Audio: Barry O clarifies what Michelle meant to say… Updated
posted at 10:36 am on February 20, 2008 by Bryan
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Sen. Barack Obama tried clarifying Michelle Obama’s “this is the first time I’m really proud of my country” remark last night during a radio interview in Texas. Barry’s take is marginally better. But not much, once you take a closer look. Audio here.
Barack Obama, interviewed on WOAI radio in San Antonio, Texas, expressed frustration that his wife’s comments became political fodder.
“Statements like this are made and people try to take it out of context and make a great big deal out of it, and that isn’t at all what she meant,” Obama said.
“What she meant was, this is the first time that she’s been proud of the politics of America,” he said. “Because she’s pretty cynical about the political process, and with good reason, and she’s not alone. But she has seen large numbers of people get involved in the process, and she’s encouraged.”
Hm. I remember the political unity we had after 9-11, however fleeting it turned out to be once the left regained its blame-America-first footing, as a moment that made me proud of our politics. The peaceful transitions of power from one party to the next in 1992 and again in 2000 were reasons for pride in our politics. Politics is often a dirty business, but our American politics are among the most stable and clean in the entire world. Our system has lasted longer than many empires and is now one of the oldest yet most resilient and envied in the world. Our politics have created, protected or restored democracy in South Korea, Japan, the Philippines, Italy, Germany, Poland, all across Europe and now into the heart of the Middle East. Our political system predates Napoleon and if we safeguard it responsibly, will outlast every tyrant who comes against it.
But hey, maybe the Obamas just don’t know much about history. They’re awfully pessimistic for one of the most successful political couples in the country.
Update: Captain Ed isn’t buying it.
Obama’s spin doesn’t wash. Michelle Obama didn’t say For the first time in my adult life, I’m really proud to be in American politics, which would have been questionable enough. She told the audience that she had never taken great pride in her country — until it seemed poised for “change”, and especially seemed poised to elect her husband as President.
That’s simply not a parsable message. Not only does she reject the Democratic administration between 1993-2001, but she rejects some amazing American accomplishments over the last quarter century — and even beyond that.
Yup.
Update: Good questions from commenter MayBee.
Was she not proud of politics in America when her husband was asked to speak at the Democratic nominating convention? Was she not proud of American politics when her husband was elected to be senator?
She’s a very tough sell.
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Just wait. The cringing has just begun with these two.
Sugar Land on February 20, 2008 at 10:40 AM
I don’t believe him. Having grown up in the ghetto, I got a feel for her and my feeling is she’s a cracker-hater. Could be wrong, but that’s the vibe she sends.
RW Wacko on February 20, 2008 at 10:42 AM
It must be particularly galling for Mistress Michele to have her puppet speak for her, instead of the usual way around.
JiangxiDad on February 20, 2008 at 10:43 AM
How long will Barry have to be in office before the country issues a collective, “We’ve made a huge mistake.” I say the over/under is six months.
Mallard T. Drake on February 20, 2008 at 10:43 AM
With all due respect, you don’t need to grow up in the ghetto to see that.
JiangxiDad on February 20, 2008 at 10:44 AM
Slick as a Willie, the Messiah is.
fogw on February 20, 2008 at 10:45 AM
For the first time in my life, I’m proud of Hot Air!
Wait, what I mean to say, for the first time in my life I’m proud of the blogging process!
Whew. No egg on my face there!
Nethicus on February 20, 2008 at 10:46 AM
Hopefully his bubble will burst before Nov.
bojack on February 20, 2008 at 10:46 AM
The theme is the only thing that can stop Obama is a “racist” country. Is Michelle going to be proud after going into the Democratic Convention with an insurmountable lead and being offered the second spot or nothing?
volsense on February 20, 2008 at 10:46 AM
Bryan, you keep mentioning this. Haven’t we been having “peaceful transitions of power” for a couple hundred years now, minus one brief period of nastiness 140 years ago?
Jaibones on February 20, 2008 at 10:47 AM
That’s the story you’re running with, Barry?
amerpundit on February 20, 2008 at 10:47 AM
Shes more than a cracker hater, shes a typical liberal America hater. Blame the U.S. for the worlds problems, our soul is broken and only Barry Yomama has the cure….ishh!
Remember things are really,really bad here in the U.S. and only HOPE can bring about change!!!!
dmann on February 20, 2008 at 10:47 AM
Yes, even more reason to be proud of one’s country.
amerpundit on February 20, 2008 at 10:48 AM
Uh yeah, sure Barak. The hole gets deeper.
darwin on February 20, 2008 at 10:48 AM
First of all, this is 2008. Why is Obama the one explaining what his wife said at all? Why aren’t we hearing from the America-hater herself? She’s a freakin’ Ivy League educated lawyer. I would think that Michelle Obama is perfectly capable of explaining exactly what she meant by her remarks.
Beyond that, no sale. You don’t get a “do over” for these kinds of remarks. It also isn’t the first time that she has made similar comments that reflect deep pessimism and a complete and total loathing of America. Nuanced responses about not being proud of the “politics of America” are insulting because they presume the electorate isn’t intelligent enough to see through the lies.
Ladies and Gentlemen, we’ve now identified the off-the-reservation nutjob political spouse of 2008. I’m a little dissappointed because my money was on the very very creepy Cindy McCain for her Stepford-like empty stare.
highhopes on February 20, 2008 at 10:48 AM
If McCain wins what job will he offer her ?
bbz123 on February 20, 2008 at 10:48 AM
So he immediately starts in with the Kerry-esque bullshit.
This guy is a flim flam man, a bullshit artist.
I am pondering more and more just where the hell this guy came from, what made him so set on being a politician…
Oh, but I guess we aren’t allowed to ask questions, I forgot.
benrand on February 20, 2008 at 10:49 AM
For someone with a Princeton and Harvard Law pedigree, she’s pretty stupid.
D2Boston on February 20, 2008 at 10:51 AM
Yeah, Obama’s hole is deep, only…he’s not in it. How exactly is Obama doing so well? *shakes head*
JetBoy on February 20, 2008 at 10:51 AM
Yeah, if she meant to say she was proud of her nation’s politics for the first time in 26 years, why did she specifically say:
“For the first time in my adult life, I am proud of my country”
amerpundit on February 20, 2008 at 10:52 AM
Y’know, she could have resolved this QUICKLY by stating within one day of the incident, by simply saying:
“I apologize, and I misspoke. I was really meaning to say I’ve never been ProudER of my country than I’ve ever been in my adult lifetime”.
In fact, if she’d had the political presence of mind from the very get-go to have said this originally, it’d never have made the news.
For a lady educated at Princeton AND Harvard, when her minders are not minding her properly, she can be an awful dumb*ss.
I’ve known a number of African-American people in my years, having grown up surrounded by them. To hear one saying she’s never been proud of her country does not surprise me. It truly may well be how she really REALLY feels about this country (which bodes VERY ill for the future at their becoming First Couple holding such views) since I know African-Americans who truly DO feel that way about the US. But what does surprise me is her absolute lack of sufficient presence of mind to keep herself from saying it when she said it, the inability to self-edit mid-statement, when she and BO have so much at stake, particularly after so much success.
One has to wonder how smart she really is.
Shirotayama on February 20, 2008 at 10:53 AM
“Statements like this are made and people try to take it out of context and make a great big deal out of it, and that isn’t at all what she meant,” Obama said.
Out of context? The woman said it word for word! It IS a big deal and it IS what she meant.
She meant for the first time in our history we’ve done the right thing, and we haven’t even done it yet. Everything else we’ve done has been wrong. Screw you Mrs.O, I love this country and we’ve almost alwsys been on the side of right. Did we once have slavery? Sure, but we also fought a war to end it. Are we perfect? No, but we’re better than the commie-islamic alternative.
America, don’t like it? Get the phuq out.
Tony737 on February 20, 2008 at 10:54 AM
Hah, yeah, good point. She could be a real liability for him in the general if they are not careful.
RW Wacko on February 20, 2008 at 10:54 AM
The interest in what makes Michelle O tick is keen because we know so little about what makes Barak tick. Knowing more about her thinking gives us clues about his. If she’s a blame-America-firster or a racist, then it would seem to increase the odds that he is too… which of course would bely
his lofty rhetoric.
petefrt on February 20, 2008 at 10:54 AM
The problem is not taking her comment out of context.
The problem arises when you hear or read exactly what she said, every word, in its original context.
She said what she said. The meaning was not remotely ambiguous.
I repeat what I said in the other thread: if you stay at home in November, that’s what you’re putting in the White House.
McCain may have countless faults, but hating his country is not one of them.
Professor Blather on February 20, 2008 at 10:55 AM
Michelle was just race-baiting.
Obama is rushing out with the whitewash.
Covering up her honestly spoken disgust with America.
Maybe they’d be happier and prouder running down in Cuba?
I heard on the last news that Raoul’s looking for some new blood.
profitsbeard on February 20, 2008 at 10:55 AM
Meant to say is code for I’m an idiot and cannot walk and chew gum.
She now, like every other pol, is a liar and a cheat, so expect more of the what I meant to say feces spewing from her mouth.
madmonkphotog on February 20, 2008 at 10:55 AM
I see something that is an old something. The Obamas, the new black Clintons. She reminds me of Hillary before Clinton became President! OMG! Here we go again, if Obama becomes president, we will have the Clintons again, only it really will be a black president and black first lady.
Great, I can hear the scandals beginning already……
txstar on February 20, 2008 at 10:56 AM
At least the next 4 years under the Obamas will be interesting.
And by interesting I mean terrifying and unprofitable.
Asher on February 20, 2008 at 10:57 AM
Mistrees O. lives inside the bubble.
JiangxiDad on February 20, 2008 at 10:57 AM
Where’s Redd Foxx when we need him!
Come back Redd!!!
benrand on February 20, 2008 at 10:58 AM
Is she too stupid to defend herself?
JammieWearingFool on February 20, 2008 at 10:59 AM
I doubt it will even take that long. Remember he is going to start pulling out the troops on day one. This country is well in its way to making the biggest mistake in its history and the consequences will be devastating. This guy is so unqualified or prepared to be POTUS is is frightening. Sadly, a large segment of the American people are too stupid and blind to figure that out. The country will NEVER be able to recover from the economic ruin his radical socialist agenda will cause. Forget about the Supreme Court for a generation. And National Security will be flushed right down the toilet.
People will accuse me of being too dramitic but I’m telling everyone, we won’t know what hit us until it’s too late. Kiss this country goodbye.
libhater on February 20, 2008 at 11:00 AM
I think Barack is too smart to let her…
JetBoy on February 20, 2008 at 11:01 AM
As I am sure others have pointed out, Michelle Obama actually said “this is the first time in my adult life I’m proud of my country…”
Don’t leave her wiggle room by inserting the “really”.
gridlock2 on February 20, 2008 at 11:02 AM
I really think he just made it worse. There have been alot of comparisons between Obama and JFK. They really only have one thing in common, they are both senators. Other than that, they are diametrically different, and not just on the issues, but also on the accomplishments.
ConservativePartyNow on February 20, 2008 at 11:02 AM
Sadly, the attitude that she expressed actually is all too common in the African-American community. And the one group who understands this the least are the Africans I know. My Ugandan ‘daughter’ just shakes her head at such attitudes; compared to what she puts up with in Kampala, she has to laugh at the African-American ‘plight’.
michaelo on February 20, 2008 at 11:03 AM
Indeedy do, JiangxiDad. She made that 100% obvious, didn’t she?
BO’s talking in her defense publicly.
I’d hope she’s heard the riot act by now, privately.
BTW, JiangxiDad, I may become BeijingDad in about 6 to 8 months! We’re evaluating a referral for a 6-year old SN girl there, who, despite a physical challenge, is an incredibly beautiful young lady. Wish us luck.
Shirotayama on February 20, 2008 at 11:03 AM
Obama’s simultaneously digging a deeper hole and piling on more crap. I’m impressed.
29Victor on February 20, 2008 at 11:04 AM
There were two different versions, one with “really” and one without. It doesn’t make much difference to me with or without the “really” but some people got hung up on that.
Bryan on February 20, 2008 at 11:05 AM
She said what she meant.
She is a Harvard educated lawyer. Her entire career revolved around using verbal communication. She is not some novice.
Remember, the definition of a gaffe is when a politician accidently speaks the truth.
JayHaw Phrenzie on February 20, 2008 at 11:05 AM
Well, it depends on what the definition of “is” is…?
d1carter on February 20, 2008 at 11:06 AM
No, she actually said the really. The mic messes up right when she says it, but you can still hear here say “really”.
Esthier on February 20, 2008 at 11:06 AM
She sounds kind of bitter to me too. I don’t know exactly what whitey did to her, but you get a lot of that vibe in the ghetto.
saiga on February 20, 2008 at 11:07 AM
All the problems of the world can all be placed at the feet of the Western White man.
le sigh.
Kai on February 20, 2008 at 11:07 AM
Bryan,
A patriot does not ned to parse their pride in America.
I am unreservedly proud to be a American and have been my entire life.
JayHaw Phrenzie on February 20, 2008 at 11:08 AM
Yep, but as Bryan says, it doesn’t make a difference. Obama’s spin isn’t that she said the “really” part making it a certain level of pride, he’s claiming she means something she didn’t say.
amerpundit on February 20, 2008 at 11:09 AM
Indeedy do! Mrs. JD and I truly do. It’s been 10 years of joy with our two girls. We wish you and yours happiness.
JiangxiDad on February 20, 2008 at 11:09 AM
As some other commentors have noted, I also agree that the bitterness and hatred that this woman carries with her is plainly visible when she speaks.
JayHaw Phrenzie on February 20, 2008 at 11:11 AM
JXD,
Xiexie!
I’ll bet the two of ‘em are beautiful li’l angels.
We were originally logged in for the NSN process but the wait has gotten so ridiculously long (I suspect by design) that, given our age, circumstances pretty much forced us into looking at the SN track after a time. We just can’t wait another 3 to 5 years for an infant.
Shirotayama on February 20, 2008 at 11:13 AM
Actually it was the same line in two different speeches, with the later one including “really.” Which, by the way, kills the new “what she meant to say” spin, now that I think about it.
Bryan on February 20, 2008 at 11:14 AM
You know, it would sound a lot more convincing if Mrs. B.O. here stepped out front and explained what she said herself, instead of sending out the hired help to play a merry game of Cover Her A$$.
pilamaye on February 20, 2008 at 11:16 AM
Nice Bryan. That was well said.
Dash on February 20, 2008 at 11:17 AM
I knew and got what she what she meant all along.
Politics becomes so cynical and hateful and fuels people’s negaivity that the twisting and turning and analyizing of what someone has said or meant to say gets ridiculous. Another example that comes to mind is Trent Lott.
I think all the after the fact quarterbacking only proves her point.
It is the attitude of many people in this country, not just African Americans. People are angry, people want change, people are not happy with this current president and I am not just talking about Democrats.
I seriously doubt it, she came out of this smelling like a rose.
You guys need to get a grip, the days of Conservative wilding are coming to an end, as newt says – they blew it.
People want something different and it looks like it will come to fuition.
AprilOrit on February 20, 2008 at 11:17 AM
Pilamaye,
BO and Plouffe are probably not letting her speak for herself at moment, until she gets “fully trained” in the way to WIN elections and not LOSE them.
I’d expect to see her reeled back in and to simply merely stand at his side and smile for a while.
At least, if they’re smart, they’ll do that.
Shirotayama on February 20, 2008 at 11:17 AM
You need to move out of the jewish manhattan orbit, orit.
JiangxiDad on February 20, 2008 at 11:20 AM
JiangxaDad’s bubble remark remimds me that BO has not yet submitted to any interview from anyone that might be in any hostile or intrusive. The primary process is supposed to prepare candidates for the general by subjecting them to difficulties. He has refused to fully participate in the process and so he gets the unpreparedness that comes with that. And they might have a hard time finding anyone in the MSM outside of Fox that would be willing to subject the “Messiah” to the same level of scrutiny that would be applied to any old Republican.
snaggletoothie on February 20, 2008 at 11:21 AM
Maybe Mrs. Obamessiah should have paid a little attention to the voter turnout in the last two elections. After all, if big numbers make her proud, record numbers should have thrilled her soul.
Jimmie on February 20, 2008 at 11:21 AM
For someone who goes around speechifying that WORDS MATTER…he is trying to tell us that his wife’s DON’T???
Riiiiight!
ihasurnominashun on February 20, 2008 at 11:23 AM
Empty headed rhetoric about “change” may fool Democratic primary voters, but the majority of Americans will not vote for an unaccomplished, empty suit that is to the left of Fidel Castro and has a wife that clearly despises the American system and is convinced of her own entitlement.
Don’t fool yourself, America is smarter than you think.
JayHaw Phrenzie on February 20, 2008 at 11:24 AM
I agree. It’s sad that those words could come out of her mouth.
I’m proud of this country. I have said before that this is the best country in the world. If I felt otherwise, I’d move to another country.
I don’t understand why some people insist on staying here even though they believe other countries are better.
Esthier on February 20, 2008 at 11:24 AM
Conservative…wilding?? Someone needs themselves a dictionary.
Yes, because here in America, a President can only serve two terms, so every eight years America gets something different whether they want it or not.
Really, at some point, y’all are going to have to come up with something with some heft to it. Like a policy that was concocted sometime after 1972 or so.
Jimmie on February 20, 2008 at 11:24 AM
Perhaps you need to move out of where ever you live – your little box somewhere – although I will not lower my standards to make your faith part of the arguement.
Not all of Manhattan is jewish by the way. We have all types of faiths here and welcome them.
AprilOrit on February 20, 2008 at 11:26 AM
I thought it was just satire…
AbaddonsReign on February 20, 2008 at 11:27 AM
He promised Bill O’reilly an interview if he won the primary.
Of course, if he lied about how he was going to finance his campaign, he probably lied about that too.
Integrity is an absolute. You either have it or you don’t. Johnny Mac has it and he proved it by sticking to his views, even when they hurt his electability in the primary.
Obama preaches integrity, but his integrity gap is pretty obvious compared to a true man of honor like Johnny Mac.
Obama means what he says~~~ Until it is politically inconvenient.
Hmm, doesn’t sound like much is changing from the past.
JayHaw Phrenzie on February 20, 2008 at 11:27 AM
She sounds like a 10 year old spoiled brat.
I want an Oompah Loompah and I want it NOW! If I don’t get it now, I won’t be happy
Should Osamabama not get the nomination, I wonder if her pride again begins to fade?
Alden Pyle on February 20, 2008 at 11:28 AM
Or even the NY Jewish Orbit, Orit.
Being born to Jewish parents from the Bronx and living there until early childhood, then movin’ down South and absorbing the goyische perspective from my peers since an early age, my conclusion is that NY folks and folks from flyover country do often have somewhat different perspectives.
No offense intended, JXD my landsman. I was born among your cultural sphere, stayed in contact with it much of my life, but did grow up away from it. I do understand your comment about the Manhattan orbit, you’re right it does exist and elements of it can get exclusionary even to other tribespeople in the other boroughs.
There is, however, yet another, wider orbit with a farther apogee that exists in non-NY (or even Northeast Atlantic Seaboard or Left Pacific Coast) beyond The Apple, as well.
Hope my point was understood without being offensive. I wasn’t critical of your comment to Orit, was actually trying to back it up from the Southland.
Shirotayama on February 20, 2008 at 11:31 AM
Was she not proud of politics in America when her husband was asked to speak at the Democratic nominating convention? Was she not proud of American politics when her husband was elected to be senator?
She’s a very tough sell.
MayBee on February 20, 2008 at 11:32 AM
I think it’s interesting that Michelle was Barack’s boss at the law firm where he interned. Maybe she still is.
NNtrancer on February 20, 2008 at 11:32 AM
Speaking of liberal bubbles, isn’t there a famous quote from a left wing journalist after Ronald Reagan won his landslide victory that went something like:
How could this guy have won No one I know voted for him.
This is the bubble that liberals live in. I bet in 2004, you were equally convinced that Kerry was going to win.
Stop drinking the koolaid of your empty headedcandidate of “change” and ask yourself one question.
What has this man actually ever done for America? What sacrafice hasthis man ever made for his country?
If you ask the questions and answer them honestly, the only answer to both is Nothing and None.
Enjoy your bubble, ut your hangover begins after the election. Of course, then you and your left wing friends wil scream DIEBOLD, MCCAIN STOLE THE ELECTION, AMERICA IS RACIST, etc…
Because, you just don’t get that mainstream America does not agree with you. Most of us actually do love our country and we think Patriotism is a virtue.
JayHaw Phrenzie on February 20, 2008 at 11:34 AM
Hussein just uttered bunch of bull crap, similar to the typical Islamic rhetoric of: “Islam is a peaceful religion.”
My ass!
Indy Conservative on February 20, 2008 at 11:34 AM
No, Orit. Now that I saw your reply to JiangxiDad, I think I’ve got the life experience to tell you: Try living in another part of the US far away from NYC for awhile.
No, I DON’T mean New Jersey or Connecticut.
Colorado. Arizona. Georgia. Texas.
All would provide proper perspective.
Having been born to and raised by New Yorkers, people from NYC often have a specific lens through which they view the world. Whether Jewish, Catholic, Protestant, Eastern Orthodox, or something else entirely.
The view that lens provides the viewer is often not applicable at all to the lenses that people from other parts of the country see through.
I’ve looked through both lenses in the course of my lifetime. Frankly, I appreciate NYC but would never want to move back there and live there in a gazillion years. But that’s just my personal preference. I understand why some folks like it. But it ain’t for everybody.
Shirotayama on February 20, 2008 at 11:37 AM
You sound so much like my old roommate. We roomed together before the 2004 election. She was a Dean supporter, but as soon as Kerry had it she switched.
She kept telling me exactly what you just said there, that people were excited about change and sick of Bush. She claimed people had never been more energized.
My mother laughed at that and told me how young my roommate really was.
Come to find out, she was right. So many people were energized to go out and vote that year. They just weren’t energized to vote for Kerry.
Esthier on February 20, 2008 at 11:37 AM
Once the infidels have been slaughtered and the whole world is muslim, then there will be peace.
I think thats what he meant. :)
Islam means submission. I WILL NOT SUBMIT!
JayHaw Phrenzie on February 20, 2008 at 11:37 AM
The woman is a bigot and probably very dangerous. BO is going to spend a lot of time picking up behind her.
rplat on February 20, 2008 at 11:39 AM
Isn’t it possible that she was merely proud that we’re moving towards, at least perceived, racial equality with the possible election of an African American to the office of President?
thequeball on February 20, 2008 at 11:40 AM
I think she’s one big simmering pot of resentment. Watch out, Barack. Watch out, America.
PattyJ on February 20, 2008 at 11:41 AM
I think this is sort of like the whole Trent Lott thing. We knew what he meant but it was blown out of proportion, I never believed he should have apologized to anyone or did anything except explain what he really meant. People need to stop enabling the PC police, people need to stop apologizing and explain what they said.
People are too quick to assume that they know what a person means, it’s ridiculous. Ann Coulter comes to mind, although I have been guilty of jumping on the bandwagon and going after her words.
On one issue people complain that we have become to PC like in Lott’s or Coulter’s case, but with Michelle Obama it’s suddenly different? She obviously said something that her side of the aisle agrees with, just like most of you agree with comes out of Ann Coulter’s mouth.
People need to stop enabling the PC police, people need to stop apologizing and explain what they said.
And people need to realize that what’s good for the goose is good for the gander.
If you notice the same people who think Ann Coulter says the most UnAmerican things think Michelle Obama made sense and vice versa.
But can we really have it both ways?
AprilOrit on February 20, 2008 at 11:41 AM
Islam teaches that the whole world is Muslim, but those who are not are just misguided and “we will take care of them.”
This is not a joke. It is exactly what Islam teaches, in it’s “holy” book.
Indy Conservative on February 20, 2008 at 11:43 AM
I don’t think I need to vote for an unaccomplished, unqualified candidate that makes Fidel Castro seem conservative, who happens to be black to prove I am not a racist.
I do not believe in affirmative action in any job, but especially for the president.
If Obama is not qualified (and he isn’t) his color does not make him suddnely better. If I recall correctly Mr. King’s dream was ignoring skin color, not giving preferential treatment because of it.
Colin Powell, Michael Steel, JC Watts are all examples of black Americans that are qualified and I would vote for, but Obama is not Presiential material and we do not need elect him to prove we aren’t racist.
Only Democrats and Racially Biased HateMongers believe that White on Black racism is as bad today as it was in the 50s. True Americans know that view is total BS.
JayHaw Phrenzie on February 20, 2008 at 11:46 AM
?
But Obama is only half black.
What about his white momma?
How can Michelle be proud that America is really only voting for half of a black guy?
And more likely really voting for his white half?
She’d better start fuming about that.
America is still half racist!
profitsbeard on February 20, 2008 at 11:47 AM
No . . . she meant exactly what she said and with her academic credentials I would not expect her to misspeak. At a minimum, she dislikes or perhaps hates most of the culture she lives in. Once spoken, it is there forever.
rplat on February 20, 2008 at 11:47 AM
Unfortunately Barack Obama is no John Kerry.
You can spin it anyway you want, acting as if and wishful thinking are always a good approach when one’s in doubt. Or calling people young and dumb. Whatever your pleasure.
But come November I think the Dems will win. .
You can almost smell it, just read the comments here, most are fear based.
AprilOrit on February 20, 2008 at 11:48 AM
It’s kind of amazing how far out of context Barak took his wife’s comment, but he had no choice. But Barak’s context is as damning an indictment of Michelle’s respect for what is America as Michelle’s own words and doesn’t say it much differently. Both are saying ‘don’t be proud of anything your country is or does until people see things your way politically and vote for your husband for President in large numbers.’
Dusty on February 20, 2008 at 11:51 AM
You can pretend that Michelle’s hate filled invective directed at America actually proves she loves America and that Ann Coulter’s clear patriotism is AntiAmerican, but you thenlose what little credibility you had.
Anyone that interpets Patriotism as AntiAmericanism really has a distorted view of the world.
I love America. I have been proud to be an American my entire life. I think America is te greatest country in the world and I say that unreservedly an with great conviction.
Can you say the same?
I joined the Army when I was 17 years old, because it is my duty to pay for my freedom. What has Obama done for his country? And please don’t bring up “Inspiration”, “Hope” and “Change”.
Enjoy the Obama koolaid, but as I said before, the post election hangover is a a b*ctch.
JayHaw Phrenzie on February 20, 2008 at 11:51 AM
I have always admired the liberal ability to ignore reality.
Kerry couldn’t beat President Bush, a man with approval ratings in the 30s now.
Do you know what Mac’s approval rating is? Do you know how many independents will vote for Mac? Do you realize that National Defense Democrats will, in the privacy of the voting booth, not vote fer a coward that is anti military and will not defend our country.
I bet you were so excited when Joe Lieberman lost the Dem nomination in 2006. Do you know what his margin of victory was in the primary?
America is nothing like the Daily Kos, DU world you live in. You are in a fringe and don’t even realize it.
JayHaw Phrenzie on February 20, 2008 at 11:56 AM
Well he doesn’t have to cover up her “drug addiction” and “drug stealing”…Oops
TOPV on February 20, 2008 at 11:59 AM
See? You can suck at the teat of affirmative action, and still want more. She’s as typical as Daley’s quota Fire Officers he makes here. They think they’re legit too.
LtE126 on February 20, 2008 at 12:01 PM
I blame the Princeton graduate system for failing students like Michelle Obama.
The course on “Say what you mean, not what you say” is woefully lacking in No Child Leftist Behind funding.
Kini on February 20, 2008 at 12:05 PM
Just his “drug dealing”, but hey you can’t win them all.
JayHaw Phrenzie on February 20, 2008 at 12:05 PM
This woman is like the little plastic teat that pops out of a turkey when it’s done. Black America now has its very own Marie Antoinette so lets shut down affirmative action, and start helping the rest of America succeed.
“Let them eat CHANGE”
Michelle Hussein Osama
Hening on February 20, 2008 at 12:06 PM
People never respect anything they get for free. It only increase their sense of entitlement.
Remember the welfare queen from New Orleans that was complaining about how little support she was getting from the government while sitting next to her giant screen HDTV.
Same principle.
JayHaw Phrenzie on February 20, 2008 at 12:07 PM
Look way back in his past…you’ll find the answer. (Thinking out loud) I wonder how much influence his mother had on his up bringing, since we all know how much say wives of radical muslims have on anything.
kcd on February 20, 2008 at 12:13 PM
Orit, why not say what you really mean instead of using code words like “Fear-based”?
Please, tell me. WHAT does “fear-based” REALLY mean?
As opposed to “based on something other than fear”?
And, specifically…Fear of WHAT????
I’m NOT being facetious. Exactly what do democrats drive at when they say “fear-based” or the “politics of fear”? Exactly WHAT is it they think we conservatives are AFRAID of????
I’d love to have some clarification of the intent and meaning around those code-words. Because they sound just as “code-wordy” to conservatives like me as phrases like “War on Terror” or “Axis of Evil” seem to be for you Democrats.
Please explain?
Shirotayama on February 20, 2008 at 12:14 PM
Close. It was The New Yorker’s Pauline Kael, and she was talking about Nixon rather than Reagan. But same idea.
It’s a classic illustration of exactly why liberals are perpetually amazed come election day when they don’t win – or why they insist that cheating is the only reason for their defeat.
They truly live in bubbles. And for what it’s worth, ALL liberals exist in bubbles. If you leave the bubble, you won’t be a liberal anymore.
That’s why liberalism is so common among the ultra-wealthy (especially if it was inherited), the Hollywood elites, academic professionals (especially professors who never worked in the private sectors), and naive college students.
They’ve all spent all their time in a bubble.
Most of them, if they leave the bubble and mature, stop voting for liberals. It’s axiomatic.
When I was in the bubble I voted for Michael Dukakis. So did everyone I knew. Imagine my surprise when he got creamed. In fact, the only person I knew who voted for Bush … was a young lady who’d lived outside of the bubble most of her young life.
The Bubble Theory explains everything about liberalism and socialism. Once you work for a living and deal with reality, you aren’t liberal for long. Guaranteed. Reality always wins in the end.
Unless you find a clever way to avoid it.
Professor Blather on February 20, 2008 at 12:16 PM
Then keep her away from microphones. Gee, Barry, are you really this dumb? No active participants get free passes.
James on February 20, 2008 at 12:17 PM
I think they will too, partially because I have no desire to help get McCain elected, and I know others who feel the same.
If people are young and dumb, I have no problem calling them that, but my mother really just meant that my roommate had no sense of historical perspective. My mother was around during the Civil Rights movement. Her grandmother fought to give women the right to vote and helped women in one city get on juries, so her perspective on the excitement of Kerry’s campaign was a little different than my 26-year-old roommate.
My opinion, is that I believe very much that people are excited right now. Obama’s a rock star, and people in my generation haven’t yet had some big movement to be proud of. We’ve been waiting for something to mark our place in history, and the Iraq War isn’t it.
Esthier on February 20, 2008 at 12:22 PM
I am pretending nothing, you are assuming.
Everyone has an opinion that doesn’t make yours are anyone’s right.
All of your self-lauding on a blog means nothing to me, if you love your country means nothing to me, I could care less. As for your service – I will say about you what I have said about McCain here in his defense on this blog – at least you served your country when most notables among us did not and for that you deserve respect and a big thank you.
Yes of course I love my country but whether I did or didn’t is no one’s concern. Like Michelle Obama I am not a candidate running for office.
As Dick Morris told Bill O’Reilly last night, she is not the candidate so what she says really doesn’t matter. And attacking her will go nowhere. The Right tried it with Hillary way back when and Bill won anyway. He also duly noted that once he won Wisconsin a new news cycle starts and it’s over with most Americans.
My credibility and my lack of or as to whether I lost it is merely your opinion, and we know everyone has one. You are entitled to it, but again this is an anonymous blog, you don’t know me personally, so your judgement of me – to me – is basically moot.
It’s neither here no there in the scheme of reality.
And kool-aid comes in many flavors and many fountains my friend, hold your tongue.
I think I saw you ass up in a fountain here and there a few times.
As for Leiberman I had no opinion, I do not live in CT and I am a registered Republican.
AprilOrit on February 20, 2008 at 12:22 PM
Question: How shocked will we all be when Barrack Hussein Obama is sworn in…..on the koran?
kcd on February 20, 2008 at 12:23 PM
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