Broken promise #1

During the primaries and general election Barack Obama tapped into the cynicism that the general public held toward lobbyist. He used that cynicism to throughly spank Hillary Clinton and John McCain. He was so successful at it that John McCain found himself having to release staff members from his campaign because they had, in the past, worked as, or were currently working as lobbyist. Barack Obama went one step further, by stating lobbyist "won't find a job in my White House,". I would go as far as to say the lobbyist issue was one of his top 5 themes to Americans. So, breaking this promise would be a big issue, and thus meet my standard as broken promises.

Well if you mosey on over to the website Obama's transition team put together to layout their agenda for change you will notice a statement that Obama has issued, back tracking on his promise not to hire lobbyist for his White House.

Obama Transition Announces Rules for Lobbyists in Transition

After reading his newly modified position on lobbyist it sort of makes his statement, "I have done more to take on lobbyists than any other candidate in this race. I don't take a dime of their money, and when I am president, they won't find a job in my White House.", seem like empty rhetoric doesn't it?

In hindsight, could Hillary Clinton and John McCain have been right when they stated that lobbyist represented real people? No, because they are evil right? Just kidding. Or was I and countless millions of other Americans duped by Obama's rhetoric?


Thank you YouTube.com for keeping them honest

We all remember Hillary's smack down,


and Obama's "It's Over" campaign ad, hitting John McCain where it hurts.

but I must not have been paying close attention or I would have noticed what Tim Russert's line of questioning was eluding to.


I guess one possible verdict is that, as a lawyer Barack Obama feels that any promise made to the public can be skirted around with legalese.

The bottom line is that the verdict is still out as to whether Barack Obama is the change candidate that we've all been waiting for, who will take back Washington D.C from special interest and return it to the people, or whether he and is political team were just better politicians than his opponents. It is far too early to tell, but one things for sure, the broken promises will not escape me e.g mounting filibuster on F.I.S.A bill.

One note of clarification, politics aside, I have much admiration for the Obama's. I think they are well grounded, they deeply care for people and their plights, and are not caught up in the trappings of success. These qualities will be the bedrock that are necessary to deliver the promises they've made to the American public. At this point in time I find myself in eternal admiration of them. I believe that one can compartmentalize ones personal take of a candidate, from the critique that is necessary to keep these individuals honest, reminding them to live up to the commitments they've made to the public. Let us never be accused of uttering the words "my leader, right or wrong"