First thoughts: How the West was won

Posted: Sunday, August 24, 2008 10:53 AM by Domenico Montanaro
Filed Under: First Thoughts

From Chuck Todd, Mark Murray, and Domenico Montanaro
DENVER -- With its competitive battlegrounds and with the Democrats’ convention taking place here in the region, much has been made of the West and Mountain West in this presidential election. In fact, a few states out here -- Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, even Montana -- could end up deciding the race. And now with virtually every political reporter in Denver, and with them probably working on stories about the West, a round of new polls by Mason-Dixon and the Denver Post, the Las Vegas Review-Journal, and the Salt Lake Tribune will give everyone something to chew on. The polls have some good news and bad news for both McCain and Obama. On the plus side for McCain, he’s surprisingly up by four points in New Mexico (45%-41%) and seven points in Nevada (46%-39%). On the minus side for him, he’s ahead only by six points in his home state of Arizona (47%-41%), and he’s trailing Obama by three in Colorado (46%-43%), although a new Quinnipiac poll out today has McCain up one in this state (47%-46%).

*** Not everyone’s on message: Not surprisingly, Obama’s pick of Biden and their event together in Illinois are dominating today’s political headlines. But to us, the most interesting news wasn’t Biden’s tough words about McCain, Obama’s emphasis of his new running mate’s working-class appeal and Catholic faith, the McCain camp’s rapid-response TV ad, or even the fact that Biden got the VP call while at the dentist. Rather, it was the words of praise that the pick got from key Republicans. Here was Dick Lugar’s statement: "I congratulate Sen. Barack Obama on his selection of my friend, Sen. Joe Biden, to be his vice-presidential running mate. I have enjoyed for many years the opportunity to work with Joe Biden to bring strong bipartisan support to United States foreign policy.” And here’s Chuck Hagel’s: “An Obama-Biden ticket is a very impressive and strong team. Biden's selection is good news for Obama and America.” Wow, talk about the GOP not necessarily being on message. In fact, we think it’s safe to say that we won’t see a single Democrat senator praise Romney, Palwenty, or even Lieberman if McCain picks either man as his running mate.

*** Joe’s lockdown: Obama campaigns today in Wisconsin, tomorrow in Iowa, Tuesday in Missouri, and Montana on Wednesday -- all without Biden. In short, they won’t stump together again until after convention. While that move seems surprising at first glance, think about it this way: The images we saw yesterday of Obama and Biden together in Springfield (with their sleeves rolled up, one wearing a blue tie, the other wearing a red one) will be the only images we’ll see of the duo until Thursday. It's all about message and image control -- something the Obama campaign has prided itself on these past 18 months.

*** Playing The Hillary Card: In the middle of the night -- at 3:00 am ET again! -- the McCain campaign unveiled a new TV ad to air in “key states” (read: we’re not so sure how big the buy is) that hits Obama for not picking Hillary as his VP. “She won millions of votes,” the ad goes. “But isn't on his ticket. Why? For speaking the truth.” It then shows Hillary whacking Obama over his policies, Rezko, and some of Obama's negative attacks. Just asking again... Does this mean that McCain WON’T be picking Romney as his veep, because the two men certainly disagreed on many issues during the primaries. Or does it mean that he WILL pick him, because Romney won a lot of votes through Super Tuesday? Nevertheless, with Hillary speaking on Tuesday and PUMAs on the prowl here in Denver, if there was a week when McCain and the Republicans would play up the Hillary-Obama split, it would be this week.

*** Today’s convention schedule: Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin, and Texas State Sen. Leticia Van de Putte hold a press conference at noon ET at the Colorado Convention Center… The DNC holds its Credentials Committee meeting at 1:30 pm ET at the Colorado Convention Center… The Western Majority Project has a media stakeout with Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano, Colorado Sen. Ken Salazar, and others beginning at 2:30 pm ET.

*** The RNC’s response: Republican National Committee chairman Mike Duncan holds walkthroughs for the TV media (at 4:00 pm ET) and print media (at 6:00 pm ET) at its response center in Denver.

*** On the trail: McCain remains on vacation in Sedona, AZ. Obama is in Eau Claire, WI, where he begins his day attending church services and then holds a BBQ.

Countdown to Dem convention: 1 day
Countdown to GOP convention: 8 days
Countdown to Election Day 2008: 72 days
Countdown to Inauguration Day 2009: 149 days

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Comments

Yay! I have my politics back! I love the Olympics and all... but I really missed seeing Chuck Todd everyday!

http://thepajamapundit.com/

the Pajama Pundit (Sent Sunday, August 24, 2008 10:59 AM)

If John McCain hearts Hillary so much, then he should consider her for HIS VP spot.

C'mon PUMAs, tell McCain how he's guaranteed to get 18 million votes by naming HRC as his veep.

I wonder what Rush would have to say about the prospect of having his nemesis on the bottom of the GOP ticket.

McLame: put your money where your mouth is! (Sent Sunday, August 24, 2008 11:21 AM)

I was stunned when Chris Matthews called out CNN and FOX for their constant calls for Hillary Clinton to be the VP

His words “the Republicans and I must say the Fox Television and CNN Crocodile Tears about Hillary Clinton are not to be believed that they are simply playing the Republican game here of trying to open up this rift.”

Know one was fooled by CNN's Obsession with Hillary Clinton

TheAdviceWeAllNedd (Sent Sunday, August 24, 2008 11:23 AM)

Now maybe some Hillary supporters can see why most democrats were so appalled at her unprecedented smear attacks on a fellow democrat -- the McCain use of her voice & words was so predictable.

I hope not too many of her followers will continue to play into Republican hands.

Luckily most appear to be putting the good of the country first.

We must move forward... not continue to wallow in past issues.

I liked Biden's statement yesterday about McCain now using the type of tactics he once deplored.

amy (Sent Sunday, August 24, 2008 11:23 AM)

Once again McCain has decide dthe low road is the best way to go...why can't McCain speak about issues? Most people think that he blows people away when he speaks in townhall meetings,....but if you have watched any of McCain's townhall meetings, all you hear is lies, disjointed policy discussions, pandering and character assassination.

I would like to believe that the majority of Americans have some intelligence and they woyld realize that electing McCain would be a big mistake...he has no policy of intellectual curiosity just like Bush...McCain is no maverick and frankly I do question his intelligence.

Stephen Missouri (Sent Sunday, August 24, 2008 11:29 AM)

Herbert E Phillipson, Jr. (Sent Saturday, August 23, 2008 8:15 AM)

Herbert,

Your suggestion of Christine Todd Whitman, as McCain's Veep, (a pro-choice ex Gov.), is a little late. It smacks of defensive, politicking . Your party loses on the 'Big Umbrella' front. The RNC party is one of exclusivity, and religious zealots. A zebra as your mascot doesn't ring republican. The painted strips will drip off the elephant, and give McCain away as the desperate phony that he is.
________

A Biden gaffe clock, humph! Bring it! McCain is the gaffe puck, and Biden will be the goalie.

Obama/Biden (Sent Sunday, August 24, 2008 11:29 AM)

Tom Brokaw is doing a great job since the passing of Tim Russert. He did not bow to Nancy Pelosi and he asked her tough questions which I feel she did not or could not answer. She skirted around the issues and I felt she said a lot of nothing. When I look into her eyes, wow what an air head. How she got speaker of the house I will never know. When Tom asked her about the house's 14% approval, she tried to put the problem off on someone else. This just shows you the American public is not taking to her lack of ability to do the job she has been given. Keep up the good work Tom.

Fred Ortman, San Diego, CA (Sent Sunday, August 24, 2008 11:30 AM)

Senator Obama now knows McCain and his Karl Rove campaign can not be trusted and there is so much information on McCain you wouldn’t have to make any of it up.

Change + Experience are you ready for the Movement Obama/Biden

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jPev5sEdTjg&feature=related

And fact that Luger and Hagel were independent enough to break away from the Rethuglicans talking points to embrace this outstanding choice is “Change” within it self.

Obama/Biden

justwaitandsee (Sent Sunday, August 24, 2008 11:30 AM)

"But to us, the most interesting news wasn’t Biden’s tough words about McCain... Rather, it was the words of praise that the pick got from key Republicans."
------------------------------------------------------

Actually, some Republicans do recognize how much damage their party's leadership has done to our nation. The best thing that could happen is for the GOP to kick the trash to the curb, and rebuild themselves. They can start with McCain and his merry band of Rovians.

Suburban Mom paying attention, IL (Sent Sunday, August 24, 2008 11:35 AM)

The GOP will stoop to any lengths to “divide and conquer” for their own personal gain (that means “big oil” and wealthy people). GOP wants to fool and leave the American people with the false Perception and impression that Barack has no experience and is an empty suit. They believe that if you say it long enough the Stupid American Public will begin to believe it! Let’s be clear, Obama Has experience, it ‘s just not Washington experience and he also has Vision and inspiration, enough to enoble men to have hope again. He offers real change and forward thinking progressive ideas and solutions to Really solve the current problems facing us today. One of Barack’s strongest assets is that he is unmired by the trappings of wealth and power—that means big oil, as we have to find an alternative solution to oil, if the United States is to continue to be prosperous and to thrive. All of these attributes are which makes Barack a truly great leader of men, needed for these times!

And to damp down this false perception that he has no experience, Barack pragmatically chose for Vice President, Joe Biden, a man who is wise in foreign affairs, unlike John McCain, “who, despite the hype, doesn’t seem to know as much about foreign affairs as they want us to believe! A man who is also confused as to how many homes he owns and what kind of car he drives!

McCain recently talked at length about problems on the “Iraq/Pakistan border” – the countries are a thousand miles apart. Asked how to deal with Darfur, he mused about “bringing pressure on the government of Somalia”. Uh – it’s Sudan, Senator McCain. And he keeps expressing his desire to build up US relations with Czechoslovakia, a country that hasn’t existed for 15 years.”

Those of us who care deeply about the Truth need to debunk this notion that John McCain is so knowledegeable about foreign affairs, because it is another lie they (the powers of greed and deception) want us to swallow.

Just because McCain spent five years (5) as a POW prisoner, does not make him an expert on foreign affairs, what it does make him an expert on is on how to survive as a prisoner. Let us not be fooled again, because saying its so, does not make it so,does not make it truth. And, saying Barack Obama does not have experience, does not make it so.

Angellight (Sent Sunday, August 24, 2008 11:36 AM)

I have more HOPE now than ever before.

The McComplain camps really tepid responses this weekend show they are nervous about the Obama/Biden ticket. These ads are weak and not well though out.

"Biden criticized Obama when they were competing for the same job!" Well DUH!

"Obama didn't pick Hillary and she talked a lot of crap about him when they were competing for the same job!"

It's would be funny if it weren't so sad. They've got NOTHING!

O-Joe '08!

JessicaElaine (Sent Sunday, August 24, 2008 11:38 AM)

Uh, excuse me Amy -- did you miss the FIRST ad that McCain put out after the Biden VP announcement? It was in Biden's own words -- During the primary, it was Biden who made the worst statements about Obama - worse than Clinton and McCain put together!

Everytime I see a post from you Obama supporters, all I can think of is how I wish I had some swamp land to sell.

Why don't you start thinking for yourselves and stop regurgitating everything you read and hear.

Karen (Sent Sunday, August 24, 2008 11:43 AM)

One thing I have come to believe in this campaign is that McCain really despises Barack Obama. He is a very angry, nasty and spiteful man. The attacks that he is a part of is expressing a deep personal resentment and jealousy. This transcends political posturing.

And he will not go after Joe Biden—I betcha'.

My take on the Biden pick: Barack Obama made a very shrewd and smart decision. If you get to watch Barack closely you will find out just how superior he is in judgement, intelligence and strength. He does not do broad strokes and the American public is not patient enough to notice this. I do! And hopefully others will take a long and thoughtful look and notice these traits.

He will do what is needed to get us back on track.

OBAMA/BIDEN 08

Andrea, New York City (Sent Sunday, August 24, 2008 11:44 AM)

Hillary supporters please wake up!! Voting for McCain is not going to help your cause. An Obama loss will not mean a Hillary re-match in 2012. Hillary is done! She'll NEVER be President after what she has done and failed to do this campaign season.

A vote for McCain is a vote to not only continue the same old bad policies but add on worse policies. Don't think its possible? What will McCain do about the global issues faced with countries like Russia? Go to WAR! Think that is goig to help the ecconomy? Sure will, "'cause a dead guy can't flip a burger".

Get your head out of your butt!

Norm, New Hampshire (Sent Sunday, August 24, 2008 11:45 AM)

"Why don't you start thinking for yourselves and stop regurgitating everything you read and hear."
------------------------------------------------------
Good advice, Karen. Here's what I think:
Joe Biden was trying to win primary contests. When you are trying to win, you try to create an "edge" over your opponents. Reasonable, "thinking" people get that. And, you haven't been paying attention if you think Biden's comments were the most damaging of the bunch- not by a longshot.

Maybe you're getting your talking points from the wrong folks, what do you "think"?

Suburban Mom paying attention, IL (Sent Sunday, August 24, 2008 11:58 AM)

It' all just McCain "bluster".

OBAMA/BIDEN 08

Jen, MI (Sent Sunday, August 24, 2008 11:59 AM)

Uh, excuse me Karen...you ain't seen nothin' yet if McCain picks Romney. Did you watch the Republican primary debates?..No? I didn't think so.

Jen,MI (Sent Sunday, August 24, 2008 12:03 PM)

Biden is a GREAT Pick. Now all the Hilary People can stop their whinning about another women being picked. I am ashamed of beinng a 55 year old white women. Time for all the PUMA people to go start their own party. Lets call is the Whinning Womens party. Now go vote for the other party and all the work of the 60s will go for nothing. Go vote for an anti-abortion canidate. But THINK first what are you doing to all the future women who have this hard decision to make. Remember its their decision not yours. You are truly traders to our party.
DO NOT RUIN OUR CONVENTION.

Jill Reno NV (Sent Sunday, August 24, 2008 12:03 PM)

I really think that trying to reason with these so
called Hillary supporters is a lost cause. They
will put their flawed thinking ahead of the
survival of our country.
They are an embarressment to any intelligent voter
and a disgrace to the Democratic party.

katiec Pekin IL (Sent Sunday, August 24, 2008 12:08 PM)

Barack Obama and Joe Biden
One house
One spouse

james (Sent Sunday, August 24, 2008 12:08 PM)

Karen:
We can stop regurgitating but can you accept the truth about what McCain really is?
A short tempered, say anything to get elected clone of Bush. Who's ONLY path is WAR,WAR, and more WAR
Until that happens you are never going to be in a position to question the judgment of anybody.
Can anybody say Keating Five????????
OR Phill Gramm?
Or my first wife wasn't pretty anymore so I chased after an heiress?
Or, Gee I don't really know how many houses I own?

mk (Sent Sunday, August 24, 2008 12:15 PM)

All of you amaze me. You sit and watch TV all day and believe what you are told like ants. All of these people are clearly flawed. Just as you and I are flawed. Obama speaks well but doesn't say anything. And has limited experience. Biden is not about change and does not know when to listen rather than talk. MCcain makes speaking errors all the time and I am sure his VP choice will have issues as well. Look at the issues and make up your mind. Food for thought. The Democrats that all of you seem to think are the answer to all your problems have been in the majority the last 2 years and what has happened to the economy? In the 90's when the economy was better for the first 6-7 years of Clinton's Preseidency there was a Republican majority. Ironic. Many people believe one of the main reasons we are having such big economic issues is because Alan Greenspan kept lowering interest rates to the point that people that could not even afford a mortgage got one and there were no controls in place. Again I am curious as to who put Greensspan in power? It was 1987 so you figure it out. I do not understand why people are so angry we live in the greatest country in the world and yes we have issues but if we work together we can solve them. But enough with the Rhetoric on both sides. FYI we are not leaving Iraq in anyone who reads this e-mails' lifetime. Yes we will reduce troop strength but think of Germany and Korea during the Cold War and you will understand what is happening and will continue to happen for the distant future. For those of you who love to watch MSNBC, CNN and even FOX why is it that you never hear anything more about what is going on in Iraq. There has not been a serious mortar attack in 4 months. Wow maybe teh Surge worked. If you ask me General Petreaus should be President.

Mike, Palm Beach Gardens, FL (Sent Sunday, August 24, 2008 12:16 PM)

All of you Obama backers: Please tell us independents WHAT EXPERIENCE OBAMA HAS?
He chose Biden because he needs a mentor - we don't need a Presidnet in traing diapers.
He's all about change but we've never heard how he's going to do it, with a Democratic controlled Congress and Senate rating of 14% - that tells you something. Oh, and the 100 days hot air - going to undo all the damage Bush had done. First and most important thing they did was talk about more vacation time. they've done nothing substantial since taking control..Another thing: The Democratic mayor of a Colorado town invites Al Jazzera News Network to his home for a BBQ. How many of you have heard of Al Jazzera? I'll give you some history: The News Network here in the Middle
East that aired videos provided by the terrorist of hostages being beheaded and shot. The Mayor resinded the invitation after the outcry from soldiers and family members of those slaughtered.
Obama wants to sit down and talk to these sick animals that use women and children as human shields..
People you better wake up..

Carol Gage Julian CA (Sent Sunday, August 24, 2008 12:17 PM)

IS IT POSSIBLE as I just heard on MSNBC by one of the analysts, that Hillary Clinton WAS IN FACT vetted and she didn't pass muster? Or rather, Bill Clinton didn't? And the Obama campaign is keeping a lid on it?

PUMAs: The GOP will do nothing for your childrens' future. They sold out to the working class many years ago. They are the party of the rich. Everyone knows that. Just take a look at the shape our country is in. They are nothing but a bunch of empty suited bullies, who as Joe Biden said correctly, exploit us all to make a buck.

Mitt Romney knows nothing about the economy. Again, it's all talk. He lost $45 million trying to buy the presidency. $45 million gone, just like that. He takes credit for our healthcare system up here. He had nothing to do with it.

The GOP is full.of.it. They always were and always will be. They don't care about the working class. Just go and read about their #1 hero, Ronald Reagan.

Beware. The myth makers are everywhere. But that's all these stories are - myths.

Pat, Boston, MA (Sent Sunday, August 24, 2008 12:19 PM)

"Why of course the people don't want war. Why should some poor slob on a farm want to risk his life in a war when the best he can get out of it is to come back to his farm in one piece? Naturally the common people don't want war: neither in Russia, nor in England, nor for that matter in Germany. That is understood. But, after all, it is the leaders of the country who determine the policy and it is always a simple matter to drag the people along, whether it is a democracy, or a fascist dictatorship, or a parliament, or a communist dictatorship. Voice or no voice, the people can always be brought to the bidding of the leaders. That is easy. All you have to do is tell them they are being attacked, and denounce the peacemakers for lack of patriotism and exposing the country to danger. It works the same in any country."

- Hermann Goerring

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

"Beware the leader who bangs the drums of war in order to whip the citizenry into a patriotic fervor, for patriotism is indeed a double-edged sword. It both emboldens the blood, just as it narrows the mind. And when the drums of war have reached a fever pitch and the blood boils with hate and the mind has closed, the leader will have no need in seizing the rights of the citizenry. Rather, the citizenry, infused with fear and blinded by patriotism, will offer up all of their rights unto the leader and gladly so. How do I know? For this is what I have done. And I am Caesar."

- Julius Caesar

Jon Durham, Huntsville, AL (Sent Sunday, August 24, 2008 12:25 PM)

To Fred Ortman, San Diego, CA :

I totally disagree with you that Brokaw is doing a good job on MTP. He is arrogant, argumentative and hateful to Democratics. He, like every other old white journalist, are for McCain because they are "more comfortable" with him; even though they know he is Bush III, which is so wrong for this company.

I used to like Brokaw and respect him, but his "true" self has been revealed. He was an ardent Hillary fan and couldn't wait to bring her name up this morning.

Why can't the Hillary supporters admit that she ran a terrible campaign and this reflects on what type of president she would be? She would be like Bush, terrible at budgeting and a lousy administrator..that WH would always be "leaking" cat fights and "back biting".

The Obama campaign reflects the kind of POTUS he would be: efficient, low key and no dramma.

Whether you approve of Obama's policy or not, you can not DENY that he has run one hell of a campaign against all of the so called "pros"!!

judy ovilla tx (Sent Sunday, August 24, 2008 12:28 PM)

THANK YOU, NORM! Well said. No thinking woman who has done the slightest bit of research on John McCain would waste her vote on this man. Why on earth would any woman support a man who publicly treats the woman who supports his $500 loafers like some prostitute by offering her up for the Miss Buffalo Chips contest? Have these women no knowledge of what he said about women getting equal pay for equal work? Yes, ladies, if you vote for McCain then he's right about you: you do need BETTER EDUCATION!

Sue, Phoenix AZ (Sent Sunday, August 24, 2008 12:36 PM)

Biden said he'd be willing to campaign WITH McCain or against him.
Sounds like Biden would have been glad to be McCain's VP pick.

McCain/Biden08

carla (Sent Sunday, August 24, 2008 12:36 PM)

And Karen every time I see a post from you I wonder how you became so bitter and unhappy.

sotiredofignorance (Sent Sunday, August 24, 2008 12:40 PM)

When is John McCain going to talk about John McCain? That's right, there not much substance or policy to talk about.

(Its almost like John McCain has a shoolgirl's crush on Obama!) Obama, Obama Obama! Waaa, waaaa, waaaa!

Matthew jon Silfies , Bethlehem, PA (Sent Sunday, August 24, 2008 12:42 PM)

Everytime I see a post from you Obama supporters, all I can think of is how I wish I had some swamp land to sell.

Why don't you start thinking for yourselves and stop regurgitating everything you read and hear.
Karen (Sent Sunday, August 24, 2008 11:43 AM)
=============================================
That's right, Karen. You're so much smarter than Obama's supporters.

Amy makes a valid point. Hillary's campaign was effectively divisive. Those koolaid-drinking PUMAnistas confirm that.

Ian (Sent Sunday, August 24, 2008 12:47 PM)

Let Black Sheep McCain make up for his personal shortcomings, i.e. he never lived up to the accomplishments of his admiral father's and grandfather's, somewhere else. This man wants to grind this country into the ground, douse it with gasoline, and set it ablaze. The guy is DANGEROUS! Pay attention!

Another tour de force by Obama--Vice President Joe Biden! Loved him in 1988, love him still!

RJ Kruger (Sent Sunday, August 24, 2008 12:48 PM)

[quote]"Hillary supporters please wake up!! Voting for McCain is not going to help your cause. An Obama loss will not mean a Hillary re-match in 2012. Hillary is done! She'll NEVER be President after what she has done and failed to do this campaign season."[/quote]

Hey Obamabot, I am not voting for McCain, I am voting for Clinton, I'm writing her name in as my choice for president. It is my right to vote for the candidatre of my choice, or didn't you know that? You got your head so far up Obama's a$$, you can't see daylight.

Get off your high horse.

William, Dallas, Texas (Sent Sunday, August 24, 2008 12:52 PM)

MANY of us were sad Hillary wasn't able to get it done...but it's not about Hill, or Women, or even myself. it's about the Challenge we face as HUMANS...to dig ourselves out of the moral and economic hole the GOP has put us in digging for oil.

PUMA=REPUBLICANS=OVER TURNING ROE V. WADE

COMMON SENSE WOMEN FOR OBAMA/BIDEN'08

I<3HILLARY but it's Time to move on! (Sent Sunday, August 24, 2008 12:56 PM)

Some givens: The McCAin campaign will hit the low Karl Rove road and stay there for the remainder of the campaign. Barack and Joe will hit harder and harder the economy issues and emphasize that Barack was right all along and McCain wrong, and the withdrawal has finally become a reality. Joe will work hard with the working class to remind them that the Republicans have nothing to offer to them, not even hope since none of their economic agenda is concerned with the middle class. The unknown is how many Americans will educate themselves on the facts which clearly demonstrate that Republicans have nothing to offer but fear and more of the same that Bush has offered. To acomplish all the above, Barack made the best choice for VP. Biden can light that fire under the calm and measured agenda Barack offers.

mexed, san antonio, texas (Sent Sunday, August 24, 2008 12:57 PM)

For any thinking democrat to even hint at voting for John McCain and his efforts to continue and even enhance the disastrous Bush policies is unconscionable. Women have complained for years that they are not taken seriously and their impact on american politics is discounted, or characterized by foolish misnomers like "security mom's". To use their influence at this most critical juncture in history to harm future generations of children does not make sense and flies in the face of the legacy of women's rights activists from decades past. Wake up voting for more of the same only ensures your childrens and your own rights and your collective future will be in doubt.

Vote Obama/Biden 08

Mark Mora

P.S. It's unlikely First Read will post this because its not some racist, unreasonable rant from Jerry of Corpus Christi or a pro Hillary dig from Pat, Huntington NY.

Mark Mora, Albuquerque, NM (Sent Sunday, August 24, 2008 12:57 PM)

Don't fall for McCain's divisive efforts to distract the news coverage by suggesting that Hillary was the the best choice. Hillary supporters, do not be bamboozled by the right.

Hillary should make a statement immediately supporting Biden and denouncing any notion that she is bitter. McCain is stirring th pot, do not be fooled.

Why are the pundits saying that Hillary and Bill should have been consulted during this process. Why should they have been? My goodness.... enough about Hillary it intentionally distracts from Obama.

I will never vote for Hillary, or any Clinton family for anything, including dog catcher because of the damage she caused during the last stages of the primary.

I supported her desire to continue in the race, but; it was not helpful to her cause being so damaging. She simply provided ideas to the opposition. She was hateful, and evil, not believing that she was out of the race. I dislike this women so.... I now know what the word POLARIZING mean.

El from Los Angeles (Sent Sunday, August 24, 2008 12:58 PM)

My Fellow Dems:

I think it is time to agree that Hillary is in full 2012 mode.

1) She is allowing McSame to use her words against our nominee without any protest or rebutal.
2) Her surogates are now saying that Obama did not consult with Hillary over the Biden pick.
3) According to the New York Times, she was not enthusiastic while campaigning in FL last week. (Notice that she never smiles when she calls for supporters to vote for Obama)
4) Finally, she allowed her brother to attend a McSame campaign event last week. No comment from the Clintons.

How much disrespect does Obama have to take and when will the Dem party elders call her out on her behavior. I say this Democrats, Hillary better give the most heartfelt speech Tues or she should just join Sen. Joe L. in the Republican Party!

Herb, CT (Sent Sunday, August 24, 2008 1:09 PM)

{{karen}} there are plenty of clips where McAncient is spoken against by the GOP too...I wish they would run some of Geroge W's comments about him....
The point is not that biden made the statement in the heat of battle. The real point here is WHEN is McSENILE going to run an ad about what HE stands for??

Marge (Sent Sunday, August 24, 2008 1:14 PM)

"A vote for McCain is a vote to not only continue the same old bad policies but add on worse policies. Don't think its possible? What will McCain do about the global issues faced with countries like Russia? Go to WAR! Think that is goig to help the ecconomy? Sure will, "'cause a dead guy can't flip a burger"."

Norm, never have I heard more uninformed drivell.

Steve, Edgewater, FL (Sent Sunday, August 24, 2008 1:14 PM)

Hey PUMA's - How does it feel to have your group and your girl used as a tool by the GOP? Are you proud? Got the warm & fuzzies yet?

Christine, Hadley (Sent Sunday, August 24, 2008 1:25 PM)

People should stop railing against Barack Obama's supposed lack of experience to be President on day one.

The only U. S. President who was ready to enter the Oval Office on "Day One" was Grover Cleveland (1885-1889), who after losing to Benjamin Harrison (1889-1893), was again elected to serve as President from 1893-1897.

McCain is a one trick pony. His sole frame of reference to be President is "war" and previous POW status. Those are not qualities I want in a POTUS.

nleath WA (Sent Sunday, August 24, 2008 1:25 PM)

I was surprised this morning to hear on Chris Matthews' show a general consensus that since Senator Obama has picked Senator Biden, Governor Romeny sesms a more advantageous pick for Senator McCain as his running mate. I'm curious why no one pointed out the glaring disadvantages. The biggest disadvantage being that if Romney is picked he wins whether McCain wins or not. His name on the ticket makes him his party's next presumptive nominee with or without a McCain victory. Romney and McCain reportedly do not like each other, yet Biden seems generally fond of Obama, and his political future will only be brighter with an Obama victory.

Romney will also be seen as more compensating for McCain's weaknesses than Senator Biden is for Obama's. Senators Obama and Biden have the opportunity to present themselves as American Dream success stories. Different as their lives and paths have been, they will be seen as an historical match. In contrast a McCain/Romney ticket could turn out to be a deal reached but not equal to the sum of its parts.

J Vincent (Sent Sunday, August 24, 2008 1:26 PM)

Not voting obama (Sent Sunday, August 24, 2008 1:33 PM)

When is the Obama campaign going to go after McCain's perceived strengths: his "maverick" status and his foreign policy positions. That is to say, acknowledge these two points, link them together and make them a negative - similar to the "celebrity" knocks on obama. We cannot take another 4 or 8 years of a maverick foreign policy that calls for us to engage every bad guy in the world militarily. no more overly simplistic saber rattling. If the dems can drive that point home and take away McCain's one area of strength, I think they can win the election.

Nino, Philadelphia, PA (Sent Sunday, August 24, 2008 1:35 PM)

Obama supporters...wake up!! There is NO WAY people claiming to be Clinton supporters would vote for McCain. I was a Clinton supporter, now am a full fledged Obama supporter and really want you to stop the name calling. If I kept calling you names, would you be inclined to vote at all? No one backing Clinton polices would want to vote for 4 more years of criminal behavior or more of BushCheneyWorld. Use your head, it's most likely Republicans trying hard to divide the Dems. Don't let them!!

Shirley S. Bethlehem, PA (Sent Sunday, August 24, 2008 1:41 PM)

Hillary supporters please wake up!! Voting for McCain is not going to help your cause. An Obama loss will not mean a Hillary re-match in 2012. Hillary is done! She'll NEVER be President after what she has done and failed to do this campaign season.

Norm, Hillary is done because of the decitful DNC and Supers, and that lieing back stabbing Huessin !
Since, he did what he did to Hillary and we love her.
We will do WHATEVER it takes to bring him down !
She wants us t be good dems and be screwed over by the DNC and him. But unlike you koolaid heads we think for ourselves and won't vote for him. This is now a PERSONAL WAR between us and him. Hillary is not a part of it. !!! Atack us not her. The Dem party has beat her down to nothing, and she is done. We have watched as you and Huessin have taken everything out of her, used her lied to her and discriminated against her. There is only so much we can take in watching the best womon in poltics be beaten and abused. We not her have drawn the line and now like Russia we're NOT backing off until obama is more of a sniveling mess.

HE started the WAR now we will finish it !

Hill Supporters ! (Sent Sunday, August 24, 2008 1:44 PM)

And I thought that old geezer could not go any lower. What a low life. And yet, this is man that HRC fans will vote for over Sen. Obama. What a joke

Common Sense, Boston, MA (Sent Sunday, August 24, 2008 1:48 PM)

I am so absolutely discusted with Hilary's groupies. You are immature little girls who will throw away the whole game because you didn't get your way. How self centered can you get!! How dare you! This is my country,too. And the rest of this nation could end up with another 4 years or more of Bush's policies because, in your opinions, it's Hilary or else. You're just plain snots and your behavior is reprehensible. Please do not pass your lack of responsibity and lack of character on to your daughters They deserve better. You deserve nothing.

Mary Ann Kinsel (Sent Sunday, August 24, 2008 1:55 PM)

Senator Obama made an excellent choice in V.P. I think the easy thing for him to do would have been to pick Senator Clinton as his V.P. Senator Clinton and Senator Obama are too much a like, both are ambitious, smart, visionaries, but each of them need someone to balance them. Had Senator Clinton won, it would not work for her to pick Obama. You need someone who brings something to you, who differs from you. Biden is to Obama what Michelle is to him as his wife. She has a working class background, very down to earth, family oriented and hardworking and does it in the background, she grounds him and that is what Biden will bring to the Obama team. He chose Biden like he choose his wife someone who complements him in everyway, who will challenge him, ground him, and tell him what he doesn't want to hear. A lot of the early Obama supporters picked Biden as his running mate after the Iowa caucus, but a lot of people don't remember that. Note to the Republicans I think these Clinton ads will backfire. I really hope the Senator Clinton supporters will come on board, I am not saying you should not be upset, hurt, and/or angry with the way Clinton was treated by the media, I think this an opportunity to really bring sexism to the forefront and really examine the way images of women are portayed in the media. In being transparent I am an early Obama supporter; however, I was glad when she won New Hampshire and she showed her tenancity and she brought out the tenacity of Obama and I know he will be able to withstand the republican attack machine because of her, and I think she would make an incredible Sec. of State.

Paula, Missouri (Sent Sunday, August 24, 2008 1:58 PM)

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