Obama recalls being broke 7 years ago

[rox63]

http://talkingpointsmemo.com/news/2008/01/obama_recalls_being_broke_7_ye.php

Obama recalls being broke 7 years ago

Reuters North American News Service
Jan 07, 2008 16:15 EST

NEW LONDON, N.H. (Reuters) - U.S. Sen. Barack Obama is running for the White House, but it was not so long ago that he was so broke his debit card was declined.

At an unscheduled campaign stop at Vessels & Jewels store in New London, Obama bought a necklace for each of his two young daughters and a key chain, spending $37 on his debit card.

Waiting for his receipt, the man who is hoping to be elected as America's first black president turned to an aide and said, "Have I told you the story of the 2000 convention?"

"After I had lost my congressional race I had been running on broke and I got talked into going to Los Angeles. I got to the airport and I tried to use my card but it was declined," Obama said.

"That was only seven years ago," he said. "It's not that far from being normal, that's my point."

On this occasion -- one day before New Hampshire votes on who it wants to run in the November election to replace U.S. President Bush -- the debit card of the man leading the Democratic field was accepted. (Reporting by Mark Egan; editing by David Wiessler)

Source: Reuters North American News Service

[Ian David]

1. If he was President, he could have just asked the Chinese for more money like Bush does. n/t

[KennedyGuy]

2. an obvious ploy for sympathy..

did he cry?

[rox63]

3. Obviously not

If he had, the M$M would have noted it, so the rethugs could use it against him in the general election.

[elixir]

5. Yes, but a ploy all the same. Speaking of ploys did you see..

in the debate on Saturday night how Edwards referenced his families pain and suffering, then Obama talked of his mother's fatal bout w/ cancer? I certainly have the highest respect for their pain but isn't it a little crass to use these personal stories to advance your career. I was worried that Richardson was next and would have to top them but fortunately they were interrupted by an ad or the stupid commentator. Phew.

[Catherine Vincent]

4. Did he mention that he left his other cards at home?

I doubt if he was actually broke.

[ben_meyers]

6. Broke in 2000

and worth between 1.1 and 2.5 million in 2005? How does that happen.

http://www.opensecrets.org/pfds/CIDsummary.asp?CID=N00009638&year=2005

[Nailzberg]

17. Because he just ran a congressional race and lost.

Against Bobby Rush. Tends to dry up the funds.

[Dawgs]

19. He got his wealth from the two books he wrote.

Both were published in 2006.

http://books.google.com/books?id=4RigAQAACAAJ&dq=inauthor:Barack+inauthor:Obama&ei=4qOCR7iyE46eswOhvfm8Cw

http://books.google.com/books?id=8SSnAAAACAAJ&dq=inauthor:Barack+inauthor:Obama&ei=4qOCR7iyE46eswOhvfm8Cw

[Name removed]

7. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[bicentennial_baby]

11. You really should make this an OP

:thumbsup:

[LSK]

15. no because it demonstrates willful ignorance

This is covered in a basic wikipedia page.

[Alexander]

22. You should really get a brain.

[bicentennial_baby]

27. You didn't catch the sarcasm, I'm sorry...

:patriot:

[LSK]

12. by writing a book

[Alexander]

21. Wow, you are all about the slime now.

Implying Obama is funded by gangsters is the lowest of the low.

You should be ashamed of yourself.

[Nailzberg]

23. He bought the house in 2005, which last I check wasn't six years ago

Tactics haven't changed, but at least you're no longer POSTING IN ALL CAPS

[dionysus]

29. thorazine, STAT! man you drip with hatred.

[Kat45]

8. I totally disagree that it's a ploy for sympathy.

I believe it's to show the people that "I'm just like you," I understand what it's like to be short on money, etc. He's saying it was not too many years ago that he had the same problem that a lot of the voters (regular people) have, so he remembers it, understands it--unlike these other long-time affluent folks running against him. Therefore he will work to do things to help them.

[Proud2BAmurkin]

9. LOL. Isn't he a Harvard Law grad?

:rofl:

[THUNDER HANDS]

13. college loan debts

that's why he was broke.

[FrenchieCat]

14. Yes...doing duty as a public servant.....

instead of making millions fighting for you.

[LSK]

16. my cousin is a law school grad too, hes broke

So you are making jokes about the pain that many Americans are having???

[Proud2BAmurkin]

18. Harvard? Don't cry for me argentina nt

nt

[Dawgs]

20. You're right. And, when he left Harvard, instead of taking a high paying job...

he worked as a community organizer in a poor community.

[sandnsea]

25. That was between college and law school

When he graduated from law school he went to work as a civil rights attorney defending people against housing, job, voting and other kinds of discrimination. At some point, he also started teaching constitutional law.

[Horse with no Name]

10. I was broke last week....

I think it is a feeling that many Americans are in touch with.
I don't get the relevance.:shrug:

[beachmom]

24. Even now, I think he is the "poorest" of all the candidates.

The book deal helped him immensely so that he doesn't have to worry about money, but he is not particularly rich.

[sandnsea]

26. What about Kucinich?

I don't think he has any money. I don't think Biden ever really did either. But Obama doesn't have Romney money, that's for sure. Having a million at one time is more than 99% of Americans would ever have, but one big medical emergency and it's all gone.

[zalinda]

28. But didn't I just read a few days ago

that his wife was supporting them and she was making $300,000 a year. Now, I don't know what to believe.

zalinda