Chicago Tribune: "My button seems to be sticking" (Obama on why he voted present)

[bidenista]

'Present' votes emerging from the past

By Rick Pearson and Ray Long | Tribune reporters
February 3, 2008

...Much of Clinton's early criticism of Obama's "present" votes have involved his actions on seven bills aimed at restricting abortion. Obama and officials from Planned Parenthood have said the "present" votes were a strategy to give cover to Democrats who might be attacked by Republicans later if they voted "no." But most, if not all, of the lawmakers in question were in politically safe districts. Shortly after Obama's presidential bid was announced a year ago, state Sen. Debbie Halvorson (D-Crete) said her "present" votes were "an easy way of voting" because casting a "no" vote would be "so harsh nobody's for killing babies."

"I don't recall any kind of strategy," said Halvorson, now seeking the Democratic nomination for Congress. Planned Parenthood "may have said it was OK to vote 'present,' but no one on that list needed cover."

Obama also has come under fire from Clinton and other critics over his "present" vote on a 2001 measure that would have required a 1,000-foot buffer between adult establishments and schools, parks, churches, day-care centers and homes. Obama, citing the need to maintain local control in zoning matters, urged a "no" vote on the Senate floor. But he actually voted "present" along with four others, including a conservative Republican. The bill failed by three votes. A review of legislative records also showed Obama had his share of voting-button bobbles. At least six times he said he hit the wrong button. Other times, he simply blamed his voting mechanism.

"My button," he said after one such vote, "seems to be sticking."

More: http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/politics/chi-present_bdfeb03,1,4724626.story

[Windy]

1. You really should refrain from spamming the board. Do you ever sleep? just askin' n/t

[bidenista]

6. ad hominem

When you can't defend the cause, attack the messenger.

I'm filled with "hope". What a "change" from the old politics.

[sunonmars]

2. fucking hilarious, i really don't believe the audacity of the man

[MethuenProgressive]

3. From using it while hiding under his desk, no doubt.

There's a reason the Present button is yellow.

[MadBadger]

4. Do you ever post anything positive about your candidate? Or do you just tear down Obama?

[zabet]

5. How many excuses will

he come up with?
I didn't know which button.
I mashed the wrong button 6 times.
The button was sticking one 1 vote.


:eyes:

[1corona4u]

7. LOL...

Yeah, his button got stuck....

[Gman]

8. His button kept sticking?

America doesn't need an idiot for president. That's the lamest excuse I can imagine.

Fact is, Obama is much more conservative than he wants anyone to think. His supporters, who are in complete denial, dont want to even think about the possibility that Obama is conservative. Sad.

[SammyWinstonJack]

9. Whatever excuse works, I guess.

:silly:

[xchrom]

10. ...

:spray:

[bidenista]

11. k.

:kick:

[kurth]

12. Well, you can't expect him to know to call a handyman

There is important business to conduct.