BS: Popular Views on Obama

Subject: RE: BS: Popular Views on Obama
From: Riginslinger
Date: 19 May 08 - 04:41 PM

It's funny Byrd abandoning his constituency that way. I guess it's just another case of a guy being in Washington too long.

Subject: RE: BS: Popular Views on Obama
From: Amos
Date: 19 May 08 - 04:43 PM

He may have had an epiphany of conscience, or an enlightening experience of some kind.


A

Subject: RE: BS: Popular Views on Obama
From: Riginslinger
Date: 19 May 08 - 05:07 PM

Or gone color blind at 90!

Subject: RE: BS: Popular Views on Obama
From: Ron Davies
Date: 19 May 08 - 09:16 PM

I understand Obama has his friend Mr. Bush to thank for Byrd's support.   While speaking to the Knesset, Mr. Bush, with his characteristic finesse, accused Obama (without naming him) of appeasement for being willing to talk to Iran. Byrd has had enough of Bush's "foreign policy" disaster--and no doubt, enough of Democrats being accused of weakness on national defense.

Subject: RE: BS: Popular Views on Obama
From: Riginslinger
Date: 19 May 08 - 10:06 PM

Well, I have a lot of respect for Senator Byrd, but the Obama campaign has this to look forward to:


             http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=zUdjhKbImwE

Subject: RE: BS: Popular Views on Obama
From: DannyC
Date: 19 May 08 - 10:10 PM

I just had the soaring pleasure of hearing Michelle Obama speak to a gathering of us volunteers. What a powerful and articulate woman!! I was no more than three meters from her. Though she must be exhausted, I watched her reach down into her heart to find the energy and passion to forge a connection with us bricht chaulmers.

We won't be able to keep Kentucky close - but - tomorrow's the night Barack locks down the pledged majority on a nationwide basis.   We're nearly thru to the battle with that brood of blood-for-oil men...

Obama!!!   Obama!!!

(PS: Posted some pics on Myspace)

Subject: RE: BS: Popular Views on Obama
From: Amos
Date: 20 May 08 - 09:34 PM

Sen. Barack Obama has won a majority of the pledged delegates in the Democratic race for president, according to CNN estimates.

May 20, 1834 PST

Subject: RE: BS: Popular Views on Obama
From: Riginslinger
Date: 20 May 08 - 09:36 PM

Tonight the voters are showing Obama to his "Old Kentucky Home."

Subject: RE: BS: Popular Views on Obama
From: Amos
Date: 20 May 08 - 09:39 PM

With the addition of two more delegates from Tuesday's Kentucky contest, CNN projects that Barack Obama now has 1,628 pledged delegates Ñ a majority of the pledged delegates available in this year's Democratic presidential nominating contests.

I think what they are showing Hillary is a dose of Southern manners on her way out. Oregon has not begun to report yet; there will be a considerable number of delegates standing up for Obama there.

Subject: RE: BS: Popular Views on Obama
From: Amos
Date: 20 May 08 - 09:42 PM

"New donors in April: 200,000
94% of contributions were under $200
93% of contributions were $100 or less
77% of contributions were $50 or less
52% of contributions were $25 or less

Number of donors to the Obama campaign overall at the end of April: 1.475 million
Number of contributions given: $2,929,000 million (sic)
Average donation: $91
Amount raised in April: $31.3 million (plus an additional $600,000 for the general election)
Cash on Hand: $37.3 million (plus an additional $9.2 million for the general election)

Clinton hasn't released her totals yet, but sent supporters this text message:


Tonight we won Kentucky and once again, we showed American what we're made of. Thank you so much. Keep the momentum going at www.hillaryclinton.com Ñ Hillary

She also told fans in Louisville last night: "Your help will keep us going" and directed them to her Web site.

UPDATE, 8:50 P.M.: Clinton's Howard Wolfson just said on CNN she raised $22 million in April."

Subject: RE: BS: Popular Views on Obama
From: Amos
Date: 20 May 08 - 10:35 PM

Obama's Address in Iowa is well worth listening to. (This was a live-stream link, so it may not bring the video up. Look for it on You Tube).


A

Subject: RE: BS: Popular Views on Obama
From: Amos
Date: 21 May 08 - 09:45 AM

Online version and transcript (NYT)

Subject: RE: BS: Popular Views on Obama
From: Amos
Date: 21 May 08 - 02:03 PM

As Barack Obama closes in on the Democratic nomination, his prospects for November are looking up, a new poll indicates.

Obama, who was tied with presumptive Republican nominee John McCain last month in the same survey, now leads 48 percent to 40 percent, according to the Reuters/Zogby poll released today.

Obama builds his lead among independents -- 47 percent to 35 percent -- and also has an edge in who voters say would be better for the economy.

(Boston.com)

Subject: RE: BS: Popular Views on Obama
From: Amos
Date: 21 May 08 - 04:24 PM

In Montana yesterday, Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama was "adopted" by the Crow Nation in one of the more colorful events of the presidential campaign so far, USA TODAY's Fredreka Schouten reports. She writes that:

The Illinois senator was given a Crow name, Awe Kooda bilaxpak Kuuxshish, which means "one who helps people throughout the land." And, he was presented with several gifts -- including a bolo tie for him and intricately beaded buckskin baby-carrying pouches for his two daughters.

Obama, who was greeted by a large crowd -- many in traditional clothing -- pledged to deliver world-class health care and education to tribal nations and to "shake-up" the federal Bureau of Indian Affairs. "Few have been ignored by Washington for as long as Native Americans," he told the cheering crowd in Crow Agency, Mont.

Obama said that growing up as the biracial child of a single mother, "I know what it's like to be on the outside…I know what it's like to struggle." He promised to "never forget" his new Indian "family"

"You will be on my mind every day when I'm in the White House," he said. Montana's Democratic presidential primary is set for June 3.

At the end of his day, on the plane between Bozeman and Chicago, Obama talked with reporters about the beauty of the Montana landscape he had just left behind. He said that during the private ceremony where he was "adopted" by the tribe, he gained two "adoptive" parents, Crow elders Hartford and Mary Black Eagle, and donned a traditional vest.

He also said he was working on the pronunciation of his new Crow name, but also had gained another moniker by way of his new family: "Barack Black Eagle," he said smiling.

Subject: RE: BS: Popular Views on Obama
From: Amos
Date: 21 May 08 - 11:33 PM

The Wall Street Journal points out that despite Obama's huge loss in West Virginia last week, he has gained support from 22 more superdelegates since then, compared with four who went Clinton's way.

Hmmmmm.

Subject: RE: BS: Popular Views on Obama
From: Riginslinger
Date: 22 May 08 - 08:38 AM

Yeah, it looks like the Dems are bound and determined to walk the plank with Obama.

Subject: RE: BS: Popular Views on Obama
From: Amos
Date: 22 May 08 - 09:28 AM

WHy do you characterize his popularity that way, Rig? Oure nastiness of spirit? Or do you have something concrete to offer?\


A

Subject: RE: BS: Popular Views on Obama
From: Riginslinger
Date: 22 May 08 - 10:27 AM

I simply see his popularity as limited and short lived.
                I'm resigned to his becoming the Democratic candidate. If he's defeated in the general, I don't see it as a good thing for the country, if he wins, I don't see it as a good thing for the country. I don't know where you'd go with that.

Subject: RE: BS: Popular Views on Obama
From: DannyC
Date: 22 May 08 - 10:39 AM

Rig,   I hope we all take the time to heal and come out fighting together.   Rove and his ilk are counting on us to poison our own wells.

I have not been a frequent contributor on Mudcat, but I sincerely regret some negative posts that I made on March 21st about the Clintons.

I hope we can all just chill -- and then come out working together to end the imperialist wars and unify for our fight against the skilled fearmongers who have subverted the American democracy.

Peace,

Danny

Subject: RE: BS: Popular Views on Obama
From: DannyC
Date: 22 May 08 - 10:41 AM

PS We need you, brother...

Subject: RE: BS: Popular Views on Obama
From: Amos
Date: 22 May 08 - 01:02 PM

I'm all for that, Danny.

Rig, even if he does win the general he won't be perfect; but he has shown himself to be conscientious and hard-working, smart and a man who believes in principles. I think he will do just fone, as well as anyone will be able to given the dark hole in which the nation sits at present.


A

Subject: RE: BS: Popular Views on Obama
From: Amos
Date: 22 May 08 - 04:43 PM

New Poll Finds Big Shift Toward Obama
Californians give Obama a significant edge over Clinton and McCain
By Justin Ewers
Posted May 22, 2008
US News and World Report

SAN FRANCISCO—A new poll released today in California finds political momentum shifting dramatically toward Barack Obama—and away from both Hillary Clinton and John McCain—in the nation's most populous state. According to a survey conducted over the past 10 days by the Public Policy Institute of California, 59 percent of likely voters here now have a "favorable" impression of Democrat Obama, while a majority view both of the other candidates unfavorably. In a state whose Democratic primary Clinton won in February, 51 percent of voters now say they have an unfavorable opinion of her; 53 percent of voters feel the same way about Republican McCain.

Obama, meanwhile, seems to be making strides across nearly every constituency. If the general election were held today, 54 percent of Californians say they would vote for him, compared with 37 percent for McCain. That gap has widened by 8 points since March. Obama enjoys the support of more than 80 percent of Democrats here, along with over half (55 percent) of independents. He leads McCain among men and women and is viewed favorably by nearly 70 percent of Latinos—a powerful political group, experts note, not just in California but in several other western states, including Colorado, New Mexico, and Nevada.

While there has been an epidemic of hand-wringing among Democratic political analysts over Obama's inability to win over low-income white voters in states like Kentucky and West Virginia, where Clinton has dominated recent primaries, California seems to be a different story. Obama leads McCain by a double-digit margin here among likely voters, no matter what their incomes. He enjoys a 55-to-35 percent lead among those who make less than $40,000 a year, including whites; a 55-to-36 percent lead among those who make between $40,000 and $80,000; and a 53-to-37 percent lead among those who make $80,000 or more.

"As the presidential campaign has moved further away from California, what's been taking place is solid support among Democrats and increasing support among independent voters," says Mark Baldassare, president of the Public Policy Institute of California, the nonpartisan group that released the poll, which surveyed more than 2,000 voters. "John McCain is certainly going to have his work cut out for him here."

Subject: RE: BS: Popular Views on Obama
From: Amos
Date: 22 May 08 - 06:00 PM

Likely Democratic nominee Barack Obama has begun a top-secret search for a running mate, fresh signs that the general election campaign is well under way and the primary race against Hillary Rodham Clinton is basically over.
Obama has asked former Fannie Mae CEO Jim Johnson to begin vetting potential vice presidential picks, Democratic officials said Thursday. Johnson did the same job for Democratic nominees John Kerry in 2004 and Walter Mondale in 1984.
Obama refused to acknowledge Johnson's role when The Associated Press asked the Illinois senator about it in the Capitol Thursday.

"I haven't hired him. He's not on retainer. I'm not paying him any money. He is a friend of mine. I know him," Obama said. "I am not commenting on vice presidential matters because I have not won this nomination."

The Democratic officials spoke on a condition of anonymity about a process that the campaign wants to keep quiet.

Vice presidential searches are usually closely held secrets, but Obama campaign officials say the effort is being handled by a particularly tight circle of advisers.
The campaign did not want to discuss the effort because they are still engaged in a fading primary campaign against Hillary Rodham Clinton, with three primaries left in Puerto Rico, South Dakota and Montana. The voting ends June 3. Obama has repeatedly declined to discuss possible running mates while the primary is ongoing.

Subject: RE: BS: Popular Views on Obama
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 22 May 08 - 07:25 PM

...he won't be perfect

Precisely. And that's no reason not to hope he makes it.

It's been a bit disturbing seeing the game of adulation versus demonisation of candidates in this selection process. More so the adulation - it must get difficult not to start believing in it when you are stuck in the middle of something like that being hailed as a kind of Messiah. The Roman's used to have someone stand next to their generals when they were having a Triumph, with the job of tapping them on the shoulder from time to time and reminding them they were just mortals.

I hope Obama's got someone like that. Maybe Michelle takes care of it.

Subject: RE: BS: Popular Views on Obama
From: Amos
Date: 22 May 08 - 08:21 PM

I am sure she does.

A

Subject: RE: BS: Popular Views on Obama
From: Amos
Date: 22 May 08 - 08:41 PM

Smoky figures out human politics. LOL!!!



A

Subject: RE: BS: Popular Views on Obama
From: Charley Noble
Date: 22 May 08 - 09:04 PM

Amos-

Very interesting link!

I'm certainly not expecting perfection from Obama but I've been very impressed with how well he's communicated with potential voters in this hard fought campaign. And I certainly was aware (back in January) that Rev. Wright as an "issue" would likely be activated.

We live in interesting times. Hopefully we will survive them.

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: BS: Popular Views on Obama
From: Ebbie
Date: 22 May 08 - 09:09 PM

"Or gone color blind at 90!" Rig

Rig, was that meant to be funny or is it the definitive comment from you regarding Obama? You know, there aren't too many Americans nowadays who would admit to being racist. Most who are put it in different words, like: I am leery of what he says. Or, I don't think he has substance in him, only style. Or, he has people mesmerized.

And a dozenteen others.

Not many people admit to being racist. Would you?

Oddly enough, I like you. :)

Subject: RE: BS: Popular Views on Obama
From: Riginslinger
Date: 22 May 08 - 09:41 PM

"Rig, was that meant to be funny or is it the definitive comment from you regarding Obama?"

                   Ebbie - What I was getting at was, and I think it's pretty well documented, at one time, in his twenties, Senator Byrd was a member of the Klu Klux Klan. That would have been 65 to 70 years ago--in early 1940's maybe--so I'll admit, it's a cheap shot, and I kind of regreted it after I hit the "submit" button.

Subject: RE: BS: Popular Views on Obama
From: Amos
Date: 23 May 08 - 11:34 AM

Text size – + Obama widens superdelegate lead
Email|Link|Comments (0) Posted by Foon Rhee, deputy national political editor May 23, 2008 10:37 AM
Barack Obama has added four more superdelegates today, wresting one from Hillary Clinton and inheriting two from John Edwards, who endorsed him last week.

Obama now has 310.5 superdelegates, according to his campaign's count, and is within 59 delegates of clinching the nomination (barring the magic number changing if the Democratic National Committee adds disputed delegates from Florida and Michigan). Clinton almost certainly needs to get the vast majority of undeclared superdelegates, and the Florida and Michigan delegates, to pull out the nomination.

The new superdelegates for Obama cited his inevitability as the nominee as much as praising his qualities.

Congressman Dennis Cardoza of California, who had supported Clinton, who won his state's primary, said in a statement, "While I continue to greatly respect and admire Senator Clinton and feel she has made history with her campaign, I believe that Senator Obama will inevitably be our party's nominee for President. He has proven himself to be a thoughtful, knowledgeable, and inspirational leader and will take America in a new direction, which we desperately need."

Obama's campaign also announced support from another California congressman, Jim Costa.

State Senator Peter Burling of Cornish and Deborah Nelson of Hanover, two former Edwards superdelegates from New Hampshire, plan to announce their switch at a news conference this morning, the Associated Press reported.

Burling told The Associated Press that he and Nelson believe either Obama or Clinton would make a superb president, but it came down to "who can win and who could make a better president" -- and that Obama is about to clinch the nomination.

"If it were Senator Clinton who in my mind had the edge at this moment, she would be getting exactly this kind of endorsement," Burling said.

Nelson told the AP she made up her mind as she watched the news coverage of Senator Edward M. Kennedy's diagnosis with brain cancer this week. "I thought, here's someone who represents everything that matters to me, and he supports Obama, so what am I waiting for?" she said in a separate phone interview.

Boston.com

Subject: RE: BS: Popular Views on Obama
From: Riginslinger
Date: 23 May 08 - 01:02 PM

Well, who is Pete Stark supporting?

Subject: RE: BS: Popular Views on Obama
From: Amos
Date: 23 May 08 - 02:55 PM

CONCORD, N.H. (AP) — Barack Obama inched closer to securing the Democratic presidential nomination on Friday, picking up four delegates, including a California congressman who switched his allegiance from Hillary Rodham Clinton.

Obama "has proven himself to be a thoughtful, knowledgeable, and inspirational leader and will take America in a new direction, which we desperately need," said Rep. Dennis Cardoza, who became the 14th superdelegate to switch from Clinton to Obama.

Two of John Edwards' New Hampshire delegates, State Sen. Peter Burling and high school teacher Deborah Nelson, held a news conference to announce they were backing Obama.

In a phone interview, Burling told The Associated Press that he and Nelson believe either Obama or Clinton would make a superb president, but it came down to "who can win and who could make a better president."

Rep. Jim Costa, D-Calif., also announced his support for Obama.

Subject: RE: BS: Popular Views on Obama
From: Amos
Date: 25 May 08 - 08:06 PM

This week's screamer. When Hillary shot herself int he foot by raising the ghost of assassinations past in discussing RFK's summer campaign, she copped heat from all qurters, except Barack and RFK Jr. Barack said, hey, I understand how it is. You get tired, and you mis-speak. RFK said he understood and it was no big deal.

Now, lo and behold, the outrage of others -- notably, for example, Keith Olbermann, who practically tore Hillary a new one-- has been identified (according to Terry McAuliffe of Hillary's campaign crew) as being actually Barack's fault, hallelujah.

From the Houston Chronicle:

"Delusion reigns supreme in the Clinton camp these days. Just when I thought it couldnÕt get any stranger, Terry McAuliffe appeared today on Fox News Sunday and blamed the Obama campaign for HillaryÕs remarks about Bobby Kennedy. Yes, you read that right, itÕs ObamaÕs fault.

Here it is from the Washington Post:

"Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton's campaign accused Sen. Barack Obama's campaign of fanning a controversy over her describing the assassination of Robert F. Kennedy late in the 1968 Democratic primary as one reason she is continuing to run for the presidency

The Obama campaign tried to take these words out of context," Clinton campaign chairman Terence R. McAuliffe said on "Fox News Sunday." "She was making a point merely about the time line."

Ah yes, the dreaded out of context. The last refuge of someone trying to defend an indefensible statement. Tell me Terry, exactly what would be the proper context in referring to the assassination of a presidential candidate? Just curious."


A

Subject: RE: BS: Popular Views on Obama
From: Riginslinger
Date: 25 May 08 - 09:29 PM

Yes sir, it looks like we're inching closer and closer to a John McCain presidency.

Subject: RE: BS: Popular Views on Obama
From: Ron Davies
Date: 25 May 08 - 09:36 PM

As has been obvious for awhile, the main question will be if the Hillary supporters will be sensible enough to vote for Obama in preference to McCain.

Subject: RE: BS: Popular Views on Obama
From: Amos
Date: 25 May 08 - 11:21 PM

Only if racism and dumpkoffery is allowed to sweep away reason, Rig. Do what you can to fight that, won't you?



A

Subject: RE: BS: Popular Views on Obama
From: Riginslinger
Date: 26 May 08 - 08:40 AM

I'm on my way out the door with my shotgun as we speak, Amos, to fight the every growing heartbreak of dumpkoffery.


             I just hope Obama isn't elected as a result of reverse discrimination.

Subject: RE: BS: Popular Views on Obama
From: Amos
Date: 26 May 08 - 11:50 AM

The fear that he will not be, as a result of latent discrimination, is much more likely. There are still people, in significant numbers, who "would never vote for a colored". This election is an opportunity to take a third major step against that kind of racism, as important as emancipation and civil rights.

Vote for him because he is intelligent, competent, compassionate and worth following. But you can also be glad you did, as a secondary factor, because he is black.


A

Subject: RE: BS: Popular Views on Obama
From: Ron Davies
Date: 26 May 08 - 11:57 AM

It's absurd to even raise the idea that Obama would be elected on the basis of "reverse discrimination". He has a huge list of qualities which would recommend him regardless of whether he were black, white, yellow, brown, purple, orange or any other color.

These qualities include, but are not limited to:

power to inspire,

good grasp of financial management (see the campaign's financial success),

ability to maintain coolness under huge pressure,

quick wit,

maturity beyond his years (e.g. strong resistance to engage in negative campaigning though the main opponent was wallowing in it),

ability to plan for many contingencies ( in contrast to his main opponent),

ability to attract similarly talented individuals,

ability and willingness to compromise when necessary

ability to recognize opportunity when it arises.

Subject: RE: BS: Popular Views on Obama
From: Amos
Date: 26 May 08 - 12:16 PM

All of which are good reasons to put the man in office and let him get on with doing what he can do.

A

Subject: RE: BS: Popular Views on Obama
From: Amos
Date: 26 May 08 - 12:36 PM

THE ROAD TO VICTORY FOR DEMOCRATIC PRESIDENTIAL HOPEFUL Hillary Clinton is straight out of a nightmare: It keeps getting steeper and steeper the closer she gets to the end. By late next week, it may become obvious even to her that she'd have a better chance at Power Ball than pulling out a backroom victory against Barack Obama.

A highly placed Democratic Party source we've dealt with for many years tells us that Obama over the next several weeks will announce support from as many as 17 superdelegates, bringing his total delegate count from the current 1,965 to 1,982.


(Barron's)

Subject: RE: BS: Popular Views on Obama
From: Ron Davies
Date: 26 May 08 - 12:41 PM

You can't cite Barrons on Mudcat. It's owned by Dow Jones, therefore determined by certain prolific posters to be hopelessly biased, as a capitalist tool--and thus incapable of providing any information.

Or so I've heard.

Subject: RE: BS: Popular Views on Obama
From: Amos
Date: 26 May 08 - 01:57 PM

Oh. Sorry. I guess I am now an official capitalist tool.


A

Subject: RE: BS: Popular Views on Obama
From: Ron Davies
Date: 26 May 08 - 02:31 PM

Though it is admittedly interesting that those who criticize Dow Jones have been for some reason unable to come up with even one source they feel is more reliable.

Tis a puzzlement.

Subject: RE: BS: Popular Views on Obama
From: Riginslinger
Date: 26 May 08 - 03:25 PM

Here's a source - Barack Obama: Announced during the discussion with Hillary Clinton on Superstition and Ethics.

                "If elected, I intend to leave the Office of Faith Based Initiatives open."


                  A good reason to vote for anybody else for people who are free thinkers and don't want another 4 years of George W. Bush.

                  And after that, Reverend Wright appeared, and you just knew where the money would be going. Then Wright's understudy showed up, and there was never a better reason not to vote for Obama.

Subject: RE: BS: Popular Views on Obama
From: Amos
Date: 26 May 08 - 03:58 PM

Oh, for crying out loud, Rig.

First of all, what would it mean to "leave it open", and what has it been doing?

Second of all, on what terms and under what guidance would it be left open?

Third of all, is there any comparable proposition from any other candidate? Or are they just ducking the issue?

While I fully appreciate and sympathize with your skeptical view toward what most people call faith, the actual issues in this department my be a little more specific.

Here's a report from the OFBCI on work so far.

It doesn't look as evil as you would like it to, I am afraid.

A

Subject: RE: BS: Popular Views on Obama
From: Ron Davies
Date: 26 May 08 - 04:27 PM

As I've said earlier, if somebody wants to find an excuse to vote against a candidate, he can always do it--regardless of the real reason.

And some people just have to have simple villains. Ascribing all their problems to religion, or immigrants, or whatever the chosen target is, makes life so much simpler. Just don't ask them to back up their prejudices with actual facts and evidence.

Subject: RE: BS: Popular Views on Obama
From: Riginslinger
Date: 26 May 08 - 08:17 PM

You, Ron, are the one who is refusing to bring evidence. The evidence in this case came right out of Obama's mouth.


                      "It doesn't look as evil as you would like it to, I am afraid."


                            The Office of Faith Based Initiatives looks plenty evil to me. We have people of the public payroll who shouldn't be, we have money going to people who shouldn't have it. We had public programs set up to do these jobs, and that's who should be doing them. If they can't because their funding has been cut off, it's a pretty simple solution to cut off these faith-based jerks and give it back to the people who know what to do with it.

Subject: RE: BS: Popular Views on Obama
From: Amos
Date: 26 May 08 - 08:28 PM

I am inclined to agree with your general attitude. But if you look at the policy statements, they say explicitly "people of any faith, or none". So I suspect that calling it faith-based was just a stupid, transparent sop to the right-wing Christian "base", and the actual operation is just an interface between any charitable group, and federal money.

I could be wrong, though, and I would really like to see the money tree showing what groups it went to and where it went from there since the office was opened.

Rig, you say this office has money going to people who should not have it. Which people, and how much? Or are you just saying that from a general impression?


A

Subject: RE: BS: Popular Views on Obama
From: Amos
Date: 26 May 08 - 08:32 PM

By the way, Rig, the bald statement that he wanted to keep the OFBC open is not the whole truth.

What he said was:

""I want to keep the Office of Faith-Based Initiatives open, but I want to make sure that its mission is clear," Obama said in response to a question about his commitment to reduce poverty in America. "It's not to simply build a particular faith community. The faith-based initiatives should be targeted specifically at the issue of poverty and how to lift people up."

He added that government should partner with religious organizations to provide social services as long as it is done within the requirements of the Constitution.

"We make sure that it's open to everybody," he said. "It's not simply the federal government funding certain groups to be able to evangelize."

Obama's comments came during a televised 45-minute question-and-answer session at Messiah College, a small private Christian College in Pennsylvania, a state that will hold election primaries April 22. The forum was sponsored by Faith in Public Life, a group of self-described progressive religious leaders who have said they want to "reclaim" the religious dialogue in politics from conservative Christians, who have championed high-profile electoral topics in past elections. The forum underscored how pervasive religion has become in the 2008 election as a focus of both the candidates' personalities and their positions on various public policy topics."

Aside from your general rancor about faith in any form, what is your opinion of that position?


A