First thoughts: The A.D.D. Election

Posted: Friday, July 11, 2008 9:36 AM by Domenico Montanaro
Filed Under: First Thoughts

From Chuck Todd and Domenico Montanaro
*** The A.D.D Election: It’s another whiplash week. It's amazing how many Fridays we look back at the week and just shake our head... This really is turning into the A.D.D. election. Here’s the week that was… in reverse order… Phil Gramm's “mental” comments (btw, isn't "mental" such an '80s word?), Jesse Jackson “nut”-ty remarks, Iran’s missile tests (and that McCain “killing them” joke), FISA (Obama’s reversal and Clinton voting against it -- so did Biden, by the way), Clinton donors not happy with Obama’s debt relief efforts (and Obama briefly forgetting to mention the former rival at a joint funder), that McCain bio spot invoking the culture wars of the 1960s, the scrutiny of the candidates’ economic plans, more courting Latinos, Webb off the veep list, Carly Fiorina's Viagra/birth control comment, the T. Boone Pickens energy ad launch, the RNC energy ad and the first Obama response of the general election, and, of course, we started the week with Obama announcing he was moving the last night of the Dem convention to a football stadium. Whew. It's no wonder neither candidate has been successful at taking one of their "insert issue here" weeks from start to finish. There are just an incredible amount of distractions even during a supposed slow period like this one in July.

VIDEO: Sen. John McCain is quickly distancing himself from his economic adviser Phil Gramm, who dubbed the United States "a nation of whiners" in a mental recession." NBC's Kelly O'Donnell reports.

*** Why Gramm's so damaging? How annoyed was McCain's camp in having to deal with economic adviser Phil Gramm’s “mental recession” and “nation of whiners” comments -- especially during their ECONOMIC week? So annoyed that McCain tossed his longtime friend under the bus faster than, well, a typical Obama under-the-bus tossing. And get this… Gramm stands by the remarks. "I'm not going to retract any of it. Every word I said was true," he said, adding, "When I said we've become a nation of whiners, I'm talking about our leaders. I'm not talking about our people.” Gramm’s comments threw McCain camp way off message, but more than that, this -- combined with McCain calling Social Security “a disgrace” -- is flypaper for the “out of touch” label, something both candidates have been desperately trying to avoid. McCain was already struggling in proving that he had a grasp on the economy and could feel the pain of the average struggling voter in Michigan or Pennsylvania. Gramm's comments are going to keep coming back for some time, and it probably means McCain's got to stick to focusing on the economy even more than he wants.

*** Gaffes all around: Of course, it wasn’t just McCain’s side dealing with gaffes this week. Hotline noted where Obama camp's message had gone awry with forgetting to mention Clinton at his fundraiser, Jesse Jackson’s comments and Michelle Obama’s $600 earrings. But Gramm's comments blow the earrings comments out of the water, and the Jackson gaffe was all positive for Obama. There is no positive in the Gramm remarks for McCain -- no matter how far under a bus in Minsk McCain puts the former senator. But seriously, can either of these candidates get the message THEY want out there for even a 48 hour period? Calling you, Wes Clark, Phil Gramm. (Speaking of stepped on, yesterday was supposed to be about women’s issues, remember?)

*** Speaking of gaffes…: Imagine if Al Gore or John Kerry had changed the facts of a story they told forever in order to appeal to whatever swing state they were speaking in? John McCain is getting killed on Steeler fan forums for claiming that when he was a P.O.W. he would tell his interrogators the names of the starting defensive line of the Steelers. The actual story in his book had to do with Green Bay Packers offensive line. Also, the famous Steelers defensive line that McCain was trying to refer to (Mean Joe, L.C. etc.) didn't become famous until after McCain was out of Vietnam. The actual Steelers front four McCain could have referred to, according to one the Steeler fan forum that is crushing McCain on this comment today: "When McCain became a prisoner of war, the Steelers front four consisted of Ken Kortas, Chuck Hinton, Ben McGee and Lloyd Voss." Not exactly household names. And while we’re sure McCain’s a big time NFL fan and was in the ‘60s, there’s little chance he knew the front four of the then perennial doormat Pittsburgh Steelers. (Irony alert: McCain is in Wisconsin today, where no doubt the story would change before Cheeseheads.)

*** Money, money: Can McCain camp with the RNC close the money gap? Yesterday, McCain announced $22 million raised in June, his best month yet. And with the RNC’s money, the Republicans have almost $95 million cash on hand, the campaign said -- $27 million for McCain; $67 million for the RNC. No word on what Obama’s haul is, but with his need to coalesce Clinton donors combined with the DNC’s paltry figures, how embarrassing would it be for Obama, who passed up public financing, to come out close to tied with McCain? Also of note: Rick Davis proclaimed that the McCain campaign was on pace (with the help of the RNC) of meeting a goal of a $400 million general election budget. The Obama campaign has pegged its general election budget at $450 million. For McCain to hit his target, he and the RNC need to raise a combined $100 million before the GOP convention. Doable? We'll see. No doubt Rick Davis' boastful proclamation was designed to change the C.W. a bit about McCain's fundraising ability. The campaign doesn't like prospective GOP donors to believe somehow their money isn't going to count against Obama's financial juggernaut. Will Davis' happy talk turn into more donations? That was the design of yesterday's release and conference call. We'll see if the fickle GOP money folks who haven't given will now pony up.

*** No subtlety about this one? McCain went from $36 million on hand last month to $27 million this month because of what he is spending in ads, and today he is up with another, and it is an “all in” appeal to Hispanics in the battleground states of Colorado, Nevada and New Mexico where the ad is running. The ad is called “God’s Children” and excerpts McCain speaking about Hispanics at a GOP primary debate last year (how do we know it's last year? A picture of Tom Tancredo; subtle jab). McCain camp has to see the poll numbers, showing Obama up by wide margins with Hispanics, and if McCain doesn't make a play for them in those battlegrounds, this election could be over. But the problem that has always existed is the delicate balance McCain has to strike when talking about immigration. He backtracked on the issue last year in the Republican primary, saying he wouldn’t even vote for his own legislation. He said he’d gotten the message from conservatives on the issue. But this ad appears to be an attempt to strike a balance with those on the right who might not like McCain's immigration position. By using the military card, he makes it hard for those on the right to directly criticize his position; In fact, the ad doesn't advocate a specific immigration reform but the message is clear.

VIDEO: Is former presidential candidate John Kerry on Obama's short list for vice president? MSNBC's David Shuster reports.

*** Who’s being vetted? It’s starting to leak out who’s being vetted (Chris Dodd, apparently) and who isn’t (Hillary Clinton and Tim Pawlenty -- really?). Of course, none of that leans one way or another to who is going to actually be picked. They could just not be vetted YET. Remember, there are a couple of short lists, the actual one and the one for public consumption, so Obama and McCain can politically pay back a supporter or two.

*** Get that swing: We’ve been so focused on the NEW swing states, and where are Obama and McCain today? Wisconsin and Ohio -- the most traditional swing states there are. Wisconsin was the closest state of the 2004 presidential campaign -- just 0.38% of the vote separated Bush and Kerry.) And everyone knows the importance of Ohio. By the way, Obama is in Dayton -- and nothing says bellwether like Dayton.

*** On the trail: McCain campaigns in Wisconsin where he holds a town hall at a steel company, which happens to be women-owned; Obama, meanwhile, holds a town hall in Dayton, OH. Also, Clinton speaks to the League of United Latin American Citizens, or LULAC, in DC.

Countdown to Dem convention: 45 days
Countdown to GOP convention: 52 days
Countdown to Election Day 2008: 116 days
Countdown to Inauguration Day 2009: 193 days

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Comments

I firmly believe this election year has turned into another round of reality shows. Really, who doesn’t see the comedic candidates Obama & McCain fighting it out on Last Comic Standing? I think Obama’s line about there already is one Dr. Phil trumps McCain’s cigarette joke. We almost had all the major candidates ‘Dancing with the Stars’ on Ellen Degeneres’ show. Jerry in Corpus Christi is our Simon Colwell for this long running chase to be the next American Idol/President; some of us our Paula’s and Randy’s. And on November 4, we will finally hear that the tribe/country has spoken and McCain loses on this version of Survivor 2008. Bring your torch up John.

Maybe we should have a comedian be President and comedians fill out the Cabinet. The Defense Dept could kill them with laughter. The State Dept’s motto would be “Laugh, and the world laughs with you.” We would be in stitches every time the Justice Dept talked about their briefs. And the White House Press Secretary could give us a Letterman type Top Ten list every day. I can hear it now, ‘the top ten signs the economy is in the tank’. The comedy doesn’t stop with office holders. We already have 24/7 comedy from Fox Noise. Who doesn’t laugh at Olbermann’s Worst Person’s in the World? Every time we hear something bad on the news we always say “that’s so sad it’s almost funny.”

So stop your whining everyone, and get out of your mental recession. Psychologically, you are bringing us down.

Tom Dobbs, LA (Sent Friday, July 11, 2008 9:45 AM)

This week John McCain:
-Said that Social Security was a disgrace.
-Said that we are exporting cigarettes to Iran in an effort to kill them
-Said he can balance the budget in his first term by cutting taxes and expanding the
war(s)
- Said that he doesn’t remember his position or vote on whether or not Insurance
companies should pay for birth control
- Ignored calls by the elected Iraqi government for a timetable to get out of Iraq
- Threw Phil Gramm, his chief economic advisor, close friend and coworker for over 20 years (and one of the key architects of both the mortgage AND energy crisis), under the bus for his comments about a “mental recession” and Americans being “whiny”

When I turned on Morning Joe this morning, what were the panelists discussing:

Why can’t Barack Obama explain to their satisfaction why he loves America?

- I don’t have a problem with hearing opinions that differ from my own. I do have a problem listening to a faux “conversation” featuring mental midgets agreeing with each other. “I know he loves America, but I don’t FEEL he loves America.” (Insert head shakes of agreement here.)
- Why is Harold Ford on the show? He is a failed politician from Tennessee. No matter how much mindless drivel is thrown at him, he always finds a way to agree. “I felt that Obama’s Dr. Phil line missed an opportunity to seriously relate to people’s pain.” Shut up Harold – you’re a fraud. Which is why you are on Morning Joe instead of the Senate right now . Barack Obama doesn’t need any advice from “friends” like you and Jesse Jackson.
- I’m tired of hearing – “McCain is doing everything wrong – why are the polls still so close? There must be something wrong with Obama”. The real question is – how is it that a political newcomer that is smeared DAILY on the news as a cocky, arrogant, America hating SOB is leading the all –American war hero who is such a fabulous maverick?

I no longer expect any journalism from MSNBC. I view it as what it is – political entertainment programming. I can enjoy it in that context – but even entertainment requires variety from time to time. Can you freshen up the act a bit?

Nashville_fan (Sent Friday, July 11, 2008 9:47 AM)

If we elect a whiney metro-sexual like Obama, then yes, we have become a nation of whiners. Whiners that would depend on the government to run every little detail of the sorry lives.

Christin Rock, Pine Bluff, NC (Sent Friday, July 11, 2008 9:48 AM)

Obama a Hubris ShiftÉ
Obama Arrogant - Obama cocky !
******************************************************

Here we go again First Read !

The arrogance(cocky line is back)
Apparently you just don`t litsen to advice.
He has not done anything to show arrogance.

JUST BECAUSE FIRST READ WANTS IT TRUE DOES NOT MAKE IT SO.

Obama will accept his nomination in front of thousands because it`s history and many of us want to be there.

He was robbed of this moment when he got the magic number but the press continued to obsess with the Clintons instead of acknowledging the significance of an AA winning the nomination.

Giving an interview with his daughters is arroganceÉ Chuck Todd where do you come up with his stuffÉ

The presidential-looking seal was a mistake and it was removed.

So once again, if you cannot attack his policies, RESPECT HIM AS A MAN, A US SENETOR !

Otherwise, stop the (cocky,arrogance,exotic,he`s not one of us, flag-pin, blue-collar, appalachia, West Virginia,Kentucky) innuendos !

They all sound the same, and they come from one place.
That place where Jesse Helms, Strom Thurmond, Rev. Wright, Karl Rove and David Duke come from.

The shameful past of America.

So pundits, please be respectful !
Thank you.

steve Newyork NY (Sent Friday, July 11, 2008 9:49 AM)

Also, I hate how the media, especially First Read, always write a story stating "Imagine if (insert name of Democrat) would have said or done this and how they would have been treated!"

Basically, you're saying in so many words what we all know,

"IMAGINE IF WE ACTUALLY TRIED TO DO OUR JOBS AND ACTUALLY COVER THE MCCAIN CAMPAIGN LIKE WE DID EVERY OTHER CAMPAIGN IN THE PAST WITH THE AMOUNT OF ERROS AND GAFFES HE MAKE! OBAMA WOULD BE UP BY 50!"

Mister Anderson (The Matrix)) (Sent Friday, July 11, 2008 9:52 AM)

MSNBC You should be careful. I will stop reading First Read today after this article. I've already stopped watching your political programming. I am sure a boycott is right around the corner.

F**k off First Read! (Sent Friday, July 11, 2008 9:52 AM)

Give McCain a break---it was the '37 Bears backfield he recalled. Or was it playing catch with Abner Doubleday.

72 is too old on too many levels with this guy. Can he go to one of his homes for the weekend yet?

iowan (Sent Friday, July 11, 2008 9:52 AM)

Why I love America - Question raised this morning by Joe Scarborough:

Because of its potential. Because millions of us are tired of people who want to stay stuck in the conservative 1950’s. We have the potential to grow so much in the 21st Century.

We’re Americans. It’s what we’re about. And it’s going to take all of us. Yes work, take care of our families and yet, be cognizant of the possibilities for future generations.

Stop pointing out our differences. We need to come together now more than ever before.

What I hate about America -

Warmongers in the right wing media who are stupid and uninformed. Who never talk about the deaths and destruction we are causing to thousands of innocent people and yet Bid Laden has his freedom - still.

These right wingers are too busy ridiculing Democrats, instead of ridiculing people in their own party who won’t vote for Senator Obama simply because he’s black.

And I’m not talking about Reagan democrats (the Archie Bunkers of the world). I’m talking about real Republicans who live in the south. Not one republican commentator on tv ever says a word about them. It’s just accepted. They have been getting a free pass for years and years and years.
__________________________________________
To Reagan Democrats - What has this Republican President done for you?

Nothing.

They get your vote and then forget about you.
They take care of their rich friends.
You are patriotic but they forget about the military completely. They are war profiteers.
They forget about education.
They forget about healthcare.
They like cheap labor.
They forget about your family and instead corporate heads make a profit by sending your jobs to other countries where their governments are thrilled to give their citizens a job.
They forget about the people who are homeless because of hurricanes.
They forget about rebuilding this country with people like you who would love to get the chance to do the work.

They couldn’t care less about you or I. Whether you live in PA, Ohio, California, Massachusetts - it doesn't matter. We're all hurting in some way or another. Everywhere.

Black and white.

Pat, Boston, MA (Sent Friday, July 11, 2008 9:54 AM)

I have your back Nashville_fan on this one.

Chuck, NY (Sent Friday, July 11, 2008 9:54 AM)

Didn't the Steelers have to avoid sniper fire to find Vietnam?

I'm sad I'm a Republican these days (Sent Friday, July 11, 2008 9:54 AM)

Oh my gosh - McCain is so done in western Pa. If there's one thing you don't mess with, and disingenuous political pandering is considered 'messing,' its the Steel Curtain.

In all seriousness, McCain is truly in danger of defying expectations. Intuitively, we all assumed he was seasoned and ready. He's been in the Senate forever and he's run for president once before.

But now he's looking like he's in over his head. The Iraq gaffes, the dazed and confused look over the birth control/viagra question, his seeming lack of awareness for how Social Security has been funded from the start...

I saw Jim Kramer last night on some show (not his show, Mad Money, but someone else's). Kramer is mostly apolitical but when he does make a political comment, its pretty easy to tell he's a hardcore Republican. Even he was shaking his head at McCain's Social Security comment, and saying out loud what most journalists won't - does this guy know anything?

McCain is in real danger of taking on an Admiral Stockdale perception here.

Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA (Sent Friday, July 11, 2008 9:55 AM)

Thanks Chuck for mentioning the McCain Steelers lie. As well as the original story has been documented that it was the Packers line...if McCain truly forgot...that is frightening and is further proof of his senility. I know he did not forget. He was purposing lying to try to win votes and that is even scarier. Wake up main stream media and stop giving this joke of a candidate a free pass on all his lies and deception.

freddie, cleveland (Sent Friday, July 11, 2008 10:00 AM)

"When I said we've become a nation of whiners, I'm talking about our leaders. I'm not talking about our people."

Yeah, Phil, 'cause the nation is made up only of our leaders.

This whole thing may not kill McCain by any stretch, but Gramm's career is over. It's too bad that the one good point he had got buried because he said it so horribly and insulted Americans -- that the impact of economic downturns can be exacerbated or diffused depending on forecasts and perceptions of where the markets are going.

Brendan D, Niles, IL (Sent Friday, July 11, 2008 10:00 AM)

By the way, regarding the Steeler thing, though its a silly story it still represents a McCain lie. I thought he said he wouldn't do that?

Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA (Sent Friday, July 11, 2008 10:00 AM)

If we elect a whiney metro-sexual like Obama, then yes, we have become a nation of whiners. Whiners that would depend on the government to run every little detail of the sorry lives.
Christin Rock, Pine Bluff, NC

I totally agree with this statement. And Gramm is right, people have a since of entitlement and most of ain't worth the dirt they stand on.

T Lane Raleigh, NC (Sent Friday, July 11, 2008 10:01 AM)

Patriotism, patriotism, patriotism. Morning Joe’s new code for racism along with that other doozy—exotic. It really sickens me to see that elitist Joe Scarborough continue to keep making up more “Real American” tests for Sen. Obama to pass and only Joe possesses the ‘correct’ answer somehow like he has been a perfect citizen. A quick google search wipes out that falsehood. I heard this nugget from Andrea Mitchell yesterday but ignored it. It was when she was talking about the pluses of Joe Biden on the ticket. “Joe brings his Catholicism…” As they say down here in South Florida “Como?” What is it with MSNBC’s obsession with Catholicism? And now today she said about Sen. Dodd, “Well he has white hair and is Catholic” Once again..wth? People forget that a little more than 40 years ago JFK was under severe scrutiny and had to guarantee that he would not turn the country over to the Pope. Now the good senator from Illinois has to pass a “Catholic” test. No matter what Sen. Obama does, these people on the panel aren’t going to vote for him anyways. The truth is that because of Obama’s skin and his church, these people will never accept him because it’s “too exotic and un-American” for them. The Catholic Church has had a great legacy of doing good for others and personally some of the Marynoles are some of the nicest ladies I’ve met. Let’s not get selective amnesia here and forget about the church’s recent missteps. The Black Church has been a great institution in America and has done great things and rebuilt communities and lives. The Black Church has given comfort to a people who were designated by our Founding Fathers as less than human while hypocritically saying that they believed “All men to be created equal.” A few chopped up sermons replayed over and over for 10 weeks and suddenly all of that means nothing while crimes were committed in another church. Why does Sen. McCain never get submitted to these tests? Quick answer: he’s White and he served in the military. He doesn’t regularly attend any church and most of these fakers on these panels with all of this faux outrage don’t either.
This is the test for Sen. McCain. Prove to me that you care about the American people’s hardships and show me that you will do everything in your power to help the common man. He can’t prove this because his entire life has been one of entitlement, privilege, and a “you’re on your own” mentality. If McCain can’t prove that he cares about regular Americans instead of his idea that our suffering is imagined and that we’re whiners then he doesn’t deserve to be President. This is far more important than these fake patriotism questions about Sen. Obama. Of course Sen. Obama is patriotic. You have to care deeply about America to even go through the hell of being vetted to death by the American media and people. Most of his life has been dedicated to serving others. Your family has everything ruffled through and all of your entire life is placed under the microscope. This man loves America so much that he has a bulls-eye on his back and many thousands want to do him harm because he’s Black (they conveniently ignore the White mother part) In some of the darker chatrooms on the net there are many “To Catch a Predator” type freaks out there talking about the senator’s children. Many people might hate McCain but they just don’t want him to be President, there are some out there who don’t wish for Sen. Obama to take another breath and to do harm to his family. No one has had to deal with this kind of nonsense and he has dealt with it with class and a smile on his face. But he hasn’t shown these pundits that he loves America. In the words of Bubba, “Give me a break!”

C.K. Steele Fort Lauderdale, FL (Sent Friday, July 11, 2008 10:01 AM)

Phil Gramm's words about a "mental recession" and a nation of whiners" makes me think this guy is a total "NUTCASE", BEING OUT OF TOUCH is just not good enough to describe him.

ge`pa` (Sent Friday, July 11, 2008 10:05 AM)

It has been an Attention Deficit Disorder week. We will talk about McOld's dementia another time.

For those Obamaites. Check out Zogby polls. It shows Obama leads in must win states PA by 10 and MI by 14. This is well beyond the margin of error. Nationally Obama leads 44-38. Zogby's electoral college map is a bit different from Chuck Todds. They show Obama with (YES) 273 electoral votes to McCains 160 with eleven states too close to call. That leaves roughly 107 EC votes up in the air.

In fairness to Chuch Todd, I'm sure he does not want to call the election four months out. But regardless of the spin, the people are moving toward Obama.

Ron Indiana (Sent Friday, July 11, 2008 10:05 AM)

The John McCain and misremembered football team story? Makes me sad. The simple fact is that one thing that John McCain does alot is forget. Nothing wrong with that per se, but it happens alot.

Of course, that's just "McCain being McCain", right?

Nashville_fan (Sent Friday, July 11, 2008 10:05 AM)

What Gramm MEANT to say is, "I rewrote the laws and got my millions, and you little people should be grateful that I allowed you to give me your money."

Still waiting for MSNBC to get adults to moderate "Morning Joe."

sotiredofignorance (Sent Friday, July 11, 2008 10:06 AM)

Nashville Fan

You read my mind.
Morning Joe was a disgrace today !

I agree 100 percent

steve Newyork NY (Sent Friday, July 11, 2008 10:06 AM)

Way to go Pat, Boston, MA.

And way to go Steve, NY, NY. perfect on your comment
*******************************************
Here we go again First Read !

The arrogance(cocky line is back)
Apparently you just don`t litsen to advice.
He has not done anything to show arrogance.

JUST BECAUSE FIRST READ WANTS IT TRUE DOES NOT MAKE IT SO.

Domenico needs to go.

Chuck, NY (Sent Friday, July 11, 2008 10:07 AM)

Chuck, NY, I have your back if you have Nashville_fan. Chuck and Dom arereally sticking out their backides......this What if a Dem stuff is stupid: it demonstrates the press's obiously pass they give McCain. Forget the Steelers, when he starts on his backslapping times with Babe Ruth, maybe someone somewhere will boject to the OUTRIGHT LIES that come out of this man's mouth. (too bad its not the real issues)

Sherri Hussein Charleston WV (Sent Friday, July 11, 2008 10:07 AM)

Pat the funny thing is not that they wont vote for Obama because he is black. The funny thing is that they believe the lies about him and are lead like sheep to the slaughter. They stand with people that believe there is nothing wrong with our economy and that those of us that do believe we have a problem are a Bunch Of Whiners. I would rather be called Bitter any day over being called a whiner.Here is a funny story . I live in Ca and just moved to the East Coast a few yrs ago. The couple that used to live next to me are Republican and we had differences . But even they saw how flawed GW Bush is. Then this election thing got started and they send me one of those Anti- Obama things calling him the anti-christ. This comes from people I believe to be for the most part rationale. So that is why I get frustrated with bad media coverage of these men . Obama and McBush. The issues become nonissues and the nonsense takes over. Donna yesterday We seam to be paying each others comments a compliment at the same time.

Brian M. De. (Sent Friday, July 11, 2008 10:08 AM)

McCain has repeatedly lied depending on who he's talking to.

When is McCain going to get his facts straight. Look at his lies to the Reagan family. Nancy Reagan despised the man as the lowest scoundrel she had ever met.

Look at the lies he told his friends prior to his divorce and immediate marriage to Cindy. He lied to his friends about his divorce. He dated Cindy for months prior to ever filing for divorce. He even brought Cindy to his own house.

Compare his recent divorce stories to the court documents.

This man doesn't even know what to believe. His mind has clearly lost it.

Dan, McFarland, WI (Sent Friday, July 11, 2008 10:08 AM)

In the Beginning there was the Plan...And then came the Assumptions...And the Assumptions were without merit...And the Plan was without Substance...And Darkness fell on the Face of the Workers...And they spake among themselves, "It is a Crock if Sh*t, and it Stinketh."...And the Workers went unto their Supervisors and sayeth, "It is a Pail of Dung and none may Abide the Odor thereof."...And the Supervisors went unto their Managers and sayeth unto them, "It is a container of Excrement and it is very Strong, such that None may Abide its strength."...And the Managers went unto their Directors and sayeth, "It is a Vessel of Fertilizer, and None may abide its Strength."...And the Directors Spake amongst themselves saying one to another, "It contains that which promotes growth and is very strong."...And the Directors went unto the Vice President and sayeth unto him, "It promotes growth and is very powerful."...And the Vice President went unto the President and sayeth unto him, "This New Plan will actively promote growth and efficiency of the Company."...And the President looked upon the Plan and saw that it was Good...And the Plan became Policy...And that is how Sh*t Happens

jus sayin (Sent Friday, July 11, 2008 10:08 AM)

It is so hard to sit back and watch these news stations and read these articles that make this seem close. DO YOU NOT SEE THAT MCCAIN IS UP AGAINST A MOVEMENT?? Like it or not, the current is too strong for McCain. No matter what is said in the news about Obama, the movement continues.
Obama does not have to please everyone...if he pleases your friend, spouse or neighbor....they will work on you AND THE MOVEMENT CONTINUES.

TERRENCE CLEVELAND HTS OH (Sent Friday, July 11, 2008 10:09 AM)

That is truly amazing about Gramm standing by his remarks. It's hard to imagine that Gramm really believes this in light of obvious economic changes, but regardless, it is the most politically tone deaf statement that I have heard in years. Since when do you tell people whose vote you are trying to win to "stop whining"??? Good grief.

McCain had no absolutely choice on this one. Hope Phil likes his new "ambassador" position...

Marihelen TX (Sent Friday, July 11, 2008 10:12 AM)

Nashville and Pat from Boston...I wish I could be as eloquent! Thanks for speaking the truth with the passion this country needs! You Rock!

MichgianMom, Davison, MI (Sent Friday, July 11, 2008 10:12 AM)

This really is a Hillary Clinton replay! Didn't she try that with Bosnia?? There's no one you want to tick off more than Steeler fans! They vote! (Although, they're most likely union, so they won't go for McCain anyway.) Just goes to show, you can package him however you like -- he's still McCain.

On Gramm, I think he has a point. Doesn't it make sense that a mental recession would follow the sham of a mental 'boom' under George Bush? Support the troops by spending your tax cut?! Buy buy buy. Prop up the economy!

These republicans really have their heads up you know where...

_____________________
"It's All in your Mind"
http://ilfamilypolitics.blogspot.com

Midwest Mom, Illiana (Sent Friday, July 11, 2008 10:13 AM)

By the way, did anyone see Pat Buchanan on Hardball last night. He destroyed Sen. Gramm and the administration on the economy. Yep, Pat Buchanan, and I was not high on anything.

When you lose a conservative republican like Pat on the economy you have to question where your base support is.

Nice job Pat!

Ira, Freehold, NJ (Sent Friday, July 11, 2008 10:13 AM)

Enough of the "gaffe alerts" and "he said-she said-they said" comments, First Read. If I want to read gotcha negativity and gossip I'll go to Perez-Hilton.

Please don't dumb down this election process any more than it already has been. We deserve better and you all are better journalists. Some of your most thoughtful bloggers are no longer posting to First Read. Ask yourselves why!

Tom Dobbs and Nashville_fan, your posts are 100% on target. Thanks.

Gail, TN (Sent Friday, July 11, 2008 10:16 AM)

I have been a member of the Democratic Party since the late 1970's. The first vote I ever cast when I was 18 years old, was for Jimmy Carter.
To me, the Democratic Party always represented that greatest generation who fought, and sacrificed their way to victory in the second world war.
It represented the working man (and woman), and it represented the struggle for equality, and civil rights here in our country.
The Democratic Party was the party of patriotism and national pride, and I was proud to be part of it.....until now.
Since the primary season, and the tactics I saw (and still see) from the Obama campaign, and it's supporters...i.e calling everyone "racist" who politically opposes Barack Obama, accusing the Clinton's of racism, referring to Hillary as "Annie Oakley", calling her old and out of touch...I feel as though my principles have been violated and I have been disenfranchised from the party that I so fervently supported for more than three decades.
Barack Obama has ties to domestic terrorists (like William Ayers), he has ties to Federally Convicted influence peddlers and political racketeers (like Tony Rezko), and he was associated for 20 years with a bigoted, anti-white cult-religion that he only cut ties with because he was starting to lose popularity in the polls.
This man is not Presidential material, and regardless of my political leanings and my affiliation with the Democratic Party over the years...I cannot bring myself to vote for him.
I hope that all patriotic Democrats who love their country, those who served in the military, and those who's loved ones currently serve, will vote for John McCain.
That's what I am doing and I hope you will join me because...OUR COUNTRY COMES FIRST.

J. Merle Stanley, Westchester, NY (Sent Friday, July 11, 2008 10:16 AM)

Chuck my man , you hang around long enough and you'll see more things that will have you going - Mmmmmmm.

Settle back Chuck - TGIF and dig on what instant caring and remedy assist come about today.

Jasper Zeigler Jr - Montco , Pennsylvania (Sent Friday, July 11, 2008 10:17 AM)

C.K. Steele...beautifully stated!

MichgianMom, Davison, MI (Sent Friday, July 11, 2008 10:18 AM)

My Friend, i took this little pill & the instructions said if it lasted longer than 4 hour's, to go see a doctor.As i sat in the emergency room, this 20 something pregnant woman had the gaul to tell me if i had voted to have birth control pills covered under her insurance plan, that she would'nt be there in the 1st place. Then she proceeded to tell me to Deal with my problem as i waited to see a doctor.Conincidentaly, Dr.Phil(emergency room doctor)came around to ask what My symptoms were, He told me they were all in my head, that i was'nt really experincing any problem's.

Man what a week i've had!!!

Sincerely: John Mccain:

Rick,Ky (Sent Friday, July 11, 2008 10:18 AM)

Can anyone tell me WHERE I can turn to for UNBIASED, BALANCED political news? I've stopped watching the major new networks such as MCNBC, CNN, etc. as every single one of them THINK I want to hear THEIR opinions on each candidate. I DO NOT. I want the facts. I will make up my own mind. I reject people like Scarborough, Buchannen, O'Reilly, Olberman, and Matthews. Their opinions mean NOTHING to me. Help me, fellow bloggers! Tell me where I can turn; the ONLY person I ever trusted for this was Tim Russert.

Diane from Illinois (Sent Friday, July 11, 2008 10:20 AM)

I do not believe that it would be embarrassing at all for Senator Obama! It would confirm that he was right to opt out of public financing because of all the money the RNC has on hand. Wrong way to call that one.
Remember that the republicans play dirty with all of the loopholes they twist and bend.

Even if Senator Obama is down, it will signal a rallying call for us and we will donate again.

Obama 08 - Donation Time again (Sent Friday, July 11, 2008 10:21 AM)

Read this morning's LA Times story "McCain's Broken Marriage and Fractured Reagan Friendship". If your are not sure of what a scumbag Senator McCain really is, this story should convince you. An adulterer not worthy even to be a candidate much less a President.

Dottie Swarthmore PA (Sent Friday, July 11, 2008 10:21 AM)

Dr. Phil Gramm assures us it's all in our heads.All we have to do is click our heels three times and say, "there's no time like the '50s".He is so damn rich that real people and real suffering caused by his greed and screwing around are only vague concepts. Again I say; Why do we expect people who are richer than God to care about the rest of us, people they often never meet anymore, and see only as numbers or concepts, because super-riches puts people in Ivory Towers. They won't---can't---"feel our pain", because their experience is so far outside the norm. Their money has shielded them from reality for so long, they have no concept of what reality really is any longer. Gramm is living in a rich-man's fantasy world. John Mccain SAYS he feels us, but a man with seven houses cannot really and deeply feel the anguish of someone who is losing their one and only house. But we believe these filthy rich liars election cycle after election cycle, forgetting they can't POSSIBLY connect with us and our needs, because they live in buffered-from-normal-reality splendoor in the proverbial house (or houses) on the hill. Why do we elect these people who are so rich and so insulated from reality as the rest of us know it, theat we are only a fantasy concept to them? We need to wise up and stop doing that.

Class Warrior, D.C. (Sent Friday, July 11, 2008 10:22 AM)

We will vote for a "3rd Bush term" with McCain before we would ever vote for a black Anti-American.

Al Gore, please come to the rescue! Save our party from what it's about to do. This is a sad, sad year for America.

Hillary Democrats (Sent Friday, July 11, 2008 10:27 AM)

Why Barack Hussein Obama Cannot Be Trusted!

Ranks #1 Tax and Spend Liberal in the US Senate

Many Campaign Promises that will Bankrupt the USA

Focus on redistribution of the tax burden = Socialism

Political opportunist with no leadership, no conviction

Voted "Present" 130 times as a state senator.

Disowns his Church

Refuses to Wear American Flag (until this month)

Chooses not to Place Hand on Heart during National Anthem

Racist Radical Pastor

Friends with Domestic Bombers

Racist Anti-America Wife

Muslim Upbringing

Not Enough Political Experience

Tom Farris (Sent Friday, July 11, 2008 10:28 AM)

Gotta agree with what's being said here. Chuck, you know I love ya, buddy, but did you guys get spooked by that SNL sketch or what? John McCain and Barack Obama are both politicians. How come only one is coddled, and why does it have to be the guy that people are running from right and left?

Check out 270towin.com and compare it with state-by-state polling numbers. Try as y'all might to keep it close, this election is starting to spiral out of McCain's control.

Brendan D, Niles, IL (Sent Friday, July 11, 2008 10:30 AM)

I find it funny that a member of the media is commenting on their own ADD like it is some kind of unexplainable phenomenon. The media is trying to keep this race close and thus their ratings up. They don't have any problems rehashing the same negative stories about Obama, over and over and over again. SO lets be real. It isn't ADD, its bias that is likely coming straight from the top (corporate ownership).

Kelly (from Pittsburgh) (Sent Friday, July 11, 2008 10:30 AM)

Two contributions that should be published everday until Nov. 4th....

1) Nashville Fan's, (July 11)
2) Jus sayin (July 11)

Incredible contributions!!!!

A.Brocco,Albuquerque,NM (Sent Friday, July 11, 2008 10:31 AM)

And I thought Fixed news and CNN was a joke with reporting the "real" issues. Now I see MSNBC is as well right along with the other two. I still love Keith "Olbermann" that is. When will he be back?

Shelly, IL (Sent Friday, July 11, 2008 10:31 AM)

How many times has Senator McCain said that he has cast over 1000 votes in the Sanate and does not rember the particulars of a one piece of legislation.

How many times has the Sentor gotten the facts completely wrong or lied to cover up and we have given him the benefit of the doubt. We attribute it to a "senile moment" or a legitimate mistake.

How many times can we give him a pass without beginning to question his integrity. If he's forgotten as much as he claims, there's a problem. It not then he is fabricating his record and should be called on it.

Not to be insensitive but is the Senators mental competence and integrity are lacking, it should be a major topic of discussion before the election.

Ira, Freehold, NJ (Sent Friday, July 11, 2008 10:32 AM)

You've left out McCain's bald-faced lie about his record on veterans issues when challenged by a veterans at the town hall in Denver Monday night. This is a grossly underreported story! McCain is taking credit for Jim Webb's GI Bill that he actually opposed and has been lying in general about how veterans groups rate his performance as a legislator. When are you going to start reporting this?

Andrea Westchester New York (Sent Friday, July 11, 2008 10:32 AM)

Sooo..where is McCain's big speech that he has to give defending how he cares about the "whiners" of America? Where is the outing of Phil Gramm? Obama had to give a patriotic led speech after Wesley Clarke's comments (though the unspoken truth), and had to sever ties with one of his VP vetters due to his countrywide loan connections.

Kim W Virginia Beach VA (Sent Friday, July 11, 2008 10:33 AM)

"...Of course, it wasn’t just McCain’s side dealing with gaffes this week. Hotline noted where Obama camp's message had gone awry with forgetting to mention Clinton at his fundraiser, Jesse Jackson’s comments and Michelle Obama’s $600 earrings.

*********************************************************

And this news????? It seems you are making mountains out of molehills here.

It took Obama 30 seconds to correct his behavior—why did not you mention that?

$600 earrings—an exaggeration for sure, but you and I know that ladies can splurge on something extravagant when they want a treat—black or white, rich or poor.

So get a grip!!!!!

Andrea, New York City (Sent Friday, July 11, 2008 10:33 AM)

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