Barack Obama wants to be president of these 57 United States

Ah, Oregon. The beautiful Northwest. Rain. Trees. Clouds. Rain. Friendly territory for Sen. Barack Obama, the leading contender for the Democratic Party's long-disputed presidential nomination.

So there he was in Beaverton today at the start of a two-day swing through Oregon, virtually ignoring his remaining Democratic opponent, what's-her-name from New York, as part of his new strategy to act like the actual nominee while she flails around way behind in numbers.

Naturally, this being the Northwest where everything is not ruined quite yet, his staff had Obama visit an eco-friendly company, Vernier Software & Technology, that makes products for science teachers. He could get education in there too, see?

In his prepared remarks Obama was ready to start blasting Arizona Sen. John McCain, the presumptive Republican nominee, to show the Illinois Democrat is moving on to the general election campaign.

But first the freshman senator had to go through all the....

...obligatory delighted to see you, delighted to be here part of stump speeches that also require that you actually know where you are.

Obama pulled that off O.K. But then he drifted away from the text a tad, as rookies are wont to do sometimes, forgetting how exhausting this primary process is and should be. And trusting in their instincts, their very tired instincts.

"It is wonderful to be back in Oregon," Obama said. "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. Alaska and Hawaii, I was not allowed to go to even though I really wanted to visit, but my staff would not justify it."

The Times' conscientious Robin Abcarian thought she heard something different there. She checked her tape recorder. It had captured what he had actually said -- 57 states now. A new Louisiana Purchase that's gone unannounced so far? Was he channeling his inner John Kerry-Heinz 57 personality?

(UPDATE: 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?)

Oh, and as far as Hawaii voters are concerned, they're probably delighted to learn that Obama's campaign staff doesn't think that tiny state can justify an appearance by his eminence, even though he did a lot of growing up there. Or maybe because he was there.

Let's see what they do with that in the Honolulu media, which the Republicans have probably already notifed.

Maybe it's Obama's age. He's getting up there in his forties, you know.

(ANOTHER UPDATE: Because of a new development in this situation another item on this subject has been posted here.)

--Andrew Malcolm

Photo Credit: AP / Joe Raymond

Comments

[N.E. BodybutHillary]

Wow! Andrew caught Barack in a bold face lie. Barack was clearly lying about there being 57 states.

[Gromit]

A slip of the tongue, perhaps suggested by use of Heinz condiments ("57 Varieties") on the campaign trail?

I don't think he's worried that Hillary can "ketchup," do you?

[Randy]

Obama is going to make a great POTUS!

I'm so glad Judas Clinton is on the way out!

[Marks]

Pitiful!

This will go with the flag pin, pledge of Allegiance, not using a Bible for the oath of Office blather made up news headlines and gets sent through email.

When people think Obama is a Muslim then criticize him for belonging to a Christian Church 20 years with that wacky Rev. Wright, the media has created stupid confusions.

Some don't think he's American either and how would they come up with that if wasn't lies and misinformation spread?

Add some racist tone which is likely by Clinton supporters these days, since she's looking for every white vote now, zowie got Obama!

[Marshall]

Glad to see Obama has a sense of humor after all this Clinton drama!

[steve]

The last time I looked this was the USA. Our founding fathers put into place a system whereby the citizens could speak......ALL OF THEM....

You may be a Obama supporter I am a feedom dupporter. Call it in June after everyone has their vote counted in the primaries.

What are all you Obama supporters so afraid of......something true and really scary may come out about your inexperienced arrogent canidate?

GIVE IT A REST...THEIS IS AMERICA LET THE SYSTEM PLAY IT OUT AND SHUT UP...WE ALL KNOW YOU LOVE THE CREEP....

[Mitchell in New York]

Ah, but Hillary thinks she still may have Florida and Michigan...

See, “Hillary and the Genie Do Florida and Michigan: A play in one very short act”

http://msa4.wordpress.com/

[chris]

I agree with "steve" - Just like Ron Paul, Clinton is still in the race. Clinton and Ron Paul both have about an equal chance to win.

Who knows, It might be Clinton Vs Ron Paul in November!

[Franky]

to steve:

The Founding Fathers did not support political parties - infact George Washington said that if political parties are formed, it would be the downfall of our system.

I believe they would be laughing their butt off at what a broken system we use now.

You can vote in November for ANYONE.

P.S. Its also funny that you say to call it in June, then demand that it be let to play out. LOL - must be nice to be able to randomly decide when is the "right" time to end this process. Why not just follow the party rules?

[Stuart KD]

There are 50 US states, and six US territories.
Puerto Rico
U.S. Virgin Islands
American Samoa
Guam
Northern Mariana Islands
Minor Outlying Islands (Wake Island and Johnston Island)

And one US-administered region, Guantanamo Bay Naval Base, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

Obama may have misspoke about 57 states, but in all US territories and administered regions, the head of state is the President of the United States.

[dkny]

Guam, Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Washington D.C., Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa all territories not states. I recall is vacation to the Virgin Islands and trips elsewhere. I think people need to use their heads a little more on this one.

[BJ]

Wonder how Obamabots would react if they woke up and found out this was all a dream, and Obama WILL NOT be the nominee?

They have been so offensive, I can not even feign sympathy for them.

But I caution, this is not over! There is more lurking in the background that could rear it's ugly head. 6 weeks is a lifetime in politics.

And don't bother to be conciliatory. We know it's only because you need our votes. Well, it's not going to happen.

[JB]

@ BJ -

How's that Operation Chaos working out for you so far? LOL - you ReFUDlicans are all the same.

Dividing the great nation is the only way the extremist views of the republicans could have a chance. Sorry, but this nation is done with the republican terrorists. You and the other Rush stooges will have a long 8 years ahead of you!

BJ - Maybe you should join "Operation Get out of Mom's Basement" next!

[mariann]

A lot of wishful thinking seems to be reflected in these posts, as in I-can't-believe-it's-butter-it's-Obama for the Democratic Party Nominee. Let the primary voting system play itself out on June 3rd. Eeven Obama agreed and expressed that with CNN's Wolf Blizter. He needs to continue campaigning in the remaining six states and be gracious about it (unlike someone else we all know). When it's all over, Hillary can write her next book about her experiences running for President as the first viable female by Disney-fying all of her accounts.....

[Robbie]

We're going to have a brilliant person in the white house. A real leader. Obama will make a great President. What a thrill.

[mary]

This is like when he said that Oregon was part of the great lakes. What a fool. To think he his from Illinois that has part of the great lakes. I think he also bought his degree like the SD.

[linda]

point is the dummy can't speak "eloquently" unless he is reading from a teleprompter.

Another ad for McCaini if he has the guts to use it.

[The Bag of Health and Politics]

Who cares? There was a time when journalists corrected people who misspoke with crap like this to reflect what they were trying to say instead of playing gotcha. But playing gotcha is such a critical issue to the country. For the record, Obama was trying to say he's campaigned in 47 states, and hasn't campaigned in three. I believe he has not campaigned in Utah, Florida, and Alaska. (He went to Detroit before the Michigan Primary was de-certified back in 2007).

[AVWrobel]

Obambi is desparate! He is trying to create the inevitable. Florida and Michigan have 200 delegates (elected and super) and they are angry at Obambi's continual screw job. This is nowhere near over. Contribute at HillaryClinton.com. chipped in $220 two days ago. Let's go Hillary!

[Kelly]

This isn't the first time Obama has forgotten how many states there are.

Obama giving a talk to his fans at the Associated Press: "And I've now campaigned in 47 states, actively. And I think South Dakota is the last state that I have not had a campaign event in.

Now that doesn't mean that I expect that I will win all 50 --or 48 states and Alaska and Hawaii -- all 50 states..."

[Kay Dye]

so.. more media driven false controversies! Seriously, does anyone really care if a politician mispeaks?

McCain is a corporate shill whose wife refuses to release her tax returns and they get a pass.

[dean]

57 states? That ranks right up there with Quayle misspelling potato. This guy is a real brain trust.

[Joe]

Obama will not be a president of any states this year.

[Jeremiah Wrong]

The empty suit.

[John]

He was joking! Please tell me you are all not this dense. The guy graduated from Harvard, and is a US Senator - I think he knows how many states there are!

[BJ]

TO JB

No problem... actually the past 7 years have been very rewarding. And I am a registered democrat, but you may be right... I might just keep taking those tax cuts, thank you very much!

I was willing to accept a tax hike, if Hillary were the nominee, for a more equitable distribution of the tax burden... but I will not pay for the sloths of society! And this is what your candidate is suggesting.

[Linda C.]

Maybe we are going to have 57 states in some future world of hope and change.

[Patrick]

The Democratic primary season contains 57 events (including Michigan and Florida), so that might be where he got the number. I'm sure some aide said it at one point.

Still, yeah, 50 states is sort of a thing an American says relfexively, which means Obama is unamerican*. Quod erat demonstradum.

*-Offer not valid outside the contiguous 53 states**
**-yeah, I am kidding around here

[Mike]

Actually, BHO thinks that there are 60 states. He has visited 57; there is one more to go to; Alaska and Hawaii are to far away to be worth the bother.

So, 60. That's real Chicago-style vote counting!!!

[sc341]

This is hysterical, when Dan Quayle spelled potato with an E, potatoe the Media went totally nuts. I can't wait to see how they give him a pass. Also, I think this is a little worse than John McCain getting his Shiites & Sunnis mixed up. He forgot how many States there are? Maybe he's been smoking too many funny cigarettes lately.

[Geoffrey Lane]

Andrew Malcolm, you are clearly so rabid in your anti-Obama stance that you have 'lost your bearings'. The article reads like an out of control rant. Are you seriously suggesting Obama does not know how many states there are? Can we move on?

This kind of tripe rises from the small minds of Obama detractors because there is nothing substantive to complain about. Articles like this are so childish and destructive. I am not a democrat, but I am impressed with Obama because of the kind of campaign he has run. This is the first election in my adult life where the candidate is clearly calling for you and all Republicans to unite under one flag. I can't speak for everyone, but we've tried hating each other and polarizing the electorate with pigeon holing and smears, but I, for one, and ready for something different.

If you would just take a deep breath, Obama would listen to all your brilliant proposals. He has made a career talking to both parties and building consensus. To all the Republicans reading this, I hope you guys take a second look at this guy. He is not nearly as far left as you think, and he has shown he is willing to accommodate opposing views. I am a proud Republican, but this is a once in a lifetime candidate. I like capital gains taxes low, but if people at the bottom cannot fill up their gas tanks, I will gladly sacrifice 10% of my investment income and pay a few more taxes.

I may be naive, but I have a very good feeling about Obama, and what he says he will do. As long as he keeps telling the truth he will have my support and I am willing to support, even pay for, a different strategy for America.

(Lighten up, Geoffrey. We're equal opportunity offenders if you'd ever read anything other than the ones about your fave. Be sure to return here in a few hours because we'll have the actual video of Obama announcing the new states. Plus news of an amazing political gadget for his campaign.)

[BarryManilow]

Andrew Malcolm, well he made some mistakes because he is a rookie. But what's your girl, Hillary's excuse? With all those incedible 'experience' she has been trumpeting about, not to mention her not so young years and the connections the 8-year stint in the White House guarantees, she has done a pretty miserable job, don't you think?

Oh, she also had an ex-president going around like a person on some substance rallying behind her while Obama had to clean up the mess his crazy ex-pastor created. Despite all this, this 40 something rookie still managed to keep his grace and cool under fire whereas you girl was all over the place from shotting down whisky to gun totting while dropping lies after lies.

It has been one hellavue test of character and we all the who the losers are and they are the last to know, as always.

[SandyS]

I just don't understand why so many Obama supporters feel the need to bash a very intelligent, experienced stateswoman like Senator Clinton. I like Obama, but Senator Clinton is my choice based on her experience. After 8 long years of total disaster, I truly don't want a learning curve - I want someone who knows what they're doing from the very beginning. Why do you folks do that? I suspect it truly is misogyny. When will it ever end? What woman would be good enough for you people - maybe not to vote for, but good enough not to bash and denigrate?

[liamascorcaigh]

His remarks imply 60 (sixty) states: 57 (inc. Oregon) which he has visited plus one (1) more to visit plus Alaska and Hawaii (2) which his staff won't let him go to. Sixty.

He's obviously exhausted and misspoke. Still, no more cracks about McCain's "bearings" anytime soon.

For mor epolitical comment visit my blog "Chris Mathews Other Leg" by clicking on my name.

[Ward Tipton]

He may have said fifty seven states. What I like was the one more being both Alaska and Hawaii. So now 57+1 =59 which is the same as 50 right? Hmmm. I understand how tiring campaigning must be but ... ummmm ... from someone to want to run this country, that is not very comforting.

[James]

You guys should get a grip on life and move on...

The guy was joking...

He was born in the USA, He graduate from Harvard; he was in charge of Harvard law review; he was a consitutional Lawyer; he was teaching law in the university; he was a state senator for about 7 years; he has been in the US senate for about 3 years.....

Do you guys really thing a guy with such a history does not know the number of states that are in the US.

This is the bases for that joke...

There are 50 states in the US....

Six US territories.

1. Puerto Rico
2. Virgin Islands
3. American Samoa
4. Guam
5. Northern Mariana Islands
6. Minor Outlying Islands (Wake Island and Johnston Island)

And one US-Administered region:

1. Guantanamo Bay

If you do the maths, the US president is in charge of these 57 states, territories, regions...

(Nice try, James. He wasn't joking. Did you watch the video? But it is hilarious.)

[zach wilson]

Jesus Christ, it was a joke. Humor by exaggeration. I don't think Obama is pandering to the Guantanamo Bay Statehood faction up there.

[Bobc]

I'm not a McCain supporter, but can you imagine what the press and others would be saying about him, if he had said this?

Where are the politicians with the common sense and pride of country of our forefathers......they were much more intelligent than the ones we have now!

[Clintonfatigue McCloned]

the guy is saying the truth...the US have 57 states, territories or regions...

Obama must have been joking or applying a more advanced analysis of USA's laws & boundaries, the type you see from constitutional lawyers that knows the law and US territories. His problem was talking about it as if, this is a common knowledge to the everyday American.

He was born in the USA, He graduate from Harvard; he was in charge of Harvard law review; he was a consitutional Lawyer; he was teaching law in the university; he was a state senator for about 7 years; he has been in the US senate for about 3 years.....

Do you guys really think that a guy with such a pedigree does not know the number of states that are in the US.
This is the bases for his thoughts...

There are 50 STATES in the US....

Six US TERRITORIES.

1. Puerto Rico
2. Virgin Islands
3. American Samoa
4. Guam
5. Northern Mariana Islands
6. Minor Outlying Islands (Wake Island and Johnston Island)

And one US-Administered REGION:

1. Guantanamo Bay

If you do the maths, the US A president is in charge of these 57 states, territories or regions...you know this from civil classes and before one becomes a USA constitutional lawyer or in charge of Harvard Law review, he will know this and more..

[Patrick]

Obomba said children were a punishment. The only punishment for him is looking in the mirror day after day.

[Stevo]

Hussein is just trying to give Hillary a little HOPE that things can CHANGE for her before the primaries.

[raven]

OMG! Is this what we would have to look forward to
W.O.R.M.? My family, which includes veterans, says to
Sen. Clinton, carry on! Every voter has a right to cast their ballot and be heard. We need the strongest candi-
date to run as our nominee. The MSM does NOT get to
pronounce who that individual is .
Sen Obama is seeking to make a "victory" speech of a
sort on May 20th before he's secured the nomination.
That is the height of disrepect for the process, those
who've yet to vote, and Sen.Clinton. What is the need
to further alienate her supporters?
Sen.Clinton is fighting to represent ALL of us. Not as
Donna Brazile identified the "new coalition" of the Demo-
cratic party. So, she would just dispense with the rest
of us. Donna ihas really gotten on my third nerve! As a
multi-racial person, I say run til the end. We are be-
hind you and proud of you! We are now telling our daug-
ters...ONE DAY THAT CAN BE YOU!!!

[Radarmel]

What a fool... if this guy is elected it will make GW look like a Yale gradutate... oh, wait he was... and look how that turned out. I can't believe that everyone is so snowed by this guy, It remindes me of 2000, how the Republican zealots stood up for GW, defending him around every turn and miscalculation and everytime he misspoke his team and army would correct him... "oh, what he meant to say was...blah blah blah"
And here we are again... defending him, correcting him and carring him.... DO WE WANT ANOTHER 4 YEARS of someone that is so out of touch with what is really happening in the USA??? I don't and good luck keeping him up while he is falling.

[Duros Hussein 62]

Geez, Andrew, editorialize much?

[Andrea]

Who cares if Hillary won states like New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, California, Texas, Nevada, and is poised to slam Obama in West Virginia and Kentucky? Obama was annointed from the start by a Republican-owned media who used every tool at their disposal to derail Hillary. If I were her, I'd shun the VP spot and lead millions of white working voters to victory in 2012. McCain will have really fouled things up by then.

[John Wayne]

57 states??? Well, it will go with all his other things.... flag lapel pin etc. Individually they are nothing, together they are something. While I do think he made a mistake in this one, there has been a lot of them in his candidacy, and it does bring up his inexperience yet again.

[Are you kidding me?]

So I guess McCain should be President now. After all, Obama said "States" instead of "States and Territories".

But then McCain said: "Bomb-bomb-bomb ... bomb-bomb-Iran"

And McCain said: "We should stay in Iraq"

And McCain said: "Sunnis come from Iran"

But hey, if you mis-speak about something REALLY important, like "57 States" instead of "57 States and Presidents" ... well, that's just too important.

I'd rather have McCain, and his promised 100 years of protracted war in the wrong country, and an inference that we'll further invade the rest of the region.

McCain's eternal war sounds much more appealing than Obama. After all, Obama omits words like "territory". That's so important to me as a voter.

[Ken Pressley]

It appears Obama thinks there are 60 states not 57. He said he has been to 57 with one to go but was not allowed to go to Alaskea and Hawaii.

[Laurence McCabe]

Obama thinks Iraq, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan, Pakistan , Cuba and Mexico are the other states in The 57 States.
Great, just what we need more aid to dependent children.

[Trevor]

Come on, he obviously meant to say 47 not 57, big deal, so his misspoke. 47 would be correct because he said there is 1 to go to and he didn't go to Alaska or Hawaii, hence 47. The guy doesn't get much sleep and he said 57 instead of 47, give him a break, damn.

[florencio]

Could the other states be;

51) The U.K.
52) Canada
53) Australia
54) New Zealand
55) U.S./U.K Virgin Islands
56) South Africa
57) India

Remember the common languages....

[Sam]

Think about it guys - he said 57 states. He ALSO said he hadn't gotten to go to Alaska and Hawaii, and he had one more state to visit. So that's three states he hasn't visited. What's 50 minus 3? 47. Forty-seven and fifty-seven sound pretty similar. Getting tongue-tied and accidentally saying the wrong word happens to the best of us - even when we're not talking in front of that many people. Give the guy a break, he's doing a great job to have gotten this far.

[Sam]

Think about it guys - he said 57 states. He ALSO said he hadn't gotten to go to Alaska and Hawaii, and he had one more state to visit. So that's three states he hasn't visited. What's 50 minus 3? 47. Forty-seven and fifty-seven sound pretty similar. Getting tongue-tied and accidentally saying the wrong word happens to the best of us - even when we're not talking in front of that many people. Give the guy a break, he's doing a great job to have gotten this far.

[Obama/Richardson fan]

I think he meant to say 47 states instead of 57, notice he then said "I think 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." 47+ "one left to go" plus Alaska and Hawaii equals the 50 states. However he might also have been including other areas. For example I notice that many people speak of the 51 states (when speaking of the general election presidential voting), because they are apparently including the District of Columbia as a "state". Further in the Democratic primaries/caucuses Guam, American Samoa, Puerto Rico, and other US territories, as well as DC, cast votes - I wonder if there are a total of 57 contests in the race for the Democratic nomination, however Obama did not visit those territories (though he did visit DC) as part of his campaign for President.

[Marc]

Stop making excuses for Obama. In one's most drunken stuper people who are government officials know the US has only 50 states. Territories are not states and they have never been mistaken for US States.

Get it through your head: Barry is short on facts and long on rhetoric. He was successful as a law student because without Lexus-Nexxus he'd be incapable of something requiring concrete facts off the top of his head.

As a Mechanical Engineer the man is the most mentally stunted of all the candidates in Hard Sciences.

McCain having gone through Anapolis is required to have a solid Science background.

Clinton has shown countlessly her knowledge of even the most rudimentary facts of Science, if not the applied theory.

Obama can't even get current events clear in his head and it's not as if he's been truly pressed seeing as his staff has barred any debates.

Guess what Obama fans: In the General Election you can't deny debates sactioned for the Main Event.

The man can't think on his feet without a teleprompter. This quick wit is crucial in diplomacy.

This isn't something you learn--you have this by the time your personality is fully developed.

[VOTE REPUBLICAN!]

He's an idiot-- a typical ..."govment" ...take care of me-- IDIOT!

[claspur]

NObama will implode in running for the General Election.
I heard about this gaff this morning, and a blogger posted this article off a post on Little Green Footballs regarding how NObama would meet with heads of terrorist nations, unconditionally.
Now, that's some good info reading there, on that issue....with video evidence of John "the Waffle" Kerry style waffling.
No....NObama will im'splode himself before November, folks.

[Kate]

Maybe the seven other states are Obama's seven other states of mind...blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah.
Hey, hey, vote Republican!!

[Kate]

Maybe the seven other states are Obama's seven other states of mind...blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah.
Hey, hey, vote Republican!!

[Mike]

Amazing. Obama admitted that Alaska and Hawaii were the only states he hadn't yet been to. And then your later comments made it sound like it was only Hawaii. What about Alaska voters? What about Anchorage media? Catch on -- there are 50 states, and it's time you started remembering that.

[MotherGinSling]

Their are actually 56 contests in the Democratic primary, all listed at RealClearPolitics.com:
http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2008/presi ...
Some folks aren't aware that the primary includes American Samoa, Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Guam, Democrats Abroad, District of Columbia
I'm not sure where 57 comes from instead of 56, but he phrased it with uncertainty like a question.

[matt smock]

No, it wasn't a joke and he wasn't referring to the territories. Sorry Why would a candidate waste time campaigning in territories that don't have delegates? It was a slip of the tongue. He meant to say forty-seven, not fifty-seven states; he said he skipped one contiguous state and Alaska and Hawaii.

[glo]

I AM SO SICK OF HAVING THIS GUY RAMMED DOWN OUR THROATS.....

He's stupid, arrogant, inexperienced, did I say stupid...he want's to be President and he doesn't even know how many states there are......A junior college graduate knows that......GET A CLUE FOOLS THIIS GUY IS A FAKE.

Go Hillary

[James]

How stupid are you people? It's a *JOKE* phrase that's been around for years, as is "That would be illegal in 57 states."

Maybe you also think the Beatles really thought there were 8 days in a week?

Get a life, or at least get a brain.

(Nice try, James. If you get a chance, watch the video. But then you'll see he wasn't joking. So, nevermind.)

[John Kenny]

It must be part of the Change thing he keeps talking about.

I guess in that unifying he will first divide a few states, into two or so.

[James]

Must be a Roschach test -- it sounded like an ad-libbed joke to me (and, it would seem, to the audience as well, from their appreciative laughter), but maybe I was already primed to hear "57 states" as a punch line, since I've heard it so many times before. It seemed like the kind of joke where you start to say something, realize it's close to a punch line, and just go with it. But I can see where others might not have gotten that.

So there seem to be three possibilities:

(1) It was a joke (70% chance, by my estimate)
(2) He started to say "50", attempted to correct it to "47" and it came out as "57". (30% chance?)
(3) A scholar and senator who's been to 47 states, has done the math to get delegates from them, and has done the math to get the required EV's in the general election, doesn't know how many states there are (less than 0.0000000000000000001% chance).

Why ignore the obvious choices when you can choose the absurd one?

Btw, what's the take on McCain's persistent confusion wrt Sunni vs. Shiite, and his confusion about which side Iran is supporting? (Oops, sorry, that would be a conversation about something substantive.) Actually, since I'm traveling, I can't follow up on this, but go for it anyway if you wish...

Btw, there seems to be another James who posted earlier. My only previous post was just before this one.

[fltii]

he apparently meant to say 47, and said fifty.

when he was asked about it again, he wasn't about to mis speak, but over speak. using the obscure linguistic term numeracy... numeric literacy, actually a word... new to me, but he may have been labeled as intellectual, if a slightly absent minded one after 15 months of 15+ hour days.

obama mis spoke once and works all the time...

what is bush the vacationer's excuse?

[Carly]

I guess Obama isn't smarter than a 5th grader...

BTW: Is ANYTHING ever Obama's fault?

[Ardeshir Dolat]

Where did he get number 57 from?? Have you wondered??

The answer is here:

http://ardeshird.blogspot.com/

[Fuldermox]

I guess if the phone rings at 3:57 AM, we'll be okay.

[MrUniteUs]

Let's see Obama was head of the Harvard Law review,
a Constitutional law professor, and unlike Hillary he past the bar the first time. He knows there are only 50 states.

Now who can tell us what other locations particpate in the Democratic primaries.

[molaske]

If there is 1 to go and he had to skip 2, then he obviously meant to say 47. Can you imagine that -- saying 57 when you meant 47?

Now Hillary's supporters have posted in 1000s of blog comments that this is clear proof he's not ready for the job of president. Of all the things they could post as an argument for why super delegates should support her against the pledged del plurality, this is what they chose to cut and paste.

This is why she has lost the nomination.

[Jay]

He sounds like a person on the street for one of Jay Leno's pieces! That is too funny!! But hey, he's for HOPE and THE FUTURE, so maybe he will convert some of the US possessions into states sometime in the FUTURE, or they can certainly HOPE! What an empty suit!!! Woohoo, I can't wait for the general election!

[submandave]

James, one possibility you failed to list is that he just spoke without listening to what he was saying. I don't buy either the joke or, in fairness, stupidity theories. It seems much more likely that he was just phoning in his appearance and not paying much attention to what he was saying. Not a particularly flattering picture of the candidate, but one that makes more sense for me than him being a total dunce or making a stupid joke that isn't even funny in theory.

As for the silly "states + teritories" nonsense, if his staff couldn't justify going to HI, a place the Senator lived, please explain how he's been to American Samoa, Guam or the Northern Mariana Islands. The fact that I saw the exact same thing verbatim in multiple posts indicates to me that this may a semi-official deescalation effort.

[Truth]

There are 51 US states (yes, Washington DC is considered a state) and there are 6 US territories. 51 + 6 = 57
Perhaps people should check the facts before they blow things out of proportion…do the math!

[Julia]

I believe Obama just misspoke, but the funniest thing about any of this on this blog is how furious his supporters get when you question Obama about anything. The outright indignation that anyone dares to question Obama about anything is absolutely hysterical. The more his groupies act like moonies, the easier it is to dismiss Obama as any type of serious contender for the Presidency.

[skindoc2000]

Look up the OIC...Organization of Islamic States)....There are 57 states in OIC...This guy is trouble.

[Heywood Jablome]

Do you think Obama has LOST HIS BEARINGS?

[Larry]

All you Barack Obama supporters out there need you heads examined.
This guy is the biggest "Lefty" we have serving in the U.S. Senate. He leaves something to be desired in the patriotism department also. How can anybody who associates with Terrorists, such as Bill Ayres and someone who has spent 20 years belonging to a church whose pastor preaches nothing but hate for this country even be considered to run for the highest office in the land and be the leader of the Free World.
If he is elected president I guarantee you will see "Change". I'm talking about the change you will have left in your pockets after he has raised your taxes. I for one think that I pay enough taxes right now and don't want to pay for anymore "Free-loaders". I'm 65 years old and have busted my butt to be able to retire and be comfortable and don't want to be taking care of people who want to live off the "Fat of the Land".

[Rick]

This is worse than the Dan Quayle "Potatoe" Fiasco. This guy is either an idiot or he is confusing the U.S. with the 57 Islamic States.

[MoKev]

He was referring to his Islamic Conference Membership which has 57 states. When he goes off his script the real story comes out.
Organisation of the Islamic Conference
Membership 57 member states
Leaders
- Secretary-General Ekmeleddin İhsanoğlu
Website
http://www.oic-oci.org/

[Evelyn weatherhead]

i think if obama wins i will leave the democratic party.
what is america doing letting him even run?
anyone that won't salute the flag shouldn't even be allowed to run.
i know several hundred people that feel the same as i do
the only reason he got in there is cause he's sleeping with oprah.
and if he gets in there we will be so much worse off.
i thought it was bad with bush.
no one will have a chance.
espically if your white.
we are the minority already.

[mike]

Too bad it wasn't Mccain who said "57" because then the moonbats would be having a field day over questioning his age. BHO will win the dem nomination because blacks won't vote for anyone else - not that theres anything wrong with that!!!

[james granata]

Obama will not be a president of any states this year.

Posted by: Joe | May 09, 2008 at 08:58 PM

How about next year in late January?

[GB- in Florida- AND Yes WE CAN!]

You need to keep things in perspective- mis stating 57 versus 47 is really not a bad slip of the tongue when you compare it with Clinton saying repeatedly she had dodge sniper fire in Bosnia. For anyone that has lived through an invasion or war (I have) you DONT forget THAT moment you don't forget the bombs near you don’t forget that you have your little daughter Chelsea with you. She is a LIAR! As for Mc Cain our senator with the most experience confuses SEVERAL times Shiites (Iran) and Sunnis (al-Qaeda)...if Senator Obama would have made any of these "mistakes" the media would have not been as merciful. KEEP THINGS IN PERSPECTIVE We need leaders we can trust. Look at where we are right now with the economy the war etc... We need CHANGE and we need it NOW!!

[karl]

57 States ?

How can anyone be that stupid .....and be running for President of the United States. What are you protecting, a fool. If he is an idiot....admit it. Can you imagine Obama as our decision maker, duh?

Hell, I'll debate him and kick his ass! I have no respect for this political BS.

Hey, look the big mistake. Lets lower the bar....affirmative action.

[Karl]

Quit making excuses for Obama. He is as dumb as they come. Lets pass him to the fifth grade.

Affirmative Action in progress. Lets lower the bar so everything will be fair.....just like they did at Harvard.

Bush rides the short bus, too!

[Dinh Diep]

Are you puzzled that Obama could have mentioned 57 states for the United States of America ? Read the following link :
http://www.oic-oci.org/oicnew/page_detail.asp?p_id=52
He has in mind the 57 muslim states in the Organization of the Islamic Conference:
The Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) is the second largest inter-governmental organization after the United Nations which has membership of 57 states spread over four continents. The Organization is the collective voice of the Muslim world and ensuring to safeguard and project the interests of the Muslim world in the spirit of promoting international peace and harmony among various people of the world. The Organization was established upon a decision of the historical summit which took place in Rabat, Kingdom of Morocco on 12th Rajab 1398 Hijra (25 September 1969) as a result of criminal arson of Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied Jerusalem.
Obame really scares me. That's the reason he has friend as Farakhan, visits Khadafi, and wants the be friend to Iran. And Most of all, he doesn't to wear the American flag pin.

[SS]

If McCain had said 57 states, its all over the news and he's fighting to get back. If Clinton had said 57 states, she's done. Obama says 57 states and its, "Oh, isn't he sweet." Wake up people! Obama is a sham, he's the man behind the white curtain in the Wizard of Oz. Don't believe the hype.

[goldilocks]

If McCain is senile, this clown is demented. Good luck you sheep.

[nana]

He "was born of a teen age mother who was on welfare for awhile...." Let's see, it is widely reported that his mother met his father while she was in college, so, she must have been at least 18 years old. 18 years old, or 19 years old, living with her parents, does not make her the typical "teen aged mother". She sounds more like a sexually active young woman, independent enough to leave her son in the care of her parents while she pursued her own interests and fulfillment, as did his father. He clearly has issues of abandonment, which may explain why he cannot abandon associations that are not good for him and why he cannot tolerate anyone who does not accept him or who challenges him.

[Frank]

The only 57 states Obama really knows about are the 57 Islamic states.

[Austin]

"What passes for politics in this country".... is very sad and pathetic. The way that our media covers all the political candidates, is like the school playground bullies laughing at the geeky kid who tripped and fell down. No one actually wants to discuss the campaign issues.

Are there really that many people who really still think Obama is a Muslim??? I can forgive the ignorant, because they are victims of the liars. But so many people (many who call themselves Christians) who think it's ok, and even fun, to spread outright lies about someone whose political opinions they disagree with. REAL Christians don't do that (read the Ten Commandments, genuises).

[Cryos]

I love how people project qualities onto Obama even though his actions contradict his words. For such “intellectuals” the brain drain evident in Obama support is pretty depressing. I guess some people are so caught up in an ideal they put blinders on to reality.

By the way I hope you obama supporters like Robocalls, telemarketers and targeted advertising. Lol your great leader who has your devoted attention is milking you for your personal information for personal gain. But I suppose there is some excuse for that too like everything else. Here’s some change you can believe in suckers.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/bloomberg/20080428/pl_bloomberg/aw_qty8aivto;_ylt=AgGe54voz_hMunt9mll6Fses0NUE

http://www.barackobama.com/privacypolicy/

[Willard Morgan]

I would expect the President of the United States, even if he/she were called at 3:00 am, to know that there are 50 states. Obama is NOT "Smarter than A Fifth Grader".

[Tilmon]

Okay steve said he is a "feedom dupporter" hopefully meaning to say freedom supporter. How can you all try to clown Obama when you don't even kow what you support and nonetheless spell it. Hillary wants to be Billl and get hers in the Oval Office, maybe from Monica Lewinsky too and has filled the country with insurmountable lies. McCain is a pseudointellect and just another Bush who will push the country further into debt and we will have a depression and be at war at the same time, which will probably lead to a draft the way the government is now. McCain will also damge the efforts put forth by Jimmy Carter to have peace in the Middle East. The battle with Kim Jong IL and North Korea is not over and he will damage that even more.. shall I go further? Anyway, Obama is the best fit at this point because at least he has been honest so far and has made an attempt to balance the budget. Right now he is the best chance we have at improving the economy.

[Ryan]

This has been bothering me the entire time: You say that he meant the 50 states plus Washington D.C. and then the six territories. The problem is that he would still be quite off, because he has campaigned in only "57 states" but not 3 of them, which does not make any sense if there are 57 States/Territories. Here, I will try and clarify:

57 States/Territories minus Alaska and Hawaii - one state left = 54 states/territories. That makes absolutely no sense. I don't know if Obama truly meant the 57 Islamic states, but he certainly did not mean "States/Territories"

[Hillary Kitten]

It's not Obama's fault that he thought there were 57 states. His campaign staff forgot to brief him.

[William Saturn]

Obama says Hezbollah has "legitimate claims".

Obama says he will meet with the Iranian government without preconditions

Obama is friends with a man who tried to blow up the Pentagon with Weatherman Underground

And now he believes there are 57 states...
And he is right...
There are 57 Islamic states (http://www.iheu.org/node/2546)

[tk]

Whoever this evelyn weatherhead is, you need to shut up and sit down. You think you know what it feels like to be a minority. Wherever you go out do you get stares? Or no when you go home and get out the car do you have to watch your back to make sure no one is after you? No no do you hear shots every night when you try to sleep? I bet you couldn't say yes for either of those so be quiet. Most of these people who don"t want to support Obama are either wealthy, don't want to listen to him or let's face it racist! You haven't been the minority a day in your life so don't try to claim it.

[Xiaobolao]

Obame and his supporters are the only ones who play the race card from beginning to end, and will never stop playing it, just like Jesse Jackson. All attacks against Obama are racist, so they claim. They want to use the race card to shut up every opponent's mouth.

[Jim]

Hmm. Mis-speaking about how many States there are in the Union...or lying about WMD to get us into a 3+ Trillion Dollar, 5,000 casualty, "100 Year" war. Wonder which one is worse???

Yo, Republitards, you are probably thinking it should be Obama's mistake and not Dumbya's...right??

Hey Neocons - get ready for 8 LONG years, folks!!! We just may be able to repair the damage left by the Chimp by then...

[mo]

Puerto Rico
U.S. Virgin Islands
American Samoa
Guam
Northern Mariana Islands
Minor Outlying Islands (Wake Island and Johnston Island)
+ washington DC that make it 57

[RJ]

The race is really on. To see who can loose votes faster, McCain, or Obama. Every time either opens their mouth, votes go right up the spout.

[Daniel]

I think he was counting us (TEXAS) as seven states.
You know, we are kinda big. I think we should elect a Texas President (Rambo, Eastwood,,etc.)

[Jason Sauls]

This was a very interesting statement from Obama "57 States". It makes me wander which 57 states he is talking about. The organisation of the islami conference groups 57 islamic nations from around the world. Does he want to be their leader too?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Organization_of_the_Islamic_Conference

[Grant]

Visiting 57 states is pretty impressive. But he won't win me over until he can name all 57 state capitals.

[Fredette]

I just wonder how this guy is pullng the wool over everyone's eyes. I can't believe the American people can be so wanting a change that they are willing to give our country away to the first smooth talker. Wake up America..

[Neil]

Obamma was just a little confused in his history class. ou see there are 57 nations in te Isamic Conference! Who knows maybe he wants the US will be the 58th.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Organisation_of_the_Islamic_Conference

[Amanda]

BO is the antichrist - and like the initials of his name he stinks!

[Jesus is a Liberal]

It's obviously not what he meant. He meant Democratic Primaries. There are 57.
57 primaries =
50 States
+Plus
Washington, D.C.
+Plus
U.S. Territories
* American Samoa
* Guam
* Marianas
* Puerto Rico
* U.S. Virgin Islands
+Plus
Democrats overseas in other locations (United States Airmen, Marines, Soldiers, Reservists, Seamen overseas, U.S. ambassadors to foreign embassies, U.S. bases contractors, AAFES (BX/PX) employees, etc.)
=
57 Primary Locations

[Mister Truthful]

ITS VERY VERY POSSIBLE THAT SENATOR BARACK OBAMA IS THE ANTI-CHRIST WITH THE MARK
OF THE BEAST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

YES! YES! YES!

I BELIEVE THAT SEN. BARACK OBAMA IS THE ANTI-CHRIST THAT THE BIBLE TELLS US ABOUT BECAUSE:

1. IF WE ADD UP THE LETTERS IN HIS

FIRST, MIDDLE & LAST NAME, WE

WILL GET 666 IF WE USE SOME

UNDERSTANDING!

**SO HERE IS THE FORMULA:

HIS FIRST NAME IS BARACK

HIS MIDDLE NAME IS HUSSEIN

HIS LAST NAME IS OBAMA

BARACK HAS---------------6 LETTERS

HUSSEIN HAS---------------7 LETTERS

OBAMA HAS-----------------5 LETTERS

NOW 6 PLUS 7 PLUS 5 EQUALS 18.

AND IF WE BREAK DOWN THE NUMBER

18, WE WILL GET 6 PLUS 6 PLUS 6.

AND 666 IS THE MARK OF THE BEAST!

2. ANOTHER REASON THAT I BELIEVE THAT

SEN. BARACK OBAMA IS THE ANTI-

CHRIST IS BECAUSE HE LIVES IN AND

HAS WORKED IN CHICAGO, ILLINOIS.

AND THE ZIP CODE IN CHICAGO, ILLINOIS

IS 60606. AND IF WE TAKE OUT THE

TWO ZEROS IN THIS ZIP CODE WE WILL

GET 666 AGAIN!

AND 666 IS THE MARK OF THE BEAST!

3. THE THIRD REASON I BELIEVE THAT

SEN. BARACK OBAMA IS THE ANTI-

CHRIST IS BECAUSE ONCE AGAIN HE

LIVES IN CHICAGO, ILLINOIS AND THE

FIRST THREE DIGITS OF PHONE NUMBERS THERE
ARE 666.

SO IF YOU DIAL 1 + AREA CODE (312) +

666 AND THEN THE LAST FOUR DIGITS

OF SOME PHONE NUMBERS THERE,

YOU WILL REACH A PHONE NUMBER IN

THE SAME CITY AND STATE THAT

SEN. BARACK OBAMA LIVES IN! BECAUSE

THE TELEPHONE NUMBERS THERE

BEGIN WITH 666.

AND REMEMBER THAT 666 IS THE MARK

OF THE BEAST!

4. NOW THE FOURTH REASON THAT I

BELIEVE THAT SEN. BARACK OBAMA IS

THE ANTI-CHRIST THAT THE BIBLE

TELLS US ABOUT IS BECAUSE HIS

OFFICE OR CAMPAIGN PHONE NUMBER

FOR VOTERS TO CALL OR FOR PEOPLE

TO CALL WHO HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT

VOTING IS: 1-866-675-2008.

THIS IS A TOLL-FREE NUMBER BUT

IT STILL HAS THE NUMBER 666 IN IT!

AND 666 IS THE MARK OF THE BEAST!

SO PLEASE PLEASE BEWARE OF THE

MAN NAMED SEN. BARACK OBAMA!

DO NOT VOTE FOR HIM, DO NOT

WORSHIP HIM AND DO NOT TAKE HIS

MARK! BECAUSE HIS MARK IS 666!

FROM: THE PERSON THAT STUDIES THE

END TIME.

P.S. PLEASE EMAIL ME AT:
owens_ruben@yahoo.com


SO THAT I CAN ANSWER ANY OF YOUR

QUESTIONS, COMMENTS OR CONCERNS

ABOUT THE END TIME, THE WARS, THE

RAPTURE, THE BEAST OR THE ANTI-

CHRIST OR THE NEW BABYLON!

[Sammy Cole]

Obama is a Man of Integrity and Power, if he should become the President Of The United States Of America i believe he will make life better. Further more there will be no War and racist.

[Greg]

Regardless of whether some think that Obama is the anti-Christ or not, we still have a Sovereign God that reigns over the universe - therefore we shouldn't worry about how horrible things will be IF BO gets elected. Let's just pray that John McCain will find the support he needs from all 50 states.....

[norm]

Obama can't remember how many states there are. This is the guy that says he is qualified to be president. Color him stupid.

[JB]

Obama is familiar with the 57 Islamic States.
All of the other excuses and rationalizations don't hold up to this truth.
Take away his teleprompter and Obama is lost.

[obama is a fake american]

Well, I have here a printout from a website called the International Humanist and
ethical Union . And here is how the second paragraph of an article on that website begins.

"Every year from 1999 to 2005 the organization of the Islamic conference representing the
57 Islamic states presented a resolution to the United Nations commission on human rights
called combating." And the title of the piece here is, "How the Islamic states dominate
the UN human rights council," and there are 57 of them.


Obama said he's going to campaign in 57 states, and it turns out that
there are 57 Islamic states. There are 57 Islamic states. So did
Obama just lose his bearings, or was this a more telling slip, ladies
and gentlemen?

[De Totem]

While we're on gaffes and misspeaks..

According to Mr. McCain;

Putin is the president of Germany.
Iran is training aL Qaeda fighters in Iraq
Beers have earmarks
Infants need hot water
Sunni and Shia are interchangeable
You can walk through Iraq with no body armory on
The surge is working
It doesn't matter when the troops come home
We should stay in Iraq for 100 years

Keep pretending Obama is a Muslim. It's really effective. Chain e-mails never lie!!

Effing Idiots.

[Samual Sproat]

Oh well, everybody makes mistakes, humans are humans. There's this one kid in one of my classes last year that was convinced that there was 51 states and would call anyone a dumb@$$ who said there was only 50.

Stop Genocide!
PEACE!

[Gino]

ISN"T THERE 57 ISLAMIC STATES...I believe that is what he was referring too!! YES, Lets elect him...he's our man. THE BLIND LEADING THE BLIND...WAKE UP AMERICA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Mister Truthful]

THE BIBLE ALREADY LETS US KNOW THAT

THE NAME OF THE (”ANTI-CHRIST”) WILL

HAVE (18-LETTERS) IN IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

————————————————————

SO LETS READ REVELATIONS 13: 18 PLEASE!

BECAUSE REV. 13: 18 SAYS “HERE IS WISDOM”!

NOT OVER THERE IS WISDOM!

NOT BACK THERE IS WISDOM!

NOT UP THERE IS WISDOM!

NOT DOWN THERE IS WISDOM!

NOT ON THE LEFT SIDE OF US IS WISDOM!

NOT ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF US IS WISDOM!

BUT IT SAYS HERE IS WISDOM!

MEANING RIGHT HERE IN FRONT OF
US IS WISDOM WHEN WE LOOK DOWN
IN OUR BIBLE AT (VERSE #18)!!!

WHY VERSE NUMBER 18?

AND WHY NOT VERSE NUMBER 17?

ITS BECAUSE THE BIBLE IS TRYING TO
GIVE US A HINT (CLUE) THAT THE NAME OF THE
ANTI-CHRIST WILL HAVE EXACTLY (18-LETTERS) IN IT!

AND THIS IS WHY VERSE (#18) SAYS
HERE (OR RIGHT HERE) IS WISDOM!

YES!
RIGHT IN FRONT OF US AND RIGHT
UNDER OUR NOSE!

BECAUSE THE NAME “BARACK HUSSEIN OBAMA”
HAS EXACTLY (18-LETTERS) IN IT!

SO COUNT THEM!

BECAUSE (REV. 13: 18) TELLS US
TO COUNT THE NUMBER (OR LETTERS)
OF THE BEAST!

NOW NOTICE THAT VERSE (#17)
DID NOT SAY HERE IS WISDOM!

AND THIS IS BECAUSE THE NAME OF
THE “ANTI-CHRIST” WILL NOT HAVE
17-LETTERS IN IT!

AND NOTICE THAT VERSE (#16)
DID NOT SAY HERE IS WISDOM!

AND THIS IS BECAUSE THE NAME OF
THE “ANTI-CHRIST” WILL NOT HAVE
16-LETTERS IN IT!

AND NOTICE THAT VERSE (#15)
DID NOT SAY HERE IS WISDOM!

AND THIS IS BECAUSE THE NAME OF
THE “ANTI-CHRIST” WILL NOT HAVE
15-LETTERS IN IT!

BUT THE NAME “BARACK-HUSSEIN-OBAMA”
HAS EXACTLY 18-LETTERS IN IT!

AND THIS IS WHY VERSE (#18) IS THE
VERSE THAT SAYS (HERE IS WISDOM)!

NOW WHEN WE LOOK AT THE NUMBER 18,
WHERE DOES THE (666) PART COME IN AT?

ITS VERY SIMPLE!

BECAUSE IF WE BREAK DOWN THE
NUMBER (18), WE WILL GET (6 + 6 + 6)!

AND IF WE TAKE AWAY ALL OF
THE (PLUS SIGNS), WE WILL GET (666)!

AND (666) IS THE MARK OF THE BEAST!

SO BARACK-HUSSEIN-OBAMA IS
THE ANTI-CHRIST!!

I ASSURE YOU!
---------------------------------------------

FROM: Mister Truthful

EMAIL: owens_ruben@yahoo.com

-----------------------------------------------------------

P.S.*** PLEASE EMAIL ME:

SO THAT I CAN ANSWER ANY OF YOUR

COMMENTS, CONCERNS OR QUESTIONS
-------------------------------------------------------------

ABOUT THE BEAST, THE ANTI-CHRIST,

THE MARK OF THE BEAST,

THE TRIBULATION, THE WARS,

THE EARTHQUAKES, THE END TIME,

HELL, THE RAPTURE, OR THE

NEW BABYLON!
-----------------------------------------------------------

BECAUSE THESE ARE THE

THINGS THAT I HAVE STUDIED!

[Jamz]

Well...there are 57 states of Islam...