Democratic Illinois Sen. Barack Obama speaks to supporters of incumbent Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell at a campaign rally inside Temple University's McGonigle Hall, in Philadelphia, Saturday, Oct. 21, 2006. (AP Photo/Tom Mihalek)
Posted on 10/22/2006 8:00:05 AM PDT by NormsRevenge
WASHINGTON - 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."
Obama was largely unknown outside Illinois when he burst onto the national scene with a widely acclaimed address at the 2004 Democratic National Convention.
In recent weeks, his political stock has been rising as a potentially viable centrist candidate for president in 2008 after former Virginia Gov. Mark Warner announced earlier this month that he was bowing out of the race.
In a recent issue of Time magazine, Obama's face fills the cover next to the headline, "Why Barack Obama Could Be The Next President." He is currently on a tour promoting his latest book, "The Audacity of Hope: Thoughts on Reclaiming the American Dream."
On Sunday, Obama dismissed notions that he might not be ready to run for president because of his limited experience in national politics. He agreed the job requires a "certain soberness and seriousness" and "can't be something you pursue on the basis of vanity and ambition."
"I'm not sure anyone is ready to be president before they're president," Obama said. "I trust the judgment of the American people.
"We have a long and vigorous process. Should I decide to run, if I ever decide to, I'll be confident that I'll be run through the paces pretty well," Obama said.
Democratic Illinois Sen. Barack Obama speaks to supporters of incumbent Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell at a campaign rally inside Temple University's McGonigle Hall, in Philadelphia, Saturday, Oct. 21, 2006. (AP Photo/Tom Mihalek)
"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."
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a response that is mostly media driven who see how barren their own farm team has become. IF Obama is the depth of their pool, .. Ouch!
The media Frankenstein awakens. His star is as organic as a plastic bottle.
A two'fer: First woman Pres., First black VP = Liberals wet dream.
But his lemmings are drooling over his presidential aspirations simply because the guy:
* gives allegedly good speeches,
* is black, and
* has the GQ-look down pat.
Wow. Those are some really "serious" credentials.
/s.
And his record is....
What did this guy do before he was elected to the Senate?
Massachusetts Democratic gubernatorial candidate Deval Patrick (L) and U.S. Senator Barack Obama (D-Ill.) listen to questions from reporters at a news conference in Boston, Massachusetts, October 21, 2006. REUTERS/Jessica Rinaldi (UNITED STATES)
Illinois Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., signs copies of his book and campaign literature following the conclusion of a campaign rally for incumbent Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell and Democratic Senate candidate Bob Casey inside Temple University's McGonigle Hall in Philadelphia, Saturday, Oct. 21, 2006. (AP Photo/Tom Mihalek)
U.S. Senator Barack Obama (D-Ill.) attends a public forum at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library in Boston, Massachusetts, October 20, 2006. Obama has been widely discussed as a potential future Democratic candidate for president of the United States. REUTERS/Jessica Rinaldi (UNITED STATES)
Massachusetts Democratic gubernatorial candidate Deval Patrick (R) watches as U.S. Senator Barack Obama (D-Ill.) fields questions from reporters at a news conference in Boston, Massachusetts, October 21, 2006. REUTERS/Jessica Rinaldi (UNITED STATES)
Get a clue, Obama. You're worthless.
Senators are boring period. Could be why we almost never elect one President.
It's just the media trying to fire up the black vote for the Dems this election. Blacks are very unenthused about the Dems this year.
About time, the Dems' phony promises are really piling up. And "president Obama" is just another one.
Oh, please run Obama. Your debating The Hildabeaste, sKerry, McCain, Edwards, et al in the primary would be terrific!
Oops! I forgot McCain isn't a Democrat. My bad :)
Will voters elect the first Arab-American President?
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