Tim O'Brien Daily

Barack's Blind Spot

While on his trip to Europe Senator Obama wants to make a speech at the Brandenburg Gate in Germany...Interesting.

For those of you who may not be familiar with the historical significanceof the Senator's curious desire, the Brandenberg Gate was the site of two of America's greatest speeches...President Kennedy's "Ich bin ein Berliner " speech and President Reagan's "Mr. Gorbachev tear down this wall" speech.

Maybe it's just me but isn't this guy putting the cart before the horse.  Brandenburg seems to be a place you kind of earn. What's next Gettysburg? There seems to be a critical thinking blind spot in Senator Obama's campaign.

Conservative Charles Krauthammer's article in The National Review is worth reading on this point.

The more we get to know Senator Obama the more he comes across as a guy in love with his own personal brand.  I don't know.  The guy writes two books, both of which are autobiographies...Hmmmmm.

Barack's Latest Insult of The American People

Senator Obama's latest faux pas was his insult of Americans who don't teach their kids to be bi-lingual (Thankfully I'm exempt from this insult since my 31/2 year old daughter speaks fluent Spanish and English).

When asked if English should be the official language Senator Obama ineloquently responded we shouldn't be as concerned with English being the official language as much as we should be with the fact that all we can say when we go to France is "Merci beau coup". (See video)

He then continued with a poorly reasoned rant about how American parents are essentially inadequate if we don't teach our kids to speak Spanish. Talk about sanctimonious.  This guy is hilarious. Does he speak Spanish? How about his wife? His kids? 

Hey Senator take a moment and come down from your Ivory Tower and survey the situation.  People are fighting to keep their homes and jobs.  Now's not the time to make Americans feel like losers if they aren't teaching their children to be bi-lingual.

There is a difference between President Bush's dumb statements (i.e. Bushisms) and Senator Obama's.  When President Bush misspeaks he is merely inarticulate and only embarrassess himself.  Senator Obama is insulting.

Brett Favre Never Fooled Me

I love Brett Favre as a player.  He's gritty, mentally tough and a fierce competitor.

He's also incredibly self-centered. He is the great guy we all love as long as it is all about Brett. 

I remember when the Packers first drafted Aaron Rodgers, Favre was asked if he was going to mentor Rodgers to which Farve responded "I'm not paid to coach other players."  Nobody made much of it but if you were paying attention you saw a glimpse of the real Favre.

For the past several years Favre has jerked the Packers around, namely former GM Ron Wolfe about retiring. Yes I am.  No I'm not. Yes I am.  No I'm not.  The new GM Ted Thompson finally stood up to Favre and demanded he tell them of his plans well in advance of training camp.  Now we're able to see Favre's sudden retirement for what it was...a temper tantrum.

If you remember Favre's comments when he was asked why he retired he said among other things "...Well the Packers never showed me that they wanted me to come back."...Oh, cry me a river.

For four years Aaron Rodgers has sat patiently behind Brett Favre waiting his turn.  Never once did he utter a bad word about Favre. He never once whined. Even now that Favre is stabbing him in the back. How do you think Favre would feel if Rodgers did the same thing to him?  I thought Brett was supposed to be "the ultimate teammate."  

It's time that Brett go off into the sunset and begin the next phase of his life.  If he doesn't there is a real danger he could tarnish his brand.

Flip Flop Alert...This Time It Is Senator Obama

Senator Obama has flip flopped on his position on the war in Iraq.  When he was seeking the nomination he absolutely unequivocally supported an immediate withdrawal of the troops.

In his own words "...within16 months" Senator Obama promised the nation that he would withdraw the troops from Iraq.  He did this because he had to pander to the Moveon.org crowd in oder to out maneuver Senator Clinton for this radical left-winged group's support.

Now that Senator Obama has the nomination he his taking a much more measured tone.

Again in his own words "...when I have a chance to go back to Iraq and talk to some of the commanders on the ground, I am sure I will continue to refine my policies."

Hey man if you think it is some vast right wing conspiracy trying to brand Senator Obama as a flip flopper do your research.  His own supporters are outraged by his flip flopping.

The Adoration Of Barack Obama

In the Catholic faith one of the ways we celebrate and pay homage to the Eucharist (e.g. the body of Christ) is through a process called adoration.  Adoration is one of the most holy and devote rituals a lay Catholic can practice.

When I think of how the press is fawning over Barack Obama I am reminded of this same devotion.  This troubles me because in my faith adoration is reserved for God.  But then again the press has already anointed Senator Obama their messiah who has magnanimously come to "heal America's broken soul."

The latest adoration was staged on the Today Show when Meredith Vieira hosted the Obama family We learned so many wonderful things about Barack, including that he likes spearmint gum over bubblegum.  Isn't he just soooooooooooo adorable! 

If McCain wins in November the headlines should read "McCain beats ABC, NBC, CBS, CNN and MSNBC, The New York Times, Newsweek, Time and Barack Obama. 

McCain better wake up.  His bland brand is going to get steamrolled by the Obama express if he's not careful.

Required Reading For High School

When Barack Obama gave his "Speech on Race" many liberal acolytes gushed with enthusiasm.  Hardball's Chris Matthews crowed "It should be required reading for all high school students."  I'll reserve judgment on that one but since he raised the topic of high school reading I thought I'd draw your attention to SSG David Bellavia' House to House.

House to Houseis Sargent Bellavia's account of the retaking of Fallujah.  The sacrifice these men endured is staggering.  This book is NOT a defense of the invasion of Iraq.  Rather, it is a real live account of what our soldiers go through to defend our freedom.

House to House should be required reading for every high school student as a reminder of what America's unsung heroes go through when in battle.  The moment we start taking our troops for granted we are in real trouble.

Growing Up In My Neighborhood We Had A Word To Describe Michelle Obama

Big mouth. That's how we referred to people who talked too much or said a lot of stupid things. 

I hear all the talk about how were not supposed to talk ill of the candidate's spouse.  Different rules apply when the candidate's wife infuses herself into the debate like she too is the candidate.

Michelle Obama would be well served as would her husband if she heeded another phrase we were encouraged to adhere to...

"Think before you speak." 

When you say dumb things like the "Country's soul is broken" and egomaniacal references to your presumed status as the anointed ones "I am married to the only man who can repair this divide" there's likely to be some blow back.

Do us all a favor and save it on the "Oh the right fears her because she is a strong black women."  If that were the case they would have tossed Condi Rice overboard a long time ago.

Tim Russert's Secret Weapon

What made Tim Russert so beloved was really very simple.  Even though he was famous he never thought his fame entitled him to anything special.  He never lost perspective.  His success was a blessing and not an entitlement. You'll enjoy this article.  Take a moment to read it...The People's voice.

Here We Go. The Candidates Flip Flop Away

First John McCain. He has always been adamantly opposed to drilling off the coasts for oil.  Last week he changed his mind.  With the high gas prices he has suddenly had a change of heart.  Pandering for votes?  You decide, I just keep you informed.

Now Barack Obama.  He was always for campaign fiance reform.  He also publicly pledged to agree to accept federal funding which would have limited him to just $80 million.  Now he has changed his tune.  He has opted out of accepting public funding.  Why? Because he can raise a boat load of money.  Many millions more than $80 million.  I thought this guy was all about change? Is he a phony hypocrite? You decide, I just keep you informed.

Does Experience Matter?

Interesting contrast of experience between Senators Obama and McCain. 

Download this_lady_has_a_point.doc