Couric & Co.
April 11, 2007 4:31 PM

Katie Couric's Notebook: Obama's Background

CORRECTED NOTEBOOK: Changes in bold

Is America ready to elect a President whose connections with Islam were the subject of rumor and innuendo?

Barack Obama has arguably the most diverse religious background of any candidate, ever. He was raised in Indonesia by a Christian mother and Muslim stepfather, and attended a Catholic school, but while growing up, also studied Islam. That background sparked rumors that he had studied in a radical madrasa, or Koranic school – rumors later disproved . Obama is now a practicing Christian.

Last month, the Los Angeles Times interviewed a person who grew up with Obama. In the LA Times article he said, "We prayed in the mosque, but not seriously," noting that Obama also prayed with his Catholic schoolmates. In a later Chicago Tribune article, however, the source said he was not certain whether they prayed together.

It's too soon to know what America will decide about Barack Obama or his background.

But it's not too soon to wonder if America will see that background as an asset...or a liability.
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by davidkempton April 11, 2007 6:49 PM PDT
I find it ironic that Katie Couric is so closely covering the Duke rape case now that the players were found to be 100% innocent. Its Ironic because i remember when this first came out, she was front and center -calling these boys Guilty (rushing to judgement) on the Today Show. I wish i had the video of the show, the first day this came out. She was so over the top-basically calling these guys GUILTY. She has some nerve interviewing the families of one of the innocent players. Why are the ratings so low for CBS? Hmmmm
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by ericmichael1 April 11, 2007 10:36 PM PDT
Katie,

Back to the real subject.

I don't believe it matters where Obama prayed in his youth, prays now or doesn't pray now, for that matter.

Experience matters a lot in public service. How much true experience does he have?

As for mistakes: who has not made them? If I had a penny for each I have made, I would be a millionaire.

Good night, Katherine Anne. I hope to speak to you again soon.

Eric
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by emmani1 April 12, 2007 1:31 AM PDT
Actually, I think it is a good thing that Obama has some real references for Islam. He can at least speak intelligently about muslims and the religion. That is a far cry from a president who didn't know the difference between suni and ****** in the Iraq and Iran! Heck, sad to say this, but I can't even bring myself to watch the weather and traffic on CBS... haven't gone there for news since you station, like most, failed to report the truth about the war or the liars that have betrayed the american public. Obama? Who knows, but heck, anyone who can connect with the average joe and jane america has to be better than what we have now. Gotta go, I have to get on the net and find the truth in journalism.
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by April 12, 2007 8:20 AM PDT
THERE ARE ONLY TWO PEOPLE I WOULD LIKE TO SEE BECOME THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. ONE IS KATIE COURIC. SINCE YOU ARE PROBABLY NOT RUNNING IN 08, THEN I WANT OBAMA TO WIN.
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by salve5 April 12, 2007 9:25 AM PDT
Ms. Couric,

I wouldn't sweat the plaigarism issue. No one thinks that you write your own stuff or believe what you say -- I mean, it's TV for god's sake. The only people who do probably still believe in the tooth fairy.

Salve5
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by froggytg April 12, 2007 9:32 AM PDT
Apparently there are individuals who still believe these men are guilty even though there are no facts to support this belief. Racism is a two way street and it's just as ugly on one side as the other. Where is the national black leadership that so loudly convicted these men when the news first broke? They should be apologizing for their own rush to judgement! Couric and CBS have not done there job until we here from the black community today.......
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by rweaver248 April 12, 2007 9:58 AM PDT
Katie's notebook about Obama has no insight whatsoever. She makes the comment that when he prayed in a mosque "it was not serious". Did she check this out (or have someone else do so)? If he offered unserious prayers, it would be a serious issue for devout people. Why can she through this out in the discussion arena without checking the facts? It is not fair to Obama or her listeners. She is developing a history of this - libraries, Obama - what's next? Bad facts from the anchor - no apology when plagurism occurs - hum? Remind me whay Imus is against the ropes? He said something hurtful, yet he has gone out of his way to make amends. She has done nothing.
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by archprose April 12, 2007 2:02 PM PDT
Katie,
What is the motive for brining up Obama's religious preference? Aren't we supposed to be above considering such thing?

This stuff is too heady for you! Stick with issues like, "The care and feeding of goldfish."
I look forward to a piece on, "How to grow mushrooms."

Don't read anymore manuscripts unless you have personally vetted the source and content.
Unresearched information gets people in trouble. Ask Dan.

I watch your show every night - for laughs.

Arch Heller
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by umphd1 April 12, 2007 5:05 PM PDT
To Arch Heller and the like. Get a Life already! How do you find the time to slam Katie with all the people and animals around to abuse? Did you type this after kicking your dog? Newsflash, if you don't like Katie, then don't watch her. Please find another less heinous way to gain personal power. Oh and grow up.
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by juliemd April 12, 2007 5:23 PM PDT
I hoping for a 08 ticket with Obama as the VP candidate to Hilary's Prez. Seriously, no joke all you sniveling negetarios.

Clinton/Obama in 2008!
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by mauxdeverite April 12, 2007 8:47 PM PDT
There is no question that the Clintonistas own CBS. There hasn't been a single positive sentence spoken or written about Obama since he declared. All we hear from CBS are questions like "Is America ready for black President?", or this latest "Is America ready for President who prayed in a mosque?" All of this conveniently ignores the real elephant standing in the room, which "Is America ready to elect a woman President?" Don Imus' continuing characterization of Hillary as "satan", likely contributed as much to his demise as the Rutgers incident.
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by leftistliars April 12, 2007 9:16 PM PDT
In any case, regardless of Mrs. Bill Clinton or Obama winning the White House, I can't wait for the democrat utopia in 2009 of the following:

1) Socialized health care. It has worked so well in other countries. Got cancer? Well just fill out this form and wait a few weeks while the government finds you a doctor of the government's choice. Maybe you can hold out. I should have a choice on which doctor can treat my body. See? I'm pro-choice here.

2) More assaults on the First Amendment and Second Amendment.

3) Increased taxes. It's always the answer. The American family can always do with less, its the government (pork spending and failed programs like social security) that will never do less. It's too much power to give up.

4) Social Security. A total disaster from day one. It is a shame that most Americans don't understand what a total waste of money this is. I should have a choice where I put my retirement money, not the government. Any mutual fund manager who mismanaged the mutual funds like Social Security has been would be in prison for life. I like the negative returns!

5) Many more reason's... too many to list here in this leftist forum.

It's going to be blissful!!!
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by billyindc April 12, 2007 9:18 PM PDT
Far more pressing is whether America is ready for a President who not only stepped into a house of worship of people of other religion, but actually knows and is interested in a variety of them.

Someone who's *only* been in a megachurch is far scarier than someone who's *ever* been in a mosque.

The fifth column hates Mohammad. And in the name of their hatred, is prepared to undo constitutional democracy.

We'll stop them, don't worry, but be sure: they're be a-tryin'.

Welcome to the fourth great awakening.
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by leftistliars April 12, 2007 9:32 PM PDT

To: billyindc

I am more interested in a president who will uphold the law, The U.S. Constitution, and defend the American people. I could care less what his or her religion is. The problem I have with Mrs. Bill Clinton is that she could care less about the first two items I mentioned in the first sentence.

Not sure what you meant by mega-church people as scary? Kind of lost me on that one. Last time I checked, I haven't seen someone who attends a mega-church engage in brutal terroristic attacks. Please explain more, I await your rich wisdom.
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by jmwn April 12, 2007 9:40 PM PDT
Dear Ms. Couric,

I is so mad today because those people made you read somethings befores you even got to know what you was reading. And then they made you say that maybe that Obama was praying like a terrorist and everthing. And I knows that you was just probably busy yesterday getting you makeup on and practicing taking you%u2019s cute glasses off and on and just forgot to check the facts before you goes on and talks. So i don%u2019ts blame you too much because I knows you was probly thinking hows you wanted to looks real cute for that new dreamboat hunk you robbed from his momma and everthing. But yous did a good job covering ups how you feels about him trying to acts so tough and everything and yous probably did fools all the mens but we womens knowed what you was doing.

But I still on you side Katy because I knows how hard is in the mens world for to be compition with the mens and everthing.
But I gots to say if you wants to be able to corrects what you say youself you gots to quit worry so much about you makeup and practicing with them cute glasses.
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by kelly307 April 12, 2007 9:41 PM PDT
Arch Heller, you said it perfectly. How dare you, Katie!! Are you really bought that easily? I can't wait until they fire your pathetic ***, Katie, but yet, I'm SO glad you left the Today show. I am now a Today show viewer since you've left. You really are very pathetic.
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by reallyandrea April 12, 2007 9:50 PM PDT
In 2007, the only people NOT READY for a black president, or a president who prayed in a mosque, or a female president are the people who keep asking these outdated questions.

Give it a break, Katie. Haven't you learned from Imus? People are TIRED of focusing on how we are different. We are simply tired of it, so give it up. Please, use your position to help UNITE America - if you want to stay on the air...
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by gotpassword April 12, 2007 9:52 PM PDT
Shame on you, Ms. Couric! what a loaded question. Your aim is to cause harm and alarm with this one and you are petty for it. With all the stuff going down at your network this is the way you show your face today? Way to go sister
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by hrclinton April 12, 2007 9:59 PM PDT
A president praying at a mosque? Isn't it bad enough that a nobody liberal from Illinois, with minimal world and leadership experience is being propped up as presidential material? Get Real Ms. Couric.

As as for any candidate's religious affiliation, isn't exactly you media types that make this an issue in the first place? The media gods coined "right-wing Christians" and conservative extremists and all the other 'catch phrases to popular today. Barrack Hussein Obama brings lots of baggage to the table which you gusy have mostly ignored. Keith Ellison wants to convert the rest of Congress and America to Islam. This is the Islamist's mission so why not ask him what he thinks?
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by rjmatlanta April 12, 2007 10:08 PM PDT
Shame indeed, Ms. Couric. Sen. Obama'a website and several other website biographies clearly state that Sen. Obama did not attend a mosque while growing up, and he was baptized in his twenties. From Sen. Obama's website:"I was not raised in a religious household" and his family "attend(s) Trinity United Church of Christ."
What cheap, alarmist red journalism. CBS should be ashamed of the trash in this story. Did a producer write this story for you too, Ms. Kouric?
I will write to Sen. Obama's website (and I hop others will too) and alert them to this trash and I hope that CBS will be hearing from the Senators' campaign.
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by mudlake54 April 12, 2007 10:12 PM PDT
I base my opinion of Obama by what he says and how he acts and not what Katie or any other talking head has to say. If he has diversity in his religious thinking I see that as a good sign, the constant search for the truth tells me a lot already about him.

Katie, where did you pray?
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by dpl2102 April 12, 2007 10:25 PM PDT
Clearly, there is a Sen. Clinton staffer floating around in the CBS News office, or Ms. Couric is signed up to the Clinton campaign.

I will now revert back to ABC for my evening news.
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by oldpolitico April 12, 2007 10:37 PM PDT
Ms. Couric,
The most interesting item in your little piece on Sen. Obama was your reference to his mother being a Christian. The Chicago Sun-Times has reported that she was an atheist even in high school and I have seen numerous other references to his mother having been an atheist. Since Sen. Obama has identified his mother as a key formative influence, further information on her religious conversion might be more enlightening than the other items you mentioned.
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by mudlake54 April 12, 2007 10:45 PM PDT
It never fails, regardless of the subject there is always at least one like "LeftistLiar" who has to drift off topic and spew forth from their playbook of one liners for those who are unable to think for themselves. I know this person felt good to recite from this simpletons guide to Internet commentary but it's all stuff we've grown tired of hearing.

Katie, you can surely find some useful comments made by the more independent responses to your notebook and you will see that most people detest reporting or opinion that converts truth into other things.
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by wakeupusa1 April 12, 2007 10:48 PM PDT
RE:COMENTS ABOUT OBAMA
WAS THIS WRITTEN BY THE HILLARY CAMP????

RE:IMUS HAS DONE MUCH GOOD AND MADE AN ERROR
IN JUDGEMENT
THE TWO FAKE REV.s DID THEIR USUAL
THING AND CBS EXECS BENT OVER AGAIN
DUMP KATIE AND MAYBE YOUR RATINGS
WILL GO UP
OR DO YOU NEED HER TO GET HILLARY ELECTED....???

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by ray3151 April 12, 2007 10:54 PM PDT
Would it be so terrible to have a President who understands and has respect for Islam?
Reply to this comment
by crazydazy-2009 April 12, 2007 11:03 PM PDT
Is America ready for a president that grew up in a mosque ? What kind of stupid question is that?
The absolute last thing we need in America, besides illegal aliens, is a muslim in a position of power.(yes, I realize Obama is not a muslim). We have way too many problems to deal with -terrorism, illegal alien invasion, a prez that cares more for the almightly dollar than he does for the country he leads and the CITIZENS he consistently ignores, people that are so damned PC they bend over backwards to kiss everyone's ***. For me and a whole lot of Americans, we just want our country back - where control of who enters is closely watched and the wishes of WE THE PEOPLE are heard and obeyed. Can it ever happen ???????????????????????????
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by ray3151 April 12, 2007 11:09 PM PDT
Crazydazy... I believe you are speaking for the narrow minded of our country. What is so wrong about a president who understands Islam. Like it or not our country will be dealing with Muslims for the rest of time and understanding their culture and religion is the only way to make peace.
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by wakeupusa1 April 12, 2007 11:18 PM PDT
http://sports.aol.com/whitlock/_a/time-for-jackson-sharpton-to-step-down/20070411111509990001
WORTH READING
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by nkdmansam April 12, 2007 11:36 PM PDT
It doesnt matter if we are ready or not. If there is even a slight chance of Obama becoming president, he will be Kennedyed. dont believe it? ask your black friends what they think
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by okamshatchet April 12, 2007 11:38 PM PDT
Now I know, on a visceral level, why viewers loathe your broadcast so much. This commentary has no value whatsoever; it's just a slur against an obviously good man.

Is America ready for a vacuous amoeba to offer numbskull opinions about their fellow citizens? Not for much longer, I think. Should the Good Lord ever give me the power to be broadcast over our great country, I certainly wouldn't waste the opportunity on such shameful, divisive, and pointless ***.
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by chicago202 April 12, 2007 11:54 PM PDT
don imus shot his mouth off without thinking. that's a problem. but this is much worse. asking stupid, leading questions AFTER thinking. the news is dead. welcome to cbs for hillary.
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by Arxland April 13, 2007 12:00 AM PDT
Here we go again.
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by hughman524 April 13, 2007 12:03 AM PDT
vabosoxfan1,
Unless I am mistaken, your comment implies that Jihadism is synonymous with Islam. Wrong. Islam itself is a religion that preaches many of the same messages as Christianity and Judaism, and infact recognizes the historical validity of Christian prophets such as Moses. Jihadism is a radical movement within Islam that misconstrues the basic foundations of that faith. So, before you make broad, sweeping comments about one of the biggest world religions, I suggest you actually learn something and move beyond your blinding ignorance.
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by hughman524 April 13, 2007 12:08 AM PDT
And Obama is Christian.
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by richard3332 April 13, 2007 12:31 AM PDT
Is Katie Couric Hillary Clinton's attack dog? First it was John Edwards, now it's Barack Obama. Is this what four years of Hillary is going to be like? Attack and destroy? I think that colonoscopy scope was shoved too far up Katie's backside.
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by mikecanada1 April 13, 2007 12:35 AM PDT
The fact that a candidate "grew up" or was raised in a certain religion is irrelevant 30 years later. Only on this horrible broadcast with this embarassingly naive host would this even be a subject.

It is no wonder that people are leaving this broadcast in droves. Unfortuntely, Ms. Couric is way out of her league. She's a total embarassment to the network.

How soon until Les Moonves comes to his senses and finds a credible anchor that knows what the hell he/she know what they are talking about? Tomorrow isn't soon enough.
Reply to this comment
by eric3170 April 13, 2007 12:51 AM PDT
Obama is a "closet" Muslim. There is much evidence of it. Look at this quote as one of many simple clues...Obama, speaking to a small group of Democratic activists in Muscatine on Sunday, was quoted in the Des Moines Register as saying, ``Nobody is suffering more than the Palestinian people.'' {endquote} Regardless of if you believe his Christian conversion is real and permanent, he for a fact has Muslim siblings and relatives. What type of influence will these Muslim relatives have on his foreign policy? go to http://mittromneyin2008.com look for Barack Obama category.
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by gbronzo April 13, 2007 1:14 AM PDT
First it was Edwards, huh? Until recently, I thought Couric was just a cosmetically clean prattler, willing to ignore the war in Iraq for as long as the war went on. Could Couric be carrying water for Hillary now? Katie would rather work for the GOP, I'm sure. Katie already has enough trouble with management and falling ratings than to start moonlighting for the one hawk most likely to fail. And it appears there may have been some on the set who would rather see Couric's career end tomorrow than twenty years from today. That's what teleprompting plagiarized essays suggest. It's possible that Couric is out of her league or that with real issues like Iraq, Couric's carefully contrived circumventions of the topic look hollow nowadays. Everyone else seems to be latching on to what the news is these days, but Couric keeps trying to cover it up with sawdust and snow.
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by zineal April 13, 2007 1:37 AM PDT
What was the point of this video clip?

"Is America ready to elect a President who grew up praying in a Mosque. Barack Obama...."

She just repeated the message: Barack Obama is a Muslim. The only time the words: Islam, mosque, and radical madrassah are used in the news is when they report on terrorism. At least she did not call him a terrorist.

She then had the nerve to repeat, and help spread, a nasty rumor without telling the viewer that it's untrue (all she said was that Obama's people deny it). If I did not know about the rumor, I learned it now from Katie Couric.

This from the same woman who basically told Elizabeth Edwards: since you're dying, your husband should not run for President.

Ms. Couric: please, just read the news. Leave the political messaging to the campaigns.
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by qwertyasdfg2 April 13, 2007 3:44 AM PDT
Question: What does it matter?

A person is a person, regardless of his or her background, religion, blood type... we're all different... it's a matter of how a person is going to be able to perform. We need a humanitarian. This country needs truth. This country needs positive change.
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by bluzman2007 April 13, 2007 3:57 AM PDT
If the neocons can forgive a coke using drunk and make him president, I think we can forgive Obama for praying in a mosque...if he did.
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by dwntmpo April 13, 2007 4:11 AM PDT
Obama Akbar!
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by verballistic April 13, 2007 4:28 AM PDT
Obama has also said in his book that the person in his family he admires and identifies with most is his Muslim grandfather. So it's not simply a matter of praying once in a mosque, Islam has clearly had a significant influence on Obama's life!

Although this may not prove to be a consequential matter, I would feel a lot less secure having a president who needs to respond to a future 9/11-type attack on America if it is someone who has written that the most profound influence in his family came from a Muslim grandfather! Even though I'm not a Democrat, I would feel far more comfortable with a Dem candidate without this potentially conflicting influence!!
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by michaelm07 April 13, 2007 5:38 AM PDT
I just so enjoy it when Liberals kill and eat their own. They did it with Imus and now, because perky Katie C. isn't towing the all-Dems, all-the-time line she is equated with being (GASP!) like a FoxNews collaborator. You libs are so entertainingly shrill. It simply proves so clearly that with all the hand wringing from you whining bunch of spineless weenies, that Fox is in fact the only major outlet the isn't left leaning, otherwise Katie's report wouldn't have so many libs so apopleptic.

Hmmm, reading these comments from give-peace-a-chance libs is interesting. You claim to believe in free speech, as long as it's yours. You espouse tolerance as long as it is for your particular views and you claim to believe in open-minded consideration of other views with the exception of those you don't personally agree with. Gee, there is a word for folks like you oh yeah, "hypocrites".

Perhaps, and this is just a thought, is it time to rename the Democratic party because I don't know that there are any Dems left and only high-strung liberals. There is quite a difference after all.

Don't worry, be happy :o)

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by ricardo4max April 13, 2007 6:35 AM PDT
Great Post Michaelm07! Libs are self-destructing big time and everything that was predicted about their behaviour is coming true. Is it possible that Kommunist Katie sees the handwriting on the wall?
And where is the news coverage about their (Dems)economy-shattering. middle-class-back-breaking tax increases? WHy isn't the "MSM" covering those?
Reply to this comment
by quincy1775 April 13, 2007 6:51 AM PDT
As an American-born convert to Islam, I don't really care where Obama may or may not have been while he growing up or who he thinks the biggest influence on his life is. But what does matter is that I don't see him as qualified enough to run the country, which is what the real issue is. I don't agree with his stances on most issues either, which is the bigger issue for me personally.

On a side note, I could care less how everyone else chooses to live their lives. I'm Muslim and that's my choice, and everyone else is entitled to their choices in equal fashion. I'm a Libertarian in that respect, most respects really, because I don't force my way of life on others, and all I ask is the same respect in return.

It is real interesting to watch the mudslinging staring already. I can tell you this: I am not looking forward to the next year and a half, because it's going to be non-stop and ugly. With all the money raised by so many candidates (almost none of whom are really worth a ***), it's going to be a very long election campaign. I think if the politicians would shut up for a while, maybe we could avert global warming by virtue of all their hot air staying contained!

I strayed from the original thread, but I'm operating on 5 hours sleep over 2 days, so it's expected.
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by rgrankin April 13, 2007 6:51 AM PDT
Dear Obama Groupies,
What is a fools favorite flavor Koolaid?
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by yaleretard April 13, 2007 7:01 AM PDT
No we are not, he's too young, too inexperineced and hasn't earned it. My God what an ego maniac...Obama, you're too wet behind the ears....grow up first before you can rule the USA.Also who is he to jump over th eline. No No no! And that islamic thing...hhmm? Dont like it since they enslave women.
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by rgrankin April 13, 2007 7:02 AM PDT
Excuse me, is it fool's ? A Thousand pardons.
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