ABOUT FIRST READ

First Read is an analysis of the day's political news, from the NBC News political unit. First Read is updated throughout the day, so check back often.

Chuck Todd, NBC Political Director

Mark Murray, NBC Deputy Political Director

Domenico Montanaro, NBC News Political Reporter



First thoughts: Another red-hot day

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

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

Clinton camp "a assembly of fools". The waters are not parting, yet the painted clown demands her followers walk into the opening of defeat!

It is shameful that having to grab another coat tail and be exposed. She, like Howard Dean will slide to the side.  Too many people now getting on to what they don't want for the next four years.      
Clinton, conjecture and misleading is not leadership traits. """ITS ALL OVER""!
Clinton, conjecture and misleading is not leadership traits. """ITS ALL OVER""!
we will see where you slow mind, will be win Hillary loses Iowa and Obama wins. Her actions in the past few weeks tells the story.
Exhibits for Evidence:

A: She hired more staff in Iowa.  If she was leading so well, why add more and move staff to Iowa.

B. Terry McAuliffe at the Jefferson-Jackson dinner suddenly annouced that Iowa was not that important.  Does that sound like a man confident of a Hillary win?

C. No one major has endorsed her since that dinner and she has not received any major union endorsements.  Obama got the UAW nod and more since that night.

D.  The Clinton campaign has been caught doing a whisper campaign via Novak and Drudge and their main target has been Obama more than the Republicans or any other Democratic candidate.

E. Carville on Meet the Press has HINTED at a major shakeup coming at the debates.  Does Hillary plan to break her promise and start SLINGING the MUD as the LA Times has detailed in their article this past week?

Sounds like Hillary is scared.



I will be here in 38 days, will you be after your candidate loses????
Dot From Illinois: the fact is that this elections is not a game and that if we feel that we don't like Hilary that is a personal matter. We can not afford the luxury of because we don't like Hilary not vote for her. The first step is to take back the white house and Clinton is the best chance that we have. Obama can be her replacement in the event she is not what we expect from her; he will be in a better position for the 2012.
Liking her or not, our goal is to take back the WH.
A good politician will use "double Talk" so as to distract the adversary. I have over 30 years experience in the field and double talk works. However the media is a business and they need to make money and they need to hit on the Hilary double talk because they need to keep the emotions rolling.
As an strategist's opinion, Hilary is on the right track in using double talk; a gambler does not show his/her cards but only those that they believe that can distract others on the table. I hope that I am not wrong but if I know Hilary's game, she is doing the right thing. Remember is not what she is saying but what she will do after the fact.
Sierra:

I have noticed that Richardson is moving up somewhat, and I can't for the life of me figure out why.  I think he's a good alternative, and definitely has the experience...but I also thinks he panders on the Iraq issue.  That's one of the reasons I prefer Biden - he doesn't just say "this is my plan" but instead puts together a resolution outlining his plan, and brings it forth in the Senate.  Can't really pander when your idea is a matter of public record.
J. Merle Stanley, your last comment was ridiculous for many reasons.  For starters, your attack on Edwards' is wrong because NO ONE, and I repeat NO ONE votes for the V.P. pick.  It is an overhyped part of a presidential campain and is meaningless.  Secondly, Edwards' won the V.P. debate.  The reason they lost was because Kerry refused to stand up for himself and because northern Dems cannot win southern states.

That's why John Edwards' would make the best candidate.  Tell me J., where were the last three Dem presidents from?

As far as the $400 haircut or the speaking fees, or the whatever else, they are irrelevant.  On the one had you accuse Obama of using Rep. talking points from the 90's, but you're using Rep. talking points to attack Edwards and Obama.  If you believe that a person being rich automatically excludes them from wanting to eliminate poverty, then you are nothing more than a Rep. in Dem clothing yourself.  By the way, in case you didn't know, Hillary is loaded.  

The only thing that is relevant is the type of candidate and president each would make.

J. Merel, it's pretty obvious that you're a Hillary plant.
".....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..............
.............................................."

That's because she was too busy fending off stupid questions that were egged on by neo-cons like yourself.
I believe she has stated that we need to keep our hands out of the trust fund, and stop using it to fund B.S. things like the war in Iraq.
Better yet jerry.......what's Gigolo Rudy 'G's position on social security?
We don't know it because he's too busy cat-fighting with Mitty, and too busy trying to figure out how he's going to answer questions about all the scandals that surround him.
How about Mitt Romney's position on Soicial Security......haven't heard that one either, jerry.
Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha
If you're going to use an argument like that, you should have some amnuition. This is too much like taking candy from a baby.

".....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)....."


...and YOU jerry, are a PATENTED LIAR, we've seen that repeatedly!
Hillary's plan offers competition to the HMO's and the insurance companies, that will lower premiums, co-pays, and deductibles.
RepubliCANT politicians who get those nice trips to the Bahamas (along with all the other perks that come from insurance company lobbyist) don't like that. It means they'll have to charge less for their plans, and cover more procedures in order to compete in the open market.
Besides jerry.....when did rePIGlicans like yourself EVER care about seniors, people without healthcare, or for that matter social security.....outside of privatizing it so the "boys" down on wall street can get their hands on it?



To; ID: Unknown. There is a lot of talk about Bill Clinton and his action with Monica. ID, I don't what gender  you are. What Bill Clinton did was to show that he was a man in flesh and bones. Some looks at Bill Clinton for what ever he did when the opportunity came. Only a right wing will accuse Bill for what he did. Let look as his records of accomplishment during his administration; over 22 million jobs created, no deficit and the economy was on the right track further more people were more happy. compare this (BUS) administration with Bill Clinton. No way my friend.
Now you have an economy that is only for the big corporations and the rich investors in Wall Street. Because the unnecessary war and the killing in Iraq the hard working American can not afford the day-today necessities. I consider Bill Clinton scape a demonstration of what is a real Human being. so I think that there is a lot of hypocrisy. Look at the present administration, the whole sexual debacle on same sex flavoring and the uncountable corruption. I rather have a man in the white house that take a chance on the opportunity than an bunch of hypocrites that hides under the umbrella of the religion mantle. Do you?
Sorry folks. It's Hillary by a Landslide in '08. Just an Independent Observation.
Kevin, Houston, Texas / 'J. Merel, it's pretty obvious that you're a Hillary plant.'

I sincerely doubt that j is a hillary plant, more like a hillary wannabe, even the corrupt clinton machine can do better than the intellectually barren post the j regurgitated earlier, desperation is an ugly thing indeed
here is a story about Bill Clinton and the $200 haircut he got at LAX (supposedly).


http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/clinton/anecdotes/2.html
Kevin.....is EVERYONE who disagrees with you, or who speaks up on Hillary's behalf a "plant"?
So, what you're saying is that we have no right to decide for ourselves, lest we be labeled "plants."
We must get in lockstep with you, we have no right to choose for ourslves.
That's the way NEO-CONS operate.
John Edwards didn't win a single Presidential Primary, in any state, southern or otherwise, including his HOME state of North Carolina. He lost to John Kerry who is from Massachusetts.
If he can't win his own home state, then he brings NOTHING to the table as far as being a candidate is concerned.
Furthermore, Cheney made Edwards look "sophmoreish" during the V.P. debate. I don't know what YOU were watching at the time.
Yes Hillary is well off, just as most ex-First Ladies are.
But, she doesn't go around the country talking about "Two America's", while taking $50,000.00 speech fees for talking about poverty, and getting weekly haircuts for $400.00 a piece.
It's obvious that you get your talking points from the G.O.P., just as Edwards and Obama do. (Why should I vote for either....why shouldn't I just skip the "middle men" and vote for a republiCANT?)
Edwards was part of team that LOST in '04.'
Hillary is part of the team that WINS elections.
Do the math, chief.
Expect Hillary to place THIRD in Iowa.

When Obama first appeared on the stage and announced he was running for President, many people assumed HE was the novelty act.  Many months later, it is quickly being realized that Hillary Clinton is a partisan war-monger, more Republican on foreign policy than Democrat, and offers nothing to change America, aside from a new name on the Oval Office desk.  All of a sudden, it's starting to look more and more like Hillary is the NOVELTY act, an ex-President's wife who can't make it on her own, offering nothing NEW for America, not the "strong woman" image her campaign tried to puff.

It's time for REAL change.  It's time for a NEW and BETTER America.
Obama '08
I have a question for Obama supporters.

A few months back, there was an AARP forum in Davenport, Iowa.  Obama did not attend; instead, he went to a star-powered fundraiser in Atlanta.  At the time, I questioned this choice and was told that Obama was not attending any forums that were not specifically sanctioned by the Democratic party as part of the nomination process.  I still thought it was a poor strategical move, but I can accept that.

Now, however, I see that there is a forum in Des Moines, IA this weekend.  Not all of the candidates are attending, and I have not seen anything about it being sanctioned by the DNC.  Yet, Obama is going to be there.  Am I missing something on it being sanctioned, or is he no longer sticking by the "DNC-sanctioned events only" policy?  If so, when did this change?  

Thanks!
here is a story about Bill Clinton and the $200 haircut he got at LAX (supposedly).


http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/clinton/anecdotes/2.html

------------------------------------------------------

Clinton's camp cannot be trusted. They accuse edward of getting $400 haircut and it seems they're doing the same thing.
jerry, are you keeping track of how much Mitt spends on his hair?  How about his hand tailored suits?
Hello Merle Stanley: I respect you position and to tell you the truth Hilary carry a lot baggage's but the worst baggage is the one that she will take on when she get back the White House. Think about it; it will not be an easy task. I like Both Obama Eduard but I need to be realistic, I can't vote because I like or because uses certain verbal ism that seems to be convincing, I need more than that. Obama and Eduard are great individuals and I have no doubt that they are honest but so far for some reason I have not been convinced that Hilary is what you say she is, remember what you are saying is what the media is projecting to you; I have my own method to analyze a person. I am sure that you will agree with me (if you are a liberal democrat) that our goal is to win.
Why do you think the right wing cult and some in the media want to delete Hilary? Why? because they are scare, afraid of her and the her organization, because what she is saying is not what she will do. She need to play ball to win. I respect your position but what are the sources of your comments? the media; Well think about it. WE NEED TO TAKE BACK THE WAREHOUSE
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,
MK,MO

-- They are counting the $$$ votes cast which are the ones that count in a plutocracy. What, you think we have a democracy?
Bill Clinton will look awesome as he and Hillary enter the WH again.  A spiffy haircut is indeed a wonderful thing!
The Clinton's are the best team for the WH, we deserve the best after the lunatic in chief has ruined our country.
President Clinton we are waiting for you and our prayers are with you always.
We will be so lucky to get the Clinton team back and America trusted and respected once again.
Jose:

I agree with you and would also like to see a Democrat in the White House. My concern is to make sure that they nominate someone who can will in November.  You think Senator Clinton is the candidate who can win--if you read all the posts on this site you will see that many people have strong feelings against voting for her.  She has the money, endorsements, and savy campaign staff.  The question is whether that translates into votes from ordinary citizens in all parts of our country.  Whether it is right or not, many people do vote for the candidate that they like the best.  I read recently that one of the reasons President Bush defeated Senator Kerry was because many voters found him(and Mrs. Bush) to be more likeable than the Kerrys.



I admire Barack Obama for his candor in talking to young people about his own teen years.  He was making a point that seems to be lost to the other candidates.  That is he made mistakes in his youth and encourages young Americans to not do the same.  He is also showing the American people that he is NOT perfect...but will strive to do his best for this country. After 8 years of lies, lies, and more lies from George Bush and Dick Cheney, such honesty is truly refreshing. Just like 1960, this is a CHANGE election.  The people are unhappy with the direction of the nation.  Hillary Clinton offers us a return to the 90s and more partisan bickering in a divided country.  Barack Obama has the potential to be a real leader who will unite us. On another note...I enjoy the campaign commercials of Mike Huckabee and Bill Richardson.  They are entertaining AND informative.  
hillary clinton has been accused of being a lot of things, but likeable is not one of them

if the question is asked,

if your first choice as democratic nominee is defeated in the primary could you vote for

 obama? yes
 edwards? yes
 clinton? no

 believe what you will but hillary can't win the general election, sorry, too many people know what hillary stands for, and it ain't change
Voters should give Joe Biden a good long look.  He would be an excellent president.  His knowledge is unsurpassed by any of the contenders both Republican and Democratic.
I have read all of these comments and am amazed at the passion I have seen from both sides.  It's my opinion that the radical right and the radical left   are not doing a positive service for the nation.  Don't these people realize that the bulk of the population in the USA are moderates?  I would like to know how many people in this country agree with ME. I think that the vast majority of people want a strong national defense, sound fiscal management. As for social issues, I don't want the government or any interest group telling me how to live my life: likewise, I am not interested in telling anyone else how to live theirs.  Am I right?  I look forward to hearing from anyone.
Yo Van,

Zogby has new numbers in a general election match-up and Obama/Edwards beats the Republican candidates while your girl Hillary gets taking to the woodshed.
Ain't it something how the winds have changed?

Peace, Kristian O.
MK/MO ARE YOU ON DRUGS ? OR SHOULD I ASK OBAMA ?
Bill Clinton will look awesome as he and Hillary enter the WH again.  A spiffy haircut is indeed a wonderful thing!

As long as he doesn't pay $200 and hold up the traffic at LAX like he did the last time.......
For all your ranting and raving merle......

You still did not answer the question......

What is Hillary's stand on Social Security?......

And in case you did not notice merle.......

She was questioned by Liberal people.......

Just think when she debates on Fox News and Chris Wallace gets into spme serious questions, like he stand on illegal's having drivers licenses.....

she better have just one answer for that!
This country can't a radical lefty like Hillary.  She scares me half to death and Obama seems like a nice person, like a sweet kid.  But we can't go with a sweet kid for preident in these dangerous times.  Give me Ron Paul.
Here's a poll released TODAY by Zogby showing

HILLARY LOSES TO ALL REPUBLICAN MATCHUPS IN THE GENERAL

http://www.zogby.com/news/ReadNews.dbm?ID=1393

She loses in the GENERAL election!!!

The poll van sites are for PRIMARIES.

The GENERAL ELECTION polls are what we need to start looking at.

Hillary will lose the general if she's nominated.
Hillary's numbers have always been weak against the republican candidates, and they are getting worse.
Bobby V., Sounds like you need a hook up.  Jonesen?
I have a question for Obama supporters ...
Thanks!
Carrie, Eastern Iowa (Sent Monday, November 26, 2007 12:57 PM)

I think the most accurate answer would be that in the early, debates Obama wasn't pointing out the distinctions as clearly as he is now.  As a result, Hillary was 'winning' every one, because her status as #1 was unchanged afterwards.  With a million debates on a million different issues, it was politically smart for Obama to opt out rather than give Hillary a million little victories.  He really didn't have much to gain from attending them, and his absence was almost more noteworthy.  Now, Obama is tightening his rhetoric, and the debates now have the potential to help him more.  Additionally, more people are paying attention to the debates now, I'd bet, which if he wants to get his message out.

I think the other thing is that you mentioned that this was a forum and not a debate.  Obama has participated in forums, because he seems particularly strong in that setting like the J-J dinner or whatever it was called.  There is a difference between a forum and debate.  Although the AARP thing was kind of both a forum and a debate, so I might be confused on this issue.

As for the AARP debate, I'm glad you brought that up.  I was surprised by how much not attending that debate hurt him, and I have taken a few cracks about that since.  I heard over the weekend that the voter divide between Clinton and Obama isn't race nor gender, but age.  I, for the life of me, cannot remember where or why I heard this, but the age thing is an obstacle Obama will have to cross.  Don't worry though, I think Obama can win over more seniors in his month remaining.  He campaigning much more strongly for the non-youth vote than he was before.

It would appear that Obama will participate in debates so long as they are beneficial to him, but that's just good politics ... something I often accuse H.R. Clinton of.  And I don't know that I would use the term 'policy' to describe Obama's position about not attending non-DNC-sanctioned debates/forums.  Maybe as Barbossa in Pirates of the Caribbean would say ... 'more like guidelines actually.'
MK, MO--

I would be real curious as to a poll in which people gave their first and second choices.  I think that Clinton might disappoint and Biden might be a surprise.  MSNBC should check that out.
Lorraine in Michigan - Just what is a "radical lefty" anyway???  Seems like some expression you are programmed to say because you've been fed the koolaide by the right wing in this country.  Just what is sooooo radical about the policies of Mrs. Clinton that you are sooooooo afraid of?  I'll bet you can't even articulate them in a suscinct manner.
J. I called you a Hillary plant not because you disagree with me, but because your entire post was one long talking point.  It's funny that you accuse me of the exact thing that you do.  If you read my post, there is not one single talking point in it. As a matter of fact, I didn't even mention Obama.

You should base your response on facts and not emotion.  

BTW, Edwards won South Carolina and would have won Oklahoma had Wes Clark not been in the race.  By the time North Carolina's primary came around, the nomination was decided already anyway.  Secondly, not all Southern states are the same. N.C. is much more conservative than Va., La., S.C. and Ark.

You are kidding yourself if you think that Hillary has the best chance in the general election.
DJ-

I sympathize w/ you my friend.  I've voted in 3 prez elections and never voted for the same party twice....so i consider myself pretty moderate.  

Merle Stanley, NY: You're wrong about John Edwards: he did win a primary, the SC primary in '04, w/ 45% of the vote.  He also garnered more 2nd place finishes than any other candidate.  I voted for John in 2000 for senator and would vote for him again for president.  I'd prefer him to Hillary- he and Obama are pretty equal to me.  This time he has very little shot in SC- you have an Afr. American and a Clinton, who we love (i'm Black), sadly there's no room for him there, even though I don't think any candidate's spoken more forcefully about issues that affect afr. americans, like poverty, than Edwards.  Heck- if Chelsea ran I think she'd equal what Edwards'll get in SC this year.

I've said this before but Hillary is part of the old guard.  Dems have a schism in their party- the young, very liberal idealists, and the older conservatives.  John & Barack represent the young more than Hill.  Hill's dems are Dodd and Biden types.  What bothers me about Hill is doesn't want to paint herself into that "old guard" corner, and sacrifices candor to do avoid it.  I think the party deserves the belief set they want- don't lie to us to make yourself look like something you're not.  If the Dems are far left, let them nominate such a candidate.  Don't hide your views so as to obscure the differences between the candidates.  Hill's general election primary campaign has finally endangered her primary frontrunner status.  It's looking more and more like the Dems might actually get the nads to nominated the candidate that represents most of the party, like Dean was, in my opinion, last time.  I like Hillary but let's be honest- she wouldn't be a senator w/o her last name, and she wouldn't even be seriously considered for president if she hadn't been first lady.  Not that she wouldn't make a competent president- and I happen to think her demeanor "negatives" would acquit her well as prez, as they do for many ambitious women- but she'd be at Dodd numbers w/out the romantic idea of Bill back in the White House running around many Dem heads. BTW- Biden might be the best man for this job on both sides.  In another time it'd be probably be McCain vs. Biden- these are the most qualified guys I think.

You hypocrites here that deride Obama for drug use- not even worth further mention.  Wow.  We know if that was a disqualifier hardly anyone could be president.

I'm happy to see someone mention Duncan Hunter.  I think he's pretty solid- I can't figure out why R's haven't embraced him more.  He's smart, knows his stuff on trade and nat'l defense.  Now that Huckabee has finally gotten the attention he deserves I wish Hunter could too. That said, though he at least attended the Tavis Smiley debate, he along w/ Tancredo refused to recognize problems unique to the Afr. Amer. community, insisting that they don't want to speak about the country in those terms.  Well gentleman, the country exists in those terms, even if you don't like it, which is one reason I believe the R's will struggle to win elections going forward unless they nominate moderates like Huck and McCain.
There is more information being generated on "Are You Smarter Then A 5th Grader" then by the Democratic debates.

Kyle, because you can beat a Fifth Grader (on TV I assume) just means you don't understand the questions posed to adults
Julie - I wouldn't be so quick to count Mrs. Clinton out.  Although I would love to see Joe Biden get the Democratic nomination, don't discount the ability of the Clintons to win elections....much the same as the ability of the Bushs to win elections....hmmm...what goes around comes around.
BTW- I am still having to dispel the rumors about Obama being Muslim in my office, 2nd person in the past month.. and asked them to pass along the word.   He's really going to have to work to inform people who don't pay attention to politics about this.  I would imagine his best chance would be after he won the primary (if he wins); in the gen. elec. there'd be more attention on him and he'd be able to address it more.  But it's amazing what's circulating out here...
Huckabee is no moderate.  In fact he's probably the scariest of all the Republicans.  He would come into the White House and govern as an ordained minister.  That is totally unacceptable.  A president has to be a president for all people not just Christians.  I would find Mr. Huckabee to be the most unacceptable of all the Republican candidates.
Laurie, Manasquan, NJ / 'don't discount the ability of the Clintons to win elections....much the same as the ability of the Bushs to win'

 I for one think people are tired of the big political machines such as clintons, they desire change, something the big political machine's are not offering, bush-lite is an all too accurate description of hillary, I don't look for her to make the cut, and if she does rudy easily wins the general election dooming everyone except the uber rich
I have to say- just because you're a Christian doesn't mean you're not moderate.  Nowadays, as unbiblical as it may be in my view, Christians esp. at the leadership levels of churches are highly likely to be pro-choice and pro gay marriage.  We start making religion a litmus test for presidentialness and we may as well restrict all public office to atheists. You can't separate the church from the state when the people that run the state go to church.
Laurie, Manasquan, NJ --> Just what is a "radical lefty" anyway???


Maybe this can help you:

A person that has a government solution for every problem.

A person that is 100% behind abortion.

A person that will lift all bans on stem cell research.

A person that hasn't met a tax they don't agree with.

A person that is 100% behind Affirmative Action.

A person that is 100% behind the gay agenda.

A person that wants to end corporate welfare, except for his/her constituents.

A person that wants to eliminate mandatory sentencing laws.

A person that protects unions, especially teachers unions, from being performanced based.

A person that opposes merit pay for teachers, and for anyone else for that matter.

A person that is pro-choice, except when someone wants to spend their tax dollars on a private school, or wants to own a gun for their own protection.

A person that wants to tax, tax, and tax energy more and more.

A person that puts the environment first, and people last.

A person that wants to end genocide in Dafur, but not in Iraq.

A person that is against NAFTA, one of President Clinton's top legacies.

A person that is against illegal immigration, but does nothing to stop it.

<many, many, others not listed for bevity>

I hope this helps you understand why many people believe Ms. Clinton to be a "radical lefty"




NSMSNBC:

The AARP event was classified as a form.  It was at that time that Obama's campaign said they were not going to participate in any forums that were not sanctioned by the DNC.  Now, he is.  

Your response suggests that he did so because he was being hurt (to some extent) by his performance at the debates and now that he is back in it, he will show up again.  If that is the case, that tells me one thing - Obama is business as usual.  That's precisely what you would expect a career politician to do - not someone whose entire campaign is based on the politics of hope and bringing change to the way things are done.  

I suspected that age had something to do with it.  Obama is strongest with younger voters; there probably were not a lot of younger voters in attendance at the AARP forum.  He is playing to his strengths; for his campaign, going to the fundraiser in Atlanta was seemingly more beneficial than talking to old Iowa folks about health care.  

My beef with this is not that he is leaving out some forums, debates, etc. that he does not perceive to be a big help to his campaign.  My beef is that he claims to represent a change in politics, but yet he is doing things the same as everyone else.  
There are a lot of talk about the candidates in the democratic run but I have not read any attacking the right wing cult, i.e. you have the penguin, Rush Limbaugh and the Joker Sean Hannity trashing anyone that don't agree with them. I believe that we need to take some time and give them a really hard time.
The right wing talk shows are the spreader of hate and division, they are the voice of the rich and powerfuland those that want to deplete our resorces, they were against increase in wages, against any health care plan, and a question: why do you think they are so in favor of right wing judges, why they are in favor on the military, why they are so in favor of the police, why are they so in favor of the big oil producers, why are they so  in favor to keep devastating Iraq, Why they want to attack Iran, why they they are destroying our constitutional rights like liberty and privacy? My friends think about all this and is frightening. I you think that this country of our can't be taking over by an elited government, you are wrong. Right now there are groups in Texas that are preparing individuals for a possible move to an elite radical movement infiltration to continue dislocating our democratic system.
My friends it is time that all of us that that care for this country of our to launch all our energy to combat the right wing.
The populous has been blinded. Why do you thing that in all the American history the actual president hire mercenaries to fight alone the military, Why the there are groups of "the guardian Angels and the minute man and why they are continuously recruiting new recruits?" I can assure you that is not for the reason they tell you.
Nation, open your eyes. let save our nation by been united; it doesnt matter what party you are for we are all in this land of our.
United we can win.
Kevin from Houston said..."J. I called you a Hillary plant not because you disagree with me, but because your entire post was one long talking point."

KEVIN, AND, AH....REFERING TO ANYONE WHO SUPPORTS HILLARY AS A "PLANT" ISN'T A "TALKING POINT?"
PLEASE! IT'S RIGHT OUT OF THE REPUBLICAN PLAYBOOK!

Kevin in Houston said....."You should base your response on facts and not emotion."

KEVIN, I DID...YOU SHOULD TRY THE SAME THING. BY THE WAY, THAT'S YET ANOTHER TALKING POINT.

Kevin in Houston said....."BTW, Edwards won South Carolina and would have won Oklahoma had Wes Clark not been in the race.  By the time North Carolina's primary came around, the nomination was decided already anyway.  Secondly, not all Southern states are the same. N.C. is much more conservative than Va., La., S.C. and Ark.".....

I don't recall Edwards winning ANY primaries. But, for the sake of this argument, I'll give you the benefit of the doubt. Even if he did win SC, he didn't win his own home state. Whether the nomination was decided or not by or before then doesn't have anything to do with it. If you can't win your home state, you bring NOTHING to the table.

Kevin,.....face it Edwards was already part of a team that America said NO to. He got WAXED by Cheney in the V.P. debate, and his presence on the ticket in '04' did not bring any southern states into the blue column, as it was supposed to.
People don't like lawyers who try liability cases. Yes I know Hillary is a lawyer, and yes I know Edwards fought for the "little guy," and for families rights, etc, etc. etc.
But that's not the way he's being portrayed in the media. He's being portrayed as an ambulance chaser, and people across this country will NOT vote for that!
I'm sorry Kevin...but Edwards "aint' got da' juce" to win the big one.  
Hillary does....and you know it.
jerry....."For all (my) ranting and raving....."?
Huh?
I answered you very directly concerning Hillary's plans for Social Security, and I'm not going to repeat myself.
Kinda' makes me think that you just weren't paying attention when she said it the first time.
Your lack of comprehension skills isn't my fault, nor is it Hillary's either.
Likewise, jerry......for all your FALSE BRAVADO, and chest thumping, you didn't answer MY questions about Romney and Giuliani!
You wouldn't know WHAT their positions are on the issues, because all they do when they are next to each other at the "Republican Infomercials" is to screetch back and forth like little school girls arguing over who has curlier hair, and who has the nicer pair of "MaryJane's"
That, and the fact that "Rappin' Rudy 'G' The Gigolo of The G.O.P." has to answer so many questions about the people around him who've been indicted, and the scandals that surround him as well.
Why so much hate against Hillary Clinton?  What did Hillary Clinton do to you to hate her so much? You people that hate Hillary treat her like she is your number one enemy.  President Bush has done alot to the American People for them to hate him. What did President Bush do for the American people to hate him? These are the reasons below

1.)Bush stole the 2000 Election and is a polictian that has no business in office.

2.)Gave tax cuts to the very small minority of people in this country which he made a surplus into a deficit in only 2 years in office.

3.)Led us into a prempetive War

4.)Been the only most contraversal and divise President in the United States.

5.)Lets oil companies jack up gas prices with no control on prices while at the same time the oil companies are getting the biggest tax cuts in history.

6.)The richer are getting richer while the middle class and poor are getting poorer.

7.) Relaxed Enviromental Protections

8.) Signed the Patriot ACT

9.) Supports torture

10.) Orders the CIA to kidnap people from their own country and have them locked up in prison with torture.  

11.) Had Valerie Plame fired for telling the truth about Iraq.

12.) Gives tax cuts to companies that ship their jobs to the Commies.  This is actually the Republicans supporting a Communist Regime the very thing that they were against when Russia was communist.

13.)Admires Adolf Hilter

14.)Proposed a Consitutional Amendment to ban Gay Marriage. If Bush had his way he would declare gays an enemy to the state like what Hilter did to the Jews. Hitler first started out restricting the rights of Jews and then went further by killing them all.  Declaring war against gays will start out by restricting their rights and then he might say thats not enough and then do something a lot worst to them.

15.)Buddies with the Prince of Saudi Arabia. The News showed Bush holding hands with him. A good Bed Buddy rumor to start up.

16.)Always with German Chancllor Angela Merkel.  I think Angela Merkel may very possibly be the Antichrist. Another good rumor to spread that bush hangs out with the devil and that Bush and the Antichrist might be bed buddys.

17.)Singed and pushed for the Terri Shiavo Law for the courts to intervene in private family matters.

18.)Has the Far Right Movements infiltrate the Government.  Infiltrating the Government is just as serious as Treason or trying to overthrow the Government.

19.) Supports Democracy in Iraq while at the same time trying to wipe out a Democray in the United States.

20.) Incourages the word Democrat and Liberal in Iraq but hates the word in the United States.

21.) Gives the people in Iraq the right to vote while surpressing voters rights here in the United States.

22.) Supports using Nuclear Weapons but is against other countiries having them.

23.) Used the Medias airwaves when he visited Iraq on Thanksgiving for a photo op. The Turkey in the photo with the President was a phony turkey. The troops probaly did not even have a Thanksgiving Dinner that year. He made it look like it was a real good homecooked turkey in the photo.  Doing this is what the media does in communits or dictator regimes.

24.) Turning our United States TV News Media into Lies and Propaganda instead of News.

25.) Proposed Privatizing Social Security.

26.) Raised the budget of NASA while the money can be spent on giving Americans Healthcare or helping students who want to go to college but can't afford it.

27.)Now vetoing all of the Bills the Democratic Congress worked so hard to pass.

28.) Now planning a War with Iran.

For people who don't like Hillary what did see do to you for you to hate her.  These are the reasons below

0.) Nothing, Ziltch, Nada, None

President Bush is alot more of an enemy then Hillary is.  People being against Hillary Clinton is the reason the United States may never see a woman President.  If Hillary Clinton gets the Democratic Nomination in 2008 it will be a choice between a woman President or another President like Bush.  If Hillary or Obama don't get elected President we may not see a woman or African American President getting electing till 20 or 30 years from now.  We are overdue for a woman or African American President.  In 2008 it is a now or never deal between electing a Woman or African American President.  Hillary may have her downfalls but no one can be worst then a crook who stole the election in 2000.  Hillary would be much better then any Republican or Bush clone in 2008.  People may hate Hillary but if you compare she is an angel compared to Bush.  She would be much better then what we have now.   The meanings stay the course or change direction really means something now. This election is going to mean a difference between staying the course or changing direction.  Staying the course will mean a White Man Republican Honky being elected President and having the same intolerent backwards America changing direction will mean having the first woman or African American President elected and people accepting change and moving America forward. The 2008 Presidental Election is more then likely going to be a choice between a woman President or another Bush clone so in the long run no matter how much people don't like Hillary the American People would rather see a woman President then another Bush in office.

If you people want more recesion, more of your jobs being shipped to the Commies, tax cuts for the very few, high gas and oil prices, extension of the Patriot ACT, Far Right Wing Movements infiltrating the Government, A Constiutional Amendment that discriminates, Radical Supreme Court Justices being appointed that will rule Handicapped Parking Unconsitional, Tourte, The Country running out of money, Your Tax dollars going for NASA instead of Healthcare or people in need, Mandatory Prayer in School rather your Christian or not, Your Retirement savings being gambled away which would happen if Social Security is Privatized, Your TV News being Propaganda instead of News, The Government getting into your personal business or life, breathing bad air and getting sick, paying high medical and perscription drug costs, continuation of the War in Iraq, A mandatory military Draft, Another possible War with Iran, then vote for a Republican or someone like Bush is what another Republican President would be like.

If you people want you more jobs, Your job staying here in the Good Ole USA instead of it being shipped to the Commies, Univresal Healthcare, tax cuts for the majority instead of the very few, lower Perscription costs, Secure Retirement Savings, cheap Gas and Oil Prices, better air to breath, cures to dieases stem cell research, A Surplus, NASA Posibly being Privatized and our Tax dollars being used for people in need instead of a uneeded space program. Your TV News being the Truth instead of Propaganda, The Government staying out of your business or persoanl life, Repeal of the Patriot ACT, More Rights, Equal Rights Amendment, Supreme Court Justices being appointed that will interpet the law instead of their own backward old school opinion, End to War in Iraq, No War with Iran then vote for a Democrat or Hillary because she may become the Democratic Nominee.
Incidentally jerry......how many illegals were there in New York City when "Gigolo Rudy 'G'" was Mayor, and what did HE do about it?


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