The Truth In Arkansas Politics

In The Illinois Senate, Obama Had A "Strategy" To Avoid Casting Votes That Might Endanger His Re-Election:

On An Abortion Bill In The Illinois Senate, Obama Voted "Present" So As Not To "Look Insensitive And Endanger [His] Re-Election." "Obama said he sought compromise with abortion opponents, but they balked. As a fallback, he said he worked out an arrangement with abortion-rights advocates to encourage Democrats to vote 'present' on some bills if they feared a 'no' would look insensitive and endanger their re-election." (Rick Pearson and Ray Long, "Careful Steps, Looking Ahead," Chicago Tribune, 5/3/07)

In 1997, Obama Voted "Present" On Legislation Banning Partial Birth Abortions That Contained An Exception For The Life Of The Mother And A Provision Prohibiting Prosecution Of The Mother. (David A. Joens and Paul Kleppner, Almanac Of Illinois Politics - 1998, p. 81)

But Did Obama's "Strategy" Apply To His Other "Present" Votes?

"We Aren't Talking About A 'Present' Vote On Whether To Name A State Office Building After A Deceased State Official, But Rather About Votes That Reflect An Officeholder's Core Values." (Nathan Gonzales, Op-Ed, "The Ever-'Present' Obama," The Rothenberg Political Report, 2/13/07)

In 1998, Obama Failed To Support A Bill Requiring Schools To Teach Discipline And Respect For Others. "Amends The School Code. ...Requires all public school teachers to teach pupils discipline and respect for others." (H.B. 3793: Senate Floor Third Reading, Passed 44-10-1, 5/13/98, Obama Voted Present)

In 1999, Obama Voted "Present" On A Bill Requiring Mandatory Adult Prosecution For Aggravated Discharge Of Firearms On Or Near School Property. (S.B. 759: Senate Floor Third Reading, Passed 52-1-5, 3/25/99, Obama Voted Present)

In 1999, Obama Was The Only Senator Who Refused To Support Legislation To Protect The Privacy Of Sex-Abuse Victims By Allowing Petitions To Have The Trial Records Sealed. (H.B. 854: Senate Floor Third Reading, Passed 58-0-1, 5/11/99, Obama Voted Present)

In 2001, Obama Refused To Support A Bill Restricting "Adult" Establishments Near Schools, Churches, And Homes. In 2001, Obama refused to support a bill restricting "adult use" establishments by prohibiting locations of such establishments within 1000 feet of schools, parks, places of worship, preschools, day cares and other residential areas. (S.B. 609: Senate Floor Third Reading, Failed 33-15-5, 3/29/01, Obama Voted Present)

Or Is This Just Another Obama Exaggeration?

"But Few Of The Other [Illinois Senate] Democrats Who Voted 'Present' On Abortion Bills Recall Such A Strategy." (Rick Pearson and Ray Long, "Careful Steps, Looking Ahead," Chicago Tribune, 5/3/07)

Click Here To View Obama's Past Exaggerations