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Obama Falters Over Illegal Immigrants

Submitted by Gregg Heacock, Nov 16, 2007 00:25

Mr. Blitzer was the real major embarrassment of the CNN debate tonight. Not only was his voice constantly in the background, trying to get candidates to stop answering the questions that were asked, but he also insisted that candidates deal only with his narrow questions rather than frame their answers to fit the larger question. This was particularly so with Barack Obama, who was asked whether he favored issuing drivers' licenses to illegal aliens. While Dennis Kucinick deserves recognition for putting Blitzer in his place by saying that the question was prejudicial in labeling undocumented workers as "illegal aliens," Barack struggled to be sure that his answer would not be turned against him by the press. He wanted and succeeeded in getting out his full stance on immigration, including how the whole issue had been blown out of proportion by what Bush has not done to protect our borders--and, yes, he was not clear, when going over time, about his stance on drivers' licences, even though it was clear to anyone who was listening. When asked again, Barack Obama said directly that he was in favor of provided licenses and insisting on insurance for all people residing within our borders. As he and other candidates put it, this is a safety issue. We want to know that the people driving on our roads are licensed and, were they ever to have an accident, that they were covered by insurance. Obama was clear and as direct as he could be, given that a brief answer would have provided ammunition for others to attack him later.

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Other reader comments on this article

Comment	By	Date
Obama likes Mexican and Central American immigrants so much better than African immigrants that he supports practices and policies that... [MORE]	James Driscoll	Dec 9, 2007 13:16
Mr. Dirscoll has made a valid point that has not been heard in the debates. Having lived in many undeveloped... [MORE]	Kathleen	Feb 28, 2008 15:55
How ironic it is to hear people taking hard shots at current "illegal" immigrants knowing the fact that this nation... [MORE]	LEE PETERSON	Nov 21, 2007 13:44
Lee Peterson, this nation was also created by slavery. It is not the 1800 or 1900's anymore. At one time... [MORE]	Ken Z	Jan 9, 2008 16:41
This issue brings to mind the childhood story about a goose who could lay golden eggs. I don't hate people... [MORE]	Janice Steed	Feb 21, 2008 21:45
Clearly there was no winner of the Vegas Dem Debate! They all lost! Thanks to Wolf and CNN. That was... [MORE]	Melba	Nov 18, 2007 03:37
Obama is simply smart,and smart people are always going to come up tops,no matter how bad a querry is asked.plus... [MORE]	Gloria Owino	Nov 30, 2007 17:24
Ok now that clinto knows her answer on the position on Iran was bad she is going to change her... [MORE]	Alberto	Nov 16, 2007 22:10
Perhaps if Obama lived in one of the southern states bordering Mexico he would have a better idea of the... [MORE]	Norma	Jan 4, 2008 23:22
Typical politician, not able to give a straight answer. Flowery answers, never answer questions straightforward. Always has tap shoes on... [MORE]	R. Ewing	Nov 16, 2007 20:55
So, Edwards thinks the Iranian Revolutionary Force are just a bunch of pussycats, real nice guys, boy scouts who like... [MORE]	Dave Levy	Nov 16, 2007 15:39
Unfortunately we do not have anybody remotely capable to run our government (republican or democrat), the only alternative we as... [MORE]	englishspokenhere	Nov 16, 2007 13:45
Hillary votes no to win votes but she won't speak the truth. Barack has the courage to speak the truth.... [MORE]	Danielle Clarke	Nov 16, 2007 09:14
Here's a pearl for you. Clinton got handed softballs all night from CNN. Rigged. [MORE]	Josh	Nov 16, 2007 01:56
It seems to me everyone had a struggle with a difficult and narrow minded question, except for Hillary because she... [MORE]	MJH	Nov 16, 2007 00:46
Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha! Seriously, Eli. You stayed up all night just to write this and you started it with... [MORE]	Ike Bonaventure	Nov 16, 2007 00:45
Mr. Blitzer was the real major embarrassment of the CNN debate tonight. Not only was his voice constantly in the...	Gregg Heacock	Nov 16, 2007 00:25
It is not Obama who faltered in answering the question on driver's licenses for undocumented aliens. He had already answered... [MORE]	wizinit	Nov 16, 2007 00:13
Obama did not Falter over the question! He gave very specific answer, and ended up answering it as yes, he... [MORE]	Justin Wilkins, Chattanooga, TN	Nov 15, 2007 23:58

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Obama Falters Over Illegal Immigrants