Barack Obama admitted in a memoir he wrote 11 years ago that as a young man he tried cocaine. He’s the first presidential candidate to admit to having used the drug. (George W. Bush has steadfastly refused to answer the many questions about his alleged drug past.) It will be interesting to see whether Obama’s admission, made years before he ever considered a national office, will be used against him if he decides to run.
Do you think the American people welcome this kind of candor from a presidential aspirant? Or will his admission sink his chances?
For most Americans, I’m guessing, this confession alone won’t be a shocker or deal-breaker. They’re likely to look at the total package.
Posted by Randy Scholfield
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72 Comments
I’m willing to bet the only ones going to try to make this a point will be the Christian Conservative Republicans. But they had better think before they speak.
George W. Bush will not even answer any questions about his past drug use – so to me, that implies that he has (whether it is true or not). But if he has nothing to hide, then why not just answer the question?
I think Barack Obama may be just a bit too honest for the dirty politics game but I’m willing to bet, again, that the average American is ready for some real person to be a politician rather than the professional politicians we have had for way too long.
I would say his ongoing cigarette smoking might be a greater liability — both politically and personally.
But on the opther hand:
“Not that any of this means Mr. Obama’s tobacco news will hurt him in politics. To the contrary: In an age when too many politicians come off as blow-dried confections whose every decision is based on some calculus of future advancement, a public image can actually be helped by the occasional evidence of vice ‚Äì at least the variety of it that doesn’t involve interns, pages or choked mistresses. Maureen Dowd wrote that the smoking habit was an example of how the senator was “intriguingly imperfect,” a description that was never applied to the likes of Al Gore of John Kerry.
Actuarially foolish and hopelessly out of fashion, it is a behavior that, at least in an overachiever like Mr. Obama, seems to assuage our national discomfort with overt ambition. How much of a striver can he be if he’s also a smoker?”
I think this is really funny:
“a public image can actually be helped by the occasional evidence of vice”
I think that is true. It also reminds me of Mark Twain’s comments that his Aunt Polly died because she had no “vices” to give up. His conclusion?
“We must all maintain some vices. Otherwise, we would be like ships at sea, in peril, with no cargo to throw overboard.”
Works for me. Heheheheheheheheheheh!
Howdy Girl!I personally have a hard time trusting somebody that claims they have NEVER drugged/drank.
The new norm for politicians IS:1)Admit your (sleazy) past.We ALL have something that qualifies.2)Now be a hero because you’ve conquered your demons, and you can help the country do the same.
I have no problem with Obama.Not yet anyway.
Great observations anon.
So you messed up in the public eye?
Remedy:1) Sob pathetically while apologizing profusely
2) Check into re-hab
3) Write a book about your trials and tribulations
4) Be even more famous.
Some will try to hold his feet to the fire, but without much luck. This guy is good. Think he will most likely be on a ticket as vice president though.
Sollie, that ain’t workin’ for ol’ Duke.At least he still gets a 60k pension while in jail.
I wonder if they stuck him in genpop?Naw….Surely he’s in one of those nicer white-collar prisons, ain’t he?
I agree he will be a vice president candidate most likely. I just hope the Democrats are not stupid enough to team him with Hillary. She is too polarizing and the 2006 election spoke quite loudly that the voters are tired of partisan politics. Maybe Vilsack or Edwards?
hee hee hee
I see I have a fan again.
Good to see you again Tracy. I needed a snark fix.
I bow to you, oh king of snark!
Hey,Obama admitted it and has shown candor when he could be hiding behing polls.We learned what lying will get us…we got GWB.Bush will not answer the cocaine question? This means…he cannot answer ‘no’….because his dealer probably has records of the date of purchase…and his coke head buddies will out his ass. So he evades the question….and Christians just think he such a righteous man.For God Sake – Bush’s daughters are getting drunk and flashing titties while other 19 yr olds are dying in Iraq. The whole Bush family lacks perspective.
I was betting Edwards. But I think Edwards will kill himself with his mouth. Hope he doesn’t take Obama with him. I am conservative, but I like Obama and would probably vote for him.
Look for a Southern/Mid-Western governor to spoil the DNC
Edwards/Obama 08
Obama/Sebelius 08
Sharpton/ O.J. 08
Obama/Clark 2008
Jim, instead of coming here to bitch, whine & generally take cheap shots at people,tell us about yourself.
Who do you agree with?What politics do you support?What do you expect from commenting here?Do you hope to educate and/or change people’s opinions?
Donahue/Tracy 08
Good one.Touche’
BTW, where do we go to see the famous Bush tit-ays?
Vilsack/Obama or Napolitano/Obama
Let’s bring this thread back on track – Barack Obama has captured the imagination of a great number of people, black and white, and thus is seen as a threat by the old guard political establishment.
Obama is a breath of fresh air compared to the existing slate of candidates, both Republican and Democrat. I cannot imagine a more boring, less inspiring race than a Clinton v. McCain or a Biden v. Brownback. Neither of those two possibilities would bring any new ideas to the table. Neither of those two would provide any inspiration.
I will (most likely) vote for any Democratic candidate, especially if they are running against McCain, but I would much prefer a candidate that would actually breakout of the good old boy network.
tracy,to be completely honest- i am suffering from a really bad case of major depression that has been lingering now for 2 weeks. It brings out bitterness and anger….and dark humor.As for my politics-I am for Edwards..but I would really love to have BillClinton back in the white house…so if Hillary has a chance I’ll back her.I like Obama…but I don’t think he knows anybody. Whom would he appoint into various offices? He would need a Rove…and we don’t need another Rove.In my heart of hearts I feel Bush, Rove, and Cheney have commited criminal acts and should be ‘plutoed’ from the White House…and tried in court.I believe Cindy Sheejan is a great American.I think people who feel the need to announce that they are Christian…are the first group of people who should never be trusted.I think the democrats need to take over handling of the war…and stay, add troops, get more international troops, and go in there and take control of something, anything. In two years we could be out of there.Unfortunately, Pelosi and Reid had their head up their asses when sending the ‘redeployment’ letter to Bush last week. Why? Because there is no way in hell Bush is going to end the war without us stabilizing Iraq.Condoleeza Rice should have been fired a week after 911…based solely on George Tenet’s testimony alone.Dick Cheney should have been forced to resign along with Rumsfeld.Rove should have been forced to resign the day after the election too.
I think privately Bush has got to see what a waste Rumsfeld and Cheney have been for this country. Bush has no balls, so he will never admit it.
Obama is too new. Too good to be true feeling.
Jim, well I agree with you on almost every point.The important ones we agree on.I never cared much for cindy s. and her bunch, no particular reason.
I wish there was an easy button for depression. Lord knows I needed one for years. The hard cold truth is that others are nearly helpless when friends and family suffer depression. And it’s been my experience that anything shrinks, pastors, and concerned lay people may say is generally not much help.Believe me. Been there.My best advice is don’t be afraid to get some zoloft type drug.You will still have the same problems, but more ability to cope with them in a constructive manner.Thanks for your honesty.A rare commodity here.Contact me anytime.
I had a lot of luck with a shrink. Problem is finding a good one. Never had to go the medication route, family members did though. Tell you what, if you get the right script, it will change your world!!! At least from the perspective of those around you.
Jim G.You said: “…I would really love to have BillClinton back in the white house…”
Why?
Comrade Jim G is posting heavily today. We will have to submit him for Red,Totally Red Leader!
Whether he uses drugs or not, whether he is black or not, whether he is a liberal or not, HE IS NOT PRESIDENTIAL TIMBER. He is an Oprah Winfrey project. He doesn’t even belong in politics.
And what is wrong with Oprah Winfrey? She carries alot of clout with people and she seems to be sensible and down to earth to me. I don’t agree with everything she says and does – but then I don’t agree with everything any politician does or says.
Maybe people who are so negative about Barack Obama are deep down afraid that he is electable? That this minority mixed race man could actually win the White House? That this man who seems to have no special interests behind him is really a threat to the good old boys network?
cs,Am I negative on Obama because I’m afraid that he might be electable? [laugh] No. In fact – “Hardly”
Anyone in this country is electable. All it really takes is an ability to speak well and provide some charisma. That being said, the reason I’m negative on Obama is…What has he done? What leadership has he shown? What has he RUN? Where is is resume of LEADERSHIP skills?
So you want someone who has track record in corruption, lying or failed businesses like George W.?
Is that what you are saying?
cs,Instead of derailing the topic…
News for you: Dubya can’t run again.
Now, the questions about Obama?
I find it interesting that so many Republicans are so quick to dismiss Obama without even getting to know his background.
All I am saying is Obama is a minority mixed race man who has risen to be a Senator, so he must have some sort of charisma. And if you took the time to actually listen to the guy, you might think he makes sense. But, no, you would rather dismiss him as a nobody because he isn’t one of the good old boys with a track record.
A wise leader will surround himself with knowledgable people to help run the country. That’s exactly what George Bush has NOT done – he thinks he is the most important one and it is his way or no way. How is that workingfor the Republicans? I see where it got your butts kicked in the last election.
“Anyone in this country is electable. All it really takes is an ability to speak well and provide some charisma.”
Funny that nutz, of all people, left out the key factor.
Money honey. Money.
A good biz wiz like nutz oughta know that money talks and bullshit walks. And so do charisma and speaking ability without the leavening that makes the cake rise.
Money honey. Money!
CS – I would venture to say that many politicians from both parties are afraid of an Obama-type candidacy. The good old boy network feels threatened and so they have already started with the disparaging commentary about Barack Obama:
Too young (not part of the club)
No track record (hasn’t paid his dues)
Not experienced enough (hasn’t been corrupted)
No leadership skills (won’t ‘lead’ like a normal politician)
Even though I liked Bill Clinton, the partisan warfare that would erupt if Hillary were the nominee is too much. I am sure she would be a good candidate, but after (what will be) sixteen years of extreme partisanship, I am ready for a change.
The topic was Obama and you asked me where was his leadership resume. I was using your idol George W. as an example of someone NOT needng a leadership resume to become president. Duh…
Thank God George W. Bush cannot run again – our country could not survive another 4 years of that man.
cs – AMEN!
A good speaking voice and demeanor is good, but not necessarily the qualities I seek in a candidate.
Obama should at least get one Senate term under his belt before going for the nomination. He could learn much from the old dogs in the Senate on running the government and foreign affairs of which the Senate is responsible.
Sorry, JM, those old dogs haven’t accomplished a damn thing in the last (XXX) years.
Let a new dog lead the hunt.
Okay, so we should let anyone with a good speaking voice into the White House.
That’s a very long list.
No, we should let anyone with a string of business failures into the White House.
“What has he done? What leadership has he shown? What has he RUN? Where is is resume of LEADERSHIP skills?”
You mean like Bush’s resume–
Education–Daddy got me into an ivy. I drank and partied my ass off and graduated with mediocre grades.
Personal relationships–Knocked up girlfriend but family friends arranged an abortion at at Texas hospital. This was before it was legal. I remain steadfastly pro-life however.
Military service–Jumped ahead of a three year waiting list in the National Guard to make sure I didn’t end up in ‘Nam. Can’t account for the last two years when I went AWOL. Was supposed to be a pilot but never took a mandatory physical after the Air Force demanded drug tests, and so I got grounded.
Arbusto Oil Company–ran the damn thing into the ground. Got bailed out by rich Saudis and daddy’s friends.
Harkin Oil Company–unloaded 800,000 dollars in company stocks when I learned privately that quarterly profits weren’t coming in and stock price would take a tumble. Made a killing on insider trading.
Daddy’s Justice Dept officials found no wrongdoing despite my not filing the transaction for six months after the deadline.
Governor of Texas
Let Exxon and Marathon oil write the legislation to “clean up the air,” the worst pollution in the country by “volunteering” to cut back emissions.
Pushed through legislation to make it almost impossible for employees to sue employers for injury on the job.
Cut taxes for the rich by 2.9 billion and promptly threw the state into a huge deficit. This was such a disaster that Republican state Senators immediately revoked the tax cuts when Bush left.
Raised the test scores of high schools graduates. Okay, I had to expell a lot of really bad students to make the test scores go up, but dammit, they did go up.
Anybody can speak well, that’s true, but like I stated before, a wise leader will surround themselves with knowledgable people to run the government. A successful leader is not the person that can do everything but, rather, that person knows how to listen to other people and then act.
We have had too many career politicians for the past at least 50 years and what has it brought us? The last 6 years of GWB bankrupting our country? No thanks if that is what career politicians have to offer.
I’ll take my chances with the new guy.
cs,Dubya is not my idol.
I can appreciate that you don’t like him, but your ongoing rant against him doesn’t help to answer the questions. If you’re going to advertise Obama as “the anti-bush” – you’ll lose.
Again, you seem to want to derail the topic. I told you why I used George W. Bush as an example of a person that was elected president, not once but twice, and he did not have any of the qualifications that you expect Obama to have.
What is so hard to understand? I have not ranted on about George W. Bush. Did I once make anything personal about the man? But yet the Republicans have all praised GWB for so much and I just wonder if he is so great then why did the Republicans lose control of both the Senate and the House in the last election?
From the way you want to derail the topic, I can only assume that you have nothing concrete against Obama and you are just trying to throw mud at the wall and see if anything sticks. That’s another one of GWB’s tricks. That’s not going to work anymore either.
No nutz, I think being the “anti-bush” is gonna be table stakes in future elections.
It’s what you have to show before you even sit at the table to play the game.
But please, have the R’s run a bushclone.
The D’s will love it.
Right-wingers want Obama to have more of a “record” so they have more to attack him on.
Look at what they did to Kerry–selectively picking and choosing out of years in the Senate.
“He voted to raise taxes 837 times!” Ignoring that he voted to lower taxes just as many times.
Turning his proud and distinguished service record into something shameful and dishonest.
Yeah, no wonder you wish he had more “experience.” You people don’t have enough dirt to make a paint him with mud yet.
Jim,
I’m sorry to hear about your depression. If you don’t start feeling psychologically better, my email is live. Contact me. I can help you with information on medication that is NOT addictive, nor will it cause any side effects. And it works.
A good counselor can help. GOOD is the keyword. I was lucky and had a good one at one time. If you decide to seek one, I wish you the best of luck on the first try.
Depression is something each of us goes through at one time or another. Some can deal with it without help from docs or drugs. Some can’t and need a little help. There are also some who have a family history of it. My family does, and I’m glad I’m aware of it so we’re able to deal with it in the best way.
Just as it didn’t matter when Bill did’nt inhale, or when Bush used coke, this also, does not matter. Anyone who hasn’t done something wrong is either not experienced enough in life to be President, or is lying.
P Mom – I guess it’s like the “the other 5% are lying” syndrome – some just won’t admit it, but we all know it’s true.
And if you didn’t, you’re probably some kind of freak – and not the Grateful Dead kind of freak.
Being able to speak and relate to people is very important, it’s important to be trustworthy, to do negotiations.
I would disagree with Clark, Hillary has done NOTHING to deserve the hatred she has received from the right- that is the ONLY reason, demonization from them. What you’re saying is that if the Right does a good enough hack job on someone, then you won’t vote for them. And that’s wrong. All you’re doing is appeasing the ones who want to control this country the way Bush is, and I promise, not a one of them will be free from their hatred.
much earlier someone asked me to explain why I wanted Bill Clinton back in the White House:1) weird or not – I trust Bill Clinton. I trust him more than any other candidate.2) Bill Clinton – is always the smartest man in the room.3) Bill Clinton is a man of ideas.4) Bill Clinton knows how to use politics and diplomacy to solve problems.5) Bill Clinton instituted the pay-as-you-go policy where no money was spent unless there was a way to pay for it.6) Bill Clinton would have stayed in Afghanistan and most likely it would not be a mess…again.7) Bill Clinton’s personal skills – articulate – educated – visionary – historical – and mastery of politics.8) Bill would be the voice helping Hillary…not a Rove type character.
Jeez – after looking at that list…we’ve been void of that kind of leadership for the last 6 years.
And Bill Clinton would win against any of the Republicans – and the Republicans know it!
He and Hillary are hated by the Religious Right and they have done anything imaginable to drag both of them down to their level of the gutter – sleazy.
But, I do believe Hillary would be too polarizing and, as such, I do not think she would be good for the country. These Radical Religoius Righties are not going to give up trying to drag her down. They would just end up ruining the whole country for their little victory over Hillary – no matter how small.
Concerning my depression – I have been dealing with this monster since the age of 14 (that I can recall).As I age, it worsens, or course.I have a good med.psych., and a on-the-bubble counseler. Most of all – I am in charge of my health. Last Sept. Oct. I started a daily health plan and by Thanksgiving I was running outdoors again…first time in 15 years. I was clear minded, happy, in love with my life, and I had a complete grip on how to stay healthy and to manage the monster. Then I went home for Thanksgiving – food, laziness, not so good family memories…then Christmas…more of the same. I stopped exercising after Thanksgiving. New Years I ate, ate, ate.The actions I took from Thanksgiving to News Years are the reason why I am suffering today. It really comes down to choices and I failed myself.BUT – 5 years ago, after 20 years of social intoxication, I quit drinking. I would love to drink but one beer, a half a beer, results in my fast decline and I have a hangover that lasts for a week..from one beer.I did not make the decision to stop drinking from one bad experience. I quit because the prior years were devestating to me mentally and physically and I finally had to big farewell to alcohol.So, the personal choices I made the past two months have resulted in my pain. When will I again say enough is enough? I think it is time. I am starting a new career in February. This monster has hurt me tremendously in my past and I don’t want it to have power over my future.Today I am sick. Today I am unrepairable. Today I cannot see value.I appreciate the considerate responses given my rather prick bastard postings. To really know me – one would see that I have a strong understanding of depression…and that I have a sense of humor that exists when I am happy…and thrives when I am dark.
Clinton/Gore 08
Good choice Jim. I completely agree.
“These Radical Religoius Righties are not going to give up trying to drag her down. They would just end up ruining the whole country for their little victory over Hillary – no matter how small.”
Unfortunately cs, they will do the same to ANY Democratic nominee. Democrats and, well, all Americans just have to always prepare for the shitstorm we know they will create.
No matter the nominee. They arent going to treat Obama, Gore, Edwards, Clark, et al any better than they would treat Hillary.
I actually believe Gore could team with Hillary and get it done again.Obama….is not going to be our president. We all spend time talking about his star power…but we never talk about his leadership accomplishments. I like him. Someday he can be president..but the guy has to lead something first.Hillary and Al Gore could stabilize this country again.
Democrats campaign on the issues. Republicans campaign on “personalities.” (And just how juvenile is that?) This isn’t new. It’s been going on for decades. The problem is, not only do we, the voters, allow it, we buy into it.
We don’t know much about Obama. We didn’t know much about Bush, except Rove’s carefully scripted campaign. Look how that turned out and is continuing to turn out…
Much as I hate admit it, Nutz may be right about Obama.
Please, Hiliary, don’t run. I like Vilsack. Gore or Edwards would be okay.
Good luck Jim G.
Gw was a cokehead, what’s the big deal?
Dubya was not a cokehead.
If Bush can get away with his coke history, abortion providing, AWOL status, two DUI’s, Cheney’s five deferments and four DUI’s, Laura’s killing of her high school fiancee and Papa’s pardon of Cap Weinberger and the Iran – Contra team, well, Obama should be able to get by with almost anything.
Hillary will run. And she will win.
I’m taking all bets now. Hillary will not even win her party’s nomination.
You may be right, P Mom, that Hillary will run and win. She certainly deserves the opportunity, however, just as the right-wing went nuts about Bill, they will do the same for Hillary. I doubt that she could be as effective as she could be given the climate of Clinton-bshing that is so obviously still in effect.
She deserves better, but I doubt that she will be given a fair chance.
She will not win the nomination.
Believe it.
Memo to Dave: No one really cares what you think.
Witch,You can speak for all these fine people?
Witchy Susan: take your oh-so-clever digs and shove them . . . sideways.
Thank you.
Readers of the blog everywhere.
If “Dave” wanted to go by Dave, he’d use Dave.
Argue the points, not that you happen to know somebody’s real name.
Hillary has lived in the “way too left” for too long. Her meager attempts to appear moderate now are accepted only by the blind. She supports the war and would vote for it again? C’mon who is buying that crap?
Obama will make an outstanding Vice President, and after that term, maybe president. Edwards is too soft for a country at war. While he may have good ideas, I don’t think he has the force to deal with the situation we are in now.
I think Kerry no longer has legs in this arena. Nor does Gore.
Dang, SolDVB–
That was a very good analysis.
What happened to the rock-ribbed right-wing SolDVB?
Anyway, I applaud the improvement.