We really don't know what security clearances she has. And as far as I know elected officials do not have to go through the usual security clearance process that federal employees get treated to. These elected officials just get clearance automatically by being elected (at least that is true for the president and congressmen, etc.) This is part of the reason why it falls on the electorate and the media to throroughly vet the candidates - which includes going through all their past associations and friendships, foriegn travel, drug use, etc.
Here's how I imagine a security clearance interview would go with Obama:
Interviewer: Have you ever been a member of or affiliated with any group which advocated the violent overthrow of the United States government?
Obama: Ummm, no. (nervous sweat appearing on forehead)
Interviewer: Ok. Now, please tell me about your relationship with William Ayers?
Obama: Well...uh....you know...um...he's just a guy who lives in my neighborhood.
Interviewer: Oh really?
Obama: Well, ok we were on a board together...
Interviewer: Anything else?
Obama: Um, no.
Interveiwer: Are you sure?
Obama: Ok, we were on several boards together. And I was president of the charitable fund he started.
Interviewer: Uh huh...
Obama: And well...well...no that's all.
Interviewer: What about...
Obama: Well, ok. We were in the same office building back in 1995...1996.
Interviewer: I thought you said he was just some guy in your neighborhood? How big is your neighborhood? That must have been a pretty large office building.
Obama: Well, no. Actually it was only 3 stories and we were both on the 3rd floor. Almost never saw the man though.
Interviewer: Almost never saw him, huh? And what is this about a party at Ayer's home where you launched your senate campaign.
Obama: That's not true.
Interviewer: Oh really?
Obama: No, absolutely not!
Interviewer: Are you sure?
Obama: Well, we did have a party there for my run for the Illinois state senate.
Interviewer: But you just said you didn't...
Obama: Well here's the thing: it wasn't technically the *first party* since I actually had coffee with three friends at Starbucks the week before where we discussed my run for the senate. Do you see where I'm coming from? We need to be careful here, distinguishing the first party to launch my senate run from the second one. I think this distinction is pretty critical, don't you?
Interviewer: Uh, yeah. Sure.
Obama: In any case, I just attended the party. It was really organized by Alice Palmer.
Interviewer: Oh, that's very interesting. You know, I just talked to Alice Palmer last week and he said that he had nothing to do with arranging the party.
Obama: Oh really? (Obama under his breath: "f**kin s*n of a b*tch Palmer...I wish I could screw his arse over again.")
Interviewer: Really.
Obama: Oh well...um...like I said I hardly know the man. He just some guy in my neighborhood.
Interviewer: I see...just some guy in your neighborhood. Well, I certainly do appreciate your time. Your answers were very informative indeed.
END OF INTERVIEW AND END OF OBAMA'S HOPE FOR CLEARANCE.
Of course, with a pliable media and good talking points, and plenty of advertising money, a candidate running for office can get away with a hell of a lot more than some poor, well-intentioned federal employee would ever dream of.
Edited by Connor MacLeod, 29 October 2008 - 04:50 AM.
