Sen. Obama says he's weighing 2008 run

AP on Yahoo ^ | 10/22/06 | AP

[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.

[jimbo123]

Barack Hussein Obama, Jr.

Funny how the liberal media conveniently forgets that his middle name is Hussein.

[Reily]

It doesn't take much to be Democrat presidential material look at John Edwards & Mark Warner!

[Ichneumon]

[mostly media driven]

You're Exactly Correct !!!!!

Speaking of which, check out the cover of the latest Time magazine:

The changing font sizes are perfectly chosen so that if you're walking past a magazine rack, all you notice is Obama's face and the bold letters, "THE NEXT PRESIDENT".

Only if you come closer can you see that this is just part of a caption which reads, "Why Barack Obama Could Be The Next President".

I'd call this an attempt at a subliminal message, but it's not that subtle. Time just blatantly wants to label Obama as "The Next President" for anyone looking at the cover.

[Cuttnhorse]

Jeez, does this guy illustrate how weak the dimos are.

[Unicorn]

weighs about one half of an ounce huh.

[Texas Songwriter]

What quality, or prepartion, or achievement has this punk committed to think that he is capable of running this country? He is a chosen one because he is black and is a senator and is a democrat. He is an idiot, but it will be form over substance, and that will satisfy the democrat base.

[StoneColdTaxHater]

Mark my words, this guy will be trouble if he decides to run in 2008. Hillary may get tossed overboard. The RATS won't want to be seen giving the heave ho to an black national candidate like Osama Obama

[gop_gene]

Obama dismissed notions that he might not be ready to run for president because of his limited experience in national politics

Remember how when the media and left wingers bashed Bush because his lack of "experience". But now it doesn't matter with Obama. How convenient!

[mthom]

Someone with the name Barack Obama cannot win in this country. The media is shooting themselves in the foot in promoting an empty suit that cant even win.

[mthom]

And his middle name is Hussein? Please MSM promote the hell out of this guy.

[plsvn]

Time's April 1st issue is a little late this year, isn't it?

[jimbo123]

Barack Hussein Obama, Jr.

[cajungirl]

Oh Bama is not just considering, he is salivating. It takes up all his time, he dreams and fantasizes being on AF 1, he can taste the power. He wants new clothes, expensive suits, aligator shoes, women falling on him. He wants pics in t he paper, real time tv cameras following him around. He is in a constant state of orgasmic fantasy about the power, the glory, the money, the books, the tv deal, the 100 K speeches. He wants it so bad he would walk over his Grannie to get it.

[Revolting cat!]

It's been said before, but let's say it again, it's gonna be Hitlery-Osama in 2008!

[cajungirl]

Hillary/Hussein!

It has a certain appeal, for our side. The two of them on the same ticket would have incredible dynamics. Who would eat whom for lunch?

Can you imagine the backstabbing? The drama? The conning, conniving, snarking?

[nwrep]

I think Obama is just another pretty face like Gary Hart or John Edwards.

You've got to be joking. Gary Hart was debonair with that flock of hair, and I grant you that Edwards is pretty. But Obama looks like an average black guy, not handsome in any way, shape or form. I mean if he did not wear a suit and tie, and wore jeans, no one would give him a second look.

[the invisib1e hand]

all I have to say about this kid is in the Keywords.

[dancusa]

[paulat]

You've got to be joking. Gary Hart was debonair with that flock of hair, and I grant you that Edwards is pretty. But Obama looks like an average black guy, not handsome in any way, shape or form. I mean if he did not wear a suit and tie, and wore jeans, no one would give him a second look.

WRONG-O, baby!...Obama's charm is that he is ordinary-looking...then the pluses...

He is not fat. He is an articulate speaker. He is incredibly charming. He seems to have an idea about getting black folks on track. He is married, and apparently, faithful.

I think the entire FReeper populus is ignoring how potent this guy can be...especially with Hillary....

[linn37]

Obama said. "I trust the judgment of the American people.

Unless they vote for a Republican.....