Even presidential candidate Barack Obama has taken notice of the Grand Theft Auto IV mania that is sweeping the nation. At a recent campaign stop in Indiana, Obama said:
I was just catching the news this morning about Grand Theft Auto, this video game, which is gonna break all records and make goo-gobs of money for whoever designed it. Now, this isn’t intended for kids, although I promise you there are kids who are playing it, but these video games are raising our kids…
Across the board, middle-class, upper-class, working-class kids, they’re spending a huge amount of their time not on their studies, but on entertainment.
And so part of our job is going to have to be to inspire the entire country to say, ‘How are we giving our kids a thirst for knowledge?’ And turning off the TV set, and getting them to be engaged and interested, like their future really does matter on how well they do in school.”
We're not sure what goo-gobs are, but we're happy that Obama is continuing his sensible tact on videogames--note there's no condemnation of the game or games in general. Obama is right: GTA IV is for adults, although we don't feel gaming and a "thirst for knowledge" are mutually exclusive.
GamePolitics: Barack Obama Mentions GTA IV During Campaign Appearance



Comment(s)
Obama should stop talking to stupid people because I'm the one raising my kid and yes I let him play video games.
Stupid people will raise their kids however they want its the American way and Govt should stay out of peoples personal business.
I'm a gamer but I'm also an academic. One does not prevent me from doing the other. But gaming is just like any other distraction, its easy to get sucked in especially as games get more engrossing. I don't fault the man for saying kids need to make sure these kids strike a balance between gaming and learning.
/rant off. Keep up the good work G4.
I'm a gamer but I'm also an academic. One does not prevent me from doing the other. But gaming is just like any other distraction, its easy to get sucked in especially as games get more engrossing. I don't fault the man for saying kids need to make sure these kids strike a balance between gaming and learning.
/rant off. Keep up the good work G4.
Hilarious!!!
I bet if he had taken a stance from the beginning that he was against video games, the college crowd would not be for him as much.
Via video games.
Sounds like a unit of measurement for porno movies.
Ya right, I bet you if Mccain said this G4 and you wouldn't be protecting him and you would attack him.
Back in the golden age of the NES I once had it taken away by my parents for 6 friggin months because my grades slipped. I can tell you one thing... my grdes never dipped below a B average again!!
My point is that parents need to get off their arses and act like they care about their kids future. There are way to many lazy parents out there.
The term 'fool' doesn't lie.
Why did Obama even talk about GTA IV? What's the point?
the Term "fool" is for people like you...
I wasn't attacking Obama, I merely pointed out that it doesn't matter what ever your candidate says, people are going to agree with whatever they say and there are always going to be people who attack him no matter what.
If you switch Mccain with Obama's name, you would have people who love video games and still attack him. that's American Politics and thats what I majoring in, Political Science...
I did some resaerch, Mccain has never(or yet idk) to attack games, but one of his supportors (Lieberman) is agasint Games but does not support Mccain for this.
Oh its usually Far left(I mean Far Far Left) and the fantical Christian Fundamentals who are agasint Video games...
And they all hate Mccain.
when i was at gamespot in line waiting for my name to be called, i noticed a cop in the back of the store. I figured he was here to make sure no one broke out in a fight or something, but then a name is called and he walks up the counter, takes his copy of gta4 and walks off with a big smile on his face. and im like are you serious?! haha!!
@tedcwilliams- probably one of the funniest thigns I have heard lately
explain yourself, what makes Obama a racist? sounds to me like you are the racist piece of chit. Speaking as a white southern male, I think I know racism when I see, hear, or read it. You are the one with the problem, not Obama.
Sincerly
Schizo