Pantagraph.com | News | Durbin: Obama should run for president in 2008

Note: All views and opinions expressed in reader comments are solely those of the individual submitting the comment, and not those of the Pantagraph or its staff.

Mick Russom wrote on Oct 23, 2006 5:02 AM:

" Barack is a pro-socialist gun-grabber. These tight cycle politicians use populism and fear and pretend short sighted ineffective things like gun control will solve all problems. The politicians are powerless, and use FUD and quickie fixes for soccer moms to get vote. Gun laws have never reduced crime, but properly educating people over the course of 15-20 years (far outside the scope of a political career) will. Problem: Nothing to promise for a quick fix to win the election. Gun grabbers and anti-gunners are amongst the most dangerous because the do irrevocable damage to the Bill of Rights while giving a corrupt state everything it needs to begin democide/genocide. All genocidal / democidal mass killings in 20th century have been preluded by gun control laws. From Armenia, to the Nazis, to Communist democide (the governments that killed the most people in the 20th century was communism, they killed more folks than all the casualties of WWII. About 100 million died at the hands of Stalin, Mao, Castro and Che & others. Hitler, Mao and Stalin agree: gun control works great!) "

Not in the South wrote on Oct 19, 2006 12:55 PM:

" Obama would not, and could not win in the South. "

Hazardu wrote on Oct 19, 2006 12:33 PM:

" If Obama gets elected he will be the most charismatic president in U.S. history. Look how much he has accomplished in such a short period of time: A law demanding police interogations are videotaped, a google engine to hold politicians accountable for how they spend the public's money, one of the only politicians smart enough to question the war before it happened, president of the Harvard Law review, an endorsement from Oprah Winfrey-the most influential woman on Earth and the richest Black on the face of the planet. Obama is by far the most talented and gifted politician the country has to offer. Obama in 2008! "

Obama on Ophrah wrote on Oct 18, 2006 6:50 PM:

" He was on the show today. He said politicians should throw out negative campaigning and have an honest talk about the issues. Oh, the hypocrisy. "

Question? wrote on Oct 17, 2006 10:09 PM:

" Some on here say they'd like to see him run someday but what now makes you think he'd be a good candidate "someday". You have no idea what kind of record he's going to have between now and "someday". In other words you'll vote for him because of his race and his left social issues. Animal Farm! "

yay! wrote on Oct 17, 2006 9:29 PM:

" cjc, move to Texas. "

cjc wrote on Oct 17, 2006 8:47 PM:

" Both of our Senators are IDIOTS. Both are Liberal democrats that are out in left field on every issue, Obama is just a good speaker. But both are in Chicago's pocket. They raise taxes, are soft on crime, favor abortion, and are strongly anti gun. I have no use for either of them. "

What? wrote on Oct 17, 2006 5:18 PM:

" Has Obama done to merit a run for the presidency? He is only a freshman lawmaker who knows how to say what the people want to hear, just like any other politician! Get real people! "

David Roberts wrote on Oct 17, 2006 1:26 PM:

" John Edwards has more experience, integrity, a great heart, is untainted by scandal, has a record for standing up for those who have less, and should be reconsidered as the Presidential Candidate in 2008. He resonates with the American People. The Democratic machine made a mistake picking Kerry, who runs on his military record as proof of leadership and is incapable of identifying his faith or with the common man. I say Edwards for President and Obama for Vice President. Obama can get his experience, and lead on into the Presidency 8 years later. The Democrats could get 16 years of national and international leadership with integrity and vision to restore our place in the World and once again gain the confidence of the American People. These two men will surround themselves with winners and reverse the tragedy of the last six years. "

Parties wrote on Oct 17, 2006 1:06 PM:

" Democrats are too far left. Republicans are too far right. What we really need is a good third party. "

PHD wrote on Oct 17, 2006 12:31 PM:

" If you want to learn more about Obama, he will be on Meet the Press this coming Sunday; 8 am on channel 10 (cable). "

To: "Amanda to Amazing" wrote on Oct 17, 2006 10:42 AM:

" We are now awestruck YOUR intelligence!!!!!!!!!!! "

Lucy wrote on Oct 17, 2006 10:13 AM:

" To Maniac: Scrap Hillary...I think it should be Obama and Oprah! "

Lucy wrote on Oct 17, 2006 10:11 AM:

" Did I read somewhere that Oprah is endorsing him? Read between the lines...look what she did for Dr. Phil.....he's a celebrity now! Who else has she supported and has become successful......Rachel Ray is off to big and better things because of Oprah..... "

Voting Republican wrote on Oct 17, 2006 9:47 AM:

" Maybe Obama should run for president. He is so used to having people tell him what to look like and say he would make a perfect president. Once again it seems Durbin has a mouth for everything. "

Maniac wrote on Oct 17, 2006 9:40 AM:

" Sounds like Obama has officially been annointed, how about Hillary for his running mate? "

small town girl wrote on Oct 17, 2006 9:35 AM:

" Stop asking why he should be president and go do your research. Do you expect someone else to do it for you? Obama may lack the requisite political experience most constituents want in a President, but give him the time he himself recognizes he needs, and I think this country will be surprised by what this man can do. A presidential candidate needn't be the son, the brother, the uncle of a political powerhouse, one in a long line of career politicians,eager to buy their way into American history. Vote the change you wish to see right? "

The Real Issue wrote on Oct 17, 2006 9:32 AM:

" If Obama weren't black would all of you be questioning "what has he done?" probably not. It just goes to show that times have not changed much. Martin Luther King died trying to fight for equal rights and yet all these years later not much change at all. It is not that Obama is not ready to be president- you just aren't ready to see a black president. Heaven forbid we let an intellegent black man have a chance at running this country. "

I Like Him wrote on Oct 17, 2006 9:07 AM:

" Get real people about I like Obama. To like someone is based on what? What has he really done for he average person and is he really ready for President of the United States. But of course he is because I like him. "

Obama 08 wrote on Oct 17, 2006 9:03 AM:

" 3) Has Obama sponsored any notable legislation? Obama recently sponsored the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006, which gives the public access to view the spending patterns of Congress by means of an online database. This legislation is designed, as it’s name suggests, to instill accountability into the appropriations process and cut down on much belied Pork Barrel Spending. 4) Does Obama posses the leadership skills necessary to hold such a high office? That will be for the voters to decide. But if anyone is making comments about their willingness to vote for Obama in ’08 without have seen his 2004 DNC Keynote Address then I would highly suggest that they watch it in order to come to terms with what kind of a leader Obama truly is. …I’m sure all of this will come out in any possible future campaign, but dismissing him outright without considering all of his laudable merits is not a useful endeavor. "

Obama 08 wrote on Oct 17, 2006 9:03 AM:

" To all of those who denounce the notion of Obama possibly considering to run for president in 2008: 1) What national experience did Bush have in 2000? None 2) How does Bush stack up intellectually with Obama? Bush had a C average at Yale, a very highly regarded university. Obama was the first African American president of the Harvard Law Review while getting his Law degree. This is a position that many of our nations best and brightest including some Supreme Court justices have enjoyed in the past. Thereafter, he taught Constitutional Law at the University of Chicago "

All you people wrote on Oct 17, 2006 9:03 AM:

" Who are giving your comments about Obama not doing anything or hasn't done anything are wasting your time. Your vote will be cancelled by the dead people in the cemetary from Chicago anyway. "

In Shock wrote on Oct 17, 2006 8:55 AM:

" I'm sure that Senator Obama is a nice person. BUT! What qualifications does he possess to be the President of the United States? NONE! "

to "to realist" wrote on Oct 17, 2006 8:39 AM:

" Sadly, you are very correct. At least a few Republicans still stand for the cause. John McCain and his pals are rino's and will never get my vote. "

Seeing Clearly wrote on Oct 17, 2006 8:37 AM:

" Obama is going to quickly be "the " senator form IL, not Durbin. He is just trying to get Obama out of the way "

Amanda to Amazing wrote on Oct 17, 2006 8:36 AM:

" If you're referring to my comment about his amazing branding abilities, then it's quite obvious you've never studies any political campaigns, campaign message design, image design, anything at all of that nature, which is the real reason 90% of voters vote the way they do, and has also been a real problem for the democratic party in the past. but, thanks for playing. "

Talking face wrote on Oct 17, 2006 8:35 AM:

" I’m not anti-Obama, but honestly, what has he done to deserve a nod for president? He skated into the Senate amongst the Illinois Republican implosion and has done what for this state since becoming a Senator? All I have seen is career jockeying involving book deals and Oprah appearances. He pledged business not as usual, but when at first he pledged bipartisan campaign reform, he got smacked down by the Demo machine. He had potential but folded quickly under party/lobby pressure and now is compromised goods. He’s turned into just another talking party face with no representative soul. Business as usual again. *sigh* "

John Rickards wrote on Oct 17, 2006 8:19 AM:

" Personally, I think we need an independent to run. Someone like Daniel Imperato www.imperato2008.com "

Come on now people.. wrote on Oct 17, 2006 7:41 AM:

" Durbin is not a person I would want endorsing me after all of his extremist far left rhetoric, heck he compared our troops to nazis!! plus obama has no experience at all, what has he done??? nothing... this is just rhetoric to stir up support for the dems.... the dems are so far left now they should be called socialists... the JFK era dems are long gone, now it is a bunch of far left extremists who want to turn america into a weak nation..... listen to their leaders speak, they are nuts... dean, pelosi, durbin, rangle, kerry, clinton.... the list goes on and on and on.... "

if he was white wrote on Oct 17, 2006 7:23 AM:

" we wouldnt be having this discussion. He would be just another average politician. What has he done? Really, someone post and tell me all the good things that he is responsible for! Have a good day "

Amazing wrote on Oct 17, 2006 6:36 AM:

" Someone says he is amazing. Please explain what amazing means that applies to Obama. He gave one good speech for Petes sake. He did not part the Red Sea. Or anything else bigger or smaller that I have heard of. What does he do except show up. We do not want another John Kerry in the mix. "

Oprah? wrote on Oct 17, 2006 6:33 AM:

" He is on Oprah again? How dare he get them much free exposure. If he were a Republican can you imagine how loud the Democrats would be hollering about that! Does anyone know of any issues the Democrats are running on or even hinting they stand for right now? Haven't heard any. Isn't that funny. You have an election. You have candidates. But you don't ask them what they even stand for. Then we wonder why we get what we get in office. That could be one explanation. "

good idea wrote on Oct 17, 2006 6:30 AM:

" I think he should run for governor. Then we can see if the proof is in the pudding. Everybody would like a good qualified candidate. But you do not want someone who has only received free passes and doesn't know what work looks like if you showed it to them. So far it looks like there is too much skating going on. No campaigning, only basking in the spotlight with no works to show for it. Not a good set up. "

The Instigator: wrote on Oct 16, 2006 10:10 PM:

" I'm tired of hearing about Obama for president. People voted for him because his name is similar to Osama. I also can't stand how he clings to his African roots when he was raised by his white American mother and his black father had nothing to do with his upbringing. Jack Ryan would have done a better job. So now Qsama, I mean Obama, will make another appearance on Oprah and Oprah will tell us who to vote for because we're Americans and can't make our own decisions. "

to realist wrote on Oct 16, 2006 9:37 PM:

" Good luck with those views. The Republicans don't represent them, either. "

To barry goldstein wrote on Oct 16, 2006 9:36 PM:

" A evangelical Christian president would be good for Israel. His race is unimportant, only his loyalty. "

Al wrote on Oct 16, 2006 9:02 PM:

" I agree with Question's remark. I really am hopeful too that Mark Warner reconsiders running in 2008, though at least he's helping Democrats behind the scenes currently(a la Howard Dean). And as much as I'd like to see Obama ultimately run for President someday(regardless if he runs in 2012 or not), I wouldn't mind seeing him serve a few terms in the Senate first. I'd hate to see Obama turn into another John Edwards, who too soon sought a higher office(Vice President, and accepted the nomination only 51/2 years into his 1st Senate term), and sadly has cost the Democrats an extra seat they used to have in the Senate. "

hey...do you people pay... wrote on Oct 16, 2006 8:25 PM:

" learn how to spell "

realist wrote on Oct 16, 2006 7:59 PM:

" The only reason he is even in the senate is because the Democratic frontrunner in the primaries had too many skeletons in his closet, thus victory by default. And Dick Durbin's endorsement?? That's a great reason not to even consider him. Then again, I believe in lower taxes, actually fighting terrorism as opposed to appeasing it, not granting ILLEGAL immigrants full rights, and not murdering unborn babies, so I guess I wouldn't vote for him anyway. "

barry goldstein wrote on Oct 16, 2006 7:54 PM:

" I wonder if a black president of america would be good for israel? "

Aaron wrote on Oct 16, 2006 7:46 PM:

" I think Obama would make a great president--in a couple more years. "

amanda wrote on Oct 16, 2006 6:41 PM:

" I really love all the people slamming obama and trying to claim he wants to run for the 2008 Presidential seat. Do any of you ever watch the news, various new sources? Or bother to listen to the man himself? HE DOESN'T WANT TO RUN IN 2008. OTHERS KEEP TRYING TO PERSUADE HIM TO. He actually recognizes the fact that more experience will only further his advisement and knowledge. and while he has amazing branding and momentum, he has a long way to go, but he's definitely on the right track. "

Jeff wrote on Oct 16, 2006 6:30 PM:

" until he ran for senate, no one had heard of him...too much of a newcomer "

What did Durbin say? wrote on Oct 16, 2006 6:06 PM:

" Durbin said, Obama's running would "completely change the complexion of this presidential campaign." I really wish Durbin wouldn't bring up a person's skin color. "

Jeff wrote on Oct 16, 2006 5:43 PM:

" Come on Folks.... If Obama was serious about being the President of the United States of America, he wouldn't run in 2008. But how does he keep his momentum.... he runs for Governor in 2010, wins overwhelming through the Dems in the state and then targets 2012. This may be his only chance of winning the Presidency. Doesn't history show us that Senators and members of Congress don't get elected President? The only problem with Obama running for Governor... the Madigans! Plus, he is up for re-election in 2010 and could lose everything (governor's race and Senate Seat). I also think Durbin is going to have a very tough race to retain his seat in the Senate! "

Candy wrote on Oct 16, 2006 5:36 PM:

" Yep, Durbin would never have a snow balls chance in h**l of ever running for president, so I am sure he would love to see his yes man Obama AS president. I am a die-hard democat but these two men are starting to make me sick of the democatic party. Obama doesn't do anything without Durbin telling him what to do. Think its time to really do some deep thinking about becoming a republican. "

Here's his platform wrote on Oct 16, 2006 4:44 PM:

" Vote for me! I'm a handsome black man. I was poor(oops! not really)like you. He talked of helping vets but I haven't seen anything yet and if you contact his office you get this hollow sound like no one is listening or won't answer your questions. "

??? wrote on Oct 16, 2006 4:40 PM:

" What has he done to deserve the presidency? Nothing! "

do you people pay attention wrote on Oct 16, 2006 4:35 PM:

" Bush just signed a bill he and Sen. McCain co-sponsared. His trip to Arica was welcomed around the world. He is more liked than our own president. And for experience, that didnt stop people for voting for bush. And speaking of a puppet, how about condi rice? She is Bushes puppet and would never be elected I would rather have Gary Coleman that Dr. rice. I think 2008 is to early for Barak, but 2012 is a great year for him. (I would vote for him over any republican) "

See for Yourselves: wrote on Oct 16, 2006 4:21 PM:

" Most recently Obama sponsored a new bill that became law. From his website: "The new law provides Americans with a new website, what Obama calls a "Google for government." Eventually, anyone will be able to type in a few key words and learn details of where federal tax dollars go, and perhaps whether those trillions are being spent wisely or foolishly." Obama is also working to create an independent ethics commission that would "take partisanship out of the Congressional ethics process," also from his website. Those are just two issues he's working on; I challenge you to find more by visiting his website at http://obama.senate.gov/. There you will find speeches and statements that will give you a good idea of the man and what he stands for. "

unanswered question wrote on Oct 16, 2006 3:44 PM:

" We have asked for someone to state things he has done but that question has never been answered. Well maybe it has. Nothing. He doesn't even think he has to campaign let alone do anything. A little too confident while in the ranks I would say. "

to Mike wrote on Oct 16, 2006 3:41 PM:

" he may be the kind of person we need in congress. We don't know he hasn't done anything. You know the commercial on tv with the guy choking? Just talking about it is one thing. Doing it is another. He hasn't done anything yet. Get real. "

Harry wrote on Oct 16, 2006 3:39 PM:

" And WHO is Durbin to select anyone for any job? Durbins support is the KISS of Death for anyone. Are both parties THAT bad off that Obama is the best this nation has to offer? I think NOT. "

voice of experience wrote on Oct 16, 2006 3:39 PM:

" He will run on experience right. What a joke. "

Lara wrote on Oct 16, 2006 3:19 PM:

" The Dems didn't ask him to speak at the convention until Ryan had to drop out. Now he's their golden boy and he follows their lead. If Durbin thinks so I don't. "

Obama??? wrote on Oct 16, 2006 2:42 PM:

" Who the heck is Obama and WHAT has done for the state of Illinois??? Come on folks!!! Yeah, he is a good speaker, but he HASN"T DONE ANYTHING but take a free trip on our dime to the home land!! This is an absolute affront to the Presidency to try to get a 'pretty boy' that hasn't done a thing for the people to get to run (but then again the dems are notorious for that. Kerry was their pick the last time, wasn't he??? and Al (I invented the Internet) Gore was before that!!) What a joke!!! "

Who is this guy? wrote on Oct 16, 2006 2:41 PM:

" Can someone please tell me what Obama has done that makes him so great? Certainly it would be easy to name 3 things this man has done to better our political system and our lives that would make him worthy of such national acclaim. That's all I ask. I desperately want to be one of the people that love this local political wizard, but I haven't heard of any bills that he's sponsored at the state or national level that can help me decide where he stands on the issues that I feel are important to me. Can anyone who is a good speaker and likes to solve problems get endorsements for the presidency before they even decide to run? I'm sure he's a nice guy and apparently a good writer, but seriously, someone just tell me what he has done that makes him such a great politician. "

Ba Ba Ba Bush wrote on Oct 16, 2006 2:22 PM:

" Dr. Condoleezza Rice should run for president in 2008 "

Elaine wrote on Oct 16, 2006 2:17 PM:

" I would not vote for him - he doesn't have enough experience. "

Supporter1 wrote on Oct 16, 2006 2:06 PM:

" I think that Obama should run and I agree with Durbin the momentum might slow down by 2012. Plus I think people might see him as hesitant. I think that he should put all thinking in america to test. If america is not ready for a black president let them show it to the whole world how things truelly work here. I think by 2008 he should have garnered enough experience to run. But hey it is his decision, personally I'd test the waters. Wish you luck and God's abundance blessings. "

HR Pro wrote on Oct 16, 2006 2:05 PM:

" I'm an Obama fan, but he has said over and over that 2008 is not his time. Leave him alone, let him build his reputation and constituency, and then run in 2012, 2016 or whenever HE feels he is ready. "

Question wrote on Oct 16, 2006 1:52 PM:

" Would he spend all his time in Kenya? He spends more time there than in Illinois. I hope Mark Warner reconsiders his decision not to run. "

M wrote on Oct 16, 2006 1:34 PM:

" I agree...Obama 2012!!! "

anyone wrote on Oct 16, 2006 1:26 PM:

" anyone is better than bush!!!! "

Muppet show? wrote on Oct 16, 2006 1:18 PM:

" He's a pupper for Durbin. Why doesn't the new "Tricky Dick" run himself? Afterall, he is the grandstanding master!!! "

D wrote on Oct 16, 2006 1:15 PM:

" Given Durbin's history, I would consider his endorsement to be the kiss of death. I'd suggest Obama wait until 2012...but isn't that the year the Coast to Coast people say the world ends? "

Mike wrote on Oct 16, 2006 1:13 PM:

" I think he'd have a serious shot, but the bigest problem I see, is if he wins, he could potentially be out of public service at age 55. I say let him serve a couple senate terms and do some good there before making the next step. He's the kind of person we need in Washington as long as possible. I expect he wants to at least finish his first senate term before considering anything else. "

Friendly Reader wrote on Oct 16, 2006 1:00 PM:

" Let's face it: comments by Durbin, Oprah and others are simply a litmus test. This gives him an opportunity to gauge feedback at the notion of a presidential bid. Another factor: If Blago gets beat, look for him to NOT run because if he leaves the Senate before his term expires, the governor would appoint his successor. "

Supporter wrote on Oct 16, 2006 12:53 PM:

" I like Obama alot. I would definitely vote for him in 08. "

T wrote on Oct 16, 2006 12:14 PM:

" I like him but not that much that I would vote for him in 08. Come on be realistic "

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