Since nobama has a good job at hiding his relationship with Ayers and lying here is a link so you guys can see how close they were.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Obama%E2%80%93Ayers_controversy

Keep in mind, when Obama was asked of his relationship with Ayers he casually said oh, I barely knew him and he just lived in my neighborhood. LIAR!

Here is just some of it:

He served on two nonprofit boards with Barack Obama. Both Ayers and his wife, Bernardine Dohrn, hosted a meet-and-greet for Obama at their home in 1995, where Alice Palmer introduced Obama as her chosen successor in the Illinois State Senate.

Ayers and Obama were lived only three blocks apart in Hyde Park, Chicago for much of the 1990's. Hyde Park section of Chicago, is where the Ayers and the Obamas lived.

Obama served as president of the board of directors for the Chicago Annenberg Challenge, a large education-related nonprofit organization that Ayers was instrumental in starting.

Obama and Ayers served together for three years on the board of the Woods Fund of Chicago, an anti-poverty foundation established in 1941. Obama had joined the nine-member board in 1993, and had attended a dozen of the quarterly meetings together with Ayers in the three years up to 2002, when Obama left his position on the board, which Ayers chaired for two years. Laura S. Washington, chairwoman of the Woods Fund, said the small board had a collegial "friendly but businesslike" atmosphere, and met four times a year for a half-day, mostly to approve grants.

The two also appeared together on academic panel discussions, including a 1997 University of Chicago discussion on juvenile justice. They again appeared in 2002 at an academic panel co-sponsored by the Chicago Public Library. One panel discussion in which they both appeared was organized by Obama's wife, Michelle. Ayers donated $200 to Obama's 2001 state senate campaign.

In 2008, a spokesman for the Obama campaign said the last time Obama and Ayers had seen each other was when Obama was biking in the neighborhood in 2007 and crossed paths with Ayers. The spokesman said "The suggestion that Ayers was a political adviser to Obama or someone who shaped his political views is patently false. LIAR!

Obama's contacts with Ayers had been common knowledge in Chicago for years.

Howard Kurtz has written that the connection between the two Chicagoans was "all but ignored by the news media, other than Fox" until it was raised in a presidential debate. At the Democratic Party primary debate in Philadelphia on April 16, 2008, moderator George Stephanopoulos (after Sean Hannity suggested the question the day before questioned Obama about his association with Ayers, asking the candidate: "Can you explain that relationship for the voters, and explain to Democrats why it won't be a problem?" Obama responded as follows:

This is a guy who lives in my neighborhood, who's a professor of English in Chicago who I know and who I have not received some official endorsement from. He's not somebody who I exchange ideas from on a regular basis. And the notion that somehow as a consequence of me knowing somebody who engaged in detestable acts 40 years ago, when I was eight years old, somehow reflects on me and my values doesn't make much sense, George.

In August, 2008, the Republican Party created website, barackbook.com, as a spoof of Facebook, on which Ayers is listed as one of Obama's "friends"

Why would Barack Obama be friends with someone who bombed the Capitol and is proud of it? Do you know enough to elect Barack Obama?" In response, the Obama campaign's attorney Robert Bauer wrote TV stations running the ad, saying, "Your station is committed to operating in the public interest, an objective that cannot be satisfied by accepting for compensation material of such malicious falsity," and wrote Deputy Assistant U.S. Attorney General John C. Keeney, describing the ad as a "willful attempt to evade the strictures of federal election law."

In October, after the McCain campaign announced that it would increase its negative campaigning, Sarah Palin delivered speeches claiming that Obama is "palling around with terrorists"

In August, the Obama–Ayers contact was mentioned in Jerome Corsi's The Obama Nation, a book intended to defeat Obama's election campaign, and in conservative author David Freddoso's The Case Against Barack Obama, where he wrote that the situation raised questions about Obama's judgment and influences.

Link to page with videos of Gaffes, for those of you who love saying it is lies and smears.
http://www.gop.com/BarackGaffes/

Obama Says The U.S. Senate Banking Committee Is "My Committee." Obama: "Just this past week, we passed out of the U.S. Senate Banking Committee, which is my committee, a bill…" (Obama Press Conference, Sderot, Israel, July 23, 2008)

Obama Is Not A Member Of The U.S. Senate Committee On Banking, Housing, And Urban Affairs. (U.S. Senate Committee On Banking, Housing, And Urban Affairs Website, banking.senate.gov, Accessed 7/23/08)

In June 2008, Obama Falsely Claimed His Father Served In World War II:

Obama: "My father served in World War II, and when he came home, he got the services that he needed." (Sen. Barack Obama, Remarks At The NALEO Conference, Washington, DC, 6/28/08)

Time's Page: Oooops!!!! The Land of Lincolner leaped back on stage after his final curtain call at a Manhattan fundraiser last night� he had forgotten to ask for donors' help with Hillary's debt.

Associated Press: After a minute or so, the music was cut short and Obama returned to the stage. ''This is not the speech part, but it is important,'' he said sheepishly, urging the group to reassemble.
New York Times: At this point, he was supposed to appeal for donations for her debt-relief fund, aides said. He evidently forgot and circled back to do so at the end of his remarks.
New York Post: The lapse fanned the flames of recent tension over whether Team Obama is doing enough to dig Clinton out from her approximate $22 million hole. … As his parting music played and reporters surrounded an Obama press aide, the music suddenly ended, and Obama said he had "one more thing" to say.
Wall Street Journal: At a Midtown Manhattan fundraiser designed to help raise cash for his campaign and help retire debt for his former opponent's, Barack Obama offered praise of Hillary Clinton. But he temporarily forgot to make his pitch about debt retirement. … Left unsaid on Tuesday was the fact that Clinton and Obama sat on different sides of the aisle on the key intelligence surveillance bill earlier in the day.

LA Times: But what happened Wednesday night was a little embarrassing. After the two Democrats voted differently on the Senate's FISA retroactive surveillance O.K. bill, Obama flew Clinton from Washington to New York City… Oops! It seems Obama had forgotten to mention the part about giving money to Hillary Clinton in the spirit of unity, the whole reason they were gathered there in the first place.
Bloomberg: While Obama had been expected to ask supporters at the Grand Hyatt to help Clinton retire her debt, he concluded his remarks after 25 minutes without saying anything about it. Just as reporters began to ask his staff why he didn't mention Clinton's debt, Obama interrupted the applause…
Newsday: …Obama spoke to the crowd and was departing, to a backdrop of recorded music when he hustled back to the podium, and the music ceased.
New York Daily News: Obama, who held a separate fund-raiser earlier, asked his donors to pay down Clinton's debt - belatedly. He concluded his speech and was preparing to leave the stage to the music of Stevie Wonder when he dashed back to the microphone…

On May 13, Obama Mistakenly Said That Arabic Translators Deployed To Iraq Were Needed In Afghanistan, When Afghans Don't Even Speak Arabic (They Speak Other Languages Including Pashtu, Dari, And Farsi) And Those Fighters That Do Are Shooting At Our Troops, Not Talking To Them. "Sporting a shiny new American flag pin at an appearance in Rush Limbaugh's hometown, Sen. Barack Obama came up with some novel reasons why the U.S. may be struggling in the war in Afghanistan. 'We don't have enough capacity right now to deal with it -- and it's not just the troops,' Obama, D-Ill., told a crowd in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. Obama posited -- incorrectly -- that Arabic translators deployed in Iraq are needed in Afghanistan -- forgetting, momentarily, that Afghans don't speak Arabic. 'We only have a certain number of them and if they are all in Iraq, then its harder for us to use them in Afghanistan,' Obama said. The vast majority of military translators in both war zones are drawn from the local population. Naturally they speak the local language. In Iraq, that's Arabic or Kurdish. In Afghanistan, it's any of a half dozen other languages -- including Pashtu, Dari, and Farsi." (David Wright and Sunlen Miller, "Obama Gaffes On Iraq And Afghanistan," ABC News, 5/13/08)
On May 9, Obama Claimed To Have Visited 57 States. Obama: "Because, you know, it is just wonderful to be back in Oregon, and over the last 15 months we've traveled to every corner of the United States. I've now been in 57 states, I think, one left to go. One left to go, Alaska and Hawaii I was not allowed to go to even though I really wanted to visit, but my staff would not justify it." (Sen. Barack Obama, Remarks At A Campaign Event, Beaverton, OR, 5/9/08)

On May 5, Obama Called Matt Lauer "Tim" Three Times In One Interview, Had To Be Corrected By Lauer. Obama: "Well, I think what it is, Tim, is, you know, that no person is defined by a few snippets taken over the course of a number of years …Well, Tim, I think that all of us have people in our lives who may have done some good things, and then we also see them doing some things that are disappointing. … Well, Tim, first of all, it's not me who's criticized these proposals." … NBC's Matt Lauer: "I just want to say, I know you've had a very long week, and so have I. You're saying Tim. I know, it's Matt Lauer. But believe me, I completely understand." Obama: "Matt, I'm sorry." Lauer: "We've both had a long week, Senator, believe me." (NBC's "Today," 5/5/08)
On April 8, Obama Confused Iran And Iraq In Senate Foreign Relations Committee Hearing. Obama: "Do we feel confident that the Iraqi government is directing these aid these special groups?" (Sen. Barack Obama, Foreign Relations Committee Hearing, 4/8/08)
On March 29, Obama Said He Did Not Want His Daughters To Be "Punished With A Baby." Obama: "Look, I've got two daughters, 9 years old and 6 years old. I'm going to teach them, first of all about values and morals, but if they make a mistake, I don't want them punished with a baby. I don't want them punished with an STD at the age of 16." (Sen. Barack Obama, Remarks At Johnstown, PA, 3/29/08)
In August 2007, Obama Said American Troops Were "Just Air Raiding Villages And Killing Civilians" In Afghanistan. "So now you have narco, you know, drug lords, who are helping to finance the Taliban. So we've got to get the job done there. And that requires us to have enough troops that we're not just air raiding villages and killing civilians, which is causing enormous problems there." (Sen. Barack Obama, Remarks At Nashua, NH, 8/13/07)
In July 2007, Obama Asked An Iowa Crowd "Anybody Gone Into Whole Foods Lately And See What They Charge For Arugula?" Even Though Iowa Does Not Have A Whole Foods. "'Anybody gone into Whole Foods lately and see what they charge for arugula?' the senator said. 'I mean, they're charging a lot of money for this stuff.' The state of Iowa, for all of its vast food production, does not have a Whole Foods, a leading natural and organic foods market. The closest? Omaha, Minneapolis or Kansas City." (Jeff Zeleny, "Obama's Down On The Farm," The New York Times' "The Caucus" Blog, thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com, 7/27/07)
Geography Gaffes
In June 2008, Obama Misstated The Name Of Brownsville, TX:

Obama: "So if you've got a wall that's cutting the campus of the University of Texas in Brownville in half…" (Sen. Barack Obama, Remarks At The NALEO Conference, Washington, DC, 6/28/08)

On May 23, Obama Mistakenly Says He's In "Sunshine" At Rally In Sunrise, Florida

Obama: "How's it going Sunshine? Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you everybody. It's good to be in Sunshine!" (Barack Obama, Campaign Rally, Sunrise, FL, 5/23/08)

South Florida Sun-Sentinel: "It Wasn't Clear If Barack Obama Knew Exactly Where He Was Friday Afternoon …" "It wasn't clear if Barack Obama knew exactly where he was Friday afternoon when he spoke at his mass rally at the BankAtlantic Center. He repeatedly used the term 'Sunshine' as a place name rather than 'Sunrise,' the city where the arena is located, including, 'How's it going Sunshine? Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you everybody. It's good to be in Sunshine.'" ("Did Obama Know Where He Was For Sunrise Rally?" South Florida Sun-Sentinel Blog, 5/24/08)



On May 16, Obama Mistakenly Says He's In Sioux City At Sioux Falls, SD Rally

Obama: "Illinois Sen. Barack Obama started his speech tonight with a gaffe. 'Thank you Sioux City,' he said, before realizing his mistake." ("Obama Starts Speech With Gaffe," Sioux Falls Argus Leader, 5/16/08)

Watch Obama Greet Sioux Falls Crowd With "Thank You, Sioux City!"

In May, Obama Explained To Kentucky Newspaper That Clinton Was Doing Better In State Because She Was From "Nearby State Of Arkansas" -- Despite Fact That Illinois Is Closer To Kentucky Than Arkansas

Obama: "Sen. Clinton, I think, is much better known -- not only because of her time in the White House with her husband -- but also coming from a nearby state of Arkansas." (Ryan Alessi, "Obama Aims To Win Over Kentucky Voters After The Primary," Lexington Herald-Leader, 5/16/08)

"On What Map Is Arkansas Closer To Kentucky Than Illinois?" "Explaining last week why he was trailing Hillary Clinton in Kentucky, Mr. Obama again botched basic geography: 'Sen. Clinton, I think, is much better known, coming from a nearby state of Arkansas. So it's not surprising that she would have an advantage in some of those states in the middle.' On what map is Arkansas closer to Kentucky than Illinois?" (Michelle Malkin, "Gaffe Machine," The Washington Times, 5/24/08)


In May 2008, Obama Claimed To Have Visited 57 States

Obama: "Because, you know, it is just wonderful to be back in Oregon, and over the last 15 months we've traveled to every corner of the United States. I've now been in 57 states, I think, one left to go. One left to go, Alaska and Hawaii I was not allowed to go to even though I really wanted to visit, but my staff would not justify it." (Sen. Barack Obama, Remarks At A Campaign Event, Beaverton, OR, 5/9/08

In March 2008, Obama Falsely Claimed He Won The Michigan Democrat Primary When He Was Not On The Ballot

Obama Claimed He "Won Michigan." NBC's David Gregory: "But Senator, you have not demonstrated that you can decisively put the nomination away. You have also not demonstrated that you can win some of the big states that'll be important in the general election -- California, New York, Ohio." Obama: "Well, David, we've won Michigan and Georgia and Illinois and Missouri." (NBC's, "Today Show," 3/5/08)

But Sen. Clinton Won The Michigan Primary. "Hillary Clinton won a largely uncontested Michigan Democratic primary Tuesday." ("Clinton Wins Largely Uncontested Michigan Primary," The Boston Globe, 1/15/08)

And Obama Did Not Participate. "Michigan's Democratic presidential primary on Jan. 15 is a contest in name only, with just one major candidate -- Hillary Clinton -- on the ballot. … Edwards, Barack Obama and Bill Richardson decided not to participate in Michigan's primary because the state Democratic Party's decision to hold a primary before Feb. 5 violates national party rules." (Chris Christoff, "Voters: 'It's Like We Don't Count,'" Detroit Free Press, 1/7/08)

In March 2008, Obama Mistakenly Thought He Was In Wisconsin When He Was In Wyoming

Obama Mistakenly Thought He Was In Wisconsin When He Was In Wyoming. "To be sure, many patrons at the crowded diner applauded Obama and wished him luck. But when he left, with a cheeseburger and vanilla shake in hand, he hit another bump. Noting the sunshine, he called out to reporters, 'It's really nice in Wisconsin.' Immediately catching his gaffe, Obama added, 'and Wyoming!'" (Charles Babington, "In Wyoming, Obama Defends His Readiness To Lead," The Associated Press, 3/8/08)

Defense and Foreign Policy Gaffes
In July 2008, Obama Said "Israel Is A Strong Friend Of Israel's":

Obama: "Well let me be absolutely clear. Israel is a strong friend of Israel's." (Katie Fretland, "Obama: Israel's A Friend Of Israel," The Chicago Tribune's "Swamp Politics" Blog, www.swamppolitics.com, 7/22/08)

In May 2008, Obama Mistakenly Said That Translators In Iraq Were Needed In Afghanistan, When The Language Spoken In The Two Countries Are Completely Different

Obama Mistakenly Said That Translators In Iraq Were Needed In Afghanistan, When The Language Spoken In The Two Countries Are Completely Different. "Sporting a shiny new American flag pin at an appearance in Rush Limbaugh's hometown, Sen. Barack Obama came up with some novel reasons why the U.S. may be struggling in the war in Afghanistan. 'We don't have enough capacity right now to deal with it -- and it's not just the troops,' Obama, D-Ill., told a crowd in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. Obama posited -- incorrectly -- that Arabic translators deployed in Iraq are needed in Afghanistan -- forgetting, momentarily, that Afghans don't speak Arabic. 'We only have a certain number of them and if they are all in Iraq, then its harder for us to use them in Afghanistan,' Obama said. The vast majority of military translators in both war zones are drawn from the local population. Naturally they speak the local language. In Iraq, that's Arabic or Kurdish. In Afghanistan, it's any of a half dozen other languages -- including Pashtu, Dari, and Farsi." (David Wright and Sunlen Miller, "Obama Gaffes On Iraq And Afghanistan," ABC News, 5/13/08)

On Same Day In May 2008, Obama Mistakenly Complained U.S. Was Sending Agricultural Aid To Iraq That Otherwise Would Go To Afghanistan

Obama Mistakenly Complained U.S. Was Sending Agricultural Aid To Iraq That Otherwise Would Go To Afghanistan. "No sooner did Obama realize his mistake -- and correct himself -- but he immediately made another. 'We need agricultural specialists in Afghanistan, people who can help them develop other crops than heroin poppies, because the drug trade in Afghanistan is what is driving and financing these terrorist networks. So we need agricultural specialists,' he said. So far, so good. 'But if we are sending them to Baghdad, they're not in Afghanistan,' Obama said. Iraq has many problems, but encouraging farmers to grow food instead of opium poppies isn't one of them. In Iraq, oil fields not poppy fields are a major source of U.S. technical assistance." (David Wright and Sunlen Miller, "Obama Gaffes On Iraq And Afghanistan," ABC News, 5/13/08)

In May 2008, Obama Said The U.S. Should "Forcefully And Appropriately On Any Attack Against Iran Nuclear Or Otherwise," Confusing Iran With Israel:

Obama: "Israel is an ally of ours. It is the most important ally we have in the region, and there is no doubt that we would act forcefully and appropriately on any attack against Iran nuclear or otherwise." (NBC's, "Meet The Press," 5/4/08)

In May 2008, Obama Confused Iran With Israel, Saying That U.S. Should "Forcefully And Appropriately On Any Attack Against Iran Nuclear Or Otherwise"

Obama: "Israel is an ally of ours. It is the most important ally we have in the region, and there is no doubt that we would act forcefully and appropriately on any attack against Iran nuclear or otherwise." (NBC's, "Meet The Press," 5/4/08)

In April 2008, Obama Attacked The Chinese Government For Its Criticism For Previous Remarks He Had Made, Which His Campaign Had Already Apologized For And Retracted:

Obama: "A few months ago when I called on a ban on any toys that had more than a trace amount of lead, an official at China's foreign ministry said I was being quote, 'unobjective, unreasonable and unfair.' But I don't think protecting our children is unreasonable, unobjective or unfair. I think it's our obligation as parents and as Americans and I intend to keep on doing the same thing when I'm President of the United States of America." (Sen. Barack Obama, Remarks At The American Association Of Manufacturing, Pittsburgh, PA, 4/13/08)

However, Obama Called For A Full Ban On "All Toys From China." Obama: "I would stop the import of all toys from China. Now, I have to say that that's about 80 percent of toys that are being imported right now." (Josh Rogers, "Obama Proposes U.S. Ban On China-Made Toys," Reuters, 12/19/07)

The Call For A Full Ban Was What Was Criticized By China's Foreign Ministry. "U.S. Presidential Candidate Barack Obama's call for a ban on Chinese toy imports is 'unobjective, unreasonable and unfair,' China's Foreign Ministry said." (Allen T. Cheng, "China Says Obama's Toy Ban Pledge 'Unreasonable,'" Bloomberg, 12/21/07)
Obama Had To Clarify His Comments. "Soon after the words suggesting a ban came out of Senator Barack Obama's mouth … his presidential campaign was qualifying his statement. … [A] spokesman said that any ban was meant to apply only to toys containing lead, and that it could be accomplished in part by sending American inspectors to China." (Michael Falcone, "Chinese Toys Redux," The New York Times, 12/21/07)

In April 2008, Obama Confused Iran And Iraq In Senate Foreign Relations Committee Hearing

Obama: "Do we feel confident that the Iraqi government is directing these aid these special groups?" (Sen. Barack Obama, Foreign Relations Committee Hearing, 4/8/08)

MSNBC's Keith Olbermann: Obama "Also Had A Misspeak Moment," Confusing Iranian And Iraqi Governments. Olbermann: "Senator Obama also had a misspeak moment today, he was referring to the Iranian government apparently and said Iraqi government." (MSNBC's "Countdown," 4/8/08)

In March 2008, Obama Was Confused When Sen. Jay Rockefeller (D-WV) Led The Senate Intelligence Committee, And How He Voted On Iraq War Authorization

Obama Mistakenly Claimed That Sen. Rockefeller Was Chairman Of The Senate Intelligence Committee At The Time Of The Vote To Authorize War In Iraq, And Misrepresented Rockefeller's Vote By Implying That He Voted Against Authorization. "Now, I have to say, when it came to making the most important foreign policy decision of our generation, the decision to invade Iraq, Senator Clinton got it wrong. She didn't read the National Intelligence Estimates. Jay Rockefeller read it, but she didn't read it. I don't know what all that experience got her because I have enough experience to know that if you have a National Intelligence Estimate and the chairman of the national -- chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee says you should read this, this is why I'm voting against the war, that you should probably read it. I don't know how much experience you need for that." (CNN's "Newsroom," 3/3/08)

"The Problem? Rockefeller Voted For War. Obama's Statement Left The Impression That Rockefeller Was The Chair Of The Intelligence Committee, Read The NIE Report And Then Voted Against The War. Rockefeller, Who Is Currently The Chair, Was Not Chair At The Time And Cast His Vote For War, Not Against It." (Sunlen Miller, "Obama Campaign Confuses Their Surrogate's War Vote," ABC News' "Political Radar" Blog, blogs.abcnews.com, 3/2/08)

On February 2008, Obama Said The Cuban Embargo Was Enacted For Sen. Clinton's Entire Lifetime

Obama Said The Cuban Embargo Has Been In Existence "During My Entire Lifetime, And Senator Clinton's Entire Lifetime." Brown: "But that's different from your position back in 2003. You called U.S. policy toward Cuba a miserable failure, and you supported normalizing relations. So you've backtracked now…" Obama: "I support the eventual normalization. And it's absolutely true that I think our policy has been a failure. I mean, the fact is, is that during my entire lifetime, and Senator Clinton's entire lifetime, you essentially have seen a Cuba that has been isolated, but has not made progress when it comes to the issues of political rights and personal freedoms that are so important to the people of Cuba. So I think that we have to shift policy. I think our goal has to be ultimately normalization." (CNN Democratic Presidential Debate, Austin, TX, 2/21/08)

The Economic Embargo On Cuban Only Began On October 19, 1960, And The Total Embargo Did Not Begin Until February 7, 1962. "Oct. 19, 1960: U.S. imposes economic embargo on Cuba, except food and medicine. Feb. 7, 1962: The Cuban embargo is expanded to a total embargo. Feb. 8, 1963: The Kennedy administration makes financial and commercial transactions with Cuba illegal for U.S. citizens." (William Neikirk, "House Deal Eases Curbs Against Cuba," Chicago Tribune, 6/28/00)

But Sen. Clinton Was Born On October 26, 1947, 15 Years Before The Economic Embargo And 13 Years Before The Total Embargo. "Hillary Diane Rodham, Dorothy and Hugh Rodham's first child, was born on October 26, 1947." (The White House Website, www.whitehouse.gov, Accessed 3/27/08)
Obama Was Born August 4, 1961, Before The Total Embargo. "And Obama Was Born "Barack Obama was born on August 4th, 1961, in Hawaii to Barack Obama, Sr. and Ann Dunham." (Sen. Barack Obama Website, obama.senate.gov, 3/27/08)

In February 2008, Obama Said He Was Running For "Commander Of Chief"

Obama: "I'm running to be commander of chief on a record of standing up for our wounded warriors." (CNN's, "Newsroom," 2/29/08)

In December 2007, Obama Falsely Stated He Had More Former Clinton Administration Foreign Policy Officials Supporting Him Than Sen. Clinton

Obama Claimed "There Are More Foreign Policy Experts From The Clinton Administration Supporting Me Than Senator Clinton." Obama: "In fact, you would--you could argue that there are more foreign policy experts from the Clinton administration supporting me than Senator Clinton to raise…" (CBS's, "The Early Show," 12/20/07)

But Obama Is Supported By 47, While Sen. Clinton Is Supported By 80. CBS's Chris Wragge: "Obama's campaign provided the names of 47 such advisers, but the Clinton campaign responded with a list of more than 80 who back Mrs. Clinton." (CBS's, "The Early Show," 12/20/07)

In November 2007, Obama Said He Will "Remove All Our Combat Troops" Immediately Before Saying "We Will Have Troops There To Protect Our Embassies":

Obama: "I will remove all our combat troops, we will have troops there to protect our embassies and our civilian forces and we will engage in counter terrorism activities. How large that force is, whether it's located inside Iraq or as an over the horizon force is going to depend on what our military situation is." ("Interview With Barack Obama," The New York Times, 11/1/07)

In October 2007, Obama Said He Would Tell Iran "You Should Develop A Nuclear Weapon":

Obama: "If I talked to Iran, I'm going to tell them, 'You should develop a nuclear weapon. It's going to set off an arms race in the Middle East. You have to stop funding terrorist activities.' But I'm also going to offer them some carrots and say to them, 'But you know what? If you stand down on the nuclear issue, then potentially you could be admitted to the World Trade Organization. You can potentially have greater economic benefits. Ultimately, at some point, we may be able to set up normalized diplomatic relations.'" (Sen. Barack Obama, MTV/MySpace Presidential Forum, Cedar Rapids, IA, 10/29/07)

In September 2007, Obama Referred To 120 Degree Heat In Iraq As 20 Degree Heat:

Obama: "Our troops fight and die in 20-degree heat to give Iraq's leaders the space to agree, but they aren't filling that space." (Sen. Barack Obama, Remarks On Iraq, Clinton, IA, 9/12/07)

In August 2007, Obama Mistakenly Referred To "The President" Of Canada, When Canadian Government Is Run By Prime Minister

In A Democrat Presidential Candidates Debate In August Of 2007 Obama Claimed He Would Call "The President" Of Canada To Discuss Free Trade, Despite Canada's Government Being Run By A Prime Minister. "I would immediately call the president of Mexico, the president of Canada to try to amend NAFTA because I think that we can get labor agreements in that agreement right now. And it should reflect the basic principle that our trade agreements should not just be good for Wall Street, it should also be good for Main Street." (Sen. Barack Obama, AFL-CIO Democratic Presidential Candidates Forum, Chicago, IL, 8/7/07)

In August 2007, Obama Misspoke On His Views On The Use Of Nuclear Weapons And Had To "Scratch All That"

Obama: "I think it would be a profound mistake for us to use nuclear weapons in any circumstance, involving civilians. Let me scratch all that. There's no discussion of nuclear weapons. That's not on the table." (MSNBC's, "Hardball," 8/13/07)

In April 2007, Obama Incorrectly Claimed That War Opponents Were 16 Votes Away From Ending The War In Iraq

Obama: "[W]e are one vote away -- we are one signature away or 16 votes away from ending this war. One signature away. Now, if the president is not going to sign the bill that has been sent to him, then what we have to do is gather up 16 votes in order to override his veto." (Sen. Barack Obama, MSNBC Democratic Presidential Debate, Orangeburg, SC, 4/26/07)

Factcheck.org: "The Senate indeed needs 16 more votes to override a veto. But Obama didn't mention that a two-thirds majority in the House requires 72 more supporters, if all members vote. He would have been correct to say the country is "one signature away or 88 votes away." (Annenberg's Political Fact Check Website, www.factcheck.org, Accessed 4/7/08)

In February 2006, Obama Incorrectly Stated The Bill Number Of His Own Legislation:

Obama: "The Lugar-Obama legislation, S. 1914 (sic/1949), does two basic things." (Sen. Barack Obama, Committee On Foreign Relations, U.S. Senate, Hearing, 2/9/06)

NOTE: S. 1914 Was A Bill Sponsored By Sens. Reid And Ensign "To Provide For The Conveyance Of Certain Land In Clark County, Nevada, For Use By The Nevada National Guard." (S. 1914, Introduced 10/25/05)

Unrepentant Terrorist Bill Ayers Gaffes
In April 2008, Obama Defended A Relationship With Domestic Terrorist William Ayers, Comparing That Relationship With His Relationship To Sen. Tom Coburn (R-OK)

Obama Said His Relationship With Ayers Was Not A Serious Issue, And Equated His Actions With Sen. Tom Coburn, Who Advocated The Death Penalty For Doctors Who Commit Abortions. ABC's George Stephanopoulos: "Senator, if you get the nomination, you'll have to -- (applause) -- (inaudible). I want to give Senator Clinton a chance to respond, but first a follow-up on this issue, the general theme of patriotism in your relationships. A gentleman named William Ayers, he was part of the Weather Underground in the 1970s. They bombed the Pentagon, the Capitol and other buildings. He's never apologized for that. And in fact, on 9/11 he was quoted in The New York Times saying, 'I don't regret setting bombs; I feel we didn't do enough.' An early organizing meeting for your state senate campaign was held at his house, and your campaign has said you are friendly. Can you explain that relationship for the voters, and explain to Democrats why it won't be a problem?" Obama: "George, but this is an example of what I'm talking about. This is a guy who lives in my neighborhood, who's a professor of English in Chicago, who I know and who I have not received some official endorsement from. He's not somebody who I exchange ideas from on a regular basis. And the notion that somehow as a consequence of me knowing somebody who engaged in detestable acts 40 years ago when I was 8 years old, somehow reflects on me and my values, doesn't make much sense, George. The fact is, is that I'm also friendly with Tom Coburn, one of the most conservative Republicans in the United States Senate, who during his campaign once said that it might be appropriate to apply the death penalty to those who carried out abortions. Do I need to apologize for Mr. Coburn's statements? Because I certainly don't agree with those either." (Sen. Barack Obama, ABC News Democratic Presidential Debate, Philadelphia, PA, 4/16/08)

Elitism Gaffes
In April 2008, Obama Referred To Sen. Clinton Hunting With A Six-Shooter:

Obama: "Hillary Clinton is out there like she's on the duck blind every Sunday. She's packing a six-shooter. Come on, she knows better. That's some politics being played by Hillary Clinton." (Beth Fouhy, "Obama Turns Table On Clinton," The Associated Press, 4/13/08)

"Annie Got Her Gun And Obama Got His Boot Stuck In His Mouth. But God-Fearing Defenders Of The Second Amendment -- Who Are In Their Duck Blinds Packing Shotguns, Not Six-Shooters -- Know A Decoy From The Real Thing." (Kathleen Parker, Op-Ed, "Bowling For Obama," National Review, 4/16/08)

In March 2008, Obama Confused Breeding Cows With Cows That One Would Eat:

Obama: "And at the livestock show, he turned to a couple of reporters as some cattle 30 feet away got blow-dried and primped for competition. 'What do you think – one of those?' the senator said. 'You could fill up the refrigerator pretty well.'" (Todd J. Gillman, "Barack Obama Campaigns At Houston Livestock Show," The Dallas Morning News, 3/4/08)

"Codie Baring, Who Raises Cattle In Floresville, Outside San Antonio, Didn't Get To Tell The Candidate Himself, But His Simmental And Simbrah Purebreds– A Bull, A Cow And Calf, And A Heifer – Aren't For Dinner. 'These Are Breeders,' He Said. 'These Cows Are Way Too Expensive To Eat.'" (Todd J. Gillman, "Barack Obama Campaigns At Houston Livestock Show," The Dallas Morning News, 3/4/08)

In July 2007, Obama Asked Iowa Voters What The Price Of Arugula At A Whole Foods Is, Even Though There Are No Whole Foods Stores In Iowa

Obama Asked An Iowa Crowd "Anybody Gone Into Whole Foods Lately And See What They Charge For Arugula?" Even Though Iowa Does Not Have A Whole Foods. "'Anybody gone into Whole Foods lately and see what they charge for arugula?' the senator said. 'I mean, they're charging a lot of money for this stuff.' The state of Iowa, for all of its vast food production, does not have a Whole Foods, a leading natural and organic foods market. The closest? Omaha, Minneapolis or Kansas City." (Jeff Zeleny, "Obama's Down On The Farm," The New York Times' "The Caucus" Blog, thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com, 7/27/07)

Taxes Gaffes
In November 2007, Obama Confused His Social Security Tax Hike With A "Tax Cut" Twice In One Statement:

Obama: "I will be very brief on this because, Hillary, I have heard you say this is a trillion-dollar tax cut on the middle class by adjusting the cap. Understand that only 6 percent of Americans make more than $97,000 a year. So 6 percent is not the middle class. It is the upper class. You know, this is the kind of thing that I would expect from Mitt Romney or Rudy Giuliani, where we start playing with numbers. We start playing with numbers in order to try to make a point. And we can't do that. No, no, no. This is too important -- this is too important for us to pretend that we are using numbers like a trillion dollar tax cut instead of responsibly dealing with the problem that Judy asked for, and she said she wants a specific answer. And she said she wants a specific answer and that's what I provided. But understand that this is the top 6 percent, and that is not the middle class." (Sen. Barack Obama, CNN Democratic Presidential Debate, Las Vegas, NV, 11/15/07)

Health Care Gaffes
In April 2008, Obama Incorrectly Claimed If Obesity Rates Were At 1980s Rates, Medicare Would Save $1 Trillion

Obama: "If we went, if our obesity rate went back to what it was in 1980, we would save the Medicare system one trillion dollars." (Sen. Barack Obama, Remarks At A Campaign Event In Columbus, IN, 4/11/08)

Obama: "If we went back to the obesity rates that existed in 1980, that would save the Medicare system a trillion dollars." (Sen. Barack Obama, The Des Moines Register's Democratic Presidential Debate, Johnstown, IA, 12/13/07)
Politifact: "Medicare's share of obesity spending therefore is between $20-billion and $25-billion. If obesity rates rolled back to 1980s levels, Medicare spending would be about half that, or about $12-billion a year. Now we get to the slipperiness of Obama's quote. He says if obesity rates rolled back, Medicare would save $1-trillion. But he doesn't give a time frame, and neither does the report he's quoting from. Maybe he meant it would have saved $1-trillion since the 1980s. But that doesn't make sense either. At the rate of $12-billion of savings per year, it would take more than 80 years to reach $1-trillion. Let's say our estimate is too conservative and it's $20-billion per year. It would still take 50 years to reach $1-trillion in savings. Inflation might get you there a bit faster, but not by that much. The number $1-trillion is just so big that increments of $10-billion won't get you there very quickly." (Politicfact Website, www.politifact.com, Accessed 4/7/08)

FactCheck.org: "[I]f obesity rates returned to 'rates that existed in 1980' they would be cut in half, and that in turn would imply that Medicare and Medicaid together (not just Medicare alone) would save about a quarter of $75 billion, or roughly $18.75 billion per year." (Annenberg Political Fact Check, "Democrats Debate In Iowa," www.factcheck.org, 12/13/08)

In February 2008, Obama Incorrectly Stated That Former President Clinton's Labor Secretary Said His Plan "Does More Than Anybody To Reduce Costs"

Obama: "As has been noted by many observers, including Bill Clinton's former secretary of labor, my plan does more than anybody to reduce costs." (CNN Democratic Presidential Debate, Austin, TX, 2/21/08)

PolitiFact: "We reviewed Reich's public comments, though, and couldn't find any instances of him saying that Obama's plan cuts costs more than anyone else's. If anything, Reich has emphasized that all the Democratic plans will cover more people, and the candidates shouldn't squabble over which plan is better." (Politicfact Website, www.politifact.com, Accessed 4/7/08)

In January 2008, Obama Falsely Stated That The U.S. Spends Twice Per Capita On Health Care Than Other Industrialized Countries:

Obama: "Our medical care costs twice as much per capita as any other advanced nation." (Sen. Barack Obama, CNN Democratic Presidential Debate, Manchester, NH, 1/5/08)

"According To A January 2007 Study By The Kaiser Family Foundation, The United States Spent $5,711 Per Person On Health Care Followed By Luxembourg At $4,611, Switzerland At $3847 And Norway At $3,769." (John Solomon, "Health Care Spending," The Washington Post's "The Fact Checker" Blog, blog.washingtonpost.com, 1/5/08)

Energy and Environment Gaffes

In June 2007, Obama Misstated That President Bush Hadn't Met With Auto Makers Until 2003:

Obama: "Unlike George Bush, I won't wait until the sixth year of my presidency to sit down with the automakers. I'll meet with them during my campaign, and I'll meet with them as president to talk about how we're going to build the cars of the future right here in Michigan." (David Shepardson, "Obama Vows To Meet With Automakers," The Detroit News, 6/16/08)

"Bush … Actually Met With The Top Officials Of Detroit's Big Three Automakers In April 2003 In Dearborn." (David Shepardson, "Obama Vows To Meet With Automakers," The Detroit News, 6/16/08)

Throughout Campaign, Obama Has Asserted That During A Speech Before Automakers In Detroit, Upon Calling For Higher Fuel Efficiency Standards, "Nobody Clapped," Even Though He Was Applauded Ten Times And Given A Standing Ovation

Obama Claimed That During A Speech During Which He Called For Higher Fuel Efficiency Standards In Detroit In 2007, "When I Said That In Detroit, The Room Was Really Quiet, Nobody Clapped." OBAMA: "When I called for higher fuel mileage standards, I didn't do it before some environmental group. I went to Detroit in front of the automakers. I told them, 'You've got to change your ways.' I voted for an energy bill… And I've got to say by the way when I said that in Detroit, the room was really quiet, nobody clapped. But that's okay because part of what we need is some truth telling." (Sen. Barack Obama, Remarks At A Campaign Event, Winston-Salem, NC, 4/29/08)

The Next Day On April 30, 2008, Obama Made The Same Claim Again OBAMA: "And by the way, when I proposed that we raise fuel efficiency standards on cars, I didn't do it in front of some environmental group. That's easy. I went to Detroit, and said it in front of the automakers. And I have to admit, I have to admit the room was really quiet. Nobody clapped." (Sen. Barack Obama, Remarks At A Campaign Event, Bloomington, IN, 4/30/08)
However, The "Diverse Audience Interrupted Him 10 Times For Applause." "Despite Mr. Obama's sometimes harsh words Monday, the diverse audience interrupted him 10 times for applause." (Micheline Maynard, "Obama Criticizes Automakers On Fuel Economy," The New York Times, 5/8/07)

At The Event, Obama Received Applause When Calling For "More Fuel Efficient Cars And Trucks." Obama: "So here's the deal: we'll help to partially defray those health care costs, but only if the manufacturers are willing to invest the savings right back into the production of more fuel efficient cars and trucks." (Applause) (Sen. Barack Obama, Remarks At The Detroit Economic Club, Detroit, MI, 5/7/07)
Obama Received A Standing Ovation At The End Of His Speech. Obama: "And I hope you're willing to join me in the journey towards that great next American miracle." (Standing ovation) Obama: "Thank you so much everybody. Thank you. Thank you." (Sen. Barack Obama, Remarks At The Detroit Economic Club, Detroit, MI, 5/7/07)
"Chief Executives Of The Auto Companies Were Not In Attendance." (Micheline Maynard, "Obama Criticizes Automakers On Fuel Economy," The New York Times, 5/8/07)

In February 2008, Obama Has Incorrectly Stated That Americans Have "Never" Paid More For Gas At The Pump

Obama: "They've [Americans] … never paid more for gas at the pump." (Sen. Barack Obama, Remarks At T.C. Williams High School, Alexandria, VA, 2/10/08)

PolitiFact: "A check of the latest numbers finds he is still wrong. The Feb. 4 report from the U.S. Energy Information Administration found the average price of gasoline was $2.98 a gallon, down 23 cents from the peak of $3.22 last May 21. In fact, while the senator was in Alexandria, his motorcade drivers could have filled up for $2.92 a gallon at Barber's Auto Service Center, an Exxon station near the school. We might have been inclined to cut Obama some slack for speaking in general terms about the price of gas, but he is still wrong when you look at historical levels. If you adjust for inflation, the current national price is still 41 cents below the peak of $3.39 per gallon, set in March 1981." (Politicfact Website, www.politifact.com, Accessed 4/7/08)

In May 2007, Obama Improperly Stated That Japanese Car Average 45 MPG Fuel Efficiency

Obama: "For years, while foreign competitors were investing in more fuel-efficient technology for their vehicles, American automakers were spending much of their time investing in bigger, faster cars. I understand that. I'm a relatively tall guy. Americans like big cars. I know the mayor would have trouble fitting into some of these small cars. I've got a brother who's 6'6," so we understand that in some sense automakers were responding to consumer demand. But we also have to know that whenever an attempt was made to raise our fuel efficiency standards, the auto companies would lobby against it, spending millions to prevent the very reform that could've saved their industry. Even as they've shed thousands of jobs and billions in profits over the last few years, they've continued to reward failure, in some cases with lucrative bonuses for CEOs. The consequences of these choices are now clear. While our fuel standards haven't moved from 27.5 miles per gallon in two decades, both China and Japan have surpassed us, with Japanese cars now getting an average of 45 miles to the gallon. And as the global demand for fuel-efficient and hybrid cars have skyrocketed, it's foreign competitors who are filling the orders. Just the other week, we learned that for the first time since 1931, Toyota has surpassed General Motors as the world's best-selling automaker." (Sen. Barack Obama, Remarks To The Detroit Economic Club, Detroit, MI, 5/7/07)

By 2010, According To The Japanese Government, The Average Japanese Vehicle Will Have The Fuel Efficiency Of 35.5 Miles Per Gallon. "The Japanese government has established a set of fuel economy standards for gasoline and diesel powered light-duty passenger and commercial vehicles, with fuel economy targets based on average vehicle fuel economy by weight class. The targets for gasoline vehicles are to be met by 2010, while 2005 is the target year for diesel vehicles. The regulations were revised in 2001 to allow automakers to accumulate credits in one weight class and use them in another weight class (although with many limitations). … Assuming no change in the vehicle mix, these targets imply a 23 percent improvement in 2010 in gasoline passenger vehicle fuel economy and a 14 percent improvement in diesel fuel economy compared with the 1995 fleet average of 14.6 km/L. According to the Japanese government, this improvement will result in an average fleet fuel economy of Japanese vehicles of 35.5 mpg by 2010." (Feng An and Amanda Sauer, "Comparison Of Passenger Vehicle Fuel Economy And Greenhouse Gas Emission Standards Around The World," Pew Research Center, 12/04, pg. 12-13)

Gun Control Gaffes
In April 2008, Obama Falsely Denied His Handwriting Was On A Questionnaire In Which He Favored A Ban On Handguns

Obama Denied His Handwriting Was On A Questionnaire In Which He Favored A Ban On Handguns. ABC's Charlie Gibson: "[I]n 1996, your campaign issued a questionnaire, and your writing was on the questionnaire that said you favored a ban on handguns." Obama: "No, my writing wasn't on that particular questionnaire, Charlie. As I said, I have never favored an all-out ban on handguns." (Sen. Barack Obama, ABC News Democratic Presidential Debate, Philadelphia, PA, 4/16/08)

The Politico Reported Obama's Handwriting Was On The Questionnaire, And He Was Interviewed About The Positions. "But a Politico examination determined that Obama was actually interviewed about the issues on the questionnaire by the liberal Chicago nonprofit group that issued it. And it found that Obama — the day after sitting for the interview — filed an amended version of the questionnaire, which appears to contain Obama's own handwritten notes added to one answer. … Through an aide, Obama, who won the group's endorsement as well as the statehouse seat, did not dispute that the handwriting was his. But he contended it doesn't prove he completed, approved — or even read — the latter questionnaire." (Kenneth P. Vogel, "Obama Had Greater Role On Liberal Survey," The Politico, 3/31/08)

The Obama Campaign, While Conceding His Handwriting Was On The Questionnaire, Maintained That The Answer Was The Result Of A Staffing Error, And Was Never Obama's Position. Obama Spokesman Tommy Vietor: "Sen. Obama didn't fill out these state Senate questionnaires — a staffer did — and there are several answers that didn't reflect his views then or now. … He may have jotted some notes on the front page of the questionnaire at the meeting, but that doesn't change the fact that some answers didn't reflect his views. His 11 years in public office do." (Kenneth P. Vogel, "Obama Had Greater Role On Liberal Survey," The Politico, 3/31/08)

Immigration Gaffes
In May 2008, Obama Falsely Blamed Lou Dobbs And Rush Limbaugh For "Ginning" Up Xenophobia, Leading To Crimes Against Hispanics Doubling During The Previous Year:

Obama: "A certain segment has basically been feeding a kind of xenophobia. There's a reason why hate crimes against Hispanic people doubled last year. … If you have people like Lou Dobbs and Rush Limbaugh ginning things up, it's not surprising that would happen." (Michael C. Bender, "Obama Collects Another $500,000, Slams Limbaugh," The Palm Beach Post's "One More Question" Blog, www.palmbeachpost.com, 5/23/08)

According To The FBI, Between 2005 And 2006, Hate Crimes Against Hispanics Increased By 10%. In 2006, the FBI reported 576 hate crimes, an increase of 52 or 10% from the 522 reported in 2005. (Federal Bureau Of Investigation Website, www.fbi.gov, Accessed 6/2/08)

When Asked About The Statement, Obama's Campaign Pointed To A Discredited Study About California Hate Crimes. "When I asked the Obama campaign for an explanation, I was told that the candidate had been referring to anti-Latino crimes in California. (That was not at all clear from his remarks.) Obama spokesman Tommy Vietor pointed to data used by the Amy Goodman 'Democracy Now' radio show aired on many public radio stations. Goodman told her listeners last December that the number of hate crimes against Latinos in California, the state with the largest number of Latinos, had 'almost doubled' since 2003. She did not provide a source. A couple of points to note here. (1) Obama was quoting Goodman incorrectly. He said that hate crimes against Latinos doubled last year, not since 2003. (2) Goodman got it wrong in the first place." (Michael Dobbs, "Barack Obama Vs Lou Dobbs" The Washington Post's "The Fact Checker" Blog, blog.washingtonpost.com, 5/22/08)

NOTE: In California, "Anti-Hispanic Offenses Averaged 187 Between 2001 And 2005, With A High Value Of 207 In 2001 And A Low Of 142 In 2003. In 2006, 218 Of These Offenses Were Reported, An Increase Of 16.0 Percent From Their 2005 Value." (Michael Dobbs, "Barack Obama Vs Lou Dobbs" The Washington Post's "The Fact Checker" Blog, blog.washingtonpost.com, 5/22/08)
Michael Dobbs Of The Washington Post's "The Fact Checker": "The presumptive Democratic nominee for president needs to be more careful in his use of statistics. If he is going to blame Lou Dobbs and Rush Limbaugh for 'ginning up' hate crimes against Hispanics, he needs solid data to back up his allegation. The hate crimes statistics that he threw around at a fundraiser in Florida are wildly inaccurate--and a subsequent modified claim provided by his campaign was also off the mark." (Michael Dobbs, "Barack Obama Vs Lou Dobbs" The Washington Post's "The Fact Checker" Blog, blog.washingtonpost.com, 5/22/08)

In November 2007, Obama Incorrectly Claimed Employers Are More Likely To Be Struck By Lightning Than Be Prosecuted For Employing Illegal Immigrants

Obama: "Right now, an employer has more of a chance of getting hit by lightning than be prosecuted for hiring an undocumented worker. That has to change." (CNN Democratic Presidential Debate, Las Vegas, NV, 11/15/07)

PolitiFact: "But statistics show the feds at least outpace lightning strikes. Given current data, indictments out of employer investigations happen 4.6 times more often than people get hit by lightning, figured Deborah Rumsey, author of Probability for Dummies and Statistics for Dummies, among other books. Rumsey, a statistics education specialist at Ohio State University, helped PolitiFact.com review the stats." (Politicfact Website, www.politifact.com, Accessed 4/7/08)

Biography Gaffes

In June 2008, Obama Falsely Claimed His Father Served In World War II:

Obama: "My father served in World War II, and when he came home, he got the services that he needed." (Sen. Barack Obama, Remarks At The NALEO Conference, Washington, DC, 6/28/08)

In May 2008, Obama Claimed His Uncle Helped Liberate Auschwitz:

Obama: "I had an uncle who was one of the -- who was part of the first American troops to go into Auschwitz and liberate the concentration camps. And the story in our family was is that when he came home, he just went up into the attic and he didn't leave the house for six months. Right, now, obviously, something had really affected him deeply. But at that time, there just weren't the kinds of facilities to help somebody work through that kind of pain." (Sen. Barack Obama, Remarks On Memorial Day, Las Cruces, N.M., 5/26/08)

According To The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, Auschwitz Was Liberated By The Red Army On January 27, 1945. "On January 27, 1945, Soviet troops liberated the Auschwitz concentration camp complex, where they discovered some 7,000 prisoners, including young children, who had not been evacuated by the SS." (United States Holocaust Memorial Museum Web Site, www.ushmm.org, Accessed 5/27/08)

The Obama Campaign Acknowledged Obama Was Referring To The Wrong Camp. Obama Campaign Spokesman Bill Burton: "Senator Obama's family is proud of the service of his grandfather and uncles in World War II – especially the fact that his great uncle was a part of liberating one of the concentration camps at Buchenwald. Yesterday he mistakenly referred to Auschwitz instead of Buchenwald in telling of his personal experience of a soldier in his family who served heroically." (Ben Smith, "Obama's World War II History," The Politico's "Ben Smith" Blog, www.politico.com, 5/27/08)

In March 2007, Obama Claimed That His Parents Got Together After He Was Born

Obama Falsely Claims His Parents Got Together "Because Of What Happened In Selma," Alabama In 1965, Four Years After He Was Born. "It's significant in that sense that Gingrich's confession just happened to follow Sen. Barack Obama's riveting account of his parents' connection to the civil rights movement. Speaking at the 42nd commemoration of the 'Bloody Sunday' confrontation over voting rights in Selma, Ala., the Illinois Democrat energized a church crowd by linking the event to his birth. 'There was something stirring across the country because of what happened in Selma, Alabama,' he preached, 'because some folks are willing to march across a bridge. So [my parents] got together, and Barack Obama Jr. was born. So don't tell me I don't have a claim on Selma, Alabama. Don't tell me I'm not coming home to Selma, Alabama.' It was such a spellbinding story that I almost didn't want to wonder how the 1965 march could have led to the senator's birth, which happened four years earlier. We might call it a story too good to allow the facts to get in the way were he not a presidential candidate." (Clarence Page, "Dueling Stories Define Today's Politics," Chicago Tribune, 3/14/07)

Obama: "This young man named Barack Obama got one of those tickets and came over to this country. He met this woman whose great great-great- great-grandfather had owned slaves; but she had a good idea there was some craziness going on because they looked at each other and they decided that we know that the world as it has been it might not be possible for us to get together and have a child. There was something stirring across the country because of what happened in Selma, Alabama, because some folks are willing to march across a bridge. So they got together and Barack Obama Jr. was born. So don't tell me I don't have a claim on Selma, Alabama. Don't tell me I'm not coming home to Selma, Alabama." (Remarks By Barack Obama At Selman Voting Rights March Commemoration, Selma, AL, 3/4/07)

General Misstatements
In June 2008, Obama Referred To An "Inhaler" As A "Breathalyzer" And Then A "Inhalator" Twice:

Obama Referred To An "Inhaler" As A "Breathalyzer" And Then A "Inhalator" Twice. Obama: "Everybody knows that it makes no sense that you send a kid to the emergency room for a treatable illness like asthma, they end up taking up a hospital bed, it costs, when if you, they just gave, you gave treatment early, and they got some treatment, and a breathalyzer, or an inhalator, not a breathalyzer (Laughter.) I haven't had a lot of sleep in the last 48 hours, so. If they had an inhalator, inhaler, I'm still stumbling over this word. You know what I mean. You know what I mean. Then we would save money." (Sen. Barack Obama, Remarks At A Campaign Event, Bristol, VA, 6/5/08)

In June 2008, Obama Was Unable To Complete A Sentence:

Obama: "What they'll say is, well it will cost too much money. It would cost about, it it it would cost about the same as what we would spend … it … o-over the course of ten years it would cost what it would cost us…it it. Alright, okay, we're going to. It-it would cost us about the same as it would cost for about hold on one second I can't hear myself. But I'm glad you're fired up though. I'm glad..." (Sen. Barack Obama, Remarks At A Campaign Event, Bristol, VA, 6/5/08)

In May 2008, Obama Made A Statement Indicting He Could See Dead People:

Obama: "On this Memorial as our nation honors its unbroken line of fallen heroes, and I see many of them in the audience here today." (Sen. Barack Obama, Remarks On Memorial Day, Las Cruces, NM, 5/26/08)

In May 2008, Obama Admitted He Referred To 100 Million Instead Of 100,000 Dead Following The Myanmar Cyclone:

Obama Admitted To Reporters He Said 100 Million People Died During The Cyclone In Burma. "At a later stop Obama was talking with reporters and expressed concern he'd also mis-stated the number of potential cyclone victims in Burma. He said, 'I hope I said 100,000 people the first time instead of 100 million. I understand I said there were 57 states today. It's a sign that my numeracy is getting a little, uh.' At that point, an aide cut him off and ushered journalists out. Before he could mis-speak again?)" (Andrew Malcolm, "Barack Obama Wants To Be President Of These 57 United States," Los Angeles Times "Top Of The Ticket" Blog, latimesblogs.latimes.com, 5/9/07)

In May 2008, Obama Called Matt Lauer "Tim" Three Times In One Interview, Had To Be Corrected By Lauer

Obama Called Matt Lauer "Tim" Three Times In One Interview. Obama: "Well, I think what it is, Tim, is, you know, that no person is defined by a few snippets taken over the course of a number of years …Well, Tim, I think that all of us have people in our lives who may have done some good things, and then we also see them doing some things that are disappointing. … Well, Tim, first of all, it's not me who's criticized these proposals." … NBC's Matt Lauer: "I just want to say, I know you've had a very long week, and so have I. You're saying Tim. I know, it's Matt Lauer. But believe me, I completely understand." Obama: "Matt, I'm sorry." Lauer: "We've both had a long week, Senator, believe me." (NBC's "Today," 5/5/08)

In March 2008, Obama Referred To Sen. Jay Rockefeller's Wife By The Wrong Name:

Obama Called Sen. Rockefeller's Wife Gayle, Before Calling Her Sharon Moments Later. Obama: "Finally, the fact that he had the good judgment to marry Gayle (sic) - (Laughter. Applause.) - a Illinoisan, somebody from my home state, indicates how wise he is. So, I am so grateful for his support. I'm so grateful for his endorsement and his friendship. Please give a big round of applause to Senator Jay Rockefeller and his wife, Sharon. (Applause.)" (Sen. Barack Obama, Remarks At A Campaign Event, Charleston, WV, 3/20/08)

"Since 1967, Rockefeller Has Been Married To Sharon Percy Rockefeller…" (U.S. Senator Jay Rockefeller Website, rockefeller.senate.gov, Accessed 5/27/08)

In March 2008, Obama Mistakenly Thought He Was In Wisconsin When He Was In Wyoming:

"Noting The Sunshine, He Called Out To Reporters, 'It's Really Nice In Wisconsin.' Immediately Catching His Gaffe, Obama Added, 'And Wyoming!'" (Charles Babington, "In Wyoming, Obama Defends His Readiness To Lead," The Associated Press, 3/8/08)

In March 2008, Obama Mistakenly Confused David Gregory For Matt Lauer:

Obama Referred To David Gregory As "Matt." NBC's David Gregory: "How is Senator Barack Obama feeling about his campaign this morning? He joins us now from San Antonio, Texas. Senator, good morning to you." Obama: "Good morning Matt." Gregory: "It's David today, Senator." Obama: "I'm sorry, David." (NBC's, "Today Show," 3/5/08)

In March 2008, Obama Called Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson, "Frank Johnson"

Obama Called Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson, "Frank Johnson." "Action Johnson?: Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson ought to reprise that old bit by Youngstown-born comic Bill Saluga: 'You doesn't have to call me Johnson.' In the mayor's case, it's because his name is not Johnson. U.S. Sen. Barack Obama's gaffe, calling the Cleveland mayor 'Frank Johnson' at a Cleveland rally, got a few chuckles. So lawyer Rick Taft decided to purposely lighten things up at Jackson's State of the City speech last week by leading the first audience question with: 'Mayor Johnson.'" (Michael K. McIntyre, "Town Fryer Owner Fried Over Sandwich Slipup," The Cleveland Plain Dealer's "Tipoff" Blog, www.cleveland.com, 3/3/08)

In February 2008, Obama Misquoted Sen. Clinton On Comments Regarding A Vote She Made On A Banking Bill

Obama: "I think part of what the American people are looking for right now is straight talk. They don't want political talk. I'll just give you one example. Sen. Clinton and I were debating and she was asked about the bankruptcy law that she voted for in 2001. … During the debate she said, you know, 'I voted for it, but I hoped it wouldn't pass.' That was a quote on live TV. That kind of talk, I think it makes people not trust government." (Sen. Barack Obama, Remarks At T.C. Williams High School, Alexandria, VA, 2/10/08)

PolitiFact: "Problem is, that's not what she said. Obama is referring to a Jan. 15, 2008, Democratic debate in Las Vegas when Clinton was asked by moderator Tim Russert if she regretted her vote in favor of the 2001 bankruptcy bill. Here's what Clinton said: 'Sure I do, but it never became law, as you know. It got tied up. It was a bill that had some things I agreed with and other things I didn't agree with, and I was happy that it never became law. I opposed the 2005 bill as well.' … Clinton said she was 'happy that it never became law.' He says she said, 'I voted for it, but I hoped it wouldn't pass.' The thing is, being happy about something after it happens is not the same as hoping along the way that it wouldn't happen. And yet, the latter is how Obama characterizes Clinton's words. We need to be clear on this point, given that Obama sets up his charge against Clinton as an example of "political talk" and follows it up with, 'That kind of talk, I think it makes people not trust government.'" (Politicfact Website, www.politifact.com, Accessed 4/7/08)

In February 2008, Obama Incorrectly Claimed That 90 Percent Of His Donations Come From Small Donors

Obama: "We have now raised 90 percent of our donations from small donors, $25, $50. We average -- our average donation is $109 so we have built the kind of organization that is funded by the American people that is exactly the goal and the aim of everybody who's interested in good government and politics supports." (Sen. Barack Obama, MSNBC Democratic Presidential Debate, Cleveland, OH, 2/26/08)

Factcheck.org: "He gets more from small donors than either Clinton or McCain, but two-thirds of his money still comes from those giving $200 or more. … The Center for Responsive Politics, which tracks donations at its Web site Opensecrets.org, figures that 34 percent of the donations that Obama raised and reported as of Feb. 20 came from donors who gave $200 or less. … What Obama probably meant to say is that 90 percent of his donors gave smaller donations, and that's likely true." (Annenberg's Political Fact Check Website, www.factcheck.org, Accessed 4/7/08)

In February 2008, Obama Mispronounced The Word Filibuster

Obama: "I'm going to get filibuttered -- I'm getting filibustered a little bit here." (MSNBC Democratic Presidential Debate, Cleveland, OH, 2/26/08)

In January 2008, Obama Made A Gaffe When Describing His Previous Gaffe

Obama Said He Made A Gaffe Earlier Saying "The Time For Come Has Changed." Obama: "The time for change has come in one day's time. I have to say, by the way, I should just interrupt a moment to say that I've been campaigning a lot, because this morning I said the time for come has changed." (CNN's, "Newsroom," 1/7/08)

But Obama Actually Said "The Time Has Changed For Come." CNN's Jeanne Moos: "Actually, he said..." Obama: "The time has changed for come."(CNN's, "Newsroom," 1/8/08)

In November 2007, Obama Falsely Claimed That President Bush "Has Not Left The Country Before He Was President":

Obama: "We have a president who chortled about the fact that he has not left the country before he was president." (Sen. Barack Obama, Remarks At A Campaign Foreign Policy Forum, Portsmouth, NH, 11/27/07)

Among Other Nations, President Bush Had Visited China, Japan, Mexico, Spain, United Kingdom, Ireland And Israel Prior To Becoming President. ("Obama Tells A Fib," The Washington Post's "The Fact Checker" Blog, blog.washingtonpost.com, 11/27/07)

In April 2007, Obama Repeatedly Called The National Action Network The "Urban Action Network" Until He Was Corrected By The Crowd

Obama Was Corrected By The Crowd At The National Action Network. Obama: "That's why, when I come before the Urban Action Network … These issues that the Urban Action Network talks about…" Crowd: "National!" Obama: "National." (Sen. Barack Obama, Remarks At The National Action Network, New York, NY, 4/21/07)

In January 2007, Obama Referred To Vice President Cheney As "Senator Cheney"

Obama: "The specific proposal that I've put forward that is echoed in the Iraq Study Group does not call for an immediate, total withdrawal. And I think Senator McCain and Senator Cheney have been directing their fire at a straw man, suggesting that Democrats have called for a total withdrawal. What we have suggested is that we begin a phased pullout, based on communications with commanders on the field, to make sure that our troops can still provide logistical support, can still provide the training, can still provide the counterinsurgency activities that are necessary in Iraq." (CBS' "Face The Nation," 1/14/07)

In September 2006, Obama Said That There Were 18 Years Between 1978 And 2006:

Obama Said That There Were 18 Years Between 1978 And 2006. Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs C. David Welch: "In my business, you can look backwards and say, 'Well, I'm discouraged because in 1978 we set up something called the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, and the interim has been there since 1978 and we're in 2006.'" … Obama: "Okay, let's assume we get to 10,000. What's your estimation, are we looking at 10,000 troops U.N. -- UNIFIL troops there semi-permanently? Let's see, from 1978 to now is about 18 (sic) years. We're going to have another 18 years, do you think?" (Sen. Barack Obama, Committee On Foreign Relations, U.S. Senate, 9/13/06)

This is what the leader of a statewide group of college Republicans said. And he has been forced to resign after posting racially insensitive comments about Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama on the Internet. Adam LaDuca, 21, the former executive director of the Pennsylvania Federation of College Republicans, wrote on his Facebook page in late July that Obama has "a pair of lips so large he could float half of Cuba to the shores of Miami (and probably would.)"

LaDuca, who previously had called Martin Luther King Jr. a "pariah" and a "fraud," also wrote: "And man, if sayin' someone has large lips is a racial slur, then we're ALL in trouble."

The College Republicans asked LaDuca to resign after his remarks were publicized by the Pennsylvania Progressive, a blog written by a Democratic committeeman from Berks County. The group announced LaDuca's resignation on its Web site Friday.

"The comments were completely uncalled for and very offensive," said Anthony Pugliese, 22, a senior at West Chester University and chairman of the College Republicans, an umbrella group with more than 50 chapters statewide. "The P-A College Republicans do not accept or tolerate racism in any way."

LaDuca said Monday that he regrets posting the comments and understands how they can be construed as racist. "In hindsight, when you read it a second time, it's like, 'oops,'" he said. "It was just a dumb move on my part to make a statement like that public."

He said he is not a racist and that he admires prominent blacks such as economist and author Thomas Sowell and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. He compared the comment about Obama to jokes about Republican presidential nominee John McCain's thinning hair or President Bush's large ears.

LaDuca is a senior at Kutztown University. Two years ago, Kutztown's College Republicans chapter was heavily criticized for holding a "bake sale" to protest affirmative action in which whites were charged more for cookies than blacks. LaDuca, then the group's spokesman, made a public apology on the group's behalf.

He has been called a "poet of exile," a Palestinian whose 1964 poem, "Identity Card," warned: "I do not hate people/Nor do I encroach/But if I become hungry/The usurper's flesh will be my food/Beware..."

Today, in what is being called the Palestinian Authority's first state funeral, thousands of people are expected to turn out in Ramallah to say farewell to Mahmoud Darwish, the celebrated poet who died this week in Houston at the age of 67.

"He started out as a poet of resistance," said Palestinian lawmaker Hanan Ashrawi. "Then he became a poet of conscience."

Darwish encapsulated the Palestinian experience in his life and words. Born in British mandate Palestine in 1941, Darwish and his family fled, then returned.

Darwish studied in the former-Soviet Union, was jailed in Israel, served with the PLO, and eventually broke with Arafat and the Palestinian politicians.

He became disenchanted with the Palestinian leaders, but kept on writing.

"I thought poetry could change everything, change history," Darwish said in 2002. "But now I think that poetry only changes the poet."

Last year, Darwish returned to Israel after 35 years of self-imposed exile to deliver a caustic reading, during which he castigated Hamas for taking over Gaza and said they had helped create "for one people, two countries, two prisons."

"If we do not find someone to defeat us again," Darwish wrote, "we defeat ourselves."

Last month, in what turned out to be his final appearance in Ramallah, Darwish read to an overflow crowd in the city's cultural palace, where I saw him for the first - and last - time.

Darwish sat uncomfortably next to PA PM Salaam Fayyad as writers and politicians heaped praise on the poet. Then, backed by a talented musical trio playing traditional ouds, Darwish delivered what turned out to be his final public message to the Palestinian people.

"History laughs at both the victim and the aggressor," Darwish told a journalist that night.

In a newer poem called "The Written Script," Darwish spoke of history dragging both a killer and his victim to death - a metaphor for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

"We travel like other people, but we return to nowhere," Darwish once wrote. "We are a country of words."

Today in Ramallah, Darwish will be buried in the heart of that Palestinian nation.

Your exercise regimen involves fishing.

You like corn-fed beef burgers.

You use Splenda as a sweetener.

Your favorite supermarket cookie is a crunchy chocolate chip.

Your fast food restaurant of choice is Hardee's.

You shop at Safeway.

Your shopping cart includes the following products:

PowerBar energy bars
Margarine
SoBe Energy drinks
DiGiorno's Stuffed Crust pizza
Sun Chips

In a move guaranteed to effectively kill oil exploration and give the Democrats the no growth victory they wanted on energy favored by environmentalist idiots and liberal socialists, 5 "Republican" Senators joined in with 5 Democrats to undermine the Republican House's valiant and courageous efforts to secure sufficient and stable supplies of domestic petroleum resources in order to acquire energy independence and restore the price of gas to an affordable level. Even though about 75% of the American people across the political spectrum, Democrats included, want expanded exploration and domestic energy independence from using our own reserves instead of having to import them at high cost from terrorist sponsoring state who hate us; 5 RINO beltway traitors have ignored the collective will of their own base and stabbed their fellow Republicans squarely in the back as well as severely damaged individual Republican chances for electoral victories in 2008 and even John McCain's Presidential aspirations. ASSHOLES!

By adopting and embracing the argument of the do-nothing but talk Democrats, who offer the same lame double talk and want skyrocketing gas prices as a campaign issue, these RINOs, have just handed the Democrats the Presidency and guaranteed them a veto proof majority. Despite assertions to the contrary, these RINOcrats are allowing the liberal Democrats not only to write the damned legislation but take credit for whatever it does. This is exactly why the Republicans lost the House and the Senate and why as long a RINOs run the damned party, the Republicans will remain a minority party and hard working Americans will continue to be pissed on, pushed around, and treated like dirt by the elite political class which is out of touch and out of their minds. Decades of no-growth, no drill, no-solutions is what we have gotten from Democrat leadership and that's exactly what these selfish rotten bums have just given us once again for which there is no justification whatsoever especially given the dire situation we are in now which is far worse than it was decades ago when liberals and Democrats and now RINOs chose to cripple and handicap domestic oil production, coal mining, nuclear power and our national economic security.

The Wall Street Journal's assessment of this idiocy is outlined below and is being discussed on Rush Limbaugh's show. This is yet another case of needless political suicide based on greed, stupidity, and horribly misguided ideology. Lindsey Graham's name among these turncoats is no surprise since this is the same clueless bastard who pushed for blanket amnesty for illegals and called opponents of this idiocy hateful bigots. I don't live in South Carolina, but if I did, this jackass would be thrown out come next election in a hot minute. Instead of some form of an energy plan, albeit watered down to uselessness, this "bipartisan" pile of crap is nothing more than yet another Washington beltway crafted pork fest that will not only increase taxes to fund it but a new expensive federal bureaucracy to run it. All while the American public goes bankrupt while these sons of bitches play political games. The case for Senatorial term limits has never been greater, almost as great as the case for makeshift gallows and strong ropes.

Politics has its puzzling moments. John McCain and most of the GOP experienced one late last week. That was when five of their own set about dismantling the best issue Republicans have in the upcoming election.

McCain and his party have found -- in energy -- an issue that's working for them. Riding voter discontent over high gas prices, the GOP has made antidrilling Democrats this summer's headlines.

Members of the "Gang of 10" discuss their energy plan, Aug. 1.

Their enthusiasm has given conservative candidates a boost in tough races. And Mr. McCain has pressured Barack Obama into an energy debate, where the Democrat has struggled to explain shifting and confused policy proposals.

Still, it was probably too much to assume every Republican would work out that their side was winning this issue. And so, last Friday, in stumbled Sens. Lindsey Graham, John Thune, Saxby Chambliss, Bob Corker and Johnny Isakson -- alongside five Senate Democrats. This "Gang of 10" announced a "sweeping" and "bipartisan" energy plan to break Washington's energy "stalemate." What they did was throw every vulnerable Democrat, and Mr. Obama, a life preserver.

That's because the plan is a Democratic giveaway. New production on offshore federal lands is left to state legislatures, and then in only four coastal states. The regulatory hurdles are huge. And the bill bars drilling within 50 miles of the coast -- putting off limits some of the most productive areas. Alaska's oil-rich Arctic National Wildlife Refuge is still a no-go.

The highlight is instead $84 billion in tax credits, subsidies and federal handouts for alternative fuels and renewables. The Gang of 10 intends to pay for all this in part by raising taxes on . . . oil companies! The Sierra Club couldn't have penned it better. And so the Republican Five has potentially given antidrilling Democrats the political cover they need to neutralize energy through November.

Sen. Obama was thrilled. He quickly praised the Gang's bipartisan spirit, and warmed up to a possible compromise. Of course, he means removing even the token drilling provisions now in the bill. But he's only too happy for the focus to remain on the Gang's efforts, and in particular on the five Republicans providing his party its fig leaf.

Equally gleeful was Louisiana's Mary Landrieu, the Senate's most vulnerable Democrat. She had been sweating the energy debate, especially after her vote against more oil-shale production -- a position her Republican opponent, John Kennedy, had used against her to great effect. Yet there she was, chummily standing with the Gang of 10 and boasting that she is working with "five Republicans" to "lower prices at the pump by increasing offshore drilling here at home."

Mr. McCain, who had been commanding the energy debate, was left to explain why he, of all people, wasn't more enthusiastic about a "bipartisan" effort on energy, especially one that includes "drilling." His camp was forced to take refuge in taxes, explaining that their boss couldn't sign up for a bill that included more. If this is what Mr. McCain's good friend Lindsey Graham considers "helping," somebody might want to ask him to stop.

And pity poor Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, who has been working overtime to stanch GOP losses this fall and head off a filibuster-proof Democratic Senate. His dogged efforts to highlight Democratic opposition to drilling has kept energy in the news and laid the groundwork for GOP candidates to use the issue to their advantage.

In the Colorado Senate race, Democrats had christened former GOP Rep. Bob Schaffer "Big Oil Bob" -- hoping to smear his oil industry career. "Big Oil Bob" has instead embraced his pro-drilling positions and is pummeling opponent Mark Udall for his antidrilling stance. In recent weeks, Mr. Schaffer has erased Mr. Udall's lead. Polls show Republican Sens. Norm Coleman (Minnesota) and John Sununu (New Hampshire) both climbing in the polls on the back of strong energy arguments. As two of the GOP's most vulnerable senators, both might well have run for cover with the Gang of 10. Instead they're fighting on the merits.

The "bipartisan" Republican senators have undercut these efforts, and boosted Ms. Landrieu. They've even put a smile on Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid's face. He'd been struggling to tamp down the energy debate through November, where he hopes to increase his majority and permanently shelve drilling. He's now counting on the Gang to fruitlessly continue "negotiations" straight through the Senate's short September session and solve his problem for him.

Not one of the five Republicans in the Gang is facing a tough election this year. That's the sort of security that leads to bad decisions. And theirs is the sort of thinking that could leave Republicans in a permanent minority.