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Obama sets sights on Utah

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However | 12:59 a.m. Jan. 12, 2008

Since I first voted in 1992, I have never voted for the democratic candidate for president. However, if Barack Obama gets the democratic nominee this year, I might just change my mind.

Religion | 1:32 a.m. Jan. 12, 2008

Why hasn't Obama's religion been attack like Romney's. That alligience to Africa stuff scares the day-lights out of me.

only one | 1:39 a.m. Jan. 12, 2008

I don't see any of the repubican candidates campaigning in Utah. Well, Mitt likes to stop by and extract some cash, but that's about it. They must feel that they always have Utah locked up, and they don't need to spend any effort here. (Or make any promises to help this state) Of course, that's been true up until now. I'm starting to feel that the tide in Utah is changing, and its about time!

Comments continue below

Obama is liked by Republicans | 1:47 a.m. Jan. 12, 2008

The key difference between Barack Obama and many other Democrats and Republicans is he is sincere, passionate and not partisan in his approach to finding solutions. He has repeatedly demonstrated an ability to look at an issue, arrive at a sound conclusion and to work with others to implement that solution regardless of political party. This is why he receives compliments from Republicans in the Illinois State Senate and the U.S. Senate.

I find it interesting that Obama is so well liked by independents, Republicans when they vote in the Democratic Primary and by Democrats. It says a lot about his character and his ability to lead instead of divide. He has demonstrated that he is willing to work with anyone regardless of what party they may belong to. This is what we need in America. We don't need more of the Clinton type of Democrats.

Demo | 2:26 a.m. Jan. 12, 2008

Alright, However. We'd need just under half a million other Utah voters to make a similar change for the Democratic Presidential Nominee to win Utah's 5 electoral votes. Quite a feat for a state that is known for it's open-minded, deliberative electoral behavior. I'll glady welcome any democratic votes that we can get at any level of government (Balance? Why'd we want that?) In the mean time, I'll gladly vote for the the candidate that best represents my views and be thankful that Utah and it's "value-based" voters has only 5 electoral votes to award.

He would | 5:24 a.m. Jan. 12, 2008

do better than what's in there now.

Jay | 5:59 a.m. Jan. 12, 2008

"Only" when The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints supports Obama, would I ever support him!

AZ Ute | 6:14 a.m. Jan. 12, 2008

I honesty believe Obama is a good man, not yet contaminated by the political process. His best days are definitely in front of him. But with his lack of experience, he is really running as an "idea". I question whether this nation, with all of its current challenges, can afford to take a chance on this rookie.

Obama supporter | 6:22 a.m. Jan. 12, 2008

Obama is what our country needs after years of Clinton- Bush and politics that divide people. Slim majorities should not rule over the rest. The elected leader should be willing and ABLE to work with all.

Timj | 6:46 a.m. Jan. 12, 2008

Here's hoping Obama wins it.

Kevin | 7:15 a.m. Jan. 12, 2008

I will heavily consider voting for Barack Obama as president in the general election. I feel like the republicans have slapped the LDS church in the face over a mormon candidate. For all our strong support over the years in the Republican party, our religion is discounted as a cult and we are seen as second class citezens by that party. Mitt Romney should be the national front runner in a campaign year where the other candidates are weak. He is voted down simpley because he is a mormon. I take offense to that and I am reconsidering my political party.

Immigration | 7:28 a.m. Jan. 12, 2008

What is Barack's plan for illegal immigration?

cj snyder | 7:44 a.m. Jan. 12, 2008

I am a Latter Day Saint, and as such am presumed to be behind Romney. This is not necessarily the case. I have been a democrat most of my adult life, whereas I've been LDS for only ten years or so. I am independant enough in my thinking to be more interested in a candidate if they support my considerations than if they are my *religion*. I think that, unfortunately, the religion card is overshadowing Romney's declared position and many folk really don't care to *think* about platform, position or possible outcomes. Thinking is a dying art in this country, and probably never more accurately portrayed than in our political decisions.

Craig | 7:55 a.m. Jan. 12, 2008

I just learned that in the Swahili dialect the name Barak Obama means, "one who speaks with vague, ambiguous, imprecise words meant to inspire youth and people with the mental acumen of sheep."
Barak Obama is nothing more than a glorified High School class president that knows how to use rhetoric and buzz words to make the masses feel giddy.
I want substance not a pep rally.

Clara Rooks | 7:55 a.m. Jan. 12, 2008

What...How about Romeny? A brother...Come on Utah where is your head? You need an experienced person to run this country..

Anonymous | 8:21 a.m. Jan. 12, 2008

He is all talk no action. Some of his policies health care for all are a bit socialist someone else paying for what you use or someone using a service you pay for.

WHY, WHY, WHY | 8:42 a.m. Jan. 12, 2008

Have people lost their minds? Who in their right minds would vote for a man who will not respect the American flag? I wouldn't vote for him. Too many have died for that flag and what it stands for. Who does he think he is anyway?

Me too | 8:45 a.m. Jan. 12, 2008

If John McCain or Mike "Huckster" Huckabee are the Republican nominee I may vote for Obama too!
God help us.

Joyce | 8:48 a.m. Jan. 12, 2008

How could anyone want to vote for Obama when he ignores the American flag, and turns his back to it. When I think how many brave men and women have died for that flag and what it represents, I am at a loss for words to express my indignation. Have the people in this country lost their minds?

Dear HOWEVER | 8:50 a.m. Jan. 12, 2008

Go change your voter registration to UNAFFILIATED and you'll be able to vote in the Democratic primary on Feb 5th!

The deadline is, I believe, on Jan 29th.

Never say "just might...."

Fingers crossed | 9:12 a.m. Jan. 12, 2008

He's better than Hillary Clinton, but I still don't want him for president. I'm keeping my fingers crossed and my vote for just about anyone other than Clinton, Obama and Huckabee. This election is going to keep me on edge until it's over.

RedWhiteandBlue | 10:01 a.m. Jan. 12, 2008

While we all have our personal beliefs and belong to certain denominations, and are true believers, we will follow what our faith tells our hearts to do. Knowledgable people search one's foundation to see if it harmonizes with our own in important tenents. Who of you have searched Obama's religion? The Unified Church of Christ is not your average congregation to do good for the United States. We are a melting pot of various ethnic backgrounds, but first and formost, we support our Country. Before you make judgements look at his beliefs. No wonder he didn't place his hand over his heart during the pledge of allegiance.

inmates | 10:20 a.m. Jan. 12, 2008

Maybe Obama will work to get a cop killer in the Utah State prison a new trial like he is in Illinois.

Obama is a breath of fresh air | 10:44 a.m. Jan. 12, 2008

Barack Obama is just the kind of Populist candidate this country needs after suffering under the Taliban-ish ways of the current administration. Barack talks about the issues, not how he got hurt feelings in school when somebody made fun of his name, or about what religion he is. And I don't believe I've ever once heard Barack say the words "Golly gee."

Utah County Resident | 11:01 a.m. Jan. 12, 2008

We don't know much about Obama...only what he says. Change? What change? Precipitously pulling out of the Middle East? That's insane. What we need in Washington is fewer 'democrats'. This country was designed to provide Americans freedom to pursue the American dream. If you want more government intervention and more United Nations, then vote 'democrat' and for candidates like Obama. Hillary is scary, but Obama is even scarier. We know virtually nothing about him. A presidential nominee for the 'democrats'? No way!!! Utahns for Obama...you have to be kidding!! If there are republicans supporting the possibility of an Obama candidacy, then they are simply 'democrats'.....give me a break! Obama is an obstructionist just like Hillary in Senate. One solution to government is enact two laws: 1) Two term maximum (and the turning over of all campaign funds to the party; 2) Tax Law: A total federal tax of 5% on income and, no capital gains tax, and 5% tax on corporations and dividends, period. Then the states would enact a flat 5% tax on income, dividends, corporations.... Open up the offshore for drilling, and Alaska, and any other states that have oil/gas. Obama isn't for any of this..so forget him.

Robo | 11:08 a.m. Jan. 12, 2008

A Huckabee-Obama General Election could prove to be interesting in Utah.

wrz | 11:17 a.m. Jan. 12, 2008

Obama says he wants "change." This is a nice buzz word. Obama never details what he actually will do as president. For example, he says he will "responsibly" pull our troops out of Iraq. What the Hades does that mean? It could mean anything from pulling them right now to leaving them there for decades.

The candidate that will get my vote will give definitive responses to questions about what they will do as president. Especially on issues (important to me) such as dealing with (1) illegal immigrants in this country, (2) the economy, and (3) (the lowering of) taxes.

hopeful | 11:19 a.m. Jan. 12, 2008

I read the comments partly to monitor the racism and bigotry that is growing like a cancer in our community.

What frightens me about so many of the comments in the Deseret News the past 72 hours, whether directed toward the African-American community, Mormons, or the domestic partnership advocates is the degree of hatred in the tone of so many of the letters.

Instead of a civil dialogue there is venom in these pages. We have to be careful or the possibilities for the kinds of ethnic strife we see on far away shores may come to our own streets.

Interesting to note comments such as "nothing more than a glorified High School President.." as we turn a blind eye to the fact that our current president, a self-acknowledged former cocaine and alcohol abuser and baseball team executive had the necessary qualifications to lead us for the past 7 years. A disciplined approach to understanding presidential qualifications requires more than picking up sound bites from the press. Read Obama's book or listen to it on tape.

While it may not lead you to vote for him, at the very least you will find reasons to respect him.

lifer | 11:33 a.m. Jan. 12, 2008

Please excuse me while I raise my voice: HIS RELIGION HAS NOTHING TO DO W/ WHY SO MANY DISLIKE -- AND DISTRUST -- MITT!!

He is totally insincere and cynical.

McCain is for a war I hate, but at least I respect him.

Shucksabee doesn't believe in evolution or the law of gravity, but at least he's sincere.

Mitt has done nothing but flipflop and throw mud.

Obama is short on experience. But he offers something no other candidate has offered since Bobby K in 68 -- hope for transcending the muck, money and partisanship that infuses every calculated political move and decision.

He's got my vote!

to RedWhiteandBlue | 11:54 a.m. Jan. 12, 2008

(from lifer)

"[N]o religious Test shall ever be required as a Qualification to any Office or public Trust under the Unied States."

United States Constitution, Article VI

SJ Bobkins | 12:07 p.m. Jan. 12, 2008

One smart move Obama!
Utah will vote democratic simply because most Utahans are appalled with the treatment Mitt Romney and the LDS church has received by Republicans and can you see any sizable number of voters backing Hillary?
Its simple math, Obama wins Utah.

Timj | 12:08 p.m. Jan. 12, 2008

Those of you who are gullible enough to believe chain emails about Obama deserved what you got when Bush came into office.
Do you honestly think that a major presidential candidate would dishonor and disregard the flag, regardless of what they believe?
Obama believes in action (being patriotic by respecting people) instead of just words/show (wearing a flag lapel and bragging about how patriotic you are).

straw on the camel | 12:25 p.m. Jan. 12, 2008

a Huckabee nomination could be the thing that turns Utah from Red to Blue, especially if Obama won the Demo primary. Not only would it affect Utah, but possibly Idaho, Wyoming, and parts of the vote in NV and AZ. Huckabee's identity politics have the propensity of isolating the "Mormon corridor" and breaking its 40 year affiliation with the Repubs. At the very least, Huckabee's nomination would have the effect of depressing the Mountain West Rep. turnout.

I feel shunned; not necessarily offended, because this is politics, you can align yourself with whoever you please. But, why should I continue to vote Rep. for president should the eventual nominee be one who used a religion wedge as a political tool?

Name thing... | 12:31 p.m. Jan. 12, 2008

I know your name does not define who you are. But, every time I hear his name I think of 2 evil people.
Obviously, Osama and Saddam.

I actually like him but wonder how much the name connection may hurt him politically???

dear uniformed posters | 12:43 p.m. Jan. 12, 2008

Do some research (snopes dot com) 'why,why,why' and 'religion' before posting next time. Try relying on information from a more reputable source than hearsay or spam email before making a decision about a candidate (or anything for that matter).

As for 'clara rooks' ... "a brother"? Now that just sounds plain racist.

Steve N. | 12:43 p.m. Jan. 12, 2008

Has it been substantiated that Obama doesn't respect the Flag, etc? What is his stance on illegal immigration???
Since he is Black and has a Muslim-sounding name, I wonder if these things are true???

Steve N. | 12:48 p.m. Jan. 12, 2008

Has it been substantiated that Obama has been disrespectful towards our Flag, etc? What is his stance on illegal immigration??

RedWhiteandBlue | 1:20 p.m. Jan. 12, 2008

to lifer...aren't we all lifers of something. I'm a Cowgirl lifer and the proud mother of an 82nd Airbone Ranger! United States Constitution Article 3 (amendment)1 states Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of Religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof, the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people to peacefully assemble and to petition the government for a redress of grievances. Thank God and this great country, I can follow the dictates of my heart taught by my faith of who I will vote for and nobody can stop me. I will continue to place my hand over my heart during the Pledge of Allegiance and feel an indignation to someone who doesn't respect the flag that has been carried into war many, many times for our freedom!

Scared in UTAR | 1:40 p.m. Jan. 12, 2008

Hearing the belligerent uniformed rhetoric of the citizens who belong to the "morals" party of Utar scares me. If you can't consider a democrat for president after the "Animal House" president we have now, then something is really wrong. Not only have we hit rock bottom, but we are drilling downward as well! You could run Hitler in this state and place an elephant by his name and he would win. I know I will always live under the Republican Reich in Utar, but here's hoping commen sense can take over the federal government.

Religion Question? | 1:40 p.m. Jan. 12, 2008

Again, why hasn't Obama's religion been under fire. I understand he grew up Muslim, was on drugs when he was younger and his father has some interesting ties to anti-USA groups. This also scares me as well. Outwardly, Obama seems sincere and honest but what lies beneath? I might not have my facts straight but there is reasonable concern to him as a leader of our country.

Obama - Yes We Can | 2:13 p.m. Jan. 12, 2008

Why do people believe what is repeated without verifying it themselves? Those who believe that Hillary has 35 years experience simply because she said so? When is being the spouse of a politician gives you their experience? Oh, I forgot - When Sonny Bono died, his wife did take over his job. Anyway Hillary is a two term Senator.

Obama has 8 years in the IL legislature as well as 3 years as a Senator. When he was elected as Senator - he won over 70% of the vote. Obama has worked as a community organizer. Obama doesn't owe people favors, and would rely on the best person for the positions (and not friends and family) Obama can build consensus and get away from the quagmire that has existed in the past 15 years in WA because people work together.

mlanceash | 2:17 p.m. Jan. 12, 2008

Craig, I doubt you just learned Swahili. What you really learned is to be a racist bigot. Nobody is born a bigot. You learned from your racist parents and redneck friends. Shame on you

RE: Utah County Resident | 2:54 p.m. Jan. 12, 2008

You mean less government involvement in out personal lives like the freedom act your republican leaders passed? I live in Utah County and it is sad how narrow minded people are here.

wow | 3:04 p.m. Jan. 12, 2008

i can not believe the racism in utah it is ridiculous no wonder there is not alot of black people in this state

Re: Religion Question | 5:31 p.m. Jan. 12, 2008

So now we are using religion as a measuring stick to determine how worthy a candidate it to run the country? Is this the Middle East? Sunni, Shia, Greek Orthodox, I don't care. If the man knows how to run the country, that's all I care about.

Just because someone's faith aligns with mine doesn't mean they are any more qualified at their job. It's amazing to see how close-minded and errant people are at choosing a candidate, and that is scary.

Anonymous | 6:45 p.m. Jan. 12, 2008

sorry to say the whole world is falling apart..just vote for someone you like.... Iam voteing for MITT

Re: Re: Religion Question | 9:22 p.m. Jan. 12, 2008

It is amazing how people can misconstrue this to be a religion thing. I was merely talking about how people have put Mitt in the dirt over religion but ignore the fact that is was muslims who attacked us. I served in the Marines and I couldn't care less about someones color, sex, or religion UNTIL that religion attacks my Country. I haven't yet forgotten, unlike some other oblivious people have. I don't think the world knows enough about Obama to trust him. He's too smooth for my liking. Frankly, I'm waiting for LtCol Oliver North to run for President, a man with real back-bone and a real love for the Country instead of an office.

Re: Religion Question | 9:33 p.m. Jan. 12, 2008

Barack Obama is not a radical Muslim. He is not anti-white. He isn't anti-American, and he has just as much respect for the flag as anyone.

To anyone familiar with Obama's biography, all this is obvious. Obama's background has been thoroughly investigated and documented over and over again. But there are some chain emails making the rounds that were written to play on credible people's fears with a swarm of fictions about Obama's upbringing. This "whispering campaign" was cynically designed to make people jittery about a good guy who just happens to be black. Even in this day and age, some people don't need help being jittery about black candidates, but sometimes they need a flimsy rationale to help justify their jitteriness. Sorry to be so blunt about it.

Fortunately, FactCheck and Snopes have easily debunked those claims about Obama's religious background and supposed anti-Americanism. I recommend visiting those sites for yourself to investigate. It's actually easier than mindlessly repeating the slander in public forums like this.

The more you read or hear of Obama's own thoughts and true background, I am convinced, the more you will come to respect and like him.

Get real | 10:36 p.m. Jan. 12, 2008

For all of you taking issue with "socialized" medicine and health care for all, why don't you take a good hard look at the programs in this state supporting our birthrate? Baby Your Baby for one and there are others. Let's procreate and let the taxpayers pick up the tab while the commercials play cutesy on the radio all day - people with cell phones needing help with the financial hit of having a child. Please. It's time we take responsibility for ALL of our choices including taking back the reigns of governing.

NY | 10:59 p.m. Jan. 12, 2008

Hilary Clinton is a big time crybaby. She stole the election in New Hampshire. Make mistake about it. Barack Obama deserved to win.

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