OBAMA GOES AFTER PALIN ON EARMARKS (Speaking to 800 people in Terre Haute, Ind.,)

Minneapolis Star Tribune ^ | September 6, 2008 | staff

[Presbyterian Reporter]

Obama made his first direct criticism of Republican vice-presidential nominee Sarah Palin on Saturday, saying she pretends to oppose spending earmarks when she actually has embraced them.

Speaking to 800 people at the Wabash Valley Fairgrounds in Terre Haute, Ind., the Democratic presidential nominee ridiculed McCain and his running mate, the Alaska governor, for describing themselves as agents of change at last week's GOP convention.

"Don't be fooled," Obama told the crowd surrounding him in a large barn. "John McCain's party, with the help of John McCain, has been in charge" for nearly eight years.

McCain has vowed to wipe out earmarks, which are targeted funding for specific projects that legislators put into spending bills. As governor, Palin originally supported earmarks for a controversial $398 million Alaska project dubbed the "bridge to nowhere." But she dropped her support after the state's likely share of the cost rose. She hung onto $27 million to build the approach road to the bridge.

[Presbyterian Reporter]

The only thing that needs to be said:

"""Speaking to 800 people at the Wabash Valley Fairgrounds in Terre Haute, Ind., the Democratic presidential nominee ridiculed McCain and his running mate, the Alaska governor, for describing themselves as agents of change at last week's GOP convention."""

[politicket]

When the Presidential candidate begins attacking the opposition’s Vice-Presidential candidate then you know that they have lost.

[airedale]

Didn’t Barack Obama create an earmark that directly benefited the clients of Sen Biden’s son and essentially Biden’s son?

[hsalaw]

"Don't be fooled," Obama told the crowd surrounding him in a large barn.

I want to see what 800 people in a large barn looks like compared to 10,000 at an airport.

[E. Pluribus Unum]

As the Governor of Alaska, it was Sarah Palin's responsibility to get some of the tax money extracted by Washington returned to her constituents. It was her job to advocate earmarks.

[kittymyrib]

And the McCain/Palin rally in Colorado Springs had 11,000 on a football Saturday.
I heard some of Barry’s speech on XM radio while traveling and there was no crowd noise...very uninspiring stuff.

[Presbyterian Reporter]

Terre Haute, IN Population in July 2007: 58932

Obama attracted less than 2% of the Terre Haute population to his speech.

[originalbuckeye]

Obama created an earmark that went to the University of Chicago Hospitals and Clinics. His wife then received an equivalent amount in a raise.

[Dragonspirit]

King Earmark Obama REALLY wants to have that fight with the tons of pork he has personally signed up for? Really? Let’s have it then. :)

[gov_bean_ counter]

There is a significant difference between a small town mayor or governor seeking federal assistance for infrastructure improvements and a Senator using earmarks to pay back political favors.

I'm sure Gov Palin will 'splain the difference to him in the next few days.

[EveningStar]

(Speaking to 800 people in Terre Haute, Ind.,)

And millions more via the media and the Internet.

[Aussiebabe]

Has anyone published a list of earmarks by McCain versus Obama during their terms as senators? I would think the RNC would have something like this?

[Diana in Wisconsin]

And he most likely pronounced it, “Terry Hoot!” Dork.

[PowerPro]

It’s interesting that you ask that because I too am interested in seeing this comparison.

[P8riot]

That’s what I was thinking. Shouldn’t he be going after McCain? He’s freakin scared.

[norwaypinesavage]

"Didn’t Barack Obama create an earmark that directly benefited the clients of Sen Biden’s son and essentially Biden’s son?"

Was that before, or after he created an earmark that directly benefited his own wife?

[FlingWingFlyer]

It could be that most of them were at home “clinging to their faith and guns” since they knew that “The One” had come to town. Or they might have just been at home watching Greta’s show about Sarah Palin: An American Woman on FOX.

[PhilosopherStones]

I’d like to know how much money Alaska sends to DC versus how much money Alaska receives from DC.

Tried googling, but couldn’t find it.

Maybe some FReepers could help.

[TommyDale]

Obama was responsible for a million dollar earmark for the hospital where his wife worked. No conflict there, I’m sure.

[kanawa]

I hope he gets crushed so badly that I end up feeling sorry for him.