Legal Commentary

Obama Has Visited All 57 States But One

By Jeralyn

Whoops, Obama in Oregon today:

It is wonderful to be back in Oregon," Obama said. "Over the last 15 months, we’ve traveled to every corner of the United States. I’ve now been in 57 states? I think 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."

The Times' conscientious Robin Abcarian thought she heard something different there. She checked her tape recorder. It had captured what he had actually said -- 57 states now.

He even paused before he said "57" as if he was thinking about the number. Obama explained afterwards:[More...]

At a later stop Obama was talking with reporters and expressed concern he'd also mis-stated the number of potential cyclone victims in Burma. He said, ""I hope I said 100,000 people the first time instead of 100 million. I understand I said there were 57 states today. It's a sign that my numeracy is getting a little, uh." At that point, an aide cut him off and ushered journalists out. Before he could mis-speak again?)

And who knew that's why he didn't go to Hawaii, the state he grew up in -- because his "staff would not justify it."?

57...The Times asks if it's a reference to John Kerry's Heinz 57. Maybe it's a reference to his supporter Bruce Springsteen's song, "57 channels and nothing on." I've been thinking that since Tuesday night.

All election topics welcome here.

Full post as published by TalkLeft on May 09, 2008 (boomark / email).