News

Barack Obama's past

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Duh: It is no wonder that "newspapers" are a dying breed. I wouldn't want the black ink smudge on my hands after reading this poorly researched, obviously biased, attention-seeking piece of trash. Guess you still haven't made it to the serious outlets, and you saw this as an opportunity to jump-start an obviously unimpressive career. But thank you for showing us what an intelligent person already knows: Most politicians have help getting to office (duh); Obama probably pissed some folks off (duh); politicians should back legislation that directly affects their constituents (duh); Obama rose to spotlight because he is able to negotiate with both Republicans and Democrats (duh...isn't that a good thing?); and Obama is obviously very perceptive, as he was able to name your major character attribute (which was overheard at the fund-raiser).

It is depressing what mediocre standards we have for what constitutes journalism these days. I think you should try TMZ...I'm sure they could use your talents there.

Obama '08!
Comment by NJ OBAMA SUPPORTER

A divider: I cannot believe that anyone in his or her right mind would vote for or endorse Obama after he stated that he "knew how Hillary would react when stressed." He also said that "he knew her claws would come out." He also had the audacity to tell her that he did not "whine" when she released negative fliers about him. What he implied was that women can't control their emotions, and that they engage in catfights and whine. He claims he represents unity, not division, but those are clearly the words of a dividing leader and furthermore, they reflect what is truly in his heart. There is a Polish saying that states, "It is a stupid bird that poops in its own nest." If women vote for him, I hope they get what they deserve and this inexperienced, pompous, provincial, sexist and holier-than-thou gasbag is elected. 

Mary Anne Whitonis
Mountain Top, PA

Good story: I am an older supporter of Sen. Obama's, not the prototypical first-time participant in the political process. (In fact, I'm a 55-year-old white male professional and lifelong Democratic voter who came up through the '60s). I found this article via a hostile comment on The Caucus, the NYT political blog I've become somewhat addicted to during the primary race. I think this is a solid article, and I disagree with those who think the perspective is too personal. I like a good story well told, and I appreciate the author's gritty determination and honesty.

To me, this piece shows that Senator Obama is in fact a human being who has strengths and weaknesses, just like the rest of us. Anyone who develops into an outstanding person goes through a long period of development during which some of his or her behavior is flawed and less than admirable. Examine the life of any great man or woman, and you'll see that process unfold. So I appreciate learning about the messy path my candidate walked on his way to a rendezvous with history. Thanks for a fine story and best wishes along your own path to excellence.

Comment by Owen Scott, III (Ph.D.)

Interesting and informative: Is there any reason why no one else has examined the legislative record of a first-term U.S. Senator who began running for office his first day in that job? 

Cynthia Wolff
New York, NY

What's next? Okay, so let me see if I have this right. Obama had help advancing his career, some of the politicians he passed by are jealous, and he might have called the "reporter" an asshole. Horrors! Will your next exposé cover how he also goes to the bathroom, doesn't shave on his days off, and occasionally forgets to clip his toenails?

Comment by Jim

Fairy tale: Thank you, Todd Spivak, for your story on Senator Obama. I for one am worried about the lack of scrutiny of his past. Senator Obama's rhetoric seems to part ways with his actions, but nobody seems to care.

 So, thank you for trying to enlighten us on his past. At this point, I do not think anything makes a difference anymore. People want their "fairy tale." They want to believe the image they have created of him.

Jami Pollard
Helsinki, Finland

No hope: Thank you for your honest look at the man that is Obama. I am deeply troubled by his candidacy and the way his supporters threaten and intimidate people who dare to question him.

Hillary Clinton is, in my opinion, an astonishing candidate. She deeply cares about a civil rights and women's rights agenda and will do more, if we give her the chance, to promote equality than any president the past many years. Plus, at a time when we are engaged in two wars, she has the gravitas to be commander in chief.

I do not trust or feel hope when considering Senator Obama — in fact, as a woman, I feel abused and diminished.

Ann Gonzalez
Seattle, WA

No way: I'm shocked, shocked, I tell you, to learn that a politician has engaged in...politics! The humanity.

Seriously, this piece might be more appropriately labeled an opinion or commentary piece. It certainly doesn't rise to any acceptable level of actual journalism. This being my first visit to the Houston Press, I'll reserve comment on whether this piece is indicative of the journalistic standard of this newspaper. But if it is, then I understand better why Texas politics (thanks for W!) are as they are. I do find it interesting, however, that in every hit piece I've read about Obama, most have not risen beyond the level of hearsay, easily discredited "fact" or, in this case, a lot of sour grapes from former political rivals eclipsed by his success. This interests me because it shows that no matter how hard the attempt to smear his name, record, heritage, patriotism, etc., he still emerges relatively unscathed and with little of that dirt sticking to him.

Perhaps Obama actually is the enthralling leader and optimistic visionary he appears to be. I really think we could use that right now.

Comment by notfamous

Turning to FOX: Thank you so much for printing Todd Spivak's article. The voters have been asking questions and are being shouted down by Obama campaign staff and Obama people on blogs. I turn to CNN and MSNBC to see a lot of bias in favor of Obama and not a single question about his background. No vetting has been done of this candidate at all. I actually turned on FOX today to get anything on Obama's background, and that was really scary for a lifelong Dem like me.

Gina Swoboda
Scottsdale, AZ

Let No Paper Tear Them Asunder

A show preview on the Slits [Playbill, by Chris Henderson, March 6, 2008] stated that John Lydon was once married to the mother of Slits frontwoman Ari Up. In fact Lydon and Up's mother, Nora Foster, are still married.

The Houston Press regrets its error and congratulates the happy couple on being together.

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