State Dept: Two contractors fired for accessing Obama’s passport records
posted at 9:08 pm on March 20, 2008 by Allahpundit
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A Nixonian dirty trick? Must be. Just imagine the type of spam one could send if you knew a candidate’s e-mail address:
Passport application data includes such details as date and place of birth, e-mail address, mailing address, Social Security number, former names and travel plans. Mr. Obama was born in Honolulu in 1961 to a Kenyan father and American mother. He lived in Jakarta, Indonesia, from age six to 10.
A State spokesman says the data wasn’t copied or altered and doesn’t appear to have been accessed at anyone’s behest, but it’ll knock the Wright stuff off the front page for a day and give the left the opportunity it’s been searching for the past week to return to victimhood. And darned if Obama’s team isn’t seizing it with both hands.
Minor discrepancy: NBC says the unauthorized access happened in January but the Wash Times says it happened once that month, then again in February, and then again in March. Exit question one: Why didn’t anyone step in after the first breach? Exit question two: If it’s all a great Rovian conspiracy to destroy the Messiah by discovering his secret date of birth or whatever, why’d the feds burn their bridges to the employees who have the goods by firing them instead of making some demonic bargain for their silence?
Update: “A senior official told NBC News there was ‘no political motivation’ to the incidents, adding that the three were low-level contract employees doing administrative work and accessed Obama’s records out of ‘curiosity.’”
Update: Think of this story as the flip side of the speech the other day. You knew exactly which way the most shameless hacks would bend on that one. And you know exactly which way they’ll bend on this one.
Update: State will brief Obama’s staff on the breach tomorrow.
Update: Geraghty points the finger — baselessly!
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Omabma supporters, to change the subject …
tarpon on March 20, 2008 at 9:10 PM
wonder if those two state dept appointees were clinton hires? :P
lorien1973 on March 20, 2008 at 9:11 PM
Clinton operatives I tell ya.
flyboy777 on March 20, 2008 at 9:12 PM
What fake outrage. If it was “the administration” you think he would have heard about it? Think they would have reported it?
The Obama campaign sees this is a perfect opportunity to get the Wright monkey off his back and worst of all it just fell in his lap, gift wrapped with a huge bow on it.
Brad on March 20, 2008 at 9:12 PM
This political season is getting craaaazy.
Obama better be on the lookout for identity theft.
frankj on March 20, 2008 at 9:12 PM
June 6, 1966?
Laura on March 20, 2008 at 9:12 PM
I just can not believe someone would do this to Abraham Lincoln…
d1carter on March 20, 2008 at 9:13 PM
This just in
Socks found at site. Sandy Berger not availible for comment.
William Amos on March 20, 2008 at 9:15 PM
Actually this is a good thing. Too much focus on Wright and there will a Monica like backlash. It’s time to change the subject since the damage has been done. He’ll come up again during the next race spat.
ninjapirate on March 20, 2008 at 9:16 PM
Why didn’t they just ask Hillary for Obama’s FBI file?
Right_of_Attila on March 20, 2008 at 9:17 PM
Let me qualify.
Only with regard to the Wright situation. Snooping through records is not a good thing.
ninjapirate on March 20, 2008 at 9:17 PM
Rove, you magnificent bastard.
amerpundit on March 20, 2008 at 9:18 PM
http://www.salon.com/opinion/conason/2007/12/29/obama_europe/
Del Dolemonte on March 20, 2008 at 9:19 PM
Craig Livingstone, I presume?
Dusty on March 20, 2008 at 9:21 PM
Or where they trying to see where he visited in the 1960s ?
William Amos on March 20, 2008 at 9:24 PM
I flipped to PMSNBC to see their reaction and David Schuester and Dan Abrams are acting more like Obama was shot.
THE CHOSEN ONE on March 20, 2008 at 9:27 PM
What’s “secret” about a passport file?
Where was Barack going?
Libya with Wright?
profitsbeard on March 20, 2008 at 9:27 PM
Ha. Yeah, I noticed that too. BREAKING NEWS!
Allahpundit on March 20, 2008 at 9:29 PM
The accessibility of personal data held by the government and that it is accessible by so many people for so many networked reasons, increases the probability that these events will occur. But this is not only inappropriate but indefensible even for the reason of curiosity.
They should be fired and the more you fire for this reason, the less it will occur. But if you want to allow for understanding — compassion and mercy, yada, yada, yada, then let it occur on the basis of whomever’s privacy was invaded. It was Barack’s privacy that was invaded and if he wants them fired, then so be it.
Dusty on March 20, 2008 at 9:32 PM
Allahpundit on March 20, 2008 at 9:29 PM
This is actually a good thang. Mav knows he’ll bitchslap either one of them on policy, so I know it’s not his doing. The Bushies could care less cause it’s almost time for a long ass vacation. Hmmmm. Who might have people inside the State Department that might want Obama embarrassed? I’ll let you finish this thought.
THE CHOSEN ONE on March 20, 2008 at 9:32 PM
Out of curiousity,is there any cave address’s
in his passport,I’m kidding,but just sayin!
canopfor on March 20, 2008 at 9:32 PM
Oh yeah, and whoever tried to hush it up should be fired, too.
Dusty on March 20, 2008 at 9:33 PM
Obama needs lifelock right about now.
lorien1973 on March 20, 2008 at 9:34 PM
Has anyone questioned the timing yet?
doubleplusundead on March 20, 2008 at 9:34 PM
I hope the media runs wild with this story, only to find out the perpetrators are Clinton cronies. lol.
THE CHOSEN ONE on March 20, 2008 at 9:35 PM
McCain needs LifeAlert right about now.
loganthompson on March 20, 2008 at 9:35 PM
Just paving the way for historical reasons to explain Obama’s demise on a conspiracy.
JiangxiDad on March 20, 2008 at 9:36 PM
I question the timing! (Dammit, I forgot earlier)
lorien1973 on March 20, 2008 at 9:37 PM
Dan Abrams is acting as if that the State Department is only staffed with Bushies. lol Someone needs to take little Danny down there on a field trip.
THE CHOSEN ONE on March 20, 2008 at 9:37 PM
And what makes you think that they won’t? Don’t mess with the messiah! Chris Matthews is already calling in some favors.
Brad on March 20, 2008 at 9:38 PM
There are probably still Nixon appointees with access in the State Department. It was the Clintons, I’ll bet the family farm.
THE CHOSEN ONE on March 20, 2008 at 9:39 PM
Umm – and here I thought this site was about politics.
Regardless of what you may think of Obama, is *no one* considered that these low level contractors can just view your info? Identity theft *IS* a huge problem in this country, and with stories like these … it is absolutely ugly how little privacy we have left.
A Axe on March 20, 2008 at 9:39 PM
Doh – I meant to say and here I thought this site was for conservatives :)
A Axe on March 20, 2008 at 9:39 PM
Olby will lose sleep tonight.
loganthompson on March 20, 2008 at 9:41 PM
Story says they are database guys. Database designers/engineers need access like that. It says, they are warned that information is private and don’t poke around. That’s why the safeguards are in place, I suppose.
lorien1973 on March 20, 2008 at 9:42 PM
Doesn’t this just prove that people are actually starting to wonder about the man? Now that the platitudes have worn off. I bet you these were probably Obama supporters who are now questioning their pick.
Vigilante on March 20, 2008 at 9:43 PM
Well now Obama is the victim and we can stop talking about his typical white grandmother and his Pastor who hates the land he walks on it is all America’s fault I am sure the breach of his passport file is his government’s fault too..sorry had to get this rant out, this is how the Politicians play we need to change the subject, Obamas going down in the polls. Lets give the MSM something to chase around and talk about when I thought about it how big a deal is this and how often does it happen to other people?
Dr Evil on March 20, 2008 at 9:43 PM
Has Henry Waxman scheduled a hearing on this yet?
Time’s a wastin’
fogw on March 20, 2008 at 9:45 PM
Already on the agenda… right after they take of of steroids in baseball. Its all about priorities man.
Brad on March 20, 2008 at 9:47 PM
Waxman is busy trying to figure out how to be a better douche.
THE CHOSEN ONE on March 20, 2008 at 9:51 PM
“It says, they are warned that information is private and don’t poke around”
And obviously that has FAILED.
Furthermore, I am a programmer. Why exactly do three ‘low-level’ contractors have access to all the information? Travel? SSN? That information should not be available to them (especially not all of it).
A Axe on March 20, 2008 at 9:51 PM
I mean, you have to be really stupid, or just low-level staff to get caught doing this, like those those medical staff members for peering into Britney Speers files.
No doubt this will be front page, above the fold in 48 point Times New Roman font in the WaPo tomorrow.
Over30 on March 20, 2008 at 9:52 PM
Uh, is Obama’s spokesman actually asserting that the government hacked the information for political purposes?
amerpundit on March 20, 2008 at 9:53 PM
Of course. Expect the media to cover this as much as possible at least for a day or two. Not because it’s a serious matter of privacy, but because it takes the heat off of Obama from the Wright controversy.
amerpundit on March 20, 2008 at 9:53 PM
Olberloser spent his ENTIRE HOUR on this non story.
Think he would have done that if it had happened to McCain?
ArmyAunt on March 20, 2008 at 9:57 PM
Most people are not the politic junkies we are.
They say Wright on the news for day and believe me, they aren’t gonna forget it when it comes time to vote.
ArmyAunt on March 20, 2008 at 9:58 PM
political
saw
Sheesh, I can’t spell tonight.
ArmyAunt on March 20, 2008 at 9:59 PM
then there was this and Obama gave a thoughtful speech….my goodness that must be his directions from his handlers Senator Obama we are going to need you to give another one of your thoughtful speeches at 11, 2 and again at 4 :) Oh it is all about who can say what in America…Obama wants you to think about context and the mans whole life and his good works…uh huh..that is the samething many people said last April when Imus was Fired.
http://www.newsmax.com/insidecover/obama_wright_imus/2008/03/19/81557.html
Dr Evil on March 20, 2008 at 9:59 PM
So these employees have now been debriefed and all info is eyes only, right? /s
Connie on March 20, 2008 at 10:00 PM
You can watch a whole hour of Olbermann? You are a brave one.
terryannonline on March 20, 2008 at 10:01 PM
The talking heads and Clinton spinners are using the “Bush State Department” mantra even though they know the place is filled with career bureaucrats (e.g. libs) and not Bush appointees.
regulus22 on March 20, 2008 at 10:02 PM
I’m not going to forget I have a memory like an elephant on steriods, waxman paging waxman :)
Dr Evil on March 20, 2008 at 10:03 PM
Oh my God! just got this from CNN
– The State Department says security on Barack Obama’s passport file has been breached, campaign officials tell CNN.
Last time I got an alert from CNN Britney was released from the hospital.
TroubledMonkey on March 20, 2008 at 10:03 PM
It was Nadar.
THE CHOSEN ONE on March 20, 2008 at 10:05 PM
Olby is going to spend another whole hour…Geez
flyboy777 on March 20, 2008 at 10:05 PM
Oh HELL to the NO!
Kept flipping to it, I hate Olberman and I have this morbid curiosity of how much make up he has on lol.
ArmyAunt on March 20, 2008 at 10:05 PM
We lost.
ThePrez on March 20, 2008 at 10:09 PM
Lost what?
ArmyAunt on March 20, 2008 at 10:10 PM
Oh ok.
Yeah, sometimes I’ll watch Bill Maher to see what ludicrous thing he is saying this week but I can’t keep it there too long without getting my blood boiling. It’s like I purposely want my religious and political beliefs attacked so I can be offended. LOL!
terryannonline on March 20, 2008 at 10:11 PM
The 5 or 6 people that watch his show for the full hr think THEY are being watched by Bush anyway. This is going to turn out to be some IT guys doing a data base search and Obama being the test subject.
TroubledMonkey on March 20, 2008 at 10:13 PM
Maverick on Letterman tonight after BBall. Go Heels.
THE CHOSEN ONE on March 20, 2008 at 10:13 PM
Obama is now the victim of a BushCo. attack. They`ll now run against him, ignore McCain and ride this `til november.
ThePrez on March 20, 2008 at 10:14 PM
Now, Jeremiah Wright doesn’t need Black Panther protection anymore.
THE CHOSEN ONE on March 20, 2008 at 10:15 PM
Most of the people I know won’t pay much attention to this.
Ho Hum…
They like the juicy stuff…..Wright etc.
The people I know will not forget or forgive the anti American bullshit Obama sat through and said nothing about.
ArmyAunt on March 20, 2008 at 10:17 PM
What exactly can be gathered during a search of one’s passport records? While I think that these employees should be fired and prosecuted if laws were broken, the whole damned thing is way overblown.
cannonball on March 20, 2008 at 10:17 PM
BTW, I created a very brief but relevant blog article today on racism. It’s short. Really.
Don’t let the title of the article scare you. There is really a point to it.
Link to shameless plug here.
cannonball on March 20, 2008 at 10:19 PM
I should send him my copy of “Shadow Warriors.”
Domino on March 20, 2008 at 10:21 PM
State Department contractors fired for investigating Obama’s passport? But President Bush is evil, his administration is corrupt.
I guess the Bush administration figured it was going to be harder to explain away than Whitewater, so they canned some poor slobs. I hope the contractors were white or it would be racist to do such a thing.
Hog Wild on March 20, 2008 at 10:24 PM
I picked that up a couple weeks ago (still sitting in my overly ambitious pile). Is it worth the read?
Over30 on March 20, 2008 at 10:25 PM
From the Bush administration? I should have known. Bush gets blamed for things that aren’t even remotely connected to him. Of course actions by contractors to the State Department are blamed on Bush. Just makes perfect sense.
Obama could literally take a shit on the steps of the White House and then blame Bush for stinking up the place. Shameless.
Seixon on March 20, 2008 at 10:26 PM
Bwahahahaaaaa!
Glorious.
loganthompson on March 20, 2008 at 10:30 PM
Definitely worth the read — Maddening stuff.
Domino on March 20, 2008 at 10:36 PM
blame and pander first, get the truth later.
homesickamerican on March 20, 2008 at 10:37 PM
Yeah, I’m a SQL DBA, so that was my question exactly. Just what kind of yahoos do we have setting up data tables WITHOUT proper permission settings? duh, passport data, important stuff…
JustTruth101 on March 20, 2008 at 10:39 PM
What possible use could terrorists have for perfectly forged passports, JT?
A minor breach of security…that seems to be all Obama’s fault.
alphie on March 20, 2008 at 10:42 PM
Okay, so State Department employees look at the Obama file.
If there were a republican in the State Department, I would be worried. As there are none, no problem.
thirtypundit on March 20, 2008 at 10:43 PM
Too many comedians on this site to even try to be clever………
Seven Percent Solution on March 20, 2008 at 10:48 PM
Exactly. But it was a State Dept. employee (Armitage – no fan of Bush) who provided Valerie Plame’s name to the media, but the Bush administration is still getting blamed. Just ask Scooter Libby.
Over30 on March 20, 2008 at 10:52 PM
Too many comedians on this site to even try to be clever………
Seven Percent Solution on March 20, 2008 at 10:48 PM
You’re right. We need more serious policy driven duds who miss the days of their high school debate team.
THE CHOSEN ONE on March 20, 2008 at 10:59 PM
I wasn’t aware that he had a US passport.
wepeople on March 20, 2008 at 11:00 PM
I caught a little bit of Olby with the breaking news. Hard to last long on that show. Although I have enjoyed Rachel Maddow’s increasing role on MSNBC. The more air time she receives the better for the Republicans. I caught a little bit of Gregory’s new show this week, and Scarbourgh has destroyed her on every point. This has to be Bushco, or Haliburton. We need a special prosecuter.
chief on March 20, 2008 at 11:02 PM
And to think he is leading now, and no one has seen him for weeks. Tough to watch the Republicans at a gun fight, they forgot to bring a candidate, much less a weapon.
tarpon on March 20, 2008 at 11:05 PM
Oh please, when the 527’s get ahold of the ads in September even Obama’s granny will throw him under the bus
ArmyAunt on March 20, 2008 at 11:14 PM
That’s why he’s winning! I don’t want to see him. The more I see and know about ANY politician the less I’m enthused about them. I hope McCain stays away from the media while Clinton and Obama are on every single day. Call it Clinton/Obama fatigue syndrome.
terryannonline on March 20, 2008 at 11:14 PM
steal his identity and start spending like crazy on hookers and booze…
Ropera on March 20, 2008 at 11:30 PM
The WH press corps will force the President himself to say something about this by tomorrow. Every media outlet in the world now wants to know if the
evilBush administrationcabalis using the State Department as a weapon against the Obama-rama.Mike D. on March 20, 2008 at 11:35 PM
What would we expect from those two dickeaters.
Jaibones on March 21, 2008 at 12:12 AM
Obama’s Passport Breach, No Big Deal
Connie on March 21, 2008 at 12:17 AM
And we will trust the government with our health care?
Johan Klaus on March 21, 2008 at 12:24 AM
We can trust the government with our…….
Johan Klaus on March 21, 2008 at 12:26 AM
OT, but good article from David Limbaugh:
Obama Not Yet Out of the Woods
Connie on March 21, 2008 at 12:26 AM
Oh well. Sigh.
Johan Klaus on March 21, 2008 at 12:27 AM
BTW, if they were “merely curious,” they will probably be discovered to be Obama supporters.
Connie on March 21, 2008 at 12:30 AM
Ha. The Messiah’s caca doesn’t stink.
Entelechy on March 21, 2008 at 12:43 AM
The Messiah is about to hop up on the cross. Bank on it.
Brad on March 21, 2008 at 12:48 AM
You can’t access data without copying it, unless you can view electrons with your eyeballs. And if it is viewed, it can be further copied in ways that are not detectable (not all of them electronic).
Mark Jaquith on March 21, 2008 at 12:48 AM
Interesting. You would expect the loonies to find a way to blame Bush, but the left shows again that they will not hesitate to eat their own by going after Clinton pretty hard.
Brad on March 21, 2008 at 1:03 AM
Wasn’t paying attention as I was doing some mechanic/metal work etc, but I had the news on in the background.
Sure enough, several commentators blamed Bush. One guy had to be an actual Obama staffer (just based on the rhetoric and sound of his voice {Ooooppps… was that racist of me?}): He blamed the “Bush-McCain State Department”.
Agree with most of you:
_I’d wager twenty to one that they were Clintonoids.
_Two to one odds that it was directly on orders/at the request of Hill or Bill,
_Three to one it was a high level campaign staffer that made the request,
_Eight to one that it wasn’t done on orders, just sycophants hoping to ingratiate themselves with Hillary if they could turn up anything useful.
LegendHasIt on March 21, 2008 at 1:23 AM
Big Doc Jeremiah Wright isnt going away.
That being said, the passport issue slows down or temporarily distracts the attention.
Hopefully Barack can cement his delegates during this eye-of-the-storm moment so when Hilary gets the super-delegate nod full critical mass is reached in the democrat party.
I think this plays to McCain.
Not sure who played it though…
Sonosam on March 21, 2008 at 1:42 AM
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