First thoughts: Obama at 264

Posted: Monday, October 06, 2008 9:29 AM by Mark Murray
Filed Under: First Thoughts

From Chuck Todd, Mark Murray, Domenico Montanaro, and Carrie Dann

*** Obama at 264: A week after Obama's poll numbers spiked in battleground states and after McCain's campaign announced it was retreating from Michigan, Obama has opened up a nearly 100-point electoral-vote lead, according to NBC’s new map. Obama now has a 264-174 advantage over McCain, up from his 212-174 edge last week. The changes are all in Obama’s direction: We’ve moved Michigan, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin from Toss-up to Lean Obama. Also, every single Toss-up state is now a red state, and we are close to moving another red state -- Missouri -- to the Toss-up column. But let's remember: This is where the RACE IS RIGHT NOW, not where we expect the race to be in a month. And we move a state into lean when we believe there's significant evidence based on our reporting and a few of the public polls (we trust) that a candidate has a lead of five points or more.

Likely Obama: CA, CT, DE, DC, HI, IL, ME, MD, MA, NY, RI, VT (157 electoral votes)
Lean Obama: IA, MI, MN, NH, NJ, NM, OR, PA, WA, WI (107 votes)
Toss-up: CO, FL, IN, NV, NC, OH, VA (100 votes)
Lean McCain: MO, MT (14 votes)
Likely McCain: AL, AK, AZ, AR, GA, ID, KS, KY, LA, MS, NE, ND, OK, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, WV, WY (160 votes)

*** The Path to winning: Per our map, to reach 270, Obama has to hold on to the Kerry states -- winning New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin -- and pick up just one more state other than Nevada (which would get him to 269 and send the election to the House). Here’s McCain’s challenge: If he’s unable to turn a blue state red, then he has to win EVERY SINGLE Toss-up to get to 270. It’s doable, but it’s also the poker equivalent of drawing an inside straight. Also, not only does McCain share Vietnam veteran status with the last two Democratic nominees for president (Gore and Kerry); he also shares the need for a similar Electoral College strategy. At this point in the campaign in both 2000 and 2004, Gore and Kerry seemed to have limited room to maneuver in the states. Gore pulled out of Ohio (about this time) to focus on Florida, and Kerry pulled out of Missouri to focus on Ohio. McCain's pullout of Michigan has the same feel to it -- meaning it's not a bad strategy given the circumstances. The fact is, like Gore and Kerry, McCain's got a narrow path to 270, which explains why Sarah Palin was in Omaha yesterday and why there is more money being thrown into Maine. McCain's campaign is not playing for a big win, just any win. And while both Kerry and Gore did end up losing, it was VERY close. When the environment is against you, it's not a bad strategy.

Video: NBC Political Director Chuck Todd previews Tuesday's debate and explains NBC's new electoral map.

*** Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania: If there is one blue state the McCain campaign may never give up on, it's the Keystone State. Of all the Kerry blue states, it's the most competitive -- even right now at a time that appears to be Obama's high-water mark. Of the remaining blue states in play, Pennsylvania may be the most culturally sensitive and may explain why the McCain folks want to shift the debate a bit to character (see below). Shifting the campaign to character isn't about changing the national narrative; it's about keeping the undecided column larger in Pennsylvania. Now, the character strategy could backfire in a Florida or even a Nevada or Colorado. But Pennsylvania, by the numbers, is worth it to McCain. Speaking of state-by-state strategies, anyone remember the last time Obama was in Ohio?

*** To Ayers is human: The good news for the McCain campaign is that by using Palin to conduct the attack, the Ayers hit on Obama got an airing over the weekend that it hasn't received in months. (And she’ll do it again today, per remarks released by the McCain campaign.) But by unleashing a principal to conduct the attack, the campaign is being about as transparent as it could be: This could be their last shot to change the contours of the race. What if Ayers had been a part of the character attack the McCain camp was conducting a few months ago? (Remember Paris and Britney?). So is this the only choice McCain has right now, given the circumstances of this race? Is creating character questions the only way -- or do voters already have some questions about Obama and they want more from McCain? By the way, while Palin’s Ayers line got all the attention this weekend, wasn’t this line the tougher attack: "This is not a man who sees America as you see it and as I see America”?

*** Tipping your hand: Also, who in McCain Land keeps saying these things on background? "It's a dangerous road, but we have no choice," a top McCain strategist told the New York Daily News. "If we keep talking about the economic crisis, we're going to lose." These lines have been gold for the Obama talking-point memos. This is the big criticism the McCain camp has received this weekend -- why are they telegraphing their attacks and telegraphing their state-by-state decisions? Of course, Michigan Republicans could have been the ones to initially leak the McCain pullout rumor, hoping they could guilt the McCain campaign from actually doing it. Oops.

*** And here comes Keating: Remember the M.A.D. (mutually assured destruction) nuclear policy with the Soviets? Well, the Obama camp is indicating they'll "go there" if McCain wants to "go there." Today, it’s launching a multimedia campaign to resurrect McCain’s involvement with the Keating Five saving-and-loan scandal. The question we’ve got: Whom will the voters punish for the negativity? The Obama camp is gambling that McCain will get blamed for starting this fight. We'll see. Obama's brand could be just as tarnished if he's seen as being too negative, and we've seen what the negative campaign has done to McCain's image lately.

*** Health care returns: Ayres and Keating haven’t been the only attacks. Over the weekend, Team Obama went after McCain on the topic of health care, charging that McCain’s plan amounts to a tax increase on employees who get coverage from employers. As a tactic, this has been a fairly artful hit on McCain. Of course, as fact-checkers have pointed out, the attack is more false than truth. But as for the tactic, the Obama campaign has been pushing pivoting to health care for a week, hoping to be seen as the candidate of the middle ground on the issue. First, he started running an ad about health care that emphasized he was in the middle on the issue; now, the campaign is unleashing this attack on McCain's plan that attempts to paint his health care philosophy as "radical." He's put McCain on the defensive on the issue and it's an issue that was already breaking toward the Democrats.

*** License and registration: Today is a big day in battleground state land… It's the final day to register to vote in many important states. This is Part One of the Obama strategy of changing the electorates in places like Florida, North Carolina, and Virginia. It appears the Obama effort to add more Dem voters to the rolls has worked. Part Two of his plan is to figure out how to get these new voters to vote.

*** Biden off the campaign trail: Per NBC/NJ’s Mike Memoli, Biden has canceled his schedule through at least Tuesday following the death of his mother in law, Bonny Jean Jacobs, after a long illness. Joe and Jill Biden remain in Delaware. “Other details will follow,” said spokesman David Wade, “but we appreciate everyone's respect for the family's privacy during this difficult time." Palin spokeswoman Tracey Schmitt released this statement: "Gov. Palin sends her condolences to Jill and Joe Biden and their entire family following the passing of Jill's mother, Bonnie Jacobs. Her thoughts and prayers are with the Bidens' during this sad time."

*** On the trail: McCain holds a rally in Albuquerque, NM. Obama continues his debate prep in Asheville, NC. Palin, in Florida, has rallies in Clearwater and Estero before hitting a fundraiser in Boca Raton.

Countdown to the second presidential debate: 1 day
Countdown to the third presidential debate: 9 days
Countdown to Election Day 2008: 29 days
Countdown to Inauguration Day 2009: 106 days

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Comments

Here it comes. Everyone hold on tight until the turbulence subsides. In the end, this new attack pattern of Barbie and McCain will backfire, and their polling will plummet even further. I guess they are not the reformers and mavericks they claim to be. The two of them are despicable and repugnant.

Chuck, NY (Sent Monday, October 06, 2008 9:34 AM)

So let’s review John McCain’s maverick brand of experienced leadership during the current financial crisis. First he reflexively pulls out his old stump speech line and reassures everyone that the fundamentals of the economy are strong. Whoops. He says the crisis does not warrant bailing out insurance giant American International Group, only to reverse course the very next day calling the rescue of AIG “regrettable, but unavoidable.” Then he decides he needs to look decisive and blames it all on the SEC chairman, as though we can hang the entire global financial mess around the neck of a single goat and drive it into the wilderness. Maybe he thought it would divert attention from his own role in creating the lax regulatory environment that allowed this mess to develop.

With his scapegoating gambit failing to attract much of a following, John decides he’s really going to take charge and refuses to campaign or debate until a bailout agreement is reached. Or until he turns blue. He makes a dramatic return to Washington to force a meeting with the president and the principal negotiators so he could work some that old bipartisan maverick magic. The meeting degenerates into a shouting match that derails the process. McCain fails to even take a stand on the wildly divergent Republican views expressed during a meeting that he called in order to look like he’s taking charge. With his big move going nowhere, John reverses course and decides he will debate and resume campaigning without an agreement after all.

After losing the debate John heads right back to Washington for the weekend, determined this time to jump into the driver’s seat. He issues a high-minded call to put aside partisanship while pointing his finger at Barack Obama, whom he now claims was square in the middle of the Washington culture of lobbying and influence peddling. Never mind that for months John’s been desperately trying to paint Obama as the inexperienced guy who started running for president within weeks of arriving in Washington.

John makes a big show over the weekend of working the phones and scrambling around to the front of the Republican pack so it looks like he’s in the lead. Monday morning he takes credit for bringing his troops to save the day. Problem is, John hasn’t even noticed that 2/3 of his troops wandered off down a side street along the way. The bill goes down to defeat after John has already declared victory. A bad habit of his.

In stark contrast to the flailing floundering maverick, Barack Obama has again demonstrated that he possesses the intelligence, temperament, and resolve to steer through troubled waters with a steady hand. He understands that a leader must recognize when intervention will help and when it will hurt, a lesson John McCain seems to have missed in all those years of experience. One of many such lessons. If all John’s experience can’t help him make good decisions, then how much is it really worth? The guy is plain unreliable and his chaotic decision-making process makes him a dangerous choice for president in today’s complex and threatening world.

jaycee, Ventura, CA (Sent Monday, October 06, 2008 9:35 AM)

WOAH: McCain wants to massively cut Medicare and Medicaid to pay for his health plan. Big news:

strategy08.wordpress.com/2008/10/06/mccain-plans-massive-medicaremedicaid-cuts/

Dan, New York, NY (Sent Monday, October 06, 2008 9:38 AM)

Hmmm...wonder when McCain will bring back Rev. Wright into the mix? Sounds like he needs to.

Walt (Sent Monday, October 06, 2008 9:38 AM)

"If we keep talking about the economic crisis, we're going to lose."
******************************************************

And this is precisely the logic that the McCain camp is using with their "Ayers Attack" tactics. I can't understand it though. They must have known that Obama was going to hit back with Keating. Between those two dubious association, Keating is the greater of evils -- because it was an economic issue.

With our economy what it is today, there is no positive in bringing up the Keating scandal.

http://thepajamapundit.com/

the Pajama Pundit (Sent Monday, October 06, 2008 9:39 AM)

There's something in the Ayers. Ah, yes, the smell of McCain desperation.

Okay, let's for a second just assume everything McCain and his dishonorable henchmen have to say. So Ayers is a "terrorist."

I thought the neo-cons promised us they would find terrorists everywhere and bring them to justice? Remember the whole no-safe havens blather?

We've been wondering why the neo-cons can't find bin Laden in a cave in Pakistan, when they can't even find Bill Ayers in a classroom at the University of Chicago.

And now Republicans want us to elect another of these incompetent neo-cons?

Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA (Sent Monday, October 06, 2008 9:40 AM)

Yeah Baby let's go nuclear. I am so proud of Barack Obama saving his Keating 5 nulcear option for his Barack-tober surprise. Considering the way the DOW just opened down over 200 points the economy is not going to be put on the backburner in favor of character assasinations that the Smear and Fear crowd want to distract us with.

Looks like "Keating 5" McCain has taken a big beating on Chuck Todd's electoral map. Obama up 264-174, looks like a landslide victory for Obama to me.

Go Obama/Biden 08/12!

Eric, Salinas, CA (Sent Monday, October 06, 2008 9:42 AM)

Prayers to the Biden family.

Mia (Sent Monday, October 06, 2008 9:44 AM)

I was at a wedding in Fulton, MO over the weekend (East of Columbia-blue and West of St. Louis-blue), a relatively red town. I saw 3-1 Obama signs. I'm telling you, I have hope for my state! I live in midtown and we are so Obama, it sometimes feels a little insulated; but I picked up friends in Independence and Blue Springs which are suburbs that are normally BRIGHT RED - again, 2-1 Obama in Independence and 3-1 Obama in Blue Springs. I realize the yard sign 'polling' is probably not a terribly effective method; but these are 'typically' not even questionable.

I hope the Show Me state shows McCain the way to exit our state - and not a minute too soon, I say!

Joe and Jill Biden, our thoughts are with your families!

Clara Kansas City, MO (Sent Monday, October 06, 2008 9:44 AM)

She's a high functioning moron, he's a troubled old man. Please make them go away.

Leni,Michigan (Sent Monday, October 06, 2008 9:45 AM)

I couldn't say it any better myself, so here is Steve Benen from The Washington Monthly on guilt by association:

"Americans need to ask themselves if they've ever befriended a convicted felon who advised his supporters on how best to shoot federal officials in the head. John McCain has.

Americans need to ask themselves if they've ever used the money of a convicted criminal to help them buy their house. John McCain has.

Americans need to ask themselves if they've ever befriended a radical televangelist who has lashed out at the Roman Catholic Church, calling it, among other things, "the great whore" and "a false cult system." John McCain has.

Americans need to ask themselves if they've ever sought economic advice from a far-right former lawmaker who "has diminished American solvency and power beyond the wildest dreams of anti-American terrorists." John McCain has.

Americans need to ask themselves if they've ever befriended a radical televangelist who blamed the attacks of Sept. 11 on Americans. John McCain has.

My point isn't that the presidential campaign should be based on who the candidates have met; my point is that we could probably play this foolish game all day long. And on balance, McCain's ties to a pretty motley crew are far more direct and meaningful than Obama's. So maybe we can just skip it and debate substance for the next month?"

http://washingtonmonthly.com/

The Other Ed (Sent Monday, October 06, 2008 9:45 AM)

Take no vote for granted. Although there is a great momentum brewing the youth are NOTORIOUSLY unreliable to get out to the polls. And the youth break two to one for Obama. Let's roll Obama/Biden in by a lANDLIDE and keep the crooked GOP lobbyists out!!!!!!

Pass along this star studded "Don't Vote" video to the youth and college crowd. It's perfect!!!!

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/10/01/leo-ellen-halle-and-more_n_130999.html

(It can also be found on YouTube)

Libratine (Sent Monday, October 06, 2008 9:46 AM)

Only small mionded people will be distracted by the small minded smear and fear tactics of the Dumb and Dumber ticket. There you go again "Sinner" Sarah, talking about the past. Yeah don't throw stones unless you are without sin and we all know that this week we're going to find out about her sinful abuse of power.

The clock is ticking on "Sinner" Sarah's little timebomb going off in her face. Could be the last few days of her being a running mate. She is the most ignorant and unprepared VP candidate in history and Mainstream America is just going to say no to her and her grumpy old running mate.

Go Obama/Biden 08/12!

Eric, Salinas, CA (Sent Monday, October 06, 2008 9:46 AM)

What does the McCain Campaign going negative mean?

In trial law...

...if the facts are on your side, argue the facts.

...if the law is on your side, argue the law.

...if neither is on your side, attack your opponents character and credibility.

The McCain Campaign is freely acknowledging, folks, that they can't win on the issues so they're going to try and cut down Senator Obama any way possible.

Will that help folks who have lost their jobs or their homes or their health insurance or their 401Ks or their savings?

Pete - Albany, NY (Sent Monday, October 06, 2008 9:47 AM)

Palin is a hypocrite. She's got Troopergate crap hitting the fan. She's campaigning while she and her husband are ignoring a court subpoena!?!! I haven't heard one word of substance leave her lips since she came on the scene. I don't get why the Obama camp isn;t talking about this.

Sarah, in this great country of America, it's hard to sling mud when your standing waist deep in it, ya betcha!

elise (Sent Monday, October 06, 2008 9:47 AM)

I just wish the election were today so the world bad news could stop. This is MSNBC and the media as for the first time elcted a president . Not a Obama supporter but I also realize he will be elected and the Democrats will stop at nothing to see this happen but I also know Obama is a liar .Fact after he takes office he will not say it will take 10 years for additional drilling off shore or on to make a difference . I will bet the farm on this he will say in 12-24 months we will see Oil fall to 75$ per barrel after he is in office so filks how much as the God Obama cost you so far .loss of jobs,stocks, Oil, anything he can do until elected ..but he will give us handouts the world will be saved with well fair for the pesants under King BarackObama ,I did not space his name becuase every body says BarackObama

Independent (Sent Monday, October 06, 2008 11:46 AM)

MuckCain!!!

raman (Sent Monday, October 06, 2008 11:47 AM)

This is a difficult post for me as I truly don't wish "difficulty" on ANYONE; however, it is a true statement that "God really does not like UGLY" and I can understand the Veep being used as the frontrunner attack dog, but Mrs. Pitbull Palin need to search her "Christian ???" mentality and understand that (as a sermon series/Bible study was explained to me); many of our PERSONAL difficulties can be traced right back to how we live our lives. I don’t think I need to go any deeper with that. We all know her personal family difficulties and they are not limited to ONE. We need to think about that before we allow people (or… others) to use us. And that goes for everyone! Many times, we ask WHY?; and the answer is so evident if we are truthful with self. One attack makes another attack and we smear from side to side without dealing with real issues. Now what happens now when the other side bring up the Keating 5. Truly John McCain was “cleared” of the ethics violations but, HE WAS SANCTIONED by the investigative body of having “bad judgment”? So to me that makes 6 in one hand and ½ dozen in the other. These are past issues. What about current issues that we are really concerned about such as Economic, the War, Health Care, Education and the list goes on and on and on…………… I am so disappointed with the GOP and I am not all that happy with the Dems although I will cast my ONE vote. I want clear issues messages and encouragement; not all of this inside verbal terrorism! What is good for the goose is good for the gander, so my late granny always said…………

SEJones, Cincinnati, Ohio (Sent Monday, October 06, 2008 11:47 AM)

Ayres "terrorist" activities amount to no more than fratboy pranks. He blew up a toilet for crissake. For genuine terrorism, see the career of Ollie North, whose Contras murdered and raped thousands. This war criminal is lionized by the likes of Hannity, Limbaugh, et al. Speaks for itself.

John Stevenson (Sent Monday, October 06, 2008 11:48 AM)

i am not an american, but i have been watching the presidential race keenly. i detest what palin said even though she is not near clean herslf. i think americans deserve better than a pair of panicky duo who has nothing new or better to offer. i am sending this out to all american youth to go out and register and COME OUT AND VOTE because that is the only way we can make a difference and make history

oluranti, nigeria (Sent Monday, October 06, 2008 11:49 AM)

Chuck Todd, Mark Murray, Domenico Montanaro, and Carrie Dann if you are going to mention Ayers be fair and mention the countless rebuttals that are out there. I am not talking about pro obama rebuttals, but those by the press like AP and NYtimes. However, if you cared to delve a little deeper you could easily put to rest this ridiculous, offensive and utterly wrong attack by getting a read from any Chicagoan who is half way aware of Ayers in Chicago. It is nonsense to even suggest a close relationship.

mark (Sent Monday, October 06, 2008 11:49 AM)

SHE IS MARRIED TO A MAN THAT WAS A MEMBER OF AN INDEPENDENT PARTY THAT WANTED ALASKA'S SUCCESSION FROM THE UNION. SHE HAS ADDRESSED THE SAME GROUP. HOW CAN SHE EVEN STAND THE TASTE OF HYPOCRISY IN HER OWN MOUTH.

IT MAKES ME SICK TO MY STOMACH AND IS AN EXAMPLE OF ALL THAT IS WRONG--SHE MAY NOT BE "AN INSIDER IN WASHINGTON" BUT SHE SURE KNOWS HOW TO PLAY THE GAME.

OBAMA 4 ME (Sent Monday, October 06, 2008 11:49 AM)

Lights aren't even on. Let alone anyone home. McShame and Palin are the biggest joke in American politics in History!

Slash and burn politics is one thing, but then they blatantly announce it. Straight up arrogant enough to say we need to change the subject because we are getting our butts kicked on the subjects that matter to the American people.

This is worse than the Karl Rove playbook, at least he had a little tiny bit of discreation.

Notice the attack dogs were out as early as last week. People like Pat Buchanan and Joe Scarboro saying that Obama has not been involved in the rescue package, when he in fact outlined four (4) to five (5) points he wanted to see in the package and got every last one of them.

It amazes me to hear Buchanan say that Palin wiped up the floor with Biden during the debate when this nitwit wouldn't even answer questions asked her.

Can you imagine her knowing the launch codes for missles? Would she drop one on her brother in law because he divorced out of her dysfunctional family?

Now the McShame camp is playing the race card, by saying Obama doesn't think about this country the way "we" do? What kind of nonsense is that? Who is WE!

During the debate with Obama this miserable old coot wouldn't even give his own peer in the Senate the respect of looking at him while talking.

Basic human decency neither of these two have. Those who vote for them should be ashamed of themselves. The only choice in this crisis is Obama/Biden.

Avery, Wilmington DE (Sent Monday, October 06, 2008 11:50 AM)

America has hopefully woken up gotten smart and decided that we need a person in office that will deal with the issues such as the economy.

All Mccain seems to be able to do his ATTACK he has no solutions, How will a man who exhibits so much anger at so many heal our broken country. He cannot and neither can his cutsy, folksy, power hungry sidekick.

We are already sinking and do not need anyone associated with the past 8 years particularly those that have tied themselves to Rovian taught Republicans, ENOUGH!!!!!

Voting for McCain is a death sentence for this country.

Indepedent voter for Obama/Biden

Suz, western NY

Suz, western NY (Sent Monday, October 06, 2008 11:51 AM)

yes sarah six pack the lipstick queen will probably put her foot in her mouth and destroy john mccains campaign.he desrves it for picking her for a running mate. it was obvious during her debate how shallow her preperations were when she ducked a few questions. the moderator was too soft on her by not following up questions. biden was magnificent my deepest condolences go out to joe and his family.

jim palos yakima wa (Sent Monday, October 06, 2008 11:51 AM)

You can tell this an MSNBC bolg ... it just makes you left wingers feel so good to pounce on some one. You people should look to the left at BHO. No ones talking about Rezko, Ayers, Wright, and his "advisors" from Freddie and Fannie. Where's MSNBC calling for an investigation in to the the issues with them??? MSNBC won't because the trail leads squarely back to the Democrat Party leadership. We can't have that because the "Anointed One" will be in the middle of the fray ...

Looking Right (Sent Monday, October 06, 2008 11:52 AM)

Hopefully people will use their cell phones to video their voting experience to uncover fraud. They've gotten away with it twice and we can't let them do it again. MSNBC, please have a voter problem number that people can call on election day.

I'm afraid there is going to be violence on Nov 4th when the SOBs who've run our country into the ground see it slipping away. I'm voting absentee as it will be the only paper trail in Virginia ; )

Marlena Gilbert, Northern Virginia (Sent Monday, October 06, 2008 11:52 AM)

The fact that Fox News Network is taking the position of launching a series of all out assaults against senator Obama’s character is a sad day in journalism. They should be ashamed of the immoral and unethical standards that their network displays on a continual basis. What they must be made to understand is that as citizens we rely upon networks for their fair and accurate reporting of events and we will not tolerate anything less, especially when its over the top or maybe I should say as far right as Fox News Network is. If your views are the same share this message with others. It is time to take a stand against Fox and look to other networks for fair and accurate news coverage.

dicktracy2001, Birmingham (Sent Monday, October 06, 2008 11:52 AM)

If this is the best McPalin has to offer our nation, we are in bigger trouble than we can already see!

L.K. Zahn, Pepin WI (Sent Monday, October 06, 2008 11:53 AM)

you betcha! the rest of America will see the link between john mccain sara palin george bush and dick cheney. They all have this idea for great power so they can just run over the laws of the land and claim executive previledge when they have to account for their abuse of power and or wrongdoing. If as a nation we choose to put these people back in power then we deserve to be flushed down the toilet with them. sara palin and her cronies have already taken a page out of dick cheney's book in the troopergate affair....and I wonder what else! and sara I know u wanna say it aint so but while you are bashing Barack Obama joe six pack is asking the cashier at the corner store to take off the beer because he does not have enough to pay for the milk bread and beer he is trying to buy.

vivienne crawford, miami, florida (Sent Monday, October 06, 2008 11:53 AM)

1/20/09 - The end of an error!

Alicia Rubin, Los Angeles, CA (Sent Monday, October 06, 2008 11:54 AM)

I enjoy reading about the campaign but it sure would be nice to and get both sides of the story instead of just a Democrat's view. I personally like to see the actual debates and look at the voting records to make my decision.

Francine, Minnesota (Sent Monday, October 06, 2008 11:55 AM)

This is so biased Libaeral BS - it makes me sick. Continue to fool youselves with Obama - if he wins - we will all pay dearly for it. He'll make Bush's approval ratings seem astonomically high.

Real Joe, Atlanta, GA (Sent Monday, October 06, 2008 11:56 AM)

Isn't it a shame that the only thing the McCain ticket has to offer is mud. Their campaign strategy has changed from trying to highlight their strong attributes, to tearing down the opponent. Maybe it's because the McCain/Palin ticket has nothing to offer.

Mike H. Mohawk, Mi (Sent Monday, October 06, 2008 11:56 AM)

The selection of Sarah Palin by John McCain is a reflection of his poor judgment. The suggestion that his selection would sway American women to vote for the Republican party is an insult! American women are not stupid!!

ellie - slc, utah (Sent Monday, October 06, 2008 11:57 AM)

I couldn't agree more, Chuck. Even though Palin and McCain like to SAY the American people aren't stupid, they sure like to treat us like we are. Sorry guys (and gals), we're on to yuh. Uh....Duhhhhh.

ThinkFree, Jupiter FL (Sent Monday, October 06, 2008 11:58 AM)

Sarah Palin needs yet another history lesson. Ayers, was a student radical leader in the 60's and I believe was part of the rioting at the Democratic Convention in Chicago. Like many student radicals of the time, they were protesting the Vietnam War. Certainly their violent tactics were criminal and extreme but one needs to put it into the context of the 60's and Civil Rights demonstrations and the police killing of students at Kent state. There was fault on both sides for the violence that erupted. Those of us who came of age in the 60's and 70's know this. We are not the same in ou 50's and 60's as we may have been then. I was a registered Republican (what was I thinking!!!)Today, Ayers is a distinguished professor of Early Childhood Education (also my field - they are pretty gentle people for the most part). He grew up, he has apparently been remorseful. Isn't that what her strong supposed faith teaches - forgiveness. To call him a terrorist is wrong. In that event Palin is just a flute tooting, beauty pagent queen, weather girl.

notahockey mom (Sent Monday, October 06, 2008 11:58 AM)

do you only print the slams against mccain & palin???

bob c (Sent Monday, October 06, 2008 11:58 AM)

Does Sarah Palin HATE America?
Why did she repeatedly court a secessionist group founded by a man who professes hatred of American, cursed our flag, and wanted to secede from the Union? Todd Palin belonged to the Alaska Independence Party from 1995 until 2002, according to the Division of Elections in Alaska.
Palin attended the AIP annual convention in 1994 and 2000, and she addressed its convention this year as an incumbent governor whose oath of office includes upholding the Constitution of the United States.
AIP founder Joe Vogler had this to say in a 1991 interview: "The fires of hell are frozen glaciers compared to my hatred for the American government. And I won't be buried under their damn flag. I'm an Alaskan, not an American. I've got no use for America or her damned institutions."

max daniels orlando FL (Sent Monday, October 06, 2008 11:59 AM)

I thought we were going to see the Palin tax returns released last Friday. Did I miss something? Perhaps she never filed.

Konrad Kuczak, Dayton, Ohio (Sent Monday, October 06, 2008 11:59 AM)

I hope all of you remember this. If you are undecided, and alot of you are, Obama will DRAG alot of you to the left and you will not be able to get back from that hole so easy in four years.

Woody Pate, San Mateo, Florida (Sent Monday, October 06, 2008 11:59 AM)

I thought I lived in a world of wishful thinking but what I can see is that most who have posted here would rather have a man that went to church for 20 years and that was the first time Reverend Wright ever talked that way. As I have said before lived in Michigan until I was 30. Never ever saw any democrat due anything to help the worker other than add a tax burden. I thought I was naive but most of you are worse than I am. He has no wishes to help white middle class America. I can even see that. I would vote for Coleman Powell in a heart beat But this man from Illinois I will not he is just as apart of hate as any KKK memeber or skin head but more dangerous. I know that you will not post this but I do want you see there are others that really do not know who they are going to vote for but the more I hear from MSNBC which appears more and more should be called The Obama news network. It is apparent that there is not hope the US will survive I just thought I would never see it in my lifetime when a Man has been associated with Terrorist who would have done anything to over through this government plus make it sound like he understands the working class when he lived also a priveledge life by living with white grandparents who sent him to private not public and than in many of his books say that his mothers people were more evil and that is why he decided to be black. I am offended at that kind of talk but that is ok a black man can say anything he wants and that is just all right.

Marie V. (Sent Monday, October 06, 2008 11:59 AM)

I live here in Arizona. I remember all the elderly people on the TV crying because they were swindeled out of their life savings. It was heartbreaking. I don't need the media to remind me of the Keating 5. It still resonates today.

Maria Padilla Jim (Sent Monday, October 06, 2008 12:00 PM)

People listen,When Gov. Palin came out on stage she asked"can I call you Joe".That was the set-up.During her speech she used phrases like,"say it ain't so Joe"and "come on Joe",and the coiless winks.She played us.I have to say she seemed just like us,but I dont want someone like us in the Whitehouse.Hopefully someone alot smarter and less folksy.What would of happened if Senator Biden had said "No I'd rather you addressed me as Sen. Biden.But he couldnt.he was REAL.

Stan (Sent Monday, October 06, 2008 12:00 PM)

Personally I think we need a button of actor James Garner (who starred in TV's MAVERICK and the slogan: "The Real Maverick: Accept No Substitutes."

Hazen M., St. Paul, MN (Sent Monday, October 06, 2008 12:01 PM)

How does John McCain not have PTSD after being in a POW camp for six years? His medical records were supposedly reviewed by the press for three hours last May. Did any of the "reviewers" notice the PTSD diagnosis?

Konrad Kuczk (Sent Monday, October 06, 2008 12:01 PM)

If McCain brings in Rev Wright then Obama camp can go full out exposing voo doo Palin priest - maybe that's how she was made visible to McCain.

If McCain camp wants to run WA attack ads then Obama camp will be well within rights for releasing Palin brother in law tazzer saga and associate Palin to the crime against children because after all, if Obama is guilty by association for serving on a non-profit board with a mass bomber then Sarah Palin is 99.999% guiltier for having dinner every thanks giving with a child abuser! Meowww

cheznaz (Sent Monday, October 06, 2008 12:01 PM)

All sympathies to the Biden family.

JRM (Sent Monday, October 06, 2008 12:02 PM)

Will all the SHEEP wake up to the facts and realize that OBAMA is simply a puppet for socializm and REPERATIONS. We as a people are sick and tired of these pupit political butt boys' If we have any chance to correct the ills and reclaim our country we need a figure at the top that is capable of honesty and a TRUE love for our country. Colorado is hosting an illegal alien Health Fare this month,WOW,Could that relate to our Democratic CARTOON state & city government? Tax payers should plan to get second and third sources of income to keep pace with social programs that are coming down the road if we don't vote for the one and only AMERICAN we have running!!!

J. Webster Denver, Colorado 80211 (Sent Monday, October 06, 2008 12:02 PM)

What happened to the 15k/month McCain's manager's company received from Freddie Mac up to one month before bailout? Did the Dems decide they "earned" the dough and it was legit? Or do they have their own problems with questionable lobbing?

t. duncan (Sent Monday, October 06, 2008 12:03 PM)

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