Obama’s speech is TV ratings home run
By Jimmy Orr | 08.31.08
Mockery is the sincerest form of flattery. That’s not how the saying goes, but the Obama campaign can take it that way.
Although the stage in which the Democratic nominee gave his acceptance speech on Thursday was ridiculed as the “Temple of Obama,” for its elaborate columned look drawing comparisons to an ancient Greek temple, it provided the backdrop for a television ratings success.
It was an elaborate setting. Some called it garish. But in this football stadium which houses the most loyal fan base in the NFL (based simply on the number of consecutive sold-out games), Barack Obama hit a home run, or more appropriately threw a touchdown. Perhaps even scored a hat-trick. At least in terms of television ratings.
At least 40 million people watched Obama’s acceptance speech. Giving this number some context, it topped the most watched night of the Beijing Olympics (roughly 35 million) and this year’s Oscars (32 million).
Nielsen estimates 38.4 million people watched the speech and PBS (which was not part of Nielsen’s survey) estimates another 3.5 million viewers.
In the political game, it seemed to trounce convention speeches of the past, doubling the viewership of John Kerry’s speech in 2004 (20 million) and - although numbers are sketchy the further back you go - topping Bill Clinton’s 27 million watchers back in ‘92 and Al Gore’s 22 million in 2000.
How’d people take it? Of course it depends on who you ask. Gallup, in the business of asking every question, did exactly that. Democrats loved it. Republicans did not.
<< What the Alaska media is saying about Sarah Palin | Main“Democrats give Obama’s speech rave reviews, with 62% saying it was an excellent speech and another 21% describing it as good. A majority of independents rate Obama’s speech as either excellent (27%) or good (25%), but Republicans were less impressed (12% excellent and 25% good).”
Comments
2. Bob | 08.31.08
Obama’s speech was filled with grandiose promises but unrealistic expectations. I wish the media would ask the tough questions, i.e. how he expects to pay for this. Don’t forget, once there is health care for all provided by the federal government, more of the work force will be lost. Many people, particularly those between 62-65, stay in the work force for health benefits. Has anyone accounted for the loss in taxes once they quit work.
3. Dr. Dave | 08.31.08
“This is not about ME!…It’s about YOU!” proclaimed the Great Caesar Obama at the Mile High Parthenon. Hail Caesar Obama! Hail Caesar Obama! Hail Caesar Obama!
4. Charles Ogle | 08.31.08
You are full of it!
I hope you get the change that he is running his mouth over,Hitler wanted change,Japan wanted change, they got it!
5. Frank | 08.31.08
Here in the rural west we were not impressed with Mr. Obamas speech. It was a well delivered soul shaker, in the very best tradition of black oratory.
However, for the most part, it was just wind. We in the west and the rest of rural America are well aware of what the urbanite Obama thinks of us, bitter gun toting bumpkins that we are.
We have the ablity to deliver the big chair to Mr. McCain, we did it twice for Mr. Bush.
At this point we should all be kicked in the back porch and called stupid! Mr. McCain did not fire anyone’s rocket until he made the brilliant choice of Miss Sarah to run with.
After the betrayal of rural people by the Bush outfit, we are most pleased to see a real conservative, rural western woman chosen.
I have never voted for a woman, I look forward to it. Miss Sarah is a corruption hater. Splendid!
Turn her loose in New Mexico! Where corruption is so rife under “Cowboy Bill” that a mob boss would blush.
“Save a hundred elk, shoot a wolf”
6. Lee | 08.31.08
Thanks Matt & Bob. I have campaigned, donated, and canvassed for Obama, but your responses above have seriously altered my train of thought. I am now firmly with the McCain camp! Go Old Guy!
7. Ben | 08.31.08
The Obama speech was a moving summary of the ills that the Republicans and right-wing extremists have imposed on this nation over the last 40 years (I include the war criminals Nixon and Kissinger in the calculation). Senator Obama also offered a positive and optimistic approach toward addressing the many sicknesses of America.
Bob asks how to pay for health care and other programs? VERY SIMPLE, BOB, - STOP USA WARS! Do you have any idea how many TRILLIONS OF DOLLARS the USA had to BORROW to pay for massive destruction and wholesale murder that was imposed on Iraq, Afghanistan and other poor third world countries.
8. FoShiz | 08.31.08
Americans are gonna pay for healthcare instead of oil wars. Get with program it’s high time American dollars stay in america instead of foreign governments like Israel, China, and Saudi Arabia.
9. Michael | 08.31.08
I think based on the comments I read Obama did hit it out of the park. I think perhaps it’s time to stop bickering about who is right (Left .. Right.. Dems.. GOP ..) and really look at these two people that are left to lead are country. One has an insprining message… with PROVEN good judgement .. and the other is a 72 year old who picked a VP who has NO Experience at all on the national stage.. Sure you can argue she is a gov.. blah blah.. but Milwaukee has more people then the whole state of Alsaka. SHe is a glorified mayor… … my point is clearly the other cannidate does not have good judgement … He also says the Fundementals of the enconomy are strong .. I would say that too if I had 9 houses … McCain .. is out of touch .. and America is out of time …
10. ROGER LEHNERT | 08.31.08
Anyone who would brag about delivering the chair to Bush has got to be more than slightly off plumb.
One thing for sure if the Republicans had the numbers that Obama had from ratings, they sure as heck would not be saddened one bit.
Eat your hearts out!
11. Daniel | 08.31.08
Ohhhww, but you guys are gonna scare the poor Republicans! We needz to spend all our moneys to kill or OH NOZ! they are gonna get us!
Honestly, I have never seen such a bunch of chicken-sh*t cowards as the Republicans of today. Always afraid of something, and now they are afraid of change.
12. John M. | 08.31.08
I watched the speech, but it didn’t convince me. Senator Obamma spoke about his candidacy being for us but the number of times he said the word I in comparison to the total word count could possibly have broken a record. He is not for anyone except himself. I also gleaned from his speech that most of it was definitely prepared before he made the decision to choose Senator Biden.
13. will | 08.31.08
Bob — I completely disagree. Shedding participants from the workforce who are only in it for the health benefits will be a huge leap forward for employers in terms of the quality of the workforce. This is analogous to the military moving from the draft to an all-volunteer basis. The tax “loss” will be insignificant, because the positions vacated by the health care refugees will be filled promptly by people who want the work. What is more important for me is to properly plan for the capacity of the health care workforce, which as it stands could not suddenly absorb 50 million uninsured citizens seeking care. We need to stop debating the wisdom of health care for all and start planning on how to do it responsibly. The NASA Mercury-Gemini-Apollo program is a good model, gradually ramping up to the whole enchilada. I look forward to eviscerating the bloated, inefficient and disgraceful health insurance sector. This is our opportunity to kill once and for all the corrupt clinical procedural basis of calculating health care costs, which incentivizes health care businesses to churn out reimbursable activity rather than to care for patients.
14. Gwen Lebec | 08.31.08
It isn’t Democrats who overspend on programs - it’s Republicans.
Every Rep Prez since Eisenhower has “borrowed and spent” horrendously - bribing all sorts of corporate and evangelical groups for their votes and campaign support. It’s time we buried this old inaccurate bromide once and for all.
If you want fiscal responsibility, elect Democrats and pay your way as you go. As for the source of funding - Eisenhower warned about the financial and power hunger of the “military industrial complex” long ago.
But them on a $$ diet (we are short on soldiers - but not on weaponery) and we can easily pay for programs that will truly make America strong in the ways we need to be for the 21st Century while maintaining military might.
Green technology promises the economic benefits that the space race did - we just need the leadership to make it happen. Obama is that leader.
15. Boni | 08.31.08
This was a inspiration speech Obama gave. The nation can agree that spending millions of dollars in war will not rekindle the economy.
The renewable and leaving us in comfort zone will not get us anywhere as nation.
Thank you Democracy for revealing the doings of last 10 years.
16. Steve Friederang | 08.31.08
Party lines are far too distinct, of course. Democrats who abhor abortion think it’s fine for other to take lives in the womb. It’s hard for a Christian to vote Democrat over that issue alone. Both Kerry and Obama say they are against it and will vote for it. But, better than Kerry, Obama was against the war and voted against it and for supporting the men fighting it. So, perhaps we’re getting a little less hypocrisy.
Politics is a study in compromise. My political science professor, who was an aide to Reagan had us raise our hands if we thought we’d be able to vote our conscience ever time as a Senator.
Those who raised their hands were told we’d get nothing done and be out of office in a single term.
The President only gets to set the tone.In this sense the best speaker might well be the best choice. But here’s where I believe Obama should win in the modern world:
Imagine there was someone in your neighborhood that meant to do you harm. That entity had no real job and so had nothing but time to plot to steal from your home and even kill your children. You could hire a full-time guard or rely on the police, but my guess is you’d be a lot more secure if your neighbors and friends watched out for you. Not because they had to because they owed you something. Not because you’d hurt them because you are bigger and have more weapons.
When Obama went to Europe people actually liked him. You could see it in their eyes. World leaders might not fear him, but they looked as if they might work with him. There is a hope that they might share watching our back.
Obama does that well. And maybe that’s what we need. I hate the compromise of all the candidates. I really hate this about our system. And I think the Democrats take the abortion issue to their graves each election. And maybe better them than infants who can’t fight for themselves. Of course there are other issues that would seem compromised with a vote for a democrat.
But it would take quite a lot to match the self-centeredness of Bush and now McCain. You can’t force a child or a wife or another country to conform without loving them. When you succeed it’s temporary; when they can get you back or leave you they sprint.
We need a leader; not a warrior; not a bully. Maybe it’s not Obama. But it’s not a guy who leaves his wife for wealth and sex either. John Wooden taught his players not to be a character but to live lives of character. People on this forum seem concerned that Obama is a character instead of possessing it. Maybe that defines anyone who would get this close to being elected. If so, that’s a shame, of course. So it’s left to us to vote for the one who will strengthen us by building relationships as well as by keeping our military strong.
I think McCain is too selfish to be president — so,in spite of the compromise I’ll vote for Obama.
17. phil | 08.31.08
I don’t really care if he hit a home run. He’s still going to lose the ballgame. Go Sarah!
18. Joseph Kromholz | 08.31.08
Obama is the future. He offers intelligent leadership and good judgment. The Republican’s offer nothing but continued bad government, bad leadership, bad decisions, bad economy, bad diplomacy, etc. Honestly, can a Republican point to single good thing that the Republicans have done for this country?
19. Tim | 08.31.08
If you are right wing you will inevitably either say the speech had too little substance or too much.
There isn’t very much point in asking.
As far as the so called “Greek temple” goes all republican (small r) architecture is based on that worldwide.
You might as well accuse Bush of living in a Greek temple.
20. Jackie | 08.31.08
As far as I’m concerned, Barack Obama’s job is NOT to lower my taxes, raise my taxes, give my kids an education, mow my lawn, cut my hair, chop my wood, pay my bills, or eat breakfast at my kitchen table. His job.. HIS ONLY JOB.. is to inspire me to do things myself, with dignity and purpose, and make sure that I live in a peaceful country so that me and my local government can do all those things to the best of our ability. He does that every time he opens his mouth. For the first time in my life, I feel like watching someone talk about values and motivating me to help people, do service for my country, vote, help my neighbors, do better at my job, and just be a more INVOLVED and compassionate person. Some people are fine with the way a lot of our values are being divided and conquered. My generation is SICK OF THIS. WE HAVE BEEN THIRSTING FOR INSPIRATION FOR OUR WHOLE LIVES TO MAKE OUR COUNTRY BETTER. Make history with me in November. Get on board.
21. Frank Stovicek | 08.31.08
As someone who gave up religion a long time ago, Steve, you give me pause to think I could consider coming back.
I’m so heartened to see a religious argument based on spirituality and goodness and “do unto others…” rather than hate-mongering, “us vs. them” and “ends justify the means” as has been the regular theme out of the GOP leadership for over a decade.
22. Bob, Dallas TX | 08.31.08
Thank you Democrats for delivering a candidate so badly needed in these times. Obama proposed many things that will cost money, but the ammount needed PALES in comparison to the spending that has happened as a direct result of electing the last three Republican presidents.
The Republicans have so twisted our perspectives on what is important; somehow, most of us have believe that committing 2+ TRILLION dollars to an occupation of Iraq based on nothing but lies.
Bush and the republicans need to be help accountable for their transgressions against the world and every American!
23. Thank you Dubya | 08.31.08
Thanks to Bush/McCain’s disastrous waste of 10 Billion dollars a MONTH in Iraq, there is now a very simple answer to the shrill cries of “but but how will he pay for it?” If we’re going to spend money, let’s not flush it down the drain, let’s invest it in breaking our oil addiction, let’s invest it in our education system, let’s do something smart with it!
As Obama pointed out, you do not defeat a terrorist network that operates in 80 countries by occupying Iraq. It’s time for smart thinking, not knee jerk actions.
24. karen | 08.31.08
I’m so happy we’re finally going to have a President that isn’t afraid to go after those who attacked us, an won’t fabricate random wars.
25. AWM | 08.31.08
Is anyone else terrified at the prospect of being a 72-year-old heartbeat away from Sarah Palin as president? She’s a creationist, meaning she thinks that 10,000 years ago a naked man and woman were tempted by a talking snake to eat evil fruit, which brought sin into the world. While it’s a compelling story (my favorite book is “Paradise Lost”), she has shown a clear commitment to continuing the war on science. If you think that dinosaur bones are God’s way of testing whether or not we’re true Christians, you’re on the wrong side of history. She is also clearly not committed to women’s rights, which is a shame. McCain and Palin are as small as their ideas, which is why I’m voting for Obama.
26. infidel57 | 08.31.08
You don’t have to be 100 percent for Obama to vote for him. You just have to be against the lies, corruption and incompetence of the last eight years.
If you are not outraged by Bush/Cheney, then you haven’t been paying attention. We need a clean break with the past so that we can reclaim a respected position in the world. McCain isn’t it. His support for the Iraq war cannot helped by linked to the lies we were told to support the invasion.
Bush/Cheney has brought our great nation to its knees. Does this party deserve four more years?
Absolutely not.
27. Johnny Libertarian | 08.31.08
We are 10 trillion in debt. I’m ******. If you can’t trust Bush with a credit card, who says you can trust Mccain. The war is costing us more than all of obamas agenda items combined. If you are for small government, you are for Obama.
28. John | 08.31.08
This USA will not elect a senior citizen with dimentia and a sexy secretary soccer mom to lead the country. If they do, they will deserve the same outcome they got when they voted for Bush/Cheney: 8 years of war, financial destruction and ruin. We are no longer a powerful pressence in the world.
We can only go up with Obama/Biden. Vote for Obama and save your country.
29. ALFRED | 08.31.08
It is very amazing how many of you people look for an unsubstantiated way to discredit Obama.
The current administration is destroying this country. We need a change. Obama loves this country, and is going to try to do his best to direct us in the right direction. All of his ideas may not be dead ringers, but what person is perfect?
The next president has a big mess to clean up. Why don’t you try to help instead of criticizing every idea?
30. Jose | 08.31.08
Mccain is truly out of touch with the majority of America which are middle class working people. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to know that. The majority of Americans do not own 7 homes. Mccain certainly does not represent me. Obama comes from a similar background that many of us share. It’s that simple. Forgive Democrats and myself for actually wanting a COMPETENT and INTELLIGENT president that we can respect including the rest of the world. I DO NOT WANT a third term Bush. Some of our worst presidents are the ones who supposedly had the most “experience” and some of our best presidents have had “less experience.” Lots of time in Washington does not equal a good president. Wake up Republicans. Actually think for yourselves for a change. Uh oh; I said change. Watch out Republicans.
31. Bill Grant | 08.31.08
My father, an emigrant, always praised the Republicans because of their fiscal responsibility. I am 83 today and still in shock over the past 8 years and the mess Bush/Cheney have made of our government. When history of this period is written we will see all the immoral and illegal things they did to us and our environment.
32. cheryl | 08.31.08
I’m a female and a feminist, but in no way do those characteristics lead me away from Senator Obama and into the calculated partnership of McCain and “Miss Sarah.” Give me a break. Granted, she is intelligent and well spoken. So is my local hometown mayor. But that doesn’t mean that I think that in 2 years as my mayor she has been made ready to go head-to-head with the Iranians, or respond to a crisis the size of Gustav now bearing down on the Gulf Coast. Would I gamble with her taking over the helm in the very likely possibility that Senator McCain might not complete 4 or 8 years? I don’t think so! I would much more appreciate Joe Biden being our “fall back” guy. Neither do I plan on selling out my political ideology to a female who would hand over my right to make my own healthcare decisions for my future and the future of my family. Why would I? Because she is a woman? And because women of power and experience have been overlooked for too long? Would I sell out the opportunity to take arms of mass destruction like semi automatics off the streets because the candidate has anatomy similar to mine? McCain should be ashamed to have underestimated the mind and power of the women of this country, by choosing a woman who clearly exposes his own faulty judgment. I continue to support Barack Obama and Joe Biden.
33. Cartman | 08.31.08
Obama did not vote on a Federal level against the war in Iraq. He couldn’t have as he was an IL state senator when it started. People claiming he voted against it are simply not telling the truth.
And another claim given to Obama is that he has such fine judgement. Was associating with the hate-filled Reverend Wright for 20 years an indicator of this judgement? Is his long-time friendship with convicted felon Tony Rezko an indicator of this fine judgement either? I could go on and on but my point is simple.. Obama’s judgement is extremely poor based on his actions.
And as to his speech, it sounded nice. He tried to be inspirational but seemed to be offering everything to everybody but that’s to be expected. He offered tax cuts to 95% of middle income Americans which simply made me wonder if I was part of the “lucky 5%” of middle income earners that will pay. Are you so sure you won’t be one of the “lucky” ones either?
34. Katharine | 08.31.08
Obama is the greatest hope we have for taking back an American dream ,that is not the selfish ‘I’ll get mine, don’t give a damn about yours’ dream of the Republicans, but a passionate and compassionate reach for the common good. As a democrat woman, I am not the least swayed by the Sarah Palin ploy. McCain is a bully who has proven that he acts on immediate gut feelings rather than any form of reasoning or judgment, and too often his immediate reaction is rash, warlike and wrong.
I also find it silly that such obvious plants as Lee, no 6, would think any of us believe for a minute that he ‘campaigned, canvassed, and donated to’ Obama. I have seen so many of these obvious ***** on these blogs- they all play the same ploy- say you used to be for Clinton or for Obama, and that you have now been ’swayed’ by McCain. Get a life, or are you getting paid?
35. kirsten | 08.31.08
I just want to point something out to the people who have said they want to keep American money in the US. Perhaps you should read up on globalization. We are all interconnected and isolationism never helped anyone. So, before you speak out about ignoring foreign policy and trade, perhaps you should open your eyes and ears. Toto, we’re not in the Cold War anymore. Wake up and smell the coffee (which, by the way, is imported).
For those of you actually interested in broadening your horizons, check out The Lexus and the Olive Tree by Thomas L. Friedman. It explains globalization in a way that everyone can understand.
36. Paula O. | 08.31.08
As a Christian, never divorced mother of 4, grandmother of 4, great-grandmother of 3, I can tell you of the hardship my children go through just to provide care for their children. All struggle with mortgages higher than their home value. My youngest had cancer and now cannot get health care coverage.
When Obama said during this speech that we should not discriminate against pre-existing conditions, he got my vote. Not because he will make it happen, but because he simply said it. That was the first time I’ve EVER heard a politician mention this plight. Our plight.
It wasn’t simply this issue however, it was EVERY issue. I agreed with EVERY position he described.
Though I do not believe abortion should be so easily accessible, I think the death of a soldier is of equal importance. And if we had more options for soon-to-be mothers, we might reduce considerably rash decisions.
Obama’s speech and use of scripture gave me strength to hope.
“Hold firmly, without wavering, to the hope that we confess.”
Amen.
37. Sarah | 08.31.08
Simply inspiring. Anyone who thinks otherwise is just not paying attention.
Matt and Bob who attacked this speech haven’t considered that the last time we paid down the deficit was under a democrat, not a republican. Change is the buzz word because we want change from the embaressing Bush administration which will in no doubt go down as the worst president in history. We need a president who will invest in changing our nation’s energy policy so that we can again be a nation of innovation where we will again address our nations economic woes, think FDR’s investment in our infrastructure. Its very clear that as far as our economy goes, there is one party that has helped the economy and one who has spent more and more on wars that have only created more terrorists.
Also any woman who thinks of switching from a Hilary Clinton supporter to a Sarah Palin just has no idea about politics or policy. There could be no greater difference in policy and ideas than between Clinton and Palin.
We need change from the Bush administration who has ruined this country in all areas we Americans hold dear: equal economic and educational opportunity for all, international respect, a strong ecomomy and a fair and just society.
Think about this…
There are always two parties; the establishment and the movement.
Democrats are clearly the movement this country needs!
38. vsp | 08.31.08
Jackie (20), you took the words right out of my mouth! Even though I’m not American I’ve been closely following this presidential election, and one of the reasons for that is because OBAMA inspires me. Because he makes me believe in the things I can do for myself and for others. I see America and Americans as go-getters, and not whiners who expect everything to be served to them on a platter.
So America. Be inspired! Get on board!
39. G Carlson | 08.31.08
Mr. Lykken,
Your point on capital gains and dividend taxes is unquestionably necessary. But within your statement you note the top 1% have tripled income in less than 20 years. And now you propose to eliminate the corporate tax? Who do you propose owns and oversees these corporations? Are you proposing the tripling of income of the top 1% is not a large enough gain? Perhaps initiating an escalating tariff on American-company imports would have the same effect you propose, while languishing the top 1 percent’s incomes to a modest amount…
40. Andy | 08.31.08
The trolls around here are saying Obama made unrealistic promises. Not like McCain! His ‘drill here, drill now!’ agenda is clearly a gimmick that panders to oil companies while pretending to deliver a price break at the pump. McCain also claims to support alternative energy in his commercials, but has voted against tax incentives for alternative energy that are due to expire soon. Meanwhile, he is the darling of the oil and gas industries, whose executives cheered his decision to flipflop on offshore drilling earlier this year (and then proceeded to fill his coffers with their $2,300 checks).
Are Obama’s ideas universally realistic? Not really. But to pretend that McCain’s ideas are all realistic and Obama’s are all fantasy is silly.
41. Ryan in TX | 08.31.08
This article smacks of bias. I should be able to read news without knowing how the writer is trying to get me to vote. “Mockery, ridiculed, garish, hat-trick, ’seemed’ to trounce… but only in terms of ratings…?”
Why concentrate on the backdrop of one of the most historic speeches in history? It was a positive event regardless of where you stand politically. I’m ashamed of my fellow Americans who try to reduce it to stage design. It was a pretty standard presidential-looking stage; it wasn’t a reproduction of the Garden of Eden or the Eiffel Tower!
Try listening to the speech next time…
42. James in NYC | 08.31.08
Obama, Hillary, and President Clinton all hit it out of the ball park! Barack Obama is smart, elequent, and will make a super charismatic president. His rival McCain is a little past his prime both in age and in his ideas. President Obama will make us respected again in the world and so maybe the next time we have a war everybody will want to pitch in instead of letting our troops do all of the work alone!
It won’t even be close,
Obama/Biden in 08!
43. Chris | 08.31.08
Obama has answered again and again how he would pay for health care, save our social security and provide a better education for our children. The answer is simple, roll back tax cuts given to the top 5%, raise the social security cap to $250,000, get out of Iraq saving an estimated $10 billion a month, close corporate loopholes, give small businesses tax breaks allowing them to create new jobs here in America and invest in America creating 5 million jobs here, not abroad. Those 5 million jobs will pay taxes, those new corporations will pay taxes, those 5 million new jobs will spend in the economy, thus creating more jobs and supplying our economy more money. Further, he will go through our national budget line-by-line, eliminating unnecessary spending from our bloated government.
The solution is simple, it’s sad we don’t see that. Simply invest in America and watch us once again become the envy of the world. We will always lead better by example than force. Our culture, our economy and our education system used to be the envy of the entire world. Not so much anymore, they hate us abroad. Over seas, the standard of living has been increased greatly, the education system has surpassed ours in many ways, many citizens of other countries are guaranteed health care, London has surpassed New York as the financial center of the world.
Now is the time, to regain our great country. Now is the time, to once again become the envy of the world. Now is the time, to invest in America. Now is the the time, to end the decline of the American empire. Now is the time, to stand up and end corruption in our government. Now is the time, to reclaim our civil liberties. It’s up to us and YES WE CAN!!
44. bj mac | 08.31.08
The right wingnut spin posters at the beginning and throughout the comment section are so out of touch with what is going on …it is incredible..
Either there are paid to spin this right wingnut stuff or rush isn’t on and they have a break
by any meaasure, the speech was incredible…even buchanen had to bow his head..
and do you know of any other politician besides bill C and obama who could write..yes, he did write it, and give out that speech in front of 85 thousand people?…not one
what a convention…well thought out and well done…now if they can only fix the mess the past idiots have gotten us into.
45. Gus | 08.31.08
To Matt Lykken
“Obama’s plan would give each family making less than $250,000 up to $1,000 in tax back, and would raise the tax on the billionaire up to 20%. Would that transform your life?”
You seem to have put a fair amount of thought into this, but don’t you think that statement is dramatically oversimplified?
Each day that we have deficit spending, the debt charged to each American goes up. Regardless of income.
The results of deficit spending are- Higher interest rates, less access to credit, delayed tax increases, weaker dollar, inflation and decreased investment in the United States.
Now if you make $40 million (your number not mine), how likely are you to care about higher rates of interest? You dont need to borrow. Weaker dollar (your financial adviser probably moved your money to the Euro two years ago (this works out great). Decreased investment in the US? Fine with you, more competition for your foriegn investments.
You are right, $1,000 isn’t going to change my life. But, I live, work and invest inside of the United States. Access to credit, low inflation, job creation are all a result of decreasing the total debt.
You think Obama needs more details about his economic and tax plan? Read what the economists from the ultra-conservative National Journal has to say about McCains plan. (i love the quote- “how to make rat pie. Step 1- Find a rat. Step 2 make a pie.) No details, balloning deficits, continued inflation.
http://www.nationaljournal.com/njmagazine/wn_20080830_3947.php
46. Sunny of Atlanta, GA | 08.31.08
America does not need to have separate groups called Democrats and Republicans. America needs to vote on the candidate and their policies on major issues. The candidate could have policies which can be a mixture of so-called “democratic” and “republican” ideas - maybe the best ideas from both.
They do not necessarily have to give up their ideas to follow the party line. We should vote for the Candidate, NOT the party.
As one writer said, can any Republican tell me what the current administration has achieved for this country?
47. Dean | 08.31.08
I find it amusing how the republicans rant about the “greek temple design” that was the backdrop for Obama’s speech.
This was the 45th anniversary of MLK’s speech given from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. And DNC used that theme as the backdrop.
But as usual, anything that requires thought goes right over the heads of the Dubyas.
48. Chuck Glisson | 08.31.08
I think the line that ****** the “Republicans” the most was “OWN YOUR MYSTAKES”. I was elated when I heard “President”(to be) Obama say that!
I am SO bewildered at how not only do the “republicans” don’t own up to their MANY blunders, but “Somehow” TRY to spin the blame on their rivals. It’s very shameful that “Republicans” have become so childish and irresponsible, and we can not afford 70+ year old temper tantrum trowing “Baby” in The Whitehouse, and due to his age, a vice president could very well “assume the position”, and I’m susposed to feel good about Sarah Palin? Quick, someone give Sarah a lesson in political geography, and WE ALL KNOW John McCain would be useless as Sarah’s mentor on that subject!
49. James | 08.31.08
I love how people on here are comparing Obama to fascist dictators. Wait, weren’t you guys calling him a commie liberal? Two different things people. But I guess it makes sense. Only the people who bow down at the altar of Rush Limbaugh and believe every word he says, don’t understand the difference.
50. Overgaard | 08.31.08
Fellow Americans, try to do the right thing this time please! All around the world it is very obvious who is qualified and who should be the leader of the greatest power and our greatest alley. I mean not who ’s better for us Europeans but also for his own country. Everybody in Europe is watching with the greatest interest this race and see that Obama can do what McCain simply by being a republican after Bush administration, or from the fact he is a 72year old cannot. We can’t be ALL crazy!
And now with his choice for VP? Come on!!
And as for many of the republicans writing those bitter comments for Obama after having voted the “experienced” Bush and the Mr. good heart- caring for the people- Cheney, why don’t you just say what is the real problem with sen. Obama from the beginning. Everybody just seems to look for the opportunity to find a problem with him, while McCain says (and does) one BS after another.
But of course its your choice, not ours.
51. Mustard | 08.31.08
Obama’s policies will do far more to HELP SMALL TOWN AMERICANS.
Sure, Mccain and Bush may look like smalltown americans, but they’re just sock puppets put up by the republican party brains, to get votes from smalltown americans who think personality traits are more important than economics and social serivices.
When small town americans vote republican, they are voting against they’re own economic and financial interest. Conservative culture is apparently more important to smalltown americans than destroying their own poverty.
Only in America do you get such a strong instance of that political scenario.
The white working class of America are being exploited by the Fat Cats as the Fat Cats realize they can get away with treating them like SH!T if they put up a candidate who looks like your average smalltown america.
American Politics is sick. Obama will change this, and give power to the people.
————
52. Chris | 08.31.08
I thought I might also add, Obama is the first politician that has actually inspired me. A man who passed on a guaranteed life of high salaries after graduating from Harvard Law to dedicate himself to serving the people is very inspiring. I have read his books and have since volunteered in my local community. The level of inspiration he instills in some Americans in unbelievable. Maybe, he won’t be able to accomplish everything he sets out to, but I’ll tell you from personal experience he does inspire average Americans to do better and want better for their communities. The real change Obama will bring is the fact average Americans can see that anything is possible. If a man like Obama can do it, why can’t we all?
53. Nash | 08.31.08
What’s wrong with us? Here is a man, Obama, who wants to lead and help people from all walks of life but is meted with resistance. President Bush and GOP have squandered every opportunity to lead us in any every facet of this Great nation.
McCain has proven to be untrustworthy - look at some his own life decisions: Left his ailing first wife and children for a rich and younger Cindy. McCain is known for his temper which has been attested by his own GOP senate colleagues. Enough with this! Look at all of these poor and bad decisions by this administration spearheaded by greedy and disrespectful VP Dick Cheney. Eschew your arrogance, political affiliations and hidden motives to help elect this intelligent man, Barack Obama.
McCain would be a disaster for our economy, national security, healthcare systems, international relations, education and infrastructures. Expel these extremists and warmongers. Enough!!!
54. Gina | 08.31.08
As a married, independent voter mother, I’m insulted that Mr McCain thinks that just because he picks a woman all women will vote for him. Are we that stupid in Mr McCain’s mind?
I wasn’t crazy about Obama, but hearing him talk about unity, a better world, healthcare and education for everyone I’m thinking of voting for him.
It’s so obvious that McCain picked Sarah because of the famous 18 million Hillary votes; Palins not only knows it, but talks openly about it. Am I the only one who thinks this is so wrong?
Mr McCain didn’t look for someone to consul him in a case of international crisis, or one that could run the nation in case something happens to him, he looked for someone to bring in those 18 million. I read they meet just now, they don’t even know each other.
What really bothers me is that he picked her only for political reasons, the people or the nation had nothing to do with his decision. I see your first executive decision as reckless and sad.
Mr McCain, I’m sorry, but I can’t vote for you now
55. daytoncapri | 08.31.08
Steve - thank you. America at its best is when we abandon polemics and sincerely respect and honor each other. You have done that in your post.
56. Al | 08.31.08
The thing that has gotten me upset the most is the talking point Republicans have put out there saying that McCain’s VP pick has as much experience, if not more, than Obama.
Sarah Palin has been a Governor in less time than Barrack has been in the Senate, and during that time, he’s been seriously vetted. We’ve seen him on TV for a year and a half, and frankly, his skeletons are out there.
I agree with the poster who noted the willingness of foreign leaders to not only meet but speak with Obama…and wow, what a coincidence that within a month of the meeting with the PM of Iraq, the Bush White House agreed to a timetable.
If your allies like you, they will work with you. If they work with you, you can pull off a multi-national attack on a country if necessary, and you share the cost and burdens. Obama has shown his judgment in an important way…a powerful voice in his White House is someone who has the experience to go overseas, meet with leaders…he already has relationships with them. Obama’s VP can negotiate while Obama can stay behind and govern. This also gives us a peak at what he will do when appointing his cabinet.
I would look over that last statement again…he’s already gotten Hagle to agree with him on a lot of things, and I feel he wouldn’t necessarily look at the (d) by their name when appointing positions, rather he would look at their qualifications.
McCain did a “go for his gut” pick for VP, basically putting her out there for show and stating when it is time for deicisions to be made, he is going alone. What other president does that sound like? How well has that worked for us?
In the end, we can be divided by our social wedge issues, but the fact is the President doesn’t have a huge amount of control over them, the states do. I would rather have a President that allows states the freedom to choose which way they are going to go, rather than one who with a dictator’s hand say this is how it’ll be. Obama wants solutions…admitting to wanting to find common ground, something a democrat just hasn’t done in the past 8 years. That convention speech did exactly what he needed to…and he will have two months of campaigning and two debates to go into more specifics with voters.
57. sandra | 08.31.08
I hope that Obama does raise taxes. Everyone votes for the president that lowers taxes and then people are shocked social services suffer.
I would rather pay higher taxes if I knew that money was going into health care, and education.
At least if you keep the next generations in school, you keep them off the streets and out of your homes. I really hope his reforms go through.
The only thing that bugged me about Obama’s speech is that he said he would achieve all these improvements in social services and lowers taxes, which I find impossible.
I am really happy that Bush is lowering taxes, because very little of that money is going back to the people of America, and instead being used to bomb, and bully the middle east.
If Obama wins, I will gladly pay higher taxes, because I will also know that the rich are being taxed fairly like the rest of us. Screw Mc Cain and his stupid 7 houses, and his ridiculous idea that rich people make over 5 million.
58. John33 | 08.31.08
Mr. Obama gave a great speech that was concrete on why picking the “stay the course” McCain would be disastrous for our country.
He delivered what American voters were waiting to hear.
59. AM | 08.31.08
Don’t know what speech you guys were watching but it strikes me as a megalomaniac trying to get everyone else to think he is as great as he thinks he is.
JM has not impressed me at all but BO scares the **** out of me. The fact that so many people seem to be enamored of him is even scarier. I think he must be related to Hitler.
60. Tom | 08.31.08
His speech was ok, but he didn’t say anything and I am growing tired of it. I’ve heard all the fluff and promises from him before, I wanted some substance this time. For two years I’ve been watching this guy, hoping maybe, this is a common-sense Democrat who can bring courtesy back and unite the nation. But it has been the same old politics as usual. He’s attacked McCain with the taken out of context sound bites and turned down weekly town hall meetings. Didn’t Obama say in debating Clinton that we should avoid the distractions and focus on the issues? I was hoping for far more than Obama has delivered.
61. AM | 08.31.08
Gina he didn’t pick SP to impress you. He picked her because she is a good person and probably more qualified than any of the other 3 in the race to be president. At least she has executive experience. BO is just a nothing in a suit and the other two, JM and JB, are just career politicians. I would vote for her over any of the other 3 for president so she is great pick for the VP spot.
62. Mike Hunt | 08.31.08
It’s amazing that after what the Bush/Cheney White House did to America, there are still diehards who want even more.
How many more enemas do you Republicans and PUMAs want?!
A Vote For McCain is a vote for Russia, China, India and every other country seeking to replace America as No.1.
63. Mr. Class | 08.31.08
I believe in pro-life but I will be voting for Obama because I believe that what he said in his speech that all of us can agree that we need to reduce the number of unwanted pregnancies is better than those who claim to be pro-life in belief, but have not reached across the aisles to actually do anything about it.
President Bush says he is pro life, but he has not done much to reduce the number of abortions and there have been more abortions under his watch than ever. So I will take my chances with Obama who seems to be a real family man in his own life and has the intelligence and conviction to work across the aisles to actually promote programs to reduce abortions, rather than just saying “I am pro-life” but then sending troops to war in Iraq when they had nothing to do with 9/11.
I do like Mrs. Palin, but unfortunately for her, she is at the bottom of the ticket and though I can appreciate some of McCain’s maverick ways [before he started running for President], he has never shown any real conservative convictions as he would not support a federal marriage amendment sponsored by fellow republicans which would have defined marriage as being between a man and a woman.
So I will not reward the current GOP with another term since they have borrowed and spent more money than any other administration in history and has increased the size of govt. Sometimes you have to loose and be chastened to regain moral standing.
64. Pax | 08.31.08
Sheeeesh, “Hitler”?? come on Republicans. The American people have been held captive by a callous and ruthless regime known as the Bush Administration. For almost 8 years we have been POW’s in our own Country. McCain is Bush. Obama is our candidate to deliver us from Bush. McCain has pledged to follow all of the Bush doctrines. To vote for McCain would be like chickens voting for Col. Sanders. God Bless America!
65. Mike Hunt | 08.31.08
Clearly some of you were not listening to Obama (or have bothered to visit his website). He has been very clear about how he will pay for these programs: 1) increase taxes on the wealthy; 2) lower taxes for the rest of us 3) stop wasting billions every month on a war against people who had nothing to do with 9/11.
If you can’t understand that, then you deserve to keep bending over for Bush/Cheney/McCain!
66. Barbara McB | 08.31.08
Darn it, I missed some of Obama’s big speech. I really wanted to see the part where he silences the crowd and then has everyone bow down to mecca. How did that go?
67. Buckeye Joe | 08.31.08
I am looking forward to the peace dividend by getting out of a war we should never have been part of– we can use that money here. McCain seems to be desperately looking for another or a new enemy to go to war with, be it Russia, Iran or North Korea. Having a “war happy commander-in-chief” with a nasty temper is not really a great idea
68. Henry Landis | 08.31.08
It’s hard to get a dyed-in-the-wool Republican to impartially judge the ideas of anyone who doesn’t just echo the party line. That’s why the Independent ranks have grown so quickly with fed-up GOP’ers. The latest cynical and sophomoric fiasco…choosing Palin is an insult to every woman in America, and threatens the security of our nation. Can you imagine General Petraeus awaiting the go-ahead from her in a D-Day situation ? What can she offer him….a recipe for moose-pot pie ?
69. Common Man | 08.31.08
Hey Barbara McBush…I missed it too, I was watching McCain’s 18th appearance on the Tonight Show then I watched the movie he was in, what was it “Wedding Crashers”? later on I gonna watch the re-run of when he hosted Saturday Night Live. That McCain is sure a celebrity….and an elitist— which house do I send the thank you note for picking Gov PALESin comparison?
70. Tom | 08.31.08
I have been listening to Obama. He is inspiring. I want to believe! Just show me a sign, any evidence that the man has accomplished anything notable in government. And I don’t count inspiring people for the purpose of getting elected an accomplishment. If I want inspiration I’ll listen to Joel Olsteen. I want my elected officials to actually get stuff done. Show me a record of success! Is that so much to ask of a Presidential candidate?
And please stop it with the McSame nonsense. Obama’s not a muslim. McCain is not GWB. Please be serious, this is our country.
71. Barbara McB | 08.31.08
To Common Man
You should send the thank you note to the White House, of course. That’s where you’ll find President McCain next January.
It’s so kind of you!
73. Scott | 08.31.08
I think for the most part, all of you are full of you know what. It was a good speech. He did what he had to. As for the people calling him Ceasar, communists, and fascists, (which someone wisely pointed out are 2 polar opposite ideoligies),get a real life, do some much needed studying of current events and more importantly of history.
Im absolutely sick of this constant web bickering I see everytime I read a story online. People on both sides, read up, go out and volunter, for whom ever you support. Stop spending hours e-fighting with people you never met or will meet.
From my point of view heres how it stands…
Obama isnt messiah,nor has he ever claimed it. His supporters are truly inspired by him, they are the ones who swoon over him. He has never walked around as if he was destined to be president.
Only blind idealouges think Obama will magically turn this country around. Most intellegent people realize he is just a sound choice to progress this country away from the sickening path that politics have taken in this country.
If he inspires people to get involved, how is that a bad thing. McCain was a respectable candidate in 2000, but its bluntly obvious he has changed his stances on everything from taxes to energy policy in the past 6 years, soley to become more compatible with party, either to become president, or to at least appease the party so he could continue to have his re-election campaigns funded.
McCains pick of Palin was pandering plain and simple. It is obviously an attempt to garner support from the so called angry Hillary supporters and the far right wing of the party. This is a women with no real experience, and she’s gonna be one incident away from the oval office? Sad really that they think this is right choice. I do hope most people will see through this facade.
It is surely time we let the other party in office,someone with a different idea of how to get things done. Someone who inspires us to pay attention to whats truly going on in our government and become involved so we can actually be a government of the people and by the people.
Even if hes only a one term pres, which I hope hes not, he will have made a lasting change to the way we look at the country.
74. world traveler | 08.31.08
Sarah Palin has beat every old boy network she has run against and she has accomplished more in Alaska in two years than her predecessor did in four. She oversees a huge budget, lead the State in finally starting a gas pipeline, cares about common people, and stands up to the oil companies. She is strong and smart and real. Politicians don’t like her in Alaska because she beat them all and the regular people vote for her because she get things done. Alaska is passing energy reform when the USA congress didn’t pass any and Joe Biden and Barack Obama were part of that congress. So who is ready to lead and who is not?
75. Kofi | 08.31.08
Tom: “Just show me a sign, any evidence that the man has accomplished anything notable in government”
If you sincerely can claim you cannot find any “government record of accomplishment” about Obama in the public domain (but will claim one for McCain), then bro, you are disingenuous… period! They are both Senators with same job descriptions.
76. Dave | 08.31.08
Tom - What fluff? Has McCain said any thing that would be considered a more detailed plan? Obama is a Polititian just like McCain. Both him and McCain have to work with both houses and comprise on issues to get things approved. If he were more detailed, someone like yourself would quote him later as not doing what he said he promised. A person who understands life understands that cooperation is one of the most important things to actually acomplishing something. Both McCain and Obama will have the give on certain parts of their plan in order to actually get something through the 2 houses. However that being said wouldn’t you rather have an individual in office who inspires you, like Obama. Obama is not the savior that the media pumps him up to be, but he has a positive message and seems to be committed to working towards bettering our nation and world. McCain seems to want more of the same, isolationist policy and trickle down economics. Great just what we need, make the rich richer and the poor poorer. It was great to finally here a politician point out that fact in Obama’s speech. Anyone who appreciates good public speakers Obama is one of the greats, love him or hate him he is good.
77. Nativeeyes | 08.31.08
Republicans are scared of the ole wack mantra, BIG GOVERNMENT..
If you are making below 60k a year, then you need BIG GOVERNMENT. It will help you get GI, Small Business, Medicare, Rebates, Workers Comp, Gas efficiencies, Unemployment benefits, Student Loans and Grants and many other programs for special needs citizens.
If not for BIG GOVERNMENT, if you loose your job, your losing for House and Healthcare..
Republican’s from Reagan,Bush Sr. to Bush Jr. caused the US over $400+ Billion in deficits.
Bush Jr. over $800 Billion deficit in “SMALL GOVERNMENT”..
Republicans All against BIG GOVERNMENT, right Repugs??
Democratic Bill Clinton, so called “BIG GOVERNMENT” by association, $300 Billion Surplus after two so called “SMALL GOVERNMENT REPUBLICAN PRESIDENTS” Reagan and Bush Sr.
Obama has a plan to repeat what Bill Clinton did and then some..
Democratic House means things will get done, the “HIGHLY EDUCATED” right way..
It’s not rocket science Repugs, but you would have to get a real education to figure it out for yourself, since your mentors, Hannity, Savage and Medved can’t seem to figure it out…
78. jeff id | 08.31.08
The speech was great show, with moderate delivery and awful content. How can America buy into the biggest government grab of individual rights in history. I have traveled overseas quite often and he is pushing the same policies as some big communist countries I know of.
noconsensus.wordpress.com
79. Susan from MI | 08.31.08
Forty million+ viewers is more than the Beijing Olympics! This lead to him picking Ms. Beehive Beauty Queen runner-up as his VP.
NO “good judgment” again from John McCain.
Obama/Biden ‘08
80. Mary from AK | 08.31.08
McCain’s knees buckled when he saw this Neilsen numbers and went to his sugar-daddy Oil backers. “Who should I pick as VP?”
Their answer: “The polar bear hunter from AK.”
81. Obama bin Biden | 08.31.08
Didn’t you all vote for Reagan because he was the “great communicator”?
Didn’t JFK get the nation all hot and bothered with his oratory, and allow our technological “great leap forward”?
Somehow I can’t imagine McCain inspiring us to new heights. We have two flawed candidates to choose between. My money is on Obama, not for his experience and not for McCain’s encroaching Atzheimers, but because I think this country is ripe for motivation. We need a pep talk and we need our shot of adrenaline. McCain will leave us a bit sleepy, and tragically amused as he slides into senility. Obama has the potential to win over skeptics and cynics, and I look forward to travel to countries with odd names some day without having to worry if they will despise me for the sins of my President. Also, I really couldn’t abide 4 years of Cindy McCain, that would be like reliving the Nancy Reagan years.
82. Nativeeyes | 08.31.08
Just say no to what is now being dubbed, “THE OUT OF TOUCH EXPRESS”
ENOUGH!!!
OBAMA/BIDEN 08′ Will benefit America!!
Since Republicans can’t figure it out anymore…
83. Betty | 08.31.08
Great coverage and event, PBS was my 1st pick. Should be required viewing for High School civics students.
84. yasmin | 08.31.08
You guys should come to Europe and find out by yourself what we think about Barack Obama. We simply adore him. We cannot believe that Americans are not aware of the priviledge they have in electing a president like him. A president who all of us envy you for. Wake-up America do the right thing: vote for Barack! The world has already done it.
p.s. I don’t know if it’s only my impression but i find that pro-Obama supporters are mostly positive, reasonable and respectful people, while pro-McCain mostly write comments which use bad language, spread negativity and are mean-spirited. Instead, Barack people speak the language of hope..
85. Josh Goldstein | 08.31.08
Anyone who thinks that McCain should be president is obviously a typical scared American. The fact that he picked a Ms. Palin as his running mate also shows he is **. He met the woman twice.
Would you vote a person in as president that you only met twice? This is a slap in the face of women who are actually qualified to be president.
He only picked her to get ignorant American votes based on her ancient religious philosophies that don’t apply to the world we now live in. Grow up America. Its time you snapped out of your biblical fears. We are ** if McCain croaks and she becomes commander in chief.
I think Mcsame knows he is done and when he loses the election he can pin the blame on Ms. Palin. Pretty smart actually.
86. Christ Teaches Love | 08.31.08
Barbara:
I won’t even begin to argue with you on how Obama is *not* a Muslim. He is not. If you think he is, then clearly facts and logic mean nothing to you. That is okay–that is your choice.
But, which Book in the Bible told me to hate all others who are unlike me? Where does it instruct us to judge all others before we judge ourselves? Have Christians not caused pain upon other Religions in the name of God, though acted purely out of selfishness? If you cannot name a single moment, I will name a few for you: the Crusades, the British Empire [which only recently ended], our ongoing Missions in other countries that entice converts with food for their children and not by Christ’s love. Why do you condemn all Muslims by the acts of a few?
Besides, I would rather vote for two family men than for a ticket that has two questionable characters on it. That is, a man who leaves his wife and a woman is is pretending to be the mother of her grandson. [http://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/8/30/121350/137]
[http://www.usmagazine.com/john-mccains-first-wife-gives-interview]
87. Erv | 08.31.08
If you raise the temperature on a frog in a pot of water slowly, you can boil it to death with out it knowing. Frog doesn’t have enough sense to get out of the water. I’m thankful I have enough sense to know these last eight years haven’t been a walk in the park. War, high gas, high food, insurance rate sky rocketing, collage rate run, light bill up, water bill up, now that I think about it, every bill I have is up. If this not a reason for you to get out of the water. I only hope there enough us to vote for a change.
ENOUGH!!!!!
88. captbilly | 08.31.08
We need to put an incorrect notion to rest. I am not a Democrat, I am a solid independent, ex USAF pilot, so I have no ax to grind here. If you look at the numbers it is simply not true that Republicans can lay claim to the fiscally responsible party. The Wall Street Journal published an article some time ago where they looked at deficits and various economic indicators during Republican and Democratic led periods in America over the past 5 decades. The Republicans have by far put the US into the most debt, with Reagan and Bush being the worst offenders. Economic growth was not quite so overwhelmingly in favor of Democrats but it was still clearly so.
I think some of the social programs of the 60s put a very bad taste in many peoples mouths. Early welfare was clearly poorly run and little good to help people out of poverty. Sometimes EPA and other such agencies went a bit too far, but these were not the things that put the country into debt. It was tax breaks for the rich and unwise military spending that builds the deficit, and that deficit in turn decreases the value of the US dollar. In addition much of the special interest legislation, done under the guise of free trade, has cost the US most of our manufacturing capability (which ultimately has always been what made us militarily strong) and many many blue collar and even white collar jobs.
It may be true that some of you have legitimate issues with the democrats stance on certain social issues, but claims that Republicans are better for the economy has no basis in fact.
I thought Obama’s speach was one of the best I have ever heard, probably one of the best in history. If you have your mind closed to what people are actually saying and doing you will hear what you want to hear. McCain clearly wants to do the right thing but I think he is so beholding to so many special interests that he doesn’t even know what is right or wrong any more. In addition I just don’t think McCain has the intellegence, judgement or temperament to be commander in chief. We have seen what you get when you put a loose cannon in the White House. I don’t agree with those who say McCain and Bush are the same but both of them shere a certain carelessness or lack of consideration for what they say and do.
89. Sojourner Truthe | 08.31.08
Unlike the 41 million who watched it on TV, I was amongst the 81,000 who was there, e and I’ve been on the cmapaign trail ever since Obama ran for the STATE senate. Fear is a remarkable but hollow emotion. I don’t need to read any of the comments that proceed mine as I was blessed to look in the eyes of the community that convened that day in the Mile High City, in the Mile High Stadium. He touched and inspired 81,000 Obama advocates in a way that is unimaginable and beyond rhetoric.
90. S | 08.31.08
Some of you have wasted too much time coming up with unfounded criticisms of Obama. I’ve met him in person and I see more hope for America than I’ve ever seen in any other politician. Go ahead and mock his beautiful campaign of hope… you’re just unwilling to accept someone who’s so different from the rest.
I gave McCain a fighting chance, but since choosing Palin as his VP, I can only laugh. You call Obama inexperienced? At least he’s had 10 years of Congressional experience. He understands issues that affect us on the national and international level. Palin’s had only two years of experience as a governor of a state with more reindeer than people. You call that experience?
91. Disgruntled | 08.31.08
I’m not even going to respond to the ignorance I’m witnessing on this board. You realize that by sounding like a complete idiot, you only make the Republicans look bad, right?
92. Tom | 08.31.08
Scott, I absolutely agree with you on web bickering. Let’s elevate the debate and maybe get a good President this time, for once.
And please end the name calling. Neither party is doing well by us. Both parties are to blame.
Yes, Obama made a fine speech, I’d just heard it all before and after so many times it has worn thin to me. Sorry. I’m sure it was great for the casual observer or fanatic.
Dave: Fluff = the feel good, let’s all work together, make everything great together, yes we can stuff. Other than “yes we can”, I don’t know from his speeches the man’s philosophy from Bob the Builders. I’m on board with working together, balancing the budget, finding OBL, saving the earth, and building a more prosperous nation. I want health care for all, and good jobs, good wages, but I’m not a socialist. I believe in capitalism and freedom. I’m not a trickle-downer either. I can’t stand the argument that a rich person throwing a party provides jobs. I can’t stand waste in government or in the private sector. I believe in government regulation, not government control. Obama does not inspire me philosophically. He does occasionally confuse me, because once I think I have him pegged as a socialist he’ll go and throw in a “government can’t solve every problem” remark. Then again, speeches are more for the heart than the mind, I suppose.
Do I really have to read the Obama BluePrint for Change, again? Snore! I just want to know his philosophy on government, not derive it from a hundred policy positions.
Kofi: Obama’s accomplishment(s)? I’m serious here, and the same question applies to McCain or anyone else running for any office (or seeking a job): What has he done and was it a success?
1. What legislation have they introduced, had passed, and was it a success or a failure? McCain I can think of a few recent bills (immigration/campaign finance) with his name on it, but I can’t think of a single bill introduced or championed by Obama.
2. Have they used their senatorial power to fix things? Obama gets praised for calling attention to Veterans hospitals.
I’m not saying Obama can’t deliver on his promises, I’d just like to see that he had done it once before. Senators do have a tough time with that due to the nature of the job.
93. Iago | 08.31.08
Haven’t listened to the speech yet but will do so off this site. Is Obama perfect? Well, McCrane certainly isn’t.
And the polar bear hunter? It’s interesting to read that McPain had only met her twice previously and has still chosen her as a running mate, another example of imperfection.
Here’s hoping that Biden can be Obama’s attack dog in the coming months and just keep taking bites out of the BFEE while our future prez continues to present a reasoned notion of working together to make things better than they have been under Bush and Cheney.
Things may not “get better” but with McSame they would just keep getting worse. Definitely, overseas people like Obama, they can work with him, he can work with others.
McBane left his crippled wife to marry an heiress. Even if the Obama White House does not go after the war BFEE criminals because it might “hurt America”, the entire world is much better off with Obama, and that includes rural elk hunters.
94. Paul Stewart | 08.31.08
Tom posted among other things: “He does occasionally confuse me, because once I think I have him pegged as a socialist he’ll go and throw in a “government can’t solve every problem” remark. Then again, speeches are more for the heart than the mind, I suppose.”
I find that an intriguing statement. You are so into this right and left- socialist versus conservative stuff that you can’t understand someone who is socially liberal and fiscally conservative. That is what I am too. You do not have to be one extreme or the other. That kind of religious devotion to some extreme ideal is pathetic and destroys society. Just witness the path of destruction in the world and in your own country.
From the beginning, if you looked, you could see that this is what Obama is talking about. He is not right or left, liberal or conservative, this race or that race, etc.. He is a common sense, balanced fiscally and socially responsible that understands America and her economy belongs to all Americans, not the select few.
He is also destined to be a true servant to his nation and will act for all Americans. Don’t let this confuse you.
95. Common Man | 08.31.08
Scott- #73 Perfect summation of everything- Very sanely stated. Thank you and God Bless America
96. Christopher McElree | 09.01.08
Barry Obama DID NOT vote against the Iraq war. He was a lowly Illinois state senator when that vote took place. As such, he was free from the burden of safeguarding America or her 300,000,000+ people. He didn’t have to worry about being wrong and being partially responsible for an Iraqi paid terrorist setting off a briefcase nuke in New York City.
Barry Obama didn’t take office until January 2005, at which time he immediately began running for president. He was against the Iraq war…yeah…easy for him to say now…especially since he was never on the hook.
97. rjinsd | 09.01.08
Palin is in favor of drilling in ANWR to reduce America’s dependence on foreign oil. 70% of Alaskan oil is shipped to Japan, South Korea & Taiwan. US refining capacity is maxed out. Increasing oil production in Alaska will add to the global supply, sure, but won’t reduce our dependence on foreign oil. Our reserves in the ground belong to the people of America. You only get to give them away in leases once. The international corporations own the oil they bring out and are free to sell it anywhere in the world that makes them the most money. If you believe in creationism (a story best suited to a 5-yr old’s bedtime), then oil deposits didn’t take hundreds of millions of years to form - they magically appeared. Consuming them in 200 years to propell SUVs down highways to shopping malls is no big deal. There will come a time soon when having some untapped reserves left will be really important.
98. Renee | 09.01.08
Yes, let’s have 4 more years of Bush’s failed policies. McCain can continue his assault on our civil liberties, more tax breaks for billionaires, bust every union (Yeah Walmart) and f the environment. Oh, and let’s bomb, bomb, bomb, bomb, bomb Iran - yes, we want more war! Women - get back in the kitchen, we’ll ask for your opinion when we need it. I mean, we can’t even let you make choices with your own body cause who knows what you would do. The shanty towns will soon be popping up in your neighborhood, enjoy!
As you sow, so shall you reap.
99. Akio Tanaka | 09.01.08
The two corporate parties have spoiled the elections for the the American people.
See and listen to the speech Ralph Nader gave on August 27 at the Denver Super Rally.
100. Billy in NJ | 09.01.08
John McCain has been in the eye of Washington for thirty years and no one in the world has been excited, other than the people who re-elected our Blunder in Chief, about his candidacy. He graduated third from the BOTTOM of the class from the Naval Academy that his Admiral father got him in to. He is antiquated in his war-is-the-answer like views. He makes it seem that only dummies use diplomacy and that will not hold well for us in an era where China and Russia are achieving and reachieving superpower status like us.
I am voting for Barack Hussein Obama for president, not because he started at the bottom (like me) and worked his way up, not because he got into and graduated with honors at Harvard Law school as a poor man, and not because he knows how to attract 200,000 Europeans in an election that they can’t even vote in. The reason I am voting for Obama is because he is inpirational, world affluent, charismatic, intelligent, and simply put John McCain(who with his ‘experience’ should be all this and more) is not!
Obama/Biden in 08
101. Ryan in TX | 09.01.08
Sarah Palin wants to take Polar bears off the endangered species list so they won’t affect her oil drilling ideas. Yeah she certainly isn’t involved with big oil… duh. Let’s pick an Elizabeth Hasselback from Alaska who will help us get oil! And let’s elect another rich oil tycoon with a vested interest in oil, the rich, and continuing an unnecessary war! I hope all these posts about Obama being a Muslim or a messiah are trollers being paid to write ridiculous things. I can’t face the possibility of my fellow Americans being that dumb… OBAMA/BIDEN!!!!
102. Kevin | 09.01.08
Ha! Based on these whining neocons posting here, it is evident that they also believe and fear the success of Obama! That makes me feel warm and fuzzy inside. 
And I just LOVE how the repuke convention is being overshadowed by hurricane katrina - I mean Gustov - coverage! I bet the losers don’t even break 20 million viewers. Take the backseat where you belong and get ready for complete Democratic control on Jan 21, 2009! Yeah!!
103. Honey Rogers | 09.01.08
All you Republicans know that the Palin choice was poor judgment. I’m just not feeling it. John is much too old to choose Palin. His health is that of an old man that has fought cancer at least four times. I’m simply terrified of the idea that Palin could be president. Back to Alaska, Ms. Palin. Maybe in ten years but certainly not now.
I’m an independent woman that was leaning toward John at one time. Lately I was leaning toward Obama, this pick has answered all of my questions. McBush is not fit for the position of commander in chief. His temperament and hot headness is dangerous. I’m taking my chances with Obama.
104. Starr | 09.01.08
I find it rather interesting that the immense dislike for Barack Obama is masked in whether he did something great in Congress or not or what he’ll do to disrupt your precious great lives if he’s elected President. If you’re going to be brave enough to display your ignorance in this forum, be equally brave enough to say that you don’t like this man who means no harm to America, Americans of any color, creed, etc…. or the world, simply state it’s because he’s BLACK and be done with it. Most of us reading your rants realize all of your buzz and code words for this fact by now !
105. Joseph in NJ | 09.01.08
Eight years ago our country elected a spoiled academically underachieving millionaire kid whose father had paved the entire way to his candidacy. I thought for sure that my fellow americans would have nothing to do with this slacking rich brat. I was wrong. They elected him twice. Once over Nobel prize winning Al Gore and once over War Hero John Kerry. TV made it seem that Bush was somehow smarter and better than those two. I found that funny back then and it is tragically hillarious now.
Now the establishment gives us another out of touch millionaire and amazing VP without oodles and oodles of experience. If McCain needed a female mayor so bad he should have come to NJ at least that would still be considered US mainland.
Vote smart this time america,
Obama/Biden 08!
106. bugland | 09.01.08
it’s very simple.
Americans have a choice between an intelligent, articulate man, with ideas but less experience… and a very experienced man whom we know to be a complete LUNATIC.
it isn’t enough to vote the new in. we have to vote the old OUT.
107. tonia | 09.01.08
Don’t hate appreciate because Obama will be President and all haters will just have to deal with or just go jump off a bridge or a sky scraper
108. irish blue | 09.01.08
How about a reality check, shall we.
http://uspolitics.about.com/od/usgovernment/l/bl_prez_economic_comparison.htm
109. moi61537 | 09.01.08
Given his earlier, well-crafted speeches, I had high hopes for this one. All I heard was “I will do this” and “I will do that” disregarding the separation of powers between the branches of government. There were so many “I’s” I can began to wonder if this wasn’t a very self-involved fellow. Unless of course, he was telegraphing a desire to dismiss Congress and the Judiciary for Chavez like rule. Brr.
110. Ray in NY | 09.01.08
Experience can be negated if one does not accrue wisdom from it. McCain has tons of experience but he is so out with today’s society that he cannot effectively understand the world of today enough to influence it or to change it for the better. Look at his judgement in choosing a good VP. It is so obvious to me that he chose a woman because he wants disgruntled Hillary voters but let me tell you that she is no Hillary Clinton, not even close. McCain puts this country’s security behind his Presidential ambitions and that is so wrong. Huckabee, Romney, Ridge, any of these would have been a better choice.
It may be true that Obama has not been in Washington as long as McCain. That is why I like him. He has not been corrupted by Washington. He will make a fantastic President that will make the State of The Union Speeches a must see event again!
God Bless America and
God Bless Barack Obama
111. Ted | 09.02.08
I am a naturalized U.S. citizen, and have never seen, in my born country, such black and white separation in terms of supporting/hating the one of the Two Political Parties. There have been many Democratic Administrations as well as many Republican Administrations in the past. This fact indicates that neither party accomplished the voters’ expectations at every election. The voters have been disappointed by any incumbent administration and therefore go for the other party at next election, and, again, get disappointed by the new one; It’s just like cycle. It is something like, say, at restaurant, someone eats meat dish at one time and tries fish at the next.
112. buckeye 6 | 09.05.08
where’s the article about McCain’s speech & TV ratings? I think it had a slightly larger audience even without 2 large networks - BET & One
113. Candy | 09.27.08
Obama would be the better leader for the US people - last night, Obama shined, considering Mcleam would have you to believe that he isn’t experience enough!
Get to know the man before you hate him. learn more about him here:
Trackbacks/Pingbacks
2. tOfficial 2008 Presidential HR Derby thread - SpartanTailgate.com - Michigan State Spartans Forums | 09.04.08
Leave a Comment
We do not publish all comments, and we do not publish comments immediately. The comments feature is a forum to discuss the ideas in our stories. Constructive debate - even pointed disagreement - is welcome, but personal attacks on other commenters are not, and will not be published.
Tip: Do not write a novel. Keep it short. We will not publish lengthy comments. Come up with your own statements. This is not a place to cut and paste an email you received. If we recognize it as such, we won't post it.
Please do not post any comments that are commercial in nature or that violate copyrights.
Finally, we will not publish any comments that we regard as obscene, defamatory, or intended to incite violence.
Jimmy Orr has worked in politics for the majority of his professional career working for two U.S. Senators, two Governors and one President. Most recently, Orr served as White House Spokesman and Internet Director for President George W. Bush and Special Advisor to Governor Schwarzenegger for Internet Communications.
David Cook is Washington bureau chief of The Christian Science Monitor and host of the Monitor's newsmaker breakfasts. He was the Monitor's editor from 1994 to 2001. Cook is a graduate of Principia College, served in the U.S. Army, was a Bagehot Fellow at Columbia University, and is a member of the Gridiron Club, Washington's oldest journalistic organization.
1. Matt Lykken | 08.31.08
Obama Needs to Offer More Than Petty Bribes
The pillars of America’s economic strength have been deteriorating through both Democratic and Republican administrations for 30 years, and the downward slide is accelerating. Unfortunately even Obama, the Candidate of Change, does not propose to address the underlying problems. Instead, he offers to hand out small checks to the bulk of the population while allowing the wealthy elites to continue to pay extraordinarily low rates of tax. Americans need to reject these petty bribes and to demand real change instead.
The problem with our economy is simple, and can be understood in terms of basic supply and demand. Over the last 30 years, the supply of employees has increased faster than the demand for their services, so employees lost bargaining power. At first this happened to non-college graduates. Their incomes stopped growing in real dollars 30 years ago as two earner couples increased and unskilled jobs started to move to other countries. The problems at this level grew as it became easier to manufacture in foreign countries and as U.S. immigration policy continued to favor bringing in unskilled minimum wage labor to compete for the jobs that could not be moved abroad. As foreign college graduation rates increased and communications improved, the problem moved upscale. Wages first began to flatten in computer science, math and engineering fields where English skills were not important, and since 2001 salaries have been flat in other sciences, while both U.S. and foreign companies have increasingly placed their research operations abroad.
Over the last 30 years worker productivity has increased enormously. If the output per worker has increased but wages have not, where has the extra money gone? To the people who own the businesses, of course. Between 1917 and 1973, the average income of persons in the bottom 99% of the U.S. population rose from about $13,000 to about $40,000, adjusted for inflation, but it has stayed flat since then. Between 1917 and 1989 the average income of persons in the top 1% stayed around $300,000, but by 2005 it had risen to over $800,000 and it keeps rising.
Employees working to make $40,000 pay 15.3% of their income as employment taxes. In addition, they pay at least 10% of their taxable income as income tax. A billionaire earning $40,000,000 from stocks pays NO employment tax and only 15% income tax on those earnings. Does that make sense? Obama’s plan would give each family making less than $250,000 up to $1,000 in tax back, and would raise the tax on the billionaire up to 20%. Would that transform your life?
Let’s get back to supply and demand. Free Trade advocates told us that as low wage, unskilled jobs moved abroad, high skill, high wage jobs would grow in America and we’d all be better off. That didn’t happen because we have a suicidal corporate tax policy. High wage, high profit operations are tax sensitive. If a company makes $100 in the U.S. it pays a 35% tax. If it makes $100 in Singapore it may pay zero tax. So the high profit operations are built in Singapore. Consequently, in 30 years Singapore went from being a poor country to being a rich nation with a broad middle class. Supply and demand. Simple stuff.
What if, instead of a $1,000 bribe, Obama changed the tax policy to allow corporations a deduction for paying out their earnings, and made up the revenue loss by getting rid of benefits for capital gains and dividends and imposing a small incremental tax on income over $500,000 a year, just enough to bring the total federal and state burden on people making that much up to 37.6%? The flow of jobs would reverse. Companies would be looking for U.S. employees. You would have bargaining power. Would that change your life?
Real change will only happen if you let the politicians know that you will not be fooled by bribes and tricks. Let Mr. Change know that you are looking to the substance behind the show.
More information can be found at http://www.sharedeconomicgrowth.org