I know this primary has mostly been about identity politics, but for those of us who are trying to base their vote in who is going to be more progressive, we need to latch on to every peice policy of policy promise we can. On that note, the Washington Times is reporting that Obama conformed that he supports the decriminalization of marijuana.
As Matt Stoller over at Open Left because has repeatedy noted, the war on drugs is one of the 5 untouchable symptoms.
Subject: End the War on Drugs
Factoid: There are 1 million people put in jail for doing what Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, and George Bush have done.
Marijuana is America's largest cash crop, and it is responsible for around 225,000 arrests a year ... Simply put, why do some people go to jail for marijuana and cocaine, and others run for President?
The Times unearthed a video of Obama speaking to students at an Illinois college during his 2004 senate campaign:
"In terms of legalizing drugs, I think the battle... the war on drugs has been a utter failure. I think we need to rethink and decriminalize our marijuana laws, But I'm not somebody who believes in legalization of marijuana."
(watch the second video at the Times for the full answer)
When Obama was contacted by the Times his campaign confirmed that he has "always" supported decriminalizing marijuana, though he did not specifically address cocaine.
For all the partisans out there, my vote in Oregon is not until May, so don't worry about my secret agendas. thanks.