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Obama at a distance
By Adam C. Smith
Published October 1, 2007
ST. PETERSBURG - Nobody ever said campaigning for president is a dignified endeavor, but Barack Obama showed in St. Petersburg Sunday night how campaigning in Florida may border on the absurd in coming months.
That's because the leading Democratic presidential candidates have signed a pledge to the Democratic Party leaders in Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina.
Because those are the only states allowed by the national party to hold primaries or caucuses before Feb. 5, the candidates have agreed to boycott Florida's Jan. 29 primary. Raising campaign money in Florida is fine, but not campaigning among average voters.
But the pledge does not address whether talking to the media is to be considered campaigning.
The Obama campaign rejected a St. Petersburg Times request for a three-minute interview before he attended a $1,000-per-person fundraiser Sunday night at the St. Petersburg home of Tim and Donna Main. Here is the exchange, shouted from the street 100 feet away, as the Illinois senator left the Mains' Snell Isle home:
Times: "Senator, what's your position on a national CAT fund?" (No response.) Senator, can we talk to you about the Everglades! (No response, only uncomfortable looks from everyone within shouting distance.) Senator! If you'll only talk to people writing $1,000 checks, why should Florida Democrats support you? (More silence.) Will you take any questions?"
Obama (shouting back): "Why are you yelling?"
Times: "Because you won't let me talk to you! Will you talk about a national CAT fund?"
Obama: "I'm not allowed to talk to the press, guys!"
Times: "Isn't it up to you?"
Obama: "Nope!"
Times: "Aren't you the guy trying to lead the country?"
Obama: "I signed a pledge!"
Times: "Why? (Silence) Why?"
And then he departed for Miami for more money-raising.
[Last modified October 1, 2007, 14:08:52]
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by Johnny B
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10/11/07 03:22 PM
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I was standing on the porch of the home where this took place and heard and saw this exchange. While Smith's recounting of the event comports with my recollection, one wonders whether it is a very "dignified endeavor" to shout mal-formed questions (t
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by Bob
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10/01/07 11:12 PM
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I'm in favor of a candidate following the rules - consequences to rules broken. Adam, didn't your mother teach you that yelling at people is NOT nice.
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by Suzanne
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10/01/07 04:03 PM
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A candidate takes a stand and shows INTEGRITY by honoring a pledge! Refresh-ing!The pledge included NO campaigning = not discussing his position on these issues. Don't get upset because you couldn't trap him. FL dems created this let them fix it.
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by John
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10/01/07 02:37 PM
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It's been made clear that candidates cannot campaign in Florida because we broke the party rules. It sounds to me like you were heckling a Presidential candidate. What's the purpose for this post other than to show your want for attention?
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Fifty years ago, they were screwed-up kids sent to the Florida School for Boys to be straightened out. But now they are screwed-up men, scarred by the whippings they endured. Read the story and see a video and portrait gallery.
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