(Jake Turcotte)
How Obama can win the campaign? Ask the media
By Jimmy Orr | 09.14.08
If Obama campaign honchos David Axelrod and David Plouffe are worried about the next steps for their candidate, help is on the way.
With 51 days to go and polls showing that Republican nominee John McCain is either slightly ahead or tied with Barack Obama, there is plenty of advice this Sunday morning specifically geared to help the Democratic nominee.
Willie Brown, former Mayor of San Francisco, tells Obama to knock off the jokes.
And forget the comedy, Barack. You are not naturally funny and you do not speak “street.” You speak like a professor. And you do not know how to set up a joke. That “lipstick on a pig” line clearly backfired.
If you had said, “As John McCain said about Hillary Clinton’s health care … lipstick on a pig is still a pig,” at least you would have had a frame of reference to fall back on.
You didn’t, you left yourself left wide open and you got nailed. Now everything you say will be double-examined for sexism.
Columnist Errol Lewis over at the New York Daily News says forget about Sarah Palin - focus your energy on John McCain.
Every day, in every speech, Obama needs to hammer home the Bush administration’s record of failure and remind voters that “McSame” has presented an astonishingly thin plan for rescuing the American middle class from lower wages, rising tuition prices and falling home values.
Obama’s message to swing voters infatuated with Palin should be: Sure, you like her, and why not? But teaching abstinence isn’t going to lower your taxes, help with your kid’s college tuition or save your job from being outsourced - and I have a plan that will. Take a look.
Columnist Frank Rich at the New York Times says the Obama campaign needs to follow the advice of Karl Rove in dealing with Palin.
How do you run against that flashy flimflam? You don’t. Karl Rove for once gave the Democrats a real tip rather than a bum steer when he wrote last week that if Obama wants to win, “he needs to remember he’s running against John McCain for president,” not Palin for vice president. Obama should keep stepping up the blitz on McCain’s flip-flops, confusion, ignorance and blurriness on major issues (from education to an exit date from Iraq), rather than her gaffes and résumé. If he focuses voters on the 2008 McCain, the Palin question will take care of itself.
Joan Vennochi at the Boston Globe says don’t forget Senator Clinton.
Today, Obama needs Clinton. He needs her to repeat often what she said to her supporters in Denver: “I want you to ask yourselves: Were you in this campaign just for me?”
It’s a good question for Clinton, too.
Just forget Palin says Toby Harnden over at Real Clear Politics.
It’s folly, of course, for Obama to be engaging with Palin. It diminishes him by equating him with the number two on the other ticket. And far from neutralizing the question mark over his experience, the discussion of her qualifications has ensured that his thin resume will remain front and center.
Obama should be giving Palin a good ignoring while his campaign hammers away at her record and McCain’s linkages to President George W. Bush - not his vetting process (a Beltway preoccupation of no relevance beyond whether it missed anything damaging) or her family.
What would Bill Clinton do? Politico’s John Harris speculates that the former President could give Obama an eight-step guide to campaign success including step number seven: Stop smoking whatever it is you are smoking.
One important thing to remember: Obama has never faced a serious race against a Republican. His important victories in Illinois and this year have all been against other Democrats in nomination battles.
Some Clinton allies say this may tend to warp his perspective about how politics works and what kind of issues and stories matter in a presidential context. Bottom line: it does not matter who is getting better coverage in the New York Times.
The Chicago Tribune’s Clarence Page says Obama needs to “get serious” and put the Clintons to work.
Obama should not let the niceties of liberal political correctness prevent his campaign from tying McCain and Palin to Bush. Palin makes that easy. She’s a harder hardliner than McCain. The issue is not lipstick on a pig but a continuation of Bush years in high heels.
Obama also needs to put the Clintons to good use. I don’t know what Obama and President Bill Clinton discussed in their private Sept. 11 lunch in New York, but Obama should have tuned in to advice from the master on how to reach those voters who have been the slowest to embrace Obama as “one of us.”
Comedian Paul Reiser over at the Huffington Post says there is only so much Obama can do.
Now everyone is calling for Obama to “get angry.” “Get out there and frown this way, curl your lip that way, and clench your fist like so.” And, I don’t know….. That’d be cool. Sure. But I don’t think the fix can come just from him. There’s only so much the guy can do. It’s going to have to be us. I don’t know what exactly we need to do, but I know we’ll do it. I have to believe — I mean I really have to believe we’re big enough, strong enough and smart enough to reclaim what’s ours.
Finally, Michael Barone at U.S. News and World Report says the Obama campaign shouldn’t look to the media for help.
Perhaps the Obama campaign strategists expected their many friends in the mainstream media to do their work for them. Certainly they tried. But their efforts have misfired, and the grenades they lobbed at Palin have ricocheted back and blown up in their faces. Voters are on to their game.
<< Hey Obama and McCain - at least you’re not Al Franken | MainPollster Scott Rasmussen finds that 68 percent believe “most reporters try to help the candidate they want to win” and that 51 percent — more than support McCain — believe the press is “trying to hurt” Sarah Palin. The press and the Democratic ticket are paying the price for decades of biased mainstream media coverage.
Comments
2. Funny | 09.14.08
All Obama has to do is show these Videos of McCain, over and over again and end it asking , is this what you want for the next 8 years?
3. eSPO | 09.14.08
The press is not trying to hurt Sarah Palin. Her behavior as Mayor and Governor are.
Sarah Palin`s husband, Todd, was among the 13 people subpoenaed to testify on Friday September 12, 2008. Sarah Palin is under investigation for “Abuse of Power”
http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5jOTk11gvqDAgD0cY3i4WjI_2YOxwD935G1R00
In July of 2008, her office issued this statement “The governor has said all along that she will fully cooperate with an investigation and her staff will cooperate as well,”
http://www.adn.com/monegan/story/478090.html
Now she now is fighting the investigation tooth and nail.
http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5jOTk11gvqDAgD0cY3i4WjI_2YOxwD934TF100
Sarah Palin claimed to have been against the” bridge to nowhere” She actually supported it during her campaign to become the Governor of Alaska
http://www.reuters.com/article/vcCandidateFeed7/idUSN3125537020080901
She said she said “”told the Congress thanks but no thanks on that ‘Bridge to Nowhere.’” Congress had actually killed the earmark funding before Sarah Palin became Governor.
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/11/17/politics/17spend.html?_r=1&oref=slogin
In an attempt to appeal to conservatives, Sarah Palin claimed she fired the Chef. She did not fire the Chef. She transferred her to another position in State Government .No budget savings here.
http://dwb.adn.com/news/politics/story/9090479p-9006523c.html
Sarah Palin is suing to remove the Polar Bear as “threatened” under the Endangered species act .Palin is afraid it will hurt oil exploration in Alaska.
http://www.adn.com/polarbears/story/413710.html
In an interview with the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner on December 4, 2007:
“I’m not an Al Gore, doom-and-gloom environmentalist blaming the changes in our climate on human activity.” http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/09/12/politics/animal/main4443795.shtml
In an interview with NEWSMAX in 2008 she said “A changing environment will affect Alaska more than any other state, because of our location. I’m not one though who would attribute it to being man-made.”
http://www.newsmax.com/headlines/sarah_palin_vp/2008/08/29/126139.html
In an interview with Charlie Gibson she changed her story.
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/politics/5998478.html
After being named VP aides said Palin had traveled to Ireland, Germany, Kuwait, and Iraq to meet with members of the Alaska National Guard. This was to bolster her non-existent foreign policy credentials. She never went inside Iraq and her “visit” to Ireland
consisted of the plane she was on stopping to refuel.
http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2008/09/13/palin_camp_clarifies_extent_of_iraq_trip/
4. Timmy Coffee | 09.14.08
Liar, dammed liar and Daddy of all Liars un-American John S. McCain. Blatant racists Gary Bauer and James Dobson put on their white robes and have come out swinging. Enough …the real silent majority, Americans who respect and actually practice Christian values will not accept McCain and the religious bigot he has chosen as his vice-presidential candidate.
5. BBlizzard | 09.14.08
Sarah Palin brags about the salary cut she gave herself when she took office as Governor!! Just how much was she talking about, and, has she given it back to herself since then??? I expect a lot of democrats would like to know the answer to this question!!!!
Thank You.
7. FRED BASHARA | 09.14.08
Forget Palin! Tie McCain to what he is - a person with continuous changing positions who did not speak out to defend other Vietnam vets against swift boat lies. Paint him yellow.
8. Maria | 09.14.08
Obama & the democratic party have to get the baby boomers & and the upper baby boomers on board they will go woth McCain. Some still do not have access to internet so they will stay with what they know. He has the young on board but not the older. The order Christians are the ones he needs very much.
Forget about the hockey mom. It is Mccain who is going to be president address his weeknesses. She is too green to have weekenesses and I do not me the going green kind.
9. David | 09.14.08
Obama
You Need Clinton as Vp Or you will lose, Biden needs to resign today and clinton needs to be your VP, McCain has outsmarted you putting that animal killing ,self indulgent,insane female as the possible next pupet president for the rich to pull her strings. I knew you would screw up the only chance for real change. you could not have been satisfied with being president and let Hillary share the spot light. You shot all of us in the heart, I gave you my last few hundred dollars. Biden must step down, hillary must be VP or tou will lose according to the latest polls, polls do not lie. You scewed us all when you bypassed Clinton and chose that old has been Biden.
10. George | 09.14.08
“Perhaps the Obama campaign strategists expected their many friends in the mainstream media to do their work for them.”
Well, I can see why. The mainstream media is now launching a huge “John McCain and Sarah Palin are liars” meme as I write this. From The View to the New York Times, and outwards, this meme has now become the new Narrative™ that the media has coalesced around.
11. Tommy Paine | 09.14.08
One the discussion returns to the issues, Americans will clearly see that Obama is prepared with a fair and well thought out plan for our country’s recovery, while his opponents are not.
12. AYLESHA BASSA | 09.14.08
SENATOR OBAMA
I THINK YOU HAVE BEEN GIVEN SOME VERY GOOD ADVICE HERE.
NOW PLEASE, LETS NOT LET THE REPUBLICANS WIN THIS ONE!!!!
TAKE THE ADVICE AND RUN WITH IT!! YOU ARE #1.
13. D L Ennis | 09.14.08
The MSM has given Obama more help than he could ever earn and he has wasted it…Obama is not fit to be President of the US! Obama is a political moron!
14. Dan Detroit | 09.14.08
Moral bankruptcy and leftist bias is inherent in the main media outlets. Their blatant attacks on Sarah Palin are exposing them for the partisan, sexist hypocrites that they are.
15. Gringo Jon | 09.14.08
Issues? Specifics? Whose against education or for war? But something more prescient looms over the land, and that is our ethos, culture, principles. The American rugged individualism, the take control of our destinies, the get out of bed and work, the love of family, are the things that make us great, not government. Government should assist us but not control us.
We, as a people, need to look inside ourselves and see if we are worthy or are part of the problem.
Our government has also forgotten that we are the government. It spends as if taking care of the pennies will not allow the dollars to take care of themselves.I spend my money frugally than Washington does. I take care of my family.
16. calosnap | 09.14.08
Whoever said the main foe is McCain not Palin has it right on the spot. Let Biden do the slogging against Palin. The VP position is like fried or not- fried onions on a burger: not very important. Palin is not being elected McCain is so it should be equals against equals. If he smokes stop doing it in public. At least get rid of the Armani suits and try to look a little more crumpled. People tend to distrust others who appear to be better off, more educated and more successful that themselves Obama has to put issues in terms that people can understand and to deal with issues that people are interested about.
Palin appears to be a very self centered, egotistical person, willing to sacrifice anything and anyone to achieve what she believes to be the proper outcomes. The current White House occupant is cut from the same cloth.
Is more of the same needed?
17. Napacab | 09.14.08
Funny. None of them advise Obama to focus on issues and what he plans to actually do. I still suspect him an “empty suit”. We’ll see.
18. Allen Fuller | 09.14.08
The press’ yearning and longing for Obama is palpable. Where was all the advice to McCain when he was behind in the polls?
19. TJ | 09.14.08
I am not sure what Obama/Biden should do. Of course it makes sense to focus on McCain who is the opponent for president, ostensible.
Except that people will vote for him because of Palin. She is the draw for voters who will decide to vote for him.
There is not anything that can be done about the GOP base who really don’t care about those issues you are advising Obama to focus on. They are a given. But Independents and critical thinkers who may be Republican and/or Third Party voters and those Democrats who are angry still about the Clinton issue need to be addressed. Palin will most likely be a President if the McCain ticket wins and this cannot happen. Her selection sealed my once reluctant vote for Obama since I was in the “angry” group. Biden softened me up but Palin clinched the deal, for me. I may not be typical.
Probably, the best strategy is to focus on the issues and McCain’s The Same; factor in a subtle reference to his “honor” as it relates to his campaign decisions, i.e., smears and selection of VP (very subtle) and his “judgement” and whether or not he really is putting Country First or winning an election at all costs.
We have already learned that just focusing on the issues does not do it, witness Gore and Kerry. This Palin woman needs to be central. She is not a rational option but will draw an emotional vote and, let’s face it, emotion is what won the last two elections, with a little help from Supreme Court the first time around.
20. walksalone | 09.14.08
THINK ABOUT IT
1. Obama would not pick Hilary for VP because he didnt want a woman
2. Obama is now incensed at McCain beause he chose to have an woman VP
If i were a woman i would be OUTRAGED that Obama Campaign is now trying to Belittle and smear Sarah Palin. It is perfectly clear Obama does not consider a woman compotent to serve as Vice President of this UNITED STATES. that is not a CHANGE Women want.
Shame on Obama
21. Greg Feigel | 09.14.08
The media has lots of suggestions to help Obama win. That is what they want, isn’t it? What a surprise.
22. jon | 09.14.08
Barone’s “decades of biased mainstream media coverage” is such a joke. More GOP spin. I’m an independent, and base my opinions totally on reality, not spin.
Obama has received a lot of media attention, but, aside from the outset of the Nomination process, he has been under intense Media scrutiny.
I mean, we know what he eats, what he wears, who his personal assistant is, etc… aside from where he stands on issues.
On the other hand, until the Palin pick, where was any scrutiny of McCain? The Media just fell in-line, with the McCain narrative, Maverick, War-hero, GOP-defying, foreign-policy wizard… etc.
How many stories have questioned the Maverick myth? Only now, since all the lies of McCain, are so evident, is the Media actually taking a closer look at McCain.
The fact is, that even if Reporters lean left, the coverage is anything but.
Furthermore, if you watch interviews of the candidates, the questions asked, are normally filtered through a GOP prism. Obama is asked: “Why don’t you just admit, you were wrong about the surge?” Do you ever see McCain asked, “Why don’t you just admit, you were wrong about invading Iraq?” Nope.
Even in Dem debates, the questions were predominantly on GOP issues, rather than Dem issues (health care, infrastructure, education, civil liberties, etc).
Lastly, all one needs to see, is that MSNBC removed Olbermann & Matthews from coverage. They replaced him with David Gregory, a friend of Karl Rove; his wife is counsel for Fannie-Mae… and on his show, he’s always making McCain’s case.
The whole left-wing media bias thing, is just a myth, perpetuated by the GOP to intimidate the Media. And the Media always rolls over.
23. Larry G | 09.14.08
Unfortunately, Obama does need the media. At the moment, nearly all coverage leads with Sarah Palin’s face. If all you press folks really do your job and cover the campaign, instead of the side show, you’ll report as much about the Democrats as you do the red herring from Alaska.
Face it: there have been plenty of underqualified Vice Presidential candidates in our history, but rarely have we faced economic problems like those of today: the impending collapse of an unregulated shadow banking system, tens of millions without health insurance, a burst housing bubble, environmental policies that destroy protective coastal wetlands, the enrichment of a few at the expense of the many, two wars that have beggared the country, AND MORE.
Wake up, media! Cover the contest!
24. David | 09.14.08
Biden said it himself yesterday, Obama would be better off with Hillary clinton, to win.
It is now obvious the republicans have out smarted everyone,
with a woman that calls herself a pitbull with lip stick!!!!
There is only one and only one chance to win and that is Biden must step down and Hillary must be VP< IMMEDIATELY< OR YOU WILL LOSE!!!!!.
Barack you let you stupid ego lose this election because you would not have Hillary on as VP.
I have sent you $300 and bought sticker.
but now I am see that you will lose because you failed to see the obvious,
you needed Hillary and the History of a woman on the ticket to win.
Instead, you failed to see the importance of this,
it is so evident now,
the republicans who were such losers, you are now helping them to win.
PUT HILLARY AS VP NOW !! DAMN IT
25. Palladin | 09.14.08
Come on “O” now that everybody is giving you advice in the media, how can you go wrong? The media is clearly on your side and you can bet they will drop the hammer on any Republican who even slightly missteps. You will probably lose, but how can you?
26. Maezeppa | 09.14.08
I believe it was Rachel Maddow who said during the primaires, “Obama is like a bunny in front of a snowplow. At least with Hillary you got the feeling she’s driving another snowplow.”
27. priscilla | 09.14.08
Wake up women of America and do not be fooled by Palin!
She wants to go WAR with Russia now! Just as we are trying to withdraw troops from Iraq!
Who do you think profited this past weekend from the high gas prices because of the oil companies closed due to hurricane IKE? McCain and Palin! They own oil stock in the oil companies which gives them a profitable dividend.
But yet McCain and Palin want to off shore drill to ease gas prices and yes again get profitable dividends from the oil companies that drill.
WAKE UP!
28. David | 09.14.08
Biden said it himself yesterday, Obama would be better off with Hillary Clinton, to win.
It is now obvious the republicans have out smarted everyone,
with a woman that calls herself a pitbull with lip stick!!!!
There is only one chance to win and that is Biden must step down and Hillary must be VP< IMMEDIATELY< OR YOU WILL LOSE!!!!!.
Barack you let you stupid ego lose this election because you would not have Hillary on as VP.
I have sent you $300 and bought your bumper stickers.
but now I see that you will lose because you failed to see the obvious,
PUT HILLARY AS VP NOW!! DAMN IT
Instead, you failed to see the importance of this,
it is so evident now,
the republicans who were such losers, you are now helping them to win.
you needed Hillary and the History of a woman on the ticket to win.
29. Hoosiermac | 09.14.08
Is this ask the media article for real? Now your suggesting his lipstick comment backfired? The media backfired because they didn’t call McCain and the rest of the republicans, either liars or idiots for such a ridiculous claim. You guys are pathetic. When Obama stays on issue, you clowns ignore it, now matter how much republicans lie, you act confused and wonder what Obama is going to do. You guys will destroy this country with your deceitful ****.
30. old mo | 09.14.08
Well it certainly does look like Obama has the media behind him. Exactly what this country needs.
31. David | 09.14.08
Biden said it himself yesterday, Obama would be better off with Hillary Clinton, to win.
It is now obvious the republicans have out smarted everyone,
with a woman that calls herself a pitbull with lip stick!!!!
There is only one chance to win and that is Biden must step down and Hillary must be VP< IMMEDIATELY< OR YOU WILL LOSE!!!!!.
Barack you let your stupid ego lose this election because you would not have Hillary on as VP.
I have sent you $300 and bought your bumper stickers.
PUT HILLARY AS VP NOW!! DAMN IT
you needed Hillary and the”" History of a woman”" on the ticket to win.
Instead, you failed to see the importance of this,
it is so evident now,
The republicans who were such losers, you are now helping them to win.
But now I see that you will lose because you failed to see the obvious,
32. Chuck of Texas | 09.14.08
A Great Ad Idea for Obama Campaign –
Image 1: Sarah Palin standing in front of US Military Generals and Admirals, making a marching order against our enemies;
Image 2: Sarah Palin in the mix of foreign leaders, in the mix of Medvedev, Cavez, Iran’s guy, et. al. Sarah trying to rally leaders of friendly natonas, however, they are having their own ideas etc.
Subtitle: “The unthinkable happened to our country. The president fell fatally ill and doctors dignosed him unable to perfor the duties of the most demanding job in the country. Sarah has to step in as the commander in chief, as the leader of the free world, … Is Sarah ready ?? Does sarah know ? …
33. Charles | 09.14.08
Our area, Houston/Galveston was devastated by Hurricane Ike. I’m still more worried about how disasterous a McCain/Pailin presidency would be.
34. Zeke | 09.14.08
Again the press has shown it’s bias and it can’t help Nobama…Note to press…report the facts, forget your leaning and this will do all of Americans a service.
We will vote on the person we feel that is qualified for that position. we don’t need your help. Report on their positions fairly and equally as you are supposed to and let us decide. Although, you could just report all the garbage you seem to relish in and it turns us against you and your candidate. I personally don’t care. My decision is based on MY opinion, my research and the fact that I can “wallow” through all the bias from both sides.
So, “PRESS”……good luck with “your” election. Intelligent voters can read between the lines.
35. Ramon Mendoza | 09.14.08
I totally agree. This is the only way to go. Leave Palin alone and concentrate on highlightening McSame’s weaknesses. Hit hard there, constantly and relentlessly.
Ramon G Mendoza, PhD
36. Lead The Way | 09.14.08
Obama needs to take Willie Brown’s advice noted above, but with a slight twist. He should say as often as possible “As John McCain said about Hillary Clinton’s health care … lipstick on a pig is still a pig”. That says it all and reminds everyone that George Bush and John McCain would rather “pretty up” a mess than fix or change anything. Men do not like lipstick and this is a subtle reminder to them that lipstick is attractive, but it makes more of a mess than it is worth.
38. Jon Peterson | 09.14.08
Hillary Clinton (HC) needs to come out and claim what is rightfully hers or she will lose it forever, if she ever wants to be a presidential candidate next time (2012 or 2016) or SHE IS TOAST.
The Republican Party (RP) is positioning itself for a long haul. They are not interested in only defeating Obama but the entire Democratic Party (DP) for many years to come.
Imagine vice-president Sarah Palin against HC in 2012 or 2016. Things will be much easy for RP if that should happen.
Only one formula can help the DP. Come out in large numbers, in the campaigns and on voting day. HELP put America back where it BELONGS. On top of the WORLD!!!!!!!!!
You already saw it from Obama’s tour of the Middle East and Europe.
39. palinslist.org | 09.14.08
Regarding the edits of the ABC interview–they did her a service by cutting those lines! She looks even more jumbled, confused and poorly informed when you read what was cut out.
And I’m getting sick of hearing the gun-toting, tough talking,”Pitbull with lipstick” crowd WHINING AND SNIVELING about alleged sexist remarks. I thought it was the Latte Liberals who got to do that?
It’s very unbecoming to see a flag waving patriotic Republican running home with his tail between his legs, and crying to your mommy, “he hurt my feelings!” Show some spine, and stop your winging, McCain people.
40. Mel Gurney | 09.14.08
McCain insults the country by selecting an unqualified running mate — he clearly cares more about winning than what’s good for the country. So Palin is still a target, just as any poor policy decision would be. You can’t let McCain assume the Presidency if he’s prone to half-cocked, bad-for-the-country decisions. Is Palin his vision for America????
41. roy | 09.14.08
I am tired of hearing about the housing collapse it was caused by no one but our self the government did not cause it the people who went out and bought houses they could not afford. It seem like the democratic are right we do not know how to take care of our self vote them in so they can tell us what to do and maybe we can go back to having the monarchy system here with kings and lords and earls to look after us. W will not have to think just do their bidding
42. dragonfly777 | 09.14.08
The media doesn’t have a lot of credibility with people these days. Very few people believe them and see them as arrogant, egotistical and extremely self-serving. Whatever journalism use to mean..those days are over. Except for the weather and emergency information, they barely rate above Reality TV and Commercial Ads..at least so far.
43. Joan | 09.14.08
quoting Willie Brown, Mayor of San Francisco: “If you had said, “As John McCain said about Hillary Clinton’s health care … lipstick on a pig is still a pig,” at least you would have had a frame of reference to fall back on.”
~
This would have been a terrible gaffe. He’d be putting down Hillary.
44. Louis | 09.14.08
“Maverick” & “Pitbull” should not be considered “Presidential” qualities.
Senator Obama, is far more “Presidential” in terms of vision for the USA and it’s role in the world.
POTUS is or should be the most influential and respected leader in the world. A “Maverck” with a veto pen does not fit here.
The Obama campaign should perhaps consider discrediting that Maverick image.
45. independent 50 yo | 09.14.08
There are a lot of good ole boys out there who are single issue voters. They have not done well economically under Bush, but they do not blame him or other Republicans, and they do not abandon the republican party, any more than a farmer would stop going to church or abandon religion when the weather hurts his or her crop yield. The Democrats need to link personal economic suffering in the form of high gas prices, bank loan rates and bank failures, lower overall standard of living, etc. with Bush (first), and with other Republicans by association. This election should see republicans scurrying to see how far from Bush’s record they can get. Instead they are coalescing around pep-rally language about “winning” what has been a disaster in Iraq. But no one looks in the opposing team’s locker room to be sympathetic about the injured after the football game. Coverage of the suffering of the Iraqi people falls flat. We cannot believe that they were better off under Sadam. Meanwhile, having oil company interests contol both domestic and foreign policy gets lost as an issue. We should be outraged, but we are easily distracted by familiar stereotypes: liberal versus conservative, choice versus life. Democrats cannot win by emulating Jimmy Carter and being honest about negative events in the country and in the world. They have to create a better feel-good pep rally to reach the many middle of the road voters. The base is angry, but outside the base, many non-political angry voters stay home. It is easy to be angry with the whole system. Why should a person in rural Ohio vote for Obama? Because his energy policy will help bring electric cars to market so you children will not be paying 10.00 a gallon for gas. If you earn less than 300,000 a year, why would you vote for any Republican? Only if you feel that some element of a religious value is worth all of the extra money republicans cost the country. Is Iraq a holy war? If not, Obama is the answer.
46. therockofages | 09.14.08
The scary question is why is the ‘flock mentality’ so prevalent in this election? Are we so ‘hard up for any kind of change’ we will settle for a smooth talking, ‘let me tell you what I know you want and need to hear’ candidate? Oprahma’s camp recently raised another $66 million bucks. Does this not alarm anyone but me? The Presidency is not for sale, but it appears it has been placed on the auction block. What I would really like to know is exactly where is all this money coming from? I fear we will not want to know the answer to that question because the results will be horrifying. For some it will be better to put him in the White House and worry about that later or not worry about it at all. Sounds about right for generally apathetic 2008 Americans.
47. Yes It Is Me | 09.14.08
The grist mill of yester-some-time-ago briefly spoke of Obama’s wife Michelle putting the kabash on Clinton becoming the VP. PERHAPS, he should stop listening to her when it comes to “working” (such) matters…
48. John | 09.14.08
You libs are truly a bunch of nuts. It sickens me to see how far left the media is. Whatever happened to report the real news, no matter what a reporters personal beliefs are. The left hate Palin and its only because she has an R by her name. If it were a D next to her name NONE of this bashing would be going on. All I can say is you libs are showing your true colors now and majority of America is disgusted with it. Keep living in your little green fantasy world that everyone MUST hate Bush and the republicans. This is where you will fail.
49. hiscity | 09.14.08
This is a no brainer. Have Biden step down and Hillary step in as VP. Then Obama has a real shot at winning.
51. Libby | 09.14.08
Obama started his losing ways when he sent out thousands of people to back him up by attacking anyone who was not for him on message boards. Obama’s backers are so offensive that it really made everyone take a very close look at the man himself. Guess what we found out? We don’t like Obama’s background or friends, nor do we want him as President. We don’t just say no to Obama. We also say no to ACORN, Rezko, Ayers, Soros and moveon.org, and every other nasty association Obama has chosen to be a part of his entire political life.
52. Alex P | 09.14.08
Its time to come together as a nation and do whats best for the country. It’s time to put aside petty posturing and fatted cows like abortion and gun control and deal with the real issues which are people loosing their homes and their jobs.
It’s time to realize that a loaf of bread now cost 3 times more than it did a few years ago, that increases in property taxes mean some people can no longer live in their homes but cant sell them.
It’s time to ask why our seniors have to pay more for drugs in this country than those in Mexico or Canada that are made by the same companies.
Why is it that we subsidize everyone. Why must the farmers get paid for not growing crops when people cant afford the price in the supermarket. When you cant afford a gallon of gas why are the oil companies getting subsidies from the feds. Why are the banks being bailed out, dont investors realize that if you invest in the wrong things or companies with the wrong people in charge that part of investing is that you can loose money.
Why should the taxpayer pay for all the mistakes of people who earn millions a year ?
For those that beleive ‘the war on terror’ how can we be more safe now when people can smuggle tons of drugs into this country just by walking across the southern border ?
To fix this country requires sorting out the fiscal problems next year not 20 years down the road, balancing the fed budget ,increases in taxation, and a lot of other difficult choices including trading import taxes to slow the balance of trades deficit.
Lets hear from the media and candidates about this and forget all the lipstick issues.
53. Hoosiermac | 09.14.08
In my neck of the woods the media is not behind Obama. 90% of stories are framed to benefit republicans. This article is framed to suggest Obama needs help. You know, when a spouse cheats, they degrade and cast doubt on the other spouse whom did nothing wrong. Big media corporations stand to loose tax money or possibly greater local market share if Obama wins. A vote for republicans feeds big media’s greed. What cracks me up is so many middle class and poor continue to vote against their own economic interest. Those that say they vote values, need only to look in their church or even Palin’s family to see that it is folly to legislate moral behavior. We all have faults, I want a candidate that makes my ability to raise a family easier. I’ll take care of morality with my family, church and community. Don’t buy into this stuff, supporting Obama will leave 95% of America financially better off. Tell your friends, a vote against Obama is a vote against themselves.
54. Keto | 09.14.08
Palin will start falling soon. Media will be tired of covering her actions rather than her visions for this country. Obama, you stay focused!
Media, you have covered too much about Palin, now it’s time for Obama. People, i do not think you want another four more years of same policies. Wake up! No Briner to elect Obama as President.
55. Jeff Goolsby | 09.14.08
Obama, If you really want to win, immediately ask Biden to resign then appoint Hillary Clinton VP running mate.
Don’t say any more about Palin.
Contact me personally for more issues that will give you a landslide win.
Jeff Goolsby, Expert Political Economist, Expert Politcal Solutions, Jeff@jeffgoolsby.net, http://www.jeffgoolsby.net, 7704-4-2655
56. Jean | 09.14.08
Saying that Clinton would have been a better pick than Biden is just silly. Can you imagine the media circus that would have ensued if she had been tapped for VP? She and her husband have way too much baggage, especially for a campaign that’s trying to market itself as the agent of change. Also choosing Clinton would have energized the conservative base by itself just as much as McCain’s choice of Palin. Boy, did the Republicans hate the Clintons!
Moreover, McCain might well have chosen a different veep candidate in response to an Obama-Clinton ticket.
If you’re indeed Obama supporters like you claim, you should know darn well that changing veep picks now would be a very bad idea. The best thing to do is to coax Palin away from her handlers and catch her in as many unscripted situations as possible. Her ignorance of national affairs, ambitious political flipflopping, and mean spirit will do the work.
57. mlvassallo | 09.14.08
I’ve been listening to Obama frequently these last two weeks and one thing that I find silly is the “media’s” focus on how he is focused on Palin. The fact is, he isn’t. In his last few tourstops he hasn’t even mentioned her name, including the stop with the now infamous “lipstick” comments. It has been the MEDIA that is so focused on Sara Palin, not Obama himself and now that we have all these commentaries urging Obama to “stay away from Palin” the uninformed American voter has a skewed view of what Obama’s talking points have been these last few weeks.
Keep your TVs on CSPAN and your radios on NPR and stay away from the networks. Get your real news from a real source.
58. PD Quig | 09.14.08
A Great Ad Idea for McCain Campaign –
Image 1: Barack standing in front of US Military Generals and Admirals, making a marching order against our enemies;
Image 2: Barack in the mix of foreign leaders, in the mix of Medvedev, Chavez, Iran’s guy, et al. Barack trying to rally leaders of friendly nations, however, they are having their own ideas etc.
Subtitle: “The unthinkable happened to our country. Doctors have (unfortunately) declared Obama as healthy enough to perform the duties of the most demanding job in the country. As the commander in chief, as the leader of the free world, … Is Barack ready ?? Does Barack know ? …
59. Joe Biden | 09.14.08
For someone who came to the US from Europe and thought European press was biased and one-sided, the recent developments in the presidential campaign have been absolutely astonishing. The US press has thrown away any pretense of balance and fairness. It has morphed into an almost unanimous mouthpiece for Obama while questioning every minuscule statement made by republicans.
Consider this. The press had an absolute field day with Sarah Palin’s 17-year old daughter’s pregnancy. Yet the same press almost completely ignored the persistent rumors about John Edwards’ affair. Only the National Enquirer, which in any case is not a good standing member of the “official” press, investigated this for about a year. Yet no one bothered to check. Only when Edwards revealed the facts himself did it become clear that the democratic presidential candidate had an ongoing affair while running for president. Yet Palin’s daughter got so much scrutiny you could fill an entire year’s worth of newspaper clips.
Journalists and democratic lawyers are now rummaging the archives of the Wasilla town hall in the hopes of digging up dirt on Palin. Yet nobody has apparently looked into the earmark that Obama steered to his wife’s employer, shortly after becoming a US senator. He got the hospital $1m, and shortly after that the hospital roughly tripled Michelle Obama’s salary, from 121k to 316k. In most other countries this would be considered illegal, but few journalist in this country seem to care.
At the same time the media is castigating Sarah Palin for mentioning that she put the Alaska governor’s jet up on eBay. Ah, the outrage goes, but the jet wasn’t actually *sold* on eBay. The governor had to use an airline broker to sell it. The Associated Press devoted several pieces and coverage to this “revelation” and it was picked up by mainstream media.
This pettiness is truly unbelievable. Who in the world cares whether Palin sold the jet on eBay, Amazon.com or the local swap meet? The fact is, she put it on eBay, it didn’t attract enough buyers there, so they got a broker to sell it. Bottom line: the jet is gone and Alaska’s tax payers are better off.
I simply cannot recall a coverage more biased against the republican ticket than what we’re witnessing now. I wonder if most Americans are tuning out at this point, resigned to the fact that they will have the last word in the voting booth on November 4th.
60. James | 09.14.08
Obama could have chosen Paris Hilton, Brittany Spears or even Madonna! But he chose Biden, what was he thinking? Actually, Paris Hilton, Brittany Spears, Madonna and Sarah Palin were the picks for somebody who is scared of losing and thinks that he needs extra votes.
QUESTION: IF Paris Hilton, Brittany Spears, Madonna or Palin were Vice-President and something happened to the President, the VP would be one heartbeat away from the Presidency. And she brloke her fingernail while pushing the Nuclear Button, would she call 911, go to the hospital and ask to receive a Purple Heart?
61. OkieMom | 09.14.08
The McCain campaign is desperate to change the subject. False controversy takes the emphasis away from a candidate who was so uninspiring that only 20% of his supporters were enthusiastic about him. Tiny crowds of bored people were the norm for McCain. Palin was selected by the same folks who brought us a “compassionate conservative” from Texas, who, like Palin, has turned out to be anything but what they sold.
She brought home more earmarks per person than any other state, 10 times higher rate than Illinois.
Meanwhile, hard working Americans are slipping into the mud in this economy. Our real incomes have dropped while everything costs more. Can you tell me one thing McCain has done to help uninsured Americans get health care? Can you tell me what McCain has done over the last 26 years that will help us transition to a renewable energy economy? McCain agrees that global warming is influenced by the burning of fossil fuels. But you know what his solution is, you heard it at the convention: Drill, Baby, Drill.
Drilling. That was the answer in the 1970’s, 1980’s, 1990’s and most of the first decade of the new century. Don’t you think it’s time we actually did something different?
Barack Obama authorized incentives for renewable, green energy in this country. Barack Obama authorized a program to help 150,000 people in Illinois get access to affordable healthcare, and he voted to cover uninsured children in the CHIP program. Barack Obama will cut taxes for 95% of American working families, and everyone making less than $250,00 will see large decreases in the taxes they pay across the board: Payroll, income, capital gains taxes, etc. will decrease for hard working people and we will be able to begin to get ahead once more.
McCain voted against healthcare for children. McCain voted against renewable energy. But McCain emphatically supports tax cuts- the biggest rate cut going to those who make over 2.5 million dollars a year.
Barack Obama will lower taxes for those making less than $250,000 per year to the lowest levels in 50 years. Those making more will be taxed at the same rate they enjoyed in the Reagan years. Senior citizens making less than $50,000 will pay NO TAXES under Barack Obama.
Barack Obama: Lowest tax rates for working families in the last 50 years, affordable healthcare for the uninsured, clean renewable domestic energy.
McCain wants to continue the Bush policies in each of these areas.
And I still haven’t heard anyone ask McCain how he plans to pay for continuing Bush’s failed policies. Perhaps China still has some money to lend…..
62. thelastmoderate | 09.14.08
Debate on the issues and the GWB “legacy”. That should do it. I especially want to see the Palin/Biden debate. That should be a hoot. Kinda like Bentsen and Quayle, I would surmise.
64. Matooso | 09.14.08
Many Americans are refocusing on Jeremiah Wright and Obama’s 20 years sitting in the racist pastor’s Trinity Church of Hate. Others are reviewing photos of Obama on stage with Richardson and Clinton in the primaries as Obama refused to put hand over heart or recite the pledge of allegience. Then there is Obama’s refusal to wear an American flag pin and Michelle’s never proud of America comments…..
Many of us are concerned whether Obama is even pro-American, let alone a wise choice for president.
Obamenomics are just as troubling. Here is his plan: Soak the “rich” and redistribute the wealth, or socialism. Mr. Barack Marx, Pelosi and Reid will define rich.
Obama is going to lose this election.
65. Paul | 09.14.08
Obama, You need to remain HUMBLE…and stop talking s–t!. You can win this if you focus on the issues, and come across as someone the people can trust.
We all make mistakes, that’s why they put erasers on pencils. Admit your faults and move on. Americans don’t like people that make excuses or lie.
Humble up dude…that’s all I can tell you.
66. Paul Stewart | 09.14.08
Hoosiermac said “What cracks me up is so many middle class and poor continue to vote against their own economic interest.”
I have a different take on that. They vote for the lies put out by Republicans that are accepted as fact. Like the lies about tax increases for starters.
America has lost its founding principle of democracy - truth. Now one of the things that Obama is not going to do is lie. That certainly constrains him compared to the bully Republicavemen - lying, cheating and evern stealing Obama’s fundamental position that America needs change.
The ones that get hurt the most are the ones lied to the most. It is a sad day in America when the press and the people in general will vote for an outright serial liar.
America, in this election, even more than in the past, will get what it deserves. It will either take a giant leap forward or continue its rapid slide into the dark ages.
Americans, this is your choice. It is not about what Obama should do, it is more about what you, as voters should do. You need to vet your candidates. You need to look through the noise, through the hiding, posturing and the cultural divisiveness the is the Repbulicavemen.
67. PD Quig | 09.14.08
It’s well known to us Alaskans that Sarah Palin smells like a pig. Sure it’s cold up here, but we always wished she’d consider taking a bath at least once a week like the rest of us.
68. Irene | 09.14.08
As a 65-year-old woman, I believe that many young women do not realize just how much freedom women have gained over their own lives, just in the past few decades. The Obama/Biden campaign must find a way to inform women that Governor Sarah Palin has chosen ways to lead her own life that are not in tune with the reproductive freedoms that many women take for granted. If Palin is placed in a position of national leadership, women must consider that her own beliefs regarding reproductive rights would most likely creep into public policy. And it is a likelihood that she would eventually become president if the McCain/Palin ticket ends up in Washington. A retired civics teacher once told me, “It is not the damage that a president does while in office that is the worst of the damage. It is the president’s successful nominations to the Supreme Court whose legal decisions have the most influence over the country for decades after the president leaves office.”
69. jonesy | 09.14.08
McCain is willing to twist the truth repeatedly to achieve his personal goal and move forward his agenda. Hmmm, that sounds really familiar. Bush campaigned this way against McCain in 2000; unfortunately Bush’s lies didn’t end with the campaign. Bush didn’t lie to democrats, he lied to all of us and we are all paying for those lies now.
Like Bush, McCain now seems to believe Americans are too stupid to make the right choice based on the truth. That scares me. If McCain is elected on blatant lies, I predict like Bush this will set the tone for his presidency. We are the greatest country in the world because of our people and their hard work and creativity, and because our founders developed a system that trusted those people. I want a president that understands that.
70. scott | 09.14.08
First, this will really come down to who is comfortable voting for a black man.
Second, Gibson should have asked Palin to comment on the MONROE doctrine, not the BUSH doctrine, but I bet even less of you know what the MONROE doctrine is anyway. Given Russia’s presence in Venezuela, you may need to check your history.
Third, Obabma and the defeatists would be bad news for the US when Hugo the boss starts acting up. Since he’s an elected socialist dictator who hands out cheap heating oil to Harlem, et. al. the Democrats will give him plenty of clearance until it is too late.
71. Markux | 09.14.08
Toby Harnden, advice is perfect. If Obama continues to pay any attention to Palin, he is Finished. He should stick to the issues of likeness of his opponent with GWB, continue to talk issue. For that matter his running mate should not pay attention to Palin gender, personality, praise. She as a person should stay out of focus of any discussion. The Republican love to have her as a center of attention. Obama should pay Toby Harden because is advice is gold. If anyone had any doubts of Clinton loyalty to the Democratic party they should know now that they will not do anything short of paying lip service to support obama. After all why would Clinton support him to be president and wait another 8 year instead of 4. do the math.
72. dan | 09.14.08
Obama has never won an election by running on experience or issues. All he has is he was against the war and a mantra of change. The Iraq war is being won and McCain has stole his thunder on change, so what is there for him to run on? Experience? His rising start image is quickly turned to a shooting star that is burning out. He has violated all his pre election pledges…divided his party and so all he has left is to attack. Which may make his supporters happy but will not gain him any new voters, and may actually lose him some.
73. TommyF | 09.14.08
You libs don’t get it, do you? We KNOW she is inexperienced, has her issues, and looks nervous. But she’s STILL better than Obama! THAT’s the problem, libs. Your Prez looks AWFUL next to our Veep!
74. Lynn | 09.14.08
I think Obama needs to go back to where he gained his initial strength, large inspiring crowd speeches.
The american people care about issues, but they have heard the lies and promises before of politicians.
They need to be inspired and they need their hope back. Barack started to go down in the polls when he believed HRC saying words did not matter. WORDS DO MATTER. A lot. The fact that they bought the HRC premise was flaw one of the campaign. Barack, your words, and the words of others do matter.
Please INSPIRE us again. We need you to find a quiet place, search your soul for the truth of the moment, like you did in the race speech and at the DNC and pull another rabbit out of your hat and wow and inspire us. YES YOU CAN!
75. typical U.S.Marine | 09.14.08
It’s simple why the nazi liberal media hate Palin.
1. She’s not a drug addict
2. She’s heterosexual
3. She believes in God
4. She has proper morals and values
5. She’s a woman
Where as liberals are
1. They lobby for the legalization of all illegal drugs
2. They prefer homosexuality and pedophillia
3. They believe in no God…..well maybe fairies
4. They think Moral’s is the brand name of a ciggarette and value’s are when you get three rocks of crack for the price of two.
5. They like women too, but only liberal women like women..a lot, the liberal “men” like…….yep you guessed it, men or boys.
I don’t buy the liberal media’s BS. Never have never will.
I just hope the liberal’s come to my home town after Obamassiah loses in November to riot.
I know they’re good at throwing balloons filled with bleach and urine into the faces of elderly people in wheelchairs, lets see how they do against a few Marines.
76. Curtis | 09.14.08
I look forward to Obama debating McCain. Not so sure that Biden will be effective against She.
Imagine this: Obama calls them out - “Since this wasn’t even a contest until Palin was drafted and since many Americans think that, if elected, the Senator won’t survive even his first term - I am challenging the actual Republican nominee, Sarah Palin, savior of the GOP, to a series of three debates. Ms. Palin, let’s see which one of us has the right stuff to handle the responsibilities of our land’s highest office.”
The shock of him saying such a thing would be even larger and more galvanizing than McCain’s selection of Palin.
Yeah, I know, dream a little dream, pal.
In dreams begin responsibilities.
77. Ariana | 09.14.08
Obama needs Hillary! Mccain picking Palin was the most strategic and genius decision the man ever made. Obama should have put his pride aside and chosen Hillary for VP. Yes, the Clinton’s do have baggage, but it’s baggage we already know. Hillary supporters are still hurt by the Biden pick and will NOT get over it. Obama’s lack of experience has never been more obvious, than it is now as he is struggling to ignore the biggest reason the republicans will win. Sarah Palin.
78. Webwatch | 09.14.08
Its amazing how Republicans have become a party totally devoid of ideas. Their age old ploy of painting Democratic candidates as “Liberals”, “Flip-Floppers”, “Unpatriotic”, “tax and spend” and hitting on the media as “liberal media”.
Now they have become a bunch of whiners - I did not see Dems hitting the media so hard when it was all negative about Obama. The moment the press starts vetting one of its “fresh faces” its a “Liberal Media”. I did not see them screaming “sexist” when the media was hitting Hillary. But now they are all about praising Hillary. I hope the voters are not so dumb to see through this wily strategy.
On economy front I do not understand how Republican policy of “Borrow and Spend” is any better? Just today Alan Greenspan said that “these are very unsual times for the market and its the worst he has ever seen”.
79. love5pets | 09.14.08
I think it is pathetic, that we, Senator Obama’s supporters, are telling him how to run an effective campaign. Figuratively speaking, Senator Obama has been windsurfing, a-la-Kerry. If Mccain, the liar, wins, those who voted for him deserve him. If Obama loses, he deserves to lose.
81. love5pets | 09.14.08
Bears repeating.
“Keep your TVs on CSPAN and your radios on NPR and stay away from the networks. Get your real news from a real source.”
82. nlcatter | 09.14.08
Simple Attack
MCcain supported Bush policy onm Iraq
Obama did not !
and who said you could address him by first name, we dont go around saying “John”
83. Katherine | 09.14.08
Reporters may lean left, but the few and far more powerful owners of our media outlets who hire and “own” the reporters lean far right. Guess who gets the final editing cut on what’s reported in the news??? There has been a strong trend for the so-called ‘fair and balanced’ reporting at the expense of ‘investigating and reporting the truth’ in our news media for some time now. Truth and investigation have very little to do with anything in the mainstream news anymore. Disinformation by those in media/political power is now the name of the game.
84. Sandra S | 09.14.08
Good suggestions for Obama. However, the ‘biased’ mainstream media (MSM as I believe it is called) is very biased toward Republicans, particularly networks like CBS (owned by corporate conglomerate (formerly Westinghouse) heavy into the defense contracting business, and mNBC, owned by GE, another corporate conglomerate heavy into defense contracting. The military industrial complex of which these media are involved have traditionally been Republican because that’s where they get their ‘pork’ form.
Also, Republicans are expert at pointing to the media as the liberal media, planting into the already dogmatic minds of right wing supporters that they are the victims of the ‘liberal’ media, when in actuality, the MSM are biased toward Republicans.
America is ready for a change from the last eight years of Republican failed policies, and Obama and his campaign should continue to hit home that John McCain is not that change.
85. Bill | 09.14.08
John McCain has lost his honor. He can’t run on that anymore. He has cut benefits for veterans and is making himself look foolish by lying about his voting record. Obama is hitting back, but not hard enough. He should run this ad.
86. Ron | 09.14.08
Sarah Palin is a very ambitious Politician. She will be President sooner than many of you realize.
87. thinker08 | 09.14.08
Obama is under pressure and his true colors are showing … hence, his nasty remarks about the “lipstick on a pig”. Everyone knows he was referring to Sarah Palin and it shows just how low he will stoop. He is a low-life … a corrupt, no class, fist bumping politician from Chicago. We already know that he is sexist and obviously felt threatened by Hillary Clinton, otherwise he would have her on the ticket. Little did he know that another competent and very strong woman would come on the scene and “STEAL HIS SHOW” !!! Ha Ha Ha KING OBAMA is going down and his biased sexist liberal buddies can’t stand it.
88. love5pets | 09.14.08
Here’s an effective Obama Ad:
Either show actual footage or actual quote:
Rick Davis, Mr. McCain’s campaign manager, who is also a lobbyist, was quoted as saying: “this campaign is not about the issues”.
Carl Rove, Mr. Mccain’s campaign architect was quoted as saying: “McCain’s VP choice was one of politics, not governance.”
Voice Over: Well, just politics, not issues. Is McCain ready to lead?
89. Sandra S | 09.14.08
It’s time to ignore Republican hackers like Libby, who is guilty of what she/he says. Democrats on these boards were not send out by Obama - how silly. We are people who happen to be computer literate and are using the power of the internet to express our opinions, which never reach the MSM that are biased toward Republicans. As a matter of fact, what this poster is seeing is that the majority of Americans support Obama - we do not show up on the MSM polls, we are the silent majority that will be silent no longer on November 4th. As far as John Mccain, if he was not so out of touch with Americans and so computer illiterate that he might actually resort to intelligent conversation online instead of the most dishonest, sleazy fear and smear campaign ever, he might have a chance.
On another note, perhaps you will wonder why Republicans have been screaming for offshore oil drilling and pushed a vote in Congress before the election? Why not wait until after the election if they are so sure their candidate will win? Because they know he will not and that they will be losing both Senate and Congressional seats.
90. noexperience | 09.14.08
I’m a former Hillary supporter. I just think that Obama got to where he is right
now is because he’s black, it’s affirmative action. If he would have been white,
there is no way in **** he would have been nominated.
It’s the first time in history ever you’d see someone
who’s not even close to be qualified to hold a higher office to be nominated,
a community organizer with no executive experience and any accomplishments.
What happened to my country? I’m voting for McCain.
Go to http://whosobama.com/
91. Ben | 09.14.08
“Moral bankruptcy and leftist bias is inherent in the main media outlets. Their blatant attacks on Sarah Palin are exposing them for the partisan, sexist hypocrites that they are.”
Did you hear that from Rush? Bill-O? Maybe the AP? Where is this main stream liberal media you talk of?
I would love to have a liberal media. Of course, its well known that facts have a liberal bias.
92. Ohio Voter | 09.14.08
Obama needs to tell the voters what he’s for like he did originally. He needs to say:
This year it is really important that we change for the better. Our great nation cannot afford to be at war except in the case of self-defense. Iraq has not and will not make us safer!
Studies have shown the real income has gone down by $2,000 per year for the middle class under Bush, yet it increased substantially for the top 2%. Since 1980 the only time income for the bottom 98% (non-rich) has gone up has been under Democratic Presidents. The voodoo economics of Bush/McCain do not work.
Health care should not be a privilege but a basic human need that should be met in the USA. The World Health Org. website will open your eyes to how expensive and LOUSY our health care system is. We have a shorter life expectancy, higher infant mortality rate, fewer doctors per 100,000 people, etc. We need National Health Care. Besides, it is actually a legal government subsidy that reduces corporate labor costs. So it should have a positive impact on jobs in the US.
Lastly, McCain has no problem lying to us daily just like Bush. As president he will continue. We need a president that we can trust to tell us the truth, always.
93. oski | 09.14.08
It used to be, “Obama will win easily”. Now it’s “He can still win, here’s how.” Expect a McCain landslide.
94. Betty Seip | 09.14.08
Sorry, but Joe Biden is not an old hasbeen. He has more experience than Hillary will ever have. I give Obama a lot of credit for choosing Biden. He is his own man and not afraid to show it.
95. vetter | 09.14.08
I have been involved with the development of leadership and management skills all my life. For most people these skills can not be learned but only sharpened. You either have it or you don’t. Palin has it and she will grow and change some of her views as they are applied in the real world of high powered events. I have absolutely no problem with her abilities, she could take on the Job of the presidency tomorrow and it would be just a blip on the screen. We all have learning curves but smart people learn quickly and sround themselves with good people from the get go. I applaud both Obama and McCain in making statements to the effect that they want the best people they can find for their admininstrations. These four people are all gifted.
96. Sandra S | 09.14.08
Ben,
yes and I love the Harry Truman quote when he was asked to Give ‘em ****, Harry. He said “I will not give them ****, I’ll give them the truth, and that will be like **** to them.”
And just a tip, it doesn’t pay to get entwined in conversation of Republican trolls as we call them. They throw in racist, sexist and ****** comments on boards whenever they see a conversation on the issues and try to take the focus off issues and onto meaningless mud slinging. Keep that in mind and you’ll see what I mean. Whenever you see posts with actual substance, here comes along a troll with another stupid comment. Stick to the issues and truth and it is like **** to them. I think it’s best to ignore them or to just continue posting on issues and not respond to them. Just a suggestion. This is also typical of Republican campaigns like you’re seeing with the McCain fear and smear campaign. No platform, no substance - we want no more of the last eight years of failed policies.
97. Kuriakose Pulikeel | 09.14.08
“But, Charlie, again, we’ve got to remember what the desire is in this nation at this time. It is for no more politics as usual and somebody’s big.” S.Paline.
Paline is right. America’s desire is to re discover America and the American Values; To discard two nation and multination theories based on color, gender, ethnicity and unite as one nation and one people; working together to restore our position as the leader of civilized nations of the world; defeating forces of religious fundamentalism, hatred and selfishness; advancing as a hardworking free society that sets example to the world. If we fail to do this in this election we will be thrown far behind other countries and people.
OBAMA has brought to the stage an agenda to accomplish the goals. The distraction comes from republicans , now led by Paline as if all good old guys have vanished, who is trying to sell lipstick politics to American people.
OBAMA’s success will be to stick with his message and to expose the distracters
I trust Americans. They are smarter. Who they elect in November will not reveal the winner any more but will reveal who the Americans are! And if Americans are ready for 21st century
99. Jean Mc | 09.14.08
Being an independent I find all this nastiness ridiculous. Why not just do some HONEST research you might find out quite a bit of difference between the candidates. So far I have found that the McCain/Palin Ticket, at least, have more experience in leading and governing. I’m sorry, I would like to have voted for the first American who was black but his record does not compare even to Gov. Palin and Biden has done a whole lot of voting that costs us money, which we are getting less and less. This whole thing is a sorry mess when we vote for a party and not for the good of the United States.
100. Van | 09.14.08
As a 60 year old, I have been through many election cycles and I must say the Elite Media is out doing themselves, like never before. The extent that they, (the media) are going to try to destroy Sarah Palin, harkens back to the days of Pravda during the cold war. The only reason I can see that they are willing to prostrate themselves is that Sarah is not willing to dance to their tune. . . She is a threat to their style of life.
101. American Girl | 09.14.08
On the campaign trail, Palin says, “We’re going to drill now to make this nation energy independent.” And she adds that she’s “ready to help John McCain bring tax relief to all Americans.” That’s the disciplined Sarah on message.
102. elizabeth | 09.14.08
It is amazing to me how obtuse the majority of Americans have become. Like children, they are impressed by the Candy Man who wishes to give away the store.
What has happened to individual responsibility? Accountability? What is fair about punishing those who DO the right things…work hard…pay their bills…stay out of debt…earn some level of success by taking away their savings to pay for those who have never done anything but live on the government dole? I am tired of being told that I am “rich”, and that I can afford to keep supporting others. I am a charitable person, but I prefer choosing my own recipients. I feel akin to the founders of our country. I do not like taxation without representation.
Obama is not going to offer tax cuts. He is offering tax “relief”. A totally different concept. He is proposing to punish anyone who produces in this country, ie, not only large corporations, but small business owners. How is that going to help? Business will scale down or shut down. Jobs are lost…not created. Government health care is a proven failure. Just live outside of the US for some time, and you know the truth of it. Something needs to be done, but government is NOT the answer.
I am all for exploring all types of energy. JUST DO IT ALL! But right now, we need to open up ways to drill at home until we perfect newer types of energy. Obama WANTS high gas prices. And again, I do not want people telling me what I can drive and what I cannot.
Obama has so many question marks. To believe that anyone who sprung from the cesspool of Chicago politics stands for change is beyond naive. His associations are intently questionable and put whether Sarah Palin fired someone over a trooper who used a TASER on a child in the catagory of absurd.
As for Sarah Palin…she is the liberal left’s worst nightmare. She is actually a woman who has done it all, instead of talking about it. I am so sick of the likes of Barbara Walters trying to speak for me. What does she know of running a home, and dealing with everyday issues? Sarah Palin has worked her way up the chain, she has been a mother, a PTA and Hockey Mom, a wife, a mayor, and then a Governor. On top of that, she is attractive. God Forbid! If I had a daughter, I would point to her as a role model. She is a shining example that nothing is impossible, and the sky is the limit. You can be bright, beautiful, and successful…and have a wonderful family as well. JUST like a man!
And she has never forced her own religious views on anyone. She has been centrist in her governance of Alaska, often pulling together both parties.
Despite the media being blatantly biased towards Obama, I believe the majority of hard working Americans are not stupid. There is a reason that Russia is flexing it muscles all of a sudden, and that Europe loves Obama. They do not fear him. They see him as someone who will prefer talk to action, and bring America down to their level.
And for me…above all else…the security of our nation is most at stake. And I am not willing to risk someone like Obama at the helm.
103. ANAKARONA | 09.14.08
American people are you stupid or not? How come we can’t see if McSame be President it’s going to be a disaster.
He’s not President yet talking only about war. American people is not ready for a new war with Russia. If American people decide to elect McSame instead of Barack Obama, I tell you that people no change going to happen.
It’s going to be more waste than Bush. So look for peace. Elect Barack Obama. Otherwise you are doing to your war yourself.
Netherlands Antilles
104. elliot bassman | 09.14.08
Everyday I wake up and the day is a nightmare: How, in the name of our forefathers, and in the name of the past eight years, and the current , daily economic troubles and major health care issues– are Americans embracing a monstrous ticket to lead the world!!
Is this the America I was taught about in school- decades ago: one with a conscience, liberty and freedom for all?
The country was founded on ideas and ideals. How is it we have become mired in gross intolerance, and a barely distinguishable distance between church and state?
Consider this- had Obama crossed lines and chosen Palin as his running mate–what would the scenario look like? Would the republicans have praised Mr. Obama for crossing party boundaries and choosing a celebrity presence and superficial intelligence above the country’s best interests. Every facet of our lives is at stake here.
Mr. Obama needs to put in his ads- the “regular” people– and have them tell about their struggles, caused primarily, by a republican administration that heralds elitism, wealth and incomprehensible greed and baffling hypocrisy.
Palin is merely their “golden calf”– an illusion of power, a gilded distraction.———by artist, elliot bassman
105. Beth Jonasson | 09.14.08
Bush et al have made an agreement to stay in Iraq. The agreement has been published and is well-known in Arabic-speaking Iraq. You can read it, recently translated into English, on a blog called Unscheduled Outrage, from a very reliable source. Surely everyone agrees that we cannot afford more trillions, more death and destruction, more pollution, more lies, more McSame. Why can’t we attack McSame and Barbie doll with questions that they ought to be able to answer? I would bet that a simple Q&A about world geography would flunk Palin (John McCain’s pacemaker)in a heartbeat.
106. Heather | 09.14.08
So, an entire article about the media that is not rying to help Obama win an election, on what they think he has to do to win the election?
The fair and balanced media refering to a candidate as “McSame”? Sounds somewhat partisan to me!
Unscheduled outrage sure sounds like a very reliable source! Oh, you mean a source very reliable at distributing the liberal lefts opinion? I am sure that is what you meant to say!
Let’s all rely on a source that is translated from a foreign language by someone who has an obvious bias in this issue! Yes, sounds reliable to me!
108. Tim | 09.14.08
I want to know when the media plan’s to write a big “How McCain can still win” issue? My guess, that ain’t gonna happen!
109. nobamanation | 09.14.08
Let’s look at it again to see how absurd it is.
* You couldn’t get a job at McDonalds and become district manager after 143 days of experience.
* You couldn’t become chief of surgery after 143 days of experience of being a surgeon.
* You couldn’t get a job as a teacher and be the superintendent after 143 days of experience.
* You couldn’t join the military and become a colonel after 143 days of experience.
* You couldn’t get a job as a reporter and become the nightly news anchor after 143 days of experience.
BUT….
* ‘From the time Barack Obama was sworn in as a United State Senator, to the time he announced he was forming a Presidential exploratory committee, he logged 143 days of experience in the Senate.
* That’s how many days the Senate was actually in session and working.
* After 143 days of work experience, Obama believed he was ready to be Commander In Chief, Leader of the Free World, and fill the shoes of Abraham Lincoln, FDR, JFK and Ronald Reagan. 143 days?
We all have to start somewhere. The senate is a good start, but after 143 days, that’s all it is - a start.
AND, strangely, a large sector of the American public seems to feel comfortable with this and campaigning for him.
We wouldn’t accept this in our own line of work, yet some are OK with this for the President of the United States of America ?
Come on folks, we are not voting for the next American Idol.
Makes you think about who is supporting him and what they really want….
Think before you vote.
110. ezky | 09.14.08
see, this is sad. Even his advice-givers think he has engaged with Palin. we’re living in bizarroland.
111. Arlene | 09.14.08
A suggestion: Obama should pre-announce Hillary as his Secretary of State! Change the game and give the media and public something else to factor into their decision. Not to mention, Hillary would be a fantastic, experienced addition to the Cabinet.
112. Annette | 09.14.08
When is the media going to learn that their far left, one sided “journalism” is just hurting the Obama campaign??? Putting down Palin who represents more than half the country is a very stupid ignorant way of trying to help Obama which they are clearly trying to do. The Jerk at MSNBC even gave Obama advise on how to conduct his campaign. How pathetic can you get???
I am an independent and ask myself, is Obama qualified to be President when he cannot even fight his battles against McCain by himself and needs the media to do so? He has the entire media on his side, and he is still behind in the polls…oh, oh wait - maybe it is BECAUSE of the media that he is behind in the polls?? Our ignorant, one sided, propaganda of a media should shut their trap, and let Obama do his stuff and then we’ll see the polls and this country change direction.
113. Marlene | 09.14.08
You people who want Hillary to be vp are wrong. Every news headline would start with “Catfight”. She is to smart to do that.
114. Douglas | 09.14.08
I think any truly independent-minded voter should look carefully at the behavior of those around him or her in judging the candidates. I also think the independent-minded voter should carefully consider just when these economic problems began to appear. Look at oil prices, for example, they were around $50 bbl back in January, 2007. Some want to blame the administration for the rapid rise in price but I noticed that the rapid rise began soon after the Democrats retook control of Congress. In fact, most of the “crises” that are being blamed on the administration have popped up since the election of 2006. Coincidence? I am not so sure. But do your own research, don’t just take my word for it.
115. Check Into IT | 09.14.08
Seriously people do some reasearch.
Obama is a fraud, or media is making him appear so.
Plane troubles - no word about them after that, because there were none, only a few news sites talked about it.
Drug dealers - not someone out to get anyone at the convention.
Obama owns a small piece of land, not his home, home is owned by Tony Rezko.
Obama in serveral interviews speaks of his Muslim faith, which is it? Where do you go to church?
Obama and taxes, wow this certainly will put the economy into a downfall - don’t believe think its a republican tactic, check Snopes or your favorite news provider look up tax plans for each candidate.
Is there ever a perfect candidate, no, but you need to not follow your party, you need to read and reasearch your choices and make the best choice for you and your family, your job.
Get out there Americans learn about your canidates.
116. Independent4McCain | 09.14.08
Barack Hussein Obama has nothing on McCain so he goes after Sarah Palin but it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see even Hussein has nothing on her either.
Gov. Palin has the highest approval rating of all Governors.
She is the chief executive of a state with 30,000 employees.
She has reduced state spending.
She has real accomplishments.
She has fought corruption in both political parties.
She returned most of the state gasoline taxes back to the people.
She fought the oil companies and got them to drill on their leases.
—–
Obama has zero legislation in the state senate and U.S. Senate.
He voted Present 130 times to avoid taking a position or making a decision.
He has been running for president two out of the three years he’s been in the Senate.
He has zero executive/management experience.
He is connected to the John and Richard Daley political machine in Chicago.
117. love5pets | 09.14.08
Spin away to your heart’s content. I have witnessed - experienced the last 8 years of the Bush administraiton, and it stands to reason that if Mr. Mccain has voted with Bush 90% of the time, this election is not going to change the core of Mr. Mccain’s governance philosophy. Actually in choosing Palin, it cements it more.
I will NOT VOTE for another 4 years of Bush and be responsible for this country’s demise. Those who voted for Bush - twice - should bear the responsiblity of the death and destruction in Iraq and the sate of the economy. My conscience is clear - yours can be, too, if you VOTE OBAMA!
118. Annette | 09.14.08
The media is suppose to be the 4th branch of government, and in turn strengthening our Checks and Balances system. They are the ones who are suppose to be the truth getters, the fact checkers; instead, we have a bunch of bozos who have not said a bad word about one candidate, spent most of their time bashing the second in command of the other candidate, not on issues, mind you, but on the most unrelated, unimportant, sleazy, yellow tabloid ****. They are obviously are not only NOT the 4 branch but the advisers and dogs on a leash of Obama. That does not sit well with me, and if I give my vote for Obama, I am afraid we will have four years of no checks - no balances - and no one using their first amendment DUTY of calling the government on issues that they need to. Everyone will be afraid to be called racists, and no one will hold government accountable like they should be doing. VERY SCARY!!!!
119. JAMES | 09.14.08
What ever happened to Colin Powell? Has he publicly endorsed anyone? If not, and if he has retained any personal credibility, he ought to be able to see the dishonorable depths to which McCain has chosen to sink and come out STRONG FOR OBAMA. McCain has chosen to follow Carl Rove into the political gutter after making a career out of claiming that his honor would not let him go there. If anyone has the militariy/political chops to point out (in a convincing way) McCain’s glaring deviation from the honor he so values, that guy would be C. Powell, in my judgement. Where are you Colin? Country needs you man! Country First!
120. CannonRay | 09.14.08
Obama’s defeat will be due as much to his most rabid supporters — as to anything McCain or Palin do. Palin only magnifies the elitist, anti-intellectual tendencies of the far Left. She puts a spotlight on the arrogance, contempt for American values and disdain for Middle America that has corrupted the Democratic worldview. Sure, they want to help elect Obama — but they assume that the strategies advocated by academic Leftists, inner city Marxists and a declining media elite will work. They won’t because this worldview is repulsive to a majority of the electorate. Linsey Lohan and Woopie and Oprah won’t change this fact. We can try to forget that Obama was a product of the Leftist Chicago political machine — that he didn’t try to reform or confront. His supporters, however, feel compelled to remind us why. He doesn’t share our values, beliefs and view of our national identity — and his supporters are openly hostile to these things.
121. Terry Conklin | 09.14.08
“voters who have been the slowest to embrace Obama as “one of us.”…. is the point that everyone is missing.
I for one and many voters want to support someone they believe is much like themselves, someone they “know”. McCain and Palin satisfy that need. Even Biden does it. Obama does it for African Americans. Beyond that, he has to appeal to others as one who will do the things that need doing, making change real. I believe that most Americans, especially Independents and Republicans are cynical and don’t believe a politician at his word alone. So far, they have all proven that they lie as needed to get the vote. Only a perception that we know WHO they are is worth that vote and that is why I will vote McCain/Palin in spite of the fact I disagree with many of their stated beliefs. At least I know who they are.
122. Plain Jane | 09.14.08
This time around the news media should put the opinion polls of the rest of the world in the spotlight by virtue of how much we have alienated the rest of the globe for the last 8 years. Through technology and commerce we are citizens of the world and our children will continue to be more so intertwined. Due to communications through technology and world trading the terrain of war has changed making any war unwinnable (This last sentance is not original and paraphrasing the Dalai Lama). Most likely Bin Ladin is saying that they’re succeeding. It’s just a slogan as old as war.
Another question I have is Ms. Palin has only had a passport for a year or so, how much time has she actually spent in the lower 48 other than college in Idaho? My impression of the interview was that she is very place-centric and there was a lack of maturity in a world view that incudes our nation. To me there is no difference if someone is running for VP or President. They all should be able to fill that role. Also young, Mr. Clinton had educated himself with a grasp of US and world history enhancing his ability to debate and was part of his leadership. Mr. Obama has both a rural and urban experience as well as dealing with nationally and internationally related bills that give him a certain scope of understanding. These are the kind of things that complete the overall impression and necessary skill for the job.
123. colleen | 09.14.08
Obama camp, do EXACTLY as you have been doing. A little wobbling in the polls seven weeks out can’t shake my faith in your fine and level-headed team. Don’t blink, please.
124. navajo kid | 09.14.08
No, Mr. Obama will not raise your taxes. He doesn’t have to and he knows it. Only those making 250k and above. But who is that, the top 5% ? By far and away mostly business owners. Very few people make more than 250k working for the other guy. Are these people going to cry in their beer “poor little me I am going to leave this G.D. country” ? Maybe a few democrats will say that, it seems to be one of their favorite mantras when things don’t go to suit them. Remember Alec Baldwin when Bush won ? Where is Mr. Baldwin today ? If they are smart enough to own their own business to begin with. They will simply raise the price of their products. You can bet your a** that’s what I am going to do. My children are not going to go hungry while the chosen one feeds the ghettos my tax dollars. So who buys these products ? The other 95%. From their pocket to the pocket of the businessman to Obama’s pocket. The American public are being duped here. They are the ones who will pay more. The American businessman furnishes everything consumed in this country. If you wish to pay more for everything you use just for the promise of a “virtual” tax cut then vote for Obama. He is a very brilliant constitutional lawyer, or so says the great news media, he should stay there. But it is becoming more evident he knows next to nothing about the economy. So call me a stupid capitalist, if you can’t make it, that sure as **** isn’t my problem.
“I don’t have to raise your taxes, I know a better way to get your money, but I will get it.”
125. Bill | 09.14.08
The entire game will change drastically after the first debate. McCain has no actions to back up what he says. His voting record is with Bush and he doesn’t support veterans. He and Palin can only speak in soundbites. When Palin debates Biden the republican’s house of cards will collapse. The vice presidency is not an exam you can cram for.
126. forestgunk | 09.14.08
It amazes me that the media touts polls that do not include one of Barak Obama’s largest constituencies, that is 18 to 35 year olds. How could they miss this group you ask? Well if pollsters are only able to call people on “land telephone lines” it misses the majority of 18 to 35 year olds who do not, or never have had a “land-line telephone”!
Since this demographic is said to be largely for Obama and is not “polled”, it definitely distorts the polling numbers.
127. TJF | 09.14.08
I’ve been saying this for about 6 months or so. The election is Obama’s to lose and everytime he opens his mouth while not reading off a teleprompter he loses votes. Sometimes he loses votes when using the teleprompter too - like his speech in Berlin.
If the man would’ve just stopped talking months ago he would’ve beaten Hillary sooner in the primary, and would be up 65%/35% over McCain.
I guess now that he is actually behind the advice might still work as McCain will keep saying dumb things himself. Maybe if he only did that stare off into the future pose without any talking he would pick up some votes.
128. Common-Sense-Fanatic | 09.14.08
A few simple observations (14 Sep 08):
1. All politics is local. This means “leaders” on the national level, regardless of party, have minor influence on local affairs, including economics and other basics. A school board or county commission election is many times more important than a presidential campaign.
2. Those geniuses who wrote our Constitution fortunately limited the powers of the presidency so much that it is foolish to take any presidential campaign very seriously.
3. Most U.S. voters will choose “personality” over “issues” any day because it is entertaining to talk about personality and extremely boring to discuss issues — it’s the living room or kitchen versus the classroom. Where would you rather be?
4. Some in the news media regard themselves as having far greater insight and influence than they do. They need to escape their echo chamber and listen to real voters.
129. George | 09.14.08
The only chance for Mr. Obama to win this campaign is to give up his class-war, socialist slogans and present himself as a uniter and not divider. His slogan of change is still a mystery and a scary one for some.
130. Michael Hutchinson | 09.14.08
Remind moderate republicans that Obama is a family man, with a wife and two daughters. Remind them of his contributions to his community. Remind them of how Obama called the press to back off Sarah Palin’s family. Remind them of how Obama’s first campaign ad war narrated by a republican who stated Obama had the respect of many republicans. Remind republicans that Obama has honored and recognized McCain’s service to his country. Obama has demonstrated good christian values by not debasing McCain.
Gently remind moderate republicans that McCain is divorced. That he considered leaving the republican party for the democratic party. That McCain is 72 years old and has a 1 in 3 chance of surviving his term. Remind republicans that McCain would borrow the money for his tax cuts from China, as Bush has - further weakening America’s influence in the world.
131. Doc Elliott | 09.14.08
If you are pro-life, pro traditional marriage of man and woman, pro individualism, pro capitalism, pro enforced immigration law
Then you MUST are for the the Republican Party platform
Dr Joe
132. Dave | 09.14.08
Go with McCain not standing up for his fellow vet when getting swift boated. McCain is dishonorable and would let a fellow vet die if it furthered his career. How sad……….McCain once had convictions.
133. Lee | 09.14.08
Barack Obama would make an amazing good president, if he is elected.
But we gotta be realistic here. The McPain / Sara Pain combo is a strong one.
She will pull in the RR and women votes. also the NRA.
And she will cause other voters to become apathetic so they stay away from the polls.
Hey, the Pain people very possibly might win.
Obama made a serious mistake when he didn’t choose Hilary.
IMHO, Obama wanted to “assert” his right to choose. Unfortunately, he did not listen to the people, to whom he is pledging himself, when he made that decision. He should have picked Hilary. (I am not a Hilary supporter, - but I do see that half of the country wants her, so that should have taken precedence.) I think a lot of others think that way too. So this is going to be a close election again.
If Obama, Biden and the Dems were really smart, they would find some way for Biden to step down. Then a week later, Hilary is announced as the new VP pick. If Obama does that, he will win the election.
134. Anne | 09.14.08
Obama needs to focus on running against McCain not Palin; keep reminding folks about Bush’s record and McCain’s alignment with Bush on 90% of his policies; point out that Bush-Cheney have hurt the middle and working class not helped them; and scare the heck out of the women that Palin’s beliefs and policies could impact their ability to acquire birth control and/or to raise an unexpected baby. The Democrats need to let women know that the Bush administration has advocated ‘amnesty’ for pharmacists who decide not to dispense artificial birth control such as IUD’s and birth control pills if it is against their personal beliefs. For women living in rural areas, this could result in them having to drive 50 to 100 miles to have their birth control prescriptions filled and for women dependent on public transportation, this could prevent them for acquiring birth control. And remember women that Palin sided with her police commissioner when he proposed charging women for ‘rape kits’ and regretted her decision after the policy was ruled illegal & before she ran for Governor. The Democrats should remind women and men that her pro-life policies included cutting back funding for a residential housing program for teenage mother who elected to raise their babies. And, remind people that while the Republicans are telling the average person about their superiority for possessing small town values, their jobs were outsourced and corporate heads continue to receive obscenely high compensation packages for outsourcing or terminating positions so their stocks look better. Democrats needs to remind the voters that McCain was against helping homeowners keep their homes due to the sub-prime mess and blames the average person for the problem rather then focusing on the mistakes made by the top corporate financial leaders and by amoral mortgage companies. They need to remind people that when homes are foreclosed in their neighbors that it impacts their home’s worth and that are victims of corporate greed. And,Obama needs to let people know that he cares for their everyday concerns.
135. Marjie canuck | 09.14.08
TO 107. nobamanation | 09.14.08
Great ! so you believe Bush after his experience as a governor, and Cheney with his years of ‘business and political experience’ made a great team. If you and American are better off vote for Mc same. Judgement, character and leaderhip are most important traits for any leader wanting to lead USA. Obama has atleast some amount of all of these traits. You probably think dumping your loyal wife for a richer younger woman is a sign of character, so vote for Mc no honor.
If you think being educated, having a vision, understanding US issues in the context of Global issues, having the ability to see the big picture, having the ability to see today’s issues in a globally connected way is a liability please close all institutes of higher learning in US , you dont need them, and vote McPalin team and understand that the only jobs available to your children in US will be in the service industry paying 5$ an hour .
136. spinout | 09.14.08
Didn’t you hear? It’s Sarah Palin’s love for shooting animals from airplanes (and enjoying it) that qualifies her to be Vice President and make the country more secure. Is it even legal to hunt from an airplane? (Shouldn’t the media be asking more questions about it)? Presumably that would be her plan for dealing with those annoying polar bears interfering with oil production - or any other animal or person causing trouble.
We need real change in policy that will actually boost our economy, save our jobs and help the middle class. Vote Obama!!!
137. Yuri | 09.14.08
I am not sure that Obama-Biden have any chance - they have marginalized themselves already. Biden is a disaster. To get Hilary back at this time is even a bigger disaster!
138. sha | 09.14.08
It seem as though Sarah Palin worshipers would rather vote in lies and distortion rather than values.
139. Liz | 09.14.08
To the woman who would hold up Sarah Palin as a role model to her daughter, I wonder if you made that statement after learning of her lies regarding the Bridge to Nowhere and opposition to earmarks while hiring a lobbyist to acquire earmarked funds? Do you hold up a woman as a role model who fires staff simply because they have different opinions then her? Do you hold up a woman as a role model who makes disparaging remarks about her sister’s husband even after a judge had told her stop as it was harmful to her sister’s children? Do you hold up a woman as a role model who attacked a politician for conducting campaign business from work then does the same thing? Do you hold up a woman as a role model who fired the town librarian after questioning her about ‘what would do if I asked you to take out controversial books from the library’ and only hired her back after a public outcry? Do you hold up a woman as a role model who declares herself to be pro-life and pro-family yet cuts back funding to help young mothers have a safe place to raise their babies? Do you hold up a woman as a role model who cuts back library funding in her town while spending millions of earmarked federal tax dollars on building a hockey rink? Do you hold up a woman as a role model whose local schools have a high drop-out rate? Do you haold up a woman as a role model who champions the rights of individuals to carry concealed weapons into public places and who advocated keeping bars open until 5 a.m. instead of 2 a.m.? Do you hold up a woman as a role model who tries to suppress scientific research that the polar bear is liable to be extinct then publicly says that there is no evidence that the polar bears are going extinct then spends taxpayer dollars to sue the federal government to take the polar bears off the endangered species list? Do you hold up a woman as a role model who advocates the shooting of wolves from planes? If you hold up a woman as a role model who lies and demeans others, I find it a sad day for your daughter.
140. sfernando | 09.14.08
dems obama biden
believe,
1/ increasing taxes -will not destroy businesses and jobs
2/ being a community organizer and law professor (with nothing to show even there ) is a better qualification than being mayer and governor ( very popular reforming one at that ).
3/ banning drilling and reducing oil supply will lower gas prices
4/ taxing oil will increase oil exploration
5/ taxing hard work and giving to do nothings will improve economy
6/ closing markets will improve supply
7/ enjoying fruits of success like suvs etc is bad and melts ice caps
8/ in saving the lives of trees, caribou, and the frozen tundra, in ANWR - and killing human babies
etc…
so much for their education and intelligence!
141. Curyl | 09.14.08
It was said in the comments that the funds for the bridge to nowhere were canceled by congress. How then is it possible that Palin kept the funds and used them on other projects?
If Obama needs Clinton to win this election maybe the democrats needs Hillery to win insted of Obama.
Is Obama 1000% beind Biden? Is this going to be a repeat of an earlier election? The dems may need to learn to take home the one they take to the dance.
142. navajo kid | 09.14.08
I watched Obama’s interview the other day, the one where he was talking to Judy Woodruff there at the famous “Let’s all hate America now” Columbia University (his old school).
Columbia University: Ahmadinejad Yes, ROTC No
Very interesting reading, won’t take but a minute.
http://www.weeklystandard.com/Content/Public/Articles/000/000/014/131yhgvn.asp
I have never heard such kissie-kissie questions in my like. Judy in her amateurish way tried her best to pin McCain down on certain issues, with out much luck, but when it was Obama’s turn (he was sitting off stage listening to the questions) I thought for sure she was going to pee down her leg. All he wanted to talk about was his volunteer programs. It got pretty sick very quickly. What got me was his idea of offering incentives for young people to do community volunteer work. What are “incentives” for doing “volunteer” work ? I would like to volunteer to get paid. HEY DUDE, WE DON’T ALL LIVE IN CHICAGO DUMP GHETTOS!!! Our blacks and Spanish people don’t need to be told where the welfare office is. We already have “community organizers” that take care of mundane things like that. I think I will become a democrat, because all you have to do is know somebody to get a job. I want a “democratic transparent government volunteer” job that I can get an incentive for. I would like my incentive to be about five thousand dollars a month.
143. love5pets | 09.14.08
McCain no longer is the “Maverick” - he is the mudslinger who hocked his soul to the devil to win this election. He should be ashamed of himself to call himself a patriotic American. To think I used to respect this man.
These last two weeks, the press has given him a free pass, not holding him accountable for the lies he’s spewing in his 30 second spots. Every day that goes by hyping up Palin is one more day he gets a free pass not to discuss the issues and lie to Americans.
If his campaign lies are passing muster with Americans, get ready for a few more Iraq’s before his 4 years end.
The core of the media is Conservative - not Liberal. Don’t make it into a scapegoat.
144. ObamaOsamaDotCom | 09.14.08
ObamaOsamaDotCom
Hello Fellow Americans … I guess DEMS and Other “Obamatons’ think they ‘invented’ change, and IF BarackOsama gets elected, that’s Exactly what they’ll have … no ‘folding’ money, just CHANGE !!!
145. love5pets | 09.14.08
Palin, shpalin - imagine voting for a presidential candidate based on his VP pick whose only job will be cutting ribbons and breaking bottles against big ships.
Let’s just pray if by some tragedy - a real American tragedgy - McCain gets ths WH, that he lives through the 4 years and stays lucid…otherwise we’ll be in deep Moose ***.
146. love5pets | 09.14.08
“How then is it possible that Palin kept the funds and used them on other projects?”
Because she’s a crook?
147. John | 09.14.08
How Obama can win campaign? DON’T. I am amazed how people can get so worked up over a guy that was born with a naturally soothing voice, is tall
and has good posture….Naturally able to speak well or should I say read well. He has done very little in his life that qualifies him to be President
of the USA. Perhaps Burkini Faso or Burundi. I think Palin is more qualified than him.
MCCAIN?PALIN 2008. The only choice
148. Paul | 09.14.08
I think the media has missed the real point. Funny, they often do. The problem for Obama is called backlash. I am a Democrat who voted for Hillary. Yes, I am a man who would love to have the insight of a woman in the White House. Unfortunately, I do not believe the Democratic Party primary elections were held fairly partly because of bad media coverage of Hillary. You all will get a bad write up in history along with Bush and Cheney.
The media is quickly pointing out that Hillary is telling me to vote for Obama. However, I do not vote for someone in order for them to tell me who ultimately to vote for. I am perfectly capable of figuring out this for myself.
Any person running for elective office has to convince me that they are the one who should get my vote. Naturally, I assume there will be fair elections. So, Hillary and the media can tell me to support Obama, it really has no affect. I am over 50; I honestly believe we as a group do not listen very well to bad media and advertisements.
As soon as the Democratic Party pulled its dirty tricks, they lost the Older Democratic voters. This is not against Obama, it is against a liberal mafia who thought they could win no matter what dirty tricks they pulled.
In any case, I voted for Hillary because of not only of Democratic policies but because I believed and trusted in the person. However in this primary election, the Democratic Party lost my trust. Although I believe Obama really would make a decent President and the Democratic Party does have the best stated strategy for the future, I do not trust the present Democratic Party leadership to follow through. And unlike McCain, Obama has no record which would indicate he could or would force the Democratic Party to do what is right.
But what is just as important, the older Democrats like me also believes that John McCain will make a good President. Okay, I do not like most of the Republican Party policies and I do not trust them. But I do like and trust McCain. He has earned my respect which I can not say for Obama.
Unfortunately, my age group does not know Obama well enough to instill this trust especially considering the obviously corrupt Democratic Party. So, we will vote for the person we trust to do what he can to help America even though the Republican Party is also corrupt and twisted.
Do not get me wrong, I really hate how our country has been run for the last 8 years. And, I have never voted Republican. But you know what; I can take it for another 4 years even if I am wrong. The Democratic Party will not get my vote even if my dear Hillary stands on her head.
The point that I am making, I like a lot of other older Democrats quit listening right after the liberal Democratic mafia with the help of the media decided who was going to be the Democratic presidential candidate, disregarding of course two important states in the process.
So all of you media people should take the money that the lobbyist are giving Obama, even if I believe it will do him no good. My group has tuned out of the so called issues. We have already made our decisions. In fact, we as a group are looking forward to November so the media can quit telling us who to vote for.
149. navajo kid | 09.14.08
I wish people would get off this “lipstick pig” thing. I am getting so da** sick of it. Let it die already. Isn’t there anything more important in you moron’s life. Senator Obama made a simple mistake, that’s all. That’s just his elite way of handling women. He is used to putting lipstick on black pigs in Chicago. Doesn’t it make you wonder what else he does to pigs ?
150. Kismir Tuckus | 09.14.08
If Obama really wants to win, he should forget the “Change” Mantra and focus exclusively on improving America and the lot of Americans by setting forth detailed proposals. The failure of both major party candidates to focus on the issues assumes that most Americans are stupid or shallow. As such, the major party candidates are presently doing a great disservice to the electorate. I hope this “changes.”
151. Olivia | 09.14.08
I find most of the chattering class and pundits like Rove and Willie Brown nauseatingly stupid. Rove, at least, has actually ran a presidential campagign. I’m still trying to find one presidential campaign that Brown has run that would qualify him to even offer advice. And, Mr. Brown, how many millions have you raised to support that campaign.
Why don’t you all just shut up? If Obama had followed your thinking and advice, he wouldn’t be the Dems nominee for president. Since none of the commentators have ever been a nominee for president, they might want to show a little humility and intelligence by not presuming they know more than the man that has been a nominee and instead, try to offer some substantive discussion on the issues that Americans ought to be hearing about.
152. Allen Foster | 09.14.08
The american people don’t need a mister nice guy, they need a STRONG & WISE leader. We DON’T need Mr nice guy at this time. We need Obama with the FORCE to back up his commitments, with all the weight and seriousness required of a major global leader.
The economic state of this country is much worse than most realize. A large part of the economic wealth that used to circulates internally and sustains 95% of the American people is now overseas due to globalization. It comes back as loans that prop up our weakening economy. THAT WEALTH IS GONE. The wealthiest 5% are not effected by globalization, in fact they become extremely more wealthy.
Taxes, overpriced gas, all the goods make overseas. These are things we all pay out of our hard earned income. We don’t get anything back from any except taxes, we take for granted the things that are payed for from out taxes but we would really miss then if they were not there.
Of course tax money whould be wisely spent and reforms to ensure this are required in some areas, but lets keep real about what is in OUR interest, not the wealthiest 5% who take the most from this country and yet get the only tax breaks.
The changes that have to be made to our economy, and those of many other countrys are at a fundamental base level. Barac Obama seems to understand this much more than McCain. McCain’s advisor, most of whom are lobbyists for the wealthiest 5%, who really is just the globalization status quo. Barac Obama will not be able to solve this problem in just one term or even two but it’s more important to put the mechanism in place to make these changes that will help us ALL retain our wealth while re-circulating it within THIS country so we ALL benefit. The advantages may not be immediate for each person but as the money circulate within our country and effects all aspects of our economy from manufacturing, infrastructure, health and schools etc it will provide stability and prosperity for all.
NOT JUST THE WEALTHIEST 5%.
153. George Hanshaw | 09.14.08
What if the problem isn’t the Obama campaign?
What if the problem is a dem nomination process so front-loaded by liberals that it selects the least experienced juniot senator from Illinois because he happens to be the most liberal of the contenders, despite the fact that the country as a whole is center-right?
What if Obama simply isn’t up to the task?
154. D. Mayo | 09.14.08
Here’s what Obama has to do to win this election.
(1) appeal openly to the women (e.g., the PUMAs) by recognizing their deep concerns with the way the primary was run (e.g., the caucuses, the paying of superdelegates, the double standard for Hillary) and making some changes now in the Democratic party (or pledging to make those changes, e.g., end of caucuses, replacement of Dean, advancement of Hillary Clinton).
(2) pledge to give Hillary Clinton some high office of her choice in your administration! Let people visualize how gret it will be to have her in this high position—not t mention she will do an excellent job and help Obama get his legislation passed!
(3) Obama is the most skilled at those rousing speeches he used to give. He must write and deliver some that call out to us, call out to women at the spector of Roe-vs. Wade ended, call out to all of us the fears of being governed by people who do not care about evidence and do not feel the need to inform themselves in order to evaluate such things as whether global warming is man made.)
We will still be outcasts in the world on this and other matters if McCain is elected.
I TOO have been a PUMA, and I too figured the best way to change the Democratic party was for Obama to lose. but now I see that McCain Palin pose an even deeper threat, and I call out to you to immediately get Obama to do the above (with the help of the Clintons) and save our country from disaster!
155. love5pets | 09.14.08
“We have already made our decisions. In fact, we as a group are looking forward to November so the media can quit telling us who to vote for.”
Yes, you and the WalMart moms - the real thinkers in our society. You deserve McCain.
156. Gail | 09.14.08
I feel that Obama needs to stay on the at kitchen table issues,but as soon as a dirty smear comes out make comment on it and get right back to the issues,and FORGET ABOUT PALIN!This is about Obama and McCain!!!
157. love5pets | 09.14.08
“But you know what; I can take it for another 4 years even if I am wrong”
You won’t even get the opportunity to shoot yourself in the leg with the above statement - you’ll be part of the “big mushroom cloud in the sky”!
158. love5pets | 09.14.08
“But you know what; I can take it for another 4 years even if I am wrong”
Shoot yourself in the leg while you can because you won’t last the 4 years.
We’ll all be part of the “big mushroom cloud in the sky”! Miz Palin is already blustering and posturing to start a dust-up with Russhia. As if… lol
159. captbilly | 09.14.08
I am constantly amazed at the audacity of those who continue to claim that the media has a liberal bias. The media is controlled by large corporations and extremely wealthy CEOs who are far far from liberal. The media is beholdin to the Republican party in a very big way, and it shows every time you watch the news. Where was the liberal media when Bush was planning to invade Iraq? Where were they or are they when it comes to domestic survelence, environmental issues, energy policy, etc. When Bush was claiming that there was disagreement in the scientific community about global warming why wasn’t he called on it. Why is there no Woodward and Bernstein looking into the Bush administrations countless violations of law?
Look I am an ex USAF pilot and independent voter, I’m no liberal by any means, but if there ever was a liberal bias in the media it is long gone. The media spits back what they hear from government sources like it was the word of god, not the extremely suspect source that it really is. I watched in complete disbelief yesterday when a CNN doctor seemed to be trying to explain that from a health standpoint, Obama and McCain had about the same chance of dying in office. How can someone tell me with a straight face the McCain’s prognosis at 72 and with an extensive history of cancer, is the same as Obama at 46 and with no medical conditions at all. It’s a small thing but it certainly doesn’t indicate liberal bias, maybe a misplaced desire to appear neutral by straining the truth to the breaking point.
160. Ken | 09.14.08
The choice for me is real simple, Obama made it for me…Obama speaks of change but he reached into the dustbin to pull out Biden as his VP. McCain speaks of change and he picked an outsider with a history of shaking things up. The first REALLY importand decision each of these candidates made, speaks volumes on their intentions. This government needs change, we all agree…Actions speak louder than words! I think the American public knows this. Obama messed up big-time by going with Biden…there is no simple fix for that.
161. Joe from the Internets | 09.14.08
I know what the left needs to do in order to get their savior elected. They need to get angrier. They need to start frothing at the mouth and gnashing their teeth more. They need to get their surrogates and radical supporters out on the “internets” to make web forums where they can all collectively get together, “share journals” by shouting them into an echo chamber filled with like minded leftist radicals and share strategies for how they can destroy the Rethuglicans by digging deep into their past, even personal lives if they must. Find dirt….make stuff up if you have to…get mean….get nasty…whatever it takes……
…I think this sort of behavior and the manifestation of this sort of perception amongst the American public will play very well. It is a sure way to an Obama victory!
Good Luck.
162. Linda | 09.14.08
The Democrat controlled congress have less approval rating than Bush.
Bush stopped many terist attack plot. Give Bush credit for you and your family’s safty.
163. Y.London | 09.14.08
I know why I should not vote for Bush. I want Taliban back, Hussein in pwer in Iraq and couple of more terrorist attakes in US. But recently I forgot why I should vote for Obama? To make a history? What is that do to me? Will he protect me better than Bush? Will he make Gas cheaper? will he maketax cut to expire so I have to pay more taxes. Or he will make me feel guilty that I have a too good life living in America? Please people give me a good reason to vote for Obama, not against Bush. I see recornation of Kennedt (Cuban crisis) and Carter all over again and making “History” does not make it better.
165. Ed | 09.14.08
I believe the american people are definitely blind to the wreckage of the last eight years of this Administration. I wish I could say, let the Republicans have another four years in office to open the eyes of the blind, but there is just too much at stake. When you think, people, don’t think with your emotions only, but also think with the past as a guide, today as the facts, and the future as the goal for you and those to follow.
168. Johnson | 09.14.08
My question in all of this is - - if our Country is in such economic trouble and needing a really smart leader to make the tough decisons necessary to ensure our future, which candidate is up to the task?
I remain largely undecided.
Do I go with the smooth talking guy who has several questionable backers? He has no real track record in public office for me to look to.
Can I trust that the other guy won’t just give us more of the same, which doesn’t seem wise either. He’s more of a known quantity, but will he make the necessary changes we do need?
Again, I don’t know which candidate will respect the responsibility and not use the troubles we face to simply further an agenda.
169. selma | 09.14.08
We believe Senator Obama needs to pick his Cabinet NOW and release the names to the public and the media. This is the fastest and most effective way to undercut the rubbish that’s being spoken both in his camp, the McCain camp and the media. There’s nothing like putting your strength right out on the table and playing your strongest suit, as we say. Let’s face it, you have some amazing, dynamic, brilliant people who believe in what you stand for - experts in their field - who support you and know you mean sincerely to bring change to the United States of America and that your words aren’t just empty, self-serving words of an ambitious, desperate politician. When the American people see you are serious about the issues that so trouble our people, to the extent you have gathered around you a group of America’s BEST who are poised and ready to take on the huge issues with you that we know we are facing, there will be ‘No Contest’, Mr. Future President. You will win on November 4th. Hands down!!
Please, may we end with a suggestion - respectfully, of course -
HRC as Secty of State?
Bill Clinton - US Ambassador to the UN?
Just to name a couple ………….
We wish you luck with all our heart!
170. Benie | 09.14.08
A couple of hours ago I was watching an Obama surragate on CNN verses a McCain surrage(Trip). The Obama surragate sat there and said little to nothing while the McCain guy told lie after lie about McCain’s policies, and lie after lie about Obama’s policies. The guy(Trip) was not even a strong surrage himself.We must have surragates who stand up to the McCain surragates on national TV; if not what good are they!! It sounded like the McCain guy was telling the truth!
171. Benie | 09.14.08
In the public service forum last week I saw Barack exhibit passion as he shared his vision of Americans and public service. He needs to show more of the same passion when he is sharing what he wants to do for this country. He is right, but he needs to let voters know he feels passionate about the change he hopes to accomplish and that he is not just saying things to get elected. PASSION,PASSION,PASSION!
172. Charles | 09.14.08
Paul’s comment is truly baffling. Have you been asleep the last 8 years? You say McCain earned your trust? How? By flip flopping on every stand he’s had since 2004? He was for stim cell research, now against. He’s supports Bush’s policies, especially in Iraq. He has no real economic plan and admits he doesn’t understand economics. You claim to have hated the last 8 years but are going to support 4 more of the same. Time to grow up.
173. Jenelle_cd | 09.14.08
MC Cain will be the nexted President even if no one votes for him Bush wants him as his sucessor was Bush truly elected Gees under Bush we lost 2 towers peoplke are losing thier homes jobs and all the fianice systems are going broke oil food ect are going sky high Do we realy need Bush in a 3 term opps sorry ment MC Cain GOD Bless America wounders if like so many others speaking out against Bush will i be declared a terorist or anti Americian
174. Joe | 09.14.08
McCain biggest qualification for the Presidency seems to be that he was a POW. Everyone should check out what another POW in the same camp for even longer has to say,
watch: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_KjsEs46C70
175. Jeff Goolsby | 09.14.08
Obama, If you really want to win, immediately ask Biden to resign then appoint Hillary Clinton VP running mate.
Don’t say any more about Palin.
Contact me personally for more issues that will give you a landslide win.
Jeff Goolsby, Expert Political Economist, Expert Politcal Solutions, Jeff@jeffgoolsby.net, http://www.jeffgoolsby.net, 770-474-2655
176. Ted E Baer | 09.14.08
Hey John—-you only wished that Obama did NOT have more experience than “PainN”….she’s a disgrace to every woman in america, and quite possibly the world. She was chosen by the republican party so they could control the WH. McCain won’t make
You just choose to remain ignorant when it comes to anything pertaining to Obama. He’s more qualified than McCain AND his cardboard cutout combined!
The media giving Barack Obama advice??? Please spare meeee!!!!!! Karl Rove??? You people have gone literally mad.
Do your job of reporting NEWS instead of only partisan reporting. The thing that really puzzles me is why polls show McCain so far ahead of Obama when he has almost 2 million grassroots supporters….$66 million is nothing to sneeze about. The Rasmussen poll combined with of all people, FOX. Now tell me where the fairness is there? These polls are as big a joke as this article and the comment from John.
To think that you’d put another ‘Bush’ in the WH is beyond me. This country will deserve to be a third world country—-to many illiterates voting for a feeble old man who has lost his mind—-the proof is in the VP choice.
177. love5pets | 09.14.08
Bears repeating Captbilly:
“I am constantly amazed at the audacity of those who continue to claim that the media has a liberal bias. The media is controlled by large corporations and extremely wealthy CEOs who are far far from liberal. The media is beholdin to the Republican party in a very big way, and it shows every time you watch the news. Where was the liberal media when Bush was planning to invade Iraq? Where were they or are they when it comes to domestic survelence, environmental issues, energy policy, etc. When Bush was claiming that there was disagreement in the scientific community about global warming why wasn’t he called on it. Why is there no Woodward and Bernstein looking into the Bush administrations countless violations of law?”
178. boulder_dam | 09.14.08
Senator Obama may have already lost the election by his duplicitous move to the center, especially his flip-flop on the FISA bill. Even the pick of Senator Biden raises serious questions about Senator Obama’s courage, integrity, and depth of conviction. The big mistake with FISA, for instance, is the thought that the general public really understand the details, instead of realizing that what the general public would perceive is the huge disctrepancy between advocating filibuster, and then eventually voting for the bill.
180. frank | 09.14.08
the only way for barack to win is to take the vote out of poor white folks hand. mark my word the hick town hill billys will decide this election.not issues its your country white folks what are you going to do about.so there white folks you like the sound of pres palin.the great white hope change and everything that goes with it.they will protect you like bush has but the difference is theres a chance you will wake up only to find out that your country will be sold to the highest bidder
181. SimpleSimon | 09.14.08
Who says Obama’s not funny! Just turn off his teleprompter and see for yourself.
182. jake | 09.14.08
this is idiotic. getting down in the gutter, going on and on and on about “gaffes” is WORKING for mccain. obama needs to do the same, he needs to give up this idea that americans are “smart”. no they’re not, americans are STUPID and we all know it.
183. stella302 | 09.14.08
As cynical as this sounds - I truly believe that Obama and his supporters need to accept that winning in November has absolutely nothing to do with his abilities as a leader or his vision for the country. We are at the point in this election where psychology and emotion ( not policy and ideas) will ultimately decide who wins. I am speaking specifically of the large number of voters that draw conclusions about candidates based upon emotion, gut feelings and comfort. Obama cannot get elected without them. We cannot afford to pretend (for the third time) that we can win without playing the game that the Republicans have mastered. The sad reality is - the Dems have to play to win this time.
184. washingtonstate2008 | 09.14.08
I just read two very scary, truly chilling articles. Everyone should check them out but I know if you are republican, you won’t, you should. One was about Todd Palin’s unpaid role, actually sitting in on private government meetings. The other article was from the New York Times title Once Elected, Palin Hires Friends & Lashed at Foes. The last one is a long article with interviews from people she worked with. We have the right to investigated who Palin is and what she stands for, no, it’s our duty to understand how her policies could affect our family and our country.
Obama needs to focus on McCain, but Biden needs to make his case on his foreign affairs expertise over Palin. I’m looking forward to the debates. For all the talk about Biden, as for me, I would feel so much safer knowing that someone reknown as an expert on foreign affairs and known and respected by leaders worldwide was at the helm, particularly with us at war and things heating up with Russia. He sits on 8 committees in relations to foreign affairs and is chairman to the Committee of Foreign relations. Give me experince over ambition any day of the week.
As voters, we need to be seriously scrutinizing Palin, after all McCain chose her to be second in command. He is a 72 year old cancer survivor with disabilities. If we want to know what McCain is all about all we have to do is go back on his record over the last 26 years. But Palin? So far what I’m hearing is terrifing me.
185. frank | 09.14.08
i want to rub it in white folks this election is all yours because you all put bush in thats a fact he never recieved a black vote and palin want get one so prove to the world and the people you call minorities how intelligent your are and do it again.you all seem to be on a different level than anyone else.200 yrs of rule keep up the good work.
186. Montanan4Obama | 09.14.08
Wow! Obama is sure getting a lot of free advice these days especially from his supporters. McCain parades out his new Caribou Barbie and Democrats start losing their minds. What is the big deal over Sarah Palin? So she energized the base of the GOP, she also has energized the Democratic base, as well. Palin is a shiny new toy, and like any new toy it is fun and interesting for a short while, but then it starts to lose its luster and people get bored. I am one the 10% who knew in 2000 G.W. Bush was a disaster and think the McCain-Palin would just be more of the same, if not worse. But, it people are ignorant enough to vote against their economic best interest yet again and if they fall for the lies, deceit and the politics of Rove again, then our problems as a nation are much greater than who sits in the Oval Office.
187. frank | 09.14.08
i tell you what put john in he’s only voted with bush 90% the time in the last eight years.so now what does obama has to do to win.from my last statement i guest turn white.
188. joester | 09.14.08
With the media directing Barrack and advising on what to do next, doesn’t that alone define his inability to be president? He can’t even manage the pre-election foray. God help us all if he wins.
I’m not thrilled about the Republican ticket (McCain, not Palin), but the Dems’ are wearin’ the big “L” and we can already see their top clown playing the role of the lead puppet. That’s where the press comes in! They write the scripts!
Replacing the VP with Clinton won’t help either. We’ve heard enough of her screeching and bellering already.
189. Harold | 09.14.08
Folks, I think most of you are dealing with the immediate trivia and not the long term effects of a McCain presidency. He has the reputation as a “maverick”, hot-head and an individual with less than sound judgment (re:Palin). As one of his contemporaries has stated “he shouldn’t be allowed to have his finger on the red button”.
Think about this: You might expect McCain to look at pressing a military option into Iran within two years after his swearing in as president. You might also consider where troops for such an incursion will come from. Think “the draft”, because that’s what it will require to obtain the manpower. How many casualties would that mean? Who knows? Iraq would certainly be part of that solution, given his reference to staying in Iraq for 100 years. Just think hard about where your children and grand-children are going to be 5 years post election. McCain may have had experience as a POW, but I seriously question his judgment in this regard.
And for those of you who are concerned about taxes, you might also ask yourselves how would one pay for any further military action in the Middle East or anywhere else for that matter. This country is so heavily indebt it will take two generations to recover from the stupidity and failed financial policies of the present administration as well as its continuation for another 4 years. How do you expect to pay for all those services and infrastructure that you now enjoy unless you pay taxes? To name a few, roads, bridges, police and fire protection, disaster relief, etc. If there is no money in the bank, you as individuals can’t pay your debts. Our government is the same. We are a debtor nation at present and the money is still hemorraging from the treasury.
Think about the long range important issues. So Hillary didn’t make it this time. Palin is not worth consideration, she’ll still be just another unrated government employee. Get over it and move on. There are bigger fish to fry!
190. l newsum | 09.14.08
If Sarah Palin is so ready to be vp than she should be ready to face the media without coaching.
that this was an obvious political ploy and a dangerous gamble on our countries future is evident from mccains own words he said he would choose the most qualified person to be his v.p. choice and now has his choice carefully cloistered and being coached on the basics of U.S. policies both foreign and domestic.To say she has insight into russia from its being visible from parts of alaska is ridiculous at best- although it will be a good joke punchline for years to come.
She has little experience and little education. Barack graduated magna *** laude from Harvard law school- he is brilliant, not below average.
The christian evangelicals would have been up in arms and screaming from their pulpits if Obama had an unwed teenage daughter and her foul mouthed tough talking lover(from his own my space page) on the platform of the convention, and using this as an example of the lack of morals among blacks and liberals, yet these same hypocrites say they are proud of Ms palin and her daughter, a product of abstinence only education which has so obviously failed on her part. How can you so called Christians be so two faced? Using Christ to further warmongering and intolerance to other creeds is basically un Christian.
Also whats wrong with being Muslim? Is that a crime now also in this brave new republican world. Obama is a christian who practices what the true christian church preaches. We need to get the fascists republicans out of office and keep them out for at least a generation. Last democratic President was hounded for eight years by these same people.Lying to go to war is criminal. Lying to stay in this war is doubly criminal.
191. LZ | 09.14.08
If McCain & Palin wins, I am sure there will be another war. One is a war veteran and the other loves to hunt. May be we will be allowed to bring guns to school..
192. carman | 09.14.08
I am afraid we will see the Rise and Fall of the roman Empire all over again scares the bee Jesus out of me. Help. we cannot not afford a PALIN/McCain ticket. Obama sound your horn and sound it loud and clear so all can hear. OBAMA 08 thank you.
193. KC | 09.14.08
McCain-Palin will make us nostalgic for Bush/Cheney, I fear.
It’s too bad that the outcome will be determined by the WalMart moms. is maddening- they have the most to lose, their kids being sent off to war that the rich don’t have to fight, their kids who may not be able to afford college. It is amazing how they can keep voting against their own economic self-interest. There better not be any whining from these Walmart moms when they get the government they ask for.
As for the Christian right - if they met Jesus they’d call him a liberal.
194. John | 09.14.08
3. eSPO | 09.14.08
The press is not trying to hurt Sarah Palin. Her behavior as Mayor and Governor are.
———————————————–
The press is not trying to hurt Sarah Palin. Her past is hurting Sarah Palin!
195. west | 09.14.08
Obama paid late parking tickets
http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2007/03/08/obama_paid_late_parking_tickets/
Obama finally pays local parking tickets
http://somervillenews.typepad.com/the_somerville_news/2007/03/obama_finally_p.html
197. bluecollarbytes | 09.15.08
Reassuring to see confusion still reigning among the Liberals and Leftists supporting The One. McCain/Palin isn’t the ticket which needs a major overhaul. Obama the Pop-Phenom realized late in the game that Pop-culture alone wouldn’t carry him to victory. He’s taken in recent days to impersonating a learned statesman, man of temperament and judgment. But of course he’s an extreme Liberal with full-blown Leftist roots. That offers a better insight into Barack Obama than 18 months of the ObamaShow.
198. margaret | 09.15.08
Obama, go for McCainn, forget Palin, if you have to defend a principle do it but quickly , then get back to reminding people what McCainn stands for.
Bush id alrerady stealing your ideas, publicise that, dont let McCain lie about chnage he does not represent change,
Dont worry about being a star, you are astar, this is one of your apeals, combined with intellectual appeal, honesty, dilligence, you will concur.
Get Biden working, he has not done enough so far, he is not to comment on your choice of VP agin! tell him that he needs to get working, delivering the DEMOCRAT MESSAGE.
yOU WILL WIN! REMIND PEOPLE WHO IS IN POWER NOW AND HOW BAD THINGS ARE NOW!
199. Hussien for America | 09.15.08
so much for the ‘liberal media bias’ - - -
As noted by the George Mason University’s Center for Media and Public Affairs documented in its study of six weeks of TV news reports this summer …
‘On-air evaluations of Barack Obama have been 72% negative (vs. 28% positive).
That’s worse than John McCain’s coverage, which has been 57% negative (vs. 43% positive) during the same time period.
Obama ran even further behind McCain on Fox News Channel’s Special Report with 79% negative comments (v. 21% positive), compared to 61% negative comments (v. 39% positive) for McCain since June 8.’
200. Smith | 09.17.08
Obama and Hillary Clinton or Bill need to campaign together at rallys and get the message across. They need to be seen together more often by the media. He has to win OH, PA and MI and Clinton can help a LOT!!
201. Sandra R | 09.17.08
D. Ennis: If Obama is a political moron, than you are a flea on the a– of Sarah Palin, who herself is a tick on the a– of John McCain, who himself is a great big lying moron on the a– of the American public.
202. Mrs. J Matthews | 11.03.08
This is a time when we should all unite as one and forget the color of ones skin. At this time the most important thing is that we all realize the struggles the last eight years have brought both us and our famalies. This plague have even spread to other states as well. So at this time we must all stay focused on doing what will end most of our struggles for once and for all. Everyone once more must get beyond the color of ones skin and do what is right for our country, and that is voting for Mr. Obama on November 4, 2008. May God watch over him and his family and I know his Gramdmother is watching him from the stars in heaven above, proud of him more now then ever. Mrs. J. Matthews
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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. CharlesGibson | 09.14.08
The answer is really quite simple, conduct an interview and remove from the tape any portions of answers that you don’t want the public to hear. With good editing the seams are only visible to a trained eye. The public will never be the wiser. The media knows best.
ABC News Edited Out Key Parts of Sarah Palin Interview -
http://newsbusters.org/blogs/p-j-gladnick/2008/09/13/abc-news-edited-out-key-parts-sarah-palin-interview