Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

justj0shnya — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 15:39:53 GMT

I don't hear the echoes of Lincoln being related to terrorists.... Obama is not patriot like Lincoln but we all know how the Lincoln presidency ended....

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

nycwahoodem — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 15:47:34 GMT

you're a tool Howard. how do you know his community organizing wasn't effective?

I think we have seen how Obama would respond to a crisis...calmly and with great thought and the necessary force. Just because he doesn't flail about like your buddy John McCain, doesn't mean we don't know how he would resond to a crisis.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

nycwahoodem — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 15:50:39 GMT

Yes, love how the republicans aren't afraid to wish for a democrat to be shot, justjosh. You're a real winner and now somewhat aligned with wishing for the potential president to be assasinated...that's real patriotism.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

terrificworld — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 15:55:06 GMT

Hey, please, dont compare apples with appes!

Barrack Hussein Obama is secretly-hiden muslim who LOVE NOT THIS COUNTRY!

Abraham Lincoln is the one who said:

"YOU CAN FOOL ALL THE PEOPLE SOME OF THE TIME, AND SOME OF THE PEOPLE ALL THE TIME, BUT YOU CANNOT FOOL ALL THE PEOPLE ALL THE TIME."

Before Election Day, nov. 4th I HAVE A DREAM ! that all Americans will read this what Abraham Lincoln said and KNOW that the MESSIAH can not fool all Americans! this is for certain.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

hopingforchange — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 15:55:40 GMT

Wow. I thought I was offended by Howard's ability to completely ignore the amazing political movement and campaign that Senator Obama has run for the past two years while facing the Clinton machine, which was hellbent on taking him down. Even if it meant taking the country down too. But Just Josh is a true nut job. How can you allude to assasinating any American leader, whether you agree with their political views or not? Oh wait, didn't HIllary try that one too? When will people learn that the true American patriots are sick of all this ugliness?! Our country is falling apart, and the world is watching. We have real problems people. Can the lunatics please stop running the asylum?

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

hank2 — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 16:03:25 GMT

Obama is Lincolnesque in his character, his principles, his intellect, and his ability to articulate ideas. Those are the traits that matter.

The innane Fineman article addresses no such salient issues. His petty little attack is not worthy of publication.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

stematwork — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 16:04:04 GMT

thank you for finally writing an article that explains the obvious:

obama has no real experience.

"experience" gained from running a successful campaign is the STUPIDIST arguement i have ever heard.

when it comes right down to it obama is an eloquent, intelligent liberal from chicago with 3.9 years of national senatorial experience (2 years of which has been spent campaigning).

which means most obama supporters have hitched their wagon to his ideological star in hopes that he will do exactly what he says.

at last check, most politicians say incredible things on the campaign trail and then fail (miserably) to deliver.

good luck, obama voters.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

beannemarie — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 16:06:09 GMT

oh please give me a break Obama is no Lincoln...Lincoln after all was REPUBLICAN and it was the REPUBLICANS that freed the slaves....like it is the REPUBLICANS that have freed the Iraqis and Afganastan from opressors. it;s the Republicans that saved this country from falling into anarchy... Obama wants to get into your pocketbooks to give to those who will try to hold this country hostage for the rest of our days for sins comitted by our forfathers...I think that the CIVIL WAR and all those from the north who died freeing the slaves was enough of an attonment for those herendous acts. Please stop comparing the two...there is no comparison

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

irislady60 — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 16:07:12 GMT

Obama is not a terrorist no matter what Palin is trying to sway the voters that he is. Has anything come out about Palin's adultry in 1999, or her tax return showing she charge her state for traveling expenses while staying in her own home? Would I want her as our President? NO!!! I would trust Obama because I do believe in him and he will take us on another course in history.

McCain has had his time in the Senate and has followed Bush's plan for the past 8 years. Enough is enough. I hope Palin gets booted back to Alaska!!!

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

Philoctetes — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 16:07:29 GMT

What a strange, illogical, repellent piece of work this is. How does one compare hardships from age to age, or even from person to person? You don't at all mention the fact that this man, unlike Lincoln, is an African-American man. Presumably, you consider that irrelevant to his personal journey or any possible hardships he may have encountered in life. You don't mention that he may have had to work, strive, and endure in order to accomplish what he has in life--against obstacles that are entirely unknown to you. You don't mention the possiblity that the notion that "hardship" is what defined Lincoln might just be a lot of bosh.

What would Obama be able to say or do that would enable you to "know" him? Your chimerical notion that "hardship" defines a person--a pop-psychology claim for which you offer no evidence--answers nothing. Look how much ink has been spilled over how John McCain--doubtlessly tested by the kind of "hardship" you think is character-forming--has "changed," how that honorable person everyone thought they knew has become a virtual stranger, how the McCain of 2000 is not the "same" McCain as the man of 2008, etc. etc. Johnny, we thought we knew ya.

I know you won't accept this criticism, because it is such a culturally charged thing to say to someone who probably thinks he is immune to racially based judgments of any kind. But your article has a racial tinge to it that I'm sure never consciously entered your mind but is there nonetheless. Observe what Sarah Palin (talk about no suffering!) is out there saying about Obama even as I write: that he is "not like us," that "his view of America is not the same as our view of America," and similar transparently race-baiting attacks. By claiming that Obama has not been tested sufficiently by "hardship" (and again, who are you to say what is or is not relevant hardship?) you, like Palin, are implying that he is somehow mysterious, unknowable, the "other" who is not like "us" and who is concealing something important, possibly nefarious, from us. This is a lazy, obtuse, and objectionable commentary from someone who should know better.

Lincoln indeed.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

kalamere — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 16:08:37 GMT

Gag me with Obama's cocaine spoon.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

eener88 — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 16:11:57 GMT

While I enjoyed your article, I would hardly call Lincoln a Chicago lawyer or Chicago politician for that matter. He traveled to Chicago because he had to do so as part of the traveling court circuit system that took place in Illinois at the time. Also, while Lincoln was nominated at the Republican convention in Chicago, he never stepped foot in Chicago during the convention.

Lincoln was a product of Springfield, not Chicago. Any biography on Lincoln will tell you this. In fact, many Chicago polticians could not relate to, or embrace Lincoln because of his "rail splitter" background.

Obama is uanble to claim descent from Chicago's only president because he would be the first president from Chicago. Lincoln was from Springfield.

Lincoln was never part of the Chicago political machine. He built his base of support from the Lincoln/Douglas debates and the stump speaches he delivered throughout the country in the years leading up to the conventin in Chicago.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

Real American — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 16:17:45 GMT

Newsweek, shame on you. Did someone fail to review this article prior to letting it go to print? Just a quick review of the comments to the article confirmed my suspicions. Totally racist, totally hateful, totally unfounded. I guess white supremists, neo-nazis, and closet-racists need an outlet, too. But after reading Newsweek for years (15+), I was disappointed to see Newsweek volunterr itself to be such an outlet. I have and will continue to discourage my family, friends, and college students from reading future Fineman articles and to avoid Newsweek altogether. So disgusting, so ugly, so hateful, so unfounded, so anti-American.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

andyrozz — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 16:19:07 GMT

PALIN IS AN IDIOT IF SHE THINKS SHE CAN STAND UP TO ANY ONE EXCEPT THE PEOPLE OF ALASKA....................THOSE ARE THE ONLY PEOPLE WHO BELIEVE IN HER EXCEPT THE WACKED OUT CHRISTIAN RIGHT...........

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

Omnius — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 16:21:52 GMT

Another great article by Howard. I do disagree that Obama hasn't faced big political challenges. He is running up against the white supremacist party who will do anything to keep a black man from becoming president. He has spent a few long nights of the soul in the primaries defeating the inevitable Clinton campaign and now again as the Dumb and Dumber ticket throw the toilet at him. He has faced political difficulties and has emerged stronger from it.

He is our best hope of uniting this divided nation, one divided by Ralph Reed and his christian conspiracy almost 30 years ago. Time to overcome organized superstition so that we protect our secular democracy from the theocracy first crowd.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

nyeisha84 — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 16:22:53 GMT

I really liked Howard until after I read this. I was very distrubed by the way that he dismissed Obama's mixed hertiage. Obviously this is something that Howard knows nothing about because he has never been an african american. He doesn't know what its like to be thought of as "lazy" or "ghetto". I know what its like because I have two strikes against me. I am a woman and I am african american. Being as such I have had people think very negative things about me. But that is not the reason for me writing this. I think that Obama is like no one we have ever seen on the political scene. Who would have ever thought that he would have gotten this far ? I don't think that we can compare him to Lincoln, Lincoln was a different time. Obama is the JFK of the 21st century. He has everyone excited and has those Republicans on their toes. Obama speaks to us honestly about everything. He tells us that things won't be easy, he doesn't dance around the subject. Like Palin/McCain. I am happy to say that I am voting for him. Obama is the change we need in this country.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

bkrtrash96 — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 16:23:09 GMT

The only thin Obama will have in common with Lincoln is that they both presided at a time when large numbers of states didn't want to be United with the fools in DC anymore.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

andyrozz — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 16:23:11 GMT

OBAMA IS THE ONLY ONE TALKING ABOUT THE ISSUES THAT FACE ALL OF US AMERICANS.................THATS WHY MCAIN AND PALIN DON'T STAND A CHANCE........THEY HAVE NO VISION..........

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

bkrtrash96 — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 16:27:00 GMT

The only thing Obama will have in common with Lincoln is that large parts of the country didn't want to be under his leadership and chose to take matters into their own hands.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

trini — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 16:28:30 GMT

Whwn Palin talks, whome walks

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

renner52osu — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 16:30:09 GMT

I don't think Lincoln was a socialist like Obama.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

vamedia — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 16:31:20 GMT

Get real. Obama is about as much like Lincoln as is Sarah Palin. First of all, Lincoln was not "from" Chicago just because he did some lawyering there and because the political system put the power there. Secondly, in what way did Lincoln dedicate himself to killing off slavery? He recognized it as a great evil, but his administration was about keeping the country together by any possible means. Slavery was purely secondary. IN fact, his Emancipation Proclamation only freed slaves in territories over which he did not presently have control, as a means to disrupt the Confederate economy and war effort. Lincoln himself really felt that freed slaves and whites could not get along and proposed sending them to Liberia. All that aside, Obama no doubt is trying (or was trying) to cast himself as the modern day equivalent of Lincoln. But he is a lightweight in all respects compared to Lincoln. No, Obama is really trying to be Martin Luther King Jr. - including copying his speech patterns. And it worked. Long time black Clinton supporters dropped them like so many hot potatoes and flocked to Obama. It looks like Obama could win now, and like Jefferson "I tremble for my country" just thinking about how such an empty suit will handle the complex problems facing us in the next 4 years. I just hope that Obama is like Lincoln in one respect - Lincoln was probably the least prepared to face the challenges ahead of him of any of the previous Presidents at his time, and he was able to draw on his inner strengths to chart the course. I just hope Obama can do likewise.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

illinoisdem2 — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 16:33:10 GMT

Your background on Obama is strangely incorrect. Obama did not have a cakewalk to win the Illinois Senate seat. He faced two strong competitors in the Democratic primary. Obama's base was the liberal Democratic bastion of Hyde Park, the neighborhood around the University of Chicago. Hyde Park has never been a center of the Daley machine. In fact, Hyde Park has consistently opposed the Daley machine over the past four decades. Obama was not endorsed by the main Chicago papers or favored by the Daley machine. He won the primary through strong organizing and it was no cakewalk. Once Obama won the primary, the general election was a cakewalk because the Republican party is dead in Illinois.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

OrionCA — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 16:35:28 GMT

"roots in Chicago..."

Huh? Obama was raised in Indonesia and (later) Hawaii. I don't even think he visited Chigao until he got the "community organizer/rabble rouser" bug. Whatever you're smoking, Howard, please change brands.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

MissButterfly — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 16:36:01 GMT

And if Obama is elected, like in Lincoln's time, I'd like to be the first to announce that my state is seceding from the Union.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

walkercompany — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 16:37:27 GMT

Yes - Vision. It is the sense that Obama has a vision of the future for this country. Young and energetic he speaks of a brighter time through all our economic and war beligered gloom. McCain can complain and grumble about those in office or those that want the office but he has no positive message except we're in for more of the same.

Americans feel like a President named Obama can lead them out of this mess we're in.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

HillsGal — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 16:37:40 GMT

I think it is interesting how few people know anything about Obama. Mr. Obama has voted “present” or not voted 61% of the time while in the senate (Check the record yourself). On the nomination of General Petraeus as Commander in Iraq, Mr. Obama voted “no vote”. On expressing support to General Petraeus and the soldiers in Iraq, Mr. Obama voted “no vote. Franklin Raines is one of Obamas "Economic Advisors". Raines was forced to retire from his position with Fannie Mae when auditing discovered severe irregulaties in Fannie Mae's accounting activities. Raines left with a 'golden parachute valued at $240 Million in benefits. The Government filed suit against Raines when the depth of the accounting scandal became clear.

Also, on his economic team is Tim Howard who was also investigated by the government. The Government Investigation determined, 'Chief Financial Officer, Tim Howard, failed to provide adequate oversight to key control and reporting functions within Fannie Mae, Howard's Golden Parachute was estimated at $20 Million. Jim Johnson is a Senior Economic Advisor for Obama who is a former executive of Lehman Brothers who was forced to resign as CEO of Fannie Mae. A look at the Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight's May 2006 report on mismanagement and corruption inside Fannie Mae, investigators found that Fannie Mae had hidden a substantial amount of Johnson's 1998 compensation from the public and reported that it was between $6 million and $7 million when it fact it was $21 million. Johnson is currently under investigation for taking illegal loans from Countrywide while serving as CEO of Fannie Mae. Johnson's Golden Parachute was estimated at $28 Million. In addition, did you know that it was Obama who was the attorney for ACORN (Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now) who brought suit on their behalf against the state of Illinois. (This was in line with the CRA or Community Reinvestment Act passed by Jimmy Carter and then additional requirements were mandated by President Clinton. As a result banks and mortgage lending institutions to lend to inner city and distressed areas or face penalties.) ACORN staged in-your-face protests in bank lobbies, drive through lanes and even at bank manager’s homes to get them to issue risky loans in the inner city or face charges of racism. This lead to Ninja loans. A Ninja Loan is a type of subprime loan issued to borrowers with No Income, No Job, (and) no Assets. So I guess you could say Obama got what he wanted. Risky loans to people who could not afford them and placed mortgage institution in a precarious situation. Finally, let's look at his financial plan. We know the U.S. Budget consists of the Defense which for 2008 was 20% of the budget, MEDICARE 21%, Social Security 21%, Other Mandatory 11%, Interest 9% and Other Discretionary 18%. Now, Obama wants Medical Care for everyone, New Energy solutions which will cost money, at the same time Baby-Boomers are retiring which will increase both MEDICARE and SOCIAL SECURITY outputs. So where can he take it from? He wants to increase taxes on those over $250K, but those people can afford attornies to reduce their burden. Hence, I predict the middle class will bear the burden. Do the research yourself and don't believe what you read in the papers.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

izme — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 16:38:28 GMT

Do we really want a President that can talk about issues, BUT has a very questionable past. Obama seems to have a pattern of hanging out with corrupt people....Rezko, Ayers, Rheins (Lehman Brothers CEO), Johnson (Freddie Mac CEO), Rev. Wright, ACORN, and Khalid Al-Mansour (PLO activists paid for Obama's Harvard education) to name a few.

This pattern is not safe for America. We can't turn our safety over to a man who shows no discretion as to who he associates with.

He is a threat to our national security.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

bigdadred — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 16:39:16 GMT

The fact that Fox News Network is taking the position of launching a series of all out assaults against senator Obama’s character is a sad day in journalism. They should be ashamed of the immoral and unethical standards that their network displays on a continual basis. What they must be made to understand is that as citizens we rely upon networks for their fair and accurate reporting of events and we will not tolerate anything less, especially when its over the top or maybe I should say as far right as Fox News Network is. If your views are the same share this message with others. It is time to take a stand against Fox and look to other networks for fair and accurate news coverage.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

rube — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 16:41:23 GMT

Howard, you believe that Obama has not had a tough hard time creating the largest grass-roots political movement in American history. You’re dreaming.

In a land where stodgy crust underachieving self righteous white men are the norm for the presidency intelligent, self produced African American are not the norm!

The character assassination of Senator Obama is everywhere. Currently he a terrorist, he was a socialist,

A communist, a muslim etc. And to many Americans including my own parents he still is and will always be an uppity N_ _ _ _ _!

It’s absolutely disgraceful! Yeah Howard he’s had a relatively easy run of it! Im from a minority- Im an media artist.

I learned early that if Im going to work, my artistry had to be better than my Euro-American counterpart!

That’s the way it is. Senator Obama had to work as to achieve his standing- nothing was given to him.

He has earned it!

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

mpirog01 — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 16:44:23 GMT

Usually I like articles written by Howard Fineman but this one makes no sense. There is no real connection between Obama and Lincoln and this article doesn't do anything to prove otherwise. Sorry Mr. Fineman but maybe you should have stuck with writing about Chicago defining Obama, not Lincoln.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

izme — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 16:46:11 GMT

As the news media bombards the terroritsts that Obama chose to hang out with over the years, the terroritst will discredit Obama because they don't want to be exposed by the media. Obama will be a man without a country soon. The terrorists won't want him and neither will America.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

Flashsback1 — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 16:46:49 GMT

Obama like Lincoln????? Give me a break! I guess that makes Hillary a real New Yorker? LOL oh right and Michele Obama is another Jackie O. There is truth in the statement that we are the company we keep. Enough said. America don't be fooled by razzle dazzle. It has NO substance and does not last.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

Bluegrass Woman — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 16:47:05 GMT

How sly of you to throw Malcolm X in the mix; who, when murdered was not called Malcolm X ; but, was Sunni and had turned from the Nation of Islam. That aside, being a mixed race person in the United States is the same as being Black in the United States.....except the hate is felt, often, from both races. You have no idea what it takes to live in skin of color. You have no notion what it takes for a person of color to get through Columbia and Harvard. My son is a Cambridge (England) and Columbia educated lawyer and I know what it took for him to make high marks and PROVE himself to the other students and professors. England was a lot easier to live in than the US; but, he (like Obama) loves this country and believes that despite the evil biggots like you....it will prevale.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

OrionCA — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 16:48:28 GMT

"The fact that Fox News Network is taking the position of launching a series of all out assaults against senator Obama’s character"

Ah. You're smoking the same stuff Howard was when he wrote this article. Probably contains toxic heavy metals so I'd knock it off if I were you. That FoxNews doesn't bow down and kiss The One's feet doesn't mean they're "attacking" him. It just means they're not in the tank for him as, say, Chris "Tingle down my leg" Mattews and MSNBC. You may not like that they're reporting his faults instead of gushing at him but they're being truthful. Learn to deal with it.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

Mrs Lincoln — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 16:51:08 GMT

Oh my, now Obama has got delusions of grandeur about being Lincoln. He can't unite his party let alone the country. I've never seen so many people taken in by such an out and out pink medicine man. Obama has spent his life stamping his foot staying I want to be President, I want to be President, I want to be President ...... I am not prepared to wait .... Iam not prepared to work for it and earn it .... I want it NOW! And so the sheep say: Aww! the little boy wants to be President, let's indulge him and let's give him the toy he wants. Let's send him to Washington where he can pretend play at being President: never mind our problems we'll sacrifice these so

little Barack can be spoilt and indulged. But the little boy has no sense of direction for he has no experience and is in reality heading for the cliff edge from which he and all his lemming like followers will find themselves tumbling over.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

americandefender — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 16:56:41 GMT

Oh' right wingers we are so tired of your terrorist rantings same old tired accusations that have no merit, the american people are tired of this mudslingin we are more worried about how we will put food on our table and keep a roof over our heads. Look around we are in a reccesion and McCain will put us in a full blown Deppresion. No thanks vote Obama.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

mikars — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 16:59:48 GMT

Yes, Mr. Finemann, you're as right about Obama as McCain is. I also heard that while Mrs. Obama was 6 mos. pregnant w/ Barrack that she listened to some news on the radio about the USSR so, therefore, he's a communist! In addition, his grandfather knew some men who were in Germany during the war, so Obama MUST also be a Nazi. Yes, you're right, Obama is a bad, bad man. Let's vote for McCain and his "bushist" crowd and keep our country the way it's going, no?

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

OrionCA — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 17:00:30 GMT

"Obama was not endorsed by the main Chicago papers or favored by the Daley machine. He won the primary through strong organizing and it was no cakewalk. "

Actually, he won because he got the nominating petitiions of the other 4 candidates, including the incumbent's thrrown out. It was a neat trick, and left him the only candidate on the primary ballot. As you say, once he won the primary the general was a cakewalk becausse his district was heavily gerrymandered to favor Democrat candidates over Republicans. Once elected he became a good Daley backbencher, voting "Present" 140 times and introducing no bills or initiatives of his own the entire time he was in the State Senate. After the Demcorats won the majority a number of bills initiated by other Demccrats were *assigned* to him so he'd have a legislative record when he ran for the US Senate the next year. His entire legislative history, from State Senate to today is curiously blank for someone who's leapt ahead so quickly. The only rational explanaition is that he's a Chicago Machine politician who's been groomed and guided all the way and will likely remain a good Chicago Machine politician if elected to the White House. In other words he's an investment by Daley and his crew of influence peddlers. If he's elected their investment pays off handsomely. It pays THEM, not you, btw.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

MTR1973 — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 17:04:02 GMT

I would hope that Lincoln would roll over in his grave if he saw the current state of our political system. Look at all the people on here who throw about regurgitated party talking points (most of which are not rooted in fact) or, even worse, repeatedly-disproven urban legends about Obama being a Muslim, not to mention the inherent racism that comes along with the associated insinuation that ALL people of Muslim faith are evil and want to blow up buildings. There is significantly more proof - by the idiotic and myopic posts on this message board and the thousands like it - that Americans, by and large, are generally stupid, gullible and viciously partisan and care more about tearing down the other side than even bothering to think about - let alone articulate - what they DO stand for instead.

We do not need politicians to divide and diminish us because if this election has proven anything, it is that we are completely capable of self-destructing on our own. Feed the average American idiot a handful of soundbites and barely-half-truths and just sit back and watch the fight unfurl.

I doubt this is the America that Lincoln, Kennedy, King OR Obama envisioned. Hopefully, and as we deal with significant economic and GLOBAL security issues, the page we turn is the one where denial, greed, hypocrisy, aggressive stupidity and baseless partisan pandering/attacking are only seen in the rear view mirror. The Audacity of Hope indeed.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

eagles1776 — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 17:05:17 GMT

While there are some minor similarities between Lincoln and Obama it is a bit of a stretch to infer that there is anything to be gained by such connections. Yes, both men were lawyers. Lincoln did most of his work in Springfield while Obama does most of his work in Chicago. Both took the fast track to higher office. Lincoln served a term in the House and Obama is in the Senate. Both were active in Illinois State Government.

One thing to note about Lincoln is that, while he abhored slavery, he was not admirer of black people. Lincoln tried to give African-Americans to other countries. A few went to Liberia and to islands in the Caribbean but most could not and did not leave. Lincoln was a man of his time.

One similarity is that Lincoln's opponents were as nasty with their attacks on him as Obama's foes are on him. Lincoln survived and actually benefitted from such attacks and so will Obama.

The more personal attacks a campaign uses the more desperate they seem to be. In McCain's case they don't dare discuss real issues as they know they will lose so the personal attacks are all they have left. With those constantly being debunked people are moving more and more toward Obama each day. Nov. 4....Obama and Democrats by a landslide.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

JERSEYMAN — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 17:05:37 GMT

I wonder how much so many of you actually know about Lincoln.

If you actually read Lincoln's speeches, you will see that almost every line uttered was pregnant with meaning. In many cases layers of meanings. This is why so many of his words are carved in marble.

Obama, by contrast, says an awful lot of words, but what, pray tell, exactly do they mean?

To those of you who have been mis-educated about Lincoln's life-long, pricipaled, explicit and oft repeated opposition to slavery, I would ask you to read the Cooper Union speech. Although way beyond the attention span of most of you, it is a logical, lawyerly, carefully constructed proof of Lincoln's position that the government he sought to lead had the consitutional power to restrict the spread of slavery.

As to his supposed willingness to subordinate the eventual extinction of slavery to the preservation of the Union, not only is that notion in complete agreement with his duty as President, but it is based almost entirely on a letter he sent to Horace Greeley in 1862. At the time this letter was sent he already had the draft of the Emancipation Proclamation in his desk.

Before we elect Obama President, I would very much like to know what exactly he has in his desk, or desk-top.

The two things I cannot get an Obama supporter to tell me are: 1) what has he ever done for the United States to justify awarding him the post of Chief Magistrate, and 2) what exactly is it that he will do about any one of the current issues facing the Republic upon his taking office?

The truth is no one knows anything about his achievements or policies.

Again, please tell me one thing you know about Obama, that entitles him to the Presidency?

Lincoln by contrast was one of the most famous men in the country at the time of his nomination. He had set the "prarie on fire" with his advocacy of the Republican positions of "Free Men< Free Soil, Free Labor".

I suggest Herbert Donald's "Lincoln" and Prof White's "The Eloquent President", to go deeper try Harry Jaffa's Abraham Lincoln works. Harold Holzer has a great volume on the Cooper Union speech.

Seriously, try reading a whole book and then compare Obama to Lincoln.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

Sam10 — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 17:05:59 GMT

The truth of the matter is that America does not know who Barrack Hussein Obama is. He has managed to run a race of hide if possible and by any means necessary hide deeper when pressed. We still do not know anything relating to his college years, he will not release his records. Other than the fact he experimented heavily with drugs. We still do not know the extent pf how much influence William Ayers has over him, yes I know the talking points, he was 8 yrs old. That quiets down the liberal media, but, I would like to see the media belabor the point and state Obama was 34 yrs old and quite happy to be at this terrorist home, and be sitting on boards with him. Now, having only a slice of actual public service on Obama, someone would have to tie in his associations to have soound judgement of him. Maybe there is nothing to hide, but until Obama releases all information of his college days and his relationshisps with Wright, Ayers, Rezko and Khalidi , America would be right to think Obama's ties to these people is dangerous. We do not want a terrorist cell coming into this country again, and surely not from inside the White House.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

andyrozz — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 17:06:54 GMT

THE FOX NETWORK CREW IS NOTHING BUT LIMBAUGH'S RIGHT HAND..................O'RIELLY IS NOTHING BUT A BUSH FAMILY SUCK UP..........

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

twiddly — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 17:08:15 GMT

Oh please, his campaign was about to implode from the Rev. Wright controversy and he brilliantly turned it around with a historic speech on race in america. That was an incredible test!

That speech may well be recited by future generations much like the gettysburg address.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

brad v — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 17:08:50 GMT

Is crashing a number of planes heroic?

not really

Does getting shot down show that you know how to win a war?

No.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

AguilarJ — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 17:09:48 GMT

Howard, I respect you a lot with your commentary on many occasions, and I think that you are right, that we have echos of Lincoln. I think that it is no only the person but the times that we are in which call for the Lincoln analogy. We are in desperate straights. Rather than on the verge of Civil War, we are on the verge of epic economic collapse. We find outselves, needing a leader with depth of character and vision to see us through this moment. In times of need and in times of trouble, the nation calls forth from its masses its best. We say in the Democratic Primary many who were called up and who were great candidates--however it was the unknown one who got the prize, it was the consensus maker who gained the ring. In an age when there is too much conflict, we look for someone to bring us together, and now we have one. May we all look into our better selves and grace this nation by being united in these years to come. Lincoln was not only an orator, a billiant mind and had depth of spirit, but he brought us together and kept the fabric of the nation together in time of need. We can only hope as much today--we should hope as much--we should expect as much. Then, if looking back and the Nation stands together, united, we will know if we have had our Lincoln.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

RRuin — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 17:11:23 GMT

Isn't it fascinating that now that Obama is getting a lead in the polls Fineman stresses and strains to find some way to criticize him.

Hey Fineman, it's the media that drew the Lincoln comparison. Now you want to use it to try to tear Obama down?

The media has spent decades building up John McCain as practically a political superhero when all he has ever been is a self serving, corrupt, lying, political hack.

But heavens! Obama isn't Lincoln!

No brave heart award, Fineman? As the first black Presidential candidate for a major political party the man has a target on his back fro every right wing, bigoted group that would rather see him dead than have a nonwhite as Presidency.

You don't think that takes some courage?

A hello of a lot more than writing your column.

Obama/Biden 08

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

redstatetexas — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 17:12:53 GMT

I guess we have a tendency to forget, John McCain was born in Panama Canal. Should we elect John McCain who has severe nervous twitch in starting unbeatable/unnecessary wars and who has been diagnose with a severe from warmongering syndrome? Oh, or should we all say, DAMN Obama (the socialist, terriost, elitist, Satanist, uppity N*****, foreigner, etc. For the record—John McCain with his 7 houses, 13 cars, his wife’s 300,000.00 acceptance speech outfit, Keating Association does not care about the MIDDLE CLASS (White, Black, Brown, or Purple). He chose Posen not because he is Patriotic, or to PUT COUNTRY FIRST, he chose Palin to shore up the republican base to WIN. Palin says she knows MIDDLE AMERICA and she sits down at that table too. Last, I heard, they (Todd and Sarah) were worth 2Million dollars. This race AINT about DEMOCRAT or REPUBLICAN it is ABOUT RACE. Lastly, RACE will always be a factor in America. We are the product of slavery. Deep-rooted anger always prevails and it sinful head has arisen. PEOPLE GET OUT OF YOU IDEALOGICAL BRAIN FART and ACCEPT AMERICA IS CHANGING, OUT WITH THE OLD and IN WITH A NEW. OBAMA 2008!

This article sucks!

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

newsweekthisweek — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 17:13:12 GMT

I guess it must be unnerving to say the least, that in all our time, most of the "greatest" things on earth were accomplished by a white man. White man says that he owns the world (or, so he thinks).

In my 66 years less a few months, I have never seen so much turmoil among nations as a result of white man's stupidity, selfishness and ignorance. I am white and am very ready for a change.

First of all, Obama has earned his wings and is above all those who think there's no place for him. I say there is and no better time than now.

It has not been easy for him and I won't go through the list of all he's had to jump over to get where he is now. I say good for him and as our next president he will show what he is all about.

The world will change for the better, in all aspects of life, you'll see.

And for those who think otherwise, all I can say is: "JUST WATCH HIM".

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

HillsGal — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 17:13:18 GMT

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

California Jayne — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 17:16:55 GMT

You jerk!

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

lihartke — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 17:17:32 GMT

Reading that article turned my stomache. For anyone to suggest that Lincoln would be eating dinner with a person who purposely killed Americans or put bombs in our buildings not knowing(or caring)wether Americans would die or go to a church where the pastor God Dams America is absolutely out of their mind. When he gets elected and your taxes are raised(not because of services you will get but, because of the progams he will create that you will never benefit from(because you went to school or stated a business and worked hard to achieve your success) you will understand what a big mistake you have made.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

Eileen Keister — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 17:19:13 GMT

I have no idea what you are talking about! You used to make sense, but it seems you were doing a rush job on this assignment and didn't even self edit....What do any of your words have to do with the price of eggs? Sharpen that #2 and get the new yellow pad out and get started on your next essay with a clear head.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

patg — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 17:22:58 GMT

Howard could not be reached for comment because he was at the GAP buying a new blue suit

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

retired — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 17:23:37 GMT

Go back and read your history. Has anyone ever heard of the Copperheads? I am disappointed on Fineman's lack of perception on the trials Obama has had to and will have to face.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

izme — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 17:25:55 GMT

If Obama's terroritst friends and radical extremist friends see that because of his associations with them are going to be investigated by the public and media, they will abandon him and he will fail.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

curryjm — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 17:26:58 GMT

Seriously, did Obama claim that he was distantly related to Lincoln?

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

CarlosToadvine — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 17:28:45 GMT

Lincoln, Obama? Obama is far from Lincoln and Chicago is far from good government>

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

ljmahuiki — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 17:37:07 GMT

Senator Obama should drop out of the race for President; he received substantial sums of money from the banks that are directly in conflict of this bailout; he should have returned the money to the U.S. Government and resign his seat; I know that this is extreme, however, this bailout changes everything, he was directly responsible for changing people in congress to change their minds regarding the house voting on this, he profited from the banks, and he is now using his influence to persuade others to do the same, which is against what the people were demanding congress to do. Christopher Dodd and Senator Obama should be charged with crimes against the state. Democracy is at risk and took a hard hit on the senate and floor of congress. They all need to be investigated on how much money they received and why they voted for this bailout.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

DUMPLIN — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 17:37:36 GMT

THE ARGUMENT THAT OBAMA WAS EIGHT YEARS OLD WHEN AYERS WAS KILLING AMERICANS (I THOUGHT THERE WAS NO STATURE OF LIMITATIONS ON MURDER) DOES NOT HOLD UP. HE CONTINUES HIS FRIENDSHIP WITH HIM TODAY. OBAMA HANGS WITH THE CROWD THAT CONDONES SUCH BEHAVIOR AND THAT IS HIS CHARACTER AND SHOWS REAL LACK OF GOOD JUDGMENT AND CITIZENSHIP. IF CHICAGO POLITICS SHAPED OBAMA THEN EVERYONE SHOULD LOOK FOR CORRUPTION. HOW ABOUT HIS QUESTIONABLE CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS? HOW ABOUT OUR ENEMIES ENDORSING HIM FOR PRESIDENT? THE ORGANIZATION ACORN (RECEIVING MONIES FROM THE BAILOUT) AND OBAMA RECEIVING MONEY FROM FM/FM? ANYTIME THESE ITEMS ARE SCRUTINIZED THE OBAMA CAMP CRIES RACISM OR ABUSE OR BULLYING. MY REPLY TO THAT IS TOO BAD, THE AMERICAN PUBLIC HAS A RIGHT TO KNOW.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

DUMPLIN — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 17:40:45 GMT

ANYTIME OBAMA HAS BEEN BEHIND IN THE POLLS, THE LIBERAL MEDIA HAS PICKED UP THEIR NEGATIVE ATTACKS ON MCCAIN OR PALIN. OBAMA HAS "ALTERED" HIS STANCE TO WHATEVER IS POLITICALLY ADVANTAGEOUS. HE HAS NO CORE, HIS ONLY AGENDA IS TO BRING AMERICA DOWN TO SOCIALISM.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

ptandco — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 17:41:25 GMT

Mr. Fineman,

You are one of my favorites - but I don't quite understand why you are writing about this when it is a news day! I don't think Obama should be compared to anyone - he is his own man and will stand alone on that plateau. Watching all of this unfold it occurs to me and possibly millions of other Americans - that Obama talks issues and McCain can only talk Iraq/war. I would like an intelligent person sitting in the White House not another man that will tear down our country for the good of all of us - or so they think. In any event, with economy on everyone's mind right now I do not see that the next 30 days will change much and if McCain can only tear down the other candidate instead of talking issues, specifically economy - he will lose come November. I have "hope"!

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

stephen50 — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 17:42:28 GMT

What a lame attempt at an Obama bash. Considering the blatant headlined Palin bash, this also ran is pathetic.. I guess this is the editor's idea of balanced reporting.

The title and begining paragraphs even appear a positive endorsement to Obama if no one read further.

The only thing worse than biased reporting is veiled biased reporting.

I bet Harvard taught Obama what supreme court decisions to disagree with. Dumb Palin.

Dumb McCain, he's going to run negative campaign ads. Obama doesn't have to. He's got the press!

Dumb Republican supporters. Don't they want lower taxes and lots of free stuff? Vote for Obama's political promises and get free health care, free college education, no cost to tax payers to improve public education and roads.

And Palin doesn't have enough experience to be President. While Obama has more experience than... than... er... ah... Oh Ya! Palin! (except of course in leadership and authoring legislation.. but what an autobiographer!!)

And change? Obama has always toed the mark for the Democratic political platform. Obama wants to change from the Republican political machine to the Democratic political machine.

Everyone knows the Washington insiders know whats best. Everyone knows real people are clueless and believe any thing you tell them. Why, McCain and Palin don't even get along wih their own party! How do they expect to be elected when they go up against their own party machine insiders!?! I mean they actually expect that wanting to do what is best for the country and the people will help elect them! Dumb McCain. Dumb Palin.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

brooksiview — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 17:43:11 GMT

I am amzaed at your column todau! Maybe I don't get the point you are trying to make. But what is claer is that you are just another journalist that doesn't want to see Obama succeed. Or it could mean that your column today represents that the McCain camp finaly paid enough money for you to start your smear campaign. And to think I really thought Obama had to watch out for McCain...he needs to watch out for them as well as journalist like you. Senator Obama has a hard road no matter which he chooses.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

TGAinOH — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 17:45:07 GMT

Obama's "radical extremist friends" HAVE been investigated by the media. The stories have died precisely because the connections amounted to absolutely nothing. Try doing some research on your own once in a while. Check some sources (other than Sean Hannity and Rush Limbaugh). Pay attention to something other than Fox News, will you?

Here's a sample: http://www.snopes.com/politics/obama/fanniemae.asp

Stop looking at the right-wing caricatures, and instead look at Obama, the man. He's a born leader, he's highly intelligent, and he cares about people and issues. If people can put their racially-tinged paranoia aside and give him just a TINY chance, he will take this country to new heights never before seen. Look DEEPLY at the issues, and you'll find that he's correct WAY more often than McCain.

AND THIS FROM A MIDDLE CLASS WHITE GUY IN OHIO.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

x2c2 — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 17:46:44 GMT

You know Howard, you must be as out of touch with America as the jerk that claimed last month that the economy was fundamentally sound! I am a WASP, not a man from a mixed race heritage, but I can tell you that that is enough hardship for anyone, or haven't you been to all those pockets in America where racism is still alive and well. So maybe Obama is not Lincoln, but that was a pretty testing primary, up against the Clintons, and if it is the choice is between Obama Biden and McSame Pain (not a typo) then I will take the guys that bring real change to Washington, and that might not be Lincoln, but Obama is just fine by me!

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

ndrock — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 17:48:39 GMT

What have you gaged up today! Lincoln, you have the gaul to even mention Lincoln in the same sentence as OBAMA? Between this rag mag, and Time rag mag, the journalists writing this trash must be drunk or on dope. That can be the only explanation for their facts and fantasies. The editors must be having one big party.

If ever there is proof that the liberal Democrats own both magazines, this article is it!!

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

izme — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 17:49:50 GMT

Biden’s election campaigns “have been financed by Islamic charities of the Iranian regime based in California and by the Silicon Iran network,” a loosely-knit group of wealthy Iranian-American businessmen and women seeking to end the U.S. trade embargo on Iran.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

MelvynZahn — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 17:51:22 GMT

What is really sad is to read all the hate comments. This is what is truly wrong with America. Uniformed citizens who claim they know it all. How sad! We reelcted George Bush with the same mentality and look what we got. Swift Boaters and the haters. Wake up - we need a change.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

izme — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 17:56:17 GMT

Biden hasn’t shied from asking wealthy Iranian-Americans with known sympathies for the Tehran regime for campaign cash.

When Iranian-American pro-democracy activists learned that Biden planned to attend a fundraiser organized on his behalf by an Iranian Muslim charity in California, they phoned his U.S. Senate office to warn him about the group’s pro-Tehran sympathies.

But the Delaware Democrat swept aside their concerns and attended the Feb. 19, 2002, event at the California home of Dr. Sadegh Namazi-Khah, which brought in an estimated $30,000 for his U.S. Senate re-election campaign.

Several people who attended the fundraiser said that Biden delivered a sweeping condemning of President Bush’s recent State of the Union speech, which identified the Iranian regime as part of an “axis of Evil.”

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

Lancesmother — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 18:01:10 GMT

I guess you would have to live Obama's life to know his challenges. It is not easy to grow up bi racial in this country and even more difficult to grow up without a father. My niece and two nephews are biracial, thier father died when they were young, one nephew is now in prison for the second time, my niece married a drug dealer, who is now serving time and my youngest nephew is okay, by the grace of God. Unfortunately, my family's story is more the norm than the exception. You thnk Obama didn't have struggles, think again. I bet you grew up with a father.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

billthinx — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 18:02:17 GMT

Your logic is reasonable and your conclusions make sense to me. But, I do agree with other comments that it's highly arbitrary to compare Obama to Lincoln just because they're both from Illinois. It seems a big reach and not based on anything observable. Therefore, of course you would end up with the conclusions you did. Comparisons like this are more appropriate looking back than forward. How about giving the guy a chance to be whoever is, to perform however he does and to be assessed for it all, later?

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

blackcourt — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 18:04:27 GMT

MelvynZahn... change we may need... but to become a socialist state we do not need. The government has already made its case to move in that direction with this latest $700B that will be saving the fat cats on Wall Street. The haves will continue to have and the have nots will continue to be ignored. The government will flash a few programs designed to satisfy some of the public outcry and will cover up the rest with a fancy slogan and a sleek decal. Welcome to America Inc. stealing your tax dollars since 2008.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

izme — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 18:05:37 GMT

I have to laugh at the people who post demeaning remarks about Sarah Palin. These are the same people who are so blind that they actually think that Nancy Pelosi is capable of handling the position that the Democrats have given to her!! Oh Please! NOBODY is dumber than Nancy Pelosi and she is a heart beat away from being President!!

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

sheebe — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 18:05:42 GMT

I am not happy about both choices. It will be devastating if Obama wins! He has not said anything of value. Except lead a bunch of sheep that want to take from others. They are lazy and feel they are owed.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

cusco — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 18:06:50 GMT

We seem to be able to stomach ignorance as we watch Palin and Mc Cain spew their Bush ideology and call it "maverick". But here is an intelligent man, Obama, who has dilligently worked his way to this historic moment ( historic because the inherent racism in this country could have easily wiped him out of this election) and we get caught up in trying to break down his well deserved and well earned accomplishments! he has united people in this country as no other politician has in a very long time, he has inspired so many to take action (me included) but it is still not enough. I guess some people have not had enough of Bush and would seek to have more damage done to this country by electing the Mc Pain ticket.

I am more than honored to vote for Obama.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

skipfoss — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 18:07:21 GMT

I don't hear any echoes of Lincoln but I do hear the echoes of Marxist Socialist leaders from all the world .His connections to Ayers Wright Acorn and the Daily machine shold be investigated before the election is allowed to proceed, these are very important to America. We do not need some one with the types of people he deals with. With ties to election fraud and strong arm tactics employed to get loans for blacks by Acornwere taught by Obama ,he was tutored by Ayers'and Wright in how lie and cover up his real agenda which is to take over the government from the inside as Faracan Wright and Ayers have planed for years. If this half-breed socialist muslim loving liberal is allowed to take office we as the largest minority (White Working Class) will be totaly screwed

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

blackcourt — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 18:09:45 GMT

Lancesmother... so you think because he was raised without a father that he is ready to lead this country?

The probablem is that Obama has never done anything to prove that he can lead this country. The only thing that Obama has shown that he can do is avoid being present when the votes are counted. He walks the fence in an attempt to be all things to all people... shouldn't we want a president that can be himself and stand up for his own beliefs. You've got to stand for something or you'll fall for anything... and the enemies we have throughout the world are salivating over the idea of Obama becoming President.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

blackcourt — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 18:12:12 GMT

cusco... what exactly has Obama done? What has he voted for? What legislation has he authored? What exactly makes him a leader beyond the fact that he can read a teleprompter?

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

JBNY — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 18:13:18 GMT

Howard,

You desrve a RAISE for this article!!!!

Thank god there are reporters who are still reporters.

It's about time someone questions Obama's background!!!!!

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

gsk_old65 — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 18:13:25 GMT

Your logic is not reasonable, in fact you sound like a McCain supporter, What is happening in this country to individuals that can think for themselves? The media works the room, and Palin is good copy as is the mud slung. It is time to let Obama take his place as our President, we have had 8 years of Bush and his many stand-in's. we are in this mess because he placed his friends in high places who had no clue how to run our country and he was to stupid to do it himself. How did you write an article to compare Obama with Lincoln when in fact Obama is not the President and has not been put to the test? McCain's claim to fame is being in a prison camp for 5 years, does that make him ready to lead our country out of war, out of this financial mess. Look who he chose as a Vice President and why? Saraha Palin, someone who can not tie two intelligent sentences together unless she is reading it from a machine or a speach writter has written it down. God help the United States if we elect 4 more years of Bush...

It is time to get off the Media blanket and realize that we are being played by the Right Wing who want the Supreme Court, and the Presidency to move their agenda even further forward. Howard write about that.........

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

jchri66 — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 18:15:08 GMT

blackcourt.....

I'll just name one for you and then you can also do some reserach before you post Neo-Con junk:

Check out the Lugar-Obama Bill

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

Nessica — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 18:16:00 GMT

Lincoln did not start out as a great President. Initially, he had a knack for appointing generals who knew how to lose battles. But he learned from his mistakes to go on to victory in the civil war.

The ability to learn quickly is a distinguishing mark of good Presidents. Truman started out horribly, but is now recalled with great respect. JFK's handling of the Bay of Pigs and the Cuban Missile Crisis are in stark contrast. Kennedy learned from his early mistakes how to guide the nation safely through the frightening days of the Missile Crisis.

It is in his ability to learn quickly that Obama falls in line with Lincoln. His rapid mastering of foreign affairs to the point not just of holding his own in the recent foreign affairs debate, but of out-performing McCain is a case in point. By contrast, McCain (by his own admission, and certainly by his recent performance) doesn't understand economics, and this after decades on Capitol Hill. His learning curve is too steep to promise much in the way of a good presidency.

Nessica

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

blackcourt — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 18:16:32 GMT

gsk_old65... so who exactly are you supporting? You seem to be bashing both sides in your argument. Though I think you miss a few points when you say that McCain's claim to fame is being in a prison camp. I thought it was the 20 years he has served his country as a politician after years of service as a soldier.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

Another Republican for Obama — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 18:17:39 GMT

What a silly article.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

Asante — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 18:18:16 GMT

Heeeee Heeee Heeee!!!! LOL!!!! White Privileged Racist America is really beginning to show its true colors with this one!! Fineman, for a long time you had millions fooled into thinking that you were a progressive, principled, conscientious, and responsible reporter. But cognitive disonance got toyou too apparently. This article is such a piece of crap! You really should be ashamed of yourself.

You desperate superiorists need to take a deep breath and realize that we are in the 21st century. Our youth will dance on the graves of your divisive, backward, condemnatory ideologies.

THE FUTURE IS NOW. And DUMPLIN, you should change your user name to DUMBLIN, you bleeding idiot.

OBAMA 08

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

lindaneuman — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 18:19:26 GMT

Let's boil it down to the choice we now have before us--Obama, or McCain. There is much we don't know about how either of these men would react in a crisis situation as president. Neither have been there before. But, given the choice, given what we do know about them, who would you rather see in the Whitehouse for the next 4 years? It's a no-brainer.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

lindaneuman — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 18:19:27 GMT

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

skipfoss — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 18:30:27 GMT

I don't beleive that the investigation of Obama's freinds and donors should be left to the Obama press it should be conducted by the FBI this something that conserns National security and the lives of Americans. This is very serious it is not just looking into his time as a community orginiser but looking into the contacs he has with the Pacistany that got him into Havard and for what purpose .I don't beleive there are echoes but screams for this man to be investigated

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

arabeguiled — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 18:31:49 GMT

Fineman just reveals his true blue colors. how can this man be comsidered a journalist. next thing you will be saying obama is related to St. Francis of Assisi and BUDDHA. WHEN YOU GUYS GO OFF YOU REALLY GO OFF.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

Southern Bell — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 18:31:57 GMT

You're a moron.

I'm a Hillary supporter who plans to vote for Obamain the election.

Everyday Obama must svoid the "scary, angry, black man" persona. He was neck and neck with McCain until the economy collapsed, while some polls showed McCain as being ahead. He knows there is a Bradley Effect and that if a poll shows he is 3 or four points ahead, he's probably actually 1 or 2 points behind.

Despite losing ground to McCain after the GOP convention, Obama didn't panic, but kept on with his strategy. Compare that to McCain and how McCain has behaved now that he is behind Obama.

Howard, your current piece is one of the worst things you've written. It shows no insight as to a half African-American with a funny name has to conduct himself day in and day out on the campaign trail.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

blackcourt — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 18:33:20 GMT

jchri66... are you really offering up a bill on keeping WMD out of the hands of terrorists as an example of the groundbreaking legislation that we can expect from Obama? Not to mention that Obama didn't even author this legislation... he's basically a name added to the end of the original Nunn - Lugar idea that was in place back in 1991.

I guess I did ask for examples... I just didn't expect to be so underwhelmed by examples. This is exactly the type of leader we need... one who only supports the obvious truths.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

mshults99 — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 18:35:56 GMT

"Lincoln had committed himself to the cause of excising the cancer of slavery"

Really? A more careful reading of Mr. Lincoln's words reveals that he was only interested in keeping slavery contained within the 15 Southern states. Not once, until the Civil War was well underway and the North was at risk of losing, did he mention the idea of ending slavery in the Southern states by force.

The Civil War was not about slavery. Like every other war in history, it was about territory, prestige, and treasure. It was, in fact, a "War of Northern Aggression", as it is still described today in Southern circles.

Indeed, there is a clear linkage between Lincoln and Obama. Lincoln launched a pre-emptive, unjustified war against an independent, sovereign nation. Obama, if elected, will do the same.

Only the subject of his attack will be 'the rich'. And they aren't as well equipped to fight back as the Confederate States of America were.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

eniola — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 18:41:39 GMT

What kind of journalist are you? Your piece shows you are a racist. The world does not need racist like you. It is only you racist in United States that hate Obama. The whole world loves him and are praying for him to be President and whether you like it or not God has ordained him to be, it is his destiny. Obama is the only only who can bring peace and prosperity not only to the United States but to the whole world. The world knows that McCain has nothing to offer except more economics woes and wars. He is erratic, tempramental, intellectually and emotionally unfit to be President of the greatest nation on earth, the United States. We love Obama and he is going to win come November 4 2008. I also advice that you should learn to give honor and credit to whom it is due. You are so jealous of Obama.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

matrixnov — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 18:43:39 GMT

Asante writes: "You desperate superiorists need to take a deep breath and realize that we are in the 21st century. Our youth will dance on the graves of your divisive, backward, condemnatory ideologies"

Wow, what a mouthful, and Fineman's a racist as well, who knew...calm down there Asante, and if it's Asante Samuels aren't you supposed to be practicing your backpedal for the work with the Eagles on Sunday...first off, understand this, Obama can and will win because he does not proclaim as you do "I AM AN ANGRY BLACKMAN"!!!...and beware Asante as the political landscape Obama can change radically that you may not want changed is to eliminate or refine the scope of Affirmative Action as he has instantaneous credibility in that regard, he can also as Clinton did further push welfare reform toward "Progressive Work Reform", hmm, you with me on that Asante, or you getting a little nervous already - and of course he can thru the bullypulpit of the presidency call into account the black missing father issue that's created a national problem in the courts and prisons being populated overwhelming by blacks w/o fathers at home...yeah, can't wait can you Asante, as an Obama supporter myself, I can only ask you to "be careful what you wish for"....

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

Lee Holmes — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 18:47:06 GMT

Howard. Your constant pounding on the comparison to Lincoln left the station at Annoying about seven states back. Look,we know you are in the can for Obama,nearly all of the MSM already is.[leading to one of the most dishonest periods in the American media since the 1950s Red Scare era],yet outside of hanging around Springfield,there are no credible comparisons with Lincoln to be made. Obama is a scion of machine politics. Lincoln was not. Lincoln already was dealing with the falling apart of the Union before he even made it to Washington. Obama only has to get his MSM pals to brush The Ayers Connection aside [which they are now doing. CNN was caught in several outrageous lies over the weekend while the AP accused Palin of being [drumbeat please]....Racist], and he will get to the White House.

Fineman is merely a cog-portion of everything that makes Americas media a disgrace to their profession,the people they venally claim to serve,and to this nation as a whole.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

blackcourt — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 18:49:28 GMT

eniola... thanks for trying to paint everyone who doesn't support Obama as a racist. This is one of the many, many reasons that Obama should not be elected to lead this country. The only racist I see here is you eniola... you do realize that racism goes both ways right?

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

WidernessVoice — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 18:54:00 GMT

This is a very thoughtful and thought-provoding article. I find it raises many ideas for me: could an "ordinary" black man (particularly one using more colloquial "Black" speech) possibly have made it this far, or did it have to be someone bright and articulate and, yes, "white" in many ways to finally make the transition? How important is trial by fire, and character-shaping to the role of president? Certainly, our current president falls very short in this area, as do his cohorts. Is that one reason they have failed so miserably? Would McCain do better due to his trials as a POW and Keating 5 co-conspirator, or did he learn the wrong lessons? Hard to tell!

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

jmiller583 — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 18:54:42 GMT

How come if someone is half black and half white, they are black?

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

joann123 — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 19:00:45 GMT

The media is now being looked upon in the same way as car salesmen and trial lawyers. They have sold out to get Obama elected.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

Barbie123 — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 19:02:00 GMT

What's sad is if Barack were white, John McBush would be long gone.

How anyone in their right mind can elect Palin/McBush is beyond my comprehension

Does anyone remember I'm Not a Crook Nixon? what about Trooper Gate, Keating....etc.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

darknscary — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 19:02:11 GMT

Obama is nothing like Lincoln and any reference to same is rediculous. Obama has no credentials to be president and his refusal to where a flag lapel pin should show what he THINKS of America.

NOBAMA 08

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

Patrick49 — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 19:03:23 GMT

Congratulations to Mr. Fineman for being brutally honest about the fact that Obama has absolutely record of any accomplishment, executive, financial or even political as evidenced by his many, many "Present' votes. Unfortunately Mr. Fineman did not raise the issue of Obama's confessed usage of cocaine considering pre-service since use of cocaine automatically disqualifies a service member from access to or control of nuclear weapons.

"Only those personnelwho have demonstrated the highest degree of individual reliability for allegiance, trustworthiness, conduct, behavior, and responsibility shall be allowed to perform duties associated with nuclear weapons, and they shall be continuously evaluated for adherence to PRP standards......

"illicit drugs such as heroin, heroin derivatives, cocaine, "crack," phencyclidine (PCP), lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), ecstasy," or other "designer" drugs, amphetamines, barbiturates, or other narcotic drugs not prescribed by proper medical authorities, and anabolic steroids shall render an individual ineligible for admission to or retention in PRP duties. The individual shall not be certified into the program or shall be permanently decertified, and those actions shall be made a matter of permanent record........" (DODD 5210.42 Nuclear Weapons Personnel Reliability Program (PRP).

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

vickiob63 — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 19:04:14 GMT

What is your point? Or did you have one.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

mart7lin — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 19:04:21 GMT

For months we have been hearing the "Who is Obama?" question. Yet he keeps clearing every bar set for him. I only hear faint curiosity on the "Who is Sarah Palin?" question. She has barely passed the bar and show signs of a huge knowledge deficit. Yet the media is giving her a pass by covering her so-called rallies. If McCain were to win, and he expires in office, it will be too late for us to know. If McCain will not allow normal scrutiny of this candidate, I feel that the media should refuse to cover her in print or on television.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

elrud — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 19:07:59 GMT

Dark & scary- You said that Obama has no credentiual to be president. I feel your pain, Sorry you are so disappointed in yourself that you are so angry. Maybe a closer look at yourself will do some good.... and the correct spelling when referring to "lapel pin" is WEAR.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

jchri66 — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 19:08:46 GMT

Patrick49

Hmmmmm so why did you vote for George Bush? Ohhhh I forgot we are not supposed to look back anymore. Only forward right, isn't that the Neo-Con mantra now?

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

eniola — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 19:11:49 GMT

Why have you guys refused to publish my comments? I thought America was for free speech. Since you are entitled to say what you feel about the two candidates why can't i do the same? You do not want people to see my comments when yours had been seen. I am very disappointed with this magazine. You are not democratic. You want only views that are palatable to you. Please publish my comments which says you are biased against OBAMA because your write up was not objective and fair. I will keep writing until you publish my comment. OBAMA 08

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

totylanica — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 19:14:24 GMT

Patrick49. It seems you're an expert on drugs. That's why you mind is so distorted

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

J.Richter — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 19:21:23 GMT

Obama and Ayers are not friends by any account without bias, Dumplin. A young man gets a chance to chair a board he takes it - he doesnt ask if any other member had a bad past. That is the job of the foundation - and the law since felons can not serve on board (in this case, not Obama's doing but Ayers was never convicted of anything). No one goes to an interview at Google or any job that advances their career and asks if any colleague they serve with has a past. That is why McCain was also friends with Gordon Liddy a confessed bomber.

Nopw Palin attending Alaskan Independence Party (AIP) whose objective is secession and her husband being a registered member, and giving speeches at their convention as recently as 2006. That is a direct association not guilt by association. McCain being censured by congress on his role in Keating 5. That is direct association.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

preco — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 19:24:32 GMT

McCain please pull out of Virginia now!!!!

McCain-Palin keep bringing on the kitchen sink and toilet bowl, you will drown in your own ***!!!

what will McCain have to say exactly one month from today in his concession speech? that he is a dishonorable man who ran a dishonorable campaign?

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

blackcourt — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 19:27:04 GMT

J. Richter... the only thing that you seem to do is deflect the accusations against Obama while fueling the accusations against McCain. It is amazing how the truth can be spun depending on which side of the aisle you happen to be standing.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

kehnn — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 19:28:20 GMT

To jmiller : The idea of calling someone half white half black comes from history. In the days when black people were considered less than human, there were folks who decided how much (little) black blood a person should have before they were considered white. I dont remember for certain, but I believe that it was decided that a person had to have 16 generations of white parents to be considered white. An ugly piece of our past, but it does explain why Obama is considered black.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

jabland — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 19:29:30 GMT

I do not think any of you who are praising Obama know your facts about the man. You all just listen to sound bites and do not really look into your facts, especially those of you who keep on ranting about how Obama is going to win. It is sad. If Obama wins then you all will deserve what happens to this country. You will have a rude awakening.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

juanesenobueno — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 19:30:40 GMT

Howard, you need to start asking Buffett what he thought of Obama's reaction and leadership abilities during his meetings with him during the Wall Street bailout talks. It's the first time I have ever heard Buffett seem to fawn over a politician.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

dlaurels — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 19:31:39 GMT

Oh ye of little faith and credit for Obama. Remember, Mr. Fineman in order to appreciate another's life one must walk in his shoes which you obviously have not done. I think that being Black in America is difficult enough, but being part Black and part white with a white mother raising you during the 60s must have been very difficult.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

ademeyer — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 19:33:56 GMT

I like Obama. I don't care he isn't Lincoln. Obama is rational, highly intelligent, self disciplined, and mature. That's already a great improvement on George W. Bush.

You know who Obama reminds me of? My nephew. My nephew excelled in school and is a straight up guy. We have high hopes for my sister's son and I have high hopes for Obama. That's good enough for me, and it should be good enough for you too Howard.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

Mrs Lincoln — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 19:35:52 GMT

eniola you say:

"The whole world loves Barak Obama and are praying for him to be President."

I've got news for you: the whole world doesn't love him and nor are they praying for him to be President. A good part of the world couldn't care less and a good part of the world doesn't even know who he is.

"God has ordained him to be President"

You are delusional if you believe you know what God wants. Have you physically seen God? Have you physically spoken to God. Tell us in what shape or form is God then? Man can only make up

things about God and you are making that one up.

"Obama is the only one who can bring peace and prosperity to the whole world!

If you and he thinks that then you would be the laughing-stock of the world. There are much stronger and better politicians in the world who are used to dealing with its problems and are dismissing the delusion Messiah Obama already.

Why on earth would anyone wish to be jealous of Obama!! Jealous of what: his inexperience, his

arrogance and cockiness, his spouting meaningless hot air and not saying anything substantive; his treatment of Hilary Clinton. Don't be silly.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

Marc08 — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 19:43:12 GMT

I wish people would take better care proofreading. Patrick49's point is lost because his syntax is so bad. Furthermore, George Bush was a cocaine abuser and he is currently president. Why is Darknscary calling himself this? Is he dark & scary or is Obama supposed to be? To jmiller585 -- US law (Jim Crow) dictates who is Black. It was a tool to keep light skinned, mixed-race Blacks from voting.

That being said, what on earth was the point of this article? Who cares whether Obama is like Lincoln? Considering that Lincoln was murdered by an extremely misguided white man, I hope Obama's resemblence to Lincoln is minimal. Supporters of Obama do not care for faux patriotism like the wearing of flag pins. We believe in the change of which he speaks. We are looking forward to an American foreign policy that does not undermine the war on terror by making America look like a money-hungry bully hypocritically refusing to meet with Iran while we ignore China's human rights abuses. I am sure it must be easier for a Black man running for president to see the potential in opening a dialogue with an adversary than it is for most white men.

I do not believe you should vote against a candidate, but John McCain has proven himself to be an impetuous decision-maker. He blind-sided his own team by selecting Sarah Palin. I can not believe him when he says that he carefully made this choice. As a man who is currently married to the woman he cheated on his wife with, why would he intentionally bring the family values issue to the forefront? Even Ms. Palin's most ardent admirers run the risk of judging Mr. McCain harshly, especially the more conservative constituents he is courting.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

News and Notes — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 19:48:00 GMT

Now you're admitting Obama played the race card? He relied on his surrogates to try to ruin the reputations of President Clinton, Geraldine Ferraro, and anyone else who disagreed with him ALL YEAR LONG, and now, in October, it's finally being stated for what it is? THis is sickeing, and WAY too late to do any good. Hillary was a much better candidate. The Lincoln comparison in embarrassing. Lincoln was elected almost 150 years ago, and showed tremendous courage. Obaam has shown deference to sleazy Chicago politics

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

Marc08 — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 19:50:08 GMT

To Mrs. Lincoln: I do not find Obama to be arrogant and I have noticed how often people tend to say that about an educated Black man. Eniola's praise of Obama may be a little emotional and certainly hyperbolic, but she(?) does have a point. Every world leader polled prefers Obama. Obama drew enormous crowds when he traveled abroad. This may seem irrelevant until you realize how much our ailing economy relies on foreign trade and how the war on terror is fought with allied forces. Whether you like it or not, we are entering an era when our image in the world and relationships with other nations are crucial to us on many fronts.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

Patrick49 — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 19:50:17 GMT

totylanica (October 6, 2008 at 3:14 PM)

"Patrick49. It seems you're an expert on drugs."

Not drugs military policy. Had Mr .Obama deigned to enlist or serve in any branch of the US military he would have been barred from working with nuclear weapons or commanding any nuclear weapon equipped unit. It is insane to elect as Commander -in- Chief of a nuclear military anyone who could is unfit due to confessed cocaine use..

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

doctorfixit — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 19:56:10 GMT

Lincoln didn't pal around with radical terrorist bombers. Lincoln didn't advocate the murder of innocent unborn babies. Lincoln was not a communist. Lincoln was not a racist or a race baiter. And Lincoln loved the USA, he didn't hate it. To mention Barack Obama in the same article with Abraham Lincoln is to blaspheme against our greatest President. Obviously Fineman hasn't spent much time in the United States, he probably lives in Manhattan or Hollywood.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

doctorfixit — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 19:56:10 GMT

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

doctorfixit — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 19:57:00 GMT

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

marksgershenson — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 19:58:20 GMT

I couldn't say it any better myself, so here is Steve Benen from The Washington Monthly on guilt by association:

"Americans need to ask themselves if they've ever befriended a convicted felon who advised his supporters on how best to shoot federal officials in the head. John McCain has.

Americans need to ask themselves if they've ever used the money of a convicted criminal to help them buy their house. John McCain has.

Americans need to ask themselves if they've ever befriended a radical televangelist who has lashed out at the Roman Catholic Church, calling it, among other things, "the great whore" and "a false cult system." John McCain has.

Americans need to ask themselves if they've ever sought economic advice from a far-right former lawmaker who "has diminished American solvency and power beyond the wildest dreams of anti-American terrorists." John McCain has.

Americans need to ask themselves if they've ever befriended a radical televangelist who blamed the attacks of Sept. 11 on Americans. John McCain has.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

Hessian.son — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 19:59:50 GMT

To answer the three questions posed in your third paragraph: No.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

Ohsillyme — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 20:01:11 GMT

Speaking of wearing or not wearing a "Flag Lapel Pin." When it is Obama, it is said to be unpatriotic. Pray tell me what does it say for McCain when he doesn't wear one? I have been looking and looking for McCain's Flag Lapel pin. He hasn't been wearing one, not even for his Presidential acceptance speach. Oh wait a minute, there it is, it's on his zipper fly. Ohsillyme!!

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

Patrick49 — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 20:01:23 GMT

Marc08

What didn't you understand? Would be pleased to clarify the point that prior use of cocaine would bar any individual in the US military from working with nuclear weapons or commanding a nuclear equipped unit, be it a ship, plane or other. References to President Bush's allegeded use of cocaine is straight

from the smear machines at Kos, Huffington or moveOn.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

jocoja — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 20:02:46 GMT

Howard, Were you asked to write this to "balance" Meacham's Palin piece?

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

Joshua Speed — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 20:03:23 GMT

This is one of the more asinine articles I think I've ever read. You force an outlandish comparison, and then run with it. If you want to make the point that Obama's road to candidacy hasn't been the most difficult, that's fine; framing it as a contrast with the greatest president we've ever had is ridiculous. If the only route to greatness is some combination of having your mother die of milk sickness, despising your father, having your close friend/probable love interest die in your 20s, suffering from bouts of crippling depression, seeing your sons die as children, and being ridiculed as a baboon in a suit by close associates and peers, I doubt anyone would pursue it. Thankfully, Lincoln's genius and great heart were given a chance by the American people, hopefully Obama gets the same chance. Maybe when all is said and done there will be an actual basis for some comparison.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

Marc08 — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 20:05:18 GMT

News and Notes you are absurd. Obama has downplayed race more than anyone and he certainly did not have to do anything to ruin the reputations of Bill Clinton or Geraldine Ferraro. Bill Clinton's presidency is forever tarnished by Monica Lewinsky. That is simply an unfortunate fact. His polished political style was not as blatantly on display when it came to his wife's campaign. He appeared, like many of the people Mrs. Clinton chose to surround herself with, angry, hostile and aggressive. This is not very smart when your opponent is the rarely-ruffled Mr. Obama. Geraldine Ferraro is an experienced female politician who should have been a great asset to Mrs. Clinton. When the press questioned her about a comment she made about Obama, she should have said something intelligent and pragmatic, like an experience politician is expected to. If she wanted to take a tough stance, she should have done it with her own campaign, not the one of the next woman coming up.

As far as Hillary Clinton is concerned, she made the mistakes I mentioned but most importantly, she forgot that she is a woman. Obama never forgot that he is Black and always kept his composure because he knew he had to be not only as good, but better than a white man. Hillary forgot that she needed to be even better than the boys. No, you can not cry. No, you can not mismanage your campaign finances and prove that girls aren't good with money. And when you have a financial scandal (Whitewater) in your past, you need to have your taxes ready for inspection to show that you have nothing to hide. Ms. Clinton is very smart and can be very effective, but she sabotaged her own success. She worked so hard to cultivate a polished image since the days of her "Tammy Wynette" comment. Unfortunately, she surrounded herself with people who were willing to be crass and slightly stupid for her.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

Huskie1 — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 20:05:50 GMT

I wanted Sarah Palin to show that there was an honest person left in the great unwashed masses of America. But, nooooooooooooo, this soccer mom quickly became the lap dog for an aging and ailing John "Wayne" McCain. She passed on the opportunity to show Washington and America that the heartland of this country is sound. Instead, she decided to play the same old game that we have heard for decades. Someday, she will look back on the missed opportunity with regret and shame. There is a lesson for all of us in this. Trust yourself and your instincts and vote for Obama.

McCain want to relive the past and win the war for Viet Nam, today. No matter the cost in lives or money.

Our best days are comming tomorrow and tomorrow. We should learn from the past but not repeat the same mistakes again and again. We are capable of so much more than the present as our parents, the "Greatest Generation" ever set as the example. The bar is set high for us to overcome which we can do with the right leadership. The apple does not fall to far from the tree which means that we are the sons and daughters of that Great Generation. We can and will do what is necessary to achieve victory over this crisis. Remember, our parents overcame a depression and a world war. There is very little America cannot overcome if we face the future with confidence and not fear.

Sorry Sarah, you missed a great opportunity to lead, and we would have followed, if only you had not become the lap dog for McCain. All we ever asked was for an honest person.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

mg35 — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 20:06:30 GMT

HAVE YOU EVER BEEN TO HYDE PARK. You have to love this nation if your willing to help turn around a desparate area.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

bren — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 20:07:43 GMT

OBAMA: THE HIGHER HE GOES, THE FARTHER HE WILL FALL. HE IS NOT JESUS, HE DOES NOT WALK ON WATER, HE IS NOT LINCOLN, NO MATTER HOW MUCH GLUE SNIFFING YOU DO.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

kybishop — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 20:11:06 GMT

This article was not a comparison but a long shot at an attempt to discredit Obama. I guess you have given into the whinning of the RIGHT, which shows that the media itself is to the RIGHT. Now that the polls "for what they are worth" show OBAMA in the lead, the gloves are coming off.

What I don't get is why McCain/Palin are running a character attack on OBAMA, when the skeletons in their closets are rattling.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

Marc08 — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 20:11:28 GMT

Patrick 49, I still don't get your point. Obama used cocaine as a youth. So did Bush. Last I heard, Obama was not looking to join the military in any capacity in which Mr. Bush is not currently. What is the point? And correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe Mr. Bush has been quite open about his cocaine and alcohol abuse as well as the role that his faith has played in his recovery. It is hardly "alleged".

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

News and Notes — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 20:16:40 GMT

Marco8 I am not the least bit absurd, but like many Obama supporters, there is a culture of insulting first, asking later. You won't influence my opinion any more than I will influence yours, but Hillary never forgot who shw was, no matter how many insults were hurled at her. If Obama is elected, and he may be, he would have been a thousand times better off with Hillary on the ticket. Now we are living a night mare. McCain has no energy and no message. Obama is an empty suit. Hillary is a poised, brilliant leader, and she got passed over. There was far more mysogyny in the primaries than racism. The DNC, party elites, and MSNBC undermined Hillary at every corner

I don't know where this country is headed, but personally I would have felt exponentially more comfortable if Hillary were leading us there

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

News and Notes — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 20:18:29 GMT

About time Fineman finally wrote a couple of paragraphs that are objective and not gushing all over Obama. He and Olberman have been perpetuating the Messiah myth all year long

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

camcfarlane — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 20:18:30 GMT

Howard, You must be playing devil's advocate - surely!

Barack had a painful time growing up, yet never complained. Instead he took himself in hand at barely 20. Eschewed the college parties, chose the even more lonely road of an achieving minority/black student.

Didn't you feel it, as you read 'Dreams From My Father' - I did. My own kids are a bit younger than him, about 15 years, but I look back and realize it was very hard for him, as it was for them, with their mutli-racial background. Hawaii is not full of African Americans! It's full of Asians, Polynesians and Whites...Imagine sitting across the breakfast table with your white grandparents and white mother, while you cultivate an Afro? The pain of a teenager trying to find out who he is and where he fits in is palpable.

Most minorities who achieved what he did at Columbia would have moved into that corporate position and stayed there. He had a dream, a desire, and he followed it.

How many folk do you know who would opt for 10K a year plus 2K for a car allowance in the mid-80's? I was already earning with ease almost 3 times that, just as a clerical person in Chicago! I wonder what shack he settled for, with that money, in Chicago in 1983.

Be real. He didn't do this for 3 days, 3 weeks or 3 months. He did it for 3 years. I find that amazing; the only other person who comes to mind, beyond that behavior, is Mother Teresa. I have done missionary work myself, with my husband, but our needs were better taken care of than what Barack chose to subject himself to.

His father left before he remembers, and he was without his mother after the age of 10, for the most part. Grandparents are wonderful, but he missed his mom. His closeness to her is so evident. In his book he also says that the loneliness she experienced in Indonesia was "constant, like a shortness of breath" - this takes unusual perception and closeness. Being away from her later for years at a time had to be expremely painful.

So I have to disagree with you Howard. I believe he experienced some very painful times, under the apparent 'normal' life. His grandparents also, though mild and kind, did not get it, in terms of his racial isolation. He was very much alone and lonely for a major period in his life, in a modern day context.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

smoo6 — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 20:19:48 GMT

if only people would check their facts before throwing the barb. As for the terrorist that Trooper Gate Palin, oops, I mean 'I'm above the law, and my followers don't have to talk to anyone, because they are above the law as well' Palin brought up in her latest attack, He is indeed a man with a storied past. When you look at the nation we live in today, where going to war to help someone win their freedom is in vogue and respected it pales to this country 30-40 years ago for ANY minority group. I applaud Bill Ayers for having the courage to stand up and fight because freedom has never been free. The fact that he was never convicted of anycrime, even years later still stick in the craw of many in the nation, but the fact remains taht although his tactics were not the best, his results and others like him are commendable. Add to that the fact that Obama was 8-9 yrs old when that took place, and Ayers is now a respected instructor at a University in Il, and I think the difference in time kind of negates the argument. But if that is the view of many, guilty until punished, not guilty until proven innocent, then lets start rounding everyone up who has a tie with anything along those lines. As for the campaign, lets stop the mudslinging and start answering questions on how to fix this country.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

Joe6Pak — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 20:21:21 GMT

Fist of all the author of this story has no idea what he's talking about. Second, he is obviously in the tank for Sen. McCain. Third, Sen. Obama is a very inspirational speaker and we need to elect him as out next President. Just look at what McCain is doing on a day when the stock market tanked again. He's attacking Obama rather than dealing with the most important issue facing voters in this country. Sen. Obama is right when he says, that McCain is attacking because he's out of touch, out of ideas, and running out of time. For the idiots who are posting the "Palin/McCain talking points, I say: "Liar liar, pants on fire" You people have no brains so you listen to a bunch of bull that has nothing to do with the issues when our economy is falling like a rock. What does Aires or Rev. Wright got to do with solving our economic problems? That crap isn't going to save your job or keep out banking system from colapsing or keep us from going into another depression. Fools like you are why we are in this situation in the first place. If you idiots hadn't elected that moron twice we'd be better off.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

Steve M — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 20:24:18 GMT

I like Fineman, but he's off base on this opinion piece.

He claims -

"From the moment the voting started in this campaign, Obama has never really been behind."

I recall that Obama was almost an afterthought prior to South Carolina's primary... all the attention was on Sen. Clinton, Biden Dodd and others. Obama came from behind due to a superior organization, a more solid platform and better rhetorical skills.

Fineman adds "Yes, he kept his cool in the first debate with John McCain, but when has he had to scramble, to reorder things, or overturn his strategic assumptions? Never."

The fact that Obama was so gracious to Sen. McCain in the first debate shows his easy going nature and advances the idea he can mend fences. The fact that his campaign organization runs like a well- tuned machine suggest we'll have a more effective executive branch. As for overturning a strategic assumption... Obama overturned his strategy to use public financing knowing full well he'd be criticized for the flip. He weighed the odds and opted out. Smart move, too!

Fineman "What have we learned about how Obama would handle a real crisis?"

We've learned that he relies on the sound judgement of good advisors, that he's not a hot headed maverick who will joke about bombing Iran. At least we'd expect that an Obama presidency would not create a crisis where none existed before....

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

bcrawf2033 — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 20:29:21 GMT

I think it's amazing and to our credit how far we have come in history. I'm sure Abe Lincoln would be proud to see the fruit of his labor and that his sacrifices were not in vain. Our founding fathers had the courage to do what was right, in the face of being unpopular for a people dragged here literally "kicking and screaming" and treated worse than dogs. Our Nation has evolved into something good, No! America isn't perfect and the current economic crisis proves that corruption and greed make it difficult for all of America's people. But with every step we take in the right direction, we move closer toward being the world's shining beacon on a hill. I proudly served this Nation in the U.S. Armed Forces twenty years, and it breaks my spirit to see how badly Americans sometimes treat each other. United We Stand! And believe me, "Divided We Fall!"

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

justanothervet — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 20:33:31 GMT

Lincoln made slavery an issue only when the North could not win and so convinced Europeans, Prussia, Russia, and England that we must wash away the sins of slavery. Slavery was not even a thought when the "Civil War" began and then only after sectioning and 5 other issues did slavery all of a sudden become important to Lincoln because the North wasd loosing so many men and a prolonged war would possibly favor the South.The South committed the cardinal sin you (understand I hope) of wanting to trade cotton for machinery with England. Getting back to Obama - that mulatto Kenyan Hawaiian Irish American is not African American if American at all and would not have been allowed to shine Lincoln's shoes because of his freakish good looks and musky odor with animal sex appeal. Remove the duh uh dah duh umm uh duh yah know and Obama might qualify for a down low speaker in a Los Angeles steam bath.If Lincoln had time to have his way someone similar to Obama (blacks) would have been placed on six or so ships one way to parts of the African continent but he was shot ( I am sorry to say before he came to his senses).It took Robert E. Lee to make the humane decision and end the war and the respect of military on both sides (not Lincoln). Lincoln was no leftist Marxcixt radical Muslim with links to people like Ayers, Rezko, or goups like ACORN.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

jayel2402 — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 20:35:03 GMT

Look at who are doing this trash talk. McCain who true enough was exonerated but had to go through the investigative process of the senate and Pailin who currently is under investigation for Troopergate (abuse of power). Neither Obama nor Ayres have had to defend themselves aboute anything because no charges have ever been laid. McCain/Pailin please look at the mirror before hurling anymore distortions at other people. Doesn't it bother the both of you to be branded as liars when you are running for the highest offices of our land?

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

LudwigVanBeet — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 20:37:27 GMT

Ladies and Gentlemen, we have 10,000 people in this Stadium. I would like to ask the people who voted for Bush and the Republican ticket in '04 ' to please Stand, Raise your Far Right Hand and Solemly Swear, *(&^&$@%%(*_(&*(%^#$#@&(, never again(*^^%#&(*^!%(), Fu-- MvCain he's the same(*)&^%#^%#(_*(^%^#!%&_()+ no more,*)&%$@@^*&)*(*&^$, Mr. Fineman your hair looks good , just move it over to your right one inch. Hi Keith . signed Steve T.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

mdondero — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 20:44:55 GMT

I'm not sure if Joe6pak know what the discussion is, but comparing Obama to Lincoln is even farther off base. Point one, Lincoln was not a socialist, Obama is! 'Nuff said!

But regarding Wm. Wright and the others ...... they are Obama's advisors! Despite what the democratic spin is.... Obama'a spiratual advice is from Wright, his economic policy will be based on what the two ex-CEO's of Freddie and Fannie will suggest to him! His economic policy will be written by two of the MAIN villians in our current credit crisis. They should be taken to court, not be courted by a US Presidential candidate! Wake up, please!

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

Asante — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 20:45:07 GMT

Matrixnov,

Congratulations on voting for Obama, but you are an idiot. You equate my assumed "blackness" to welfare reform and affirmative action, as if those are "perks"I somehow covet. Only a fool would believe that Obama's presidency would result in anything less than the Jim Crow prohibition that followed manumission. We're ready for the "backlash." Are you kidding me? You are an angry white person and it must kill you to have to vote for a black man to save your hide. LOL LOL LOL

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

preco — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 20:47:29 GMT

Howard Fineman, I have listened to your incisive contributions on MSNBC. You do a good job,but may I ask you to what do we owe this analysis or what will we call this rightup of yours?

You guys in the press are trying as hard as you can to prove what you are nort, and that is "FAIR"

Who in their right mind will consider offering McCain or even Sarah Palin a job of any magnitude requiring brain power not to talk of the job of the PRESIDENT OF AMERICA!!

Yet the press glossed over McCain through out the Rpublican primaries and now are extending the same free pass to Sarah Palin.

Thanks to the crumbling Economy, we may never have woken up intime to realise what a DISASTER McCAIN is and with SARAH PALIN that makes TRIPLE DISASTER!!!

I wish you guys will rise up and do a decent job. America desrves better than McCain and Palin!!!

Should we expect a change of attitude from the press, please go after McCain and Palin enough of the Obama scrutiny he is a bona fide patriotic American. ENOUGH SAID!!!!!

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

MainstreamBob — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 20:48:02 GMT

I must say that I'm perplexed by this article. I agree that before comparing o contemporary politician to Lincoln one requires serious proof and that proof may be lacking still but to say that he hasn't shown how he would lead in a crisis is quite absurd. There are two crises just within this campaign that have shown me (an average white man) how Obama behaves under pressure and both of them impressed me. First of all, there was the Wright uproar where his campaign nearly ended. He confronted the issue of race by speaking in an intelligent and heartfelt way that I've yet to hear from a politician in my lifetime. Secondly, don't you remember how just a few weeks ago when the Palin fairytale helped McCain surge ahead in the polls? So many Democrats panicked and called for harsher attacks from Obama etc. But he stuck to his guns, kept his smile and accurately predicted - as seems to be the norm with him, if not the absolute rule - that the debates would turn things around. Look where he is now. Perhaps the fact that his campaign hasn't had the struggles that we've seen in those of the seasoned pros, Clinton & McCain, is a testament to his leadership skill, rather than reason to complain that we haven't seen him react to crises within his campaign! The man is young, but I believe he's wise and has already shown the power of winning with (primarily) positive energy. Final thought: do you seriously think that Bill Clinton's Jesse Jackson's comments in SC were anything but race-baiting???

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

jmiller583 — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 20:56:24 GMT

Obama is the next President of the United States of America. Well, OK whatever. It it what it is. But, I think the venomous, frightening shots that have been leveled at Palin (not by the Obama camp, but the media and bloggers everywhere) is quite sad and indicative of more severe underlying problems than Wall Street crooks.

Sometimes I think certain celebrities, journalists, and definitely some of you out here in message board land, if given the chance, would literally murder this woman, I mean physically murder her! The volume of seething vitriol spewed in her direction is absolutely mind-boggling.

Consider this, before you make Palin walk the plank: There has to be some reason why she is the elected Governor of a State, ANY state, with an 80+ approval rating, the highest of all 50 states. Any person, male, or female who achieves that in life has to be considered quite accomplished. Look in the mirror, Palin-haters. What state are YOU Governor of?

People ridicule her because of her religious and social beliefs. Those are PERSONAL beliefs! That doesnt mean she would attempt to cram them down your throat! Seemingly the majority of anti-Palin people assume that her first act as VP would be to nuke the Godless Commies, and her second act would be to institute Tuesday night science textbook burnings in town squares all over America. Relax people! Have you ever heard the word "tolerance"? She would be tolerant of those she governs. She already is, apparently (remember, 80+ %).

If you want to blame her for being not up to speed on foreign policy, I say blame McCain for that instead. They should have picked her months and months ago, and used that time to get her up to speed. That is not her fault. She has been busy governing her state, not learning the Bush doctrine. But you must admit she is ramping up very very quickly on those things, and if you took an honest look at her accomplishments in life and government, you would have to agree that this is a smart, accomplished woman, regardless of whether you agree with her policy platform or not, but the "airhead in a dress" assumptions are just stupidly off-base.

If you are going to throw those stones at Sarah Palin, be sure to save a few for First-term, Junior Senator Barack Obama, huh? But then again, I dont guess I should be questioning the Messiah, should I? I should be far more impressed with his lack of experience than with hers, huh?

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

J.Richter — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 20:58:34 GMT

You are so far off the path of reality mdondero. Raines of Fannie MAe has been clear that he is not an acquaintance of Obama and never belonged to his campaign - and you can not hide those things (look at the so called liberal media consisting of Howard Fineman questioning Obama's accopmlishments here or NY Times examining the Ayers association and frankly coming up with nothing). You state that Obama is socialist. His policies are not. Do you know how to define that word. Socialism is Bush and Paulson forcing the country to its knees to bail out th rich on wall street even after 8 years of cutting taxes for the rich.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

J.Richter — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 21:04:14 GMT

This article glosses over some facts and states some suppositions as fact - that Clinton played a race card is an allegation - so is a statement that Obama did. Also, we have seen how Obama runs a campaign with several nearly half a billion in dollars and thousands of employees - and it is a well executed, well run machine. If only our country had been managed in the same thoughful, well planned process for the past 8 years maybe we would not have ended up with Irq, Katrina nd finally bailing the entire economic system. That is why their are campaigns, they are a job application process to the presidency. Watch and weigh the candidates - character, executive capability, and all. JMiller also pointed out to his very clear responses to potentially career ending crisis recently - but maybe ability to handle and avoid geting into a huge crisis is the virtue and lesson here. We dont need any more drama presidents.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

RonRileyCO — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 21:06:37 GMT

Read his Philadelphia speech on race, Howard.

THAT was Obama in crisis.

How did he respond to crisis? By going at it very directly, talking to Americans like adults, crystalizing our choices, persuasively making the case for perfecting America.

True, he hasn't faced numerous crises. But if you want to know how he'd do business, look at Philadelphia.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

Alma — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 21:16:05 GMT

Your comments are completely irrelevant and insulting. You may think that Cain has proven something....but he has not. The fact that he was in Vietnam proves him to be worse prepared than Obama himself. He is obviously still emotionally traumatized and this shows in all his doings, sayings and ways of understanding reality. I think is truly dangerous to put an ex-abused Vietnam warrior in the White House.

To be clear CAIN, is a man who cheated his wife while she was ill, abandoned her, married for money, lives out of advertising alcohol which invites to alcoholism, is traumatized by the war, and has lost all sign of decency and intelligence.

I go with a young, honest, strong, intelligent, moral, Christian man like Obama.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

gmj9187 — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 21:18:39 GMT

I don't normally respond to people opinions because we all have the right to voice them, but I had a greater respect for you than some of the other writers/commentators. I am a proud African American. The only thing I can say is that we still live in a world were we have to be twice as good or even better than you to even be considered equal. "You " being the white man. There is no comparison between Obama and McCain so negative things have to be said or written to deter people from him. I really hope Obama don't stoop as low as what has been thrown at him. Thanks for giving me an opportunity to voice my opinion as well.

From Gayle in Washington state

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

barbarakathleen — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 21:21:26 GMT

No No No - Obama does NOT deserve to be in the same sentence as Lincoln! Amazing that the two names would EVEN come together and I am from ILLINOIS. Obama is an incompetent junior senator who has been pushed by the media and such "light" has been shown on him and his very unclassy wife and family that I find it appalling that this man is running for president of the United States! The man will do us harm in the years to come, if, God forbid, he is elected. His past is a mystery and what we DO know of his past is that he has done NOTHING short of NOTHING!!! The media hs taken him and made it out as if he were some type of god. He is NOT! It is unfortunate that a man as good as McCain, and someone who will take our country in the RIGHT direction, is being dismissed. I am so sorry to predict that this country will deserve what it gets when Obama leads us into destruction. Wake up people before it is too late. Look at this man named Obama.....listen to what he is, or isn't saying. Think for yourselves and stop listening to the propaganda that is Obama. This man will say anything to become the President. He is saying what you want to hear with no substance behind it. Be careful or you will reep what YOU sow. This man is NOT a good man he is a liar and a wolf in sheeps clothing.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

WaryOne — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 21:23:18 GMT

The only comparisons I can see between Obama and Lincoln are purely geographical and that's a stretch. I'm wary of the CHANGE that is being espoused by the Obama camp. We get change in Congress every two years and the White House every 4 to 8. But things on the Hill seem to go from bad to worse. Case in point Barney Franks is going head up a committee to look into the financial meltdown and determine who is culpable? LOL Mainstream Bob's assertion that Obama has had to deal with crisis twice, and performed impressively. Obama has so far had a pass from the media and the late night shows. When he has to deal with an adversarial media attacking him and or his family, then maybe we'll see how he handles pressure. Obama can tickle ears but as far as staying power or real substantive accomplishments he's unproven by my view. Everyone wants to blame the President for the Financial meltdown it's easy to single out one guy when he's standing up front alone and easy to hide in the crowd when you're in Congress. But let's not forget about the 200+ million Americans that want it all NOW. The NEW car, the BIG house, but not the responsibility to pay their own debts. I'm afraid that from my perspective Obama epitomizes the current American condition of wanting it all NOW without paying their due. How long was he in the Illinois State House? How long was he in the US Senate? Yeah, He's qualified to be President and we don't even need to dig any deeper or take a longer look at his so called accomplishments or his questionable associations. CHANGE is coming but don't expect it to be good.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

adclose — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 21:24:01 GMT

I find Howard's commentary to be a strange one to say the least. He starts out trying to find point-for-point parallels between 2 people in two very different centuries, and ends up saying, effectively, "my friend was Abraham Lincoln, and you Barrack are no Abraham Lincoln".

To be different, one from the other, shouldn't warrant a put-down.

Barrack Obama in his own way has faced many challenges and rose to confront all of them. He is a person of exceptional intelligence and brilliance, and has a dose of common sense that is lacking in most of our leadership over the past several decades. On top of that, he has a true regard for the plight of the common man / woman. That may not be enough to make him Lincolnesque, but it is so far ahead of most of the leadership we have endured in the White House for the past 8 years, that one would have thought that Howard would have at least acknowledged that in his commentary.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

Johanfog — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 21:30:28 GMT

I became an Obama supporter after listening to his speech (the entire speech) on race relations after the Rev. Wright blow-up. This was a serious crisis for his campaign, but I thought he handled it brilliantly, and gave one of the best political speechs I'ver heard in response (written, I believe, largely by him). That showed me cool composure and measured wisdom at a very tough time. It's not a Lincolnesque crisis, but gives us some idea of how he would handle a tough situation.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

furmanfood — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 21:32:24 GMT

As the world turns, it is hard to find a common ground of belief in anything that is said by our candidates whether implied or in fact testified to. Politics used to be held in high esteem in this country for its ethics and one truely could express oneself as one truely felt. I beleive that has changed. How are we everyday Amercians supposed to weed through all the muck? The media in all it expanded glory of the information age plays to our ears like gnats that we try and swat away. I find it tough to listen to those that tend to inflame others to vote one way becasue of half truths, rather than taking a look at the issues they themselves represent. It is wishful thinking to think the debates will clear the air as opposed to fill it with smog. From what I have been reading thusfar, even the strong wind of change will not clear the stage of the fingerpointing hocus pocus. that has taken over.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

angel1881 — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 21:33:48 GMT

Barack Obama is inspiring this nation - people of all stripes are going for him. Almost everywhere I go people are talking about the election and the conversation inevitably spotlights on Obama. He is the president that will truly change our nation.

I'm struck by the similarities between him and Abraham Lincoln.

Both were Illinois state senators. Both served one term in Congress. Lincoln in the House and Obama in the Senate.

Both made a great trajectory to the White House without following the conventional political trail. Lincoln was the underdog who challenged Stephen Douglas, the presumed nominee running for the Illinois U.S. Senate seat. Lincoln didn't win, but he gained national prominence because of his great speaking ability. Similarly, Obama lost his first Illinois U.S. Senate race.

Both Obama and Lincoln attracted large crowds at their rallies and both gave speeches that inspired crowds. At the time, people thought Lincoln was rather untested and hadn’t been involved with much legislative work, but Lincoln brought his party towards the common goal of ending slavery. Lincoln wasn't a perfect man, but he was what his country needed to achieve change at a time when things seemed hopeless.

The difference between Lincoln and Obama is that Obama did work hard in the Senate on legislation that incorporated help from both sides of the aisles, whereas Lincoln didn’t set forth much legislation in the Congress.

The similarity between Obama and Lincoln is that both have had great ground games in the presidential election. Because of the intelligent and cool-headed way that both handled their campaigns and surrounded themselves with top-notch advisors one could easily see how Lincoln made a good president and how Obama would be the same.

Lincoln’s speeches have been recited by school children for generations. I suspect that our grandchildren will be reciting President Obama’s.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

izme — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 21:38:23 GMT

In an interview published in 1995, Ayers characterized his political beliefs at that time and in the 1960s and 1970s: "I am a radical, Leftist, small 'c' communist ... [Laughs] Maybe I'm the last communist who is willing to admit it. [Laughs] We have always been small 'c' communists in the sense that we were never in the [Communist] party and never Stalinists. The ethics of Communism still appeal to me. I don't like Lenin as much as the early Marx. I also like Henry David Thoreau, Mother Jones and Jane Addams [...]"In 1970 Ayers was called "a national leader" of the Weatherman organization and "one of the chief theoreticians of the Weathermen".The Weathermen were initially part of the Revolutionary Youth Movement (RYM) within the SDS, splitting from the RYM's Maoists by claiming there was no time to build a vanguard party and that revolutionary war against the United States government and the capitalist system should begin immediately. Their founding document called for the establishment of a "white fighting force" to be allied with the "Black Liberation Movement" and other "anti-colonial" movements to achieve "the destruction of US imperialism and the achievement of a classless world: world communism." In June 1974, the Weather Underground released a 151-page volume titled Prairie Fire, which stated: "We are a guerrilla organization [...] We are communist women and men underground in the United States [...]"The Weatherman leadership, including Bill Ayers, pushed for a radical reformulation of sexual relations under the slogan "Smash Monogamy".

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

Colorado Rich — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 21:39:43 GMT

Howard,

What are you thinking or not...

Let's get this straight, you or some of your other not so subtle liberal nut jobs perpetuate that the annointed one, AKA: Obama, or is that Obumbler is Lincolesque???

That sounds earily similar to that of that other political hack out of the Carolinas, who compared the Obumbler one to Jesus Christ as they were both obviously community organizers, and of course Ms Palin, was a Governor just like Pontius Pilate. There ought to be a basic intelligence test, as a prerequisite to obtaining the right to vote, I hate to tell you but Obumbler would lose in a landslide, that is unless the Media continue to perpetuate this no so subtle attempt to influence the feable minded as to how great powerful, and articulate this Obumbler is... Wait a minute, could that be rigtht, he also sounds like oh yes, could it be, the Wizard of OZ, or is that the Wizard of the Odd, Please stop, you are embarrising yourself with this non-sensical chatter...

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

izme — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 21:44:47 GMT

I would feel that it would be really creapy to have a neighbor who admitted to taking part in bombing the White House, police station, Pentegon, and other buildings. I would feel that this person would be mentally unstable. It would also be creepy to know that the neighbor who admittedly took part in these terroristic acts never was punished for the actions. That would seem to make them even more dangerous and arragant. I don't know why anyone would want to go to the Ayers' house or enroll in Bill Ayers' classes. He just seems like a creepy "unibomber" type.

Ewwwww...how creepy!!!!

I can't imagine a Presidental candidate going to his house and working on committees with this weirdo!!!!

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

EmleeL — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 21:44:51 GMT

People would be amazed at the voting record of Obama when he was a State Senator and the "bill high jacking" that was done in order to give him substance to build his book for his run for U.S. Senator (Jones did the bill high jacking from Illinois State Senators who had done the research and writing with Obama's blessing...he went to Jones and asked him to help him become a U.S. Senator) - his background is dirty with Chicago politics and he is not bringing change, just the "same ole same ole" - and he knew that church was an activist church when he joined, that was why he joined it, he was working as a Community Organizer at the time, and he wanted to join an activist church, this was in his bio on CNN, but was quickly glossed over...

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

cmcniel — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 21:47:45 GMT

Another Republican posting his oppinion not fact. Howard please put that you are a stanch republican when you wright. I am a republican and I will vote for Obama not McCain, because McCain is more of Bush and he is a lyier to boot. Where does crashing 5 plains, being a trador to the Viet namise and getting a cushie job because your daddy was and admeral qualify you to be president. His military career is one that most would be court marsheled for. As an Arizona resident he has done nothing for us or our country in a long time and picking Sara as a running mate just shows how much he haits his country. Obama is closer to Lincon than McCain is to a patryiot.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

izme — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 21:52:13 GMT

Can you imagine living next to the "Unibomber" and knowing it...AND not feeling like it is dangerous?

Living near Ayers would be like living near a sex offender, child molester or other awful types of criminals.

I just can't figure out WHY Obama would even want his childen to go near Ayers' house. Ayers must be mentally unstable!

You sure wouldn't want to have your dog pee on his lawn. He might blow your house up!!

YIPES!

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

izme — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 22:00:59 GMT

Chicago's politics must REALLY be corrupt to be hold a "domestic terrorist" as a leader in the Democrat party.

Can you imagine ATTENDING a politica fund raiser at the home of a DOMESTIC TERROTIST???

Who in THE WORLD would attend??

I just can't imagine!

BUT the Obama's attended and were the HONORED GUESTS!

It is just so far out that I just can't imagine it!

Sounds like a good plot for a horror movie!

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

Thulani44 — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 22:03:03 GMT

So many words, so many opinions, so many lies and half truths, but the issue with Black people in America, is that no matter what, we ( I am African American) still have to be 10 tens better than the so-called average white person to be considered on the same level and playing field...to say that Sen. Obama has not experienced adversity in his life shows the ignorance of the writer of the article and people who continually say, they don't know anything about him ...has only too read his autobiography "Dreams of My Father", it's powerful, emotional, sad, angry , funny and above all else rising above his family circumstances to achieve the "American Dream" kinda like "Tiger" Woods, Michael Jordan, Venus & Serena Williams, Magic Johnson, Whoopi Goldberg, Denzel Washington, Leontyne Price, Quincy Jones, etc., etc. If people don't want to vote for Barack because he's half-Black, just say so, cuz you know you weren't gonna vote for him anyway, but don't lie to yourself with the excuse that "you just don't know anything about him"...

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

Barry In Las Vegas — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 22:04:20 GMT

Next thing is Newsweek will be claiming he probably is the second coming of Christ. Give me a break. When are you going to stop getting down on your knees and adoring this guy and start treating him for what he is - a politician.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

truthvsbias — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 22:04:32 GMT

Trials or challenge that changes others lives or history? None.

Substance backed by proven record of achievement in any aspect of life other than his college student days, which included drugs and anti-american associations? none.

Accomplishments as a legislator? None

Leadership in the senate? none

Success for the community in which he was a community organizer? none. (other than giving him contacts he used to advance his own career.

Yep, sounds like a great Abraham Lincolnesque type to me alright. For those who are actually buying into this carpet bagging egoistical snake oil salesman's con, I truly pity you, but moreso, I pity all of us should this con man with the rocker strut actually win this election.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

truthvsbias — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 22:11:02 GMT

Thul, and if you intend to vote for Barrack based on his color, you are guilty of the same racial accusation you point at others. Both would be wrong, but please spare us the race thing. If Condi Rice, Colin Powell, or Michael Steele (all of whom you exclude from your examples because they are conservatives) want to run, any of them have my vote. But I venture to say with confidence that a huge majority of the African American vote that goes for Obama is race inspired as opposed to substance inspired. Sorry if that angers you, but I am very tired of the poor me routines that make racial bias ok for some. It is wrong for ALL, and that includes those whose first reaction is always that the opposition to Barrack MUST be because he is black. So please talk about his actual achievements and track record that make him a sound choice, and let's leave color out of it.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

obama4you&me — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 22:12:22 GMT

Actually I do see the Echoes of Lincoln in Obama. They both came from deprived background, which any psychologist would agree is the making of a great leader because people that understand what it is to have nothing have the ambition to change the world and want to make a name for themselves in history. Unlike McCain, Obama would not think of the soldier as an abstract pond to play in the game of war. McCain, like Nixon, is no stranger to war and accepts it as a way of life which to me makes McCain, not Obama, the dangerous one. Lincoln, as you will recall, asked to have a graveyard for soldiers built in front of his home so that everyday he would wake up and be reminded of the life’s that were being lost in was as he watched each grave being dug. He didn't want this to be abstract, unlike Bush who never even visited the burial of soldiers and didn't allow any of their caskets to be televised. McCain I am afraid has an axe to grind and wants to make Iraq victorious at all costs to make up for Vietnam, as he more or less directly stated in his first debate. Obama is not war hungry and like Lincoln is more of a diplomat that would use war as a last resort. People need to understand that Obama, like Lincoln, is new to Washington and that is a good thing. He has the intelligence, the energy, the drive, and the charisma to lead a country in peril and to reshape our repetition abroad. He cannot only do the job but he wants to do it for the right reason- to change the US for the good. Unlike the way I felt after the 2000 and the 2004 election, if he doesn't win I will not think that it is the END because he has inspired me that I as an individual can create change without direction or consent from Washington. That is a true testament to his leadership in my opinion.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

rreed87139 — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 22:12:53 GMT

angel1881 all that Obama is inspiring is the liberal media. Nothing more. This guy has done nothing but talk. Plain and simple. Most of it has little merit or has been plaguerized from other speakers before him. He has no original thought and has done little or nothig during his tenure to merit his success. The money flooding into his campaign is a clear indication of how he will represent the American people. His views on Afghanistan are rediculous. Russia couldn't save that country and their military isn't as polite as ours. Unless you think what they did to Georgia was normal. The liberals will go their and watch thousands perhaps hundreds of thousands of US soldiers be killed for nothing.

He is popular because all the blacks are supporting him. Because he is for gay marriage all of Hollywood is supporting him. And because all the Arab-Americans support him.

I'd rather have 16 more years of Bush than an hour with Obama at the helm. You can trust Bush more!

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

gemt — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 22:14:50 GMT

Mr. Fineman's article is not an endorsement of Barack Obama, nor do I see it as a slap in the face to the Obama campaign. I think what Howard is trying to say is that President Lincoln persevered through great obstacles and adversity to ascend to the highest honor our country can bestow upon a man (or woman). Howard is merely trying to shed some light on the fact that while Obama is certainly an intelligent man with a flair for delivering a speech (whether written by him partially or wholly by speech writer's which BOTH campaigns employ) - there is still much of his career path after graduation from Harvard and Columbia of which the American public is woefully ignorant. And for some reason the media seems to be looking the other way. One of the best things I can say about John McCain and Joe Biden is that at least for the past 25-30 years, we know where they were and to a point what they were doing. Sara Palin doesn't have as many years of experience, but we seem to have quite a bit of information as to what she was doing. Not so for Barack Obama - there are so many issues and areas of his life which are off-limits per his campaign. How is this possible especially in our Internet and "in your face" reporting age. The fact that an admitted homegrown terrorist lives in his neighborhood can be overlooked somewhat (not by me - like most parents, I research neighborhoods scrupulously). He has written two books - big deal; I would like to know exactly how much was ghostwritten. I would like to see him give an honest interview with a panel of reporters (not just main-stream media) who have been given carte blanche to ask what they want and him give honest answers (nothing scripted or pre-planned). Let's see how good everyone's golden child looks then.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

beachbum123 — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 22:16:47 GMT

To even mention Obama or any other politician in the same sentence as Abraham Lincoln at this point in time is utter nonsense. Lincoln delivered speech's out of conviction and presented thought provoking arguments that challenged one's thinking and personal beliefs. Today, teleprompters are required to deliver unimaginative punchlines and doublespeak that only ECHO hollow promises of career politicians. Sure, everybody is for change.....until they find that the change they so desperately sought is worse. To compare a statesman and brilliant thinker like President Lincoln to a man who has yet to share any truly original or pioneering thought is beyond perplexing.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

izme — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 22:18:02 GMT

I just can't get off this subject....A politician has to be DESPERATE to allow a domestic terroritst launch their political carreer. It also shows some VERY poor judgement. Didn't Obama even think that this would someday come back to haunt him?

STUPID!!!!!!!!!

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

centralOR — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 22:18:29 GMT

Wow I thought lived in a country where we are free to believe what we want. It seems to me I was wrong. We are free to believe as long as we believe what the liberals say we should. We obviously can not have other believes or ideas! I didn't know being an inspirational speaker was all you needed to become president. I guess with most of the media doing the mudslinging Obama can just sit back and take the "higher road". Obama doesn't need to say anything negative he has everyone else doing it for him. I am sure I will be called a rasist for this but isn't Obama half white? I guess you can choose one race and forget the other. Troopergate? I guess most of you think it's great to keep a state trooper in his job even if he tasers his 10 year old son. I would think even liberals would be appalled by his behavior. If Palen had to use some influence to get rid of him so be it!!! The economy, what goes up must go down. Greed, greed and more greed, I guess Bush must have really raked in the money. What else would be the motivation, I didn't think he had the power to do what he is accused of. Where are the liberals? Why are they not asking for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac executives heads on a platter. Who really made the money and got kickbacks? There were questions raised in 04/05 about this why did the democrats brush it off?

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

nolovlost — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 22:18:53 GMT

Hey we new little of George Bush and all his alholics, McCain was a reckless young man and his grandfather and father made him go into the service and what did he do he wrecked 4 jets, and even the one in vetnam, He was reckless..someon really needs to stop saying he is a war hero, my brother served three terms in that war..and he did not wreck a thing but his brain. he was really battling post war trauma...Someone needs to check McCains mental capacity he is running and wild and wooly campaign. I still say he has no control over it it is this guy = SCHMIDT .It's hard not to like a guy who talks like that. If McCain becomes president, someone is bound to make a new version of Boogie Man, this one starring Schmidt. You can imagine the treatment: McCain, once decent but now addled by ambition, decides he can win only by jettisoning his principles and hiring the most savage knife-fighter in politics, Rove protege Steve Schmidt, a man famous for stirring the racial fears of middle America, etc.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

svickers49@yahoo.com — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 22:22:07 GMT

I told my son months ago that Obama reminded me of Lincoln. Not that I knew him personally, lol, but just so many things about him. I found out this morning during some research that Bill Ayers has been a very respected educator and writer in the Chicago area for the last 20 years. He met Obama when they were both working on a charity project for better education. Ayers has written books on how to be a better teacher and on how to improve our schools. He is an expert in the field.

Many have skeletons in their pasts. George W. Bush is from a very elitist family and is a member of the Harvard Scull and Bones Society (as was his father and grandfather) which is made up of politicians, CEOs of large corporations, and one of their main goals is world domination. (This is a lifelong membership and they help each other in times of need) Now, to me, that's pretty scary. I think Obama truly wants the best for our country and he gets my vote for sure. I'm glad he had contact with someone who knows how to improve our schools and help our children and teachers get a better education.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

izme — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 22:23:43 GMT

How's this sound?.......Obomber!! (Ayers friend....get it?)

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

obama4you&me — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 22:25:54 GMT

Do you even know what Ayer's did (he blew up a toilet in protest to the Vietnam war) and yet you proudly regurgitate what you hear on the media. Think for yourself. To say that you know what Palin's past is when she outright lies about ever accomplishment she boasts about and unlawfully avoids the public scrutiny of Troopergate. And John McCain has many skeletons in his closest- perhaps you need to understand his assopication with Keating -"Mirror to today's Wall Street" http://my.barackobama.com/keatingvideo

Educate yourselves people. Stop letting Fox news teach you because you are too lazy to learn the facts yourself- 16 years more of Bush- Now that tells you the level of intelligence of the McCain supporter- even McCain doesn't want that! I can only think of two reasons that someone at this point would vote for MCain- (1) uninformed and (2) bigotry. Which one are you?

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

rreed87139 — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 22:26:28 GMT

Thulani44 the poor little black me syndrome is tiring. The reason blacks aren't successful is by there own choice. And because of their own networking amongst successful. You listen to rap, hang out in 7-11 parking lots till 4:00am, get high profile sports jobs and becomes deviants - murderers - thieves- and gangbangers, and then cry foul.

How many white honor roll students have to get passed on for scholarships, how many qualified men get passed by for affirmative action because a quota has to be met. I cant even begin to tell you how infuriatingly ignorrant your remarks are. Go to a government office abd try to get help nowadays. Almost all blacks, high school dropouts, asian, indian, or mexicans who clearly cant even spell their own names or count to ten. And I can't even get an interview. It's the same with Obama gets a Harvard education handed to him, never really holds a jobs, and now everyone stares at him in awe. don't even get me started on the dark complected music artists.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

DaveWK — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 22:26:43 GMT

Obama's story is inspirational, his abilities are undeniable, his personal life irreproachable, his timing impeccable. McCain once inspired us with his principle, but now disappoints us with his venom and his poor judgment. He's always suffered from personal weaknesses--hair trigger anger, peculiar superstitiousness, and unfaithfulness. The choice is becoming clearer.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

rreed87139 — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 22:29:18 GMT

Obama

Half ***

All Donkey!!!

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

Greg285 — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 22:31:19 GMT

New McCain slogan.... "We may not be good for your bank account, your mortgage, your health care, or your job security -- but none of that will matter if you are dead. John McCain: If You Want to Live."

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

obama4you&me — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 22:31:30 GMT

in Regard to: rreed87139 (October 6, 2008 at 6:26 PM)

Wow, you muast make all republicans proud! Wow, rreed for the next Republican nomination, he is not hiding his racial intolerance, he is a true spoken Republican who hates everyone who is not white- wow- people like you scare me, please strand yourself on a desert island somewhere and live like the other animals. What rock did you crawl out from under?

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

rreed87139 — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 22:32:11 GMT

If Lincoln had met obama he'd have shackled him up. And changed his mind about slavery I'm sure.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

obama4you&me — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 22:36:35 GMT

You need pychological help (rreed87139) and I mean that in the kindest manner

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

diana-g — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 22:37:22 GMT

Whether he's Lincoln-like or not, he's our best bet for getting out of the Iraq war and making nice with the rest of the world again. We should be comparing him to Bush and McCain. Those are the comparisons worth making right now.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

Lady in LA — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 22:37:48 GMT

Obama is one of those rare people who makes his tremendous success look easy.

Obama's unflappability, his steady political ascent, and his recent polls show barely a hiccup in the upward trajectory ... which tempts Fineman to make an argument that is always fatally flawed, which is this: If it looks easy, it must have been so.

Obama conquered a fatherless childhood to do well academically, becoming head of the Harvard Law Review. Obama beat out incumbents and seasoned politicians to become Illinois legislator and then US Senator.

Obama, the New Kid on the Block, out-strategized the most brilliantly successful Democratic Dynamic Duo in modern history to become the Democrat's presidential candidate.

And now, Obama's record-setting, history-making campaign -- and by that I refer to the millions of dollars he's raised from everyday Americans donating less than $100 each; and his on-the-ground, community-based nationwide get-out-the-vote campaign -- has already rewritten the book on how to win an election, whether he wins or not.

While we politicos have been sweating every twist and turn in this political race for over a year, Obama has been one-pointedly on-message, on-strategy, and on-target -- and his strategy is working.

But we will never know the anguish, or late night handwringing that goes on when the media's ever watchful eye has gone to bed.

The obstacles Fineman dismisses as minimal are real, the kind of stuff that cuts short the dreams of many. Many do not achieve their dreams in life. And sadly even fewer for those with a background like Obama's.

It is never easy to run for President.

Just because Obama makes it look easy doesn't mean it is.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

Lady in LA — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 22:37:49 GMT

Obama is one of those rare people who makes his tremendous success look easy.

Obama, the New Kid on the Block, out-strategized the most brilliantly successful Democratic Dynamic Duo in modern history to become the Democrat's presidential candidate.

While we politicos have been sweating every twist and turn in this political race for over a year, Obama has been one-pointedly on-message, on-strategy, and on-target -- and his strategy is working.

But we will never know the anguish, or late night handwringing that goes on when the media's ever watchful eye has gone to bed.

It is never easy to run for President.

Just because Obama makes it look easy doesn't mean it is.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

rreed87139 — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 22:42:09 GMT

racial intollerance is a big word for a liberal. What it means to you obama4andme is that as long as a person of any race that isn't white get preferential treatment it's ok. If not it's bigotry.

I don't care if your white, pink, purple, green, grey or whatever. if you dont earn something you dont deserve it. And for your info obama4andme of all the people that have ever been dishonest in their dealings with me or tried to scam me 85% have been people of color. My sister is black and I have met a pretty good representation of the population when I've travelled to 8 foriegn countries and nearly every state in the US.

And for your info I would have voted for Hillary because she was the best man for the job.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

colinml — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 22:43:01 GMT

I've watched Obama run a remarkable campaign. I've watched him draw people who normally wouldn't even participate in the process. I've watched him thoughtfully respond to the Rev. Wright crisis. I've watched him patiently and calmly deflect numerous attempts to bait him. I've watched him inspire the world to believe that America may, once again, become a shining example of democracy. I've watched as he has repeatedly demonstrated that he has the intelligence, the judgement, and the strength to lead us back in the the direction of progress. America needs a leader. Barack Obama is that leader.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

izme — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 22:46:46 GMT

I get the impression that because of Obama's fatherless childhood, he became a street smart latch key kid. He just seems drawn to corruption and criminal minded people.

He discovered that if you register illegally to vote, nobody will do anything. SO let's just register millions illegally and see if the system can catch it! He doesn't think like the average person. He has a criminal mind.

Now he is teaching the young college kids to beat the system with illegal action. Obama has relatives in politics in Kenya and some of these tactics sound like what takes place in corrupt foreign governments that fix elections.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

alabamavoter — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 22:47:12 GMT

I do not think there is anyway to compare Obama to Lincoln. Obama has never faced real hardship. He cannot say he understands the needs of the middle class because of his experiences as a middle class person (He has a million dollar house too.). Nor can he say he understands the needs of those in poverty because he has been there (I suppose we are supposed to take him at his word because of the color of his skin that he can identify with what ails the very poor black communities.) I have worked in a Title I school for fourteen years trying to help poor Americans where it will really count with education. They will vote en masse for Obama, because of his race, but he has no real knowledge of their plight.

He does not really care about anything except for his own ambition of getting into the White House. He has been campaigning for that office ever since he was elected to Senate. He does not care about what happens to the citizens of our country. It is all rhetoric.

What's sad to me is that no one (the liberal media in particular) seems to be looking at Obama's accomplishments. So what if he is an eloquent speaker? There have been many eloquent speakers through the ages - some good (Kennedy), some bad (Hitler). Merely being able to electrify an audience with a speech does not make a good leader. What has Obama REALLY done? What is his track record? Who does he associate with (YES THAT DOES MAKE A DIFFERENCE)? Suppose McCain had announced his campaign in the living room of an abortion clinic bomber? Would that make a difference? The media is pushing Obama down our throats ad nauseum. Unfortunately, young voters do not necessarily investigate his claims or look at his record. And many will vote for him because of the color of his skin, not because of the content of his character. It is shameful to say that if people of European descent do not vote for Obama,they are racist, but African Americans voting for Obama because of his race are not.

Voters should vote for the person who would do the best job of representing them and the person who is the most capable of leading our nation. It is sad to say, that in this election, we must choose between the lesser of two evils. Neither McCain nor Obama is a good choice. Obama's views and associations are too scary for me. I cannot vote to allow him to become Commander in Chief of our Armed Forces (my son serves proudly in Iraq). So I will vote against him by voting for McCain.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

Hoe D Doe — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 22:51:52 GMT

rreed87139 - So are you saying blacks don't want success? I beg to differ with you. You have a head start by the mere fact that you are white (I'm supposing by your comments). You are born with a backpack of guarantees and presuppositions made about you compared to the life of an African American the moment you walk into the room. You've had this backpack all of your life so it only makes sense that you don't realize that you wear it every day.

Your comments about what blacks listen to, where they gather, the jobs that are held and the typical stereotypes you see on tv only tell me that you live a very sheltered and uneducated life. It's no wonder that you haven't been able to get an interview for a job.

In case you didn't crack a history book in junior high or high school, African American decendents came to this country in chains and on boats. African-Americans barely received the ability to vote in this past generation. Maybe you haven't heard of the Civil Rights movement either. Going to integrated schools for African-Americans was unheard of before the 60s. White Americans have always had the upper hand when it came to jobs, finances, education and have continued to pass the wealth along through their families. Do I fault them for passing it along, no. But a lot of discrimination has gone on over the years that heavily favored White Americans to the disadvantage of others.

As an African American woman, business owner, and educator, I am anything but a deviant. When I was in school, no one took the tests for me, no one passed my brokers license, not one government program financed my business, not one person handed me anything. I see and hear too many people like you make excuses for your own inadequacies regarding jobs, schools, and life. I've watched white friends and their children throw away their lives on drugs, alcohol, lose their businesses, borrower tons of money (without paying it back), drop out of school or lose their job because of their poor behavior and then want to blame it on African Americans or other culturally diverse groups.

Obama didn't have anyone take his tests, write his papers, pass the bar, or fill out his job applications to give him a hand out. He has earned everything he's received.

So stop whining about the poor little white, against Affirmative Action, I can't get a job because of the black, hispanic, and asian people and get a job or start a business.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

MisterHearst — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 22:51:59 GMT

Mr. Fineman, just when I thought you had gained a bit of respect and integrity in the world you go and write this useless piece of dribble. Your point? I can think of no other point for this article than trying to gain a few points with the conservatives and their "base". And base is the best word to describe this garbage you have seen fit to visit on the rest of the world. You have now proven to be exactly what all have believed of you in the past - a fraud not worthy of reading or listening to ever again.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

MisterHearst — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 22:57:18 GMT

Alabamavoter - are you serious? Barack Obama doesn't know hardship? You try growing up as an biracial person in the United States. Are you insane? This man was raised by a single parent and grew up on public assistance - he doesn't know hard times... Are you serious? A million dollar home - is nothing compared to the sacrifices this man has made to help people. If he would have followed the path of most of his peers he would be living in $30 million dollar home. Are you nuts? I grew up in a home million dollar home and this still does not mean I haven't had hardships. The reason I am voting for Barack Obama "alabamavoter" is to protect the future of our country from people like you. Obama/Biden '08!

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

a brighter America 08 — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 22:59:37 GMT

I have read a few of the postings here and the repubs are out in droves spinning, slandering, and degrading a gentleman who is much, much brighter, much, much more intelligent, with much, much more integrity and honor than any of you and all of you put together. What's the matter, repubs, don't like a man who is black to be all of these things while you are nothing but mean-spiritede bigots?? Senator Obama will be a great president for this country and for us. Of course, you cannot see this because all you can see is "white". McCain is a blubbering old fool who thinks he is still in the 1960s and 70s. He is a bitter old man who never met his dad's and grandpa's expectations in the U.S. Navy. McCain is a D-Minus student who was admitted to the naval academy and given his wings ONLY because of his heritage.and NOT because he earned either. If you want an old mediocre and lying white fool and his trophy white pitbull with lipstick as your leaders, that is fine but you do not have to degrade a good and decent man just because YOU do not like the color of his skin. Shame on you

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

btorched — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 23:02:37 GMT

Got to give him credit for getting this far. Getting over the Hill of HIllary was no small task. He is a proven campaigner and is good at this. You cannot get anywhere in politics without the "corruption" word coming up. All of our politicians are "corrupt" in one way or the other, period and anyone who says otherwise is very very naive! He will do well as our president and if the will of the country as a whole wants to change then change we will. If we choose to stay on the same path then we shall. We WILL do great things, when we WANT to!

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

alabamavoter — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 23:03:22 GMT

Ayers is a liability. So is Wright. But that doesn't matter for Obama. No one seems to care what Obama does or who he associates with now, or he associated with in the past. Ayers has never apologized for the things he did nor for the things he has said. Obama cannot wish Ayers away by saying he was 8 when it happened (he wasn't 8 when he took Ayers money for his campaign, nor by saying he did not know what Ayers had done... give me a break. And no way you go to church for 20 years, but are surprised by the vile comments that were spewed from the lips of the minister of that church. Again and again the associations pop up and again and again they are ignored. You are the company you keep and the company Obama does say something about the content of his character. Something negative.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

alabamavoter — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 23:07:14 GMT

Who cares what color he is? I will not vote based on color, but based upon actions. Prove to me that he is a good and decent man despite the people he hangs out with. Show me proof of his integrity in spite of the church he attended. Proof comes from actions and not from words "a brighter america 08"

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

centralOR — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 23:07:24 GMT

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re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

a brighter America 08 — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 23:07:43 GMT

And what do you republicans think of Todd Palin being a member of a group in Alaska who wants to secede from the United States? A group which condemns the United States of America with such comments as, "God damned America and her institutions! We are Alaskans, we are NOT Americans"! Sarah Palin supported this group and even gave speeches to them. Sarah and Todd Palin are the ones that are ANTI-AMERICAN and hate us, yet you would want these traitors second in line for the presidency of the United States of America?? Unbelievable!! Sarah is the one who is a real danger and threat to America! Guess all of you would rather be Alaskans than Americans! Go for it, start by moving to Alaska and joining Todd's outfit. And goodriddance!

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

Mary Todd Lincoln — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 23:09:28 GMT

The people started lining up hours in advance. Once inside there was screaming and crying. A few people actually fainted. This was just one of many similar events. All eyes are on the stage. More screams and so many eyes blinded with tears.

Thousands applaud when the stage lights come up. There he is!!!

It is disheartening and depressing to see so many blinded in this frenzy. The entire basis of which is still not understood.

It can be summed up as ‘phenomenal’ (Philosophy Known or derived through the senses rather than through the mind.)

HOW DID SOMEONE WHO HAS 143 DAYS OF SENATE ‘EXPERIENCE’ COME SO FAR SO FAST?

Speak in an eloquent manner. Keep pertinent ‘facts’ obscured in mystery. Fight to suppress any past indiscretions. In fact, try to totally obliterate the past as much as possible. Eradicate connections to people one by one as necessary. The audacity of lies…

Reverend Jeremiah Wright, Trinity United Church, Reverend Michael Pfleger, William Ayres, Robert Malley, Mike Klonsky, Tony Rezko, Jim Johnson, Samantha Power, Austan Goolsbee, Bernie Mac, Charley Rangel, Wes Clark, Mazen Asbahi, Kwane Kilpatrick, James Johnson, Even his own “Typical White Person” Grandmother Madelyn Dunham – “I can no more disown [Jeremiah Wright] than I can my white grandmother – a woman who helped raise me, a woman who sacrificed again and again for me, a woman who loves me as much as she loves anything in this world, but a woman who once confessed her fear of black men who passed by her on the street, and who on more than one occasion has uttered racial or ethnic stereotypes that made me cringe.”

His positions on gun control, town-hall debates, Iraq surge, public financing, ‘his presidential seal’, State’s rights’ regarding same-sex marriage, Hillary supporters, lobbyist opposition, public financing, opposition to ‘Preditory Lenders’, Opposition to offshore drilling, Opposition to the Olympics to apply political pressure, NAFTA opposition, Strategy for Iraq, Opposition to Welfare reform, FISA, “Small-Town People who cling to their guns and religion”, the ‘Obama childrens choir’-removed from website since publicity – they never got the chance to sing ‘The Wheels On The Bus Go Round And Round’ !!!

ALL THROWN UNDER THE BUS

Definition:

To intentionally reveal damaging or unflattering information about another's character or transpired event, while at the same time trying to make themselves look good or innocent in the eyes of the listener. To shift blame or attention in a cowardly way.

Phrase made popular by a small town graphic designer in northern Michigan after watching two battling chipmunks attempt to hurl one another under a fast moving short bus. Denotes an individual's willingness to sacrifice another's future and recognition for one's own gain. Blatant disregard for another's well-being. Betrayal.

Both of the above lists are partial and consistently amended as deemed necessary by ‘The Chosen One’. See barackbook.com.

The Absolute Fear is - Will the USA end up thrown under the bus too???

It has been stated numerous times by numerous individuals that “People are Stupid”.

Disenchantment with the current Administration.

Want to “erase America’s racist past”.

To be able to say you voted for the first ‘non-white’ president.

(the bizarre) ‘He speaks for me’.

(Slogan motivated) ‘Change/Yes We Can’

Have all been given as reasons for their choice.

It has also been said that this is the most media-biased election in history!

(Yes, HE Can…)

Senator John McCain has received the biased wraith. Governor Sarah Palin has been a victim of the biased media since it was announced that she was the Republican running mate. Even his own Democratic running mate has been skewered in the media for his gaffes. But not ‘The Chosen One’. Sure some gaffes have been made known nationally because once it’s seen by some if they don’t all report it, they appear to be not on top of things. For example - http://politicalinquirer.com/2008/07/20/the-obama-gaffe-executive-summary/ is filled with those unfortunate moments. (Including the favorite: been to 57 states already and one to go, not including Alaska & Hawaii.)

Amusing but not the information you don’t see on the front pages. (The flip-flopping on issues and beliefs are just telling the people what they want to hear and again, amend as necessary. A chameleon of any color necessary to achieve what he wants.)

Barack Obama is the least-examined Presidential candidate in American history. Partly this may be due to the fact that he has a paper-thin resume and few accomplishments. However, he does have a record and past (he is, after all, approaching 50 years old). An informed electorate is the foundation of American democracy -- a principle which Senator Obama has ignored. No scrutiny by an unbiased media.

Not his list of ‘NOT EXACTLYS’ –

Though that’s an excellent primer : Selma Got Me Born, Father Was A Goat Herder, Father Was A Proud Freedom Fighter, My Family Has Strong Ties To African Freedom, My Name is African Swahili, I Never Practiced Islam, I Have Always Been Against Iraq – the list goes on and on. – (http://strangepolitics.com/content/item/142578.html)

I’m talking about the FACTS about him that have become the ‘DIRTY SECRETS’. There are many, many of them – he could fill a new book with them. The questions that don’t get asked by the main stream media. What about :

http://www.obamacrimes.com/ - PENDING LAWSUIT

Certified Copy of original Birth certificate, Certification of Live Birth showing where born, Parent's Marriage Certificate, Record of baptism, Locations and names of all half-siblings and step-mothers, Medical records (only the one page summary released so far), Occidental College records, Columbia College records, Columbia Thesis paper, Harvard College records, Scholarly articles, Application to the State Bar, Illinois State Senate records, Illinois State Senate schedule, Law practice client list and billing records/summary, Selective Service Registration, Trips schedules for trips outside of the United States before 2007, Campaign donor analysis requested by 7 major watchdog groups.

NO, THEY WERE NOT ALL ‘LOST’ OR ‘THROWN OUT’ !

Connection and work with Chicago Annenberg Challenge (CAC) and his work with Ayers. Besides costing 100 Million Dollars and DID NOT help any schools or students.

ACORN

The ‘Mystical’ Chicago Democratic Machine Connection

Who Paid for Harvard? Michelle Obama stated early in the campaign that they had finally paid off their student loans - Tax returns that were released have nothing listed about it.

What about campaign donations? “More than half of the whopping $426.9 million Barack Obama has raised has come from small donors whose names the Obama campaign won't disclose. And questions have arisen about millions more in foreign donations the Obama campaign has received that apparently have not been vetted as legitimate.”

(http://www.newsmax.com/timmerman/Obama_fundraising_illegal/2008/09/29/135718.html)

MAYBE THAT’S HOW THE ‘OBAMA’ CHANNEL ON DISH NETWORK (073) CAN BE AFFORDED. 24/7 LOOP OF ‘ALL BARRY, ALL THE TIME’.

Again, the list goes on and on…

The Unspoken Campaign Message of Obama

There is a theme to the political campaign of Barack Obama. It follows the teachings of Saul Alinksy, and it can be summed up easily: I will do anything to win.

"The end justifies the means," but they believe that they, personally, are that end.

Men who will do anything to win will end up doing nothing good at all. In college, it seems, Obama heard and spoke the word "power" as normal people would speak or hear the words "soul" or "honor" or "God." Power, alone, counts to him. He will do anything to win power, and men who will do anything to win power will do anything at all.

(http://www.americanthinker.com/2008/10/the_unspoken_campaign_message.html)

Read his voting record if you want additional information. (at least some information is public knowledge)

http://www.votesmart.org/voting_category.php?can_id=9490

Obamatruth.org is also an excellent source of information – His LIES about healthcare.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

a brighter America 08 — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 23:09:51 GMT

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

jimmy peters — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 23:13:13 GMT

I'm afraid the concluding tone of your piece, Mr. Fineman, comes off as a rehashing of the astonishingly unselfexamined White resentment that has reared its ugly head in this campaign, with the Lincoln comparison as a covering excuse.

As a white man of 54, I am especially embarrassed by your snide attempts to minimize Mr. Obama's accomplishment in waging his campaign, against the odds, even thus far.

This is a nation which has elected one Irish Catholic as President, no Slavs, no Italians, no Jews, even after assimilation has largely eliminated the differences between members of these groups and the "real Americans" to whom we confidently entrust the fate of our nation.

As to "What did he really have to lose?", Mr. Fineman, try asking Martin Luther King, Medgar Evers,

James Chaney, etc.

Let me know what they tell you.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

buddhabelly — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 23:15:46 GMT

what was the point of this piece? i always look forward to reading your column (and now your blog), but can't figure out what the point is here. it feels as though you were just reaching (grasping. . .) for something negative to write about obama and this is all you could come up with. it feels empty and disconnected and i'm not any more informed for having read it.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

a brighter America 08 — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 23:23:13 GMT

Americana, that was not and is not a spin, it is a fact. Todd Pilan tried for seven years to secede from America. He wth the rest of is group condemned America and wanted/want to become a country of Alaska. Don't you find it disheartening that the Palins hate America? Aren't people like these known as traitors?? Google TODD PALIN and read for yourself what he and Sarah are all about. I find it extremely difficult to believe that republicans would want this people in the white house only one breath away. McCain is old, old and out of touch with today's America; heck he doesn't seem o know what he is doing and saying half the time. This, too, is real. Furthermore, all I was saying, f you want Pilan as your pres, maybe you should all move to Alaska and help Todd and Sarah secede from the USA, than all of you would have your own country and the president of YOUR choice---Sarah Palin.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

little leaper — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 23:30:17 GMT

Oboma you are not Lincoln. He was a man of honor even though his election braught on the Civil war. You have no honor. Lincoln wanted to keep the Union in tact you want to distroy the Union

If you had any honor you would tell the truth about your past and your relationship with the Muslims and some of our home grown terrorist that you trained to be "community Organizors". We must not forget ACORN. You have to be proud of your association with that bunch of terrroist. Look at the terrorist attacks on banks by taking over banks forcing them to give bad loans or be distroyed.

America does not need you and your anti-American friends in the White House.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

Mrs Lincoln — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 23:36:47 GMT

Marco8 says: "Obama drew enormous crowds when he travelled abroad"

No he didn't. He drew crowds in Berlin but people in London totally ignored him other than the Prime Minister. There were no crowds there. He even walked across St. James's Park with the Prime Minister and nobody took any notice of him. I was in London at the time and you wouldn't have know that Obama was even there.

So "a brighter America" you are telling us that we are racist because we are critical of Barak Obama. You are saying that we must like all Afro-Americans otherwise we will be racist: we musn't distinguish between different characters, personalities and knowledge amongst Afro-Americans and say there are some Afro-Americans who might be more suitable to the position of President. No, you want us to like all Afro-Americans else we are racist. Then you have to be equal and say you should like all White people else you are being racist and bigoted towards White people. And as you express your dislike of McCain in ageist terms as being a blubbering old fool then you are extremely bigoted yourself. But then in your book that's o.k. you can criticise a white politician but everyone else is not allowed to criticse an Afro-American politician.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

zimmie — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 23:36:47 GMT

I really don't get the point of your article. Are you saying that Obama must be equal to Abraham Lincoln for him to take pride in what he has accomplished so historically in this campaign. I mean, I guess it is easy for you to pass this off as just a mediocre accomplishment. But, I find it incredible that we may have an African American president in this country and also, by the way, a really intelligent president, which will be such a refreshing change from the last 8 years.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

parksidecreek — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 23:40:46 GMT

Interesting observations. Perhaps it comes down to a decision of who we trust the most or least to turn this ship around. As you note, Obama has little track record. This fact allows that he must now prove himself. He is running on his persona, his cv, his shown and proven desire to make a difference at a grassroots level, his inspiring words, and his shared dream of a better America. His running mate, flaws and all, is a true patriot who has the years of experience his running mate lacks. Together they seem to temper one another and made a formidable duo. On the other hand... McCain has a proven track record and years of experience. Except that he was a good soldier in the 1960's, his personal and professional history leave much to be desired. I do not trust his motivation to become president and I find his ethics (personal and professional) less than desirable. For him to have selected Ms. Palin as his VP candidate shows a serious lack of clear thinking. I would rather vote for someone with a small but impressive track record versus one who has a long and ugly track record. Obama is our hope for the future.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

centralOR — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 23:42:31 GMT

As an Oregonian, I can understand Alaska wanting to suceed from the US. It surely does not make them unamerican, just anti-Washington DC. It shows how tired they are at being forgotten on one hand and then told what to do with their state by a bunch of eastcoasters. Do you know their hardships and struggles? We keep hearing what many think of the state of Alaska. Oh, she was just a mayor of a small town in Alaska. Goverenor of Alaska, that's nothing! Drill in Alaska, no way it's so pristine and beautiful but we have never been there! Ha Ha, you can see Russia, they're not a threat, neither was Japan in WWII when they invaded Alaska. Thank God for the brutal weather in Alaska that surprised the Japanese. So many of us out west are tired of not being heard and being discounted by Washington DC. Alaska would just like a voice!!!

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

Lady in LA — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 23:44:19 GMT

There are some really intelligent and well-thought out points of view here on both sides ... but It's unfortunate to see how so much of this political conversation on this blog has deterioriate into such crass uncivilized hateful rantings.

The greatness of America is that we don't have to agree; we can agree to disagree.

And we don't have to hate to disagree.

Manners, please.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

rreed87139 — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 23:45:06 GMT

Maybe Todd Palin wanted Alaska to secede because Michelle Obama wasn't proud of the country for her entire life until just a few months ago. When affirmative action and Hollywood got her husband a nomination he clearly never deserved.

Oh thats right he has amassed hundreds of millions because because he is the peoples candidate. Why is it that every liberal voted to bail out the banks. Didn't matter the text of the vote. They voted to give give give and tax tax tax. Not for the soldiers and war efforts but to the banks. Look at the failed vote attempts for the bailout package nearly every liberal voted yes no matter the language. It's because when liberals are in office banks flourish. And now we handed them $700 billion dollar welfare check. And when Obama gets in the welfare checks are going to start flowing to everyone but the people that really need them.

The black plague would be better for America than Obama.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

camcfarlane — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 00:05:31 GMT

I can't believe this is Howard Fineman - I have always watched and heard his analyses with interest and pleasure, I have found his critiques both fair and honest. What has bitten him?

There is some turn here, not on the part of Obama but on the part of Fineman. I am sick to my stomach. Perhaps he was throwing this out there to see what sort of reaction he would get? Whatever.

His comments are wrong, however. Barack's grandparents were not 'well-connected' in any shape or form! His grandfather was a furniture salesman, and later became an unsuccessful insurance salesman. Stan Dunham experienced depression and loss of self-esteem, and there were more frequent trips to bars and friends who were even less fortunate, and among whom he could pretend, for brief periods, to be someone. Barack's grandmother was a clerical worker at a bank, but moved up eventually to management positions and finally became a vice-president. At no point does one get the impression that she made masses of money, that this was a big bank, or that she was hobnobbing with the elite! From all reports, they lived very modestly indeed, almost humbly, but were loving and supportive parents of his mother, their only child, and graciously and, again, lovingly raised their grandson. Their sending him to Punahou school appears to have been almost sacrificial. To speak of his attending the best school on the island as if they were in the lap of luxury is a totally false characterization!

Barack must have had to weather all sorts of social ostracization - in Hawaii, Indonesia and finally back in the U.S. - always as a black boy/man. He was always in the minority, more especially when he was in grade school. To decide to remain with his grandparents when he returned to Hawaii as a 10-year-old would have been a difficult yet brave decision - to be without his precious and loving mother, as she returned to Indonesia...

Fineman speaks of Barack almost derisively, which I find offensive and unnecessary. It's almost personal. To say he ran 'impetuously' for a U.S. House seat is to suggest he was not just naive but immature, making sudden decisions! This is so out of keeping with everything that is known about Barack Obama as to be downright suspect!

Why the sudden skepticism Howard? I will find it hard to watch your analyses on my favorite programs from now on, I will be looking for hidden inuendos and ulterior motives.

Finally, I found the references to Barack's community work distasteful. To say he accomplished nothing, basically, that it wasn't effective or controversial is inaccurate. He helped the community get some much needed details of infrastructure taken care of, in terms of housing and facilities, a voter registration drive brought in 50,000 new voters (which greatly benefitted the campaign of non other than Bill Clinton, once a hero of mine), and more.

This is unworthy of you Howard, and unbecoming. I really enjoyed your articles and views till now, mostly because this is such an about-face as to seem downright mean.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

camcfarlane — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 00:05:45 GMT

I can't believe this is Howard Fineman - I have always watched and heard his analyses with interest and pleasure, I have found his critiques both fair and honest. What has bitten him?

There is some turn here, not on the part of Obama but on the part of Fineman. I am sick to my stomach. Perhaps he was throwing this out there to see what sort of reaction he would get? Whatever.

Why the sudden skepticism Howard? I will find it hard to watch your analyses on my favorite programs from now on, I will be looking for hidden inuendos and ulterior motives.

This is unworthy of you Howard, and unbecoming. I really enjoyed your articles and views till now, mostly because this is such an about-face as to seem downright mean.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

Katielee4211 — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 00:23:05 GMT

You have to have a financial base to have the education he has. Can you afford to go to Harvard?

His African-American heritage... let's not forget the good portion of white he has (something he apparently chooses to ignore--he must be ashamed of it), and did I read somewhere that there;s a bit of Arab as well?

And by the way just where is he getting those millions? Why won't he divulge that information? Because we won't like what we see? I actually have 2 channels of 24 hour a day Paid Ads---the Obama Channel. How do you pay for that?

I wouldn't say I'm pro-McCain, but I most certainly am anti-Obama, and his character has everything to do with it.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

hamlet72 — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 00:23:25 GMT

No point to the article. He must have had some deadline to meet and wrote this just for fun....

Bottom line is our deficit is out of control, currently at 10 Trillion dollars. It has increased 5 Trillion under Bush. The war in Iraq was a big mistake, with over 4500 troops dead, 25,000 troops injured and will cost over 2 Trillion dollars when it's all said and done and we still have not caught Bin Laden. The blame for the current financial mess can be laid on the feet of both parties (Phil Gramm, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac) and massive deregulation of the financial sector. If AIG had never heard of the word "derivative", they would not be owned by the taxpayers right now.

Who's the best candidate to lead us for the next 4 years? And the next 4 years will be very difficult.

Unfortunately taxes have to been raised in a manner as to not hurt businesses. Spending needs to be cut so as to not gut entire communities. Either candidate inherits a mess. A true mess.

I think if you examine the candidates, you will see Obama/Biden as the better choice. I like McCain, but Palin is absolutely not qualified to step in and lead this country. He should have chosen Romney or Guliani. But wait, his right wing base would not have voted for him because of Romney (a Mormon) or Guiliani (a social liberal). Somehow Roe v Wade is more important then the Iraq war and a financial meltdown? Crazy.

The media loves to spin and divide the country into red and blue. It becomes hard to distinguish between fact and fiction with all this spinning.

This country needs a change of direction. A change of policies and the electorate is demanding it as we cannot have a continuation of the last 8 years.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

bighappy — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 00:28:58 GMT

People want to vote for Obama because he would provide changes? What changes do you want? This is the wishful list:

1. Narrow gap between rich and poor.

2. Regulate banks and businesses to guarantee smooth grow.

3. Reduce taxes, mostly for poor.

4. Give everybody safe job.

5. Give everybody affordable health care.

6. Give everybody affordable home.

7. No discriminations of minorities.

One country already achieved ALL these purposes by 100%. It was USSR.

They did not have reaches (only poors), everybody could easily find a job (mostly type of illegal immigrants have here), and salaries were so cheap that it did not make sense to outsource them, everybosy had free health care (cheap but not so bad, by the way), Goverment gave appartments for free (50 square feet per person, after 10-20 years of waiting, but you could live in cheap dorm then), and all nations were forced to live in piece (no surprize they used the freedom to fight and kill each other 100%).

Do you want to repeat this experience? Not so long to wait, just elect Obama or similar liberals 4 times in a row. Fortunately, it will not happen, because in 4 years you will run, (crying and cursing) for Reigan-like Republican, because even capitalism is very bad system - nothing better was invented.

It will be pleasure to see you there in 4 years.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

kamakiriad — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 00:30:46 GMT

Wow, this is a bit of a hit piece. Discounting every Obama accomplishment in a subjective manner. His community organizing wasn't effective? Tell that to the 2000 people he managed to get job interviews or retraining. Not sure what caused H. Fineman to throw out such an unbalanced piece, but I hope it's just an abberation.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

bighappy — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 00:35:07 GMT

I forget to say - in USSR they had taxed only 12%.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

sunoverla — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 00:51:16 GMT

If Bxo received illegal donations then he must resign as Democratic nominee!

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

dewhite — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 00:53:03 GMT

I am onw who belives in Past Llives and Reincarnation. I have been told by a

reliable Psychic that the Body of Barack Obama carries the Soul of Abe Lincoln !!!

If that be the case, who colud be better qualified to be President of the United States

at this Time ???

D. E. White

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

WHSocialSecy — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 00:54:16 GMT

Anyone who votes for Obama deserves the misery his administration will bring.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

boom234splat — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 00:56:12 GMT

Two things. First, I think almost any president or presidential candidate would pale in comparison to Abraham Lincoln. Compare McCain to George Washington and see how he comes out. And besides that particular point, I have to say that it was a very one sided - dare I say, jaded, piece. Certainly far less than what I have come to expect from MSNBC.

Second, the reason candidates are not required to divulge the source of donations under $200 dollars is because it doesn't matter. I know it would take more than that to bribe me. Also, and though I hesitate to sound jaded myself, I would be more concerned about the massive sums McCain and Co have recieved from lobbyists.... even if they do say who it was from.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

jonbo — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 00:59:35 GMT

Yes, Katielee4211, regarding the Obama gene pool you seem to be so informed on, you DID hear there was "some Arab in there". From your daily toxic dose of morons like Rove and Robertson and Limbaugh. "Many dittos Rush...We think just like you do Rush...Thanks for doin' our thinkin' for us RUSH..."

As for bighappy: How'd that "LOW", 12% tax rate end up working out for the USSR's economy?

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

jarcher1 — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 00:59:59 GMT

Question Americana. How is it clear that he has been getting donations from foreigners and maybe even foreign governments? You say the FBI is now investigating - which BTW is a bit of a stretch - I think the GOP has filed a complaint with the FEC, which has yet to decide whether they are going to investigate or not. But lets, for the sake of argument, say the FBI is investigating Obama's campaign contributions. How is it you already know that they have evidence of your assertion. Are you connected to the FBI perhaps? Are you giving us the results of an ongoing investigation? I believe that's against the law in itself. Perhaps the FBI will use one of those National Security letters they are so famous for to find out your IP and nail you for compromising an investigation. But I don't think its anything like that actually, I think you're just a Limbaugh wanna be running your head.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

msivasankaran — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 01:05:40 GMT

Hey that was 40 years ago when Obama was a child and she was not even born. Atleast he did not use his office to get back to a family fued. US presidential office is totally a new experience. We all know what happened while experienced George Bush in office for the last 8 years.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

iwin — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 01:05:43 GMT

Everyone is biracial in Hawaii. Have you ever been there??? He was not a minority! But once he got to Chicago, the picture changed. Manipulated over and over again, unsure of himself, now he finds himself running for president thanks to the Chicago machine.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

msivasankaran — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 01:05:43 GMT

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

hamesh — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 01:20:15 GMT

I believe he is what our nation needs so desparately. When i think back of the positive years before bush became president...it makes me think of what could have been for our nation, my failing bussiness and my familty and others like us. He fullfilled his promises to his friends ... Mr Obama , will have his work cut out for him and his cabinet ,,,to turn this around. It makes Bush's farthers mess of 1991 look like a walk in the park

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

BillL — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 01:24:57 GMT

Good character and judgement is what we want jin a president. 1:Did Governor Palin use her elected powers to fire a dedicated police and attempt to fire another, over a personal family matter. 2: Did Governor Palin break her own state's law by using personal information devices to prevent accountability. 3: Did Governor Palin and her family and friends put themselves above and beyond the rule of law by refusing to respect subpoenas. 4: Did Senator McCain show poor judgement in selecting Governnor Palin to be his running mate. 5: Did Senator McCain care more for winning the election than picking someone who would be a potential President.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

brcent — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 01:31:28 GMT

Get real! Lincoln would turn over in his grave to see him being compared to an un-patriotic crook like Obama. If anything this guy has manipulated people and abused the black race to get where he is. When he needs to be white he talks about good old grandma and then throws her under a bus when he needs to be black. He is racist and a liar. He has never proven that he is qualified to do anything but be a part of a corrupt group of people.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

Katielee4211 — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 01:31:59 GMT

Jonbo, you don't even make sense. I really don't care what the ethnic heritage or race anyone is. His character is questionable at best. He makes such a big issue that he is black. Well strictly speaking he's only part, but he makes no mention of anything else. He plays the reace card. If anyone is divisive, he is. Rush is way over the top, sorry.

Dewhite, I'd highly doubt he carries the sould of Abraham Lincoln. I hope he doesn't see that, he already thinks he's the savior.

Boom... when does a donation become a bribe?

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

jarcher1 — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 01:35:25 GMT

"Is there any reason to see in Obama a Lincoln-like ability to unite a “house divided” in our perilous times? Is that even a fair question to ask or comparison to make?" You seem to forget Howard, that it took the bloodiest war this nation has ever fought to unite a house divided, and culturally its not united yet, just check out a map of red and blue states. Does Obama have some of the wisdom, perseverance in striving for the good of the whole, and love of this nation that Lincoln displayed? Perhaps. What I am convinced of is that the erratic, impulsive, self aggrandizing John McCain and his running mate Sarah "Six Pack" Palin do not. If Obama can remain fixed on two tenets: That the President is President of all the people, and that "The greatest among you shall be the servant of all.", then I think he will be great and accomplish much. I hope and pray that this is the case, because we the people need a great President right about now. Was it an unfair question to ask? No, Obama himself played the Lincoln card. Time will tell whether it was mere posturing or a portent of his Presidency.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

optimisticvoter23 — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 01:35:57 GMT

Mr. Fineman,

I agree with one of the other posters. I am so disappointed in your article. I love watching you on MSNBC and reading your articles in Newsweek. Unless you have some sort of explanation for this article, I will also never look at you the same way. It was sort of a "weird" article. It started out making my heart race. As I kept reading, I thought you were going in one direction, then you went in another. I have NO idea where your head was as you typed. I thought you were going to say something really profound, and then you just went into that big black hole where so many skeptics and "mean" conservative journalists go into trying to drag us all down with them.

I have been so depressed for the past couple of weeks. I work in a small hometown bank. I have been in banking for 30 years. I am a white, 48 year old mom of four, who has been married to the same man for 25 years. He has a college degree. I do not. I did not finish college. We have worked very hard to help send our first child to college. She graduated last year. Our second one is in her third year. Our third (our oldest son) is a senior in high school who will soon also make the big move that, so far with my daughters, seems to turn out bittersweet. Our youngest (our other son) is a sophomore in high school. I am so very proud of all of them.

I have grown up in a very small town in Middle Tennessee. My dad did not even have a high school education, and that's all my mom did have. There were 6 of us children growing up being raised by 2 wonderful parents who did the best they could, again, in a small southern town. My dad served in the military during the Korean War. His 2 brothers also served. My little brother joined the United States Army when he was 18, served two years, was honorably discharged, and became a police officer when he got out.

I work in a business that employs all white. Over the 30 years I have been with this group, I have only worked with 2 African Americans.

Our bank, at this time, is doing very well. I pray for our small town, my family, and our customers that it continues to do well. Our town, as a whole, is not doing so great. But as corny as it sounds, I have to have HOPE. I can't take turning on the TV anymore and hearing only bad news. I can't take listening to a campaign that offers NO HOPE, but is so scared of losing that it will tear down a man who I think may be our LAST HOPE. Do I think he is the Messiah? Of course not. Do I believe he can perform miracles and make everything turn around in six months if he were to be elected? No. I think he is just a man. I think, and I pray I am not wrong, that he is just a good and smart man. I do not think he is a perfect man or that he hasn't made mistakes or that he will never make them again. I do not think he is a liar, but do I think he has never lied? No. But, you see, I have four children and hopefully, someday, future grandchildren that I have to worry about. I have to have a reason to get up in the mornings when I worry everyday about the economy, healthcare, the ongoing wars, my family, and my little town. No. I do not fit the demographics of this man's campaign. But I WILL be placing, not my money (because I don't have much) but my HOPE on Senator Barack Hussein Obama.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

Nowforthetruth — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 01:43:00 GMT

We know some things. For example., the link below contains a purported list of the top 25 in Congress who got contributions from the folks at Fannie and Freddie. Obama is listed third, after Dodd and Kerry, even though Obama is just a junior Senator. Obama is followed next by Clinton. Barney Frank and Nancy Pelosi are on the list as well.

http://www.investors.com/editorial/IBDArticles.asp?artsec=16&artnum=1&issue=20080918

For an interesting article purporting to detail the House Financial Services Committee Chairs long history with Fannie Mae, See http://www.businessandmedia.org/printer/2008/20080924145932.aspx

"House Financial Services Committee Chair promoted GSEs while former 'spouse' was Fannie Mae executive."

The last link below describes how some in Congress tried to use the original version of the bailout bill to divert money eventually recovered to groups like ACORN. See:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122247015469280723.html?mod=googlenews_wsj

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

davenmag — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 01:46:35 GMT

Howard......you're blabering!!!!!!!!!!!!! Snap out of it!!!!! Barack "Hussain" Obama is not an African-American! DO YOUR HOMEWORK IF YOU'RE GOING TO PUT THIS CRAP OUT HERE LOSER!!!!

As anybody knows......anybody with the name HUSSAIN IS AN EGYPTIAN-BLACK-MUSSLIM!!!!!!!!!!! PERIOD!

America still doesn't know for sure who the H*LL this guy is! He lies, he conceals, he denies, he hides.....where the hell did this sob come from and what is his background???? NO BODY KNOWS???? AMAZING!!!! No childhood pictures....no friends from yester-year....No background on what his real values are based on.....does he have any values.....and what about his wonderful back stabbing wife Michelle???? She has a wonderful story to tell about she is "FINALLY FOR THE FIRST TIME PROUD OF AMERICA"! WHO THE HELL IS THIS PERSON THAT WANTS INTO "MY" WHITEHOUSE SO BADLY"!!!!!! The entire Obama family is a joke and a hoax!!!! Get out of American Politics so we don't find out who you really are!

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

izme — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 01:51:16 GMT

Now, if Obama wins the Presidency, I don't want any of you getting rich. That is not FAIR to the RESTof us. You will have to SHARE with all of us. We don't want anyone getting more than anyone else.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

bethany617 — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 01:54:00 GMT

Our country has been seriously screwed over by the Bush and the Republicans. Obama wasn't going to run at first, but so many people urged him to. When he says, "This is a defining moment...the stakes are too high...," that's his explanation for running. Hillary very well might have won, but Obama was confident that he could run a different kind of campaign...one that he felt would position the Democrats to win in Nov '08. Obama doesn't have selfish reasons for running...maybe that's what he has in common with Lincoln. And by the way...you asked, 'What did Obama have to lose?" Oh, I don't know...just his life and the lives of his loved ones.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

Fair & balanced — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 02:14:16 GMT

It's a shame that you allow such a comment. It is racist and disgusting how this guy talks about Obama and his family. is it hatred and racism or juts jealousy and envy . probably it is both but this guy should be ashamed . if this guy is american then i don't know what to call myself anymore.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

Fair & balanced — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 02:16:05 GMT

I meant the comment given by the guy called Davenmag .

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

centralOR — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 02:22:24 GMT

Where are the comments about what nowforthetruth said? Is it that the truth hurts?!!

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

jchri66 — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 02:27:13 GMT

While the Republicans throw the hate card with race I think we need to understand the reasons our economy is tanking. The people that created this mess were the proponents of the Commodity Futures Modernization Act of 2000. Look it up!!! This rider was slipped in at the last moment in the 2000 Omnibus Bill that was 11,000 pages long. This Banned Regulation of Credit Swaps. This was pushed by Phil Gramm and initially benefitted Enron. Remember Enron? This Banned Regulation of Credit Swaps is also the reason mortgage companies have been able to do the things they've done in the last 8 years. Look up "Commodity Futures Modernization Act of 2000". This is the smoking gun. Phil Gramm was McCain's campaign co-chair and is the guy that said "Americans are a nation of whiners!!"

Open your eyes, turn off Fox News and look up:

Commodity Futures Modernization Act of 2000 & Phil Gramm's involvement.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

Phoenician Lady — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 02:34:23 GMT

I Obama seems like a sort of amalgam of John Kennedy and Denzel Washington, with a little Sidney Poitier thrown in for good measure. Mr. Lincoln, I would hope, will serve as an inspiration to him. Lincoln, I think, would be pleased to be his "Guardian Angel", as sad and bemused as he would be at the world we live in and the office of the Presidency Obama would inherit. He is a young man, he has no doubt made mistakes in judgement , but if we elect him, my own belief is that he will do our nation proud. Certainly, his hands will be tied with regard to some of his more ambitious plans. He will have to learn that, or fail miserably. Still, he gives us a chance to change our image and to change our focus in a way that none of the more seasoned politicians would. If he will use his powers of persuasion to lead us to a more positive role in the world, he will have fulfilled his destiny very well.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

Jumper South Carolina — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 02:34:33 GMT

Lincoln criss-crossed central Illinois building his reputation, practicing his rhetoric in court, learning his negotiating skills before going to court and honing his powers of observation. He became acquainted with transportation law, (his "big" cases), on the Sangamon River, an over-sized creek in central Illinois, near Springfield. He even tried to run for local state office on the issue of improving its navigability. Lincoln was a much a product of Chicago as you are a product of River Falls, Wisconsin or Sleepy Eye, Minnesota.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

jordanadah — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 02:38:02 GMT

fineman you blew it. I like you but you're way off on this. You try tio comprehend walking in obama's shoes for awhile. You grow up mixed race, without a father, who gets moved to a foreign country by a step father and then sent back to his grandmother who was a racist. you try getting off drugs- all he had was his brains and temperment-and he did pull himself up. He's the only person of real character and honor in this race. The only one who did not panic during the financial crisis. He is grounded by an intelligent wife and 2 daughters who he adores. america needs a man like him. America needs him. period.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

centralOR — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 02:38:41 GMT

so jchri66 if what you say is true in 2000 maybe it was realized a mistake was made. So the reform that started with Bush in 2003, republlicans in 2004 and co-sponsered by McCain in 2005 is not counted?? All of this was opposed by the majority of dems, and most of all by Barney Frank. So who was responsible for not supporting the reform needed in order to not be in this mess NOW?

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

lawdgg — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 02:39:31 GMT

Obama is no Lincoln nor is he worthy of the Presidency. He has done absolutely nothing of significance for this country other than to associate with the likes of Jeremiah Wright, Ayers and Resko. He critizes McCain for having several houses and claims some type of privilege because he only has one house.. one by the way that is tainted with what Obama himself described as a "bonehead" decision. What does that tell you about his judgment? It will be a sad day in America if Obama is elected. Even overseas articles resonate that Hitler rose to power during a time of economic crisis, and we stand to risk the same ourselves. Castro, a young politician, rose to power and promised change: Cuba got change indeed, and we could risk the socialism policies that Castro stands for being implemented by the same socialistic agenda of Obama. I hope that the nation wakes up before November 4.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

MidwestCommonSense — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 02:42:33 GMT

Pathetic! It takes a corporate media hack to pass judgment on the lives of us working class folks, Barack included. Be warned: We the People WILL take back our government on November 4, and you can whine and cry about it all you like!

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

henshiwat — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 02:46:32 GMT

to davenmag

it look like you the one who did not do his homework

obama father is a KENNYAN national NOT EYGPTIAN

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

Pedro Pablo Manama — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 02:48:26 GMT

Joe Biden's story during the recent debate of how he learned to not doubt a fellow Senator's intentions, but to question his wisdom, is one of the great lessons of this political season. Mr. Fineman, I doubt your wisdom.

Senator Obama stated his opposition to the war in Iraq long before most, in a moment when realistically we can say our country was in a crisis of leadership. He called for withdrawal soon after. President Bush is now is conversation with the Iraqi government to set a timeframe for withdrawal. Senator Obama offered us much more than nothing! He offered us a sensable solution.

Several weeks ago when the financial crisis exploded, Senator Obama showed resolve and steadfastness, calm and serious consideration. He offered us true leadership. Senator McCain offered us fear and shenanigans.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

sayitboldly — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 02:48:58 GMT

Obama is not the anti christ but like clinton he wishes he would have the dubious distinction since it would give his life some meaning.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

sayitboldly — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 02:48:58 GMT

Obama is not the anti christ but like clinton he wishes he would have the dubious distinction since it would give his life some meaning.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

LeoB — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 02:55:51 GMT

I'm sorry, but I am not really sure of your motivation here? You use Abe Lincoln as the bar as if to undermine all of the accomplishments Mr. Obama has made over the course of the last few months. Is it not incredible, the amount of new voter registration, he his accountable for? Or the hope that he has given to millions? I find it insulting that you would stoop to such levels in an attempt to dismiss the man's track record; a man who has proven over and over again in the course of this campaign that you guys cannot inpregnant the mission. Obama has been ordained and sent by a higher power. A power which cannot be detered by your ill-intent. Bow down to the inevitable. It is clear that this is a new day. Passing, are the days where media conglomerates can sit up in the office suites and control the behavior of entire communities. CHANGE is destined and America has come face to face with that which has been written and etched in stone, there is no stopping the movement! This is what many others have fought long and hard to have. Malcolm, Martin, Evers, Huey P, Jackson, and countless others have died for the arrival of this day. Barack, America's next Great President.......Now that is CHANGE I can Believe in!!! Obama '08

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

Ohio for McCain/Palin!!!! — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 03:00:19 GMT

I think it is insulting to try to compare Obama with President Lincoln. President Lincoln was honest and sincere. Obama is a habitual liar and a cheat. Stealing votes in Ohio. Busing in homeless people from other states, dead people voting, criminals voting. How dare you attempt to compare this pathetic example of a man to President Lincoln. You should be ashamed.

No wonder your subscriptions are plummeting. Do you really think homeless people, dead people, criminals, etc. read your magazine.

You really should write an article on Democrats and Obama in regard to their obsession with Governor Palin. Obsessive Sarah Compulsive Disorder. The new democratic medical diagnosis. You need medicated!

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

agnstheflow — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 03:05:45 GMT

Let's see what good Obama does the next 4 years before we go compairing him to Lincoln, Martin Luther King, or JFK. So far he's done nothing worthy of that kind of praise.....he's bearly done anything at all. He was from Illinois, so what. Why even make this article except to put the words "Obama" and "Lincoln" in the same sentence.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

karela — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 03:06:43 GMT

Who wrote this under Howard Fineman's byline. It doesn't even sound like Fineman. We don't have to compare Obama to Lincoln. We can judge him by listening to him as he clearly delineates the problems the nation faces and his clear plans to deal with those issues and meet those needs. We can look at the things he's been saying for the past several years and we can see that he has vision. He has the rare gift of looking carefully at a situation and being able to see what the likely outcome will be. He has been right about what the war with Iraq would entail. For two years he's been writing to the Secretary of the Treasury warning that we were heading toward where we are now. A good leader doesn't have to lead in the same way as another led because each has his or her own gifts and style to bring. But Obama is showing himself to be an outstanding leader. He is pragmatic. He doesn't hot dog or fly off the handle. He defines a need, sets a course and then calmly and steadily moves toward the goal. We have never had an election season like this one. It has been harrowing and it has been going on for a long two years. Others have attacked him fiercely and he just keeps moving forward. Others rant and rave and he just keeps moving forward. Others panic and say that he has to get mean or that he can't fight back when he's attacked and he just keeps moving forward. He stands steady in the gale and just keeps putting one foot in front of the other. I have been watching and listening and studying the candidates intently for two years--and back to the 2004 DNC speech with Obama. I have seen a calm and steady leader who usually gets it right. I have seen a man who doesn't like to fight rough and who doesn't throw the first punch but who will defend himself when he needs to. I have studied his plans and they are eloquent. But what really impresses me is that he sees a vision of what can be, he decides how to get there, and without excessive high moods or low moods, he just keeps moving forward. I trust that. I think a man like that can lead our country back from the brink and we need such a leader now in these perilous times. I'm not the only one who thinks so. The country and a large majority of the states think so too and we are flowing toward him and we are growing in our good feeling about at long last having a leader we can follow so long as we just keep moving forward. But Lincoln did say some words that would fit comfortably in Obama's mouth and could honestly come from Obama's heart as well as Lincoln's:

"With malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in to bind up the nation's wounds, to care for him who should have borne the battle and for his widow and orphan, to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace among ourselves and with all nations."

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

jchri66 — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 03:07:52 GMT

The Anti-Christ?! Are you really having this conversation? You realize if there will be an Anti-Christ in will be a women. We know that the actual Anti-Christ will not be attracted to women. So she's probably going to be a women.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

jchri66 — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 03:09:48 GMT

Great post Karela!!

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

centralOR — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 03:11:55 GMT

So jchri66 our stil awake. why haven't you responded to my comment. Your sounded very angry about it.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

ranger396 — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 03:12:57 GMT

you guys blow me away. Lincoln started the largest war in history. The civil war . by the way slavery was not the issue in that war, the issue was federal control was being pushed upon the south, and we had already freed ourselfs fom the brit's and we were not going down that road again. if OBAMA gets elected that war will seem have seemed like a cake walk.

I will be like all the celbs like to say. " if he gets elected I will leave the country" give me a break they aren't going anywhere.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

izme — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 03:15:52 GMT

In an interview published in 1995, Ayers characterized his political beliefs at that time and in the 1960s and 1970s: "I am a radical, Leftist, small 'c' communist ... [Laughs] Maybe I'm the last communist who is willing to admit it. [Laughs] We have always been small 'c' communists in the sense that we were never in the [Communist] party and never Stalinists. The ethics of Communism still appeal to me. I don't like Lenin as much as the early Marx. I also like Henry David Thoreau, Mother Jones and Jane Addams [...]"In 1970 Ayers was called "a national leader" of the Weatherman organization and "one of the chief theoreticians of the Weathermen".The Weathermen were initially part of the Revolutionary Youth Movement (RYM) within the SDS, splitting from the RYM's Maoists by claiming there was no time to build a vanguard party and that revolutionary war against the United States government and the capitalist system should begin immediately. Their founding document called for the establishment of a "white fighting force" to be allied with the "Black Liberation Movement" and other "anti-colonial" movements to achieve "the destruction of US imperialism and the achievement of a classless world: world communism." In June 1974, the Weather Underground released a 151-page volume titled Prairie Fire, which stated: "We are a guerrilla organization [...] We are communist women and men underground in the United States [...]" The Weatherman leadership, including Bill Ayers, pushed for a radical reformulation of sexual relations under the slogan "Smash Monogamy

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

jhartjr — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 03:22:19 GMT

I don't understand the point of your article. It aimless and a waste of my time. Newsweek printed this article?

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

agnstheflow — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 03:25:57 GMT

"Obama has been ordained and sent by a higher power. A power which cannot be detered by your ill-intent. Bow down to the inevitable."

HA!! this is the kind of Obama worship that is discusting! How can anyone with such ignorance and disregard for human life to stand for abortion anytime, anywhere, at any age and in any country and make us taxpayers pay for it be from a "higher power". He manipulates the facts in his books to lift himself up....deals with anyone to get what he wants no matter how criminal they are. Or, he is being used as a puppet by these (communist) (united nations) criminals to take over our country and rob our freedom. All I see is fancy words, empty promices, brainwashed people, and liberal media fluff.

We need to keep the balance between socialism and freedom in this country and Obama is a step in the wrong direction.

"Passing, are the days where media conglomerates can sit up in the office suites and control the behavior of entire communities."

Isn't that why Obama's ahead in the polls?

This will be all our children in a few years. Worshipping our "dear leader" Obama.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7x-wpc2TpoM

This is what mostly turns me against him.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

izme — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 03:34:21 GMT

All in all, Mr. Ayers had ''a golden childhood,'' he said, though he did have a love affair with explosives. On July 4, he writes, ''my brothers and I loved everything about the wild displays of noise and color, the flares, the surprising candle bombs, but we trembled mostly for the Big Ones, the loud concussions.''

The love affair seems to have continued into adulthood. Even today, he finds ''a certain eloquence to bombs, a poetry and a pattern from a safe distance,'' he writes.

He attended Lake Forest Academy in Lake Forest, Ill., then the University of Michigan but dropped out to join Students for a Democratic Society.

In 1967 he met Ms. Dohrn in Ann Arbor, Mich. She had a law degree from the University of Chicago and was a magnetic speaker who often wore thigh-high boots and miniskirts. In 1969, after the Manson family murders in Beverly Hills, Ms. Dohrn told an S.D.S. audience: ''Dig it! Manson killed those pigs, then they ate dinner in the same room with them, then they shoved a fork into a victim's stomach.''

In Chicago recently, Ms. Dohrn said of her remarks: ''It was a joke. We were mocking violence in America. Even in my most inflamed moment I never supported a racist mass murderer.''

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

izme — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 03:35:19 GMT

During his fugitive years, Mr. Ayers said, he lived in 15 states, taking names of dead babies in cemeteries who were born in the same year as he. He describes the typical safe house: there were usually books by Malcolm X and Ho Chi Minh, and Che Guevara's picture in the bedroom; fermented Vietnamese fish sauce in the refrigerator, and live sourdough starter donated by a Native American that was reputed to have passed from hand to hand over a century.

He also writes about the Weathermen's sexual experimentation as they tried to ''smash monogamy.'' The Weathermen were ''an army of lovers,'' he says, and describes having had different sexual partners, including his best male friend.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

it's about the future — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 03:37:12 GMT

But how the great have fallen. And I mean you, Mr. Fineman.

What is the function of a Washington correpondent, exactly? Maybe i just found out and wish i hadn't.

Where were you while the Obama Campaign had every smear and lie thrown at them for the last 22 months?

Where have you been while Mr. McCain held hands with his 7 lobbyists, his superlobbyist and the more than 170 lobbyists who walked through his campaign halls this year?

Where were you when McCain told the Great Lie that he would fight Wall street and Deregulation, when he has voted for deregulation for his entire career in the Senate?

Where were you when McCain promised two trillion dollars in taxcuts for big corporations?

Which is more important? To save our young men, our economy, our health, and our good name? Or make up elaborate "got lucky" stories about Obama?

Fie on you, sir!

What a pandering load of old codswallup you printed here today.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

Clancy_Obrien — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 03:39:48 GMT

Eh! He's from Illinois. He's tall, but not that tall. He's eloquent? - but only when his coaching and crutches are in place. He's 'educated', but not self-educated. He associates with terrorists like Lincoln did with the Jayhawker Lane. He thinks he is morrally superior like Lincoln did. Maybe he'll start a civil war?

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

Clancy_Obrien — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 03:39:52 GMT

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

pinpoint — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 03:45:25 GMT

Howard! You're kidding right!

You try being a bi-racial child growing up without a father (or mother part of the time) -succeeding at the finest law school in the world -bypassing money and security to work in a poverty ridden neighborhood -running for president against all odds and beating the most popular and experienced political team in the world -then going up against an American war hero to defeat him also!!

This guy is a rare thinker and leader who is cool under pressure and generous in spirit.

If you disagree, I dare you to accomplish what he has! Just try it!

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

starzl — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 03:48:57 GMT

I am a big fan of Howard Fineman and I always enjoy listening and reading his insightful commentary. However, I agree with the other comments here, this article makes no sense. Mr. Fineman makes the choice to make this comparison and then attacks Obama because he does not meet the criteria set by Mr. Fineman for the comparison. Would Mr. Fineman prefer that Obama suffer the death of a child, a depressed wife to be deemed "challenge worthy?" The first part of this article almost brought me to tears especially the dreams of Lincoln being fulfilled in the same location by an african american man with the same power to inspire, but the last part of the article turned horribly bad. What Mr. Fineman should understand is that you can not judge a person's potential to lead based on adversities. What makeLincoln, Kennedy, Reagan great are not trying adversities, but an incredible skill to inspire. Something that Obama also has. Don't worry Mr. Fineman, I forgive you and will continue to look orward to your commentaries.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

LudwigVanBeet — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 03:51:39 GMT

The debate tomorrow will bare a striking resemblance to a Black Abraham Lincoln debating Elmer McFudd.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

pinpoint — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 03:57:38 GMT

Howard! You're kidding right!

This guy is a rare thinker and leader who is cool under pressure and generous in spirit.

If you disagree, I dare you to accomplish what he has! Just try it!

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

LudwigVanBeet — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 03:59:39 GMT

DEAR Father in Heaven I pray, Please help President Obama straighten out the Horrific, Apocalypse of Destruction that the Republican's have done to our Great and Beautiful Country, Please help him smother the Neo-Con War-Mongers and the Greedy Rape of the Land, Rivers and Oceans of the World by the noconscious attitude of the Repub's. and please expose The American Enterprise Institute for what they are, Amen

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

Merkle — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 04:02:57 GMT

Very, very poor writing, Fineman. Obama doesn't need to be compared to Lincoln. Obama is Obama. A man, trying to do better for America. What have we learned about how Obama would handle a real crisis? The crisis is upon us now, Fineman. The economy at the center of the debates. When asked about it, Obama has repeatedly laid out his plan while McCain dodges the issue by trying to conjure up the next illusion. You know McCain was scared to have that debate and tried to postpone it under the guise of "the importance of the national economy". But I'm glad you keep writing this nonsense. It's one of the reasons Obama keeps gaining popularity. Not just with Americans, but with people of the world.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

jchri66 — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 04:04:32 GMT

No no no my friend, centralOR. The legislation you are talking about was held up because Democrats wanted stricter oversight and also didn't agree with limiting Fannie Maes portfolio. Fannie Mae makes homeownership possible for a lot of 1st time buyers. Hindering that is not a good option regulating was so it died due to normal partisan problems. McCain didn't really work across the aisle on this one did he? If fact he was late to the table after a report had already come out before his epiphany and decided to jump on board to hide his past with the Keating Five.

The reality of the situation though is that Fannie Mae is the sole cause of this problem. It the investments bank and mortgage companies that used the Enron Loophole in the Commodity Futures Modernization Act of 2000. Without the loophole not of this would have happened.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

rayleonard2 — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 04:12:31 GMT

In “Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln”, Howard Fineman seeks to compare Abraham Lincoln and Barak Obama. Yet he neglects the most obvious comparison, that of their pre-presidential experience concerning government. Here, then, is a summary of the governmental and organizing experience of the two tall gentlemen from Illinois:

Lincoln:

Illinois General Assembly, 8 years, 1835-1842

Legislative Leadership: Floor Leader for the Whig Party (Republican precedent)

Organizer: Republican Party, 1854-1860

U.S. House of Representatives, 2 years, 1847-1848

Most memorable Congressional stance: Opposition to President Polk's war policy toward Mexico.

Obama:

Illinois Senate, 9 years, 1996-2004

Legislative Leadership: Chairman, Public Health and Welfare Committee

Organizer: Director, Developing Communities Project, 1985-1987

U.S. Senate, 4 years, 2005-present

Most memorable Congressional stance: Opposition to President Bush's war policy toward Iraq.

Web Sources:

http://www.gwu.edu/~action/2008/cands08/obamatime.html

http://www.keepandshare.com/htm/biographies/barack_obama/C01_barack_obama_biography.php

http://www.historyplace.com/lincoln/

http://www.alplm.org/timeline/timeline.html

http://www.apples4theteacher.com/holidays/presidents-day/abraham-lincoln/timeline.html

http://members.aol.com/RVSnorton/Lincoln23.html

http://www.sparknotes.com/biography/lincoln/timeline.html

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

Ohio for McCain/Palin!!!! — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 04:15:03 GMT

Obama and the Echoes of Mary Todd Lincoln should be the title!

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

LDS2484 — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 04:15:23 GMT

At the same time, we don't need Lincoln reborn. Each crisis is unique and requires its own strategies and solutions. I don't think Obama should be constantly asking himself "What Would Lincoln Do?"

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

EIB216 — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 04:17:15 GMT

Mr. Fineman:

You would have been better to write the original column you intended. This was chrlish, myopic, and untrue. I would hope and trust that Barack's goal is to be Barack 1.0, not Lincoln 2.0. You have totally missed the point.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

clockeman — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 04:18:34 GMT

Perhaps Obama is just really really really smart, and has avoided any 'real crisis' so far by being prepared and strategically brilliant (McCain knows by looking at the polls that Obama knows what strategy is....) Clearly he knows that the his greatest crisis will in fact be winning the presidency. Then the test will really start, but I'm sure he knew that at the outset.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

G_lish61 — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 04:34:06 GMT

Here's what I think, Obama will win this election, be President for 4 years and then Hilary will come back and finally get the Presidency! I'm actually glad that she's not having to deal with all of this now and can come in when the financial crisis is waning and can clean house with new mandates and do the good that I know she can do for this country.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

moniqueO — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 06:07:27 GMT

Yea, BIG difference! Lincoln actually DID love the United States and cared what happens to her, Where as Obama just says it to get votes and has always hated America and has hung out with just about every Anti American , Anti White group there is. Ayres, Rev Wright. Acorn /Black panther founder.

Obama has NEVER reach across the isle to unite even a sandwich!

Lincoln wanted to treat blacks as equals, Obama thinks Blacks should preach hate whitie.

20 YEARS Rev Wright. 15 Years Bill Ayres who lectured hate America and Whites just like Rev. Wright!!

Obama has that Chicago THUG/ hitler thing going to squash free speech that is against him, Lincoln, not a thug. Obama has made millions from the Fanny Mae situation, more then any other Dem! Lincoln, not corrupt!

Your premise is stupid. That means I am just like Margaret Thatcher because I am the same height as she was in her prime! And I visited where she was born and felt the cobble stones she once walked on. Idiot Libs trying to boost their empty suit that RAN away from Washington when everyone was working on a "Rescue Plan". Sissy BOY ran away!

NOT VERY PRESIDENTIAL of you Obama!!

If he is elected, (Here I go, thinking like a liberal) maybe we can HOPE for an end like Lincoln at least. (This is where whinny libs get to scream and shout) Just remember, You started it, dummy!

How dare you speak of Lincoln in the same breath as that Radical Socialist, pig lips!

thank you!

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

LudwigVanBeet — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 06:19:04 GMT

Too MoniqueO-- You sound a little Tense.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

LudwigVanBeet — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 06:25:46 GMT

I present to you The President of The United States, Barack Obama. Have a seat in the Oval Office Mr. President. and watch out for John Wilkes noTOOTH from a bigoted state like So. Carolina.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

jtwardmo — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 06:58:30 GMT

Dear It's about the Future:

Your comment on October 6, 11:37 p.m., was interesting to read.

When I have asked people who plan to vote for Barack Obama and Joe Biden how they made this decision, I have heard various responses such as the five below. When I have properly asked a second question in line with their response, they have usually turned away or used profanity.

I would like to hear from a person who supports Obama, is not simply dreaming that everything will become better with a larger government and a replacement of captialism with socialism and/or Marxism and can provide a good explanation of how Obama, who has been friends with people he knew were terrorists and who allowed his children to listen to and be baptized by Jeremiah Wright (who many people will never revere) and who delights people with appearances which often include statements (e.g., "Yes we can") that are meaningless or unealistic, would be a good President for the United States of America and would serve in line with the Constitution.

1) "Change" (without indicating that the change would be an improvement);

2) "We never should have entered the war in Iraq" (to which I agree we should have left before 2006 and then say that I fail to understand how this one item would be a reason to vote against a person who is not George W. Bush):

3) "Raise the taxes on the wealthy" (which would reduce the number of jobs in the United States);

4) "Lower the taxes on the middle class" (which is false for those earning over $45,000 a year);

5) "He is black" (with many saying they are against Sarah Palin, who has more experience than Obama, because she is female to suggest that they are racist, sexist, and against those over age seventy instead of voting for nominees who are more qualified).

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

Mrs Lincoln — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 09:54:52 GMT

All you Obama supporters have made him into the coming of the Messiah: you promise us that he'll walk on water, that he'll solve all the worlds problems with a wave of the hand, that he'll feed the hungry and house the poor with fishes and loaves; that he'll perform miracles that will give you your jobs back, stop your homes being foreclosed and provide you with free health care. Such a paragon of virtue ... so many promises . of course, seeing as he is such a miracle worker we will expect it all to be done in the first 100 days at least...we will expect all troops home from Iraq ...we will expect Afghanistan to be solved ......we will expect the Middle East issues to be solved .... we will expect the environment to be restored and global warning to be stopped just by the raising of his hand .... he only has to touch everything and all will be healed and solved. If will have to all be done in the first 100 days of course: that is only to be expected from such a miracle worker .... from such a Messiah. Allelujah! What he can't do it in a 100 days: but he is the Messiah, he is a miracle worker so you told us!

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

PJ-LOJM — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 11:17:49 GMT

I can't believe how stupid this article is. This may be the most stupid article I have ever read in my life. Are you saying, Fineman, that all of our leaders must be tested by fire? Do they all have to be prisoners of war or be downtrodden in some way? Do they all have to claw their way up from some abyss? Why would we judge a candidate by such criteria? We are all a product of a modern, cushy society, and very few of us (politicians especially) have dramatic stories to tell. Does that mean that Obama isn't qualified to be president?

Obama has a lot of significant accomplishments. He's been a lawyer, a university professor, and a successful politician – those careers alone put him in the elite in our society. And he did claw his way up from being a disaffected youth. Furthermore, just being a black person in this society is a trial in itself. Why are you insisting on blood? I thought you were a more reasonable person than to criticize Obama for having lived a normal, industrious life.

People who have experienced extreme hardship often have distorted views of the world. McCain's Viet Nam experience made him an aggressive hawk. That isn't what we need at this time. Also, McCain's experience in Viet Nam didn't prevent him from becoming a flip-flopping hypocrite as a politician, or a dirty campaigner. We need the normalcy that Obama will bring to the presidency. We need his even temperament. For you to criticize him for his greatest strength is the height of absurdity. That's what Republicans do, turning a person's strength into a liability. And for you to second-guess his judgment when he is about to secure the highest office in the land is laughable. His defeat of Hillary Clinton showed him to be a highly skilled politician.

My respect for your judgement has taken a huge dive.

My site: The Lies of John McCain, www.liesofjohnmccain.com

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

Ohio for McCain/Palin!!!! — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 12:10:54 GMT

Wow! Fox News just exposed Saturday Night Light for removing a skit regarding the democrats. Thanks God for Fox News. FAIR AND BALANCED. They are currently running the skit! SNL is afraid of Obama! The conservatives demand SNL perform a skit on Obama as Abraham Lincoln and Michelle Obama as Mary Todd Lincoln (bipolar)! How dishonest can Obama and Democrats be? Watch Fox News. EXPOSURE! Cowards and cheats. Vote stealing and fraud.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

cathycwzhang — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 12:28:59 GMT

this is so disgusting. he likes Lincon? He is a liar, a cheater!

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

Mary Todd Lincoln — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 12:58:30 GMT

Why has the 'Chosen One' repeatedly tried to suppress this lawsuit instead of just supplying the proof that it it untrue?

http://www.obamacrimes.com/

*BEFORE YOU COMMENT, READ THE ORIGINAL PDF OF THE PENDING CASE*

Monday, 06 October 2008

Berg Outraged: Obama & DNC file motion to delay discovery until after defendants motion to dismiss is decided

Berg is “Outraged” that Obama & DNC Hide Again Behind Legal Issues as their attorney files a Motion for Protective Order to “not” Answer Admissions & Production of Documents while Betraying Public in not Producing Documents proving Obama is “qualified” to be a candidate for President.

It is believed Obama is an “illegal alien”

Country is Headed to a Constitutional Crisis

(Lafayette Hill, Pennsylvania – 10/06/08) - Philip J. Berg, Esquire, the Attorney who filed suit against Barack H. Obama challenging Senator Obama’s lack of “qualifications” to serve as President of the United States, announced today that Obama and Democratic National Committee [DNC] filed a Joint Motion for Protective Order to Stay Discovery Pending a Decision on the Motion to Dismiss (which was) filed on 09/24/08.

While legal, Berg stated he is “outraged as this is another attempt to hide the truth from the public; it is obvious that documents do not exist to prove that Obama is qualified to be President.” The case is Berg v. Obama, No. 08-cv-04083.

Their joint motion indicates a concerted effort to avoid the truth by attempting to delay the judicial process, although legal, by not resolving the issue presented: that is, whether Barack Obama meets the qualifications to be President.

It is obvious that Obama was born in Kenya and does not meet the “qualifications” to be President of the United States pursuant to our United States Constitution. Obama cannot produce a certified copy of his “Vault” [original long version] Birth Certificate from Hawaii because it does not exist.

*Read the original lawsuit pdf - it could has been so easily 'thrown-out' IF they did indeed have the proof requested. They must not have the requested documents.

LINCOLN NEVER HAD ANY CHARGES AGAINST HIM IN A LAWSUIT LIKE THESE

http://www.obamacrimes.com/

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

Mary Todd Lincoln — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 13:06:15 GMT

Essentially, the argument is this:

Senator Obama could put this whole issue to rest by providing an official "vault copy" birth certificate.

Senator Obama has chosen not to do so.

The defendants (other than Obama) have a responsibility to protect the integrity of the electoral system by properly vetting the qualifications of candidates, which they have failed to perform.

Mr. Berg, other Americans, and our system of government are damaged by this failure.

Senator Obama, who has collected $425,000,000 in campaign contributions, has perpetrated a fraud.

Following are some of the factual statements made in the amended complaint (The complete complaint is attached below):

36. Obama is a representative of the Democratic People. However, Obama must meet the Qualifications specified for the United States Office of the President, which he must be a “natural born” citizen. Additionally, Obama must be at least a “naturalized” citizen to hold his Office of U.S. Senator for Illinois. Unfortunately, Obama is not a “natural born” citizen, nor is he a “naturalized” citizen. Just to name one of the problems, Obama lost his U.S. citizenship when his mother married an Indonesian citizen, Lolo Soetoro who legally “acknowledged” Obama as his son in Indonesia and/or “adopted” Obama, which caused Obama to become a “natural” Indonesian citizen. Stanley Ann Dunham Soetoro relocated herself and Obama to Indonesia wherein Obama’s mother naturalized in Indonesia. This is proven by Obama’s school record with the student’s name as “Barry Soetoro”, Father’s name: Lolo Soetoro, M.A., and Citizenship: Indonesia.

37. There appears to be no question that Defendant Obama’s mother, Stanley Ann Dunham, was a U.S. citizen. It is also undisputed, however, that his father, Barack Obama, Sr., was a citizen of Kenya. Obama’s parents, according to divorce records, were married on or about February 2, 1961.

38. Defendant Obama claims he was born in Honolulu, Hawaii on August 4, 1961 and it is uncertain in which hospital he claims to have been born. Obama’s grandmother on his father’s side, his half-brother and half-sister all claim Obama was born not in Hawaii but in Kenya. Reports reflect that Obama’s mother traveled to Kenya during her pregnancy; however, she was prevented from boarding a flight from Kenya to Hawaii at her late stage of pregnancy (which, apparently, was a normal restriction, to avoid births during a flight). By these reports, Stanley Ann Dunham Obama gave birth to Obama in Kenya, after which she flew home and registered Obama’s birth. There are records of a “registry of birth” for Obama, on or about August 8, 1961 in the public records office in Hawaii.

39. Upon investigation into the alleged birth of Obama in Honolulu, Hawaii, Obama’s birth is reported as occurring at two (2) separate hospitals, Kapiolani Hospital and Queens Hospital. The Rainbow Edition News Letter, November 2004 Edition, published by the Education Laboratory School did a several page article of an interview with Obama and his half-sister, Maya. The Rainbow Edition News Letter reports Obama was born August 4, 1961 at Queens Medical Center in Honolulu, Hawaii. More interesting in February 2008, Obama’s half-sister, Maya, was again interviewed in the Star Bulletin, and this time, Maya states Obama was born August 4, 1961 in Kapi’olani Medical Center for Women & Children.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

PlanB161 — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 13:24:29 GMT

To jtwardmo:

Some people do not fit into your categorization of why Americans love Barak Obama. I chose to support Barak nearly a year ago over every other Democratic candidate. It wasn't because he is black, or because I want change. I don't believe we should have ever been in Iraq, but McCain plans to get out too. I do believe in big government, but not necessarily high taxes on anybody. For me, choosing Barak was all about the issues that he represents. I made a chart of what every candidate represented and he fit the best out of everyone.

For me, it's about real educational change, mandatory health care for children, a woman's right to choose, the right to diplomacy, the focus on domestic issues, and setting our economy back to the Clinton years. Where is John McCain on any of these issues?

Our future generations should not be hurt by our mistakes. We need to take care of our children. Education should have much higher standards, because we are being beaten to death by foreign countries on this issue. Ask India. With a mandatory heath care system for children, we will be giving our next generation every physical opportunity to excel. Why is this such a bad thing?

On foreign issues, I simply believe in diplomacy. If we are really this civilized, why can't we just sit down and talk to each other? Having a conversation with an Iranian dictator does not condone everything he says. A conversation could save hundreds of lives.

On domestic issues, we are now in a hole. Maybe some people do not see it, but domestically, I believe we have more homeless, unemployed, uninsured people than we have in over 20 years, among many other problems. We need to stop focusing on the issues other countries are having and focus on our own.

That is why I am voting for Barak Obama. So what if he's black. So what if "Change" is a drinking game college students play when he makes a speech. He represents me. He represents what I believe, as well as so many others across this great nation. Is he like Lincoln? We won't know for another four years, so long as America makes the right decision in November. But he sure gives us hope that he is, and I'm not going to stop believing now.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

MESSAGEMAN — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 13:43:33 GMT

I'm sorry but my conclusion is that Sarah Palin, is "THE TRAILER TRASH" of all politic's and the only thing positive, that I see about her is that she is a pretty face. Yesterday all the major news networks were talking about this Bill Ayers guy, my question was who is he? and what did he do ?

I am in my fiftie's and like to be informed about what is happening in the world, and I can't remember anything coming on the new's about him and what he had done. As it turns out his controversie occured 40 years ago, 40 years ago, when Obama was an 8 year old kid.

What has that got to do with anything that is happening in our world today? Bill Ayers according to Palin was some kind of Terrorist that Obama paled around with according to Palin, 40 yaers ago had to be in the 1970's, we didn't have terroist treatening the U.S. back then did we? Bill Ayers crime supposeidly was expousing radical views,last time I checked that was not a crime. So what is her point and why did all the news media spend all day talking about this and nothing was hardly mentioned about the Keating 5, which McCain was a part of. I remember lots of coverage about that, but that was not important according to the news media. Give me a break.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

C. MacLean — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 14:43:34 GMT

On the surface, many of these statements make sense, but they also serve to trivialize what Obama has accomplished - he has inspired a generation. Say what you wish about his experience or lack there-of, inspiration is a powerful thing. And beating the Clinton machine was not luck, it was hard work.

And to try and paint Lincoln as a unifier is misleading - he didn't unite the country, he beat into submission a third of it.

Given the 'experience' of the people currently running Washington, experience as a commodity seems pretty over-rated right now. What strikes me most about Obama is his willingness to seek out experience and excellence in others - to me, the sign of a real leader.

He doesn't need to have the answers - he just needs to know where to find them. And there is nothing in his performance so far that leads me to believe he isn't willing to listen - quite the contrary - listening and building consensus seems to be one of his greatest talents. Contrast that with someone like Bush, or even McCain - too confident in their own ability to listen to anyone but themselves or their narrow inner circle.

Humility, it would seem, is a quality more in demand these days than hubris or experience.

In that, he is remarkably similar to Lincoln.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

think4yourself — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 14:44:23 GMT

I am so SICK of people comparing Obama to out great Presidents! Obama has nothing in common with Lincoln, Kennedy nor Roserveltt. He has never sacraficed himself in any way for this country that he wants to run. By looking at the family structure Michelle wears the pants in the family and the kids are loud mouthed little brats ( but cute) but still spoiled! If cant even run his own house, why should we let him run ours? And by making him President that is what we are doing.

Lincoln would have never accused our soliders of bombing innocent people in front of the world. Rooservelt would have never fought against the regulations proposed by McCain against Fannie Mea and Freddy Mac in 2005 much less been a contracted worker for the ACORN organization which is the source for this whole mess. And Kennedy would have never called small town Americans (in Pennsyvania) Small minded people clinging to their guns and their reglion.

The media in every form from print to radio to television should be ASHAMED of themselves for the diservice they have done the American people. The only thing reporters are required to do is to give both sides of the story and not be one-sided. History will judge this campaign as the most propganda filled, unprofessional, display of abuse of power in history. What the media has done is worse than not cover Obama fairly like McCain. But they have gone so far as to out and out LIE about the FACTS! The fact is :

- Obama did work for ACORN and is involved with voter registration and fraud proven in Ohio and FL

- Obama not only had a close relationship with William Aiers but the Campaign has purposly SEALED all written memos and notes between Obama and Aiers and WILL NOT release them to the press.

- That he got into Harvard through from a radical black Muslim with close ties to the Saudi royal family and an outspoken opponent of Israel helped finance Obama's law school education. Obama's benefactor at the young age of 25 is Dr. Khalid Abdullah Tariq al-Mansour a/k/a Donald Warden.

- Obama will NOT ALLOW DRILLING OF ANY KIND IN THE US AND WILL PUT OUR COUNTRY'S SECURITY IN THE HANDS OF SAUDI'S (HIS FRIENDS) ($700+Billion a year)

Why is this not in the Press not cover this? Why are you just now finding out about this with 29days left? THAT'S A VERY GOOD QUESTION?

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

think4yourself — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 14:44:38 GMT

- Obama did work for ACORN and is involved with voter registration and fraud proven in Ohio and FL

- Obama not only had a close relationship with William Aiers but the Campaign has purposly SEALED all written memos and notes between Obama and Aiers and WILL NOT release them to the press.

- Obama will NOT ALLOW DRILLING OF ANY KIND IN THE US AND WILL PUT OUR COUNTRY'S SECURITY IN THE HANDS OF SAUDI'S (HIS FRIENDS) ($700+Billion a year)

Why is this not in the Press not cover this? Why are you just now finding out about this with 29days left? THAT'S A VERY GOOD QUESTION?

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

it's about the future — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 15:55:40 GMT

WHERE IS HOWARD FINEMAN'S BODY

AND WHAT HAVE YOU DONE

WITH HIS SOUL.

Truth?

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

befair — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 16:12:50 GMT

People cast their vote for President for all kinds of reasons. We are down to the wire now and all we can do is continue to support Obama, donate to his campaign and remain strong against the horrible attacks that the Republican Party are deploying. Those who choose to believe lies, innuendos and manipulation of the facts are not going to listen to reason at this late date and it is useless to even try anymore. I pray for Obama almost hourly now and believe with my heart and soul that the good man he is and the positive way he wants to move the country forward, will somehow carry the day. I guess I hope against hope that we will finally be able to break the chain and come out from in under the dark cloud of hate that has engulfed our nation. A hate that is once again being used by John McCain as he struggles to reverse the way the country wants to go. It has been a battle all the way and we know it will be that way until the end. God Bless Sen. Obama.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

Nowforthetruth — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 16:13:22 GMT

The link below contains a purported list of the top 25 in Congress who got contributions from the folks at Fannie and Freddie. Obama is listed third, after Dodd and Kerry, even though Obama is just a junior Senator. Obama is followed next by Clinton. Barney Frank and Nancy Pelosi are on the list as well.

http://www.investors.com/editorial/IBDArticles.asp?artsec=16&artnum=1&issue=20080918

Then there is the Senate Banking Committee Chairman Christopher J. Dodd who allegedly got special mortgage deals from Countrywide, who gave preferential rates to 'friends' of company's chairman.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25140560/

For an interesting article purporting to detail the House Financial Services Committee Chairs long history with Fannie Mae, See http://www.businessandmedia.org/printer/2008/20080924145932.aspx

"House Financial Services Committee Chair promoted GSEs while former 'spouse' was Fannie Mae executive."

The link below describes how some in Congress tried to use the original version of the bailout bill to divert money eventually recovered to groups like ACORN, a group Obama has a long association with. See:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122247015469280723.html?mod=googlenews_wsj

And then there is House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who allegedly has directed nearly $100,000 from her political action committee to her husband's real estate and investment firm.

http://www.washtimes.com/news/2008/oct/01/pelosis-pac-pays-bills-for-spouses-firm.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

clidl — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 17:40:45 GMT

Obama's reference to Lincoln has not been lost on me. When asked about books he is reading he said Doris Kearn Goodwin's Team of Rivals (which I have read). That spoke volumes to me. You cite Lincoln's rise in politics vs Obama.s. True, they are different, but then again so are we and the times. I would argue that the most basic similarity between the two is that Obama is trying to renengage us in Lincoln's assertion in his first inaugural address " The mystic chords of memory, stretching from every battlefield and patriot grave to every living heart and hearthstone all over this broad land, will yet swell the chorus of the Union, when again touched, as surely they will be, by the better nature of our angels.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

anamorphicart — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 18:00:06 GMT

He is a lot closer to Lincoln than anyone running in the past decade!!

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

anamorphicart — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 18:00:06 GMT

He is a lot closer to Lincoln than anyone running in the past decade!!

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

anamorphicart — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 18:00:16 GMT

He is a lot closer to Lincoln than anyone running in the past decade!!

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

Therese in NV — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 19:44:32 GMT

You've got to be kidding me! Barack Obama like Abraham Lincoln? Not by a long shot! Abraham Lincoln actually knew the job of Presidency and oversaw a war. Both of which Barack Obama has ZERO experience. Barack Obama has changed his mind on issues from the Iraq War, Offshore drilling to his healthcare and medicare programs. Something Abe Lincoln never had a problem with. When Abe Lincoln made up his mind on an issue, that's where it stayed. Additionally, you never saw Abe Lincoln supporters going to High Schools trying to get 17 year old students on the verge of 18 signed up to vote Democrat. Someone tell me what a 17 year old high school student knows about the reprocussions of a wrong presidential vote! Barack Obama is NO Abe Lincoln!

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

it's about the future — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 20:27:47 GMT

4,000 american men and women were killed in Iraq, and

thousands more human beings were killed in Iraq

in a manufactured and phoney war.

Now no secret.

The Pentagon admitted there were no weapons of mass destruction in Iraq.

Al Quaeda was not there.

Oil was there.

The same Administration that manipulated this crime on the American people

and people overseas whose famillies had done us no wrong,

have bankrupted our country

and are proposing four more years of McSame.

What more information do you need to think through the republican strategy for dumbing us down?

More character defamation?

More guilt by association?

More trillion dollar tax cuts for Big Oil?

WE can do better.

WE deserve better.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

PJ-LOJM — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 21:05:37 GMT

C. MacLean, that was a wonderful post, better than mine which was too angry. This article of Fineman's is the worst he has ever written.

My site: The Lies of John McCain, www.liesofjohnmccain.com

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

5generations — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 21:13:36 GMT

Wasn't Abe a Republican?

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

5generations — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 21:13:56 GMT

Wasn't Abe a Republican?

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

bvgoulter — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 21:50:33 GMT

The murderous hatred, malice and sheer disrespect for truth that permeates the majority of these anti-Obama comments is both sickening and frightening. They make one despair of humanity and democracy. What has happened to America?

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

bvgoulter — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 21:51:17 GMT

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

bvgoulter — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 21:51:18 GMT

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

merdewi — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 02:59:46 GMT

Whenever i listen to President -to-be Obama speaks, he already sounds like the President of the US. Good Luck!

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

divinely speaking — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 03:27:47 GMT

Mr Fineman: Here is the quote from your article:

"What have we learned about how Obama would handle a real crisis?

Nothing."

We know that he will have the best brains working for him as did Kennedy or Clinton. We know that he will consult the experts, as did Kennedy and Clinton. We know one thing for sure, he would not prefer to be baby sitted by his paa's buddies, as we witnessed for the past seven years, who made the decisions for the president, and wasted our resources in Iraq. We can be sure we will not have the crooks like Dick Cheney and Rumsfeld in the White House dicating the action.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

Ohio for McCain/Palin!!!! — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 06:19:38 GMT

Why don't you write an article on voter fraud to include Acorn! Are you allowed?

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

Ohio for McCain/Palin!!!! — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 06:22:57 GMT

Mr Fineman: Here is the quote from your article:

"What have we learned about how Obama would handle a real crisis?

Nothing."

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

No, he will have Rev. Wright and buddies! Smart? I don't think so! How about an article on voter fraud? Acorn and Obama, there is a relationship/comparison there!

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

HappyDay41 — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 13:10:26 GMT

NO. omama is NOT like Lincoln.

Lincoln was "Honest Abe", remember? He was a man of integrity, his knowledge was steeped in American history-- a country he loved and revered deeply, especially the era of the Revolutionary War when men shed their blood for liberty. He had exceptionally good judgment and surrounded himself with men of upstanding character.

NO. Omaba is NOT like Lincoln.

and you do Lincoln's legacy a disservice to suggest such an outrageous thing.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

HappyDay41 — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 13:15:48 GMT

Fineman says, "In the life Lincoln led before his victory in 1860, he was tested as perhaps no leader in America had ever been—by financial struggle, personal loss, public humiliation and political defeat."

Here's a history lesson: Those who came before Lincoln who were tested in such ways:

Andrew Jackson, Aaron Burr, George Washington, John Marshall, Alexander Hamilton, John Adams, Tom Paine, even Jefferson had deep personal loss and public humiliation during the election of 1800's. Many of our early American leaders went from rags to riches to rags. Public humiliation was part and parcel of that.

Fineman, get some facts straight and quit trying to artificially morph Barry Sotero, Barack Hussein Obama, into a great American mythological figure.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

it's about the future — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 16:49:17 GMT

HappyDay41

This is not your attempt to humiliate?

The old tear-down strategy gets old, but you keep on.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

greatmidwest — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 01:52:25 GMT

Senator Barack Hussein Obama is in many ways very similar to Abraham Lincoln in that both men recognized that being President of the United States is not the defintion of oneself, but merely another means of serving one's country, a means which can truly test an individual's abilities and personal character to their fullest. This is what millions of Americans identified when they first set eyes on this African-American senator from Illinois, the Land of Lincoln, during the 2004 presidential election. Like his fellow statesman, Obama possesses an midwestern simplicity that is charmingly captivating, views the world through colorblind eyes, and from that perspective, he contemplates his vision for America. Like Lincoln, Barack Obama recognizes that the work of the Presidency is never done, and that one's innate leadership and intellect are essentially inseparable when one becomes the President of the United States of America.

God Bless America

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

greatmidwest — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 01:52:37 GMT

God Bless America

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

J.R. Seus — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 19:32:09 GMT

A Cemetery in the Closet

Inspired by Dr. Seuss’s Green Eggs and Ham

Barack and Biden

Biden and Barack

That Barack-and- Biden!

I do not like that Barack-and-Biden!

“Do you like

closets to hide in?”

I do not like them, Barack-and-Biden.

I do not like

Closets to hide in.

“Would you trust us

here or there?”

I would not trust you

here or there.

I would not trust you anywhere.

I do not like

closets to hide in.

I do not like them, Barack-and-Biden.

“Would you like a racist preacher?

Or a terrorist for teacher?”

I would not like

a racist preacher

or a terrorist

for teacher.

I do not trust you

here or there.

I do not trust you

anywhere.

I do not like

closets to hide in.

I do not like them,

Barack-and-Biden.

“Would you let us

steal and lie?

Let Fannie Mae

dip in your pie?”

Not with a lie.

Not in my pie.

Not racist preacher.

Not terrorist teacher.

I would not trust you

here or there.

I would not trust you anywhere.

With all the closets you two hide in,

I would not vote Barack-and –Biden.

re: Obama and the Echoes of Lincoln

hobie51 — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 01:50:08 GMT

I put Obama more in the lineage of a Bobby Kennedy more than Lincoln. Like Bobby, who campaingned to end the Vietnam War, so has Obama with Iraq. By the way Howard, only politically speaking was Lincoln from IL and didn't move there until he was a man at 21, so I guess in that regard Obama is like Lincoln. Like Bobby and Lincoln, however, Obama is a gifted speaker.

Just wondering if we had an Abraham running today if it would stir up the same unfounded fears as the name Barack Obama?

Wright Is Right » Lincoln and Obama

Anonymous — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 05:49:35 GMT

PingBack from http://camwright.blogivists.com/2009/06/20/lincoln-and-obama/