Obama's Only Executive Experience

NRO: Forget About Bill Ayers. Lets Talk About Obama's Executive Role In The Education Project Ayers Founded

(National Review Online)  This column was written by David Freddoso.

Barack Obama would have you believe that, after 20 years of friendship, he had no idea the Rev. Jeremiah Wright was a bomb-throwing racial demagogue. And that after 15 years of what he described as a close friendship, he had no idea Tony Rezko was a crook.

Similarly, this week, his campaign claimed that when Obama entered William Ayers’s home in 1995 to raise money for a state-senate run, the future presidential hopeful didn’t know Ayers was a former terrorist.

So by his own account, Obama wanders through life completely unaware of his surroundings.

To be fair, there is no conclusive proof that Obama was ever filled in on Ayers. A lot of the most well-known information came out since the fundraiser: Ayers wrote a 2001 memoir claiming credit for bombing the Pentagon. He posed for that famous photograph trampling the American flag. He said that he had not done enough during his terrorist days to force America out of Vietnam. He told the New York Times that the patriotic outburst of national unity after the 9/11 attacks made him “want to puke.”

Perhaps Obama really did know nothing about Ayers’s unrepentant terrorism at that fundraiser, and even that same year, when Obama became the first chairman of the Chicago Annenberg Challenge - an education-reform project Ayers had founded, on whose board Obama would serve until it ended in 2001 (he was chairman until 1999).

But Obama’s work on the Challenge says a lot about the candidate’s leadership abilities.

The Challenge, which operated in 210 Chicago schools between 1996 and 2001, comprises the only serious executive experience in Obama’s career. In 2000, during his failed run for Congress against incumbent Rep. Bobby Rush (D., Ill.), Obama bragged about his role in the project. During a televised debate, Obama argued that his relative lack of experience in office was no reason he would not be a good congressman.

“My experience previous to elected office equips me for the job,” Obama said. “I have chaired major philanthropic efforts in the city, like the Chicago Annenberg Challenge, that gave $50 million to prompt school-reform efforts throughout the city.”

So how did he do?

The final technical report of the Chicago Annenberg Challenge is available online here. We learn that the program received a $50 million grant from the Annenberg Foundation, on the condition that they raise at least twice as much (they did slightly better than the requirement, spending $160 million total when all was said and done) and commission their own evaluation. The report includes a lengthy description of the Challenge’s goals and methods, and a 33-page description of the methodology used to measure its progress. The bottom line is in the report’s executive summary:

Our research indicates that student outcomes in Annenberg schools were much like those in demographically similar non-Annenberg schools and across the Chicago school system as a whole, indicating that among the schools it supported, the Challenge had little impact on student outcomes.

In the last two years of the project, certain schools were identified as “breakthrough” schools. Annenberg’s board dedicated more money and resources to these. The report notes on page 73 (114 in the PDF):

There were virtually no statistically significant differences between Breakthrough and other Annenberg schools in these student outcomes.

Bear in mind that Chicago schools set a pretty low bar to begin with. The four-year graduation rate in the city’s high schools, depending on how you measure it, is as low as 54 percent. According to one recent study, only 6 percent of entering freshmen in Chicago public high schools will obtain college degrees by age 25. Only 31.4 percent of Chicago high-school juniors met or exceeded state standards on the Prairie State Achievement Examination.

Obama’s campaign points out that Barack Obama was only a boy when William Ayers and his friends were plotting bombings and placing bombs. They point out that Obama does not and never has supported terrorism. And they are correct on both points.

But forget about the terrorism. We can assume, albeit charitably, that he had no idea about Ayers even as late as 2000. What’s more important is that Obama was an adult when he was given responsibility for the Annenberg Challenge, that responsibility represents his only significant executive experience, and the Challenge was a waste of $160 million in other people’s money.

With that kind of experience, just think what Obama could do as president of the United States.

[jjp735i]

Ahh the Nazi Blog

[stopkidding]

I believe you Mr. Fredosso -- everything you say -- exactly as much as I believe that John McCain shoves around POW families, screams in casinos, was a coward during his time as a POW -- perhaps there is still time to nominate Al Gore and Mitt Romney?

[kevingrze]

These right wing haters should leave America! It is disgusting to see them lie and smear instead discuss issues like the economy, foreign policy, health care, energy, etc.. OneAmerc... is a loser and a traitor; go live in another country!

[d33pthroat1]

Looks like Freddoso has finally made the "case against Obama". Now, how about pointing to something that McCain has accomplished as an executive?

Ha ha ha ha ha!

Keep at it, Dave. Sniff out those conspiracies while Obama looks at a landslide come Nov 4.

[wogerwabbit]

Yawn. NeRO fiddles while Rome burns. They get more irrelevant every day.

[traviskaren]

From Obama''s book Audacity of Hope:''I will stand with the Muslims should the political winds shift in an ugly direction.'' This statement has nothing to do with B. Hussein Obama''s lack of experience, I just want somebody to justify this statement B. Hussein Obama made in his book.

[noloyalisti]

traviskaren is just a frightened little girl who doesn''t believe in America and the balance of powers in the government. Just like Bushoccio, McSame and the GOP crime cabal.

[traviskaren]

No, I''m not "a frightened little girl". Who are you to make such a statement?! It''s on page 261. I believe very strongly in America but I don''t believe in electing someone for president that doesn''t have the experience to be president and B. Hussein Obama does not have the necessary experience. He tells more lies than pinnochio and his wife is the biggest racist in this country.

[beaujolie1]

what about McCain''s experience: he doesnt even know how many houses or cars he owns - so he obviously doesnt do any administrative work even at home. and what about his ties to the iran/contra organization and its founder (who was cited as violent/terroristic, antisemitic, and racist) and then there''s palin''s ties to the sessionist party in alaska who''s founder called for anit-american violence. How about writing about mccain/palin?

[noloyalisti]

It doesn''t matter how much experience McSame or McBush or Quaylin have if it all the wrong kind. Supporting war and torture and welfare (for the rich). Evil is as evil does.

[traviskaren]

Are ya kiddin'' me? Are you seriously comparing a group of secessionist to muslim terrorists?! Senator McCain and Governor Palin do not have ties to muslim terrorists or to muslim terrorist associates. B. Hussein Obama does. That''s a fact.

[traviskaren]

Question: What is America''s first line of missile interceptor defense that protects the entire United States?
Answer: 49th Missile Defense Battalion of Alaska National Guard.
Question: What is the ONLY National Guard unit on permanent active duty?
Answer: 49th Missile Defense Battalion of Alaska National Guard
Question: Who is the Commander in Chief of the 49th Missile Defense Battalion of Alaska National Guard?
Answer: Governor Sarah Palin, Alaska
Question: What U.S. governor is routinely briefed on highly classified military issues, homeland security, and counter terrorism?
Answer: Governor Sarah Palin, Alaska
Question: What U.S. governor has a higher classified security rating than either candidate of the
Democrat Party?
Answer: Governor Sarah Palin, Alaska
According to the Washington Post, she first met with McCain in February, but nobody ever found out. This is a woman used to keeping secrets. She can be entrusted with our national security, because she already is.

[traviskaren]

I didn''t realize Dan Quayle was running for president or vice president this year. And I do know that George Bush is not eligible to run for president again. Are you lost in a time warp noloyalisti?

[skysoldier75]

Lets have a look at what the "executive experience" of Bush, McCain and all the other GOP scoundrels in Congress has brought us.

After 8 years of GOP rule:

"The Dow Jones Industrial Average loses more than 5,400 points in just the past year alone - closes below 9000" (today''s news)

"Retirement account losses near $2 trillion in past 15 months" (today''s news)

"North Korea preparing to restart atomic facility" (today''s news)

"US government may take part ownership in banks" (today''s news)

"U.S. Military Chief Gives Grim View of Afghanistan" (today''s news)

"US NATO Allies balk at U.S. anti-drug plan for Afghanistan" (today''s news)

"Jobless claims reach 7-year high" (today''s news)

"Energy crisis hitting home" (today''s news)

Etc, etc, etc...

The pattern is clear: when the GOP is in power, everything goes to hell.

So much for Republican "Executive Experience" - it looks just like Wall Street executive experience: absolutely lousy.

[noloyalisti]

Well, as Obama said, McSame is just like McBush in his voting record. And wants 4 more wars of the same. Palin can''t spell tomato. She thinks you can see Russia and doesn''t know who Hamas is. She is married to and supports the anti-American idea of Alaska secession. I think calling them Bush and Quayle is too good for them.

[Razzl]

Sorry, Freddoso, but nominating Palin for VP absolutely disqualifies you guys from making any further chatter about "experience" or the company people keep (Todd Palin outranks Ayers or Wright on the creepy scale by an order of magnitude).

[noloyalisti]

Are ya kiddin'''' me? Are you seriously comparing a group of secessionist to muslim terrorists?! Senator McCain and Governor Palin do not have ties to muslim terrorists or to muslim terrorist associates. B. Hussein Obama does. That''''s a fact.

Posted by traviskaren

Your "facts" are twisted right wing propaganda barfed out by terrorist sympathizers Brush Lintball, Slanthead Hannity, Savage Michael and Bill O''Lie lee. Support stem cell research. Grow Republicons a brain.

[babydriver1]

You people blow me away. The two parties are really just two sides of the same coin. The fact that you don''t already know that is what keeps us in the mess we have been in for the last 100 or so years.

[frankson2]

Dear NRO, What the heck are you neo-cons afraid of?

[dvsden]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walter_Annenberg

Obviously, the Right is too stupid to realize that the foundation that Obama and Ayers were board members of was set up by a longtime Republican.
check the above link to seen mr Annengerg posing with Ron and Nancy Reagan. I guess that means that Reagan himself shook hands with a guy who palled around with terrorists

[luvcomments]

iam4honesty

Thank you, over and over, for your comment. I have been telling people for years that this McCain bloke sure likes to take a lot of credit for a lot of things he should never be given credit for and we almost never hear about all the other prisoners of war who truly suffered horribly. If he did anything valiant way back then, great, but as far as I''m concerned he''s more than erased that by who he has become today...... a spiteful old man who feels entitled to everything just because he breathes.

[mainedoggie]

More of the same garbage from the NRO.

I was going to ask why CBS gives them the time of day, but it is entertaining to read their rants.

I feel sad for them and how blind they are.

[stopsocialis]

It is encouraging to read an article on CBSnews.com that exposes Barak Obama for who he really is. So they have 1 conservative working for this site, bravo CBS...that''s a start!

[noboundary]

David,
Assuming you are right about the lack of success of Obama''s effort (a big assumption), I would rather see the money wasted in an effort to improve education in a very troubled area of Chicago than see much much more money wasted in Iraq, murdering tens of thousands of Iraqi''s - and that is executive experience a la Bush.

[stopobama]

ALL ABOARD! The Stop Obama Express. A great site for Anti-Obama Fun, videos, pictures, quotes and more. Check it out at www.StopObamaExpress.com

[platteman]

I now know how Obama, the great one will cut taxes on 95% of the people. After he passes his tax plan, 95 % of americans will not have a job, thus, no tax liability. Pretty good way to do it. He is a socalist and will make the USA a socialist county. Along with ACORN, he will steal the election. He has been doing so In Ohio.

Oh well, the MSM won''t really do anything but report oh how great Obama really is.

[sparks224]

Nov 4th 2008
High Noon for Democracy

Millions of people will attempt to vote for Barack Obama,
thousands of Republican lawyers will attempt to stop them.

[sparks224]

Nov 4th 2008
High Noon for Democracy

Millions of people will attempt to vote for Barack Obama,
thousands of Republican lawyers will attempt to stop them.

[sparks224]

Nov 4th 2008
High Noon for Democracy

Millions of people will attempt to vote for Barack Obama,
thousands of Republican lawyers will attempt to stop them.

[sparks224]

Nov 4th 2008
High Noon for Democracy

Millions of people will attempt to vote for Barack Obama,
thousands of Republican lawyers will attempt to stop them.

[sparks224]

Nov 4th 2008
High Noon for Democracy

Millions of people will attempt to vote for Barack Obama,
thousands of Republican lawyers will attempt to stop them.

[sparks224]

Nov 4th 2008
High Noon for Democracy

Millions of people will attempt to vote for Barack Obama,
thousands of Republican lawyers will attempt to stop them.

[sparks224]

Nov 4th 2008
High Noon for Democracy

Millions of people will attempt to vote for Barack Obama,
thousands of Republican lawyers will attempt to stop them.

[sparks224]

Nov 4th 2008
High Noon for Democracy

Millions of people will attempt to vote for Barack Obama,
thousands of Republican lawyers will attempt to stop them.

[sparks224]

Nov 4th 2008
High Noon for Democracy

Millions of people will attempt to vote for Barack Obama,
thousands of Republican lawyers will attempt to stop them.

[sparks224]

Nov 4th 2008
High Noon for Democracy

Millions of people will attempt to vote for Barack Obama,
thousands of Republican lawyers will attempt to stop them.

[sparks224]

Nov 4th 2008
High Noon for Democracy

Millions of people will attempt to vote for Barack Obama,
thousands of Republican lawyers will attempt to stop them.

[sparks224]

Nov 4th 2008
High Noon for Democracy

Millions of people will attempt to vote for Barack Obama,
thousands of Republican lawyers will attempt to stop them.

[sparks224]

Nov 4th 2008
High Noon for Democracy

Millions of people will attempt to vote for Barack Obama,
thousands of Republican lawyers will attempt to stop them.

[sparks224]

Nov 4th 2008
High Noon for Democracy

Millions of people will attempt to vote for Barack Obama,
thousands of Republican lawyers will attempt to stop them.

[sparks224]

Nov 4th 2008
High Noon for Democracy

Millions of people will attempt to vote for Barack Obama,
thousands of Republican lawyers will attempt to stop them.

[Netterz]

Any good lawyer is trained to baffle & bull$hit there way thru ANYTHING to WIN. Take a few Dale Carnegie classes, become an eloquent speaker, not a big deal. Never running a company, a City, even a State, IS a big deal.

Barrack Hussein Obama, an elite socialist, hand picked & endorsed by long term Senior Demo''s, that no one has really HEARD of, reality is they should to have there pork filled pockets & a$$es booted from there coveted positions, allowed 2 terms as Jr, 2 Sr, then out like most other political positions.

If I go to a church & don''t agree with what I hear, I leave, not attend for 20+ yrs, marry there, have my children Baptized there.

Political Career launched in Ayers home. Worked together many yrs. What scholar of American Law, wouldn''t know Ayers as one of the main men of W.U, a Proud Domestic Terrorist? No one in his Elite Political Circle mentioned this?

A CLOSE friend, REZKO, whom he represented, but claims he didn''t know Tony was a slum-lord & criminal? If a good lawyer is representing you, they ask everything you have EVER done, said, even if you sneezed wrong, since the day you were born.

Prove you are NOT as stupid as he believes you are & don''t vote for him. Please WAKE UP!

Why cant C. Powell & T.B Pickens be running instead?

[skysoldier75]

What exactly is a maverick?

Not a follower, but not a leader either. If people followed him, he would, by definition, be a leader, not a maverick.

A maverick is somebody who just doesn''t really fit in anywhere -- someone who''s off all on their own somewhere.

It took Bush 8 years to become a politically isolated loner -- McCain is determined to be an isolated loner from day one.

It''s going to take an enormous amount of bipartisan support to fix all of our nation''s current problems. McCain doesn''t even seem to have the support of his own party, let alone within the opposition party.

Being a maverick during such tough political times really doesn''t sound like a big plus to me. It sounds a lot more like serious trouble down the road.

[royalia]

Here''''''''s a little quote from my google search about Bush/bin Laden/Carlyle Group:

"The Bin Laden Group was also heavily invested in the Carlyle Group, the "private equity" firm (and major arms merchant) that, like Bechtel, specializes in the sell-off of public services and other government-insider deals. Carlyle''''''''s best-known bagman, George Bush I, used to make ritual pilgrimages to bin Laden family headquarters in Saudi Arabia to procure their potent baksheesh. When Carlyle''''''''s post-Sept. 11 orgy of war-profiteering began drawing unwanted attention, however, the bin Ladens cashed in their Carlyle chips and, officially, ended the partnership."

[royalia]

One thing Obama and Bush have in common. Obama''s aquaintance wanted to bomb the Pentagon. A family member of one of the Bush''s major business partners in the Carlyle Group was responsible for 9/11. The Saudi Royal Family has been funding radical madrassas all over the world to appease the Wahabbist sect of Islam that runs religion in Saudi Arabia. The Bushes have been doing business with the Saudi Royal Family for decades. Can you say treason?

[deerob74]

Thank God CBS has the backbone to tell it like it is! Did anyone see the photo of Obama carrying his new reading material, The Post-America World? This man has been recruited to destroy the United States of America. Johnny, get your gun! Be ready to defend our homeland from foreign invaders! Pray to God McCain wins this election, or we will once again be fighting for our independence on our own land.

[royalia]

Check out this article about the House of Saud and funding of terrorism. Remember who is BFF with the House of Saud? The House of Bush!

http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1571/is_/ai_80309425

[royalia]

What is wrong with reading the Post American World? Do you know what it''s about? Here''s the first part of the review of Amazon: ""This is not a book about the decline of America, but rather about the rise of everyone else." So begins Fareed Zakaria''s important new work on the era we are now entering."

I''d call reading this book important for those who want to be INFORMED and understand trends in the global economy and geopolitics. You and Palin can keep reading the Limbaugh Letter and Winnie the Pooh while the rest of educate ourselves.

[royalia]

Bring it on Limbots! I''ve got plenty more where that came from.

[royalia]

"Why cant C. Powell & T.B Pickens be running instead?"

I do agree that Powell and Pickens would make good leaders. I think Pickens is older than McCain though.