Special Edition: Saturday First Thoughts

Posted: Saturday, January 19, 2008 9:30 AM by Mark Murray
Filed Under: First Thoughts

From Chuck Todd, Mark Murray, and Domenico Montanaro
*** Saturday two-fer: The next round of nominating contests occurs today, as Republicans in South Carolina and Democrats and Republicans in Nevada go to the polls/caucuses. The South Carolina primary starts things off, with polls opening at 7:00 am ET and closing at 7:00 pm ET. The Nevada Democratic caucuses, meanwhile, take place at 2:30 pm ET (sites open at 2:00 pm), and the state party expects to have results by 5:00 pm ET. Theses caucuses operate just like the Iowa Dem ones did -- caucus-goers can make a second choice if their original pick doesn’t receive a minimum threshold of support. And the GOP caucuses in the state follow the Iowa GOP model -- they're more like a straw poll and there is no second choice. They begin at noon ET, and results should start coming in at 1:30 pm ET.

*** You spin me right round, baby right round…: In Nevada, both Clinton and Obama are engaged in a furious expectations-setting game. Clinton strategist Mark Penn put out one of the funnier poll memos we’ve seen, which basically argued that the polls might be right or they might be wrong. OK, thanks Mark. Obama's folks are trying to walk back the cockiness they had with Nevada a week ago when they got the Culinary Workers nod. All in all, both campaigns are trying to make their victories meaningful and their losses forgetful. Our man in Nevada, Jon Ralston, thinks Clinton's going to eke it out, because the Culinary union didn't endorse soon enough and therefore wasn't able to voter educate. Ralston is clearly a bit uncomfortable trying to predict, but no one understands Nevada's tribal-like politics better, so we'll take his word for it.

*** The elimination game? As for South Carolina, the question is whether this GOP primary actually eliminates any contenders? We thought so a week ago -- but we aren't so sure now. If McCain, Huckabee, and Thompson are a close 1, 2, 3, what's the incentive for any to get out? The onlyone is if money dries up. For McCain and Thompson, that's a real possibility; for Huckabee, not so much -- he can live off the land a bit easier than the other two. Weather could be a HUGE factor with snow hurting Huckabee. Of course, the good news for Huckabee is that his voters are the most fervent and may not be intimidated by the weather. No one needs this victory more than McCain. He has to prove to skeptics that he can win a GOP primary that is dominated by actual Republicans (of course, the exit polls in New Hampshire did show McCain slightly beating Romney among GOP voters).

*** What happens outside Vegas? So everyone knows the fight in Vegas between the gaming establishment (siding with Clinton) and the Culinary Union (with Obama). But there's been little talk about what's been going on in Nevada outside of Vegas. Will there be an increase in youth turnout? What about women? And Latinos? Will the caucus sites get overwhelmed with new voters like Iowa? Answer these questions and you'll likely be able to figure out who's going to win.

*** Win one for the Gipper: When we first heard Obama utter the praise for Reagan as a change agent, we didn't think much of it. First, it seemed to be done as a historical observation. Second, from experience, we know that Democrats just don't have a hate for Reagan that they do for Bush -- at least 20 years removed from the Gipper’s presidency. Just ask Jim Webb. But both Clinton and Edwards have seized upon Obama’s comments, and on reflection, it's probably something Obama shouldn't have walked into. Let someone else compare him to Reagan; he shouldn't be comparing himself. Ultimately, he probably doesn't want to get into a debate over whether he thinks Reagan was a better inspirational leader than Bill Clinton. (Of course ask yourself this: Was the Democratic Party as strong after Bill left office, as the Republican Party was after Reagan did? Al Gore and George H.W. can answer that.) Obama may think that Reagan was a more transformational leader than Clinton, and historians might agree. But it's not what rank-and-file Democratic primary voters want to hear. Then again, Obama may be re-appealing to indies and soft GOPers again after a week of racial chatter that seemed to do some serious damage to Obama's standing with white voters, particularly in South Carolina.

*** Angry Bill…: Bill Clinton is proving once again to be better at delivering negative messages than positive ones. "Today when my daughter and I were wandering through the hotel, and all these Culinary workers were mobbing us, telling us they didn't care what they'd been told to do, they were gonna caucus for Hillary, there was a representative of the organization trotting along behind us going up to everybody that said that and said, if you aren't gonna vote for our guy we're gonna give you a schedule tomorrow so you can't be there. So, is this the new politics? I haven't seen anything like this in America in 35 years." Bill's getting angrier and angrier. Not to play pop psychologist, but spouses are always more loyal (and therefore more angry about how something's playing out politically) than the candidate.

*** … And a tougher Barack: Don’t miss this Washington Post article: Obama is starting to get more aggressive. Frankly, he has to. The Clintons -- particularly Bill (see above) -- are coming at him harder these days, and for a while Obama wasn’t fighting back. Now he is. Of course, every time he goes on the attack, he has to worry about looking like just another politician.

*** Final SC thoughts: And with one of us on the ground in South Carolina, here are a few final thoughts on the GOP contest there: Thompson’s crowd yesterday of more than 400 anti-immigration, national security hardliners was fervent and he was animated, pacing back and forth on the stage gesturing forcefully and talking tough. He got "Amens" and "that's rights" Perhaps his best performance yet? But one can’t help but feel that had he given his all and had he bought into the process, he could win this thing -- which he probably won’t. Huck, playing guitar again, drew a smaller crowd than Fred (about 250 to 300) at the University of South Carolina in Columbia. And many on the ground are questioning the level of zeal here among evangelicals compared with Iowa. As for McCain, he's going to get the veterans and coastal voters. It's almost as if they’re on a mission. Maybe they even think something's owed to him from 2000. This state will break three ways -- the coast, Lexington County and the upstate. McCain solely campaigned at the coast yesterday, while Huckabee and Thompson campaigned in the same neighborhoods upstate.

*** On the trail: On the Republican side, Huckabee, McCain, and Thompson are all in South Carolina; Giuliani is in Florida; and Romney is in Nevada before traveling to Florida. On the Dem side, Clinton holds a rally in Vegas (at Andre Agassi Prep College) before heading to an evening rally in St. Louis; Edwards also campaigns in St. Louis before heading to Atlanta and Greenville, SC; and Obama does a retail stop in Vegas and holds a caucus party there. *** Update*** It looks like Clinton's Vegas rally will be cancelled.

Countdown to SC Dem primary: 7 days
Countdown to Florida: 10 days
Countdown to Tsunami Tuesday: 17 days
Countdown to Election Day 2008: 290 days
Countdown to Inauguration Day 2009: 367 days

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HILLARY CLINTON'S MASSIVE CONFLICT OF INTEREST

By DICK MORRIS & EILEEN MCGANN

Published on FoxNews.com on January 18, 2008.

As American banks go hat in hand to foreign financial institutions and governments, begging for capital to help them get out of the mess into which their subprime loans have landed them, the question arises as to whether the United States should permit nations like China, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the banks they control to acquire part ownership of our leading banks.

The presidential candidates discussed this issue in their Nevada debate and Hillary was asked about it in an interview with Neil Cavuto on the FOX Business Network yesterday. She replied that she would not “stand in the way” of such investments, but said that they needed to be vetted and called for more disclosure and “transparency.”

The fact is that Hillary Clinton is totally unable to be objective on this key question of our national financial sovereignty because she and her husband have been so compromised by their financial dealings with the very countries at issue in the decision.

Should the Saudi monarchy be permitted to purchase an important equity position in some of America’s leading banks? How can Hillary be objective when the very same monarchy donated $10 million to the Clinton Library and Foundation?

Should the UAE be allowed in? How can Hillary decide fairly when Bill — and therefore herself — have been getting a reported $10 million per year from a fund that administers the investments of the Emir of Dubai, the largest component state in the UAE?

The Dubai Ports deal compromised our national security by putting key points of entry in that nation’s control. But the infusion of capital and the acquisition of equity in our key banks has the potential to make that encroachment on our sovereignty seem piddling by comparison.

Neither Dubai nor Saudi Arabia would be permitted to contribute to Hillary’s campaign. Foreigners are not allowed to do so, precisely to avoid having potential office holders compromised by gratitude for their financial support. But these nations have used the porous ethics of the Clinton family to acquire positions of massive influence by making contributions, not to her campaign, but to her personal bank account — either through Bill or through the Library and Foundation, which the Clintons directly control. The extent of the influence their mi llions must buy with a family only recently, according to Hillary, in the “middle class” must be huge.

And it is for exactly this kind of situation that the Clintons should be required to divulge the extent of their involvement with foreign interests and exactly how much money their personal bank accounts and their Library/Foundation have received. (The Saudi donation to the Library and Foundation was only discovered by the New York Times when the information was inadvertently posted on the Library’s Web site. Soon after the story appeared, it was taken down. The Clintons refuse to reveal the donors to the Library or the related Foundation.) Hillary and Bill have also refused to release their income tax returns, despite the fact that Bill willingly released his when he was running for president.

Why hasn’t Barack Obama or John Edwards even mentioned this issue? Their attacks on Hillary’s links to lobbyists and other special interes ts are usually painted with a broad brush. But the journey of America’s banks abroad in search of a bailout makes this specific conflict a key question of policy and highly relevant to their campaigns. What better illustration could one have of Hillary’s conflicts of interest than this one?
If Hillary has the Experience to lead , then why didn't this get stopped by her expertise ??????

how can we trust a candidate that has the record of influence , and what does this say about the experience to lead , if these kinds of influences are not caught right up front , how can Hillary claim she has the right experience to stop these kinds of Illegal affairs , that even still is willing to take the funds , only to give them back , once the spot light has been cast upon them and their corruption of generating the finds like this example ;Clinton to Return Funds from Fundraiser Hsu
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=14316806 .

I mean these people have to have a constant policing going on around them 24 / 7 , or we the people get manipulated to death , and so how can you trust em , and why should we start right out worrying about this kind of stuff ????

I like the Idea Barack Obama has about a Leader needing to be able to pick the right people to run the body of Government .

Barack Obama , the candidate for Peace and Prosperity can get the job done with Dignity and class , to restore the hope for the future of all .
Thanks for your time and have a Great day in the USA .

Tony Wickenburg, AZ (Sent Saturday, January 19, 2008 10:47 AM)

Ronald (Prince Charming) Reagan. How can you not like him ? I did, but I never voted for him .He was the one who inaugurated the policies of "too much big government, too much taxes, nationalistic fervor, expansion of free trade without protection of American workers, demise of Unions and the middle-class, privatizing Federal support (schools, prisons, Post Office,etc)and playing the race,gender,and national security fears to get elected.GWB is a product and proud follower of Reagan and those Lee Atwater political nightmares ( GWB still uses Rove,who followed Atwater's playbook)and we are now in a downward spiral to being a third-world nation.I still enjoy fond memories of Reagan as a person, but as a President history will prove him to be a second rate leader, just barely ahead of his admiring pupil, GWB. Molly, you were right about them all, including that rascal,Bill Clinton; a better president than either of those two "compassionate conservatives"

jack richardson (Sent Saturday, January 19, 2008 10:47 AM)

EDWARDS EDWARDS EDWARDS EDWARDS EDWARDS EDWARDS
There! Have I compensated a little for how GE/NBC/MSN
and the rest of the Corporatist Media IGNORES the 1 Democratic candidate that could dust the floor with the Krazy Klowns (R and D),and their handlers,that
sadly scurry in and out of The Center Ring?
This pathetic festival of unqualified lightweights that's being inflicted upon our benumbed electorate by the Panem et Circenses crowd provides Pah-Lenty of Laughs for the rest of the world that already believes we're Brain Damaged as a Nation for our self inflicted itching red embarrassment of a Sneering Killer Cyborg Organ Grinder and his Poop Flinging Shaved Monkey.
In case anybody hasn't noticed;we're REAL close to being DOOMED.
The Savage Pirate Gang doesn't even have the basic common sense of Henry Ford. Old H.F.,at least,realized and acted upon the belief that his workers were also his customers.
The SPG views the populace as merely a source to breed gunslingers to corral natural resources worldwide and,of course,to kill those that resist.
Later on,as North America descends into a living breathing Bosch vision of Hell, the death penalty/organ harvest/funeral industry will be renamed SOYLENT RESOURCES as it describes protein recapture,its primary enterprise.

Sik Antyred, Urtown, DeNile (Sent Saturday, January 19, 2008 10:47 AM)

I hate to tell you guys, but unions are not the monolithic power structure that seems to be portayed by all sides in this article. Union workers vote for who they want to, according to what is important to them personally. Now some workers are brighter than others; some know what is in their best interest, some squander their votes in support of things that will never touch their lives. Union leaders have no idea who their members will really vote for.

All I know is, this union household did really well during the Clinton years, not so well since. I know who I'm voting for, and I don't care what the union hall says {but usually we are on the same page).

Laurie Schleicher, Baltimore, MD (Sent Saturday, January 19, 2008 10:47 AM)

All depends on what is, is.

Pat , san antonio, tx (Sent Saturday, January 19, 2008 10:49 AM)

who cares !! all democrats stinks !!!!!!!!!!! wouldn't go with the lying cheats Clinton !!!!

Luigi,Tucson,AZ (Sent Saturday, January 19, 2008 10:49 AM)

Will First Read ever stop calling the Obama campaign "cocky"? The same comment was made after Senator Obama won Iowa. What is Senator Obama doing that is any more cocky than any of the other candidates? I'm confused.

Nashville_fan (Sent Saturday, January 19, 2008 10:49 AM)

We had the best economy and my friends we're getting killed for company profits during Bill's turn. I can't wait to get another Clinton in the WH. Why do people hate someone who gave us a strong economy, no national debt and peace? These responders have never worked for a union that rules you life, like the CA workers do. If you think Bill's word were angry, check the people above this. Real anger based on no facts.
MAKE LOVE NOT WAR!
FEED THE PEOPLE NOT THE OIL MACHINE!

Bin, outer Montana (Sent Saturday, January 19, 2008 10:50 AM)

Sing a different song when Hillary is you Commander and Chief...Stop your crying...Obama is just your run of the mill what ever you want when ever you want to bull#$#$##. Let's not forget how he told all of us in the Debate that he is a people manager...Have you met Bush??? Now theres a good ol people manager...Cha...Get real. Obama get out of Politics and join Hukabee preaching to who ever it is he preachs to. It seems to be your best attribute. Cause nobody told ya the rules....DA...If you only had a clue how many rules you don't know...Just go away...I know you could also join the media.

Amused (Sent Saturday, January 19, 2008 10:50 AM)

Just shows Obama's lack of judgement about the political process. No way a democrat should be trying to live off the legacy of Reagan. His policies negatively affected the poor, the middle class and union workers not only during his two terms but currently. His callous disreguard of issues dealing with minorities need not be recounted. If Obama truly beleaves the Reagan legacy should be rekindled -he is not the man we need to lead the democratic party.

Ron Peretti (Sent Saturday, January 19, 2008 10:51 AM)

When the Culinary workers union endorsed Obama, The Clinton campaign should have respected that and made a mild pitch to them. But instead of doing that, they going behind the union leaders back, talk to each individual and convince them as hard as possible and split the union. The individual members of union understand that Bill Clinton support for them is going to be one day stand. They cannot take their chance since they have to be live with union for long time.

Seth,Lexington,KY (Sent Saturday, January 19, 2008 10:52 AM)

I have never seen so many Republicans worried about Hillary winning the nomination and the eventual Presidency. It is easy to see why so many believe and trust them over their opponents.

Mary Jones, Neillsville, WI (Sent Saturday, January 19, 2008 10:53 AM)

The Clintons are up to the same old Arkasnsas lies. Bluff the public and maybe they will not see the truth. Well we are smarter today and see the Clintons as they are .Full of them selves and not the good old US. Wake up America and put the Clintons asleep

Jojn Jensen,Clinton twp, Michigan (Sent Saturday, January 19, 2008 10:53 AM)

"all these Culinary workers were mobbing us, telling us they didn't care what they'd been told to do, they were gonna caucus for Hillary, there was a representative of the organization trotting along behind us going up to everybody that said that and said, if you aren't gonna vote for our guy we're gonna give you a schedule tomorrow so you can't be there."

Yeah, Bill, because the culinary union sets employee daily schedules and not their employers.

Shadow, Hamden, CT (Sent Saturday, January 19, 2008 9:48 AM)

Shadow, what's the difference who sets the employee schedules ... no representative for either the culinary union or the employers should be going around telling workers they won't be able to show up if they don't vote for Obama. Bill has every right to complain about this coercion of workers. Not a good reflection on Obama if he doesn't denounce this.

Todd, Phoenix, Arizona (Sent Saturday, January 19, 2008 10:53 AM)

OK, so they lie about Obama's stand on women's right to choose, then on his stand on social security. They say he removed his anti-war speech from his website before 2003 (Hillary before Tim Russert on Sunday) for political reasons and to back away from his stand, yet the speech is obviously there if you look at the web archives for obamaforillinois.com... here's a direct link from December of 2003:

http://web.archive.org/web/20040122053003/www.obamaforillinois.com/nm/publish/news_20.html

Now Bill on the attack saying that employers are keeping voters from supporting Hillary, when we know a lawsuit earlier this week attempted to do the opposite.

Bill, weren't you saying something about a "fairy tale." How do you tell when a Clinton is lying? Of course, you know the answer... you see their lips moving.

Bobby, Normal, IL (Sent Saturday, January 19, 2008 10:53 AM)

Many Hispanic voters don't even know Barry's name. When asked who they were for, on ABC news last night, one worker said he was for Hillary and when he was asked if he knew who his union was supporting, he said, "Uh, Omega?"

ObamaRama (Sent Saturday, January 19, 2008 10:53 AM)

One might ask: "Why were the New Hampshire polls only wrong on the Hillary/Obama matchup?
Hillary's emergence from a potential Obama New Hampshire "blowout" is readily understandable. In a carefully calculated move Bill and Hilla once again played the "victim card". A strategy that was so successful in countering the Monica scandal, when Hillary, the serial "enabler", and Bill, the serial "groper" put on an academy award performance for several months to convince gullible woman to pull the sympathy lever in the voting booth for them. The second factor was Bill, the draft dodger's, false accusation of flip flopping on the Iraq issue against Obama. It was actually Hillary who was the serial flip-flopper on this issue. Obama to his credit, as a matter of conscience, refused to deny American troops the funding for the bullets and equipment that they required to survive in ongoing combat. Hillary, on the other hand, with no such compelling principles, was one of only two U.S. Senators who voted to deny funding for essential equipments for our troops who they had "previously" voted to commit to lethal combat. Obama made the classical rookie error of not responding to Slick's false accusation, which he could have easily turned to Hillary's well deserved detriment. And third, in a State where it's permissible to register and vote on the same day, the Clinton machine transported bus-loads of out-of-state voters to New Hampshire to inflate the voting rolls for Hillary. Prompting some local small town residents to remark that they were amazed to see so many out-of-state residents at the polling places whom they had never seen before. Let's not let the Clintons CON Nevada and South Carolina. Does any reasonable individual really want to return the Clinton cabal/scandals to the White House? Greg Neubeck

Greg Neubeck, Lynn Haven, Florida (Sent Saturday, January 19, 2008 10:53 AM)

Seriously do you think that Omabam,or hillary can delier. Both are dedicating 5 billion here and there to fix this or that.
I think Hillary has the most pulland ready to be president.Although, I can't vote for her.
Obama is charismatic, like to have a beer with him,but I can't vote for him,becaues he really hasn't accomplished much,only because he's still a freshman in my opinion.(look for big things in future though)
I'm going to switch over to Mc Cain, I served, he served and has the credentials and took Bush on since day 1.
Also,it's the economy,Iraq and health care. Look at these issues, and see who the best game plan.
Just look at their respective records and don't let the media sway your opinion.

Joe McGovern (Sent Saturday, January 19, 2008 10:55 AM)

lets get this straight right now, bill was a good president whether you like him or not and the enconony was very good then so why now do you attack him on him telling the truth about what happened with the cuw? I guess all other canidants and there significate others always say nothing but the truth and do what they say they will including gwb.It doesnt matter if it happened or not their all going to say things they dont mean and say what they can to help themselves and hurt the others.

jeff,Ia (Sent Saturday, January 19, 2008 10:55 AM)

I used to be a Bill and Hillary fan. Now I am completely turned off. It seems to me that if your are African American you are okay as long as you are FOR the Clintons. If not, you are subject to the attack machine. I am pissed. I wish I could get my early donation I made to Hillary's campaign back!

John, Washington, D.C. (Sent Saturday, January 19, 2008 10:55 AM)

Seriously, are you truly an American...? You would rather sacrifice the Soul of this Country just to spread your ridiculous hatred of Senator Obam. You would rather see this country destroyed not because you don't believe in the things that Senator Barack Obama is saying but because it is Senator Barack Obama who is saying it.

They are many Rich Politician who want to scare you with WAR.... They want you to be preoccupy because they want you to make same mistake a 3rd time....And if you do, mark my words, you think you are struggling now, it will become far worst than anything you can ever imagine.

Look at your politician.... Have you ever wondered how much they are worth financially.... I believe Senator Obama is probably the poorest of the group. He had every opportunity to make millions but it was his choice to stay and fight for the middle class and the poor.

And let me tell you if you elect Senator Clinton.... She will not look out for you she will only it make it worst for you.... She will take this Country deeper into a hole And then turn around and blame it on George Bush Administration's past mistakes....She voted for the war but blamed George Bush for it's failures... when his failures could not exist without her support.

And then soon you will one day come face to face with your deepest fear, the true meaning of poverty.... It will not just touch one of us it will touch all of us....And then your chance is lost.....Senator Obama will be only that, Senator Obama...You won't have the opportunity for 4 more years to repair the mistake you've made. We are at war but it's not with the world.....It is the Middle Class and the Poor against the Richest of the Rich. So I say, Republicans, Democrats and Independent who fits in the category of the less fortunate, make a choice, and think very hard at the choices you make because once you make it can not be undone...

Subtract yourselves from the propaganda....And ask the questions

How does your savings account look (many saving accounts no longer exists because many are living pay check to pay check)
Has the amount you pay for in gas taken away the type of food you buy (many are getting real familiar with TOP RAMEN)
How about the cost of housing (Now I don't own a home but as of this January my rent will be rising to the cost of what a mortgage would be)
How about your health Insurance.... Well my employer just eliminated vision from our Healthcare Plan..... But they did give us the choice of purchasing it separately......Along with eliminating our vision they also increased the amount of premium we must pay for health care to and extra $50.00 making my monthly cost in Health Insurance balloon to $350 a month....
How about the price of Groceries (Well That has me struggling also)
Will you have money to send your children to college?
And with every cost of living on the rise the one thing that is excluded is how much we are bringing home from work. What we make to survive on is at stand still, while everything we need to survice it rising at impossible prices to pay for.
And I pretty sure that they are many many more questions that could be added on to this list
(The Richest of the Rich will have no problem answering any of the questions I have listed above with the highest of dignity.... Why many Americans are left to suffer)
So, Once again I say to subtract yourselves from the propaganda.....And ask the true hard to come to terms with questions......

Think (Sent Saturday, January 19, 2008 10:57 AM)

Bill Clinton has made an absolute ass of himself in this campaign. He and his wife will say and do anything to get re-elected. The ease with which they lie absolutely astounds me. Do they think no one is fact checking what they are saying?

Luanne, Nebraska (Sent Saturday, January 19, 2008 11:01 AM)

your right if obama wins in nevada its because only due to the union...what a great country. then again guess its that way alround in politics,its all who has the money to buy and get what they want. The same reason they cant find a way to fix the economy, guess putting a cap on and lowering oil prices is out since big guys would make 10 billion a quarter.

jeff.ia (Sent Saturday, January 19, 2008 11:01 AM)

What are culinary workers? Are they like cooks?

Michelle, Singapore (Sent Saturday, January 19, 2008 11:02 AM)

I think is about time for monica lewinsky to come out and campaign for hillary too.

senge (Sent Saturday, January 19, 2008 11:03 AM)

Maybe we need to ask honest Bush . You think? Because has been so honest with us. Ha

charles k . criqui, osage city, kansas (Sent Saturday, January 19, 2008 11:03 AM)

I was a somewhat Bill Clinton supporter mostly because the alternatives were so much worse. But lets face it the only one in the Clinton White House that really mattered was Al Gore

Eldon Ogden Utah (Sent Saturday, January 19, 2008 11:03 AM)

this clinton never wished will happen to him... to be the one standing in the way of african american aspirations. is he still be the first black president... ho ho ho i,ll like to hear that..

richard odenton md (Sent Saturday, January 19, 2008 11:03 AM)

I want to correct the author's bias on one issue. We on the right are not opposed to immigration, just illegal immigration and all the problems it creates.

Marc, Manchester NH (Sent Saturday, January 19, 2008 11:03 AM)

Look like just another politician? He is just another politician. Why does the cult of MSN think Obama is the second coming of RFK? Got news for y'all...he's not.

Since most of the Democratic field got eliminated after two states (thanks in large part to miopic media wonks such as yourselves who have been feeding America the Hillary/Obama Show for over a year now...I would have thought everyone would have been sick of it by now...guess that's what happens when you underestimate the American electorate's capacity to be perform like mindless sheep--wait that's insulting to sheep) we now are forced to deal with the dultery of these continued political games while the Republicans, for the most part, continue to actually debate the issues.

Why don't we just crown the next Republican now and spare me the heartache? In an election year when it couldn't be easier to elect a Democrat (Michael Dukakis could win if he could just be kept out of a tank), the party is going to blow it with these shananigans. And if you don't think Obama is just as guilty then I got a sack of hammers that's smarter than you.

I didn't think Howard Dean was capable of wrecking the Democratic Party worse than Terry Boy. Politicians never cease to amaze me.

Shtuey (Sent Saturday, January 19, 2008 11:03 AM)

First of all, Keith Olbermann is the best thing that ever happened to MSNBC, in my opinion, he's the reason MSNBC has came so far in the rating game.
Now, last nite Keith had Craig Crawford on, Keith asked if Crawford thought Hill went on Tyra to play the victim the day before the NV caucus to get the sympathy vote. The show was taped a while ago,(as her tear did it for her in NH the day before NH primary) Crawford said, "I don't so". What a crock, it's no secret that Crawford miss the Clintons something terrible, but he is very dishonest when says "I don't think so", I also think Crawford being a "southern belle" he does not want a black man as POTUS, but he just might have to get over it. Being from the south myself, I know all about the Craig Crawfords of the world. But I want stress not every white person south of the Mason/Dixon line has the mentally of Crawford.
And one more thing, why in the heck does MSNBC keep Buchanan on the air?

Suothern Voter, Alabama (Sent Saturday, January 19, 2008 11:04 AM)

Has everyone forgotten who started attacking first. The first few debates Mrs. Clinton was begging the others candidates not to go Neg.The press was having none of that. After each debate they were so Out done with Obama performance because he wouldn't attack Hillary.They would say things like "She cleaned his Clock! he need to grow some B%&*! He want stand up. They kept saying this in order to make him attack Hillary.At some point he and Edwards started attacting her. At first, she wouldn't fight back. They kept on attacking her. One day She said enough is enough! This is when the media went crazy. Accusung her of attacking Obama. I became ill just watching how the media made her out to be such a villian. That's when i started suppoting her.. This is when it became clear to me that she was indeed the strongest of the three. I would like to see either one of the other two candidates stand up to the kind of attacks she's had to put up with.. MSNBC is the worst. She gets more support from Pat Bucannon on your network than known liberal. By the way, I am a African American Male who is well informed on the issues. Be Fair is all we asked as viewers. I tried to watch Morning Joe this morning but it was very Tough. Between him and his sidkicks they have found new ways to lift Obama up and Bash Mrs. clinton. When will it stop. The lady on the show tries to be fair but she is totally overwhelm by Joe.That show need someone who will stand up to Joe Scarrrrr. Meka is no match for him. He is more sexist than Matthews. What is it with your Network. Why are the men such Women Haters? Shuster Is ok..Give him and Stephen A Smith from ESPN their own show. I saw Smith on hardball the other nite and I was very impressed. Those two would play real un BIAS Hardball...

Manny James, Marietta Ga (Sent Saturday, January 19, 2008 11:06 AM)

The Clintons are power driven and will do anything to get to the White House. Bill lied to the government about his affair with Monica and many Americans accepted that. What are we coming to as a country. Hollywood celebrities committing murder and are acquitted. Foreigners love America but do not have the same feeling for the Americans. We have lost our sense of values and common sense. My father taught me that your word is better than what is written on paper. A persons word now is just that with no meaning. We need to get back to basic values, honesty and throw in some common sense. FROM: A Vietnam Vet who is still waiting to be welcomed home and for all Vietnam Vets. My vote is for John McCain who has been there, done that and has experience and integrity.

Ron Eagle River, ak (Sent Saturday, January 19, 2008 11:07 AM)

Why do you think former President Clinton ends his "attacks" on Senator Obama with the disclaimer, "I'm not making this up!" It didn't occur to me that he was....until he said it. Now it just reminds me of the many times he proclaimed, just as sincerely, that he was telling the truth!

Ann Begley (Sent Saturday, January 19, 2008 11:07 AM)

I did not have sex with that woman.

samuel. saint louis, mo (Sent Saturday, January 19, 2008 11:07 AM)

NOTICE TO DEMOCRATS MIKE HUCKABEE COMPARES GAY MARRIAGE TO BEASTILITY, SO ALL YOU DEMOCRATS NEEDS TO GET RID OF YOUR DOGS, BESIDES WHAT YOU HAVE BEEN DOING IS ANIMAL CRUELTY ANYHOW POOR DOGS

DAVID ANDERS TX (Sent Saturday, January 19, 2008 11:07 AM)

FROM YOUR PARTY: Now play the game fair you know the rules ! Now Senator John Kerry and Mr. Howard Dean you guys had been attacked for remarks that were taken out of context that were later explained now all of sudden Senator Clinton and crew are excluded nothing against her yet if change is what's she is about then Senator Obama is drawing our youth and our future with him make a decision for I know you all were young in your on crusade's that a good use for experience.

Raymond T. Poole (Sent Saturday, January 19, 2008 11:08 AM)

I hope that Devin, Albuquerque, NM took the time to read Anderson, Savoy, IL. What's relevant is being able to stay objective through this process and not falling victim to the calculations of politians and/or their operatives.

Christian, Huntsville, AL (Sent Saturday, January 19, 2008 11:08 AM)

I have no doubt that Bill Clinton is telling the truth. Just look at the lying ad (in spanish mind you) that was put out for Obama. If Hillary had done that ad the media would be having her tarred and feathered.

Talk is cheap, Obama's actions say "dirty tricks" and whatever I have to do or say to win. Once again people, Bill lied to his wife but he never lied a fraction of the times your president lied and continues to lie.

Obama says he has no "federal lobbyists" but he does have lobbyists, so it's like he's lying to us with his fingers crossed behind his back. GIVE ME A BREAK!

Shirley (Sent Saturday, January 19, 2008 11:08 AM)

Bill Clinton, is not worth the media's exposure!

HRC, The controlled puppet!

Now what more is there to be said.

Bray on this """ not electable """

YEH, Enough is Enough! (Sent Saturday, January 19, 2008 11:09 AM)

It is time for a different dynasty in the White House. If Mrs. Clinton gets elected as president and then reelected. That would make a total of 28 years a Bush or a Clinton would be President. Didn't George Washington say there shouldn't be a King? Lets elect a Leader. A leader that doesn't put up with any @#$%.

Rich Deuto (Sent Saturday, January 19, 2008 11:10 AM)

I am so tired of hearing the Bill bashing. We had a wonderful life (I actually had money!) under the Clinton administration. I don't know that the country can take much more. Hillary has the capability of bringing us back. Obama has nothing concrete to offer at this time. Give him some time to grow up politically. Hillary all the way!

Carla Edwards, Brownwood, Texas (Sent Saturday, January 19, 2008 11:10 AM)

I was a somewhat Bill Clinton supporter mostly because the alternatives were so much worse. But lets face it the only one in the Clinton White House that really mattered was Al Gore

Eldon Ogden Utah (Sent Saturday, January 19, 2008 11:11 AM)

Okay, so maybe some culinary workers did say they want to vote for Hilary...is that so unbelievable? Of course not everyone is going to agree 100%, this is America. Bottom line: the CW's are free to choose once they are in those booths ALONE. Some "evil CW overlord" (give me a break) isn't going to be standing over them directing them how to vote. Ultimately they'll vote for the canidate they want to. And, in the end the Clintons will contend to be either the victims or the victors. If Hilary doesn't get the vote they'll blame the CW Union for pushing the buttons in the booths. If Hilary actually does get the votes, she'll scream victory over the evil CW Union. It's just another Clinton policital tactic.

Do we really want a woman who didn't know what her husband (and the person sleeping next to her every night) was doing with other women as the one in charge of our country? She didn't know what was going on in the next room then, how is now any different?

(former) Republican Soccer Momma for Obama, Lee's Summit, MO (Sent Saturday, January 19, 2008 11:11 AM)

I did not see an angry Bill Clinton, just a tough Bill Clinton, looking out for his own. One who know the different between facts and fantsy.

ANDREW JACKSON Desoto, Tx (Sent Saturday, January 19, 2008 11:12 AM)

I THINK THE NATION NEEDS A NEW GUY IN THE OFFICE....THE CLINTONS HAD THEIR CHANCE. I MEAN HILLARY WAS MORE PRESIDENT THEN BILL WAS

LATEEF, NICODEMUS, KS (Sent Saturday, January 19, 2008 11:12 AM)

This isnt the Bill Clinton I remember and love.....

Brian Benedictus, Taipei, Taiwan (Sent Saturday, January 19, 2008 11:13 AM)

Gimme a break the Clintons are the best shot at the Republicans holding on to the Whitehouse and they know it. Who was it that forced through the magnificent NAFTA free trade deal, and other legislation wanted by the Rebubs diuring his administration? And now you've got Billy Boy running around beating up on union people who are considered to be the life blood of the Democrat party. The turdly two will say and do anything to hold on to power and so will the ancient ones who support them! Please gimme a break and go get'em Nevada.

Norman Cagney, Newport News, VA. 23606 (Sent Saturday, January 19, 2008 11:13 AM)

When economy is on the verge of recession, it will be immature move to put it back in the hands of beginner. It will be wise to assign back to someone who is experienced in fixing the economy. Obama is a kid, he can be successful provided he is following the great president is history. It would be more mature of him to work with Hillary rather working against her.

Jay, New York, NY (Sent Saturday, January 19, 2008 11:14 AM)

"I did not have sexual relations with that woman..."

Citizen (Sent Saturday, January 19, 2008 11:15 AM)

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