Originally Posted by Johnny K

Given that neither you or any of your like-minded friends has yet to answer my question as to Sen Obama's words supporting the angry words of Wright, and I have indeed posted Sen Obama's words denouncing them, I am of the opinion that labeling this entire campaign of misinformation as a smear, is accurate. I do not require your endorsement nor even ask it, to speak my piece.
Johnny K.

Originally Posted by drgoodtrips

I'll grant you that it's certainly poor judgment, particularly if my hypothetical musing were true. This would mean that Obama hitched his wagon to someone without vetting him as a source that would hold up to scrutiny.

Still, I would consider this a political mistake, rather than one that would bear any real relevance to his capabilities as a leader/elected official. In my mind, unfortunately, the political game is almost completely divorced from actually running the country. That is, candidates are forced to do a dance to get into office that is only passingly relevant to being in office.

Something tells me that Obama (or anyone) would be a lot more careful about appointing people for this very reason. His inclusion of this man was an appeal to religious voters more than any endorsement of him for a real position. All politicians do this - McCain recently accepted an endorsement from some right wing idiot who called the Catholic Church "satan" and compared it to Hitler and the Nazis. A bone-headed political move in an attempt to pander, but ultimately irrelevant to his capacity to serve.

Vetting people as appointees is a different game than pandering to easily manipulated swaths of the voting public.

Originally Posted by Johnny K

Well said!!!

But sadly, campaigns of smear have become the norm. "Bread and circuses" instead of substance.

I voiced my disgust with campaigns of smear when it was used in 2000 against Sen. McCain in the primaries. I cannot support him now, because of his stated policies. It his his words that guide me, not those that someone else has said and yet someone else has tried (falsely) to pin on him.

Johnny K

Originally Posted by pramjockey

Really? Two posts to tell me that you're not going to tell me anything?

Originally Posted by drgoodtrips

This is only speculation, but it's completely possible that his entire affiliation with the church and embracing of an "uncle-like" pastor is trumped up for garnering votes in the South. This would certainly explain Obama stumbling blindly into a political faux pas (which is all this is, and probably won't matter should he win the nomination).

Originally Posted by chassisman

And the redneck said "just because all my friends are KKK doesn't mean I am, or even think like them.

Originally Posted by Johnny K

Oranges and apples. Did your mythical "redneck" come out on multiple venues denouncing "all of his KKK friends?" Did all of Sen. Obama's friends say the words that you are oh-so-very twisted about?

Furthermore, can you honestly say that any of you would want to be held accountable for the words of everyone you MAY (or may not) have heard say in the last 20 years, whether you agree with them or not?

Look around you. Babbling on, promoting what is obviously a smear campaign. In the meantime, the Stock Market tumbles, homes are being repo'ed at record rates, the value U$D is dropping like a rock, we're up to our ass in 2 wars with no end in sight, our infrastructure is falling down around us, oil prices are setting new records by the minute, ... on and on ad nauseam.
And this is what you choose to bring to the table.

Hand G W "Nero" a fiddle and the picture will be complete.

Originally Posted by MeadHallPirate

AYE!!!!! YARRRRRRRR!!!!!!

*calms himself down by watching waves crash against the hull of his vessel*

well, in all fairness, this is what this particular thread be about.

and its much easier for the mates and lasses (and me) to get their heads around this kinda "gotcha" campaign news than to really look at the nuts and bolts of the candidates various proposals (which can be nuanced and are often burdened by alot of information that must be distilled).

this be an exciting thread and its pretty easy for folks like me to follow.

i mean really, Oh mighty Johnny K, this be part of the sportin' aspect of presidential campaigns, it be fun! lighten up an join the mirth!

ahoy!

-meadhallpirate

Originally Posted by hairballxavier

And he continued..."Gee, I didn't make all those racist remarks and hate speech at the KKK rally. All I did was put on a hood, watch the cross burn and listen to the Grand Dragon, my spiritual mentor."

"After all, I didn't actually burn the cross. I merely donated matches".

Originally Posted by Oreo

But again, he has stated repeatedly, that Pastor Wright was his inspiration for his book. That reflects extremely poor judgement.

I can't believe the stupidity of this.

Originally Posted by Lil

My goodness Frank, we have a President who freely admitted that he took his advice from a higher power. He admitted he made his decisions on what Jesus would do. Did you read the article I posted written by a Jew? Read it.

I don't get what your so afraid of. I've never heard Barack Obama say anything like his preacher said. What is it? Do you think he's going to hand over the country to the Black Panthers? What has he done to warrant this kind of hatred?

Originally Posted by mudwhistle

Many of Obama's defenders claim that this is normal in most Black Church services.

Originally Posted by AjaxPress

I agree almost entirely except for one thing...

Obama certainly should have chosen a different church to stumble into. For a man running on his good judgement this certainly looks bad.