The purchase price paid by the Obamas was the highest bid on the property. While below the asking price, again it was higher than any other bid. Properties are generally sold below the asking price.

Joe

joe, rockford, illinois

Yes, I do agree that most of us have met and unknowingly been involved with shady people. BUT, the honest, caring, loyal and Trustworty Person DOES cut all association and ties to the shady people when they uncover the truth. Now Maybe I am being harsh? But common sense should tell you or anyone to extinquish all ties and association as SOON as you are made aware of the truth. So, Why did Obama continue 18 years of association with Razko? Either Obama has no common sense or he has alot more to hide than we know? Which is it?

Cynthia, Walton, Ky

Three key issues in America are the economy, Iraq and Al Qaeda.

On the economy, the Clintons benefitted by the Internet bubble that was generated by, surprise, Al Gore, who was the champion for government investment in developing the Internet while in Congress.

Hillary has no experience creating jobs. Barack has no experience creating jobs. Both will rely upon ending the war and re-investing in our infrastructure. Hillary wants to freeze interest rates on home loans though, which could be dangerous.

On Iraq, she trusted George Bush and voted to let him go to war when there was no evidence he had a nuclear program. Barack spoke out against trusting Bush and said it was unwise to go war there.

On Al Qaeda, he has argued that the US must be willing to go after Bin Laden and his followers in Pakistan, even if Pakistan won't help. Bush has been doing this ever since Barack brought it up last year. Hillary said this policy is naive and dangerous. She won't go after Bin Laden.

Paul F., Alexandria, USA/Virginia

I am pretty sure most of us know some shady people and may have had dealings with them before their true colors came shing forth. Does that make you a criminal? If the clinton campaign can only hang on by throwing mud, then that tells you where they are standing. I believe the Obama campaign would not dare bring up her tax returns which have quietly left the pages of the press as that is really beneath them.

I am wary about anyone that fights dirty for leadership. If it is not recognised, it really isn't there. Many that have grabbed leadership or attained it unworthily have lived to see the folly. Obama has stived for a new kind of politics which we so desperately need.

Wale, Atlanta, GA, USA

Americans be wise in selecting your candidate. Consider Rezco's issue very very serious. Your decisions will either make US situation very very bad. It's time to believe with Mrs. Clinton. She really cares for you. She has high hopes and dreams to make US the best country to live AGAIN. I believe that. Don't be fooled by Obama's charisma. This is not a movie making situation. Please wake up young people, Mrs. Clinton is your only hope. It's up to you. Don't be fooled by his tactics saying "CHANGE" for what ? Is it change for HIMSELF?

Adhara, Surrey, Canada

Obama stands for nothing. He has big problems ahead as the press finally smells blood that can't be tainted with charges of racism. Our press is bored with tearing Hillary apart. It's Obamatime!

derek washington, las vegas, usa

This matter was in the newspapers years ago in Chicago and fully examined. It was brought up early in this campaign and fully discussed. As Hillary's campaign turned to its last chance to stay alive, it has thrown the kitchen sink at Obama - including raising this issue because Rezco is on trial this week.


There is no there there and bringing it up is just trying to ruin Barack via guilt by association. Hillary has plenty of donors who are criminals. She has taken money from health insurance companies and many other groups with interests before Congress too.


Over this campaign, Hillary has tried to make Barack a drug dealer; a candidate just of black people; and tried to pit Latinos against blacks by falsely claiming an historical grudge.


Recently, Hillary has doubted Barack's religion and said that John McCain would be a better candidate to lead our nation in a foreign policy crisis than Barack.

She has gone too far, too often. Happily, I'll never have to vote for her!

Paul F., Alexandria, USA/VA

Mr. Rezko sought to cultivate relationships with many politicians. Am I responsible for the character and actions of everyone who befriends me?

David, Springfield, IL

You missed out one important detail in regards to the property deal that helps to clarify why Rezko got involved. The seller much preferred to bundle the house and the garden together rather than sell them off one at a time. However Obama was evidently happy with just the house and the strip. So the discount was offered no doubt to sweeten the deal for the package. In this way, Obama was able to buy the property at a knock down price and Rezko got a cheap piece of land. Looks like a pretty straightforward and sensible deal between friends to me.

Simon, London, UK

Why didn't Barack Obama bring this up knowing that it might become an issue later on ?.He should concentrate on his own image instead of attacking Hillary Clinton's. He tries to give voters the impressions that he no skeletons in closet, this is probably just the tip of the iceberg.He denies associations with certain individuals and tries to squirm away from any negative publicity.Yes this country is ready for a change just not this kind we are already putting up with a president that makes a career out of dishonesty and yet loyal to those who surround him.

louis, san antoino, texas

The fraudulent mansion shenanigan though unseemly and possibly illegal is less potentially politically damaging than Sen. Obama's other entanglements with Mr. Rezko. Sen. Obama's relationship with Mr. Rezko includes the ugly picture of the politician hobnobbing with the "slumlord" whilst his constituents in "inner city Chicago" were enduring squalid conditions in housing projects that Obama helped facilitate. One would have difficulty envisioning a scenario where Mr. Obama was not at least somewhat aware of these circumstances.

Roger Williams , New York City, U.S.A.