Does anyone worry about Obama's safety?

[phillyliberal]

I have discussed this issue with alot of people. This is not intended to be a Hillary v. obama debate or a topic for personal attacks on each candidate.

Does anyone worry about Obama being the target of violence or an assassination attempt either on the campaign trail or as a possible president? Although I believe it is much more difficult to assassinate the president these days, it is not impossible.
I say this because I believe Bush is the most hated president possibly of all-time, not only nationaly but internationally.. and he has remained safe.


As a matter of race, a change to the status quo of white presidents, do you see Obama as safe? I read not too long ago that he had recieved several threats and requested to campaign and travel with protection.


What are your feelings? Please keep this on topic.

[jlake]

1. Not especially.

[Big Blue Marble]

24. That sounds kinda mean.

I am concerned for all our candidates. Any time a person puts his/herself in the race for president, they become a possible target
for the sick minded of our society. I always remember the courage it must take for each of them to come forward in this way.
They are most at risk during the campaign. Once they are behind the wall of the Whitehouse, I think the risk diminishes considerably.
I pray for the safety of each of our candidates even Republicans.

I have spoken to blacks who are deeply frighten that a black man is more vulnerable by virtue of his race.
Obama and Michele know the risks. They are among the bravest Americans who have ever shared this country with us. They
are committed to the "Fierce Urgency of Now." Win or lose, their courage will resound in
history.

[jlake]

44. Yeah, I can see how it could be taken it that way....but I just mean

I try not to think about those kind of things, and do not think about Obama being the victim any more than Clinton, Edwards etc.
I pray for everyone's safety as well.....and know that our candidates do need those prayers.

[Captain Hilts]

2. He and Hillary have extra security details...

because they both get a lot of threats and because of her ties to Bubba.

[onehandle]

3. I worry about all of our candidates.

Freepers are going to go nuts when their thousand year reich...I mean, "permanent Republican majority" turns into a Democratic era.

[Muttocracy]

6. yeah, it's risky for all of them and their families n/t

[emilyg]

28. Yep.

[Fresh_Start]

4. Absolutely

I worry about all our candidates and national leaders safety.
Because there are lots of unhinged people walking around on the streets.

[xultar]

5. Y'all don't remember the Eddie Murphy routine about the first black president?

HAYLE YES I worry about his safety.

[redqueen]

13. I forgot till you mentioned it... (nt)

[NOLALady]

16. I remember.

I do think Eddie Murphy nailed it.

[Barack_America]

26. "He won't stand still!"

That's was Raw, right? Brilliant.

[xultar]

34. Straight up. When I saw that I knew the First Black President thing was no JOKE.

[wyldwolf]

7. it has crossed my mind - and Hillary's, too.

SOME people (like the ones Obama wants to reach out to) will never accept an African-American or woman as president. A few might be crazy enough to lash out.

[surfermaw]

41. They did want to accept a Catholic

John Kennedy, wasn't accepted at first in the South, in fact I don't think the Black people didn't liked him that much or were not sure of him, but learned to love him in a short time, wish someone would do a search on Kennedy and how the south felt about him in the begining of his administration... I'm thinking in Georgia there was talk of bought votes...But within months they were eating out of young Kennedys habnd.

[rox63]

8. He and his family have Secret Service protection

HRC has had it for years, because she's a former first lady. Obama was assigned a secret service detail last year after they got death threats.

[alcibiades_mystery]

9. These "Obama's in danger" posts are on par with the "Obama's a muslim" posts

Both dumb and unnecessary.

[NOLALady]

18. Maybe.

But, I still remember the era when anyone who tried to change the status quo was a target (usually successful) for assassination.

[Bluerthanblue]

21. I don't think they are

dumb- (which is actually "mute")

And while dwelling on the possibility is stupid and counterproductive, I believe acknowledging the possibility is important.

Having said this- If people are suggesting that Obama should not seek the Presidency because of this, then those same people are dooming themselves to leaders that are less than the best.

I DO think that Obama is more at risk than some other candidates, because he represents a greater risk to those who would like to dominate others through fear, intimidation and threats. I am very grateful to him for being willing to seek the Presidency despite the risks- and believe that it is worth it.

peace~
blu

[jgraz]

10. I'm sure someone does. A lot of well-trained, heavily-armed someones

Which is why I'm not too bothered about it.

[quinnox]

11. Its always in the back of the mind, I worry more about Hillary

though. But yes, this grim possibility is there however remote and I'm glad they both have extra protection from crazies. The secret service are pros and they are capable of taking care of them.

[Justitia]

23. I met her at a large "meet & greet", the Secret Service is VERY thorough, they shook us down good

which actually made me feel better. I know nothing is foolproof, but their procedures and protection is substantial when you experience it first hand.

I know Obama also has Secret Service protection, and that is a very good thing too.

[Radical Activist]

12. All Presidential candidates get death threats.

Sorry to say but its true. Even Kucinich and Dodd. There are a lot of crazies out there. There's no sense worrying about it. He has good security.

[Love Bug]

14. One of my friends is convinced there will be an attempt

I don't want to share her view, but she thinks if Hillary gets the nomination, she'll be such a polarizing force the vote will be close enough in the general election so it can be stolen again. She thinks if Obama gets the nomination, he'll be assassinated by some racist nut-case, but probably not until about a week before the election so it'll be too late to replace his name on ballots and absentee ballots for him would be discounted, thereby giving the election to the Rs. She considers them both candidates she could support, but she fears for what may happen if either one of them gets the nomination. I don't share such a dark view of things but I'm not terribly optimistic about this election. We'll just have to see.

[NOLALady]

15. Yes. I do not support Obama but I do worry about his safety

as well as the safety of his family.

[MethuenProgressive]

17. Hillary's the most hated person in America - he's as safe as she is.

They're safer than you or I, my friend.

[Bluerthanblue]

19. Yes, I do- ALOT, and it bothers me to

have to feel this way.

Discussing this issue with my 14yr old yesterday, he pointed out that there are an awful lot of people who would love to see * dead, but he is ok- I had to think for a little, but replied that I thought people who are more inclined to use violence and force to achieve their goals would be more comfortable with * than someone like Obama.- In other words- That unhappy right-wing fanatics would be more inclined towards assassination. Listening, reading and watching the climate around here though I have to really question that assumption.

Assassins come from all walks of life. I greatly admire the courage it takes to be willing to put yourself into such a situation. I'm grateful that Obama is willing to take this risk- and I can't see any way to deal with it other than to face it head on.
If a potentially brilliant leader is kept from following through on their quest for the White House out of fear for their safety, than we as a nation really need to question our value and viability. We are prisoners of our own violent underground.

JFK, MLKjr, and RFK all being murdered during my childhood, has left many of us with a difficult time trusting that those who are ground breakers for social change, are often the targets of violent destroyers.

The reality of the risk shouldn't be ignored, but can't be allowed to dictate the future...?...

peace~
blu

[BeachBaby]

20. I get nervous everytime I see him work the crowds.

I think of November 1963.

I think of April and June 1968.

I think of all the speeches of hope, promise, and better days ahead. Of their desire to end the war. JFK, MLK and RFK wanted to get things back on track. They knew that things had to change in order for America to thrive - and they made those very issues their top priorities. And they were all killed for it.

Let's not forget who signs the paycheck of each Secret Service agent.

Hell yeah, I'm worried.

http://www.washingtontimes.com/article/20080107/NATION/415598644

[K Gardner]

29. YOU get nervous? Have you ever watched his Security when he works the crowds? Man,

talk about some thorough and nervous people. Well, nervous is probably not the right word.. VIGILANT is better, I think.

[BeachBaby]

33. Yeesh. Sorry for stating how I feel.

I thought the OP was asking us if we were worried about Obama's safety. I was just stating my thoughts. Yes - I get nervous.

[K Gardner]

37. I think you misunderstood my post. I capped for emphasis/contrast, not for critique. Sorry if you

misunderstood. Its hard to reflect tone of voice and inflection here, huh? :hi:

[BeachBaby]

48. Ugh - damn that PMS!!!!

I swear that it causes some sort of brain hemorrhage. Sorry for the overreaction.

Peace!:hi:

[Maccagirl]

22. If character assassination doesn't do the trick

and Obama is deemed a threat when (and if) he's the party's nominee, I will begin to worry.

[Barack_America]

25. I worry about Obama and Hillary...

The same twisted bastards that hate Obama, feel the same about Hillary.

[BootinUp]

27. I think the Secret Service is

up to the job. They have learned a lot from past incidents. Of course any President could be targeted. And lastly I do not believe Obama would be more of a target because of his race because he is not basing his campaign or possible Presidency on it in any overt manner.

[CyberPieHole]

30. In a nation filled with gun~loving~nuts...

I worry about the safety of each candidate. So many crazy people know that they would get instant fame by shooting someone in the public arena. I hope they and their loved one's have the security they need to stay safe.

[DemCam]

31. Guess I worry....

Last night I had a vivid dream about HRC, no doubt after reading
DU before bedtime. I do hope, tho, that the Obama mania dies down
because that sort of frenzy does draw the crazies out. So yes,
I worry about Obama, too.

[bobbolink]

32. Why would he be a target? What threat does he pose?

Look at those who've been assassinated, (including the possibility of Wellstone), and look for similarities.

Find any?

[BeachBaby]

36. Exactly bobbo....

and being that I've never been a believer of "random shooters" being the killers of JFK, MLK and RFK, I don't share the sentiment that many people have about the Secret Service. They do what they're told to do.

That's why I'm not surprised at all that Bush and Cheney - two of the most hated men in the world - haven't been harmed.

[bobbolink]

42. Welcome to DU, JerseyGirlDem!!

:bounce: :toast: :bounce: :party: :bounce: :toast: :bounce:

Be sure to check out the DU Edwards group, if you're so inclined!

[BeachBaby]

49. Thanks bobbo, for the warm welcome!

And I'm VERY inclined to check out the JE group - I'm sure I'll see you around.

Thanks again!:)

[phillyliberal]

39. yes

are you blind? Yes I see see a great many of similarities... young, breaking with the "old" style of public service, pursuing "change".. Obama being a minority? Are you missing something in my opening post?

[bobbolink]

40. You may not realize it, but we ARE on the same side.

I"m just not in the mood to reply to someone who wishes to be snide and ugly about it.

If this is a reflection of your candidate, you have done us a great favor by advertising it.

[fadedrose]

35. Yes I worry

When you think of the Rodney King riots, you gotta wonder what might happen if something did happen to Obama.

But, nothing may happen, and he could be the first black to be elected and serve a successful presidency. How great for the country is that?

If my man Edwards loses, I will vote for Obama and just hope for the best.

Security has improved. Just look at how despised Cheney and Bush are and nothing's happened to them.....

[codeindigo]

38. anyone of them could be victims...

strange question.

[Liberalboy]

43. They did it to RFK...

I have said since the beginning of the elections that if Obama or Hillary get the nomination some redneck conservative, woman-hater, or KKK moran is going to try and assassinate them; I honestly hope not, but American culture is hardwired to reject sweeping change and botht hese candidates represent that. They did to RFK, MLK, JFK...

[MISSDem]

45. I pray each and every day for the safety of Barack and

his family. Yes I worry about their safety. I'm from Mississippi. Unfortunately, enough said.

[Anouka]

46. Obama only dies if he beats the Clinton machine. Therefore, he's safe.

They'll make sure that never happens.
And that's my belief.

I don't think the assassins bullet will come from the Republicans.
Too many of them actually... like him.

[Zynx]

47. I worry about the "closet Muslim" slurs inspiring a freak.

I really do. There are people out there that are really freaky on that issue.

[ileus]

50. We discussed this yesterday in our shop....I'd like to think we're above that in 2008, but...

[Infinite Hope]

51. Yes, but be careful about mentioning that on DU. n/t

[TankLV]

52. It's always in the back of my mind - Hillary too...

In fact, ALL of our Democratic Candidates - why is it a conservative or repuke is never the target or lost?

Always get the good DEMOCRATS - and Lincoln doesn't count...