How could anyone blame Obama for visiting his sick grandmother?
By Bd200789
@Bd200789 (2994)
United States
October 23, 2008 10:59pm CST
Barack Obama is off the campaign trail today and tomorrow to visit his sick grandmother in Hawaii. I was watching MSNBC earlier, and they played a clip from an earlier show where a Republican said that Obama should waste his donors' money by using a 767 airplane to "visit Grandma"! Like Obama or not, how can anyone fault him for visiting his sick grandmother? Democrat, Republican, or independent, wouldn't you drop everything to see a seriously sick member of your family? I know I would.
4 people like this
14 responses
@spalladino (17891)
• United States
24 Oct 08
Of course I would and those who fault him for that are pretty heartless, especially considering that she's seriously ill. I believe he's doing a rally in Hawaii while he's there so the trip won't be a total waste for the cold hearted crew.
3 people like this
@ZephyrSun (7381)
• United States
24 Oct 08
I seen that too and the guy said something about Obama taking a commerical flight. I was like WTF is that man thinking! I couldn't imagine the airline and the secrete service would be all that happy with him for doing that. Could you picture the press headlines if he did take a commerical flight? I could see it now, Obama shows bad judgement. At least Fox would have something to talk about for weeks. lol I think it's totally fine that he did and I would have a problem with any candidate going to see a sick relative.
2 people like this
@soccermom (3198)
• United States
24 Oct 08
Pretty hypocritical from the party of "family values". Shame on the Republicans for this. Zephyr brought up a great point about the secret service and the use of a commercial flight. It just shows what has been wrong with the McCain campaign for months, they can't answer a direct question about their practices, but point out something petty from the other side. I personally would've disrespected Obama (but still voted for him) if he HADN'T gone to visit the woman that meant so much to his life in her time of need.
1 person likes this
@Taskr36 (13963)
• United States
24 Oct 08
It shows very low class to complain about it at a time like this. The thing that actually bothered me is that he announced he would visit his grandmother and then spent the next three days campaigning. It just seemed a bit off to me.
In all fairness to the jerk that criticized him, it probably does qualify as illegal use of campaign funds. I just think it shows low class and heartlessness to bring it up.
1 person likes this
@anniepa (27955)
• United States
24 Oct 08
Taskr, it's very possible something was said that I missed so if that's the case please set me straight, but are you sure he did ,in fact, use campaign funds? I've never run or been involved in a Presidential campaign and I've certainly never had access to a 767, but maybe he did pay for all or part of this trip with personal funds. For the record, as a very small donor to his campaign, I wouldn't have a problem with the money being used this way and I have a feeling I speak for many others. As for him not leaving for Hawaii immediately I'm thinking there may have been some scheduling problem or whatever and since he reportedly had been in contact with her doctor I'm sure they knew what they were doing. For the record, I honestly would feel exactly the same way if this were a Republican candidate!
Annie
@Taskr36 (13963)
• United States
24 Oct 08
Annie, I'm not privy to all the details, nor do I know all the laws governing the use of campaign funds or a plane that is part of the campaign. Frankly, I don't care. If I were him, I'd do whatever was necessary to visit my grandmother and wouldn't let some campaign rules stop me. I'm quite sure that any sensible person could understand. Even if it is a violation, there are no real victims.
1 person likes this
@Nadia818 (77)
• United States
25 Oct 08
Shoot we are talking about politics I'm not int he least bit supised they would attack him for that. They are trying to make it seem his personal life is more important then the rest of the country. Unbelieveable. As far as I'm concerned if he didnt go and see his own grand mother that would be somthing to worry about. You couldnt give a damn about the rest of the country if you dont go see your own flesh and blood while they are suffering. I think I'd have to rethink my voting decision.
1 person likes this
@cristis12 (125)
• United States
25 Oct 08
I am Loving obama and He is going to be Our new president all these damn republicans better get used to him and If my grandma was still alive I would Definetly go see her!!
1 person likes this
@Thoroughrob (11742)
• United States
24 Oct 08
I cannot imagine that they would. I would drop everything, especially if it is life threatening.
1 person likes this
@cripfemme (7698)
• United States
24 Oct 08
People are weird and they want to use anything to damage his reputation. I would also go if my grandma were seriously ill. It's not that campaign will stop if he goes to visit his grandma. The political machine will roll on while he takes care of family business.
1 person likes this
@lloydanthony111 (4698)
• United States
25 Oct 08
This just shows how mean spirited and petty this Republican pundant is. I was wondering when someone would put their foot in their mouth over this issue, but I missed this guy doing it.
At least MSNBC did this nitwit a favor by not replaying his stupid statement over and over again like Fox News would have done if things were reversed.
I believe that stupid and not well thought-out statements, like these, are a mirror image of the McCain campaign. It's one mistake after another.
No wonder so many people in their own party are jumping ship.
How long will it be before the next Republican pundant put the other shoe in their mouth?
Lloyd
@anniepa (27955)
• United States
25 Oct 08
I loved that - this is the REAL outrage instead of the RNC spending over $150,000 for Palin's clothes! I KNOW I'd drop everything to see a family member who was sick or needed me no matter what and I'd never criticize anyone for doing the same regardless of their political affiliation. I'm spending a lot of time with my jaw dropped these days over some of the things coming out of the McCain campaign!
annie
@saundyl (9783)
• Canada
26 Oct 08
I dont think its that he went to see his grandma people are faulting...its the use of government..taxpayers $$ to get there that people are faulting. Any other person thats NOT a government offical would have to pay for a ticket out of their own pocket and i think its not for business...if its family/personal a government offical should have to pay for things like that themselves.
I'd drop everything to see my grandma but i sure wouldnt be expecting my boss or the company i work for to be paying my way.
@tamarafireheart (15384)
•
24 Oct 08
Hi Bd200789,
Oh, they are just nit-picking, ofcouse he has the right to visit his sick grandmother, anyone would.
Tamara
@philjas (1134)
• United States
25 Oct 08
What's even worse than what this Blake guy said - and we've seen a little of it in this thread - is the people who are suspicious that Obama's Grandmother isn't even sick and it's all a campaign stunt. This man can't step outside his front door and inhale without his dissenters accusing him of some act of deception.
1 person likes this
@LilPixelle (828)
• United States
24 Oct 08
for once... I agree. I was watching the story and I caught myself scolding him for going off the campagne trail so easy, when I found out he was leaving his grandma that night, I SCOLDED HIM AGAIN! and thats when I realized, it didnt matter whether he left his grandma or not, I would have scolded him... I feel so shameful for that... and I hope others can realize the importance as to what he is doing.
For the record. I am a Ron Paul supporter and I believe either Obama or Mccain could seriously screw this country, Obama more than Mccain
1 person likes this
