More on Russ Feingold's distillation of Edwards' politics at Acropolis Review: http://acropolisreview.com/2008/01/john-edwards-for-president_18.html

Sent by Jake | 2:07 PM ET | 01-18-2008

what's really sad is that hillary and edwards are distorting the comment about reagan. Obama neither praised nor demonized reagan, he was just stating a fact that the political landscape chanaged. that is a fact, whether for good or for worse, that is indeed a fact. if you watch the interview you can tell he's not praising anyone or criticizing anyone. he's just discussing political history in the 60s and 80s. he also included fdr after hoover, and kennedy, and not just reagan.

Sent by kate | 6:15 PM ET | 01-18-2008

BARACK IS PRAISED BY THE CONSERVATIVES BECAUSE THEY KNOW THEY CAN BEAT HIM IN THE GENERAL ELECTION. NOW HE IS SO FULL OF HIMSELF HE IS BEGINNING TO BELIEVE THE COMPARISONS MADE ABOUT HI RONALD REAGAN JFK MARIN LUTHER KING JR. THOMAS JEFFERSON. WHO NEXT JESUS CHRIST?

Sent by RICK BENSCO | 6:23 PM ET | 01-18-2008

Sen. Barack Obama's opponents are now trying to make a big deal of his observation - certainly historically correct - that Ronald Reagan's type of leadership created a sea-change (for good or for ill) in the American polity.

Obama was also pointing to the fact that Reagan was an excellent communicator who connected with the public in a way that many others - like Richard Nixon and Bill Clinton - did not.

Furthermore, Obama's questioning of the relevance of Hillary Clinton's type of 'experience ' in confronting the new challenges the United States faces receives validation from an interesting case in American history.

It also points to why Obama's outsider status might actually be just what is needed to successfully restore the U.S. to international political creditworthiness.

Lincoln biographer David Herbert Donald showed how what might have been perceived as the Great Emancipator's serious shortcomings as a war president and commander in chief actually turned out to be some of his greatest assets.

Remember, Lincoln came to the presidency having only meager experience - much less than Sen. Obama's - in public office, let alone experience in the Executive Branch. (Lincoln's experience in the military was limited to little more than two months service during the Black Hawk War.)

According to Donald, Lincoln was also fortunately unburdened by convention, precedent, and standard operating procedures in facing war's challenge. (The parallels with Obama kind of leap from the page, no?)

However, Lincoln was also a quick study who grew into greatness through trial and error in pursuing the most significant of his goals.

Lincoln also knew democracy's ancient lessons. When Cicero finished speaking, the people said, "My, how well he spoke." But when Demosthenes finished speaking the people said, "Let us march!"

"Public sentiment is everything," Lincoln noted. "With it, nothing can fail, against it, nothing can succeed. Whoever moulds public sentiment, goes deeper than he who enacts statutes, or pronounces judicial decisions. He makes possible the enforcement of these, else impossible."

Martin Edwin Andersen, Churchton, Maryland

P.S. Memo to Hillary: Next Monday we will be celebrating Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, not Lyndon Johnson Day.

Sent by Martin Edwin Andersen | 9:28 PM ET | 01-18-2008

Who are the defenders of the status quo ? Is that you ?
Reagan did spawn a 'sea change' in American politics.
Obama hopes to spawn a new 'sea change'. Change based on the ideals of unity - not division (and certainly not modeled after Reagan's ideas)
How can anyone look at the state of modern politics and the outlook for our country guided by our current stautus quo - how can this 'sea change' of unified working government not make sense.
Anyone who has paid any attention knows what Obama is speaking of about the Republican Party being guided by 'ideas' for the past 15 years... you don't have to subscribe to those ideas but they are, none the less, ideas. The same could be said of the Democratic party of the late 50's and into the 60's - Kennedy Idealism. Both of these movements ran their course and were watered down by time. That explains the state of the Democratic Party in the 70's and 80's. It also explains the 'washed out' state of the Republican Party today.
--- Why do 'we' resent being talked to as if we had the capacity for knowledge. That is how Barack Obama is speaking to America... as if 'we can' understand. Why would we sell ourselves short and believe that we are past our zenith... that we are a declining people. Come on people... Now is the time to show some strength of character.

Barack Obama for President of the UNITED States of America.

Sent by PulSamsara | 11:23 PM ET | 01-18-2008

no no no, sorry, kate, but i heard much more than what this article published about what obama said in that interview. obama praised reagan, really really did. i think he was trying to stab bill clinton's legacy with it.

listen, obama has put his foot in his mouth. again. it's the stupidest thing in the world to be running for the democratic nomination and mention reagan in an election cycle. duh.

i mean, he's alienated the lgbt vote, the union vote...now the rest of the democratic party...that only leaves...republicans... to vote for him. well, republicans need to vote for someone, look at the cast they have to choose from...

John Edwards is right. and frankly, we here in the washington dc area know it. corporate interests need to go, or nothing will change. obama is living in the never never if he thinks negotiation will work. we really do need a real leader in the white house.

Sent by kenshin | 12:00 AM ET | 01-19-2008

It sounds like Senator Obama is trying to claim the Reagun Mantle. I wonder if the Reagun appologists will buy it or just vote for the Republican come November. I expect it brought a smile to Grover Norquist.

Sent by Stephen | 1:47 AM ET | 01-19-2008

44% of Obama voters in Iowa were republicans according to MSNBC exit polling. They were just trying to hurt Democratic Party leader Hillary Clinton (who won the Democratic vote going away) and those republicans would be more likely to vote OSAMA than OBAMA in November. Obama's just been duped. He does not lead the Democratic Party and with such poor judgement, he never will.

Sent by Bubba Nicholson | 3:48 AM ET | 01-19-2008

FROM AN INDEPENDANT POINT OF, IT WOULD CERTAINLY SEEM AS IF EVERYONE HAS AT LEAST AN OPINION OF OBAMA. WHY WOULD ANYONE WHO IS TRULY CONCERNED FOR THE STATE OF OUR GREAT NATION WANT TO SEE IT CONTINUE DOWN THE PATHE WE ARE CURRENTLY ON. THE MAJOR CONCERN WITH SENATOR CLINTON IS THAT SHE WOULD REALLY SERVE TO DEEPEN THE DIVIDE BETWEEN DEMOCRATS AND REPUBLICANS IN THIS COUNTRY. I GIVE THE UTMOST RESPECT TO SENATOR OBAMA FOR TRYING TO BRIDGE THE GAP BEFORE THE END OF THE PRIMARY'S. IF WE AS A NATION CONTINUE TO PROMOTE THE KIND OF GANGBANGER MENTALITY OF OUR POLTICAL REPRESENTATIVES THEN WE ARE TRULY SPEEDING PAST THE POINT OF NO RETURN ON THE PATH TO INTERNAL DESTRUCTION. IS IT FAIR TO SAY THAT BOTH POLITCAL PARTIES HAVE PRODUCED SOME OF THE BEST AND WORST LEADERS THIS COUNTRY HAS EVER KNOWN? IF SO THEN WHY SHOULD THERE BE A PROBLEM WITH A CANDIDATE GIVING CREDIT WHERE CREDIT IS DUE. IT IS WELL PAST THE TIME FOR THE GOVENMENT OF OUR COUNTRY TO GET OVER THE PARTISAN DIVIDE. I MEAN EVEN THE BLOODS AND THE CRIPS CALLED A TRUCE WHEN THINGS GOT OUT OF HAND. IF SENATOR OBAMA IS A CANDIDATE THAT CAN UNIFY THE PEOPLE AND THE ONLY FLAW PEOPLE CAN COME UP WITH IS THAT HE IS INEXPIERIENCED THEN, WOULDN'T IT BE GREAT IF WE COULD ALLOW HIM TO UNIFY US AND THOSE WITH THE EXPIERIENCE THAT HE SO CALLED LACKS, DO EVERYTHING THEY CAN TO TEACH HIM THE LESSONS THAT HISTORY HAS TAUGHT HIM. I GUARANTEE THAT THE BIGGEST PROBLEM AMERICA FACCES IS NOT FOREIGN POLICY, NOR ECONOMIC RECESSION, ITS A COUNTRY DIVIDED. TOGETHER WE CAN FIGURE A WAY OUT OF ALL OF OUR OTHER PROBLEM BUT BOTH SIDES HAVE TO BE WILLING TO WORK TOGETHER.

Sent by J. A. WILSON | 12:40 PM ET | 01-19-2008

J.A. Wilson, nicely said. I agree, if we truly want change and less division in this country are the Clintons the best candidate? I'm sorry I do not think so. There were great presidents who lacked the "experience" and they changed the country for the better. How can a candidate continuously expatiate on their 35 five years of experience and expect us to think they are the candidate for change? I think Obama has already brought change, and I give him the utmost respect for challenging not one Clinton, but two.

Sent by Yvonne from NY | 1:47 PM ET | 01-20-2008

I am a South Carolinian who will vote for Barack Obama next Saturday. I agree with Andrew Sullivan. Obama is our bridge to the future. A future where we will may have a chance to be motivated to come together as people who care intensely about our children's and grandchildren's and all our progeny's well being. This can be secured only by coming together to find peaceful solutions to big problems.
I listened carefully to Obama's statement about Reagon's impact on the the nation and the world. There is nothing in it except his objective opinion that Reagon's effectiveness in communicating big ideas (not all good ideas, necessarily)changed the course of history. I'm not a fan of Ronald Reagon by any means, but I do agree with Obama's assessment of his leadership and its impact.

Sent by Reta Richardson | 2:58 PM ET | 01-20-2008

Tom,

"Other conservatives with kind words for Obama include David Brooks, Joe Scarborough, Rush Limbaugh and Bill Bennett."

Rush Limbaugh, Rush Limbaugh, RUSH LIMBAUGH!

Which is it: You don't have a clue? Or you're following the NPR style guide that there's nothing a conservative can do that NPR will criticize.

Yeah right, Rush's "Barrak the Magic Negro" song and calling Obama a "Halfrican" shows a lot of respect. More recently Rush used "spade" in talking about Obama now that is being really ???kind???.

This must be the same kind words that Senator Allen had for the macacca, or Trent Lott for civil rights, or Delay for ethics.

Perhaps is it because you're new to the US, five minutes and Google I found more "kind words" for Obama from Rush:

Limbaugh twice used word "spade" during discussion of Obama This article has video.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008

Limbaugh falsely asserted that "you won't find a Senate bill with [Obama's] name on it" This article has audio.
Wednesday, January 9, 2008

Carlson, Limbaugh baselessly accused Obama of justifying and inciting riots This article has video.
Thursday, June 7, 2007

Limbaugh suggested Obama needs Secret Service protection because of "Clinton Inc." This article has audio.
Monday, May 7, 2007

Latching onto L.A. Times op-ed, Limbaugh sings "Barack, The Magic Negro" This article has audio.
Tuesday, March 20, 2007

Limbaugh: "Could we not say that if Obama wins ... he will own Al Sharpton?" This article has audio.
Monday, March 5, 2007

Limbaugh on Obama: "Halfrican American" This article has audio.
Wednesday, January 24, 2007

Limbaugh on Obama: "If he's got fire in his hands, what has he got in his pants?" This article has audio.
Thursday, January 18, 2007

Limbaugh called "Barack Hussein Obama" a "half-minority" This article has audio.
Wednesday, January 17, 2007

MSNBC's Carlson joins Limbaugh in taking Obama "big ears" comment seriously This article has video.
Friday, December 15, 2006

Tip of the hat to http://mediamatters.org/issues_topics/tags/rush_limbaugh where you can hear and read ever ???kind word??? Rush had

Look's like NPR is going to give the GOP another pass on race-baiting again, like the last two elections.

Sent by Ron Gordon | 3:04 PM ET | 01-20-2008

I think that Barack Obama will be a great president ! He has passion and he really cares about the American people. I am so sick of hearing this crap about what color his damn skin is. Who cares !?!? I would not care if he was purple, orange. or blue. If he can get the job done that is all that matters.

Everyone talks about wanting change , but they want experience. Tell me what experinece Hiilary Clinton has? He is a joke and quite frankly I AM SOOO SICK OF THE CLINTON POLITICAL MACHINE! WE need some new blood in the White House not a Bush or a Clinton !

Come on PEOPle she cried cause she was loosing ! You want that in the White House ? What happens if their is some diaster if she is Pres. What is she going to get on T.V and CRY ?!?!

We need someone who knows what they are doing, and cares about the people . Who wants to change the world!!

Well that is Senator Obama , and he can do it .

Again no matter what color his skin is !!!

What is this 1850?

Sent by Amanda Reynolds | 9:25 AM ET | 01-21-2008

If your candidate only speaks for half or half of half of America, then they could never represent all of America. Ronald Reagan or Bill Clinton regardless they both served their purposes for this country. That time has pasted he will never relive any of those era. My hope is that the eventual president has the integrity to pull the best from each era, communicate those intentions to the American people, and by working together Government, Citizens, and Business may serve as an example of innovative greatness of this country. and lead America into a difficult global future neither Rush, O'reily, Hannity, Blitzer, or Dobbs can speak for all America the division keeps them working, in a United America they will have to find real jobs and stop telling poor and angry people how to think and vote.

Sent by Samaon | 4:34 PM ET | 01-21-2008

I've seen people debating here whether Obama praised Reagan, but what is unequivocally true is that Senator Clinton called Reagan one of her favorite presidents in an interview with the Salmon (sp?) in New Hampshire.

This is just one more example of Senator Clinton attacking Obama for positions she herself has taken. This is the kind of hypocrisy we used to vilify Republicans for.

Sent by Drew | 8:10 AM ET | 01-22-2008

Listen to what Obama said without reacting to "Reagan." He was referring to a "time" in recent history when a presidental candidate, Reagan was able to put his finger on the pulse of the nation and speak to it to enable "change." Hardly an endorsement of his policies. Like then, the people of this nation are coming out in droves to effect change in government today. Obama recognizes the opportunity for the democratic party to add to its members independents and moderate republicans. Geez, such an emotional and baseless reaction.

Sent by Toni | 12:55 PM ET | 01-22-2008

It;s nice that you transcribed Obama's comment, remark, answer. But why not state the all important question that was asked?? This way, the reader will have his entire statement in the appropriate context. If you're going to print a transcript, it would make much more sense to print the question that was asked that prompted the answer that everyone is debating!

Sent by Suzanne | 2:33 PM ET | 01-22-2008

I'm a grass roots supporter for Obama as well. We have to support with what we have. Please checkout my support:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c_nMrCbyTcE
Thank You

Sent by Dr Mambo | 4:28 PM ET | 04-21-2008