Is Obama Illegally and Improperly Interfering in U.S. Foreign Policy?
By NoQuarter on September 15, 2008 at 12:46 PM in Barack Obama, Iraq, National Security, Qualifications
You saw Eastan’s shocking story today, “Treason!” Ed Morrissey adds important perspectives on the credibility of the source, and on how Barack Obama may have illegally and/or improperly overstepped his bounds as a presidential candidate:
[...] Color me skeptical in one aspect of Taheri’s argument. He claims that this would have hypocritically delayed the withdrawal of American troops until 2011, and you have to read the column to see how he calculates that through Iraqi elections and parliamentary procedure. That assumes, however, that an Obama administration would bother to negotiate a drawdown and withdrawal with Baghdad. Obama probably will just pull American troops out of Iraq without worrying about such niceties as a status-of-forces agreement.
Hypocrisy isn’t the issue here; it’s the interference of Obama in military and diplomatic affairs. Just on diplomacy, interfering with the United States in its diplomatic efforts is a Logan Act violation. Interfering with war policy treads on even more serious ground, especially since the primary motivation appears to be winning an election without regard to whether it damages our ability to fight the enemy or drives wedges between us and our ally, the elected, representative government in Baghdad.
Ed continues:
Taheri has had some credibility problems in the past. He falsely accused the Iranian mullahcracy, who really need no help in villainy, of passing dress-code legislation that required religious minorities to wear color-coded clothes. That created a firestorm until reporters reviewed the legislation and found no reference to any kind of requirement for dress identification for Jews, Christians, or Zoroastrians. Taheri offered a weak defense of his story, which was not sourced on the record, and it passed into urban-legend status.
This looks different, if for no other reason than Taheri’s main source goes on the record. Hoshyar Zebari didn’t hide behind a “high-level source in Baghdad” tag for this story. Zebari’s testimony puts the onus on Obama to explain why he attempted to interfere with the Bush administration’s negotiations despite his having absolutely no authority to do so. If Obama wants to negotiate a defeat for America, he needs to wait until Americans elect him to the White House before betraying our allies and our troops in the field.
And don’t miss Eastan’s full article posted here earlier today.
“Hypocrisy isn’t the issue here; it’s the interference of Obama in military and diplomatic affairs. Just on diplomacy, interfering with the United States in its diplomatic efforts is a Logan Act violation”
**********
In doing some research, I found it interesting that the Logan Act has been “on the books” since 1799 and there is no indication that anyone has been prosecuted for a Logan Act violation.
Apparently Rush Limbaugh is discussing this story now as it relates to violation of the Logan Act.
When I first heard this story early this morning, I didn’t think anything much would come from it.
I’ve changed my mind. The coverage this story is getting has gone viral. I think this issue will significantly impact Obama’s campaign.
Politico reports that the Obama campaign is contesting the New York Post story by suggesting that Taheri is confusing the Status of Forces Agreement with the Strategic Framework Agreement.
http://www.politico.com/blogs/bensmith/0908/Obama_campaign_contests_Taheri_column.html#comments
The Obama campaign is grasping at straws to refute this story. Their claim is untrue. ABC reported in June this year that Obama has consistently pushed for US Congressional review of both agreements.
http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/Vote2008/Story?id=5176893&page=1
Obama can’t lie his way out of this one.
The McCain campaign can easily turn this into a devastating TV ad that Obama will have trouble explaining his conduct away to voters.
Excellent questions raised on this issue. I doubt the MSM other than FOX will delve into it though.
Fox is aware of it.
http://elections.foxnews.com/2008/09/15/report-obama-tried-to-delay-withdrawal-agreement-of-us-troops/
Didn’t Larry write about this when Obama was helping cousin Odinga? One of the first few posts I read on NoQ.
yes, I read about this before….I can’t believe it isn’t all over the news. He’s a traitor and he shouldn’t be sitting down w world leaders about anything! He is not in charge of anything!!
That’s what made Charlie Gibson’s question to Palin hilarious! “Have you ever met a foreign head of state?” Came up with that because Obambie had gone on his little world tour and actually met one!
Oh, but O’s the pres candidate and Palin the VP. Right.
Right, Gov. Palin is running for the VP slot, and if McCain follows traditional assignments for his VP, then most of the heads of state that Sarah will meet will be dead (at their funerals). But at least she won’t be negotiating treasonous sell-out-the-troops deals with the dead.
This has got to be the craziest elections I have ever witnessed. The presidental candidate Obama is choosing to run against the VP candidate Palin, not McCain. His VP Biden has chosen to run against McCain.
Seems like once politicians in the US stopped honoring the “water’s edge” unwritten code, that moving to direct violations of the Logan Act haven’t been far behind. I wonder if this will go be tolerated by the government and unquestioned by the rest of the major media.
Told you Obama is a shameless manipulative prick. Obame renonouced his own faith, sold his soul, he would say or do anything to get himself in office…….
What else is new? I’m praying that the American People’s gut check and innate good common sense will see thru the MASK.
Rasmussen poll — who’s ready to be president?
http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/election_20082/2008_presidential_election/majority_of_voters_say_only_mccain_biden_prepared_to_be_president
Percentage of “yes” responses:
McCain 63%
Biden 50%
Obama 44%
Palin 33%
NY state is close now! Ed Morrissey reported on this on Hot Air, as well.
Seven weeks until Election Day, the race for President has tightened in New York, with Sen. Barack Obama (D-IL) leading Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) 46-41 percent among likely voters, according to a new Siena (College) Research Institute poll released today. Obama’s five point lead is down from eight points in August, 13 points in July and 18 points in June, when he led 51-33 percent. On a series of six questions concerning current issues in the campaign – economy, Iraq, terrorism, health care, America’s position in the world, and education – likely voters believe Obama will do a better job on four. Conversely, out of six attributes voters often look at in choosing a candidate – compassion, patriotism, experience, intelligence, integrity, and leadership – New York’s electorate gives the edge to McCain on four.
Obama is exhibiting another pattern of behavior in saying one thing to the American public and another to Foreign Governments in addition to involving himself where he has no right to…
Iraq- troop withdrawl
Canada- NAFTA
FARC- files found indicating a percieved support
from Obama
Khadafi’s endorsement and public announcing of
Obama saying what he needs to to get elected
Hamas endorsement
Great Britian- reports of Obama marketers helping to
sway elections there
Kenya- Obama’s campaigning for Odinga
He believes he’s King of the World, has no respect for our sovereignty.
Treason
-Obama has tried to persuade Iraqi leaders to delay an agreement on a draw-down of the American military presence.
-Obama has close connections to US born terrorists
-Obama is receiving massive illegal overseas donations
-Three of Obama’s church members and two superdelagates have been killed in 2008.
-Obama has not explained trip to Pakistan in 1981 and how he entered that country. (Passport)
-Obama has not proved within reasonable proof that he was not born in Kenya.
-Marxist and communist tax plan largest redistribution of wealth in US history.
-Attempts to silence free speech regarding voting record, raciest anti-white comments and memoirs, Ayers, Resole, and Wright, heavy drug use, homosexuality and Muslim relatives.
-Democratic elect Obama forges US presidential seal in anticipation of seizing power.
-Media has infiltrated election and sponsored our first candidate for American people.
Steven–why is that important at all? I don’t get it. The real issue and crisis we have to deal with now is why Gov. Palin said she was for the Bridge to Nowhere when she took the funds for and put it into her state’s infrastructure fund. We must get to bottom of this at once!! And what’s this about there being TWO Bridges to Nowhere? This is sooooo scandalous! Get your priorities in order, will ya!!
LOL!
And don’t forget her expense accounts either. We must hold her accountable for every penny.
The soldiers in Iraq, which include her son, btw, can wait!
LOL!
lol to both of you. This is wild, a man running for POTUS committing treason against his own country. That literally thows temper tantrums. No one other countries want us to elect him, they know he’s going to destroy us! They get to sit back and laugh.
wonder other countries, not one. Expect even more than normal errors today. My grandchildren thought my keyboard needed oiling so they sprayed it with cooking oil! So for right now I have to use my grandson’s mini-keyboard, and that’s not working out real well.
When the bridge was first discussed it was to be a normal bridge for the convenience of th 50 people who live on the island. When all was said and done and the bridge had turned into a plan to build a monstrosity that was to cost several million dollars more than was first planned.
When this transpired, Governor Palin vetoed the project.
I think, “Palin 4 prez” that you are a troll with your talking points aimed at diverting attention from Obama’s latest scandal - the Logan Act violation.
Lee, Palin4Prez was being facetious. Just using the divert and distract tactics Obama tries so hard to use. Trust me you’ll recognize the trolls, first they come posting with this great love of Hillary. Then everyone becomes a Republican, then before you know it Hillary is a radical Democrat that only worked for Democrats. Wanted nothing to do with Republicans.
Too bad Hillary is more a Centrist than Democrat or Republican. Which is why I beleive both her and McCain gained so much support. The majority of Americans are tired of the one sided politics. It’s not acccomplishing a thing for us/this country/the betterment of our lives. Hillary’s record showed that, just as McCain’s did. Plenty of Republican Senators have come out and said she worked well with the other side to get things accomplished. Anyway Palin4Prez has been posting awhile, so definately not a troll.
Heyyyyyy I LOVE HILLARY and support her 100% and would LOVE to see Obama arrested so we could have her as our candidate.
Unless that happens, I’ll be voting for McCain because we can’t afford Obama and I’ve been a Democrat my entire life.
Lee, I think Palin4Prez was being sarcastic, not really meaning that we should look at Palin instead of Obama’s treason. If I’m wrong, then sorry, but that’s the way that I read it. I hope I’m right and someone wouldn’t actually support something like that.
Obama, after a very stupid speech finishes his speech by calling himself smart. He actually called himself smart. Applause.
Fredo called himself smart too.
ice cream spew
Fredo Corleone: I’m your older brother, Mike, and I was stepped over!
Michael Corleone: That’s the way Pop wanted it.
Fredo Corleone: It ain’t the way I wanted it! I can handle things! I’m smart! Not like everybody says… like dumb… I’m smart and I want respect!
Obama called himself smart….unfortunately for him, he’s the only one that believes it.
I would also think that Obama’s relationship with Bill Ayers, a former(?) terrorist would be of grave concern, but then who in the government cares anymore?? The congress works for the corporations not for America or the citizens. Dems are too busy kissing Obama’s ass and the repugs in congress are still lock step covering Bush’s ass.
Who’s in charge of the Rules of Law and our Constitution??? That’s my question..
Congress is in charge, but you can see from the 2006 election where Democrats took “impeachment off the table” that it isn’t really about party (D or R after their name) it is about Them versus Us because Bush could not have done all that he did without Democratic collusion and because Bush continued to do what he wanted after Pelosi and Reid took over majority roles and shrugged helplessly.
Now we see that these same people who couldn’t or wouldn’t stop Bush wants Soetoro/Obama so badly that they would steal Clinton’s delegates to put him in. That alone makes me suspicious of what their motivation is - but it can’t be good for the country or for me.
he Woods Foundation gave a $25,000 grant to Developing Communities Project, which in turn hired Obama as a community organizer in Chicago’s south side. The head of the Woods Foundation at the time was Gerry Kelm, chairman of Sahara Coal. Sahara Coal was a supplier to Commonwealth Edison, whose chairman was Thomas Ayers, father of William Ayers. Both Barack and William were in New York during the mid-eighties.
William Ayers was earning his M Ed from Bank Street College of Education in 1984 and then earning his M Ed and Ed. D from Columbia in 1987. Also in New York, was Bernadine Dorhn (William Ayer’s wife). In 1981 she refused to answer grand jury questions about the Brinks robbery/murder involving both former weatherman members and a few Black Panther members.
The Precinct Captain in Obama’s community organizing district was Frasier Robinson, Michelle Obama’s father. State Senator Emil Jones was also from this district. It is likely Barack met both Frasier and Emil at the time. It was also here that Barack met and started attending Rev. Jeremiah Wright’s church. If Ayers, whose Muslim name is Abu-Zayd, had his hand in Barack’s arrival in Chicago; did he also direct Barack to Rev Wright and his church?
Ayers studied education under Maxine Greene and, coupled with his weatherman days, came away with radical ways to teach for “social justice” and “liberation”. Both Ayers and Greene have published a series of books together. Greene also served on the same board with Rashid Khalidi.
One of the courses that Ayers now teaches is a type of Liberation Theology based upon, in part, by the work of Paulo Freire. Rev Wright, it turns out, preaches Black Liberation Theology, which is itself based, in part, on James Cone’s work.
READ MORE
http://savagepolitics.com/
Palin discusses her priorities as veep
Sarah Palin today for the first time outlined what issues she’d focus on as vice president should she and John McCain be elected in November: energy, government reform and finding cures for diseases afflicting children and families.
“John and I have worked out a plan, what I want to concentrate on and what he would like to kind of tap into me to help with,” Palin said at a rally just outside Denver this morning. “My mission is going to energy security and government reform. And another thing near and dear to my heart, it’s going to be helping families who have special needs and children with special needs. And we’re going to be pushing for innovative cures for diseases.”
The issues jibe with Palin’s expertise, both professionally and personally.
http://www.politico.com/blogs/jonathanmartin/0908/Palin_discusses_her_priorities_as_veep.html
I watched both her and McCain, he did a town hall and answered questions…he had answers for the people, Obama …well I watched that thing over that he and McCain did and I really paid close attention and he is still not really answering the questions, he is going to have to start giving straight answers soon…even when she would repeat the question to him he did not give a answer he would go off on something else….she didn’t ask a third time, she should have…
Yes, friends, Barack Obama behaved so treacherously, he even told reporters about it at the time.
Here’s what NBC reported online, June 16:
“He said he told Zebari that netotiations for a Status of Forces agreement or strategic framework agreement… should be done in the open and with Congress’s authorization…. He argued it would make sense to hold off on such negotiations until the next administrations.”
So I guess the firing squad shouldn’t lock and load just yet, huh?
Because his selfish political agenda and motivations are on display any way you cut it. Yup, Rush is all over it on his radio. You can bet Hannity’s next and it’ll be on the evening news shows. Let’s bring it out to the Americans in an expose–not a hidden NBC online article that prob gotlike 5 hits from O-bots. The American people are going to bristle at hearing this. Next.
It’s so far out the naive in the middle won’t believe it. They might believe it but it won’t register. Because those in the MSM who mention it will not show how aghast they feel. Olbermann should already be shouting ‘HAVE YOU NO SHAME, SIR?’ But he won’t. Because he’s in the tank, a paid shill. No one will react; people won’t know how to deal with it; it’ll be glossed over. Ancient techniques in the media.
That is an admission of guilt.
yes, it is and it should be used by the FBI for reason to arrest him and he needs to be tried for violations of the Logan Act and for treason.
but of course, he won’t, because he’s the “chosen one”. PUH
So how does that jive now with the “denials” he’s giving on Fox News?
I think you meant “jibe” but in this case, “jive” is perhaps more appropriate
I’d say he’s cold busted….goes out and tells MSNBC he tried to get the Iraqis to wait for the next admin to negotiate troop drawdown agreements and now denies it.
whoopsie!
There’s a big difference between stating one’s opinion about the Status of Forces Agreement and actually insisting in private discussions with Iraqi officials that the Status of Forces Agreement be delayed.
There were many other reporters on the tarmac that day when Obama spoke who heard and reported something far different from what Athena Jones of NBC reported.
How does admitting to the act not make it treacherous?
About time you showed up, UMB. It took that long for the talking points rebuttal to get text messaged out today?
And let’s see what the talking points are:
So, the rebuttal is: HE ALREADY TOLD US ABOUT THIS.
WTF!?! That’s it? So, there is no response to the fact that Obama wanted to delay the troop withdrawal talks until after the election for political advantage? To help him win an election? No? It doesn’t matter if he told us or not, he needs to answer that.
If that is the best you can do UMB, excuse me — I mean if that is the best instruction Obama’s handlers emailed for you to repeat, UMB, then you know and we know that Obama knows he is already FINISHED.
Undercover,
Why would he be blasting Bush on September 10th if he openly said it makes sense to negotiate after the elections…Where is the link for that quote?
http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/news/world/obama-blasts-bush-for-slow-withdrawal/2008/09/10/1220857581127.html
Obama was out of line. Period. Arrogant and presumptous! This is shameful behavior and everyone should understand that while Obama is handing the public a line of crap - he simply cannot be trusted. Words that cannot be trusted = Obama.
but that report did not go as far as the Post report today. I still ask where is the DOJ on this?
We all need to be going to the DOJ website and reporting it or asking about it. I went there and clicked on the FBI report link and reported it. It probably won’t do any good, but if all of us did it, at least they’d be more likely to look at it.
Makes no difference when or how he did it. It was negotiating with the head of another country. HE HAS NO AUTHORITY!
Do you have a link?
nope
but just another little thing to cast some more doubt on BHO.
not a firing squad
just a thousand little tiny cuts
Why did you change your name?
hmmm?
I just sent this to Fox News. On their political page they have a little window on the left side for News tips that you can ask a question or copy and paste a link for reference on it. Then click submit.
They have this story now. But they’re the only ones after the Post. All the rest are on a leash, in the tank. It’s despicable.
One would think that O’s connection to nahdma auchi, rezko,(syrian), frank marshall davis, dohrn, percy sutton, louis farakhan, jeremiah wright, m phleger, rev. meeks, Annenburg Challenge, Woods Fund, ACORN, and the front law firm would be far and away enough to cause all Americans pause.
But, O denies the NYPost story. Surprise. Not.
And the lies go on, unchallenged…
WHO ARE THE MainStreamMedia? They don’t get it.
Thank God for the internet and Americans reliance on their own two eyes.
but things keep getting scrubbed on the net…just think if BO wins how bad it could get.
That’s what most of us are trying to not think. And why we’re working so hard so it doesn’t happen.
Ever read Ray Bradbury’s Farenheit 451 ?
They are trying to leash the internet now. On the Drudge Report you can sign a petition to try and stop it. You can also sign one for Sarah Palin against the MSM. You can sign and or donate or both to Sarah. Sometimes the ads rotate so you may have to watch for place to click.
There are some new polls coming out today on important states.
6 p.m. Eastern: Ohio President
6 p.m. Eastern: Virginia President
6 p.m. Eastern: Florida President
6 p.m. Eastern: Colorado President
6 p.m. Eastern: Pennsylvania President
These will be up at Rass. later….
I’m hopeful that Rass will choose to do a new New York and Minnesota one now since other polls are showing a tightening.
Take care,
Patrick
The poll at RCP on NY was done by Siena and I can’t get the link…who is Siena?
I trust SUSA but I don’t like there tv station polls…they really don’t seem to be accurate…and I like to see the number of dem, rep, indy polled I am tired of padded polls…race is also something we need to watch in the polls, some have been padded with a higher # of blacks.
one reason though that they do use more dems in polls is because of the # of registered dems and rep. nation wide…
Status of Force negotiations? with CONGRESS?
The executive is Commander-In-Chief, last I heard…
Since when does Congress negotiate for the USA? Congress legislates. Executive negotiates. Judiciary interprets.
Let us not confuse “the one” with something as paltry as the CONSTITUTION.
God help us all.
Get out the VOTE folks.
The fundamentals of the Economy are stable but we are in for an ugly ride.
I think we need a steady hand at the helm.
McCain all the way!!!!!!
Rally the troops Palin!!!!!
obama would be bush’s third term.
Whatever small part of the constitution bush has not shredded, obama will. We HAVE to get out the vote and ensure this manchurian candidate DOES NOT WIN by hook, by crook or on the up and up. He’s capable of both hook and crook and we have to be vigilant.
Where is his birth certificate, his Illinois Legislator records and finally..what are his true positions? It doesn’t change does it? He is first a politician, second a politician and third a politician. I am not sure there is one genuine word that flows from his mouth.
Friends with Rezko, Ayers, Wright and enemy of AA in Chicago..down to spending Rezko’s last $1000. on his campaign-instead of heat in the slums…Oh, my goodness..now or should I say again..talk to us about Iraq and say something different to the Iraqi politicians. Oh, my goodness, didn’t he do that with Canada and NAFTA? Oh, my goodness, that was his ‘non’ staff-Goolsby, not him. Oh, my goodness, FISA? Oh, my goodness, his religion? Oh, my goodness, Israel? Jerusalem? Oh, my goodness, the Jenna 6?
Who are we writing about? Oh, my goodness, I don’t know?
News regarding the Berg suit:
http://pumasunleashed.wordpress.com/
Berg has received permission to go forward with the discovery process. I think the deadline is Sept 24th,
Can you provide a specific link to this information?
Everything I find at docs.justia.com indicates that Berg filed a motion for expedited discovery on September 9th. No order stating that Judge Surrick has granted his request is listed.
Yeah it certainly is repetitive. And so true to character. Or lack thereof. They say Obama is unique and the wise amongst us must agree - and simultaneously be relieved the world isn’t being overrun by psychopaths like him. He’s the most dangerous political figure in modern times. Even W is a puppy in comparison.
I think hypocrisy is TOO an issue here.
Yes of course. But with Obama that’s a broken record. His middle name is Hypocrisy. Barack H Obama.
Yes.
HARP-thanks for the good read. But I thought Ayers was just some guy in the ‘hood…..
Regarding this Iraq withdrawal story: I see Carter/Zbigniew Brzezinski all over this as some kind of cynical payback to the Republicans for the Iran Hostage Crisis and Reagan working behind the scenes. So much for caring about the troops.
And the reason the story is coming out now is that they’re not so sure Obama is going to win anymore and they’re playing both sides.
Times dictate that any and all information downloaded and saved. Why do I keep thinking China and U.S.S.R??
because we’re becoming a communist nation
Jane Fonda obamba, The little boy should have a lot in common with Hanoi Jane they are both NUTS
When Obama was out there being citizen of the world, wheeling and dealing, little did he know Sarah Palin was back home waiting to bring him down to earth.
I have a friend who is a former assistant state’s attorney general. He forwarded the original Eastan article to some well rounded sources for feedback. Here are two of the replies returned so far.
This is from a military intel consultant.
This, from a former Assistant United States Attorney General, adds another dimension.
People with close ties to the current administration ARE looking at this matter as we chat.
Thanks!
I sure hope so!!!!!!!!! I am a Vet and totally resent his interference with bringing any troops home. He is totally out of control.
well, this may be the one and only time that I will ever say that it may actually be a good or at least partically decent thing that bush is in office right now. He doesn’t like obi and he IS the POTUS. If obi broke the logan act, then maybe, just maybe, bush might go after him. It would be the only part of his entire 8 years that amounted to anything, but at least it would be something.
It WOULD be a “win” in his “war on terror” by taking down the terrorist obama.
Absolutely correct. No one other than President or whom he sends on HIS behalf, is allowed to negotiate, or attempt at secret deals, let alone when it affects our Military and security.
Barry’s new lastname HObama, selling anything and every one for a buck!
Sarah gave a great speech today in Colorad to about 5,000!
And no free rock show, right?
Barky’d have anywhere from 2-8 headliner acts, plus in Germany…free beer
Is she giving a different speech these days?
I support Palin, but was getting bored of the convention speech at all the rallies.
Her speech was different in many parts, but of course the same basic premise. She seems to be a natural giving speeches. Fact is, all campaigns usually give the same speech until it starts to lose effectiveness. By the way the crowd reacted, it is still pretty effective.
Anyone notice Obama is giving the same type of speech now as when Hillary started winning the final primaries? You know, the Obama “they will fear and smear” speeches..
While politicians may like to repeat a “stump speech” until it loses effectiveness, these are new and dangerous times for that practice. Jon Stewart gets tremendous satirical mileage out of collecting all of those repetitive clips and stringing them together in rapid-fire sequence. Even the greatest politician and speaker will appear foolish after one of these Daily Show segments, and Jon Stewart really did a vicious number on Gov. Palin’s repetition of her stump speech phrases last week.
She took her stump speech and tailored it for a Colorado audience. She focussed on the economy. She is a great public speaker - the audiences love her. She c