Obama’s FISA “Problem”

Progressives are, in the words of Margaret Kimberley (BAR), feeling that Obama has made “chumps” of all of them. Their latest spilt with Obama concerns his recent shift regarding the FISA bill.

Black Agenda Report: So Long Sucker

When Obama was courting the Left, during the "primary politics season," he was not only adamant that FISA should not be passed if it included retroactive immunity for the telecommunication companies, but threatened to lead a filibuster:

October 2007:

17^th - "It is time to restore oversight and accountability in the FISA program, and this proposal -- with an unprecedented grant of retroactive immunity -- is not the place to start."

24^th- (Campaign statement) "To be clear: Barack will support a filibuster of any bill that includes retroactive immunity for telecommunications companies."

December 2007:

24^th – (Campaign statement) "Senator Obama unequivocally opposes giving retroactive immunity to telecommunications companies and has cosponsored Senator Dodd's efforts to remove that provision from the FISA bill. Granting such immunity undermines the constitutional protections Americans trust the Congress to protect. Senator Obama supports a filibuster of this bill, and strongly urges others to do the same. It's not clear whether he can return for the vote, but under the Senate rules, the side trying to end a filibuster must produce 60 votes to cut off debate. Whether he is present for the vote for not, Senator Obama will not be among those voting to end the filibuster."

January 2008:

28^th – “I strongly oppose retroactive immunity in the FISA bill.

Ever since 9/11, this Administration has put forward a false choice between the liberties we cherish and the security we demand.

The FISA court works. The separation of power works. We can trace, track down and take out terrorists while ensuring that our actions are subject to vigorous oversight, and do not undermine the very laws and freedom that we are fighting to defend.

No one should get a free pass to violate the basic civil liberties of the American people -- not the President of the United States, and not the telecommunications companies that fell in line with his warrantless.” surveillance program. We have to make clear the lines that cannot be crossed.

That is why I am co-sponsoring Senator Dodd's amendment to remove the immunity provision. Secrecy must not trump accountability. We must show our citizens - and set an example to the world - that laws cannot be ignored when it is inconvenient.

But what a difference a few months, and the need to shift to the center, has made for Obama. The FISA bill that passed included retroactive immunity for the telecom companies, and what was Obama’s response:

June 2008:

"It is not all that I would want. But given the legitimate threats we face, providing effective intelligence collection tools with appropriate safeguards is too important to delay. So I support the compromise, but do so with a firm pledge that as President, I will carefully monitor the program, review the report by the Inspectors General, and work with the Congress to take any additional steps I deem necessary to protect the lives -- and the liberty -- of the American people."

And with that statement, and his “YES” vote (one of the few times he has actually voted as a US Senator), Obama continues to make more enemies on the Left. Does this latest Obama shift, or flip-flop, call his integrity and leadership ability into question again?