by Mike Dorning
OAKLAND--Now that Barry Bonds holds the home-run record, Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama can give his answer: Yes, Obama would invite the San Francisco Giants player to the White House if he were president.
Last night, Obama dodged the question when asked at the AFL-CIO presidential candidates debate whether he would invite Bonds, given the controversy surrounding the player's alleged use of steroids.
"He hasn't done it yet,'' Obama said when pressed to answer a question that he didn't answer with his first remarks. "So we'll answer the question when it comes.''
A few hours later, Bonds hit his 756th home run, breaking the record. So the question came up again at a press conference today in Oakland, Calif., and Obama had his answer ready.
"If I were president, I probably would. It's a remarkable achievement. And he deserves, I think, our congratulations," Obama said.
But, Obama continued, ""I remain concerned about the cloud that exists not just in baseball but in everything from basketball to the Tour de France. I mean you just get a sense right now that sports is suffering from a crisis of confidence and my hope is that all the various sports leagues take those responsibilities seriously."
"I would like to see our sports leagues recognize that children look up sports stars probably more than any other individuals. And right now I'm not sure that our kids are learning the right lessons or like what they see," he added.
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Comments
I can't believe that it matters one dot if Obama would or would not invite Bonds to the White House if he were president.
Why would you waste your time on this issue?
Who cares?
Posted by: Bob | August 8, 2007 4:40 PM
Bob, it goes to the character of the candidate.
But Obama also exposed his own inconsistency.
He'll answer hypotheticals when it comes to attacking bin Laden in Pakistan; but he'll withhold comment on inviting Bonds until he's actually surpassed Aaron.
There's a flaw in the man's thinking.
Posted by: Bud McFarlin | August 8, 2007 5:27 PM
Except it was a ridiculously stupid question to be asked at a debate and he withheld an answer because: 1. he didn't have an answer, because 2. the answer doesn't matter. At all.
Posted by: lookwhoitisnt | August 8, 2007 6:42 PM
Mr. Obama seems to a have a hard time gettting anything right the first time around. He must drive his handlers nuts, with their having to sweep up after him the next day, whether it's on Pakistan or something as inane as inviting Barry Bonds to tea. Yikes!
Posted by: Chiamaka | August 8, 2007 6:57 PM
Way to step out there on a limb, senator! But tell me. Did you step out there before or after the president called Bonds this morning at 9am California time (and you were in Oakland apparently) to congratulate him?
I'm bettin' after. And lest you leave yourself no room to retreat from your bold pronouncement, you resort to the "I remained concern..." crap that you use to dodge questions about corruption in Illinois.
Classic Obama.
Posted by: Biggdawg | August 8, 2007 6:59 PM
Way to step out there on a limb, senator! But tell me. Did you step out there before or after the president called Bonds this morning at 9am California time (and you were in Oakland apparently) to congratulate him?
I'm bettin' after. And lest you leave yourself no room to retreat from your bold pronouncement, you resort to the "I remained concern..." crap that you use to dodge questions about corruption in Illinois.
Classic Obama.
Posted by: Biggdawg | August 8, 2007 6:59 PM
Doggie,
I see you're still crying about what's left of the Illinois GOP.....answer: NOT MUCH !
Posted by: John E | August 8, 2007 7:19 PM
"Doggie,
I see you're still crying about what's left of the Illinois GOP.....answer: NOT MUCH !" John E
Uhhh, John E, I'm not one for the back and forth hyperbole and name-calling, this being the Swamp and all notwithstanding. But I will respond as I do on occasion.
For the record, I'm a African-American Democrat male. Voted Republican only once in my life -- for Peraica over Stroger. Wish I could say the same for our illustrious senator.
I actually happen to be a strong supporter of Clinton because she best reflects my view of the world and the leadership qualities I find important in the person who will lead this country next.
Senator Obama has my respect, although decreasingly so because of his obvious unreadiness. And believe me that is extremely awkward for me to write. He is now my third choice, my second being Biden.
Your observation is in many ways astute though. I don't harbor the rabid partisan bias against the GOP (and vice versa) that many may display. I'm not offended -- but I am just a little amused -- that you confuse my openmindedness for a lament on the state of the Illinois GOP.
I've never wept over the state GOP. Exception noted above, I've never been a supporter. But (as irrelevant as this to this particular post about Barry Bonds no less) I will listen -- as Obama says he will -- to what they have to say.
My eyes have and continue to be quite dry over the state of the Illinois GOP.
Posted by: Biggdawg | August 8, 2007 9:31 PM
Biggdawg, as a "right-wing wingnut," you are just another victim to the Loony Left, that hates and is intolerant of any point of view that is not of the Loony Left variety. You are not the first liberal or Democrat to be attacked by the likes of the King of all Loons (though Roger Morris is quickly catching up), John E.
Your perspective is refreshing. Your reply to John E was interesting reading and a pleasure, even though we probably do not agree on most issues or candidates.
Anyway, even though I am a "right wing nut," I have not shed a tear over the Illinois GOP collapse either. Angered by it, but not sad. We gave Illinois George Ryan and Alan Keyes and Judy Baar Topinka.
And, as the Illinois Democrats continue to make this state an embarrassment and put us in dire shambles, the Illinois GOP is not countering, not leading. A few single Republicans are, but the party as a whole continues to be asleep at the wheel. I would only shed a tear for the Illinois GOP if it was worth shedding a tear over and for the past six years it has not been worth my time or effort.
And that is a big difference between most Republicans and Democrats in this state. Most Republicans (I'm referring to the Average Jane and Joe's) have no tolerance for the shambled Illinois GOP. Democrats, however, will support corrupt Democrats at every turn possible. Hence, we have the Crooked County Board King-wannabe, the Boy Governor-wannabe, and the rest of the incompetent, corrupt gang running this state.
Posted by: John D | August 9, 2007 8:56 AM
Bigdawg you are 100% correct and it is refreshing to see someone who seems to et it. Not like the idiots on both sides who only cry about hings when the other does it, but when their guy does the same thing it is ok. I find it amusing that a Democrat from IL would attack anyone on the issue of corruption. It is because of stupid people like JOhn E that IL politicians can steal from the taxpayers for years, make themsleves and their buddies rich, then in the same breath complain that the State has no money. Then they get reelected in a landslide because here in IL WE ARE THE DUMBEST STATE IN THE UNION. How else can you explain what happens here in IL and even worse in Cook COutny.
Posted by: Vinny | August 9, 2007 10:06 AM
This is oh so very typical.
Anybody who reads these threads somewhat regularly (and is blessed with normal adult reading comprehension and retention) already knew months ago that biggdawg happens to be an African American Democrat.
Yet -- because he's guilty of the crimes of thinking and individuality -- some people automatically call him a Republican or a "wingnut" or a "GOP troll"... John E is of course the worst offender, but he certainly isn't the only one. There are many mindless drones like John E here.
And unfortunately, biggdawg isn't the only victim of their mob "politics".
Here's a radical thought that will surely be dismissed "wingnutism": The best way to loyally serve your party is to ask the tough questions; to hold public servants to a higher standard; to point out your party's (not the just the opposition's) mistakes.
That's what free, honest intelligent people do.
Posted by: Anonymous | August 9, 2007 1:01 PM