to show no partisanship?

Let's get on with it, this is more government b.s. than it is a real important story in my estimation?

A word of caution

suzy, san francisco — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 18:11:44 GMT

This article brings me to tears - this is an absolute outrage to even suggest Clinton had anything to do with this.
You should all be ashamed at yourself MSNBC. And that goes for Keith Olberman as well, who should be replaced for even insinuating such a thing last night when this aired. It was discrete but it was there. Who exactly does MSNBC think they are?
This is your job remember - you are no experts no matter how much you like to put yourselves on that pedestal.

A word of caution

Gertrude S Lappin;Edina,Mn — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 18:17:59 GMT

Of course nothing the Bush admin does is ever considered "unlawful". So far they have have found ways to snoop into our medical records,employment records, listen in to our phone conversations. Our lives are an open book to anyone to has an access key. As you noticed McCain's record was breached before he was the presumptive Republican candidate. None of this is was unplanned. Why does the word "Watergate" come to mind? I'm sure each candidate would have gladly released the contents of their passport records-if only they had been asked.

A word of caution

Onward and Upward, San Diego, CA — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 18:19:05 GMT

Another word of caution, in regards to the photo of Clinton shaking hands with Rev. Wright during a breakfast at the White House. Before everyone starts in on the "they circulated that photo.. it's all their fault!" diatribe, CONSIDER this:

That photo speaks volumes to the fact that Rev. Wright has been perceived as part of the "MAINSTREAM in pastoral circles," so much so that he was invited to the White House and has his picture taken shaking hands with President Clinton.

hose who practice politics as usual seem to think -- or would much rather believe -- this picture was somehow meant to tar the Clintons, or move the focus away from Obama. Those who are not filled with hate, or anger, or feeling so darn better than everyone else, will view the photo with a different lens and see it as more proof that those sound-bites of Rev. Wright are not the way to define the 40-year career of Rev. Wright, nor should the define the thousands of people who attend(ed) his church.

If you're still hell bent on reguritating the Rev. Wright tapes, or still have some inner need to keep Obama -- and again, the THOUSANDS of people who attend(ed) Rev. Wrights' sermons over a 40 year time span, ask yourself this: How did a "racist hatemonger" get invited to this breakfast with both President and Hillary Clinton (and maybe their daughter was also at the breakfast), much less have his picture taken shaking hands with the President of the U.S.?

A word of caution

karen bourland — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 18:20:06 GMT

I just finished the book by Katherine Willey who states that the Clinton's broke into her home to steal her manuscript this past summer because they were afraid that her book would harm Hillary's campaign. I saw this article in the Kansas City Star in August of last year. She claims in her book which just came out that Bill Clinton groped her on the day when she asked for a paying job. She had been an aide for free. That very day her husband had left the house because of financial problems and was found dead. The FBI said that he put a gun to his mouth with his right hand and killed himself. Funny since he is left handed. Also when she broke the news and went on Hardball, her cat showed up dead and was placed on her doorstep. Someone nailgunned her tires. A man approached her while jogging and asked about her children. When I heard about this breach of the passports I was not suprized. I know how the Clinton's play. Payday someday Hillary! Hope it is now.

A word of caution

Onward and Upward, San Diego, CA — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 18:20:21 GMT

A word of caution

Lawrence, Costa Rica — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 18:21:28 GMT

Nothing is sacred anymore, freedoms are gone.
My wife is being held by the USA in Newton County Georgia without an end insight for something she clearly didn't do. I feel she is a "HOSTAGE" in a corrupt place/country she does not want to be. Where no reasons are needed and no accountability is necessary. Corruption runs deep in a Nation that says "Corruption is bad and Democracy Rules". What a laugh. The amount of people in jails that are innocent in the USA grows as days pass. WHY? To put a "CASE" in a closed file? Even when people are innocent?? The USA doesn't do what they preach to the world. I renounce my citizenship to a country that has no checks and balances and is clearly out of control. Insurance Companies for example: have fabricated stories and lied to way too many people in the USA to avoid paying claims. They are in contempt. We have no interest in being in a place that hides the truth and lies to "Close a Case" at any cost. I have no ill-will toward anyone and only want my wife freed and returned to me NOW. We are clearly innocent and to use taxpayers money on a "Witchhunt" is obserd and the people responsible
(Insurance Company / Officials) will eventually be exposed, embarrassed and jailed.