Glenn Greenwald Criticizes Obama for Caving on Telecom Immunity

[PalJoey]

Posted: 6/26/08 at 2:10pm

Finally someone calls out the hypocrisy of Barack Obama and Keith Olbermann for caving on retroactive immunity.

===

What's much more notable is Olbermann's full-scale reversal on how he talks about these measures now that Obama -- rather than George Bush -- supports them. On an almost nightly basis, Olbermann mocks Congressional Democrats as being weak and complicit for failing to stand up to Bush lawbreaking; now that Obama does it, it's proof that Obama won't "cower." Grave warning on Olbermann's show that telecom amnesty and FISA revisions were hallmarks of Bush Fascism instantaneously transformed into a celebration that Obama, by supporting the same things, was leading a courageous, centrist crusade in defense of our Constitution.

Is that really what anyone wants -- transferring blind devotion from George Bush to Barack Obama? Are we hoping for a Fox News for Obama, that glorifies everything he says and whitewashes everything he does? Compare what Russ Feingold said in an interview yesterday about the Democrats' support for the FISA bill to Olbermann's absurd effort to depict Obama as courageous for supporting it:

FEINGOLD: "It's the latest chapter of running for cover when the Administration tries to intimidate Democrats on national security issues. It's the most embarrassing failure of the Democrats I've seen since 2006, other than the failure to vote to end the Iraq War. . . . It's letting George Bush and Dick Cheney have their way even though they're that unpopular and on their way out. It's really incredible."

It isn't that difficult to keep the following two thoughts in one's head at the same time -- though it seems to be for many people:

(1) What Barack Obama is doing on Issue X is wrong, indefensible and worthy of extreme criticism;

(2) I support Barack Obama for President because he's a better choice than John McCain.
Keith Olbermann: Then and now

[mejusthavingfun]

Posted: 6/26/08 at 3:31pm

You know Paljoey for someone who claims to be trying to unite the party you sure do post a lot of this crap as of late.

Clearly you understand what is going on here. Clearly you understand how our political system works (or doesn't). Why is it when someone offered up ANY criticism for Hillary Clinton you got all defensive. Here you just keep posting crap.

This useless dissent always brings me back the simple issue of Gay Marriage, Clinton, Edwards and Obama are not for it. They are our democratic leaders but none care to stand up for equal rights. None. We have to shut up and vote. Just like now. It's not right and it's not ideal.

The primary is OVER. No matter what these people do we have two choices. TWO. This is not the democracy I want nor is it the candidate I wanted but I'm smart enough to understand we don't have a choice.

Fortunately the vast majority of voters haven't a clue what any of this is about.

[PalJoey]

Posted: 6/26/08 at 3:33pm

Mendacity!

[tazber]

Posted: 6/26/08 at 3:35pm

what's the big deal? This shouldn't be suppressed. I hope that maybe it will make the Obama supporters realize that he's not some miracle man. Just another politician who flips when needed.

This isn't gonna change anyone's vote, but to try to keep it "hidden" is very republican.

[Namaste]

Posted: 6/26/08 at 3:37pm

Yeah, PJ! How dare you post "useless (but absolutely true) crap" such as this!

The nerve!

[mejusthavingfun]

Posted: 6/26/08 at 3:39pm

It's not being suppressed. Air America and people like Rhandi Rhodes are all talk about. There is just no defending it.


But if you're going to bring up all these hypocrisies with Democrats then you damage the party. Paljoey is a "party" person.

I'm not I'm all for pointing the finger, but UNDERSTAND this is not the only issue. There are many.

Single-payer health insurance for instance. Where were Obama and Clinton on that. No where. What do democrats want? Single-payer Healthcare.


Iran? Hillary voted to allow Bush to invade. Obama skipped it.
Updated On: 6/26/08 at 03:39 PM

[mejusthavingfun]

Posted: 6/26/08 at 3:39pm

"Yeah, PJ! How dare you post "useless (but absolutely true) crap" such as this! "

He can post away all he wants but he is not doing what he said he would.

[tazber]

Posted: 6/26/08 at 3:40pm

Who ever said this was the only issue?

You're sounding very communist mjhf.

[mejusthavingfun]

Posted: 6/26/08 at 3:42pm

"Who ever said this was the only issue? "

Well the others get ignored. Someone posted an article on here about single-payer healthcare but it was ignored.

Romantico spent months trying to attack Obama on gay issue, but both he AND Clinton do not really stick up for gays.

The liberals that support Obama only do so because we understand the process.

[Namaste]

Posted: 6/26/08 at 3:43pm

What he said he would?

Did he say he was going to lie down and take it until November???

I missed that part.

You're such a sock, it's not even amusing anymore.

[mejusthavingfun]

Posted: 6/26/08 at 3:44pm

"You're sounding very communist mjhf."

I'm playing the part of Paljoey when Hillary ran. I will defend him even if he has done wrong. I'm not going to bite the hand that feeds me.

Leader-wise I don't think he or Hillary should be running the country.

[mejusthavingfun]

Posted: 6/26/08 at 3:48pm

"What he said he would?

Did he say he was going to lie down and take it until November??? "

I could look up his words, but I'm not going to. He knows exactly what I'm talking about. He is a democrat and he vowed to support this man.

Yes he needs to take it all lying down or standing up.

And what say he if he picks Clinton as a running mate? She will align with his stance on this issue.

Updated On: 6/26/08 at 03:48 PM

[Namaste]

Posted: 6/26/08 at 3:53pm

If he picks Clinton as his running mate, and she "aligns" with him, I wouldn't be surprised.

I fully accept her faults and criticize her to high hell when she makes stupid "political" decisions.

But when I voted for Clinton, I knew what I was getting.

[mejusthavingfun]

Posted: 6/26/08 at 3:59pm

"But when I voted for Clinton, I knew what I was getting."

Well your vote went to the loser and now you have Obama. You see how he is, he is exactly the same before this (if you paid any attention). Same,same. His record has been there for everyone to read.

Fall in line. Updated On: 6/26/08 at 03:59 PM

[Phyllis Rogers Stone]

Posted: 6/26/08 at 4:10pm

You see how he is, he is exactly the same before this (if you paid any attention)

Of course he paid attention. That's why he voted for Hillary.

[tazber]

Posted: 6/26/08 at 4:13pm

"Fall in line"

screw that. I'm voting for who I think is the best, and at this point that means I'm writing in.
I don't have to fall in line with anything.

[PalJoey]

Posted: 6/26/08 at 4:14pm

I support Obama because I would prefer him to be president over McCain.

That does not mean I will refrain from criticizing him on things like this.

I would like you and orangeskittles and lildogs to join me.

[javero]

Posted: 6/26/08 at 4:14pm

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Majority Leader Steny Hoyer also switched sides, so let's have a roll call. The incumbent Dems in Congress are clearly coalescing around Obama.

The Dems cannot appear the least bit wimpy on national security issues going into the fall elections. Right now, all the politicos are doing some fancy footwork to ensure that their azzes either: (1) get elected or (2) stay in office.

[PalJoey]

Posted: 6/26/08 at 4:16pm

Heheh. Javero said "Wimpy."

[mejusthavingfun]

Posted: 6/26/08 at 4:25pm

"I don't have to fall in line with anything. "

No you don't, but you only have two choices.

[Namaste]

Posted: 6/26/08 at 4:25pm

"Of course he paid attention. That's why he voted for Hillary."

PRS, you took the words right off of my fingertips.

As of today, I'm sticking to my write-in.

[mejusthavingfun]

Posted: 6/26/08 at 4:26pm

Hillary is the exact same thing. She could give a sh!t about this.

[tazber]

Posted: 6/26/08 at 4:27pm

I have millions of choices. That's why it's called a democracy.

[mejusthavingfun]

Posted: 6/26/08 at 4:28pm

But it's not very democratic. Your write-ins don't matter.

[Namaste]

Posted: 6/26/08 at 4:29pm

Then Obama better get to steppin' to win those of us who didn't fall for him the first time over.