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Obama Drug Use Minimal: Old Friends

Candor about teenage 'bad decisions' may have been overstated

By Jane Yager, Newser Staff

Posted Feb 9, 2008 7:07 AM CST

(Newser) – In his memoir Barack Obama makes a rare admission—for a politician—of “some bad decisions” as a teenager, of indulging in drinking and drugs before political activism led him out of apathy. But friends remember an already-focused Obama: an eloquent, poised young intellectual, active against South African apartheid and moderate in his lifestyle. "He was not even close to being a party animal," a college friend tells the New York Times.

In a piece examining whether Obama might have overstated his coming-of-age challenges, college classmates say, "If someone passed him a joint, he would take a drag," but he never seemed to be grappling with drug problems. “As far as pot, booze or coke being a prevalent part of his life, I doubt it,” said a high school friend, who admits he pressured his classmate into drinking beer.

Democratic presidential hopeful, Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., makes remarks during a news conference following a tour of the McKinstry Company, Friday, Feb. 8, 2008, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer) (Associated Press)

Democratic presidential hopeful Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., speaks at a rally Friday, Feb. 8, 2008, at KeyArena in Seattle. Washington state voters will take part in political caucuses on Saturday. (AP... (Associated Press)

Democratic presidential hopeful, Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., greets the crowd as he begins a rally Friday, Feb. 8, 2008, at KeyArena in Seattle. Washington state voters will take part in political caucuses... (Associated Press)

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Obama Drug Use Minimal: Old Friends

Candor about teenage 'bad decisions' may have been overstated

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Obama's Dad Told Feds Baby Would Be Adopted Out

His father told immigrations officials he'd be given up at birth

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Island looms large among the forces that shaped him

Ethnic Media Proud of, Cautious About Candidate

A step for diversity, all agree, but will he show minorities the love?

Clintonites Deny Pushing Photo

Obama camp says 'fear-mongering' comes from rival

Anti-Obama Asians Accused of Racism

They vastly prefer Clinton, but bigotry charge sparks outrage

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Obama Drug Use Minimal: Old Friends

Candor about teenage 'bad decisions' may have been overstated

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Barack Obama • Hillary Clinton • drug use • Hawaii • Dreams From My Father • Occidental College • teenager

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Obama's Dad Told Feds Baby Would Be Adopted Out

His father told immigrations officials he'd be given up at birth

Obama Is a Son of Hawaii, but a Man of Chicago

Island looms large among the forces that shaped him

Ethnic Media Proud of, Cautious About Candidate

A step for diversity, all agree, but will he show minorities the love?

Clintonites Deny Pushing Photo

Obama camp says 'fear-mongering' comes from rival

Anti-Obama Asians Accused of Racism

They vastly prefer Clinton, but bigotry charge sparks outrage

About Us

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Newser By Users

Community

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More News

What is Newser?