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First Read is an analysis of the day's political news, from the NBC News political unit. First Read is updated throughout the day, so check back often.

Chuck Todd, NBC Political Director

Mark Murray, NBC Deputy Political Director

Domenico Montanaro, NBC News Political Reporter



Goin' to Carolina for Obama

Posted: Wednesday, October 15, 2008 4:43 PM by Mark Murray
Filed Under:

From NBC's Mark Murray
The Obama campaign in North Carolina has announced that from this Sunday to Tuesday, music legend (and Tar Heel State native) James Taylor will be performing free concerts for the campaign in Charlotte, Asheville, Chapel Hill, Raleigh, and Wilmington.

"This does not seem like a big deal unless you are from North Carolina," an Obama supporter in state tells First Read. "This guy is legend down here and will be a big draw. The concerts are tied to, and will be focused on, promoting early vote."

Meanwhile, the McCain campaign's own rock star -- Sarah Palin -- will be campaigning in North Carolina on Thursday.

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James Taylor or Sarah Palin,let me see, ummmm, James Taylor music anytime over Klondike Sarah, you betcha! Isn't it moose hunting season in Alaska yet? Obama all the way to the White House !!
In Obama''''s own words:"I found a solace in nursing a pervasive sense of grievance against my mother''''s race...it remained necessary to prove which side you were on,to show your loyalty to the black masses,to strike out and name names."..from "Dreams from My Father".(Which may as well be,"Lies From My Father",as it appears the "ghostwriter" may be none other than Bill Ayers.) The second quote comes from,"The Audacity of Hope":"I will stand with the Muslims should the political winds shift in an ugly direction." Some people just might find those comments more than a little racially tinged.

CD (Sent Wednesday, October 15, 2008 1:27 PM)
******************************************************
No. Actually it is your interpretation of them that is "racially tinged". What makes you Republicans seem so utterly ignorant is your constant fear of Muslims. You cannot seem to decipher a group of radicals from the millions and millions of peace loving, hard working Muslims living throughout the world. There are currently over 7 million muslim Americans. They are doctors,lawyers,teachers,factory workers. They obey the law and pay there taxes. They care for there wives and children and just want acceptance and freedom to worhip in America like everyone else. It is the right-wing faction in this country that has instilled this fear in the ignorant and uneducated. So uneducated that you do not even know that Arabs make up the smallest percentage of the muslim world community. So in that regard I will also "stand with the Muslims should the political winds shift in an ugly direction."
Thanks to people like you the winds have already shifted.
As for Barack being conflicted and confused as a child about his race and where he fits in, You call this racist? I call you callous and a person who is truly afraid diversity. Of course the poor kid was conflicted. You really should not judge a man if you havent walked in his shoes.

A prime example of your political, socaial and racial ideology....

At a now famous McCain rally...

"I don't trust Obama," a woman said. "I have read about him. He's an Arab."

McCain shook his head in disagreement, and said:

"No, ma'am. He's a decent, family man, a citizen that I just happen to have disagreements with (him) on fundamental issues and that's what this campaign is all about."

You see this is the kind of garbage you invoke with your statements.

A. Why are you afraid of Arabs?

B. Do you think all Arabs are radical Muslims?

C. Do you think the proper response was to say that Obama is a decent person? Are there not millions of decent family men that are Arabs?

You need to take a long look in the mirror before spouting off what you think is "racially tinged"
Just forcing McCain to play defense in another RED state.

It's a great strategy for someone who is already so far ahead.

http://lastofourkind.blogspot.com
Wow-James Taylor, the hippie, is giving (another) free concert to draw 'Carolina voters-and you are shocked?  Good lord.

While you're all feeling good, I'd like to ask you a question-

given that 30% of wage earners don't pay income taxes, but Obama is guaranteeing them a fully refundable tax credit, which is akin to welfare; and, given that the money to PAY that welfare check will come from small businesses,. . .

how will you feel about spending that money, knowing that you cost a minimum wage worker his or her job?

Let's face it, the people who run pizzarias, dry cleaners, etc., will have to recoup their losses the only way they can-by raising prices and firing workers.

If you can take that money in good conscience, your moral compass is broken.
Hi First Read...I have a question.  Do you have to be "Pro-Obama" to get posted here?

I have attempted numerous times to submit my comments -- nothing harsh, just not in support of Obama -- and they NEVER show up!  Meanwhile, the Obama crazies post 3 or 4 times for each article.

It's getting a little curious -- just wondering.
Excuse me...she might be many things, but rock star she is not!  

She needs to get over herself and realize this is not about her.  History will not judge her kind.

What I do know is...even in a heated primary for the Democrats, she makes Hillary look more like a goddess.  

That burns me to no end with Palin, we have great women leaders and she comes along and set women back 10 years or more.  She is awful!  
Boston.com
A BAD OMEN?
"The flames from the Red Sox' skidding season seem to be spreading. The Citgo sign that looms over Fenway Park caught fire this morning, the plastic partially melting in a small electrical blaze inside the storied sign."
____________________
We'll always have Obama.
____________________
Why is it that whenever I hear someone mention "Carolina" I think of Fred & Ethel Mertz? Nothing could be fine ah than to be in Carolina .......
My hope for justice is that Sarah Palin will be traveling to Alaska on Thursday, and not allowed to travel around in North Carolina.  
>>>Meanwhile, the McCain campaign's own rock star -- Sarah Palin -- will be campaigning in North Carolina on Thursday.
==========
She'll bring out all of the Confederate flag loving, cross burning bigots.  Maybe she can get some Arryan Nation punk band to play for her.

Obama/Biden '08!
http://jawillie.blog.com
HA HA , the last senetnce cracks me up, I love these guys at First Read. We know who they're for. Good for you!
Palin a rock star with spewing hatred. I don't think so. I hope she knows which side of the country she is in. Today in new hampshire, she said she was in the northwest. scary. Anyways, the concert is a brillant idea to bring out the vote.
Can't wait to vote Saturday.  My family and entire "Obama network" making a day of it tomorrow and Saturday!

Can't wait!

VotebabyVote!
Wonder wh will draw the biggest crowd?
JAMES, I GOT CAROLINA, FLORIDA AND OHIO ON MY MIND.
Obama campaign has finally announced he will be in St Louis Missouri (swing state) on Saturday afternoon.  This will be a huge rally of 50,000 plus (I suspect it will be more towards 100,000 plus)  under the Gateway Arch.  This will be a perfect picture.
"Meanwhile, the McCain campaign's own rock star -- Sarah Palin -- will be campaigning in North Carolina on Thursday."

Murray.....you are too funny
Dean Smith endorsed, now J.T.

NC should be sown up!
The Obama campaign is one of the best in history. Whether you like Obama or not their campaign has been almost flawless. From the way that they waited to peak until right before the primary to the way they slowly rolled out their super-delegates, to the way that they have controlled their message and yes, to the way that they have used influencial supporters.

Absolutely magnificent. Years from now they will make classes based on this stuff.
James Taylor is a good/decent man, and he's on the right side of history.  Sarah Palin is no rock star to me or to the independent voters; she's only appealing to her own Republican base...
Rock on Obama!!
Rock star my ass.

Sarah Palin is the Hannah Montana of politics
The Palin bubble just blew into 18 million pieces. I remember when hockey mom used to brag that Obama is regretting not having selected Hillary for VP. Hillary would have been a superb selection no doubt, but I wonder who's regretting their VP pick now!
Oh, God, how can we make her ( Sarah) go away? Her abuse of power has been a little reported story and some are even talking her up for the next election!!! What am I missing here about this candidate??
"the McCain campaign's own rock star -- Sarah Palin"
wahahahahahahwahahawhahwahwahwahwa, oh priceless.
McRacial politics is on the ropes. Thankfully our country won't tolerate such reckless actions by the once self proclaimed maverick. Johnny your going to get McSpanked on Nov. 4, and we will say goodbye to Rovian campaigns forever.
Sarah Palin? Rockstar?

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

Not since like, Sept 6.

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

http://www.rodneyhopper.com
Palin will be doing her best Johnny Rotten impression. Yeah, that'll bring them in.
Palin House:Sarah Palin’s House Built For Free? - Palin house is the drama of the day.The Palin family has a house worth $552,000 that is causing a bit of controversy. Palin house is located at Lake Lucille.It is a two-story, four bedroom, four bath home and “Todd Palin said that he built the house with friends who were contractors.”But reports claim that the house was actually built by the Spenard Builders Supply that was hired for the $12.5 million Wasilla Sports Complex.To make a long story short Palin made Spenard Builders Supply build her house in order for them to obtain the big Sports Complex contract.
That’s all we have for now on Palin House:Sarah Palin’s House Built For Free
TO NO JO, NO BO, NJ:

ARE YOU AN IDIOT.  CAN YOU NOT READ.  THIS ARTICLE HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH WHAT YOU WROTE FOR YOUR RESPONSE.  YOU ARE A LYING REPUBLICAN THAT JUST WANTS TO KNOCK OBAMA.  WELL MOVE OUT OF THE WAY, YOU ARE GOING DOWN.  OBAMA AND BIDEN ALL OF THE WAY TO THE WHITE HOUSE.
We can't wait to see James Taylor in a few days. It will be good for us with the economy so bad and people out of work. And it's free. Early voting starts in NC tomorrow. I plan on being the first in line. Independent for Obama-Biden
James Taylor today, Xbox yesterday, The Will-I-am, and Luda video, Scarlette and the Obama girl, all of Hollywood, Michelle....this guy..and He's smart and ethical, seriously,..Bill Bellar (Republican) was one of the first to say how He might be the next president and redefine everything with his campaign
It's times like these that I wish I didn't live in Arizona. The only person we get to see is Slime ball McCain and Slippery Sarah. I can only hope for a major upset in Arizona come November 4th....dare to dream :)
Thank you JT...

Well, I'm a steamroller, baby,
I'm bound to roll all over you...

Yes, I'm a steamroller, baby,
I'm bound to roll all over you...

I'm gonna inject your soul with some sweet rock 'n roll --
And shoot you full of rhythm and blues!

Well, I'm a cement mixer
A churning urn of burning funk.

Yes, I'm a cement mixer for you, baby
A churning urn of burning funk.

Well, I'm a demolition derby...
A hefty hunk of steam engine!

Now, I'm a napalm bomb, baby,
Just guaranteed to blow your mind.

Yeah, I'm a napalm bomb for you, baby,
Guaranteed to blow your mind.

And if I can't have your love for my own..
Sweet child, won't be nothing left behind.

It seems how lately, baby... Got a bad case steamroller blues.

Sing that one!

Palin is disgrace to the intelligence of all Americans not just women.  Hillary is never going to look like or be a goddess. She' a fraud. Surely there are better women than these two women to become leaders in the USA.
I love James Taylor and I been a fan for 30 years!  My family has had a band for 44 years and James Taylor songs  were what we played at the house-  Obama has got a finesse campaign here.  Actions, speak louder than words-  James Taylor:  Sing the anthem of You Gotta Friend" for the Obama campaign-  Have fun-
no joe, no bo, nj

You are a sad sad little person.  
Wow-James Taylor, the hippie, is giving (another) free concert to draw 'Carolina voters-and you are shocked?  Good lord.

While you're all feeling good, I'd like to ask you a question-

given that 30% of wage earners don't pay income taxes, but Obama is guaranteeing them a fully refundable tax credit, which is akin to welfare; and, given that the money to PAY that welfare check will come from small businesses,. . .

how will you feel about spending that money, knowing that you cost a minimum wage worker his or her job?

Let's face it, the people who run pizzarias, dry cleaners, etc., will have to recoup their losses the only way they can-by raising prices and firing workers.

If you can take that money in good conscience, your moral compass is broken.
no joe, no bo, nj (Sent Wednesday, October 15, 2008 4:54 PM)

no joe, no bo, nj -  I don't know how your ill-informed messages keep getting posted and I haven't seen one of mine yet!  Hello, FR, I think you're being strangely selective!

Obama plans to give $3000 incentive to small businesses for hiring a new employee.  McCain plans to give tax cuts to large corporations and thinks it will trickle down.  We've seen how sucessful that's been... NOT.

And your derogatory comment about James Taylor being a hippee shows how closed minded you are.  What is it that makes him a "hippee" in your closed little mind?He is a great artist and the people of NC have a right to be proud of him.

Think and research just a little before you speak.  

And FR quite posting everything this guy sends.  But then you won't post this like every other thing I've submitted.  Censorship at its finest.
As a resident of NC can we please get border security to block Phalin's entrance to the state. We really don't need her hate inspired retoric. Come on North Carolinians,say it with me... No way...No how....No McCain!!!

NC going BLUE for Obama/Biden!
Sarah Palin is a power abuser...liar...and bigot...not a rock star...

How Sarah Palin Has Excluded African-Americans
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/max-blumenthal/how-sarah-palin-has-exclu_b_134403.html

Palin vindicated?
http://www.adn.com/opinion/view/story/555236.html
Sarah Palin is nothing but an IGLOO Mom. A Moron and a THUG.

OBAMA/BIDEN '08
Hhahaha Hannah Montana of politics.  That line cracked me up.  Good one.  What we have to remember here is that McCain is trying to con the people into votes.  Each week he changes his mind to get votes.  Obama has been steady on what he believes from the start.  He is trying to lure seniors with this no tax on 401k withdrawal...but he isnt telling them he will cut social security benefits and medicare to implement his programs.  Obamas pay for themselves.  This is one senior that would never vote for John McCain.  He is still in Bush Admin. mode...tax breaks for the rich again.  Nothing about middle class people.  He is still of the belief that the trickle down effect works.  It hasnt in eight years...but now it will??????  Explain how Mccain.  Also explain why it hasnt in the eight years your buddy Bush has been in and who you voted with 95% of the time.
Rock Star???

How bout Porn Star
As a Brit who has been a student of International politics for forty years I have to say that the Obama campaign has been the best run campaign I have ever seen.
Sarah Palin in Indiana. Shouldn't IN be locked up by now?. This will be a landslide for Obama if McCain continues to show more examples of his judgement, and Sarah keeps talking.Obama came to this game ready to play.
Sarrah Barrah Cuddah is no rock star, she only appeals to the redneck uneducated religious kook crowd of false patriots and fake brand of Christianity.


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