Obama used drugs and drank alcohol in high school

I think it's ridiculous to say that just because someone drank and smoked some pot in high school (like many do), that they are not worthy of becoming something in the future.  Why should anyone suffer for decisions they made when they were in their teens to start?  Secondly, it's not like this is something terrible that he did.  He did not rape someone.  If he had, I'd totally agree with you, that this should be detrimental to his candidacy.  Also, I think that anyone who says that they didn't smoke ever, or drink at all in high school, is just lying.  I'm sure Bill Clinton did, I'm positive Bush did (that not saying anything about Bush proves much)... the point is that Obama was simply being honest, and probably inspirational to those teens he was speaking with.  They can become anything, and maybe because of his speech, a couple of those kids will change their ways and pursue their dreams instead of wasting their time. 

I don't think it's a big deal anymore. Apparently he changed. I wouldn't vote for him if he was pure as the driven snow. He is inexperienced and totally unqualified to be president. Just like Hillary.

I have to disagree with your statement. I don't believe Obama admitting he used drugs and drank alcohol in high school has hurt his chances at being elected for the presidency. I think, if anything, he is the first candidate to actually be honest about his past. (Remember Bill Clinton, how he didn't "inhale"? Was that a joke or what?!?!)

I do think that instead of Obama only telling high school students that he did these things at their age, he should have used his past as an opportunity to inform students that his past behaviors could have very likely led to an addiction, rather than give them a subconscious message like "I did drugs and I'm now a candidate for the American presidency." He should have made it very clear that doing drugs was not the right thing to do.

This is a not a problem for him. He will not be hurt by his admission.

you rather have another bush in the white house again, (a lier)... no one is perfect he didn't say he is still doing drugs, he told the truth about his pass.... it's time we have someone who's honest.