1. SparkySD | 10.21.08

It’s on-the-job training for whomever is elected. McCain has never been president before, either. He’s never made national security decisions on his own. It all comes down to a question of trust. Americans by-and-large trust Obama more than they trust McCain, because they’ve seen Obama’s calm demeanor in the face of attack, his intellect, and the superior team of advisors he has assembled. McCain has Palin to advise him.

2. RM | 10.21.08

Biden’s right; of course Obama looks weak to the rest of the world, which will start an international crisis.. McCain is strong and, like Ronald Reagan, would be respected from day 1. Remember how our US Embassy hostages were freed on Reagan’s inauguration day after being held captive 444 days by Iran? They were held 444 days due to Jimmy Carter’s weakness. Obama would be Jimmy Carter’s 2nd term!

3. NachoBidness | 10.21.08

Of course the world will test President Obama. They’d test President McCain. The question is, do we want as president someone who would take a calm, rational, well-informed approach at responding to that crisis, or do we want someone who will knee-jerk a reaction, suspend the Easter Egg Roll on the White House lawn, wander all over the place looking for direction, and THEN ask what the heck went wrong?

I like the rational well-informed approach.

4. larry lynch | 10.21.08

I’ve just started using CSM. I like the links you have with your stories. I used Google to get to your story of BHO taking off from his campaign to visit his seriously ill grandmother; then I used your links to get to your stories of Joe Biden & his prediction that BHO would encounter serious int’l problems if BHO became POTUS & other stories of JSMcC’s response to Biden’s predictions & Biden’s habits as a speaker. That pleased & informed me well.
Your stories are as concise & fact filled as the stories on WSJ & the US’s FT. I now know what I’d been missing by not using CSM.
Thanks.
ll

5. Reid | 10.21.08

Much ado about nothing

6. Demosthenes | 10.21.08

All you can be sure of is today and if you look at today carefully what would you rather be doing?
Make sure you leave on time today and get your child and play with him or her.
Hug a dog or a tree if you don’t have children.
Go out to a cafe and talk with someone new.
Stop being afraid. Our worst terrorists occupy our government so vote them out!

7. Missey Johnson | 10.21.08

Why don’t you go to work for Fox instead of wasteing you time writing this. People in large numbers are going to vote for Obama. You are causing people not to even read the Monitor with supid people like you. By the way, why don’t you go back and see what McCain has said at fund raisers. Oh I forgot McCain won’t allow that….

8. john | 10.21.08

Is Joe bieden bull baiting? Peace and stability is key the future. Being pro-active for these goals is much better than a reacting to an event. Just think where the world would be if law enforcement talked with each other under Clinton and the plans for 911 were stopped!

9. Jay | 10.21.08

The Christian Science Monitor revving up the spin machine? Who’d-a thunk it? I think portraying this as just another Biden gaffe is reaching. The CSR missed an important opportunity to write more thoughtfully about the particular challenges that a President Obama might face — and how that might differ from the challenges that a President McCain might face (if at all). Dare I say the CSR blogging community has become just another agent of demogoguery and spin like Fox News, CNN and MSNBC?

I’ll stick to McNiel-Lehrer Newshour, thank you very much.

10. Funny Truth | 10.21.08

Funny that McCain is not speaking about what he will do, instead of deflecting all his energy to what Barak wont do.

11. Donna Hughes | 10.21.08

I think it is not beyond the scope of reason that there will be an incident of some sort. There always seems to be something brewing somewhere like the Russia/Georgia confrontation.

What Joe Biden was saying is that it will take courage to turn the Ship of State onto a new course of dealing with these incidents.

12. Maezeppa | 10.21.08

All new presidents face challenge and crisis. That’s the nature of the beast. That said, Biden should just stick to talking about the economy for the next couple of weeks.

13. jesse | 10.21.08

The McCain campaign’s grasping at these non-errors shows their depseration and not much more.

There is nothing here.

14. Amy, PA | 10.21.08

McCain would be tested more than Obama - McCain is an old man who suffers from dementia-induced anger. Anyone with two neurons to rub together can figure out that McCain isn’t with it, has no idea what a modern society and modern problems encompass. Biden stated a fact that applies to either candidate, but only Obama is prepared to deal with it in the correct way.

15. Joe | 10.21.08

I find it very interesting that you, the author, seem to feel that Biden’s words were of no cause for grave concern. It is entirely fair, reasonable, and…in fact…the obligation of America to learn just exactly what he meant. What kind of “decisions” would not be popular with America, such that Obama’s supporters would need to close ranks in support of him? This is troubling indeed, not something to mock or take lightly.

16. Jeff | 10.21.08

McCain is letting more good stuff go right by, and is instead harping on Obama’s relationship with some has-been terrorist. I don’t see it as doing much good. I don’t see many people caring about the issue. Sure, McCain’s poling numbers are going up slightly, but I think the terrorist thing is not causing it.
It makes me wonder if McCain is trying to throw this election. And where is all this money coming from on Obama’s side?
I read that many of the small contributions ultimately go back to only a handful of credit card numbers in the Middle East. If there is truth to that, why is no mention being made of it?

17. csr reporter | 10.21.08

Per Nacho: “Of course the world will test President Obama. They’d test President McCain. The question is, do we want as president someone who would take a calm, rational, well-informed approach at responding to that crisis, or do we want someone who will knee-jerk a reaction, suspend the Easter Egg Roll on the White House lawn, wander all over the place looking for direction, and THEN ask what the heck went wrong?

I like the rational well-informed approach.”

I agree nacho, will vote for McCain.

18. Reginald Selkirk | 10.21.08

The “no on the job training” message is a very difficult one for McCain to make, considering his choice for VP.

I recall the spy plane in China episode with which Bush was tested.

19. Joe American | 10.21.08

Obama is Jimmy Carter II….run away inflation, Iran thumbing nose at USA and impending depression.

20. Lisa | 10.21.08

‘McCain is strong and, like Ronald Reagan, would be respected from day 1.’

One of the best jokes I’ve heard all day for sure. Like everyone else is saying, Biden was simply stating a well observed fact. That the new President is often tested very early on. I mean 9/11 happenned after one year of Bush being in office. You gotta accept that you need to be prepared for these things. McCain is a fool if he thinks telling people otherwise will get him elected.

21. Len | 10.21.08

There you go again, Joe. Putting your foot in your mouth.

“As a student of history and having served with seven presidents, I guarantee you it’s going to happen”

He guarantees it?? I wonder what Obama’s camp has up their sleeve to have Obama come out of this “international crisis” smelling like a rose - and he should - isn’t that the reason he chose Joe the Senator? he’s got all that foreign relations experience….and with Colin Powell advising him,he should have no problems whatsoever. Don’t fear Americans, the country will be in good hands.

22. Bonnie Jernagan | 10.21.08

McCain cant handle a crisis. He graduated 400th in his class. Wrecked 4 airplanes. Never made it anywhere but down in the military. I certainly, with his temper, do not want him or Palin near the red button. Both war mongers

23. Jim Doaks | 10.21.08

Poor Joe!

24. Charles | 10.21.08

Per Reginald - “The “no on the job training” message is a very difficult one for McCain to make, considering his choice for VP”

Gov. Palin would not be the one confronting an “international crisis”. Focus on the top of the ticket.

25. TIM | 10.21.08

How dumb are some people.

Biden said that he knows that almost every president that he has seen, all 7 of them, has had a crisis withing 6 months. He never said that Barack was going to cause the crisis. He said that when it happens, Barack will be ready on day one.

If you think Biden said that Barack is going to cause a crisis, you also probably think Obama is a terrorist Muslim, and you are probably and idiot.

26. Alexandra | 10.21.08

Joe Biden is right, Obama will be tested because most leaders like Putin, Shavez, Ahmedenijad can’t wait to have an American president that is clueless about Foreign Policy and who thinks he can negotiate with anybody. Putin will have Obama for breakfast.

27. Gia | 10.21.08

Sparky,
Presidents have cabinets full of experts to advise them. No one will be making “national security decisions on their own”. Get a clue. Palin wont be the sole advisor to McCain.

28. Roger S. | 10.21.08

The difference in security and foreign policy is easy to explain. Carter watched with impotence as Iran held Americans for over a year. All America had to do to secure their release was elect Reagan, who the Iranians recognized as a serious who would put his countryman first and never compromise with evil men. Viva la difference. Obama and Biden will give us Carter’s second term, which also let us enjoy double digit inflation, a faux oil crisis with lines at the pump, and an economy much worse off than the present one.

29. Steve | 10.21.08

Just more proof the McCain / Palin team have nothing to offer America.
McCain has failed the interview. Why would we give him the job?

I agree with Nacho, I will vote for the best person for the job and that is President Obama!

30. Paul | 10.21.08

McCain wouldn’t be tested at all. Foreign leaders already know how to deal with him–use the momentum of his inevitable rage against him, luring him into a false battle so they can have a free hand elsewhere. The Georgian conflict was the first test of the candidates by Russia. Putin was able to see how the candidates would react. Now he knows that McCain would do the typical knee-jerk reaction, while Obama would be tough to know beforehand what he’d decide to do exactly.

31. Edward Ulysses Cate | 10.21.08

Democrat Newbie/Hack vs Republican Hack/Newbie
Remove the Newbies from both sides of the equation.
That leaves Hack vs Hack, both with long terms in Congress.
And you expect things to change from our downward spin since 1913?

Changing puppets does not take out the puppeteer.
The only solution is to weed our own gardens of sociopaths.
Clean up your own community first, then the city and state.
Only when it is NOT profitable to lie, steal and murder,
will the public recover from its losses.

32. Red | 10.21.08

People..wake up…There will be another international crisis no matter who is in there… You think the House and Senate then get time off? You think Colin Powell goes to bed? You think the military genious just tanks it? Come on…all the same resources are there, you’ll just have a more decisive, thought out response with Obama at the helm. Mr erratic would turn to…guess who…Joe Biden…so don’t get your shorts in a wad over nothing.

33. JWord | 10.21.08

Have all you Democrats forgotten what Biden (and Hillary Clinton) said about Obama not being experienced enough for the job during the primaries? Now, suddenly, in the space of 10 weeks, their opinion of Obama has suddenly changed.

What decision has Obama made in the last 10 weeks that could seriously have changed their minds? Or were they just being dishonest during the primaries? Either way, can you now take anything they say about Obama being ready to be President seriously?

Obama has been Mr. Cool-Calm-Collected during the past 10 weeks. He has sat back and watched as the economic crises has evolved. He has waited for other people to make decisions and then “supported” them. He will have to be ready to actually make timely, critical decisions himself if he is the President. Wisdom and confidence are leadership qualities that only come with experience, which McCain has.

And leaders have to be ready to make tough, quick decisions based on what is essential at the time not what is popular with the majority. Obama has nothing in his experience that shows he has these qualities. In fact, his resume shows the opposite. Obama has a history of sitting on the sidelines and letting others do the work before throwing in his support or not voting at all (How many times has he been merely “present” for a (tough) vote?)

McCain has the wisdom, experience, and courage to make tough decisions for the American people and he also has the ability to reach out across party lines to reach consensus on important issues. Now is not the time to be trusting an un-tried leader who wants to do a lot of experimenting with U.S. economic and foreign policy and who has never shown any executive leadership ability.

34. Susan | 10.21.08

Joe Biden is correct. He would know. This should be warning to anyone who thinks that Obama is a good choice for president considering the current state of the world. Don’t be fooled by Obama’s rhetoric and cash-laden campaign strategies. The future of this country is at stake and the only choice is McCain.

35. Paul | 10.21.08

This is a pretty bad gaffe, though. Even though if you’re intelligent, you’ll realize that it’s nothing, the McCain campaign will take this and run with it as far as they can, throwing some people off course. I bet Obama wishes he were a Jedi knight. “These are not the gaffes you’re looking for.”

36. jon | 10.21.08

Another non-story the GOP wants to harp on.
What Biden says is true… about almost every President.
For one, ummm, remember the crisis with China (US Jet & Chinese Jet collision), just after GW became President?
Whether it’s by design, or it just happens… things always happen early in Presidencies, which test a new President’s mettle.

37. cmnsns | 10.21.08

It is sensible to anticipate crisis. Clinton anticipated terrorist attacks during Millenium and by alerting the nation was able to preempt. Bush II put terrorism on back burner, demoting terrorist chief from Oval Office and 9/11 happened. Bush II policy has continued to be reactionary rather than proactive (train and equip, then wait/see what happens — i.e. Georgia). Biden is sensible to have ALL OF US on the alert.

38. Wind | 10.21.08

I trust Obama with any crisis.

39. Elizabeth | 10.21.08

Biden’s Crystal Ball foresees a JFK Bay of Pigs type scenario and he announces the USA doesn’t have the military might to avert it? Is he laying down the foundation for reinstating the Draft as the “unpopular” decision we’re all supposed to stand with BHO on? This is beyond gaffe. Its sheer stupidity.

40. Locke | 10.21.08

Demosthones,
There is more of a chance of an added conflict just if Obama is elected, no one can look into the mirror and truly deny the chance is higher.
Perhaps you yourself have been fooled as to who the real terrorists are? For it is the true enemies of America’s democracy who do not want you or I to be afraid. Just look at the pretty pictures, look at the nice smile, read the nice stories, avert your eyes from the true agenda of fooling American’s into voting for socialist overhaul of our government. The majority of America, which still is a democracy ruled by the majority (chills run down the spines of the true enemies of democracy at the sound of such a statement!), do not want a socialist controlling government (a kind way of saying communism)so they will be fooled into voting for it. Sounds like a page from Lenin or Marx’s play book. To this I say be afraid, do not stand idle while ruin falls upon our great country. It is indeed a time of great concern for our country, for the world.

41. JohnnieB | 10.21.08

What a ditz! And we want this guy one heartbeat away from the presidency? Imagine him in Middle East peace negotations: “Oh, we’re gonna have a crisis here!”. Geez! Idiot!

42. concerned citizen | 10.21.08

About 40 years ago, RFK made a comment, which I have quoted below. While the specific numbers of the GDP have changed, RFK’s core values still resonate in 2008. I would hope that such values and concerns are still part of what Americans want for themselves and their posterity:

“For too long we seem to have surrendered personal excellence and community value in the mere accumulation of material things. Our gross national product now is over 800 billion dollars a year, but that gross national product, if we judge the United States of America by that, that gross national product counts air pollution, and cigarette advertising, and ambulances to clear our highways of carnage. It counts special locks for our doors and the jails for people who break them. It counts the destruction of the redwoods and the loss of our natural wonder in chaotic sprawl. It counts Napalm, and it counts nuclear warheads, and armored cars for the police to fight the riots in our city. It counts Whitman’s rifles and Speck’s knifes and the television programs which glorify violence in order to sell toys to our children. Yet, the gross national product does not allow for the health of our children, the quality of their education, or the joy of their play; it does not include the beauty of our poetry or the strength of our marriages, the intelligence of our public debate or the integrity of our public officials. It measures neither our wit nor our courage, neither our wisdom nor our learning, neither our compassion nor our devotion to our country. It measures everything in short except that which makes life worthwhile. And it can tell us everything about America except why we are proud that we are Americans.”
~ Robert F. Kennedy, 1968

43. Ralph in Raleigh NC | 10.21.08

All that Joe’s saying is based on the past, it takes 6 months for an international crisis to hit and when that happens Obama’s toughness will be tested and the World will be watching. Not sure about the 6 months but if it happens anyone’s toughness, that’s in power, will be tested. No need for John to think that’s his que to attempt to emphasize the countries need for his outdated War strategies or plans.

Obama/Biden 08

44. Maria Sanchez | 10.21.08

Obama appears to have a lot of socialistic ideas. I’m very nervous about what he really wants to do rather than what he is saying to get the vote. McCain doesn’t represent my views either but i’m a little more comfortable with him. I wish Romney had been the nominee.

45. Greg | 10.21.08

You’re missing an important point.
Joe says it will be a “manufactured” crises.
He’s seeing a problem invented by some unknown, outside force.
Does paranoid conspiracy theory ring a bell?
Why do democrats love to believe in conspiracies and secret forces
out to get them?
Cheaters love to believe others cheat.
Paranoids believe others are after them and waste time trying to get
to the bottom of non existent plots.
Sounds like Obama/Clinton/Carter heaven.
Oh and don’t forget to litigate, litigate, litigate!

46. Phillip J Frye | 10.21.08

So you get way ahead in the polls and then, just to make it more interesting, guarantee that there is going to be a major international crisis pending the election of you and your running mate? The cockiness of this team is disturbing and makes the US look (more) like a bunch of upper-class “classless” yuppies.

Is it too late to get Mit Romney and Hillary back?

47. DSVet | 10.21.08

McCain essentially lost all credibility he might have had when he picked Palin. Folks here, and abroad, know there isn’t any judgment in a man that does that.

48. Rob | 10.21.08

Other countries endorse Obama because they see a weak and inexperienced leader with no foreign relations experience whatsoever.
Over the weekend, The Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) a militant Palestinian group, endorsed Obama. Hamas has continued its refusal to recognize the state of Israel. More notoriously, the group has also operated a terrorist wing carrying out suicide bombings and attacks using mortars and short-range rockets. The group has launched attacks both in the Palestinian territories of the West Bank and Gaza Strip, and inside the pre-1967 boundaries of Israel. Hamas is believed to have killed more than five hundred people in more than 350 separate terrorist attacks since 1993.
Obama’s criticised former President Jimmy Carter’s meeting with Hamas during his Middle Eastern trip.
Ahmed Yousef, chief political adviser to the Prime Minister of Hamas, was asked about Obama’s condemnation of Carter’s visit with Hamas. He said that Hamas understands American politics; this is the election season, and that everyone wants to sound like a friend of Israel. Nevertheless, he said he hopes that the Democrats will change American policies when they take office. Is the change in American policies the rest of the world is hoping for?
The U.S. and Israel have been seeking to isolate Hamas, which seized control of Gaza in June and is classified by the State Department as a terrorist group.

49. Candor | 10.21.08

Kennedy - Cuba
Carter - Iran

History repeats itself?

50. Bill | 10.21.08

I think this is one of the most important Presidential elections that I’ve see in my 56 years. It is amazing that nowhere are either candidate saying-promising what they will do on day one. I would love to see in writing, signed by them, just what their plans are. Forget what is said, in writing. Then we all could make the right plans for election day. I hate this MONEY WINS ELECTIONS mandate. Mr. Smith is dead, that’s for sure. I also wonder what would happen if like in any job, you were given a raise if you produced, or FIRED if you didn’t. Amazing with 2 weeks to go. I’ll vote against Obama because he reminds me a a used car salesman telling you whatever you want to hear to sell that piece of junk. McCain has enough of history behind him to step in and try and do something positive. Finger pointing is a losing tactic however, but red or black should be known.

51. John | 10.21.08

McCain is desperate and he is on defense. Not to overuse a football analogy, but, there is :10 to go in the game, no time-outs left, and McCain is backed up on his own two yard line. His only option is a Hail Mary.

Hey R.M:

Dis Jimmy Carter all you want, but: If we would have listened to Jimmy Carter about energy, we wouldn’t be in the mess were in. Thirty years ago Carter warned about our dependence on foreign oil. We did nothing.

52. Tom | 10.21.08

Missey Johnson,

Just an FYI, you mispelled the word “stupid” in your response. Enough said.

Anyway, sounds as if most of you folks want change. Problem is, nobody actually knows what that change is. Be careful what you wish for, because you just might get it.

53. US Mil | 10.21.08

CMNSNS,

You have some nerve boasting about Clinton. Clinton did nothing more than cripple our ability to intercept terrorist communications and when we had a certain extremist in our cross hairs, would not let us take the shot. He decimated our ranks, cut our funding and wanted us to be PEACE keepers. Don’t ever speak for the military like you are or have been a part of it. As for Obama, Biden is right. He has NO military or logistical experience and for many of us, that’s dangerous. Most of my commanders have a better understanding on how to react to an attack than Obama or Biden ever will.

USMC

54. US Mil | 10.21.08

CMNSNS,

You have some nerve boasting about Clinton. Clinton did nothing more than cripple our ability to intercept terrorist communications and when we had a certain extremist in our cross hairs, would not let us take the shot. He decimated our ranks, cut our funding and wanted us to be PEACE keepers. Don’t ever speak for the military like you are or have been a part of it. As for Obama, Biden is right. He has NO military or logistical experience and for many of us, that’s dangerous. Most of my commanders have a better understanding on how to react to an attack than Obama or Biden ever will.

USMC

55. wolf | 10.21.08

Despite Biden’s gaffe, there’s a good chance that either would be tested early in their Presidency. ( G W Bush was. ) This doesn’t necessarily mean an attack, but rather simply, someone pushing our buttons - trying to see how far they can get.

In actuality, the most dangerous time is between November 4th and Jan 20th, when the country is in a transitional period.

56. Rose | 10.21.08

No Obama
No Joe

57. Alexandra | 10.21.08

If we did have a crisis, Obama would be the leader we need. He is calm, critical, and not afraid to bring in the best minds to work with him. I’m old enough to remember the Kennedy Team during the Cuban Crisis. A young, new president — surrounded by a team of young, intelligent experts. And we came through that crisis just fine. My money — and my future — is on Obama. McCain is simply an old dog using old tricks to survive — and that’s not what we need.

58. Clark | 10.21.08

We know that Joe is known for his gaffes, but you cannot make a comment like that in an election where the candidate who has the least experience looks like the one who will be running this country. People are already hesitant and making that remark is of no help to Obama’s camp.

59. Lego | 10.21.08

Is it possible to limit the election cycle to a total of 60 to 90 days? This process is unbelievable.

60. Brian In Middle River MD | 10.21.08

“By and large american’s trust Obama”…. PLEASE…..

Barack Obama provided a glowing endorsement of a book by domestic terrorist William Ayers in the Dec. 21, 1997 Chicago Tribune.

- Yet Barack claims he was just a guy who lived down the street…

For twenty years Obama sat and listened to Rev Wright’s anti-american message - then thinks he can deny the message his mentor had already imbued upon a growing impressionable Barack…..

It disgusts me that somehow so many people don’t seem to care when Barack clearly lies…

Keep trying to convince me that this election has not always been about race - a more dishonorable man has never come this close to winning the White House in modern times. When you forego a person’s character over race - that says a lot for your own character.

And Shame on Powell and anyone who sheds their conscious to endorse such a LIAR….

61. Troy | 10.21.08

I believe that President Obama is a man that is willing to listen to his advisors and act responsibily. He doesn’t come across as arrogant and cocky like George W. Bush who has taken the United States into a downward spiral because he had this agenda that he felt needed to be carried out and that was the war.

He wanted to get Sadam Hussein for his oil and he got it. I do believe that this war was mandated by the Bush Administration as a smoke screen for his deception to get the oil he wanted so badly.

I believe that Colin Powell got fed up with him just as the United Nations did because he felt that the war was relevant and he led them and the American people to believe that there were Weapons of Mass Destructions which by chance there were none. I believe Barack has just the mentality and coolness that we need in order to make strong sound decisions.

He’s a thinker and he believes in talking to our allies in order to meet common ground and stay on one accord so that America can get back where it’s suppose to be.

62. Bubba | 10.21.08

If Obamma gets elected it will be the worst the country has seen. It will make the last eight years look like Camelot. You social lefts are so hateful of the right that you would happily put this country at real risk from outside and within. Obamma has already shown where he stands on support for this country. I am sick of the liberal view of whats bad for America is good for Demcocrats politics. Well you might get your wish and you will see a country that will be divided, attacked, broke and saddened. Stand in line , drink the koolaide, go vote for your Antichrist, and then take the consequences. The only hope is that AMerica will be smart at the polls and all liberals are not AMerica Haters, and they will vote to protect this country and not destroy it.

63. Renegade | 10.21.08

International crisis? What are you talking about? The entire World wants Obama as POTUS. Everyone is awaiting for Obama to establish stronger diplomatic ties. Even our “supposed” enemies are eager to establish a more respectful relationship towards United States. They are tired of the Bush Regime and tyrannic perception the GOP has injected towards those countries. The Bush legacy is living nothing but hatred towards United States everyone has grown tired of. The World is tired of their charades. The time to get the vulture back in its cage is here and a new Era is born where the Eagle will be set free and oversee.

64. Creamsykle | 10.21.08

24. Charles | 10.21.08

Per Reginald - “The “no on the job training” message is a very difficult one for McCain to make, considering his choice for VP”

Gov. Palin would not be the one confronting an “international crisis”. Focus on the top of the ticket.
=====================================================================
That’s part of the issue; she just as well could be the one confronting an international crisis. McCain would be the oldest president to ever take office; he is a 3x cancer survivor… The second on his ticket is as important as the first.

65. Marc Duke | 10.21.08

The headline is deceitful. What Biden said is that we will have an international crisis (it doesn’t matter who is president) and it will test Obama’s mettle. This article would be akin to suggesting that the Cubans will put soviet missiles if Kennedy gets elected. Is the Christian Science monitor also suggesting that there will be no crisis if McCain gets elected?

66. dracub | 10.21.08

Two points, Biden is another Gerald Ford with his blunders, are we ready for him to take office if Obama for some reason is not able, Why cant people see Palin for who she is- the first senator to beet the oil monolpoly and run her state with an 80% approval rating. That includes alot of democrats so she must be doing somthing right.

67. lrez | 10.21.08

Good point about Carter and Iran, and one that is not made enough. He and Obama are so much like–and that was the worst four years of our country’s history. Iran proved themselves to respect strength, and released the hostages the day Reagan was sworn in.

I didn’t vote for Bush and I opposed the Iraq War when it was unpopular to do so, but now that we’re there, it’s McCain who can do it right if my son has to serve.

I like Obama as a person, but this isn’t his time–he needs four or eight more years to learn about foreign policy and prove his patriotism.

68. Joe | 10.21.08

With Powell advising a President Obama, there will be no better judgment on the planet that in the White House.

69. reads1 | 10.21.08

The LORD appoints kings and rulers to HIS purposes, not always to the good of nations. In our case now, HE has apparently appointed, (NOT ANNOINTED) BHO to be the next President of this downward spiralling Country, to its further detriment. The next four years under this man will be the end of all we ever hoped for under our Constitutional Government. Sad is the case that the young and the inteligentia have never opened a History of the World book.
I began having regrets in the idiocy of the 60’s, that I had wasted 3-1/2 years of my life and that 450,000+ men gave the supreme sacrifice to defend what we now face in the coming years. We have lost our way and the sheep are on their way to the slaughter.

70. msgijoe | 10.21.08

Folks,
Sure our country will be tested again. Obama or McCain will be called upon to make decision affecting the security of all of us. ANY COUNTRY that challenges us directly will be sorry. We have won all the wars we have been that affected our country directly. What we haven’t won are the occupations that some presidents have stuck us with for some political reasons. And for some reason the current Bush administration overrode the military’s advice for the Iraq war. If a general disagreed with them, he was gone.

I trust Obama to make the right decisions on the use of our might, militarily and economically. I think his decisions will reflect what is good for the country, not Haliburton and Blackwater and all the other contractors that are bleeding our resources.

71. Dan | 10.21.08

You are right, Rob. why do such people and organizations endorse Obama?
The obvious answer is because they have reason to believe that they and their agenda would fare better with his administration in power than with either a McCain or a Clinton administration. I think it’s as clear to Hamas as it is to me that McCain is going to be a lot tougher on terrorists than Obama would be. Obama thinks you can negotiate with them, and has stated his intention to do so. Negotiating with terrorists is like negotiating with extortionists. It’s common knowledge that it doesn’t work. But Senator Obama thinks he can pull it off.
I do believe that he has neither the experience, the disposition nor the character to effectively fight and defeat them and it appears our enemies would be very happy to see him elected. Is it a good thing that terrorists would feel better/safer with Obama as our Commander in Chief?
The question is not whether he reciprocally endorses them. The question is, intentions aside, is what’s best for Hamas what’s best for America? Personally, I don’t think so.

Obama claimed as his spiritual mentor for 20+ years published articles on his church’s newsletter by a Hamas leader (who had an indictment against him for coordinating and financing terrorist activities while living in Chicago in the 1980s). Of course, that Hamas connection is to the Rev. Jeremiah Wright, rather than directly to Obama.

72. Matt | 10.21.08

I like all the ignorant hicks that think McCain looks strong and Obama looks weak. Try reading any international piece of journalism some time. Bush is a laughing stock to the rest of the world, and they all know that McCain is just Bush round 2. Obama is tremendously more respected world wide than McCain is. Not to mention that electing Obama would send a nice signal that we as a country are getting past the point of complete white male domination.

73. RRR | 10.21.08

Wake up people. Either Biden is trading on “secret” information; making him a huge security risk; or he’s lying to try and bolster Barry O’s chances. Which one do you think it is.

To me, it doesn’t really matter. Either way these two, Joe and Barry will do anything to submit this country to their ideologies, which will turn this country on it’s ear, on it’s left ear until we’re the toast of the Socialist world.

They can’t be changed, only you can be. They won’t be hurt by this, you will be. Only you can vote for change. Do what is right.

74. Hostages were political pawns | 10.21.08

Reagan struck a deal during the campaign to hold the hostages in Iran till after the election. Guns for drugs for oil. Reagan used the hostages to get elected.

75. dcDallas | 10.21.08

McCain is a gambler. Obama deliberates. Obama is the better choice for ANY crisis.

76. gingersnap1951 | 10.21.08

Hey, give Joe a break. Senator Biden didn’t put his foot in his mouth this time; the McCain-Palin campaign took his words out of context. Read what he actually said — Biden has seen seven presidents and they all, weak or strong, have been tested in this way. In other words, it doesn’t matter if it’s Obama or McCain, the test will happen. Note also that Biden specifically said that Obama is brilliant, which I take to mean that Biden thinks Obama will handle that test well. As to the rest of the world seeing Obama as weak, only a conservative would think that. The rest of the world is praying for Obama as president because they see him as an intelligent leader. If anything, the world will cut Obama more slack than McCain.

77. Thomas Ryan | 10.21.08

Biden is correct, we will have an International Crisis. I can think of many!
The first will be Obama will keep his promise about pulling out troops from Iraq. Within 30-60 days after that, Iran and Syria will storm in during Iraq’s weakness, like how Iraq invaded Kuwait. Iran will then invade Kuwait from a convenience point.

Obama will be unsure of what to do, think he can talk it out. Iran will look at Obama and laugh because they believe Talks are for the Weak Minded. Proof of this was the Iran Hostage Crisis under Jimmy Carter.

We will then send our troops into the bloodiest blood bath because Obama wouldn’t understand the logistics of war.

78. Rachel | 10.21.08

McCain would be tested even more because of his alignment with the Bush Administration. On the world stage, Barack Obama is a runaway favorite in the U.S. race.

http://www.swamppolitics.com/news/politics/blog/2008/10/bush_europeans_world_usview_di.html

79. Obama is the smart choice | 10.21.08

Obama has proven again and again he makes the right choice. McCain has proven again and again he makes the wrong choice. Which one has run the better campaign? Which one has shown they can be a leader that will get America to come together and be the Greatest Nation the World has ever seem?

OBAMA OBAMA OBAMA!!!

80. Mikhail | 10.21.08

They’re both BAD choices. McCain…..Obama, neither one is qualified to run for President, much less be President.

You folks that play up one over the other have unwittingly drank the kool-aid and either flavor, it’s still just sugar water with no substance. You all missed the one truely qualified candidate and that was Dr. Ron Paul.

Either one of the two candidates is going to keep spending our hard earned money overseas and let our infrastructure continue to crumble while conquering various countries and effecting various regime changes so we can go into these foreign countries and sell Coca Cola and Starbucks coffee and other corporate products at the cost of our hard earned tax dollars and the spilling of our youngs people’s blood.

Again, McCain or Obama, or even both together, are not fit to be President of the United States.

81. Rob | 10.21.08

Hey John - Hamas’s taste in American presidents is suspect. Ahmed Yousef, chief political adviser to the Prime Minister of Hamas described Jimmy Carter, as “this noble man” who “did an excellent job as President.”

82. Truth and Actions | 10.21.08

In this day, any President will be tested. Even a resurrected Reagan. Still get a chuckle at the Reagan worshippers. Try reading or watching something that isn’t GOP approved. Hint: You gotta listen to both the Elephant and Donkey to here the truth.

McCain will continue a foreign policy that has pushed this great country of ours into a corner. We are alienating the rest of the world. This will only get worse with McCain as President. We need to be able to look those Countries we don’t agree with in the eye and talk rationally. McCain can’t do that.

McCain has shown time and again why he shouldn’t be elected President. He has shown he is capable of anything, including being irrational in his pursuits. About us? No, he has proven for him, it’s about him.

It would be folly to elect such an individual.

83. Stevem | 10.21.08

Obama is no John Kennedy

84. skalar | 10.21.08

In 1980, the American hostages in Iran were released under Reagan’s watch because he negotiated with them — through former CIA director George H. W. Bush and his network — before the election. This knowledge is available to anyone with a mild penchant for research.

85. Phox Noose | 10.21.08

“Remember how our US Embassy hostages were freed on Reagan’s inauguration day after being held captive 444 days by Iran? They were held 444 days due to Jimmy Carter’s weakness.”

Get your facts (rememeber facts?) straight. The release agreement was a done deal way before the inauguration. They wanted to hold our people until the “11th hour”, if you will.

86. Scott Z. | 10.21.08

Best comment by far…

“McCain cant handle a crisis. He graduated 400th in his class.
Wrecked 4 airplanes.
Never made it anywhere but down in the military.
I certainly, with his temper, do not want him or Palin near the red button.
Both war mongers”

87. Michael | 10.21.08

Wow. Listen to you Republicans. Divide, divide, divide. All you seem to want to do is turn people against one another. What positive ideas would McCain have for dealing with an international crisis? He’s offered nothing beyond tearing down his opponent. Why should I, or anyone, vote for that?

I’m also amused by how many people on here are using the words “socialist” and “weak” to describe Obama. None of you said he was a socialist until McCain and Palin said it, now you’re all saying it as often as you can. And Obama’s record shows that he’s anything but weak - again, you’re only saying it because it’s another Republican buzzword.

Think for yourselves! Look up socialism on Wikipedia, find out what it REALLY is. Look up Obama’s biography and record. Look up McCain’s biography and record. Look up the same information about their running mates. Make a choice informed by your own intellect and research, not by what some talking head has told you to think.

88. captainkona | 10.21.08

LOL

What was he supposed to say? “If Obama is elected there will never be another international crises again”?
There is an international crises going on right now, a number of them actually.
World economic crises, world food shortage, global warming, Iraq, Afghanistan, etc….etc….etc…

There WILL be a world crises for Barack Obama to deal with, a world bleeding from Republican evil.
And he will be dealing with it from day one.

I do not envy his position.

89. lwilcox | 10.21.08

i will be glad when this stuff is over im getting tired of having obama shoved up my behind every time i turn on the TV or start the computer the man has no foreign experience at all and only 1 term as senator really no time to learn how gov should be run. mickey mouse for pres,its time for a change.

90. tsdc7 | 10.21.08

“Joe American” wrote: “Obama is Jimmy Carter II… run away inflation, Iran thumbing nose at USA and impending depression.”

We have that now under Bush, you twit.

91. Microtek | 10.21.08

Are you ready for an international crisis because of the weak US President?

If yes, Vote for Obama.
If No, Vote for McCain.

Is it simple?
Yes, It is very simple.

92. Microtek | 10.21.08

Are you ready for an international crisis because of the weak US President?

If yes, Vote for Obama.
If No, Vote for McCain.

Is it simple?
Yes, It is very simple.

93. Mario | 10.21.08

Jeff, I heard John the McCain has already betrayed this nation once when he broke under torture. Anybody else want to wait around and find out just how much he was reprogrammed by his captors?

See how easy it is to push buttons wihout sources or facts?

94. Nick | 10.21.08

Of course Obama will be tested, and rightfully so. John McCain will not be tested because everyone already knows he is a puppet; there is no need to test him, only the need to figure out how to pull his strings. Obama will be tested to see if he can be manipulated and/or broken down into submission, and hopefully for all of us we will stand behind him and help him succeed in fighting back and changing the attitude of Washington and other corrupt governments and organizations worldwide. Enough rule by fear throughout the world. We shouldn’t be happy that the main reason other countries don’t mess with us is because they are scared of us killing them. That is just plain sad.

95. Doreen | 10.21.08

It is known, of course that Presidents don’t have “presidential” experience going into office. So, for those who are very concerned about Gov. Palin not being experienced enough to be a heartbeat away from the President — shouldn’t you be more concerned about Obama’s lack of experience, since he will be at the helm from Day 1?

96. lam | 10.21.08

Joe maybe right but not for the world ,it will undermind American standard

97. Mike | 10.21.08

The way candidates are selected by each of the party are based on fund raising capabilities. This is not democracy. This also means that the group donating millions of dollars will have more say in policies than people. Where is democracy when power ful donors hijack policies in their favors. Barack Obama raising 150 million dollars in September from small donors. It is highly impossible. Media do not scrutinize source of his funds.

According to dictionary, the meaning of politics is “the art or science concerned with guiding or influencing governmental policy”. I see art of raising money and giving sermons rather than having track records.

Democracy means government for the people, it looks like it is for rich donors instead.

98. Don | 10.21.08

Biden is not the most articulate speaker in the history of mankind, that’s for sure. I find it funny how the justification for McCain is his age and how Obama is “untested.” Yet, McCain puts Palin as #2, the next Dan Quayle. Only this time, there’s a real chance of McCain croaking during his first term, Bush Sr was in MUCH better health.

Biden was simply stating a trend that something always goes down in the beginning, sometimes it’s another country testing the waters, sometimes it’s a small group of people perpetrating an attack, it’s inevitable. McCain will face the same trend if elected.

But here’s the difference, Barak Obama has been out of the country more than once, been to the middle east, talked to the people, found the facts. Palin barely stepped off the plane and was sheltered. McCain or Biden on foreign policy, Biden is the clear winner. I mean it’s n00b/Experience or Experience/n00b. It’s not that different except one ticket has the Keating 5, a financial scandall and is married to an Alaskan Separatist. Only in Texas can you vote to seceed and not be tried for treason. Someone said “talk about sleeping with the enemy.”

And you all talk about socialism like it’s so terribly wrong. If you look at the “socialistic” policies Obama supports, they’re in line with the conservative parties of the rest of the developed world. I’m not saying I want the British system or the German system or the French system, I’m just saying we’re truly the black sheep in the world when it comes to our socio/political/economic policies. McCain’s soundbites for “Less Government” clearly do not line up with his actual voting record. Now who’s the used car salesman?

99. TruAmerican | 10.21.08

Obama will give away American’s interests to Islamists like Iran quicker than you can possibly know.

100. Von | 10.21.08

Obama is much smarter, more diplomatic, more understanding of human nature and objective than John McCain is. Not saying McCain is a bad person, but he’s a hothead, he’s crude, takes things as a personal affront, he’s not a diplomat and he’s using Rovian tactics to try and take the Presidency for himself (same tactics used against him in 2000). He’s clearly not in this for the good of the people. That’s obvious by “his choice” of a running-mate. Then look at his voting record. He’s all over the map with his decisions and at the same time he’s the most absent voter than anyone else in the senate.
Obama is ready. He can handle it. He surrounds himself with experts and accepts feedback from others before jumping to decisions. He’s the antithesis of GW Bush.

101. mstran | 10.21.08

To All:

We all know Obama says we will have change Garrentee and we are to belive what they stand for. Yet Obama has recanted and said I did not mean that, or it was a poor choice of words when he said “Let me be clear, Jerusalem must remain Isreals capitol” but then for him to half bake and say I did not mean it that way. Then when asked about his past, he would give a half truth, then people found out more, Then he gave some more half truths. NEVER THE FULL TRUTH.

Too many secret agendas in this mans closet what he really means to allow us to know.

102. randy | 10.21.08

This is funny! Go Obama!

103. P Kennedy | 10.21.08

I understand that things were said in the primary about Obama’s experience, (or lack thereof). You have to remember that the candidates will say anything to get you to vote for them. None of them in my book has any experience in running one of the biggest, richest countries in the world. You can’t practice for it. So saying one person is more experienced over another is silly. I think they must mean because they’er older they are more experienced. Oh, wait, John McCain in older. Waaaaaaaaay older. I guess he has the most out of anybody. But can he remember any of it? I would prefer the one that’s steady, not easily angered, able to think on his feet type of president. And in the last ten weeks Barack has shown those leadership qualities. Thank you for attention.

104. randy | 10.21.08

Are you ready for an international crisis because of the weak US President?

If yes, Vote for Obama.
If No, Vote for McCain.

Is it simple?
Yes, It is very simple.

PRIME EXAMPLE OF PEOPLE NOT KNOWING HOW TO READ THE ARTICLE CORRECTLY!

105. lrez | 10.21.08

I was a McCain supporter in 2000 AGAINST George Bush–and let me tell you, he’s NO GEORGE BUSH. The two hated each other!! Comparing those two is like comparing Stalin and FDR. That’s the most ridiculous thing about this election. Talk about lies!

The hard-core conservatives AND George Bush were disgusted when McCain got the nomination. He only got it because Romney and Huckabee split the vote and canceled everyone out except McCain.

I’m a McCain support exactly because he IS NOT George Bush.

And, btw, he is strong on foreign policy–he should have been the president in 2000 and we wouldn’t be in this foreign policy nightmare.

Another thing, I didn’t support GW or Iraq–but Americans cannot complain about the last 8 years of prosperity. I’ve seen more waste and consumerism than at any other point in my lifetime–from every sector.

And, I’ve seen people who hardly work get the “Earned Income Credit” at the end of year–$5,000 checks for what?? Bush has been the largeest “Santy Claus” president since Carter.

And, I do make over $200,000 a year (205,000 to be exact) and I HAVE NOT received an extra dime from Bush. He hid his tax increases by taking away deductions. And, don’t think for a second I got one of those sweet little rebates in the mail. Do you know how much I paid in taxes (state and federal) on $200,000–almost $70,000. Tell me how Bush has helped me, please?

106. Arthur | 10.21.08

Whoever is elected is going to be tested in exactly the same way. McCain is going to be drawn into a situation to see if he over-reacts or whether he can be played like a violin like the Bush administration could so often.

So what is the big story here? Both will be tested, yes, probably within the first six months. So who do you want in the White House? the alert guy or the grumpy one who keeps calling us “my friends”. Since we have never had the pleasure of meeting, McCain seems to be in error in that regard. I want a major change in the way our government tackles the current geopolitical and geoeconomic situation (yes, I made that last word up). We are all in this vast global boat together. If it starts to sink, we’re all in trouble. We’ve got a lot of work to do to understand the challenges of an increasingly interconnected world. I want a really good mind, with good advisors, tackling these challenges.

107. Franklin | 10.21.08

If either McCain or Obama is elected, we’re screwed. If you thought the last 8 years were bad, wait for the next 4. Whomever wins the election is moot. The one silver lining is that the American Empire is coming to an end. Hopefully, the collapse isn’t too painful and in 5 to 10 years we can get back to what once made this country great.

I respect the cashier at my local supermarket more than I do McCain, Palin, Obama or Biden and you people want one of these fools[*] to be president?!?! How sad.

[*] I say “fools” because I can’t assume McCain, Palin, Obama and Biden are evil (even though that is the other possibility).

108. overdue | 10.21.08

Well, if Obama IS a lover of terrorists, “baby killers,” and Muslims, at least we know who we WON’T be attacked by! Bring us your tired, your weary….terrorists! LOL!
Whereas McCain’s enemies are DEFINITELY out there, and god only knows how McPalin would handle them. Yikes!

Oh, and BTW….we are ALREADY in the middle of a crisis, and my money’s on the one who would manage my money best: the guy who has the Warren Buffet’s backing.

109. Doug LaPlante | 10.21.08

Regarding RM’s comment. You left out the fact that Reagan traded military parts to Iran in trade for releasing the hostages. Shamefully, Reagan insisted that the Iranians wait untill inauguration day before releasing them.

And, wow, to top it off, he had his people, Olliver North, etc…funnel the money from the sale to the Contras in Nicaraqua. At the time it was illegal do so.

Reagan insisted he didn’t have a clue about giving the money to the Contras. That was either a lie, or he was fast asleep at the wheel

He later acknowledged deceiving the American People when he admitted trading military parts for the hostages.

Either candidate would be challenged as President.

110. Candace | 10.21.08

We already have an international crisis: The economy - and we’ve only seen the beginning of that. I think were all aware that the next 4 years are going to be challenging for this country, which is why this election is so important.
I’m not alarmed by what Biden said but I do think he’s wrong if hes insinuating a crisis that could cause us to consider military action as a reponse. After Iraq do world leaders really want to provoke us into another fight? Wouldn’t that be validating Bush foreign policy?

“These are not the gaffes you’re looking for.”

that was hilarious.

111. James from ZA | 10.21.08

Follow the real history of the Bush family, especially the father of the current George W. Iran wanted to set free those American hostages but the elder Bush &Co. made a deal with them: Keep the hostages until Reagan is elected, and in turn receive weapons. That deal later led to a scandal, as you know. This time your admin persuaded Georgia to attack a UN safe area - to which the Russians correctly responded. The only aim was to frighten Americans, so they would vote for McCain. Please, wake up and get rid of these criminals who have ruled your country. How I wish that McCain could have been incorruptible, his own man. But alas, he is one of them.

112. Bubba | 10.21.08

Yes look at the people who around the world support Obamma… Hamas (leading terrorist group), French (biggest cowards in history), most socialist countries, (fits in with their plans), Hugo Chavez ( now there is an endorsement to hold up high), Reverend Wright (hates and wants to see America Damned), Ayers, (know terrorist and murderer). The list goes on. Yes you folks are correct that many people endorse Obamma but do you stand along side of them in your support? Do you cherish their values? I sincerely hope that you dont….!!!

113. John | 10.21.08

I see Joe’s foot in mouth disease is back !!!!!
I was wondering how long it would take.:)

114. midwestmidwife | 10.21.08

Yada, yada, yada- jeesh you really worry me posters!

Obama or McCain is likely to be tested given the world situ. The unknown we can’t afford as Americans is when McGrumpy goes hooves up,Caribou Barbie is clearly more concerned with coordinating footwear with her suits then learning anything besides talking points. Thank goodness either will have an expert staff and Congress to provide some stability!

Hey Mike, I ain’t no rich donor!! We farm in the midwest with 4 children and a modest lifestyle. Obama’s gotten a few tenspots from me. Don’t take long for those to add up! ‘Scuse the grammar, just an ignorant Dem…

115. Thumper | 10.21.08

The sad truth is that the person the country really needs is not on the slate because they would be business savvy and understand how the world and the economy works. Instead we are stuck with two poor choices, “President Obama” or “President McCain”. What scares me even more is the concept of “President Biden” or “President Palin”.

Frankly, between the four of them, there is not enough brain power to run the nation. The smart ones that we want running our nation run multinational corporations and would never stoop to the level necessary to become President.

So what got us into this mess? The fact that voters in the United States are typically one issue voters that base their decision on 30 second snippets they see on the television as opposed to looking at all the issues and positions. The fact is that most Americans do not read anymore. Those of you who will read this are a minority (or even the newspaper. Check the circulation vs. population numbers if you don’t believe me). When you then base the election outcome on the opinions of the non-reading majority, how can you expect something good to come of it?

116. gdgca | 10.21.08

What is with all these shoot the messenger comments(CSM)?

It seems to me it was Joseph Biden who made these statements and not CSM.

I think I get it though, you’d like CSM to ignore all Biden’s gaffes and Obama’s shortcomings just like the liberal dominated main-street media is doing for you.

Just imagine if Palin made such gaffes … SNL would be all over it and you would think it was oh so funny.

117. laughing at the dems | 10.21.08

anyone who doesn’t realize that Obama is the front man for Ayers and Soros is literally blind. These people sit around in cells & dream of the downfall of the USA. And if you really think that is paranoid delusions, invest 5 minutes in your own research.

118. Arne | 10.21.08

Continue thinking of ‘The Palin Factor’ while start thinking of ‘The Biden Factor’

119. Masterfreshy | 10.21.08

Sure, Senator Biden certainly is right. Setting aside the fact that his words were taken out of context, lets talk about how Bush (REPUBLICAN) handled the crisis that happened during his watch. Need I say more?

The truth is, the real crisis begins after Senator Obama professionally handles anything tossed his way because the right wing nuts will not be able to admit brilliance in a african american president.

Besides, I am more terrified at a McCain response than an Obama response judging by both candidates actions during the campaign. McCain would probably
have a heart attack, lose his footing and press the panic button.

120. Dan | 10.21.08

Come on Ginger…How can you say “McCain-Palin took his words out of context”??? Millions heard him/read it!
He did not say that “the next president” would be tested. He said if the Obama-Biden ticket is elected - that is very different.

121. Mr.Carter | 10.21.08

Now it is true that Obama is the first Democratic presidential candidate in many years with the ability to win, and with major ideas to increase social programs in the United States, many of which, I would say, we will desperately need if our financial crisis continues for an extended period of time.

I still haven’t seen a good argument on how taxing higher brackets more than the middle brackets constitutes socialism. But that point isn’t worth arguing. What is worth discussing is who benefits from the tax plans provided by both candidates? Will either of the candidates plans affect the economy or are they just small ploys to get people of certain income brackets to vote for them?

Under the politics and economic policies of the right I know that I’ve seen negative changes in most of the things that I care about in the last 8 years. I want cheaper/better higher education, better infrastructure, responsible defense spending and military actions with planning and timetables based on accurate intelligence, morality and honor with wars and the treatment of prisoners, and presidential checks and balances.

In my opinion, we’ve been spending way too much money as a nation on all the wrong things. If we want to be a strong nation moving forward, we need to reroute that money back into real, tangible, local services in the United States (education/police/fire dept/hospitals/health care/transportation). Nobody on the right seems to want to put money in any of those programs.

Now I keep hearing Socialist but i don’t think the people claiming that understand the term. Like to see a post on what you think it means.

122. Send McPalin Packin | 10.21.08

I like how McCain always cites Obama’s opposition to the surge as a “wrong decision.”

I also like how Obama didn’t vote for this farce of a war in the first place. (Does anyone else find it odd that the fiercest ProLifers are the ones most gung ho to go to war?)

Consistency is hard to come by. I’m overseas, and for the record, Barack already got my vote.

123. david burta | 10.21.08

In the event of such a crisis America needs a cool head and a steady hand at the helm. It is well recognized by his colleagues in the Senate the McCain is a hot-head quite prone to outbursts and undue aggressiveness. The emotional scars from his captivity in VietNam have left McCain overly hawkish on many issues that require diplomacy long and hard before we revert to force. While it would seem that most Military men would be predisposed to the use of force, most are NOT. And I think it is strong (but sad for McCain) evidence that Colin Powell has seen fit to support Obama.

We need deep and thoughtful intelligence applied to an enormous variety of major issues weighing on us right now. McCain and particularly Palin are sound politicians but they lack the intellectual breadth and depth needed to help America emerge from the catastrophic consequences of eight years under Bush/Cheney. As a Fiscal Conservative and Liberal Social Policy individual I don’t stand by any particular party or most candidates, but I do believe that Obama/Biden provide us with the intellectual horsepower we need to deal with the most complex state of our United States since the 1930’s and 40’s and McCain/Palin are even a distant second in possessing such “intellectual horsepower”.

124. Oregon Minister | 10.21.08

No matter how one tries to justify what Sen. Biden said, it is fodder for the McCain campaign. Yes, all presidents are tested; yes, Obama will be tested; yes, so will McCain if elected. But like it or not, this was a very stupid thing to say this close to the election. The polls are already tightening after the Ayers mess; why give the Opposition even the slightest bit of ammunition to shoot into the crowd at this late date? It was just plain stupid. Now, who will I vote for? Nader????

125. sutu | 10.21.08

Biden simply said it how it is, & will be…. for any president… and Obama is far superior to dealing with the challenges than the much older and increasingly fuzzy and angry McCain.

And by the way the international crisis Briden predicts is already in motion… we are already deep in it… and “it” was significantly created and worsened by the GOP, which is where McCain sits…

Out of the two Obama has the best chance of ushering change to hopefully avert the worst of it….

126. Helen Doon | 10.21.08

Who the heck cares, Biden knows what he is talking about. We do need a leader and I know he is now seeing McCain the way he should. His friend and leader.

Obama got a lot of tricks up his sleeves. Just take a look at his friends and you will know. Ayers, White, now Powell- the two fac3e back stabbing crook. What a total slap in the face for America. Goes to show they are all like that huh!

127. Helen Doon | 10.21.08

People are just jealous of Palin, unbelievable Powell call her not ready and unqualified. How dare him!!!!!!!!! She has got much more experience than obam a and she did it all by herself

128. AJBopp | 10.21.08

For someone who’s voted with Bush 90% of the time, he shouldn’t be talking about confidence that someone will make the wrong decisions. McCain’s record of “wrongness” is a lot more extensive than Obama’s.

129. Cristina | 10.21.08

As we know, McCain cannot multi-task. McCain also has difficulty functioning under pressure.

http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/georgepacker/2008/10/not-quite-colin.html

We need a steady leader. We need Obama.

130. Dan | 10.21.08

To James from CA: When Bush administration was negotiating a still elusive agreement to keep the U.S. military in Iraq, Obama tried to convince Iraqi leaders in private conversations that the president shouldn’t be allowed to enact the deal without congressional approval.

Mr. Obama’s conversations with the Iraqi leaders stirred controversy over the appropriateness of a White House candidate’s contacts with foreign governments while the sitting president is conducting a war.

Iraqi leaders purported to The Washington Times that Obama urged Baghdad to delay an agreement with Bush until next year when a new president will be in office - a charge the Democratic campaign denies (of course). The Dems always deny everything.

By the way.. Bush is not on the ticket.

131. Dave | 10.21.08

The greatest thing about free speech is that you truly get to understand how ignorant we humans really are. It’s right there in your face all the time. If you ever need evidence to support the claim, just tune in to one of these political discussions.

The cool thing about it is that as soon as you realize you are ignorant, you think to yourself, hey, maybe I should pick up a book and stop telling other people what to think when I have no idea what I am talking about. But don’t stop reading to tell us what to think… keep reading. And if one of these books says the word god in it, it might be your calling. God might have a lot in store for you. Read as many books that god authored as you can, (and there’s a lot) and then let us know what god demands of us, ultimately, because I’m still trying to figure it out.

132. Campbell | 10.21.08

Obama is a con man, a well trained one nonetheless. Joe Biden is being portrayed as a loose cannon that in his own way is pimping Obama as the new world messiah or the fantasy candidate. A perverted sense of unification behind an unknown born and raised as a radical socialist. Oh, he’s a sweet talker as any good salesman should be, but if what you are selling is the downfall of America you had best create the illusion of hope before you cut their throats.

133. Lisa Wilson | 10.21.08

Don’t take Joe Biden’s words out of context. Remember he said, “generated crisis,” well it’s because both sides were recently informed of the “generated crisis” and Biden is telling you and I to be prepared. “We The People” need to start taking this country back to where it used to be and not continue to steamroll where the previous leader has brought us. If we (America) didn’t keep sticking our noses where it doesn’t belong, we would have less “generated crisis’” to have to clean up. Both men will not know exactly what to do until the time comes, because neither of them has ever been president before. So,on-the-job-training will be exercised by the future president no matter which candidate is chosen to lead this country.

134. Amy Rican | 10.21.08

You people make it sound like we have this crack team running the White House now, and we’re about to give the reins to a couple morons. Actually it is quite the opposite. A puppet religious zealot has been in charge the last 8 years and his staff have lined their pockets with corporate ties to Halliburton, Merrill Lynch, etc.

Both candidates are a living in million dollar homes. What do they know about the struggles of the average American citizen?

At least Obama is trying to demonstrate he is of sound mind, and is honest.

McCain has demonstrated he is a liar and is willing to abuse his political power for his personal interests (POW confession, Keating 5). Palin has also done this (Troopergate, Alaska Independence Party).

Anything negative the republicans have said about Obama is based in fearmongering, and since it’s meant to appeal to the religious right, it is very effective, because that is how most “christian” groups maintain power, through FEAR.

I, like most of the free world, look forward to an Obama presidency. Hopefully this guy will deliver on this new hope we have.

135. DavidK | 10.21.08

Someone PLEASE put a muzzle on Biden. Not funny Joe. Golf…and then this? I really don’t get it. Extremely fristrated with you…and I supported your Presidential bid.
Tough…

136. Aycee | 10.21.08

Anyone who has been reading and gathering the real facts, knows that the vast majority of Europeans favor Obama to McCain. This has been publicly announced in many press releases, following Obama’s trip to Germany and Europe. Will the next President face challenges, of course he will, given the legacy and failed policies of the past 8 years with a Republican President and 6 years with a Republican controlled Congress. It’s time to get out the broom and sweep these power mongers out of the white house, people. It’s time to give America back to the people, not the wealthy few who have enjoyed tax breaks and made their wealth on the backs of ordinary hard working people here at home.

137. Rick | 10.21.08

How can (Nostradamus)Biden scare people like that? We’ve got an inexperienced future presidential candidate and he’s saying he “guarantees” an international crisis within 6 months of Obama taking office??

Who is going to be sleeping at night thinking and wondering when, how, who?

Joe the gaffer should just zip it..

138. DSM_CAL | 10.21.08

My fondest hope for each one of you — and especially for the young people here — is that you will love your country, not for her power or wealth, but for her selflessness and her idealism. May each of you have the heart to conceive, the understanding to direct, and the hand to execute works that will make the world a little better for your having been here.

May all of you as Americans never forget your heroic origins, never fail to seek divine guidance, and never lose your natural, God-given optimism.

And finally, my fellow Americans, may every dawn be a great new beginning for America and every evening bring us closer to that shining city upon a hill.

Ronald Reagan

Vote McCain/Palin in 2008

139. Cali Dani | 10.21.08

I think Biden might be on to something. This is one of the things that scares me about Obama and picking Biden as his VP running mate is exactly the bad judgment calls he’s made. Biden sounds like he’s back in the primary campaign mode when he (rightly) critiqued Obama’s inexperience where he hasn’t even finished his first term as a U.S. senator. I’m afraid electing him will be an invitation for “international crisis” to occur one right after the other.

140. birdsong | 10.21.08

To Edward Ulysses Cate #31
“The only solution is to weed our own gardens of sociopaths.
Clean up your own community first, then the city and state.
Only when it is NOT profitable to lie, steal and murder,
will the public recover from its losses.”

You seem like a pretty cool guy. I agree with you. Strong grassroots efforts, personal responsibility, combined with Obama in the White House, things will finally start turning around in this country. GO EDWARD!!!

141. overdue | 10.21.08

So Socialism is the the F Word.

Fine.

But does anyone here even know what ’socialism’ means?

I think some people get confused between “socialism” “fascism” “capitalism” “republicanism” and “communism.”

The difference between Communism and Socialism is more than just LIPSTICK.

Democratic Socialism, as it exists in Europe today, is simply using MORE of our TAX dollars for DOMESTIC, SOCIAL projects, and LESS for SUBSIDIZING FAT CATS. It’s NOT about nationalizing every business. In fact the EU (European Union) is making its member states PRIVATIZE much of their holdings.

142. Michael | 10.21.08

Re: the comments of Bubba (#115) -

Your claims are woefully uniformed. For starters, you can’t even spell Obama’s name. Secondly, calling the French “the biggest cowards in history” is absolutely ridiculous. Ever hear of World War II? The French Resistance? Any of this ringing any bells?

Secondly, Obama is not a socialist. He advocated “spreading the wealth around”, not taking wealth away from everyone.

Reverend Wright, Hugo Chavez, and Bill Ayers are not running for president, last I checked. Who cares what they said? Obama’s actions have shown that they have had no influence on him, his career, or his campaing. And Ayers is not a murderer. The Weather Underground bombings resulted in not one single fatality. This is a fact - look it up.

I could probably go on, but what’s the point? I sit here in amazement as the Republicans lie over and over again. Independent news outlets worldwide state the facts and prove that what the Republicans said was a lie. And when they do, the Republicans scoff and brainwash you into thinking that it’s all the work of some conspiracy led by the “Liberal Media”, and you ignore the proof.

You’ve made up your tiny little closed mind. There is so much information right here at your fingertips, yet you completely ignore it. Sad.

By the way, please tell me where I can find this “Liberal Media”. All I see out there is news organizations owned by McCain’s buddies in the big corporations. I want my Liberal Media!!! LOL!

143. akamai | 10.21.08

For John McCain to continually spread insidious logic proves to me he doesn’t have what it takes. The republican party has changed and is now usurped by neo-con philosophy and John McCain is hook, line, and sinker deep in it. Buyer beware.

144. WakeUP! | 10.21.08

The entire world is tired of America’s policy and need for control in other countries affairs. The world sees Obama as a chance for new dialog or a potential change in policy for better global relations. We all know what has caused our great countries decline. Having a retarded president for the last 8 years has just accelerated the downturn through historical failures. Ask yourself if you would or would not let a 73+ year old drive your car, then why would you let them run your country?

145. sosorry | 10.21.08

So now the deal Reagan made to release the hostages is seen as strength? Give me a break. That period of time stands for what I fear most for Obama. Conspiracy by right wingers at all of our expense. Do you think if he wins that Karl Rove and boys will be just sitting back eating take out chow mein?
If Obama is crazy enough to take that on then I am crazy enough to vote for him - I want my country back.

146. Akamai | 10.21.08

Mrs. Doon do your homework. It’s not just Colin Powell. There’s about 50 other generals and about 50 major newspapers and about 100 science nobel laureates , etc. that also support the fact that she’s not got what it takes and Obama has. Do you think I’m going to believe them or or a bunch of exclamation points on a blog. I suggest reading up on Obama through his book Audacity Of Hope and bills that he’s helped to author. Sarah Palin doesn’t hold a candle. Check out endorsements for both candidates on wikipedia.

147. erik | 10.21.08

Hes right, when hes elected to be president, period.

148. Obama- master of the emotional sales pitch | 10.21.08

JWORD has it right. Obama, if elected will create a country of dependents, stuck in the middle class, while Obama and his cronies live in luxury off of the hard work of others. Hmmm, sounds a great deal like the old socialist USSR or communist Maoist China. Obama has never been a mayer of a city, a governor of a state, or even run his own business. He votes present most of the time and waits to see which way the politcal wind is blowing before taking a very transient stand on any issue. He is, however, for drilling…for votes. He uses the Saul ALinsky propaganda radical playbook of ridicule, personify and hit below the belt. For him any hit above the belt is a mistake.
Thank God Biden had abit too much to drink at their funbd raiser and said what was really on his mind. Biden is clearly not as skilled in the Alinsky method as Obama.

149. Noel | 10.21.08

Shut up and let your votes do the talking. We all know who passed the tests, the interviews. We all know who is steady, calm, brings enthusiasm. This world need someone who unites and electrifies people to move!. It is a force no one can stop. It is not about the candidates it about the USA. We need a energetic force to haul this country out of the ditch. VOTE for one that will bring all of us together.

150. stressfreeliving | 10.21.08

Very much here to read into. Keep an eye on the next pending attack.

151. Norma | 10.21.08

Akamai: It’s the top of the ticket we are concerned with. It’s Obama vs McCain - not Palin. So if you compare Obama’s with McCain’s, Obama is the loser.
And yes…she does have more experience than Obama - don’t know why people won’t admit it.

152. susan | 10.21.08

what i find the most interesting is that i went searching for info from a dependable site and found that its dependability is challenged because this blog is not ‘go obama’. how is it that most citizens i encounter who are pro-obama cannot tolerate anything written or spoken that is not portraying him in golden light? to be an informed voter, one must accept and weigh the good and the bad about all of our candidates, and i stress ALL, because if there existed a ‘perfect’ candidate, we should all be even more afraid. Grow up people.

153. RadarCat | 10.21.08

I suspect that BO the Liar would be even weaker than Jimmy Carter when dealing with Muslim radicals.

RadarCat

154. Wayne | 10.21.08

“If I am the Democratic nominee, I will aggressively pursue an agreement with the Republican nominee to preserve a publicly financed general election.” Barack Obama, fall 2007. “We’ve made the decision not to participate in the public-financing system for the general election.” Barack Obama(June 19, 2008).
It was the first time a major nominee had declined public financing since the system was created after Watergate.
When we talk about public financing, we’re talking about candidates agreeing to skip private fundraising and instead run their campaigns using a pot of public money that comes from taxpayers who direct $3 to the fund on their tax returns. The upside is that candidates don’t have to spend time seeking contributions, but the downside is that their spending is limited to an amount set by the Federal Election Commission. This year’s general election limit is $84.1-million per candidate, but the spending period is limited to the two months between the nominating conventions in late August and early September, and the Nov. 4 election.
McCain’s campaign said he would commit to public financing. “Should John McCain win the Republican nomination, we will agree to accept public financing in the general election, if the Democratic nominee agrees to do the same,”
Obama campaign spokesman Bill Burton responded by saying: “If Senator Obama is the nominee, he will aggressively pursue an agreement with the Republican nominee to preserve a publicly financed general election.”
The fact is that that agreemement never came. Obama said he would pursue public financing, but decided it wasn’t in the campaign’s tactical interest. Many of his donations are coming from European countries.

155. Joe | 10.21.08

OMG!

I think that we’d better make sure that Sarah Palin can bring her unflappable gravitas to bear on any crisis.

Like, “what do you read?”

OMG!

156. John | 10.21.08

Joe, Joe, Joe, What were you thinking or were you thinking at all. Don’t you know that “loose lips sink ships” and you just hit the Obama ship with a torpedo. The ship is taking on water and you are the reason. Keep talking Joe, you are the best advertising that could happen to the John and Sarah show. If Mr. O doesn’t put a muzzle on you soon, his ship might go the way of the Titanic because of you.

157. joszef plumber | 10.21.08

I agree with Larry Lynch. While watching the Vice Presidential debates, I appreciated Joe Biden’s deliberate emphasis on the phrase “fundamental change” in his closing statement. Earlier in the debate, Palin deliberately introduced the concept of “fundamental” as communicated by John McCain, a concept that I agree wholeheartedly with—that the Individual is fundamental.

Obama repeats the phrase “fundamental change” as well. However, the implications of Obama’s use of the term are not those of McCain; they are those of his foreign policy “adviser” Brzezinski, whose presence has become much more prominent, especially after Brz. longtime colleague Colin Powell repeated his previous (”unofficial”) endorsement of Obama in order to undermine (particularly among those of the Reagan/HW Bush generation) any inclination to listen to the factual and significant statements that Sarah Palin is communicating to a concerned public.

In historical content, I believe that Powell didn’t really cross party lines to endorse Obama. An interesting thing to note is that Palin, unlike Powell and Obama foreign policy “adviser” Brzezinski, never worked with HW Bush, who for some reason is excluded from the Conservative Encyclopedia–perhaps the Encyclopedia took aesthetic exception to HW’s use of the phrase “New World Order.”

158. Ed | 10.21.08

Noel - how can you say it’s not about the candidates?? In looking for someone to run our country, I am not looking for an eloquent speaker or a charistmatic person. I want a leader with experience, courage, true grit, decisiveness and someone who is not afraid to get mad and show it..that leader would be McCain.

159. Independent Bruce | 10.21.08

Comments like these from Joe Biden demonstrate his gaffes are far too frequent for him to be considered as a responsible VP. Also, this indicates poor judgment from the man who considers Biden to be knowledgeable of foreign affairs. Seems like a dangerous team to be running the USA.

160. american 1 | 10.21.08

So this means tha Obama is looking for trouble that he cant handle because he is too wishy washy.

161. american 1 | 10.21.08

McCain is the one to run this country He has alot of friends in DC and he knows the ins and outs of Washington

162. Sue | 10.21.08

Funny, how the mainstream media does not make a big deal of Biden’s gaffes. It’s just “Joe being Joe”. Heaven forbid if Gov. Palin would have been the one making this statement.

163. heather | 10.21.08

okay this is wat people dont get if your poor vote for obama because hes a democrat and democrats give money to the poor its about time forsome change republicans are not the answer also lots of people have a problem with obama raising taxes but hes only raising them for people who make more than 200,000 a year so if you make less than that then dont freak out okay. DEMOCRAT= OBAMA for change . THANKS

164. joszef plumber | 10.21.08

I agree with Larry Lynch.

While watching the Vice Presidential debates, I appreciated Joe Biden’s deliberate emphasis on the phrase “fundamental change” in his closing statement. Earlier in the debate, Palin deliberately introduced the concept of “fundamental” as communicated by John McCain, a concept that I agree wholeheartedly with—that the Individual is fundamental.

Obama repeats the phrase “fundamental change” as well. However, the implications of Obama’s use of the term are not those of McCain; they are those of his foreign policy “adviser” Brzezinski, whose presence has become much more prominent, especially after Brz. longtime colleague Colin Powell repeated his previous (”unofficial”) endorsement of Obama in order to undermine (particularly among those of the Reagan/HW Bush generation) any inclination to listen to the factual and significant statements that Sarah Palin is communicating to a concerned public.

In historical content, I believe that Powell didn’t really cross party lines to endorse Obama. An interesting thing to note is that Palin, unlike Powell and Obama foreign policy “adviser” Brzezinski, never worked with HW Bush, who for some reason is excluded from the Conservative Encyclopedia–perhaps the Encyclopedia took aesthetic exception to HW’s use of the phrase “New World Order.”

The day before this statement, Biden reminded another audience that the office of Vice President has little guaranteed influence on decisions. Obama didn’t ask for Biden’s approval before releasing the ad mocking McCain’s keyboard disability, remember? A faithful Catholic has moral reasons to be nervous in the shadow of so much Brzezinski/Rockefeller influence.

165. joszef plumber | 10.21.08

The day before this statement, Biden reminded another audience that the office of Vice President has little guaranteed influence on decisions. Obama didn’t ask for Biden’s approval before releasing the ad mocking McCain’s keyboard disability, remember? A faithful Catholic has moral reasons to be nervous in the shadow of so much Brzezinski/Rockefeller influence.

166. mike | 10.21.08

It’s just the same Professor Joe we have come to expect. He is definitly not Joe the advisor that Obama touted. He is Joe “foot in yap” that has lost every time he ran for President. This goes to the legendary Obama “judgement thing”. Obama should have picked a running mate that isn’t known for running off at the mouth. When there is an incident, will JB exacerbate the problem by going off half cocked like he did this week. You know he will and Obama should have used better judgment and picked “Jobs Baby Jobs” Clinton. Here’s a girl who knows how to stay on message, and what not to put in your mouth.

167. whynot | 10.21.08

I saw her in an scripted interview last night regarding Relgion - she might want to explain what she is doing practicing witchcraft in the you tube video. She acts like we are stupid everyone has seen this video. Are we ever going to get an answer on this. I am just curious - what was she doing there?

She really is out of touch with reality. I can understand how Alaska overlooks this, but the rest of the world is not that stupid.

Sarah Palin - John McCain’s new legacy

168. cesar,Almarnate | 10.21.08

if Obama wins the election, guess who is going to be the coach. Joe Biden wil be calling the shots, he tried to be president twice and lost, he noticed Obama, and figured that`s the ticket, to get, to the white house Obama is just going to be a front he wont be calling the shots.

169. Alex P | 10.21.08

If we look at McCains performance in the presidential race it appears to be schizophrenic.
Starting out as the honorable war hero who will defend us then changing when Obama rises in the Dem arena to ‘Maverick’. When Hillary looses he picks Palin in an obvious attempt to get the disgruntled Hillary vote, so although he swore he would pick the best person for the job he uU turned again.

The economy is good, ooops its bad, I will return to Washington to fix the crisis, I’am back debating. The last straw for me was the last presidential debate when he criticizes Obama for a negative campaign, and in the same breath tries to turn the negative heat up.

Anyone listening to the robo calls realizes that the truth has really been broken by McCain et al. Do we really want this person in charge?

His constant flip flopping around has reached a point where for the first time Gov Palin disagreed with the calls and would prefer to sit around the table and explain to people how they would fix things.

Even McCain seems uneasy as if there are several people running the campaign, and God help us if he runs the country in the same fashion.

170. marc | 10.21.08

Obama has ZERO experience in foriegn affairs and he’s going to make decisions in a major crisis? Oh yeah thats right he has advisors to make decisions for him. Bidens a professional politician who’s done nothing in 30 years except flap his jaw.

171. Fed Up With Them All | 10.21.08

Joe actually said some pretty funny stuff. This piece doesn’t seem to include the entire statement.

One statement he made was about popular stuff and how if things are popular they are probably not sound (interesting in light of Obama’s popularity. By Joe’s logic Obama is unsound because he is popular)

In another statement he said he had forgotten more foreign policy that his colleagues knew (funny given that his foreign policy cred was meant to boost Obama)

At the end of the entire statement he said he probably shouldn’t have said all of what he did given that the press was present.

Can you imagine if McCain or Palin (or anyone not close to Obama) had said these things?

Right up there with JOBS being a 3 letter word.

172. Whatever | 10.21.08

And you all talk about socialism like it’s so terribly wrong. If you look at the “socialistic” policies Obama supports, they’re in line with the conservative parties of the rest of the developed world. I’m not saying I want the British system or the German system or the French system, I’m just saying we’re truly the black sheep in the world when it comes to our socio/political/economic policies.
*****************************************************************************
It doesn’t matter how other countries do it. Other countries are NOT the appropriate standard.

The appropriate standard is the US Constitution which created a limited government (not that either party has been a shining example).

And we’ve always been the black sheep. Nothing will change that. Not even Obama winning: Some foreign media outlets have already dissed him. If he asks something of a country, especially if that something is military assistance from a European country, he will not be successful.

173. Lenny | 10.21.08

Well, the MSM would say…. “It’s just Joe being Joe”. But heaven forbid if Gov. Palin would have said that!!!

174. Marc | 10.21.08

Hey Michael #146

Let’s set the record straight. Spreading the wealth around means exactly that, taking more taxes from people that have worked hard and deserve to keep their money and then giving it to people that don’t deserve it.

Reverend Wright, Hugo Chavez, and Bill Ayers aren’t running for President for that matter neither should Obama. Obama has ZERO experience in running anything. Obama DID sit in the reverends church for 20 years and listened to his rantings, he WAS associated with Bill Ayers for 6 years and listened to his grand ideas. Don’t forget about ACORN the community organizers Obama recently sent $880,000 to, in order to falsify registered voters etc. Oh yeah thats some of Obamas experience a community orgainizer.

Obama’s the most radical liberal I’ve ever seen! If he gets elected I’m moving out of the country where it’s safe.

175. Tim Dunn | 10.21.08

A number of Republican senators have expressed frank fear that McCain is simply too impulsive to be Commander in Chief. They have seen him screaming obscenities at the top of his lungs at people, including Republicans, in the halls of Congress. Charles E. Grassley, John Cornyn, Rick Renzi, Richard Shelby, Thad Cochran, Pete Domenici, Tom Freestone, Evan Meacham, Robert Wexler, Barbara Barrett, Sandra Dowling, John Hinz, are all Republicans who have been abused by McCain, and a number of them have expressed deep concern about how McCain would comport himself in a crisis were he President. One went so far as to say that the prospect ’sent a chill down my spine.’ The recent debacle in Georgia (the nation, not the state,) gives us an unnerving example of how impulsiveness of a president can cause disaster.

176. Sharon | 10.21.08

(Sorry if this posts twice–CSM has a touchy comments system). Biden is simply reminding people of what we’re doomed to repeat if we don’t pay attention–history, and the truth that most presidencies are sorely tested in the early days.

That will be especially true with the President-elect’s inheritance of the international and domestic disasters wreaked on us by Bush’s foreign policy, and the deregulation policies of McCain and his ilk.

McCain, of course, responded to Biden with some history of his own–an assertion that he had been tested during an international crisis by occupying space on an aircraft carrier during the Cuban missle crisis. Yes, the one in the early 1960s.

Like his baffling comparisons of Obama to Hoover, McCain has simply reminded us all of one of his greatest weaknesses (besides Palin)–he is an old man, the oldest to run for a first term.

At only 13 years younger than Obama’s grandmother, whose broken hip is threatening her life, McCain’s time has long since past. For those of you who espouse ignoring Palin and focusing “on the top of the ticket”, McCain’s advanced age is a reality that no one can afford to disregard.

177. Mark | 10.21.08

Sharon (182) - Just because McCain is older, everyone is already burying the man. Just because Obama is much younger does not mean that he is exempt from harm or sickness. Anything can happen, heaven forbid… remember Lincoln, JFK, RFK? I pray to God nothing like that EVER happens again, but it goes either way.
McCain’s mother is 92 years old, so I think McCain will be around a while, by that time Gov. Palin will be ready to take over..

178. Corrine | 10.21.08

Heaven help us!

179. leslie | 10.21.08

I read on a website that someone saw Obama palling around with terrorist. what does that make obama?

180. leslie Gomez | 10.21.08

Have all you Democrats forgotten what Biden (and Hillary Clinton) said about Obama not being experienced enough for the job during the primaries? Now, suddenly, in the space of 10 weeks, their opinion of Obama has suddenly changed.

What decision has Obama made in the last 10 weeks that could seriously have changed their minds? Or were they just being dishonest during the primaries? Either way, can you now take anything they say about Obama being ready to be President seriously?

Obama has been Mr. Cool-Calm-Collected during the past 10 weeks. He has sat back and watched as the economic crises has evolved. He has waited for other people to make decisions and then “supported” them. He will have to be ready to actually make timely, critical decisions himself if he is the President. Wisdom and confidence are leadership qualities that only come with experience, which McCain has.

And leaders have to be ready to make tough, quick decisions based on what is essential at the time not what is popular with the majority. Obama has nothing in his experience that shows he has these qualities. In fact, his resume shows the opposite. Obama has a history of sitting on the sidelines and letting others do the work before throwing in his support or not voting at all (How many times has he been merely “present” for a (tough) vote?)

McCain has the wisdom, experience, and courage to make tough decisions for the American people and he also has the ability to reach out across party lines to reach consensus on important issues. Now is not the time to be trusting an un-tried leader who wants to do a lot of experimenting with U.S. economic and foreign policy and who has never shown any executive leadership ability

181. Sharon | 10.21.08

I agree, Mark–anything can happen, and God forbid it does to any of the candidates. However, I find myself in the curious position of agreeing with conservative commentators whose views so rarely reflect mine, with respect to their assessment of Palin as the most woefully unqualified VP candidate in modern times. Even putting that aside, I maintain that the mental abilities and physical stamina of the elderly are simply not up to the rigors of the top job (and fyi, I’m not all that young myself). At a minimum, candidates of McCain’s vintage should be evaluated for physical and mental fitness before taking office–and, even if they pass, their VP selections should be impeccable. McCain’s was not, and his continual use of decades old benchmarks for his readiness shows him to be mired in the past. I used to respect, if not like, McCain, and could have lived with his candidacy had Bush not swiftboated him in 2000. But this McCain is not the same person–and, whatever anyone’s views of his–he in unquestionably 8 years older at a time of life where every one of those years really counts. My father–a high ranking retired military officer–gave up his car keys at age 75 because he feared his mental reflexes were slowing, and he’s healthy as a horse. IMO, putting a 72 year old in the WH, especially with a joke of a VP in line behind him–is simply irresponsible. As to Obama, I agree completely with the assessment of him made by the former national security advisor, 4 star general and Secretary of State, Colin Powell–Obama has all the experience he needs, and is the best choice for the job.

182. Alex P | 10.21.08

180. Marc

Marc I think you are missing the point. All taxes collected and spent by government spread the wealth around. At the moment the feds divide up the taxes and dole it out on social security/medicade, the military, servicing the national debt and the other 7% goes out to pay for the federal government, pork and internal payouts.

The question is not a re distribution of wealth but who pays and who gets it.

The poor cant pay because they dont have enough money to live, the middle class is rapidly becoming the poor, and that my friend leaves the rich.

Under the republican administration the rich pay less taxes, corporations pay less taxes, the deficit has ballooned and of course Haliburton has no bid contracts. There are still homeless people in the wake of Katrina and everyone who is wealthy seems to be getting a handout. Why is it that the farmers are paid not to grow food, the oil companies , pharmaceutical companies, and insurance companies all get hand outs but the little guy cant afford gasoline, food and a mortgage.

On top of that over excesses in the banking industry by people like Fuld or made almost 900 million in the last few years have required yet again the little guy bailing them out. Dont tell me he earned it or the chairmen of various loss making corporation who have shipped American jobs overseas.

McCaines policy is more of the same, please correct me if I am wrong

183. Michael | 10.21.08

All I hear from McLame and Failin is desperation. These pathetic grabs at something Biden says show they really have nothing to offer the US or the world. Lets put those two in front of the public for a bit and see if we hear any “gaffes”. Oh, I forgot, their handlers wont let them have any unscripted encounters!

184. Bill | 10.21.08

“Putin will have Obama for breakfast”

Don’t you mean lunch? He allready had Bush for breakfast.

If you clueless Republicans ever noticed, Obama allready has more respect in the world then Bush or McCain ever will. The world does not want another warmongering idiot in charge of our country.

185. Grant | 10.21.08

OHOH..Very funny! They are not only socialists, erratics and inexperienced…they are idiots! poor obama

186. True Patriot | 10.21.08

The key word here is “generated” crisis. I can’t imagine ALL of you are as block headed and brainless as the NWO thinks you are.

Joe Biden is WARNING us. He KNOWS the elections are fixed and is saying that it will fall on Obama.

If this “generated” international crisis where to happen while Bush was still in office We The People would probably openly revolt against this tratior dog, I mean a 23% approval rating? Jesus.

Lets examine this. “Generated” that MEANS pre-planed. Much like 9-11 was to begin to fully unravel the constitution. We have lived in 8 years that have done more to injury, scare and confuse the consitution, american citizens and establish the blantant merits of disaster capitalism then any other.

187. Ian McAnerin | 10.21.08

To those of you saying that the reason non-Americans like Obama better is because they want the US to be weaker, etc.

Has it occured to you that maybe, just maybe, we (I’m not an American) just want to be hated a little less? To perhaps deal with a country that is a little less racist? A little less extremist? A little more open and tolerant? Possibly even friendly?

A schoolyard bully might be one vision of “strength”, but I think most people around the world prefer the strength that comes from inner conviction and self control.

188. Joe the Plumber | 10.21.08

John McCain will be a great president!

189. Ryan Sperratore | 10.21.08

Biden totally messed up. I mean what was he thinking. Im a republican and im glad McCain jumped on these remarks

190. ELP | 10.21.08

Remembering Ronald Regan - and Iran Contra. Before elected Regan negotiated an arms deal with Iran: in exchange for arms, our hostages would be released.

By selling arms to Iran with illegal funds, some think Regan bought the election. the deal was: Iran should keep the hostages until Regan got into office. I don’t think that’s an example of a “strong” president or one prepared for office.

Obama has the strength of character to face any challenge and he has the wisdom to surround himself with the best. That’s what Biden was striving to describe - though it was awkward. Everyone who knows Biden knows that he’s not always eloquent - yet at least there’s an idea that he’s trying to convey - unlike some who say a lot - to cover up their lack of anything going on upstairs.

191. Ellen | 10.21.08

Biden was trying to wake up an audience that was falling asleep - so he made up a dramatic scenario - to grab attention - he’s no good at it - Big Deal.

And he thought the point was to say “And I assure you - my guy Obama - is gonna prove to the world that he’s way more buff than anyone thinks. He may look young and unflapable (unlike me and John) but he’s shrewd!!!”

I just made up Joe’s thought process - but seriously, Biden’s quirky - he stuttered as a child. Give him a break. He meant well.

But, honestly can anyone here imagine (God forbid) something should happen to McCain and Palin is in charge - and an international crisis were to occur? Think she’d blink? or maybe just wink!

192. Ellen | 10.21.08

Are you the real “Joe the Plumber”? I thought you were a Natural Law Party guy. Does transcontinental meditation teach war not peace? I’m confused. Anyway, Joe - sorry your desire to get on tv caused ya such a ruckus. Sure do hope McCain pays you well - but don’t forget - Palin comes in the bargain. Oh, sorry - maybe that would be kinda fun for you? I suppose the die-hards for Sarah are really quite that - dying hard.

193. omit | 10.21.08

this is pure hyperbole, exaggeration of statements and context.

194. FrankMelbie | 10.22.08

I don’t believe it was a slipup by Biden.

I believe it is deliberate and an entrapment tactic to drag McCain and Palin to raise it up as an issue in their campaign messages. That is one reason why Biden did not address it.

I thought it was a stroke of genius by the Obama campaign to have Biden to talk about a crisis in an Obama Presidency.

Here is the Obama strategy:

1.Obama campaign knows Biden’s reputation for his foot in the mouth.
They have briefed him, and ensure the messages he need to speak out.Obama runs a tight ship. A very tight ship.

2.Having Biden talking about it to donors and then allowing the conversation to leak out.Biden is no fool not to know that what he says will come out.

3. It is arrogance to talk about an Obama presidency and what will happen. That is NOT the style of Obama and totally out of character of the strategist in the Obama camp.

4. The need to find a diversion to the economic issues… too much on the economy for the next two weeks have a downside — voters get bored, you have only so much to say for 14 days and there will be slipups on an issue that is Obama’s strength.

195. Beltway Greg | 10.22.08

Tell it to the Marines. My friends Reagan was not respected by anyone. 243 members of our finest fighting force the United States Marines were murdered in cold blood while they slept in Lebanon and Ronnie’s response was to retreat which Bin Laden has repeatedly cited as as motivation in regard to the 9-11 attacks. We were in the Indian Ocean at the time ready to go after anyone responsible. Ronnie was a dull old man who presided over one of the most corrupt administrations of all-time. When Bush 41 was elected he had to pardon scores of cabinet officials.

And trickle down economics? Please don’t get me started. Reagan was just like the movies that he acted in: a myth.

Beltway Greg
B. Co. 1/3 81-85 USMC

196. EconomyJOE | 10.22.08

OBAMA ALREADY HARMING THE ECONOMY.

A Statement by

100 DISTINGUISED AND EXPERIENCED ECONOMISTS

at major American universities and research organizations, including five Nobel Prize winners Gary Becker, James Buchanan, Robert Mundell, Edward Prescott, and Vernon Smith. The economists explain why Barack Obama’s proposals, including “misguided tax hikes,” would “decrease the number of jobs in America.” The prospects of such tax rate increases under Barack OBAMA

are already HARMING THE ECONOMY.

The economists conclude that “Barack Obama’s economic proposals are wrong for the American economy.” The proposals “defy both economic reason and economic experience.”

Quote … The economists conclude that “Barack Obama’s economic proposals are WRONG FOR THE AMERICAN ECONOMY.

197. Floyd Hardee | 10.22.08

We all become slaves without (visible) chains when we either sell or give away our freedoms. When someone votes to kill those who can’t vote against it, then they are voting for the right to commit murder under a different name…abortion! Have any of you seen someone who survived a botched abortion? Get ready for the gestapo or the kgb for these thugs will come calling if you protest or say something that offends those in power. Poor Joe The Plumber has already learned what that means. Beware the pied piper he speaks with a fluted tongue seducing the weak of mind, the gullible who refuse to investigate the truth behind the lies! fjh

198. Dan | 10.22.08

No matter who is in office, a confrontation between a Russian/Iranian/Sudanian/others alliance and Israel is highly probable. This will be the fullfillment of a 2,500 year old prophecy by Ezkiel in chapter 38. It will happen in the generation Israel is reestablished as a nation, and Israel became a nation again just over 60 years ago, so time is ticking.

199. Cary | 10.22.08

Weren’t both Hillary and Biden who said during the primaries that Obama was inexperienced and not prepared to be President?
Didn’t Hillary accuse Obama of helping Rezko and his “slum landlord business” during one of the debates?
Didn’t Biden say that he would be honored to run on the same ticket as McCain?
Now, all of a sudden, Obama’s a great man and ready to take the helm on day 1?
Talk about hipocrisy!

200. ted burke | 10.23.08

There’s nothing here for McCain/Palin advocates to sink their teeth into. Obama had the right response when the Bush Administration pushed for the invasion of Iraq (he opposed it), and voters might consider how appropiate McCain’s actions in response to the Financial Melt Down have been over the last few weeks. He seemed erratic, jerky, inconsistent with how he proposed to handle the crisis, while Obama has remained calm, steady, consistent with his proposals. It’s not John McCain who seems Presidential less than two weeks from Election Day.

201. V.Sealy | 10.23.08

Joe Biden and the best of Republican and Democratic senators has struggled with the english and americam language throughout their careers, that excuses Joe from deception,(hopefully) the likes of which Republicans have mastered. An Obama administration must know that Joe needs to be scripted in most public forums, however i would prefer to speak to Joe Biden that a fumbling, erratic, double speak, Cold war ideaologue, close to senile like John McCain anyday. Mr. Obama is on an even scale with Bill Clinton and John Kennedy when it comes to speaking and understanding the Engilsh language, semantics, and delivery, he is the Presidential candidate not Joe Biden.

202. Ron | 10.23.08

Obama hangs with the wrong people when he works, when he buys a home, when he spends over $800,000 for voter recruiting (fraud) and even when he goes to church (how do you mess up where you go to church for 17 to 20 years), when he chooses his running mate (Biden said himself that Obama wasn’t ready to be President and just warned us what would happen if Obama became President, and Hillary would have been a better choice for VP).

Maybe by the words his pastor used it was a message from above warning us about this man.

What people do in their past just don’t matter much to people any more…Clinton won and he lied to the people and was a draft-dodger(how does a draft-dodger become President) and this was known before his election and still won. People just don’t listen to what is said and hear what they want to hear. Obama talks eloquent, is the coolest, calmest so lets make him President even though most people know he’s a socialist.

203. V.Sealy | 10.23.08

Joe Biden and the best of Republican and Democratic senators has struggled with the english and american language throughout their careers, that excuses Joe from deception,(hopefully) the likes of which Republicans have mastered. An Obama administration must know that Joe needs to be scripted in most public forums, however i would prefer to speak to Joe Biden that a fumbling, erratic, double speak, Cold war ideaologue, close to senile like John McCain anyday. Mr. Obama is on an even scale with Bill Clinton and John Kennedy when it comes to speaking and understanding the Engilsh language, semantics, and delivery, he is the Presidential candidate not Joe Biden.

204. Tim Dugan | 10.25.08

Regarding this:

“[…]Obama looks weak[…] McCain is strong and, like Ronald Reagan[…] Remember how our US Embassy hostages were freed on Reagan’s inauguration day after being held captive 444 days by Iran? They were held 444 days due to Jimmy Carter’s weakness. Obama would be Jimmy Carter’s 2nd term!”

What I remember is this: Reagan made a secret deal with the Iranians before the election. They held the hostages till after the election and, in return, they received arms.

Is that what you are syaing McCain is like?

205. WordFinder | 11.03.08

McCain’s age is actually a plus in the political realm. There is no major country in the world whose leader is young, and most are quite old.

Obama is not young (he’s almost sixty) but he is too inexperienced to be taken seriously. He doesn’t even know we have 50 states in the USA rather than the 57 out of 58 he says he’s been through (Oh, not counting Alaska and Hawaii, so he thinks we have 60 states). (see above website, and you can also catch it on You Tube)

It’s bad enough to not *know* there are only 50 states (especially if you lived in the 50th!) but even worse to claim you have been to states that don’t exist!

I think Joe Biden went to Kate’s Restaurant in one of the extra seven states.

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