Obama Takes Tough Questions
Barack Obama dropped by a Boca Raton synagogue today, where during his town hall meeting, he was asked about his relationship with Israel and the Jewish community - something that has plagued his candidacy as rumors over his religion have caused concern. As he wrapped up his prepared remarks, Obama invited “the tough questions” - which was exactly what he got.
The first questioner wondered why he didn’t change his name back to Barry - the name Obama went by as a child. Obama acknowledged the name sounds Muslim and said he wanted to clear up the matter. “My father was from Kenya and Barack actually interestingly enough means the same as Baruch. It means one who’s blessed. And the reason—the reason that that’s interesting is that it’s the same Semitic root. The same source. My father was basically agnostic as far as I can tell, and I didn’t know him. He left as I said when I was two years old. So I was raised by my mother who was from Kansas. And it’s true they called me Barry when I was young, but as I got older, I thought it was important to acknowledge this other side of my heritage and so I was called Barack,” he explained.
For good measure, he observed, “You’ve had a prime minister named Barack in Israel. It should be pretty familiar to this audience.” The crowd applauded.
Two questions later, Obama was asked about his connections to a pro-Palestine scholar named Rashid Khalidi as well as proof that he has pro-Israel friends and advisors. The questioner rambled on a bit and as the crowd got restless, Obama cut off the man as diplomatically as he could. “There’s a question in there that’s important. Let me respond to the question,” he said.
Obama acknowledged that he knows Khalidi, as they both were on the faculty at the University of Chicago and their kids attended the same school. Yes, he’s had conversations with the controversial figure, but said, “To pluck out one person who I know and who I’ve had a conversation with who has very different views than 900 of my friends and then to suggest that somehow that shows that maybe I’m not sufficiently pro-Israel – I think is a very problematic stand to take.”
Obama said part of his job as an elected official was to listen to different perspectives - even if he does not agree with them. “We gotta be careful about guilt by association,” he warned. He also ticked off a few names of friends and advisors who are known to be pro-Israel. “I have to be very cautious about this, because you know, you remember the old stereotype about somebody says, ‘well I’m not prejudice, some of my best friends are Jewish.’ Right? Or, ‘I’m not prejudice, some of my best friends are black.’ So I hesitate to start listing them out,” he said. But since the man asked…
Obama drew applause when he answered a question on what he would have to say to the Iranian President should he engage in direct diplomacy with the controversial leader. Obama explained that while he does not find Ahmadinejad’s language relating to Israel acceptable, the way the Bush Administration has not been effective. “How is it that the Bush, Cheney, McCain policy has been good for Israel? …I don’t see how it’s been good for Israel. ”
Near the end of the lengthy event, Obama shot down rumors that he is, in fact, Muslim. “If you get one of these emails that says I’m a Muslim, not true, never been a Muslim. This is just stuff that is designed to make people suspicious and I watch this - I’m amazed that people are reading this stuff. By the way, if you get an email from a Nigerian whose trying to, who says you can make a lot of money if you send him a thousand dollars, don’t send your money or your bank account. I mean we don’t believe stuff, when, you know, they are advertisements that say we can enhance your uh…we don’t believe that stuff when it comes over email, why would you believe an email about me?! Don’t believe it, go to the source,” he said as the crowd laughed.
Turning serious, he said, “There is not a single trace of me being anything more than a friend of Israel and a friend of the Jewish people and I think, and so I would just ask, because this is part of, I think the tradition of the Jewish people, is to judge me by what I say and what I’ve done, don’t judge me because I’ve got a funny name, don’t judge me because I’m African American,” he said. “If my policies are wrong, then vote against me because my policies are wrong. You know, if I’m not honest, if I’m not truthful, [don't] vote for me for that reason, but don’t vote against me because of who I am,” he said.
The candidate has met with two other Jewish groups on the campaign trail - the first in Cleveland was closed to press (the campaign provided a transcript) and the second was open to just a pooled press. This was the first of its kind open to the general media at large and on his public schedule.
Tags: Iran, Israel, jewish, muslim, obama, palestine
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He will never covince the Jewish people or the White working class , religouis loving people that he is on there side . Fake hot air comes from obama’s month . He will lose in 08 . He speaks with FORK tounge .
Obama doesn’t think highly of white working class people, must be that 20 years he spent at that church. This “typical white women”, Obama’s words, will not vote for him. He flip-flops everyday depending on who he is talking to. Doesn’t even know how many states are in the U.S.
GIVE IT UP OBAMA IS THE MAN HE SPEAKS THE TRUTH CHANGE CHANGE CHANGE I’M WHITE 65 NOT A COLLEGE GRADUATE CATHOLIC AND STILL WORKING 7 DAYS A WEEK AND HE IS THE ONLY ONE I WILL VOTE FOR THE CLINTON LIES AND DAYS ARE OVER AND NOT A PENNY OF THE OBAMA DEMOCRATIC MONEY TO GO AND PAY HER BILLS WHICH ARE OVER 60 DAYS LATE THE SMALL BUSINES PEOPLE WHO OWN NAPKIN AND FOOD COMPANIES THAT SHE HAS NOT PAID WHAT A GREAT WOMAN SHE NEEDS TO BORROW ANOTHER 20 MILLION FROM HER OWN POCKETBOOK AND LOOSE IT ALL SHE IS STUPID AND ONLY CARES ABOUT HERSELF AND GETTING SLICK BILL A JOB AND ALSO IT IS RIGHT TO TALK TO ANY ENEMY BEFORE WE GO TO WAR WITH ANYONE THERE IS A REASON FOR THE HATRED AND LETS FIND IT OUT I MEAN IN THE NEWS NOT COVERED UP LETS GET TO THE TRUTH GO OBAMA I AND MINE BELEIVE IN YOU TRUTH, TRUTH, CHANGE, CHANGE, CHANGE CHANGE
Did Obama respond to Larry Sinclair’s allegations?
Give Obama credit for taking questions at the synagogue. But, he won’t get the same high percentage of the Jewish vote as Dems have received in past elections.
Superdelegates need to reconsider
Were Larry Sinclair’s allegations ever proven to be factual.
Comment by Thought
May 22nd, 2008 at 9:38 pm
Superdelegates need to reconsider
Were Larry Sinclair’s allegations ever proven to be factual.
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Yes - by the Globe
Dang did it even post?
Google ” Odinga, Obama, ODM, Kenya”
google ” Obongo Obama”
Ok Obama will probably lose the Jewish vote for talking trash about Isreal and vacationing with a friend who denies the Nazi’s persecuted the Jews. “Iran is not a threat”
Comment by American Woman
May 22nd, 2008 at 9:41 pm
Google ” Odinga, Obama, ODM, Kenya”
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AM - Respectfully, those claims you are making were made by a missionary couple who also thinks the american flag is satanic because of the 5 point stars and that the NFL is a tool of satan’s - I do not put much credit in folks with those kind of claims
TimeForChange
I might be a little slow, the globe is a tabloid newspaper, right.
Obama is a liar. He lies about America and his relationships with Reverend Wright and didn’t disown him till about now
What more do you poeple want the answer your question and you still don’t beleive him.
Tell the trust what are you scary of? He’s Black
Obama said that he listens to others even though he doesn’t agree with their positions. This is what a president is supposed to do - listen then take action. So far, Obama is the only candidate that has show that important quality. Clinton doesn’t listen to economists and is willing to start nuclear war - McCain listens to Bush. Come on, America. Wake up. It’s time for Obama.
Listen up Obama backers!! During your Oregon primaries there was a band that was appearing that evening for a free concert to the public, How convenient it was that it was the same night that Obama made his speech in Iowa. The name of the band is the Decemberists from what I was told. The same band is popular in the state of Oregon, This band starts off the show playing the Russian National anthem!! Our press failed to mention that the majority of the people showed up for this free concert also the fact about what this band stands for.Mmmmmm.
The toughest question Obama will have to face:
Can you run this country….nope
I would like to question Obama on economic issues. He needs to quit being obsessed with his social issues
Comment by Thought
May 22nd, 2008 at 9:44 pm
TimeForChange
I might be a little slow, the globe is a tabloid newspaper, right.
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Yes - the same folks who tells us that elvis is working at the Mall food court
Obama said that he listens to others even though he doesn’t agree with their positions. This is what a president is supposed to do - listen then take action. So far, Obama is the only candidate that has show that important quality. Clinton doesn’t listen to economists and is willing to start nuclear war - McCain listens to Bush. Come on, America. Wake up. It’s time for Obama.
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He NEVER agrees with their position…he is what I call a “1 upper”
Airforce
I don’t think their scared that he’s black, there’s too many people out there that are easily manipulated into believing the perception that they want you to believe.
Selios wrote - Listen up Obama backers!! During your Oregon primaries there was a band that was appearing that evening for a free concert to the public, How convenient it was that it was the same night that Obama made his speech in Iowa. The name of the band is the Decemberists from what I was told. The same band is popular in the state of Oregon, This band starts off the show playing the Russian National anthem!! Our press failed to mention that the majority of the people showed up for this free concert also the fact about what this band stands for.Mmmmmm.
To this I say - “huh?”
My God, every day I listen to Barak Husssein Obama he has a new story and a new position on the same subject. I’m beginning to believe he doesn’t know what he stands for let alone the voters.
Comment by stelios
May 22nd, 2008 at 9:45 pm
Listen up Obama backers!! During your Oregon primaries there was a band that was appearing that evening for a free concert to the public, How convenient it was that it was the same night that Obama made his speech in Iowa. The name of the band is the Decemberists from what I was told. The same band is popular in the state of Oregon, This band starts off the show playing the Russian National anthem!! Our press failed to mention that the majority of the people showed up for this free concert also the fact about what this band stands for.Mmmmmm.
****************************************************************************
Airforce
You see what I mean, they even made sure they threw the Russian National anthem. Some people will believe anything
Who is Obama trying to fool anyway?
i am telling you. since Hillary left the after the primaries. you see a lot of people looking at Obama diffrently.when senator Byrd backed him up. i knew that is the direction we need to go.
senator byrd has always looked out for WV.i know wich way i am voting .
people need to read beyond this hate. fox must be the ony one letting McCain supporters write all this nonsense.
WV woman voting for hope. optimism, .
Obama
Diane
By next week Obama will have been a former KGB agent. Or at least linked to one.
Comment by CATHY WV
May 22nd, 2008 at 9:55 pm
i am telling you. since Hillary left the after the primaries. you see a lot of people looking at Obama diffrently.when senator Byrd backed him up. i knew that is the direction we need to go.
senator byrd has always looked out for WV.i know wich way i am voting .
people need to read beyond this hate. fox must be the ony one letting McCain supporters write all this nonsense.
WV woman voting for hope. optimism, .
Obama
_______________________________________________________________________
I have a hard time beleiving this is Cathy - if it is, I am pleased - if not, then why are you spoofing her name
CATHY WV
people need to read beyond this hate.
*******************************************************
Well said Cathy
Comment by Thought
May 22nd, 2008 at 9:56 pm
Diane
By next week Obama will have been a former KGB agent. Or at least linked to one.
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No thought, Stalin reincarnated
do i know you ?
Cathy WV….. Guess you haven’t heard, Hillary is still in this race Big Time and has a Real Good chance at getting the nomination. Let’s see which way the remaining Superdelegates go after the May 31 meeting and the last primary election votes are in. I’m thinking Obama and his supporters are going to be surprised.
time for change , i dont think i know you ?
TimeForChange
You have a reason for supporting Obama or are u bandwagon ?
Comment by CATHY WV
May 22nd, 2008 at 9:58 pm
do i know you ?
_____________________________________________________
Know me? - Not really - we have exchange a comment or two but I remember you were dead set against Obama - Just wanted to make sure it was for real
Comment by Grape Ape
May 22nd, 2008 at 9:59 pm
TimeForChange
You have a reason for supporting Obama or are u bandwagon ?
____________________________________________________
Bandwagon?
Grape Ape
A better question is why don’t you.
Supposedly, Bill Clinton is working the back rooms trying to get Hillary the VP spot with Barak Husssein Obama. Now Obama is already on record as saying that he doesn’t include Bill Clinton on his list of “Great American Presidents”, but even with that remark, Clinton is willing to beg for the VP position for his wife.
What are the chances that Bill Clinton, a former and most recent Democratic President, will make a speech at the DNC convention? … Especially after Barak Husssein Obama said he does not include Bill Clinton on his list of “Great American Presidents”. Maybe little Howard Dean won’t even let him in the door.
You have a reason for supporting Obama or are u bandwagon ?
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Bandwagon?
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Yeah….jump on the bandwagon
Grape Ape:
Yes - many reasons - the war in Iraq - The war in Iraq
Oh, and the war in Iraq
Grape Ape
A better question is why don’t you.
————————
Rookie’s of the year are never MVP’s
Grape Ape:
Yes - many reasons - the war in Iraq - The war in Iraq
Oh, and the war in Iraq
——————————-
Who we fighting?
Comment to Thoughtless……. Just another rumor I guess ” Going around!”. Just like Rezko, Wright, Ayers, and the cast of characters that are being “imagined” by the Clinton backers. Truth or in your mind (rumors) suck don’t it?
Comment by Grape Ape
May 22nd, 2008 at 10:02 pm
Grape Ape:
Yes - many reasons - the war in Iraq - The war in Iraq
Oh, and the war in Iraq
——————————-
Who we fighting?
____________________________________________________
Grape Ape: If you have a point or a question I will be glad to answer - I am not good at 20 questions
Grape Ape
Rookie’s of the year are never MVP’s
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Just what I thought, No facts, just heard a soundbyte some where and formed an opinion.
Comment by Grape Ape
May 22nd, 2008 at 10:02 pm
Grape Ape:
Yes - many reasons - the war in Iraq - The war in Iraq
Oh, and the war in Iraq
——————————-
Who we fighting?
____________________________________________________
Grape Ape: If you have a point or a question I will be glad to answer - I am not good at 20 questions
———————————-
When you are at war you are against another group…..so who are we fighting?
Here’s an answer to why not Obama: Obama is not the best candidate for the job of U.S. President. So far his job interview by the American People has not been too impressive.
stelios
Who do you support.
Comment by Grape Ape
May 22nd, 2008 at 10:05 pm
Comment by Grape Ape
May 22nd, 2008 at 10:02 pm
Grape Ape:
Yes - many reasons - the war in Iraq - The war in Iraq
Oh, and the war in Iraq
——————————-
Who we fighting?
____________________________________________________
Grape Ape: If you have a point or a question I will be glad to answer - I am not good at 20 questions
———————————-
When you are at war you are against another group…..so who are we fighting?
________________________________________________________________
Once again - I am not taking the bait - if you have a point make it - if you do not know who we are fighting then you must be from pluto
Grape Ape
Rookie’s of the year are never MVP’s
*****************************************************
Just what I thought, No facts, just heard a soundbyte some where and formed an opinion.
———————————————-
I can write a book and pretend I am an expert at foreign policy, the economy, heathcare…etc
Rookie mistake
Yes - many reasons - the war in Iraq - The war in Iraq
Oh, and the war in Iraq
——————————-
Who we fighting?
____________________________________________________
Grape Ape: If you have a point or a question I will be glad to answer - I am not good at 20 questions
———————————-
When you are at war you are against another group…..so who are we fighting?
________________________________________________________________
Once again - I am not taking the bait - if you have a point make it - if you do not know who we are fighting then you must be from pluto
————————————————————————————-
If you are against “the war”….surely you know the two sides involved….one is the US
Comment by Grape Ape
May 22nd, 2008 at 10:08 pm
If you are against “the war”….surely you know the two sides involved….one is the US
________________________________________________________________________
Yes, I know who it is, but I am not going where you think I am being lead - what is your point?
Grape Ape
And yet with all that information all you can say is “Rookie’s of the year are never MVP’s”
In all past wars the enemy wore a different uniform than us… It’s a bit more difficult when the enemy looks like the civilians. Fortunately, the Surge is working and more troops may be coming home starting this Fall.
If you are against “the war”….surely you know the two sides involved….one is the US
________________________________________________________________________
Yes, I know who it is, but I am not going where you think I am being lead - what is your point?
________________________________________________
Why are you against freedom?
Comment by Grape Ape
May 22nd, 2008 at 10:10 pm
If you are against “the war”….surely you know the two sides involved….one is the US
________________________________________________________________________
Yes, I know who it is, but I am not going where you think I am being lead - what is your point?
________________________________________________
Why are you against freedom?
_____________________________________________________
Whos freedom? - trend lightly - I am a veteran
its a long race . i voted for Hillary. i have alot of relatives that are coal miners. life has’nt been easy. the mines aren’t safe, but thats what they do.when they hear mcCain really doesnt support them it realy wakes you up. what do we have in this state to bring revenue.we feel like we have been forgotten for so long.the last year has hit home real hard. Obama clearly is the front runner and we need to back him up.he really shows optimism, he shows enthusiasm. great leader portrays good change but only with the spirit in the people can you bring change.
we need to really take a look at ourselves , think how can we help make a diffrence.
i think about men being buried alive in the mines. families looking for hope.women left behind to raise their kids.
who will look out for us ?
TimeForChange
You know the funny part about this ape, he probably actually thinks he’s smarter than most.
Grape Ape
And yet with all that information all you can say is “Rookie’s of the year are never MVP’s”
—————————————————————————-
I wouldnt not make one of my intern’s CEO…..why would you make a “junior senator” President
Don’t hear much from Rev. Wright anymore. Kinda miss not seeing him on TV much … sure would like to know where he is these days. Wonder how his Black Liberation Theology is doing … especially since Barak Obama isn’t making any more big offerings to the people over at Trinity these days.
Comment by CATHY WV
May 22nd, 2008 at 10:11 pm
its a long race . i voted for Hillary. i have alot of relatives that are coal miners. life has’nt been easy. the mines aren’t safe, but thats what they do.when they hear mcCain really doesnt support them it realy wakes you up. what do we have in this state to bring revenue.we feel like we have been forgotten for so long.the last year has hit home real hard. Obama clearly is the front runner and we need to back him up.he really shows optimism, he shows enthusiasm. great leader portrays good change but only with the spirit in the people can you bring change.
we need to really take a look at ourselves , think how can we help make a diffrence.
i think about men being buried alive in the mines. families looking for hope.women left behind to raise their kids.
who will look out for us ?
____________________________________________________________________
Awesome Cathy - Good for you - I wish all your folks the best
Comment by Grape Ape
May 22nd, 2008 at 10:10 pm
If you are against “the war”….surely you know the two sides involved….one is the US
________________________________________________________________________
Yes, I know who it is, but I am not going where you think I am being lead - what is your point?
________________________________________________
Why are you against freedom?
_____________________________________________________
Whos freedom? - trend lightly - I am a veteran
—————————————————–
Mine and theirs
TimeForChange
You know the funny part about this ape, he probably actually thinks he’s smarter than most.
—————————————-
Doesnt take much to process a “Thought”
Comment by Grape Ape
May 22nd, 2008 at 10:12 pm
Comment by Grape Ape
May 22nd, 2008 at 10:10 pm
If you are against “the war”….surely you know the two sides involved….one is the US
________________________________________________________________________
Yes, I know who it is, but I am not going where you think I am being lead - what is your point?
________________________________________________
Why are you against freedom?
_____________________________________________________
Whos freedom? - trend lightly - I am a veteran
—————————————————–
Mine and theirs
_______________________________________
Your freedom? their freedom? you speak in puzzles
Grape Ape
So he’s not qualified
Your freedom? their freedom? you speak in puzzles
————————————————–
The freedom of this country and the freedom of Iraq
Comment by Thought
May 22nd, 2008 at 10:11 pm
TimeForChange
You know the funny part about this ape, he probably actually thinks he’s smarter than most.
______________________________________________________________
I cant figure what he thinks - speaks in circles and puzzles to me
Grape Ape
So he’s not qualified
———————-
DO you have a “thought” or did u run out
Comment by Grape Ape
May 22nd, 2008 at 10:14 pm
Your freedom? their freedom? you speak in puzzles
————————————————–
The freedom of this country and the freedom of Iraq
_________________________________________________________________
Is there a question in all this?
Grape Ape
Doesnt take much to process a “Thought”
*************************************************************************
I’m sure your proff of that.
time for change my computer is a little slow. i dont think i have talked to you before. i have only been on this site a few times.
open up your hearts and have faith in the lord . he is the only one that can save you.
For some reason, I just don’t see all of these attacks within the Democratic Party on the great people of FL, MI, West Virginia, and Kentucky, being consistent with the philosophy of “Uniting”. I just don’t.
Your freedom? their freedom? you speak in puzzles
————————————————–
The freedom of this country and the freedom of Iraq
_________________________________________________________________
Is there a question in all this?
——————————————–
You say you are “against the war” yet you dont mind putting another country into their own civil war
Grape Ape
Doesnt take much to process a “Thought”
*************************************************************************
I’m sure your proff of that.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++
That’s proof there “thought”
Time For Change
I don’t believe your claims…respecfully of course
TimeForChange
I really think that this guy thinks he’s smarter than anyone alive, he’s trying to lead you into saying something so he can prove to himself how smart he is.
Hey thought you got it all wrong, By next week Obama will throw his grandmother(typical white person) under the train and say she was a former KGB agent, stay tuned!!!
Comment by Grape Ape
May 22nd, 2008 at 10:16 pm
Your freedom? their freedom? you speak in puzzles
————————————————–
The freedom of this country and the freedom of Iraq
_________________________________________________________________
Is there a question in all this?
——————————————–
You say you are “against the war” yet you dont mind putting another country into their own civil war
_______________________________________________________________________
The two mus*lim “tribes” there have been figh*ting since - nothing anyone can do to change that
TimeForChange
I really think that this guy thinks he’s smarter than anyone alive, he’s trying to lead you into saying something so he can prove to himself how smart he is.
——————————————————
Thought…you would last 45 seconds on a debate with me….you would probably go Independent after I mopped the floor with your IQ
Comment by American Woman
May 22nd, 2008 at 10:18 pm
Time For Change
I don’t believe your claims…respecfully of course
_________________________________________________________________
Their names are Celeste and Loren Davis -
progressivepatriots.com/2008/04/22/loren-davis-flag-kook/
Obama sucks…Obama will come down…wait for the next videos of his wife come out…
The two mus*lim “tribes” there have been figh*ting since - nothing anyone can do to change that
———————————————
So lets leave and let them destroy each other, including all the women and children (collateral damage right?)
However, we will strive to save the polar bears because natural selection has only been going on say ….. forever?
[...] Oh, wait, it already happened. [...]
Comment by Grape Ape
May 22nd, 2008 at 10:24 pm
The two mus*lim “tribes” there have been figh*ting since - nothing anyone can do to change that
———————————————
So lets leave and let them destroy each other, including all the women and children (collateral damage right?)
However, we will strive to save the polar bears because natural selection has only been going on say ….. forever?
________________________________________________________________________
I can remeber another war where women and children were “collateral damage”
We in American call it the Civil War - Happens all the time -
My opposition is to American troops caught in the middle - it is more a UN peacekeeping job then one for the US military
Comment by Grape Ape
Thought…you would last 45 seconds on a debate with me….you would probably go Independent after I mopped the floor with your IQ
**************************************************************************
Wow it must be hard for you to lower yourself down so you can talk with and educate us lowly people. And we should be humbled in your presence. Ypu must work for NASA or something.
Also how will Obama change the country? In terms of economy.