All the Barack Obama vacation news, except Obama

It's a big deal when someone who might become president of the United States chooses to visit your local area. That's why campaigning candidates focus so much attention on local media reporters as they visit the Sioux Falls and LaCrosses and Billings of the country.

It's even a bigger deal when that famous celebrity decides to spend almost a week in your area on vacation. Take Barack Obama, the Democratic presidential nominee-to-be who's in Hawaii this week with his family doing what American families ought to be doing in August.

He's not really campaigning on his visit, except maybe to put on a coat and come out to talk about the Georgia without any electoral votes because John McCain was all over TV news talking a whole lot tougher about the Russians and not talking about just talking to them either.

But otherwise a local Hawaiian TV station, very eager to cover Obama but without Obama, has to make do with talking with pretty much anybody else their reporter can find.

"It came as a complete surprise," said one local after his Obama encounter. Another said Obama commented on his own "handsome" photo in a local paper and signed some copies. Shot some hoops too reportedly.

Here thanks to The Times' Maeve Reston is a video of one local report so you know what local Hawaiian news viewers know about what the freshman Illinois senator has been up to.

--Andrew Malcolm

Comments

[rosalynneus]

Is he ready to be the next American President? Hell NO. He is oK as a junior senator. He can take vacations and not interrupt them. He is nor ready and nor knowledgeble to act as a president. HE NEEDS HIS SCRIPT oherwise he will say the same things as his wife. They are both not ready or they do nor represent the American first family. They are not american 100%.

[Bruce]

Barack Obama is an empty suit. He knows very little about foreign affairs even though he poses as one.

[YOU MUST SEE THIS VIDEO]

Look and Listen Closely....and pass it on to all on your e-mail list..

I don't know how everyone is voting but this is worth
the time to listen to what this man says..
This is serious, serious, business.......
Better listen...


www.atlah.org/broadcast/ndnr07-28-08.html

[MissMudd]

He's on down time in his hometown, you twit. Did you get your journalism degree from the Geraldo Rivera School of LIes and Exaggeration?

[blah]

is this really news? about the only news worthy bit in this piece was that obama didn't come out and posture against russia like mccain did. which, mccain needs to be careful. we have all our troops tied up in afganastan and iraq. can't afford to get into a pissing match with a country that isn't afraid of us.
sounds like malcolm is disappointed because he went all the way to hawaii and all he got was a lousy t-shirt.

[Jon Iscream]

It's only a big deal when Obama chooses to visit your local area if you are intellectually challenged. The only people charged up by Obama are in the business of racism or the business of communism. Louis Farrakhan is just as popular for the same reasons. Didn't Farrakhan draw a million people to DC to march AGAINST whites. Wasn't Obama there (by his own admission) marching AGAINST whites. Isn't Barack against everything that made this country great. His great "change" is a call to make Americans "ANTI" American. I am seeing lots of unity. Where is the history in the making? Hasn't Alan Keyes, a real black man, run for President twice? The blacks don't support him because he actually earned everthing he has achieved. That makes Keyes an Uncle Tom? Instead of running as fast as they can away from the Chicago "gangsta", they are supporting him. Whose fault is it that 4 out of 5 violent crimes in America are committed by black men. Was it MLK's dream, that black Americans would follow violent and aberrant men into oblivion? Are we supposed to believe that there isn't a single black person in America that is actually qualified to be President? Would Obama even be a candidate if he weren't (almost) black. Now that's what I call affirmative action.

[Steve Swimmer]

The Obama Phenomena and “We can use the military to help the poor.”

“We can use the military to help the poor.” Sam Nunn, Georgia’s favorite Man, envisioned the most far reaching method for improving the human condition seen by people since the great religions brought us morality.

When the “Cold War” was concluding and the big question of what to do with our vast military/industrial complex came to Senator Nunn, he boldly said: “We can use the military to help the poor.” Well the Empire Builders went nuts and did everything they could to stop any such effort from spreading. Unfortunately, the Empire Builders won.

Then, after all seemed lost, suddenly the Obama Phenomena appears. Now it may not be over. With Sam Nunn as President Obama’s Vice President, our country can find our way to peace while utilizing the military/industrialist for sustaining life rather than spending massive effort on killing our fellow human beings. Every one of us needs Sam Nunn in a top U.S. leadership position. This is the way to end the reign of the Empire Builders now commanding the U.S. military. Vote Obama/Nunn. And, the world will, at long last, give peace a chance.

[steve roy]

It is impossible to take Republicans seriously when they say Obama is not ready to lead, considering the moron they've had in the White House for the last eight years. He's been IN THE OFFICE for eight years and he still can't put a sentence together, much less lead the country anywhere but where he's led it so far, which is down the toilet. I challenge anyone to name a person in the public arena who is as stupid as the present president.

So to have a man stand for president who may be young, but can think, gives me hope. He's a smart guy, so far with no bimbo eruptions, he has a sense of humor, wants to do the right thing, and can send a message to America and the world that we are not a bunch of warmongering idiots.

We just make the mistake of electing them sometimes.

[Amy Heindeburg]

McWar is trading barbs with Putin knowing full well because of him and the neocons we have no troops to send to protect the Georgians from the Russians. More republican foreign policy incompetence. The people are sick and tired of faux conservative machismo masquerading as intelligent positioning on world affairs. Its precisely why McCentury will lose in a landslide.

Obama 08!

[Paul Dirkk]

marching AGAINST whites...

Yes, we know how scary it is when large numbers of black men are all allowed to gather in one place. It's a good thing they can only fit one at a time in a voting booth or Jon would have something to be REALLY scared about!

[jake]

Obama's approach to this recent flare up in Georgia was dead on. He recognized that both sides in the conflict had issues but still needed to stand down militarily so things could start to stabilize again. McCain on the other hand went to the extreme route with the usual Cowboy diplomacy that got us into Iraq based on lies in the first place. We need someone who not only knows when to send our troops in but also remembers how important negotiations and diplomacy are. This puts Obama way aove anything McCain will ever hope to be. I could not help but notice that McCain is doing all he can to stay off of the issues because he has got nothing to offer but 4 more years of the same we have had for the last 8.

[anytruthplease]

@ Jon Iscream

First of all, the million man march had nothing to do with white people (but you've obviously got a lot to learn beyond just this). It was about black men taking responsibility for their position in society, something you seem to be arguing underneath all that "the blacks do ___ or 'the blacks' don't do ___" (which is racist).

"The blacks don't support him because he actually earned everthing he has achieved. That makes Keyes an Uncle Tom?" Again, do your research, everything Obama has in his life he has earned.

Finally, regarding: "Would Obama even be a candidate if he weren't (almost) black?" Whether he would or wouldn't, he is. What is more important is that he agrees with you. He has said and represents over and over and over again the fact that he doesn't want to be a black president but just a president. He is not a civil rights old-style politician (i.e. sharpton). I suggest you read (anything) this: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/10/magazine/10politics-t.html

He even questions affirmative action in 'The Audacity of Hope,' just like you. Not that your affirmative action point is actually valid.

and as for the article, 'blah' has it right, 'can't afford to get into a pissing match with a country that isn't afraid of us.' Which is to say, it doesn't matter who was first to demand the obligatory 'we do not agree with Russia', but their solutions vis-a-vis a direct confrontation with one of the major powers in the world. Analyze that Malcom, don't look at who was first to say something obvious, or call Obama a Celebrity and avoid actual issues in lieu or perpetuating a republican party branding strategy.

[iyseKreem]

let us wait 4 the bush government 2 follow obama's lead once again, and mccain will filp-flop by tomorrow. obama's aproach to al qaeda in pakistan, has allowed america to kill 4 top al qeada operatives in pakistan, a first since the war began. now osama knows his safe haven days in pakistan are over. and mccain was the loudest critic of this strategy or technique during the primaries.
mccain has been in congress since the 80s and didn't know that yugoslavia isn't a country anymore (for almost 2 decades now). if mccain is elected, bush will finally have a president he is smarter than.

[Walter L Johnson]

Neither McCain nor Obama actually can take any actions regarding Georgia. The outcome will be settled before the next President takes office. Talk is cheap, but action is not. Both candidates should have deferred to President Bush who has access to the best information including satellite images unavailable to candidates and military readiness data.

We cannot know from words alone what either candidate would actually do regarding Georgia, if President. After all President G. W. Bush's "compassionate conservatism" turned into across the board cuts in real spending for all programs serving the poor.

[Dee]

America was once a proud country. Its leaders were carefully selected to represent the people of this great nation in production, technological and medical advances, and educational programs that would and could lead to intellectual pursuit for those rich and poor.

What has happened to this country? Why are so many Americans willing to elect someone that is so deprived of intelligence and knowledge needed to lead this country and maintain respect from people around the world?

I have heard it said that most Americans want a President as dumb as they are.

McCain couldn’t even pronounce Georgian President Mikhail Saakashuili name! We have had almost 8 years listening to Bush blunders! Must we endear 4 more years of listening to more blunders made by McCain? Must the U.S. continue to emphasis the stupidity of another president throughout the world?
Reference: CNN news video: McCain plays security card.

After returning from a conference in Germany, McCain appeared on public TV and talked about how President Putin of Germany gave an old cold war speech during the conference. If you’re not familiar with world affairs, Vladimir Putin is the Prime Minister of Russia. Maybe you will remember back in 2001 when Bush made the statement that he looked into his eyes and was able to get a sense of his soul. Bush went on to say Putin was a good man. Putin also remarked that he a Bush shared a lot of the same values.
Reference: Simply go to any search engine and type in “McCain thinks Putin is the President of Germany”.

McCain confuses Iraq with Afghanistan. McCain appeared on Good Morning America and made this statement. Asked by ABC's Diane Sawyer Monday morning whether the "the situation
in Afghanistan in precarious and urgent," McCain responded: "I think it's serious . . .. It's a serious situation, but there's (McCain should have said there are a lot) a lot of things we need to do. We have a lot of work to do and I'm afraid it's a very hard struggle, particularly given the situation on the Iraq/Pakistan border," said McCain, R-Ariz., said on "Good Morning America. For those of you that may not have a great understanding of basic geography, Iraq does not share a border with Pakistan.

The list of McCain gaffe goes on an on. McCain does not have the experience, intellect or knowledge to be President of the United States.

[John Paul Telhomme]

Andrew Malcolm is back at it again. This impulsive, knee-jerk supporter of Hillary Clinton who rode the Obama-can't-do-anything-right wagon all the way to the end is back supporting McCain. Why is Obama being called a celebrity by you? Is that Pulitzer quality journalism? I am going to start banging my head on the desk again, for God's sake! First, he did beat Clinton. After that, you ridiculed him when he accepted the challenge to travel in Europe and the Middle East, speculating that he would fall flat on his face. He pulled it off. You said, people were hearing too much about him. So, he took a vacation. Why are you mad? More importantly, why is McCain never able to take advantage of the periods when he is absent from the scene? Regarding his brief interruption of his vacation, yes, you are right... He came out and provided a sane and convincing assessment of the situation in Georgia and he further provided the correct prescription. After McCain and Cheney talked tough and barked like wild dogs what happened? Any recommendation from them? Are they going to move five battalions to expel Russia from the break-away regions? Where is President Bush, anyway? Is he still in China? Who is dealing with the crisis? Hasn't that crisis festered since 1992? Andy, get a life!

[gail dotson]

PRESIDENT GEORGE W BUSH HAS HAD THE REALLY TOUGH DECISIONS TO MAKE. HE HAS NOT EMBASSED THE USA BY CHASEING YOUNG ENTERNS AND LYING ABOUT IT THE MOST RESPECTED MAN TO EVER HOLD OFFICE AND YOU CORRECT HIS ENGLISH I WILL TAKE THIS REMARKABLE LEADER OVER ANY PAST PRESIDENT LEAVE MY PRESIDENT ALONE THIS PRESIDENT HAS FACED MORE TRAGIDY MORE RESPONSIBILTY THAN ANY PAST PRESIDENT I FIND I AM AFRAID TOVOTE FOR ANY ONE OTHER THAN GEORGE W BUSH NO ONE CAN MAKE THE BEST PRESIDENT EVER LOOK BAD TO HISTORIANS OR ME

[Ron]

Barack Obama is in His hometown of Hawaii around the same time that George Bush was in Beijing slapping some young volleyball chick's butt. Talking to Putin around the same time that Vladimir was planning an attack on Georgia.
Now that Sarkozy is negotiating a cease fire ... aren't you glad that McCain didn't get a chance to wage war against Russia. Seeing that we don't have any more soldiers available on account of the "SURGE" and all.

[Seriously]

Gail, your posting is more ridden with error than most of Dubya's speeches...no wonder you are such a fan, he IS in fact more educated than you. It's about time I found someone he was smarter than...

I think those who vote for McWar/McSame/McOldasDirt are insane. Our economy is in the crapper from the current administration and we absolutely cannot survive another 4 years of this. Barack Obama brings fresh perspective, thoughtfulness, hard work ethics and overall decency back to the White House.

If we are lucky America will vote right in 84 days and though President Obama will likely have to spend the next 4 years cleaning up the mess left behind by BushCo, I am positive America will be seen again as the great nation we are largely due to the efforts of such a bright and dedicated man.

Embrace the Obamanon! OBAMA 08

[angry]

All of Obamers foolowers are koleaid drinking roebots going beep beep beep as they walk down the street. Beep beep beep. And Obamer is controllling them with infizzable rays. Tell that to an Obamernaut the next time you see one and give the naut a tinfoil hat to block the rays. Better put one on too unless Obamer gets to you too.

[very angry]

omaba is the aunty christ

[jimmieg]

It is time to question McCain;s war record. His courage in capture should be honored. Being a POW in a war we lost 40 years ago hardly represents credentials. The military so stretched so thin, that any sword rattled is a plastic one and makes little noise. The Russians knew this before they jumped. Obama's response is appropriate, thoughtful and will prove to be productive.

[Jean]

Obama stay in hawaii, Hillary can do very well without you. So can the rest of america.

[SoloHawaii]

We will definitely take Obama, whether he's an
aunty or not. You mainlanders can have at it. And this reporter needs to get a clue - this ain't news, you dork.

[Johnny Knox]

Obama is a superior choice to Mccain, is not a junior senator and if you looked at his policies you'd see that they are more in line with the American people. Also to talk about needing a script, all presidents do, but Obama the least of the canidates. The media has been very lax on reporting all of Mccain's gaffes and there's enough of them in to probably build a whole speech made of crazy offensive or off-beat and out of touch things he has said. "Give hot water to dehydrated babies" "hate the gooks as long as I lived" "100 years in Iraq" "Why is Chelsea Clinton so ugly? Because her father is Janet Reno." "Bomb, Bomb, Bomb, Bomb, Bomb Iran" "I will veto every single beer."

Yes all of these are 100% confirmed Mccain Gaffes but you may have never heard about them. Look, we need Obama in the white house our country is in critical condition due to neo-conservativism. Do you want to put a bullet in our nation's brain or try to get it to the closest thing to a doctor which is Obama. I believe Obama is our best chance to do what is right.

[angry]

okay solohawaii, you take obammer and make him King Bobo or whatever. We give you you own country, you go bye bye. You guys not americans anyway.

[Matericia]

Who are you Americans but immigrants to this country? What native american tribe? We are all immigrants and besides

Obama is related to more presidents than McCain can name. His press conferences look like a paprazzi ambush of a nursing home escapee.

[mary]

GO OBAMA NEXT PRESIDENT OF U S A. GOD BE WITH YOU.

[mary]

stop been jolous, if you are too old like mccain to go to havard law school, work hard to sent yoru child{ren}; we do not want a president on diaper in the whitehouse. what part of 72yrs don't understand. that guy is too old to be a frest president in any country. come on guys open you eyes and brain. he belongs to an assistedliving.