Ask Chuck Todd

Posted: Wednesday, October 08, 2008 3:28 PM by Domenico Montanaro

Join Chuck Todd, NBC's Political Director for this week's discussion about the presidential election on Newsvine. Feel free to post your questions here in advance.

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Comments

is McCain's negative campaigning targeted at his base to keep them excited (so they will vote), or is it supposed to be targeted at the moderates to get new voters?

Jeremiah Corbin, Madison SD (Sent Wednesday, October 08, 2008 3:31 PM)

Viva Chuck Todd! Chuckolytes unite!

http://thepajamapundit.com/

the Pajama Pundit (Sent Wednesday, October 08, 2008 3:35 PM)

Chuck,
Do you think that next week you'll put Obama over 300 on your slick new electoral map tool? Like color Florida and Ohio Blue?

Eric, Salinas, CA (Sent Wednesday, October 08, 2008 3:37 PM)

Was McCain SERIOUS about buying up foreclosed loans ?
Would this proposal have ANY support among Republicans ?
Is it something Obama could use after his Inaugaration?
(assuming he wins)

Sometimes, politicians just throw out ideas, never to be heard of again

If Obama wins, WHAT WILL BE HIS MANDATE ?

MSierra, SF (Sent Wednesday, October 08, 2008 3:38 PM)

Hey Chuck,

Why in the world is McCain and Phalin continuing this horrible line of attack ?? Seems to me that the more they do this, the more they fall in the polls.

Nj (Sent Wednesday, October 08, 2008 3:39 PM)

On election night what will be MSNBCs policy on calling states...I am from California.

Janet B, SF, CA (Sent Wednesday, October 08, 2008 3:39 PM)

LAst night on CNN, a commentator said that it was too late for smear tactics to be effective

That those tactics MIGHT have been effective in July or August, but not now

Do you agree ?

MSierra, SF (Sent Wednesday, October 08, 2008 3:39 PM)

Today, McCain calls Americans "my fellow prisoners":

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JYFm5kK4f1k

Freudian slip??? Yea, if McCain/Palin get into office we will be fellow prisoners!

Seriously though, do you think this strange little demented man needs an examination.

Libratine (Sent Wednesday, October 08, 2008 3:41 PM)

All the debates have the same topics. Why should I watch the next one? It is just economy, foreign policy, and healthcare. Those are controlled by congressional votes, not by presidential decisions. I am interested in domestic social issues such as abortion, women's rights, welfare, immigration, stem-cell research, Supreme Court Justice nominations, legislating from the bench, gay issues, education, separation of church and state, faith based initiatives, calls to action, environmental protection, civil rights, human rights, etc. None of that is in the debates!!! For Pete's sake, who cares what they want to do for the economy? It will have to get through Congress anyway!!!!

Joan Schultz, St. Louis, MO (Sent Wednesday, October 08, 2008 3:43 PM)

Is it the end of the 'Era of De-Regulation' ?

Do you think we'll get effective regulation if Obama is elected ?

Will even conservatives go along with regulation of Financial institutions, consumer products, airlines and other industries ?

Isn't de-regulation a 'Failed Social Policy' of the 90's ???

Aren't Trickle Down Economics' and 'Free (sic) Trade' other 'Failed Social Policies' of the 90's ?

Is the 'Bush Doctrine' (sic) of 'Pre-emptive War' dead ?
Isn't 'Pre-emptive War' a pretty anme for 'aggression' ?

MSierra, SF (Sent Wednesday, October 08, 2008 3:44 PM)

Chuckster; How come NOONE mentions Mclame's comments on the draft anymore. He succesfully distracted us from it with his pick of Klondike Barbie, but the issue is stil open; IS Mcinsane going to send my kids off to an unwinnable, cosmically absurd and bloody war? And will Jenna and Babs have to serve,too?

Class Warrior, D.C. (Sent Wednesday, October 08, 2008 3:44 PM)

IS there ANY creditable commentator who feels that Sarah PAlin is in ANY WAY QUALIFIED for the VP, much less Presidency ?

MSierra, SF (Sent Wednesday, October 08, 2008 3:45 PM)

My question for the next debate would go to Senator McCain:
Would you pay Sarah Palin 33% less than what Dick Cheney makes if you two are elected in Nov? If not, why? If so, why?

Union Baby, Tennessee (Sent Wednesday, October 08, 2008 3:45 PM)

Hi Chuck,

If you had one target demographic in FL that could produce a significant shift toward Obama, who would it be and what would the game changing issues be for that group?

Thanks in Advance!

Joe, MN (Sent Wednesday, October 08, 2008 3:45 PM)

Why do you guys cover Sara Palin and she will not talk to the media. This is a joke and the American people depend on the press to do there job and the media is letting her set the agenda.

ronnie jones sausalito, ca (Sent Wednesday, October 08, 2008 3:46 PM)

do you really beleive that there are people out there who would not vote for Obama just because he is Black.

bobby Jones (Sent Wednesday, October 08, 2008 3:46 PM)

HOW MUCH RESPONSIBILITY DO THE CANDIDATES HAVE IN CONTROLLING THEIR CROWDS AT THEIR RALLIES?

LISA KEYS, BALTIMORE, MD. (Sent Wednesday, October 08, 2008 3:48 PM)

If McCain loses the next debate what chance does he have at winning this election??

Tachea Riviera Beach, Fl (Sent Wednesday, October 08, 2008 3:49 PM)

Regarding last night's debate, I find it curious that although the "reacto-meter" showed a consistent positive trend for Obama as compared to McCain, when Soledad O'Brien polled the undecided audience for who they would vote for today, several more voted for McCain than Obama. How would you explain this apparent contradiction?

Gary Uhland, Littleton, CO (Sent Wednesday, October 08, 2008 3:49 PM)

Is it true that Obama had a plan similar to the plan that McCain fell short of explaining last night which was introduced when the Bailout situation was in the negotiating process? I read that Obama had a similar plan but decided to drop it because it would end up costing the homeowners money...
Why or rather how does McCain get away with taking Obama's plan and changing a couple of syllables then attempting to make it his own?

MC314, Saint Louis, MO (Sent Wednesday, October 08, 2008 3:50 PM)

Dear Chuck,

The New England mentality of honoring self-sufficiency and favoring an intellectual approach to problem solving, what has been the most significant factor or factors responsible for the shift toward Obama among New Hampshire voters? Will these national polling trends likely hold when every battleground state is so critical for McCain?

Thanks in advance

Joe, MN (Sent Wednesday, October 08, 2008 3:50 PM)

Will there be discussion regarding McCain linked to group in Iran-Contra affair? The article from Associated Press was in the Orange County Register (CA). According to this article, McCain was a supporter but not an active member or US Council for World Freedom. This article also states McCain was a board member of Singlaub's council when the new congressman voted for military assistance to the Nicaraguan Contras, a CIA -organized guerilla force.

Paula Miller (Sent Wednesday, October 08, 2008 3:50 PM)

Chuck: In your view, if Sen McCain had chosen a running mate with more experience, Elizabeth Dole, for example, would the race be closer than it is now?

Dorothy, Illinois (Sent Wednesday, October 08, 2008 3:51 PM)

Chuck, are deficit spending and the national debt simply politically dead topics? This week we have had the largest annual deficit "ever", at $438B, and we have added a digit in passing $10T in total debt - cause the famous NYC debt clock to become hilariously obsolete. Yet in the 16,000 words of last night's 2nd Presidential debate, there were 4 occurences of "deficit" (2 Brokaw, 2 Obama, 0 McCain) and 2 of "national debt" (both by Obama). Worse yet, our debt as a percentage of GDP is at a 50 year high, levels not seen since the recovery out of World War II. What gives?

BTW, love your work with the polling analysis.

www.deficithawk.com (Sent Wednesday, October 08, 2008 3:53 PM)

Chuck, with all the newly registered voters, what is the ratio of Dems to Repubs???

Aren't these new voters going to change the landscape of the map?

How is the polling in anyway accurate if it doesn't account for all these newly registered voters??

Obama 08 (Sent Wednesday, October 08, 2008 3:54 PM)

McCain has said just today that he will balance the budget by the end of his first term. Has anyone asked him specifically how he thinks he will be able to do this?

mk (Sent Wednesday, October 08, 2008 3:55 PM)

Dear Chuck,

Why is McCain taking credit for buying up bad mortgages, saying it's his idea? Wasn't there verbiage in the bailout plan that provided authority for this? And didn't Joe Biden mention something to this effect during the VP debate last week?

Tired of the Lies! Philly, PA (Sent Wednesday, October 08, 2008 3:56 PM)

Chuck, what are the reports from around the country concerning the election process...voting machines, registration blocks, possible lack of ballots, etc. Are we likely to experience another 2000 fiasco?

subgruvet, ok (Sent Wednesday, October 08, 2008 3:56 PM)

Chuck,

My favorite pundit. Whenever they announce that you are about to share your map, everyone in the household runs to watch and soak it in.

Here's my question:

The Five Thirty Eight Blog is predicting Obama with 346.8 EV and McCain with 191 EV. It predicts a 90.5% probabilty that Obama will be the next president.

Election Projections 2008 which is sponsored and operated by a conservative operative is predicting Obama with 364 EV to McCains 174.

Both of these blogs are very accurate and I beleive are not for the most part partisan.

Why then have you been so conservative with your map (an outstanding tool) and your audio predictions? Could it be that reality is somewhere in between?

Go President Obama!

Rafael, Roswell, GA (Sent Wednesday, October 08, 2008 3:56 PM)

The press should demand access to Palin for questions or remove themselves from her campaign plane and say no deal. This is how you change politics in America and make it more responsive to the people. We need to raise the standards, insist the candidates do serious interviews on Meet the Press or ABC Sunday Show or CBS. How do you feel about this?

dyellon md (Sent Wednesday, October 08, 2008 4:00 PM)

Chuck,
Are you begining to form an opinion of who's going to win the Presidency? And how did you arrive at this opinion?
Michael J

Michael Johnson (Sent Wednesday, October 08, 2008 4:01 PM)

Chuck? With the poll trends moving even more in direction favored toward Barack Obama as well as the number spread widening.

And the so called "battle and swings States" moving toward Barack Obama , all of this only weeks from election time.

Do you believe John McCain even has any chance of winning this election?

The - Democrat Soldier (Sent Wednesday, October 08, 2008 4:01 PM)

I noticed in the debate the continual use of the word “and” by Obama and the usual use of the phrase of “My Friend” by McCain. I found that Obama seem to be using “and” as a hesitation word, which left me with the impression of uncertainty. I also found the use of “ My Friend” as out of touch with the stage and national audience. That phrase may be effective when shaking hands, but on stage, it was assuming and annoying. Did Obama give you the feeling he lacked the ability to take command and is McCain always a loose cannon as he appeared last night. Your thoughts are appreciated

TEC-Spring-TX (Sent Wednesday, October 08, 2008 4:01 PM)

Chuck... with PA apparently getting further and further out of reach and MI seemingly closer within McCain's grasp, why didn't he pull out of PA and pitch tents in MI?

just the facts (Sent Wednesday, October 08, 2008 4:04 PM)

Hey Chuck,
My question is about the margin spread in Georgia.Is there any chance that Mr.Barr's 3rd party run for President could peel enough votes on Nov. 4th to possibly give Senator Obama the state.

Greg Morris, Birkenfeld,Oregon (Sent Wednesday, October 08, 2008 4:06 PM)

Chuck,

I am a big fan. You actually make politics fun. You turn politics into a game of sport that's entertaining with losers and winners, except that the stakes are much higher.

I have a question for you. Why the McCain campaign at this late stage of the game uses tatics that alienate and turn off truly independent and undecided voters? I am an Asian American, and a registered independent and "undecided" in the true sense of the word. I want lower capital gains tax, bigger capital loss tax deduction (who wouldn't now), and a lower personal tax across the board. I also believe that the government should live within its means. I am also a social liberal: I am for gay marriage, separation of church and state, free trade, negoitation with friends and enemies alike, alternative energy, etc. In one word, I am an independent.

Now I have decided to vote for "That One." What put me over the edge was when Palin implied that Obama IS a pal of a terorist and a terorist sympathizer. She implied because Obama doesn't look like "us" he is not one of "us." I took her "us" to mean "white americans." She may not realize it, but that remark alone offend many non-white americans. We non-white americans have all experienced being treated as "them" at some point in life.

Appatently, McCain doesn't need my vote. Otherwise he would have asked for it. I really thought his time had come. He blew it. McCain has lost all his appeal to independents and conservative dems by being un-McCain like.

Eddie Weis, El Paso, Texas (Sent Wednesday, October 08, 2008 4:06 PM)

Hey Chuck, why hasn't Virginia been moved into the leaning Obama category, given the consistent poll data that keeps coming in? Is it a reluctance to perhaps ruin the drama that this election is playing out as on TV?

David, Belmont, MI (Sent Wednesday, October 08, 2008 4:08 PM)

Dear Chuck,

I am not so sure that buying up the failing morgtages is such a bad idea. Does current polling reflect this as a positive or negative issue?

Unfortunately, the housing market must be stabilized and there are very few ways to actually accomplish that without a grounding effect provided by Government intervention. How can we possibly stop the bleeding unless the Government decides to act decisively, and step in when it's citizens need help.

I think if the rescue package in Congress had been structured so that home owners got equal relief from these predatory mortgage lenders, then maybe more Americans would have understood the whole thing better could have agreed that government action was necessary. As it stands now, it just looks like 830 billion dollars of good money thrown after bad, and the market is still in freefall. Some bailout. I think the bucket has a huge hole in it!

So, to Sarah Hateful and Mr. McKook -- Please Stop all of your oooky, kind of kooky - kind of maverickiness that is making everyone drunk!!! It's gotten old quick and your ride has a poor safety record. Stop this carnival ride and let us all OFF!

No more republicans!

Joe, MN (Sent Wednesday, October 08, 2008 4:10 PM)

Well Chuck here you go,
Considering the tie (somewhat favoring obama) debate and with the sudden jump and drop of palin negative (Aeirs and Wright) do you feel this will have an effect on either candadate on the electoral map?

Luke Portland, Or (Sent Wednesday, October 08, 2008 4:14 PM)

Chuck,

Does John McCain really think that America doesn't know the only reason he picked Palin is so he and his exon-mobil buddies can have first dips on Alaska if congress decides to lift the 30 year off-shore drilling ban?

Does he really think America doesn't know he could care less about this so-called "Victory" in Iraq and that it's all about that good ol' unleaded 87, 89, and 93??

Mike, Chucktown, SC (Sent Wednesday, October 08, 2008 4:16 PM)

Chuck-

What number of Electoral College votes will the success point be for Obama? Does he need 330; 360; even higher? Just clearing the 270 hurdle won't be much of a success will it?

Steve, San Diego (Sent Wednesday, October 08, 2008 4:20 PM)

With what I am seeing in the news of late; the GOP questioning voter laws in Ohio and going after ACORN for alleged registration fraud; I would like your opinion on the percentage of voting problems that might be cropping up on Election Day. How much of this do you think will happen? Do you think there will be any states that have to resort to recounts? Which one do you think, the Republicans or the Democratic, will use the traditional battle cry of 'voter fraud' more? Do you think that either party will actually make concerted efforts to skew the results?

Nancy Baker, Narraganset, Rhode Island (Sent Wednesday, October 08, 2008 4:23 PM)

Similiar question; Why does the media allow a candidate to make controversial comments and accusations, when they can't be questioned about those comments and accusations? Doesn't it give credence and actually condone those comments?

Brad, Portland,OR (Sent Wednesday, October 08, 2008 4:24 PM)

Chuck,

I assume that you talk with a lot of voters. From what you hear, what kinds of things are Americans willing to sacrifice to help get our country back on the right track?

Do Americans understand what the concept of sacrifice?

Gail, TN (Sent Wednesday, October 08, 2008 4:27 PM)

Chuck, do we really have a "free press" if one party can dictate what you can cover and not cover? Why are the media giving so much coverage to a candidate who is not allowed to talk to you?

Ron in GA (Sent Wednesday, October 08, 2008 4:28 PM)

Chuck,

I just want your honest opinion. Do you think North Carolina will go blue this November???

Dillon, Rocky Mount, NC (Sent Wednesday, October 08, 2008 4:35 PM)

Chuck,

Do you think Gen.Colin Powell will endorse Sen. Obama? If so, when?

Ken (Sent Wednesday, October 08, 2008 4:38 PM)

I live in Michigan and I've received more mail from McCain and have seen more ads from the McCain camp since he has dropped out of Michigan - my question is this - in one mailing from McCain it claims that he and Palin support stem cell research. This puzzles me because if Palin is completely against all forms of abortion, why would she support embryonic stem cell research? Thanks.

Rochelle Taylor, Flint, Michigan (Sent Wednesday, October 08, 2008 4:39 PM)

chuck,

What is the criteria for NBC accepting or not accepting state polls? I have heard you decry state level polling for weeks.

Curious

Rodney J, Fresno, CA (Sent Wednesday, October 08, 2008 4:41 PM)

Hi Chuck, I know you guys interact with overseas journalists. What do they and their audiences think of Obama? I have friends that live and work in Europe and they e-mail and phone me about how excited most of their friends about the prospect of Barack Obama becoming president.Will you share what your European counterparts think?

Pennie Johnson (Sent Wednesday, October 08, 2008 4:41 PM)

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