Obama and family worry about personal safety during presidential campaign

[Herman Munster]

http://www.suntimes.com/news/sweet/174143,CST-NWS-sweet15.article

Sen. Barack Obama is concerned about his personal security --telling the Chicago Sun-Times editorial board Thursday that he and his wife fear there is a potential for violence -- even if he does not run for president.

"Being shot, obviously, that is the least-attractive option,'' Obama said. The Illinois Democrat told the Sun-Times he has concluded a 2008 White House bid "would be viable" and he would have "a pretty good chance of winning the nomination.'' For the first time, Obama talked about the downside of his swelling popularity, before his expected presidential announcement in January, after a vacation in his native Hawaii.

Security, Obama said, referring to his wife, is "something that is on Michelle's mind. And the minds of many of my friends.
"I think it is something that will have to be addressed if I ran. You are not assigned Secret Service protection until you are effectively the nominee." Obama said he "might have to build in" his own security provisions.

"Now I will tell you, this is something, this is one of the least-attractive -- not the part about being shot, obviously, that is the least-attractive option. But even just having a security apparatus around you; one of the things that I have been very proud over the last several years, is, for all the hoopla, I am not an entourage guy. "...I have been accessible, and Michelle and I have gone out of our way not to change our habits. Even if I am not to run for president, the crush of attention has created a different set of problems."

[bryant69]

1. I guess he's probably seen '24'

But yeah he'd definately need security.

Bryant
Check it out --> http://politicalcomment.blogspot.com

[ecstatic]

2. Wow, he's glib even when discussing the possibility of being assassinated

I think it is highly likely that he would be though, sadly. That is a valid concern. I think Dave Chapelle said it best.

[tanyev]

3. I am so glad he's thinking about it.

Liberal politicians who have "rock-star" appeal have a tragic history of becoming the target of a "crazed, lone gunman". That's been bothering me ever since the media started hyping him.

[Renew Deal]

6. I've been thinking the same thing.

JFK, RFK, MLK, and by long extension Lincoln.

[in_cog_ni_to]

4. I can't say I blame them for being very concerned. This country STILL has racists who

could never accept him as THEIR president. KKK members are probably plotting and planning as we type...just in case he does run.:( He should have the best security detail available. He MUST put his safety and that of his family above accessibility. Hard to believe this is still going on in 2006, almost 2007.:(

[Renew Deal]

5. I've seen at least 2 references to Obama being shot on the internets

One on Freeperland and the other on You Tube from some freep type neanderthal.

[in_cog_ni_to]

8. I don't doubt that for one second. How sad is this? MY G-D!

When will people just accept someone for WHO they are and not judge them by the color of their skin? It's sickening that this shit still goes on in 2006.:( It pisses me off!:grr:

[Blue_Roses]

7. VERY valid concern!

I've thought about it too! He will HAVE to have security--no doubt about it!