Comments on: Obama Statement from Iraq

By: Arlene

Arlene — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 11:15:13 +0000

I don`t understand why,you think Obama cross the line.His statement was just fine.mcCain wanted him to go Iraq just for this very reason.To say he made a mistake, and the media to talk about him.Senator Obama is doing for the people of the US,and I respect him.

By: Sharon in Manhattan

Sharon in Manhattan — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 08:57:37 +0000

Mr. Gergen – watching you during the primary race I thought you to be a true analyst: very insightful, slow to attack or assume, which is why I was surprised at your assertion, as stated above, that “Barack Obama made the first mistake of his trip…” Have you, too, succumb to the ‘gotcha’ game that most political panelists play as of late? Where was the mistake? What did he negotiate? All day, it was publicized what the meeting was about and that Obama played a listening role. Obama spoke after the Iraqi official stated the nature of the meeting. Give me a break. All he did was reinforce what we already knew to be the particiulars of the meeting: Al-Maliki’s pre-meeting wish for a timetable – excuse me, Time Horizon. If McCain speaks of his meetings, he is a foreign policy experts – if Obama, he’s stepping out of place and trying to negotiate?

You people are watching Obama like the paparazzi that this political season has turned you all into. Gloria couldn’t wait to throw her hat into the ring after your comment, least she not be in the game for one more round. [Who will be the first to spot Obama's mistake - ME, ME, LET IT BE ME!]

Wow, I think I am most surprised by you because I have a great deal of respect for your opinions. So, please, I beg you to stick to the facts and please don’t stoop as low as the rest of your colleagues. Wait until the trip is over and then make a calm, education analysis.

By: Maxine

Maxine — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 07:48:16 +0000

Thanks Senators giving the American people updates from congressional trip of your fact finding Blessing to everyone !!!

By: mollyk

mollyk — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 06:52:02 +0000

wow.... okay you run a story that Obama get too much coverage – and then you run some more stories that maybe he just might make a misstep.

Obama – went (remember that McCain suggested), listened (very unusual for a politician) – and that is what he said he was going to do, and then told us what he heard.

So instead of praising him for doing what he said he would do – you stretch yourselves to make non-news into some news about Obama missteps? And then you say that Obama gets too much coverage? What candidate would like this kind of coverage?

By: Cole

Cole — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 06:34:48 +0000

Obama is out of his league. He should start with leading the Boy Scouts of America for his OJT.

By: Jeanette

Jeanette — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 06:25:16 +0000

This is all nothing but a crock!!!!! All these politicians are out for one thing, and that is to get what they can and be bought by whoever pays the most. It's nothing but a big power trip at the expense of our country. Why do we disagree on who should be in there cause it hasn't made any difference in years. The two parties are so much alike that you can't even tell the difference anymore. If it wasn't they would not allow big business to sell our country out the way they have. It is more important to see who we are voting for in congress however as long as they belong to one of these parties, it makes no difference either.I wish we could have someone else to vote for, but the problem is...all it does it take away from the lessor of two evils... Obama would probably get elected by mistake and that would really be a disaster.

By: Kay

Kay — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 05:51:28 +0000

I know we have the best politicians money can buy, but I don't want Oprah buying my president! And I don't want a president who will put our troops at risk by going on a photo-op for his own ego when it only gives the enemy strength against our soldiers! Soldiers die when we back withdrawal before we have finished the job. We did it in Viet Nam, so haven't we learned anything? Can CNN be fair to anyone but Obama?

By: kristin

kristin — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 05:48:22 +0000

McCain should be happy that his ignorant statements are not featured news. He is credited with be the "expert" on Iraq, etc. but seems to be challenged with many facts, such as which countries boder Iraq. This is what happens when an Annapolis student graduates 894th in a class of 899. The man is intellectually challenged and we have already had that the past 8 years. Obama acts Presidental, looks Presidental and actually has the intellegence, judgement and "grades" to be President.

I am proud of his trip to the Middle East and Europe.

By: Jean Cannon

Jean Cannon — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 05:47:47 +0000

Senator Obama is refreshing. He approaches everything politically from an intellectual and common sense standpoint. The pundits, like Gergen, regurgitate their points ( no un intended) which make no sense to the American people only to their ilk. I respect Gergen, but his analysis if off. That's a shame. He is usually very thoughtful.

By: J.V.hodgson

J.V.hodgson — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 05:46:40 +0000

Dear AC 360,
I find the "statement" a finely balanced document recognising the importance of each sovreign states (US and Iraq) legislature in particular.
Personally, I am particularly encouraged by the basic consistency of the statement and the extended content ( "refinement of position" go on Media have a field day with that if you dare), much of which was in the public Domain but ignored almost completely by the GOP who talk surge and "no timelines" only. Will all concerned please during this important time of the election concentrate on all that needs to be done to end the war, "with the horrible euphemism of sucessfully" TO EACH SOVREIGN STATE.
Is President Bush in his last months suddenly realising that talking to people like ( North Korea) actually achieves more "success" than either fighting or brandishing military might?
Also, as long as the US or anyone other nation ignores Hamas ,Palestine and Hizbollah, Lebanon there will be no end to the war on terror.
Enough of war, talk please, and be fair to all sides which means the US cannot lead (involved yes) any middle east peace talks. They do not trust you period!
Regards,
Hodgson.

By: Marlie:

Marlie: — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 05:41:00 +0000

David: You are starting to twist information like everyone else on CNN. I expected you to be different. I know you worked on Bill Clinton's campaign. This is a different nominee and a different time. Please be sure of your facts. Other blogs say things entirely different.

By: Robin Hussein Blue

Robin Hussein Blue — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 05:40:23 +0000

Don't call it a "gaffe" for the sake of calling it a "gaffe". He knows he is not the president but he is still a U S Senator and it is his job along with Reed and Hagel to give feed back about these things to the people who are paying for this trip. The TAXPAYERS. So please calm down and stop waiting for him to make a "mistake". He is doing just fine. No matter what Obama does he is going to be critized ,so go ahead and do your thing B.O. (If Obama was the same person with white skin he would be 20 points ahead of McCain) and you guys know i'm right.

By: Michael Kinney

Michael Kinney — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 05:40:15 +0000

If Senator Obama conside the invasion of iraq a strategic blunder now. I really do not want him as the our President for 4 years.I feel Our solider done a wonderful job over there.If we would have fought in the Afghanistan war frist Then we may have had to move our troop to iraq to fight there now. What really happen if we leave to soon and have to go back again under Obama. as President. Would he really want to do that if it should happen since he wants to withdraw our troop now.I would like to see No more wars of any kind. But we are going to be helping these different countries out. That may or may not mean we have tobe in some kind of conflict with other nations.

By: Marti

Marti — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 05:31:30 +0000

I find Mr. Maliki's sudden embrace of Senator Obama's position on withdrawal of US troops from Iraq curious. Didn't Mr. Maliki just recently meet with the Ahmadinejad, president of Iran over the past few months....I am wondering if that meeting was a turning point for Maliki, and this striking and public demonstration of support for Obama? I feel we must be wise and cautious in assuring we elect the best President to address the monumental challenges we face as a people and as a nation whether it be Obama or McCain. Also, I am starting to feel the media is trying to force Mr. Obama down my throat recently and, although I see some positive qualities in Mr. Obama, as an Independent voter, I don't believe I will respond well to that tactic if it continues. I believe both candidates deserve and should be given equal time in the "unbiased" press and media and that doesn't appear to be happening. I am one who believes in fairness!

By: Marguerite

Marguerite — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 05:26:36 +0000

This is an on spot example of doing things completely differently. Instead of secretiveness with questionable agendas, it is refreshing to see a "glass house" style. This is what it will take to stand before God and each other and honestly take back and re-establish the honor of our country and restore our relationship with the world. Go Obama!

I agree with the writer who pointed out that he is speaking as an active and articulate Senator. He is NOT usurping, he is revealing his style. Given MORE authority, he will DO more, and hopefully continue to include us all in his "glass house" policy.

By: Lynn, Vancouver

Lynn, Vancouver — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 04:46:44 +0000

I totally disagree with your assessment of the statement of three senators on a fact gathering mission. There is no negotiation going on here but a summation of their observations.

The press has been too obsessed with looking for a 'gaffe" or "mistake" and you have bought into it.

I think the American people and the people of the world will appreciate the clear, honest comments made by the three bipartisan Senators.

One would hope that you and the CNN staff would be as concerned about the errors made by the McCain campaign and give equal criticism of both candidates.

By: Danice

Danice — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 04:17:48 +0000

After reading reading their statement I see nothing wrong with what they said. Although I respect David and normally agree with him but on this both Gloria and David are 100% wrong. He has handle himself very well & is making me very proud.

By: Andrew83

Andrew83 — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 04:16:30 +0000

I think David Gergen overstepped his bounds.

By: Carol

Carol — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 03:44:24 +0000

Sen. Obama's trip abroad makes him come off sounding very presumptuous and arrogant. He is not yet President and has crossed the line, thus I believe this will turn out to be very detrimental to him.

By: Jim H

Jim H — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 03:42:20 +0000

Why theConstitutional anarchy? Isn't the President responsible for establishing foreign policy?