***Heads UP*** Is this the green light from Obama??

[Life Long Dem]

Associated Press
Obama hits back at McCain over Iraq war
By BETH FOUHY 08.19.08, 10:37 AM ET

Democrat Barack Obama challenged his Republican opponent John McCain on Tuesday to stop questioning his "character and patriotism."

"These are the judgments I've made and the policies that we have to debate, because we do have differences in this election," Obama said. "One of the things that we have to change in this country is the idea that people can't disagree without challenging each other's character and patriotism. I have never suggested that Sen. McCain picks his positions on national security based on politics or personal ambition. I have not suggested it because I believe that he genuinely wants to serve America's national interest. Now, it's time for him to acknowledge that I want to do the same.

"Let me be clear: I will let no one question my love of this country," Obama said to applause.

http://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2008/08/19/ap5337285.html?partner=moreover

I see it as a green light to the "Cross in the dirt" story. It was a plagiarized story long after he served his duty and goes right to a persons core values of integrity. And someone is telling us we can't choose the next president based on integrity?

[Eric J in MN]

1. Obama is saying not to attack the character of politicians;

...he's not saying to do it.

[bdamomma]

3. this is not the first time Obama has said it to McCain

McCain is running a dirty filthy campaign of a desperate man.

[bdamomma]

2. kick his a$$ Obama!!!

[KittyWampus]

4. Obama will not touch that story with a 10 foot pole.t

[Spazito]

5. I don't see it as a green light or a red one re the "cross in the sand" controversy...

Obama's comments were directly related to the smear job McCain did to Obama yesterday when McCain spoke to the same organization.

The Obama campaign will not touch the "cross in the sand" controversy, imo, and rightly so.

However, others, such as bloggers/posters, certainly can and should pursue this.

[kristyt]

11. Obama is smart....bloggers, not so much

But hell, looks like the wackjobs love the cross in the sand story and want it to be a major issue. I don't get it. They have no clue it isn't true, they're guessing. I'd actually go along with them and say, if I needed to bet, I'd say McCain made up the story.

But why on for heaven's sake to push a story you don't is false when there are so many things McCain has said and done that are false/criminal/deceptive/immoral????

[Spazito]

14. Well, you are free to pursue whatever McCain controversy you feel is important...

some DUers wish to pursue the "cross in the sand" controversy. DUers multi-task quite well.

[liberal N proud]

6. Obama isn't going to take the direct smears sitting down

[DeschutesRiver]

7. What I am learning about these two guys is this

McCain appears to be a "fake" sort of tough; insecure kind of tough; cheating to pretend to be something he isn't kind of tough.

I have come to have no doubts that Obama actually can be tough when he chooses to be; not born of insecurity or stupidity or rashness or hot temper, but the real deal "tough." Being above board, polite, nice and fighting fair seems to have made some think that Obama is soft, while the loud mouth little cheater who runs off with one liner tough statements is being seen as the hard, strong candidate, which is far from the truth.

I am now hoping that Obama does some wise things to deliver the message that he can be tough if the situation requires it, and while doing so, I am hoping he shatters McCain (which can be done, cause McCain is mentally very weak). I used to be against a debate between the two of them, feeling that the way McCain set it up, Obama would be at a disadvantage.

Now I am really hoping that Obama challeneges McCain to a debate, because when Obama is fired up, he is on fire. I'd bet right about now, Obama could make McCain look like an imbecile during a debate. Without losing his reputation for taking the higher ground on dirty tricks, personal attacks, and so on.

Timing, though, might be better to do the debate right before the election. Maybe schedule two - one for end of September, to give McCain an idea of what is coming, and the second the week before the election.

Sorry for the rant, but I am am seething about what happened at Saddleback, the reaction, hearing MSM talking heads say "wow, after that, McCain has a real shot at winning." Another f'g dullard for president, a stupid guy, who runs the Straight Talk express of all things by telling whoppers that no one challenges him on, who likely swiped the Cross story, whose answers at Saddleback sounded like he rehearsed them (by waiting outside in the parking lot taking cheat notes over his blackberry while Obama spoke), who can't stop living in his war past and can't wait to start a whole bunch of them, and who has freaking redefined the "flip-flop."

Maybe I am pissed that Obama seems to be held to a higher standard on everything - oh, no, he is being TOO THOUGHTFUL; not throwing enough people under THE BUS; not giving real solutions (ie PANDERING). I just want a smart, flexible, inspirational president this time. I don't think I am asking too much; shit, we actually HAVE one with that potential for a change.

[RaleighNCDUer]

8. Obama may be being held to a higher standard,

but OTOH, he is capable of maintaining a higher standard. And people are seeing that.

[yellowdogintexas]

9. Obama IS the higher standard. That impresses me more and more

as this campaign progresses.

[DeschutesRiver]

13. that is actually

a better way to think of it.

[DeschutesRiver]

12. Totally agree with both points

and I don't want Obama to change one bit (except haul out his tough side and be relentless if the opportunity presents itself).

I think the corker for me was hearing that McCain has "hit it out of the park", and now "has a clear shot at actually winning this thing in November." When I listen to McCain, I don't hear anything of that sort; I hear a guy struggle for ideas and thoughts, wrestle with his memory, flat out tell untruths about his positions, and try to pander. A guy who really truly has no clue about the economy and how it works (or should work). A guy who can stay in the Senate for the rest of his days, if this is what his constituents want, but man, don't foist this underachieving dude on the rest of us.

And I think why on earth does McCain's kind of behavior appeal to people rather than disgust them? Esp. when I look at Obama, and wonder how we all got so lucky as to have a candidate who is miles ahead of his competition as far as real qualifications for holding office, esp. during a time which will have challenges that are outside of the experiences of most people living today.

His determination to hold himself to higher standards despite all the cheap shots and nastiness is exceedingly impressive and inspiring to me. I guess I wish he got more credit for it; and that McCain got more demerits by the press (and some of the people I talk to - it is like he is the village idiot and gets a pass, where Obama delivers more, and is criticized for not delivering it exactly the way this or that person would like better). I hope you are right that people are noticing it; some days I am not that optimistic about some voters abilities to be perceptive enough on this issue.

[applegrove]

10. Go Obama Go!

[geek tragedy]

15. More goddamn whining from Barack Dukakis.

Attack his goddamn character, Barack. Or let Hillary be the nominee.

[Alexander]

16. Almost as bad as the whining and constant criticism by DUers who don't really support Obama.

"Attack his goddamn character, Barack. Or let Hillary be the nominee."

Meow.

[geek tragedy]

17. I support him, but what he is doing is FAILING.

Presidential elections are about character. If McCain attacks Obama's character, and Obama refuses to do the same, then McCain wins. Period.

This refusal to engage in character attacks is suicide.