The story behind Obama’s rise to power
Have you ever wondered how a little known state legislator, who got his lunch handed to him in 2000 when he ran for a congressional seat, managed to become a U.S. Senator in four short years, and a presidential contender in eight?
You might say that there are 435 senators-in-waiting in the U.S. House of Representatives, all biding their time for a shot at becoming one of the 100 most important lawmakers in this country. Some have been trying for years to find a way to make the jump to the elite upper chamber of Congress So just how, exactly, did Barack Obama manage to pull off this feat?
Was it just a case of incredibly good timing or simply the cream rising to the top? I say it looks more like a shrewd politician, financed by a corrupt businessman, combining forces with a former Chicago Tribune political writer who used his influence to pull off a series of political dirty tricks. You be the judge:
Much has been made about the fact that Obama’s Illinois political career was financed, in part, by Tony Rezko, a well-known Chicago real estate developer and influence peddler who, over the years, has given hundreds of thousands of dollars to Illinois power brokers.
Rezko, now under a federal indictment, was Obama’s first significant campaign contributor and very likely, without Rezko’s support, Obama still would be an obscure lawyer. As a young attorney, Obama worked on some Rezko deals. Once in the state senate, he wrote letters in support of Rezko deals.
No doubt it was some of Rezko’s money that, in 2003, enabled Obama to throw his hat in the ring to be the Democrat nominee to run for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Republican Peter Fitzgerald. At first, no one took Obama that seriously. He was considered no match for multimillionaire businessman Blair Hull and Illinois Comptroller Daniel Hynes.
Hull was beating Obama in double digits when, just three weeks before the primary, the Chicago Tribune broke a story that Hull’s wife had filled a restraining order against him in the runup to their divorce. Meanwhile, Obama was holding a press conference on domestic violence. Those in the know charge that the story was brought to the Tribune by former political writer, David Axelrod, who was, and still is, the mastermind behind Obama’s campaigns. Word is that the Tribune’s decision to release this juicy tidbit came down from “on high” and that the timing of that release and Obama’s media event were no coincidence.
Obama captured 52 percent of the primary vote to become the Democrat nominee. Still he faced a formidable opponent in Republican Jack Ryan, a multimillionaire who retired as a Goldman Sachs partner to teach at an inner city Catholic parochial school.
The Tribune sued to open the details of Ryan’s California divorce and child custody battle with his former wife Jeri. Both agreed to make their divorce papers public but wanted the child custody records sealed to protect their son. In late June, a Democrat judge in Los Angeles opted to release those records. Those five-year-old records revealed that Jeri had charged that Jack took her to sex clubs with the expectation they would have sex in public. The charge was unproven and the judge in the proceeding awarded additional custody rights to Jack, but the damage to his reputation forced him to resign late in the campaign.
Maryland resident Alan Keyes was brought in as a last-minute replacement for Ryan, but Keyes was viewed by the Illinois electorate as an interloper and self-destructed after a series of controversial remarks.
After Obama coasted to victory, he received a suspiciously good deal on the home he bought — around $300,000 less than the asking price – on the very same day that Tony Rezko’s wife bought the vacant lot next door for the full asking price. Shortly thereafter, Obama bought part of that vacant lot from the Rescos to expand his yard. Hummm!
Obama recently donated $86,000 from his campaign that was tied directly to Rezko to charity, which he can now afford to do, but it was early money from Resco that set up his political career. This doesn’t wear well with his squeaky-clean, above-the-political-fray image that he has carved out for himself.
Obama claims he knew nothing about Rezko’s alleged shady background or political deals but Rezko was well known in Chicago political circles so Obama has to be either the dumbest or most naive person on the planet. Either should disqualify him from any consideration for the highest office in our land.
I enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1975 specifically to leave Chicago and the whole area. As a “Navy brat” I’d never lived anywhere longer than two years before we moved to Chicago, and just living there for eight years was a real eye opener regarding the power of politics. I’ve lived in many other states and cities since then, and none equals Chicago for political skullduggery. Having lived in large cities, and also had the opportunity to live rural, I don’t understand what motivates anyone to stay in such a place as Chicago.
John McClain
13 Mar 08 at 10:12 am
Thank you Jane for doing your home work. Your article provides revelations about a man half the country is willing to vote for, in good “faith,” a faith based on too few facts concerning the man, his faith or his ability to lead America.
In a time when all America understands the need for change, unfortunately all we really know about Mr. Obama is that he refers to this mystical desire to “change” this country, but change it how? To vote for this man, without absolute knowledge of this man’s integrity, or the “how or what” types of changes he would implement is suicide for America, and reckless at the least! Get your wallets out.
As individuals, we can be measured by our friendships. Point in case, look to Orange County’s Sheriff, Mr. Corona - he affiliated with corruption and corrupt he became! Can we trust someone running for president - who has been supported by corruption? Faith - who will you put your faith in, and to what kind of America will you leave to your children and their children?
This is one of the most powerful positions in the world, President of the United States - do you want to “hope” this new political machinery is taking you to the promised land - or know the person you entrust with both your future and mine? Jane’s research into this man’s past gives us a glimpse into the future. Heed the warning.
Linda Ketcham
13 Mar 08 at 1:17 pm
Dear Jane:
Obama is more than lucky, he’s down right blessed, by someone. Barack Obama scares me to death, especially after hearing his Pastor of 20 years condemn America and the White race. Given what Michelle has said and what his Pastor has said, there can be little doubt Barack Obama hates this country and will intentionally try to bring America to its knees. Already he has caused divisions between the races and it will only get worse. If Hillary ends up getting the nomination, look for blacks to riot and burn down the cities in which they live. The same will happen if he loses to McCain because someone will say the GOP stole the election. I’m afraid a race war looms for our nation. A big civil race war in America where certain Islamic Countries would help blacks slaughter the White pigs. Be prepared.
Dr Moon
13 Mar 08 at 6:42 pm
My blood runs cold as I listen to Obama’s Pastor scream hate of America and whites.I go to a church that reflects my beliefs of God and the bible not hate. I do not understand this hate and believe Obama’s choice of church reflects his true feelings and beliefs, if not why would he tolerate those teachings and want his children to be influenced by such retoric. As a child is taught so he will go!!!Obama’s wife by her comments also reflects the view of their pastor
Jane we need to know what is behind all our politicans and most importantly anyone who would lead our country as we hover on the brink of change. Change for change sake is not the answer if we do not know what change will entail. People be wise seek the truth and know what you are voting for.
Thanks for your research keep up the good work.
Monica Brett-Serle
14 Mar 08 at 1:21 pm
How else can someone who has no experience get in…I knew something shady had to go on. Thank you for diggin’ up the facts on this one.
How many times does Obama get to claim ignorance before the American people realize he’s not suitable to run for office as President!
Jen
18 Mar 08 at 7:08 am
Jane,
The Obama Tidal Wave has engulfed the masses particularly the media, rich liberals, blacks, and young folks.
His speeches, delivered with the aid of a teleprompter and a great speech writer, have inspired millions and yet most of his followers have no idea what he stands for except platitudes of “Change” or that he says he will be a “Uniter.” The best predictor of someone’s future performance is their past performance. What has Obama united since he was a state senator or U.S. Senator? Nothing that anyone can think of. What executive or managerial experience has he had as a mayor, governor, business leader, or military leader? None that anyone can think of.
But we do have a record of what defines Barack Obama by stated positions, actual actions, and his votes in the U.S. Senate:
He voted against banning partial birth abortion.
He voted no on notifying parents of minors who get out-of-state abortions.
Supports affirmative action in Colleges and Government.
In 2001 he questioned harsh penalties for drug dealing.
Says he will deal with street level drug dealing as a minimum wage affair.
Admitted marijuana and cocaine use in high school and in college.
His religious convictions are very murky-he supports a minister who Damns America, accuses America of inventing the Aids virus to eliminate blacks, says America deserves the 9-11 disaster as punishment, and condemns “whites” in general. Is this the actions of a “uniter” or true teller?
He is willing to meet with Fidel Castro, Hugo Chavez, Kim Jung Il and Mahmoud Ahmadinejad as if his meeting them will make them love America instead of them seeing it as a sign of weakness. Has Obama ever had a diplomatic success in his life? Why would we expect him to have one in the future especially with such enemies of the United States?
Has said that one of his first goals after being elected would be to have a conference with all Muslim nations. What was Obama before he became a Christian?
Opposed the Patriot Act.
First bill he signed on to that was passed was campaign finance reform.
Voted No on prohibiting law suits against gun manufacturers.
Supports universal health-care.
Voted yes on providing habeas corpus for Guantanamo detainees.
Supports granting driver’s licenses to illegal immigrants.
Supports extending welfare to illegal immigrants.
Voted yes on comprehensive immigration reform giving illegal immigrants amnesty and excusing most of their unpaid taxes.
Voted yes on allowing illegal aliens to participate in Social Security.
Wants to make the minimum wage a “living wage”.
Voted with Democratic Party 96 percent of 251 votes.
Is a big believer in the separation of church and state except when black Churches support him.
Opposed to any efforts to Privatize Social Security and instead supports increasing the amount of tax paid.
He voted No on repealing the Alternative Minimum Tax
He voted No on repealing the “Death” Tax
He wants to raise the Capital Gains Tax.
Has repeatedly said the surge in Iraq has not succeeded.
He is ranked as the most liberal Senator in the Senate today and that takes some doing.
If you think America should become a socialist nation, Obama is your man. If not, Obama would be a disaster for America and electing him President would be the greatest blunder of our time.
From “A Senior Citizen” who has seen many disasters in his time and doesn’t want to see another one.
A Senior Citizen
20 Mar 08 at 3:17 pm
Once again we see the neo-con double standard at play. None of your implied allegations hold a candle to the money connection and abuse of power demonstrated by the likes of Delay, Abramoff, and Kenneth Lay, to name but a few. Meanwhile neo-cons gleefully attempt to establish an America run solely by a divine right president who is not even accountable to congress. True Republicans such as Lincoln and Teddy Roosevelt must be truly horrified by the present course of the Republican party. They firmly believed the government belongs and serves all Americans–not just those who can buy it. Teddy Roosevelt, for example, supported and eventually had the so called “Death Tax” passed as President, fearing that without such a tax, America would become merely an Aristocratic run society. As a New York State Senator, he fought diligently against corruptions, ESPECIALLY in his own party, adhering to the Christian notion of cleaning your own house and slate first before looking for the splinter in his neighbor’s eye. He advocated and support a minimum wage. And his sons fought gallantly in WWI whereas most neo-cons simply have other priorities. Nixon, by the way, supported universal health care, and Dwight Eisenhower implemented a national vaccination program for all American children.
Today’s Republican Party resembles little the proud party of my youth, my grandparents, and even my great-grandparents. It does, however, have much in common with King George and his aristocracy. And we all know what our founding fathers thought of him.
Bret Jenkins
11 Apr 08 at 6:39 pm
given the alternatives…
A continuation of the Bush presidency by a man who sold out most of his ethical beliefs just to become the nominee.
Or a lying, warmongering, pitbull who cares more about winning than governing.
I’ll roll the dice on this Obama guy.
Unless, of course, any of you think that Nader or Ron Paul has a snowballs chance in hell of winning.
Ryan
30 Apr 08 at 10:08 pm
I’m afrain i dont trust anyone whose arguments are based on information preceded by the words “word is”…
Lisa D
30 Apr 08 at 10:34 pm
So, Jane, are you actually suggesting that voters should have chosen the guy whose wife needed a restraining order, or the guy who dragged his wife to sex clubs, instead of the other candidate, just because the other candidate may or may not have been involved in exposing those actions? If Obama had taken his wife to sex clubs, or his wife filed a restraining order against him, would you care how the story broke? It wouldn’t matter how we, the public, found out — it would disqualify him, and it should. If the worst anyone can dig up on Obama is that he might have encouraged exposing two husbands who treated their wives poorly, then he can’t be that bad. Certainly not as bad as the alternative.
Phil
1 May 08 at 2:31 pm
I would also have to agree with “Lisa D” that your sources are extremely weak: “Those in the know…” “Word is…” “Rezko was well known…” “Obama claims not to have known…” I would expect you to have documentation or specific sources to prove your allegations. I don’t see any proof or substance to your statements.
Phil
1 May 08 at 2:40 pm
Jane,
Excellent summary of BHO. These sources are available just about everywhere online and it seems only BHO’s supporters haven’t read them - or choose not to.
Hillary’s handled BHO with kid gloves and may likely lose the nomination as a result. The Republicans won’t be so soft…
The emperor really has no clothes. More and more people need to point this out!
Lillian
24 May 08 at 12:07 pm