Just for the record: I think Obama's a lovely guy and a

[cali]

candidate worth considering. I've stayed away from the Obama threads about McClurkin (sp?), but I want to weigh in. I do think he's absolutely wrong to let a bigot sing at his event. It does tie him to someone with abhorrant and indefensible opinions. I side with those that find this unacceptable, but he's not a bigot; he's making a rookie mistake ad seems unable to extricate himself from it. I suspect he's getting piss poor advice, but that's no excuse; he needs to show leadership and just cancel the appearance. I don't understand why he hasn't done just that, and yes, it's disappointing.

But that said, he's still, imo, a politician I support- if not for President, in his current office or perhaps as VP. And if he can do the right thing, that will go a long way with me.

[terrya]

1. He is a good and decent man.

And I'm pleased that he's one of my Senators (Illinois is priviledged to have both Senators Obama and Durbin represent our state in the Senate).

His campaign (and by extension, him) just made a hugely unfortunate mistake. And there is STILL time for him to do the right thing and cancel McClurkin's appearances.

[phen43]

2. I agree he's the BEST!!

Not sure if UR right thinking he made a mistake with keeping The Rev Don on the tour. Just shows that once he makes a decision, he sticks with it, no MATTER how many people think it's wrong - you know goes along with his idea that "He's in this race to tackle the tough issues, telling people what needs to be done, not just what everyone "wants to hear""!!:patriot:

[MNDemNY]

6. Makes a decision, sticks with it, no MATTER how many...

people think he's wrong!!?? Who does that sound like???????What a leader!!!

[PATRICK]

3. A beginner's mistake

says it all. Unless you are wondrously exceptional in the rookie field this stuff simply must happen. The only only thing you can do is choose is on what trajectories it will happen. Going heatedly populist, sturm und drang like Ron Paul with the agenda of Kucinich would have been the most likely, the only way, to win this time out. Then he would have been criticized for mistakes and brashness and inexperience too.
Guiliani has chosen the wild approach and is temporally profiting from it chiefly because no one in the media will touch upon it. A Dem will get in in the neck but that is no reason why caution is the wisest mode, because you will slip up in the atmosphere of 'expectation". You can only choose, in our party, how you will get hit. That control should be exercised on the behalf of the best principles.

This is a candidacy that may be twisting in the wind when a strong bold gamble for the public's discontent instead of that fatalistic "bi-partisanship" mirage would have decided his candidacy by now, for the whole prize or for broke. He had nothing to lose except the one shot at the presidency. He may not now allow himself to see that he never took the best shot. In my experience the new face would have had an incredible advantage. Somehow the advantage has been misplaced.

[EV_Ares]

4. Cali, a post of yours that I can find something I agree with you on, hope this doesn't mean

the day is going to be totally screwed up. Anyway, Obama is someone I like very much and believe he is a rising star in the party. I had hopes and do support him in the race but as you say, youthfulness, too many rookie mistakes and if you are to defeat someone like Hillary, that is not allowed because she will eat you alive. But, the experience he will garner from all of this will be extremely valuable to him. In other words I do not see him being able to overcome the inexperience factor to be our candidate but that does not mean I do not support him. His beliefs, what he wants for his country, his intelligence, charisma, willingness to work with all necessary to achieve the goals, this man will be there someday if he doesn't make it this time around. I feel the same way about Edwards and do not believe he is a phony in any respect and of course, there is Dennis, who I really like and believe it is unfortunate he really is not given a chance to be heard more and get his message out. This guy truly cares about the little guy. So, all in all, I do not see how anyone really can stop Hillary who I have reservations about as you well know but as I try to rationalize the fact she will probably be my candidate, maybe that is not all bad as she is probably the one who can stand up to the "asses" of the RW and somehow I cannot help to think she would relish an opportunity to rub their faces in some of their own rot.

[Ethelk2044]

5. Cali it is not a Rookie Mistake. He if doing what he believes in. He believes

he can pull this country together. Not everyone will agree with his decisions. He knows this. He is not a bigot his has shown this by his votes on issues. Hillary will not win the election.

[EV_Ares]

7. Did you mean to post that to Cali instead of me?