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Two Inconsistencies from Obama's Past

A survey asking for positions on almost three dozen issues that Barack Obama filled out in 1996 as a state senate candidate shows that Obama has been a strong progressive for his entire (albeit relatively short) political career. On two issues, however, he held bolder and more liberal positions than he does currently. Here's Politico:

"Do you support … capital punishment?" one question asked.

"No," the 1996 Obama campaign typed, without explaining his answer in the space provided.

"Do you support state legislation to … ban the manufacture, sale and possession of handguns?" asked one of the three dozen questions.

"Yes," was Obama's entire answer.

The PDFs of the survey are available on Politico's site. Obama now says that he does support the death penalty, but only in limited circumstances, such as for a particularly awful crime. On handguns, he says he is for "common-sense limits" but not bans.

Is it troubling that Obama switched his position on these issues? Somewhat, yes. Obama is supposed to be the purist candidate in the Democratic race, the one who doesn't change his beliefs based on possible political advantages. But that said, if these two shifts, which are relatively minor, are the biggest inconsistencies his opponents can point to, they probably ought to look elsewhere. Like at the fact that his political career began in just 1996.

Comments

Like at the fact that his political career began in just 1996.

Last I checked, Clinton's political career technically began in 2000 and Edwards' political career began in 1998, so I am not sure what your point it.

Posted by: dave on 12/11/07 at 3:56 PM Respond

I saw Barack on Meet The Press last year. Why was he against withdrawal from Iraq at that time?

Posted by: Liberal Larry on 12/11/07 at 5:01 PM Respond

Why do we insist that our politicians cannot change theier views on anything without "flip-flopping'? Look at what seven years of having someone who thinks that he is always right (despite facts that show otherwise) have done for our country and our world. The '06 elections were supposed to show that we wanted out of Iraq, so Bush interprets them as a mandate to increase troop levels. The latest NIE on Iran says that they dropped their nuclear bomb project years ago, so he continues to beat the drums for war there. I prefer someone capable of learning and actually adjusting their stance according to new information.

Posted by: Bill G on 12/12/07 at 3:53 AM Respond

I don't believe that Obama is "flip-flopping." The one-word answers he gave are appropriate for someone with a nuanced view limiting his response to a single word.

Posted by: steve on 12/12/07 at 8:41 AM Respond

why is it taking so long for the news media to start taking a closer look at obama?

Posted by: william guerrant on 02/04/08 at 5:59 PM Respond

William, it is called "Swift Boating". Don't underestimate Bill.

Posted by: Jorge on 02/04/08 at 6:40 PM Respond

Can you imagine what Republicans will do to Obama in November if he get the nomination? Obama supporters have turned into a bunch of crybabies. To them everything brought up about him is racist. If the press looks into his past enough, he will unravel.

Posted by: Gil Reed on 03/20/08 at 5:40 PM Respond

"Can you imagine what Republicans will do to Obama in November if he get the nomination? Obama supporters have turned into a bunch of crybabies. To them everything brought up about him is racist. If the press looks into his past enough, he will unravel."

And you're highly misinformed. If this is what I am to expect from Hillary supporters of your type this November all I have to say is great job to all of you!

Posted by: mariox on 05/07/08 at 2:29 PM Respond

Gil Reed: "If the press looks into his past enough, he will unravel."

Obama himself has written two very candid books about his life - one right after graduating from Harvard Law School, before he entered politics.

He has not unraveled after the treatment he has received by the Clinton camp and Fox - so I wouldn't count on it. Yes we can imagine what the Republicans will do to Obama because the flag-waving, beer swilling, gun-toting, Wright-outraged, Nuke-happy Neo-con in this primary has done it. Thank you Hillary and Bill for your Rovian bark stripping of Obama. He can take it and so can we!

Oh, and btw, Obama is the nominee.

Posted by: Mary on 05/07/08 at 3:26 PM Respond