Yes, we can.

[Alex]

As an interesting example of fitting things into a media outlets pre-determined narrative, see how the WSJ views the "meeting with leaders" stuff as a gaffe where Obama instead of acknowledging has dug in and embraced his error. To them this is a bad thing.

In this month's Atlantic there is an essay entirely on this "gaffe" and how it is a significant, important statement of position from Obama. That even if it spawned from something he hadn't intended to say, after examination he found it was what he meant to say even if he didn't know it and that he would stick by it.

But if nothing else, one hopes the Wall Street Journal editorial board will remember this piece the next time they find themselves supporting or explaining away some stupidity simply because they already support the person who committed it.

[Strangler Lewis]

I just learned that, though otherwise in excellent health, Obama is a smoker. One who has tried to quit several times without success. ("Yes we can" has its limits.) This won't change my vote, but it strikes me as hard to take the moral high ground against corporations when you are in thrall to one of the more evil sectors.

On the other hand, I bet he looks, like, totally cool.

Have we had a smoking president since Nixon?

[Alex]

I don't think so, at least not cigarettes. I've heard that at least one recent president enjoyed a good cigar.

But I really don't care if Obama smokes. I've never smoked but don't find the habit distasteful in others and I doubt that he'll be advocating others take it up.

[Ghoulish Delight]

Originally Posted by Alex

As an interesting example of fitting things into a media outlets pre-determined narrative, see how the WSJ views the "meeting with leaders" stuff as a gaffe where Obama instead of acknowledging has dug in and embraced his error. To them this is a bad thing.

I also like the causal relationship implied between JFK's meeting Khruschev and the building of the Berlin Wall.

[scaeagles]

Originally Posted by Ghoulish Delight

I also like the causal relationship implied between JFK's meeting Khruschev and the building of the Berlin Wall.

Are you saying you don't believe there was a correlation?

I've always believed there was. The Russians had lost 20 million soldiers in WWII and were in no way ready to fight another war in Europe. Khruschev was indeed feeling out Kennedy and sensed weakness and a lack of resolve. That also led directly to the Cuban Missile crisis, but thankfully JFK showed cajones there.

This is where face to face talks, when one is not prepared to stand up and is willing to make concessions easily, can lead to very negative consequences. Reagan was good at it and walked out on Gorbachev in Iceland. I don't see Obama doing that with Ahmadinejad. Of course, I see McCain beating Ahmadinejad to death with a blunt instrument, which wouldn't be a good thing either (well, maybe it would).

[Cadaverous Pallor]

I'd like to see a Gaffe Graph, showing the reversals from all 3 both candidates.

[scaeagles]

I'm sure it would be very, very lengthy. Particularly with McCain, who is currently king in that area.

[BDBopper]

Congratulations to the many Obama supporters on this board as various mediums are now declaring Barack Obama the presumptive Democratic nominee. No matter what your political stripe is this is indeed a very historic day in our nation's history - no matter if he wins or loses in November.

From the other side of the aisle I extend my hand in hearty Congratulations and with it the Best of luck.

[CoasterMatt]

It's not illegal to carry a ball-peen hammer concealed under your coat.
If you can get close to an adversary, it makes a damn fine device for disabling (or worse).
Or so I've heard...

[Gemini Cricket]

I thought this was a good response to Helmetgate 2008.

"I had an internal debate," Obama admitted when a supporter thanked him for wearing a helmet. "Because I knew that the AP was going to take a picture, and they were trying to portray it like Dukakis wearing that tank helmet.
"But I wanted to make sure that the children who saw that picture knew that even the Democratic nominee for president wears a helmet when he goes biking," he said to applause.
"Now, obviously the rest of my apparel was apparently not up to snuff, because I got a hard time from all sorts of blogs ... who said I looked like Urkel."

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