I mean, really, seriously, let's get real here! Not only that, but someone who didn't know what city he was in!
That's right, presumptive Democratic nominee Barack Obama, the man who is leading most polls is so dense he thinks we have 57 states in the USA and he doesn't remember what city he's in! How could anything John McCain flubs up be as serious as these major gaffes? Sunni-Shiite, who knows the difference anyway? Iraq-Pakistan border, hey, many Americans don't even have Maps as we learned from a teen beauty contestant! Steelers, Packers - what's the difference! But 57 states? Confusing Sioux City with Sioux Falls? Now that's real serious stuff.
http://www.snopes.com/politics/obama/57states.asp
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/washington/2008/05/obamagaffe-1.html
Here is what Obama said when he made the "57 states" gaffe:
"It is just wonderful to be back in Oregon, and over the last 15 months we've traveled to every corner of the United States. I've now been in fifty .... seven states? I think one left to go. One left to go. Alaska and Hawaii, I was not allowed to go to even though I really wanted to visit but my staff would not justify it."
Notice there was a pause between fifty and seven; it's obvious he simply said "fifty" when he meant "forty", but that's too easy an explanation, isn't it? As for the Sioux Falls-Sioux City mix-up, that's one I can honestly identify with because I've done that myself regarding former sprint car racer Doug Wolfgang who is from Sioux Falls, South Dakota - or IS it Sioux City?
But anyway, let's not take any chances on voting for someone this stupid, don't you all agree? Especially not when you have an alternative, someone who is only about 15 years behind in world events, heck, how many of us would be expected to know there's no Yugoslavia or Czechoslovakia anymore or where in the world Pakistan and Iraq are?
Annie
[question posted by anniepa]responses and comments:
The best thing about American politics being such an international news item is that we around the world get daily chuckles at the American politicians expense. LOL [sandyrusty]
OK, the 57 States Gaffe was a gaffe and very silly one to make. But then again, that's never happened to be a handicap as far as the American voter was concerned. Nobody had a problem with the fact that the man that George Bush I chose to be his Vice-President could not spell potato and more seriously regretted not paying attention in his Latin (Dead language spoken by Ancient Romans) classes because he had a hard time understanding people in Latin America. Not to be outdone, we now have a President who was a C plus student and claims not to read too much - which is why he cannot name the leader of one of the largest foreign countries in the world. So, the Republicans should not really jump on the bandwagan of trying to point out Obama's stupidity and ignorance about the world, when they've been promoting people who obviously can't do basic things in life. However, the Democrats should not get too complacent. If the Republicans have had a track record of putting stupid people into office, the Democrats put people who are way too clever for their own good and by extension that of the nation. Think of Bill Clinton and the way he defined sex. Look at the way Jimmy Cater argued that he had only comitted adultery in his heart. So there you have it. Yes, Barak Obama was silly to think that there were 57 states (unless he's including places like Mexico, Canada, Germany, France, England, Japan and Korea), but when you look at history, he was only doing what he predecessors were doing. [tigertang]
He is an idiot in more ways than that how about the brilliant statement by his wife after his nomination "this is the first time we are proud to be americans" That was beautiful right? Not to mention he did attend an islamic radical school as a child and still refuses to place his hand over his heart or be sworn in on the bible. I read an email of a statefarm sign that said "Americans voting for Obama is like chickens voting for Colonel Sanders" How funny is that? How much more truthful can you get? [babykeka80]
Kinda like when McCain said he didn't appreciate being American till he was put in a POW camp. And is recently justifying our use of torture. So why did he appreciate being an American while being tortured again? Maybe somewhere in his mind he though "Thank God we have the dignity not to do such things to our POWs..." [TantrooM]
I am personally concerned about his health care plan. For what I hear it will cost more than the Pentegon budget! Here is my thing though, being the democrat he is, you know he wants to keep the border open with Mexico. So here comes more Mexican tromping over the border for their food stamps, reduced houseing, jobs in abundance and now, thanks for Obama free health care for everyone! Yeah! Let's let the average working American who works everyday and pays taxes and flies a Stars and Stripes flag pay for the health care of illegals. Oh, I'm sorry did I say 'illegals', That's a bad word to a democrat, what I ment to say 'guest workers'. Hmm, guests know they need to leave after awhile though! [kingcrapper]
Government's all over the world are masters at accounting tricks. They give with one hand but take even more with the other. America's figures just look larger than everyone else because the US of A has the world's largest economy. Here in tinny Singapore, the government plays the books brilliantly. We raise our sales tax by 2 percent and then cut corporate tax rates by 3 percent, claiming that its very necessary for the poor people to pay more than rich corporations, who have loopholes. Of course, after raising the sales tax, the guys who run the place promptly increased their salaries - our Prime Minister makes four times more than the President of the USA for running a country that is only a suburb of Washington DC. So, what I'm saying is, don't put too much faith into figures provided by politicians because statistics can always be massaged and certain aspects of a budget can be highlighted to such an extent that you are distracted from doing any math into how this whole thing actually works out. [tigertang]
lol, nice satire. But seriously, flaunting yourself as being strong on national security while being so bluntly unaware of what's going on in the world is a big mistake. What's next, worrying abour relations in Zaire? We have to make sure we're in good standing with non-existent countries, after all! :) [ClarusVisum]
Anybody who knows anything about the United States would know how many states there are. You would think a presidential candidate would know almost anything there is to know about the United States, wouldn't you. Apparently,Obama has his sights on the office of the President,but doesn't have time to know how many states we have. I think most elementary school students could tell you the answer to that. There is a difference in saying forty and fifty. [Barb42]
Annie explained it. He said, 57 and one to go. he was thinking 47. One more plus Alaska and Hawaii would be 50. it's not that difficult. And I'm not even an Obama supporter. [cyntrow]
When I was a teen, I worked on a campaign for a State Candidate. He traveled from city to ciy, county to county on very little sleep and a lot of adrenaline. Tonge slips happen. For a man who has traveled all over the US on fewer hours of sleep, Tongue slips are common place. I'm shocked that there have not been more. As you know, I am not an obama supporter, simply because of his experience level. But this is nothing that I would jump on him for. It makes him tired, but not necessarily stupid. Plus, with all the flubs Bush has made while in office, this is nothing that anyone should be on Obama's back about. If I hear Bush say "Nucular" instead of "Nuclear" one more time, I might scream. 57 states? can get over that, unless it were to become a habit. [cyntrow]
Even when Iam not tired,which is rarely,I have plenty slips of the toungue and Iam not stupid.I am not the smartest cookie on the block,but...... People criticise Bush for have slips of the toungue as well as Obama.They are only human and never claimed to be otherwise.They are both tired people.When Obama asked how he was he said he was standing.And none of you with kids can not say that you have never called one the other's name.Heck when I was a kid,I even got called the dogs name.lol [dfollin]
LMAO. That sounds like something George Bush would do. Are they related? They kind of look alike. I guess what people are saying about Obama not being able to speak without the teleprompter is true. We all make mistakes and that is human. But somethings shouldn't be forgotten. 1+1=2 and 50 states are 2 things every American should know. Obama could have a plan to adopt 8 territories into the United States. Maybe he let the cat out of the bag and no his evil plan has been exposed. lol [coolseeds]
George Bush is black...? Now that's a revelation! [TantrooM]
I really don't believe he thinks there is 57 states. I think he misspoke, and unfortunately, when every single word you say is being scrutinized, there's bound to be mistakes that people jump all over. [bonbon664]
WHat an idiot. Hmmm ive heard of people saying 51 with peurto rico being the 51 but what are the other 6 supposedly? [darkjedi]
He meant to say 47. Do you really think he thinks there are 57? If so, I should point out to you that McCain really (no, really!) wants to veto every single beer. MCCAIN IS FOR BRINGING BACK PROHIBITION OMFG!!!!!!!!!!! The idiot here isn't Obama. This post was satirical, and you obviously took the bait. Look at anniepa's posting history if you don't believe me. [ClarusVisum]
The fact is that every word a politician says will be placed under immense scrutiny. The problem happens when people only apply such scrutiny to the candidate they don't like. Obama minions will constantly criticize every slip of the tounge McCain makes such as naming the wrong country when referrin to Pakistan's border, but hurry to the defense of Obama when he says he's been to 57 states. It goes both ways. In the end I think most people know that these statements are just minor slips of the tounge, but it's way too easy to jump all over someone and act like they are retarded, or too old to remember simple facts. If you accidentally call your best friend by the wrong name, does it mean you are stupid? Does it mean that you truly are too old or foolish to remember the name of your closest friend for many years? No, it's a simple mistake and you forget about it quickly. Of course, you don't get that luxury when you're running for president. [Taskr36]
oh man, my skin curls when I hear McCain preaching that he's the best thing this world has to offer because he served in Vietnam, what does that have to do with IRAN?? Are we that shallow that we believe someone is so obliged because they served--I know it looks that easy because there is no way Bush could of did it all himself, but McCain is already spitting the same game so I could see how he already has his people in place (aka Bush Administration)--come on people, McCain knows no more about the region than Obama. And do I need to remind you of the flub by Bush who got him on Saturday night live and late night tv almost immediate for his ability to give a meanful speech--I always felt his speeches were very cocky, in your face, dont question me--so was his administration. [revellanotvanella]
Just thought I would stop in and say hi since I wanted to respond but then I got hung up on the response for number 3 and now I can't think of anything to say. So hope you're having a good day... [ZephyrSun]
Well it's getting late now so I've forgotten how many states there are and what city I'm in...lol! Otherwise I'm just fine. Annie [anniepa]
I went on Scopes, and they made excuses for Obama, that he was tired. If McCain did that, they would not have made excuses, so I guess it depends on whether you are a Democrat who can get away with anything and a Republican who can get away with nothing. Now I can understand McCain still talking about Yugoslavia and Czchoslovakia because I am around eight years younger and for most of my life that is what they were called. It is hard to call them by their new name when their new names were not known for that long. Oh and I am into opera and when that was popular, they called Czechoslovakia, Bohemia. Still the same, tiredness and habit are no excuse. There should be someone to remind the two candidates that they are going to make a booboo. Maybe they should hand them memo pads. Oh if anyone other than anniepa, comment on my response, their name is mud. [suspenseful]
I must reply, suspense, but only because you told me not to. I have 5 kids and I spend my life tired as a result. When I am calling them, I go through all of the names, including the dog and the cat and the rabbit. And for this, I do not have to brush up on my history. Walking in their shoes, I can fault neither of them for their slip ups. OK, that is my reply. [cyntrow]
First I want to make it clear that Iam not for Obama yet.I will either vote for him or nobody.I definitley will not vote for McCain.It is kind of ironic,just before I started reading this discussion on the news they were saying that a reporter asked Obama as he was coming back from his trip,how he was and he said he was standing,lol.All the reporters said,"I know that feeling"He was so exausted he probably could not think or talk straight for areas to get wheel deals and more. [dfollin]
I have only been to a different time zone once.I went from east coast to west coast as well,but on a bus.I too was messed up.Then,I came back.UGH! That was when I was a teenager.Then,I had 2 children 3 years apart.My first baby was colicy and had monthly ear infections.When he just turned 3 and I was 6 months pregnant he woke up with a horrible ear ache in the middle of the night.I was in th ER on a Friday night in my condition.Tired! Wow ! Then when my boys were teenagers coming in at late hours I had my third baby.As soon as I get her back to sleep after the feeding,they'd come in being loud teenagers as usual.Now I homeschool my daughter and babysit my 20 month old grandaughter.So,I know what it is to not be able to talk or think right.lol [dfollin]
Have you read any of Obama's books yet? If you haven't, you should. I don't mean the out of context quotes that are floating around on the net. I mean the meat! They are scary. I have read 2 so far and I will not read any more. Even if he was the only person running, I would find a way to vote against him and I was one of the people that was thrilled to see him running at first. He changed MY mind. Anyone can get tired and make mistakes when they are speaking publicly no matter how savey they are. When they put pen to paper in the quiet of a study, now that is another matter. Shalom [Adoniah]
Why would you say that his books are scary, there are high intellectual and influential persons worldwide that has endorsed his books. So I would like you to elaborate why you describe it as scary. [kerriannc]
wow that is the first time I hear that. Even my 3 year old daughter knows there are 50 states. I can see mixing up a city name but not the states [bryanna4]
I think that he just made a little mistake in his speech, he was probably trying to remember how many states he had been in and how many more he had left to go. He is doing a lot and he is really doing his best to keep up with everything that he is doing. [rogue13xmen13]
I know, but believe it or not some people actually think he doesn't know how many states there are and others think there's a sinister meaning to it, like he was referring to how many "Islamic states" there are. Annie [anniepa]
Even if he meant to say 47, how does that math work??? Last time I checked there were 50 states... Right? 50-47=3 Last time I did my math... Yet he is only "missing" ONE state: Alaska and Hawaii... Again lets do some math here... I count 2 states. And this is who is going to develop our budget? No wonder he thinks he needs to increase my taxes so much! [blogging2]
He said "57 and one to go" and explained that his staff had overruled visiting Alaska or Hawaii. So, he meant 47 with one to go, which would make 48 and the two they weren't going to, Alaska and Hawaii, make - TA-DA!! - FIFTY! Annie [anniepa]
So what if he makes mistakes about the number of states in America. Does not President Bush makes more mistakes that has caused his best friend to retired and give the seat to his arch rival. This is trivial thing and there are more urgent matters to deal with then making a silly mistake becomes a mountain of bad sores. The country and the world is suffering because of this mistakes that Bush has made. Let us discuss this or other important matters.sad [kerriannc]
Geeeer! I have a hard time with both candidates. I just saw a new Mc Cain add on tv where he says our economy is in a shambles. What happened to two months ago when they asked him about the economy and he said "He wasen't aware there was anything wrong with our economy". I just plain don't care for either one of them. (I did not leave the rep party, they left me!). [sandymae]
I don't think you're alone there. I've been hearing how so few people are willing to identify themselves as Republicans today. Annie [anniepa]
why? you ask that and may be you voted 2 times for g w bush!! if you and million of people voted for such a presindent a really id**t lougth in all the word and in all US talkshow, you can vote also for a donkey and it will be better then him!! but i think that America is until not ready for a president like Obama..and if you look only this little gaffes it means that thre's nothing better that you can take Nun [ngaspero]
No problem! I just wanted to make sure everyone knows I didn't vote for Bush! Annie [anniepa]
I would never wote for Obama.I can beleive he thinks there's 57 states!and he doesnt know what city he's in!! thats so funny(lol) [blkmage1214]
Well either he thinks there 57 states.That or he has a bit of stage fright. Well,then which do you think it is? [blkmage1214]
I am not very big on Obama myself. I mean I am not that into politics but some of the things I have heard about him makes me think twice about ever considering him as president and I wonder how he even got into running for this election. I guess as long as you got the money then you dont need the smarts to be president. and Sioux City is in Iowa. My sister used to live there when she was in the Air Force. [Aidensmommy821]
I cant vote for someone who lacks intellgence/common sense, because well could lead americans into a deeper hole than what we are now. Its kinda sad how he thinks there are 57 states. [StarChild517]
OK, is it me or is it everyone else? Obviously he knows how many states there are, this wasn't meant to be taken seriously. We currently have a President with no intelligence/common sense so I think we've already been led into a deep enough hole. I'm sorry I guess I didn't make the intent of this post clear enough. Annie [anniepa]
I definitely won't be voting for him! [Springlady]
Red, what is his position regarding Christianity?? [cyntrow]
I have to wonder if you kept the pace they are keeping if YOU would remember every little detail and the names of every town you've been in? I wouldn't call a simple slip of speech for someone who surely has to be exhausted by now "stupid." [TessWhite]
You're right and that was my point exactly. I know it was a simple slip of the tongue, which if I got attacked for every one I've had I'd be in pretty bad shape by now! I was trying to make the point of how people are making a major issue out of someone making a very simple mistake while they're overlooking some far more serious gaffes by his opponent which aren't nearly so easily explained away. Annie [anniepa]
I never planned on voting for him anyway. I've heard too many negative things about him.. [Wyldrose]
There are tooooooo many myths written about this man. The biggest, is that he took his oath on the Quaran. Obama is NOT a Muslim. It would be fine if he was, but he isn't. [cyntrow]
lol though I am an immigrant and can not vote for presidency, I am not for a presidential candidate who doesn't know how many states are under his presidency if ever he would win. It is a shame to a president who doesn't know about his own country.lol [Bebs08]
I'm beginning to almost regret having started this post. I don't want to offend anyone, believe me I don't, but I can't believe after all the responses here there are still people who seem to take this seriously or are they joking? Of course Obama KNOWS how many states there are! He misspoke, that's it. Annie [anniepa]
Personally, I am hoping for a more intelligent President. [AlabamaBookWorm]
Do you mean more intelligent than Bush? Annie [anniepa]
I totally agree with you, but believe me, the 57 state thing is the least of our worries with this man. He has down right scarry ideas and beliefs. For one thing he is Muslum through and through. Isn't these the people we are trying to keep our country safe from (Terrorists). He will not salute the flag nor say the pledge of allegance. Hello..... We are one step away from, well you know....... [deskue]
Bang your head if you want to Annie and Take your buddy Obama with you and bang his head too...... If this man gets elected, and he probably will becuase of the sheer stupidity of the people, you and the world are in for a surprise.... Don't say I didn't warn you. [deskue]
LOL...Just that, I'm pretty speechless otherwise!!! [skinnychick]
HHHHHHEEEEELLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLPPPPPPPPPPPPPP!!!! Annie [anniepa]
Perspective is a wonderful thing, isn't it? But yeah...this election year...a nightmare, pretty much. No easy choices, really. [xParanoiax]
Hi Annie, I don't live in USA and i'm not and US citizen, so i don't vote but i would be really happy wenn Obama will be next president, i think he can do a lot for his country and for the rest of the world, but like i already told you in the other post, and i'm more convince now after reading the answer that someone give to you, i think that USA is still NOT ready to have a president like ihm, muslim, flag, salute are all excuse, what the people doesn't accept is that Obama is an afroamerican, this is the problem for a lot of people also when they will ner admitt that... Nun [ngaspero]
Classic.Neither candidate have been in a geography class in a long, long time.do you think there should be a written test to be president?The best score wins. [sarahruthbeth22]