Obama's show of character regarding his past is playing well with people

[Guaranteed]

I was listening to Ron Owens- of all people- this morning on KGO. He's a semi-right-wing guy working for a liberal radio station. He said he was really impressed with what Obama had to say about how he grew up with and grew out of drugs and aimlessness. His callers had much the same reaction.

So did I. I think it shows a real depth of character- he kept using the word "honesty," but I liken it more to integrity, which has more of a strength and wisdom connotation to it- that he not only was able to rip himself away from that, but is able to talk about it- on a national level- today.

[rocktivity]

1. It puts a human face on him, just like Clinton's "not inhaling" did.

Lots of us had to find their way out of anger, apathy or aimlessness during our teen/young adult years. And lots of are STILL working on it!

:headbang:
rocknation

[Guaranteed]

3. Yup. He's relating to real people- as a real person.

Owens rejected Romney's reaction to what Obama said, as well. Apparently Romney thought it was a mistake- on some level- to say what Obama said. Owens said he doesn't relate to people who portray themselve as perfect.

[madeline_con]

13. Didn't inhale!

We knew that was a load of crap. Bill should just come out and say he was a stoner and get it over with! :smoke:

[earthlover]

22. Didn't inhale....pretty much symbolizes triangulation!

[TheWraith]

14. I love Obama's response to being asked if he inhaled.

"I inhaled. That was the point."

[MADem]

2. The rightwingers are loving it because they say, "Gee, Rudy only got married three times!"

"That ain't so bad, by comparison....He didn't do coke in his youth!!! Can't say anything bad about Rudy, after all, that Obama admitted to doing DRUGS and being a poor student in school!!"

They're using the 'Obama Honesty' to make being "Imperfect" a virtue, and trying to make that 'cachet of imperfection' rub off in a positive way on Rudy.

Don't expect the rightwingers to tout anything from the Democratic side unless they can flip it and appropriate it to their advantage.

[Guaranteed]

4. Well, when Giuliani gives us all the goods on exactly why he was divorced

twice- when he has the integrity to do something like that- they might have a point.

But until then...

[MADem]

9. He never will. They'll "use" this Obama tidbit to deflect ANY discussion of

Rudy's shit. You ask about Rudy's "I Wed Three Wives" and they'll come back with "Pot!!!! COKE!!! Yes, COKE!!! And a SLACKER in school!!!!!!! Boooooga Booooga!!!!!!"

It doesn't have to be right or 'fair,' because they'll use VOLUME when all else fails.

This shouldn't surprise you. It's on Page Two of their "How to be a Shithead" Playbook.

[Guaranteed]

18. I think you're wrong, and it's because of the form that you're demanding.

Apparently, you're very satisfied with the form of answers that comes from questions that demand simple answers- yes or no- but not explanations.

Think a little bit more down the line, a little more critically- and you'll start to see not only the reasoning for the answers you've heard but the reasons the questions were asked in the first place.....

[MADem]

21. Apparently, you assume a bit much!

Where you get an idea that I'm "satisfied" I have no clue.

Believe me, I see the big picture and I take the long view. Better than many.

This "news" about Obama isn't news. It's in his book, fachrissake.

The only ones making hay about it are the champions of the "imperfect" Giuliani, because they can point to it and say "See? See? No one is perfect~!" This water is being carried by the news media, and notably MSGOP, to benefit the candidate they want to be anointed.

And that's my point, and my point stands.

[beaconess]

5. I'd stack up "doing coke in his youth" against "Married three times, tried to move his mistress

into his wife's house, thought Bernard Kerik would be a good Homeland Security Secretary - ALL WHILE HE WAS A GROWN-ASSED MAN!!!"

[MADem]

8. So would I, but that IS how the right is playing this. Don't be fooled. NT

[dkf]

6. If Hillary had volunteered that there was no dirt

she could have scored some real points in creating Democratic solidarity against smears.

That would have showed the world that she was against the politics of personal destruction...even if it is against her rival.

Even I would have taken a second look at that and I'm NOT a Hillary fan.

Look at Giuliani, saying he appreciates Obama's truthfulness. It looks generous and big of him. Frankly, it earned him brownie points with me.

[Guaranteed]

7. Me too. Agree with all you just said. nt

[AnonymousWhiteGuy]

10. Sweet...

To my fellow Republicans: It's okay to vote Obama in '08!!!

[Guaranteed]

19. Are you tombstoned yet? nt

[BenDavid]

11. I give him credit for making this known. First in his book

then while speaking to high school kids. Nothing wrong in doing it because the press could not go after Obama even if it were known and he did not tell anyone after the press gave in like a 3 dollar whore from Hong Kong when questions like this surrounded bushit in 2000.....

Ben David

[madeline_con]

12. Well, if a coke addicted, boozing Texas playboy wannabe

can make it to 1600 Pennsylvania Ave, anyone should be able to tell all and do likewise!

[Guaranteed]

20. Mmmm...I think if you think about it critically, it probably wasn't exactly

the same thing.

[mrreowwr_kittty]

15. Guiliani's response was surprisingly rational and refreshing.

Yeah, I get it that he's probably trying to minimize his own personal peccadillos, but I have to say that I was impressed by his open-minded acceptance of Obama's admissions. Chalk it up as probably the best thing he will ever say: "I respect his honesty. One of the things that we need from our people that are running for office is not this pretense of perfection...If we haven't made mistakes, don't vote for us."


You know, I almost welcome an Obama v Guiliani ticket because Barack's drug experimentation might cancel out Rudy's marital problems so for once, we can focus on the issues instead of stupid diversions.

[calteacherguy]

16. Yeah, I listen to KGO sometimes.

I think the Bay Area is Obama Country!

[Maven]

17. And, they'll still attack him for it.

It's unfortunate but true. Remember, they are shameless hypocrites.