Reply #36: Ok, for what it's worth...

[CoffeeCat]

...I thought I'd pass along what Obama told me during a phone conversation.

I know it probably doesn't mean anything, but I had a chance to speak with him during
the primary. Because I was identified as an "undecided voter" by an Obama canvasser,
Obama called me and I asked him about several things.

I discussed how the Constitution was being disgraced. He agreed. He said he was totally against
"a unitary executive mindset" and he pledged to uphold the Constitution. I told him that his
status as "a Constitutional scholar" was very promising--as my main issues were not healthcare
or education--but the basic framework of our democracy being restored. If the house if falling
down all around us--it's kind of useless to talk about decorating, right?

He assured me that this was of deep concern to him as well.

I brought up torture and Gitmo. He said he would close Gitmo. I also said, "You and I both know that
they altered the legal definition of torture--so they can claim that they don't torture...what are you
going to do about that?" Obama said he would adhere to the Geneva Conventions and that he "wouldn't
play games with definitions and that America should not torture."

I also asked him about immunity for the telecommunications companies. I asked him if he was for this.

He said, "No." He was clear.

When he voted "Yes" I was surprised. However, that vote seemed like a set up--to possibly paint him
as soft on terror--or even as a terrorist sympathizer. With many in the primary confusing people
and spreading rumors about him being a Muslim--I can see where Obama may have thought that a 'no vote'
could have further entrenched those rumors--and made them worse.

I truly believe that Obama is a good man. You don't teach Constitutional Law unless you respect the
Constitution. You don't enlighten young people about the intricacies of the Constitution, unless
you care about the Constitution being revered by future generations.

I can only tell you what he said, but I am reserving judgment until I see what he actually does
when he has the power in his hands---and no primary or GE to win.