The Fact-Checker, by Michael Dobbs

No, offense, but getting confused about dates when you were 4 years old doesn't seem to rise to me as something worthy of "gross misstatements." Are you just trying to find something you can snag Obama on so you are considered fair and balanced?

Fair enough to point out he made some mistakes about dates, but this is just silly.

3 seems very excessive for being off by 1 year. It implies that this is much closer to the justly deserved 4 that Hillary received for an outright lie.

And will there be an entry for Chelsea's lie about Bush's travels to the Mid East? Thatwould be worth 3 much more then Obabma being off by a year in his recollection.

This is very interesting. How a speech over a year old is being dissected by every detail. No one can argue with the facts, including this fact--why is this a big deal? I've been following the campaign pretty closely and I hadn't even heard of the Obama-Kennedy family connection until now. I don't remember it being used when Teddy and Caroline were endorsing him. I don't see it being so important since it's not been a huge selling point by Obama while Bill Clinton's handshake with JFK was used as a posthumous endorsement. Hillary's Bosnia lies were very recent and blatant. They were also a focal point of establishing her as a world leader. Look how quickly her statements were discredited. Look how long and how much research it took to discredit the Obama's Selma speech.

Hillary got four because she held back from answering for several days. Obama got only three because he immediately replied? You lose one pinocchio by answering even if you answer with another lie.

Oh. He wasn't putting himself in Selma. he was just using Selma as an analogy. Sounds like another lie to me. Should be 5 pinocchios.

Mr. Fact checker,
I would like the facts checked on Obama's explanation of when, where or how, he first heard his pastor's comments His Friday interviews prior to his speech, his speech, and subsequent interviews have confused me. He has told so many different stories, I don't know which to believe. Could you help me out and clear this up?

"No, offense, but getting confused about dates when you were 4 years old doesn't seem to rise to me as something worthy of "gross misstatements."

If he had gotten confused about the dates when he was 4 years old that would be understandable.

Problem is, he was actually 46 years old when he made the mistatements, not 4.

Three Pinocchios for your nitpicks of a speech made over a year ago? And this lame effort made it onto page one?? It's pretty clear that this is nothing more than a sad attempt to be "fair and balanced."

obama is about like jimmy swaggart...only difference is he's put his speaking abilities in political bull crap instead of religious bull crap...

Obama is winning Texas. The final votes have not been taken on the state level, but it seems clear that he will have the majority of delegates. I hope that that story is reported as extensively as was the Clinton "victory" in Texas.

Fascinating that a misstatement about events that supposedly happened before the declarer was even born and which are immediately conceded to be in accurate earn just one Pinnochio less than blatant lies about something that supposedly happened when the declarant was 50 and that said declarant "remembered," as she said in her speech with a laugh.

I think you need to be much clearer about your standards.

I'm an Obama supporter at this point, just to get that out there... that said, 3 Ps for this? I share the concern that this was an attempt at 'fair and balanced'. This statement seems more in the vein of Romney's marching statement, perhaps less so. 3? Boy...

It seems as if the "Fact Checker" is a johnny-come-lately when it comes to actually taking a strong stand on the developments that come under his microscope. I believe he was far too willing to shade down his critiques to the soft "2 pinnochios" for much of this campaign, despite strong evidence that merited a stronger condemnation.

This particular critique of Obama is in my view evidence of a harsher ranking than he has given to many Clinton statements of similar veracity in the past--saving only the Bosnia incident. This is very disappointing from a fairness perspective.

Now that Hillary's bald-faced lie about Bosnia has seemingly shaken the Fact Checker out of his haze of soft criticism, I hope that he's both accurate AND fair in his critiques of all candidates going forward.

To be balanced, will you award Hillary three Pinocchios for claiming she was named after Sir Edmund Hillary? Both stories are comparable and this way you could appear fair by awarding equally excessive ratings to both candidates. Or perhaps you need to adjust your scale to account for relevance and apparent intent. For example, both the Kennedy and Sir Hillary connections were quickly acknowledged as mistakes and neither story is relevant to the candidate's credentials or performance. As such, I don't see the point in taking either of them to task for what sounds like repetition of romanticized tales they heard from their own respective parents.

Ugh. Could there be a stupider, less useful fact check columnist than Michael Dobbs?
I don't see how.

How many ppl remember what they did when they were four?

Obviously, this was a story handed down from his parents or grandmother... and we all know how facts get transformed from person to person.

Let's talk about the issues instead of wasting our time with "gotcha" politics.

If the goal of this was to simply "check facts," the facts would be presented without "Pinnochios," letting the "facts" speak for themselves.

The rating scale makes this very much an editorial comment. Or, perhaps, entertainment.

But it is not "fact checking."

I like to read the "fact checker" to get to the truth of probable distortions. But the fact checker's credibility is on the line when it, itself, distorts the magnitude of a problem, such as is the case here.

Uh, WanD, you and the Obama Zombies ARE MISSING THE POINT: OBAMA WAS AN ADULT, WAS 46 YEARS OLD, RUNNING FOR PRESIDENT, AND WAS MAKING A KEYNOTE SPEECH CONNECTING THE KENNEDYS TO HIS FATHER ARRIVING IN AMERICA, AND SUCH FORMED PART OF THE BASIS FOR CAROLINE AND TED KENNEDY'S SUPPORT OF HIM (Caroline being one of thos starry-eyed upper class white women never working a day in hr life, and looking for feel-goods about supporting a black candidate).

IT TURNED OUT, (just like his lies about never having heard any racist rants from Rev. Wright) NOT TO HAVE A GRAIN OF TRUTH TO IT, AND SINCE THE OBAMA CAMP "IMMEDIATELY" CONCEDED IT WAS UNTRUE, DOESN'T THAT TELL YOU SOMETHING? THEY ALREADY KNEW IT WASN'T TRUE, THEY KNEW IT AT THE TIME OF THE SPEECH BUT THEY LET THAT WHOPPING LIAR OBAMA TELL IT HIS WAY FOR EMOTIONAL EFFECT, AND GET AWAY WITH IT, UNTIL THE PRESS CAUGHT UP WITH THEM!

Sheesh! Fact Checker, I'm sorry, but the media, I am CERTAIN, has been told to go easy on Obama because he is the black candidate, and it is just too racially divisive to bring up the truth about him, SINCE THE MACHINE AND MOMENTUM IS GOING IN HIS FAVOR NOW-this is just another of Obama's WHOPPING LIES, JUST LIKE HIS WHOLE LIFE STORY IS A LIE-AND THE MEDIA JUST SHRUGS IT OFF, QUIT UNLIKE WHAT THEY DO TO HRC, WHO IS RIPPED TO SHREDS EVERY FEW MINUTES THE MINUTE SHE EVEN OPENS HER MOUTH TO PROTEST. IT'S DISGUSTING.

But I will promise you this: When it comes time to pull the lever or check the box for President, the pundits and that completely worthless Democratic Party duo of Pelosi/Dean ARE GOING TO GET A BIG SURPRISE, BECAUSE THE DEMS. WILL DESERT THE PARTY IN DROVES IF OBAMA IS THE DEM. CANDIDATE-IN DROVES-IT WILL BE A LANDSLIDE FOR MCCAIN.

The mythical quality of Obama's story expresses Obama's identification with the spirit of Kennedy and the spirit of the civil rights movement. Bush and Obama have at least one thing in common here, incidentally, if they are men of faith who imagine themselves to be great liberators. (Although W's tales so far have been considerably taller and misleading, though Bush to this day would like to believe that his heart was always in the right place even as he lied to us.) Fact checker, like Toto exposing the great Oz, reveals the flawed human behind the curtain once again. This is the stuff of Greek tragedies; "facts" by themeslves don't tell the whole truth.

To paraphrase v.p.Cheney.....

..........SO.............

As I've said several times this race is gender vs. race. Hillary is more qualified and has had her entire background spread before the public by radio, tv and newspapers. You know what she is about--like it or hate it--you know. Now tell me what you really know about Obama other than a white Kansas Mom and a black Keyan Father. How did he get into a big bucks university and where is the money coming from right now to support his race? You can bet it isn't from the large percent of the people who voted for him. They don't have that kind of money. They are average like I am.

Great work. I second Chief's request above to clarify when Mr. Obama first heard of his pastor's remarks.

i can understand the desire to be "fair" to both camps, but i do think the editorial judgment to award three "noses" is wrong. Clinton stated facts that were baldy wrong about something she did as an adult. this is a narrative about a story that is tangential to Obama's main points. in contrast Clinton repeated her story as a basis for her claim that she was experienced. Clinton's is a direct, easily rebutted misstatement of facts that were claimed to directly bolster her campaign claims. Obama's were tangential, fuzzy statements about his father. Simply not in the same category, and you do your rating system a disservice by suggesting the only difference is how quickly someone concedes error.

also, imo, whether either candidate's staff retracts the claim isn't relevant to the original validity. so this seems to be an error in the system.

What a petty story and silly story. Just another example of how easily the Washington Post has been spun by Howard Wolfson and the Clinton campiagn.

How could a father, who braggs on his judgement,bring his young children up in a church, where the pastor, friend and mentor, preaches hate against the Country he wants to be president of, as well hate against his fellow man.
As a true Democrat - he ain't for me.

If this (and something someone else said) is the worst you can dig up, then the general will be a cake walk for Obama.

Where's a real story?

Knowingly lying at age 46 to tie yourself to Kennedy? To a black church?
d

how about 5 noses, because it stinks.

I hope the African Americans' eyes are opened to what Obama was trying to do with that Selma speech. Just like the black Christian preacher from Chicago said--He told that lie to make himself look black to make a connection with and get the African American vote. The speech was a lie, the connection with the Kennedys was a lie--all for the purpose of getting votes.

It appears to me Senator Clinton's error on her trip to Bosnia have received ten times more press coverage than Senator Obama's misreporting on his father's connection with JFK, his knowledge of rev.Wright's remarks as well as his recent admission of receiving quarter million dollars donation from Tony Rezko for his previous campaigns.

The JFK White House was never Camelot to me.
King Arthur didn't have the affair. It was Guinivere and Sir Lancelot, wasn't it? I didn't see any sign of a Sir Galahad or even a Sir Wawain. And where was the Round Table?
Maybe it was the round of prostitutes coming into the White House.
Obama as King Arthur? Michelle as Guinivere?
Who is Lancelot-Jeremiah Wright?

Obama is simply an empty suit. I have yet to hear him talk in specifics about what he will do as President. He speaks in high flown phrases that are really meaningless. I cannot imagine how he will be able to do all those things he has promised just as I cannot imagine how Hilary will do all the that she has promised. I am tired of this election and all the wrangling and the over exposure in the media these days. Will it ever end? I hope we never have another election of this type again.
Liz

You'd think that poliuticians would be smart enough to check their facts and would know better than to think that they can fudge on the facts and believe that it's not gonna come back and bite them on the @#*.

Here's a fact check project for you: I'd like to know how often McCain, Obama, and Clinton are actually attending the churches they claim to be members of... My guess is that's what got Obama in trouble --- he probably seldom ever attends church services. What about Clinton and McCain. When's they last time they've actually been in church?

Who cares? A four year olds memory is often riddled with holes and half truths as NO ONE, not even a Kennedy, could remember exactly how things happened at age 4! Get over yourselves why don't you!

While Obama is and inspiring speaker we know so little about him. How could this man sit in the pews for twenty years with members of his family and not question the words of his religious leader? The answer must be is that he is a political animal; no better than the folks he is running against. For some reason the public like his lies better.

Regarding Obama's claim to have been opposed to the Iraq invasion from the very beginning, if there was no knowledge as to the accuracy of the WMD reports, then Obama's opposition was not based on special knowledge that he had. Most in the government DID at that time believe the reports. Why is Obama claiming to be the first to oppose the invasion when he did not have any information to base his opposition on. Almost ALL patriotic Americans at that time were supporting the invasion, which they believed to be necessary based on the knowledge available at that time.
Has the question been put to Obama as to why he does not wear the flag on his lapel. If he has been asked, what was his answer, and why has his answer not been widely reported in the media.

I think that it bodes well when obama says in his speeches: "they're looking through my kindergarten papers trying to find something on me". this speech was over a year ago and it seems fishy to analyze it now. Why dont you check out mccain's vietnam prisoner of war story. I read that he destroyed four planes by his own ineptness before the fifth was shot down and he was taken prisoner. I would love to see you do some fact checking on those events.

I had respect for your "Fact Checker" until I read this. This is really "second rate".

Weak, very weak. Fact checker needs a tune up.

Obama's recollections of that time were off and they conceded that, but to compare the two incidents to get points for Hillary Clinton is as crazy as her stating that her recollections of the Bosnia event three times.

What she stated three separate times was not a misstatement but a lie, those words have two different definitions, this is not the first time that she has told a lie, but the first that the press has called her on, only because there is footage to actually show the truth, how do you think the Bosnian's feel about her account?

Hillary Clinton's main problem has always been is that she cannot say "I MADE A MISTAKE" when she is caught in a lie and we already have a so called perfect president that cannot state the same, as with the war that so many of our young are dying in.

I'm pretty certain that Hillary "enhanced" the dangers of her trip to Bosnia when she was First Lady. BUT there is no denying that SHE WAS ACTUALLY THERE IN WHAT HAD BEEN AND COULD POSSIBLY YET BE A WAR ZONE! Were any of US there flying in on those primitive military transport/freighters? Was Barack?

And where was Barack? Perhaps he was attending his church of 20 years, listening to his mentor of 20 years, the Wrong Reverent Wright, who was raising Holy Hell with the name of the United States. And when he was there - being a protégé of this unpatriotic preacher - and getting married by, children baptized by, being promoted and proselytized by-- for the intentional purpose of lubricating his political entry into the large black community of Chicago.
So while Mrs. Clinton WAS travelling the globe, fulfilling her duties as an American President's partner. help mate and first lady -- Mr. Obama was training to be a preacher of unpatriotism, ("God Damn America") rampant racism ("white America deserved and caused 9/11") but now he states he was totally unaware of his Wrongful Reverend's rhetoric. Now THAT -- I CAN"T BELIEVE!
While Hillary may have been guilty of self promotion - it seems that Barack is guilty of Self DENIAL. To me a far worse DEFECT for a possible President and Commander in Chief, because ALL POLITICIANS ARE SELF PROMOTORS -- Or they wouldn't be politicians! And need I repeat the old saw; "How can you tell when a politician is lying? When his/her lips are moving."

Thank you for your fact checks. I think that as the election stretches into the Spring, you will find a lot of lies by Barak Obama. Keep up the good work. America needs for you to check all of the facts; by Hillary, by McCain, and Obama. I really want to know about Obama's complete history. I saw somewhere that there is a 5 year blank in the late 80's early 90's. What did he do then?
Nancy

Joseph writes, "Why is Obama claiming to be the first to oppose the invasion when he did not have any information to base his opposition on." He then states, "Almost ALL patriotic Americans at that time were supporting the invasion, which they believed to be necessary based on the knowledge available at that time." I'm not sure how Joseph would know that almost all patriotic Americans supported the invasion. This is one patriotic American who never dupported it and I know of many others who opposed it from the start. Our ooposition had nothing to do with supposed WMD, but with the dangerous new doctirne of pre-emptive strike and because of our belief that attacking Iraq had nothing to do with the war on terror. For your information Joseph, a person can be patriotic, support our truths, and still hold our President and government accountable for the wrong the commit. As to Obama not wearing a flag on his lapel - he has been asked - it has been reported. Evidently you weren't listening. By the way - a flag on your lapel is not the definition of patriotism.

It is amazing whatever Obama says is true and no one even Kennedy think he is embellishing a bit much.How many years Obama took to even admit his pastor and he sacrificed his grandmother on the alter.Get real he is as phony as they come.All politicians should answer questions like baseball players had to do in steroid scandal.This kind of lie is politicians steroid.

Wow! This is what Fact Checker is investigating, Obama's claim of something someone told him about his mother and father when he was 4 years old at the time or not even born.

Most people on these blogs have no clue of what and why this Fact Checker is published from over a year ago. What relevance does it have now?

Is this suppose to be some type of attempt by the Washington Post to show fairness in fact checking Obama versus Hillary?

Hillary recounted vividly what should be an unforgettable memory event, which is 'landing in a war zone with sniper fire and running to the cars for shelter and protection'. She straight-out lied. Obama is recounting a romanticized version of events he wasn't even born or around for.

Checking the candidates' statements is a very useful service. The rating gimmick is cute, but the scale is suspect.

Four Ps seems reasonable for misrepresenting or lying about an 11-year-old event that any normal adult would remember clearly. I mean, being shot at by snipers would rank as singularly memorable on my scale; if it's not that memorable on Hillary Clinton's scale, I don't want her answering the White House hotline at any hour, much less 3 a.m. The sin seems aggravated when:
-- it's readily verifiable in recent media accounts,
-- the candidate repeats the recollection despite published accounts to the contrary,
-- then asserts the story again,
-- dismisses contrary evidence,
-- denies wrongdoing,
-- and finally cops only to a misdemeanor ("misspoke") -- and then only after being confronted with video (as if a quick call to anyone else on the trip -- daughter Chelsea, for instance -- wouldn't have refreshed the candidate's memory in an instant).

(Madelaine Albright's dissembling defense of Clinton on CNN -- Hillary's "misstatement" was understandable; after all, she traveled so much over the years it's hard to keep them all straight -- simply doesn't wash: How many of those visits involved sniper fire, after all?)

Four Ps for all of that must be a felony, yes?

Three Ps for a 40-odd-year-old childhood event that must have been recounted to him by his parents seems like overkill to the point of distortion, even in the interest of "fair and balanced" reporting (it's amazing how much "balance" the media concocted at the behest of Clinton campaign hacks; if Ms Clinton were male, pundits would have declared her campaign dead by now, so one could say she has been the greatest beneficiary of media largesse).

By all means take Obama to task if he repeats the erroneous story after the facts have been reported. Meanwhile, ask yourself how often you've gone back to question things your own parents told you (and yes, Obama is running for president, but perhaps the Fact Checker could report how many presidential candidates had their entire life histories vetted for accuracy by third parties?).

Mr. Fact Checker: I read Rev. Wright's entire Speech and while I do not subscribe to his conclusion, "God Damn America", I do find his evidence that America is a racist nation credible.

It is true that the ax of racism swings both ways. There are African American racist just as there are European American racist including the Jews. But what do you say the solution is?

Get it right,, for my information please cite the answer Obama gave to the question of his declining to wear the flag pin and the publications/media outlets when his answer was publicised

This is so typical of the press. Having done excellent work pointing out Hillary's fabrications, it now pleases you to appear "even handed" by doing a specious and ridiculous hatchet job on Obama. One point that needs to be made is that Hillary has a long history of fibbing quite unlike that of Obama or, indeed, most politicians.

I heard recently (from a friend) that Obama is on the record as saying that he is "a messenger from God". Did he really say this in a speech? Where and when? I would be very disturbed to learn that he actually said or believes such a thing. I prefer that all candidates keep their religious beliefs to themselves and their families.

What a shill!
Yes, you gave Senator Clinton 4 noses for lying about the snipers. Then you gave her a free pass for her "I misspoke" cover up.

In this instance, there is a 1-year sequencing issue in an otherwise factual story about something that happened 50 years ago and undoubtedly was passed down word of mouth in both families. To equate this with the sniper fire statement is just plain silly.

There are several misconnects in what Senator Obama states in speeches and what I read in his book "Dreams of my Father."
For instance his statement comparing his grandmother to Rev. Wright that his mother was frightened by two black men who "passed her on the street." The story on pages 88 and 89 in his book is quite different. She had always taken the bus to work because she left earlier than her husband got up. But on this particular day she asked her husband to drive her to work the next morning. An argument ensued and Barack heard it and came from his room to see what it was about. To make a longer story short the two men that morning had not passed her on the street they had stopped her progress and asked her for money. She gave them $l.00 and that didn't satisfy them. She says they were very agressive with her and she was afraid if the bus hadn't come in time they might have hit her in the head. She was afraid they would be there the next morning to get more money and that's why she wanted a ride to work. It wasn't simply that they were "black" and passed her on the street. There are several disconnects like this from his book to his discriptions of his family and his life. Some time ago I heard his New York friend interviewed on TV about the content of his book with regard to disconnects. His friend would say only that he used a lot of poetic license about his activities while in Columbia and in New York? The press doesn't seem to do a lot of checking on the content of his book. I sometimes think most have not read it. Another little disconnect is his stating that his father was an atheist. In his book he tells of his father's beginning to attend Muslim mosques. He is afraid of his middle name. He never uses Hussein. Do we think this will not be vetted by the Republicans. There are many things he needs to clear up before the Republicans get a chance to interpret them for him.

For the person who asked if we know who is funding Sen. Obama's campaign and stated that his supporters could not be because they are average people who do not have "big" money, let me answer the question for you.

Educated Americans who can read know the answer because all campaign finance documents are public information. Obama is raising massive amounts of money from millions of common people who have given an average of $100. Contrast that to Clinton who has raised significantly less and had to loan her campaign $5 million of her own cash, which we cannot say where it came from because she will not release her tax returns. We know Obama could not loan his campaign that kind of money becaue according to 7 years of returns he released, he does not earn enough. Despite this FACT, Clinton presents herself as being able to identify with the common man, when in fact she has never faced the financial problems common people face.

I wonder where all the money is coming from for Sen. OBama's campaign. He he seems to be outspending Sen. Clinton many fold.

He claims to have come from a poverty level, hard working, background. He says he worked his way through college. I would imagine that he must have had a lot of schollarships and grants in his financial aid package in order to pay for Harvard or he would still has some serious school loans balances remaining.

His work background before going into public service is never mentioned.

How does someone as young as he, come so far as quickly as he has, amass the funds and the "friends" as he has, withthout "selling out" to
some "big money interests"?

One hundred million americans who cannot afford to contribute much more than $25. each seems like quite a stretch.

Oprah cannot be the only wealthy figure helping to underwrite hiscampaign.

I am not an Obama basher, I have this same question for anyone else who dedicates their entire adult life to public service (a noble undertaking) but comes from a working class background and never had the opportunity to obtain the level of wealth on their own that it takes to participate at this level.

Clinton and Obama should have both gotten four noses. Both case are obvious attempts to paint a picture of their history that does not exist in the real world.

For you and me it is not such a big deal. For a leader USA federal government to tell such a lie is a big deal.

I am surprised that at "handed down" story would be considered worthy of Pinocchio status of any type! This is a story to inspire others...nothing in it gave Obama a "bigger" footprint. It was an inspiration to hear that that struggle for civil rights reached across the continents. It's difficult to see the magnitude of scoring a "3" Pinocchios. Stories passed rom a father to a son to inspire and uplift! (And he wasn't bragging about himself--imagine that!)

Joseph Iocone wrote "Almost ALL patriotic Americans at that time were supporting the [Iraq] invasion, which they believed to be necessary based on the knowledge available at that time."

WHAT A CROCK! Most of the "patriotic Americans" I know believed in their gut that the rationale for invading Iraq was almost all pretext. While the WMD issue was admittedly blurry, certainly the asserted link between Saddam and 9/11 or between him and Al Quieda was completley bogus. Moreover, the prospects for a post-invasion quagmire of Vietnam proportions was so obvious to anyone with half a brain, and the human costs of starting and getting stuck in a misguided war so obvious to anyone with half a heart... That Obama is the only candidate who at the time aticulated his opposition to the Iraq invasion is for me a hugely important statement -- not only about his judgment, but also about his courage and independance.

Mr. Iocone's statement would have been more accurate if it read "Almost all WASHINGTON D.C. POLITICIANS at that time were supporting the invasion, which they believed to be necessary based on the POLITICAL WINDS blowing at that time."

Paul wrote:

"One point that needs to be made is that Hillary has a long history of fibbing quite unlike that of Obama or, indeed, most politicians."

Wow. What an absolutely unfounded statement, in every way. Proof positive that Obama followers are zonkers-they are people who refuse, absolutely refuse, to see ANYTHING about Obama other than he is the light, and the way, the one to lead them out of their perceived "darkness"- these people are SO UTTERLY DELUDED BY THE OBAMA MACHINE-THEY CANNOT RECOGNIZE THE TRUTH WHEN IT IS RIGHT IN FRONT OF THEIR FACES. ASTOUNDING.

Well, one thing we know: George Orwell and Aldous Huxley were on to something when they both talked about the use of propaganda to sway the masses and make them love whoever it was that exploited them in such a way-and Obama is nothing if not exploitative and opportunistic -a liar through and though-he'll do anything and say anything to get elected, and race is on his side to be used for his advantage, certainly not Hillary's. OBAMA IS NOTHING IF NOT A DEMOGOGUE, AN EMPTY SUIT IF EVER THERE WAS ONE; HIS "ACCOMPLISHMENTS" DON'T EVEN BELONG IN THE SAME SENTENCE WITH THOSE OF HILLARY CLINTON'S-HER WHOLE LIFE HAS BEEN DEVOTED TO PUBLIC SERVICE, WHILE OBAMA WAS SMOKING AND SNORTING COCAINE AND SELLING ON THE SIDE, HILLARY WAS A RESPECTED LAWYER ON THE HILL, WORKING FOR CHILD WELFARE REFORMS, THEN WAS VOTED ONE OF THE 100 MOST INFLUENTIAL LAWYERS IN AMERICA-BUT WHAT ABOUT OBAMA? HE WAS DOING NOTHING, ACCOMPLISHING NOTHING, EXCEPT LISTENING TO REV. WRIGHT'S HATE SPEECHES SINCE HE WAS IN HIS MID-20'S, BEING INCULCATED AND HEAVILY INFLUENCED BY A MAN WHOSE THEMES WERE "GOD DAMN AMERICA" AND THE "UNITED STATES OF WHITE AMERICA!"

OH yeah! This choice of qualified Dem. candidate is REAL TOUGH, isn't it?

Mischief! That's in capitals -- I thought the WP was a good newspaper -- looks like you are more interested in the downfall of what was once a great country.You do not seem to realise that whatever you are publishing about either Mrs.Clinton or Mr.Obama is ultimately going to stick for the rest of the world to draw conclusions.High lighting and reporting irrelevent incidents is mere fodder for cattle .A newspaper with mischievious intent should be banned.

I said about Hillary's "first First Lady since Eleanor Roosevelt" comment that you can't fault somebody for getting history wrong if they have a source.
Obama got confused about the origins of a plan that predates him. Should he have checked? Yes.
Is it 3 Pinnochio's worth? No.

Please research the Obama campaigns repeated claim that he accepts no funds from lobbyists and bundlers. He has a new ad running in PA in which he repeats that claim. I read in the Washington Post that he is # 1 in totals from lobbyists, special interests and bundlers to date.
I even heard Obama supporter Bill Bradley repeat that claim on Meet the Press.
Since Mr. Obama has made his stand on honesty, openness, transparency would he get 63 million pinnochios?

According to Mr Obama's book..his father left him at age 2. Who is the young man in the photo?

Come on folks! Obama lies and exaggerates and so does Hillary...period. The real story for me is in the ideology each one has and what decisions, on our behalf, will be made because of it. Everything else are all political exaggerations to win favor with voters. But their values, beliefs, experience and actions are the real test for me. Are they just "political exaggerators" or are they "real" liars whom we cannot count on to tell the truth! Both are lacking...and that is sad!

Remember how Hillary was pilloried for misstatements based on childhood memories about being named after Sir Edmund Hillary?

In this case the possibility of Obama making misstatements based on misrepresentations made to him as child or a child's misinterpretation also exist. That being I will not say the adult Obama intentionally misrepresented the facts any more than I held Hillary responsible for a misrepresentation of something she came to believe while she was still a child.

I am also willing to bet many Obama supporters will use the same type argument to defend Obama that they would not accept when it was used to defend Hillary.

Remember what Obama said in his speech, Obama-Zombies: He said he owed HIS VERY EXISTENCE TO THE KENNEDY FAMILY, THAT'S A LITTLE DIFFERENT THAN BEING "CONFUSED ABOUT THE DATES'- PARTICULARLY WHEN HE WAS MAKING SOME GRAND DEMOGOGIC KEYNOTE SPEECH, TYING IN THE SELMA PROTEST MARCHES, HIS PARENTS, HIS EXISTENCE AND CONNECTION TO SELMA, AND HIS CONNECTION TO THE KENNEDYS, (stage left: Caroline Kennedy, all misty-eyed with emotion-gag!) Yes, my friends, it was ALL ONE BIG FAT LIE-JUST LIKE HIS BOOK IS BASICALLY ONE BIG FABRICATION-NOT TO MENTION, HIS SO-CALLED "ACCOMPLISHMENTS.".

If that whopper isn't worth 5+ Pinocchios, I don't know WHAT would be, but then, the media refuses to dig too deeply into all the many discrepancies of the demogogue Obama-they'll be called "racist" you know.

this posting by the supposed fact checker - along with a reading of mccain's "gaffe" - is why i seldom read this column.
you give obama 3 pinnochio's for a story that has at least some semblance of truth to it, albeit though it might be exaggerated or spun to fit a particular narrative.
and, it's not that important.
really.
but mccain says something that everyone knows is flat out false, you justify and rationalize his statements, while you still acknowledge that it involves a matter of national security and then only give him 2 pinnochios.
ridiculous!
and your bias is clearly showing.
i have to admit that i do not read your work consistently. for the reasons stated.
however, i have noted, when i've bothered to read the column, that you never give republicans the kind of scrutiny and the number of "pinnochios" despite the fact that the lies they tell have been more egregious and often than the minor issues that have arisen with obama.
can't you be professional?

Three Pinocchios for your nitpicks of a speech made over a year ago? And this lame effort made it onto page one?? It's pretty clear that this is nothing more than a sad attempt to be "fair and balanced."
============================================

Weren't you one of those enjoying Hillary's Bosnia ordeal. You folks get all upset and whiney when Obama gets caught in his lies. We know our candidate has flaws. You Obamanites are too blind to see his. What a shame to be so blind. Don't you know this guy will say or do anything to get elected.
You guys are going to die when Gore gets the nomination?

This is not the first time Obama has been caught in a lie.
All politicians color their history to make an almost "mystical" connection to their ability to lead. While this is understandable, it is Obama who keeps claiming to be the candidaie of "change", to end politics as usual. Yet, he is no different than any other politician, perhaps in some ways worse. As he has managed to convince many voters with his retoric that he is capable of being more then he is. While I will admit I am a Clinton supporter. I will also say that I wanted to believe in Obama, but after researching both candidates, it is Hillary Clinton that will do a better job for this country and the world. It may also be beneificial to Obama supporters to stop treating this campaign like the Super Bowl an be more realistic for the benefit of you fellow Americans.

"I have yet to hear [Obama] talk in specifics about what he will do as President."
Only for those who either can't hear or can't read. Obama's positions and his record are clear to those with functioning senses who trouble themselves beyond their nightly stupefest with Faux News. Unlike micromanaging HRC who comes to us with predigested "solutions" to problems whose parameters will have changed in the next nine months, Obama's positions and actions are deliberate, even-handed, bipartisan, and flexible enough to conform to actual conditions on the ground. Obama only looks like an "empty suit" to those who spent the last eight years thinking that the Emperor is actually wearing clothes.

"High lighting and reporting irrelevent incidents is mere fodder for cattle."

How is it irrelevant when presidential candidates garble their facts, pad their resumes or resort to outright whoppers?

Poring through the details of what the candidates say and do and comparing them to reality is PRECISELY what news organizations should be doing.

And frankly, sometimes what's more telling than the candidates' original misstatments -- anyone can make a mistake -- is how they and their supporters respond when the media point them out. Do they admit the errors and move on, or they defend them and dig deeper?

THAT tells a lot about their character and judgment.

Maia,

you wrote

"It is true that the ax of racism swings both ways. There are African American racist just as there are European American racist including the Jews. But what do you say the solution is?"

As someone who has done extensive research and educational/cultural work on the subject, I can assure you the term 'racism' has a specific meaning. It is defined as: "a system which benefits one race over another". Therefore, while there may be black supremacists, Afro-centrists and black separatists, an African American racist is, by definition, impossible.

So, a good place to start addressing the problem of anger and hatred between the races in this country might be to reform some of the systems such as mortgage lending and Justice which clearly and demonstrably disadvantage African Americans.

Hey, they both are politicians, nothing more. At least Clinton was actually in Bosnia.

Picky, picky, picky. This is just too much. We have a collapsing economy, a billion dollar a month war in Iraq, Iraqi's smuggling oil accross their borders, health care and educational systems broken, maybe beyond repair, banks and mortage industry on the verge of collapse, and all this person can find time to do is research Obama's father? I think Senator Obama's point was he has a connection to the civil rights movement. Most people in that day and time did to some extent, one way or another. If you want to research something why don't you research the lies that got us into all these messes in the first place. Now that would be something helpful. I don't care where Obama's father was in 1960 or any other time. I want to know what Senator Obama is going to do with the help of the people to solve some of these problems when he becomes president. I know he won't be able to solve them all. There sre too many messes. But if he concentrates on them with the help of right thinking people, and cooperation from other countries, he can get it done. Now for the money that he raises, it comes from people like myself. A little becomes much when people do the right thing, at the right time, for the right reasons.

What really kills me is that Obama's people KNEW IT WAS A LIE, OF COURSE THEY DID, OTHERWISE, THEY WOULD NOT HAVE "IMMEDIATELY" FESSED UP TO IT-they would have told the Post and other media outlets that they would need to check and get back to them on it; they didn't have to do that, because they KNEW when he made the speech he was lying! And THIS is the man who embodies the politics of change? The "post-racial" candidate who reeks of racial divisiveness, after listening to racist filthy garbage from his spiritual advisor for 20 plus years and giving 20,000 of his own money to this lunatic?

Obama, ever the opportunist, who just the other day said WITH A STRAIGHT FACE: "I would have left the church if Rev. Wright hadn't resigned." OH I'M SURE YOU WOULD HAVE, OBAMA, AFTER THE REVEAL THAT YOU WERE THIS MAN'S DISCIPLE ALL THESE YEARS! SHEESH, YOU ARE PATHETIC!

I can't get over how this fraud has so UTTERLY pulled the wool over the Dem Party's eyes, (well I understand how he would do that to Pelosi, about whom I have no words to express my utter contempt over her lack of intelligence, management and particularly insight into both national and international issues-no words, well, maybe just this: Nancy, I think you need another face lift, because I've noticed that your face seems to be melting in that way you see on people who have had face lifts after awhile, it's time for a face lift freshening, ya know what I mean? Perhaps you need to take some time off-a long time- and go and attend to that, okay?)

And the Dem. Party leadership can go straight to hell, Dean, Pelosi, Kennedy, that worthless fat loser and traitor Richardson, the zero personality loser with a capital L Kerry-THEY CAN ALL GO TO HELL; THE REAL DEMS. OUT THERE WILL BE VOTING MCCAIN COME NOVEMBER IF THAT FRAUD OBAMA IS ON THE BALLOT.

Boy, I've just been looking through the postings here and one thing is painfully obvious. Clinton supporters love capital letters. Some will capitalize entire paragraphs or even entire postings.

Just a friendly reminder; Louder is not the same as truer. Also, if you wish to be taken seriously as a rational and thoughtful person, perhaps screaming everything you say is not the best strategy ;)

The 3 candidates left standing ,McCain,Clinton and Obama have all stretched the truth to their advatnage.But is it truly an advantage when they get caught by someone who has too much time on their hands.
Does it really matter if McCain was an Ace pilot or he just remembers it that way,or Obama recalls stories of how his Poor African father made it to an Elite school in USA,or if Hilary really played Soccer with a scared black girl in high school or Dodged bullets as she arrived in Bosnia with her young daughter?
I guess it does because we are judged by our words.Words of truth and honor.
This person will represent us around the world. Do we really want a Hot Head who thinks of foreigners in derogative terms.Who in his senile moments may let one slip?
Do we want a President who will do anything to win, including going back on her word on many ocaissions?
Or someone who goes to church regularly and is exposed to hate filled words directed towards a section of his family?

I googled this, and came upon a speech JFK made in 1953 (!).

Here's a snippet of that speach....

Remarks of Senator John F. Kennedy at Student Convocation, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, February 12, 1953

"As Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Africa, I would like to make the following proposals: First, I propose that we in the United States establish an Educational Development Fund, emphasizing particularly the exchange of students, teachers, and trained personnel --making available our technicians and specialists in a number of fields where they are most needed, while simultaneously opening our college doors to several times as many African students as now come over."

****************
Seems like the idea of having the USA take in African students was on his mind then. Isn't it possible that he was instrumental in pushing the program through while Eisenhower was president? If so, it seems to me that he should have taken some credit for the program (maybe all if Eisenhower didn't care for the idea). Please note the paragraph in red.
In addition, it seems easy to take things out of context and accuse somebody (the guy/gal somebody doesn't want in office) of lying and "if he's lying about this, what ELSE is he lying about. etc. etc." I think this kind of character assassination is rampant today and is fueled by the internet. And because of it, we all need to dig deep for the real truth if we want to know what it is.

Obama is a liar --- he misleads people and distorts the facts all the time. You Kook Aid drinkers need to wake up and smell the coffee on this white-hating racist.

Enough already with the Rev. Wright-Obama thing. The main problem is that white America does not understand, or doesn't want to understand, the black church and its strong connection and leadership role in the black community. The church is much larger than the preacher. It is about family ties, fellowship,and friendship amongst the members. Leaving a church after twenty years is a very monumental thing. When there was no place for black people to go there was the church. Before the YMCA, YWCA, Girls and Boys Club,etc. there was the church. The church was and will always be at the forefront of the civil rights movement. It not only fulfills the spiritual need but it also fulfills the social and civic needs of the black community. I applaud Obama for not allowing the "noise" of white people to turn his back on his church or pastor. The black community and its people have an unbreakable bond that cannot be broken simply because it does not meet the standards of outsiders. To expect Senator Obama to repudiate or disassociate himself from Rev. Wright or Minister Farakhan because their message isn't acceptable to white people is ludicrous.

Remeber Kennedy's famous line "Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country" It seems the new democratic line, espoused by both candidates is "Ask not what you can do for your country, ask what your country can do for you." They are both promising the world to the citizenry but not asking for anything in return, except heir vote of course.

I also agree the rating is not a fact.

Just do the facts and let them speak for themselves.

Cultist go look at your Hillary entries and then the crap you wrote today.

If you see a large disparity then you know you are a cultist.

Also you can't run three stories on the same facts to inflate your ego that is just pathetic.

JEFRO-I THINK YOU'RE NOT BRIGHT ENOUGH OR OLD ENOUGH TO UNDERSTAND THAT CAPITAL LETTERS DON'T BOTHER ANYONE WHO IS NOT AN ANAL RETENTIVE, LITTLE DELICATE FLOWER, A FOLLOWER TYPE WHO HAS NOTHING TO SAY EXCEPT TO COMMENT ON THE FORM OF THE POSTINGS, YOU KNOW? BUT THAT IS, I'LL GRANT YOU, CONSISTENT WITH OBAMA-ZOMBIES-ALL FORM, NO SUBSTANCE! HA HA HA!

Obama's opposition was not based on special knowledge that he had. Most in the government DID at that time believe the reports. Why is Obama claiming to be the first to oppose the invasion when he did not have any information to base his opposition on. Almost ALL patriotic Americans at that time were supporting the invasion, which they believed to be necessary based on the knowledge available at that time.
Has the question been put to Obama as to why he does not wear the flag on his lapel. If he has been asked, what was his answer, and why has his answer not been widely reported in the media.

Posted by: Joseph Iacone | March 31, 2008 11:19 AM

Most of the people who supported Iraq are the ones that could not find it on an Un-marked or marked map.

Obama just says what people want to here. See five responses to rev Wright.

farfalle44 wrote:

And the Dem. Party leadership can go straight to hell, Dean, Pelosi, Kennedy, that worthless fat loser and traitor Richardson, the zero personality loser with a capital L Kerry-THEY CAN ALL GO TO HELL; THE REAL DEMS. OUT THERE WILL BE VOTING MCCAIN COME NOVEMBER IF THAT FRAUD OBAMA IS ON THE BALLOT.

This person is clearly unhinged. Please listen to Bill Clinton and "chill out". There is a word for someone who is willing to vote for McSame over Obama: Republican.
The vast majority of Obama supporters understand the true stakes in this election and will support Hillary versus a third Bush/Cheney term. If Hillary's supporters place personal loyalty to their candidate above the interests of their party and the nation, perhaps they should consider switching or starting a third party with Holy Joe Lie-berman.

Let's not lie to each other like the politicians do. Actually Obama is a cheap suit! He made a great speech at the 2004 Democratic Convention and capitalized on his instant popularity with the party. Along with Oprah's help and dream of being instrumental in electing the first African American President, we are witnessing his campaign. (Oprah, prior to Obama was a big fan of Hillary Clinton)
What an insult to American people of all colors and religions to try and convince us that he is capable of leading this country. He may one day have the ability, but given the current conditions in our country and the world, I am not ready to
elect someone just because it would be nice to have an African American President. There is to much real pain and suffering in America and around the world to indulge my fellow Americans of color with a president that has no real experience and is untested on so may levels. Support Clinton, we can check on Obama in a few years.

THERE ARE NO WHITE OR BLACK LIES, ONLY WHITE AND BLACK LIARS.

Once upon a time, Americans viewed honesty as a virtue. We could assume that we were being told the truth unless and until the contrary was proven. Over the past five decades we have been so bombarded by perjury, prevarications, lies, and misstatements on all fronts that the opposite is now true. The statements of others, particularly those attributed to politicians, the armed forces, major business enterprises, and some religious leaders are or ought to be presumed false unless and until proven true. Those reponsible for the false statements of the aforesaid family of elites, intermarried as they are, are seldom if ever are held accountable. We, the People, too often condone these violations of law and ethical behavior and generally suffer greatly from our apathy. Exposing lies and liars is a necessary condition to restoring faith in our leaders, secular and spiritual, whoever, whereever and whenever they deviate from the truth.

I'm not an insane Hillary supporter or an insane Obama supporter, but reading these posts I see why the Republicans are loving the Democrats capacity for self-desctruction.

To those who cannot control themselves, you are the ones retarding our first big chance of elevating the political discourse in this country.

As for the Pinocchio author. Your story is worthwhile but you discredit yourself when you nearly conflate Hillary's blatant lie about her own experience and Obama's speech; the person who quoted at 1953 Kennedy speech is right. JFK was involved with African affairs before he became president. Using analogy, such as in the Selma speech, when it is obviously an analogy, is not lying. His statements do not deserve any Pinocchios.

JEFRO-I THINK YOU'RE NOT BRIGHT ENOUGH OR OLD ENOUGH TO UNDERSTAND THAT CAPITAL LETTERS DON'T BOTHER ANYONE WHO IS NOT AN ANAL RETENTIVE, LITTLE DELICATE FLOWER, A FOLLOWER TYPE WHO HAS NOTHING TO SAY EXCEPT TO COMMENT ON THE FORM OF THE POSTINGS, YOU KNOW? BUT THAT IS, I'LL GRANT YOU, CONSISTENT WITH OBAMA-ZOMBIES-ALL FORM, NO SUBSTANCE! HA HA HA!

Posted by: FARFALLE44 | March 31, 2008 01:40 PM

And here is a perfect example. Again, louder is not truer. If you have anything sane to post, somebody might care. Otherwise, keep capitalizing!

Put down the ice cream 10 year old Obama. He was a chunk

I've long since been tired of the jingoist (ultra-nationalistic) rants by those who belittle Obama for having remained in his church and having not disowned his relationship with his former pastor, Jeremiah Wright.

Can any real person feign surprise at a black man's anger with the United States? With our long history of genocide against our natives, and a brutal enslavement of our Africans, imported precisely for slavery, the stage was set for a bellicose America that has had more wars and has bombed more people than we'd like to believe. If you don't know about it - read your history!

But even if one knows nothing about history, Obama's understanding Wright's anger can still not be confused with agreement. Obama disagrees with his former pastor, but understands where he's coming from. Understanding is most difficult when one disagrees, but if we are to walk the higher ground, it is vital to show some amount of effort.

TOM,

Excellent digging. I think this proves Obama's statements to be essentially true. You put the fact check on the"Fact Checker".
Bravo!

Obama is often alluding to JFK and RFK and very often MLK. Then actually saying JFK is responsible for his dad being here is much like Mit Romney saying his father walked with MLK or Hillary's bullets over Bosnia. It's not a small accident, something that slipped out during an interview or an impromptu Q&A. It was a speech, a well timed story that was purposely told, specifically to create the "history's idiosyncracies foretell the coming of Obama" thing that is being manufactured from whole cloth (i.e. its being made up). The media and college students want to be in on the crest of a historic moment. Doesn't everyone want to say "I had a significant connection" to one of these icons. Well, this connection is not real, not true. Doesn't Obama write his own speeches? Certainly as he read it he must have been impressed with a new fact or surprised by an unreal fact. So, you would think he would fix up that little fib on the next day or at least before the next year. No he did not and therefore it rises to the level of a lie. It is not an innocent, urban legend. It was not said about him. It was from his own mouth. He will say its silly to point out anything he does wrong or any time he lies, but if we hold him less accountable for his "misstatements" then we are asking for a repeat of Ronald Reagan who sold arms to enemies in order to pay for a war that he was told by congress not to support. We don't want to go there. Telling a lie is not okay because its a good story or because in your "heart of hearts" you did not mean to lie. I am sure the press will give him prime time to make a major speech to clarify, distance, negate and somehow also take credit for the (not really the true) facts. So probably, lying will increases his favorabilty and popularity. Walking with MLK and the bullets stories all got big play...The Situation Room, Olbermann, Larry King, Fox, O'reilly. You can bet dollars to donuts this "Fact Checker" is the only coverage this story gets.

Sorry but this is pure BS. Give me a break. This is overanalyzing his comments. I get the feeling that this (that the Kennedy's helped him get over) was something his father probably used to say. Now he says it without doing a huge amount of fact checking. The nitpicking is getting a bit out of control. and comparing this to Clinton's "miss-statements" even ... at all.. is completely ridiculous. It's not even close.

I would like some facts checked on Obama's 2002 speech being against the war. Wasn't he a lowly state senator at the time. How did it get on the national scene then? He hadn't made his 2004 keynote speech at that time. Did he make the speech to himself? Did he make two speeches, one for and one against? It just doesn't make sense for a lowly unknown state senator getting that much national attention? Where did he get his information for this decision?

Well thank you Jefro3000.

Guess the only thing I had add is to quote Simon & Garfunkel...
"We believe what we want to believe, and disregard the rest."

Everyone keeps referring to Obama as having been "confused" as to dates when he was four years old! What it is all about is self-agrandizement, and the willingness to tell a "fib" that ties yourself into the myth of "Camelot." Hillary did much the same thing when she claimed she was named after Sir Edmund Hillary, who did not become famous for climbing Mt. Everest until several years after her birth. In her case, too, it was not a case of "confusion" as to actual dates - it was a willful embelishment!

I'd give him half a Pinocchio. The spirit of the story was true, considering the relationship of his father to the Kenya program (even if it predates). This doesn't seem like an exaggeration or lie like the Clinton/Bosnia thing. Same with the Selma thing.

Also, it's worth asking: How many people even saw/heard this to begin with?

I do think it reflects well on Obama that every time fact-checker tries to do an Obama story, it turns out to be nitpicky, irrelevant nonsense that merely reflect a kind of 'gotcha' politics. But, I suppose that's the price of considering 'balance' as important as truth and relevance.

Let's get real. Obama's misstatements are not intended to deceive audiences purposefully about his credentials or his beliefs. Nor are they attacks on his opponent. Why isn't this column investigating the Clinton campaign's lie that Obama wasn't a law professor at the University of Chicago? According to Politico.com, the University of Chicago begs to differ with the Clintons' misrepresentation, truly an instance of bearing false witness against another.

So.(Cheney word) You Obamanites have lying by degree. If you have a video to dispute a lie, it is a whopper. But a great BSer can lie with words, time and time again, and it is just a little white lie.
You folks should read your own posts to see how childish they appear. Funny.

This is typical of Obama. His two books are riddled with exaggerations and "misstatements."

Anything to make him look or sound good. Same goes with his speeches.

He uses factual "errors" to construct who he is and build a mythology based on a house of cards.

His race speech was plagiarized as well. Everyone seems to think it is ok for Obama to plagiarize, but if it were any other best-selling author, their career would be dead in the water. Why is it ok for Obama to embellish, exaggerate, and plagiarize?

The fact checker has been reporting only about the democrats about 99% of the time.
Why not report on the G.O.P.'s religious
affiliation with Evangelist Francis Schaeffer.According to an article written in the Huffington Post,dated 03-16-08,by his son Frank Schaeffer,his dad's un-american statements calling America Germany
and the president Hitler would make Rev.
Wright's statements pale in comparison.He
was a close friend of the Kemp's,the Ford's
the Reagan's And the first Bush.When he died in 1984 he was hailed by the G.O.P.,
including Billy Graham, as one of America's
great patriots.He wrote a book which sold
over a million copies which document his
statements.I believe the Rev.Wright story
won't be of any use in the general election
as this counter-story would discredit the
ENTIRE G.O.P.'s patriotism platform

Democrat for McCain!

You really need to pull your head out. Do you even care about your party or the nation? If you vote for a third Bush/Cheney term, as Hillary has characterized a McCain Presidency, that makes you one of them. Pretty simple math - a vote for Bush/Cheney/McCain = Republican. See ya in St Paul!

What a joke this phony fact checker is! Is this the best you can come up with? This story has NOTHING to do with Obama's awesome ability to bring this country together for real change, or the fact that he's actually the 1st elected official that we can actually trust. The fact that he was off a year about events happening 40 years ago (after being re-told by his parents) is nothing surprising, and certainly not newsworthy. Shame on you, Washington Post!!!!

I am sure itis difficult for both candidates to be constantly questioned and making speeches. So mistakes will occur.
I had immedicately disregarded Clinton's statement. Snipers are the top of the line shooters, how this untrained military woman could get off a plane and dodge snipers - her ass needs to be in Iraq fighting.
Let's deal with the real issues of this country.

Dude, the idea is not to list every historical minutiae of how his father ended here in the United States, but instead, the aim is to say that there is a connection between my humanity and your humanity. In other words: "My American-ness and your American-ness are linked by this Kennedy/Americam deed." But clearly sentimentality does not persuade you; not as I am. Since you want the whole universe to be strict, historical fact checkers (a bar which most journalists cannot reach even from a bar sttol), if the "Kennedys did not fund the 1959 airlift" which one, which year did they fund? Could Obama be mistaken then? I give you 3 dropped balls for not making that extra effort.

Chief, Kevin: Maybe you should see the entire video for the context in which the comments were made by Rev. Wright, that way you will not be hyperventilating. You need to move on and find another pile of dirt.

Here is a fact checker that I would like to see some news station take on! I would like to see the same kind of inquiry into McCain's Pastor as you all did to Obama's Pastor Rev. Wright! At no time did I ever hear him say that he hated white people or any ethnic group. He did exaggerate the U.S. involvement in genocide of black americans and the connection of 911 and America's history in the world!(IT IS DEBATABLE!) Letting Sean Hannity and Fox News slime Obama is unforgiveable!
Please check this webb Site:

What about McCains' Rev. Rod Parsley. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UnKBTJvm4Rc

Coachslife

Wonder why Dobbs will get around to writing about Saint McCain's groaning pinocchio moments? This little piffle gets front page, above the fold treatment?

Meanwhile, McCain vacations on, beneficiary of the (seemingly) lifelong free pass issued him by hacks like Dobbs.

How could a Republican be anywhere near striking distance of either major Dem? Reading this the answer becomes painfully obvious.

Any video?

This is stupid! Factchecker--check the facts over something significant, like a Voting Record. Don't waster our time with something someone said about events that happened when they were a kid or before they were born...

Once again the guy is a liar and people just buy it. He has completely fabricated his life and people buy it. For a guy who is supposed to be smart enough to figure out these facts how is it he missed such an important detail as WHO brought him over.

What is amazing is he didn't get 5 liar points for his whole life story which is a lie. I laugh every time I hear someone gush about it. The guy will lose come November because the Black women in the party made s stupid mistake, they voted like Oprah told them too. So the black vote might go with the democrats but there is not only a huge loss of women voters coming, but there are also a asians, and other ethnic groups that won't vote for the guy. Bill Richardson won't get a large Hispanic vote either.

People like loyalty and the men in the DNC just showed their sexism!

Fact checker - I think your right on. Keep up the good work. Try this perspective:

While walking down the street one day a US senator is tragically hit by a
truck and dies.
His soul arrives in heaven and is met by St. Peter at the entrance.
'Welcome to heaven,' says St. Peter. 'Before you settle in, it seems there is a problem. We seldom see a high official around these parts, you see, so
we're not sure what to do with you.'
'No problem, just let me in,' says the man.
'Well, I'd like to, but I have orders from higher up. What we'll do is
have you spend one day in hell and one in heaven. Then you Can choose where
to spend eternity.'
'Really, I've made up my mind. I want to be in heaven,' says the senator.
'I'm sorry, but we have our rules.'
And with that, St. Peter escorts him to the elevator and he goes down,
down, down to hell. The doors open and he finds himself in the middle of a
green golf course. In the distance is a clubhouse And standing in front of
it are all his friends and other politicians who had worked with him.
Everyone is very happy and in evening dress. They run to greet him, shake
his hand, and reminisce about the good times they had while getting rich at
the expense of the people.
They play a friendly game of golf and then dine on lobster, caviar and
champagne.
Also present is the devil, who really is a very friendly guy who has a good
time dancing and telling jokes. They are having such a good time that before
he realizes it, it is time to go.
Everyone gives him a hearty farewell and waves while the elevator rises...
The elevator goes up, up, up and the door reopens on heaven where St Peter
is waiting for him.
'Now it's time to visit heaven.'
So, 24 hours pass with the senator joining a group of contented souls
moving from cloud to cloud, playing the harp and singing. They have a good
time and, before he realizes it, the 24 hours have gone by and St. Peter
returns. 'Well, then, you've spent a day in hell and another in heaven. Now
choose your eternity.'
The senator reflects for a minute, then he answers: 'Well, I would never have said it before, I mean heaven has been delightful, but I think I would be better off in hell.'
So St. Peter escorts him to the elevator and he goes down, down, down to
hell.
Now the doors of the elevator open and he's in the middle of a barren land
covered with waste and garbage.
He sees all his friends, dressed in rags, picking up the trash and putting it in black bags as more trash falls from above.
The devil comes over to him and puts his arm around his shoulder.
'I don't understand,' stammers the senator. 'Yesterday I was here and there
was a golf course and clubhouse, and we ate lobster and caviar, drank
champagne, and danced and had a great time. Now there's just a wasteland
full of garbage and my friends look miserable. What happened?'
The devil looks at him, smiles and says,

'Yesterday we were campaigning......

Today you voted.'

Well and my GREAT GREAT GREAT GREAT GRANDFATHERS was GENGIS KHAN...so dont mess with china-mongolia..dito

Na dmy great great great great great great great mothers was EVE when we where in the garden, before all the lies strated......

Well OBAMA was born in HAWAII then his parents divorced and he live with his mother and StepDAD in Indonisia ?SO where was this picture taken? Lets hear it from the MOTHER? Where is his father now? Where are his granparents ...and most of ALL WHO PAYED FRO HIS SCHOOLING and the UNIVERSITY, HOW where his grades? Did he have any girlfriend in school? did he father any children before. How often doe he see his father? What is his Father philosophy? What JOB does His father hold? Where does he live? HOW about his Stepfathers where does he live or work?

Looking for ways to "even things out," huh? Reaching back to a March 4, 2007 speech? And highlighting a program Kennedy endorsed in 1953, that his family contributed $100,000 to (yes, after his father got to HI, but certainly it helped to support him during his studies). And unlike Sen. Clinton's fabrication of a precise event, running under sniper fire, Sen. Obama's reference to Selma had to do with the changing times and attitudes that permitted his African father and Kansan mother to even consider marriage. And for this you give 3 pinnocchios? Get outta here! Are you gonna go back and give the 3 or 4 pinocchios Mrs. Clinton deserved for all of her follow up lies about Bosnia (first First Lady in a combat Zone, first important dignitary to visit Bosnia?) because if you're handing out 3 for this rally snippet you better go back and reconsider the pass you've give Hillary.

John Paul wrote- Chief, Kevin: Maybe you should see the entire video for the context in which the comments were made by Rev. Wright, that way you will not be hyperventilating. You need to move on and find another pile of dirt.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

You Obamanites amaze me. When Hillary said Dr. King did great things but still needed Johnson to help make his dreams come true. You took that out of context and said it was racist. When Michelle said for the first time in her adult life she was proud of her country, you said that did not mean she was not proud of her country. Now you say God Damn America doesn't mean God Damn America. What I gather from you guys is words don't mean what they mean. Right? Obama is running on words. Hope and Change.
But I should not pay any attention to them, because they don't mean what they mean. Taken out of context? What GD words of his does he actually mean? I'm confused? Please explain? Wright's words, Michelle's words, Hillary's words, Bill's words don't mean what they say and I'm supposed to believe bonehead's Hope and Change. Yeah. Right. BS.

Jim, Obama DID put down the ice cream, he took up cocaine instead!

PS: The picture of Obama with his father is another lie isn't it? Didn't Obama write in his fairy tale autobiography that his father left when he was 2, and he rarely saw him after that? Looks like they're pretty tight in that picture, and Obama sure ain't no two year old! So, Obama, throwing your father AND your grandmother under the bus for political expediency purposes in order to gain votes? Oh, YOU ARE QUITE THE PIECE OF WORK, OBAMA! QUITE!

I think three is a wee bit much, but well, he'll have to live with that, I guess. How about Hillary Clinton's claim about Chelsea ducking into a cafe on 9/11???

Well OBAMA house in chicago value at $ 1,650 000 Dollars and the lot nextdoor that somehow was bought by the other guy(rezko) for $650 000 why was that part of the SALE? How much monies does his wife eran at the hospital? WHO pays for his private plane ?

Wonder how many pinnochio's Obama would get with the story Politico.com has today about "Obama had greater role on liberal Survey". Seems to me after reading politico there wouldn't be enough pinniochio's to be given to Obama on this one.

Maybe if the MSM stuck to vetting the veracity of controversial claims, instead of playing some merely for their sensational ratings, the American people, who so often suffer from historical amnesia, would be better informed voters and more accountable citizens.

Rev. Wright made 3 central claims in the oft-repeated video clips of his now memorable sermon: 1) Blowback from America's foreign policy, both overt and covert, contributed to 9/11; 2) The Gov't had a hand in narco-trafficking in the 1980s; 3) The Gov't invented AIDS to harm black people.

For claims 1 & 2, there's ample credible evidence to support his assertions.

Look no further than: 1) "Charlie Wilson's War"; 2) to the writings of ex-bin Laden CIA analyst Michael F. Scheuer to substantiate the theory that America's involvement with bin Laden's mujahideen in Afghanistan -- to expel the Soviets -- and the U.S. military footprint in Saudi Arabia prior to Sept. 2001 were motivational contributors behind the 9/11 attacks.

About Wright's Gov't drug dealing allegations: Have we already forgotten how the illegal Iran-Contra war under Reagan-Bush was funded in part?

Re: 1) the findings of the Kerry Commission; 2) Lt. Col. Ollie North's notebooks (www.gwu.edu/~nsarchiv/NSAEBB/NSAEBB2/nsaebb2.htm), and 3) paragraph 623 of CIA inspector General Hinz report.

Finally, on this topic the media is so loathe to cover in full and without self-censorship, there's also the curious memorandum of understanding between Attorney General William French-Smith giving Bill Casey's CIA legal cover regarding facilitating drug trafficking.

Taken together, these incontrovertible facts shed the bright light of fact on Rev. Wright's charge of official Washington facilitating the illicit drug trade to realize their personal policy ambitions.

Regarding Wright's 3rd claim about AIDS being inflicted on blacks? Nope. No proof exists. And justifying Rev. Wright assertions in the context of the despicable Tuskegee experiments stretches the logic of relevance to say the least.

So, on balance, Rev. Wright is batting .667.

On his "GD America" rhetoric? Americans are right to be outraged. Sorry, there's no excuse for that.

However, had Wright said, "GD Washington!" might that have been more palatable? After all, MSNBC airs a nightly segment on one of its shows called: "Why Americans hate Washington?"

All in all, .667 is a better factual batting average than all of Rev. Wrights' critics and detractors in the so-called mainstream press combined. Damn him, perhaps, for confusing anti-American-sounding sentiments with his legal right to denounce bad policies made by provably corrupt officials.

How come the WP hasn't bothered to "fact check" any of Rev. Wright's endlessly replayed and sensationalized comments? It's so easy and the probable record so vast one wonders if they're more interested in selling papers rather than news.

And it raises the sound question: Is there a double-standard at play when a black man makes "inflammatory" accusations and the MSM fails to exercise its due diligence but goes to exhaustive lengths to fact-check Hillary's "Sniper fire" claims and Obama's less controversial comments from a speech here?

When did "inflammatory" become redefined to mean "untrue"? I see no connection between the two? Do ANY of YOU? Are you listening, Tucker Carlson?

What I wanted to say all along: Nothing bad really sticks to Senator Obama. However cynical I have become by reading and writing too much about politics ( http://wordpress.com/tag/europeanview-tpzoo/ ) I am beginning to wonder. Maybe he is not glib after all. Maybe it's just because there is not much bad about him? Could be, he is just that important bit more honest than we expect from a politician.

In reading the comments it has become obvious that anything saint Obama says or does is OK, we can find all sorts of reasons why he "miss-spoke". But when Hillary misspeaks, then she is a liar.

One might say that if Obama is trying to associate himself with the Kennedy's than he should at least get the facts straight. No matter when the event occurred. It did not seem to be difficult for someone to find our the fact of the statement so why could no one on the Obama team do so?

Orwell Rolls in His Grave: YOU ROCK!

The IDEA that people would think that this empty suit is competent to lead the world's only superpower IS PREPOSTEROUS.

Maybe if the MSM stuck to vetting the veracity of controversial claims, instead of playing some merely for their sensational ratings, the American people, who so often suffer from historical amnesia, would be better informed voters and more accountable citizens.

Rev. Wright made 3 central claims in the oft-repeated video clips of his now memorable sermon(s): 1) Blowback from America's foreign policy, both overt and covert, contributed to 9/11; 2) The Gov't had a hand in narco-trafficking in the 1980s; 3) The Gov't invented AIDS to harm black people.

For claims 1 & 2, there's ample credible evidence to support his assertions.

Look no further than: 1) "Charlie Wilson's War"; 2) to the writings of ex-bin Laden CIA analyst Michael F. Scheuer to substantiate the theory that America's involvement with bin Laden's mujahideen in Afghanistan -- to expel the Soviets -- and the U.S. military footprint in Saudi Arabia prior to Sept. 2001 were motivational contributors behind the 9/11 attacks.

Everyone now knows that the U.S. military exited stage left from Saudi Arabia after 9/11, right?

About Wright's Gov't drug dealing allegations: Have we already forgotten how the illegal Iran-Contra war under Reagan-Bush was funded in part?

Re: 1) the findings of the Kerry Commission; 2) Lt. Col. Ollie North's notebooks (www.gwu.edu/~nsarchiv/NSAEBB/NSAEBB2/nsaebb2.htm), and 3) paragraph 623 of CIA inspector General Hinz' report.

Finally, on this topic the media is so loathe to cover in full and without self-censorship, there's also the curious memorandum of understanding between Attorney General William French-Smith giving Bill Casey's CIA legal cover regarding facilitating drug trafficking.

Taken together, these incontrovertible facts shed a brighter light on Rev. Wright's charge of official Washington facilitating the illicit drug trade to realize their personal policy ambitions.

Regarding Wright's 3rd claim about AIDS being inflicted on blacks? Nope. No proof exists. And justifying Rev. Wright assertions in the context of the despicable Tuskegee experiments stretches the logic of relevance to say the least.

So, on balance, Rev. Wright is batting .667.

On his "GD America" rhetoric? Americans are right to be outraged. Sorry, there's no excuse for that.

However, had Wright said, "GD Washington!" might that have been more palatable? After all, MSNBC airs a nightly segment on one of its "news shows" called: "Why Americans hate Washington?"

All in all, .667 is a better factual batting average than all of Rev. Wrights' critics and detractors in the so-called mainstream pack combined.

Damn him, perhaps, for confusing anti-American-sounding sentiments with his legal right to denounce bad policies made by provably corrupt officials.

How come the WP hasn't bothered to "fact check" any of Rev. Wright's endlessly replayed and sensationalized comments? It's so easy and the provable public record so vast one wonders if they're more interested in selling papers rather than news.

And it raises another sound question: Is there a double-standard at play when a black and relatively marginalized man makes "inflammatory" accusations and the MSM fails to exercise its due diligence but goes to exhaustive lengths to fact-check high-profile Hillary's "Sniper fire" claims and Obama's less controversial comments from a speech here?

Lastly, when did "inflammatory" become redefined to mean "untrue" or "false"? I see no connection between the two? Do ANY of YOU? Are you listening, Tucker Carlson?

Obama OVERSTATED according to his campaign. Clinton MIS-SPOKE according to her campaign.
To put it bluntly both told baldface LIES. For fact checker to say that Obama's lie doesn't rise to the level of Clinton's is ridiculous. Another example of prejudice toward one candidate. We deserve better and it's time for our candidates to just tell us the truth and let us make our decision.

Camelot

I think Obama is trying to create a myth of inevitability. In grade school he wrote essays titled "I want to be president." Later he misspoke about his Selma conception-connection, also untrue. And now the silly Camelot. On a conservative website his picture is now shown with that famous turban and the caption underneath is "Camel-lot.

My better angels totally disapprove.

----

Pretty clearly there is a big difference between Hillary's statements and Obama's. Hillary made statements regarding events that happened directly to her relatively recently. Obama made statements which incorrectly assessed the motivations and responsibilities of others many years before.
I don't see any parallel here at all.

Gee, I think every family attaches "the best" of family history with "the best" of the nation's history whenever possible. It's natural. It's right. It's good. All Americans -- and we're cowboys at heart --want to wear the white hat. That's another reason the Oligarchy's GOP agents can't be allowed to win another round: They make it impossible for all Americans to wear the white hat! I agree about Clinton's dodging-snipers rating: She lied. Pure. Plain. Simple. No excuse. This was equal in magnitude to Gary Hart's stupid, campaign-ending lie. And I was a Clinton Supporter!

Let me just simply say this. Senaor Barack Obama is using the name of John F. Kennedy to gain popularity of the Democratic Party. President Kennedy had the charisma of camelot, and was a President of the and for the people. Senator Obama is attempting to cash in on the that similar likeness, however it is my opinion that he really does not have the identical or close likeness of President Kennedy. This may be his way of telling the American Voters, I can do the same job as the late President. I believe he is a dreamer, and I still find it difficult to believe the American people will take on a Presential Potential to run this country and be a leader of the free world on the concept of OJT I(On the Job Training) at this stage of our position in the todays world. Again this is my personal opinion, a President elected today must have the experience of someone to assist them if necessary to run this country and not to take un-necessary chances or by other sources that also do not have the experience needed. I believe that is where Hillary Clinton has the advantage over any other canditate. Including John McCain. I believe the American Voters will come together at the right time to make their decision who will lead this great country for the people. There is an awful lot at stake in this election, we need someone with direction, and stamina to withstand all the pressures it is going to take to manage this country properly. Once the decision is made there is no turning back, and whoever is elected is going to be closely observed by the Voters to insure we got what we needed and that person is also for the people.

You've either got to be kidding or your noses are multiplying as well. How can you give Obama 3 Pinocchios for confusing dates and 4 to Clinton's blatant lies? People will not be taking you seriously much longer if you keep this up.

I dont see what the Obama Selma alabama speech has to do with anything. He is talking folklore - a metaphoric connection between Selma and his parents and JFK's civil rights activism, intended to demonstrate that all blacks whether descendants of slaves or african immigrants are beneficiaries of the civil rights movement. This was the main thrust of the speech and this is true even if some facts of the storyline are incongruent. This is quite different from Clinton's fairy tale. The facts were wrong and the intent - distortions to highlight her bravery and foreign policy expertise was deliberate deception. 3 and 4 pinnochios repectively can only stem from a poorly balanced scale

MSNBC-
OBAMA: ANOTHER SUPER, EXAGGERATION

Washington Post caught Obama in a lie about the Kennedy family role.
Politico reports, "During his first run for elected office, Barack Obama played a greater role than he acknowledges in crafting liberal stands on gun control, the death penalty and abortion- positions that appear at odds with the more moderate image he's projected during his presidential campaign. The evidence comes from an amended version of an Illinois voter group's detailed questionnaire, filed under his name during his bid for a state Senate. In response to a Politico story, Obama's answers he never saw questioaire?

Obama said he goofed on votes angered fellow Democrats in the Senate when he voted to strip millions of dollars from a child welfare office on Chicago's West Side. But Obama had a ready explanation: He goofed! Also announced he had fumbled an election-reform vote the day before, on a measure that passed 51 to 6. The next day, he acknowledged voting "present" on a key telecommunications vote. He stood on March 11, 1999, to take back his vote against legislation to end good-behavior credits for certain felons in county jails. "I pressed the wrong button on that," he said. Obama was the lone dissenter on Feb. 24, 2000, against 57 yeas for a ban on human cloning. "I pressed the wrong button by accident," he said. But two of Obama's bumbles came on more-sensitive topics, he backed legislation to permit riverboat casinos to operate even when the boats were dockside. The measure, pushed by the gambling industry and fought by church groups whose support Obama was seeking, passed with two "yeas" to spare -- including Obama's. Moments after its passage he rose to say, explaining that he had mistakenly voted for it.

Obama would later develop a reputation as a critic of the gambling industry, and he voted against a similar measure two years later. But he was clearly confused about how to handle the issue at the time of his first vote, telling a church group that he was "undecided" about whether he backed an expansion of riverboat gambling. And, months earlier, he had voted in favor of a version of the bill.

NBC- Aswini Anburajan
GREENBURG, Pa
OBAMA LIES IN PENNSYLVANIA AD
It's unfortunate that Senator Obama is using false advertising to explain why he can be trusted to do something about energy prices. In his ad, Obama says, I'm Barack Obama, and I don't take money from oil companies or lobbyists, and I won't let them block change any more. Obama has been the recipient of more than $220,000 from the oil and gas industry just since as of Feb/08. Two of Obama's campaign bundlers are also CEOs for oil and gas companies, per his campaign Web site? Obama needs to answer to VOTERS about his dealings with one of his largest contributors Exelon, a big nuclear power company that he cut deals behind closed doors protecting them from full disclosure in the nuclear industry. Exxon, Shell, and others are among his biggest donors

Judicial Watch:
By Klaus Marre
Obama 'intended to leave no paper trail' OBAMA REFUSES to cooperate in releasing 8 years of his state senate records. One main reason REZKO!

The WashigntonPost Fact Checker
ABCNEWS.COM
Senator Obama CAUGHT LYING about Kennedy Role in Helping His Father
Contrary to Obama's claims in speeches Kennedy family did not provide the funding for a September 1959 airlift of 81 Kenyan students to the United States that included Obama's father. According to historical records and interviews with participants, the Kennedys were approached for support for the program a year later, July 1960. family responded with a $100,000 donation, which went to pay for a second airlift in September 1960.

He gets three Ps for this one? He's taken credit for bills he's showed up for right before the news conference? But this gets him three Ps? You've got to be kidding, right? The Kennedy's funded the program that brought his father to America a year after he came. They had a commitment to Civil Rights. I'm far more willing to forget this gaffe, especially since he immediately corrected it. Besides, there is apparently some conflation allowed in politics. One P. Two if he repeats it again.

Comments here show how badly divided the USA and the Democratic Party is. While the press delights in finding errors in speech (cited as lies), few find time to investigate Obama.

In a word, Obama and his campaign of lies are DISGUSTING.

GET HIM OUT OF HERE PLEASE, BECAUSE MILLIONS OF DEMS. ACROSS THE COUNTRY WILL BE VOTING FOR MCCAIN, AND AGAINST, REPEAT, AGAINST THIS FRAUD, BARACK HUSSEIN OBAMA IF HE IS THE DEM. CANDIDATE!

So who's the man standing with Obama when he was 10? I believe the caption says that it was his father!

Wait, I thought his father left Obama when Obama was 2 years old.... Fact check please!

Could someone please fact check the following:

1) Obama's claim to activism: I've heard that he does not give credit to the actual woman who organized against asbestos in the housing project

2) He discusses a Life Magazine photo where a black boy bleaches his skin. His story sounded good, but apparently the photo doesn't exist.

3) The circumstances under which he met his half sister

4) His stance regarding the Iraq war, where he apparently flipped flopped.

Many people have told me that his books are embellished throughout. Can someone please check this out???

This is important as we are mainly going on his books (and speeches) regarding who this man is. There isn't much else to go on, given that his resume is thin.

So who's the man standing with Obama when he was 10? I believe the caption says that it was his father!

Wait, I thought his father left Obama when Obama was 2 years old.... Fact check please!

Answer
His Father came to visit Barack in Hawaii when he was ten years old

Quiz,
What was the reason for the Selma March?

What happened at the end of the March?

Once you know the answers to these questions then you will understand that Obama was speaking figuratively not literally about the civil rights era.

This just reminds us that Obama is as full of political bluster and hyperbole as any politician - and should not be taken literally. Obama's view of himself is inflated and so is his view of the Kennedy Administration. Just don't inflate us with it.

Obama has carefully crafted his mythology from the poetry of rhetoric and romanticized events.

Yes, fact checks on his books are all over the web. His books are largely embellished.

What kind of President would this make him?

I don't know... and I hope I never need to find out.

a proper reading of the story shows Obama is trying to connect himself to the civil rights movement not necessarily with JFK.

Don't worry, Mythology, you WON'T need to find out-it will never happen!

hey pinocchio man, wow your detective work is worth 5 pinocchio's, what's next?

The less time a candidate has spent in a church, the more likely plenty of us are going to vote for them, pal.
Howzabout Hillary says something about the poll(s) that show her supporters include lots of democratic party white people who are "against interracial" marriage (but only with black people). Obviously she's fine with people voting for her ONLY BECAUSE SHE'S THE WHITE DEMOCRAT. Lot of us wouldn't want to vote for a candidate who welcomed her white racist voters with accepting arms. No wonder African Americans decided to go with Obama. Even if he's not "black enough" at least they don't have to vote with a ton of people who vote for Clinton because they hate blacks because of the color of their skin.

hey pinocchio man, wow your detective work is worth 5 pinocchio's, what's next?

hey pinocchio man, wow your detective work is worth 5 pinocchio's, what's next?

The less time a candidate has spent in a church, the more likely plenty of us are going to vote for them, pal.
Howzabout Hillary says something about the poll(s) that show her supporters include lots of democratic party white people who are "against interracial" marriage (but only with black people). Obviously she's fine with people voting for her ONLY BECAUSE SHE'S THE WHITE DEMOCRAT. Lot of us wouldn't want to vote for a candidate who welcomed her white racist voters with accepting arms. No wonder African Americans decided to go with Obama. Even if he's not "black enough" at least they don't have to vote with a ton of people who vote for Clinton because they hate blacks because of the color of their skin.

hey pinocchio man, wow your detective work is worth 5 pinocchio's, what's next?

hey pinocchio man, wow your detective work is worth 5 pinocchio's, what's next?

hey pinocchio man, wow your detective work is worth 5 pinocchio's, what's next?

hey pinocchio man, wow your detective work is worth 5 pinocchio's, what's next?

hey pinocchio man, wow your detective work is worth 5 pinocchio's, what's next?

hey pinocchio man, wow your detective work is worth 5 pinocchio's, what's next?

Dear Fact Checker: supposedly Rev. Jeremiah Wright in his lifetime has received several honorary doctorates. Also, supposedly he comes from a line of three generations of preachers, both on his mother's and his father's side. How could that be? And you know, I have heard that on March 18 or 19 this year, senator Clinton's former Church in Washington DC, which they say is the historical Foundry United Methodist Church, posted on their website a statement in defense of Rev. Jeremiah Wright. Moreover, the Easter sermon of its Senior Pastor, Dean Snyder, also seems to defend him and condemn the snippets that many poorer and less educated Americans obviously take for granted. Actually I have the address of this website: www.foundryumc.org This should be helpful to do some moral checking of the issue before jumping into fact checking right away.
Well, I shall be honest now. I am blessed with education and curiosity that lets me do some fact checking on my own, especially when one manufactured controversy could wreck the most important presidential campaign since I don't know when, and more importantly, the reputation of a decent man, only because he happens to be the head of an (integrated) Black Church who opposed the war. I am not asking you to check on some white pastor's blasphemies. I don't need to know it. The only facts I would like to know about the caricaturing snippets played by the FOX and other channels is who manufactured them, on what date, and for what greater purpose. Secondly, are there any legal grounds whereby the Trinity United Church of Christ could sue for defamation, either the Originator, or the news channels which replayed the snippets of the videos, the latter owned by the Church?

No problem crediting Kennedy. He had been working to bring over African Students since 1953.

Remarks of Senator John F. Kennedy at Student Convocation, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, February 12, 1953

As Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Africa, I would like to make the following proposals: First, I propose that we in the United States establish an Educational Development Fund, emphasizing particularly the exchange of students, teachers, and trained personnel --making available our technicians and specialists in a number of fields where they are most needed, while simultaneously opening our college doors to several times as many African students as now come over.

http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=74063

The Africa foundation student exchange program was established prior to 1960.

From John F. Kennedy himself
1960

"So the State Department felt it could not do that. In our conversation he asked if he could get help from private foundations to help them. They had private scholarships. They had raised $200,000, and they needed transportation. I said I did not know what could be done. I asked Mr. Shriver. I talked to my brother, who was a member of the foundation and also the president of the AFRICAN FOUNDATION STUDENT EXCHANGE FOR THE LAST 2 YEARS, what could be done. Mr. Shriver talked to other foundations, the Phelps-Stokes, Ford, Marshall Field, and others. The foundations were committed to other programs and could not proceed."
*******************************************

The false assumption is that no program existed prior to 1960. There was private funding prior to 1960.

From AP

In his command of the US political stage over the past year, Barack Obama has inspired many a comparison to John F Kennedy. Both young senators brought a lofty message, an appealing young family and a movie-star aura to the presidential race. But the two men forged a less known link - before Obama was even born.
The bond began with Kenyan labour leader Tom Mboya, an advocate for African nationalism who helped his country gain independence in 1963.

In the late 1950s, Mboya was seeking support for a scholarship program that would send Kenyan students to US colleges - similar to other exchanges the US backed in developing nations during the Cold War with the Soviet Union. Mboya appealed to the state department. When that trail went cold, he turned to then-senator Kennedy.

Kennedy, who chaired the senate subcommittee on Africa, arranged a $100,000 grant through his family's foundation to help Mboya keep the program running.

"It was not a matter in which we sought to be involved," Kennedy said in an August 1960 senate speech. "Nevertheless, Mr Mboya came to see us and asked for help, when none of the other foundations could give it, when the federal government had turned it down quite precisely. We felt something ought to be done."

No problem crediting Kennedy. He had been working to bring over African Students since 1953.

Remarks of Senator John F. Kennedy at Student Convocation, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, February 12, 1953

As Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Africa, I would like to make the following proposals: First, I propose that we in the United States establish an Educational Development Fund, emphasizing particularly the exchange of students, teachers, and trained personnel --making available our technicians and specialists in a number of fields where they are most needed, while simultaneously opening our college doors to several times as many African students as now come over.

http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=74063

The Africa foundation student exchange program was established prior to 1960.

From John F. Kennedy himself
1960

"So the State Department felt it could not do that. In our conversation he asked if he could get help from private foundations to help them. They had private scholarships. They had raised $200,000, and they needed transportation. I said I did not know what could be done. I asked Mr. Shriver. I talked to my brother, who was a member of the foundation and also the president of the AFRICAN FOUNDATION STUDENT EXCHANGE FOR THE LAST 2 YEARS, what could be done. Mr. Shriver talked to other foundations, the Phelps-Stokes, Ford, Marshall Field, and others. The foundations were committed to other programs and could not proceed."
*******************************************

The false assumption is that no program existed prior to 1960. There was private funding prior to 1960.

No problem crediting Kennedy. He had been working to bring over African Students since 1953.

Remarks of Senator John F. Kennedy at Student Convocation, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, February 12, 1953

As Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Africa, I would like to make the following proposals: First, I propose that we in the United States establish an Educational Development Fund, emphasizing particularly the exchange of students, teachers, and trained personnel --making available our technicians and specialists in a number of fields where they are most needed, while simultaneously opening our college doors to several times as many African students as now come over.

http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=74063

The Africa foundation student exchange program was established prior to 1960.

From John F. Kennedy himself
1960

"So the State Department felt it could not do that. In our conversation he asked if he could get help from private foundations to help them. They had private scholarships. They had raised $200,000, and they needed transportation. I said I did not know what could be done. I asked Mr. Shriver. I talked to my brother, who was a member of the foundation and also the president of the AFRICAN FOUNDATION STUDENT EXCHANGE FOR THE LAST 2 YEARS, what could be done. Mr. Shriver talked to other foundations, the Phelps-Stokes, Ford, Marshall Field, and others. The foundations were committed to other programs and could not proceed."
*******************************************

The false assumption is that no program existed prior to 1960. There was private funding prior to 1960.

From AP

In his command of the US political stage over the past year, Barack Obama has inspired many a comparison to John F Kennedy. Both young senators brought a lofty message, an appealing young family and a movie-star aura to the presidential race. But the two men forged a less known link - before Obama was even born.
The bond began with Kenyan labour leader Tom Mboya, an advocate for African nationalism who helped his country gain independence in 1963.

In the late 1950s, Mboya was seeking support for a scholarship program that would send Kenyan students to US colleges -similar to other exchanges the US backed in developing nations during the Cold War with the Soviet Union. Mboya appealed to the state department. When that trail went cold, he turned to then-senator Kennedy.

Kennedy, who chaired the senate subcommittee on Africa, arranged a $100,000 grant through his family's foundation to help Mboya keep the program running.

"It was not a matter in which we sought to be involved," Kennedy said in an August 1960 senate speech. "Nevertheless, Mr Mboya came to see us and asked for help, when none of the other foundations could give it, when the federal government had turned it down quite precisely. We felt something ought to be done."

I believe it is time our country had a Female President. But there again I know it is long overdue that we had an African as President.
The solution as I see it, is we have President Obama, and the 2nd in charge Hilary. Our country is in great need of a change. Let's put our country right. Then the rest of the people on Mother Earth will listen, Not say Bloody Yanks.

there, there, Plaidsportcoat!-Do you feel better now, playing the race card on behalf of your candidate? Do you think that's going to get people to be silent? You can scream "racist" ALL YOU WANT, but you can't escape the fact that your man Obama is unfit, in every way, to lead this nation, because he's never done a damn thing in his life except "score some blow whenever I could afford it" listen to racist hate speech from his self-proclaimed "spiritual advisor" -a racist hatemonger, HIS ENTIRE ADULT LIFE NO LESS, oh, and one more thing: LIE AND/OR EMBELLISH NEARLY EVERY ASPECT OF HIS LIFE!!

BRING THE HOOK OUT PLEASE, OBAMA'S 15 MINUTES OF FAME ARE LONG PAST!

To give a speech of the Race, speaking as a senator and then as a candidate for the presidency of the country, not prepared the speech in an instant, needed more time.
I don't believe that Obama did not know when his father arrived, Congressman can have access to such information.
This shows that he isn't sincere, he's just a politician like the others.
Why are people angry if only now knows about the truth?
Republicans don't see when you arrive Obama as a candidate, there are many things not so clear in him lives ....
Why the press has not given prominence to this big lie ... Lying is always lie, big or small ...
of Hillary, I know almost all her life, but, of Obama, I don't know what He really is ... Are you sure know this man...?

To:
Tom 01:37pm
JosephFleischman 02:07pm
Orwell rolls in his grave 04:46pm

These 3 commentaries are some of the most level-headed, well reasoned posts on the thread. It's refreshing to see opinions supported by good research and intuitive thoughtfulness as opposed to the hatefilled, uninformed rants that are so common. Kudos to you. I would like very much to see more of your informed opinions.

I agree completely with WanD:

"Obviously, this was a story handed down from his parents or grandmother... and we all know how facts get transformed from person to person.

Let's talk about the issues instead of wasting our time with "gotcha" politics.

Posted by: WanD | March 31, 2008 09:30 AM"

The photo of a 10 year old Barack with his father Dr. Barack Obama Sr. may indeed puzzle anyone who heard senator Obama say his father left them when he was two. He did indeed leave his wife and son in Hawaii, in order to pursue his PhD. at Harvard. He then returned to Kenya. So young Barack might have had mixed feelings about the word "PhD." When Barack was 10, and living in Hawaii with his grandparents, Barack's mother arranged for Obama senior to visit and spend some time with his son, who did not remember much of him, but for some family legends. You can read about his feelings in Obama's autobiography "Dreams from My Father. A story of Race and Inheritance". This book was published in 1995, long time before Barack's political aspirations, and received great reviews (google: obama book reviews). It happens that the man is not only a great orator, he is a very good writer. This book may convince you that he is capable of writing his own speeches. To save anyones time, his story was already fact-checked many times since, especially when he announced he would run for the Presidency. In March 2007 reporters from Chicago Tribune snooped in Hawaii, Indonesia, and Kenya to give us their take on the story and produced a many-part report which you can find in chicagotribune.com Any Pinocchios? Well, you need to read the book first. You will find the paperback in any bookstore, or try Amazon.

Some of the comments astound me - a total pass for Senator Obama. Let's recall what we require of your future officers in the cadet honor code: "A cadet will not lie, cheat, steal, or tolerate those who do." From Wikipedia on the honor code: "The military academy honor codes not only govern the cadets' and mid-shipmen's lives at the academies, but are deemed essential to the development of military officers who are worthy of the public trust."

So, I am really tired of "misstatements." A misstatement is something like calling a Ford, a Chevy. These are bald-faced lies by someone who would be the leader of our nation, military and the free-world. It is unacceptable.

Fact checking this isn't rocket science. I consider this as bad or maybe worse than Senator Clinton's lies about her trip to Bosnia. Clearly, the Senator has an ok story to tell of his father coming to America. Clearly Senator Clinton has traveled afar. Why not leave it at that, why lie?

I hope we don't go through this with Senator McCain. I'm not talking about flip-flopping, I'm talking about embellishing, exaggerating and downright lying to make himself look better. I somehow doubt it will happen. Oh, that's right, he lived under the Midshipmen's oath, it's a part of his moral fiber. The other senators have no such value system.

Obama's books would certainly earn him some more Pinocchios.

I just wish that someone would take the time to compile all the errors and embellishments in his books into one comprehensive document.

GOOD JOB, on this article.

We need more of these.

Thanks for reading. Thanks for responding and most importantly: for THINKING, CRITICALLY...Tom (4:35 pm) & Proteus (9:52 pm)

I wish to thank Mr. Dobbs for this article!He has done extensive research on this Obama character.....don't tear him down for printing the truth about Obama. I have done extensive research on bamaliar myself.......His biography is full of lies, misdirected facts, inuendoes, his books continue this pattern. He has plagerized his blackness from day 1, if I were a black-american I would still be just as outraged at him using blacks in this way......I would be ashamed of promoting the sexism of "Angry White Men" who state "they would never vote for a woman".......What is his faith anyway? He claims that he's a Christian not a muslim due to the fact that he belongs to a Christian Church...a church that accepts muslim members without them ever denouncing the islam religion......for 20 years he sat & listened to racism & hate preachings ( & don't be ignorant of the fact that it still goes on)...want to know what he intends for this country, what will he do if he becomes president? Read the article on "Human Events Site"..."Bama-spend-a-rama" Watch the video on YouTube of this person staring you in the face & says he will disarm the U.S. check out his eyes while he's speaking...if you are truthful with yourself, he will scare the wits out of you........poor black father from Kenya huh? Why does the Kenyan government document the Obama family as Arab-Africans instead of Negroid-Africans........read Obama Sr's bios that are online......why do they have an Arabian name? (50%White, 43.75%Arab, 6.25%Black)....why has this fact been suppressed by the majority of the media & his supporters? This man's entire life has been constructed so he could run as a black man....First African-American to be President of the Harvard Law Review, a paper whose title has been changed from Editor.......He is the first Arab-African to hold that position......there was a true Negroid-African to hold that position many years before Obama......Obama Jr. has quite effectivly taken credit for so many things that he either had little to do with or nothing at all........Obama Jr, the racists, sexists, & foolish guilt ridden, brainwashed youngsters (you older people have no excuse) have brought this disaster to the Democratic Party by themselves!......I have voted Democratic faithfully since 1963 but if this person is anywhere on the Democratic ticket.....I WILL CROSSOVER & VOTE REPUBLICAN.....& YOU CAN BET ON IT MCCAIN WILL WIN....Call me a racist if you will BUT I HAVE THE BETTERMENT OF THE U.S.A. IN MY HEART NOT HER DESTRUCTION......So all you Obama puppets, who will be to blame for the riots WHEN OBAMA IS KICKED TO THE CURB!

KEEP IT UP MR. DOBBS....YOU ARE ONE OF THE LIGHTS IN THE DARKNESS THAT BESETS THE U.S.A. TODAY.....Blessings

You get 4 pinocchios for this disingenuous attempt to balance the scales for unveiling Hillary's lie.

1. Kennedy was in the White House during the airlift - that is both TRUE and RELEVANT.

2. Selma is SYMBOLIC of the Civil Rights Movement.

3. I'm beginning to think journalists intentionally avoid learning CRITICAL REASONING skills because they are evidently not an important for their chosen field - It is frightening.

Farfalle, FedUp, Truth, Mythology, Dan, Chief and ALL THE OTHERS ON THIS BOARD WHO ACTUALLY USE THE BRAIN GOD GAVE YOU-GOOD JOB! WE HOPE TO SEE YOU EVERY TIME THE OBAMA ZOMBIES COME OUT OF THE WOODWORK TO ENDLESSLY AND MINDLESSLY INTONE THE VIRTUES OF THEIR FRAUD OF A LEADER!

Envy is an ugly emotion, Zombie.

Obama, Kennedys, Liars?

I'm shocked!

Just the tip of the iceberg for OB.

Oh, sorry, Dem. Voter! Didn't I tell you? I'M A DEM, ALSO, WHO PLANS, LIKE MILLIONS OF OTHERS IN THIS GOOD FOR NOTHING PARTY, FOR THE FIRST TIME IN MY LIFE TO VOTE FOR MCCAIN AND AGAINST THE LIAR OBAMA, IF THE DEM. PARTY DOESN'T WISE UP!

Dear Dem. Voter:

I KNOW,

based on my CRITICAL abilities

to THINK for myself, that Barack HUSSEIN

Obama, a former COKEHEAD who always needs

a CRUTCH, either COKE or his GRANDMOTHER,

or his FATHER, ANYONE, or ANYTHING whom he

can conveniently EXPLOIT and throw UNDER

the bus if it is POLITICALLY EXPEDIENT to

do so. At the same time, OBAMA also LIES

about his RELATIONSHIP with the RACIST

HATEMONGER REV. WRIGHT, who says of poor

Nathalie Holloway: "a white girl who goes to Aruba gives it up and gets raped, and it's in the news every day-I don't get it!"

OBAMA sat PASSIVELY in the PEWS for 20

YEARS HIS WHOLE ADULT LIFE-and gave 20

THOUSAND dollars to this piece of S--T

preacherman.

And YOU, democratic voter, and your

cronies, are too YOUNG, too STUPID, too

ENAMORED WITH THE COOLNESS OF VOTING FOR A

BLACK MAN simply because YOU ARE WHITE.

BUT MILLIONS of DEMS will have the LAST

LAUGH on the DEM PARTY-THAT you can take

to the BANK.

.

I paid my dues! I stayed with that womanizing Pr1ck and played the game and stuck it out...

Now, it's MY turn! And it would be all wrapped up, too... if it hadn't been for those snooping kids!

Ha Ha. Hillary Lost.

Write what you want, Losers. It's OVER.

.

.

I paid my dues! I stayed with that womanizing Pr1ck and played the game and stuck it out...

Now, it's MY turn! And it would be all wrapped up, too... if it hadn't been for those snooping kids!

Ha Ha. Hillary Lost.

Write what you want, Losers. It's OVER.

.

For those interested in another examination of this speech (as opposed to just engaging in polemics) there is a fairly full discussion of this speech and a resulting editorial at http://www.snopes.com/politics/obama/saywhat.asp

.

I paid my dues! I stayed with that womanizing Pr1ck and played the game and stuck it out...

Now, it's MY turn! And it would be all wrapped up, too... if it hadn't been for those snooping kids!

Ha Ha. Hillary Lost.

Write what you want, Losers. It's OVER.

.

If you're interested in another examination of this speech (and a responding editorial piece) instead of engaging in polemics, read http://www.snopes.com/politics/obama/saywhat.asp

Hey Liz:

You are very perceptive. I have always thought he was a shell of a person and not real outside...I believe he apes us and covetspower he does not deserve. His wife is the same, an activist for black people.

Indeed, she thinks she is Jacqueline Kennedy. I find her to be caustic and uncondesending as well as he is disengenious.

With a black person in power, there could be riots and no law and order because black people hate us and would kill white people in their beds with no regrets just as the Mau Mau did against white landowners in Kenya. Some black people can be violent as it is in their nature to be. The also have no adversion to killing their own kin if angered.

Overmore, the prisons are full of black people who are murderers, rapists and robbers. This past month, two white women were murdered by black men who were captured on camera using the victims ATM card.

Indeed, I feel very dissapointed that Obama has belonged to such a tacky church that only has black members. That seems rather one sided to me.

The media gave Kerry a lot of hype and his wife said "Let them eat cake"...however, he did not win.

There are more Christians and older people that will again come forward and quell his unjust movement.

Janet

At least Hillary knows where Bosnia is and who the presidents of South America are. Journalists covering this race tell me Barack did not know one president of Latin America. Simply, they say he is an empty suit. And sorry Obama supporters, they also say Hillary is the smartest of three candidates in the race. Get out of your Obama-induced coma. The guy with the shaddy past will never be president.

At least Hillary knows where Bosnia is and who the presidents of South America are. Journalists covering this race tell me Barack did not know one president of Latin America. Simply, they say he is an empty suit. And sorry Obama supporters, they also say Hillary is the smartest of three candidates in the race. Get out of your Obama-induced coma. The guy with the shaddy past will never be president.

At least Hillary knows where Bosnia is and who the presidents of South America are. Journalists covering this race tell me Barack did not know one president of Latin America. Simply, they say he is an empty suit. And sorry Obama supporters, they also say Hillary is the smartest of three candidates in the race. Get out of your Obama-induced coma. The guy with the shaddy past will never be president.

For those interested in examining the speech and responses to it rather than engaging in polemics, I recommend reading http://www.snopes.com/politics/obama/saywhat.asp

For those interested in examining the speech and responses to it rather than engaging in polemics, I recommend reading http://www.snopes.com/politics/obama/saywhat.asp

******A diagnosis by a psychiatrist would be interesting, to find out if she pathologically incapable of distinguishing truth from fantasy.Posted by: martin | March 21, 2008 08:42 PM ********** HOW ABOUT ONE FOR OBAMA ALSO????????? His whole history, bios, books have been documented to be full of lies, mistruths, innuendoes......research the idiot...find out what his truths really are.......sorry but his halo has slipped down to his tuckus... & he can't walk on water no matter what he or his puppets pretend!.......But that is an inconsequential matter isn't it?...he'd never allow that to happen....what will you people do if you finally found out that he's lying through his teeth to you & just using racism & sexism to further his own personal gains?.....he's trying to do to the whole country the same thing he's done to the Democratic Party...His Slogan.."Make History Elect the First African-American President"... This very statement is a mistruth (or did he just have a child's mistaken memory & forgot to tell everybody about it)? Kenya documents that he is an Arab-African NOT Negroid-African... If Mary herself came down & ran, Obama's "Angry White Men" would attack her as a woman who's stepped out of line, didn't know her place in the male scheme of things!.....A woman who gave birth to the greatest breathing human being the world has ever known, Our True Savior & HE DID WALK ON WATER" Jesus stood for honesty & integrity.. Obama disparages the Constitution which was written by Our U.S. Founding Fathers...men he isn't even worthy of cleaning the horse droppings from the bottom of their shoes .... Obama is a fairy tale & his puppets just keep the myth going & going & going. Maybe we should put large pink ears & a white fluffy tail on him?????.... When Oprah & his other so-called supporters come acalling on him to pay his dues.....are you going to tell God to go to Hell like Oprah & her new church does? Oprah preaches there is no God, so therefore there is no sin.....is this going to be the new religion of the U.S. or will it be Islam...."In good conscience Obama cannot denounce his Christian-Muslim church?...He cannot take his family out of a hate spewed atsmophere?...Do you really think the Muslims are just there to soak up the atsmophere of a religion they don't believe in.....& have sworn to destroy???? How many of them are laughing silently at these preachers of hate & God Damning America right along with the members????? Can you make Obama swear to God & to the people of this Nation, on God's Holy Word that everything he's said to you, his supporters is God's truth & nothing but?????? Or is it passe' & politically incorrect to make a person prove the worth of their words? This is still God's Country! We are still "One Nation Under God"..not under Obama or his puppets .. Who's really pulling Obama's strings? Put the 10 Commandments back into our government & our schools, make it the law of the land & enforce them. Just 10 simple, easy to understand ways to live your life in a goodly manner.... Then watch & see how fast racism & sexism disappears!

Obama is every bit as much a LIAR as Clinton. He has LIED about his not being tied to lobbyists and he has LIED about his background and his acheivements.

Wow!!!!! Give it a rest people....Those of you who are mad as hell at Obama's latest "supposed" lie are not going to vote for him any way....Let me catch up...For Joseph Iacone: I stand by my last statement - Obama doesn't wear a flag on his lapel...So? A flag on a lapel, in a window, flying from a flag pole doesn't define whether a person is patriotic. Just because a person disagrees with the president or thinks we should not have gone into Iraq, does not mean they are unpatriotic or don't support the troops. Only simple-minded people follow blindly after national leaders...the people are to be the conscious of the nation --- it's our patriotic duty to oppose wrong-headed government decisions. For Farfelle44: my first inclinations was to attempt an intelligent conversation with you, but I realized you aren't well equipped for such an encounter. For your information, capital letters indicate shouting in standard text messaging ettiquette. It show ignorance and rudeness. Please talk respectfully and intelligently if you are able. If not --- go back to your crayons. For Tony: So Obama is capitalizing on one good speech --- his success has nothing to do with the millions across the nation who listen and appreciate what he is saying and the change he represents? Ahead in the delegate count --- ahead in the popular vote --- last gallup poll shows him 10 points ahead nationally. But it's all just a fluke? Finally, for Democrat for McCain: Just so you know -- there's no such animal!

Wow, you people really have nothing else to do. Professor, not professor, how does that change the mess that our economy is in. The fact that we have young men and women serving in a war that is costing trillions of dollars, and all you can come up with is...Investigate the fact the cost of college has gotten so high until working folks have to give up so much just to help our children get through it, or they come out of school with loans "for days"....Fact Finders? Get a grip -seniors and children's healthcare is a real issue, and the fact is that none of the issues about whether Hillary lied, Obama lied or McCain couldn't remember, really matter. 1200 people were just laid off from a major computer company....and it's their fault when or if they lose their homes?

No one will ever admit the truth. When it's all said and done, we are on your own in this world. If it were not for God, none of us would be able to get up in the morning. So, let's keep it real people, and get a life. I am so tired of the whole thing. The people that will vote for Obama are going to do so, and likewise for Clinton and McCain. This ignorance must stop - please - It is highly insulting.

Sheila:

There's a separate "Fact Checker" already up on "Professor vs. professor" : )

This one deserves 5 Pinocchios. Obama had much more time to prepare this speech, it wasn't just a Hillary off-the-cuff exaggeration. He was also making a very calculated effort to tie himself to the Kennedys and to the civil rights movement. All very important for placing himself squarely in the inevitable march of history. It was very well spoken, but it was still casuistry.

It is quite excusable to make a fuzzy
remembrance of events that happened when you were 4 years old.

But when you are a 46 year old politician trying to embellish your resume, this recollection of events is nothing but a deliberate lie to con the voters.

It is very clear that Sen. Obama wants to wrap himself with the mystic of the great Kennedy to gain politically.

What a fraud and a phony!

To FARFALL44
It is unbelievable that you are unable to figure out for yourself that the picture of Obama and his father was taken on one of those rare occasions when he saw his father.

It is true, almost 25% of Hillary's supporters will most likely vote for McCain in November. This is not including some of Hillary supporters in Michigan and Florida.

Have you noted Obama's tone in Pennsylvania, lately? When normally he is very arrogant,cocky and rude in his speeches towards Hillary; yesterday he told the voters in Pennsylvania "at the end of this contest the Democrats will remain unified". Hillary has been saying this all along. He never has. I would tell Obama "you are a little too late, buddy! You had your change and we have had enough of you. This Democrat and many others will not vote for you if you win the nomination!!"

Go Hillary!!

Jake, Hummmm....

Obama lies do not rise to Clinton's? Are you freaking kidding me? This guy lies every time he opens his mouth!!

First; he denied having any relationship with Tony Rezco and contend he had only spend 5 hrs with him, discussing lawyer/client matters. He finally admitted knowing Rezco for a long time; has contributed almost a quarter of million dollars to his campaign; and paid for almost a third of his house.

Second; he lied being aware or hearing that his pastor had made any anti-white; anti-american; and anti-semitic statements. Five days later he admits hearing the pastor make some of the controversial statements.

Third; he said he never had accepted campaign contributions from oil corporations. Found out he has accepted thousands of contributions from Exxon/Mobile etc. He even ran an Campaign Ad saying he did not take money from oil corporations.

Fourth; he said he had never accepted campaign contributions from subprime loan corporations. We find out he has accepted over 1.5 millions from the top ten that are presently under investigation.

Fifth; he criticizes NAFTA for its weaknesses and promised he would make changes to it. He then tells Canada it was just all political talk and and he will not and is not going to change anything.

Sixth; in 2002 he made a one sentence statement regarding his position on the Iraq War. He thought it was not a good idea; would be expensive and there would be consequences.

In 2003 after the brief victory in Iraq, he said he was wrong about the War and that he just did not have the information Congress had at he time.

In 2004 he said he supported and stood by Bush's position on the war.

Later, in 2004, 2005, 2006 he voted for continuing the war.

In his speeches he lies to the American voters and contends he has always been against the Iraq war; as if he has never supported and/or voted for it. And/or have ever made speeches in its favor.

He has promised many times he will get us out of Iraq within 90 days; but his senior advisor tells BBC it is all just "campaign talk."

And now this.

Are these lies; misstatements; bonehead moments; or bad bad bad judgements??

Good question. I'd like to know this too.

Great work. I second Chief's request above to clarify when Mr. Obama first heard of his pastor's remarks.

Posted by: Kevin | March 31, 2008 10:42 AM

Obama is disgrace to professional ethics, he Plagiarized speaking other words without acknowledging, he Lied about his connection in Selma with another lie, His team manipulates and he lies about his record in 1996, why media is Damn supportive of this man, they should treat the same way HRC is being treated in the media not come back and write small article about his lie and also support the Lie. Media is as manipulative as Obama in his pursuit for presidential nomination. God bless America from the sheep supporting Obama

Does anyone realize that Obama is a Muslim and not a black american? He has an Arabian name. Did we not get attacked by arab extremists? Obama was born a muslim to his muslim father. The muslim religion is patriarcal. This means that decent is traced through the male. Therefore the Muslims consider Obama a muslim. Obama attends the Trinity church that is both a Christian and a Muslim church. If you are a Muslim you do not have to denounce Islam to attend. Obama has given everyone the impression that he is african american and christian,not muslim. However, the muslims still consider him a muslim. If he were to convert to christianity, then he would be earmarked for death according to the Islamic scriptures. Therefore, I urge you americans, think through whether this country is ready to elect a muslim for president. This is another one of Barak Hussein Obama jr.'s theme song...."Oh, yes I'm the great imposter"...we were attacked by Muslim extremists on 9/11.....now we could have a muslim in the white house with Rev. Wright and Michelle singing,
"the chickens have come back to hatch".

Get it right does not answer the question. Has Obama been asked the question as to why he does not wear the flag pin. I would like to know if he has been asked, and if he has been asked, what his answer was. I am not interested in Getitright's thoughts which he would like to attribute to Obama. If Obama's answer was published in any way, or broadcast, then I will be able to make my own judgements as to whether Obama is a loyal American or a closet Muslim with a hidden agenda.

Joe: Obama said basically what I said --- a flag on the lapel has become just a flag on the lapel --- it doesn't mean anything....

Unfortunately Greg, they don't want to take a closer look at the speech --- then they'd have to make an informed decision. They don't want to informed. They want to stay in their little narrow world

Get it right,, can you read? I have asked you to quote the pub or broadcast for me. Either you have it or you do not,,no need to play games. "Basically" is a word I do not attach any value to for this purpose.

Hey Joe....How bout you get it the same way I got it - RESEARCH...try www.google.com - try "Flag lapel pin"

The Obama "misstatements" do not rise to the level of gross over-simplification and distortion of history, especially when his father mentioned this kennedy issue to him.

Get it right finally got my request. But what shall I believe,, Obama infers that those who wear the lapel pin are using it as a substitute for real patriotism. AS A WORLD WAR 2 INFANTRY VETERAN, I resent the statement that because I wear the pin, that I use it as a substitute for real patriotism. If he told me that face to face he would get a mouthful of knuckle sandwich,, quick.

Get it right, it is sad to know that the only way you learned of Obama's opposition to wearing the flag lapel pin was thru research. I would have thought his answer would have been all over the net and the networks, and that you could have referred to these as your source instead of a small Radio or TV station on one of his campaign stops.

Okay Joe - your ignorance is showing - your comments are reaching the point of stupidity. First, Obama did not question your patriotism - he said he saw some wearing a pin but behaving unpatriotically. It had nothing to do with YOU. Secondly, his original comments took place October 4, 2007, and were covered by ABC, Fox, MSNBC, CNN, The Sun Times, Huffington Post, Washington Post, The Drudge Report, the Las Angeles Times and Salon....just to name a few. If you google "Obama" "lapel flag pin", you'll find 46,500 references to this incident. Time to move on to another discussion....

Regina: There is no such thing as a Muslim and Christian Church - the two are incompatible. Having an Arabian name does not make you Muslin, just as having the name Gerald Ford did not make him a pick-up truck.

Get it right,On to other more important discussions. I just wonder why you had to RESEARCH and what your motivation was to do the research, when if you had been watching the media outlets you list, you could have named them right off the bat, as I requested. I would have been satisfied. I regularly watch ABC,CNN,Wash Post, Drudge and Salon, and sorry to say I never saw comment in regard to the matter at issue, but I would say I could have missed the comments. It would not have been like me to not be sensitive the the question at issue.Your failure at the beginning of these messages to directly answer my question has simply resulted in a waste of time on both your part and mine.

Regina, religion is not inherited like eye-color. Senator Obama's father was an African Muslim (not Arab) but he is an American. Given a heritage that includes both African and American ancestors he is an African-American. No church I am familiar with requires a denunciation of another religion as a requirement to be a member, much less attend. Barring actual evidence (as opposed to charges that his name makes him Muslim or even wilder flights of fancy) it seems to me that as Americans we take people at their word as to what their religious faith is - if it even matters.

As for his name, our current president (and several former ones) share a name with a rather notorious (to Americans) British monarch - does that make any of them British royalty? General Eisenhower had a German name, did he help the Nazis in WWII? Even Bill O'Reilly dismissed the idea that Senator Obama's name (first, middle or last) has any bearing on his fitness to serve as Senator or President.

What an idiot........

If Hillarys duck and run story was 4 pinochios to award 3 for a story perhaps handed down fater to son really seems bizaar. Hillary fabricated her story whole cloth.

Hillary's story about the sniper file should be understood. For the few weeks before she was scheduled to go to Bosnia, she thought hard and often about the possible risks, and the dangers weighed heavily on her mind, so much so that the thought took over her subconscious. Right up to the moment she hit the tarmac, the fear was in her mind. Later, she confused the fear with the reality, as any human being may do in retrospect, long after the event. She should be given the benefit of the doubt that it was not an intentional lie, as she is smart enough to know that if her expression of her recollection was not accurate, the actual facts would be made known, since her visit was heavily covered by the media

there is the professional world of warcraft power leveling here. welcome.

Check out Obama's own words

In his own words...............this is scary.............
This guy wants to be our President and control our government. Pay close attention to the last comment! Below are a few lines from Obama's books "
his words:

From Dreams of My Father: "I ceased to advertise my mother's race at the age
of 12 or 13, when I began to suspect that by doing so I was ingratiating myself to whites."

From Dreams of My Father : "I found a solace in nursing a pervasive sense of
grievance and animosity against my mothers race."

From Dreams of My Father: "There was something about him that made me wary, a little too sure of himself, maybe. And white."

From Dreams of My Father: "It remained necessary to prove which side you
were on, to show your loyalty to the black masses, to strike out and name names."

From Dreams of My Father: "I never emulate white men and brown men whose fates didn't speak to my own. It was into my father's image, the black man, son of Africa , that I'd packed all the attributes I sought in myself, the attributes of Martin and Malcolm, DuBois and Mandela."

From Audacity of Hope: "I will stand with the Muslims should the political winds shift in an ugly direction."


I told you Obama is NOT a christian.