Obama Dispels Presidential Hopes

CBS2CHICAGO ^ | 22 JULY 2006 | CBS2CHICAGO

[Extremely Extreme Extremist]

He's Focusing On Other Priorities: Other Democrats, Africans, and Chicago Residents

(CBS) CHICAGO -- Senator Barack Obama is brushing off speculation that he’s eyeing the White House in 2008.He is planning a trip to Iowa, which is generally a starting point for presidential candidates.

But Obama insists people are jumping to conclusions.

“That's talk. All I am doing is my job, which is trying to get Democrats elected in '06, so that I can be in the majority and get some of my bills passed in order to provide health care and expand college education to most children," he said.

Obama says he is going to Iowa to help Democrats there.

Also on Obama’s agenda is a trip to Africa next month, his father’s native land. Obama says he wants to learn more about stopping the spread of AIDS, ending genocide in the Darfur region, and curbing the influence of terrorist groups in the area.

One of Barack Obama’s other priorities? Showing that faith is not solely a conservative value.

He took that message to Chicago’s South Side today when he joined other city leaders at a center that’s breaking new ground for thousands of families.

The sounds of celebration filled the pews at the Apostolic Church of God this morning. The sounds were praise for a new family center in the works in an up-and-coming neighborhood.

“I've been blessed to be the alderman. A public servant for a community that has gone through hard times, but is now on the rebound,” said Ald. Arenda Troutman (20th).

A rebound reinforced by a 37,000 square-foot family center that broke ground today. It’s a place for kids and teenagers to gather for fun and fellowship, not just for church members. The site will be a cornerstone of the Woodlawn neighborhood.

“It's faith-based organizations that really rebuild the souls of our cities. I constantly say that, whether it is education, Chicago housing… The church leaders are there on behalf of the people of our great city,” said Mayor Richard Daley.

“I think it's a wonderful opportunity for the community,” said church member Keyonnie Dowdell.

However, some neighbors are concerned the center won’t serve those who need it most.

“At the rate of people being priced out of the neighborhood, a lot of families aren’t going to be here when that family center is finished,” said Lawnwood resident Ebonee Stevenson. “Is it for the kids that are here now? What is being done to keep kids here now? Or is it for the kids coming in the condos and the single-family homes?”

But church leaders insist the center will be open to everyone.

“This is not just for the church,” said Apostolic Pastor Bishop Arthur Brazier. “We do not intend to isolate ourselves from the community.”

Church members raised $8 million to pay for construction of the center. It is scheduled to open next spring.

[Extremely Extreme Extremist]

“That's talk. All I am doing is my job, which is trying to get Democrats elected in '06, so that I can be in the majority and get some of my bills passed in order to provide health care and expand college education to most children," he said.

Conservatives HAVE got to go all out and support their Republican Congressional candidates. This guy is a socialist with good looks and charm.

[Grendel9]

Even though I don't like him, I
have to admit I believe him. There
are too many "Old Guard Democrats"
who have paid their dues toward
getting the party's nomination; to
think this young upstart, who's not
been a Senator for a full term yet,
could pass them up would be insulting
to the others.
But I do think his being talked about
is a ploy to offset the Rep. remarks
that the Dems never put a Black
in any high government position.

[Neenah]

Post 23

[Extremely Extreme Extremist]

BUMP

[alloysteel]

Vice-President slot is not yet filled. He is angling for that position so he may become something of a fulcrum to deflect the dialogue away from criticism of Islam and socialist policies.

And a mid-level Cabinet post is not out of the question.

He is personally attractive, does not make any fumbles for which any reporting agency has taken him to task, and is sufficiently unknown yet so any negatives are still insignificant.

[Huck]

This guy is the latest Mario Cuomo/Bill Bradley--a contender in Democrats' minds. He has zero chance in reality, but that won't stop them from thinking he does. If Obama is smart, he'll do just what those two guys did and milk the fantasy for all its worth before even entertaining an actual run. Because when he actually runs, reality will come crashing down to ruin the fantasy. Keep the fantasy intact, and he stays on the A list for years to come.

[Huck]

He has no chance of becoming VEEP or POTUS. But it's funny how ppl think he does. He should milk it for all it's worth.

[traditional1]

"get some of my bills passed in order to provide health care and expand college education to most children"

The Great Black Hope.

All he wants is to have more Socialist Initiatives passed, to make EVERYONE as dependent on the Gubmint as the Blacks are now.........(in their mind)

[Vinomori]

He's the only Democrat to fear.

[prisoner6]

Vice-President slot is not yet filled. He is angling for that position

Yup...VP possible, but I doubt he has what it takes to cross party line and become a serious presidentail front runner.

H"e s a distraction...running interference for Hillary/AlGore/Kerry/ et al.

prisoner6

[Vision]

Please put a barf alert on this so we don't waste our time.

[prisoner6]

Dem to fear...

Forgot to add to my last post...

In the socialist/dem/uniont/communist strong holds like W PA where I live... >not to be racist< ... he doesn't stand a chance, especially with the older voters.

prisoner6

[madprof98]

Also on Obama’s agenda is a trip to Africa next month, his father’s native land.

I thought his father abandoned him and left him to be raised by a moonbat white mama, which is why he is every leftist's dreamchild--he looks black but thinks and acts like Cindy Sheehan.

[tet68]

Obama..."No I won't be running against Senator Clinton, I want to live."