Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

keithkamisugi — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 20:36:55 GMT

This post is exactly on point. Hawai'i is a home to Obama and those of us from the Aloha State are thrilled that he's taking some downtime on O'ahu and spending time with his grandma.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

corporate media watcher — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 21:32:34 GMT

Great reality check, Andrew! Keep up the good reporting.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

seabreeze — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 21:43:31 GMT

Andrew: When you say Obama's main reason for vacationing in Hawaii is to see his grandmother, what exactly are you basing that on? His saying so in press statements? In fact, Obama reportedly spent ONE HOUR visiting his grandmother, "the woman who raised me...who loves me more than anything in this world." AND, incredibly, he brought the press with him, but strangely NOT his wife and children. So Obama stayed a shameful one hour, long enough to get a photo op, but not so much that it would cut into the GOLF GAME he made plenty of time for that same day. Do you still REALLY think he went to Hawaii to spend time with his grandmother? (The woman he creepily and cruelly caricatured in that Philadelphia speech--no one has thrown more people under the bus than Obama when it suits his needs, even close relatives.). Good Lord, I can't imagine being so selfish or disrespectful to any of my grandparents. (He couldn't stay to have a meal with her? Even when on vacation?) In fact, Obama appears to b a self-absorbed, ungrateful jerk who cares more about gaining political points than doing right by "the woman who raised him." Really, Andrew, rather than just taking the PR spin you're fed by Obama's press operation, try doing your job and using commonsense and a little detachment to report on the people you cover.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

stonehenge — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 22:00:53 GMT

The difference between the Candidates is that Obama is paying for his vacation.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

krotten1 — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 22:25:33 GMT

"Here's hoping that America's voters aren't as silly as its pundits."

*********

We can only hope but, unfortunately, these same silly pundits are the primary source of "information" (read: "infotainment") for the average American. That kind of shoots hope right int he butt.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

dkawaii — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 22:26:31 GMT

Republicans need to lay off the personal smear. It is the same old crap year after year.

Obama went on vacation to his birthplace of Hawaii. It is one of our 50 states. On vacation, he can do whatever he needs to do to recharge. By the way, I think that the fact that he is confident in his campaign staff to the point that he can take a vacation speaks volumes of his leadership skills. I would like to see McCain try to take a vacation with the campaign management that he has set up. It is falling apart while he is micro-managing everything.

Picking on his relationship with his family is out of bounds and pathetic. Try sticking to the issues. Oh yeah, Republicans will loose on that. So instead we get the same old same old.

John McCain: the same old Bush.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

krotten1 — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 22:31:31 GMT

seabreeze (or should I call you sleezebreeze),

What is your source for your reporting? Just because he went to play a round of golf does not necessarily mean that he is ignoring his Grandmother or that he is finished visiting with her. Site your source. Plus, you right wingers are the only ones who thought he was (and I really hate this new, too-often used term) "threw her under the bus". I have said on many occasions that, while my Dad is a very good person, he makes racial comments that make me cringe. He is of another era for whom race was a defining factor. Just because Obama acknowledges this fact does not make him an ingrate.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

pj07 — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 22:33:10 GMT

I don't think Obama surrogates want to talk about McCains home much. Anyone that looked up Obamas home on google maps (address leaked to cryptome.org) will notice a Mosque right across the street.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

coll.env — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 22:42:27 GMT

Sen. Obama is going to make a very "GREAT PRESIDENT" in spite of the Press and the Republican Party !!Might as well put Carl Rove ,Joe Lieberman, Graham and some of the rest of the Bush Clan !!!

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

Ratgurl — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 22:42:41 GMT

Posted By: pj07 (August 11, 2008 at 6:33 PM)

"I don't think Obama surrogates want to talk about McCains home much. Anyone that looked up Obamas home on google maps (address leaked to cryptome.org) will notice a Mosque right across the street"

Just out of curiosity, is that supposed to imply something? I'm a white, middle-class, middle-aged, college educated female, and there's a mosque right across the street from where I live in San Diego. And, for the record, I'm agnostic. So what's your point?

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

pj07 — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 22:58:49 GMT

Posted By: Ratgurl (August 11, 2008 at 6:42 PM)

"Just out of curiosity, is that supposed to imply something? I'm a white, middle-class, middle-aged, college educated female, and there's a mosque right across the street from where I live in San Diego. And, for the record, I'm agnostic. So what's your point?"

Your bio sounds a lot different to Obama's. You would have fewer problems getting voters to feel you weren't "other", or "apart" from their experience. Living next door to a mosque, even though his house is now for sale, is just another question mark. I'm sure Obama would just relish explaining his decision in doing that. Its not like he currently spends any time trying to explain his bio.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

VoteResponsibly08 — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 23:31:38 GMT

Mr. God! Mr. I am wonderful, Mr. Elitis, Mr. The world is waiting for me...

Well I am not and will never vote for you Mr. Obama who thinks he is the messiah...

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

VoteResponsibly08 — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 23:34:57 GMT

Photo Op, Photo op, Photo op, Photo op...that is all he does and then he gives us all a bunch of BS..

He is nothing more than a self serving politician who will do nothing for us but to put us in RISK

OBAMA IS A BIG RISK..THANKS BUT NO THANKS,,,,SEND THIS SENATOR BACK TO THE SENATE TO GET SOME EXPERIENCE, TO GET SOME CORE, TO GET SOME SUBTANCE

AND STILL THEN HE WILL NOTMAKE A GOOD PRESIDENT..HE IS A BIG PHONY

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

seabreeze — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 23:38:10 GMT

krotten1: I suggest you do your homework before you rush to Obama's defense without any facts to back up your blind name-calling.

Note: http://starbulletin.com/2008/08/09/news/story04.html In fact, Hawaii's Star-Bulletin, August 9 reported on the visit: "Obama -- escorted by Secret Service and accompanied by a few campaign staff and a pool of reporters and camera crews -- arrived at about 4:10 p.m. yesterday and spent an hour with his 85-year-old maternal grandmother, Madelyn Dunham, who helped raise him. He was not accompanied by his wife, Michelle, and two daughters.

Obama waved to a few residents and reporters as he got into the elevator at the Punahou-area apartment building.

One woman who lives in the building had two books authored by Obama in hand and watched as the elevator doors closed. She waited patiently outside the elevator.

"I just hope I can still get an autograph," said the woman, who did not want to give her name.

Another resident and her two sons awaited the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee with two red and green leis, then later went up in the elevator.

"They probably let her go up and give the leis," the woman with the books said. "She's giving something. I want something."

But a man identified as the building owner said the Secret Service did not allow her to present Obama with the leis. The woman with the books did not get Obama's autograph, either."

Many other articles report on his making time to play golf and so on. I don't have a problem with anyone's playing golf. I have a problem with his just spending an HOUR with the woman "who raised him." -- And making sure he had the National press (that's what the "pool" is) in tow to photograph the visit -- but not his wife and children.

Also, your "right winger" comment made me laugh. I'm a lifelong democrat, who's maybe voted twice for a Republican. I would have no problem considering Obama for President in perhaps 8 or 10 years, if he EVER accumulates a record. Instead, he's a very traditional pol, who came up through the corrupt Chicago system by attaching himself to every sleazy "fixer" (Rezko and others) and "money player" in that city. His only accomplishment is his ability to advance himself into evermore high profile jobs, but he never "achieves" anything in any of them. Even in the State Senate in Chicago (and seriously, do you want to rely on the qualifications of a State Senator to justify the worthiness of a presidential candidate?!?!) was manufactured by Illinois State Senate President Emil Jones when Obama told him he wanted to run for Senate. (Jones forced other State Senators to attach Obama's name as the lead sponsor on all their bills so he would get credit, though he had done either no or little work. This has been documented repeatedly by the major Chicago papers--you won't have trouble "sourcing" this. Just Google it.) Most politicians embroider and create myths about themselves. Obama is neither better nor worse. But UNLIKE other presidential candidates, he has no accomplishments to balance his flaws. All the sweeping change he claims he's going to accomplish has never been achieved by him EVER in his career.

I've already lived with one completely unqualified president -- George Bush. I don't want another one with even less qualifications. Obama needs to prove to me he has the self-discipline and the commitment to actually stay long enough in a job to accomplish something, rather than focusing merely on advancing himself.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

olga c — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 23:51:12 GMT

Well, he's not out until the 17th because he has a gig at Rick Warren's Civil Forum on Aug. 16. But you're right, voters are sick of this crap. The only people the republicans are appealing to is themselves. They're making each other giggle.

http://ochairball.blogspot.com

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

jac66 — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 00:00:24 GMT

Thanks for a sensable article. There is nothing wrong with Obama visiting his grandmother. I bet she would have loved to be with him here but her age is a consideration. Besides everyone looks forward to going to visit Grandma.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

nobushthirdterm.com — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 00:03:31 GMT

I applaud your efforts to speak the logical truth.

However, the mainstream media would rather revel in stirring up $hit than point out the obvious facts. Just like with the Edwards thing -- Where's the coverage on John McCain's ADMITTED adultery? He's a presidential candidate and his first wife was disabled and disfigured when he cheated on her.

Meanwhile, McCain presumes to BE president NOW and is already rattling his sabres against Russia. There's a scary message:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PdJUCU1UH2w&eurl=

Watch it. Be afraid. Be very afraid.

McCain = BUSH = More of the SAME

http://nobushthirdterm.com

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

Savvyone — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 00:50:47 GMT

pj07 is an ignorant fool with regard to the his comment stating that the Obama's live across the street from a Mosque. first it doesn't matter, and second that is a synagogue not a mosque. Please educate yourself for christ sake.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

SAGG — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 01:06:54 GMT

Yeah--here's hoping...

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

SAGG — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 01:13:33 GMT

Posted By: seabreeze (August 11, 2008 at 7:38 PM)

----------------------------------------------------

You know, I'm starting to see some sort of pattern here: That people who won't vote for Obama are using BUSH as an example to compare him to, not McCain. It's sort of twisting the reason not to vote for Obama.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

hillalltheway — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 01:15:31 GMT

this report, what a waste of time.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

seabreeze — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 02:21:05 GMT

SAGG: That's really looking hard for a pattern that doesn't exist. (The reference to George Bush was made solely because he's our current bad choice for a president.) I don't want to vote for McCain OR Obama. Is that clear enough for you? I think both are bad options, but for different reasons. I think the whole primary/caucus system is flawed, and I'm disgusted with the second-rate options it gives voters.

That said, I'm more concerned that you've ignored the substance of what I've said (cannot you factually answer it?). Why don't you look at Obama's actual record, not the PR hype? What did he actually DO as a community organizer? What were HIS actual accomplishments as a state senator (as opposed to what was manufactured for him by Emil Jones)? What evidence do you have of his EVER being an agent for major change in his career? People who worked with him at the Harvard Law Review said he was a pleasant, very smart guy, but often they wanted to say, "For God's Sakes, enough with the discussion, make a DECISION!) He has a completely undistinguished record in the U.S. Senate. To me, Obama seems more likely to be a weaker, less qualified (except for prepared speeches) version of Jimmy Carter than anyone else.

Considering he's got one of the most limited records in presidential history, then one would hope he had a super special character to distinguish himself, which he doesn't particularly. Look whom his close friends have been in Chicago. A number of them are under indictment or investigation--or they're part of the Daley machine. (We don't even have to touch on the over-the-top nuttiness of Rev. Wright and the clownish Fr. Pfleger, whom Obama described for YEARS as his close friends and advisors in many forums--until he threw THEM under the bus, saying they weren't the men he thought they were. He seems to make a LOT of mistakes that way!)

Obama won his first election to the state senate by throwing ALL of his opponents (including the incumbent) off the ballot with legal challenges at the last moment, so they had no time to recover. In other words, he ran unopposed. (He didn't do anything illegal, just sleazy). And he tells fibs and exaggerates as much as the other major candidates like saying his mother and father came together because of "Selma" when in fact he'd been born years before. (Before you try to challenge that as an aberration -- well, I wouldn't...someone put together a pretty devastating compilation of Obama's fibs. All sourced.) Again, he's not worse than other politicians. He's the same. The problem is that he has nothing else going for him if you don't buy the mythology his handlers have helped build around him.

So please don't oversimplify. I study all the candidates thoroughly. I do my homework. If you want to defend or support Obama, do so. But if you're going to challenge me on anything I've said, then please deal with the facts and the substance of what I've said. Otherwise you create the impression that you can't.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

Tonibydesign — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 02:49:49 GMT

Face it. Obama will not be able to convince a portion of the electorate that he is an excellent choice to rein at the helm of our wonderful country. Many Americans will never be satisfieid with Obama no matter which way he goes on any political issue, vacation, conversation, etc. He is in a "hell if he does, hell if he doesn't" fix for some Americans. If he is confident, he is perceived as arrogant; if he is thoughtful and/or humble, he is perceived as wimpy. We all need to open our minds and embrace a changing America full of diversity and cultural differences. It is amazing, In our history when differences only reflected European culture and religion it was a strength. Now that diversity includes racial and diverse ethnicity, it is looked upon on a different plane.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

jaxlenia — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 04:10:28 GMT

Thank you, Andrew, for a fair and well-written article about Senator Obama's vacation in Hawaii. For a moment there, I thought you were in agreement with all the "elitist" comments, given the fact there were quite a few. But you finally laid out the true facts about his vacation. I, too, didn't think of Hawaii as an "elitist" vacationing spot , since it has been a vacation sanctuary for the middle class as long as I can remember. Further, why is all of Senator Obama's movements considered "arrogant," "uppity" and/or "highfalutin?" I have never heard those terms referred to any other presidential candidate! Lord, help me! I'm really trying not to interject racism into everything.... but you can't help thinking it, can you! Racism is alive and will be with us for a very long time!

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

Anju Chandel — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 06:07:39 GMT

Here's hoping that America's voters aren't as silly as its pundits.

... I say the same.

God, please save America from politicians and pundits like John McCain.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

josh62 — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 11:47:16 GMT

I don't know how everyone is voting but this is worth the time to listen to what this man says..This is serious, serious, business.......

www.atlah.org/broadcast/ndnr07-28-08.html

http://www.dontvoteobama.net

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

pete1933 — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 11:50:06 GMT

Pundits;

It is not thier fault. It the fault of the media that quotes what they says. As having some sort of value. When it is only pure Hipe .(b.s.)

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

pete1933 — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 11:50:07 GMT

Pundits;

It is not thier fault. It the fault of the media that quotes what they says. As having some sort of value. When it is only pure Hipe .(b.s.)

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

josh62 — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 11:51:11 GMT

I don't know how everyone is voting but this is worth the time to listen to what this man says..This is serious, serious, business.......

www.atlah.org/broadcast/ndnr07-28-08.html

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

mart7lin — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 12:07:33 GMT

The republicans are spending so much time talking about every little thing Obama does that they have nearly abondoned their own campaign. When are we going to hear about what it is their candidate can offer America besides being a grumpy old man? It is sad that the media is not telling us more about who John McCain is outside of being shot down, beat up and a POW for 5 years. What else is there to this man? What are his successes? What are his failures ( I have heard of quite a few to include womanizing).?

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

mart7lin — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 12:24:07 GMT

To Josh62:

I'd like for you to apply those same questions to John McCain. He graduated at the bottom of his class and is an "empty head" (not figuratively, but iiterally). He was playboy whose father and grandfather (both admirals) always stepped in to clean-up his messes. The whole story about his pow years has not been told (I have heard that some his fellow pow's don't have high opinions of him). He is a proponent of "other people's money" and it is alleged by the likes of Ross Perot that he ran around with other women, on the woman who waited for him to home from pow camp and then callously dumped her to marry money.

In contrast, Obama who is a Harvard grad (top of his class), pulled himself up by his boot straps (the American way), turned down opportunities to make a lot of money to work at the community level (grassroots style) and is strong God fearing family man. No, he has not been in Congress for the last 26 years doing nothing as has McCain so he is not polluted by Washington politics. Obama is exactly what we need in the White House now...A CHANGE.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

AskPlus — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 17:04:13 GMT

Fianlly an article that point out that it is the elitest that call people elite mostly. Mr. Obama even finished school without tutors and pay-offs

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

Cloudosmoke — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 17:28:29 GMT

Maybe he is also taking time off since he has been tending to American interests for over 2 years without a vacation. Is he supposed to win the election and still not take time off or take time off before he is elected. GOP can cry all they want, still won't change the fact that Obama is going to take some time off before he starts his new job come January.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

steve02001 — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 18:01:36 GMT

Well written Romano!! The GOP is again grasping at straws because they cannot win on the issues. Confuse, lie and obfuscate have become the trademarks of the McBush campaing. Americans must not allow themselves to be fooled again. Aloha!

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

Harvybing — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 18:11:58 GMT

Examining Obama's reaction and comments concerning the Russian incursion into Georgia, and comparing Obama's comments to McCain's comments and actions, it is clearly obvious that Senator Obama is totally unprepared for serious and dangerous world events like the situation in Georgia. And on national TV just this morning, when confronted with Obama's totally inadequate response, one of Obama's main supporters chided the commentator and stated that foreign policy should not be used as a political point. What exactly has Mr Obama been doing all this time regarding Iraq and Afghanistan if not using foreign policy as a political point? Obama simply can't have it both ways. Obama is simply un prepared to lead the free world in foreign policy. Obama is inexperiencd, clear and simple! Obama has clearly demonstrated that he is totally unprepared for the complex world of foreign policy! Russia's Putin to Obama - "NO YOU CAN'T!"

Visit this website and take a careful look and see more clear proof, in Obama's own words, that Obama is not ready for Prime Time dangerous Foreign Policy. http://www.harvybing.com The world is simply too dangerous to vote according to what's chic at the momemet. It may be considered to be "In Vogue" and "Fashionable" to be an Obama supporter, but unfortunately the dangerous people in this world aren't swayed by fashion statements.

Marie Antionette was unprepared to address the severe economic situation facing her countrymen. When confronted by mass starvation she said, "Let Them Eat Cake". In like fashion Obama, when confronted by his countrymen, who are suffering under high gas prices and who now can't afford to feed and house and educate their children indicated, "Let Them Inflate Their Tires" as a solution to High Gas Prices and the US dependency upon foreign oil. Obama is out of touch pure and simple. He is an elitist who has no common man experience.

Unfortunately the dangerous situation of world politics won't allow the American People to enjoy "On The Job Training" for our next president. On The Job Training Doesn't work for Presidential employees. It simply doesn't work in a dangerous world like we face today.

To hear even more serious Obama mis statements in Obama's own words regarding the security of the United States, visit http://www.harvybing.com

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

Pia1981 — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 18:22:35 GMT

Excellent article, Andrew, thank you. As usual, the Reps are desperate. We all know by now that the McCains are the true elitists... Why, everyone knows that Cindy has a shoe rack full of $1,500 dollar Manolo Blahniks (shoes) and John wears $500 a pair shoes. I think John does try to economize, but what a pair...John and Cindy McCain wearing expensive and exclusive shoes while Americans struggle to pay their bills.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

olderwiser — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 18:36:32 GMT

Yeah, Pia, Mc Cain't is laying around swilling high priced Champagne out of Cindy's $1,500 shoes while his campaign carries out his promise to run a clean campaign. The desperation is palpable. They finally gave up in the face of Obama's appeal to a wide range of voters and started a Rove campaign to try to tear him down. Same tactic. Problem? Your opponent is too popular to beat? Make popularity dirty. Smart? Your opponent's too smart? Make intelligence dirty. Went to school on the dole because he was smart enough to get paid through law school. Made law review. Presence and bearing? Make stature, presence and bearing snobbish. Trashing the country all the while.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

olderwiser — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 18:40:03 GMT

I was wondering if Mc Cain's campaign is trying to get the vote of people who feel unpopular? That might make sense.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

Jurr — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 19:11:50 GMT

older, you are right on the money.

Does anyone really want an unpopular president? A dumb one? One to whom wife beating is just a punchline for a joke? Does McCain know how to set his own alarm clock or does he still use a wind-up from 40 years ago? McCain was a punk 50 years ago when he would have flunked out of the Naval Academy if it wasn't for Admiral Dad. McCain is a punk today bullying reports who dare to question him on erroneous policy statements he made the day before.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

mariadcruze — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 19:18:35 GMT

mcain is just too old and out of touch with the american people. He is a typical rich dude. Mcain is getting pretty desparite. Mcain needs to retire. We needs change in the white not the same old politics. Mcain equals gorge w. bush the failed foreign and economic policy's will continue if mcwar is elected.

obama 08,12

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

pearsoncrz — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 19:28:59 GMT

Romano doesn't do his homework. The article he cited does not establish that Obama went to this school on a scholarship, it only mentions Obama saying he had a scholarship, which isn't proof anymore than Obama saying his "typical white" grandmother used racial slurs is proof she did. I don't believe the man. Ask the school. Obama was trying to make out like he and his family were poor. His mother had remarried when he started this school and his grandmother was a bank VP for crying out loud. He wasn't poor!

And as for giving him a moral compass, this was when Obama says he started using cocaine, something he did for years while making mediocre grades.

So much for "top of the class" background.

And by the way, you don't take vacations when Russia is invading Georgia.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

calico — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 19:34:11 GMT

McCreep is truly the old cast iron pot calling the new kettle black. He and his mistress/now wife have been conveniently racking up the frequent private flyer miles and 5 star private hotel staying CONSTANTLY. The MSM NEVER calls him on his high style of living. YET they pander to his base by calling attention to Sen. Obama taking a well deserved vacation, McCreep LIES about EVERYTHING. He is in over his head PERIOD.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

mariadcruze — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 19:37:15 GMT

this comment is for any boddy who wont vote for obama,

What is mcidiot do in congress for the last 26 years, what did he acompolish nothing. Mcain is a trash for cheating on his first wife. mcain is uneducated. Where does it say in the application for president you needs tons of experience. If you vote for mcain you people will all loose your jobs and you will get drafted to war. Mcain is a empty suite has no brain and no substance. Mcain doesnt even believe in god. President bush is a repubican obama is a democrate that's the difference. Mcain is a slime dog. Mcain did nothing for american while was in congress. Who ever voted for bush will vote for mcain again. Any one who doesnt vote for obama is plain igonrant! and racist. Mcain is the racist person in the world. Mcain is a cheat and a trash. Cidy is a plain whore!

obama 08,12

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

GregAugustaGA — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 19:38:08 GMT

How can the "wrinkled old white haired guy" McCain still be campaigning strong and the 47 year young Obama need a vacation? Is this another sign of overconfidence? Arrogance?

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

calico — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 19:38:52 GMT

"And by the way, you don't take vacations when Russia is invading Georgia"

Correct!! Your Republicreep President was busy doing his VACATION mugging for the camera with scantly clad volley ball players and didn't have enough sense to hold up the flag of his own country at the Olympics. What a joke!

When Sen. Obama IS president, I'm sure he will be INFINITELY more capable than the Republicreep that has bankrupted, and humiliated this country for the last 8 years.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

mariadcruze — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 19:39:49 GMT

to : pearsoncrz

Hey mcain is not a saint ! Your darling bush used drugs too in his young days. Dont go there!

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

mariadcruze — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 19:43:45 GMT

to greg August ga

Dont worry if mcain is elected he will not work of weekends. Why would mcain take a vacation he is sooo old. He doesnt care about his family , and he has no family values. Obama loves his childrean mcain doesnt. Mcain will die soon don't worry.

obama 08,12

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

calico — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 19:43:46 GMT

It is too obvious and comical that many Republicreeps are still so ARROGANT and small minded that they constantly label Mr. Obama with being OVER confident and arrogant because he has GOOD sense. Hardline Stereotypes never die. Overconfidence and arrogance is the party line of neocon war mongering Republicreeps that have been at the helm for the last 8 years.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

StrongArm — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 19:47:19 GMT

Posted By: pearsoncrz (August 12, 2008 at 3:28 PM)

And as for giving him a moral compass, this was when Obama says he started using cocaine, something he did for years while making mediocre grades.

So much for "top of the class" background.

And by the way, you don't take vacations when Russia is invading Georgia.********************************************************************************************************

DumbA$$ post! You need to strop drinking that Repub hate koolaide and check YOUR FACTS! http://www.factcheck.org/elections-2008/sliming_obama.html Go to the website and READ THE TRUTH for yourself!! As long as you allow Fox News or your friends/family to shape your mind, you will always be an idiot!, spouting dumbA$$ crap!!

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

Bass Pro — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 19:49:50 GMT

Obama on vacation a problem?

Try this:

Bush sends Rice to meet Georgia's head of state Rice assures them that the USA has got their backs. Bush heads for China and Condi goes to a Vacation Resort. Meanwhile Russia attacks Georgia. Bush and Rice condemn it from China and the Resort.

Brings a new meaning to "shuttle diplomacy" doesn't it?

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

VoiceofModeration — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 19:59:18 GMT

Having run several campaigns, both my own and that of others...to me it would be a slap in the face to all my supports - who worked for me and/or gave me money to take a vacation less then 90 days from the election. Add to that, is he not up for the fight and needs to rest while the "old man" is touching flesh? I wonder how all those volunteers feel who are working for this guy, for free, and he is in Hawaii vacationing. It's kind of like the Olympic boxer who kind of gave up a little because he thought he was ahead in scoring only to lose. Hopefully, America is just as lucky and we can pontificate after the elections as to what went wrong for BO.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

vakosh — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 20:07:54 GMT

Sorry - you don't get a vacation when you are president and you'd think someone trying to prove himself would realize that. If he wants to raise his family, he should raise his family .... not run for president. I understand that he is used to a "cushy" life, but the rest of us Americans trying to prove ourselvers are out there working for it ... foregoing many missed family opportunities.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

Roz J — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 20:14:12 GMT

C'mon folks. Let's get real. McCain has really rolled off the back of the truck with this one. If anyone is an elitist, it is he, rather than Obama, since the term "elitist" is often defined by being out of touch. McCain is not only out of touch (What? Where am I?), he's desperate and I have grown very weary of these stupid commentaries of his - as has, I believe - most of the people in this country.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

sjpersonal — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 20:17:52 GMT

I'm sorry I was always under the impression that Hawii was part of the US. So how is this some exotic foreign place. This is a very silly article. the smell of desperation is definitely in the air!

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

eagles1776 — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 20:25:43 GMT

He went to Hawaii to see his granny. What is he supposed to do move granny to Arizona, to the ridge of the Grand Canyon just so he can visit within the contiguous 48 and not look so high falutin'? Good grief. Will they stoop any lower those Karl Rove loving GOPers?

They must be gettin desparate if they even pick on a guy for visiting his granny and taking in old points of interest from his childhood and maybe even sharing memories of his childhood here with his family. Maybe McCain outta take his family on an aircraft carrier to Viet Nam or on an around the world trip. Military kids travel and relocate alot.

People are seeing through all the crap and when November 4 rolls around and Obama wins by a landslide they will understand that fact.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

varacefan — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 20:31:50 GMT

I don't think anyone cares he's on vacation. Just keep your mouth shut and let the current adminstration respond to this crisis. His monday morning quarterbacking is getting old. Go pump up your tires or somthing. He is a mistake just waiting to happen. Go hang gliding or something!

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

danreno — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 20:36:09 GMT

Nice try, vakosh.

As of March 4th of this year, Dubya has spent 879 days away from the White House, either at Camp David, or at his Ranch in Crawford, TX. This number doesn't include 79 additional days or partial days at the Bush family compound in Kennebunkport, ME.

Take careful note of the *five* weeks he spent in Crawford, TX in the fall of 2005.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/08/02/AR2005080201703.html

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/blog/2008/03/04/BL2008030401392.html

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

eagles1776 — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 20:39:35 GMT

They complain that Obama is acting presidential. Well, the current president has been on vacation more than any other so one could say he is indeed acting presidential. Only in this case he works much harder and takes shorter vacations than his soon to be predecessor does.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

jplatypuss — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 20:44:25 GMT

This web page is badly designed.

The right edge of all the posts are getting gut off by

the Ad bar.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

Brian Marsh — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 21:01:19 GMT

This article was a waste of space. Just another Obama pity article written by another Obamazombie reporter at Newsweek. You are right...."who cares"!!!!

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

Pittsburgh — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 21:03:12 GMT

Just more of the Republicans' garbage --no value--nothing new. Not surprised.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

frmr rep — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 21:03:55 GMT

It's McCain who's the elitest I live in Sedona, McCains "ranch" is in Cornville, but he never bothers to correct anyone. Nothong wrong with Conville , it just does not resonate like SEDONA.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

vakosh — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 21:12:04 GMT

danreno .... EXACTLY my point .... the last thing we need is another president who doesn't want to be president, but would rather be on a ranch or in Hawaii or anywhere for that matter. You can't want this job and be lazy at the same time. There are so many hard working Americans who would love to take a vacation this year and spend time with their family but they CANNOT, due to gas prices and mortgage subprimes. This is a man who is more of the same, same, same, same, same, same and I am a democrat and I am not a racist!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

trang68 — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 21:17:04 GMT

I never in my life (before 60) dreamed I would vote Democratic being a career military man. Then, along cam Bush. I wish my candidate of choice this year had a bit more experience and possibly a tad more maturity but when I compare him to the rest of the wannabes out there at the moment, I can and will live with my choice -Barrack Obama. I just hope that there are enough people in my beloved country that feel as I do that down deep, Obama is a good man with sufficient experience and quick intelligence to do a far better job as POTUS than anyone else in recent memory.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

mecscc — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 21:19:34 GMT

I understand why Andrew feels it necessary to try to tamp down this insanity, but what is amazing to me is how all the irrelevant junk that the McCain/RNC camp is constantly putting out actually resonates with a sizable portion of the electorate. I guess I shouldn't be surprised but one always hopes that we are smarter than we seem to be. What passes for "news" these days, which the media deem worthy of comment is truly pitiful.

The real problem with all the negative ads, emails and talk, and the so-called MSM "analysis" of these types of trivial and banal subjects completely obscures the actual issues that so clearly divide the candidates. If we keep this up until November then we will surely deserve what we get.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

buddhabman — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 21:24:43 GMT

Vakosh... It's funny to watch the Reporbate tools now complaign about vacations. The sitting Republican president, took more time off from work than any president in history, while a war was going on no less. He has taken more time off than he has granted his soldiers.

The last Republican congress that was thrown out in 2006, spent more time out of session and past the fewest legislative bills in over 2 generations.

McCain because of his age, has taken weekends off ever since he became the presumptive nominee. Yet Obama, who is taking his first week off since this 16-18 month bid for the Presidency started is lazy. Typical Republicans hypocrisy.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

esha130 — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 21:40:51 GMT

When the republicans run out of anything else to criticize, they criticize Obama's heritage. Now his vacation to his home state of Hawaii. Please correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't Hawaii a state, in the United States of America?? What is there to criticize about his heritage? And visiting his family at this time. I kinda like those family values.

where are McCain's family? I know nothing about his family, except his wife, and I rarely hear anything from her.

And where was he born....didn't I hear Panama.....is that a state?

They need to shut up about Obama and focus more on real issues and how they plan to solve them.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

rmcbride — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 21:41:24 GMT

God, the media makes me soooooooooooooooooo sick!

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

MG of IL — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 21:41:33 GMT

Yes, but let's not forget Senator McCain has taken weekends off throughout this campaign season- to rest in Arizona and he now admits he needs more sleep. Perhaps he gets some Botox injections to smooth out those wrinkles, too. Don't deny Senator Obama, his wife and daughters a well deserved vacation with family and close friends.

Let's not forget that Senator needs to take weekends off and has admitted to needing more sleep. Do not

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

Loden Green — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 21:41:34 GMT

It's amazing how the media has become a shill for the McCain campaign. This article is a prime example. Romano just repeats--and reinforces--other negative media comments about Obama's vacattion. McCain "vacations" every day. because he lacks the stamina necessary to keep long hours during weekdays and on the weekends. But you won't hear about this much in the media.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

Figerre — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 21:41:51 GMT

OK - is this the 'no way to win' vacation? He is visiting his GRANDMOTHER in HAWAII which is part of the United States! I mean - how exotic can you get? Maybe he could go visit one of McCain - make that Cindy McCain's nine houses? rather than visit relatives -- being a grandmother, I will bet that she is no spring chicken since she was unable to return to the states during his campaign. I agree totally - this is just silly and only the McCain Gang/a.k.a. Keystone Kops, would think this was an exotic trip. This is past the point of ridicules.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

diamond32853 — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 21:50:17 GMT

And, how does the GOP's lament on Obama's vacation solve the energy crisis, mortgage crisis, resolve two ongoing wars, bring peace to the Middle East, solve our budget deficit or the other myriad of problems America faces? The same old labeling and name calling is pathetic. If it works, then our country deserves what it gets.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

wgoin — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 21:58:05 GMT

To strongarm. What a joke you are. Talk about moral issues but you support the adulturer McCain. Obama, like anyone else, is entitled to a vacation. McCain has taken two since he started running and has one more planned. And, Bush went to the Olympics knowing Georgia and Russia were fighting. Where have you been???

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

wyomingite — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 22:07:10 GMT

Not one story on John McCain's affair(S). Not one. Not even a mention? What if McCain had a "D" next to his name? Would we hear about his infidelities? Be honest.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

mart7lin — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 22:17:32 GMT

Truth be told, the Georgia incident is something that is George Bush's responbility to handle right now...not McCain or Obama. Where was bush, why at the olympics!

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

Nmaitre — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 22:26:51 GMT

McCain's wife outspent six millions dollars she made this year. Both McCain and his wife owed credit card companies more than $250,000, nearly a quater million dollar. Can they go on vacation with their credit cards already maximized and wherefore overcharged? I don't think McCain along with his wife is financially secured to be the Commander in Chief.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

Lee Holmes — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 22:26:58 GMT

Obamas got more to worry about. This week,''Obama Nation''opens at No.1 on the NY Times Bestseller List. The GOP on the other hand,has bigger fish to fry,namely,savaging Pelosi and Reid,on energy,which is beginning to work. Pelosi,the Paltroon from Pacific Heights,is starting to crack,getting an earful while peddling her book from voters sick and tired of paying among the highest gas prices in the country.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

Nmaitre — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 22:31:30 GMT

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

keepitreal50 — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 22:35:21 GMT

Romano, You are a media snake no different from the rest of your bed buddies. Instead of reporting on the way McCain has dissed his closest relatives (namely the disabled wife he threw to the dogs for rich Cindy), you smear heads report on Obama going to visit his 85 year old grandmother he hasn't seen in two years. No, don't report on McCain's very revalent voting record. No, don't report on Mccain's lavish vacations on wealthy resorts while he was campaigning. Don't report on the WHITE haired guy. He's one of us - he must somehow win this. You guys are a bunch of blabber mouth punks. But that's how you guys do things in the American media. Boy what a place this is turning out to be. The public would have no opportunity to lament over his so-called eliteness if you weren't so far up his ***. You idiots are quietly trying to fix this election by throwing all kinds of darts at the board knowing some will stick. I guess that's what you went to college for huh, Genius? You guys are a bunch of slime. And I call em' like I see em'. POST THAT! Obama 08

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

Shadrach — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 22:39:07 GMT

Not to worry(too much), Mr Romano. America's voters(most of them), understand election year "baloney", regurgitated by a GOP campaign desperate for attention. What surprises me is how juvenile and unprofessional their attacks have been. The worst thing the McCain people can do is keep showing themselves to be so childishly petty.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

Lee Holmes — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 22:47:49 GMT

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

Stella58 — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 23:02:40 GMT

This is silly. Like you said, the man was born in HI, let him take a vacation back home for heaven's sake. McCain would be taking a vacation too if he had had to compete in the grueling primary that Barack Obama had to endure. For that matter, McCain might not have even survived it, literally. Another sorry attempt by McCain to paint Obama as an elitist, when at his age, he should know by now: Those in glass houses......

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

JoeSmith16 — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 23:10:55 GMT

McSame's campaign needs to lighten up. But I'm more concerned about the American public. Much of the American public is not immune to these trivial claims and McSame exploits their ignorance and influences their votes. The American people need to take more responsibility for its own political future.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

anappleadae — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 23:36:46 GMT

Romano... you have defined the Obama scene clearly and realistically. Realism is severely lacking in this Champaign. Your image of the inhuman world of champaigns, politicos and media as apposed to real humans is the analysis of a human eye. Congratulations!

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

steveerik92882 — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 23:48:58 GMT

I didn't know O-bummer was from Hawaii.

Cindy needs a big house for her lovely blonde hair. She's got my vote for elitist!!!

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

08voter — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 23:59:13 GMT

Where was the criticism of Sen McCain being overly presumptuous and getting ahead of himself as POTUS when he immediately responded to the incursion/fighting taking place between Russia and Georgia. ..........McCain gets confused........ but Sen Liebermann to the rescue, "uh...Senator, whisper whisper whisper...".........oh, the sovereign country of Georgia, I get it now………....I'm John McCain and I approve of this gaffe..

The MSM continues to give McCain a free pass, no matter how BIG and DISORTED McCain’s LIES are. Fox News ran the Rev Wright YouTube 24/7. Recent polling asked the question by implying, Obama would be the greater "risk" and often citing other recent polls to prove that it’s Obama who needs to make more of an effort, rather than the other way around of a misguided public. Obama NEEDS to go after the MSM, as he should with McCain. Obama can’t even go to Hawaii on his vacation, without the Republicans needling him with their Republican talking points.

When the news broke on John Edwards' indiscretions, Hillary Clinton probably could not help wondering; had she and John Edwards not split the White vote (by having Edwards confess earlier in the race), she could have won over Obama . But since that wasn’t the outcome, it’s been a trail of Clinton sour grapes; the tepid support for Obama from Bill in particular; Hillary undermining Obama's efforts by the continuous nods and prods from her and her PUMA supporters. The final swipe came when the Clintons were able to negotiate their roles at the Denver Convention, had they not gotten "their way".

The Clintons need to be ashamed, along with the media's continuous attempt to play up whatever remains of Hillary’s efforts to stay relevant. The media focus seems to be on those who can scream the loudest against Obama; the self-described group known as PUMA (Party Unity My Ass) aren’t screaming out Obama's middle name for nothing.

Barack Obama won the Democratic Nomination fair and square - both he and Hillary knew the rules of the game going in....The shrill voices insisting on a roll call in Denver and putting Hillary's name in nomination could have been shut down once and for all by Hillary herself and her husband, Pres Clinton, after the last primary back in June. The fact she hasn’t done that only points to a couple of things the MSM continue to FAIL in reporting – The Clintons’ power grab isn’t over. They basically black-mailed the Obama Campaign into giving them BOTH more prominence at the convention.

Hillary is a Senator from New York, not the Democratic Nominee. If one needs a catharsis, there are professionals out there for that very need - they're called therapists and psychologists, not delegates. The Denver Convention isn't about one huge angry management session, it's a presidential nomination process (based on the principles spelled out in the Constitution of the United States).

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

BuffyAndEliot — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 00:00:16 GMT

Wait...did you write " Here's hoping that America's voters aren't as silly as its pundits?"

If that were true...how did we just suffered through eight years of of a guy who drove the country into the ground?

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

giovannis — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 00:01:18 GMT

McTalk is always on vacation. Watch him talk make me go to sleep fast. No freshness in substance or style. Obama need to get away from it. Let Mctalk and McSame finish thier debate. Who ever wins will face Obama.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

dizzytaylor — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 00:05:07 GMT

I am watching Keith Oberman and the GOP folks who are discrediting Obama's "Americanism." As a Hawai'i resident whose four children were born and raised on the island of Maui, I am insulted that anyone thinks less of folks from these islands. If Obama needs a vacation, so be it. And why wouldn't he want to go HOME!

Yes, Obama was born here and graduated from Punahou, a private high school in Honolulu. Guess what? This is still a state, the fiftieth one, from what I learned in public school.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

LADawn08 — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 00:14:27 GMT

To be honest, I've been expecting this. I'm just wondering what took the Republicans so long? Did someone turn off their pettiness meter? BTW If I go to Texas to visit my Mom and Dad, does that make me an elitist since Texas has the highest percentage of millionaires per capita? Or at least in the top 5.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

mexed — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 00:25:11 GMT

Too bad Obama couldn't have spent his vacation with the Bushes at their oceanside mansion and get to go out sailing with dad. Or, he could have gone to Florida and spent time with the other Bush family, or maybe to his dad's ranch in Texas or maybe fly off somewhere on McCain's wife's private plane. What a silly bunch of people they are. I'm a school teacher and took a vacation to Hawaii. My sister got married there. She's a secretary and her husband is a house builder. Too bad the Republican's are still dismissing Hawaii as a foreign country. Typical. They are still living in a past world, a past economy, a past that has pased them by.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

bluebird3 — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 00:28:23 GMT

Has virtually everyone lost their minds? His is a family man with school aged children. He is in the midst of a presidential campaign. A vacation before school starts makes all the sense in the world to me. It also makes sense to me that he could use a break from the madness of politics - returning to the battle refreshed and invigorated. He could not win with his so called critics anyway, Had he come running back to the lower 48 with the start of the Russian invasion of soverign Georgia, he would have been accused of "already acting like he's President" and upstaging Bush. May I suggest that the media take a vacation that they are obviously in dire need of and that McCain drag Cindy off to a cave somewhere and try the "refresh and invigorate" option himself. I just think in his case it will take quite a bit longer than a week.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

ilikearugula — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 00:28:36 GMT

I'm so sick of this elitism crap. I like Arugula. I am eating cereal with soy milk right now, and I enjoy the frequent latte. Why, John McCain, does that make me any less American than somebody who eats a burger and fries and swigs a Bud every night?

I was born here, raised here, and have voted in every election since I was 18. Yet, according to Republican logic, I'm not a 'real' American. I'm one of those fake, American-ish elitists , who, despite actually following the news of the world and trying to be educated, is "out of touch". Cause those people who tune into Rush are well-rounded and engaged. Right.

When did being ignorant and stupid become virtues in this country? Oh, 2000. right.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

seti2008 — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 00:30:36 GMT

The republicans are getting silly. Going after Obama for flimsy reasons won't win them new votes. Only those who were already going to vote for McCain will pay attention to this silliness.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

wmoore2476 — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 00:37:26 GMT

the only problem with this sensible analysis is the the Republican know that most Americans are actual not well read, conversant or knowledgable about these things and can nbe influenced but lies.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

rcb1940@gmail.com — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 00:37:45 GMT

It is not about Obama. It is about dumbing down the public.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

jacobky — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 00:38:27 GMT

Well, this is a completely laughable entry that is more or less a defense of Barack Obama against charges that no one is really making with any real level of seriousness. Way to perpetuate ridiculous assertions that no one is making by purportedly defending Obama against them.

I suppose that Mr. Romano can check "make up crazy criticism about Obama's vacation in Hawaii and then pretend that McCain is saying it" off of his daily to-do list that David Plouffe sent him this morning.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

anytime1958 — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 00:42:50 GMT

Just wait till the last week of October when the GOP releases the Michelle Obama "whitey" video.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

imapoliticaljunkie — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 00:51:22 GMT

But why was McCain silent on Condoleezza Rice's vacation. That's her job, not Obama's.

http://www.governmentalityblog.com/my_weblog/2008/08/winning-georgia.html

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

notroubleatall1963 — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 00:59:53 GMT

Since WHEN is Hawaii considered "exotic" or elitist? Romano made some good points: It's not like nobody on the "continent" ever goes there! Next to Vegas, it's every cab drivers' dream vacation and I know many folks who go there just about every year they can. And they are hardly what I'd call elitist!

Where do McCains go on their vacation? How many homes do they own in Arizona and around the country? I forget, but I think it was at least four or five.

Obama needs to buy himself another property somewhere, like a ranch in Texas or a place in Hawaii, if he is to keep up with past Presidential contenders and the establishment candidates.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

bataar_21 — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 01:15:54 GMT

McCain was reported by MSNBC to have taken a 4 month vacation this year and has the highest absentee in senate attendance. Why should he complain about Obama's 8 days vacation in 18 months? Surely, this guy is a hypocrite.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

magnimiss — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 01:18:29 GMT

I am a moderate / independent. But I am beginning to become convinced that the GOP is made up of a bunch of morons. Or - more accurately - a bunch of conniving, lowball scum.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

labman57 — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 01:27:57 GMT

The GOP is so smug and sleazy in their approach to the campaign, they would probably criticize Obama for using 2-ply toilet paper. They've gone to the "elitist" well so many times that it has become predictably trite and silly. The previously proposed idea that Obama is somehow less qualified to be president because he prefers protein bars to pork rinds is equally absurd. America wants someone who has fresh ideas, can work with both parties in Congress, and can motivate the populace in a positive way. Where they spend their summer vacation should not be an issue.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

suzyku — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 01:32:27 GMT

the pubs will use anything, they're useless and nasty hypocrites, we don't pay any attention to them and hope they'll all go away soon! they can't compete on the "real" issues so all they have left is this trash! since they also seem to be trash I guess it suits them.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

pasbair — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 01:46:29 GMT

Gee, Andrew, let's guess who YOU are voting for.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

Newvoter101 — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 01:46:37 GMT

Nobody is complaining that he is on vacation! First. The AMERICAN PUBLIC has had enough of Obama already. The poll last week 50% of AMERICANS are tired of hearing about "O." And you know what SO AM I. This dude "O" needs to chill! Seems to me like he doesn't even have a sense of humor. He is like too serious. YOU all know too, That IF he get the PRESIDENCY don't come back to me and complain about the HIGH TAXES you will be paying. Hell I'm already PO'd about the taxes I pay NOW. If your'e curious GOOGLE- Global Poverty Act. We can't even irradicate poverty here in the USA, and Obama is going to go global with this absurd idea! GOOGLE IT I DARE YOU TO!

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

putoff — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 01:49:03 GMT

If Obama had chosen not to visit his grandmother, the pundits would have been outraged. We, in America, have a monopoly on stupid people who call themselves news analysts, most of whom, by the way, are real elitist.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

ivote2 — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 01:56:32 GMT

Lighten up Obama Nation. It's August. It's hot. Gas prices are ou-of-sight. The economy is in the toilet. Russia just invaded Georgia and has Atlanta surrounded. America deserves a laugh. We are tired of being bitter and only having our guns and religion to cling to. AFTER HE LOSES THE ELECTION, Obama will get a well deserved and lengthy Christmas vacation in Hawaii with his wife, children and elderly, bigoted grandmother whom he can no more reject than he can Jeremiah Wright. And everyone (except Bill Clinton) will stop making fun of poor Barack, who can go back to being a first term Senator with no major legislative accomplishments.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

MidRoad38r — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 01:58:59 GMT

I am hoping that we will elect a President who is singular, elite in his intellect and views. Since when did elite become a pejorative term? Last time I looked it meant the "best" or "highest class". We haven't had a president that fits that bill for nearly sixteen years. It's time we did, and Obama is the closest we can hope for. McCain on the other hand perhaps could have made the grade had he stuck to his own values rather than adopt those of others who he believes will get him elected.

It is time to raise the discourse and stop the juvenile antics of the "anti-celebrity, anti-elite" campaign!

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

vakosh — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 01:59:53 GMT

He's another candy ass. We need someone who can roll up there sleeves and work ... not go see grandma or whoever when they are a little tired and worn out. I'm a family person too with little ones that I would love to spend time with, but I gotta work.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

vakosh — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 02:01:46 GMT

DEMOCRATS FOR MCCAIN

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

ekoorb — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 02:04:03 GMT

This is soo funny. People get a grip please!! Everyone gets to have vacations...hmmm...doesn't W spend more time on his ranch than in the White House? and where is W right now? Oh...we the tax payers are footing the bill for him and the mrs, oh and the unmarried twin to see the Olympics!! Shouldn't he be working? Are not our men and women dieing in a war he started?

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

cavedog — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 02:04:51 GMT

You comment section needs a little tweaking. Right side seems to be overwritten by the flash ads / third column.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

vakosh — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 02:05:43 GMT

I don't care about g-ma or the little ones, there are pressing matters here, and if he can't focus on that long enough to win an election, I'm pretty sure he is not the one.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

raddave — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 02:08:45 GMT

vakosh, why would any democrat even consider voting for McCain?

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

vakosh — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 02:09:37 GMT

W's not running, O is and if he keeps taking vacations he won't win. We are ALLLLLLLLLL tired and overworked .... seeing him on the sunny white sands of Hawaii when Americans barely have enough to feed their family makes me really want to vote for him. And this from the man who represents the "working class."

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

alexblack — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 02:09:49 GMT

Guess which candidate Putin is pulling for? Could it be the One he could easily turn into his bee yotch? It would be like the scene in Deliverance, raal-politick style.

Actually, Obama needed a week to clean all the lipstick stains from Newsweek columists off of his shirt collars.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

bushthegreat — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 02:13:51 GMT

"and attempting to accommodate the 48 percent of voters who've informed pollsters they've heard “too much” about him in recent weeks"

Hey Obama shill, which is it. Did he book the vacation several weeks ago (previous engagement so he couldn't meet with the troops excuse) or did he book it after the polls showed people are sick of him?

The only thing pathetic is your coverage.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

LeFlowHo — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 02:20:53 GMT

Excuse me, doesn't his grandmother still live in Hawaii???

So those champions of family values, the Re-puberty Party and their main stream media lapdogs like Drewy Romano think Americans shouldn't visit granny when she lives in a state with high gas prices and "elite" prep schools?

Andrew, can't you see you're being played like a cheap fiddle? This is all just noise, there's no contribution here. You're just a mindless reflector. The banality of this article, like the underlying criticism and the endless stream of feeble-minded "a real president would be in the oval office, 24-7-365, all that and a bag of Doritos, been there, done that, got the t-shirt" drivel on this comment board underscores the naivete of political discourse in this country.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

essarocket — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 02:25:34 GMT

Obama is simply not an elitist. That's a fact. What's also a fact is that the corporate media CONTINUES to buy into whatever is the GOP narrative of the moment...Obama's "risky," people don't know Obama, he's an elitist, etc., he's a "celebrity," ad nauseum

Here's more FACTS: An elitist is someone who had things handed to him, got preferential treatment (ala getting into a military academy or an ivy league school). An elitist is someone who allows the moneyed folks direct policy. An elitist is someone who owns SIX houses.

Get it? Got it? Good.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

lifelongMoDem — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 02:26:38 GMT

A let's see..I have been a democrat since I turned 18. I have voted Democraft for every presidential election since Carter. This year..I am voting republican (holding my nose while I do). I just dont think this is a time to trust an unknown (and he wont reveal his true self). the facts stand out, Wright, flag, etc. Funny how things change once the nomination is in hand, or once something is discovered. Bottom line is I just don't trust him. I will vote straingt democrat for teh rest of teh ballot, but republican for President. McCain will work with the Democraft congress, and he will not get any right-wing judges passed. The right wing hates McCain so much, he will be just liek a good "conservatinve"democrat anyway. One more thing, Claire..you have really disappointed me and you will have to do alot to repair your standing here in Missouri..better get on it starting now.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

Tracker500 — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 02:44:32 GMT

Terrible timing. Again, a question of judgment. Would an NFL coach whose team is merely weeks away from the Super Bowl take a vacation?

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

mrzoid — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 02:47:54 GMT

What's next? Obama eats tacos, he must favor letting all illegals stay in America and get welfare benefits? Or perhaps, Obama watched some soccer on the Olympic coverage, he's un-American? Obama wears a suit, that surely makes him an eliteist. He was educated at Harvard, both undergrad and law, lets hold that against him, right? How dare a man be educated, we don't want an educated man to be president.

McCain's married to a woman with a net worth of over $100,000,000, but hey, he's an average joe. He travels in a private jet, but who doesn't do that? He has a job that he never shows up to without consequence, most of us can do that.

Wake up hicks, neither one of them is more qualified or experienced or middle-class than the other. As far as the ""eliteist" stuff, come on GOP and McCain campaign, grow some balls, just call him "upity", thats what your getting at isn't it? Hes an upity black that thinks hes better than us right? Vieled racial attacks are no better that just coming out and blatantly saying what you really mean.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

SanityClause — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 02:48:59 GMT

lifelongMoDem is obviously a Republican in an ass's clothing. No serious voter, Republican, Democrat, or Independent, could make a statement like "I'm voting for X because I don't know enough about Y" in AUGUST, for crying out loud. The race hasn't even really started yet.

Oh, and in case no one else noticed, the media (print, radio, television, and internet) have an ENORMOUS FINANCIAL STAKE in making sure the race in November is as close as possible. That's the main reason McCain has been treated with kid gloves (and that's a major understatement) so far.

Obama (grew up on the South Side, raised by a single mother, attended school on scholarships) is an elitist. McCain (grew up with a silver spoon, which wasn't enough, so he dumped his first wife and married into even more money) is not. It would be laughable if so many people weren't buying into it.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

adirondack_1 — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 02:53:26 GMT

guise of analysis? I suppose we are to simply believe what we are told and not try to piece together the what, when, where, why and hows. Furthermore, what is in Hawaii that he can't think about in Illinois? Ummmmm lets see, taking wife to the beach ? No, it must be just taking the wife to Hawaii since she wouldn't have enjoyed going to meet good ole cousin Odinga, the US hater, now that she finally likes this country.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

domenica — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 02:56:14 GMT

It scares me that some of the people here are allowed to vote. God help us.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

maninthewilderness — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 02:56:28 GMT

geee who didnt see this coming...

the gop is so full of BS its crazy..... the solution... ignore them totally.. they are irrelevant

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

adirondack_1 — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 02:58:35 GMT

Yup, anchor babies need rest at their point of entry. Thats a good un. Why doesn't he vacation in indonesia too or go visit Odinga and Co?

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

adirondack_1 — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 03:01:50 GMT

maninthewilderness, it is because the out of touch democratic left already ignores the rest of the people that giving absolute power to them is insane.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

LenaParker — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 03:08:38 GMT

Why are you complaining about a trip back to his home. Obama is running for president, he is not president yet. The dem. convention is coming up quickly and after that he will need to be ready to campaign hard. He went to visit his grandmother and his sister. He has not had a vacation in 18 months. I and you get several weeks off per year if you work outside the home.

As far as the timing, no time like the present. All of the things that you are complaining about should be handled by Bush. But I guess you forgot he is on holiday at the olympics. You complained that he acted like he was already president when he went overseas and now you complain because he is not acting like the president. Are you ever happy or do you have to complain to be happy?

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

tiredoflies — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 03:10:10 GMT

Yes, change takes guts. Obvoiusly you (lifelongMoDem ) do NOT have them.

Stick with the known quantity, even if, as you say, it stinks.

In the final analysis, the President needs to make decisions and judgments using info from all his advisors, counselors and cabinet. For that you need brains, intelligence, logic and intellect. McCain finished almost last out of a class of 849. Obama was the president of his. McCain can NOT make a speech or address or recall important issues and facts without screwing them up. Obama has been nearly flawless in his recall and judgement. McCain is 72 years old and yes he can function but in the current world we need someone who is at their best, NOT just able to function.

I do NOT think this is about capability as Commander in Chief or anything else. This is about hate for Obama and a young black man who is bypassing his peers. Use this as an excuse if you will but not because Obama is not capable. Obama is head and shoulders above McCain in judgement and vision.

You must really hate Obama since you will go with McCain even if he stinks. And if you are not gutless then take a chance on someone a hell of a lot better than McCain.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

KCChieffan — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 03:38:55 GMT

How can the GOP and McCain call Obama an elitist? McCain is the man who wears $500.00 shoes, has eight houses, and a multi-millionaire wife. Cindy McCain also stated that the best way to get around in Arizona was on a private jet. How many of us can afford the shoes, have houses all over the country, and has access to a private jet? If this is not elitism, I don't know what is. Now, if only the Obama campaign will bring this up, as well as Mr. McCain's infidelity to his first wife, perhaps the Repuglicans will let up.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

momtommm — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 03:43:39 GMT

Andrew Romano you need to write about how the Bush administration has OUTSOURCED America and why Karl Rove is not in jail?? Didn't Karl receive a subpeona back in May?? Any of us tax paying citizens would be in jail. Please write about the mysterious woman that is in and out of Dick Cheneys home, but when asked who she is Mr. Cheney says it is none of our business. Last I knew we tax paying citzens of this country pay for Mr. Cheneys house, so yes DICK, it is our business. Come on Andrew get with it. Help to bring down the Bush administration and all his cronies. Senator Obama deserves this vacation, it is long overdue.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

Alma — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 03:48:21 GMT

Romano, please do yourself and US a favor. Go and work for FOX NEWS. You deserve to be among friends and we need some honest and unbiased information.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

Montiero — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 03:58:33 GMT

Have a great vacation Obama and come back ready to kick some butt. You are carrying the heavy burdens of CHANGE and HOPE, and as evidenced by some of the comments here that scares some people.

Don't worry. We, your thousands of volunteers all across the country representing all races, income levels, ages and sexes, will continue to register new voters, sign up more volunteers, make more phone calls and knock on more doors. We know this is not about YOU; it's about us taking back our country from those small-minded individuals who will latch on to any stupid little thing they can in order to hold on to the old ways which have failed most of us for so long.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

NotFooledByDistractions — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 04:16:18 GMT

The timing for Obamas vacation was perfect. Watching McCains reaction to the situation in Georgia have convinced me (and hopefully others) that Obama is the right choice. McCain is a foreign policy disaster waiting to happen - being lead by the worst of the neocons promoting more ineffective cowboy diplomacy. Can the bully bravado McCain, it doesn't make you look tough and strong, it makes you look scary, cranky, and borderline unhinged - in fact, your reaction scares me - but I do appreciate the affirmation, it's an easy decision now.

Obama 08

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

bill4truth — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 04:33:25 GMT

If this is John McCain's idea of a civil dialog, I can only begin to imagine how petty and cantankerous his presidency would be. The last thing we need in the white house is a cranky old washed up prima donna who spends 4 more years distracting the American people from addressing cridical needs.

McCain has already proven himself to be a lightweight when it comes to addressing the energy crisis: summer gas tax holiday and drill off-shore. Every time he opens his mouth these days he spits out another worn out sound bite from the last 20 years of Republican elections .

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

lew26 — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 04:38:23 GMT

I have looked over quite a few comments on this page, and I must say I disappointed. I would vote for a man or woman who will get the job done and has a plan for action concerning the future of America energy crisis. I wouldn't care if I voted for Obama or Mc Cain, right I am leaning toward Obama because I think he has the right plan of action for our current energy problem. Mc Cain an idiot he want to build 45 new nuclear plants then on top of that start new oil drilling locations, once he finishes office i guarantee we will have a even worser energy crisis.

Right now there are solution for our energy crises and I think Obama is definitely more open minded and we need to move into that direction. Right now there are solutions that will allow you to power your house for free, even your cars. Using various free technologies currently being massed produced in other country and not here in the USA thanks to our current administration. In the future eventually we will have electricity that will power our homes and cars for free. Who is going to need 45 new nuclear plants, also who will be paying for those plants to be constructed? I don't think Mc Cain really has a real clue about how to go about solving our current & future energy crisis, nor do I think he really cares.

Majoring of the comment on here seem to focus on a silly reason why not to vote for Obama and I haven't seen one of those comment stating that I wouldn't vote for him because his plan of action. And I know why and you know why, you can't be serious in that you rather have another George Bush who believe the 1910 Cadillac will be the car of the future and black and white TV will once again become popular. I think Obama will fight for a better future for Americans, instead of some bone head delaying the inevitable fighting new problem with old solution that will do nothing but add to the current problems in our country.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

GiveUsCredit — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 05:10:30 GMT

The pundits just don't get it. A father who has been working hard takes his young children and his wife to visit his grandmother. The grandmother lives in Hawaii and the father happens to be the presumptive Democratic nominee for President of the United States. Spending some free time with his family visiting an older family member who lives in a state that is not part of the North American continent. What is the big deal? The father shows his daughters how important it is to spend time with his grandmother who is their great-grandmother, and who raised him through his formative years. This young family gets to enjoy being in a clean, healthy environment having fun together. McCain supporters who espouse "family values" show themselves to be the hypocrites that they are for they truly do not value families. Shame on you.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

MG of IL — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 05:50:20 GMT

Is there anything Barack Obama can do that is right? He is wrong no matter what he does it seems.

Just don't forget that John McCain has taken weekends off in Arizona this whole campaign season and has recently stated he needs more sleep. Senator McCain should also realize that Barack and Michelle Obama have two young daughters - a family that enjoys their vacation just like the rest of us do. Barack Obama's elderly grandmother also lives in Hawaii - so what is wrong with spending time with her? John McCain has no right to be so critical - he is the biggest excuse of a person - he has no family values.

I'm sure John McCain will also use this time to show off his warmongering in regards to the situtation in Georgia/Russia. That's about all he's good for - playing dirty and war games.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

icanthinkformyself — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 06:02:53 GMT

this shouldnt even be a story. it still doesnt explain what obama's change and hope is all about. i am still waiting for that.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

icanthinkformyself — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 06:11:26 GMT

what is up with the obama campaign registering convicts in jails around the country???? please, tell me obamanation??

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

coupecloure — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 06:56:34 GMT

I am tired and embarrassed for being a Republican. It looks like that the only things that the GOP can do is "criticizing". Poor Obama, the guy can do nothing. I guarantee you that he will be criticized if he takes a nap during day time. By the way, I am thinking seriously about changing political party.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

H2279 — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 07:25:48 GMT

Over the past couple of weeks I've sat here and read most of the articles on Obama and McCain and this one takes the cake. I can't believe that with all the other major events going on in the world today people are worried about one person and their vacation plans. It's sad and the Republican party should be ashamed.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

accidental.occidental — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 07:28:44 GMT

There can be little doubt that BO is an elitist - remember "cling on to their guns".

So is McCain.

The difference is one of them denies it vehemently.

His campaign platform is the removal of the elites.

The man who speaks of change has changed his position many times.

To suit his own political ambitions.

Once you have lived with elites, that shapes your life.

The fact that you were on scholarship changes nothing.

Your formative years were with elites.

It shapes how you think and how you react.

The GOP may, as some say, be full of BS.

The question is whether BO is a man of truth, ideals and integrity.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

Alma — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 07:47:37 GMT

CAIN is the only elitist here. The man cheated on his first wife and made Cindy his lover, then he abandoned his wife and divorced her to marry rich Cindy. Now he lives of the money his wife makes advertising and selling alcohol to poor and middle class families. He lives of his wife and yet is not embarrassed. He is laughing out loud at all of US innocent middle class Americans while we honor his disloyalty towards his own family and to the rest of US. Obama is a humble man who tries to serve God. He is of humble but honorable origins. Because he was poor and black, he was given the opportunity to go to good schools. It is a blessing that we give such opportunity to intelligent people without means in this country. We should be proud to have someone like Obama taking advantage of an educational benefit and use it in such good, honorable and moral way.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

J Robbins — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 07:59:04 GMT

I live in Hawaii. I am still reeling from the newscaster who said that Obama was visiting an exotic and "foreign" locale. HELLO. We are a part of the United States.

Why wouldn't Obama visit Hawaii? He is from Hawaii and has family here.

I have lived in Hawaii for 20 years and when I visit family I have to go to the desert in California thank you very much. Obama can count himself lucky!!!

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

Markk3441 — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 08:22:29 GMT

Man, can the author of this 'journalistic' piece be MORE in the corner of Barack Obama in this article? Might as well just have Newsweek come out and say 'we'll do everything in our power to help elect Obama!'

What a joke Newsweek has turned into these days...

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

sebr01stl — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 08:38:55 GMT

Markk3441, then you haven't read most of Romano's pieces, which are usually in the tank for McCain. I was pleasantly surprised at the level of even-handed journalism this time. It's hard to call a candidate who just recently paid off student loans, "elitest," by an opponent, whose spouse is a billionairess, and who wears $520 shoes, and owns multiple houses. To not report anything different would be bias. Enough of the Repub lies, intentional ignorance, refusal to operate under anything other than double standards in their favor. McCain is also the media "celebrity" that he accuses Obama of being. P.S. Obama's sister also lives in Hawaii, which Andrew Romano left out.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

SgtLucifer — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 08:41:44 GMT

Believe it or not Andy, Americans are as silly as pundits, and are as stupid as journalists like yourself who chose to write about this.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

SgtLucifer — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 08:50:13 GMT

Next, Andy... I hope you'd write about the President of a country that's having great deal of fun at the China Olympics while sons & daughters of common folks are fighting his war in Iraq.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

spiritscense — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 08:51:21 GMT

Snobbery ? Elitist???

I just visited my childhood home in Rochester NY , visited my grandmom, visited the NY Wine Country, The USA has so many wonderful places and Hawaii is one of them, Get a grip all of you nay sayers...Barack GREW UP THERE...I have been there. It is no big deal... a regular all American vacation!

The GOP's have lost whatever sense of reality they ever might have had.

Gop's are clinging to cobwebs...and they know they are going to lose. Tee Hee! Makes me chukle.

GOPS goin down!!!

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

sharenews — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 08:56:19 GMT

NEW BOOK RELEASE IN EARLY AUGUST: THE OBAMA NATION, by Jerome R. Corsi.

Now #1 on the New York Times Bestseller list (Hardcopy Nonfiction)

INTERVIEW with Author of The Obama Nation, Dr. Jerome Corsi, Ph.d

Part 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UdFs6hjPnyw

Part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PgaGFITnTAQ

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

harleyinaz — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 09:11:09 GMT

Andrew Romano hit the nail on the head with this one. He will refresh himself and , just wait and see, he will kick ass with his performance at the convention. Obama rocks!

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

whatsnew — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 10:54:23 GMT

I am outraged that my intelligence and sensibility are constantly being attacked by the GOP's idiocy and stupidity. Since when is a vacation to Hawaii elitist. Mr. McCain falls into the category of Grumpy Old Men who don't get their way. Whaa, whaa, whaa, Mr. Obama is getting all the press and no one is noticing me. Perhaps, Mr. McCain, if you would give us something to listen to and speak to us intelligently rather than making us feel as though you are slumming it when you go among the masses we would listen to you. Perhaps, Mr. McCain, if you would explain your platform for the presidency and stop complaining about Mr. Obama we would isten to you. Even if Mr. Obama was clearly not the right choice for President of the United States I would vote for him because it is time our generation stepped aside and let a new generation guide this country -- that includes Senators and Congresspeople as well. We have mucked up this country enough for our children and grandchildren, it's time to retire. Give it up Mr. McCain, you haven't got what it takes to run this country and I for one am tired of you resting on your Vietman prisoner of war laurals! It was a long time ago and it is over. It's time to look to the future and how we can, once again, make this country a great country. If I have anything to do with it, and I do because I am a voter, you will NOT, Mr. McCain, be President of these UNITED States.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

WarriorMom — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 11:40:15 GMT

As an undecided local resident, I have been quietly watching the progress of both candidates and I have given my critiques on both. It is fair to say that spending a week near one's childhood home and grandma should be a non-issue. However, a few details are missing. Obama's rental stay was in a very ritzy area where the average daily rental is more than a thousand...we're talking about a beach front, secluded and private cottage.

His fund raising event was at the Kahala Mandarin Hotel where it IS an "elitist" hotel, and one of the very exclusive hotels in the state. The hotel is not in downtown or even in Waikiki, the tourist hub spot, it was in Kahala. Kahala is one of, if not the most exclusive neighborhoods in the state. It's residents are mostly the affluent from out of state or foreigners; even some movie stars live in that area. The co-fundraiser bigwigs of the event are both private school elitists.

About $80,000 improvements, in his honor, were made at the state's Keehi Lagoon park where he held his speech, I don't recall the state's bureaucrats spending anywhere near that amount for a political candidate...EVER, especially for a state park. The current condition on most of our state, local and public parks are in a sad state; we are talking about the homeless, the indigents, etc who frequent our parks. There are many venues available for his public speech that wouldn't cost such a high expenditure.

There were some attendees who asked Obama to take picture with them, and they have been turned down because he stated that if he said yes, he has to say yes to everyone.

It has been many years since he left Hawai'i to embark on his political career, where has he been? He has not been a voice or given representation or brought attention to what he calls his childhood home, until now...when he's running a presidential campaign.

For those not familiar with Hawaii's life, culture and economy, do research on our cost of living, how much jobs pay, etc. EVERYTHING is expensive here. Residents of other states will have the shock of their life when they come here for a vacation or even to attempt to live their lifestyle back in the Mainland.

It is understandable that it is anyone should be able to take a vacation whenever, wherever they want to, and spend their own money. WIth that said, Obama is a presidential candidate who, in my opinion could have planned his "vacation" with more sensitivity. Most people in Hawaii could only dream of what this presidential candidate could do, and yet, the choices that he has made show that he, like most political candidates, is out of touch with the rest of the majority of Americans. The image he has projected and continues to project is arguably, belonging to an elitist "mind-set".

I expect a presidential candidate, no matter from which party, to exhibit the ability to be attuned to and sensitive to the current economic plight of most Americans. I do give him credit for being very charismatic and the ability to deliver a impassioned and flowery speech...but that's all I get all the time but really no clear, concrete plan on how to directly tackle the many major problems of our nation.

By the way, there was a picture of Obama turning his back on the American flag as he sat facing opposite w/ no hand over his heart, while the rest of the earlier presidential candidates stood and acknowledged our nation's flag. But, that's another topic for another day.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

snowstorm63 — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 11:46:43 GMT

I just want to know, if running for President, do you have to live like a pauper? Must you never take a vacation with your family? What is the problem, yes the world has problems, yes there is a war going on, but Obama is not the one who is President. Bushman is, and where was he last week? He was taking a vacation....don't ever, ever criticize unless you have merit and can back it up with some law that says people are not allowed vacations if they are running for President. OBAMA '08/YES WE CAN!

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

knoxrev — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 11:48:37 GMT

im sorry i just thought this was supposed to be a non bious article. You guys crack me up.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

McKayla01 — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 11:58:05 GMT

Oh, for God's sake. Let's start treating these candidates as human. It is simply a vacation in the United States and if you have ever been in Hawaii, the time difference is great. Noon there is the end of the business day on the east coast...thus creating a true and ideal vacation. If acting human makes Obama a better candidate, then so be it. Regardless, the bottom line is Obama is going to trounce McCain. He will win PA, MI, OH, WI, CO and possibly VA, NM, NC and GA. All the while winning the blue states that Kerry won in 04. Get used to our next President...Obama.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

snowstorm63 — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 11:58:40 GMT

Andrew Romano couldn't be unbiased, he wouldn't know what that was if it bit him in the hiney.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

Kela — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 12:06:38 GMT

Vacation or no vacation, Obama is still not the man for president. People are all gung ho on the idea that he will fix everything by raising our taxes and putting people like me into foreclosure. I don't want to pay more for people who have illegitimate children and the like. I have enough to live comfortably because I work for it. If my taxes go up, it's going to hurt my family. Just because people don't like Bush doesn't mean they should vote for any old democrat they see. McCain has more experience and does NOT want to raise taxes or increase government spending. Now is not the time to "make history" by voting for a muslim non-white president. Voting for him because he's not white sounds racist to me. I would not vote for a woman just because I am one and that there's never been a woman president. She would have to be fit for the job-period.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

lwalker12344 — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 12:13:36 GMT

Wow...you call yourself an author, a journalist? You're a joke, like most journalists who have Man crushes on Ob-a-a-ama...did you feel a little tingle Andrew like Chris Matthews when you were listening to him complain about everything? A little tingle in your thighs like Chris Matthews said he felt? Ha? Your little princess of a candidate will be losing the general election, not because people like you whine and whine that he isn't being treated fairly, but because of the opposite...we can see a set-up, we millions & millions of Americans who will vote for the candidate who is most worthy of taking the highest office in the world and bringing America to the next step...that is John McCain and not the biggest fraud ever to hit the campaign circuit...your little candidate Oba-a-ama. Read the book Obamanation and see what YEARS of research about him yielded...bet you won't though...you'll just trash it, calling it lies although it is all documented with proof and facts. Do yourself a favor..quit writing and go home little man to live with your parents again. Your writing style is that of a 12 year old and your whining style is worse.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

miltongalfas — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 12:16:30 GMT

Romano, you are a child idiot who has all his facts wrong. Hawaii is one of the most expensive vacations in the world. There is no arguing that. The flight alone make most of us inable to go. Everything is imported so it is close to twice the price of the mainland. Secondly he does not care about his "white racist grandmother who called him the 'n' word. He hasn't seen her since 2006... a real family guy huh?

Romano, how did you ever get this job? The editor liked boys? Why do you feel that since you have no plausible defense for Obama's consistent lack of judgement that attacking someone else will focus the attention away from Obama's problems.

OBAMA is WHACK (WHiteblACK) or is he a BLIGHT (BLackwhITE)? Why don't you stop calling him black and call him white? I resent that he denies his whiteness as does the really out of touch media. If he is half white and half black that should be mentioned together unless you resent your own whiteness which then makes you a supreme racist.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

WarriorMom — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 12:23:53 GMT

It is not that presidential candidates have to live like a pauper, but rather a better timing that shows Obama stands out differently from other presidential candidates in a manner that is currently consistent and sensitive to the hardships and plight of most Americans.

It is not about presidential candidates not taking a vacation, it is about what kind of excesses were present during the vacation; did the appearance of luxury and comfortability serve as a distraction to the very image of the idea he is trying to promote as the people's president of hope and change?

All civilizations through all time periods have WAR. There is not one single U.S. president who has not had to deal w/ war, even though in this case it is probably the best example on how many things can go wrong with war, cumulatively. There isn't any one man, or one political party to blame for this. Remember our system of checks and balances allows everyone to have a say and make their choices known on the floor. Was was not the issue in this article, and this was not what my opinion addressed. This article was written to address the general public's opinion on THIS particular vacation of Obama.

All the comments here are subjective and represent how we each relate to the article. They are all different perspectives. I don't jump on bandwagons; I have supported different political parties in my lifetime. My opinions and observations are NOT based on some random uneducated spewing from my mouth but rather from my life experiences: I am a wife, mother of four, college graduate - struggled to pay on my own through loans, and out of pocket. My parents are immigrants, my father is a minister. I've busted my behind held a job since the age of 14 beginning at a fast food restaurant. Just like Obama, Hawaii is my childhood home. I attended elementary, middle school, highschool and college here as well as in the Mainland and overseas. I went to both private and public schools. I've lived on three different continents for several years, but not out of luxury but more out of necessity. I am a mixed race.

Despite all this, I am of the opinion that Obama struggles with relating to someone in my position who like most Americans, is middle class blend of many backgrounds. A wise American voter should take into consideration more than their hate for the current administration. Change and hope is coming, but really, what kind, what for and what reason?

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

bzkaufman — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 12:24:49 GMT

To Kela-

All these foreclosures are taking place on Bush Jr.'s watch, not Obama. He intends to raise taxes on those earning more than $250,000 per year. And he's not Muslim.

Discussing the issues with smears and untruths is unproductive.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

vakosh — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 12:26:22 GMT

Take the blinders off Obama nuts ... you cannot represent yourself as "one of us" the people who are overlooked, the people who are hurting and turn around and take yet ANOTHER vacation and this one to Hawaii. I disagree ... I do not think he deserves a vacation. I don't think he deserves anything. He is trying to proove himself to the nation and the world ... that is his job right now. Sorry g-ma and little ones ... it's the sacrifice we all make to be successful, foregoing time spent with family and/or vacations.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

binderdundat — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 12:27:34 GMT

Facts, facts, facts. The article states that "there is nothing wrong with going home" for a vacation. I thought his "home" was in Chicago. John McCain does not have six houses that he owns, his wife does. This enrapture with a semi-black man running for president is getting sickening. Obama has lived a privileged life whether on scholarships or not. He has made a great success out of his endeavors that should be applauded and recognized. However, he is Not the second coming of Christ.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

spencer08 — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 12:29:10 GMT

How soon we forget! Where was GWB when the towers was hit? … answer in a classroom and where was GWB when the Russians are attacking the Georgians?... answer at the Olympics! Where was GWB when the Iraq War began..answers at Camp David. We must be factual in our estimation of historic events and be sure that we spread facts and not fantasy. BO needs a break. After traveling on the bus for many months participating in various speaking engagements and rallies, I think it's fair to say the man needs a break before the next round of back to back activities. Those so-called pundits are just flapping their gums with nothing important or significant to say. How did our political system become this mucky? There is no respect and/or attempt at delivering facts and not fiction. FOXNEWS spread rumors and innuendos to the public and they call that reporting? Every blond woman with a pretty face is now a reporter and they lack the objectivity of reporting. People open your eyes and see what’s happening. Don’t be fooled by high paying officials who are only interested in one thing right now your vote and after that, you don’t see them anymore. You will be left with the problem and most likely paying for it. A president needs to listen to his advisers and make the best decision. It is not an easy or egotistical position because you have many lives to think about beside your immediate family. Many families were losing their loved ones in Iraq, and the GWB’s daughter is getting married here. How can that be fair? People listen up; our country is being divided up in colors (Blue and Red). The election is now a joke where people just make fun of real issues and mucky it up. Unfortunately, unemployment continues, people losing their homes, high cost of fuel and electricity continues to mount...we are told to stay the course. You have to be stupid to want to continue the same course...something needs to change and it needs to happen NOW. If you are employed count your paycheck and try to remember the last time you got a raise and how much were you able to save for future use? Listen up and make the right Choice...we need Change Now!

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

vakosh — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 12:37:47 GMT

spencer 08 .... EXACTLY ,,,,, we do not need it again. I will never, ever forget Bush in Texas on 9/11 .... wondering why he wasn't in Washington. O doesn't need or deserve a break. He is trying to prove himself to the nation and the world. You don't go on vacation when you are interviewing for a job. He's ridiculous.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

beannemarie — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 12:43:42 GMT

Honestly, everyone deserves a vacation especially when you have small children. I do think the attacks on Obama about this are kind of silly. I wish they would cut to the chase and attack him on the issues that really matter. Like the fact that he keeps talking about CHANE CHANGE but NEVER mentions what kind of change or how he is going to achieve that chage Hmmmmm that would be a good issue....then there is the issue that he sat in a RACIEST ANTI AMERICAN church for 20 some years and listened to Rev White and all his hate talk about whitey this and whitey that. Hmmmm that would be a good issue to bring up. Then there is the issue about his biological brother and his ties to Islam raticals...HMMMMMM now that would be a really good issue to bring up. FACT is this BARAK HUSSEIN OBAMA really scares the living life out of me.I do not trust him and WHY oh WHY people should we and WHY oh WHY should I vote for someone I know NOTHING about. I at Least I know that John Mccain first and for most LOVES this country enough so that he is willing and has been willing to DIE for it...HMMM can't say that about obama....I also know that John Mccain has already proven himself as a LEADER for the past 30 years ... Hmmm can't say that about obama.I also know his wife Cindy LOVES America, and does alot of humatarian work...She does not badmouth her country or her countrymen..........and I can't say that about Michelle.....I know that John Mccain has children serving in the military and so do I. I will trust Mccain with military decisions that will affect my boys since he has so much military experience...and there is no one people I mean no one who hates war more then John Mccain..but a President has to make TOUGH decisions, sometimes unpopular decisions which are ultimatly in the best interest of the country given the information that they know ( not what we think we know) and personally I don't think Obama can or will be able to make those tough decisions to keep you and I safe. I think he will be blown every which way with the wind and you know in washington...he'll be blown away.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

dumasrl — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 12:47:02 GMT

Absolutely ridiculous! Why can’t the man take a vacation without it being some big deal? The GOP is grasping at straws again. What, they rather him go someplace where he cannot relax, recoup and enjoy his time off with his family? What a bunch of S**T! Republicans make me sick! McCain is married to one of the richest women in the world….Do you think he is eating ground beef or vacationing at a National Park? Get real!

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

varacefan — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 12:48:08 GMT

It cracks me up when you guys start crying about how biased an article is. It may be biased but it's nice once in awhile to see you guys have to deal with what we republicans deal with all the time in the main stream press. My question is how did this slip past the liberial hacks at Newsweek? Keep crying, it does my heart good to laugh.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

Kela — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 12:48:34 GMT

To bzkaufman-

The fact that I can now afford to live is not a lie. If my taxes are raised I will not be able to afford my house-that is true. It is also true that Obama wants to increase the size of the government, increase govt. spending AND raise income taxes-unless I've read everything wrong. Why on earth do people want to pay more out of pocket than we do already? I don't. Michelle Obama is a racist. Who wants that? Not me. Cindy McCain is a humanitarian woman. She would be a great first lady. Look her up on Snopes and you'll read all of the great things she does around the world. Yeah, she has money, but she definitely gives a great deal to many causes. How can one argue with that? You go ahead and vote for Obama, fool. If he becomes president we will all be hurting and we'll have all of the bleeding heart democrats to blame.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

gherks65 — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 12:50:14 GMT

ANYONE WHO HAS CHILDREN OF SCHOOL AGE KNOWS THAT THE SUMMER IS ENDING

AND OBAMA HAS SPENT COUNTLESS HOURS ON THE ROAD AWAY FROM HIS FAMILY.

THIS IS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR HIM TO HAVE QUALITY TIME WITH HIS FAMILY AND ALSO SPEND TIME WITH HIS ELDERLY GRANDMOTHER WHOM HE HAS NOT SEEN SINCE 2006

SO IT'S NOT LIKE HE IS IN HAWAII EVERY OTHER WEEKEND. HE HAS LIVED THEIR AND

AND HIS GRANDMOTHER RESIDES THEIR THAT IS WHY HE IS THEIR. AND AS TO LIVING A PRIVILEGED LIFE, ITS NOT OBAME WHO OWNS 6 HOMES AND WEARS 500 DOLLAR SHOES

AND OBAMA WAS BORN IN AMERICA AND MCCAIN WAS BORN IN THE PANAMA CANAL ZONE SO ALL YOU CRITICS GET A LIFE AND STOP CRYING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

eslaten — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 12:54:37 GMT

Come on, people. Stop attacking each other and discuss things rationally and intelligently.

I have to agree with Romano when he says that there's nothing elitist about Obama going to Hawaii for vacation; he's just returning home. He had no control over where he was raised, so attacking him for it makes no sense whatsoever.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

WarriorMom — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 12:54:44 GMT

Actually, I don't mind the current president's visit to the Olympics in Beijing. It actually shows support for our athletes. We all should know that our athletes have endured many challenges and hardships and most of their families cannot afford to fly there. The presidential family's presence there was a positive highlight for our athletes. In one news article, it described several athletes, among them, gold medalist "hoarder" Phelps felt "honored". It is great representation to have a president personally watch the Olympics.

As far as the economy goes, let's remember that economics doesn't just happen over night, or four years or eight years. Our current economic state is a mixed combination of the culmination of years and years, way beyond this current administration of financial mismanagement of public, private and yes, foreign sectors. What we are feeling is the lagged impact combined with the performance of the economies of other countries.

We all need to do a better job of looking beyond what we see within our very limited vision. Unfortunately, it is so easy to get caught up in the hatred, jump on the bandwagon and join the most popular and charismatically appealing candidate since JFK.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

obamasuxx — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 13:00:17 GMT

Obama-ites please get a clue and read up on Obama. Obama is an amateur and seems to make huge blunders all the time...this vacation is just another example. Since he hasn't bothered to go home since 2006 why now? Also was Grandma on that golf course, that beach? Didn't see her at all...huh?

Living in IL with Obama as one of my Senators I find some of you people hillarious. I would bet that most of his supporters have no idea of his background or experience and are just wide eyed about his empty promise of "Change"....Vote Obama and let him pass all his tax increases and that is all you will have left in your pocket....some CHANGE.

Do you really want the Presidency to be a job training program for Junior Senators that have accomplished nothing? Freakin' Amazing........

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

blubinus — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 13:00:34 GMT

Wait a minute here. First Obama is criticized for being presumptuous in Berlin, the rationale being that he is not president yet. Then, this vacation is compared to George Bush's when 9/11 happened? How does that make any sense? Bush was the sitting president at that time; responding to that disaster was his responsibility. Do we expect Obama to be making policy decisions? Do we expect him to fly back, get briefed by the State Department, and start making orders? I'm pretty sure this is Bush's job until January 20, 2009. Furthermore, if he wasn't taking time off now and then, the family values wing of this pack of crazies we call the Republican Party now (ah, the good old days when the GOP cared more about how our money was being spent then they did about whether little Timmy has two dads or whether little Susie has an abortion) would be all over him for putting his campaign before the welfare of his family--sort of like they tried to do with John Edwards last fall when Elizabeth's cancer came back. The intellectual dishonesty of the right hemisphere of our political landscape is astonishing.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

commonsensevoter — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 13:02:02 GMT

It's too bad that most Republicans don't realize that Hawaii is one of the 50 States, not some exotic "foreign" vacation spot.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

DeeGee2 — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 13:08:06 GMT

Get Real! When has going HOME to see family and friends make you an elitist? He was raised in Hawaii, me in New York...does going home to see Aunts, Uncles and friends make me appear...OMG...snobby??? Dang, I keep forgetting, I'm not that important! Just as some of the things I have been reading during this campaign...LET'S STICK TO THE REAL ISSUES!

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

vakosh — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 13:11:40 GMT

Well if you can't see that taking a vacation during a job interview is a mistake than you are all

blind, deaf and dumb.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

bamc — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 13:12:21 GMT

"First, Obama didn't choose Hawaii for its beautiful beaches. He spent much of his childhood there--including high school--and is returning mainly to visit his housebound 85-year-old grandmother, whom he hasn't seen since December 2006. As far as I can tell, there's nothing "highfalutin" about flying home for vacation. Unless family is only for elitists".

He hasn't seen his Grandmother since December 2006 and we're supposed to buy that's why he's there now. With all the money he has he can't make it to see the woman who helped raise him for over a year and a half.

Maybe he's finally realized that he needs to acknowledge the fact that he's "white" also and was raised by his "white" family if he wants to get the "white" vote. Spending a week in Hawaii right now though will surely "darken" him and his light skinned family to entice the "black" vote when he goes to the Democratic National Convention in a couple of weeks and looks more like a black man.

What a joke.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

spershing — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 13:12:30 GMT

The great thing about the internet is that we get information so fast and everything seems to be right here at our fingertips. The flip side of that there are a lot of things posted on the internet that are just none of our business. If a guy wants to take a vacation with his wife and kids after working so hard for so long, what should any of us have to say about it? Come on, people, let's talk about the things that really matter and come up with some solutions that work to get us back on track in this country. If we can't understand a good man when we see him and work to get him elected, then we don't deserve any more than we've gotten for the past seven plus years. Let's wake up and take our country back.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

Ululani — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 13:15:18 GMT

Barack Obama has a sister he dearly loves who still lives in Hawaii with her husband and child. His grandmother also has not seen him in a very long time. It seems Republicans are going to criticize him for every single little thing he does!!! Obama has many many close friends who live in Hawaii, and Hawaii is his place of birth. I was born in the same hospital as Obama in Honolulu, different year, of course. Obama just raised 1.3 million dollars in Hawaii, or I should say his friends raised that money for him.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

Ululani — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 13:20:38 GMT

Obama was born in Honolulu. His sister whom he dearly loves lives here with her husband and child.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

Pat1987 — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 13:25:11 GMT

The McCain camp is constantly insulting my intellegence and that of the American public with these desperate attempts to make Obama look bad. They are only succeeding in showing how desperate, petty and foolish they truly are b'cos these negative attacks which have nothing to do with the real issues. McCain is just jealous of Obama's political worldwide popularity. If they can make this into an issue, then why not make McCain's unsightliness into an issue as well.. after all, who wants to be looking at this 'Old Wrinkly Dude' for the next four years? lol. So you see how stupid this topic really is!

And If the article sounds biased it's because any journalist or any person with a few brain cells can see through this amount of BS. It's obsurd that the McCain campaign is actually discussing Obama's FAMILY vacation as such a negative and 'highfalutin' trip. The man needs a few days off with his family. Don't be mad at him b'cos you can't take a vacation now. Blame Bush!

At least we can see Obama's dignity in the face of yet another baseless and obsurd attack, especially when McCain is way more elitist than Obama could ever hope to be. Oh and may i remind everyone that Bush took time off to enjoy the Olympics (and perhaps he's still there now.) And if you are so upset at the way America is heading down the drain you need to direct that anger towards Bush and the other Republicans who have messed up the economy as well as international opinion and trust in America. McCain is just another Bush, Obama is the positive change America and the rest of the world needs.

Obama is NOT the next Christ, but that's not the job he's running for. He's running for President, and I think he'll make a much better one than president Bush and McCain combined. Finally, Obama is not shunning the fact that he is half white! His mother, whom he loves dearly, is white. But in America, as long as someone is mixed they are considered African American. That's just the way it is. Obama did not invent this! So why all the anger? The McCain camp needs to keep their ads and focus on the issues, because they're just making themselves look stupid and desperate.

OBAMA/08!!!

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

Ululani — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 13:27:48 GMT

Illinois is Obama's place of residence and has been his residence for many years. Rather than take a high paying job that would have made him rich, he worked to help others in the community to better their lives. Many people in Illinois love Obama for all the good he has done in their state. But Hawaii is still Obama's first home, and he has many many people who love him living here in the Islands.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

just-another-sweetie — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 13:29:16 GMT

Yes I see where he spent an hour with his 85-year-old maternal grandmother.But Michelle and the girls couldn't make it.

http://starbulletin.com/2008/08/09/news/story04.html

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

just-another-sweetie — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 13:34:45 GMT

When Obama says he is the candidate of “change”, just remember that Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid and the other Democrats said they would be the congress of “change”. They were going to get things done, work in a bipartisan way! Sound familiar?I’m OVER the Democratic Party. McCain gets my vote. I refuse to allow the sneaky low life Dean, DNC and the filthy no good talk show hosts media to choose my president.

Barack Hussein Obama without a teleprompter: "AH, DAH, DE, DA, UP, UM, BA, TA, LA, DAP, DI, DE, DO, CAH, UP, OP, BAH, FOLLOWED BY WORDS OF AUDACIOUS ARROGANCE!

I'd rather light my hair on fire and pull it out with a claw hammer then vote for Obama.

Just Say No Deal. PUMA John McCain 08

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

Ululani — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 13:39:19 GMT

It really is so disgusting! All the Republicans can do is throw trash and criticize Obama. Negative, negative, negative, which is the only thing they can do since their candidate does not have a single original idea to offer. They figure if they keep throwing out criticism after criticism, they will divert attention away from McCain's negatives, like the fact that he did not even know the difference between a shite and a sunni muslim, and he did not know where Pakistan's border was. He has to read every word of his speeches from a teleprompter because he can't trust himself to remember what he wants to say.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

TET68 — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 13:43:58 GMT

Neither McCain nor Obama represent anything close to what was written in our Constitution. Neither would make a pimple on a good leader's ass. We need more like Ron Paul!

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

beannemarie — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 13:44:59 GMT

Um UM UM UM UM Ah Ah Ah!!!!!!LOL

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

Ululani — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 13:45:21 GMT

Vakosh, does this mean that McCain will not be taking any vacations between now and the election.? Is that what you are saying? Gee whiz, I didn't know a job interview could last for days and days and days and weeks and weeks and weeks and weeks and months and months and months. With no breaks inbetween! Whew! Thank you so much for educating all of us who are dumb blind and, whatever.......

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

just-another-sweetie — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 13:46:00 GMT

Well how about those 57 states that Obama thinks we have.

Just Say No Deal. PUMA John McCain 08

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

eagles1776 — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 13:49:04 GMT

This is just another example of how the GOP is scared to death to talk REAL issues and resort to below the belt campaigning. They know that they will lose and lose big time if they talk issues, so in desparation they continue the old Karl Rove smear campaign. It worked in 2000 and 2004 but people aren't stupid. Burn me once shame on you burn me twice shame on me.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

Ululani — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 13:52:55 GMT

Did you know that there are repubs that will not vote for Obama simply because they don't like Nancy Pelosi? I don't like Nancy Pelosi either, but Obama is not Nancy Pelosi! I am still going to vote for Obama! Meanwhile, McCain loathes Romney and a lot of Romney fans refuse to vote for McCain. Will be interesting if McCain feels he has to put Romney on the ticket in order to win.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

vakosh — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 13:54:44 GMT

ululani: when you are running for president you don't get a break, you don't get a break when you are president .... it is a 24/7 job, I thought most Americans understood that .... I mean if you can't handle the pressure? Most people who are successful have to sacrifice time spent with loved ones and vacations in order to get there. Sorry but we all know how it works.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

Decibella — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 13:55:04 GMT

I find the article a bit subjective in the way it defends Obama. Obama is simply a politician with a vague platform, heavily backed by the banking industry. As long as MONEY and a NON-direct voting system elects our President, there will be NO change of the kind Obama is preaching. On the other hand, I believe that Hillary would be able to get some change through, thanks to her diplomacy and ability to stay focused on realistic plans. I will write in Hillary's name on the ballot.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

slowmo — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 13:55:05 GMT

just-another-sweetie,

you need a hug don't you?

Obama 08

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

just-another-sweetie — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 14:01:30 GMT

Obama reminds me of those Verizon commercials…he requires that crowd of helpers following him wherever he goes!

http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/commentary/la-oe-goldberg12-2008aug12,0,6742318.column

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

cna0705 — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 14:02:37 GMT

Hey slowmo...should we add a kiss too?

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

blsd01 — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 14:02:59 GMT

I am glad to know this edifying piece of information is NOT the article that landed you your job! I guess you thought it sly to put in those pieces about McCain too. I did not see it as simply a return to home vacation with family, and I doubt any American that can think or see straight did either. I hope that all the Americans voting for "change" can still call themselves Americans if he gets voted into office. People, wake up and reevaluate your lives! God above knows who's best for the presidency, and until we lean on that understanding, no one will ever really win.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

adelina — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 14:04:37 GMT

As far as I am concerned he can stay on vacation forever. Did you read the polls? Is not a done deal yet, is not going to be a landslide and McCain is leading in FL, NC and a few others. Also 48% said they are tired of hearing from Obama ... the media is responsible for saturating the public with Obama and that is going to hurt him at the end. In order to avoid the possibility of the republicans gaining a majorityk, in congress I will vote democrat. I will vote McCain. One does not take a break in the middle of a job interview.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

bcrawf2033 — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 14:08:03 GMT

At this point in our election process, I am against any articles, or any speeches from any candidate that does not unite our Nation. We are the United States of America, and if we are not, then we need to shut up. The issues we face as a Nation are of grave concern that will impact our lives for years to come. Some of us will be dead and gone before we see any actual change for the better economically, environmentally, in the area of healthcare, energy, jobs and the host of other challenges we face. I'm sick of the politics as usual. Senator Obama has tried to stay on the issues, but Senator McCain is so starved for media attention he will do or say anything. While I respect his sacrifice of service to our country, and empathize with his being a prisoner of war, I too am a veteran. I served this country 20 years in the U.S. Army. But it doesn't make me qualifed to be Commander-in-Chief. Too many officers are in it to make a name for themselves and seek glory. Senator McCain is a rich man and married into even more money. He has no clue as to what it take to live paycheck to paycheck with no enough money left to fill up piggy bank. He was deeply involved in the Keating Five Savings & Loan Scandal and felt like a failure. He has something to prove to himself and his family, but not at my expense. Senator McCain was a soldier and always will be in his heart and mind. I'm sure he has some type of post traumatic stress and I don't want him in position to push the button that causes the destruction of us all. Diplomacy will not be his first option, because war is what he knows and what he wants. The negative campaigning is nauseating. What about us? What about the millions of people who are suffering in this nation? All I want to hear from either candidate is how they are going to get us out of this mess? They need to breakout the 5 point Powerpoint presentations and start talking to the people like we have a brain. Obama 08.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

Fazool — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 14:08:48 GMT

I cannot believe that this is even an issue. What is the guy supposed to do? Should he visit some old lady in Nebraska (even if she isn't related) so that he can say he vacationed in the heartland? His grandmother lives in Hawaii. And in case no one noticed, Hawaii became a state some time ago, so it is not exactly a foreign and exotic locale. The guy deserves a vacation, it keeps him focused and you can bet that even if he is "relaxing with his family" he is thinking and planning and doing "things presidential" so get off his back about this. I can't believe how silly and trite the media and the repubs are about this. Oh, and about his going to an "expensive" gas station . . .when you find one that isn't expensive (especially in Hawaii), let me know and I'll swim over. Just sayin'

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

bcrawf2033 — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 14:14:18 GMT

After 15 months of a grueling campaign with Senator Clinton and weeks of being pounded on by Senator McCain, who was sitting back relaxing while Senator Obama was in the heat of the primary, he needs this vacation to regroup and recharge before getting into the convention phase. What kind of people are you who deny a person a week with their family or to gather their thoughts? Senator Obama is a decent human being and I believe he cares deeply about our Nation. He deserves a chance to make the needed changes that will take us to higher level in American history. Obama 08.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

julionw — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 14:15:29 GMT

You're attempt to defend Obama is very poor, Romano.

On vacation to Hawaii? Shouldn't he be working for his state?

He is "acting white" and it's just as becoming as Flager "acting" as a black preacher. Ridiculous and funny, but it's even ....

Worse. Obama is an elitist-wanna-be, just like his mother. Or as we say in my country: bourgeois-wanna-be. The worst and most dangerous kind ...

Scholarship?-Because he was black, not because he was poor or exceptional. But he is not really Black, is he?

Reminds me of white women marrying Mexican men so they can have the last name and claim minoritism, twice. (women & hispanic).

Hasn't seen his Grandmother since 2006? - In the black communities, I believe, this is a huge disrespect. She raised him, while his mother was in Thailand(?). Therefore SHE is the mother.

In the Hispanic communities the rest of the family would've beaten the crap out of him for not seeing her and for not $upporting her. Another reason why hispanics and progressive foreign-nationals won't even consider him ....

Romano: Does he send money to her? How much?

Romano: this constitutes abuse of your priviledges to write in this column. Give us the whole truth.

Rush is right. You just want to be part of history. At all costs.

Not so easily fooled Latino for Mitt Romney. Adios. I'm going to WORK.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

just-another-sweetie — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 14:15:45 GMT

Poll: Nearly half hearing too much about Obama

WASHINGTON - Barack Obama may be the fresh face in this year's presidential election, but nearly half say they're already tired of hearing about him, a poll says.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080806/ap_on_el_pr/poll_obama_overexposure

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

Ululani — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 14:16:07 GMT

Taxes. Repubs love to scare folks with the word taxes. They say, like a mantra, "Watch, Obama is going to tax, tax, tax, tax you, and then he is going to tax you some more! And after that he is going to tax you some more, then he is going to raise taxes, all your taxes." The taxing boogeyman is after you! The truth is Obama did not help poor people in the less affluent neighborhoods back in Illinois so he could turn around and and tax them. Obama would like to lower the tax burden on the middle class and instead shift the tax burden to those most able to afford the increase in taxes. Before you vote for Mr. Rich McCain because he married rich Cindy McCain and now has a reported net worth of 40 million dollars, remember what the second richest man in the United States has said. Warren Buffet says that he pays less taxes than does his secretary, and he thinks that that is unfair, especially when he is said to be worth more than 44 billion.....yes, I said billion, NOT million, dollars! If you want Mr Buffet to continue to pay less taxes than his secretary, than by all means, vote for Mr. Rich John MCain! But don't complain that your share of the tax burden will actually increase. Right now, the American middle class is carrying the heaviest load of the national tax burden! George Bush gave the super rich more tax breaks and now John McCain wants to make those tax breaks permanent. Even Mr, Buffet believes he should be paying more taxes!

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

griffin1 — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 14:16:21 GMT

McCain is desperate and more of the same (BUSH)

Obama is focused on the problems we face in this country

Case closed

Obama 08'

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

FlrLdy — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 14:16:58 GMT

"Now they're saying that spending a week near his childhood home--and his elderly grandmother--is proof of his snobbery."

In this time of economic down turn his trip is "elitist" given who he is trying to appeal to for votes. And why has he taken a sudden interest in his grandmother whom he has not seen in two years? His timing just stinks like everything else about him, i.e. associates, supporters, religious advisors.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

C. MacLean — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 14:21:53 GMT

This is just too silly.

Obama visits his aging grandmother - and the republicans, supposed champions of family values, don't like it. If something happens to his 85-yr old grandmother and he wasn't able to visit her since 2006, he would regret it forever - how many of us have lost an elder loved one and said at the funeral - "I wish I had visited grandma one more time..." Taking time out for family is a value most Americans cherish.

He goes to one of the 50 states - last time I checked, Hawaii was part of the United States - and the republicans attack him as elitist and un-American, too "foreign". (Wonder how the people of Hawaii feel about being called foreigners).

Once again, the McCain campaign chooses to avoid critical issues, and instead is focused on ridiculous attempts to slander. Pathetic, how desperate they are to paint Obama in a negative light, instead of focusing on their candidate's strengths. It's a shame, really, to see where McCain has gone, because he used to be an honorable man.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

hamptonjbw — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 14:22:50 GMT

You just can't resist taking pot shots at Senator McCain, even when the headline id about Obama. He has spent approximately 145 days out of his 3 years as a senator at work. I'm supposed to understand his vacation in Hawaii? Dhow me a struggling Anerican worker who can make that claim. This type of article only turns the independemt voter to lean towards the republican camdidate, be he good or bad. Psych 101, in case you missed it.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

Ululani — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 14:24:07 GMT

Did you know most of these polling companies are owned by repubs!? Of course, to them, Obama is "overexposed." they are getting ever so nervous at Obama's popularity, so they make the numbers say anything they want them to say. True, Obama is getting more coverage because he is the new man on the block, but 73% of that coverage has been negative, and the positive stuff gets buried on page 6.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

jupmod — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 14:24:25 GMT

I agree with this article. It seems the Repubs are accusing Obama of everything from A to Z. What is wrong with this picture here? Why are my fellow Americans being a bunch of double-standard dummies? They claim they are seeing too much of him, and now they are saying he's being a snob for taking a vacation after a grueling year and half primary campaign? What is this?! What is so wrong by taking a break before the big gruling work ahead toward the general election?

This country is now nothing but a bunch of snobby, whining 'sheep'! They believe everything the 'sheep herder' says. No wonder this country is going down the tubes.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

just-another-sweetie — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 14:26:20 GMT

Has any body heard that Reverend Jeremiah Wright is reportedly releasing a book and going on a book tour in October?

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

FlrLdy — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 14:26:39 GMT

"AND OBAMA WAS BORN IN AMERICA AND MCCAIN WAS BORN IN THE PANAMA CANAL ZONE SO ALL YOU CRITICS GET A LIFE AND STOP CRYING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! "

John McCain's father was stationed in Panama when his son was born. John McCain was born on a U.S. military installation which is the same as being born in any of the 50 states. He is an American citizen.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

spencer08 — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 14:28:57 GMT

I feel sorry for you blsd01. God is a God for everyone. I am amazed how one party thinks they have the direct line to God and the rest of us are unworthy. Islam, Jewish, Hindu, Christianity, and all other religious sects that I did not mention here, each have the same opportunity and relationships with their God. To use religion in a political campaign is pure senseless. God did not pick GWB to run and did not choose JM either. So there, get over yourselves with your strong Christian slant that is used to prosecute people unjustly. Karl Rove, Libby and their cronies should have been locked up! The many acts they committed are criminal.

Andrew Romano - this ad. on the right of my screen is making it impossible to read the comments fully. That's another example of in your face crap that is shoved down our throats daily.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

Beka75 — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 14:30:24 GMT

For John McCain every weekend is a vacation and he has his choice of how many different estates in different areas to call home? What did he do to earn all this? Oh thats right, he dumped his disabled wife who worried and waited for him for 5 years...I wonder if when she got into the accident did she worry that he would leave her because of her deformity?

He is a grade A pig and to even compare Barack Obama who busted his butt in the real world to get where he is with McGigalo is redicoulous and shows that between your poor judgment on Bush and now McCain you should even be allowed to vote.

PS Do PUMA's get an Autographed copy of It takes a village for posting their moronic propaganda like the McCainots do?

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

mecca255 — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 14:35:00 GMT

uhhh.... its his place of birth. A dude cant go home. And what is he suppose to pretend that he is poor. We all know that he is not. Maybe he should have took his family to Ceder Point. He could have gotten discount tickets from Meijers. Some of you people. But you know what Im glad this is the only type of stuff that you can scrounge up on the man. It shows that I am in support of the right person. So THANKS

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

lurch162534 — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 14:38:30 GMT

Insinuations aside, it all comes down to is really just 2 simple things: EXPERIENCE & NATIONAL SECURITY. Let's break it down shall we?

Barak Obama - Illinois State Senator = 7 years

U.S. Senator = 3.5

U.S. Military = 0 years

John McCain - U.S. House of Representatives = 4 years

U.S. Senate = 21.5 years

U.S. military = 21 years

In my opinion, we can't really count Obama's time in the Illinois State Senate as relative experience toward a bid for the Presidency since not really too much having to deal with the United States' well being is ever a consideration in the State legislature. So, in light of that, after just over 2 years in the U.S. Senate Barak decided that he was Presidential material and officially announced his candidacy....talk about being an "elitest" and arrogant (oops, I told myself I wouldn't go there)!

Now take John McCain. Here is a guy who has spent over half of his entire life (and yes I know, he IS old) in the service of his country both in the legislative side AND the military side. Think of what he brings to the table.....c'mon now people! McCain has extensive experience in the 2 biggest areas relating to running our country....the Legislature and the Military He knows how the legislative body works and will be able to work with both the U.S. House and the U.S. Senate (since he served in both) and because of his dedicated service in our military, I am absolutely positive that he has the safety and security of our country first and foremost on his mind.

I don't know why it is such a diffcult desicion really, but then again I am just a silly American voter!

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

Ululani — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 14:39:39 GMT

Gee, McCain has not showed up for work for such a long time that other senators and congressmen are laughing their heads off that he is screaming at them to come back to Washington and reconvene to vote on an energy bill he is promoting, yet he hasn't been there for many of the votes. Obama and Hillary flew back to Washington to vote on an important bill a couple of weeks ago, and McCain was no where to be found! What a hypocrite! McCain is a no show in the senate telling his colleagues to "get to work." And some guy says he is going to vote for McCain because Obama took a vacation. Did anybody out there buy that? Personally, If God himself declared Obama a saint and Obama never took another vacation in his entire life, that guy would still not vote for Obama. Psych 101 tells me he has other issues that are keeping him from voting for Obama. Calls himself an independent. A hah!

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

Multitasker — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 14:40:11 GMT

Beka75

Obama didn't "Bust his butt" more than anyone else. McCain spent time in captivity. I don't think we need to crticize either one of their upbringings. I am not voting for Obama, but I do not think we need to talk about a stupid vacation either. Both candidate deserve one, campaigning seems exhausting.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

M1rth — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 14:41:45 GMT

Yeah.

Obama's campaign quite literally thumbed their noses at the US military, denying THREE requests from US military bases for short townhall meetings with the candidate.

When Ft. Hood asked for one for of 6,000 veterans, service members, and military families , they were told he had a "prior commitment" for the week.

What is he doing? Not "visiting his grandmother" - no, he's off bodyboarding.

He'd rather be off than talk to the people he's expecting to vote for him, people who've literally given the US their lives and livelihoods.

Shows what respect Obama has for America - NONE AT ALL.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

just-another-sweetie — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 14:42:02 GMT

Quote of the Day……..

‘My friends, we live in the greatest nation in the history of the world. I hope you will join with me as we try to change it.” Barack Obama

No Bama. Never. Just Say No Deal. PUMA John McCain 08

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

Gallatinone — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 14:42:23 GMT

Geez! Knock off the attacks. The guy needs a vacation and so does his family. ( I think he's as corrupt as McCain, but oh well.) None of us can imagine the stress he is under. Oh, and "Where's McCain?" (Kinda like "Where's Waldo?") McCain is constantly hiding out in the Phoenix area, begging the MORMONS for their support. For those of you who don't understand that...MORMONS RUN AZ, CA, NV, NM. McCain isn't campaigning, he's HIDING.

Hope Obama and his family had a nice time together, as I imagine there will be very little time left until after the election.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

Alida — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 14:43:11 GMT

Aren't we all happy to be "American's". We can talk about anything...............

The rest of the world would consider all of us to be elitist. As we sit and ponder

Mr. Obama's vacation vs Mr. McCain's houses vs Mr. Bush's what ever.............

We have military personnel all over the world busting their *** and being killed

for our freedom to converse about mundane issues.

We the American People have become consumers. We consume everything......

we don't just try to keep up with the Jones's we've become them as a whole.

we have become a throw away society: everything from soup to nuts, including

people. We have others taking care of our children (our future?) instilling what

type of values (do you even know), our tweener's are doing what ever, expecting more and more (we give them "everything"), we didn't have and now they don't value what they do have or even know what it feels like to contribute or work for something. our elderly (soon to be us) are being housed until death with rare visits from friends or family.

Since when did we all "need cell phones, multiple cars,3-4 or more TV's,ect, We own homes that are double and triple the size homes in other counties. Every garage I pass seems to have so much stuff stuffed in that all the cars are setting outside.

Our wages have increased, as well as the price for every thing. Welcome to free/fair trade. Next

time you go to buy something ask yourself how many of these do I have...........do I need it......

can I afford it..................... will it fill this big ugly hole inside me................or maybe just maybe

I can make a difference with my energy, money, time else where.

Our country unfortunately has/is being run exactly the same way we have run our households.....

sad state of affairs don't you think? Welcome to America, you can have it all.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

olderwiser — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 14:46:03 GMT

ANDREW ROMANO, DAMMIT, GET SOMEBODY TO FIX THE RIGHT MARGIN.

IT CUTS OFF THE ENDS OF THE SENTENCES SO THAT WE CANNOT READ

THE POSTS. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR MONTHS. PLEASE WAKE UP

SOMEBODY IN YOUR TECHNICAL DEPARTMENT AND FIX IT. I DO NOT

LIKE TO USE CAPITAL LETTERS IN A POST, BUT THIS IS THE ONLY WAY

THAT I CAN THINK OF TO GET SOMEBODY TO SEE THE PROBLEM IN YOUR

HOUSE. I AM USING THE RETURN KEY TO TRY TO GET THIS ALL VISIBLE.

THANKS.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

shinara2001 — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 14:46:33 GMT

I am so tired of the media trying to blow everything up as a big deal when Obama does something. They make it seem like everything that he does is so bad. Nobody says a damn thing when McCain is doing something that is way worse than Obama. Why can't Obama go home for a while and get his mind clear and visit family? Even if he did vacation in Hawaii and was not raised there what difference does it make? Now people can't go on vacation where they want to go and if they go to a place that's outside of the U.S. it a problem. Please, get over it! The United States is not the only place on earth to vacation in. McCain has not did a damn thing and is the worse candidate ever and anything he does nobody hears anything about it. Honestly, Obama has not done anything bad at all people are just trying to make things look good for McCain. SORRY! not going to work because if you compare the two, Obama is the best by far hands down. Everyone maybe tired of hearing about Obama and trying to say he will do these horrible things while in office (I seriously doubt it!), when it all comes down to it Obama is the best and McCain is like looking at the reflection of Bush and I know no one including the people who voted for Bush does not want that AGAIN!

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

MHammon — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 15:00:17 GMT

Someone needs to explain to Mr. McCain that he does not have elected voice to speak for every American. He does not speak for me and I am not a Georgian, even for a day. If Obama said these words Limbaugh and Hannity would have a field day. Using the same retoric over and over. Obama and McCain said basically the same thing yesterday to the press in regards to Georgia and Russia. Who got it right, McCain of course according to these two blow hards. I want Obama to win if for nothing more than to shut down the far right wing of this country. He is being punished for having a vision and the color of his skin.

Mr. Obama, enjoy your vacation in the elitist 50th state of the USA. Come out swinging when you come back to the mainland.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

lurch162534 — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 15:00:39 GMT

Let's try this again without right side cut off....

Insinuations aside, it all comes down to is really just 2 simple things:

EXPERIENCE & NATIONAL SECURITY. Let's break it down shall we?

Barak Obama - Illinois State Senator = 7 years

U.S. Senator = 3.5

U.S. Military = 0 years

John McCain - U.S. House of Representatives = 4 years

U.S. Senate = 21.5 years

U.S. military = 21 years

In my opinion, we can't really count Obama's time in the Illinois State Senate as relative experience toward a bid for the Presidency since not really too much having to deal with

the United States' well being is ever a consideration in the State legislature.

So, in light of that, after just over 2 years in the U.S. Senate Barak decided that he was Presidential material and officially announced his candidacy....talk about being an "elitist"

and arrogant (oops, I told myself I wouldn't go there)!

Now take John McCain. Here is a guy who has spent over half of his entire life

(and yes I know, he IS old) in the service of his country both in the legislative side AND the military side. Think of what he brings to the table.....c'mon now people!

McCain has extensive experience in the 2 biggest areas relating to running our

country....the Legislature and the Military He knows how the legislative body works

and will be able to work with both the U.S. House and the U.S. Senate (since he s

erved in both) and because of his dedicated service in our military, I am absolutely

positive that he has the safety and security of our country first and foremost on his mind.

I don't know why it is such a difficult decision really, but then again I am just a

silly American voter!

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

witrio — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 15:00:53 GMT

Lurch:

At least you have a rational reason for supporting McCain instead of just hating Obama. I disagree with you but it's easy to respect your post. And running for President makes everyone an "Elitist" right.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

Ululani — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 15:04:19 GMT

Vakosh, No president has taken as many vacations as George Bush. Whle people were drowning and dying in New Orleans George Bush was on vacation in Texas, and He stayed on vacation throughout the tragedy except for one short flyover the city! You are entitled to your opinions about vacations, but psychologists say if we don't take time outs and rests our minds and bodies, we cease to be effective. The best thing to do is take a few days off every once and awhile, come back refreshed and renewed. Rested brain cells work so much better than overworked ones. In a way, Obama's vacation is a bit of a working vacation as he has been speaking to people over there about the campaign and his friends raised 1.3 million dollars in one night for Obama's campaign. Repubs take vacations frequently, even when they should be working! Since they are the Master of Vacationers, they should not be criticising Obama for what they themselves overdo!

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

lurch162534 — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 15:07:19 GMT

Witrio:

Now that we CAN agree on....running for President does make you an "Elitist".

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

just-another-sweetie — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 15:08:18 GMT

Whoopssssssss

Obama tickets come with a catch

Some of those hoping to wrangle a seat for Barack Obama's speech were told this week they have to put in six hours of volunteer work for his campaign by Friday to have a shot at a ticket.

And that ruffled at least a few feathers.

"My whole reason why I'm so mad about it is because Democrats need to act like Democrats," said Heather Kreider, a working mother from Centennial.

"Democrats work for a living, and they have to work and take care of their families. And they say these are open to those in the community, so they shouldn't ask people to drop everything in their lives for this," Kreider said Tuesday.

"It's not fair. It's elitist. And they need to practice what they're preaching," she added,

Doing the volunteer work only makes someone eligible for a ticket and doesn't guarantee one, according to the phone message from the campaign.

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/aug/12/obama-tickets-come-catch/

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

Lexus2lovr — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 15:16:20 GMT

Enough already! It's amzing that "some people" continue to try to find SOMETHING to nitpick about Sen Obama. And if your gonna compare him to John McCan't, who has VERY little room to comare to Sen Obama, his wife, children, beliefs, find something a little more interesting!

Oooops, I forgot......there ISN'T anything!!

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

Ululani — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 15:20:20 GMT

lurch, I do not know if this is true or not, but I heard that the reason John McCain got out of the navy is because he found out he was not going to be promoted to admiral as his father and grandfather had been. I don't recall the reasons he was being passed over, but some speculated it had something to do with his younger days as a wild and reckless womanizing junior officer. He eventually settled down some and got married. Skip over a few years, and he got shot down over Vietnam and spent five and a half years in the Hanoi Hilton. When he got back from Vietnam, he found his wife had been in a car accident, had actually shrank a few inches due to the numerous surgeries on her legs, and she was walking with a limp. The story is McCain became disenchanted with how she had changed and he then resumed his lady chasing ways. He was still married to Carol when he chased Cindy around the buffet table at a club in Hawaii. I read somewhere that McCain was still married to Carol when he proposed to Cindy. Also, he supposedly was chasing other women the same time he was pursuing Cindy, but Cindy was the one who was rich, rich, rich, or at least her daddy was, plus her daddy had lots of great repub connections and he was starting to consider a career in politics!

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

commonsense69 — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 15:22:40 GMT

AMEN on the Bush vacations... And I can bet the house that Mrs. McCain is a lot less "down to earth" than Mrs. Obama. And as far as the vacation; If anything the photo of Mr. Obama walking on the beach with his kids shows his real side. Those kids, if anyone, deserve a summer break from what must be hell. Living under a microscope would not be fun for any of us no matter who you support. Some of you will hate Mr. Obama because you just have that hate in your blood. It's kinda of like a person who will always call you "materialistic",,,, but will never say that "you have good taste"

And finally, what I've learned is that most of you (aged 18 - 30 caucasions) who post super negative comments about Mr. Obama or anyone of color... You never have the guts to voice those opinions in a public forum. Please understand that my last sentence is not about race. It's about you saying something negative just to be negative and not constructive... or intelligent!!!!!

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

katbunny — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 15:23:39 GMT

Cindy McCain is a humanitarian woman. She would be a great first lady.

**********************************************************************

What a silly person!

If Cindy McCain becomes first lady, we will have an ADULTEROUS first lady.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

katbunny — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 15:25:43 GMT

McCain married Cindy thirty(30) days after he filed for divorce from his injured wife.

Go play with that !

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

llrine1 — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 15:27:21 GMT

McCain!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

llrine1 — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 15:31:18 GMT

EVERY PRESIDENT,OOPS NOT YET OR EVR I HOPE DESERVES A GOOD OLE HAWAIIAN VACATION,KEEP ON CAMPAIGNING MCCAIN YOU KNOW WE NEED SOMEONE TOO RUN THIS COUNTRY ,NOT RUN OFF TTOO THE MIDDLE OF THE PACIFIC RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF A PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION OBAMA BOOOOOOO........

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

Ululani — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 15:32:48 GMT

Rocky Mountain News! You know how often the Rocky Mountain News gets their stories wrong, and they don't like to print retractions. Only people who wanted special seating in a reserved section are asked to do volunteer work to get those very special tickets. You do not have to volunteer to get tickets! They have been swamped with requests for tickets. Rocky Mountain News is another repub owned paper!

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

llrine1 — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 15:32:49 GMT

kATBUNNY WANTED JOHN EDWARDS HUH KATTY?

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

llrine1 — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 15:32:49 GMT

kATBUNNY WANTED JOHN EDWARDS HUH KATTY?

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

Andthat means — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 15:35:26 GMT

And I really don't care what party you belong to or where you were raised, please don't wait for over a year to see your ailing home bound grandmother & use it as a "reason" to be where you are. If you don't have time for her in over a year, this makes me wonder about a person's "believability".

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

Ululani — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 15:37:52 GMT

lurch, the point I was trying to make is, if the stories about McCain are true and the navy did not consider him good enough to make him an admiral like his father and grandfather had been, then why should we think he would today make a good commander-in-chief?

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

aggie7 — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 15:39:20 GMT

I just wonder what the -ell is wrong with you people. The man is taking a much needed vacation. No matter what Obama does he is going to be critized for whatever he does and doesn't do. It just amazes me how McCain has had such a free pass from the Press and some of the Public. Wow this is truly amazing to me. History repeats itself and for the love of GOD America don't let it. Wake up people and smell the coffee.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

llrine1 — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 15:41:00 GMT

KATTYBUNNY THAT IS THE LAW SWEETIE U HAVE TOO WAIT THIRT DAYS ,NO LAW BROKEN,I KNOW U WANTED JOHN BOY EDWARDS.....

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

brookschaos — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 15:43:02 GMT

Well, while I agree that this vacation isn't a big issue, some of the RANTS that a few liberal idiots posted here just incredible. I guess I shouldn't be surprised considering this is a liberal left leaning media outlet, but those that pretend they are fair and unbiased yet remain so oblivious to the facts just sicken me. The fact is most of us are not racist and don't dislike Obama for his race. If anything, he's more racist than most whites I know and this can be PROVEN with his own disrespectful comments regarding his white grandmother and his choice of church attendence. You don't go to a church when you don't believe the same way the pastor does. I can even add that his own comments and behavior speaks for itself and a few intelligent and fair minded black preachers and leaders have called him on it. A white person could NOT say the racist things he does and get away with it. Secondly, this man's "ideas" of change are so vague as to be non-existent or so far the left that the socialist are shouting for joy. Socialism isn't what made the US a great nation but the more we lean that way, the further we sink. Why can't you liberals get it? Every socialist nation has either failed or is at the bottom of the list and their citizens have it horrible. Taxing the wealthy doesn't work, they pay the majority of the taxes as it is with something like the top 3% paying over 80-90% of the taxes. (It's been a while since I last read the figures) The wealthy invest their money in new jobs, technology, and other sources that benefit us all. So the class war that the Dems keep perpetuating is so wrong as to be laughable. How many of you are on a computer right now? Oh I forgot! Most households in the US have one now and guess what, the only reason we can afford them is because wealthy businesses and people purchased them allowing the companies to afford to start mass marketing to benefit of us all. Most common household items we enjoy have gone thru the same route, so their wealth benefits us all. Heck, If I ever get wealthy, I just hope I won't have to pay any more than the 50% that most wealthy people pay. I'm a average middle class income individual but even I am taxed to death, after adding up all my taxes such as fed, state, property, sales, etc., I spend more than 50% of my income in taxes and I make far less than 6 figures. So NO! I don't need Obama's tax increase! It's not about hate or race, he's just a really bad candidate!

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

Emanuel — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 15:48:19 GMT

The GOP deserves a kick in the nuts this November. I'm putting on my steel-toe boots.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

Ululani — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 15:50:39 GMT

And that means: some old people don't like people to visit. Some become reclusive. I had a couple of relatives who were very reclusive in their old age. Obama visits as often as he can and she is happy to see him, but his grandma does not like to give interviews and she does not like news people bothering her. Obama tries to protect her privacy, but it is hard when you are a public person.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

julionw — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 15:51:51 GMT

I want to see Obamas grades, tests, from HS, Colleges.

Don't tell me that the Presidency of the US can be obtained

with a SCHOLARSHIP.

Obamanists, get in line for the Presidency:

1. European anglo-saxons, men.

2. Native Americans, men.

3. Spaniards, men.

4. Scandinavians. men (Vikings).

5. .....

BTW, the above is LEGAL by the international principles of

Oti Possidetis and Status Quo. NOT scholarships, or aff. action bs ...

I am not a dumb-foreigner after all.

Latinos for Mitt Romney!!!

Rush Limbaugh says almost exactly my thoughts.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

chrissy5886 — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 15:52:47 GMT

Not sure why the GOP has such a hard time with a family vacation....they are the ones supposedly all for family values, right?

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

katbunny — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 15:55:00 GMT

Posted By: llrine1 (August 13, 2008 at 11:41 AM)

KATTYBUNNY THAT IS THE LAW SWEETIE U HAVE TOO WAIT THIRT DAYS ,NO LAW BROKEN,I KNOW U WANTED JOHN BOY EDWARDS

**********************************************************************************************

So since John McCain married Cindy thrity(30) days after filing for a divorce

doesn't that means that he and Cindy committed ADULTERY.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

katbunny — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 15:57:13 GMT

Did ya'll know that Rush Limbaugh is back on drugs !!!

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

Disgusted Democrat — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 16:01:39 GMT

It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that you have to have money to run for office. I'm more concerned about how much Obama is planning to take from me. I've seen his tax plan and I've seen McCain's. I can't afford a vacation to Hawaii or Obama's tax plan.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

lurch162534 — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 16:04:43 GMT

Ululani:

I understand the point you are trying to make and yes there were times

of "womanizing" and infidelity, but this and "party animal" persona were

all 30 years ago....Now I'm not condoning the actions in any way, but those

actions don't take away from the benefits our country would have from someone

with his experience leading us. As far as the Navy goes, the reason he retired

WAS like you said in that he wasn't going to be made a Full Admiral because

he had poor annual physicals (I wonder why? Maybe all the torture he endured

in the 5+ years as a POW?) and that he had not been given any major sea commands.

He was later offered a position to be a Rear Admiral (no jokes please, I didn't make

up the Navy's rank designations), but he turned it down opting to go down the political

road. Lets also not forget that despite some of his short comings in the military, he has

17 military awards and decorations....including the Legion of Merit, Distinguished

Flying Cross, Silver Star, Bronze Star, and the Navy Commendation Medal are just a few.

John McCain is a true American hero and patriot and his 21 years of experience in the

military and his 26 years experience in politics are more than enough of a reason to get

my vote.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

Ululani — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 16:08:26 GMT

Brookschaos, you need to have a conversation with Warren Buffet. You know Warren. The second richest man in the United States. He says he pays less taxes than his secretary does. He thinks this is just totally unfair and wrong. If you are paying as much taxes as you say you do, then your income must be higher than what you claim it to be. And I bet your investments are going overseas, to China and India. Yes, when you buy those products you talk about, the money goes to India and China to pay the workers over there who made those wonderful items for the American market. Top notch accounting, computer programming, and many other high paying jobs are either going overseas to non Americans, or foreigners are being brought in under special working permits to work for far less than what Americans are used to getting paid. Warren Buffet and Lou Dobbs have said that ii is the richest class that has declared war on the middle class!

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

julionw — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 16:13:08 GMT

I see none of you see the truth. anf fight with each other, and argue

ad nauseaum ...

Let me explain it to you:

Obama was sent on a vacation by THEM.

Obama is being told what to say and what to do, by THEM.

THEM: the WHITE democrats that could not defeat Bush and are

using Obama/Hillary to get back in power, forever, and ever, amen.

They LOVE power. Also the easy money and fringe benefits of being in

the government.

Obama is just a guy that some dumb people like. He is just he.

THEM are the ones that pull the strings. THEM are the ones that will

govern. THEM are the ones who are SACRIFICING Obama, who thinks

he is "Presidentiable". THEM need to be exposed.

If Obama wins and does well, then THEM will take the credit.

If Obama wind and does bad, then THEM will say, YOU should have

elected us.

Thank God, I have Rush Limbaugh to say the same thing in a clear,

precise, eloquent, and without leaving any room for doubts or

equivocations .....

VIVA ROMNEY, VIVA EL RUSHBO. EL SUPERINTELIGENTE.!!!!!!!

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

Stewie — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 16:26:10 GMT

Help me understand why this is such a big deal. We all deserve a vacation. I don't care if it is Obama or McCain.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

MHammon — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 16:27:10 GMT

My friends.....My friends....We need to confront Russia and throw them out of one of our original states. Wait a minute my friends....what???? There is. Its a country where? Cindy, why didn't you tell me this yesterday? My friends......my friends I need a nap.

Time for Obama.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

Perception — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 16:27:32 GMT

I have voted democrat all my life and have never cast a vote for a Republican. This seems to me like most dermocrat presidential nominations, idealism over practicality and emotion over ideas. We always think we are right and get fired up about things the majority of the country can't and many time, shouldn't, buy into. Obama is well spoken and can engage a crowd, much like any television evangelist. However, when you look a little deeper, Obama is against offshore drilling, nuclear energy, coal production and anything else that might lower energy costs in the next several years. However, according to the reasearch I have looked at any alternative energy we have avaialbe at this moment is about a $238 per barrel equivalent. Sen. Obama does not discuss that, nor does Nancy Pelosi. Their them is that the government gave oil company about 68,000,000 acres and that should be devloped or they need to give up the leases. What is lost in the discussion is that the government doesn't give the oil companies any oil and gas leases. They are bid on at sales and expire on their own terms if they are not drilled. So there is already a "use it or loose it" policy in effect. It seems we are always faced with false choices in policy. Actually, Paris Hilton articulated the best energy policy. If these choices are the same in health care and quality of schools it is no wonder nothing ever gets done. Maybe we are better off. Obama articulates this "can't we just all get along" style of politics but I have noticed that when it comes to healing the party by making overtures and peace with the Clintons Obama and his supporters are too mad and too proud. If that is the way he treats his political allies seeing him deal with poitical opponents ought to be a thing of beauty

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

pyramid — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 16:29:57 GMT

I wonder if Obama will even bother to go see his Grandmother while he is in Hawaii! But then he would have to pull her out from under the bus first! Obama should just stay on vacation in Hawaii!

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

Multitasker — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 16:32:01 GMT

KAtbunny

Well at least McCain got a divorce, democrats just lie to their wives for years.

Ululani

Obama's new taxes will devastate the economy.

I own my own business, if he passes all of the taxes he is proposing, I will let people go.

You cannot constantly tax "the rich" it has never worked and even Clinton realized that.

This country is so backwards in that respect. Live the American dream but don't make too

much or we will take it from you.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

Multitasker — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 16:34:39 GMT

MHammon

Oh, please. McCain was sleeping?

Even liberals are saying that McCain got the Russian conflict correct way

before Bush and your beloved Obama.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

Ululani — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 16:40:28 GMT

lurch, my husband was a pilot in Vietnam and he has a lot of medals too. Although he never got shot down, he knows what it feels like to be scared out of your ever lovin' mind and to get shot at. He loved to count the bullet holes in his aircraft after he landed! Actually, he loved the fact that he was still alive to count the bullet holes in his aircraft. But heroic deeds in the military do not necessarily make you fit to be commander in chief. The movie "Top Gun" was modeled in part on the flying days of a man named Duke Cunningham, a representative to congress (repub) who is now a convicted felon serving time in the big house! Great hero! Great pilot! He really was a great pilot! But he is also a felon! Now McCain has never been convicted of any crimes. That is not what I am saying, but some of his behavior, in my mind, speaks to his character. I know Ronald and Nancy Reagan did not like McCain, primarily for the shabby way he treated his first wife, which he has owned up to. But I am not so sure this is all in his past. McCain was unhappy when his pal the late John Tower was not given a sought after post because of his (Tower's) philandering ways. McCain thought it was downright puritanical to expect a man to honor his marriage vows and could not believe that it was cause forTower not to get the job. Recently, McCain was questioned about a female lobbyist that he has been spending a great deal of time with, including flying with her in a private aircraft to numerous places on several overnight trips. He did not answer the questions to my satisfaction. Then when McCain and Cindy were in South Dakota for the big biker party a couple of weeks ago, he made a joke about volunteering Cindy for the Buffalo Chip Beauty Contest. It was supposed to be funny, ha ha ha! If you don't know what the Buffalo Chip Beauty Pageant is about, well, it is gross! The women do some pretty vulgar type stuff, if you get my drift. I asked my husband, "Honey, you wouldn't......" And before I finished the question, my husband loudly proclaimed, " No Honey, I wouldn't!!" It made me feel as if he disrespects Cindy, and perhaps all women.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

HolyRoller — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 16:42:17 GMT

Just got my hands on the tentative schedule for the DNC Coventions opening night. Thought everyone would like to see it...........................

Theme......We are the people we have been waiting for.

Presentation of colors (weather permitting)...... Bill Ayers and Bernardine Dohrn, Former Domestic Terrorists and People Who Just Happen to Live in Obama's Neighborhood.

Invocation....Rev. Jeremiah "Goddam Ameri-kkk-a" Wright, Obama Spiritual Advisor and Retired Pastor, Trinity United Church of Christ, Chicago

Call to Order....Honorary Chairpersons: Chris "Tingling-Feeling-Up-His-Leg" Matthews, Keith "Somebody-Who-Can-Take-Her-into-a-Room-and-Only-He-Comes-Out" Olbermann, and Randi "Clinton's a whore" Rhodes

Introduction of Michelle Obama...Mrs. Louis Farrakhan, Chicago

Note: Nation of Islam leader, the Rev. Louis Farrakhan, who had a previously scheduled engagement with Muammar al-Gaddafi, sends his regrets.

Address: Michelle Obama on....Why America is, Just Downright Mean

Taped Greeting......Antoin "Tony the Fixer" Rezko, U.S. Federal Prison Facility, Chicago

Keynote Address,,,,Bitterness... delivered by His Excellency, Raila "Hands Dripping with Blood" Odinga

Benediction...... Father Michael "Hillary-Believed-that-She'd-Win-Because-She's-White" Pfleger... Obama Spiritual Advisor and Pastor of St. Sabina, Chicago

NOBAMA!!!

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

Ululani — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 16:45:42 GMT

I agree Katbunny. We are in that highest tax bracket too, and it hurts like the dickens to pay it.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

spencer08 — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 16:46:17 GMT

lurch162534 (

Let's review experience for a minute.

Lurch if you have job and has been

there for many years, do you think

that qualifies for run the company?

JM's war experience is nothing to

compare to a presidential job.

JM claims he was tortured, the people

who kidnapped him, said there was

no torture, so who do you believe?

A good leader does not need

experience in all things, they just

need to surround themselves with

experienced people and have the

gut to listen to advice and make

hard decisions. GWB is not one

to listen or take advice unless

it suits his goals.

Enough about the vacation. The man

is not a machine. His Body needs a rest.

All you folks needs to change the topic

and move on.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

jacquep46 — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 17:04:21 GMT

Give me a break!!! I am so sick of the John McCain rantings and ravings as well as his people. He CANNOT do one political statement that does not bash Obama! He is a very small man, too old for the office and a typical military man. Warmonger that he is with a temper to boot. You people are NUTS if you elect him President. Can't McCain's camp talk about what McCain sincerely wants to do for the country WITHOUT any ugly statement regarding Obama. I would NEVER vote for McCain if he was the only one running. I would be so happy if McCain and his protege's would just shut up!

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

Ululani — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 17:12:34 GMT

katbunny, I need to go over Obama's tax plan cause I have forgotten the numbers, but I think he is pushing for raising taxes on those who make more than $300,000 a year. Below that, you would either get the same rate or a lower tax rate. Obama feels the middle class is taking too much of the tax burden. Meanwhile, corporations that are outsourcing jobs and not paying taxes because they are moving their headquarters to sham domiciles in other countries are getting a free ride. Let's say hypothetically, you are a small business owner, say, you own several ice cream shops. When middle class people lose their jobs to outsourcing, they no longer have the money to bring the kids to your ice cream shop. Pretty soon, you are forced to sell your ice cream shops. When the middle class does well, then everybody benefits. The country is stronger.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

lurch162534 — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 17:18:07 GMT

Spencero8

No I don't think that if I've been at a job for many years that I am quallified to run the company, BUT I DO think that it puts my application (or candidacy in this case) at the head of the line....don't you!? Say I'm on the board of directors of Company X and we were looking for a new CEO....I have 2 applications for CEO and 1 of those applicants has 3 TIMES more experience with that company than the other applicant, I think my choice would be really easy!

You are correct in that a good leader does need to surround themselves with experienced people, but they DO also need to have experience of their own or they wind up being a puppet for their party.

Now for the last issue you say "JM claims he was tortured, the people who kidnapped him, said there was no torture..." This is the kind of talk that invalidates any comments you have made or might make in the future. Who do I believe!!?? The extent that the North Vietnamese tortured and mutilated their prisoners has been well documented and to essentially say that McCain is making up the whole thing is just downright idiotic!

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

Multitasker — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 17:19:13 GMT

Ululani

Can't read your last comment.

The right margin cuts 1/4 of it off.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

lurch162534 — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 17:21:14 GMT

Again without missing text on right....

Spencero8

No I don't think that if I've been at a job for many years that I am qualified to

run the company, BUT I DO think that it puts my application

(or candidacy in this case) at the head of the line....don't you!? Say I'm on

the board of directors of Company X and we were looking for a new CEO....

I have 2 applications for CEO and 1 of those applicants has 3 TIMES more

experience with that company than the other applicant, I think my choice

would be really easy!

You are correct in that a good leader does need to surround themselves with

experienced people, but they DO also need to have experience of their own

or they wind up being a puppet for their party.

Now for the last issue you say "JM claims he was tortured, the people who

kidnapped him, said there was no torture..." This is the kind of talk that

invalidates any comments you have made or might make in the future.

Who do I believe!!?? The extent that the North Vietnamese tortured and

mutilated their prisoners has been well documented and to essentially say

that McCain is making up the whole thing is just downright idiotic!

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

Multitasker — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 17:39:48 GMT

Ululani

"Let's say hypothetically, you are a small business owner, say, you own several ice cream shops"

That is the middle class!!!!! Over 60% of business in this country are small and these are

the people that make the money in this country, Yes, there are large corporations

making a great deal of money by outsourcing, but then take on the outsourcing,

don't tax everyone. I don't know how to make people understand how dangerous Obama's

taxing policy is.

If he wants to tax those making over $250,000 at a 68% rate, then people from

other countries will not invest here, making the dollar even weaker

and we lose jobs.

People in this country will not invest in this country, we lose jobs.

A lot more money will not be spent in the economy, the government

will take it in taxes for their purposes, When money is not spent at the mall,

grocery store, etc., we lose jobs.

(Do you trust the government with

your money? I don't.)

"The rich" aka small business owners will lay people off because of decreased income

Senior citizens who have spent their whole life saving extra money for retirement

(the smart ones anyway) will now get taxed and could loose their homes.

If you really read into his ENTIRE tax plan, and look at it from a business mindset

you will understand what I am talking about.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

spencer08 — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 17:40:26 GMT

Posted By: lurch162534 (August 13, 2008 at 1:21 PM)

Lurch you seemed like a reasonable person,

but let's review your point here. Being at a job for

many years does not grantee you a position or

even a leg up in the company. You and I

probably know people who sat around at their job

all day doing nothing, but they have been

in the job for years. Do you consider that an

experience? JM being kidnapped and jailed

by the V. people, does that qualify him

for a presidential position? I think that

qualifies him to receive a VA benefits

to which I am sure he is already. Being in

Washington for many years makes it even

more important that he should retire and let

a fresh eyes take a bite at this issues.

The problems continues to get worse and JM

wants to fix it using the same ol' techniques

that benefited only the few. Let's review all this and

see sense for once..Lurch. Don't let race, and FoxNews

jade your common sense. I think you are a pretty reasonable

person..it;s 2008 and things are getting out of hand.

We need CHANGE and NOW

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

spencer08 — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 17:49:50 GMT

Posted By: Multitasker (August 13, 2008 at 1:39 PM)

This is the kind of fabricated scare tactics that makes

it impossible to have a decent conversation about politics

in this country. Where have you been in last eight years?

Big Businesses are moving across the ocean with Government

incentives. Major crisis in rural states are experiencing high

unemployment rates. You should read more and talk less...your

facts are wrong. All of sudden, everyone is an account

because some guy on TV told you so…read and think for yourself.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

Multitasker — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 17:51:33 GMT

spencer08

McCain has a lot more experience than his captivity.

He has a great deal of time in government.

Obama has spent most of his Senate time campaigning.

I don't think Obama is a bad guy, he sure knows how to

give an excellent speech. I just wish he had more experience

and more of a campaign slogan than "Change" because

other than adding in a whole new bunch of taxes, I don't

see much of a change.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

Multitasker — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 18:02:40 GMT

Spencer 08

Thank you very much for your concern, but I do think for myself

I own my own company

I deal with international companies on a weekly basis

I know what is happening in the REAL business world.

Big corporations outsourcing is just one problem.

What facts are wrong in my argument? I can defend

everyone of them, 68% tax is not a fabricated number,

just a very enlightened one on behalf of Obama.

Fine, take 68%, but guess what happens. Corporations

move their offices overseas, and the MAJORITY of business owners

in this country close up shop.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

slowmo — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 18:08:58 GMT

Slowmo wrote: just-another-sweetie,

you need a hug don't you?

Obama 08

cna0705 wrote: Hey slowmo...should we add a kiss too?

Slowmo: I don’t think it would help much. Lol.

May as well, since she’s been so sweet.

Once again, Obama 08!!!

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

lurch162534 — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 18:23:31 GMT

Spencero8

No I don't think he necessarily would deserve a "leg up" but in the REAL

scenario we are talking about here, the Presidency, I DO think he is more

qualified based on his experience in governmet and the military and that

is why I will be voting for him. My comments regading his captivity and torture

were only brought up in defense of another persons comments about why he

didn't stay in the military (the fact that he got out because they weren't going

to make him a Full Admiral because of poor physicals which resulted from his

years of torture and that he hadn't been given any high sea command opportunities).

The military experience I am referring to has nothing to do with his captivity.

I don't pretend to know McCains military service record in its entirety, but I do know

he was offered the position of Rear Admiral which means that he had to be doing

something right and worthwhile during his service.

As far as his other experience goes, his 26 years in the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Represnentatives didn't come without work. Do you really think he would be RE-elected

every term if he was "sitting around all day" as you imlied? I don't think so.

And for your last remark, I was wondering when the "race card" was going to be

played...nice move! Leave it to the Left to play their supposed "Ace-In-The-Hole"...."You

just don't like Obama because he's black"...c'mon now! It will be nice when you can

get past the fact that we aren't against Obama because he's black and realize that it's

because he's INCOMPETENT.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

spencer08 — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 18:49:33 GMT

Posted By: Multitasker (August 13, 2008 at 1:51 PM)

We should just keep what we have now which according

to you is great! Big business getting bigger, unemployment,

home closures, high gas/food, and don't forget the war.

We will all sing a new tune before the four year s is up.

The so-called government regulated business that is

supposed to be for the citizens of the country are now

supporting the big companies. Look out all the approval

given on large corporations buy outs. Soon, we will have one

bank, one phone company, one wireless, and then

real choice will be out the window.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

spencer08 — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 19:05:06 GMT

Posted By: lurch162534 (August 13, 2008 at 2:23 PM)

Don't get me wrong here. I like JM when he had

a little more fire in him a few years back when he

campaigned against GWB. Now I have seen him

capitulate himself to someone I rarely recognize.

The united State office of Presidency is not monogamy.

It is open for everyone and just because he has been

in congress for 26 yrs. is not a pass for the office.

Yes, I say the race because many people argued blindly

without merit. Some claiming reasons they won't vote for

BO is because of experience and on the same token is

not able to provide adequate argument for the statement.

For your information, my learned friend..he is bi-racial

(That means two separate DNAs of two races produced him.

One African and one Caucasian). America is fixed on skin

Tone.

JFK ran and did a wonderful job without much experience.

You forget the President does not single handedly run the country.

There is the issue of Congress. Have a nice day...

it was nice chatting with you.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

spencer08 — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 19:15:49 GMT

Posted By: Volubrjotr (August 13, 2008 at 3:12 PM)

you are talking rubbish and your know it. Get the facts and stop believing

everything you read on the internet. You have a very creative

imagination.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

bonju — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 19:22:30 GMT

I gotta tell ya - this cracks me up. First Obama comes out of nowhere - sorta - Carl Rove helps him get millions of dollars b/c the Rupukes don't want Hillary anywhere near the white House. Then The Kennedy's get cozy with Obama and he allows them to select possible running mates. Then to possibly disqualify Edwards his 2006 affair is "leaked" to the public - now. Hmmm. Then Obama is seriously considering hiring two Repukes as his running mate - one a Repuke female judge and then Chuck Hagel. So the Republican's plot is that their MANCURIAN CANDIDATE - OBAMA - is killed by some crazy white patriot who doesn't want to see a "***" get to the highest office in our country when really the Republicans set up this stupid black dude with promises of big money and a possible shot at the White House pitting Yuppie Scum White morons who claim to be Democrats against rational thinking Independents who want Clinton because she has the experience. Oh but the good ole boys are scared to death of her so - NO WAY - the country powers that be would rather hire a black man over a White Southern woman - or have it appear that way. What will happen is this - Obama will get elected with a Republican running mate who will switch parties and become a Democrat. Then he will get shot along with his big mouth wife and his two kids- all gone - then the Republicans retake the white house for two more years and avoid having McCain in the office because they hate him, too.

Then the black people get all pissed off and take to the streets - riots, looting - the police just have to do something - and the government declares MARSHALL LAW - shooting them all down like dogs in the street. They die and America gets rid of the poorest section of Americans who are not upwardly mobile - who follow their black leaders who are all fakes like lemmings and that is how we Americans will get rid of undesirable minorities because there are just too many damn people living here - USA closes its doors to future aliens seeking asylum and we become isolationists. Obama and his family died for the country and he will be celebrated as a great man when in fact all he was is a victim.

And, that is the way it is going to go down. It really cracks me up that all of you are so riled up about this - the powers that be have selected their president already - your votes mean absolutely nothing.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

lurch162534 — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 19:27:24 GMT

Again, I don't think that he deserves a "pass", I believe JM has more experience and that is what I am using as my justification to vote for him. I don't think that BO has enough of hi s own experience and by surrounding himself with experts he is becoming a nice little puppet. He is the perfect DEM candidate because if he gets in he won't be abl to make any decisions on his own and will do whatever he is told to do. You are right about my reference to BO being black and I retract that portion. In my defense, when the issue of race is brought up in discussions about BO, 99% of the time it comes out as being a White vs. Black thing. When you said for me not to let race jade my common sense was I to assume you meant for me not to let his bi-racialism jade my common sense? When you use race in the context you did, I can only assume that you thought I had a problem with his race and since I woldn't have a problem with my own race, then naturally I had to have a problem with the other one.....now i'm all confused!

Anyway, I think we can agree to disagree and move along,

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

Multitasker — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 19:31:37 GMT

Spencer 08 "We should just keep what we have now which according

to you is great!"

Never said that. Please stay on point and don't put words in my

mouth.

I said corporations moving oversees is a problem, but outrageous taxes

will just make things worse. Not only will more companies move out of the

country, but small businesses will fold. How do I know that? Because

many of my business associates have been told by their financial advisors

to consider selling their business if they feel they are ready to retire in the next couple

of years instead of waiting because not only will their capital gains go up by at least

5-10%, but their income will go down dramatically.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

lurch162534 — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 19:40:26 GMT

Bonju

"Wow"! Someone has watched "Conspiracy Theory" one too many times!!

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

carmal — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 19:41:42 GMT

Obama has been working very hard for the last eighteen months, running around the country away from his young children and wife, so he decide to take some time away to to think and prepare for the Convention. These children desreve to spend time with their father just like you all spend time with your family. Our current President goes on vacation anytime he wants to and nobody has a problem with that. Why would you all have a problem with Obama going to his childhood home to see his elderly grandmother, and you all are trying to talk that stupid talk about he is elite. Please stop acting stupid, he deserves a vacation just like anybody else. You do not have to be rich to go to Hawaii, people go there on their honeymoon all the time. You all complained about him always being in the new media, saying that he is not the president and he needs to get out of the spotlight, so he goes away and you still complainig. The man is damn if he do, and damn if he don't. When you all keep trying to make minor little things an issue you really look petty, mean, and like you reaching for straws. JUST STOP THE FOOLISHNESS.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

nightowl52 — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 20:23:40 GMT

I am not an Obama supporter but this is silly. It went to visit his grandmother.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

SPORTLOCK09 — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 20:34:19 GMT

No news here. What gives? So what if Obama went to Hawaii? I did think the timing was a tad coincidential being it was exactly when the news broke about Edwards. But come on, even as a non supporter I'm wondering how Obama looks bad going too Hawaii. Gotta admit, this whole election is getting a tad childish these days. Where are the real reporters at anyway?

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

Jonas — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 20:44:30 GMT

There are a lot more serious things I worry about when I think of Obama in the White House. His Hawaii vacation isn't a big deal. What IS a big deal is his condenscending attitude towards main stream Americans......I value my freedoms, like religion and the right to bear arms.....so he thinks I "cling to my church and my guns" because I am weak or dissallusioned!!! I agree that he comes off as elitist...but not nearly as offensive as his wife who has an Ivy League education, personal trainers and nannies.....then lets us all know she hasn't been proud of her country until now.

Oh Pleeeeaassseee!

Remember they come as a pair, they will BOTH go to the White House if he's elected....and she isn't anyone I want as my First Lady....OOPS, did I say "Lady", sorry.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

jonimiki — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 20:53:50 GMT

Don't forget the top dollar fundraiser at $2300 per person and the $10,000 VIP per person reception in Kahala. He attended Punahou on scholarship from the 5th grade? You'd have to have connections to get that!

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

Omaar — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 21:01:40 GMT

Mr. Romano....

Obama has been on the phones with Condoleeza rice, do you frequent the Huffington post, NPR, Reuters or PBS News ?

Its McCain thats under the illusion that he's President of the USA and that even the president, condoleeza rice, have Refused to Kick Russia out of the G-8, they can't !!!

Russia Supplies the World with Gas & Oil, Especially America.

Italy Prime Minister or President said "Georgia, had No Business Invading Osettia"

CFR President also said, on Anderson Cooper, that Georgia started this Conflict by Invading Osettia and that "There is Very Little, the USA we can do"

Do you want to piss of the largest Controller of Stockpile Nuclear weapons on the face of the Earth (Russia) ?

Then by all means Enlist or Volunteer Military Service for the Defense of Georgia and that "Delusional Maniac" Sashkavilli

We are ever Close to (World War 3)

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

vakosh — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 21:12:49 GMT

Helen Keller could see that clearly it is not time for vacation when you are running (and not that far ahead) for the highest office in the most powerful nation in the world.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

Omaar — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 21:13:22 GMT

John McCain was in Las Vegas this Weekend....Start an Article about that "Vacation"

John McCain and his Multi-Millionaire Wife Cindy McCain (Own 9 Houses)

John McCain and his (500.00 $ Golf Shoes) he wore on the Golf Course, with George H.W. Bush Sr, 2 Weeks ago !!

President Bush was on his Olympic Vacation last Weekend and was seated next to Prime Minster Putin, when Georgia Invaded Osettia and Bush Continued his Olympic Vacation...

Did Bush Cut Short his Vacation or better still, did Bush Jr. Confront Vladimir Putin...

Hell No...He did Not !!

McCain's Wife is a Drug Addict (Prescription drugs) and was part of a Drug Scandal !! Just like Fellow Republican Rush Limbaugh and Both are Addicted to the Exact Precription DRUG too !!

Micheele Obama could care Less what you Low Lifes want as a 1st Lady, this Harvard and Princeton *** Laude Graduate will be your Next 1st Lady....

You Low Lifes are So Predjudice, that Any Drugged out White Female 1st Lady will do....

Cindy McCain, another Betty Ford Clinic in waiting...

Thats OK as long as she's WHITE....Hahhahahaha !!!

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

Omaar — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 21:13:28 GMT

John McCain was in Las Vegas this Weekend....Start an Article about that "Vacation"

John McCain and his Multi-Millionaire Wife Cindy McCain (Own 9 Houses)

John McCain and his (500.00 $ Golf Shoes) he wore on the Golf Course, with George H.W. Bush Sr, 2 Weeks ago !!

President Bush was on his Olympic Vacation last Weekend and was seated next to Prime Minster Putin, when Georgia Invaded Osettia and Bush Continued his Olympic Vacation...

Did Bush Cut Short his Vacation or better still, did Bush Jr. Confront Vladimir Putin...

Hell No...He did Not !!

McCain's Wife is a Drug Addict (Prescription drugs) and was part of a Drug Scandal !! Just like Fellow Republican Rush Limbaugh and Both are Addicted to the Exact Precription DRUG too !!

Micheele Obama could care Less what you Low Lifes want as a 1st Lady, this Harvard and Princeton *** Laude Graduate will be your Next 1st Lady....

You Low Lifes are So Predjudice, that Any Drugged out White Female 1st Lady will do....

Cindy McCain, another Betty Ford Clinic in waiting...

Thats OK as long as she's WHITE....Hahhahahaha !!!

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

Ethel — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 21:18:55 GMT

For heaven's sake. He needs a vacation. Hawaii is the United States the last time I heard. I'm not a huge Obama fan, just a person with common sense. Enjoy your vacation, Mr. Obama.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

dorfy — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 21:35:39 GMT

He deserves a break from the incessant nit-pcking. If he gave up all his worldly possessions and became a Christian monk someone would find fault with that too.

This is definitely NOT news. Someone is desperate for a story where there is none.

I also value my freedoms, and know that McCain mirrors Bush in how he feels the Executive branch has the right to take away our basic rights. Jonas - Obama has NEVER said anyone who valued religion was weak. He values his Christian faith greatly. What a bunch of hooey about nothing - and you know it.

What is the big deal with Michelle? She is bright, motivated, a hard worker, a good person....what's the beef? It sounds like some resent the fact that both Barack and Michelle rose from modest beginnings to achieve the American dream through hard work and a lot of talent. That's a lot more than McCain - who was raised with a silver spoon always near by, and married one after he left his first wife.

It apears that some are more into Republican talking points than facts. If they would read a bit more and quit following pundits, the voters might vote based on the true positions of the candidates (and their wives, though it escapes me why the spouses are such a big deal).

Jonas - what is wrong with an Ivy League education? Most of our presidents and candidates came from similar schools. At least Michelle and Barack graduated with good grades. McCain was at the bottom of his class. An underachiever who cruised through on his family's name and legacy.

Also - you are bitter - yes. Whether you cling to guns, religion, or anything else because of it - you are bitter. And it seems that you are most resentful that these two people who are young, industrious, focused, and achievers have risen for consideration as leaders, and that somehow annoys you.

If you disagree with them - that's great and the beauty of this system - vote against Obama.. But such personal cutting remarks about people you don't even know says you have baggage you are not sharing. Probably not a Democrat either. Obama is a Democrat in his views and policy positions - McCain's positions are textbook Bush/neo-con. If you vote McCain, you'll be voting against your own best interests.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

LenaParker — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 21:50:41 GMT

PLEASE FIX THE RIGHT EDGE OF THE COMMENT SECTION!!!!!!

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

collymore — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 23:38:32 GMT

this is the reason that i am sick of the talk show host and they republican counterparts.don't they have anything better to do?hawaii is part of the usa where this man was born.is there something wrong in him visiting his bedridden grandmother?is there something wrong in this man taking care of his health? we all have something that we enjoy eating or drinking.there are many immigrants to this country who have had love ones die,and they were unable to attend the funerals,just ask them how it felt.the voters of this country cannot be that closed minded and short sighted.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

Omaar — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 23:51:30 GMT

Georgian President to McCain: Move ’from Words to Deeds’

This Maniac has got to be Kidding !!

Source: The CNN Political Ticker

Producer Peter Hamby

Note: This Maniac Sakashvilli has got to be Kidding Me !!

Sakashvilli Attacked and Killed Many Osettians Thursday Night, without Provocation....

He Started this Invasion, keep this in mind.

Keep in Mind...

1. Russia Supplies the USA with Gas & Oil.

2. Russia has the Largest Stockpile of Nuclear Weapons on Planet Earth !!

3. Russia also has one of the Largest Militaries On Earth !!

4. Russia and China are In Agreement on Most Foreign Policies and Performed Joint Military Excercises with China in Aug. of 2007.

5. Both Russia and China Together would be a Nuclear NightMare, Noone would WIN and we'd Jeopardize our Nation for Manaical Sakashavilli & Georgia...No Way !!

No American should lay down their Flesh, Blood, Bone and Spirit, for a Man Willfully Blind in Attacking a Seperated Province with Russian Peacekeepers within Osettia

---------------------------------------------

(CNN) – Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili on Wednesday called for John McCain and other American leaders to do more for Georgia in their response to the conflict in his country.

"Yesterday, I heard Sen. McCain say, 'We are all Georgians now,'" Saakashvili said on CNN's American Morning. "Well, very nice, you know, very cheering for us to hear that, but OK, it's time to pass from this. From words to deeds."

McCain told a crowd in Pennsylvania yesterday that he had called Saakashvili to express solidarity with the people of Georgia, saying: "Today, we are all Georgians."

McCain's foreign policy adviser Randy Scheunemann a Long Time (Georgian Lobbyist) told reporters on the campaign plane Tuesday that McCain's remark "obviously meant a lot to Saakashvili personally, but more importantly the message it conveyed to the Georgian people in this really, time of unprecedented national emergency." Scheunemann said McCain and Saakashvili are friends who have speaking daily throughout the crisis.

But Saakashvili said action is more important than rhetoric in the face of "brutal" and "deliberate" Russian violence. He urged the United States to take the lead in installing an international peacekeeping force.

"We should realize what is at stake here for Americans," he said. "America is losing the whole region."

"What Americans should do know, first of all, clearly make known their intentions," he said.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

tastytart — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 00:07:22 GMT

Greetings to all stumpers where ever you may be found. Goodness sake Obama desearves a vacation. I personally wish that he would remain on vacation for a very long time. His vision of America is certainly not mine. Do any of you ever get tired of hearing these political types saying they know what the American people want? I want congress get get their happy little hiney's back into session and get "We the people's" work done." This would be great place to start. Oh I forgot, the masses have forgotten that these wonderful individuals "WORK FOR US!" In a perfect world neighbors would help neighbors, we would all arise from our couches and play with our children and our spouses and build lives that fulfill us. Imagine that, we wouldn't need to be Obamacised we be the captains of our own ship. I am glad Mr. O is on vacation. Obama is a Jr. Senator that has allready over stepped his "scope of practice" when he went continent hopping offering his opinions on things that I believe undermines our nations interests. Diplomacy is effective only when it is approached from a position of strength. Great speeches are cheep unless they are backed up with profound character. This election cannot be determined by an "Us against them attitude." We truely are a much greater people than this. The gotcha crapola needs to stop and we need to truely read some basic economics books and start taking responsibility for our individual STUFF. I don't know about you but I have my fair share of STUFF---i.e. issues. I have learned in my 48 years in this amazing country that there is a real high price to be paid to be right. (Ok stop it, I not talking about right wing here.) I am talking about "I'm right and your wrong" attitude. How about "I may not have it all together, but together WE have it all!" I love you and I quit!

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

Newvoter101 — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 01:29:15 GMT

I whole hardely agree with you tastytart. We do need to start focusing on our own lives and forget about what some politician is promising to us. Congress needs to get back to WORK! and right now! Let's get some positive legislation on ENERGY. Let's fix the Immigration PROBLEM in our country! Let those that come here, come here on legal terms, like all the other immigrants to this Graet Nation. Let's stop complaining and start finding solutions. Let's voluteer to help our communities. It's time to take action now! Dream and achieve your dreams! No one else but yourself can do for yourself and your family and friends. Amen and God bless everyone! BTW I wish I could go on a Free vacation! Ha Ha ha ha.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

dcwblackhorse — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 03:37:52 GMT

I'm sick of all things Republican! Obama deserves a vacation, he has family in Hawaii and McCain needs to figure out a way to talk about his own plans rather than bash Obama. I can't wait until this election is over and I don't need to hear McCain whining anymore!

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

MG of IL — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 04:38:18 GMT

No matter how you say it, McCain is an elitist - came from a privilaged upbringing whether or not he proved himself or not and had a father and grandfather who helped him enter the military academy and helped him when he crashed planes, killed fellow sailors , etc.

John McCain takes several days off at a time (usually weekends spent in Arizona or one of his other eight homes) and admits he needs more sleep. He has had his mini-vacations since this whole election started.

Who is John McCain, or anyone for that matter, questioning Barack Obama's vacation with his wife and young daughters and spending time with his elderly grandmother in the state he grew up?

John McCain and the Republicans need to get a grip on reality. Going "home" isn't a luxury - it's normal - people do it all the time.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

icanthinkformyself — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 05:38:54 GMT

next story will probably be OBAMA WIPES BUTT. okay... the guy is a good talker with a teleprompter but that is it. he shouldnt be on vactation during a presidential campaign like our lovely congress who failed to pass any bills in regards to drilling. its retarded that Obama says lets drill even though it wont do anything. im guessing it was him slipping in the polls that had to do with that one.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

sharenews — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 06:53:41 GMT

ELITIST CHARACTERISTICS

* An Elitist considers himself to have outstanding personal abilities, intellect, specialized training or experience, or other distinctive attributes - even though he does not.

* An Elitist believes that their views on matters should be taken most seriously and that their views should have most weight when compared to others.

* An Elitist considers that their views and or actions are most likely to be constructive to society as a whole (THE WORLD, Berlin speech, Berlin speech, THE ONE!). They also believe that, given their extraordinary skills, abilities or wisdom, they believe they have renders him to be especially fit to govern or control.

* People who believe they are an Elite individual assumes that they should have special privileges and responsibilities in the hope that this arrangement will benefit humanity as a whole (THE WORLD, Berlin speech, Berlin speech, THE ONE!).

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

* Created his own presidential campaign SEAL in the image of the official Presidential seal (altering the words). http://embeds.blogs.foxnews.com/2008/06/23/obama-seal-no-more/

* Asked the other day if he EVER DOUBTED HIMSELF, Obama replied, NEVER! And grinned broadly. Sounded more like a 20-year-old than someone that just turned 47.

* Obama requested to accept the Democratic presidential nomination at a 76,000-seat open-air stadium (a rather dramatic venue) rather than at the site of the Dems national convention location across town where nominations usually are held (holds 20,000 seats). (This moves creates many logistical problems the DNC twill need to deal with as well as raises SECURITY CHALLENGES). All because he wants to be idolized by people in massive proportions all around him (like Caesar or Nero) in a grandeur atmosphere. http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/07/07/politics/main4236555.shtml?source=RSSattr=HOME_4236555

* Obama requested aides to try to arrange a speech at a second DRAMATIC VENUE: Berlins Brandenburg Gate! Obama was denied this request of location. This was the same venue that Ronald Reagan spoke at and JFK made a speech in front of when they were Presidents, not wannabe Presidents.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

Omaar — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 07:06:03 GMT

All You Arm chair Faux-Patriots go Enlist or Enlist your Legal of age Children to Defend a Menaingless Upstart and Oppourtunist Country like Georgia and that Maniac President, whose constantly seeing Fighter Planes, Bombs, Guns and Grenades being Shot, Pointed or Thrown at him !!!

Sakashvilli is a Pathetic Clown f a Man...Pathetic little Upstart Leader for a rag Tag Lot of 4.4 Million.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

Omaar — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 07:08:51 GMT

All You Arm chair Faux-Patriots go Enlist or Enlist your Legal of age Children to Defend a Meaningless Upstart and Oppourtunist ic Country like Georgia and that Maniac President, whose constantly seeing Fighter Planes, Bombs, Guns and Grenades being Shot, Pointed or Thrown at him !!!

Sakashvilli is a Pathetic Clown of a Man...

What a Pathetic little Upstart Leader for a Rag Tag Lot of 4.4 Million.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

Omaar — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 07:15:33 GMT

John McCain was not in Congress to Vote on 2 Very important Energy Bills,

Nancy Pelosi to McCain: You weren't even here

Source: www.politico.com

Yeah, Hypocrite & "Semi-Senile" John McCain, Strikes yet Again, or shall I say...

Forgets Once Again

In an interview with Larry King, Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) scoffed at John McCain's call to bring Congress back into session to deal with high oil prices.

"Well, it's interesting to hear Sen. McCain talk about bringing Congress back," Pelosi said, incredulously. "He wasn't even in Congress when we had 2 Very Important Bills On Energy."

Note: Pelosi was referring to bills on 1.) Tax Credits For Renewable Sources of Energy and 2.) Hybrid Cars.

McCain leads the Senate in MISSED VOTES this Congress.

Big Note: The Speaker also pointed out that President Bush REBUFFED McCain's CALL for him to call an Emergency Session Of Congress.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

Jack999 — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 10:31:43 GMT

What Russia wants at this point?

Russia wants to put criminal charges against Mr. Saakashvili and his sponsors/supporters (the US government) for over 1600 deaths of innocent women and children killed overnight in Ossetia last week and for over 30000 refuges escaping from the region to Russia. They have plenty of evidence for it already.

US government is digging a hole for themselves blindly supporting Mr. Saakashvili who openly lies to everyone left and right in fear of his own prospects.

How American values will stand in the background of US government having direct connection to 1600 civilian deaths overnight and 30000 of wounded and misplaced -- that is what in question at this point.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

spencer08 — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 11:59:18 GMT

What we all really need to do is STARTING

THINKING FOR OURSELVES. If you are really

interested in politics, don't watch one TV station

watch multiple so that you can get all sides and

judge for yourself as to what's good for you

and your family. You should not rely on

those scare tactics and lies that most TV host

uses to get you all wired up. In the end,

their ratings go up, their sponsors pay higher

and they get a raise. Meanwhile you are still

seating on the same couch not getting a thing

and still flapping your gums.

People wake up and become and independent

thinker based on facts and not fiction.

Do unto others as you would like done to you.

Bantu - you should be ashamed of youself

for suggesting a race riot. Wake up, this

is 2008. A recent Census study suggested

that in 2050, Hispanics will become the

majority...your racial issues needs to be

in check.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

bakkakkaw — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 13:45:37 GMT

Human body is a piece of meat, but not an iron. when the body is tired, you must take a break relaxing that piece of meat. can't you see that McCain mumbles words and misspeaks almost all the time. He needs to take a brake, too!

Therefore, i think that from two weeks to the D day, he deserves some vacation with his family.

Also, what is wrong with most of the media, saying that with the situation in Georgia, Obama supposed to be on the campaign trail to talk to American people, showing them that he can be a CEO.

I think the most of the media have not been objective at all. Obama is not president yet. the only thing he can do is to let Russia know that he not going to tolerate such an incoherency under his leadership, and then bring his , suggestions to the current administration, what I'm sure hid did.

When he went to Europe, he was too much presidential while actually, he supposes to put G.Bush a side to take care of business with Russia. I don't really understand those kind of mediocre media.

Nicolas Ismael, clifton nj

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

vakosh — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 14:20:00 GMT

unfortunately when you are president you don't get a break ... it's a job for champions ... and not those of feebleness in mind, body or spirit

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

jnakhoul — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 14:54:49 GMT

so vakosh how do you explain that mr. bush has vacationed more than anyother president before him. he spends almost as much time in texas as he does in DC

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

votenic — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 15:38:42 GMT

And there are only 82 days until the Election!

See who America thinks should be President at http://www.votenic.com

New VP Poll results!

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

lawyeredup — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 16:09:52 GMT

Obama is always doing stuffs that have to be re-explained many times. And the guy has no conviction nor principles for anything except Radical idiologies; disguess as fundamentals -- while he tries to explain his faults away (mainly because people thinks he's a good speaker).

First he try to explain why he doesn't wear America lapel pin --- but then started wearing it when he notice people wereing buying it. Then it was the pastor gate; where he try to Obamarized the country with the help of the media, by turning what in essence was lack of judgement at best or, his core believe at worst; for seating in and envirolment were hatered for the country he now hope to lead was being spout, to a speech on national understanding while tossing he white granny under the bus in the process. Oh, don't let us forget the issue of lack of national/international experience, where he believed that by going on a media photo opps will conpensate once again for his shortcoming but the opposite was the case -- as the trip shows him for the lightwight that he his. He lacks GRAVITAS!.

Hillary was, is, would have been a much better choice and as a dem, I am ashamed for the failure of Nancy Polusi, Harry Reid and, particularly, Howard Dean.

And for me; it will be McCain or no vote at all.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

wegan2008 — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 16:22:57 GMT

Mr Lawyeredup,

Just say your are a republican and shutup rather than trying to build some smoke from nowhere. eveyone flips and slow to react when it comes to someone you had known for many years. I am sure you are a bachelor without kids . that explains your lack of judgement in matters like this. But I will Tell you this : OBAMA is as human a being like everyone else. If you are looking for faults you can spend the rest of your life writting down George Bush's faults of whom MCCAIN was a HUGE part of it.

go clean your toilet

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

love this country — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 16:35:52 GMT

As a Dem, I would be ashamed to vote for McCain! Your probably better not to vote! Have you thought of the alternative if Obama loses? We will have a Minnie Me of George Bush. Is that what you want then vote for McBush and get hit in the head for another 4 years! It your vote! But don't complain when the hammer hits you in the head!

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

the_shelton — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 16:40:53 GMT

I guess he should have gone to Branson and watched a few shows.

It is a great thing in the history of politics that all you can find to denounce the guy on is that he went to an American state for his vaction. Wow, how bad is that? Let's see, maybe he ate some American cereal for breakfast, went to McDonalds for lunch and swam in a Walmart swimsuit. Boy is this guy bad or what? I'll bet he brushes his teeth with Crest and uses Irish Spring soap.

Wow, with faults like that he will probably turn up in church someplace on Sunday. You just can't trust these politicians.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

enemyartist — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 17:01:39 GMT

Isn't it something, everytime you hear about the RepubliCrats its always about elitism's, and vacations or some other mundane subject. But we never get to hear anything about any issues of value. Like How are we going to erase the deficit, or END THIS ILLEGAL WAR WithOUT Preparing for another WAR, etc etc etc. They call each other superstars and have rich girls in their commericals. Then there are the ones who really want to change politics and the media NEVER gives them any coverage! It just goes to show where Americas values are going, right down the toilet! BOB BARR and the LIBERTARIAN Party want to discuss the real issues! Bob Barr and the Libertarian party want to fix our government and country. Do your research people. www.bobbarr08.com http://enemyartistkristofer.blogspot.com

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

tastytart — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 18:04:49 GMT

In reference to spencer08---I smell what your rolling in! Personal responsibility, what a concept. Regarding, "I am sick of all things Republican," ok so what are you going to do about it? I know you can continue to whine, call republicans silly names and vote for a guy who is going to gut this country of everything American. Good plan. I know nothing I can say or any fact I may bring to the forefront will have NO impact upon your beliefs. Very good then. History will tell the tale. Remember, "those that do not know their history are doomed to repeat it." We can have a first lady that is not proud of the country that has given her so many profound oportunities. Has her struggle been any greater than a single mom working two jobs and putting herself through nursing school? I worked very hard. I have made a million misktakes, "just ask my daughter," but I will never give up. It is NOT the governments job to step in an fix my life. There are opportunities unlimited but I have to do the foot work. If I do not do the work and learn the lessons along the way, simply stated, "I will not have learned a damn thing." I choose to be responsible, move forward and continue to be an obnoxious conservative and beat the drum, "I am responsible!"

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

varacefan — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 19:52:50 GMT

While Obama E. Newman has been on vacation the Clintons have been busy stealing the convention from him. Hope he got some free air miles or something.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

smash artist — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 20:19:13 GMT

John McCain goes on vacation every weekend. Obama visiting his sister and grandmother once during 18 months should hardly be an issue.

http://strategy08.wordpress.com

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

thehappyamerican — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 21:54:31 GMT

It's only the News media worried about

Obamas vacation! He's not taking care

of business to the Liberal press's

liking!

Remember that both Mccain and Obama

are the liberal news medias choices!

McCain because he is easy to beat.

Obama because he's a Liberal Left winger.

A low key Obama has the liberal news

industry in an upset becuase they would

rather be sexist than be racist!

(rather be Pro-Obama than pro-Hillary).

And now THE ONE is off on a vacation!

the idea that The One needs rest like

Bush takes , from time to time, is

shocking to the News media.

Maybe it's his way of getting away from them!

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

thehappyamerican — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 21:54:41 GMT

It's only the News media worried about

Obamas vacation! He's not taking care

of business to the Liberal press's

liking!

Remember that both Mccain and Obama

are the liberal news medias choices!

McCain because he is easy to beat.

Obama because he's a Liberal Left winger.

A low key Obama has the liberal news

industry in an upset becuase they would

rather be sexist than be racist!

(rather be Pro-Obama than pro-Hillary).

And now THE ONE is off on a vacation!

the idea that The One needs rest like

Bush takes , from time to time, is

shocking to the News media.

Maybe it's his way of getting away from them!

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

thehappyamerican — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 21:54:42 GMT

It's only the News media worried about

Obamas vacation! He's not taking care

of business to the Liberal press's

liking!

Remember that both Mccain and Obama

are the liberal news medias choices!

McCain because he is easy to beat.

Obama because he's a Liberal Left winger.

A low key Obama has the liberal news

industry in an upset becuase they would

rather be sexist than be racist!

(rather be Pro-Obama than pro-Hillary).

And now THE ONE is off on a vacation!

the idea that The One needs rest like

Bush takes , from time to time, is

shocking to the News media.

Maybe it's his way of getting away from them!

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

thehappyamerican — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 21:54:44 GMT

It's only the News media worried about

Obamas vacation! He's not taking care

of business to the Liberal press's

liking!

Remember that both Mccain and Obama

are the liberal news medias choices!

McCain because he is easy to beat.

Obama because he's a Liberal Left winger.

A low key Obama has the liberal news

industry in an upset becuase they would

rather be sexist than be racist!

(rather be Pro-Obama than pro-Hillary).

And now THE ONE is off on a vacation!

the idea that The One needs rest like

Bush takes , from time to time, is

shocking to the News media.

Maybe it's his way of getting away from them!

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

Omaar — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 02:51:21 GMT

US Military Members are Giving More $$ To Obama’s Campaign

http://www. huffingtonpost. com/jon-soltz/deployed-troops-donate-to_b_118987. html

Troops Favor Obama

Today, a study by the (Center for Responsive Politics) reported that members of the military are giving more donations to Senator Obama than Senator McCain, and when you just examine those troops who are deployed, Obama attracts more donations by a 6 to 1 factor.

Troops, of course, aren't much different than most Americans, who overwhelmingly oppose the Bush military policy that John McCain would continue (the latest AP-Ipsos poll had 62 percent disapproving of the Bush policy). It's just that troops have a lot more personal experience on this particular issue.

We know that those who served believe Iraq has overstreched the military, and for years that those who have fought in Iraq and Afghanistan are solidly against the current policy.

Now, members of the military are speaking with their checkbooks, and reiterating just how strongly they believe we need to begin to redeploy from Iraq, and go on the offense against al Qaeda, which is making huge gains in Afghanistan.

And, yes, things are getting much worse in Afghanistan.

The New York Times reports today, from Saydebad:

"Not far from here, just off the highway that was once the showpiece of the United States reconstruction effort in Afghanistan, three American soldiers and their Afghan interpreter were ambushed and killed seven weeks ago...

The soldiers -- two of them members of the National Guard from New York -- died as their vehicles were hit by mines and rocket-propelled grenades. At least one was dragged off and chopped to pieces, according to Afghan and Western officials.

The body was so badly mutilated that at first the military announced that it had found the remains of two men, not one, in a nearby field.

That's just one report of many coming from Afghanistan, which has been allowed to devolve into chaos.

Troops know it. News from the field makes its way through chow halls, and our men and women read it during the rare moments they get to check the internet. They know that the current course our military is on is not sustainable, and they're looking for a dramatic change. They've felt it for a long time, whether the media wants to acknowledge that or not.

I don't think this has as much to do with Obama and McCain as it does with continuing the current Bush course, or changing it. And our troops, who don't have a whole lot of money to give, are voting right now with their wallets.

So, do our troops hate the troops? No, of course not. Our troops love America, and that's the point.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

Omaar — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 02:55:34 GMT

Georgian President to McCain: Move ’from Words to Deeds’

This Maniac has got to be Kidding !!

Source: The CNN Political Ticker

Producer Peter Hamby

Note: This Maniac Sakashvilli has got to be Kidding Me !!

Sakashvilli Attacked and Killed Many Osettians Thursday Night, without Provocation....

He Started this Invasion, keep this in mind.

Keep in Mind...

1. Russia Supplies the USA with Gas & Oil.

2. Russia has the Largest Stockpile of Nuclear Weapons on Planet Earth !!

3. Russia also has one of the Largest Militaries On Earth !!

4. Russia and China are In Agreement on Most Foreign Policies and Performed Joint Military Excercises with China in Aug. of 2007.

5. Both Russia and China Together would be a Nuclear NightMare, Noone would WIN and we'd Jeopardize our Nation for Manaical Sakashavilli & Georgia...No Way !!

No American should lay down their Flesh, Blood, Bone and Spirit, for a Man Willfully Blind in Attacking a Seperated Province with Russian Peacekeepers within Osettia

---------------------------------------------

(CNN) – Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili on Wednesday called for John McCain and other American leaders to do more for Georgia in their response to the conflict in his country.

McCain told a crowd in Pennsylvania yesterday that he had called Saakashvili to express solidarity with the people of Georgia, saying: "Today, we are all Georgians."

"We should realize what is at stake here for Americans," he said. "America is losing the whole region."

"What Americans should do know, first of all, clearly make known their intentions,"

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

Omaar — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 20:23:50 GMT

Military Donations seen favoring Obama

Report finds reversal of trend

Associated Press

Friday, August 15, 2008

U.S. soldiers have donated more presidential campaign money to Democratic Sen. Barack Obama than to Republican Sen. John McCain, a reversal of previous campaigns in which military donations tended to favor Republican White House hopefuls, a nonpartisan group reported Thursday.

Troops serving abroad have given nearly six times as much money to Mr. Obama's presidential campaign as they have to Mr. McCain's, the Center for Responsive Politics said.

The results also are striking because they favored Mr. Obama, who never has served in the military. Mr. McCain meanwhile, is a decorated war veteran who spent nearly five years as a prisoner of war in Vietnam. The Arizona senator graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy and had a 22-year career as a naval aviator.

Mr. Obama has opposed the war in Iraq and says he would withdraw combat troops within 16 months. Mr. McCain has been a steadfast supporter of the war, saying he would withdraw the troops only when conditions on the ground warrant it.

“Obama will work tirelessly to uphold this nation's sacred trust with its veterans, to ensure they are not forgotten after they return home and he will provide our troops with the leadership they deserve, as well as the support they and their families need,” Obama spokesman Nick Shapiro said.

Mr. McCain's campaign played down the significance of the donations.

“John McCain has been endorsed by more retired admirals and generals than Barack Obama has military donors,” McCain spokesman Michael Goldfarb said.

“We feel confident that many U.S. troops stationed overseas will support John McCain in the election this fall, but we suspect most are too busy doing the important work of defending this country than to make political contributions,” Mr. Goldfarb said.

The report tracked donations of $200 or more. It found that 859 members of the military donated a total of $335,536 to Mr. Obama. Mr. McCain received $280,513 from 558 military donors.

Among soldiers serving overseas at the time of their donations, 134 gave a total of $60,642 to Mr. Obama while 26 gave a total of $10,665 to Mr. McCain. That was less than the amount received by Republican Ron Paul, who collected $45,512 from 99 soldiers serving abroad, the report said.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

Omaar — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 20:23:55 GMT

Military Donations seen favoring Obama

Report finds reversal of trend

Associated Press

Friday, August 15, 2008

Troops serving abroad have given nearly six times as much money to Mr. Obama's presidential campaign as they have to Mr. McCain's, the Center for Responsive Politics said.

Mr. McCain's campaign played down the significance of the donations.

“John McCain has been endorsed by more retired admirals and generals than Barack Obama has military donors,” McCain spokesman Michael Goldfarb said.

The report tracked donations of $200 or more. It found that 859 members of the military donated a total of $335,536 to Mr. Obama. Mr. McCain received $280,513 from 558 military donors.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

loriw — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 17:03:46 GMT

Forum on ethics and values with McCain and Obama moderated by Rick Warren will air on CNN tonight beginning at 8pm.

citizen for decency in politicians

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

loriw — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 03:51:26 GMT

If you missed the forum tonight you missed a really good program.

McCain Kicked Butt!

I hope CNN re-runs this program in its entirety. It was well worth the 3 hours I watched and that included the post game program with Perkins, Martin, Broady, Bash, Crowley,Gergen,Schneider, and Rowland. BTW all of those 8 people pretty much agreed that the night went to McCain.

On the question of evil Sen Obama was to choose between ignore, negotiate, contain or defeat evil and Obama said he would confront it. Sorry that wasn't one of the choices and I have to say of the choices given I would go with McCain's choice...DEFEAT IT! You should have heard the emphasis he said it with too. I think McCain said he would follow him to the gates of hell to get Osama Bin Laden. And I think I believe he would do it too, personally if he can.

Go McCain.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

Omaar — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 04:57:01 GMT

Cindy McCain's Half Sister 'Angry' She's Hidden

by Ted Robbins

Listen Now [4 min 16 sec] add to playlist

Enlarge

Ted Robbins/NPR

Kathleen Hensley Portalski displays newspaper clippings of her father in World War II, as well as snapshots of herself as a child with her father.

Enlarge

Courtesy Nicholas Portalski

Portalski is shown with her late father, Jim Hensley, who also was Cindy McCain's father.

Read the original profile on Cindy McCain.

Enlarge

Ted Robbins/NPR

Nicholas Portalski, whose mother is McCain's half sister, says it's "very, very hurtful" that he and his mother haven't been recognized.

All Things Considered, August 18, 2008 · Last Tuesday, NPR broadcast a story about Cindy McCain's business and charity work. In it, Ted Robbins described McCain as the only child of Jim Hensley, a wealthy Arizona businessman. The next morning, NPR received an e-mail from Nicholas Portalski of Phoenix, who heard the story with his mother.

"We were listening to the piece about Cindy McCain on NPR, All Things Considered, and it just struck us very hard," Portalski said.

His mother, Kathleen Hensley Portalski, is also Hensley's daughter.

The Portalski family is accustomed to hearing Cindy McCain described as Hensley's only child.

She's been described that way by news organizations from The New Yorker and The New York Times to Newsweek and ABC.

McCain herself routinely uses the phrase "only child," as she did on CNN last month. "I grew up with my dad," she said then. "I'm an only child. My father was a cowboy, and he really loved me very much, but I think he wanted a son occasionally."

McCain's father was also a businessman — and twice a father.

"I'm upset," Kathleen Portalski says. "I'm angry. It makes me feel like a nonperson, kind of."

Who Is Kathleen Hensley Portalski?

Documents show Kathleen Anne Hensley was born to Jim and Mary Jeanne Hensley on Feb. 23, 1943. They had been married for six years when Kathleen was born.

Jim Hensley was a bombardier on a B-17, flying over Europe during World War II.

He was injured and sent to a facility in West Virginia to recuperate. During that time, while still married to Mary Jeanne, Hensley met another woman — Marguerite Smith. Jim divorced Mary Jeanne and married Marguerite in 1945.

Cindy Lou Hensley was born nine years later, in 1954.

She may have grown up as an only child, but so did her half sister, Kathleen, who was raised by a single parent.

Portalski says she did see her father and her half sister from time to time.

"I saw him a few times a year," she says. "I saw him at Christmas and birthdays, and he provided money for school clothes, and he called occasionally."

Jim Hensley also provided credit cards and college tuition for his grandchildren, as well as $10,000 gifts to Kathleen and her husband, Stanley Portalski. That lasted a decade, they say. By then, Jim Hensley had built Hensley and Co. into one of the largest beer distributorships in the country. He was worth tens, if not hundreds, of millions of dollars.

Sole Inheritor To Hensley's Estate

When Hensley died in 2000, his will named not only Portalski but also a daughter of his wife Marguerite from her earlier marriage. So, Cindy McCain may be the only product of Jim and Marguerite's marriage, but she is not the only child of either.

She was, however, the sole inheritor of his considerable estate.

Kathleen Portalski was left $10,000, and her children were left nothing. It's a fact Nicholas Portalski says his sister discovered the hard way.

"What she found in town — on the day of or the day before or the day after his funeral — was that the credit card didn't work anymore," Nick says.

The Portalskis live in a modest home in central Phoenix. Kathleen is retired, as is her husband. Nicholas Portalski is a firefighter and emergency medical technician looking for work.

They say it would have been nice if they were left some of the Hensley fortune.

They also say they are Democrats, but Nicholas Portalski says he had another reason for coming forward.

"The fact that we don't exist," he says. "The fact that we've never been recognized, and then Cindy has to put such a fine point on it by saying something that's not true. Recently, again and again. It's just very, very hurtful."

Kathleen Portalski says she'd like an acknowledgment and an apology.

NPR asked the McCain campaign — specifically, Cindy McCain — to comment or respond. Neither replied.

re: Obama's 'Highfalutin' Hawaiian Vacation

Omaar — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 04:57:07 GMT