what is the democratic party thinking by giving us candidates that we don't want to vote for? The united states is not ready for a black president and neither is it ready for a woman president who would not stand up to her husband for his cheating. I will vote republican, something I have never done, if I have too. Obama is not another Kennedy. His heritage is not even american. I met robert kennedy and he was a great man and so was his brother. Obama does not compare to them. I am disappointed that his daughter and his brother would compare him to Kennedy. What is wrong with the people of the united states? Isn't this man a moslem? This don't match what america stands for. The united states is a baptist, protestant country. Have we lost the sight of God? Without the things this country was build on thei country will fail. Obama or Clinton don't have the ability to run this country. They don't showme that they can.

Here is a quote from Iran's president. The media keeps misquoting him. ( Ahmadinejad has made anti-Israel comments in the past.

In October 2005, he caused outrage in the West when he said in a speech that Israel's "Zionist regime should be wiped off the map."

His supporters have argued Ahmadinejad's words were mistranslated and should have been better translated as "vanish from the pages of time" — implying Israel would vanish on its own rather be destroyed.)
So there you have it. He never said Israel should get destroyed, only that Zionism should be destroyed. There is big difference in the two.Obama is right, dont bomb Iran. But no one ever listens.

Shouldn't we be at least warning or talking tough with Iran just a "little bit" considering that they are CURRENTLY sending artillary that is being used to kill our men and women?

How about Iran JUST stating that we should all love each other and sing Kumbya with the EXCEPTION being the Israeli's who should NOT HAVE LIFE.

What do you people think he means by that?

Since Condi has done so well with North Korea, lets play the game with progressives and the UN and set up a sit down and discuss what his intentions are and request that he stop arming people to kill us and lets all try to get along. A common ground if you will.

I am ok with that, BUT what do you do IF he thumbs his nose at us and says my goal is to wipe out Israel and I will continue to arm the "freedom fighters" against the infidels?

What would you do?

Posted By Eric, from THE Republic of Texas : September 13, 2007 5:23 pm
"How exactly do you negotiate, or "talk out" your differences with someone whose opening offer is to kill you?"

First get someone who is a better negotiator than you are! Seriously. North Korea is much more dangerous than IRAN in a number of ways, but somehow, when we actually negotiated with them, we resolved the nuclear issue. But somehow Iran is different? I don't think so. Most people, even in Iran, do want to live. If you believe that all the people of Iran just want to kill Americans and Israelis and that is all they live for, you are insane.

As always, I appeal to everyone to go to at least your own favorite candidates web page and look at your own candidate's views on the issues. You might then actually compare candidates and be in a position to start to have an intelligent discussion.

Don't invade IRAN???!!!! Are you inhaling again, Barack?!

President Yabba Dabba Doo of Iran just made a speech the other day in which he said Israel shouldn't "have life". He's essentially saying he's going to drop a bomb on Israel. If people out there think we don't need to remove Iran's nuclear threat, they are also smokin' somethin.

Don't invade Iran, let's invade Pakistan.

Invade your friends and not your enemies.

Terri in Plantation, FL….Thank you for writing this.

How interesting. Whenever I come to this place, I find the country's most uniformed people calling a former professor of constitutional law, a man who has been lauded by the best and brightest foreign policy experts, 'unintelligent'.

I always wondered how this country could have been stupid enough to elect this president for a second term. One only needs to see the majority of posters to the Political Ticker to understand how that could have happened.

When someone who was outspokenly against this war since before it was waged gives an intelligent,comprehensive and realistic solution to this administration's disastrous fiasco in Iraq, it apparently brings out the nutjob 30% who still buy the hype of the most corrupt and incompetent president in our history.

It is any wonder the rest of the world considers us illiterate morons!

I would also like to add that WE are the aggressors, we are the country that is feared by most of the world due to our impulsive, not thought out, manipulative administration that took us to war with Iraq. The world is less safe, specifically in the middle east. Another blogger made a very good point. What do you see the terrorists bombing…Great Britian, US, and our bases and ships wherever they are. Don't be so darn naive. We created this mess because of our continual interference in dictating the middle east to gain oil revenue and reserves. Why can't people see how others view us, even if you don't know every aspect our country has interfered in with the middle east, the war in Iraq should be explanable enough. WE have nuclear weapons. Don't you think that many are afraid of us as a result. Thank God other countries don't have the mentality of some of the bloggers on here running the show or our country would be toast already. Nuclear energy is a wonderful source of energy. Yes, it can also be used to create bombs. I don't know what's right in this aspect, I only wish that Einstein would have been listened to with the advice he gave when this type of energy was first discovered. He knew the potential ramifications. It will end up causing WWIII. But my fear is, it won't be because of Iran, but rather because Bush will create a reason to take the US to war in Iran. He is primping us already for that very real possibility. Bush scares me more than anyone else, even Bin Ladin. Bush has caused more death and destruction than what was dealt to us on 911. I wish we would have focused our energy on Afghanistan and gotten the real bad guys instead of being the aggressor in a war built on lies.

I think many are jumping too quick to Glory here…
I agree with Barack's Statement "Don't Invade Iran." BUT Did he hear the undertones in the speech of the Iran President?

eeerie echoes to say the least.

The Iran President in my view has been planning on how he can make good on the Iraq war for the past six years. I want the Iraq War to end but not while there's another Master Mind close by plotting another one to take it's place.

Would't the Iran President be celebrating as American and Nato troops head home. We know he has nuclear possibilities he has not denied it. As American and Nato troops leave he'll be sending troops to take their place to pick up where they left off, but not as peace keepers and stabilizers but rather destoryers.

I really feel Barack should assess his statements again and elaborate on what his plan would be to keep Iran reigned in after the troops head home. Other wise the world may be facing more devastation after the Bush Iraq War than they have during. Let's not forget to include Syria and North Korea in our assessment.

The best solution would be to simply drop a few nukes, clear the region, salvage what's worth saving,if anything, and then make another Las Vegas out of the entire region….no more conflict..C'est Finis!

Obama is quickly sounding like the fear mongerer that a lot of liberals accuse Bush of being. This smells of hypocracy.

I as an Iranian who suffred from hands of ayatollah's, support president bush because he is realy man to stand against terrorist. I understand how is hard to get victory over terrorist and
if i warning you to stand against terrorist and ayatollah's I don't want scare or control you by making fear . I am realy ready to join U.S Army to make free my country from terrorist even i should kill too many iranian whose support them and i don't run away from this because i'm a man too.

Why is it that every time Barack says something it sounds so boring and empty, for example…

We need to strengthen the borders while providing health care for our seniors to make this country a better place for all our children so that they don't have to fight and die on foreign soil….God Bless America.

Yawn.

Senator Obama is the best person to lead this nation into the future. I'm tired of the corruption and misinformation that comes from the president and the republicans in the congress.

Vish wrote:
"We need diplomatic relations, not this kindergarten crap of you hit me so i'll hit you back. GROWN MEN TALK OUT THEIR DIFFERENCES."

I agree. You, fine Sir (or Ma'am, not sure), indeed have a point. Grown men do indeed talk out their differences. We "negotiate," if you will.

So, what exactly is our response when the terrorists' opening offer in this lovely negotiation is, "I want to kill you, infidel?"

How do we come back with a counter offer? How about, "Well OK. But how about kill me in five years?"

"No, no. I will kill you immediately."

Counter: "Well, how about just blow me up. Maybe take a leg or an arm."

"No. Kill you immmediately."

Counter: "Well, how about you just kill all the people? Would that suffice?"

"No. Kill you. Immediately."

How exactly do you negotiate, or "talk out" your differences with someone whose opening offer is to kill you?

To Michael, Indianapolis, IN.

Michael, I totally agree with you. We do not have the right to tell other nations how to govern themselves or who their leaders should be. I do not agree with every thing President Bush does. I truly feel that trying to spread democracy to all countries and enforce our form of government and culture on them is a bad thing. However, I also feel that we must do what is necessary to protect our own national interests. Our economy is totally dependent on foreign oil to run. If that flow is interrupted, it could lead to a recession or even worse. We all need to conserve and find alternate sources of renewable energy to end this dependence but until then it is what it is. No country or their people have the right to take over our embassy and you stating this should be construed as a patriotic act is incomprehensible. I guess what your saying is that every nation that disagrees with our foreign policy has the right to take our people hostage. Maybe you should move to Iran and see how you like it. I bet you will have a different attitude when you get back. I have no problem with the Iranian people. I think they have the right to elect their own government like everyone else. What I have a problem with is the extremists in these countries, like Bin Laden who want to force me and all others to follow Sharia law and practice Islam. That my friend is where I draw the line. I dont think the US government is telling the people in Arab countries to convert to Christianity or you will fall under our sword.

And to Jeremy in Chicago, IL.

I have served in the military but I am now pushing 50 so the military will not take me, but I can tell you this for sure, if my Commander in Chief, be he George w. Bush or Barack Obama called me today and said Rob we need you and we dont care how old you are, Id pack my bag and be there ready, willing and able. I love my country and would gladly stand and fight for it if asked. I am not a hypocrite. I would never ask our soldiers to go anywhere or do anything I wasnt prepared to do myself. If President Bush needs me, he can call me and I will be there.

I think Obama is going to win the Democaratic nomination for president. He is in the best physical shape and can therefore run from a fight faster than the others.

He is the Neville Chamberlain of our day.

Posted By Steve Wittlake Blaine Washington : September 13, 2007 9:29 am
I see Oboma thinks he is in command of the military. He need to study constitutional law among other things.

Actually it's funny that you should say that. He was a professor who TAUGHT Constitutional Law. I think he knows a think or two about constitutional law.
Go Obama! Hey look, a smart tempered well thought out plan! You mean from our President…gon FIG!

Obama 2008!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I find it amusing that most of the people who post anti-Obama comments are unable to write complete and/or grammatically correct sentences. That certainly that tells you something about the intelligence level of those who don't support him.
Posted By Mike, West Lafayette IN : September 13, 2007 10:07 am

Wow. That is pretty stupid to make a comment like that and then make a fool of yourself. I am not an Obama supporter and there are a lot of reasons why but none of them have to do with my lack of intelligence (I have plenty) or grammar. Overreaching comments like yours are ridiculous and provide nothing. The ability to vote in an intelligent way requires wanting to be informed and taking the steps to be informed, not being able to write out your decision in prose!

Where are my comments????????????????????.

Eric from "The Republic of Texas", however cynical that title is, I wanted to reiterate on what I said.

The terrorists have the power right now. They control us by fear. By saying "fear us if you don't convert", it makes cynics (neocons) start yelping about more soldiers, which in turn, creates more terrorists in the middle east that dislike us more and more! This all started with the backing of Israel by England and America. My point was, terrorists started disliking us not only because of our backing of Israel, but also because we install leaders (not just in the middle east, but that is where the economic interests are), and then those leaders turn on us once they gain power, and then we invade to kill them. In those cases we are the problem and the solution. But if we weren't the problem in the first place, would we have been attacked?

What we needed to do was stay out of the middle eastern politics from the beginning but since that is using too much hindsight, a new solution must come to front. The solution of continual fighting is NOT the answer. Continual fighting has caused a breeding ground of terrorists, the same is going to happen anywhere else. We need diplomatic relations, not this kindergarten crap of you hit me so i'll hit you back. GROWN MEN TALK OUT THEIR DIFFERENCES.

It's quite interesting to see so many people who mock Obama for saying that he would go after Bin Laden.

Six years ago, I'd wager that close to 100% of Americans, conservative or liberal, would have been in favor of getting Bin Laden wherever he is.

So I'm curious. Those of you who disagree with getting Bin Laden, who is still plotting to murder Americans, why did you change your minds about that?

danielle Clark,

Thank you very much for your insightful and inspirational posts and links.

Have a great Thursday!

Danielle Clarke,

The single largest country exporting oil to the United States, 18%, is indeed Canada. All the Middle Eastern countries combined make up roughly 19.2% of the oil imported into the United States. 80% of the oil imported into the United States comes from countries outside the Middle East.

As far as trading oil in euros versus dollars the economics really do not matter as much as you allude. It is more of an internet debate rather than a real economic concern.

Trading oil in a particular currency only puts a "value" on the commodity. This value will dictate the exchange rate when going to purchase the oil.

If I am from the country of Urungoogoo and I want to purchase oil I will save my currency, the goo, and purchase oil at the given exchange rate, whether it be the dollar or the euro. In other words I purchase dollars or euros, whichever is the driver, with my saved up goos then exchange those dollars or euros for oil.

Selling oil for euros will not collapse the United States economy. It would only mean dollars would have to be exchanged for euros prior to the purchase of oil, in effect making the oil cost more. That's the real effect on our economy. Oil will simply cost more than it does now. If people simply downsized their cars the economic effects are negated completely.

That kind of blows away the argument that the United States invaded Iraq because they were trading in euros.

As soon as Iran has nuclear capabilities Israel is gone and at the same time we will be hit to. This guy wants to kill the world population and world war 3 is coming reguardless of who is president. I would rather see a republican that has a backbone in office. The world is going to crap and we need to wipe out the extremists ASAP. This war will never end…face it!!!

I feel that wind blowing. President Bush, do not attack Iran! Obama for president!!

May the lord God almighty bless you, use you as a good tools to deliver the lost and fustrated Americans.

Obama says what the people think. It's obvious the press is beginning to already 'sell' what the bush administration wants us to believe and 'fear'about Iran. Mr. bush can own nukes, Israel can own nukes…..who are they to go around the world dictating whether another country ought to? Arrogance is the legacy of the Bush administration.

Why are we building a military base on the border of Iraq and Iran? We have no intention to leave the region. That is why Mr. Bush refuses to bring home our troops. It has nothing to do with our national security- but rather-who is the top dog in the middle east.

Um Earth to Barack, Earth to Barack. The President of Iran just avered that Israelis shouldn't "have life. " Sounds like the little man is planning on something akin to genocide. Oh, let's just pretend that's not really happening.

Posted By Cary - Lowell, IN : September 12, 2007 11:41 pm

Genocide is happening everyday in Africa, mainly Darfur, and we sit back and do nothing. If you are so concerned about genocide, why are we so quiet on this topic? ( you dont have to answer that we all know why) What does Iran and Isreal bickering have to do with us. It would be sad to to see us jump to the aid of Isral, when we do nothing of the horrible autrocities that are being commited by the thousands everyday in Africa. And to all that believe Iran is the next threat to the US. I have a little bit of sad news for you. Like Iraq, Iran does not have anything close to the military capabilty needed to carry out an even close to successful attack on the US. If by chance they tried with the little fleet of naval vessels they have, they wouldn't make it out of there own waters. Iran and the US are very aware of that. And again there longest range missle that they tessted most recently barely makes hitting Isreal. I'm no mathmatician but that tells me that if they tried to send a nuclear missle over to the good ole US of A, it would fall terribly short of its target in the atlntic ocean somewhere, if it even makes it this far. It always amazes me how peolple beleive whatever they hear without forming there own decision and doing a little reserch on things of this much importance. I'm glad some of you aren't running this country.

Why are there people in America so defensive of Israel, If you want to protect Israel then leave America and move to Israel. No wars for other countries! They are supposedly a strong military country, so then they can take care of themselves. I forgot, but what exactly do we personally get from Israel again?

Obama is right! What the blind neocons don't realize is that we're better able to confront the threat of terrorism and the threat of Iran gaining nuclear weapons if we do in a way that give us the initiative. The dump grap for influence over Iraqi oil by Haliburton and Bush has left us in a vunerable position. We borrow a Trillion dollars from China to pay from there money grab in the Middle East. Our military posture is so weak that Iran is pursueing nuclear capability and there's nothing we can do about it. Bush your legacy may very well be that you sold your country out for a dollar. We have to elect Senator Obama for President now!

1. Thoes are supporting barak obama to don't invade IRAN can't understand how is danger near U.S.A and world, I'm as a Iranian warning you invade IRAN now untill times run out.

2.IRAN is different with PAKISTAN because IRAN is the country with the natural resourses such as gas and oil that unfortunetly in hand of terrorist Ayatollah's and you magine in future how they are will too much dangerouse than now for whole the world .

This man needs to be president. He is dead on and tells it like it is. Anyone who thinks we should invade Iran is only asking for another Iraq-like war. Oh, and I love how he points out that "The bar for success is so low that it's almost buried in the sand."

a few blogs i wrote you might want to read

Pakistan's Future: Building Democracy, or Fueling Extremism? - Statement Before the Senate Committee On Foreign Relations Washington, DC JULY 25TH 2007

http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/danielleclarke/CpFC

IRAQ WAR Background who is fighting + why = how Barack Can bring Peace

http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/danielleclarke/Cthg

"Somebody Had to Speak Out. If Not Me, Who?" - Maj. Gen. John Batiste Fired by CBS News for Anti-Iraq War 'Advocacy'

http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/danielleclarke/CrJC

"When we change presidents, it is understood to mean that the voters are ordering a change in national policy. Since 1945, three different Republicans have occupied the White House for 16 years, and four democrats have held this most powerful post for 17yrs

http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/danielleclarke/Crpz

Friday I was at the Pennsylvania democratic state committee meeting in camp hill Pa. They were holding a meeting with over 300 hundred Pa. democrats in attendance

There was a woman = Renee George Martin (special assistant for legislative affairs for the commonwealth of Pennsylvania) Who shared the following

. She spoke about The USA fighting Iraq due to Sadam Husein selling oil in euro's versus dollars. She also mentioned Iran was doing the same and this was the reason Bush wants to attack Iran. She also mentioned that Pemex was the Mexican petroleum company that was altering its sales to America

She said Mexico's petroleum corporation PEMEX would only sell America oil for 7 more years. She said they need it for their future use.

She said Mexico's "Pemex" is our number 2 supplier. She said Canada was our number 1 supplier. She said Brazil and two other countries also sold their oil in euro's. She said if all oil producing countries sold their oil in euro's that America would collapse. She said china owns almost a trillions US dollars in bonds as well as the middle east owns even more in American bonds. She said the middle east holds the most and china is number 2.

Renee mentioned Henry Kissinger who cut a deal in the 70's with all the oil producing countries to sell their oil in dollars.

I know Governor Ed Rendell is working hard to get windmills and solar and smart meters for Pennsylvania's citizens
I am wondering how open other states are with regards to what seems to be an incredible great opening of the truth by the democratic party to its people here in Pennsylvania.

When i googled PEMEX and 7 years i got many links about corruption of their petroleum company. http://www.google.com/search?sourceid=navclient&ie=UTF-8&rls=TSHB,TSHB:2006-45,TSHB:en&q=pemex+sales+to+united+states+ends+in+7+years

and i found this link here talking about the end of oil from Pemex which is what she said would happen = http://survivalacres.com/wordpress/?p=813

And when i googled it in reference with china and euro's and dollars i got http://moralequivalentofwar.wordpress.com/2007/08/07/china-threatens-nuclear-option-of-dollar-sales/

Danielle Clarke enlisted in USMC + a Vietnam vet honorably discharged august 74 MOS6075 + i never killed anyone thank God.

Only one man is speaking the truth.

Barack Obama

If you want to drive a big car / suv then send "your" kid to war to fight for the fuel.

If you really care then stop wasting fuel.

When i got out i opened a recycling center in 76. I started building energy efficient homes and ever since i have driven only when needed. I hate people who go on senic tours while others are dying for them to waste and abuse fuel.

I dislike nascar. I dislike boat enthusiast. I dislike 4 wheelers. I dislike all those who waste fuel and don't think about where the fuel comes from.

Today i don't even own a car. I share a hybrid with an elder friend. We only use it to go shopping for food and even then we buy bulk.

Americans are abusers of energy. It would take 3 earths if the rest of the world used and abused fuel like we do.

Either support a draft for those who want to waste fuel (send their kids to war) or support a system that controls how much fuel everyone can use.

Vish wrote:

"They really don't care how we live "our" lives, they just don't want us interviening in their politics…"

Uh, are you kidding me? Did you miss the most recent AQ video this week? The message: ditch democracy and the notion of individual freedoms, and bow to Islam… in other words, you will have no peace with us until you all convert.

And I quote from another pivotal point in world history:
"This morning I had another talk with the German Chancellor, Herr Hitler, and here is the paper which bears his name upon it as well as mine… We regard the agreement signed last night and the Anglo-German Naval Agreement, as symbolic of the desire of our two peoples never to go to war with one another again… This is the second time in our history that there has come back from Germany to Downing Street, peace with honour. I believe it is peace in our time."

Arthur Neville Chamberlain
Speech at Heston Airport, 30 September 1938, in The Times 1 Oct. 1938. Source: Oxford Book of Modern Quotes(pdf)

And the furor's response to the notion of "peace in our time":
"If ever that silly old man comes interfering here again with his umbrella, I'll kick him downstairs and jump on his stomach in front of the photographers."
Adolf Hitler, after the Munich Agreement.
Quoted by Sir Ivone Kirkpatrick, The Inner Circle, Macmillan (1959), p. 135.

A nuclear Iran would never be a threat to the decadent Western World, right?

Why invade Iran when you can invade Pakistan instead?

Posted By CppThis : September 13, 2007 7:25 am

You see this is why we are in this war now. If you go back and listen to his speech regarding Bin Laden and the Terrorist you idiots are so afraid of. He said if we have the intelligence to strike bin laden and the Pakistani president wont strike??? WE WILL! Idiots he's not going to bomb the Pakistani people only those who killed 3,000 Americans on 9/11 that’s the fight we should be fighting!

I've read about all I can stand from you hooligans. Firstly, the complete lack of ability in articulating our English language effectively by either of those whom I would agree with or not, causes me to disagree with all statements collectively. Learn how to speak, spell, and write people! What good is it for you to have an opinion if I am as confused at your writing as an audience would be at a band playing instruments with the lights off? Come on, put a little more effort into your grammar and syntax.

By the way, if we pull out of Iraq, and tolerate the rest of these islamic idiots, we can be sure of IED's going off in our cities. Oh, no, wait! I'm wrong, that will never happen! I am willing to place my confidence in people that are willing to murder children to never, ever find a way to America and slaughter us! Yeah! They (islamic fundementalist idiots) would have absolutely no disire to do that. They were completely satisfied after the first twin tower attacks, the Cobar Tower attacks, and 9/11!

I think you all are completely ignorant of the current world situation. Wake up! These people want to kill you and your families. For all of you who have children, think of this: Your precious, sweet little girl or boy, still a toddler, being slaughtered in front of your very eyes. At this point, you are subdued, and unable to come to the aid of your screaming child. You, his or her father/mother, the only one's that child takes comfort and refuge in, can't do a thing to help them. All you can do is watch as the blood slowly leaves their bodies, there eyes filled with fear and disbelief at the complete loss of their parents unable to do anything for them. How does that sound? Must sound good. You're letting it happen. To hell with you. I have my weapon. Thank me later when your child graduates from college and makes a free life for him/herself. Cowards.

If you look at the fools on here, you can see how easy they supported the Iraq war and look what we have over there! There is no evidence that Iran has nukes or even wants to bomb the US. If they strike Israel then the US should strike. We are fighting the wrong war and now were picking another fight and looking to start another wrong war. You people are crazy you just want to bomb everyone and have the human race extinct! That’s when you’ll be satisfied I swear there are some crazy nuts on this planet. And you have the nerve to call this man crazy! loll he's talking about pulling the world back together stopping all of this BS fighting. You people are nuts why don’t you enlist and go fight! Crazy

I for one am petrified at the abundance of pro-war comments here. It's hard to believe so many people actually support invading Iran because it has a nuclear program (which is conforming to international standards). It's also amazing that some are saying that Obama has no right to lecture Bush on foreign policy because he's only a Senator. That's why Congress exists: to check the powers of the President.

When the Iranians send a peace envoy to the US apologising to the american people for their unconscionable behavior then I will support direct negotioations.

When did we apologize to Iran for meddling with their domestic affairs? When did we apologize to Palestinians? When will we apologize to Iraqis? Our President won't even apologize to non-citizens we've tortured and held captive. We shouldn't refuse direct diplomacy, thus favoring war, until Iran apologizes. We're not in kindergarten.

Iran is an Islamic nation made up mostly of Shia Muslims. The Shia are "God's warriors" by definition.

Iran has a long history of anti-American sentiment. Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi, the last Shah of Iran, aligned the Iranian government with the United States during the late 1960's.

At the same time the United States was undergoing its own "revolution" of sorts, flower power and all that. The sexual freedoms and materialism the United States views as a normal modern society is seen by the Shia as decadence and an afront to religious doctrine.

When the Shah was overthrown the action was also viewed as an expellation of the United State's influence in the country. This mindset led to the U.S. Embassy invasion and the hostage taking. Relations between the United States and Iran has never recovered.

Obama is WAY wrong when he says diplomacy between the two nations has never been attempted. The statement may be true with the current administration but attempts at diplomacy date back to the late 1970's.

Iran is not going to be swayed by threats and saber rattling. They will do what they feel best for their country and their religious beliefs.

An invasion of Iran will not be an easy task either. "God's Warriors" have proven very resilient and willing to do anything required to protect their way of life. During the Iraq invasion young Iranian Shia men voluntarily ran across Iraqi mine fields killing themselves in order to clear a path for their advancing army. This is something completely unthinkable to the citizens of the United States.

You people that think of the United States as some invisible force that all should bow down to better think long and hard. War is ugly. Do you want your soldier sons watching Iranian children voluntarily throw themselves on mines because they believe so strongly in their cause? That's the difference between our cultures and both think the other is wrong. That will never change.

In determining who to vote for, look at the actual statements from the candidates, and let’s try to elect somebody with a brain and one who has their own ideas. Only Barack Obama questioned the date of the Petraeus sham hearing to coincide with the infamous (though unrelated) date of 9/11, so easily manipulated people could draw admittedly false conclusions. By letting the White House get away with the ongoing travesty and foreign debacle which is Iraq, Bush also does not have to deal with the inevitable refugee crisis he has created, nor does he have to budget for the inevitable reconstruction of both Afghanistan and Iraq. Conveniently, these issues will be a burden on the next presumably Democratic administration and the American people. Now Bush is making an aggressive stance towards Iran and Syria, once again with no pretext and little fact. Only Obama discussed the fact that Musharraf is another dictator we keep propped up by "the war on terror" and our funding of his illegitimate un-democratic rule. He was immediately attacked by Republicans. Obama also mentioned one-on-one talks with foreign leaders. He was attacked. We have been SO successful under the current isolationist strategy, which has ACTUALLY only isolated ourselves from the globalized economy we were supposed to benefit from.

Only Obama has mentioned helping Katrina victims more, while Bush and Cheney's oil and natural gas buddies benefited the most from being located in the gulf region near N.O. and then abandoned it to move to Houston!!! From an environmental standpoint, most of N.O. should be a wetland again, but from a political and human standpoint, this administration's behavior is just increasingly shameful every day it remains in power. Rudy’s whole platform is actually to politicize his unremarkable behavior after 9/11. Hillary, Obama, and Edwards at least have a coherent strategy, not calling teenagers jerks and calling any intelligent policy changes cowardice. We are not noble nor brave attacking sovereign nations for our own insatiable desire for oil to satisfy our pampered lifestyles. Romney is the only interesting GOP candidate, so of course he is not a front-runner. Ron Paul is the most intelligent GOP candidate, so obviously he does not have a chance. Finally, if I were GOP, I wouldn't run either. It is too shameful….wake up, people….

If Obama is elected..I foresee lots more trouble for the US! Wake up America….we are not the bad guys!

I am by all means a conservative person. But, I completely disagree with the thinking of the current administration. Bush says, "there will be chaos if American troops withdraw." There was chaos already when our troops entered Iraq so what makes leaving any different? I believe Jon Stewart was right he called it a wormhole.

"Is this REALLY the party of Truman? Is this REALLY what the once great Democratic Party has become? Wimps, appeasers and apologizers? Truman must be spinning in his grave."

How quickly people forget that President Truman was severely critized by the republicans for not following the advise of Gen. LeMay and Gen. MacCarthur to attack and invade China. We were lucky then to have a leader who did not wilt under pressure to appease the immature jingoistic sentiment of the right wing and take the long view as to what was in the best interests of America. I hope America is lucky again and elects another great leader with a similar long view. Mr. Obama appears to be such a leader.

all my post have already been posted here = http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/09/12/AR2007091202542_Comments.html

I remember Barack Obama stating in a new article a while back. Quote: We need to go after Afghanistan and Pakistan; That sounds like he may has well go after Saudi Arabia, Iran and all Moslem communities.

This was my comment to the story.

Has the Democratic Party lost its mind, or just its soul? Just please remember what our real veterans have sacrificed over the years for this country.

Not Sen. Barack Obama; Not Sen. Hilary Clinton: and most definitely not Oprah Winfrey; where do you think guy (Barack Obama); will generate all the capital to fund all these battles he specks of?

Personally do not think he has the experience or mussels too handle what he is proposing and/or promising. Sounds just as all his colleges (cronies); likened too mercantile shop keepers in disguise from Iraq as well with all the rest of our senators today.

Most beguiling among the crowed seats in the house and the halls in congress of mendacity is none other than President George w. Bush and his counterfeit war polices reach all the back to his ill gotten presidency.

But this war on terrorism is something he helped to get started and must do his best finish. These Islamic conflicts have been going on since the Carter years and his administration. Just cannot believe some of the injustice that is circulating today and how gullible the American people seem to be.

Is Barack Obama just plain nutty? Or should he be getting information from Sparks Collage of Useless Knowledge! If he thinks we need to go after Afghanistan and Pakistan; stay out of Iran and Saudi Arabia. Developing a battle on that turf is death senescence’s not only for our troops in Iraq; we all will suffer their same fate.

Well of course we are pushing to get out of Iraq. We went to Iraq because Sadam was selling his oil in Euro's. What americans need to do is learn to conserve energy. The republicans would rather send our children to fight for oil so they can drive their large SUV's. Yes i am sure many democrats drive them as well. They need to learn to conserve as well. It would take 3 planet earths if all the people of the world abused oil as we in america do. I started a recycling center in 75 after i got out of the USMC after the first oil crisis. I also built green homes in Pennsylavania in the 90's. I am a caregiver to an 84 yr old woman and i sleep on her couch and share her home and have insulated her attic. We have changed all her light bulbs. We barely ever use air. We keep heat at 65 and wear sweaters. Did you know every time you go on a drive your killing soldiers fighting for oil? Its all of us who need to change. We also need to stop borrowing money from china and the middle east to support these wars. Its a negative cycle that keeps us hurting ourselves. What will you do??

How interesting. Whenever I come to this place, I find the country's most uniformed people calling a former professor of constitutional law, a man who has been lauded by the best and brightest foreign policy experts, 'unintelligent'.

I always wondered how this country could have been stupid enough to elect this president for a second term. One only needs to see the majority of posters to the Political Ticker to understand how that could have happened.

When someone who was outspokenly against this war since before it was waged gives an intelligent,comprehensive and realistic solution to this administration's disastrous fiasco in Iraq, it apparently brings out the nutjob 30% who still buy the hype of the most corrupt and incompetent president in our history.

It is any wonder the rest of the world considers us illiterate morons!

First, he's too strong and crazy! He wants to blow up Pakistan! Now, he's too weak! He doesn't want to blow up Iran!

Hillary and the Republicans need to make up their minds…

Okay, Obama. Pull all the troops out of Iraq by the end of 2008 (although your math doesn't add up if you remove only one or two brigades each month for the nxt 15 months), but if you'd withdraw troops because Iraq is not considered a threat, then shouldn't we ALSO bring home all the troops we have in other places that are certainly less of a threat (Germany, Japan, Italy, Greece, Turkey, Greenland, England etc. )? Are you ready to do that? While you're at it, how about bringing home the troops from Bosnia and Kosovo, who are still there 10 years after Clinton said he'd bring them home?

Regardless of who becomes the next President, we'll have some troops in Iraq for years to come. Obama will not bring them all home, and neither will anyone else. Sure, the troops would be safer if they were back home, but that's not what troops are for. Police officers wouldn't be shot if they never left their police stations, but that's not what the police are for.

You can talk nice-nice all you want, but those who are evil will continue to be evil after the conversation has ended. I'm sure many Americans never heard of Neville Chamberlain, but I think it's best that we avoid giving them a history lesson based on actual current events.

This is why you'll never become President. Weakness is NOT a positive leadership trait.

Billary has bigger stones than this joker.

Yes, Senator Obama, let's by all means wait until we receive a present from a nuclear Iran in the form of an a-bomb. We certainly wouldn't want to keep America safe, now would we? Iran is a powder keg of hostility just waiting for a spark of apathy to set it off. Thank God President Bush clearly sees the threat before it becomes a fact and wants to eliminate it. You, Sen. Obama, should probably take heed and adopt some of Pres. Bush's backbone.

Iran must NOT GO NUCLEAR. If they do, it is sincerely the divine will of God himself as He allows Satan to 'teach' God's own people the lessons that they refuse to learn. It has happened repeatedly throughout history, as the Bible clearly shows. Only with Iran and a nuclear capability, the catastrophic results could truly spell an impending doom for all of God's children including secular innocents. Wow, I can't believe Obama would seek to allow this to happen. Ofcourse, he does have some Islamic roots. Beware and be afraid.

I love all you people posting about how ignorant and unqualified Obama is when we're clearly "making a difference" over in the Middle East. I can tell you this…Obama certainly knows more about the current situation than any of you almost assuredly ignorant, unqualified, inflammatory individuals. I wonder how most of you consider yourself qualified to even begin to judge him or any other political candidate for that matter. I also wonder if by "making a difference" you mean we made a huge freaking mess of things. Heck, I'm convinced…let's "make a difference" in Iran as well!

I don't see what the problem is with having a president who has COMMON SENSE.

Unlike the people who have no family in the military, and think we can go here and there invading on whims.

Explain to me why I should part with my dad for a third time, or my mom for a second, so that you can continue to drive your SUV.

Maybe if you drive to learn how to SPELL, I might be a little less offended.

Thank you Barack, for giving me hope, and keeping me sane.

I have an honest question here..

Why can we have bombs, but no other country can?

Seriously, help me out here. What is the criteria for being able to have a bomb?

Arent WE the only ones who have ever used one to kill a quarter million civilians?

can not wait to see you lead us. we are certainly tired of this administration's lies and killing innocent human being. I wonder how GWB sleeps at night when American kids and innocent iraq's are dying while his two daughters have been shielded with secret service and now we can see all what they do is have fun with the boyfriends and getting married while other American kids are dying. I am not an American but I have lived in America for the last 15yrs and all I can say is something not right!!! If American kids are providing national security to the country by being out there in a harms way, so should the laura's and bush's kids and cheney's and mrs cheney. Or are some kids special than others?

Senator Obama is the INTELLIGENT and SANE voice among the irrational who unfortunately run our government.

Obama is the only candidate who called the war FROM THE BEGINNING. He is the only one with any sense that could possibly get us out of this mess.

He's got my vote because he's the only one who has a solid plan that might actually work.

This whole garbage about how the middle east doesn't like "our" way of life is absolute crap. They really don't care how we live "our" lives, they just don't want us interviening in their politics. Is it any surprise that England and America have been the target of the majority of terrorist attacks in the last 7 years? Do you see the Eifle tower getting bombed, or CERN (in Switzerland) being destroyed, or any other country that has stayed out of the politics? NO! They HATE us because we always mess there countries up! We install leaders and pay them to benefit us and then when they achieve enough power and control they turn on us and what do we do? go in mess things up even more by killing them!
Its not this crap that they don't like our values, they don't care about our values! they are angry (terrorists) because we keep invading their territories for political reason.

Also, Obama's speech in October of 2002 was almost as prophetic as the nostradamus, if you haven't read it, you should because it basically forewarns of the exact problems occuring right now! The man is intelligent, he has character, hes not paid off, hes a great speaker, and he is mentally strong, the perfect candidate to pull us out of the brainwashing mess we've been through.

One key piece of advice for American politics: STAY OUT OF MIDDLE EASTERN POLITICS!!!! Its not that hard! nobody interviened when we were in Civil War in the 1800's, we seemed to have figured it out, im pretty sure they can too.

Wow! I really can't believe what I am reading in these posts.

Barack Obama is the one guy running for office that tells it like it is. He often says the things that we don't want to hear but need to hear. He is not just pandering.

Anyone who has been following Obama's campaign would know that he doesn't WANT to bomb anyone but would take appropriate action if it was necessary. War & military action would never be his first choice but his last. Rest assured though that he would do whatever was necessary to protect America - the country he loves & believes in.

In his speech he does address Iran and points out that Iran is a serious threat. But he would start with diplomacy - direct and intense. Many of you miss the point that he would also be working to restore our standing in the rest of the world and that we would not be dealing with Iran on our own. There is much more power in a united policy with our allies (I can assure you that we would have many more of those under an Obama presidency than we do now). This idea that direct diplomacy is kowtowing is just plain wrong! A strong president is not afraid to talk to anyone and I don't see how you can expect to reach any kind of accord or agreement without speaking to people. Even if we don't like those people. All of our great foreign policy achievement have been reached because of diplomacy.

As far as the accusations that Obama thinks he is in charge of the military and thinks he can tell this president what to do - Obama does not think he is in charge of the military. He is laying out his plans for the Amercian people (who he does not claim to speak for) to consider and judge. He wants us to know what we are voting for. Someone needs to tell our President how to conduct foreign policy - in fact we should all be standing up for what we believe in. That is what this country is about. I will also note that he is not the only candidate who is doing this.

Obama has great understand and respect for the constitution (unlike Bush). He taught constitutional law and would work to restore the damage done by this administration.

The post advocating the continuation of this war by saying that lives should not be lost in vein is really sad. I would ask you to consider how the troops that are currently serving and Iraq and their loved ones would feel about this justification. Also, how do you think those fallen angeles would feel about their ultimate sacrifice being used as justification to continue a failed policy.

I do not see anyone commenting on Obama's plan to address the humanitarian crisis in Iraq and the region. As usual people are not considering that the innocent civilians of Iraq are caught in this mess. The are and have been paying a huge price for this nightmare. I have yet to see any of the other candidates address this issue.

Obama has put together the most comprehensive strategy on Iraq of any of the candiates. And as he says there really are no good choices but I believe he has made the best of the bad choices available and he has my full support.

Senator Obama's right on with his take. Bush seems to be at war with the Mid East and the US's going to pay for it if he keeps it up.

The fact that Obama is ready to speak the truth and offer sensible solutions reinforces his position as an agent of change for this country. The fact that his remarks elicit so much hostility is a reflection of the historic resistance to change that all visionary leaders face. Obama has the courage, the intelligence, the empathy and the tenacity to be a great President. America needs Obama, not more of the same.

It’s seems to me that the Senator has giving up hope in the American Armed Forces and there is nothing worse then that for a soldier. Obama may as well hand over a silver platter to Iran. He’s willing to attack enemy forces in Pakistan but draw the line on Iran? Senator Obama has how many years of military experience? What I found most disturbing is that General Petraeus has reported Iran being directly involved in killing American Soldiers. Yet not one Senator has asked General Petraeus what his plans are to counter Iran, None the less, it seems like Senators go deaf when the hear “Iran.” Ask the General what he need for success not failure. Obama if you can’t support, leave the strategies to the Generals that won’t turn their back on the troops. Unlike you the general is not planning on failure, Senators that share the same view as you are going to force Him to plan for failure. Your lack of support for the troops shows, your inexperience in world politics shows.

And now, the Obama plan for combatting terrorists:

"Duck and Cover" followed by the tried and true "Stop, Drop and Roll."

Is this REALLY the party of Truman? Is this REALLY what the once great Democratic Party has become? Wimps, appeasers and apologizers? Truman must be spinning in his grave.

Not an Obama fan but I do see and hear the sabre rattling of this administration again. check out: http://www.blacklistednews.com/view.asp?ID=4208
and then you can put 2+2 together on this supposed accidental flight of live nukes across US airspace.

Iran will never bomb Isreal because some of Islams most sacred sites are located in Isreal. The rest of the Muslim world would be very unhappy if those sites were rendered useless.

In fact, nuclear weapons are strictly defensive in that part of the world because of the close quarters they are all in.

Bush and Cheney have been beating the war drums about Iran for some time now (with cheerleading from the side by Lieberman, the senator from Isreal). It would be extremely stupid for them to invade Iran at this time because we have no military to do it with. The one they are using now in Iraq is almost used up with the countless re-deployments that have already occurred. I would suggest to you that Bush and Cheney do go to war it would be treason for knowingly taking us into a war unprepared and without the troops to do it properly.

To those of you who think now is the time to go to war with the Iranians, they should re-read their history about that country. Iran outlasted Iraq (who had American and Russian support) when those two countries were going at it back in the 80's. Then, after you finish your reading, if you still feel the same way, go and inlist and ask Lieberman to join you.

This man is unintelligent.

I'll begin with his comments about not invading Iran. When it comes down to it, Iran is nothing like Iraq. Iran's leader has given several speeches where he warns the American people to convert to his religion or face the depths of hell and war. He commands us to convert or be killed. He commands his people to take action against us and promises that America will be brought down. Does Obama not pay attention to these things?

So tell me - how would leaving Iraq make us stronger Obama? It would indefinatley make us weaker - proving that as soon as things get hard, we turn the other way and run home - nice message.

I am not the president, so I can't speculate about the information he sees. But I have to say - that there has been a lot of talk from both political parties about the threat from Iran, because it is real. The man who is in charge of that country is the same man who took several American hostages years ago - he does not like us. Bush undoubtly has top secret information and knows more than the senator, thus urging him to take action and formulate plans incase somethign would go wrong. Iran does have nuclear capability.

Let's hope this man does not become president. We need a president who is not afraid to fight - against illegal immigrants and terrorists. Do the American people forget we almost lost World War 2 because we refused to fight?

Hey Rob from, Ocala, FL, why aren't you in the military if you are all for war with Iran? Put your money where your mouth is.

I see that Bush and his fellow Chickenhawk Brigade are truly out in numbers today…I can clearly tell by your "statements" that you TRULY DON'T have a clue what it is to fight in a war….The nearest some of you have been to serving in the military is playing a video game on your XBOX or Playstation.

I hope for the sake of our men and women in uniform that the Chickenhawk-in-Chief does not send our brave men and women to another skirmish for "economic" reasons.

Semper Fi!

To Rob from Ocala Fl,
The president of Iran did what we Americans would call patriotic if that incident happened here in America. They wouldnt have stormed the American Embassy if the American government had not interfered in there political process, the people of Iran democratical chose a president but because the US does not like the president they decided we are just going to replace him and put whom we want in power which is what led to the students storming the embassy…so get your facts right..and stop being a freaking hyprocrite…..not only the US has the power to govern themselves everybody in the world should have that power, isnt that what we are preaching?

Israel is not the bleeping United States, many christians and neo-conservatives seem to think we have to babysit Israel. This mindset is a very huge reason for our interest and failures in the middle-east, trying to protect one state, thereby isolating many arab countries, many of them have the right to believe Israel shouldnt exist because it was not on map till the mid 1900's. For those who believe Obama is been hyprocrital or soft, sure invade Iran, but instead of sending my generation to do the fighting for you, while you sit your behinds here in the US, making ignoramus comments, go fight yourself. Iran isnt stupid, first they may have the capability to make nuclear weapons, but they are still a couple of decades behind actually getting one, and what are they going to do, produce 1 nuclear bomb and use it, Israel probably has 100 folds of nuclear weapons thanks to the US, they would be annhilated if they do that…they know that…so stop telling me Iran is a direct threat to the US…its not…it may be a threat to Israel but this is not Israel.

John from Norristown, PA

writes, "We are huge hypocrites here in the America. How dare we tell another country that they can't build Nuclear weapons but, we won't get rid of the ones we have! We are not the worlds police, we are the worlds bullies and now we are reaping what we sow!"

John - is the world SAFER or in greater DANGER if more and more countries develop nuclear weapons? Are we safer or at more risk if Islamic Extremists have access to nuclear weapons?

I guess you would rather the world go back into the direction of Cold War, Cuban Missile Crisis, and heightened threat of nuclear holocaust?

Policing nuclear technology is the RESPONSIBLE choice. And yes - the US will do it because few other countries have the power and fortitude. Thank GOD for America!

Why would we invade Iran to destroy a couple of Nuclear Reactors that pinpoint airstrikes can demolish?

The more Obama talks, the more he shows he is not Presidential material.

The Senate does not engage in foreign policy, nor does it advise the President or the State Department on said policy.

After hearing Obama's statements over the past months, it is painfully obvious why that is so.

As for negotiations with a rogue regime; Secretary Warren Christopher went to Syria twenty-one time during the Clinton Administration. He got nowhere. The same could be said for Nancy Pelosi's faux pas. Just a few days ago, Dennis Kucinich displayed his lack of understanding by attempting to try dialogue with Syria.

These folks simply don't understand that to have a dialogue for constructive purposes it takes two parties interested in finding a solution to the problems at hand. Democrats have shown in the past, that a willingness to engage in dialogue despite this important tenet is not going to work.

President Bush doesn't listen to the American people, doesn't listen to the congress nor his generals. Bush is dangerous with no election to reign him in. A majority of Iranians are pro US and dont think their country needs nukes. It's their leader that is crazy same as our leader. Obama is correct and the glad we have a sane intelligent man running for President

Its funny to hear everyone write about how wrong Obama is. The same group of people were probably on board when George W. wanted to go into Iraq in the first place for "national security" reasons. I didnt know national security encompassed oil. Obama makes sense and his comments are at least rational. Right now our influence over Iran is nothing becuase we are bogged down in Iraq. If we were free from Iraq our voice would be heard more effectively. Sad to say that Pakistan is already on the verge of being overthrown and that more than 60% of its citizens have more approval for Osama Bin Laden that Musharif. What does that tell you? Get a clue. Pakistan is an issue right now! I am a fighting age male that would join the cause if it came down to that because it is whats right. In addition, no one in this day would be stupid enough to use a nuclear weapon. The world outcry would be way too large. Besides, Pakistan couldnt reach the US anyway.

Hmm, either there are a ton of Republicans on this comment section, or there are alot of concern trolls. The kind of cynicism that pervades this page is exactly what Obama is campaigning against. The people who think that war is inevitable, and that its the only solution. Diplomacy doesn't even have a respectable place in our society anymore. People who advocate for it, are viewed as weak, when in fact, they are the opposite. Obama has the courage to stand up to people like Bush, and the naysayers on this site, and he has the boldness to say we can seek other, better solutions to our problems, and Iran is no different.

"This is just another display of Obama's lack of foreign policy knowledge. "Let's see, Obama completed his J.D. degree magna cum laude @ Harvard and Bush by his own characterization, while @ Harvard Business School was an "average student."

Come On U.S.A don't surrende to eneamy.

I 100% agree with Senator Obama.
War isn't working.
Peace will.
Even philosophers will praise war as ennobling mankind, forgetting the Greek who said, 'War is bad in that it begets more evil than it kills.'
America is SICK of Bush's evil tactics.

Some of you people are unbelieveable. Where, oh where, in Sen. Obama's speech does he imply that he thinks he can tell the President what to do? All he is doing is let people know what his beliefs and views are. All candidates, even Republicans, speak like this when making speeches. They challenge the President, the Congress, each other, whomever because it is an effective public speaking tactic. Oh, and by the way, to all of you who keep worrying about Sen. Obama's foreign policy experience, can any of you point to a candidate who has ANY REAL foreign policy expereince besides Sen. Biden and Gov. Richardson? Any of the Republican candidates? Not a one. Just because Mr. Guliani managed the 9/11 crisis, does not make him some foreign policy czar. He hasn't even been to Iraq! He left the Iraq Commission!! Everyone needs to keep a level head and realize that all of the candidates are trying to let their views through. Be critical to your heart's content, but please, for the sake of public discourse, be intelligent when you speak and not throw around epithets, lies and utter nonsense.

We are huge hypocrites here in the America. How dare we tell another country that they can't build Nuclear weapons but, we won't get rid of the ones we have! We are not the worlds police, we are the worlds bullies and now we are reaping what we sow!

Is this man some type of "Manchurian" candidate??? Who is he to warn the president of the United States. Senator Obama consistently supports and attmepts to placate Muslim extremists with his rhetoric. Apparently he doesnt know or doesnt care that the so called president of Iran, was one of the men who took over the American Embassy in Iran and held scores of Americans hostage for over a year until Ronald Reagan was sworn in. After that our hostages were released immediately because the Iranians knew Reagan would have taken military action against them. All of Carter's negotians and pleading did nothing but embolden these extremists which have clearly stated their goal is to wipe Israel off the map. Apparently Obama has not studied history. You cannot negotiate with extremists like these people, you must carry a big stick and use it when necessary. I for one think Bush has waited to long to deal with Iran's nuclear program. Perhaps Obama will approve of actions against Iran after they develop a nuclear weapon and use it against Israel or our troops in Irag. Would OBama support use of force then???? I think the time to act is now. We do not have to invade Iran to destroy or at least set back their nuclear program. This can be accomplished through air and missile stikes. Iranian backed militants are already killing our soldiers in Iraq with Iranian supplied weapons. We have more than enough cause to use the stick right now.

As a former military recruiter, I am justified in saying that this is a wonderful opportunity for all of you Obama bashers to get out from behind your computer and visit your local recruiter. So quickly we forget that those are the sons and daughters of American families. Now imagine a world where a draft is the only way that we could possibly maintain the man power for such a decision. Then look into the faces of the little ones in your family and ask them if they are ready for their mommy and daddy to make this ridiculous decision on their behalf. That is where Mr. Obama is coming from!

"If only he had been more prominent in 2002, we might not be in the Iraqi quagmire. We might even have stabilized Afghanistan and caught Osama by now." Will in NYC–Hate to break it to you, but do we have proof that he actually "said" anything of the sort in 2002? It sounds all good and dandy now that the majority of the U.S. population is against the war. As was my previous example, Bush also "said" Hussein had WMDs–remember?

It'd be great for Congress to do something, but where are the votes? Bush is dead-set on vetoing anything he disagrees with, and Congress is unable to get the votes to override because Republicans believe in loyalty. My questions is why aren't these ELECTED officals listening to those who elected them in the first place?

Tell us something we don't already know about the Iran issue Obama! The man is speaking of nothing more than his own pipe dream. Bush doesn't need our authorization–he doesn't care. It's instances like these in which we should demand more from our candidates. What does he suggest to do that will stop Bush (aside from denying him our support and authority–haven't we already done that with Iraq?).

Why would we want such a gutless person as our leader. I'm sure his muslim background is part of the reason for "telling" our president what "not' to do. I think itis time we allow our "elected" leader to lead without all of this back stabbing. No matter what My President does, some yoyo from another country can find fault. When we voted Mr. Bush into office, he was and is the man we wanted not hussien junior nor mrs clinton.

Some of the people that comment on these blogs are so CLUELESS. You take a sound bite regarding Mr. Obama views on Pakistan and run with it.

He said IF we (the USA) had good intelligence AND the Pakistan COULD NOT/WOULD NOT act HE WOULD & Guess What, so would GW, and most of the other candidates running.

Anyone with a ounce of foresight, can see and hear the rhetoric from our President, and be concerned that we may invade Iran. Our military cannot handle another war right now, period. America does not have to take the lead in dealing with Iran. We can't afford it, first of all! We can't even afford the war in Iraq, how much do we owe China now?

Obama is not naive or clueless, not talking, starting wars HAS NOT WORKED! It's time for a NEW APPROACH!!!

So what are you idiots going to do when we pull out of Iraq too early, it becomes an infestation ground of Al Queda and then your town and our country is destroyed because of a nuclear bomb that psychotic leader supplies to terrorists?

I find it amusing that most of the people who post anti-Obama comments are unable to write complete and/or grammatically correct sentences. That certainly that tells you something about the intelligence level of those who don't support him.

Wow… so many ignorant comments about this…

To those of you who criticize Obama for not being Commander in Chief… he has every right to criticize the presidents policies. Not only does it make sense as a politician running FOR PRESIDENT WHERE HE WOULD BE COMMANDER AND CHIEF IF ELECTED (hence making it important for us to know what he would do as commander and chief), but he also has the right to criticize the presidents military decisions just as any american does.

Secondly, don't think that his ideas about direct talks with Iran are ignorant. I gaurantee he has spent a lot of time and research into the issue. Just look at what direct talks did for us with North Korea! Not to mention the majority of people in Iran like and support the US, and direct talks with Iran would help foster that sympathy, where as neglecting Iran will only make them angrier at us.

This stand-off approach to "rogue" nations doesn't work. It just makes them angrier. It's just like ignoring your spouse. You have to live together, so you might as well communicate other wise there is going to be fighting. Bravo Obama for taking the more reasonable approach to the situation in the world.

I don't remember Bush talking about bombinhg Iran. Qprah's boy is trying to appear as the "SANE" candidate, while everyone else is off their rocker. Well, Barry Boy- you have a long way to go. You want to Bomb who again? Pakistan?

Anybody actually read his whole speech here? I think not. CNN certainly won't report anything that promotes reasonable debate, they want to report only that which will evoke the most partisan outrage. Here's an important excerpt from Obama's speech.

"We will need to retain some forces in Iraq and the region. We'll continue to strike at al Qaeda in Iraq. We'll protect our forces as they leave, and we will continue to protect U.S. diplomats and facilities. If - but only if - Iraq makes political progress and their security forces are not sectarian, we should continue to train and equip those forces. But we will set our own direction and our own pace, and our direction must be out of Iraq. The future of our military, our foreign policy, and our national purpose cannot be hostage to the inaction of the Iraqi government.

Removing our troops is part of applying real pressure on Iraq's leaders to end their civil war. Some argue that we should just replace Prime Minister Maliki. But that wouldn't solve the problem. We shouldn't be in the business of supporting coups. And remember - before Maliki, we said that we just needed to replace the last Prime Minister to make everything all right. It didn't work."

Obama absolutely does not support pulling out troops and leaving Iraq completely.

For those who think we need to stay in Iraq for another 10 years, you'd better get ready for some huge tax increases to pay for it.

For those who think we need to force Iraq to make