But two of Obama’s bumbles came on more-sensitive topics, he backed legislation to permit riverboat casinos to operate even when the boats were dockside.

The measure, pushed by the gambling industry and fought by church groups whose support Obama was seeking, passed with two “yeas” to spare — including Obama’s. Moments after its passage he rose to say, explaining that he had mistakenly voted for it.

Obama would later develop a reputation as a critic of the gambling industry, and he voted against a similar measure two years later. But he was clearly confused about how to handle the issue at the time of his first vote, telling a church group that he was “undecided” about whether he backed an expansion of riverboat gambling. And, months earlier, he had voted in favor of a version of the bill.

Obama’s vote sparked a confrontation after he joined Republicans to block Democrats trying to override a veto by GOP Gov. George Ryan of a $2-million allotment for the west Chicago child welfare office. being responsible,” said Sen. Rickey Hendon, accusing Obama of voting to close the child welfare office.Obama replied “I understand Sen. Hendon’s anger, I was not aware that I had voted no on that piece of legislation.

No, not everyone was behind President Bush’s plan for Iraq. I remember listening to the Senate vote live over the car radio. Did you take the time to listen to the vote, Matt? My husband pulled the car over because the news was so disturbing. We understood what it meant.

Of course, Senator Obama was in the Illinois State Senate at the time working with divided parties and group leaders on common ground to get legislative results. Mr. Obama understood then that Mr. Bush’s war with an abstract noun would send our country into violent, ridiculously expensive, and lengthly turmoil.

The best candidate for the job of President of the United States is not a hammer, but a healer. Not all of the problems we face are nails. I reject any candidate that summarily assumes that all members of the opposing party are the enemy, and the leaders of nations in turmoil will not meet us on common ground.

This is not a position of idealistic youth, but rather practicality. The old way of sticking out one’s chin and inviting the first blow doesn’t work. The most effective route to change I have seen begins with leading by example. We must strive to live by the highest ideals and principles of our culture rather than resigning ourselves to our lowest common denominator. If we lapse, we must try again. If we succeed, we must not be satisfied.

R.Tracewell

Senator Clinton voted for the war to insulate herself from Republican attacks that she now claims she is the only candidate capable of defending herself from them. She says that her health care plan covers everyone, yet when people tried to have her implement health care reform progressively during her husbands administration she wouldnt listen. It was her way or no way.

The country is moving toward Obama because they want a leader who can bring together all the people sitting at the table. Senator Clinton has a negative rating of between 43 - 49% depending on the pole. That is to small a margin of error to win the general election.

The war must end! It should never have been started! Senator Clinton should step aside.