Deny, Deny, Deny...

There is no doubt in anyone's mind that almost all politicians will do or say anything to get elected. Hillary Clinton comes to mind as an egregious example.

But somehow, the American public is being sold the idea that Barack Obama is all about change, above the petty strife, lying and positioning.

Most politicians rationalize their actions as "spin" or "politics as usual." Except when you are caught with your pants down or that pesky memo surfaces in the press. And spin becomes damage control.

The truth emerges... CTV had it right!

According to a CNSNews.com story...

Obama Adviser Says Canadian Officials Misinterpreted His NAFTA Remarks

Speaking out of both sides of his mouth...

"CTV, the Canadian television network, reported last week that Obama was playing both sides on NAFTA -- saying one thing publicly to please union voters in Ohio (yes, we'll renegotiate NAFTA), and something else privately (it's just campaign rhetoric) to ease Canadian concerns."

"Just as a Canadian television network reported last week, an Obama campaign adviser gave the Canadian government the impression that Obama is talking tough about NAFTA on the campaign trail to win votes -- and that the Canadian government shouldn't worry about it."   

The smoking gun... "the memo surfaces!"

"A memo obtained by the Associated Press over the weekend shows how Canadian officials viewed their conversation with Sen. Barack Obama's senior economic policy adviser, Austan Goolsbee."

"The memo was written by Joseph DeMora, who attended a meeting with Austan Goolsbee at the Canadian consulate in Chicago. 

A pesky memo proves the point...

"DeMora, summarizing the conversation with Goolsbee, wrote: 'Noting anxiety among many U.S. domestic audiences about the U.S. economic outlook, Goolsbee candidly acknowledged the protectionist sentiment that has emerged, particularly in the Midwest, during the primary campaign. He cautioned that this messaging should not be taken out of context and should be viewed as more about political positioning than a clear articulation of policy plans.'"

"Later in the memo, DeMora wrote: 'As Obama continues to court the economic populist vote, particularly in upcoming contests like Ohio, we are likely to see a continuation of some of the messaging that hasn't played in Canada's favour, but this should continue to be viewed in the context in which it is delivered.'"

Spin control and more lying?

"In a conversation with the Associated Press on Sunday, Goolsbee disputed DeMora's memo. He said that DeMora was not quoting him and had mischaracterized the conversation. Goolsbee specifically told the A.P. he did not use the phrase 'it's more about political positioning than a clear articulation of policy plans.'"

"However, Goolsbee admitted he did tell Canadian officials that Obama is not a protectionist. Goolsbee told the Associated Press he was trying to convey that Obama wants to strike a balance between free trade -- and labor and environmental protections."

Professional coaching in how to spin?

"Obama spokesman Bill Burton was also on the line when Goolsbee spoke to the Associated Press on Sunday, apparently to help Goolsbee explain what happened. Burton told the Associated Press that Goolsbee's visit to the Canadian consulate was not official -- that Goolsbee was there as a private citizen, not as an emissary from the Obama campaign."

When was the last time, you, acting as an ordinary citizen dropped by a foreign embassy to express your views on politics and current trade relations between nations. That dog simply won't hunt!

"Both Sens. Obama and Hillary Clinton have insisted they would renegotiate NAFTA to include more labor and environmental protections -- and threaten to "opt out" of the trade agreement as leverage to force a renegotiation. Such talk does not please Canada."

You decide: was the Canadian Embassy lying or just being diplomatic?

"When Cybercast News Service contacted the Canadian Embassy in Washington last week, a spokesman said only that the CTV report about Obama's double-speak on NAFTA was not true; that "no one has contacted our embassy or our ambassador" to discuss anything of the sort. "

No mention was made at the time about the existence of the DeMora memo -- which was 'widely distributed within the Canadian government,' according to the Associated Press."

Tristan Landry, a spokesman for the Canadian embassy in Washington, told the Associated Press that while consulate officials reach out to U.S. presidential candidates to seek their views, 'Canada does not in any way seek to interfere in U.S. electoral politics.'"

According to the Mexican government, they don't either. Who are they kidding?

What does Obama say...

"Sen. Barack Obama's Web site says, 'Obama believes that trade with foreign nations should strengthen the American economy and create more American jobs. He will stand firm against agreements that undermine our economic security.'"

"The Web site -- mentioning NAFTA specifically -- says Obama 'believes that NAFTA and its potential were oversold to the American people. Obama will work with the leaders of Canada and Mexico to fix NAFTA so that it works for American workers.' The word 'fix' is used instead of 'renegotiate.'"

"However, in his last debate with Sen. Clinton -- in Ohio -- Obama used stronger language: 'I will make sure we renegotiate,' Obama said. 'I think we should use the hammer of a potential opt-out as leverage to ensure that we actually get labor and environmental standards that are enforced.'"

"The Obama campaign is now running a radio ad that quotes an Ohio steelworker as saying, 'Hillary Clinton supported NAFTA, and I lost my job because of that.' The steelworker adds, 'I just don't think she supports people like me.'
Sen. Clinton has promised to 'take a hard look at NAFTA' with the goal of renegotiating it. Just because her husband pressed for the treaty doesn't mean she supports it, she insists."

NOT EVEN THE OFFICIAL PARTY NOMINEE AND OBAMA IS EMBROILED IN AN INTERNATIONAL SCANDAL OVER WHO LIED TO WHOM...Ask yourself, is this how a democrat presidency will play out? No matter who the democrat nominee is -- corruption and chaos is sure to follow!

What can YOU do?

No more playing politics with America's future. We need someone who can be trusted. Not a candidate with a proven record of chaos and corruption. And certainly not an articulate candidate with exactly the same views and outlook.

Do not vote for any candidate or current politician who is willing to subvert the safety, security, sovereignty and economic strength of the United States or limit an individual's right of self-defense for their personal philosophy, power, prestige or profits.

-- steve

A reminder from OneCitizenSpeaking.com: a large improvement can result from a small change…

The object in life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane. -- Marcus Aurelius

Reference Links:

Obama Adviser Says Canadian Officials Misinterpreted His NAFTA Remarks -- 03/03/2008