First thoughts: The Jesse Jackson flap

Posted: Thursday, July 10, 2008 9:20 AM by Domenico Montanaro
Filed Under: First Thoughts, 2008

From Chuck Todd, Mark Murray, and Domenico Montanaro
*** The Jesse Jackson flap: By now, you’ve probably heard the news that Jesse Jackson made a crude comment about Obama -- regarding the candidate’s addresses to the African-American community on fatherhood -- and Jackson preemptively apologized for it, which Obama accepted. Obviously, this fight is helpful for Obama among white voters who have never been comfortable with how Jackson practices identity politics. Also, the news helped bury the FISA story, which was creating some minor headaches for Obama. A few other things we’ve learned from this episode. One, Jesse's nervous about his own standing in the black political community, which is why he worked so hard to get ahead of this story. (After all, if Bill Clinton can become persona non grata with blacks for attacking Obama, so too can Jesse.) Two, there's a generational divide inside the black community on this debate over the government’s role in lifting up blacks vs. personal responsibility. Here's a booking challenge to folks: Go ask Bill Cosby to pick sides in this debate.

VIDEO: The Rev. Jesse Jackson is apologizing for crude comments he made about Obama. NBC's Andrea Mitchell reports.

*** The Hillary-Obama drama…: … just isn’t going to end -- and that’s due to the principals, their supporters and, yes, the news media. Yesterday began with a New York Times article noting how big Clinton donors were upset that Obama’s folks weren’t doing more to help retire Hillary’s debt. Then we found out that while Obama voted for the controversial FISA legislation, Clinton didn’t. (Had she voted for the legislation, which passed overwhelmingly by a 69-28 margin, that would have given Obama some cover with opponents of the deal). And finally, at last night’s fundraising event in New York, Obama temporarily forgot to ask donors to help retire Hillary’s debt -- as if Clinton’s major fundraisers didn't need another reason to be bitter about Obama. “Hold on a second guys, I was getting all carried away,” he told a crowd of about 1,000 people in a ballroom at the Grand Hyatt, per NBC/NJ’s Athena Jones. “I’ve got one more thing that is important to do.” He then asked attendees to look under their chair for a donation form.

*** A Freudian moment of forgetfulness? It seems that things went a bit smoother at this morning’s joint Obama-Clinton fundraising appearance this morning in New York. In fact, Obama was extra effusive about Clinton, according to remarks released by his campaign. “I’ve admired her as a leader, I’ve learned from her as a candidate, I am proud to call her my friend,” he said. “And I know how much we’ll need both Hillary Clinton and Bill Clinton as a party and a country in the months and years to come.” Call Obama temporarily forgetting to plug Clinton’s debt last night a Freudian moment of forgetfulness. But it won't help heal the wounds between Clinton's major finance folks and team Obama. At this point, we're guessing that the major Clinton finance people are not going to climb aboard the Obama bandwagon until or if he wins in November. They don't believe they'll ever have a good seat, so might as well sit back and hope for the Clintons to return to power. By the way, are we starting to get a long enough list of moments like this with Obama that someone's going to start wondering if he's getting just a little bit cocky?

VIDEO: At a New York fundraiser, Obama nearly forgets to urge supporters to help Clinton pay off her campaign debt. NBC's Andrea Mitchell reports.

*** Which party is more unified? This Obama-Clinton storyline begs this question: Which party is more unified heading into November -- the Democrats or the Republicans? A new Pew poll, which has Obama leading McCain by eight points (48%-40%), shows that Republicans are facing a big enthusiasm and engagement gap versus the Democrats. Indeed, per pollster Andrew Kohut, McCain “engenders less strong support than does Obama, and has much weaker support than did George W. Bush in his two successful presidential campaigns.” Still, the poll also notes that some Clinton supporters aren’t jumping aboard the Obama Express just yet. Only 35% of Democrats who supported Clinton in the primaries say he is personally qualified to be president, and Clinton supporters are split over whether McCain or Obama could better deal with terrorist threats. This is why the Clinton-Obama story is a significant one, at least for now: The fact that some Clinton supporters aren’t behind Obama is one of the main reasons why this race remains fairly close. Of course, the bad news for McCain is that four months might be plenty of time to heal lingering wounds.

VIDEO: NBC Political Director Chuck Todd looks at the electoral map, which has shown a recent tilt toward Obama.

*** Iran, we hardly knew ye: Yesterday morning, it appeared Iran's missile test would dominate the political campaign for the rest of the week. Well, the story didn't even last an entire day. What a lesson of the 24-7 news cycle. Jackson and now even the Clinton-Obama fundraiser chatter seem to have trumped the Iran story. No doubt security issues will come back, and we're guessing the RNC and McCain will work hard today to try and recapture what was a missed opportunity here. But who knows. Racial politics is like catnip for the media. Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton continue to prove they can get attention even when they don't want it. Anyone else have presidential issue whiplash this week?

*** Veepstakes watch: But anyone who thought that McCain is going to have an easy time attracting female Clinton supporters needs to check out today’s pieces in the Los Angeles Times and the San Francisco Chronicle on potential McCain veep Carly Fiorina. Both papers say, respectively, that she has “taken some license with McCain's positions” on women's issues and taken criticism that she “is playing fast and loose with the facts." Also, McCain’s comments yesterday (or lack thereof) on birth control and Viagra may not help him among Clinton’s female supporters. See below for more on that.

*** On the trail: McCain is in Michigan, holding a town hall in Belleville on jobs and small businesses before heading to Minnesota. Obama is Virginia, where he conducts his own town hall in Fairfax on economic security for women. And Michelle Obama has a discussion with women in Kansas City, MO.

Countdown to Dem convention: 46 days
Countdown to GOP convention: 53 days
Countdown to Election Day 2008: 117 days
Countdown to Inauguration Day 2009: 194 days

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Comments

Sudden thoughts and second thoughts

I saw this posted yesterday about the media’s overbearing attention to Obama, and not so much McCain. “Now you can go back to manufacturing flip-flops to pin on Obama and comment on them endlessly and then comment on how Obama must be in trouble because he has to keep defending himself from flip-flop accusations (that you manufactured and then keep talking about).” Perfect statement! I think it is safe to say First Read has taken many well deserved hits this week on coverage bias or supposed bias in favor of McCain. It almost makes you wonder if every analyst and pundit has their calendars marked for the day when they will bring back Rev. Wright, Michelle’s first time to be proud misstatement and the elitist comments. I don’t think this election is a referendum on Obama as some here have suggested. Is it out of line to suggest that maybe too many people in Washington and the NY media center are just jealous of Obama’s success, and they feel it necessary to knock him down?

Are you as thrilled as I to see the convention acceptance speech has moved to the Bronco’s football stadium? I have been shouting from the mountain tops for the Obama campaign team to have these mega events. I am confident his acceptance speech will be memorable, but can you envision it how it will be? In front of nearly 80,000 people to boot!

I hate this lull before the conventions. However, I do look forward to Obama’s trip to Europe and the Mideast. I wonder what kind of crowds he might get, or will it be low key? If he does have any public events while overseas and draws huge crowds, can you picture what kind of statement that will make about restoring America’s image? From what I read and hear, he is almost more popular in Europe than here.

With so many people declining to be VP for Obama, I am still in the race for my choice…Nancy Pelosi. It looks more and more like it will be Senator Biden however. Not only will Obama benefit from his skills, so will the nation if this Iran saber rattling gets any closer to critical mass. If he does select Hillary, I am beginning to think it could work and there won’t be the defections of voters pundits think will occur.

I want to see a poll, or summary of polls, that gets into what Americans are passionate about. We know our fellow citizens get polled to death on who they will vote for this November, and what party is up or down, or what political issues are the most important. What I want to see is what makes us tick, what do we have passion about (not just politics or political issues), what do we really care about accomplishing in our daily lives. If anyone can tap into this huge subject and extract accurate readings, you could probably shape some pretty good public policy from that data.

Chuck, NY (Sent Thursday, July 10, 2008 9:25 AM)

Yesterday began with a New York Times article noting how big Clinton donors were upset that Obama’s folks weren’t doing more to help retire Hillary’s debt.
********************************************************

Come on folks, really? What's Obama going to do, FORCE his supporters to pay off the Clinton's debt? The last time that I checked, they knew full well going into an election that money can be an issue. Then Hillary VOLUNTARILY loaned her campaign money - which is a risk no matter how you look at it.

It's NOT Obama's fault that the Clinton's have some debt left over after the campaign. Sure, he can try to persuade his supporters to help pay it down - but there is only so much that he can do.

http://thepajamapundit.com/

the Pajama Pundit (Sent Thursday, July 10, 2008 9:27 AM)

are we starting to get a long enough list of moments like this with Obama that someone's going to start wondering if he's getting just a little bit cocky?

Oh, come on. Do you want a leader who lacks confidence? A stumbler and bumbler? I see little wrong with a leader who is sure of himself and ready to get to work on the course he has defined. (As opposed, for example to brain-shrink Bush with puppetmaster Cheney or napping McCain with his team of handlers.) Were you FR staffers such nerds that you can't hack someone with 'the right stuff'?

iowan (Sent Thursday, July 10, 2008 9:31 AM)

First jesse jackson should be ashamed of himself for saying that. Second i saw that funraiser where obama forgot to plug clintons debt. His speech was so good that i forgot it was even a fundraiser. and so what he reminded people at the end that clinton needs money. Also if the clinton fundraisers expect obama to kiss up to them then they have another thing coming.
Also the clinton and obama event today was great and i love seeing them together. I just hope the supporters can move on and come together.

Result of McCain's campaign retooling
http://sensico.wordpress.com/2008/07/07/the-result-of-mccains-campaign-re-toolingcrocs-and-giggles/
or

http://sensico2.blogspot.com/2008/07/my-blogs.html

camie (Sent Thursday, July 10, 2008 9:32 AM)

I didn't hear about the J.Jackson flap. But of course I watch network news such as CBS where things like this are totally ignored.

Hasiuk Patel (Sent Thursday, July 10, 2008 9:33 AM)

It is sad commentary when the likes of MSNBC find a fundraiser more important than Iran. It shows the lack of dignity in the news media and their need to attempt to control the election outcome and horserace. Issues are what should be the focus for both candidates not silly campaign tactics. This is important and not simply fodder for the media to make money.

Jonathan Delaware (Sent Thursday, July 10, 2008 9:33 AM)

Women need to realize how often McCain has voted anti-women and anti-family. It is time that the journalists challenge him, and quit letting him get away with "I have cast too many votes to remember" answers. He is the candidate, and he should be prepared to answer questions. If he isn't, he once again demonstrates that he is too old for the job of POTUS.

sotiredofignorance (Sent Thursday, July 10, 2008 9:33 AM)

Does anyone else feel the breeze? It's coming from all the hand waving going on today from the Jackson/Obama apologists.

Kent Ideal, Rye NY (Sent Thursday, July 10, 2008 9:34 AM)

The first I heard about the John McCain/Vietnam Vet audience member exchange was last night at approximately 8:40 when Rachel Maddow reported it. I couldn't believe Senator McCain's response. If I wasn't so angry I'd be speechless.

How on earth could Senator McCain in good conscience lie not only about Senator Jim Webb, but all veterans with respect to his voting record? McCain looked this war veteran right in the eye and out and out lied. This could quite possibly be a new all time low for a republican. And there are a whole truck full of lows.

But wait - I know - John McCain is a hero. He was a POW. He's patriotic. He can be trusted (to bomb Iran and/or sell them more cigarettes).

Lindsey Graham. Say you're joking Senator McCain - Lindsey Graham? His grade shown on the IAVA's website(veterans) was a D-.

Fasten your seatbelts America - not one Republican received a grade higher than a C from the troops. Not one. Only three Republicans received a C. The rest had lower grades. All the Democrats received a grade of C or higher. Every single one of them.
At times it's really heartbreaking listening to Paul Reickhoff and Jon Soltz. I put them both way up there with John Dean, Jonathan Turley, Richard Wolffe & Richard Clarke as far as painstakingly trying to educate us - night in, night out.

Some of us pay attention, some of us don't. But most of us do - and that's precisely why our democratic nominee is going to win.

I cannot wait for Barack Obama to walk up the steps of the Capitol to take his oath of office next January with Michelle, his two beautiful daughters and his grandmother at his side. I'll be there in the freezing cold with my two little granddaughters. Thousands and thousands of us will be there. What an extraordinary day it’s going to be.
_________________________________
I remember so well the frustration Keith Olbermann was showing back in 2006 because of what the Bush Administration was getting away with while the country and most of the media turned a blind eye.
No more. At least not us. The media perhaps, but not us.

Just 4 more months. That's it.

Pat, Boston, MA (Sent Thursday, July 10, 2008 9:34 AM)

Obama's temporary 'forgetfulness' doesn't show that he's "cocky", it shows that he has more important things on his mind.

Yesterday was an important day for him for a couple of reasons: Iran required an executive-level response and FISA required and executive-level mindset. The man is beginning to act like a President. Hillary has responsibility only to the residents of the State of New York now, so she can afford to be partisan. Obama will soon be charged with protecting the United States of America -- it's a completely different level of responsibility. I think his vote on FISA reflects that he's taking that responsibility to heart. Besides, giving the intelligence and law enforcement communities the tools to do their job actually makes such criminal "creative methods" like those employed by the Bush Administration less likely. I think it was a responsible vote and a very very tough call on his part.

We see how John McCain responded: by not even showing up for the vote.

Julia Kelly, Illinois (Sent Thursday, July 10, 2008 9:35 AM)

Of all the stories to lead on,
McCain wants to Bomb Iran ... and use cigarettes to kill IRANIAN CIVILIANS... and

What does First Read do... print stories on One
African American insulting Obama, and how some Clintonistas are not happy with Obama.

Very very first rate first read.

wow ... Pat Buchanan is rearing his thoughts onto the first read pundits.

congratulations First Read ! You have succeded in making me disgusted with you .

Steve NewYork NY (Sent Thursday, July 10, 2008 9:35 AM)

Obama isn't getting cocky. He's running for president. That's job number one. Most of the rank-and-file Hillary supporters are already behind Obama, much like their preferred candidate, Clinton. It's the fat cats who are still bitter and whining. Grow up, shut up, and get behind the party's nominee. I mean, the main intent of the event last night was to raise money for Hillary - I'm sure the attendees were well aware of this.

This isn't a "kiss up to Hillary's big donor folks in order to make them feel important race". And it's not a race to pay Mark Penn's obnoxious and unearned bill. (had he been worth the money, Hillary would be the nominee right now) This is a race for the President of the United States...a race to win over American voters and elect a Democratic president. Hillary's on board, McAuliffe's on board, Hillary staffers are now on Obama's team. The fat cats just need to chill.

OGLiberal, NJ (Sent Thursday, July 10, 2008 9:35 AM)

Good for Carly Fiorina. She *should* speak on issues that are important to her -- regardless of McCain's "talking points"...

Let's be honest about his lack of support for women's issues!

Julia Kelly, Illinois (Sent Thursday, July 10, 2008 9:37 AM)

Obama admires Hillary as "A leader"? Just what has Hillary ever lead? And Barack, same question.

Medve Kradle, Detroit (Sent Thursday, July 10, 2008 9:38 AM)

Obama is running against McCain, Lieberman and the Media! How disgusting of you media people - do your job and cover this campaign in a fair manner! You have not credibility at all - what a joke!

Yola, CT (Sent Thursday, July 10, 2008 9:39 AM)

"By the way, are we starting to get a long enough list of moments like this with Obama that someone's going to start wondering if he's getting just a little bit cocky?"

It's just "Obama being Obama" and that's why we love him, right news media? Just like John McCain can say whatever the hell he wants cause he's just such a loveable old forgetful guy - right? You guys really need to try harder keep your Obama sneers in check whenever possible - makes that whole "objectivity" thing harder to believe, ya know?

No mention of the Vietnam Vet at John McCain's town hall meeting calling him out about all the Veteran's benefits he has voted against? Somehow that seems more relevant than more Clinton news - you know after all your dire predictions that Obama couldn't win with Hispanics and in the swing states without her on the ticket turned out to be a bunch of you know what, this whole fundraising thing is all ya got left, huh?

So sad.

Nashville_fan (Sent Thursday, July 10, 2008 9:39 AM)

I don't know which of you 3 (Chuck, Mark or Domenico) penned this statement above "if he's getting just a little bit cocky?", but it is totally uncalled for and whomever wrote it should apologize.

If I wanted Fox News I would go there.

Paul, Chicago Illinois (Sent Thursday, July 10, 2008 9:39 AM)

I love it when you guys (and other news orgs) act as if you're exasperated over how the "Obama-Hillary drama" won't end.

It doesn't end because ALL OF YOU perpetuate it ad infinitum.

It is all we get. You even have blurbs after the fact about how the "Iran story got ignored," while you fixate about how Obama is so cocky that he forgot to ask his donors to pay of the Clinton debt, which oh yeah, he didn't actually forget, it just wasn't in the prepared remarks.

You control the narrative. It won't go away because you won't let it.

So at least drop the faux amazement at how that storyline always dominates.

Sean, Austin, TX (Sent Thursday, July 10, 2008 9:41 AM)

Hillary-Obama Drama--What makes it continue? No, not the principals, No, not the supporters. THE MEDIA KEEPS IT ALIVE. If the media were silent the issues would be silent, would be a non-issue. Get it???

Now for the word "Cocky" You used it today, Chris Matthews used it earlier this week. No other news outlets are using that word. It coud be considered offensive. It should be one of those words that you never use again. Thanks for listening.

Ron Indiana (Sent Thursday, July 10, 2008 9:41 AM)

Obama is also in the tar pit of 'identity politics'. He's a Democrat for one, so that is that partys life blood. And his constant condecending remarks towards rural whites is used to marginalize his enemies and to solidify his base.

Texas Ted (Sent Thursday, July 10, 2008 9:41 AM)

When did it become OBAMA'S job to raise money for Obama ?
Thats why we continue to detest the Clintons !
I just can't stand it anymore !
Disgusting

Steve NewYork NY (Sent Thursday, July 10, 2008 9:42 AM)

Cocky? I keep hearing "snob" and "look at the way the guy carries himself" and "he looks down at people" - all this on MSNBC. Are you guys using code words for "uppity"? Sorry, but a white man who does these things is seen as "confident" but the black man has to be "cocky"... we have come far but obviously not far enough.

Disgusted in CT (Sent Thursday, July 10, 2008 9:42 AM)

Regarding Obama helping to retire Clinton's debt: If I were him I would be resentful of this responsibilty. Clinton caused him all kinds of headaches by staying in the race too long - during which time she accumulated this debt - and now he has to help her pay it off... I would advise Obama to do the minimum amount necessary to prevent pissing-off Clinton's stalwarts, but at some point stop wasting time and energy on this. Hillary made her bed - let her lie in it!

Colleen, Ithaca, NY (Sent Thursday, July 10, 2008 9:43 AM)

The Clintons have spent their entire lives creating
messes and expecting other people to come along behind
them and clean up. This goes directly to their sense
of earned entitlement. Probably why she lost, too.

These two Arkansas grifters are worth over a $100
million dollars! Let THEM pay off their own debts!

Not a dime for Hillary Clinton!

JIM WHITTAKER, Hemet, CA (Sent Thursday, July 10, 2008 9:43 AM)

Jackson was upset with Sen. Obama because Sen. Obama's statement hit too close to home (black men being RESPONSIBLE). The older Jackson gets, the more of a fool he becomes. It's time for Jackson to "step back" also. There's a new sheriff in town!

OBAMA/BIDEN, 2008!

KJ, Dallas, TX (Sent Thursday, July 10, 2008 9:46 AM)

"By the way, are we starting to get a long enough list of moments like this with Obama that someone's going to start wondering if he's getting just a little bit cocky?"
******************************************************
We've all been exposed lately to a lot of race information.

There are certain buzz words that are being used by the media. Folks are beginning to read between the lines. I have never heard a white person being called cocky if he are she are confident. Don't you think its time to start THINKING about these issues?????

As the media you can start the dialog of being more understanding and not repeating these nasty bits of rhetoric.

Andrea, New York City (Sent Thursday, July 10, 2008 9:47 AM)

If after yesterday anyone could seriously decide to vote for McBush, they need serious help from a professional. Do you doubt that McSame will get us into a conflict with Iran? BOMB, BOMB, Bomb Iran from McSame? Hoping Iranians will die from cigaretts? What kind of man would say this kind of stuff? I don't care if Obama backs off of everything but his continued discussion about changing the MIND-SET of WAR! I will vote for him, send money (that I have to sacrafice my family for), work for him and make him our next president. Obama 08 FOR CHANGE!

Bev, LA, CA (Sent Thursday, July 10, 2008 9:47 AM)

My 3 lessons for the day...

1. Jessie Jackson needs to join the rest of us in this century and stop playing the angry, divisive racial politics of the past. He should listen to his own son.

2.Hillary Clinton needs to pay her own debts because right now she's a drag on the Obama campaign.

3. The media needs to draw more attention to the MAJOR gaffes McCain makes day-after-day.

Colleen, Ithaca, NY (Sent Thursday, July 10, 2008 9:49 AM)

great first he was elitest, then a flip flopper, then moving to the center and now cocky. Every commentator on the 24 hours news channels is going be asking "Is Obama cocky?" I cannot even watch Chris Matthews anymore (who I used to love watching) - I am exhausted by his obession with the white, non-college graduate, older voter...as though they are the only voters...I try to be informed and keep up the election but this coverage is just so crazy.....John McCain is just walking around giving lack luster speeches, with questionable facts and the press completely ignores this...It is like they are afraid of Fox News and Rush accussing them of being the Liberal press so they go OUT OF THIER WAY to question every move/statement/supposed statement from Obama and let McCain run unchecked.

Pthomas (Sent Thursday, July 10, 2008 9:50 AM)

Jackson and Sharpton want to blame the (white) government first and foremost, and don't know how to handle Obama's call for personal, individual responsibility. Their time has passed, and Jackson, at least, seems to know it. Speaking of people whose time has passed...there are many of us whoo believe that Hillary's debt should stay HILLARY'S debt. She needs to take responsibility (there's that nasty word again!) for running her campaign into debt by persisting long after the numbers were against her.
Another group whose time is past seems to be the Republican Party, whose enthusiasm doesn't match a pile of dead cow flop, mostly because their candidate doesn't, either. Nor does what passes as his campaign organization. Iran seems to want him to be President, but no one else does.

Class Warrior, D.C. (Sent Thursday, July 10, 2008 9:51 AM)

Julie Kelly - Obama's temporary 'forgetfulness' doesn't show that he's "cocky", it shows that he has more important things on his mind.

Exactly. Obama needs to make sure Jesse isn't sneaking up behind him.

Trim Balles (Sent Thursday, July 10, 2008 9:52 AM)

don't know which of you 3 (Chuck, Mark or Domenico) penned this statement above "if he's getting just a little bit cocky?", but it is totally uncalled for and whomever wrote it should apologize.
------------------------------------------------------Chuck, Mark and Domenico-you do a great job. The liberals have no problem skewering McCain but can't handle it when someone suggests that Obama may have exhibited slightly less than perfect behavior. I appreciate your honest insights of both candidates, whether they're flattering or not. So thank you for the job you do.

Sally (Sent Thursday, July 10, 2008 9:53 AM)

are we starting to get a long enough list of moments like this with Obama that someone's going to start wondering if he's getting just a little bit cocky?
----------------------------------------------------

So he complemented Hillary but forgot to mention her fund-raising one time. So what? Once again, you FR people are really reaching to invent a "problem" for Obama. What's with the "Freudian" analysis? Why don't you to stick to reporting and leave the psychology to psychologists?

Houston (Sent Thursday, July 10, 2008 9:53 AM)

Sounds like a real Obama fan club here? Why? They don't know. He's not Bush, I guess. Say anything even remotely negative about Obama, and you get the Fox news comparison. Folks, if you only want Obama fluff, go to CNN.

Steve (Sent Thursday, July 10, 2008 9:53 AM)

No Hillary = no Dem White House ! pure and simple.

Only 35% of Democrats who supported Clinton in the primaries say he is personally qualified to be president---------- See !

Learn to say President McCain.

HillDem4McCain (Sent Thursday, July 10, 2008 9:53 AM)

I was going to comment on the "cocky" comment...but everyone else did it for me very well.

Thank you guys for beating me to the punch...I couldn't have expressed it better

Lyn (Sent Thursday, July 10, 2008 9:56 AM)

I don't buy that any arguement with Jesse Jackson or any other seedy characters Obama is associated with will help him with the "white" voters, voters regardless of their skin color are beginning to see this guy is just not capable of being an effective President, he double talks, he says one thing one day and the next day says something else entirely. America is waking up. Obama is way too far left to be a representation of the majority of Americans who are of all races and nationalities. I will be glad when this is over and he can go back and maybe do something this time as Senator of Chicago!

Terri Montes, Dallas TX (Sent Thursday, July 10, 2008 9:56 AM)

fundraising=non-issue for americans and a big issue with the media, part of the summertime fluff news cycle. Better to stick with barbacue recipes than long range missle tests.
Hey does anyone know how long you should stay out of the water after voting?

John Alexander,PA (Sent Thursday, July 10, 2008 9:57 AM)

Now Jesse needs to be thrown off the Obama boat. Not too many people left for the Obama's and their supporters to hate anymore.

Curly Stooge (Sent Thursday, July 10, 2008 9:57 AM)

Obama's FISA vote proves once and for all that he's the biggest freaking phoney in American politics today.
As for Hillary's supporters being "bitter".....maybe we're just patriotic Americans who don't want to see this jerk-off ruin our country.
Jesse was right, by the way. He shouldn't have apologized...and Michele Obama needs to shut her mouth.
Mrs. "I'm proud of the U.S. for the first time" is anything but a lady, and she damn sure aint no "First" Lady.

DEMOCRATS FOR McCAIN
VETERANS AGAINST OBAMA
911 VICTIMS FOR A STRONGER AND SAFER AMERICA

VOTE FOR THE HERO, NOT FOR THE ZERO (Sent Thursday, July 10, 2008 9:58 AM)

As for Obama for CHANGE the ONLY thing that will be left in our wallets if he is elected will be change, and not much of it! EVEN economists say his ideas will cripple the economy! As for people referring to Senator McCain as McSame, that is juvenile he is very much different from Bush. Actually, Obama has back Bushes wire tapping policy and is more like Bush everyday! Obama wants to deweaponize America, so when we get attacked again we will have no way to defend ourselves!

Terri Montes, Dallas TX (Sent Thursday, July 10, 2008 9:59 AM)

Why on earth should i care about Hillary having a huge debt? what about the other people who ran for office do we try to bring their debt down. Another example of holding a gun to the head of Obama to get thier vote and support. if it was the ohter way around i am sure that the clinton's would not have done anything for Obama. Just don't like the clintons. not very good people.

Mar (Sent Thursday, July 10, 2008 9:59 AM)

Why don't you simply change Obama's name to "Jesus Christ"? According to every supporter he can do no wrong, is the answer to every problem, he can fix anything, heal the sick, never makes a mistake....shall I go on? Or can sheep read?

James B Orlando Florida (Sent Thursday, July 10, 2008 9:59 AM)

"if he's getting just a little bit cocky?", ....

Chuck,

I am laying this 'statement' at YOUR feet!! Not only is it evidence of a certain "BIAS" on the part of you and your staff, the basis for making it, alluded to in this article, is suspect at best!

Being the 'Political Director' should not make you become political in your comments...we thinking Americans are quite capable of making our own 'judgements', your team should just report the facts and let the public you are supposed to be serving decide on the 'spin' direction!!

GA GUY (Sent Thursday, July 10, 2008 10:00 AM)

Funny how you bring up the Jesse Jackson issue which will most likely remain a staple topic for some time, but that you also say that it "helped bury the FISA story" only to bring it (FISA) back up in the next story.

Jesse Jackson needs to focus his energy on his own agenda and stay out of politics. Me being a black father, I support Obama 100% on how he is addressing our role. I don't know what drove Jackson to say what he said especially on FOX of all places. All I know is that the media will ride this horse until it can be ridden no longer. Focus on the election and not trash talk.

bm (Sent Thursday, July 10, 2008 10:01 AM)

And I can just picture the conversations at some lounge or cocktail party after the fundraising event last night:

Hillary Fat Cat Donor: Can you believe what that f**king a**hole did tonight?

Beltway Journalist: What?

HFCD: He completely forgot to mention Hillary's debt.

BJ: Really?

HFCD: Yeah...cocky bast**d! I expect that you'll be writing about this tomorrow, right?

(Later, at BJ's hotel room/apartment. BJ is hunched over laptop.)

BJ: So, what's my lede? - "Obama snubs Clinton; Hillary supporters still cold to Democratic presumptive nominee"

OGLiberal (Sent Thursday, July 10, 2008 10:02 AM)

In putting things on my credit card, will whining about it get others to help pay it off? (If so I'll set up a web site for the cause).

Gesh, do Clinton supporters ever quit whining?

whiner (Sent Thursday, July 10, 2008 10:02 AM)

Nothing like some nice racial catnip for our dumbed-down corporate media. Chuck is right. I've seen that a few people have been a little hard on Mr. Todd lately but I still believe that he is one of the most honest men in punditry. There is an integrity gulf between the likes of Buchanan, Scarborough, and Mitchell when compared to Chuck Todd. He can only answer the questions that he's given. I find it funny how these pompous elitists( yes Joe has many zeroes in his bank account, Pat tries to show everyone that he's not out of the running for America's Top Bigot, and Andrea is married to Alan "Mr. Fed" Greenspan) can always look down their entitled noses at Barack and create more imaginary hoops to prove his "Real American" creds. Quick factcheck: his wife worked for Webb not McCain. Now after my brief stint as Chucky T Apologist. Ahem, please stop trying to create drama with the whole Hillary vs. Barack stuff. Most people have already moved on. Even after all of my anger with some of Clinton's dishonest tactics in the primary I gave $10 to her. If everyone was really so concerned about her debt, then each of her 17 million supporters should reach into their pockets and give a dollar. What kind of a lukewarm supporter can't even give a dollar? Then again our lazy media loves Obama vs. Clinton because it's "sexy" and not stale like Sen. McCain's constant bumbles and stumbles.

McCain makes more jokes about killing foreign citizens--ok. McCain dishonorably attempts to take credit for a GI Bill he was opposed to--ok. McCain lies about 300 economist approving his plan--ok. Iraqis want us out--ignore it. Obama doesn't let everyone interview his daughters--lets break out the hot tar and feathers!

C.K. Steele Fort Lauderdale, FL (Sent Thursday, July 10, 2008 10:02 AM)

C'mon Chuck; Where's the story on the vet who confronted McCain on his voting record? Where's the story about the lady who was removed from the McCain town hall meeting in Denver for carrying a sign that read McCain=Bush, they gave her a ticket for tresspassing.

linda ,n carolina (Sent Thursday, July 10, 2008 10:04 AM)

obama is a joke. i am losing faith in Americans. we are proving ourselves to be gullible and stupid.

no substance, all talk stil have not heard one good point made by this joker.

Mccain has experience and specific plans that make sense. he is the natural choice. at least I can feel that he can handle security and world affairs much better than the inexperienced hack that other world leaders are salivating at the thought of this wimp obama being there for easy bashing. we should be afraid very afraid.

greg, pinecrest fl (Sent Thursday, July 10, 2008 10:04 AM)

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