Candidate Obama's Promises on Iraq War, Gitmo, Habeas Corpus, FEMA Justice & the Constitution

On February 11, 2008, then U.S. Sen. Barack Obama (D-IL) made a campaign stop at College Park, MD. This was the day before the Democratic presidential primary in Maryland. At this event, Sen. Obama promised a cheering audience at the Comcast Center: “I will bring this [Iraq] war to a close. In 2009, I will bring our troops home. It is time for the Iraqis to stand up and stabilize their country. We cannot have a permanent occupation in Iraq...We are going to close Guantanamo and restore Habeas Corpus...No more FEMA Justice...We are going to have...a Justice Department that believes in Justice. And, you will elect a president who has taught the Constitution, and believes in the Constitution and will obey the Constitution of the United States of America.”

Read the background on the Feb. 11, 2008 rally.

For how President Obama has waffled, dodged and/or broken many of his campaign promises, see:

• Author/Activist David Swanson’s commentary, “Not What Obama Promised,”
• Obama and habeas corpus -- then and now
• Obama Reinstates Bush Kangaroo Courts!
• Obama Seeks PATRIOT Act Extensions.