Obama and his campaign have repeatedly denied any improper associations with Tony Rezko. Even if this is true, at issue is Obama's claim of superior judgment, which he says trumps experience. Are we to take this "boneheaded" real estate deal as an example of his judgment? Guilt by association is something everyone should have learned as a child.

Lana Robinson, Granbury, USA / Texas

There is nothing to answer as far as the Land deal with Rezko and Obama. But I would like to know the answer to the Clintons and Rezko relationship.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antoin_Rezko
That's not bugs bunny standing in the picture between Hillary and Bill.

Ann, Shingletown,

There is nothing to say regarding the land deal between Obama and Rezko. He has been open to all of it. He isn't hiding anything. Like TAXES. But can someone explain to me the relationship between the Clintons and Rezko???
Go to:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antoin_Rezko

That's not bugs bunny in that photo with the Clintons.

Ann, Shingletown,

What was the down payment for Senator Obama's house.?
How did he qualify for a loan on $250,000 income the year he spent $1,650,000 for a house. Did he have the cash?

theresa, washington, usa

What's missing here is that Rezko had to out bid other parties to buy that lot. The lot was going to sell whether he bought it or not. So he had nothing to do with Obama's ability to buy his house. Obama's money didn't come from or through Rezko. So where's the issue? There isn't one, but the right can't argue policy.

Don, Kalamazoo, Michigan

When are questions going to be answered in the Obama loving media with regards to Obama's relationships with his spiritual mentor, Rev. Wight, Tony Rezko and Rezko's good buddy, Nadhmi Auchi? And last, but not least could we have a little press about Obama's blatant Canadian NAFTA lie? WHEN are you going to take the gloves off on Obama? Why do I have to go the foreign press for this information?

Janet, Scottsdale,

I fail to see why the media is not all over this issue with Obama. He is admitting that he said oops on six state senate votes, two of which were on hotly contested issues. He calls his real estate dealings with Rezko a boneheaded move. He made one vote that is now seen as popular but not until we knew the intelligence report on Iraq was wrong. Since then he has done nothing as chairman of an oversight committee charged with the force of fighting Al Qaeda in Afghanistan. He is ranked third behind McCain and Clinton on bi-partisan legislation efforts. I’ll stick with solutions and action over empty speeches for my vote!

Susanne Kuehl, Kittery, Maine

It's amazing :). It looks like us Americans will have to subscribe to UK newspapers to get any real news! The London Times is doing some of the most revealing journalism in regards to Obama. The US news has given him a free pass thus far and it is only starting to take on a harder stance. Too bad local papers where the elections are going to take place are still avoiding discussion of the details of Obama's background.

dpk, Seattle , WA

Did the loan call for commercially reasonable payments, and were they kept current ? If so, then maybe it is a loan. If not, then maybe in substance it is merely a money transfer in a bank secrecy jurisdiction. Get the facts straight on that. It matters.

dwak, newark, new jersey

check the house out on zillow.com if it is the same property the value is over 1,000,000.00
Bob reid, arizona

bob reid, mesa , az

Thanks for admitting the Republicans are the party of higher morals and values, HP/Sandusky. If we do bad things, it really says something about what the party of lower morals and values does! The truth is, Obama has done nothing to merit the following he has. He has proven only that he is a good orator. He has virtually no experience and touts "hope and change" as his platform. As someone recently said, even Hitler and Castro stood for change. It is very sad that our society, with people raised on movies and video games, "Hollywood-ize" a candidate and seriously consider putting him in charge of our country when all he has proven is that he can talk. I can only hope that wiser minds prevail. By the way, Edward from England, while you "define" that there cannot be a "British-Iraqui," saying that someone has to be one or the other, why is it possible for someone to be "African-American," "Irish-American," "Latino-American," etc., and yet not "British-Iraqui"? Very illogical.

Cady, Cedar Rapids,

Finally someone is doing some investigation on Obama's background and his associations. Too bad the US Media is too busy fawning over and worshipping Obama.
It's disgusting to watch how much biased the main stream media is towards Obama (Especially MSNBC).
The US Media is controlled by Corporations whose only objective is to increase their ratings and ad revenues. Good journalism is not even on their agenda. They have turned the election coverage into some sort of a reality show.
The only news channel I watch now is BBC.

Kay, Orlando, FL,

To HP, your remarks about the Obama Article are way off the mark. I will refer you to another article I just read yesterday who will explain who Mrs. Rezco really is. The head of the Woods Fund Board, of which Senator Obama was a paid director. Who and what is the Woods Fund Board? A group who has sent money to Hizbolla. $0 thousand one year, 35 thousand the next. The article mentioned another man, Rashid Khalioi, who is a Columbia University proffessor, who held a fund fund raised for Obama. He is a very harsh critic of Israel and The United States. He is pro-hizbolla.

The article can viewed at World Net Daily web site. Use your search engine, bring up the web page, go to the lft and click on writters, then click onto Arron Klien. Scroll down to the article and read it. Its very informitive on who you are maybe going to be voting for. the article which prompted you posting is only the tip off the iceberg so to speak. Better research it yourself. I have.

Denny Taylor, Sumner, Washington

If Obama is in any way corrupt. If he his a "false dawn" for The USA it will be terribly sad for that country. Because with him or with someone else, the place is ripe for change and there is a genuine movement for that beginning to grow in America. And when it gets going I suspect it may sweep away the old corrupt Washington. Some forces in history are way beyond the power of individuals. They can only hitch their wagon to it. For bad and evil as in the case of Hitler. For good we hope as in the case of a Roosevelt. Let us hope Obama is an honest man and not a crook. i doubt if he is a "bonehead" as he has it

Alan Wise, Manchester England, UK

So the Republican Party is the party that stands for higher morals, values and behavior. Reading many of the comments posted hear and it appears to be a party of intolerance, arrogance, narrow- mindedness and shallowness. It is disgraceful and reprehensible that party of higher morals and values will resort to vile innuendos, mis-information and even outright lies to play on the ignorance and lemming mentality of it members in it’s attempt to win an election. All it does is reinforce the image and reputation that Republicans/ Conservative are hostile, intolerable and hypocritical and will devour it's own kind if they espouse an opposing view. So this is the conservative model of behavior and tactics that you pass onto your children and grandchildren. How unbelievably sad and unproductive.

HP, Sandusky, oh

Hillary 'vetted'? Done any, er, Whitewater rafting lately? Incidentally this chap's a 'British-based' Iraqui. Tthere's no such thing as a 'British Iraqui'. He's one or the other - not both.

Edward, Lincoln, England

Why are some people so interested in the tax returns of the Clintons. The ones who are won't accuse them of anything they want to simply go on a fishing trip through them. The Clintons have been vetted more then any political family in the last 20 years.

Kefa, Wilmington, Del.

When you consider that only forty years ago the US was mired in civil rights problems, it is a sign of growing maturity for the system that an African American candidate is enjoying such broad popular support and has a serious prospect of reaching the White House. THe US now has a tremendous opportunity to transform its international image and standing with the thirld world and provide moral leadership on the big international issues. Barack Obama may well be that big opportunity we have all been waiting for.

Paul , London, United Kingdom

I feel as though I have wasted my time reading this article. No where in the article did the author lay out a compelling case for Obama's connection to Rezko. This is simply a political hit job, much like the NYT piece on McCain. Let's lift the discussion to the issues. Let's have more 16 min discussions on Health Care like the one in the last debate on MSNBC! Let's have longer, more in-depth look at each of their positions....we need to stop this type of tabloid reporting and move forward as a country!

Dutch, Detroit, MI

I have set and read most of the 316 comments about this news article. I am amazed at the angry in most of the statments. As a hole most of us don't trust the people running our country and would like change. The question we need to ask ourselves is what type of change do we want. 1st Women , 1st Colored, 1st Oldest elected president as the news media states . Or is it a different kind of change.I know for myself change would be in the form of a president that will look out for the intrest of all its people . One that would protect our boarders from war , will stop the raising cost of health care, incourage business to stay in the US ,cut taxes, and let other countrys know we respect them and their cultures but will not tolorate them disrespecting the agreemants and policies that where agreed upon by them and the USA. Just trying to find the one canidate that can repersent me, or at least come close to it.The impossible dream seeing how 35% of what a canidate said you cant trust

J C Gerwe, Cincinnati, Oh

I completely agree with Mark from Germany. It is so frustrating to be an American.This country seems to have been whipped up by a bunch of cult followers who willingly go along with the suggestions of Oprah Winfrey. How shaming! Obama is knee deep in something scandalous and this is exactly what this country does not need. I applaud the overseas media for doing what the US media won't - investigate this guy. We no longer have free press here - we have reality spun tv. The other disturbing aspect of the Obama mania is the cult like feel to this. Not even the Black radio show host Tavis Smiley (host of this weekends panel: The State of The Black Union) is safe. He and his mother recieved death threats because Tavis Smiley criticized Obama for not coming to the event (unlike Sen. Clinton who was also invited). Death threats for an opinion !! It is a very frightening time in America and reminds me of the dangerous past leaders who whipped up hysterical masses and created chaos.

Anna, New York, USA

Instead of wasting your time on stupidity like this, why don't you ask Hillary why she will not make her tax returns public.
Elaine L.

Elaine L., Manchester, N.J.

This story is all hot air. Where is there shown any wrongdoing on Obama's part? Nowhere! So he knows a shady character who knows another shady character -- is that all you've got? And as for the question of where his money came from, in addition to the executive positions his wife held, by 2005 he had authored a bestselling book that was in its second printing along with an audio version of it. That brings in quite a bit of cash on top of his normal salaries. The Obamas have a net worth of $1.3 million, well below most of the other candidates, but certainly enough to afford a $1.6 million-dollar home. The bigger question is where the Clintons got their $35 million.

Mark, Rottenburg, Germany

I don't see how a country that voted for an uneducated and ignorant man for president, not only once but TWICE, has any idea at all about what kind of "vegetable" to serve up for the next course?

My belief is that the U.S.A. is destined to continue trusting lying charlatans and narcissistic amateurs, who only like the sound of their own voices. These "snake-oil" salespersons promise the ignorant and greedy voter easy solutions and big rewards, but have no idea how to deliver.

Peter, Vancouver, BC

I could have told you so.

Hillary has already been vetted. Obama has not.

Just wait until the GOP starts on him.

Keith C., Dallas , TX

To the first poster:

Hillary failed at the healthcare plan back in the nineties but in the end she got the Childrens Health Insurance through, call the SCHIP.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I have a question why are the Republicans pushing to see Obama nominated, I find it very interesting!

As far as this article is concerned, what are all Obama supporters afraid of? Unless of course he does have something to hide.

Although there is more to the story than meets the eye. He did seem a little distressed about it when asked.

Fox News did have someone on today who is very close to the investigation, and had a lot to say.

Another Scandel coming to a Theater near you!

Hopefully it will be before the convention.

Theresa, Holbrook, Massachusetts, USA

As far as "scandals" are concerned, Hillary has a more extensive record that beats Obama's ANY GIVEN DAY

1. In 1993, Hillary advocated affordable health care for everyone. However, when she couldn't get everyone to agree to her plan, she withdrew from the issue completely, and let it collect dust - until now. She's rehashing the issue to support her campaign; she may betray the Americans again. Wake up, people!

2. However passionate she may be , Hillary always seemed to legitimately feel concerned for the welfare of the people (and I believe she felt that way), but actually does little or nothing about it. She's passive-aggressive!

3. Hillary was always on the defensive, and people who see through her realize that she's really "in it to win it" (her words). She's concerned about being the 1st woman president, not helping people!

4. Hillary was always spoon-fed and priveleged. Give America back to the middle class instead of feeding the rich that Clinton grew accustomed to

Mike Nalbidanian, New York, USA

I feel that this hold things is a big joke, we are the best country in the world and this is how we pick or leaders. No One on this earth has done all good things and no bad and the clinton's are the last that should talk.

jesse, Sacramento, ca

Wow, we wouldn't get this story in an American news outlet. It is as if Senator Obama can do no wrong. Anytime someone points out anything negative about him, his campaign crys foul. No one in the states is looking at his membership in a church that is exclusively black. Why not?

John T, Louisville, USA KY

Beware American citizens! Vote on policy and the political stance - don't be swayed too much by the spin or you'll regret it, look at what "New Labour" have done in the UK over the past 10 years or so...

Flagging banking, an insecure and scary place to live, a war on "terror" that saps our finances that we can't and will not win, rising living costs, failing health services and schools and an infrastructure under increasing strain from their liberal/haphazard approach to immigration...

ChasNDave, Brampton, Cumbria, UK

No matter how many questions everyone can come up with about his character, shady buissness dealings, or lack of substance in those ever so popular speaches he makes. The pea-brained (vote for any democrat) Democrats will be going to the voteing booths by the bus load pulling the lever for any clown who can say " I am for hope, future, and damn the Bush administration"

Don H., Hamilton, Mercer / New Jersey

I will never stop being amazed by people who are afraid of Barack Obama's name. That is ignorant. Obama rhymes with Osama, so some posts state, "I just don't trust him with a name like that." If you are truly that ignorant then you deserve to be in Iraq for another 100 years. You deserve to have your civil rights taken away by Bush policies that John McCain will continue to support and possibly expand. You deserve to have corporations own your government and pass laws that favor them while sticking it to you. When the air you breathe is so filthy that you suffer from illnesses related to the pollution that Bush's lacks environmental policies helped create, you should only blame yourself. You did good, though. You voted based on a gut feeling, just like the feeling about W being a good drinking buddy. It doesn't matter that Bush lied to bring us into Iraq or that we may be there forever. You trusted your gut and you got 4 more years of the same failed policies

Michael, Winston-Salem, NC, USA

Accountability for everyone. Ombama is a lawyer, he isn't that naive to make this kind of deal and not know; he got caught doing what politicians have done for many years. Just another sleezy guy, but he will not be held accountable, everyone is afraid to take him on.

John W, Fort Worth, USA

Yes but these questions will be asked by the Republican machine if he becomes the nominee. If he becomes faint at any barb aimed his way now, how will he withstand the pressure of the "Swift Boats"?

Stella, Novato, California

RE: Wolf's Post -- Your comments couldn't be more true. Don't forget the black power agenda of his church.

Could it be possible that BHO is being setup to be vilolently removed from office after he wins by the same people that are placing him there now so that they can secure more conflict in the world?

Something is very wrong here. Very wrong.

Worried, Rich, VA

Allison from Rockville thinks that the word "change" always means a good thing. Hitler wanted to "change" Germany. do you think he was the same kind of savior that you think Obama is? Never in history has anyone, even the most fervent democrat, believed we will all be living in mansions under democrat rule. Allison, you are confused, less government and more power to the people to change the world is a direct quote out of the republican playbook. Obama can't change the world for us, but WE the people can, and with that spirit anyone who wants to live in a mansion has the ability to do so.

Todd, Phoenix,

What a blog of posted misinformation. For example: Obama has been in the Senate for two years and no one has sponsored 1100 bills on anything. Why don't you really find out his accomplishments? His mother was an atheist and his father was a muslim. If you really read his books you would know that because he stated it. The Rezco deal is about crooked political dealings, not about garden patches. His Kenyan cousin is part of an ethnic cleasing going on now in Kenya to dispose the elected leader. Any of you know what ethnic cleansing is?? And the spelling and grammar, yikes. Judas Priest, the survey that said the reading level of Americans was 6th grade was sure in heck spot on.

Judith, Springfield, MO USA

This election is getting to be more and more like a science fiction novel where one candidate completely and effortlessly hypnotizes a large segment of the population and the major news media. He comes out of nowhere without any credentials and no substantive voting record. He refuses to wear the traditional US Flag lapel pin. His wife has some kind of racial psychodrama going on in her head (re Princeton thesis) and publicly states she has never been proud of her country. He is molly-coddled by the press and positioned in the debates so as not to have to answer the first questions, but allowed to pause and reflect on Clinton's answers. The media is swooning and crowing over his candidacy and news broadcasts now resemble propaganda for his candidacy. It is Orwellian and scary when the press elects the President. The daily drum beat of Barack Obama will over time reduce McCain to a non-person in this election. And Obama will moonwalk right into the Oval Office.

Wolf, Myrtle Beach, S.C>

Reading even a few of these comments are infuriating. Sen. Obama was able to buy his house because of the two books he wrote, which earned him enough money to also pay off student loan and credit card debt. There was nothing shady about this. It's embarassing that people are even insinuating that he got the money anywhere else, do people read anything anymore? I do think it is important to take a look at the backgrounds of presidential nominees, but when a story gets published, the words need to explain everything and be factually accurate, an article should not convey something to be a truth that it cannot prove.

Tara, Washington, DC,

To politics 12:
At the time of the purchase of the "mansion", Mr. Obama had a best selling book and had recieved an advance on another book, that also became a best seller. Maybe Obama didn't get the advances that Bill and Hillary got, but it was a fair amount of change.

drdeedee, baltimore, maryland

I don't see how any of this connects to Obama. The gist of the story seems to be that shady Rezko might have had a shady relationship with shady Auchi. Obama's already admitted to his connection to Rezko. What's the news here?

John, Charlottesville, USA

I love the "six degrees of Barack Obama" that the media has to play to try to make him look bad. The Rezko link is fair game, but the "corrupt associate has corrupt associates who may or may not have shaken hands with person A on one occasion" stories are just silly.

Howard, Huntington, NY, USA

State Senator Obama and his wife managed to buy a US$1.65 million dollar mansion on a combined annual income of not more than US$250,000 without a mortgage. How? The Senator has not released his tax returns for the relevant years showing how he and his managed to have this amount of capital. Also, they had small children in private day care, which in the US would be a minimum of U$30000 for both children.

A lot of unanswered questions concerning thE Senator's finances--but these questions are not asked in the USA by the compliant press afraid of being labeled 'racist'.

politics12, london, connecticut

I see we have a Eugenics expert in our midst.

MSM hit jobs are losing their punch. Al Gore's internet is paying huge dividends in freedom of speech for all.

There is hope.

Rich, Los Angeles, CA

hey bob...'politicians with ethics and morals'? the phrase 'contradiction in terms' springs readily to mind

thomas, rochester, NY

at least jfk stood for something. This guy preaches "hope", "change" - meaningless buzzwords to get in to the whitehouse. Once there, nothing will change significantly because he simply does not have the power.
The US is headed straight for a recession, and rather than choose a president who MIGHT be bright enough to actually do something about it you choose this guy.
And WHY? Because he promises "change" - too bad you didn't stop to question whether that'd be good change or bad.

Peter, London,

A fine piece of journalism from the Karl Rove school. Makes the New York Times article on John McCain look like a Pulitzer Prize winner.

It's a very weak story. You could also link Obama to the billionaire by saying they both chewed Wrigley's (a Chicago company) Spearmint Gum. Maybe they both have eaten food from Adam's Ribs (local legendary rib place in Chicago) at different times. That's how thin this story is.

While some people believe because a story is on the internet, it's true, most of the American people have learned to be far more suspicious of online information. The internet has a higher bar after the 2004 election with the swiftboats of bs. The good news from an article like this is it probably will help fund raising for the candidate just like John McCain got a boost. This site probably has .001% of the New York Times readership though.

Brian, Seattle, USA

Senator McCain and Senator Clinton have had to face the press daily but most news agencies only sing the praises of Senator Obama. Personally, I think the light of truth should shine on all of them. I'm tired of having Obama shoved down my throat. There are seious questions about his past actions that should be looked into, instead of being ignored. The citizens of this country deserve a fair look into the lives of each candidate. Check out WorldNetDaily and look at some of the headlines concerning Barack before you annoint him King.

Glenda Webb, Nashville, TN

Omaba himself needs to be changed not the country.

juan, markham, on canada

How is it that a young politician without a serious alternate career can afford a $1.65 Million Dollar Mansion? This is another case of big money finding its way in to the political arena to buy influence. Barak Obama claims that he doesn't take money from Lobbyists, but then again he gets in other ways. Denny Hastert and Senator Reid both benefited from their sons as lobbyists who then represented special interests to them. Diane Feinstein has provided insider information for her husband's bidding on govt. contracts, and now we find out the Mr. "Change" is in there slugging it out with the best of them for money to live the "good life" for himself and his Princeton Princess (who just became "proud for the first time..." of her country).

We have lost our country to the wolf pack of corruption. It started when we were sleeping and bamboozled in to a two party system, and it was consecrated when in the 1980's when we allowed the formation of Political Action Committees.

Rich, Delray Beach, Florida

To the commenters...I guess everybody has their own personal reality and bias. Can we just be objective and stop being so cynical and parainoid?

Greg Falla, New Briatin, CT

I have to agree with Pepe of Washington DC: the premise of your article is guilt by association. You state that the Obamas could not afford their 'mansion', but how do you know?

In a recent article in Elle magazine, Michelle Obama was stated to be earning in excess of US$300,000. Combine that with Mr Obama's salary AND given the ease with which credit is obtainable in the US (just look at the sub-prime disaster), it is not inconceivable that the Obamas could have benefited from preferential credit/mortgage facilities often given to those who earn a lot.

This is not the sort of journalism one expects of The Times! Give us facts, true investigative journalism and analysis. NOT innuendo!

Ford, Paris, France

I'm a Republican who intends to vote for Barak Hussein Obama. Americans, for the most part, are idiots. We deserve him. When he changes all of your bills to pennies, you will have your change. When he taxes you for your Carbon Footprint, you'll have your change. When he opens the boarder and your incomes look close to those in Mexico, I'm quite sure you will rejoice. When the Hollywood elite put you all in Yugos as they continue driving their Lemos, I'll sit back and laugh. My financial interests are offshore. Good luck America. You deserve Barak. I'll return when the revolution begins. We're a nation of idiots.

Bo, Houston, Tx

The first post says it all !

Lynn, Lexingon, Tennessee

Pressure? What pressure?
None of the mainstream American media has jumped on this story in the way you make it out.
Someone's exaggerating their importance?

Feyi, London,

Immigrants in Europe, grow up to be angry and despondent.
Immgrants in America, grow upto to be presidents and billionaires.
Europeans can't comprehend the world is changing and they are being left behind, irrevalent. What a FANTASTIC country America is. Viva America and well done Sen. Barack Obama.

Orhan Catan, Istanbul, Turkey

Wow, that's some really biased reporting...do the Clinton's own you too?

Kathleen, Dover, DE

Mistake? Maybe. But think about it... anyone stupid and/or shady enough to make that kind of "mistake" doesn't deserve to be elected to the highest office in the land.

Kathy, Tampa, FL

Did you know: Obama is 50% Caucasian, that from his mother. What those who want Mr. Obama to write history by becoming "America's first African-American president" ignore is that his father was ethnically Arabic, with only 1 relative ethnically African Negro - a maternal great-grandparent (Sen. Obama's great-great grandparent, thus the 6.25% ethnic contribution to the senator's ethnic composition.).
That means that Mr. Obama is 50% Caucasian from his mother's side. He is 43.75% Arabic, and 6.25% African Negro from his father's side.
Put another way, his father could honestly claim African-American ethnic classification. He was the last generation able to do so. Sen. Obama could honestly say, "My father was African-American." As you can see for yourself, Sen. Obama's African-American ethnic claim, when properly researched and documented, is a lie.

Cheryl, Frisco, Texas

As a Republican, I would be confident of Hillary Clinton's ability to be an effective President if she is elected. Obama would be
the easiest candidate for McCain to defeat. All fluff and no substance. Yes, the media is giving him a free ride compared
to their treatment of Hillary. Will we ever get through to December so we can take out the holiday decorations?
Ken M. in Los Angeles, CA, USA

Ken M., Los Angeles, CA

As we become more diverse and politically correct - we are becoming more like third world countries. The news media is putting palm fronds down in front of Obama like he's JFK who just rolled the stone back and emerged from the tomb and Hillary Clinton is being stoned by the press like she forgot to put on her burka. Obama gets an endorsement from a rabid anti semite and racist Farrakan and the press doesn't mention it. Chris Matthews on MSNBC Hardball is getting the "vapors" like some drama queen from Savannah and tingling in his legs when Obama speaks. Eugene Robinson from the Washington Post - and others who are supposed to be tough insightful journalists are swooning at the sight and mutterings of Obama. Matthews because Obama takes him back to his precious Camelot and Robinson understandably because Obama represents his race. It is fascinating to watch the once bullet proof Clintons in their Alamo and some of their loyal dem friends jumping ship without a goodbye.

Mr. Wolf, Myrtle Beach, S.C>

Look at the choices we have for President of the Free World!!!!!!!. God help us all. Even if you are an atheist, you should say a prayer. (Just in case---.)

Wolf, Omaha, USA/Nebraska

I think americans need to wake up be fore it is to late. I agree with terry from texas & Jub from Nj. I also have read the
website of his church. What really scares me is that people are so easily persuaded. He is definately not ready to be president. To get an endorsement from Daniel Ortega make me really wonder what is next. Also trying to cover up his back ground makes me have guestions. He has said that Hilary has things to hide, get real! we all know about the Clintons. I am also tired of him saying she voted for the war. all the senators did due to what was being set at the time. they were being lied to just as we were as a nation. so the blame go to the president. How dare he says he voted against the war. he was'nt even a senator at the time, but has voted along party lines since in office. and to say that the clintons have used race in their campaign is his way to disgreted her.
WAKE UP AMERICANS BEFORE IT IS TO LATE

Donna, Athens, Me

"Obama gets in, the economy goes to hell, more wars, higher taxes, more freedoms lost, stronger racial laws, more restrictive gun laws, higher unemployment, muslems get better protection, uprisings in the streets. "

???????

John, London, UK

Regardless of whether you are a Dem or Rep, the bottom line is that some backroom dealing went on. I am a vet of the current Iraq war and proud of it. Would this "loan" be such a hot topic if the lender was not from the middle east. People need to be careful not to let prejudices based on current world events take away from a candidates capability to run the country. If this was a loan from an Irish guy in Boston would it be such big news - I submit to you that it would not. Thanks for letting me vent a bit.

Delta Knight, Wichita, Kansas

This article leaves out the fact that Obama purchased the home with his own money from a book deal for one his best-selling books written prior to being elected to the U.S. Senate. The sellers of the home are on record in the U.S. media: the Obama offer was the highest offer they received for the property - so the "discount" talk is nonsense. Furthermore, he paid market value for the strip of land he purchased to increase the size of his yard. As an Obama supporter, I am actually glad this story is being aired now so that hopefully the focus can return to the issues.

J Woods, Norfolk, VA, USA

Politics as usual. Lets look deeper into how we can turn all of this around and get some real politicians who have ethics and morals. Politicians who will look at the bigger picture and put America First ahead of there own greed. McCain has his faults but his experience and his attempt at integrity gets my vote.
Marina Del Rey , California

bob miller, Marina Del Rey, california

What did Obama pay for the strip of land? I don't see that fact in the story. And how much of the tract that Mrs. R. bought for $650,000 did the strip of land comprise?

Hank, Louisville, KY, USA

Surprise! Politicians enter the arena for 'public service'...is it not surprising how many get involved in feathering their own nest!!!

cshare, St. Louis, MO

Something that really bothers me about Obama is that he smokes. He talked about it on Oprah before he declared, but no one talks about it now. He has a lot of other issues, as well. This would be a terrible example for kids.

Linda, Illinois, USA

Senator Obama's wife earned over $250,000 a year, people. And Senator Obama got over 1.5 million dollars from his books. It is beyond me, why all the fuss about money. I think we all have had friends who hid what they were doing to get money. Even if someone he knew was odd, doesn't make him odd. Even Jesus hung around thieves - some the disciples were once outside the law.

D. Laughinghouse, Honolulu, Hawaii

Obama is not a unifying force. HE is the Most divisive!

Craig, Germantown, Tennessee

Someone says that mansion is an issue. I do not think so. America needs Change. Everyone can get their ~own~ mansion freely.

We need change. Without Change, we are behind. If we are behind, we will lose our opportunity to change further.

Allison, Rockville,

"Change we can believe in"

But who believes in CHANGE? Aren't we supposed to believe in changing SOMETHING? Obama will bring change, alright, the kind of change we must RUN from. Hope? The hope he peddles to the masses doesn't include innocent newborns. Unity? Please, he talks of unity but his positions are actually REALLY radical. How can he possibly reach across the aisle when he's so far on the left?

Damon Brown, White Plains, NY

history if we learn nothing else repeats itself given time. Time will make us ignorant of what misstakes we made in the past and how we paid for those misstakes. The same things I hear today have been said before and will be said again for it is the nature of man to be stupid. With that said bring on change

t dobbs, atlanta/ga,

the same way the senator from New York can loan her campaign 5 million dollars and wont release her tax returns

John, Dayton, Ohio

I don't understand why some people are saying people are voting for Obama because he is black, this is a very racist mindset. This country has never had a black person as vice president not to talk of president. Why didn't they support Alan Keyes because he is black, why didn't they support Jesse Jackson because he is black. Obama is the only senator of African descent in the US senate. The truth is Obama has a message and people are tuned in. Or do you think he is just showing up and saying "look at me I am black, now go vote for me."

Nardi, chase,

I love this!!! Finally the man being scrutinized. There has been this media bias towards Barack, THE MAN COULD DO NO WRONG! We know obviously that is not the case. I do not dislike Obama it's just that I feel anyone running for president should and be willing to be scrutinized to make sure they are qaulified and to let the voters know all aspects before making their decisions. Why the walmart hypocrisy was not in the media more I don't know. He attacked Hillary for being on the Walmart board when his own wife worked for a company who's biggest client was Walmart. The fact that he attacked Hillary for having "poor" judgement when the story stated here shows he admitted to making a boneheaded mistake.

Rick, Long Beach, Ca

"Worst president we ever had", until W, that is.

Sam, Dalas, tx

I'm from Wales and I think you Americans are wrong. Generally speaking. Go, O!

nigel, london,

I find it interesting that the Clinton's were put through the scrutiny of the Republican party and press for years for every business deal and relationship they had. Now that the scrutiny is on Obama, all of a sudden his supporters are screaming this is unfair and racist. Well, "excuse me"! What is good for the Clinton's is also good for Obama and McCain or any other candidate running for president. In my mind, it is very unusual for Obama to afford a house in that price range. And the deal with Rezko's wife just stinks "pay off". Wake up, America, and analyze the candidates. Obama passes himself off as clean and pure but look harder or we will end up with 4 more years of lying in Washington. This situation with Rezko is all over the Chicago papers. Obama can't just throw up his hands and say he made a mistake in 2005. This was a big one and deserves serious analysis by the press.

Paula, Chicago, Illinois

You would think that Obama is the new CRUSADER that has come from above to save this country. Come on people, wake up and smell the roses. This man is just RHETORIC and has NO REAL PLAN for our country, but to actually BEND TO OUR KNEES to every COUNTRY that has come to hate us. God help us if this man becomes our president, because he is going to do MORE HARM to this country then Hillary. I don't like any of the candidates that are running this year, including McCain, but please, DON'T LET OBAMA become our new CRUSADER as he has made everyone believe. He has LOTS OF FAULTS, but the mainstream media has yet to come out with any of those FAULTS. Someday it will be WAY TOO LATE and OUR COUNTRY WILL BE HELD CAPTIVE by "who knows who". GOD HELP US.

Rhonda, Primrose, Nebraska

Let's see here: Whitewater bribes, Gennifer Flowers affair, Monica Lewinksy dealings, Impeachment, Vince Foster's mysterious and untimely death prior to splling some beans on the Clintons, and now a plan to give even more power to the Gov't by garnishing my wages for "equal" health care, so I can wait in line even longer at the doctor whether I want to or not .... -OR- someone who is not a HillBilly or a Bush legacy with years of baggage hanging on, except for the possibility of having a not-so-nice guy from Britain help fund his home? This is a no brainer.

Darryl, Huntsville, USA

It was only a matter of time before the sqeaky clean image of Barack Obama showed signs of "cracking"! Like John McCain with his "affair" with a lobbyist, Senator Obama is now finding out the true meaning of "Life in a fishbowl"!!!! By his own admission, Senator Obama "made a mistake" getting involved in a questionable land deal in his hometown! Obama is about to discover that the closer he gets to the nomination, the more intense the scrutiny is going to be! Maybe candidate Obama ought to "lay his cards on the table" before he proceeds any further in his campaign! Senator Obama is about to find out that he is going to become familiar with the words "damage control"!

Ed Chapman, Woodbridge, USA / Virginia

Mr. Obama needs to be looked at very carefully because of his lack of experience and governance exoertise.,This incident just shows me further than this candidate is not miracle worker despite his constant messianic call for change and undefined hope. Change and hope are good, but there needs to be more substance here to have any chance for realistic and positive change. We don't need pie in the sky or change that comes out of a political vending machine. We need substantive discussion and policiy debates in order to make a rational, not emotional choice for our next President.

L. S. Kleinschmidt, Cincinnati , OH

It’s about time that the media has sighted some of Obama’s wrong doings, instead of plastering his face all over our TV’s everyday as the heir for the top job!!! When I hear change with out a studied plan, it gives those of us who work for a living false hope that things will really change. These little laps in judgment in buying a mansion with campaign money sought after by a convicted scam artist by Mr. Obama is most likely the tip of the iceberg. And the first time I here one of the net works bring out the race card, that will be the last time I listen to them, as they don’t have any issue with airing bad press about Hillary or the others in the race. It appears that any time Hillary tries to sight some of his shady past dealings; she is hit for being negative??? If it’s being negative by reporting the truth about someone’s past dealings, then I’m in full support of negative campaigning.

IAM Seattle, Buckley, wa.

People are sayinh Mr. Obama is for change, there is only one question, change from what to what?

Richard, Queens, NY

You people that want the Obama change - just what end state are you seeking? I still have not heard what Obama wants to change, or what he has accomplished in the Senate. You'd better get all the facts - remember, Obama's pastor thinks Louis Farrakhan is the greatest savior of the world!!! And Obama's ties to the Chicago thug Rezko is really scarey.

So you want change, huh? Put a dollar bill in a vending machine, you'll get change.

Jim, Norwalk, WI

Year after year it seems to stay the same as far as our presidential choices are concerned. An awful lot of people end up voting for what they feel is the least worst candidate. I think that is a sorry state of affairs.

Dale Berhow, Erskine, MN

I can see that Obama has his own apologists just like the Clintons had. In their eyes, it matters not what they do. Why does it not surprise me that ANY criticism is met with charges of racism? Hasn't that been the model that has worked over an over now for DECADES? That excuse is wearing thin my friends. Someday, somehow, blacks are going to have to take responsibility for their actions the same way the rest of the races do in America. I thought Barack was supposed to be the start of that. I guess I was wrong.

Mark, Jacksonville, FL

Obama is not the squeaky-clean, non-Washington-politics politician he has fooled everyone into believing he is. When are the American people going to wake up? .... Bush re-elected 4 years ago and now Obama mania.

Nelson, Washington, DC

Hello, Jimmy Carter?

I'll never forget everyone jumping on the Jimmy Carter bandwagon. That peanut farmer seemed like such a nice guy . . . he gave us hope.

People were sick of Nixon and Ford and the republicans and they wanted "change" and something "different."

What happened? His inexperience made him one of the worst President's we ever had.

Don't make the same mistake by electing BO. Wake up!!!

J., CLEVELAND, USA/OH

My vote will ony go to Ron Paul.

Faye, USA,

It is almost "cult" like and very scary! Sad for all the young people. The media needs to be very careful.

Lynne, Yukon, Oklahoma

When first confronted regarding the same-day purchases of real estate, Obama pleaded ignorance as to any knowledge that the Rezkos were interested in the adjacent property. That such could occur in a metropolitan area the size of Chicago is too improbable to believe. Obama then declared this real estate scheme which saved him $300k to be a "boneheaded" mistake. "Boneheaded," apparently, not because of the savings, but because Obama was found out. How nice to have a Democratic candidate engaged in shady relationships and dealings with Iraqi and Syrian businessmen. Yet the press in America (excepting the Chicago Tribune) gives him a free pass. Any possible validation for their lifetime of pathetic ineffectiveness and political/social worldview hangs in the balance, after all.

Tom, Chicago,

It seems that the paid bloggers from Obama's campaign have been unleashed on all the boards to try to convince people that 1)Clinton should be questioned about her dealings (explain dealings when blogging) 2) Obama has enough money to buy that property and why; The Obama campaign tells the bloggers what to say on these blogs; they have an answer for everything, including spins for his plagierism, Michelle's unpatriotic words, Obama's unpatriotic actions, Muslim garm, Reszco, etc. They have answered an important question yet. But the list of questionable activities grows larger and my gut tells me that there is something not right here about his entire campaign, including the bias toward him by the media. Something is definitely not right.

Jennifer, Olmsted Township, OH

People say "we need real change, vote for Hillery!" Yeah, sure, and the only change you see is the small amount of coin in your pocket. Obama offers NOTHING that the Hillery of beans doesn't offer, albeit I feel like screaming "Praise Jesus!" at the end of one of his speeches. Nothing but glittering generalities with either one of them.

And then there's McCain. Or should I say "McCaineddy". Heck, if you want real liberalism, vote for McCain, he'll change everything too. I can't say for the better, though.

There's no one to vote for, folks. They all suck rotten eggs. From the sophomoric speechs of Obama to the snide, arrogant smile of McCain, we're all screwed.

And the next time someone says to vote for Obama over Hillery or vice versa, I'm going to scream. THEY ARE THE SAME CANDIDATE! Somewhere there's a makeup artist with a can of white and black makeup. The two have proposed ALL THE SAME changes.

Where's R. Reagan or JFK when you need them? Alas...

Bryan, Phoenix, AZ

In the history of the Western world men of Mr. Obama's hue have been looked upon with utter contempt. What each of us must do is to put what he is doing in context. You don't have this media frenzy about an African leading this nation without the dehumanizing experience of American slavery. People want to "expose" him. They want to plow thru his record with a fine tooth comb. Yet these same people want the American African to forget about enslavement, lynching and all of the atrocities committed by the US. We are unsure about Obama because of a somewhat shady land deal?? Why not question the entire system? You see Obama thru the lens of racism. You see him as a former slave, not as a human much less as a man.

Uhuru, Washington,

Mr. Obama admits to a "boneheaded mistake" Presidents can't make "boneheaded mistakes" or people die.

Brent, Fayetteville, Arkansas

I think I could get the hype that Obama gets. I would simply state all the things that are not going to happen like he does. How does this sound? "I will cure cancer, there are too many hard working americans dying everyday from this disease", "Free Healthcare for the poor is not enough, do you need a house?, I will make sure every person in America has a home to call their own." How about this one: "I will eliminate crime, you should be able to walk at night wherever you want and not live in fear" Obama mania is easy to get: Just say what sounds good!!!!!!

Don, Carolina,

Even "if" the Clinton campaign leaked this I am happy they did! We need to know about Obama's character and if main stream media is not going to expose it someone needs to. Everyone has skeleton's and we need to judge who has the heaviest amount of hidden "boneheaded" corrupted morals. American's hardly know anything about this candidate and those who follow him without knowing his character are following a ghost. It is the media who is claiming Obama has the victory but I disagree. I believe the vast amount of Americans voting want someone with experience and the Republican candidates are not lacking in this field. The photo published of him wearing a turban is disturbing on many levels. He will wear the costume of another country but will refuse to sport the American flag pin? I find this to be a political travesty! What's next a new design for the American flag? He is nothing more than a motivational speaker and lacks the substance or qualifications to run this country.

Trish Raymond, Oklahoma City, USA!

How has not ONE media "expert' asked Obama
how in the world he voted against the Iraq War when
he was not even a Senator at the time of the Congressional
vote?

Just wondering.

Mike, Clarks Summit, PA/USA

Borrowing money off shore to buy a house off shore says it all. What a change. Very unusual given that getting money in a more traditional manner, like a bank in your neighborhood, is easier for most. But with hope...

tom millar, toronto, cda

This shows he already lives beyond his means!!! So where do you think that will take us in taxes and deficit?
It is our own fault . We end up with these people for our chioces for president!!?? Because we listen to a media that is more interested in Britney than Darfur.
Bill

Bill, Minneapolis,

As an immigrant, I came to this country about 15 years ago. I am now a US citizen, as a matter of fact, I voted in the last two general presidential election. When I first registered to vote I registered as Democrat, well probably because my parents are democrat; however, a couple years ago I changed to independent; because I observed that there is no major difference between the two; well it is American Politic....
I have followed the candidates presidential campaign closely and I decide to cast my vote for Barak Obama. I think that he represents the Real Change that the United States Of America need right now to move forward. As a native Haitian I do like Sen. Clinton, but we realy do need the change.

Double J, West Palm Beach , Florida

I am for Barak Hussien Obama because I am for change and he is for change and I believe he will change things and no one will be left unchanged after he is elected to change things.

john, blairsden, ca

This is ridiculous!!! My husband and I have a combined income of $150, 000 and we bought a $500, 000 house. The Obama's are worth 1.9 million dollars according to their latest taxe return. They can easily afford a $ 4 million house or 3.5 times their annual income.

ZZZ, richmond, va

Definition of liberal: free from bigotry. Favoring proposals for reform, open to new ideas for progress, and tolerant of the ideas and behavior of others; broad-minded. Sounds like Jesus was a liberal, not too bad. George Bush saving the Iraqis from Saddam, a mass murderer and dictator, was acting like a liberal because he cared (as he put it) for the people of Iraq, to free them from this bad man. So George Bush is a liberal. Not too bad is it, to be a liberal. Check out the antonym of a liberal, sounds like most conservatives. Terrorists hijacking Islam is like the conservative right wing christians hijacking the Republican party. I'm a christian and proud to say that I align myself with the Democrats. Helping Americans First!!! Then we can deal others around the world.

Jason Kreider, Knoxville, Tennessee

We get what we deserve if he gets in office. Just what is meant by the "black values" his pastor speaks about. Change is not always for the better.

Chris, Milan, Ohio

Listening to Obama brings to mind the saying " You can fool all of the people some of the time ...." . This man is the old style snake oil salesman, selling the wonders of his wares but never actually telling you their contents or their price. He promises to change everything but never tells you how, where or how much it will cost you either in monetary terms or in terms of freedom. We had the same thing here in the UK ten years ago - since then we have lost our freedom of speach under the guise of faning the fires of racism, freedom of movement due to surveillance cameras everywhere, and most recently freedom of communication after a law was rushed thru allowing phone and internet taps on any citizen. All this is paid for by higher and higher taxes because change costs money, with our masters in the EU taking their cut as well. It's too late for us here in the UK, but Americans should look and learn from our mistakes - never trust a smooth talker who has style but no substance.

Linda, London, England UK

lets hit spin with spin.

I want to see who is going to buy those telling GENNIFER FLOWER tapes?

Janet Faye, dallas, texas

Well more Clinton smear desperation tactics, the american people are not stupid as the Clintons think and they will see right thru this.

Edward, New York,

Herb, could you flesh out that "American enlightenment and pride"? Am I mistaken, or does it sound as empty as Obama's own rhetoric?

Jim Packard, Toney, AL

I have not fallen for the smooth oratory of Barack Hussein Obama. Way too inexperienced and way too liberal. Wants to spend all of our hard earned money and give it to the many that don't work or have little. I don't understand why so many get caught up in his hype. I feel I am at a somewhat religous or spiritual revival when I listen to him speak. We don't know much about him at all except and l ikes to use other peoples words and that Farakhan really likes him. That is really scary..
Marion in Michigan

Marion Woods, Orchar d Lake, MI

Obama is a big walking controversy. The problem is not that we pick on him, he is runing for the best job the world has to offer, and we have to be picky on who we place there. The guy doesn't even talk about patriotism...he talks about change. His wife is not patriotic...let's quote her "for the first time...I feel proud of this country!" wow lady! What really scares me is that he has the same punch line (CHANGE) that placed Fidel Castro in power, oh and Hugo Chavez, and Pyonyang...Change sometimes is not good! I hope in seeing and hearing more from him, but for now I am a little scared about the man!

Viurniel Sanchez, Miami, Florida

Obama is a total loser! I can't believe so many believe the garbage coming out of his mouth. America wake up from your stupor and vote for the only Democrat who has the ability and experience to lead us out of this hell hole Bush has dug us into--GO HILLARY!

LMGZ, Eagle Pass, TX/USA

Enlightenment .......... please. This guy has no experience to run the United States. John McCain isn't perfect either, but why do people think Obama is so "perfect for America"? Give me a break. If you owned Microsoft, would you want this guy running your company after only 2 years in management? Think about it. Hope is great, but what gives this guy the qualifications to run the most powerful country in the world? Name his accomplishments .........

Jim, Washington ,

It doesn't matter who wins, Obama, Hillary or McCain. Obama is not going to "change" a thing (and for those that think he is you need to look up rhetoric in the dictionary) expect maybe what you pay in your unconstitutional income taxes to make the share holders in the Federal Reserve richer. Nothing will change and once again the media will feed the candidate of their choice to the American people who will once again eat it up like a great big idiot pie. Watch “America: Freedom to Fascism” if you would like to be further enlightened.

John, Avon, Indiana

With all due respect to Ms. Jacobson:

"As an Illinois journalist I have followed this story carefully. There is no there there. "

As any kind of journalist, you should see that the issue is not the land. The issue is Obama's lengthy (and profitable) relationship with a known slumlord who is under indictment for extortion.

In the same way that the McCain/lobbist issue is not about whether McCain "did the deed", but whether someone profited from the relationship (whatever it was).

HRC is not squeaky clean. But the news flash for Obama supporters is this: No one in Washington is. And HRC has no skeleton in her closet that has not already been rattled by the GOP.

The American media has a DUTY to the electorate to show us our candidates in the most releastic light, and allow us to choose whom we accept, warts and all.

From the very beginning of this campaign, that has NOT happened. And, personally, I find the rose-colored hysteria surrounding Obama deeply embarrassing.

Salt Laker, Salt Lake City, USA, UT

Herb Gray, you have got to be kidding. Obama has how much experience? How do you know if "Obama will bring in a new era of American enlightenment and pride?" I do believe that Obama's wife just stated that for the FIRST TIME in her adult life she is proud to be an American. Has there been nothing to be proud of for the last 25-30 years? Obama has never served his country in the military, and he has only a few years of government experience. So what makes you think he will bring change? Because he says so? Redistribute wealth, universal health care...sounds like a socialistic agenda to me.

Jay Coe, St. Clair Shores, United States, Michigan

Obama will "bring in a new era of American enlightenment"? What? Is Obama to be our Guru now? Is it his sparkling wisdom in the words "We are the change we have been waiting for." Is that enlightenment? Why is anybody sucking up to a politician for enlightenment?

Take a closer look, Obama's policy positions are not so different from Hillary's. Obama's voting record is the most reliable left wing party line vote in the Senate. He's not bucking the power in Congress, he's in lockstep with it. It's hard for me to see that as change.

Donald, New Orleans, LA

Liberals calling "right wingers" clueless? Now that is rich... I suppose I am to the right of "stupid." You simply can't go left of it.

BG, Omaha, NE

It's scary to me how many people are getting "suckered in" to the spell of a relatively unknown Obama. He may be charismatic, but he has virtually zero experience. There are just too many unknowns about this guy. And he has yet to reveal how he plans to fund all of his pie-in-the-sky dreams.

Too much smoke is starting to appear around the once squeaky clean Barack Hussein Obama.

Sorry, but I'm not buying any of it.

Liz, Houston, Texas

Why wasn't this reported months ago, when it was known for 2 years now? The Rezko trial is set to start on March 3. I hope obama is made to testify under oath.

If obama gets the nomination: I, & 2 friends, & my sister are not going to vote at all. The nasty abuse by obama supporters will not be forgotten. To heck with "unifying the Democratic Party". I would rather see a Republican back in office than obama as President. I encourage all Hillary supporters and obama loathers to either NOT VOTE, or VOTE INDEPENDANT, if obama gets the nomination & goes against McCain. obama can gravel on his hands and knees & beg for Hillary-supporters' votes, but I sure hope that they take a vow to not vote for him. This is the nastiest campaign I can remember, & you can bet that if Hillary had won, obama supporters would be saying the same thing. We'll begin to "heal the Democratic Party" years from now, if ever. I've never voted anything but Democrat, but this year I will, if I have to.

Fed Up with the Media & obama, Peoria,, Illinois

Senator Obama is the only candidate that offers hope, and change.

He is the only one that can give us change, and hope!

Real change and real hope.

Not fake change, and fake hope.

Change, hope.

Hope, change.

Change.

Hope.

Hope, change, hope, change, hope, change, hope, change, hope, change, hope, change, hope, change, hope, change, hope, change, hope, change, hope, change, hope, change.

Mr. Obamas critics want us to name one accomplishment.

But, all his critics offer is not hope, and not change!

Sure John McCain will probably offer us some fake hope, and fake change....but we won't fall for that.

We want real hope, and real change.

Hope, change, hope, change, hope, change, hope, change, hope, change, hope, change, hope, change, hope, change, hope, change, hope, change, hope, change, hope, change.

Art, New York, USA

Finally equal treatment by the media. Too bad they couldn't have started to scrutinize Obama like this back in January. Then maybe the country wouldn't have their head so far up his...
Hillary and Bill both survived the republican attack machine, Obama will not!! I know what I am getting with Hillary. Obama could be the manchurian candiate for all I know.
Thank you for finally reporting the dirt I always felt was there.
Go Hillary in Texas we love ya!

Keri, Spring, TX

I am starting to think that Nader would be a good choice. Just imagine when all the money that's spent to manipulate politics for greed was spent to improve quality of education, health care, equal rights and opportunity among other things, that would improve the conditions of human life. I would think that there is enough money to go around to really make a differnce.

Whoever becomes the next president, I would hope she or he will put America first. It's time to allow other developed nations to show leadership in helping to make this planet a better place while America can regroup and rebuild its strength.

Younmi, San Francisco,

Obama is not about change. This is same old politics, particularly in Illinois, which has seen many of the last several governors indicted on corruption charges. Obama is about the machine and he could not be where is today without the machine backing him. And the machine keeps getting larger--so many, many debts he will owe to his new political friends.

Rezko buildings for the poor and indigent were/are completely run-down. There are many good articles floating around, but they are not in the mainstream media. It is true that the American media has been very gentle with Obama. I would not have known the connection to Auchi without reading it here, in a British news outlet.

PS. Dick Durbin, our other Illinois senator, makes it to central Illinois to address constituent concerns. Still trying to figure out what Obama has done for Illinois residents outside of Chicago....

Monica, Morton, Illinois, USA

I'm in shock!!! I just finished visiting the Trinity United Church of Christ website (www.tucc.org) and can't believe that Mr. Obama would chose this particular church as his choice of place to worship Jesus Christ. As the President of the United States, he is supposed to represent all Americans but according to the by-laws of TUCC his first obligation is towards his race. I'll refrain from making any further comments; however; I do encourage all readers to visit his church's website. I'm sure most of you will be quite surprised.

Dave, Chandler, AZ

Dave, Chandler, Maricopa / AZ

I am so sick and tired of what you say Obama does. What about Billary, and the years that the spent wiggling out of one mess into another. There is nothing you can do or say that will change millions of minds. Obama is better than Clinton with her crying self, and McCain with his forgettful self.

Lady205, birmingham, AL

He will have to answer............................................IF he thinks he can represent ALL of us and protect all of us, let's see how he rationalizes HIS mistakes.....we are waiting!

Nancy, Chestserfield, MO

Nancy Dunphy, Chesterfield, Missouri, USA

Would people please quit parroting "for the first time in my life I'm proud to be an American" and this nonsense about "change" from Obama's campaign. If you are really embarrassed about what America has done over the last 20 years then you have to be the most self centered person around (I'm sure those helped by the Tsunami or the Pakistan quake in 2005 weren't embarrassed by the U.S) and where is this change? Most of his "new" ideas are the same ideas we have been hearing the Kennedy clan talk about for years. I'm not saying people should vote for McCain or Clinton but at least think for yourself and not just blindly follow his campaign slogans.

Joel, Seattle, WA

This guy is a wolf in sheeps clothing. We have not seen anything yet!!!

Alexa Brady, Chicago, IL USA

There is no guarantee that "change" will be for the better. By all indications, Obama's policies will result in, among other wrong directions for our country, tax increases for the middle class and upper middle class - the new "rich" in the eyes of left-wingers (which is where the bulk of the money to run the country has always been), perceived and/or actual weakness and retreat in our ongoing fight against terrorists (i.e., prematurely bugging out of Iraq before that democratic republic achieves reasonable stability and strength, thus raising the risk of future terrorist attacks by giving them a victory on the eve or their major defeat in Iraq), and the socialization and increased governmental meddling into the delivery of health care (i.e., overall reduced access and reduced quality of care as has happened in Canada and Great Britain).

Gary, Jackson, MS

Obama has nothing new or novel to offer. He is only good at making speeches without substance. I want to reserve judgment about his financial dealings as in due course of time, the facts will come out. If the Democrats are crazy and blind to choose Obama for the Presidential race, then I would either abstain or will vote for the grand pa McCain. Sorry, I cannot trust Obama.

Kris Rao, Normal, Il. 61761

It is such a shame that so many of our youth are having the wool pulled over their eyes by this movement of Obama. What the hell does he stand for? I haven't figured that out yet because he has not told us! CHANGE what kind of change? I have traveled outside of the United States, and yes people still love what America stands for. But don't be fooled by other dicatorial leaders and countries that DO NOT have governments governed by the people. Our media choses to slant your news and reporting by their beliefs! If you have not met individuals that have really been helped by another American You are missing everything the USofA stands for. I was a Dem for 30 years, I now have been registered Rep for 2.5 years. America please stay strong not only for America but the world, they need us now more than ever because of this radical belief that if we are not just like them then we need to be destroyed. I believe McCain will defend American beliefs not just for Republicans but all of us. Believe

Jack, Midwest City, Ok, USA

Who cares about what the rest of the world thinks of us, we are the best nation on this earth that's why millions and millions want to come here illegally if impossible to come legally that should give you a hint of how much people around the world love our way of live. I have always and will forever be proud of this great nation for what we stand and what we have achieved. God bless America.

Meann, DuBois, PA

When campaigns raise enough money to afford stylists, tons of personal assistants, and all the others on the payroll- who are they trying to impress? Middle Class Americans want truth-patriotism-justice-fairness and someone who believes in working for their paycheck. The whole process is in need of an overhaul- who will be the one to finally stand up there, without all the millions of dollars backing them, and bring the TRUE change we Americans-(white,black,asian,hispanic,etc..)-
want and need so much? I don't care if you wear pants, suits, dress- what is in your head? How do you plan to accomplish this goal?
People- the system is broke-top to bottom! If we get a good President- he/she still has to deal with a dirty money grubbing congress and senate! Get involved on your local levels and search out people of good character- learn more about the process- don't believe what the press tells you - research it for yourselves. Think for yourself! Looking forward to 2012!

Hillery, Grosse Ile, MI

I sometimes wonder why Americans bothered with their War of Independence at all.

They go all gooey eyed over the families of political elite voting in father and son, and now possibly husband and wife. If that's what you want you should have just stuck with the Royal family - they're far more benign.

They supposedly fought for independence to control their own currency then sat idly back as it was taken away by Woodrow Wilson and the Banking elite with the Federal Reserve Act. You should have stuck with Pound Stirling.

Come on, admit it - you're all closet Brits at heart.

Jonathan, Auckland, New Zealand

I'm not sure persons with such poor memories, as the Clintons and Obama should be considered for such a high position in our government!

Ben Carroll, Madison, AL

Well finally some truth comes out. Mr Obama isn't squeeky clean! What a shocker.......not!

Get a clue America-the best most qualified and most caring person running for president is Hillary Clinton.

GO HILLARY GO-DO NOT QUIT!!!

KATHY, Hilliard Ohio, USA

For those of you who claim we need Obama because the rest of the world looks at us as a joke and hates us, they hate us because we`re so easily swayed by cookie-cutter rhetoric such as the type we`re being fed by this disgrace of a politician. Im a college student in Ny and it disgusts me how my peers are hypnotized by fancy words and dramatics. Anyone notice that 'change' isnt exactly a new idea? That every politician is always promising change? Go ahead and waste your vote on him, a democratic president will give you just as much change as a democratic congress has.

Elvin, New York City,

AMERICA- You must wake up!! Why are all of you jumping on the Obama wagon? What has he done for us? All he can do is give a good speech! Hillary CARES about the working class, and she wants to make this country better. If Obama is elected, we are in for a lot of turmoil. I am afraid it will be bad, really bad.

Brandy, Benton, AR

I love all of the comments from the clueless right-wing idiots who are stuck in the 1950's. Even more funny is how Fox, clearly a very biased right news channel, immediately starts attacking Obama before he even has the candidacy. Wow what a huge surprise....

G, Newburyport, MA

The first time I heard Obama speak, I said , " man this guy would make a great Con Man " Could make a movie about this guy.

Michael A. La Pollo, Lyndhurst, NJ USA

Oh btw, haven't we all seen George Bush, wearing ethnic clothes on some trip {ie china, Africa}, he's done it so many times, But I don't see any one jumping on that like they're right now

Shaun, London,

John McCain, a good man, stands for more of Bush, more war, more destruction of the middle class, even if better managed. The same is true of Hillary Clinton, who is all wind and no substance. Obama will bring in a new era of American enlightenment and pride.

Herb Gray, Laconia, NH

Obama talks of CHANGE! What CHANGE is he talking about? As the Senator of Illinois he has done absolutely nothing for the people of my state. Most of his senate votes on important issues are logged as PRESENT. He doesn't have the courage or conviction to even vote YES or NO. Is that the kind of change we want for a leader? The liberal media in the US is afraid to question his campaign because they are afraid to be branded as racists and the young generation, like mindless zombies, brainwashed in the US educational system controlled by radical, left wing professors have fallen for Obama's message of CHANGE. CHANGE to what?

Don Niedospial, Chicago, IL

The joke is on you,Barak Obama, "CHANGE" People!

deb, strum, WI

You folks who say Obama is a Muslim are a clueless and likely racist lot. Your ignorance will be exposed the day Barack Obama takes the oath of office of the President of the United States with his hand firmly placed on a Christian bible.

Argue that he's too liberal, argue that he's inexperienced, argue that you don't like the smell of this land deal. But please, dredging up falsehoods about Obama being a Muslim - falsehoods long since proven to be lies - smells of desperation...and veiled racism.

Jamie, Ocean Grove, NJ, USA

WAKE UP AMERICA ..What is the deal with everyone following like sheep to slaughter a man who we know nothing about????
He is a good speaker, at times, but whose words are they?
That picture of him in the robe and turban send chills down my spine.
Please American WAKE UP I think if Mr. Barack Hussein Obama gets into office we are in for a big surprise much worse than these years with Bush

Misty, Coventry, RI

How about the way Clinton's tried to get a lobbist to buy their mansion and now charge the US Gov $10,000 for Secret Servicemen to stay in the back garage? Gees, get real people. I don't believe for one minute Obama is as corrupt as the Clintons.

Kay, Mesa, AZ

Obama has his own share of scandals. He's nothing new.
I don' get his appeal at all.
There are so many red flags that it is a horror movie.
I swore I would never vote for another Republican, but I'll fight Obama to the end. Please give us Hillary!

Craig, Germantown, Tennessee

As a voter, this story doesn't matter to me all. I will still vote for Obama. With him, there is always a possibility that he will "do a Beckett." and become one of the best Presidents in history, after he is elected. No such chance exists for Hilary, who won't even publish her net worth and where it comes from And, Obama didn't receive the money, Rezko did. He has previously been identified as a a contributor rather than a fundraiser. It's a sordid little story but He has not sent anyone's child off to die in a frivolous war as has Bush, and Clinton.....and as McCain wishes to do for the next hundred years if necessary. All parents in America will vote against anyone who tries to send their children away to die for Standard Oil. Or who refuses to bring them home.

Victor Compton, Cherbourg, France

jim, sylvania, ohio wrote:
How did Obama being a senator get enough money to afford a 1.65 million dollar house. I make much more than a senator and I don't live in a 1.65 million dollar house? How do these guys get all that money?
______________
I just quit a job where I made $56,000... the highest paying job I ever had. I once bought a condo in San Francisco which I sold for three times what I paid for it seven years before. I then bought a house in Hawaii with less than a $200,000 mortgage. It sold for $1.29M. I took proceeds and bought a condo on Queen Anne Hill in Seattle for $800K... and sold it 2.5 years later within 10 days of listing it for over my asking of my $1.15M asking price. I say that if you do it right, you can afford a $1.65M home!
Honest Dave, no mortgage homeowner in Palm Springs, CA

David Park Brown, Palm Springs, CA

When the final hour is reached and we have elected another President, we will patiently wait. We will wait to hear and see if our collective Presidential choice is ready to serve our needs and wants from the very first day. We will wait, and we will hope. We will wait and wait and wait. Then alas, we will have to wait for still another four years!

Robert Redden, Sarasota, USA, Florida 34243

In the decades following WWII, America was strong, both economically and militarily. Other countries both feared and respected us. If a weak and socialist America is your thing,
vote Democratic in November. If not, vote Republican.

Wake up again Americans, rally around our strong and proud heritage. Don't open the door to left wing liberalism and allow our great country to gradually retreat into a government controlled socialist entity.

Hal chapman, Virginia Beach,

If it sounds to good to be true, it probably is. We know there is no free lunch, that too good to be true is usually trouble in the wait. The young people that are so taken with Obama have little or no life experience in sorting out truth from fiction. They will get excited long enough to give Obama the lead and then they will move on to the next bright and shiny attraction. That's how I see Obama, bright and shiny with little sub-stance. I hope someone takes the time to investigate who is behind getting Obama from being unknown to the front runner of today if the media is correct. The