The Trail: A Daily Diary of Campaign 2008

Obama's efforts to connect to the Republican Party, specifically Bush, and Dick Chaney, of the Halliburton Company, dates back to the Presidents Grandfather, Prescott Bush, and indeed Chaney was once an executive officer of Halliburton.

The American military pounds Iraq with Artillary, bombs, and the like, destroying large sections of cities, and infra-structures, then Halliburton comes in to rebuild. Halliburton and Halliburton associated companies have raked in ten's of billions.

Obama is just like the BIG HALIBURTAN. Haliburton has contracted to build detention centers in the U.S. similiar to the one in Quantanammo Bay, Cuba. Halliburton does nothing to earn the Two Dollars for each meal an American Serviceman in Iraq eats.

http://www.halliburtonwatch.org/

Halliburton was scheduled to take control of the Dubai Ports in The United Arab Emiirate. The deal was canceled when Bush was unable to affect the transfer of the American Ports.

Now we see what some might suspect as similiar financial escapading from the Democrats.

Two years ago, Iraq's Ministry of Electricity gave a $50 million contract to a start-up security company - Companion- owned by now-indicted businessman (TONY REZKO) Tony Rezko and a onetime Chicago cop, Daniel T. Frawley, to train Iraqi power-plant guards in the United States. An Iraqi leadership change left the deal in limbo. Now the company, Companion Security, is working to revive its contract.
Involved along with Antoin "Tony" Rezco, long time friend and neighbor of Democratic Presidential hopeful Barack Obama, and former cop Daniel T. Frawley, is Aiham Alsammarae. Alsammarae was accused of financial corruption by Iraqi authorities and jailed in Iraq last year before escaping and returning here.

LIKE FATHER LIKE SON --
Obama should be vetted and disclose his connection to the criminal money generating underworld. Besides, his connections to the REZCO MAFIA types, his up-coming tax fraud charges -- Obama needs to disclose why he is a MUSLIM "PATWANG-FWEEE" and stop suppoting our intervention in IRAQ. It's time to introduce this false, fake Xerox - X box Obama and invite the self-indicting thief plagiarizing pipsqueke "GLORK" Xerox - X box to meet the Buffalo "GAZOWNT-GAZIKKA" Police Department Buffalo Creek. He is MAD!!! --

OBAM YOUR NO JFK --
"GLORK" Obama looks like Alfred E. Newman: "Tales Calculated To Drive You." He is a MUSLIM "Glork" He's MAD!!! Alfred E. Neuman is the fictional mascot of Mad. The face had drifted through American pictography for decades before being claimed by Mad editor Harvey Kurtzman after he spotted it on the bulletin board in the office of Ballantine Books editor Bernard Shir-Cliff, later a contributor to various magazines created by Kurtzman.
Obama needs to disclose why he is a MUSLIM "PATWANG-FWEEE" and stop suppoting our intervention in IRAQ. It's time to introduce this false, fake "GLORK" Xerox - X box Obama and invite the self-indicting thief plagiarizing pipsqueke Xerox - X box to meet the Buffalo "GAZOWNT-GAZIKKA" Police Department Buffalo Creek.

Obama and his friends about 18 years old girl thinking.

"One white girl goes off and gives it up"

Sen. Barack Obama's longtime friend and spiritual adviser trashed the memory of a missing and presumed dead American teenage girl, according to church publications reviewed by WND.

Rev. Jeremiah Wright, the controversial minister of Obama's church in Chicago, cited the case of Natalee Holloway's disappearance in Aruba in complaining about what he sees as the media's bias in covering white victims of crime over black victims.

"Black women are being raped daily in Darfur, Sudan, in the Congo and in Sub-Saharan Africa. That doesn't make news," Wright said in the August 2005 edition of Trumpet Magazine, a publication of his Trinity United Church of Christ.

But, "One 18-year-old white girl from Alabama gets drunk on a graduation trip to Aruba, goes off and 'gives it up' while in a foreign country, and that stays in the news for months!" he added. "Maybe I am missing something!"

The circumstances involving the coed's disappearance remain unclear, and the case remains unsolved. Holloway left Mountain Brook, Ala., on a May 2005 senior class trip to Aruba.

Barack Obama

Attempts to reach her family for comment were unsuccessful. But her mother, Beth Holloway, has written a book, "Loving Natalee," in which she reveals her daughter named Jesus Christ as one of the most influential people in her life in a trove of writings she found in her bedroom.

In the same 2005 church publication, Wright suggested "white America" had the 9/11 attacks coming, while calling for business "divestment from Israel," which he refers to as a "racist" state along with America.

"In the 21st century, white America got a wake-up call after 9/11/01," he wrote on page 7. "White America and the Western world came to realize that people of color had not gone away, faded into the woodwork or just 'disappeared,' as the Great White West kept on its merry way of ignoring Black concerns."

Obama says he is "proud" of Wright and values their 20-year friendship.

Though Wright has nurtured Obama's political career as a close adviser and mentor, the Democrat presidential hopeful says they don't agree on everything. Wright married Obama and baptized his daughters.

Louis Farrakhan

In the November/December 2007 issue of Trumpet, Wright sang the praises of Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan, who has described whites as "blue-eyed devils" and Jews as "bloodsuckers."

"He brings a perspective that is helpful and honest," Wright said. "Minister Farrakhan will be remembered as one of the 20th and 21st century giants of the African-American religious experience."

Wright then held Farrakhan up as a pillar of "integrity."

"His integrity and honesty have secured him a place in history as one of the nation's most powerful critics," he continued. "His love for Africa and African-American people has made him an unforgettable force, a catalyst for change and a religious leader who is sincere about his faith and his purpose."

Farrakhan's photo is splashed across the cover of the church magazine, which gushes "the Minister truly epitomized greatness."

On Nov. 2, 2007, Wright presented Farrakhan with a "lifetime achievement" award during a Trumpet gala held at the Hyatt Regency Chicago. The tribute included a three-and-a-half minute video lionizing "the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan."

"For his commitment to truth, education and leadership, we honor Minister Louis Farrakhan with the Rev. Dr. Jeremiah A. Wright Jr. Lifetime Achievement Award," the video announces.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3JUzasTgLw

Those that throw stones...

Too bad we never got to the bottom of the WMD or other reasons for the Iraq war before we sacrificed 3900 troops. And we continue to support the troops by sending more to dye? We never had enough troops in the 1st place and wanted to do it on the cheap. We leave disabled vets rotting in their own bed sores and vomit and we still never got to the end of this investigation. And so all the major concern to vet Obama's version of an American heroes concerns is, what ?

A point yet to be made is that the captain/lieutenant brought the matter to Obama--not to Warner. He did it either to undermine Obama with a lie or he did it because he didn't trust bringing it to Warner or to anyone else, because it would be stifled. It seems he, as an active combat officer, trusts Obama to bring it to the people and believes that Obama is genuinely concerned, not just another platitude-mouthing "patriot."

Obama uses this story as political fodder. Warner wants to get to the botom of it. Questions?

And, I'm a Democrat. (Also a retired soldier)

Let's get real here people...(plagiarism alert)

John Warner is a key supporter of the McCain campaign. This nonsense that this is somehow not politically motivated is just plain silly. Yes, it is definitely worthy of investigation, but show me John Warner's hearings on similar issues over the MRAP story in USA Today a week ago. Show me his call for hearings about other issues since the last big uproar. But somehow, this one struck a nerve, which is undeniably true, as Rumsfeld even admitted that you go to war with the army you have.

Sen. John Warner is a fine citizen and genuine hero. That doesn't mean is is immune to politics. Everyone needs to get off of their high horse.

By the way, the Post headline is likely driven by the press release from Warner, not the actual letter, which is never going to be scathing from Senator to Senator..

That should help, ebubuk.

Obama is a FRAUD, we will see it soon.

It looks as if the Republicans are going to take their cue from the Clinton campaign, and deliver Obama to the Oval office wrapped in a bow. It's beautiful.

This Captain's comments are nothing new - according to the story this Captain was in Afghanistan in 2004- and most Army personnel recognize them as true enough- and also the reason that most professional soldiers had given up on Donald Rumsfeld long before he was "retired" by President Bush. But the Army has since sunk a great deal of money in fielding new soldier equipment in a far faster manner than at any time in the previous 30 years to rectify such shortfalls. Most soldiers also recognize Obama's "concern" for what it is- a political stunt to justify what few if any soldiers believe is the right course of action in Iraq- a precipitous withdrawal despite the gains that it is obvious are being made. Senator Obama should spare us the theatrics- you won't win any points among soldiers with this story.

US Senator Warner should investigate completely. Here's a link to the Captain's verfication as seen on MSNBC
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23301273/

Myself an American veteran of the 173rd USA I find it deplorable that lack of equipment to any regiment of the US military unaccepatable. One hopes that we can put aside partisan bickering and support our military by giving them the tools required to fight this or any war.

The Iraq war should have never been waged -period.

Lee Giabenelli
(Arizona registered Republican voter)

OBAMA 2008

I believe that Sen. Warner is an honorable man, who happens to be a Republican.

Therefore, I choose to believe that this was less political, and more sincere outrage -- and that he will now shift his ire away from Sen. Obama (a man of character and principles) and direct it to the real issue of REALLY supporting the troops (i.e., dispensing with the all-show flag-waving that O'Reilly and his ilk subscribe to -- and actually equipping our men and women to win the clear, honest objectives we set for them, etc.).

Sen. Obama (like Sen. Warner) is an honorable man who will not only serve his party well as commander-in-chief -- he'll actually serve this nation well.

Giving Warner the benefit of any doubt here, he is doing his duty.

The problem may be the WaPo's headline, as compared with the story.

It could have easily been:

"Obama,Warner Cooperate on Investigation"

It has now been reported that both Tapper and CNN--two separate sources, two different networks--spoke directly with the Captain at issue, and that he verified Obama's statement.

What remains are only those who would wish that this were not true.

Obama is being tested--and he is growing stronger as a result. That is why people continue to rally to his campaign.

If you haven't been to a rally, or have, and want to take it with you, you can get the entire Obama rally setlist--all the way from U2's "City of Blinding Lights", to which Obama takes the stage, to the Obama victory anthem "Signed, Sealed, Delivered" at ITunes, here:

http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewIMix?id=273868596&s=143441&v0=575

Why are you, who are so sure that Warner is in the tank for the Administration (not running again) think this is so diabolical? Or do you just know so little about our military that you failed to ask the proper questions?
David Axelrod claims this "captain" told his story to a staffer and asked it be relayed to Obama. So it was not told to Obama directly. Did Obama verify the story as it was from 2003? Did he have his staff verify the story? If the story is true, why did Obama not take it to the proper Senate committee to be vetted? Why is this captain afraid to come out and verify his claim and why is the news still giving him a pass? This captain (a Lt. at the time) had a responsibility to his platoon to take his complaints up the chain of command, not to a political candidate.
If Obama knew this story was true (which I doubt) he had a responsibility to do something about it. Yet yesterday, once again, Obama says he will vote against military funding unless there are timetable attached. Nothing like posting notice to the enemy when we are leaving. And that very funding goes to soldiers who OBAMA claims are doing without proper equipment. Sorry, you can't have it both ways saying you support the troops but want them to do without what they need by voting against the very funding that provides for them.

Obama had a responsibility to take this claim to the Senate and get to the bottom of it. He did not. What he did do was sit on it until it was politically expedient to use it as a talking point. That is morally dishonest.

Yes, Warner has a responsibility to get to the bottom of it. If it is true, let the chips fall where they may. If it is another Jesse McBeth/Beauchamp story, then Obama needs to take the hit for not vetting the story before he used it for a political axe.

And for those of you who thinks that Warner should have asked to speak to the Captain, Warner showed great respect toward Obama, allowing Obama's office to respond. Personally, I would have demanded to speak to the Captain, know his unit and find out if the Captain followed proper chain of command proceedures. My guess is he didn't and so the press, and Obama's office, will try to cover for this captain.

That dog won't hunt.

Bottom line? The story is true and Obama did not follow through on it as he should have as a U.S. Senator or....
this is a Jesse McBeth/Beauchamp story.

If you want to get to the bottom of the issue you call up the Senators office and ask to speak to the Captain. Warner didn't. He made a public spectacle of disbelief. Not ot mention that these have been ongoing problems for the last five years with Afgahnistan being the red-headed step-child of the Pentagon war planning. This is nothing new, just another example of incompetence by the Rumsfield Defense Department. For Warner to pretend this is the first he has ever heard of understaffed and undersupplied units is pure excrement. He is doing a little Republican hatchet work before leaving office.

I'm doubtful Sen. Warner was concerned about the soldiers' plight pursuant to Obama's debate remarks. If I've learned anything during this campaign, it's that everything "opposing" politicians say is said and done for a political reason, not out of selfless concern for one's fellowman. Few are neutral. I believe Warner wanted to prove Obama was a liar. The story turned out to be true, and now it's Warner's turn to prove his intentions.

My guess is that this story will fade into that soft goodnight, just like the Walter Reed story. Warner's pursuing it could not possibly benefit his candidate--McCain--so the whole thing will be dropped, I'd bet.

As an ex military officer I know how difficult it is to speak out. When I first heard the statements I assumed they were exaggerated. However they have been confirmed.

Let's see if this story goes anywhere. In regards to the young officer I am sure the senior command, all Republicans will destroy his career in the Army.

jms3rd said: "Are you suggesting PhilTR, that Senator Obama should be sending his campaign donations to the Pentagon to buy military equipment?"

Not a bad idea. No, Knowing how easy it is to spoof IP addys, I'm wondering if political influences lying outside the country are affecting the election. That's all.

PhilTR..."Barack raises an awful lot of money over the internet. Where does it come from?"

Are you suggesting PhilTR, that Senator Obama should be sending his campaign donations to the Pentagon to buy military equipment?

The story here is about whether Obama's statement the other night during the debate about ill-prepared soldiers being sent off to war, was a true statement or not. Also, under what context should Senator Warner's letter be perceived.

Barack raises an awful lot of money over the internet. Where does it come from?

Does all of it come from within the country? If not where does it come from?

Is there any way to control or monitor money flowing into campaign coffers from the internet?

If money is coming from outside the country, is it protected political speech? Is it even covered by current campaign law?

If I live in Saudi Arabia, can I go to Barack's web site, click on PayPal and donate to his campaign?

Has anyone even thought to ask these questions?

But I would have to point out that all though
Congress approved lots of spending for supplies and weapons to our military as well as Funds that should have been distributed to citizens for use of buying and trading. Lots of supplies, weapons and funds have been stolen!

Don't forget, Private Military and Private Consultants are also being funded threw tax payer dollars and we do not monitor or in very small cases hold them accountable for what is lost or stolen, in regards to supplies or cash.

Don't blame congress for not spending money far and beyond the call of any duty requires. Blame poor management on the white house. I have never heard BUSH demand from any private consultant or military any answers. But I have heard Military leaders, Congressional leaders, and Senate leaders question BUSH's rational and execution of the entire War on Terror!

Who dares to question "THE WORD" of the Messiah?

Somebody please post this site when at least one of the Conservative Talk Show hosts listeners comes online and say that Obama was correct. Oops. Am I crazy or what?

Why didn't John McCain, who is a supporter of the war and wants everyone to think that he cares about our soldiers, bring the shortage of equipment to the attention of the public? Why didn't he take action to correct the problem? McCain has been in the Senate a long time and he voted for the war before Senator Obama was elected to Congress. McCain professes to be concerned about the safety of our troops, but what has he done about it and why did he not bring it to the attention of the public? Does that sound like he cares about ours soldiers? Warner also had/has a responsibility to ensure that our soldiers have the equipment that they need, but what has he done about it? Warner also was in Congress before Obama arrived and now that Senator Obama has exposed the shameful abuse and exploitation of our troops, Warner now wants to pretend to display concern for the soldiers, obviously for political purposes. Warner and McCain are George Bush supporters and they are political dinosaurs, and the sooner they are out of Congress, the better. We need a real change from the dinosaurs that are running this country, including the devious Hillary Clinton. If you want at least four more years of the same, and continuation of George Bush's failed policies, vote for McCain and Hillary Clinton. If you want someone in office who really cares about people and wants to take this country in a new direction, vote for BARACK OBAMA.

The key point Obama is making is that the ill-advised war in Iraq has distracted us from the legitimate war in Afghanistan. The Captain's story verifies that charge.

It's good to know Barack Obama did not twist his words or anyone's words. This should be an example of how to communicate with the American public. Honesty!

This is what trust is earned from!
The opposite of dishonesty!

warner was just doing a favor for an old pal -- john mccain. oops. too bad it only served to enhance further obama's concerns and reputation.

i love it. the banana republicans are so over.

Warner makes the correct point that funding and resupply is the responsibility of Congress and not the Commander-in-chief. Obama's cheap shot should come right back at him since he's a member of the Seante and should have reported the "incident" to Warner's committe at the time. Cheap political hit job won't cut it. There are too many fact checkers on the Internet to get away with it, Mr. Obama.

What's "stern" about Warner's letter? It's a respectful, sober letter asking for details on Obama's assertion. Obama shows once more that he's for real and in this case is brining to light a critical, too often overlooked issue: the scandalous lack of proper equipment for our men and women who daily risk their lives serving in the military.

OK, I just clicked on the letter, which I should have done before commenting above. I wronged Senator Warner. missiongwp's post is absolutely correct. There is no "irked" tone to the letter. It is simply a request for information and is couched in very respectful terms. Josh White appears to have been trying to stir up controversy where none exists.

Warner is retiring at the end of this term and has to please nobody but himself. Call me a cynic, but I don't think he is all that honorable and I don't thik his concern was for the military.

The headline should be

*****

"Junior senator Barack Obama stands up to Republican war machine, rebuts Old fickle senator Warner"

or

"Obama ready to go toe to toe with baddest of them all"

******

If Obama's assertions are accurate, it is a disgrace. If they are not, they are far worse than McCain's claim that Petreaus rides around in an 'unarmed Humvee' that was such a big deal last week.

Either Obama or McCain would have to lie continually from now until the end of time to have any chance of tying the Clintons in that department.

Sen. Warner is a good man and will probably get to the bottom of it. I hope for the sake of our troops, Obama is lying or, at least, was misled himself!

This is a fair question that serves as a defensible inquiry during the primary season: Obama says he's ready and wise enough to find compromise on military issues with knowledgeable parties to end the "dumb" war. He offered this as a testimony about the operational and personal aspects of the poor leadership of the war and an honorable man asked about it, even if he is affiliated with hsi probable opponent. This is what they're supposed to talk about.

Ha. The Washington Post really is a liberal newspaper. Posting this story with a headline that led right-wing trolls to think that Warner somehow criticized or disapproved of Obama - getting their hopes up so high - only to let them down with a nice little story about how Obama has exposed military incompetence that he will work with Warner to redress. Ha. Nice one WaPo. Keep the trolls guessing.

This is a surprise? I still remember the shock waves when a soilder asked SECDEF Rumsfeld why soilders had to go through landfills looking for scrap to put on their vehicles.

Some reports have played down the lack of ammunition saying it was only during training. Huh? Seems like practice firing a weapon is something you want to have before someone is shooting at you.

Regardless of Senator's initial motivation for his request, we can be sure he will be highly motivated to carry out Senator Obama's desire to see that the issue gets the utmost attention that it deserves now that it has been verified.

Another Obama major point scored which will be scored again at the expense of McCain.

Let's be clear: the right wing nuts went bananas on this. Rush Limbaugh said Obama "lied." Fellow Fox radio right wing nut Tony Snow said Obama "made it up." They accentuated that Obama/Democrats never say anything positive the military. So the guy who says the troops don't have the equipment they need- which was true- is less patriotic than the nuts who don't really don't give a damn but praise the War the every day.

"What SHOULD be a debateable question is Obama's unnecessary sabre-rattling at an ally (Pakistan) while appeasing our adversaries (Iran and Syria)."
----------------------

Uhh, Pakistan is the epicenter for extremist Islamist training camps as well as radical Wahhabi madrasahs (which are funded by the Saudis).

Not to mention that the ISI and elements of the Pakistani military have long supported militant extremists (for the purposes of engaging in a proxy war over Kashmir).

While I have no fondness for the mullahs in Iran or the regime in Syria - as an American, I would be safer in those 2 countries than in Pakistan or Saudi Arabia.

I a Obama supporter since 2004, think that it is perfectly acceptable to question Obama about the claim he made during the debate. And I am very impressed and would expect that Obama if questioned would come through with the details, showing his honesty. I think Sen. Warner since this is under his responsibility to make sure the military command is doing what it should for our troops, should investigate.
I wish someone would investigate some of the "sad, sad" stories that Hillary speaks about.

"Irks" is a strong word, more like "also concerned." Just goes to show how strong Obama is versus McCain, for the facts need to be know... How ready are our armed forces?

Obama vs. McCain- The Internet Indicators:
http://newsusa.myfeedportal.com/viewarticle.php?articleid=48

When Sen Warner has had to choose between backing President Bush Jr or our Constitution and the US troops, Warner's chosen Bush Jr on every possible occasion, including a Bill sponsored by Sen Webb mandating more down time between deployments for overextended US troops

Warner made noise about backing Webb's bill, but when it came to a vote, Warner chose to side with the President

Warner's a Bush Jr lackey through and through, putting loyalty to his President above all else, and for his willingness to grovel every time Bush Jr snaps his fingers, Warner deserves nothing more than permanent, public and harsh ridicule and scorn

The sooner these vile W lackeys are out of power, the better off for the US and the rest of the world

Did anyone read the letter? Press the link!

It's hardly stern.

And he doesn't "challenge".

He's asking Obama to provide details, in a civil tone.

So I don't see what the fuss is about.

"The only thing newsworthy in this story is that he's probably too old to enjoy it, any more."

Sick old f*ck that he is!

So Senator Warner grabbed his ankles for the Bushies, eh? The only thing newsworthy in this story is that he's probably too old to enjoy it, any more.

Why isn't the headline, "Republicans attack Obama for supporting the troops." or "Republicans falsely accuse Obama of lying about troop support"??

If you just read the headline it suggests that Obama was inaccurate. I guess it really is the "liberal press"....NOT!

So, given the information in this story, shouldn't the Post's headline be, "Obama rebuts Warner, verifies debate statement"?

Shouldn't your lead be the fact that Obama was telling the truth, rather than insinuating he wasn't by leading with Warner's challenge to "provide information"?

Is anybody in the actual press (I don't mean Fox News, I mean real reporters) still oblivious to the facts that our military is stretched too thin and lacking in the totality of equipment it needs to remain safe?

What is there to actually debate in Obama's claim? Or are we just hoping we can be spectators at a really good dust-up here?

If you actually click on the link ("sent a stern letter") and read the letter, I think you'll find that its tone is entirely on the level: "Dear Barack," it begins, and expresses concern that the story reveals a problem that Senator Warner wants to investigate for the sake of the soldiers and the country. There's nothing snide or suspicious in the letter at all as far as I can see.

Regardless of motive which certainly on the surface seems political, Warner should be recognized at least for picking up on the story Obama recounted during the debate. Unfortunately, from the tone of Warner's letter, it is clear that he wants to "blame" the military leadership (chain of command).

Think the more important point is how did we get into this long and drawn out war in Iraq which has clearly over stretched our armed services personnel and equipment needs. Tragic deaths, thousands of severe injuries and a expense tab approaching one trillion dollars.

We would have had more than ample resources for our troops if the focus had stayed on Afghanistan where it should have always been. Seems rather convenient for Senator Warner to blame the military leadership. The military leadership was esentially dictated to by the White House and Donald Rumsfeld & company in creating this ill conceived war in Iraq.

Thanks to Obama and the Army captain for bringing this story to light.

What SHOULD be a debateable question is Obama's unnecessary sabre-rattling at an ally (Pakistan) while appeasing our adversaries (Iran and Syria).

Surely Senator Obama's concern is rooted in the safety of our troops and not in scoring cheap political points as the presumptive Democratic nominee for President?

Help me understand why this was not brought up on the floor of the SENATE rather than as political currency in a Democratic debate??????

To: retire05 (at 11:38 PM)

Pointing out inadequacies in the way the troops are being equipped is not undermining the military. To keep silent about them is to put our soldiers in harm's way.

CNN has contacted the Captain and the latter has verified Obama's revelation. The Obama campaign has connected Warner to the Captain.

Your Queen Elizabeth scenario is outlandish. No one in his right mind would do such thing. Not Obama, definitely.

Obama says he will "cooperate" with Warner. Personally, it think this will bust Obama's chops on a Jesse McBeth-Beauchamp story. Good. It is time the Messiah stops getting a pass.
I am sick and tired of "the war is lost" Dhimmicrats trying to undermine our military while they are in harm's way. One thing's for sure; Obama is now going to have to put his money where his mouth is.
Here is something that needs to be asked; when was Obama given this story? And as a U.S. Senator, did he not have a responsibility to get to the bottom of it? Or does his responsibility to our military end at his campaign door?

David Axelrod says this is just some Captain that gave the story to a staffer and wanted it passed on to Senator Obama. I hope to God if this man is elected some diplomate doesn't tell one of his staffers that Queen Elizabeth is really an Islamic terrorist who plans on bombing his Chicago home. We will have steath bombers leveling London.

Did Obama bother to check out the story? Did he have anyone on his staff check out the story? Does he have the military report or did this "Captain", who was just a Lt in 2003, not submit a report as to the readiness of his troops as required by code?

Is the Messiah a liah?

Three polls were released today from Ohio, Rhode Island and Vermont, with Clinton up in the first two and Obama in the third. Full roundup: http://www.campaigndiaries.com/2008/02/obama-is-heavily-favored-but-campaign.html

Where is this Outrage coming from?
In Dec. 2005 some Specialist got told off by Rumsfeld: "You go to war with the Army you have, not the Army you want, or would wish to have at some later date." This, after the Specialist spoke of the families sending over body armor, the Nat'l Guard units scavenging metal from junk yards to up-armor their vehicles pending deployment.
We just recently learned that the Marines sidelined FOR 2 YEARS an urgent request for MRAPS from a commander in el-Anbar, Gen. Hejlik. Apparently, sending the MRAPs would have diverted funds from some research project on lighter vehicles, years away from deployment.
Now Gen. Hejlik is running damage control for the Corps, saying his urgent request was more of a suggestion, and that the Corps decided in 2005 that up-armored humvees were sufficient, since the blast threat from IED's was more from the side than from the roadbed (Who is he kidding?)
We have half a million veterans of Operation Enduring Freedom in our midst, and it is no secret what the conditions were. My son told me of covering the territory initially given to 3 platoons, for lack of other troops. He said his Lt. had to split the patrols, the Lt. taking half the troops, & the platoon Sgt. taking the rest, to cover the territory. This left a fairly GREEN Lt. with no NCO; resulted in occasions where he got in over his head with no NCO to advise him, and a specialist with previous combat stripes had to step up & take command.
So, this all is not news to anybody who reads the news or has family serving.
Why should it be news to Warner?

This is one of the problems we are facing and congress doesnt want the public to be aware of it, thanks to Sen. Obama for bringing the issue to limelight. we are great country but failed to equip our military with necessary resources to do their job. GO OBAMA

a clear indication that the change message will resonate w/ our troops- and more proof mccain, bush, and clinton are tone deaf to these issues. yes, W minions these troops and there situations are REAL !

Some folks posting here can back off a bit. Sen. Warner is a distinguished advocate for the military.

My guess is he didn't want to bust Obama's backside as much as bust the backside of the folks that sent the platoon out ill-equipped... if it was true.

It is good that Obama was able to verify his statement.

You watch. Sen. Warner will tear the military commanders a new one.

I believe Sen. Warner. I support Obama.

It's amazing to me that *instantly* people like Sen. Warner and the talk radio demogogues pounced on Obama's army story and painted him as some sort of enemy of the state for having repeated it. As ABC's and CNN's reporting today proves, Obama's story was accurate. It's too bad that the far right-wingers that McCain lowers himself to woo, seek to deny the very open democracy and government accountability here that they say we are fighting to establish for others overseas. They are too self-righteous, delusional or vain to notice the hypocrisy of it all.

US Servicemen should be able to discuss matters of genuine concern with a politician they feel they can trust. Far preferable to having one's career put at risk. Admittedly it would narrow down the field slightly.

There was absolutey no need for Warner to make his comments public,if he was interested in getting the facts of the matter. Of course his letter was designed to slight Obama. He has had more than enough time in Washington to perfect the art! These political dinosaurs are well past their use by date. There should be a limit on how many terms people can have in office. john@tellingthoughts.com

http://www.tellingthoughts.com/wp-admin/post.php?action=edit&post=44

I hope the captain doesn't fear retribution for this. Coming from a military environment, I would guess he is ambivalent about sticking his neck out and making the army look bad.

CNN found the Captain today, who is still on active duty in the military, why can't John Warner find him? The Captain, who was a 1st Lt. at the time, did verify what Senator Obama said. I agree with the previous comment, is Warner going after this because of his concern for the military, or to try and get Senator Obama? It better be for the betterment of the military.

If this were anyone else but John Warner (one of the few honorable Republicans left), I'd put it in the "cheap, chickenhawk stunt" category. So I'll take him at his word that he'll grill Gen. Casey at the hearing on Tuesday.

But, how much deep doo-doo you think the GOP Rovian lackey who put Warner up to begging the question is in? It made Warner look like an old fool when the Army captain came forard and verified the story. Betchya they never expected a Democrat to be telling the truth, eh?

Go get 'em Obama!

Surely Senator Warner's concern is rooted in the safety of our troops and not in scoring cheap political points on the presumptive Democratic nominee for President?