Sen. Obama Says He's Weighing 2008 Run

[Herman Munster]

http://apnews.myway.com/article/20061022/D8KTOAJ05.html

WASHINGTON (AP) - Sen. Barack Obama acknowledged Sunday he was considering a run for president in 2008, backing off previous statements that he would not do so.

The Illinois Democrat said he could no longer stand by the statements he made after his 2004 election and earlier this year that he would serve a full six-year term in Congress. He said he would not make a decision until after the Nov. 7 elections.

"That was how I was thinking at that time," said Obama, when asked on NBC's "Meet the Press" about his previous statements.

"Given the response I've been getting the last several months, I have thought about the possibility" although not with any seriousness or depth, he said. "My focus is on '06. ... After November 7, I'll sit down and consider it."

[ThomCat]

1. I would prefer he stay in his current office for a few terms

and build up a voting history first.

Edwards wasn't one of my first choices for exactly that reason. Instead of jumping straight to the top, get some more history in public service first.

[Bluestar]

2. I'm with you, ThomCat

I think he is letting his Oprah endorsement go to his head.

[rsmith6621]

3. I Agree.................

Totally......:)

[gatorboy]

9. But an extensive voting history can also be considered a kiss of death.

It's why Governors are always popular choices. They never have the lengthy voting paper trail that can sink a run for Presidency.

[nealmhughes]

4. He is very handsome and a great crowd pleaser, but not quite up to speed

yet, there are several who have more national experience and international than Sen. Obama, why not make a stab at VP first and get some hardcore campaign experience first, Mr. Obama? I think that General Clark has the nomination racked up right now, unless the DLC get to whomever and outspend the General on TV...

And let's not forget that there are a lot of others in the House and the Senate and governors also to consider, as well as former VPs....

[Herman Munster]

5. I don't think ANYONE should encourage him not to run

I've always been a believer in letting the people decide. If he wants to run, run. He may also think a national campaign will rise his stature and increase his chances of getting the VP slot. It worked for Edwards in 2004.

[kurth]

6. What are his qualifications?

Seriously. What makes him think he might be better than other Democrats?

[Cessna Invesco Palin]

11. What are Bush's qualifications? n/t

[H2O Man]

12. I would recommend

the articles in the 10-23-06 TIME. I say that in a respectful way, because your question is an important one.

[Algorem]

7. big msm/rnc scare tactic all of a sudden-Dems want black pres. (vote R)

[AlCzervik]

8. i hadn't heard that.

[H2O Man]

10. Good.

I would be very happy if he entered the primaries. He could only add to the good options available for the country.