CanadaNews’ Reporter Notes

Senator Barack Obama has coasted over the democratic primary landscape prior to ‘mini Super Tuesday’. Back when the DNC (Democratic National Committee) was preparing the list by which states would have their respective caucuses and primaries, they never thought that March 5th was going to be as important a day as it turned out. Just mere hours before most people were interested in having Hillary dropping out for the good of the party, she made a comeback. It might not be much since she didn’t get many delagates - - but it was a blow to the Obama campaign. As many wonder if this is a sign of things to come, a few people are beginning to wonder if they made a mistake by voting for Obama in their primaries.

While attending WIREC this week, I was at one of the conference receptions taking in a cold Amstel Light.  I was peering over the Washington skyline thinking about the days events.  While having my beer, began talking to two gentlemen from Utah. We talked about renewable energy and and traveling and somehow ended up on the presidential campaign. One of the Utah residents mentioned that he was a Hillary supporter in the beginning but shifted to Obama. He voted for Obama during their primary and now he is actually wondering if he made the right choice.

He told me he was unsure of Obama’s ability to lead. His lack of experience is something that bothers him. He’s not alone. There are mare people than you think are second-guessing themselves in reference to Obama. It’s true that he has a energy that shouldn’t be taken away. He deserves that. But some people are beginning to question if his brand of change is what will get things done in Washington. Clinton has experience in the district and the White House and has a better view of what it will take to get policy pushed in the nation’s capitol.

Lobbyists and special-interest groups are not going to ‘change’ if Obama gets the nomination and eventually the White House. What many predict is Obama will “come around” and fall in line. He might get things done, but at what cost?

Another thing is the media. The media has done a great job of relaxing Obama and his background. It’s true that Hilliary has a more prominent background than Obama and may possibly supply the GOP with more dirt to use than Obama.

One area the media has done a great job of doing is relaxing the whole issue in the federal district courtroom in Chicago. For it is in the federal district courtroom sits Antoin Rezko. His criminal trial is taking place. Rezko, a real-estate developer and restaurant owner, stands accused of corruption and extortion. Many Chicagians may not think anything is odd with Rezko’s practices; but unfortunately for him — its illegal to do such a thing. He has been accused, by the federal government, of shaking down other businesses for illegal payments and then using the proceeds to buy political influence. Over the past 15 years, Rezko has openly donated money to republican and democratic politicians.

I’m sure you know where this is going. The trial is expected to expose a relationship between several Illinois political figures. A couple mentioned are Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich and Barack Obama. I’m not saying that he got political favours from Obama or anything of the sort, but with the money he extorted from these Chicago businesses, he donated some to Obama’s campaign over a number of years. At least $10,000 was donated to Obama’s 2004 Senate race. It has been quoted…”Prosecutors say someone in Blagojevich’s administration suggested that political influence could be had for a price.” If you believe TPMMuckraker, Rezko raised $150,000 for Obama’s Senate and Presidential campaigns. It is important to note that Obama has returned money donated by Rezko and his associates or donated it to charity.

No one believes that Obama has done anything illegal, wrong, or dishonest; but his relationship with Rezko has gone under the microscope. Because of the trial, GOP and some democratic organisations, have put this relationship under scrutiny. To add insult to injury, both Obama and Rezko purchased connecting pieces of real estate on the same day. And from the same seller. Barack Obama has said, “There is no collusion between Rezko and myself on the deal. It was “boneheaded” fof me to not realize the situation might look improper.”

All of this might look like a small misunderstanding that can go terribly wrong in the hands of the wrong reporter, but some Chicago residents have issues with this measure.

Obama has not answered all of their questions about the transaction. Some feels there is more there than one would think. Obama also have not answered questions regarding Rezko’s fundraising on his behalf.

Barack Obama and his staff have denied that charge, citing occasions where Obama answered reporters’ questions. These details have been provided by Chicago Sun-Times reporter Lynne Sweet (details here)