http://www.riledup.com/debate/1677/barack-obama-flip-flopping-on-the-war-in-iraq From Obama's comments, Republican's say he's a flip flopper.. Dems insist not. en-us I'm only a typical white person so I don't think that I'm qualified to comment on this one. Exempt Thu, 14 Aug 2008 19:20:21 -0500 http://www.riledup.com/debate/1677/barack-obama-flip-flopping-on-the-war-in-iraq http://www.riledup.com/debate/1677/barack-obama-flip-flopping-on-the-war-in-iraq This man flip flops on everything it seems like. He will do and say whatever the Americans want to hear in order to get their votes. He can't make up his mind. It's whatever we want to hear. In some ways he is reminding me of some of the things Kerry said when he ran. I can't stand this man and I hope he does not win the election. I think we will see some bad things happen if he does. acasmith Sun, 06 Jul 2008 20:29:23 -0500 http://www.riledup.com/debate/1677/barack-obama-flip-flopping-on-the-war-in-iraq http://www.riledup.com/debate/1677/barack-obama-flip-flopping-on-the-war-in-iraq As I commented above, "I am concerned when a person has "crowd appeal" but no substance. I hope people are listening to what he has to say and not just hearing him. If they are listening, they might not like what they hear any longer." I think people only have to look at the recent past to see how a number of persons have had great crowd appeal - then some truth has come out and they are seen for who they truly are. cangel818 Sun, 06 Jul 2008 11:11:32 -0500 http://www.riledup.com/debate/1677/barack-obama-flip-flopping-on-the-war-in-iraq http://www.riledup.com/debate/1677/barack-obama-flip-flopping-on-the-war-in-iraq Well, I can just say that for me its obvious for ANY policitian. It is always the same. They change their opinions and tactics as they seem fit for getting votes and to progress their career. Not just Obama, but some politicians are just a little bit more skillful to hide their game of switch and bait. nudebrain Sun, 06 Jul 2008 05:18:28 -0500 http://www.riledup.com/debate/1677/barack-obama-flip-flopping-on-the-war-in-iraq http://www.riledup.com/debate/1677/barack-obama-flip-flopping-on-the-war-in-iraq Even if I would be totally against the war, it is now wise to leave within a scheduled timetable, as Obama has said before. Now he sees that may not be wise, and is apparently rethinking. He now says he will be sure his leaving does not cause havoc and will monitor that leaving will not put a burden on the Iraqi troops. It sounds like he is playing both sides to be to get votes from both sides. It sounds like a flip flop to me. If we do rush out, it will open the doors for terrorists to do whatever they want. lmikewhite Sat, 05 Jul 2008 13:07:48 -0500 http://www.riledup.com/debate/1677/barack-obama-flip-flopping-on-the-war-in-iraq http://www.riledup.com/debate/1677/barack-obama-flip-flopping-on-the-war-in-iraq Obama is a professional politician. This means he *will* flip-flop. The down side to this is that he'll say that he believes in what the majority of Americans believe in, like Christianity versus Islam and a realistic war strategy rather than a strict time-table. The redeeming quality of this is that he'll give America what it wants, regardless of his feelings. After all, he wants what all Americans want—money; the presidency's quite the lucrid job. thisdude415 Sat, 05 Jul 2008 02:13:44 -0500 http://www.riledup.com/debate/1677/barack-obama-flip-flopping-on-the-war-in-iraq http://www.riledup.com/debate/1677/barack-obama-flip-flopping-on-the-war-in-iraq I really hope Obama does not become the next President. Believe or not a majority of our troops are in support of this war. They believe in what they are fighting for. All the troops I know cannot stand the thought of him becoming our next President. Espicially since he has never been in their shoes. gardenwalk Fri, 04 Jul 2008 11:51:27 -0500 http://www.riledup.com/debate/1677/barack-obama-flip-flopping-on-the-war-in-iraq http://www.riledup.com/debate/1677/barack-obama-flip-flopping-on-the-war-in-iraq he is the person who show the brave to talk against Iraq war. resmirakesh Fri, 04 Jul 2008 06:44:44 -0500 http://www.riledup.com/debate/1677/barack-obama-flip-flopping-on-the-war-in-iraq http://www.riledup.com/debate/1677/barack-obama-flip-flopping-on-the-war-in-iraq with all that is going on in America today, this great man give us all hope and security in the future. Aren't tired of the same things happening over and over in this country the high inflation, food and gas cost. The war and the endless bickering in Washington? He will lead this country to keep it the greatest nation that there is. pickles Fri, 04 Jul 2008 04:28:42 -0500 http://www.riledup.com/debate/1677/barack-obama-flip-flopping-on-the-war-in-iraq http://www.riledup.com/debate/1677/barack-obama-flip-flopping-on-the-war-in-iraq After all the anti-American stuff, I'm surprised people are even still considering him. SandraK Fri, 04 Jul 2008 03:53:30 -0500 http://www.riledup.com/debate/1677/barack-obama-flip-flopping-on-the-war-in-iraq http://www.riledup.com/debate/1677/barack-obama-flip-flopping-on-the-war-in-iraq Listen, the words 'truthful and honest' cannot apply to a politician (not any that have any power, anyway). I will say this for Obama; he sure isn't white. The country is looking to demonize him for anything. You know why? Because he's not white. He's also not black. He's this middle of the road skin color that reminds everybody of a certain other race that they reallly hate. Damn Arabs. The only reason he is 'flip-flopping' (which is a completely loaded thing to say. The more accurate term would be 'changing his position to comply with general consensus' and every politician does it, because if they didn't, they'd be called 'stubborn.') is because there's no way he'll get elected if he wanted to order the troops home right away. It's a damn shame, and it's probably eating him away on the inside. Let's not kid ourselves, Obama IS a lot more liberal than he's letting on in the race. He is the most Democratic senator in the Senate (Note the capitalized D. That signifies that he is the most in line with the Democratic party, which is more centrist-progressive than actual liberal. Dennis Kucinich and Bernie Sanders are infinitely more liberal. They are pacifists and socialists, respectively.) Which is by no means a bad thing. In the past two elections, the Democratic party has won the popular vote. Then why is it a bad thing to be in line with the populous party? And how is his position any more hurtful than John McCain? McCain is infinitely more 'flip-floppy'. He is incredibly shakey on his abortion stance. He IS pro-life, but he previously favored keeping Roe v. Wade, then he didn't. Then he's against the pill. Now he's not, maybe? This isn't him changing his mind as he is getting confused. A comparison can be drawn here; Obama is anti-war, he's just changing the ways in which he goes about it and McCain is pro-life (another Republican loaded phrase) he is just going back and forth between being staunch and lax about it. Godspeed Sat, 23 Aug 2008 22:45:36 -0500 http://www.riledup.com/debate/1677/barack-obama-flip-flopping-on-the-war-in-iraq http://www.riledup.com/debate/1677/barack-obama-flip-flopping-on-the-war-in-iraq Come on, he is a politician... Apart from that I think that his position of the Iraq war has been broadly consistent. Of course he is going to be torn between opposing the war, while trying to support the troops. I think overall he has taken a common sense approach to this particularly unpleasant situation. Did he want the war? NO Does he understand that now the US has 'started something' that they have a responsibility to finish it? YES Phil-b Tue, 19 Aug 2008 10:55:44 -0500 http://www.riledup.com/debate/1677/barack-obama-flip-flopping-on-the-war-in-iraq http://www.riledup.com/debate/1677/barack-obama-flip-flopping-on-the-war-in-iraq The war is a sticky situation. I don't believe his flip flop has to anything to do with the him being a wishy washer, but more him trying to make the best decisions for our country. And as times change and his role becomes more and more influential, he too needs to adapt to not only support the opinion of the people, but also their safety Kballs Mon, 07 Jul 2008 10:44:57 -0500 http://www.riledup.com/debate/1677/barack-obama-flip-flopping-on-the-war-in-iraq http://www.riledup.com/debate/1677/barack-obama-flip-flopping-on-the-war-in-iraq Hello... he has to flip flop and play both sides on issues because otherwise the brainwashed moral majority will never even consider voting for him. He has to get elected in some way and that means getting the attention of some of the more intelligent republicans. edward1975 Sun, 06 Jul 2008 09:06:05 -0500 http://www.riledup.com/debate/1677/barack-obama-flip-flopping-on-the-war-in-iraq http://www.riledup.com/debate/1677/barack-obama-flip-flopping-on-the-war-in-iraq Every politician flip flops to get people to cote for them. Is it good in any capacity? No. But, I would much rather have a flip flopper than someone who pledges to continue Bush's war for another 100 years. We need to work on getting out at a reasonable pace and allow Iraq to govern themselves. It is not out business. genaruthp Sat, 05 Jul 2008 19:44:34 -0500 http://www.riledup.com/debate/1677/barack-obama-flip-flopping-on-the-war-in-iraq http://www.riledup.com/debate/1677/barack-obama-flip-flopping-on-the-war-in-iraq Before Senator Obama can do ANYTHING about the war, he must get elected. This a basic truth of American politics. We've made it true with our insatiable appetite for 24/7, media-hyped coverage of the candidates and their every utterance. That said, during the course of all that talking candidates are going to change their minds or at least appear to do so. Why is absolute consistency in a politician considered so valuable anyway, given the constantly changing nature of the world situation? It sounds like Obama is taking a measured look at the Iraq situation and planning his strategy accordingly. That's what I want my president to do. That's what George Bush did not do. War is messy. We can't just pull out of such a complicated situation without careful planning and Obama knows this. He is not a cowboy and doesn't think like one. Based on his experience at the grass-roots level, I am confident he understands how to do what it takes to handle this situation. So, we KNOW what Senator McCain is going to do about the war. He has told us often enough . . . . something about "the next hundred years, as I recall". He never wavers. It strikes me that WHATEVER Obama decides to do about the war would be better than that! flgoodeye Sat, 05 Jul 2008 14:32:58 -0500 http://www.riledup.com/debate/1677/barack-obama-flip-flopping-on-the-war-in-iraq http://www.riledup.com/debate/1677/barack-obama-flip-flopping-on-the-war-in-iraq Try to find a politician that has never "flip-flopped" -- i.e., changed their mind -- on an issue. So it's just an easy charge to level at anyone in public office, and in ways an unfair one. But on major issues, what is he supposed to have changed his mind on? The latest I see is that the Republicans claim he's changed his war position because it could take 16 months to withdraw the troops from Iraq. How is that a change in anything? He said the same thing last October: "I will remove one or two brigades a month, and get all of our combat troops out of Iraq within 16 months." (http://www.barackobama.com/2007/10/02/remarks_of_senator_barack_obam_27.php)When exactly did he flip? Flop? I will grant that he changed his position on the FISA bill, and now seems willing to vote for it even with telecom immunity -- a very bad thing if you have any concern at all for civil liberties. Although, really, it's the only thing I can think of where he changed his position on a major issue. But look at McCain. He's changed his position on campaign financing, where he was going to opt into public funds, used them to his benefit and then try to declare himself "opted out" all of a sudden, and then attacks Obama for not taking public funding himself. Not only is that a flip-flop, it's an actual violation of federal law. He has either repeatedly flip-flopped on whether he thinks it's al-Qaeda or Iranians attacking us in Iraq or just doesn't understand the dynamics of the conflict occuring there. And he claims to be tough on lobbyists, even as his campaign staff is filled with them and they keep getting caught up in scandals -- Rick Davis shifting seamlessly between being a lobbyist then a McCain staffer, back to a lobbyist and now as McCain campaign manager; campaign co-chair Tom Ridge who failed to register as a foreign lobbyist even while he accepted half a million dollars to represent the Albanian goverment's interest here; economics advisor Phil Gramm, reportedly advising McCain on how to address the mortgage crisis if he becomes president, is a registered lobbyist for and Vice-Chairman of the Swiss bank UBS, a company that will either make or loose billions depending on how the government reacts on that issue; and of course, there is Doug Goodyear, former lobbyist for the Burmese junta who McCain picked to run the GOP convention. Certainly seems like McCain flip-flops at least as much as Obama does. But why are his changes of position never refered to as "flip-flops", and only Obama's? weloseourselves Sat, 05 Jul 2008 11:29:19 -0500 http://www.riledup.com/debate/1677/barack-obama-flip-flopping-on-the-war-in-iraq http://www.riledup.com/debate/1677/barack-obama-flip-flopping-on-the-war-in-iraq Kerry "flip-flopped" on the war because the facts changed. I agree that he did so and think that it is a good thing. It would be (and is) really scary to have a president who insists that what what he says is correct no matter what the facts are. Kerry saw what was going on in Iraq, admitted that he was wrong, and decided to no longer support the war. Obama flip-flopped? Good. That means that he is a person who is willing to admit that he is wrong- he isn't stubborn. That means that if Iraq descends into chaos when and if he removes the troops, maybe he will decide that he was wrong and go back in. This is what Bush could never do- he is so stuck with the propaganda machine that he will never, ever say a single thing outside of party doctrine. I think that Obama has shown, by flip-flopping, that he can do this. Obama will make a great president. idigchess Sat, 05 Jul 2008 09:29:44 -0500 http://www.riledup.com/debate/1677/barack-obama-flip-flopping-on-the-war-in-iraq http://www.riledup.com/debate/1677/barack-obama-flip-flopping-on-the-war-in-iraq What politician hasn't changed their position while running for office? Times change through the election process; events change, and a candidate may or may not have a more informed opinion as time goes on. Politicians flip flop for many reasons; one of course, being to win over people for votes. Obama is no different from other politicians in this sense. If elected, he wil probably flip flop on issues during his presidency as well. Don't we all change our minds at one time or another? Why should politicians be any different? emilystrange123 Sat, 05 Jul 2008 07:12:30 -0500 http://www.riledup.com/debate/1677/barack-obama-flip-flopping-on-the-war-in-iraq http://www.riledup.com/debate/1677/barack-obama-flip-flopping-on-the-war-in-iraq President Elect Obama only flipped after learning we were lied to by Bush AGAIN. You know the same Bush who said the were weapons of mass destruction in Irag miphba Fri, 04 Jul 2008 23:17:25 -0500 http://www.riledup.com/debate/1677/barack-obama-flip-flopping-on-the-war-in-iraq http://www.riledup.com/debate/1677/barack-obama-flip-flopping-on-the-war-in-iraq His bravery is undeniable. he is the person who show the bravery to talk against Iraq war.With all that is going on in America today, this great man give us all hope and security in the future. Kelfermookie Fri, 04 Jul 2008 22:26:48 -0500 http://www.riledup.com/debate/1677/barack-obama-flip-flopping-on-the-war-in-iraq http://www.riledup.com/debate/1677/barack-obama-flip-flopping-on-the-war-in-iraq Senator Obama is a professional politician who will do whatever he needs to do to get elected. He declares very few things that he will do if he is elected, but if you check his record, you will see how he has voted and what he has spoken for in the past. These things will tall you how he will react in the future. He will, however, say what is necessary to get elected. I am so proud that this year America has come to the point where it may elect a man of color. I pray Senator Obama will not be the first black president however. He does believe in Marxist redistribution of wealth and social justice. He believes in letting government micromanaging your life and health care. He does not believe American sovereignty should trump UN agendas. He does believe that terrorists can be negotiated with. I'm not sure what a negotiated outcome with people who have sworn to kill you is. Maybe they only cut your head off halfway? If he causes us to surrender in Iraq, we will find ourselves fighting terror in our cities. After 9/11 I would think Americans would think it is much better killing Islamic fascists overseas. BarnacleBill Fri, 04 Jul 2008 16:21:59 -0500 http://www.riledup.com/debate/1677/barack-obama-flip-flopping-on-the-war-in-iraq http://www.riledup.com/debate/1677/barack-obama-flip-flopping-on-the-war-in-iraq FOR ONCE the American Dream should be able to withstand scrutiny of other nations, when are all Americans who have given unconditionally to our beloved country going to feel as if they are represented? Rich politicians and white men have been represented in the media in political areas and in the White House, so now is the time for America to Put up or shut up America says the land of the free everyone supposedly has representation then we should have had a female president or a Latino or Black person as a president. sabrahardy Fri, 04 Jul 2008 15:33:04 -0500 http://www.riledup.com/debate/1677/barack-obama-flip-flopping-on-the-war-in-iraq http://www.riledup.com/debate/1677/barack-obama-flip-flopping-on-the-war-in-iraq Obama is simply reacting to new information and the ever changing situation on the ground. A good leader is always willing to reconsider his positions based upon changing circumstances. malachi Fri, 04 Jul 2008 11:55:19 -0500 http://www.riledup.com/debate/1677/barack-obama-flip-flopping-on-the-war-in-iraq http://www.riledup.com/debate/1677/barack-obama-flip-flopping-on-the-war-in-iraq Barack has met challenges facing our nation head on, in that he is working to help individual cities as well as help the entire country. Though this whole debate with Hilary has certainly split the Democratic vote, it needs to be known that he will do a great job if he is elected. It is time for a refreshing change from George Bush, and Obama will certainly get the job done. He is passionate, considerate, and confident (not stubborn). Our country could use a President like Obama to try and maneuver within the Iraq War (and hopefully pull out) and to try and boost our economy and employment rates. Also, think about his campaign with Bill Clinton as VP! That'd be a heck of an office. wikiwhat Fri, 04 Jul 2008 07:14:44 -0500 http://www.riledup.com/debate/1677/barack-obama-flip-flopping-on-the-war-in-iraq http://www.riledup.com/debate/1677/barack-obama-flip-flopping-on-the-war-in-iraq