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!