Will Obama invite lobbyists into the the White House for poker games?

[Karmadillo]

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/08/16/AR2007081602475.html

DES MOINES, Iowa -- Democrat Barack Obama, who accepts special interest money and played poker with lobbyist pals as an Illinois lawmaker, acknowledged Thursday that he swims in "the same muddy water" that corrupts Washington, but he pledged to reform the system if elected president.

Presidential rival Hillary Rodham Clinton "doesn't recognize the problem," Obama told The Associated Press.

Democratic presidential hopeful U.S. Sen. Barack Obama D-Ill., answers questions during a press availability Thursday, Aug. 16, 2007 in Atlanta, Iowa. Obama defended controversial foreign policy statements he's made recently, saying presidential candidates must challenge conventional Washington thinking. (AP Photo/M. Spencer Green) (M. Spencer Green - AP)

"I have a bunch of friends who were state lobbyists. The fact of the matter is ... I played poker with them, so I don't think that lobbyists are evil," said the first-term Illinois senator. "I just think they've got an agenda and you got to be clear about that, and not pretend that they don't."

"Why else are they getting hired and making all this money unless they're actually getting something done?"

more...

[MadBadger]

1. And what is wrong with the bolded statement?

[KennedyGuy]

2. Nothing..unless you're running against lobbyists..

a case of "do as I say, not as I do"

[MadBadger]

4. I dont think the Republicans should govern but I still love my Republican Grandfather.

Or should I kick him to the curb?

[BlueManDude]

3. I hope he gets the chance to have regular poker games in the WH.

[AndyA]

5. Yeah, right, Barack. Words are cheap. Actions are more difficult.

You are taking BIG BUCKS from your lobbyist friends. We know how this works, just refer back to George Bush circa 2000 and all his oil buddies. How's that worked out for ya, America?

Barack can start to "reform the system" by NOT TAKING THEIR MONEY. But he owes them now, big time. And how will he pay them back?

How indeed... :eyes:

(If this seems like something you've read before, just refer back to the Bush campaign of 2000...he was going to get tough with those high gas prices, too...and we all know the results of that...gas was $1.46/gallon when he stepped into the White House.)

[NYCGirl]

6. And yet he passed the most comprehensive campaign finance laws in 25 years

in Illinois. Imagine that!

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/02/08/AR2007020802262_2.html

[madrchsod]

7. so? welcome to the real world

that`s how things are done. just hope who ever gets into the whitehouse has a poker face.

[sandnsea]

8. He tells the truth, it's shocking!!!

Better than pretending he's going to make reforms with industries without outlawing them.