First thoughts: Another red-hot day

Posted: Monday, November 26, 2007 9:22 AM by Mark Murray
Filed Under: First Thoughts, Ads

From Chuck Todd, Mark Murray, Domenico Montanaro, and Julia Steers
*** Another red-hot day: If it's possible to shift into another gear after what was an incredibly contentious run-up to the Turkey Day holiday, then the campaigns did just that beginning on Saturday and Sunday. And today is another red-hot political news day. From the Oprah tour announcement to the Rudy-Romney fight, things are moving fast in the presidential race. NBC News kicked off the busy day with our report about Trent Lott's resignation. Let’s get it started…

*** Romney vs. Rudy: Clinton vs. Obama may be the media’s glamour fight, but Romney vs. Rudy right now is a pretty good show as well. Romney did a media avail yesterday to take on Giuliani and respond to some recent attacks by his campaign: "He has a real problem with facts. He’s now done this time and again, making up facts that just happen to be wrong, and facts are stubborn things. The truth of the matter is that during my administration, the FBI’s crime statistics show that violent crime was reduced in Massachusetts by 7%. So he’s wrong again on the facts. He needs to go back to school and look at the facts and add the numbers up properly, and the truth of the matter is the in Massachusetts, violent crime went down." Rudy counterpunched on Morning Joe this morning, telling MSNBC’s Joe Scarborough that Romney “lives in a glass house” for comparing Giuliani’s views on social issues to Hillary Clinton’s. “He has had every position Hillary has had.” How soon before Giuliani echoes Ted Kennedy's "multiple choice" line when going after Romney?

*** Another week, another debate: Just as this Romney vs. Rudy fight is breaking out -- with Thompson also taking swings at Giuliani over guns -- the CNN/YouTube GOP debate takes place on Wednesday. While the YouTube format was somewhat restrictive when the Democrats debated back in July, it's likely that the pressure Romney, Rudy, Thompson, McCain and Huckabee are all feeling will mean we have a lively debate in store for us come Wednesday.

*** The Dem showdown over health care: The Republicans weren’t the only ones trading jabs over the weekend. As they did at the November 15 debate in Las Vegas, both Clinton and Obama fought over the issue of universal health-care coverage. Could the fact that Massachusetts is having a difficult time mandating that all of its citizens have health insurance aid the Obama camp on this issue? Also, Bill Clinton hits the trail for Hillary in Iowa tomorrow…

*** Fighting after Turkey Day: For more on all the candidate jabs and counterpunches over the weekend -- Thompson firing off on guns (and Fox News too!), Romney criticizing Giuliani on New York’s budget, Rudy firing back at Mitt, and Obama and Clinton sparring over health care -- be sure to check out First Read’s reports on those back-and-forths.

*** No Chuck Norris this time: Meanwhile, welcome to the first tier, Mike Huckabee. Thompson and Romney seem comfortable unloading on the former governor in Iowa. And the Huckabee campaign has a much more serious ad to follow up its Chuck Norris spot that got its share of free media coverage -- but also seemed to cause Huckabee a gravitas problem. The new ad opens with a hat tip to his Christian background, with these first words on the screen: "Christian leader." Huckabee's speech at the Values Voter Summit is excerpted throughout the 30-second spot. It's the most overt attempt ANY Republican has made at social conservatives. Speaking of TV ads, don't miss the latest one from John McCain and ask yourself if the script isn't one either John Edwards or Barack Obama would like to use.

*** Another Old Bull out the Senate door: Outside the presidential race, the biggest news today is that GOP Sen. Trent Lott plans to resign before the end of the year. NBC News has learned that Lott in the midst of informing close allies that he plans to resign his Senate seat before the end of the year. And a formal announcement is expected to take place in Mississippi today. Getting back into leadership was a vindication of sorts for Lott, after he was forced to step down as the GOP Senate leader a few years ago. This is another GOP old bull -- along with Craig, Domenici, and Warner -- that is leaving the Senate. With rumors that Ted Stevens is leaving (though who knows for sure), that's a lot of experience walking out the GOP Senate door. As for Lott’s seat, it’s unclear whether Gov. Haley Barbour (R) will appoint a caretaker or someone who can get a leg up for November. Chip Pickering has been considered the heir apparent for sometime, but not every Republican in Mississippi may see things that way. And don't assume Democrats will just rollover on this one. Ex-Attorney General Michael Moore and former US Agriculture Secretary Mike Espy will be the Dem names floated first.

*** On the trail: Biden is in Iowa; Clinton campaigns in New Hampshire; Edwards also stumps in the Granite State, as does Giuliani and Kucinich; McCain travels through South Carolina; Obama, in New Hampshire, attends a roundtable with undecided voters before holding a rally there; Richardson is in Iowa; Romney conducts interviews in Boston; and Tancredo attends a town hall in New Hampshire. Also, in Charleston, WV, Jeri Thompson participates in a West Virginians for Life press conference and later holds a press avail with state legislators there.

Countdown to Iowa: 38 days
Countdown to New Hampshire: 43 days
Countdown to Michigan: 50 days
Countdown to Nevada and SC GOP primary: 54 days
Countdown to SC Dem primary: 61 days
Countdown to Florida: 64 days
Countdown to Tsunami Tuesday: 71 days
Countdown to Election Day 2008: 344 days
Countdown to Inauguration Day 2009: 421 days

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Comments

I love when celebrities endorse Democratic candidates. Because, even though most of them dropped out of high school, they do seem to be very smart and have very reasoned and constructive insights on the world around us. Take Rosie O'Donnell for example.

Cy Lundberg, Tallings MS (Sent Monday, November 26, 2007 9:36 AM)

With the democratic debates, it is more like tea and cookies at the old folks home....

With the republican debates, you dig deeper into the issues and more like a bar room brawl....

Interesting......

jerry/corpus christi texas (Sent Monday, November 26, 2007 9:40 AM)

PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, TAKE NOTICE THAT GIULIANI IS THE RE-INCARNATION OF THE "EVIL" COUNT ORLOV OF LEMONY SNICKET INFAMY!!!!

TOM TYSKIEWICZ, FOREST HILLS, PA (Sent Monday, November 26, 2007 9:40 AM)

The Republican contender are carrying too much baggage to win the presidency. On the other hands as much as I would like Obama to win is necessary to vote for that one that can beat any republican; that someone is Hilary.
There is no time for a new face, the cruel truth is that Hilary is the one that we need to confront these difficult times and start the turn around to turn this our nation to be the most powerful and trusted nation.

Jose Alemar, Florence, Colorado (Sent Monday, November 26, 2007 9:42 AM)

Hillary is Repub-lite and preferred by the MSM that promotes Obama as her "challenger". After all, she couldn't run alone at the Top.
The MSM is not interested in candidates' positions but rather promoting the illusion of a Dem 2-way race.

Voters paying attention are voting for Edwards!

Margaret, NYC (Sent Monday, November 26, 2007 9:54 AM)

the cruel truth is that Hilary is the one that we need to confront these difficult times and start the turn around to turn this our nation to be the most powerful and trusted nation.

Anybody who believes that really needs a shrink......

She will only confront the difficult times when you make a contribution to her bank account.....

Then announce a bi-partisan committee to study it....

jerry/corpus christi texas (Sent Monday, November 26, 2007 9:55 AM)

seems somewhat peculiar that only obama and hillary are mentioned when the dems healthcare plans are discussed considering the fact that edwards is the only candidate that has laid out in detail a plan that is all inclusive and can be paid for, check it out for yourself, edwards has the only workable plan that takes into account the consumers needs not just what is best for the insurance and pharmaceutical companies, people better wake up and get past the the media touted novelty candidates and nominate the best person for the american people, john edwards

hillary nor obama can win the general election so why waste your vote nominating them, it's time to get past the tabloidish appeal of the media's proclaimed 'frontrunners' and nominate the only candidate that can save us from 4 years of rudy, edwards.

MK,MO (Sent Monday, November 26, 2007 9:56 AM)

Jose, lay off the koolaid. Any of the dem candidates can stand up for themselves.
besides, isn't it about time to quit worrying so much over the republicans. They are not some big monster but, human beings like democrats are.
any democrat who has conviction of his stands and doesn't have baggage to use against him can certainly stand up for himself.
There was a time when democrats were not so spineless and picked their candidates according to how much hot air they spoused about beating up republicans.
They were confident in themselves and we picked candidates based on who would be the best nominee and president for the time. And, gee, that was when we won.
Ever since we let republicans psyche us out, we choose them according to whether they can beat someone up or not. Please.
Worry about the country and not beating up republicans. the only reason Kerry got killed by the swiftboaters was because he waited too long to fight for himself. And in case you are not paying attention, I believe Obama has been going at Hillary pretty good and as such, has overtaken her. In the meantime she runs and cries 'victim'.

diane (Sent Monday, November 26, 2007 9:57 AM)

watching repub debates is like watching 5 yr olds fight, a lot of screaming and yelling with lttle substance(my daddys bigger than your daddy) and chuck norris should get on over to iraq and let the troops come home cause hey, any repub will tell you chuck norris is bad ass.(phoney but bad ass, acting anyway)

mikeeg,abdn,wa (Sent Monday, November 26, 2007 9:58 AM)

Rudy Giuliani is the continuance of Bush inner circle of the right wing fantasy. The hypocrisy of the right wing embedded in Fox and clear channel is evidence that they couldn't care less about social and security issues. They are desperate and will do anything to win. They have a mandate from highers interest which are seated in Dubai, Australia and in the UK.
You can see the effect of our Dollar against the euro. you can see ho our military is been destroyed plus our liberty, and privacy. a vote for Rudy is a vote for the end of this our nation.

Jose Alemar, Florence, Colorado (Sent Monday, November 26, 2007 10:01 AM)

Glad to see these old Republicans leaving. CYA Lott!! Haley Barbour should show some real balls, and send a positive message by replacing him with Clinton B. LeSueur :-)

Dave, Tn (Sent Monday, November 26, 2007 10:01 AM)

Daily First Read Truth-Pak-

Trust no one...
The following sites devote as much time and space to Denis Kucinich and Joe Biden as they do to the big three. Whether you are a dem or republican, liberal, moderate or conservative, your candidate is represented equally at these sites. Forget about Big Media and the MSM, create your own narrative.

We don't need anyone to spoon-feed information to us about the candidates or the election, it's right there for everyone if you know where to go. Campaign money, donors expenses, go here

http://www.opensecrets.org/ Opensecrets.org is "Your guide to money in U.S elections."

Just about every poll from every pollster, averaged out, with a link to the source
http://www.realclearpolitics.com/ Is THE source for political junkies, with links to every major political site on the right, left and center.

What the candidates actually have said about the issues.
http://www.ontheissues.org/default.htm This is a Great site! Every candidate on every issue!

How the candidates have voted and their LIberal/Conservative ratings
http://nationaljournal.com/voteratings/sen/lib.htm?o1=lib_composite&o2=asc#vr Has the voting records for all members of congress, and their Liberal/Conservative ratings.

http://votesmart.org/index.htm Here's what they say at the site;
Thousands of candidates and elected officials. Who works for you? Who is seeking your vote? Project Vote Smart, a citizen's organization, has developed a Voter's Self-Defense System to provide you with the necessary tools to self-govern effectively: abundant, accurate, unbiased and relevant information. As a national library of factual information, Project Vote Smart covers your candidates and elected officials in five basic categories: biographical information, issue positions, voting records, campaign finances and interest group ratings.

http://www.govtrack.us/ Do you take transparency seriously? Consider how important to you an open and transparent government is to a healthy society. More work needs to be done to make Congress open. Make a statement to your elected officials by joining now 200 others in signing a pledge for transparency.

Van

vanreuter, NY NY (Sent Monday, November 26, 2007 10:02 AM)

I've decided over the weekend that Bush is insane, lierally, clinically insane; I've worked with the seriously mentally ill for twenty years, and wouldn't trust a one of them in any position of power. When you elect madment to the helm of your country, BAD, bAD thins happen. Garden variety psychotics become, with enormous power at the fingertips, DANGEROUS psychotics. Bush and Cheney have complementary psychoses; Bush things he's God's annointed to bring democracy to the crazy Middle East---and Cheney thinks he (and Big Oil) is God. I say again; look at Rome under Caligula or Nero, or Germany under Hitler, or Russia under Stalin---whenever mad men rule, BAD, BAD thins happen. Just look at the past seven years.
So, I, for one, am opting out. I read ove rthe weekend of a guy who used to stand out in front of the White House during the Vietnam war holding a candle. A cynical reporter once asked him one rainy night, "do you really think you can change the country" and the guy answered, "No. I'm just trying to keep the country from changing me." Bush and Cheney are literall, clinically, flat-out, dangerously insane. I used to get all foaming-at-the-mouth speaking or even thinking about them. From now on, I'm not going to let Bush and Cheney's insanity make me crazy in response. It does no good, anyway; two madmen still have nearly absolute rule over this country, and are working hard to get the absolute rule tat will make tem even mroe dangerousl Until the nation realizes it's elected (sort of) two lunatics, and makes a serious effort to stand up tho them, things won't get better. Madmen rule the country and trash the rest of the world right now; their madness makes them pitiable, but their dangerousness makes them fearsome. I just plan to wait and see when---or if---the sheep realize they have a couple of lunatics at their helm. I've decided to engage in the crazy talk no further; it does no good to the country as long as the insane are in charge, and thinking and talking about this hoepless situation just makes me as crazy as they are. I'll read your comments with interest, but I doubt I'll do any more ranting and raving---that's letting myself become as crazy as Bush and Cheney are. Have fun posting useless stuff the madmen in charge are too delusional to appreciate.

Class warrior, D.C. (Sent Monday, November 26, 2007 10:04 AM)

Lars (Sent Monday, November 26, 2007 10:08 AM)

it's comical how the media without one vote being cast has turned this into a four person race,

rudy versus mitt and hillary versus obama,

thanks, but no thanks, I will be voting for the candidate of my choice not yours,

you cat’s really need to venture off the east coast more, it’s a big country with a very diverse population

MK,MO (Sent Monday, November 26, 2007 10:08 AM)

Diane, You are right in most your issues but we are living in very difficult times and we can't take no chances. Obama is a great candidate and I believe that for the good of our country we need to (Put)our personal feeling on the side and think about our nation. Remember Diane, we are not fighting against the republican only we are fighting real big interest, individuals that have no flag or patria their only flag and patria is (power and control)of world resources.

Jose Alemar, Florence, Colorado (Sent Monday, November 26, 2007 10:15 AM)

As a side note, I happened to see Biden's "Joe is Right" ad in the local paper today. I'm hoping people will see this, and start asking themselves the same question I did: instead of supporting someone who thinks Joe is right, why not support Joe himself?

Carrie, Eastern Iowa (Sent Monday, November 26, 2007 10:16 AM)

I’m just curious. I saw President Bush, with his wife Laura, being interviewed at Camp David and they were beaming with pride, relishing in what was being touted as the success of his ‘surge strategy’ in Iraq. Now, without even getting into the obvious criticism that most everything else he has done has been a failure (and that of course is when viewed from the perspective of the majority of Americans and not just that of Special Interests), I have a hard time seeing the justification for his pride and simply have the following questions*.
• Realizing that there are several other conditions contributing to any reduction in the current violence, like: the Iraqi’s who have undertaken fighting against the insurgency to retake their neighborhoods; then the fact that they have literally already accomplished their local ethnic cleansing goals; that they have simply tired of the deplorable conditions and fighting; and that they have recognized that the insurgency’s interests aren’t consistent with their own; then really how much credit does the ‘surge’ deserve?
• With American taxpayer dollars being given to pay, support, supply and reward the local ‘warlords’ for fighting against the insurgency, how much is it costing us and how fragile is that effort when the money stops coming?
• Without any progress in the central government, which was the main and the real necessary objective, how can there actually be any success?
• Now that we have established a country of many small armies, what will be the ongoing conditions and the future results?

I think any talk of success is very premature, is really unwarranted and actually is just more arrogant propaganda! To be that proud while ignoring all the harm that has been done is once more totally indicative of a lack of any conscience. We sure don’t need any more of that sociopathic mentality next time around and hopefully we, the voters, are well aware of it.

* Why doesn’t the media ask these questions and address these issues? Is it worse to face the truth or to support a continuing, repetitive art of deception?

REG; East Valley Phx. AZ (Sent Monday, November 26, 2007 10:16 AM)

Good morning America, Bush sucks. Let's "impeach" Bush

z (Sent Monday, November 26, 2007 10:18 AM)

Screw the South, and screw the North. The Republicans need to look West and go with Duncan Hunter. I have no idea if he's religious or not. I know he's served in the military with honor and has at least one son serving now. He's right on China trade, and right on closing the borders. He doesn't sound scripted or handled by media experts, and best of all he doesn't seem to be drawing in money :-)

Dave, Tn (Sent Monday, November 26, 2007 10:21 AM)

Romney and Giuliani are ranked first and second respectively in Campaign Diaries's new rankings of the GOP race. Check out the full detailed analysis: http://www.campaigndiaries.com/2007/11/at-this-point-republican-race-is.html

Daniel, NY (Sent Monday, November 26, 2007 10:25 AM)

So now that hillary's polling is on the Downside, i notice how Van does'nt post her negative rating's for us to see.The face of America, What a Joke!!!Barack having a roundtable with Undecide voter's, What a Concept.Just who does this man think he is, wanting to hear from everyday American's what's on their minds? That's something us peon's are Not used to! Barack Obama, Our next PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

Rick,ky (Sent Monday, November 26, 2007 10:27 AM)

Where is the outrage from the moral minority? You people sit still while your heros leave public service to cash in on the lobbying gig...can sex and drugs be far behind for the party of no morality? Oh wait, ted haggerty and larry craig gotcha covered...rightwingnut scum

Rick, WS, NC (Sent Monday, November 26, 2007 10:27 AM)

"Also, in Charleston, WV, Jeri Thompson participates in a West Virginians for Life press conference and later holds a press avail with state legislators there."

And Ron Paul is holding a rally in SC, but you highlight Jeri Thompson in WV and ignore RP? Nobody is perfect, but your continuing dismissal (conscious or not) of Ron Paul (and other candidates) is really disappointing.

Tim, CT (Sent Monday, November 26, 2007 10:29 AM)

One thing to know is that there are two types of terrorists one that uses violence and the other that uses the (words) The first kills and destroy to cause panic to push their agenda. The other use verbal attack also to confuse and incite to violence and gain power. All of you need to see and hear is to listen to the fanatical voices of the right wing cult. there is a 24/7 attack on the people and all that come out of their mouth is trash and misleading verbalism.
Have no doubt, there are individuals wanting this nation to hit bottom so they can take over. If you have doubt ask question and search.

Jose Alemar, Florence, Colorado (Sent Monday, November 26, 2007 10:30 AM)

Ha! Ha! Ha! Guiliani is Count Orlov! :)

Hey, thanks for the great sites, Van - much appreciated!!

modernwoman, Anytown,USA (Sent Monday, November 26, 2007 10:35 AM)

Notice that Romney accused Rudy of making up facts, a very real pattern for him, and Rudy responded by changing the subject.

John B, Des Moines, IA (Sent Monday, November 26, 2007 10:39 AM)

Lars: Your concern about Hilary is that also she carry some bag ages, yes I accept that. Let ask you a question. "if you were to bet between two boxers where do you place your bet, on the one that have very little chance to win or to the one that will have better chances to win. We are all democrats and liberal in our hearts and our nation need to get rid of the Republicans right wing cult for at least until we can get back to normality. what do you think?

Jose Alemar, Florence, Colorado (Sent Monday, November 26, 2007 10:39 AM)

You asked for it dept.

If this is the downside, I can't wait for the upside;

National Clinton by 19.7
Iowa Clinton by 2.3
NH Clinton by 13.0
MI Clinton by 23.0
NV Clinton by 23.6
SC Clinton by 14.0
Fl Clinton by 26.6
http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2008/president/national-primary.html

Sunday, November 25, 2007
In states holding Primaries or Caucuses on February 5, the races for the Republican and Democratic Presidential nominations look broadly similar to the competition on a national level.
Data from the Rasmussen Reports daily Presidential Tracking Poll shows New York Senator Hillary Clinton attracting 41% of the vote in the twenty Super Tuesday states. Illinois Senator Barack Obama trails Clinton with support from 23% of Likely Primary Voters in those twenty states while John Edwards is the top choice for 14%. New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson is preferred by 5% while Delaware Senator Joe Biden attracts 3% support."

http://rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/election_2008__1/2008_presidential_election/in_february_5_states_clinton_and_giuliani_still_on_top

I post links to all the polls for anyone with the dexterity and intelligence to follow them to the source.

Van

vanreuter, NY NY (Sent Monday, November 26, 2007 10:44 AM)

The other use verbal attack also to confuse and incite to violence and gain power. All of you need to see and hear is to listen to the fanatical voices of the LEFT wing cult. there is a 24/7 attack on the people and all that come out of their mouth is trash and misleading verbalism.

The good part is when the left finally gets what they want they'll be the first picked off by the people they've lied to and used for so long.

Dave, Tn (Sent Monday, November 26, 2007 10:47 AM)

Duncan Hunter is a tool of the militarty/industrial gang, he is out there in no mans land on a number of issues, he is an anacronism of the old faith politics of exculsion and the no nothing party, Please dave think about this, his own party is ignoring him, you should too. The west is no different from the north or south, it is an area of america filled with diversity, is that the reason you hate whole sections of your country? Instead of attacking geographic areas of this country or groups of people that truly shows your distaste for parts of our democracy, you should turn inward and look at your anger and ask WHY?

John Alexander, Edinboro, PA (Sent Monday, November 26, 2007 10:48 AM)

MK,MO: '...it's comical how the media without one vote being cast has turned this into a four person race,

rudy versus mitt and hillary versus obama,

thanks, but no thanks, I will be voting for the candidate of my choice not yours,

you cat’s really need to venture off the east coast more, it’s a big country with a very diverse population...'

You're right, MK
We might just see Edwards and Huckabee emerge in Iowa
Both are operating away from the media spotlight

The big pointfor me is that if Clinton and Romney don't take Iowa, it will dent their armor.
They're no longer front runners, deserving of all the media hype

Iowa will set the tone for New Hampshire
A strong showing by Edwards and Obama in Iowa will change the dynamic.
Watch those 'national polls' change after Iowa !!

The big question: How will the Clinton campaign try to 'cheat' in Iowa ?
Can they 'pack' the caucuses ?
Can they bring in 'outsiders' to caucus in Iowa ?

Sorry, Carrie it looks like Richardson is the dark horse in Iowa, not Biden

Again, I see real value in the Iowa caucuses and the NH primary in 'retail politics'.
It demands candidates meet with voters.
Candidates have to give real answers to voters

Hopefully, the media spin means less to voters than in big states where elections are decided by clever (or dirty) advertising.

Let's see if Hillary finally remembers what NAFTA is about besides 'a bunch of charts'
And yes, Perot AND Nader were right about NAFTA
It sucked manufacturing and middle class jobs out of America

Jose Alemar, Florence, Colorado: '...The Republican contender are carrying too much baggage to win the presidency...'

sorry, Jose but Hillary is carrying too much 'baggage' to win the Presidency.
She has a record of dishonesty, scandals and unethical behavior a mile long.
She couldn't unite this country after the election.
We'd be left with the same old '90's divisiveness
No thanks, vote for the best: Obama or Edwards !!

Edwards/Obama '08
Honesty and Integrity count

Sierra, SF (Sent Monday, November 26, 2007 10:59 AM)

Jose:

I think there is still room for debate as to whether or not Senator Clinton has the best chance to win. The Democratic Party hierarchy could do themselves a tremendous favor if they did an ubiased, realistic poll of the depth of the "anyone but Hillary" sentiment in the country, particularly in small towns and rural America.

She is an intelligent, capable woman, and a highly skilled politician, but the bottom line for many voters is "vote your gut feeling," and I am not sure if she has captured the hearts of average Americans. Many Americans want to vote for someone they genuinely like--not sure if many can say that about Senator Clinton.

Dot, Illinois (Sent Monday, November 26, 2007 11:01 AM)

Dave, TN; what you see as an attack on America is in fact a 24/7 effort to reclaim our country from right wing fanatics whose views disagree with the majority of Americans on almost every subject.

John B, Des Moines, IA (Sent Monday, November 26, 2007 11:06 AM)

Obama and "drugs",is there is more to this story ?

Bobby V. (Sent Monday, November 26, 2007 11:07 AM)

I love it when people from Mississippi attack Democrats. Most of them are high school dropouts who are too dumb to realize that they are voting against there own economic self interest.

The Republican Party for years has been promising to protect them from African Americans, homosexuals, Jews, and not it's those scary Mexicans. Yet the country has still become more diverse and more integrated.

Take Cy from Tallings, Ms. for example.

Kevin, Houston, Texas (Sent Monday, November 26, 2007 11:10 AM)

Class warrior,
good post, you will be missed.
I fully understand your rationale. People believe what they want to believe, and no matter how often they are told the grass is green and the sky is blue there will always be those who revel in saying they're not. Right now the world IS insane. It seems for almost a century there have been those who harken back to a constitution and our founding principles. It seems that with every passing generation, these people grow fewer, while the ignorant masses grow exponentially. I don't fret it. The jerry's of the world can only cheerlead for so long until they realize they've been had. That will be a day of reckoning. But trying to awaken an ignorant mass on a message board is a bit like trying to hold a candle in the rain to stop a war. You can't change people whose identities and personal value are wrapped up in the belief of an illusion. Once they concede the illusion they admit their life has been meaningless. The amount of cognitive dissonance (that the jerry's endure) is enough to make a sane person crack or have an aneurysm just hearing some of the nonsense passed off as truth these days.
Good luck though. Things will either get a whole lot better or a whole lot worse.

Desperate, Overland Park KS (Sent Monday, November 26, 2007 11:13 AM)

".....With the democratic debates, it is more like tea and cookies at the old folks home.... With the republican debates, you dig deeper into the issues and more like a bar room brawl....
Interesting......
jerry/corpus christi texas (Sent Monday, November 26, 2007 9:40 AM)....."

Ha,Ha,Ha,Ha,Ha,Ha,Ha
BaaaaWAAAAAAAA, Ha,Ha,Ha,Ha,Ha,Ha,Ha,Ha,Ha,Ha,Ha,Ha,Ha
What debates have YOU been watching jerry?.....Sure as hell NOT the one's everyone else is seeing!
The republiCANT debates, or should I say "infomercials," are more like a "cat fight" at a sorority house, or children argueing on a school playgorund.
"You raised taxes Mitty."
"No, YOU raised taxes Rudy.'
"Did not"
"DID TOO!"
"I know you are, but what am I?!"
But, your analogy isn't TOO far off the mark, jerry....
Democrats are talking WITH SUBSTANCE about such things as social security and healthcare for our senior citizens,.....while republicans spend their time getting drunk and shooting their friends in the face on hunting trips.

J. Merle Stanley, Westchester, NY (Sent Monday, November 26, 2007 11:15 AM)

Van, has decided to post POLL AVERAGES and not current polls. Every poll I see in Iowa has Obama LEADING by at least 4 percentages points.

I was watching CSPAN when the Executive Director and Co-founder from REAL CLEAR POLITICS was on and he was commenting on OBAMA's LEAD and Hillary is slipping.

Notice the CLINTON PLANTS in this blog and others no longer TOUT the polls and now are doing a whisper campaign challenging us Democrats to vote with our brains or pick a winner and choose CLINTON.

I say forget that and vote the real true winner, listener and future President Barack Obama

Freeman Female, Dallas, TX (Sent Monday, November 26, 2007 11:16 AM)

The first order of business is to get rid of as many republicans as possible, after that we can take on President Hillary.

Stephennnn, Portland, Or (Sent Monday, November 26, 2007 11:23 AM)

I live across the road from John Edwards in Chapel Hill North Carolina. No, I don't live in a fancy expensive home. I live in a thirty year old trailer along with several other people who live in trailers right across the road from John and his family. I tell you this to illustrate that John Edwards is a man of the people. He does not live in a gated community surrounded by a cocoon of wealthy affluence.Regardless of how the negative media has portrayed him, Mr. Edwards has never forgotten where he came from nor the common, regular everyday people he aspires to represent. If you think otherwise,look closer and don't let the media outlets do your thinking or make your decisions for you. wilber

Wilber Foster Chapel Hill North Caarolina (Sent Monday, November 26, 2007 11:32 AM)

ANOTHER DAY FORGOTTEN IN IRAQ

kenn (Sent Monday, November 26, 2007 11:35 AM)

+++ Democrats are talking WITH SUBSTANCE about such things as . . . .

. . . diamonds or pearls . . . .

There is more information being generated on "Are You Smarter Then A 5th Grader" then by the Democratic debates.

Kyle Janson, Concord MA (Sent Monday, November 26, 2007 11:39 AM)

I look forward to Romney and Giuliani destroying each other with negative attacks. After that I look forward to Clinton's defeat in Iowa. Then, maybe, just maybe, we the people can have an election campaign not monopolized by the words and images of these three empty hacks.

ete Caloger Bushkill, PA 18324 (Sent Monday, November 26, 2007 11:45 AM)

hmmmmm ?? wonder if Hillary wins the white house .... Slick Willie will be calling Monica Lewinsky during the late night sleepless hour hmmmmm !! nice to have the good old BJ activity under the desk in the oval office........??

ld (Sent Monday, November 26, 2007 11:49 AM)

Bobby V. / 'Obama and "drugs",is there is more to this story ?'

hillary and "corrupt lobbyist money" there is more to this story.

thats why I will be voting for edwards

MK,MO (Sent Monday, November 26, 2007 11:53 AM)

But, your analogy isn't TOO far off the mark, jerry....
Democrats are talking WITH SUBSTANCE about such things as social security and healthcare for our senior citizens,.

Merle:

What is Hillary Clinton's position on Social Security?
Still waiting for her answer....
Never gave it at the last debate........
I still have the debate on tape........
still can't find her answer..............

If her health care is the same as Mitt Romney's, does that mean seniors will have to buy dog food to eat because they will have to choose between paying even higher fees and good food? Are you saying you support seniors having a gun stuck in the back and ordering them to get health insurance at higher prices? You are one sick puppy Merle!

jerry/corpus christi texas (Sent Monday, November 26, 2007 11:54 AM)

".....sorry, Jose but Hillary is carrying too much 'baggage' to win the Presidency.
She has a record of dishonesty, scandals and unethical behavior a mile long.
She couldn't unite this country after the election.
We'd be left with the same old '90's divisiveness
No thanks, vote for the best: Obama or Edwards !!

Edwards/Obama '08
Honesty and Integrity count....."

I always knew that Sierra was/IS a NEO-CON who wants the G.O.P. to retain the Presidency, and this latest post proves it!
John Edwards didn't win a single primary in 2004, including his own home state! He was part of a failed campaign in the national election that year as Kerry's running mate. Even Cheney (of all people) cleaned his clock in the VP debate!
Barrack Obama has no experience whatsoever that would qualify him to be President. He stumbles over his own words at the debates, trips himself up, and then attacks Hillary to cover it all up. In fact, that's the only thing he does well; use 1990's NEO-CON rhetoric to attack the Clintons. If you want Obama as your candidate, you might as well vote for a republiCANT because he uses THEIR material about Hillary. Why vote for an imitation when you can vote for the real thing?
First Ladies aren't "divisive." Senatorial Candidates who get better than 65% of the votes in their district aren't divisive. She's done that TWICE!
Ask Edwards why he took a $50,000.00 fee to do a speech on "poverty," and why he needs $400.00 haircuts before he goes out to speak about "two Americas." (We know which America HE lives in, don't we?)
Ask Barrack Obama why he's using Republican rhetoric about the Clinton's at these debates. Ask him why he is trying to divide up the base of Democratic voters in this country, by bickering like an old lady at the debates, and throwing temper tantrums on stage like a child. (.....and on national TV no less!)
I don't see how these two clowns would unite the country.
Frankly, you and I both know they wouldn't.
Both will lose the general election, if either were to get the nomination. It's as simple as that
But, THANK YOU Sierra, for exposing yourself as the NEO-CON you truly are.
The Democratic Party doesn't need a candidate such as Edwards or Obama, who will lose and hand the Presidency back to The G.O.P. (as Edwards already did in 2004)
We need one who will WIN...and that candidate is Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton!

J. Merle Stanley, Westchester, NY (Sent Monday, November 26, 2007 11:55 AM)

Dot from ILL ,.... i would not vote for Hillary Clinton, she's a radical and a untrustworthy for this country and what makes everyone thinks she's a better choice for the democratic party huh ?????? don't trust her for one bit !!!!

luigi Tucson ,AZ (Sent Monday, November 26, 2007 12:00 PM)

"Van, has decided to post POLL AVERAGES and not current polls. Every poll I see in Iowa has Obama LEADING by at least 4 percentages points."

Every poll you see?

Look above to see how badly she's ahead, everywhere. Try to ACTUALLY follow the link to RCP and even you will see other polls, even in Iowa.

Even you.

Van

vanreuter, NY NY (Sent Monday, November 26, 2007 12:05 PM)

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