Obama: 'Theoretically' OK for Courts to Redistribute Wealth

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And don't forget, he's a Muslim, too. Oh yeah, and a terrorist. And oh yeah, he hates America. And he hangs around with terrorists and people who have said nasty things about America. And he's never served a day in the military. And... oh what the hell!
Look, people, IF the man is elected next Tuesday, give him one year in office, and then go ahead and judge him. But this nonsense of nuancing every phrase that has come out of his mouth (have you actually listened to his "redistribution" interview on WBEZ-Chicago, by the way?) is just evidence, it seems to me, of how little the McCain campaign has to offer by way of their OWN POSITIVE GOALS for the country. Is this all they've GOT????
I'm disappointed in U.S. News in allowing this pap to be disseminated.

Bob the History Teacher of IL 1:56PM October 28, 2008

Do you understand English? The fact that three lawyers can "craft theoretically" an argument for a proposition, call it "x", doesn't mean they support "x". Indeed, the "theorectically" adverb is lawyer-speak for NOT necessarily supporting it.
You have your agenda, and you will push it any way you can, but, really, you ought to have a better grasp of the English language if you hope to influence anybody who doesn't already agree with you.

Steve of TN 10:24AM October 28, 2008

He is saying that it is "theoretically possible" to contrive an argument. he didn't say he supported the result or that it was a good idea. In fact he implied that it was a bad idea.
iIt is one more sign that Conservatism has lost all claim on thoughtfulness (where it was once decades ahead of libaralism) that this sort of silliness is played up as if it was substantive.

Pragmatist of MN 8:32AM October 28, 2008

>Use the court to redistribute wealth? Really?
Really; there was a serious push for this. Obama is actually arguing against it - he's saying that the narrow-minded focus on using courts is a tragedy of civil rights movement. So, he's saying that judicial activism is a bad idea, which is something that conservatives should cherish.
>The Warren court was not radical? Really?
Really (kinda); as Obama explains "it didn't break free from the essential constraints that were placed by the Founding Fathers and the Constitution." If that makes you think he's using the word radical to mean something specific, I'd say you're right. Of course, it was surely radical in its scope, but since we're not mind-readers, it seems plausible to assume Obama meant something else.
>Anyone could craft a theoretical justification to use the court to spread the wealth? Really?
Really (kinda), though it seems safe to assume he's referring to other lawyers. Specifically "any three of us" is likely referring to the other U. Chicago law professors what were involved with that discussion - i.e., elite US lawyers.
Lastly, at no point in that discussion does Obama say it's theoretically OK for courts to redistribute wealth. I can craft theoretical justifications for the death penalty, or come up with a rationale for it, but I'm actually opposed to it. As usual, he hides his actual thoughts on this topic. You can consider this good or bad (I'd say it's bad), but don't put words into his mouth.

of OH 4:59AM October 28, 2008

Join em. I'm quiting my job and puttin me, the wife and kids on welfare. Welfare house, food, clothes, medical. I'm gonna sit around "the crib" all day in my underwear, drinkin beer and watchin Oprah. I used to be middle class but no more. I'm not breaking my ass and paying for others to get it free. Now-a-days, only an idiot would would support a govt and country that was against them.

Michael Curr of NC 4:48AM October 28, 2008

For anyone who's read Obama's tax plan this radio interview can't be much of a surprise. He walks the tax and spend walk and now we hear him talking the talk. Big deal.
He has a tax "cut" proposal that amounts to a tax increase for the 5% of small businesses that account for 70% of the revenues reported by S corps who's owners pay the tax on their 1040s. These top 5% also provide 68% of all payrolls. (IRS stats)
The plan has no rate cuts or deduction increases for the middle class. It's essentially a laundry list of federal subsidies back doored off budget through the tax code to provide checks to workers whether or not they even pay taxes. If it walks like tax and spend...
Joe Biden says this isn't redistribution, "it's just giving the middle class back their tax cuts." When did they lose them Joe? The Bush tax cuts reduced the real tax burden for millions just under the median income to zero from the $2700 they paid under Clinton tax code. That's why 40% don't owe taxes anymore. This $2700 per family is what the Obama camp calls "nothing for the middle class" in commercials. The last time the middle class had their taxes increased was 1993. The irony is that, "only for the rich mantra notwithstanding, Bush is actually the one who rolled back the Clinton tax increases on the middle class. Joe the senator, use your pc to look up the IRS stats once a decade. You're talking nonsense again.
Considering the Obama tax plan, I just don't see this radio interview as anything new or surprising. He's another tax and spend liberal who prefers to call it redistribution or spreading the wealth. When you're buying votes the sellers don't care much what you call it.

Dave of GA 12:36AM October 28, 2008

Yes McCain and Obama both had to vote for the bailout or rescue plan. Hopefully we may yet recoup some or all of that "investment", as we did with the S&L bailout, so it's not quite the same as expanding federal subsidy entitlements.
Even so, McCain having to go along with an emergency plan to save the economy doesn't tie him to a longterm policy of socialism.
Difference between welfare and real cuts:
The capitalist goes to Walmart and sees that the price for a TV he's been looking at has been cut from $1000 to $800. He buys the TV. The socialist happened to be in the store that night and witnessed the transaction. So on the way out the door, the socialist picks up $200 worth of dvd movies and leaves without paying for them. As he's being cuffed by the security guard in the parking lot, the socialist screams that he's entitled to the same "cut" the capitalist got.
And if that logic makes sense to you... congratulations, you are now allowed to vote for Obama.

Dave of GA 11:14PM October 27, 2008

as the interview continues Obama states in affect redistribution of wealth for the “poor” (specifying poor as those people for which desegregation applied) would best be done legislatively. Further stating initiation of “spreading of wealth” legislation is an administration function of our government. Your quote stopped at leaving Obama’s remarks about the viability of making a judicial argument seem arbitrary. He was starting to say: while this economic philosophy could be implemented through the courts; but it’s quicker & easier through Congress to spread the wealth. Ref : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iivL4c_3pck (has not been censored or pulled to date anyway)

kate of MN 11:02PM October 27, 2008

This clip wasn't found by the MSM but a private person. I wonder what would be found if professional investigative journalists would have found in the numbers that exist in the entire press??
I guess we would never know??
This countries hatred of Pres Bush has made rational people irrational. It has made people have a single goal and to not elect Bush or McCain if you believe the spin he is another Bush.
Millions of people are going to vote with their emotions rather than their brains. Obama has become the anti Bush candidate.
The Dems ran on the anti Bush rhetoric and they have a much lower approval rating than Pres Bush
Now millions of Americans are poised to do it again.
I don't think either candidate is the best this country has to offer but the white wash and blind hero worship regarding Obama is disturbing to me. I do not buy the spin on either side but to many people are willing to accept things at face value and not do good research themselves.
Never since the push for the Iraq war has the MSM been behind a singe cause and again we know how that turned out for the press.
I hope Americans use reason and not race or emotion when voting.
There are millions of Obama supporters that have so much of a emotional investment in this race that I fear they will we very very disappointed WHOEVER WINS. If Obama wins he will be no different than any politician and once in office become just another president and if he looses ..

of WI 10:03PM October 27, 2008

Apparently, McCain wants to eliminate the progressive income tax, despite the fact that some people are failing to make ends meet working two jobs, while others can afford private jets and 200 foot yachts. After all, some poor guy working for $7.50 an hour can just as easily afford a 20% tax as somebody who buys and sells baseball teams, right? Thanks, John - We're drowning and you want to throw us an anchor. I'd say that this, and not remembering just how many houses you own, makes it pretty clear where you stand economically-for and with the selfish, greedy fat cats who are fleecing us for a TRILLION DOLLARS! Throw the bum out! Now!

of 9:27PM October 27, 2008