President-elect Barack Obama announced that he will resign from his Senate seat on Sunday, "In a state that represents the crossroads of a nation, I have met so many men and women who've taken different journeys, but hold common hopes for their children's future. It is these Illinois families and their stories that will stay with me as I leave the United States Senate and begin the hard task of fulfilling the simple hopes and common dreams of all Americans as our nation's next president." Wildly unpopular Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich (D) will appoint a replacement--Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. is apparently making a concerted push for the seat. On the future-West Wing side, Obama has been receiving calls from foreign leaders ever since winning the election; the NY Times also points out the Taliban's statement asking him to "put an end to all the policies being followed by his Opposition Party, the Republicans, and pull out U.S. troops from Afghanistan and Iraq.”





Obama may (and that's a big may) pull troops from Iraq (slowly), but he will NEVER pull troops from Afghanistan.
The US has been taunting Syria and Pakistan lately.
Expect this taunting to continue (along with Sudan).
On top of that there is also the mess in Eastern Europe and Russia.
Jeezus, this will never end, won't it?!
I would like to see an amendment to the constitution requiring a politician to resign their current office the MINUTE they start to run for a higher office.
How many people here get to take 2+ years off fully paid from their present job while they go for interviews every day of the week?
#1
I agree although I would have used 'bombing' instead of 'taunting'
Oh no! This is so sad. Since 2004, I've thought Obama would have a long, successful career in the Senate. What happened? Don't tell me... hookers and blow, right?
@4
Lulz. I may not be running for office, but I approve that message.
I would like to see an amendment to the constitution requiring a politician to resign their current office the MINUTE they start to run for a higher office.
Agreed.
Seems completely fair and a good demonstration of one's commitment.
The dereliction of duty implied by those running for office has always irritated me. As it should others.
Any word on when the primaries will begin for the 2012 presidential election?
It all started with stores putting out Christmas stuff prior to Thanksgiving.
why not just limit the time one can run for office
to say 2 months
and also limit the amount of money one can spend on a campaign - same as they do in Canada
Obama has been receiving calls from foreign leaders ever since winning the election
It'll be so nice to have a president again that foreign leaders respect and want to talk to.
I can't wait until cult leader Obama uses the military. It will be very thrilling!
Spiritof76, Although we normally don't see eye to eye I must admit at least with President Obama a dialogue might be opened that has been denied. Let's start talking to Cuba and the others in our hemisphere that have been put aside because of the ongoing stubborn ignorance of our "leaders" going back to the Kennedy era.
Hugo the military approach apparently does not work, unless of course you want to nuke all those that don't agree with us. Is that what you want to do?
John McCain must be jumping with joy to learn of Obama's resignation.
oh.
Clinton dropped bombs on Iraq.
Don't see why Obama wont't.