(Cartoon by Jake Turcotte)
Now Obama’s got Colin Powell AND Google?
By Jimmy Orr | 10.21.08
This week is turning out pretty good for Barack Obama in terms of endorsements. First, Colin Powell. Next, Google.
Well, actually, Google the search engine didn’t endorse Barack Obama. But Google’s CEO, Eric Schmidt, is going out on the stump for the Democratic nominee.
No surprise
His support shouldn’t come as any surprise to political observers. Schmidt has been an informal advisor to Obama for months and is an active supporter of Democratic candidates.
The company itself remains neutral.
“Eric is actively campaigning for Barack Obama because he believes that it is time for a change in America. In addition, his personal views on technology and energy are similar to Senator Obama’s. Google of course remains neutral in the campaign,” said the company’s statement.
Good interview
When Obama visited Google’s campus nearly a year ago, he interviewed well. According to Google’s Public Policy blog, he was the first presidential candidate to have an answer to a standard question prospective engineering employees get asked.
That question? What is the most efficient way to sort a million 32-bit integers?
“The bubble sort would be the wrong way to go,” he answered - smiling.
“Though some might view this as shameless pandering to the bucket-sorting community, others will see a bold pragmatism,” joked Andrew McLaughlin, Google’s Director of Public Policy and Government Affairs.
Google and the presidency
Obama spent an hour with Schmidt discussing issues in front of Google employees. As for what Obama said he would do in e-land if elected?
“I’ll put government data online in universally accessible formats,” he said. “I’ll let citizens track federal grants, contracts, earmarks, and lobbyist contacts. I’ll let you participate in government forums, ask questions in real time, offer suggestions that will be reviewed before decisions are made, and let you comment on legislation before it is signed. And to ensure that every government agency is meeting 21st century standards, I’ll appoint the nation’s first Chief Technology Officer.”
Just give him a check
Some critics are worried that Schmidt’s public feelings toward Obama could backfire.
Clint Boulton from the publication E-week had a discussion with Jeffrey Chester, executive director of the Central for Digital Democracy, who expressed concern with the endorsement.
“Mr. Schmidt’s work on behalf of Obama—while undoubtedly heartfelt—does place a conflict of interest cloud over any future Google and Obama administration relations,” Chester said. “He’s actually placing a potential President Obama in a potentially vulnerable situation. Mr. Schmidt is not General Colin Powell—his place is in Mountain View—not on the campaign trail. He should have written a check and kept in the background.”
Regardless, Schmidt and Obama will appear together in Florida. The two will moderate a panel on the economy.
<< Obama to leave campaign to visit grandmother | MainComments
2. Gabriel | 10.21.08
YES! Finally a news article with an ‘and’ in its name! Phew. Now, I’m off to the beach to eat some M,Ms and get t,.
3. Eric | 10.21.08
Schmidt’s a citizen too; why should he muffle his views just because his day job is head of Google? At the end of the day, we are all just people, no matter your salary, lifestyle, skin completion, etc… Life is messy for us all.
4. evil religion | 10.21.08
If this isn’t more icing on the Democratic cake, then I don’t know what is! ALL THE WAY, TAMPA BAY RAYS!!!
5. Chris | 10.21.08
Is it too late for McCain to dump Palin?
I’m voting for Obama, but prior to McCain’s selection of Palin the only thing about him winning that worried me was the endless war. Well his economic advisers didn’t help. But now the thought of something happening to him and having a ‘President Palin’ is seriously bothering me.
I appreciate one of the most respected men in the country pointing this out. They can no longer claim it’s “elitists, etc.” that are saying this.
7. shaun | 10.21.08
How messy do you think it is for Schimdt Eric? As a public figure of a large company you have a certain obligation of neutrality. You can speak your views and support whomever. Campaigning for a candidate? Too far. Although I do agree we are all people.
8. Joel | 10.21.08
I don’t care who endorse or not, I am not buying Obama or Osama who ever. I don’t use google very often anyway and I don’t watch Operah ether. American should be more smarter than 5th grade. Last 2 year, Democrat control in the House and did not change much. Do you think Obama can change that?
11. Dale | 10.21.08
I don’t care who endorse or not, I am not buying Obama or Osama who ever. I don’t use google very often anyway and I don’t watch Operah ether. American should be more smarter than 5th grade. Last 2 year, Democrat control in the House and did not change much. Do you think Obama can change that?
Do I need to watch Operah to get more smarter?
12. Tim | 10.21.08
Joel
a majority in the house does not mean anything, when you have the majority in the house, senate AND the president, now that will mean something.
13. Leonard | 10.21.08
Joel my friend, you are a fine representative your party and you are absolutely correct “American should be more smarter than 5th grade.”, sorry man but you’re making my side hurt! “American should be more smarter than 5th grade.” you kill me.
15. jefflz | 10.21.08
Palin stated again in a TV Q&A in response to a question from a 3rd grader her totally wrong-headed notion that the Vice President controls the Senate and can have major legislative impact in this capacity. Her ignorance of US government is shocking. Even thick-skinned McCain must get heartburn when she broadcasts her for all to see and hear her complete inability to serve in a national office. Many even on the right have abandoned McCain over his choice of Palin because in all good conscience they are obliged to reject her candidacy as a potential disaster waiting to happen. Colin Powell is not the least among those who have endorsed Obama at least in part for this reason.
16. Meno | 10.21.08
Joel Said: “I don’t care who endorse or not [should be “don’t care who endorses him”], I am not buying Obama or Osama [comma] who ever [”he is”? Whoever what?]. I don’t use google very often anyway [comma] and I don’t watch Operah [Oprah] ether [either]. American[s] should be more smarter [take out “more”] than 5th grade[rs]. Last 2 year[s], Democrat[s] control[lled] in the House [comma] and did not change much. Do you think Obama can change that?”
(my comments in brackets)
“Should be smarter than 5th graders?” Oh the irony…
Oh, by the way, not using Google is not very prideworthy.
17. Leonard | 10.21.08
what Joel meant to say:
I don’t care who [Mr. Schmidt]endorse[s] or not, “I am not buying Obama or Osama who ever” [Not really sure on this sentence ]. I don’t use google very often anyway and I don’t watch Operah [Oprah] e[i]ther. American[s] should be more[ ‘more’ not needed here] smarter than [a] 5th grade[r]. Last 2 year[s], Democrat[s] [have had ]control in the H[h]ouse and did not change much. Do you think Obama can change that?
Joel you should at least consider using google once, try this, go to the search engine and type in “Guide to Grammar and Writing”
18. Batman | 10.21.08
It just occurred to me: is that “Joel” guy (post #8) real? If so, was (s)he serious? It is just too Kafkian (!) for me…
19. Franklin Hussein | 10.21.08
Yo, Joel! It’s SO funny to see a guy with a 3rd grade writing style and so many speelnig erorors say that “American should be more smarter than 5th grade.”
I needed the laugh today. Thanks!
21. Kevin O. | 10.21.08
Further note to Joel:
You probably should use Google more often. It actually has a built-in tool that corrects your spelling.
22. FRGus723 | 10.21.08
Joel,
It appears that you did not make it past the fifth grade with your spelling and grammar. No wonder you are voting for McCain. It takes a nation of idiots to elect McCain.
23. Prof1 | 10.21.08
Google never claimed to be “fair and balanced.” It is easy to see it’s leanings in the headlines. Need to get more than one source of information to find the truth. This is one source.
24. jeremy4883 | 10.21.08
What confuses me is both Senator Obama and Senator Biden have repeatedly said they would raise taxes on companies like Google and people like Mr. Schmidt. “Spread the wealth”………. Silly liberal facsits! They’re so crazy!
25. Johnny | 10.21.08
Thank you Google for Endorsing Obama. I will now switch my opening page to Yahoo or some other search engine. Expect others to do the same.
29. Phil | 10.21.08
Joel can’t even spell anything!!! Instead of sitting on the computer waiting to comment on anything about Obama, you should consider ‘googling’ some spellings and reading…some Obama novels! You never know what might help your ignorant behind!
30. Canada | 10.21.08
“Mr. Schmidt is not General Colin Powell—his place is in Mountain View—not on the campaign trail.”
Well, if this is all about the economy and….god forbid, the future, then I think Google’s CEO is probably the best person to be advising Obama. I’m beyond thankful that he’s getting advice from a forward-thinking company like Google (Make billions by offering useful things for free? Bingo!) instead of the oil companies and lobbyists that have been making decisions for the GOP since Nixon.
31. Kishore | 10.21.08
Joel, buddy. Even if it is nonsense, the least you can do is write proper English. You sound like you didn’t make it past 5th grade. English isn’t even my first language and what you write makes me cringe.
32. Steven | 10.21.08
To Leonard,
Well said my man… if you’ve noticed as of late the GOP seems to have gotten “less sophisticated”. The once great party of Ronald Reagan has turned into a Christian fundamentalist moron factory. I just can never understand how people that obviously are poorer than dirt, and consequently, dumber than said dirt can support a party that damages them economically and fights to rid them of the government programs they rely on so heavily (e.g. Welfare). I hope that McCain doesn’t win for the sole fact that he has that brainless twit Sara Palin running with him. He looks like he could stroke-out at any moment and we’d have that intellectual midget running the country. I don’t know about you, but I want nothing to do with Joe 6-Pack.
Go Dems!
34. Frank | 10.21.08
Joel, you sound like a Microsoft Live user 
BTW, can you even afford to buy shares of google?!?
35. Amy Rican | 10.21.08
this guy Joel sounds like a man who’d say he doesn’t believe in sprinkler systems, as he stands in a burning building.
36. Tucker | 10.21.08
I live in a swing state and I’m working my butt off for OBAMA!!!
Every door until election night!!
OBAMA/BIDEN ‘08!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
37. Michael Cruz | 10.21.08
I believe Eric has every right to do whatever he deems fit. Since the company is remaining neutral, he should be able, as all Americans to express his feelings.
39. bazztrap | 10.21.08
Well isnt it because Google had to go through a lot with previous administration defending Privacy on youtube and google search results.
40. philo.sophi | 10.21.08
More power to you Eric. The more we all are involve in our own government, the better off we all will be. Power to the people and do not take this privilege for granted. As for Palin being qualified, she rocks dude. Think about it, do you really want a veep to be intelligent, knowledgeable and have the capacity to learn? I like mine to be hot and sexy and pleasing to the eyes. What’s wrong with Palin being president and running the USA into another 10 trillion in deficit? The America that I know likes to spend more than what it makes and blame everybody else for our woes. Go America go.
42. Ronny | 10.21.08
Woow -Read how Dale, “should be more smarter than 5th grade”. Reading this, one wonders if it is MORE SMARTER OR LESS SMARTER than a 5TH GRADE - we must be talking about a classroom, Let’s hope America(ns) are but I don’t know about Dale!!
43. clover | 10.21.08
you made my day guys.anyhow we have no choice Obama is a better man..we have to accept it.
44. Natalija | 10.21.08
So, how come people have problems with Google’s CEO endorsing Obama? Aren’t all ‘those’ other CEOs of numerous big companies all dirty Republicans? Of course they are. That is why they would not want to see someone win for the little guy because there would be no one in the White HOuse taking care of their big tax cuts.
Dirty rats.
46. Jazzy | 10.21.08
Did you ever notice that the right-wing posters have the worst grammar and spelling?
47. gfrales | 10.21.08
“the company itself remains neutral” HA HA HA HA HA HA HA……….HA HA HA HA HA HA………….HA HA HA HA
48. wolf | 10.21.08
Google supported Clinton in the primaries, so this doesn’t come as much surprise to me.
But then again, most people in and outside of the U.S. support Obama… This Independent included.
49. Pete Richards | 10.21.08
His endorsement of Obama is certainly more appropriate than the CEO of Diebold, maker of Ohio’s VOTING MACHINES, endorsing Bush in ‘04.
50. Hank | 10.21.08
I thought the Liberal Democrat was pro little guy, always looking out for the disadvantaged. If all of you who are taking stabs at Joel, then I will have to think twice about voting for Obama. You folks are just a bunch of two face whiners. Claim one thing do another.
If Obama wins 4 years of whining and no change,business as usual for the Democrats.
51. Frita | 10.21.08
BushInASkirt.com - Sarah Palin is bush in a skirt, so… McCain = Bush.
Sad, but true.
Schmidt for Obama? Fine.
Anything to not have Palin in the whitehouse.
52. Sam | 10.21.08
Google is not evil… Walmart is. From what I have heard Google treats it’s employees well…
Joel, Palin definitely represents the 5th grade level intellectuals in the crowd, thats probably why she appeals to you. I (and I think a lot of us) want America to be leading the world in terms of intellectuals. We have had too many years of Dumbos running the administration.
53. reto | 10.21.08
It’s funny how the extreme right nuts here think that google is waiting for their subscriptions to profit .. their business knowledge hardly comprehend “how a grocery shop operate”….thinking they can hurt google business in a way or another…nuts, you pay google whether you know or not, this company is like microsoft, everytime you buy a PC you add money to their pocket like it or not… this is bigger than waiting your kind of magazine subscription…sounds like punishing google by punishing yourself from technology
54. Jack | 10.21.08
A non-partisan note from a techie:
The fact Obama knows the words ‘bubble sort’ made me smile inside.
Alright, back your partisan arguing…
55. ryan | 10.21.08
Interesting, a communications company reassuring everyone that even though one of the founders and ceo endorses Obama they are not taking sides. Sounds like good double talk. Tucker who commented earlier thank God you do not come to my house promoting Obama I would have to kick you
56. M Q | 10.21.08
How could one possibly question any government / corporate relationship after Cheney set the bar so low by pandering to Halliburton? They were not only hand fed billions of tax payer dollars, they promptly thanked us by moving to an Arab country. Regardless of what I think of Google, or even Microsoft (didn’t Gaits endorse McCain?) I don’t think either will sink to those depths.
M Q
57. Jill Again | 10.21.08
I love the imagry here: on the one side, the failed head of an old company, Carly Fiorina for McCain, and on the other side, the head of a new economy and very highly successful company in Google. What a contrast!
58. Chapter Cavanaugh | 10.21.08
This is in response to Joel who wrote: “American should be more smarter than 5th grade. Last 2 year, Democrat control in the House and did not change much. Do you think Obama can change that?”
First of all Joel if you are going to criticize the intelligence of Americans would you please learn to use the English language. You’re attempt to compare the generalized level of intelligence of the average citizen to a fifth grader fell short of fifth grade writing standards, which, although it does prove your point for at least one person in this country, it does not prove that the rest of America is of that level. Secondly if you are not in this country and/or not a citizen of it then we don’t care who you endorse.
Third point, Joel, that I would like to make is that even though the Democrats enjoy a majority in both the house and senate they do not have enough of a majority to override President Bush’s veto power. So it doesn’t matter what the Democrats want to do in congress at this point because anything they propose won’t be signed by the bitter, half retarded son of our forty-first president.
59. ralph | 10.21.08
Joel, maybe YOU should go back to 5th grade and start educating yourself. “MORE SNARTER” is really bad English. Just the word “smarter” is correct. Typical of racially biased, poorly educated and ignorant conservatives.
60. Tom | 10.21.08
The Daily Show had an interview with the current mayor of Wasilla, Alaska last night. When asked if being mayor of Wasilla prepared a person to be the Vice President of the United States, she stated “absolutely”. See what the current mayor of Wasilla says she does. It’s hilarious!
62. Frank Poole | 10.21.08
Most corporations influence decision makers through PAC money and lobbyist “efforts”. Many corporations also influence (require) top (high paid) employees to give money to the PAC. Wonder which party the money goes to?
Great to see the leader of Google’s on the good side.
63. Frick | 10.21.08
By the way for all of you that are attacking Joel for spelling errors perhaps you should read and criticize the title of the article. English teachers everywhere run and look scared if they see the word “got”.
Obama got endorsed. Gosh he got a whooole lottta things… ooooh weeee
65. Tega | 10.21.08
This is probably one of the funniest articles I have read do to the comments.
Its a breeze of fresh air for a change. Its usually some Super Christian Right Conservative spewing some horrid propaganda and then negative responses that go back and fourth.
It was great to see someone try to do that and fail so miserably, only to be taunted by everyone in an innocent way.
I’m happy to see this comment page not totally ruined by the current politic of smearing each other merciful.
Thanks for the witty responses everyone! Worth reading these through.
66. kokopo | 10.21.08
Johnny, others will switch to Google as you depart for Yahoo or whatever else. Wish you the best. Aurevoir!
68. Impartalreporter | 10.21.08
JOEL!!!
“I don’t care who endorse or not, I am not buying Obama or Osama who ever. I don’t use google very often anyway and I don’t watch Operah ether. American should be more smarter than 5th grade. Last 2 year, Democrat control in the House and did not change much. Do you think Obama can change that? - JOEL”
“p.s. too bad I don’t buy Google stock any longer and Oprah’s magazin - JOEL”
After reading all his comments, I have one question for JOEL !!!!
Are you smarter than Sarah Palin ???????
69. concered voter | 10.21.08
dear, jeremy4883
liberals = communist on the politcal spectrum
republicans = facists on that same scale go to school please
70. Impartalreporter | 10.21.08
Tom,
Post number 61 from Tom.
Tom,
Dude thanks for the post. I had a good laugh.
People go and look at the video. It’s funny.
71. qcdude3 | 10.21.08
Hey Joel, go back to school. Learn to spell. Learn grammar and syntax. Then maybe you will be able to post your stupid stuff without looking stupid.
72. Frank | 10.21.08
As an independent voter I have seen this election take a very disturbing course with the average American getting an onslaught on views and info only from one side. Surprising to me is that it is the Democrats, Hollywood, major news organizations, and possibly now Web search engines. This is very sad to me as I hate to see anyone treated unfairly regardless of their political party. It seems like everyone decided to clump together in some type of bully type gang and try of make this presidential election into a some sort of middle school play ground fight at recess. I see the Democratic party not as the bully, but as the bully’s sidekick. The bully is the media & Hollywood in my view, but the Dems are just as guilty in my view.
Now, I will not trust Google either as I feel certain parties should endeavor to remain neutral especially those that report or link to supposedly unbiased news. Sorry, but just changed my search engine tool to a different site forever.
75. Maree | 10.21.08
I will never vote for Obama. His socialistic ideas will end true democracy that so many brave American men and women have fought and died to allow us to pursue the American Dream. Spreading the wealth doesn’t guarantee positive results. In socialistic governments, as in communist ones, it’s the leaders who decide how much and for who. The ones getting rich are the leaders. The poor somehow remain poor because the wealth doesn’t find it’s way to the intended. I fear for America. We will lose the freedoms that our founding fathers and self-sacrificing colonist soldiers insured we must have. With Obama, “Poof … and it’s gone!” Also, you don’t have to be a Christian to be conservative, and liberals don’t have to be aethiests. You say religion rules the right. I call it ethics and morals. I am a proud republican American. I can read, write, and spell. http://www.csmonitor.com/aboutus/copyright.html#postings
78. Andy2 | 10.21.08
I think Joel is a Republican plant, to convince everyone that McCain and Palin supporters are just regular people, like the rest of us.
I think the commenters on this list who say Google is biased are themselves biased instead, and what they mean is they don’t agree with the Internet. Or the media. Or anyone who has a different opinion. That’s bias all right, someone with a different opinion.
I think it’s just great McCain and Palin and their supporters here, who would criticize someone for supporting a candidate in an election, keep going with their negative approach. The polls show it isn’t working. Good, keep it going!
The McCain campaign isn’t working. Great - full speed ahead!
I know that I am going to sound biased here, but I support Obama. And I actually think he knew way in advance what the Republicans were going to try to do to him, and neutralized it before they even got started.
Yes, this is the kind of thinking man we need in the White House. Someone who figured out a way to beat the Republican attack machine, and demonstrate the end of Atwater-Rove-Davis/McCain-Palin. Great stuff.
79. basementfrog | 10.21.08
smart and honorable people support smart and honorable people.
McShame and Putin just aren’t in that league.
80. Andy2 | 10.21.08
@Maree - I have news for you, the Republicans have already ruined it, and we need to get it back.
I am not sure what definition of Socialism you’re using - or perhaps you just need a reason to dislike Obama. But the current government’s ownership of mortgages and banks is much more socialist than anything Obama is proposing.
81. sbisking | 10.21.08
Google and it’s staff are some of the most elite and liberal SOBs in the world, it’s no wonder Obama was endorsed by them and the staff. Wake up America. McCain is definitely no conservative, but he’s better than the alternative. Palin on the other hand…she’s no better than my wife as VP.
82. Chan | 10.21.08
I never like Obama and his background… its so scary ,… but likes his leadership…
pls make McCain to win atleast he has some previous experience…to change thing in better way… as Obama is changing his words not the real CHANGE what he is keep saying….
83. Joel the typist | 10.21.08
u guys leave mccain along
dont you have grandfaters?
this is not who you treat elders!
I have know switched my browser to fox.com
i found palin in bikini on my first search so im happist now
84. faizan | 10.21.08
really maree…
u seriously believe we will lose rights with obama… “We will lose the freedoms that our founding fathers and self-sacrificing colonist soldiers insured we must have”… wow i guess the patriot act is just a figment of my imagination, and that is just the start. Lets not forget the telephone companies eves dropping on our calls…Im not even going to start a debate here, but wow ur obviously preoccupied with watching the squirrels in ur backyard picking acorns than to follow politics and the real world around you… enjoy
85. Steven | 10.21.08
Google is one of the best companies to work for in America. Their endorsement of Senator Barack Obama means recoganizing Barack’s commitment to make all of our lives better thru good jobs, affordable healthcare and a fair tax base.
86. d3m0cr@t b3li3vr | 10.21.08
@Maree - if you really want an example of socialism? How bout the $700B that just got taken from your pocket and redistributed to cover the last 8 years mess. And I agree with faizan, you need to stop watching “Dancing with the Stars” and try to get more informed about things. Sometimes it’s embarrassing where the American mind has went in recent years. Ghads! get me a drink!
87. Alex | 10.21.08
“I don’t care who endorse or not, I am not buying Obama or Osama who ever. I don’t use google very often anyway and I don’t watch Operah ether. American should be more smarter than 5th grade. Last 2 year, Democrat control in the House and did not change much. Do you think Obama can change that?”
Reading this post makes it clear that you aren’t smater than a fifth grader.
91. arieb@bellsouth.net | 10.21.08
Arie Bakker of Vero Beach, FL has endorsed Barack Obama, and will volunteer as a Poll Watcher, to ensure that Florida gets it right this time.
92. Curly4 | 10.21.08
If Powell wanted to help Obama get elected why did he not indorse him weeks ago? Or is it that Powell though if he indorsed him too early people would see through it and it would loose its effect? Or is it that skin color is thicker than politics? But it could be this is the way Powell has choosen to get bact at the Republicans for the embarassment he had at the UN? I think it is because Powell is not a republican to start with but used that to advance in the army. Alas, we will probably never know!
93. slbowman | 10.21.08
1). Many of you justified Democrats’ actions by mentioning past Republican ones. That’s downhill logic. (Well, A hit C with a bucket so I didn’t care when B dropped an anvil on C.) Wake up.
2). Someone not agreeing with you does not make them “stupid”. First of all, you will most likely change your mind at some point. Even if you do stay in the partisanship/crime syndicate you currently think is “correct”, not evolving on issues and policies as you learn means you are not learning. Secondly, no one has all the facts.
3). I am an independent that will vote for a D or an R. I don’t like either of them enough to control the house, senate and presidency. It’s a waste of time for me to argue I am correct because someone is incorrect - instead I focus on history, information and logic. Clearly, many people here want a pat on the back for meaningless opinions and you’re not getting it from me.
4). Come throw down - http://open.salon.com/user_blog.php?uid=5742
94. johnnyr51 | 10.21.08
Powell’endorsement was an extraordinary moment in politics - an intelligent and succesful American leader, a hero, describes eloquently why he can’t support his friend McCain. Republicans of course cannot stand even the thought of reading the transcript much less hearing the wise and statesmanly presentation the General gives Oprah an icon of the intelligent and powerful woman makes Palin look even more like one of those small town Joe Sixpacks she claims to represent. And Eric Schmidt’s creation of the largest technology business in the world makes McCain’s inability to send an email a metaphor for Republican’s wallowing in old, outdated ideas. We Obamites are advocating a change in the way things have been done - Republicans wish to see that change as terrorist or socialist because they are afraid of losing the old for something unfamiliar. But Powell, Winfrey and Schmidt see change as it is - a necessary part of growth, a part of the natural cycles, something they all have done in order to get where they are - to the pinnacles of acheivement.
95. BeafSteak | 10.21.08
You people are so rapped up in anti-Bush retorick. You don’t have a clue. You beat up Palin and overlook all the screw-ups of Biden and BHO. I don’t get it. I guess we’ll all see the USA go down in flames. Just sucks that your all idiots.
96. sam | 10.21.08
It’s nice to see who Obama’s really “palling around with”….Colin Powell, Oprah Winfrey, and Eric Schmidt. But wait, are we sure Oprah isn’t a witch and Powell unAmerican for switching his allegeince to the “enemy” Barack. Oh god - and Google is surely part of Obama’s plan to RULE THE WORLD!! Repudiate your so called friends Obama - we have a right to know the full meaning behind these relationships! NOW!!
97. Mr Baker | 10.21.08
My first email from the McCain team arrived today encouraging me, Rhonda, to vote early in the Colorado election. My name is not Rhonda, I do not live in Colorado, McCain doesn’t email and it looks like his “team” doesn’t either.
I am sure that it is not as hard to support a person that actually uses the technology your economy is built on. Invisible tubes guy, the world has passed you by. My step-dad is 10 yours older then McCain and has been using email, and computers for decades, it isn’t how old you are, it is the age you live in.
98. Mark | 10.21.08
Well, after reading the above comments I have realized yet another reason that I cannot in good conscience vote republican for the president this year. I will however be supporting a Republican for Senate: Lindsay Graham from SC.
Onto my point however, take for instance the statements that Obama will bring in socialism and that socialism is not a fix to any problems. Looking at that I have only three phrases for you: FDR, New Deal, and WWII. That seemed to have worked out quite well. Whether his policies amount to socialism is an entirely different story which I’ll leave for later discussion. As for the loss of true democracy; I’m not sure how many of my fellow republicans have noticed but we are a republic, with a liberal democracy. Fortunately for us, our founding fathers knew that a direct democracy would lead to mob rule. Good thing too, because looking at most of the posts from stated/obvious republicans it is apparent that some people shouldn’t be allowed to make important decisions.
As for those who have defended, as well as those who still do defend our freedoms here and abroad: Don’t presume to speak for them. We are capable of speaking for ourselves.
One last gripe: Is it just me or do people often confuse political(Democracy, Theocracy, Autocracy, Monarchy, et al) and economic (Capitalism, Socialism, Communism) systems? I know that there is some overlap but really????
Obama/Biden 08! Graham 08!
“The greatest argument against democracy is a five minute conversation with the average voter”
-Winston Churchill
99. daniel | 10.21.08
Has anyone seen that copy of “Pastor, I’m Gay”, I could have sworn was on the shelf?
100. Mark | 10.21.08
Well, after reading the above comments I have realized yet another reason that I cannot in good conscience vote republican for the president this year. I will however be supporting a Republican for Senate: Lindsay Graham from SC.
Onto my point however, take for instance the statements that Obama will bring in socialism and that socialism is not a fix to any problems. Looking at that I have only three phrases for you: FDR, New Deal, and WWII. That seemed to have worked out quite well. Whether his policies amount to socialism is an entirely different story which I’ll leave for later discussion. As for the loss of true democracy; I’m not sure how many of my fellow republicans have noticed but we are a republic, with a liberal democracy. Fortunately for us, our founding fathers knew that a direct democracy would lead to mob rule. Good thing too, because looking at most of the posts from stated/obvious republicans it is apparent that some people shouldn’t be allowed to make important decisions.
As for those who have defended, as well as those who still do defend our freedoms here and abroad: Don’t presume to speak for them. We are capable of speaking for ourselves.
One last gripe: Is it just me or do people often confuse political(Democracy, Theocracy, Autocracy, Monarchy, et al) and economic (Capitalism, Socialism, Communism) systems? I know that there is some overlap but really????
Obama/Biden 08! Graham 08!
“The greatest argument against democracy is a five minute conversation with the average voter”
-Winston Churchill
101. T_Nakagawa | 10.21.08
“90. Alex | 10.21.08
“I don’t care who endorse or not, I am not buying Obama or Osama who ever. I don’t use google very often anyway and I don’t watch Operah ether. American should be more smarter than 5th grade.”
Hahahahahahahahaha! MAAAAAAAAAAAhahahahahahahaha!
102. st. schmidt | 10.22.08
http://www.thechurchofgoogle.org/
Google may very well be God.
Google’s CEO endorses Obama.
Therefore, God chooses Obama.
104. Tim Schulz | 10.22.08
Maree,
Are you trying to suggest that Bush/Cheney are not liberal socialists? Take a look at their government spending policies and the current steps in the US financial segment.
105. Tim Schulz | 10.22.08
Colin Powell might just be looking for a new”Position”.
Or a better place in History!
Although he did “Quit” after the first Term,
Along with everyone else but Condileeza Rice.
Anyway I place more value on Bernanke’s endorsement
than Google and Powell’s together!
106. jordash | 10.22.08
Tell a republican we are running out of oil, and he increases
the speed limit from 55″ and personal autos weight to 10 Tons.
Say the planet is getting warmer, They recruit comedian Dennis Miller to make jokes about it and say scientist are Liberal Democrats, so don’t believe your lying eyes.
Tell them Hurricane Katrina could Breach the Levy, and Kill thousands, they respond how do you like my new suit?
Ask them about losing millions of jobs
overseas and trillions in manufacturing base while increasing spending at the same time, They say the world went Global.
Ask about the ever increasing national debt from these excesses they reply (REAGAN) DEFICITS DOESN’T MATTER, America is so big it will “GROw” right out of debt.
Global Warming, Emergencies, escalating DEBT”
if it is not Drowing the republican at the very moment,
they write it off as some kind of Democratic “GAME”.
107. shoemaker | 10.22.08
all you iletists leave jole aloned. we gonna git merica back to the reel mericans away form you atheis scince belevers. no commies alowd. we got walmart hoo needs googel. praise the lawd holy ghost on saras haid
108. Levi Cro | 10.22.08
If I was McCain I wouldnt even vote for myself.. Id endorse and vote for Obama… he should know that he was not meant to lead.
109. Kath | 10.22.08
“As designated by the Constitution of the United States, the vice president also serves as the President of the Senate, and may break tie votes in that chamber. He or she may be assigned additional duties by the president but, as the Constitution assigns no executive powers to the vice president, in performing such duties he or she acts only as an agent of the president.”
Sure it’s not running/controlling the Senate, but it IS “President of the Senate” and I’m sure that’s what she (Palin) meant. Desperate people cling to such tiny things when they are trying to put someone down…
111. WeRmonkeys | 10.22.08
For those of us that do not have a 5th grade education I say we vote for the GOP. Why? Because it is simple… they make us feel smart!
Feel like a smart person = vote for GOP
Be a smart person = vote Obama
112. a-rex | 10.22.08
To everyone saying google is biased an they will stop using it:
First, it is just a search engine. The results depend on what you enter. There are generally more results than you could ever go though. A reasonably intelligent person knows how to recognize bias, and can distill the good information from the punditry. Check a few links, read a few articles, and if you have half a brain, you will manage to get a well rounded view on the subject.
Second, google is just about the most amazing source of information in the history of mankind. If you choose not to use it, or to stop using it, you are only hurting yourself.
BTW, whoever said “fascist liberals,” you are a class A moron . Try using a dictionary from time to time. Google has a great one. Enter “define: fascist.” Then, enter “define: liberal.” You just might learn something; they are diametrically opposed concepts.
113. melon | 10.22.08
You can’t attack a guy for his poor typing/spelling when you misplace apostrophes, mis-spell “smarter,” and otherwise botch the language yourself. Stick to the issues. I loved the “Kafkian” line, but the irony is probably lost on most of the readers.
Stick to the issues. Maybe someday we’ll see a campaign that does just that, instead of getting side-tracked with lesser issues like who endorsed whom. It scares me that people can’t make up their minds until they’re fed an opinion by someone else like the CEO of Google or Colin Powell.
115. JoeBob | 10.22.08
Good for Eric Schmidt and good for Google.
The whole point of announcing it more publicly is to declare support after you already figure out who the winner is likely going to be. Don’t kid yourself, this is good business. About time somebody other than Bechtel, Exxon, and Philip Morris get politically savvy.
As an investor I’m glad; yes please support the candidate that has a clue about the Internet and is inclined to be favorable to my company.
116. oldguy | 10.22.08
I’ve been around a long time and lost a lot when Lincoln Federal ‘went down’. I certainly could not vote McCain because I’m still angry (a little) at his involvement in the banks failure.
120. Kate | 10.22.08
So, Obama has Google. Now I know why the news reports showing Obama in a negative light don’t make it to Google’s splash “news” page; the law suit in Federal Court requesting that Obama disclose his correct birth certificate, the hospital he claims to have been born in but was not yet built in 1961, and so on and so forth. Mr. Obama, please give the American people a President they can believe in. Our country needs that. Give this country something NOW that they can hold onto and believe our next President is more than rhetoric and plagiarized speeches. You want to “spread the wealth around.” Why not show a sign of good faith by telling us where those campaign contributions came from and donate it to the most needy of this population rather than spending it on more campaign ads? You actions would speak louder and longer than a media ad.
121. Lisa | 10.22.08
People REALLY need a reality check and lay off the tainited kool-aid! Obama is NOT what we need in a leader. He can’t even get through three sentences without saying ah or um.
122. Danno | 10.22.08
#122 Lisa. Obama may say ahh or umm fairly often but at least the words that come out in between make sense. McCain can’t get through a single statement with contradicting himself.
As to Google’s CEO having an opinon. I am fine with that. Google the company hasn’t endoresed anyone but I would also be fine with that. What the heck, the NY TImes, Washington Post, Boston Globe are all news gathering and news diseminating organizations and their editors have no problem making an endorsement.
123. Jasmin | 10.22.08
Democrats are what we need in the economic crisis
When Clinton was in power he raised wages and the American dollar value went up. Bush Screwed our whole economic system. And he but alot of good men in war for his damn pride. Obama is the right man for the job.
OBAMA ‘08
CHANGE WE NEED
124. Lisa | 10.22.08
Typical brainwashed Liberals that haven’t got a clue. Keep drinking the kool-aid dummies. I’m moving on.
125. Harold Reimann | 10.22.08
BO and the evil Democratic Party have been so confident, so audacious, I’m beginning to think in the Bible terms of pride comes before a fall. BO just might lose by a lot of votes.
127. Norma | 10.22.08
In light of the over-hyped endorsement of Barack Obama by Colin Powell, I thought it would be nice to inform the world (the version of the world that gets it’s news from the Mainstream Media) that 4, count ‘em 4 former Secretaries of State have endorsed Senator John McCain for President. The four are Henry Kissinger, James Baker, Lawrence Eagleburger and Alexander Haig, all distinguished in their service to the USA. Though they are all Caucasian, none of their endorsements are based on race and by supporting McCain and Palin, they eliminate the experience factor as far as Palin being “just a heartbeat away” from the Presidency.
So let’s not make a big deal about Powell endorsing Obama. He’s looking for a position in Obama’s administration, which he will get - Obama needs all the advice on foreign affairs he can get.
128. George Bryan | 10.22.08
5 questions for you:
1)How many responses attached Joel - some with incorrect spellings?
2)How many respondents ever studied the Declaration of Independence and our God-given rights?
3)Why did the German people elect Hitler? Did the Holocaust have anything to do with it or was it the economy, stupid?
4) If Obama is so strong on shared information why hasn’t he provided records on his health, academic records - including topics he wrote about - the records of contacts by his emissaries to foreign countries including revolutionaries and terrorists - including the contact with Hamas that his staff member had to resign over?
5)How many future customers has and will Google lose through the abortions Obama is on record as fostering (see FOCA bill in Congress that removes all reservations on Abortion in the States that Obama is committed to)? We’re at forty five million of our brothers and sisters and opening up full steam.
6) - oh, by the way, as a last thought - why does the News at the top of the Google search page feature 98% the biased liberal (lefty) press - Times (New York and LA), Baltimore Sun, Wshington Post etc. Not even one from the Washington Times? Just how Goebbel’s-like could Google get under a full left tilt? Truth and balance are the first to go. Eric has already shown that lack of balance. He was had by a con-man! Wake up, all Yahoos, you have nothing to lose but your freedoms!
-last question, will Google post this?
Sat Sapiens
129. Cary | 10.22.08
Jasmin — “Change” is all you’re going to have left with Obama in the W.H.
Both Congress and Senate passed the joint resolution to authorize the use of United States Armed Forces against Iraq. As in all cases, the President only approves what both house pass. If things go well, both Houses get the credit - if not, the Pres gets the blame.
Oh, by the way…both Hillary and Biden voted for the war.
130. Kaiser Soze | 10.22.08
Isn’t Karma that the US will run by a person named HUSSEIN! ..As in Saddam..Histeric!!
131. Gmereus | 10.22.08
Forgive me if I’m wrong, but didn’t Ebay’s founder give a speech on behalf of McCain during the Republican National Convention? I don’t remember hearing Democrats denounce and vowing not to buy or sell on Ebay. Why isn’t Schmidt entitled to proclaim his support for Obama in the same respect?
132. CRandall | 10.22.08
People, please pay attention to what is happening. Our enemies that we are at war with want Barack Hussein in our white house. He has been endorsed by Hamas, an islamic extremist group. There should be warning bells going off all over the nation.
133. linda | 10.24.08
yes we can, all in lowercase. Politely.
We need a president who can bring all parties together. Watching Mccain grumble on TV makes me feel sad…. what a loser. Wonder Who Bill G. supports ?
Saluting comment by 125. Jasmin | 10.22.08
>>>>Democrats are what we need in the economic crisis
Yes Jasmin!
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Jimmy Orr has worked in politics for the majority of his professional career working for two U.S. Senators, two Governors and one President. Most recently, Orr served as White House Spokesman and Internet Director for President George W. Bush and Special Advisor to Governor Schwarzenegger for Internet Communications.
David Cook is Washington bureau chief of The Christian Science Monitor and host of the Monitor's newsmaker breakfasts. He was the Monitor's editor from 1994 to 2001. Cook is a graduate of Principia College, served in the U.S. Army, was a Bagehot Fellow at Columbia University, and is a member of the Gridiron Club, Washington's oldest journalistic organization.
1. Tina from MI | 10.21.08
Don’t forget - Federeal Reserve Guru Bernanke endorsed Obama today too.