First thoughts: McCain's lobbyist purge

Chuck, NY — Mon, 19 May 2008 13:35:01 GMT

In the fall, the weather will turn cooler and probably rainy in most of the country. So I hope Presidential nominee Obama can squeeze in some big rally’s like yesterday in Portland. He can spend a fortune in advertising, he can rack up endorsements, he can win debates with McCain, but nothing will hit home harder than a few more of these mega rallies.

Just don’t compete against the NFL on Sundays this fall. Bad karma.

First thoughts: McCain's lobbyist purge

MSierra, SF — Mon, 19 May 2008 13:39:49 GMT

'...her media reputation as "nasty" and "ruthless...'

Hillary Clinton, vicious but fair.....

'...But by running a racially tinged campaign, lying
about her foreign policy experience and repeatedly
seeming to favor McCain over her Democratic opponent,
Clinton didn't just break through the "glass floor,"
she set a new low for floors in general,...'

racially tinged.... ?
Does that mean 'race-baiting' ?

'...We didn't really need her racial innuendos and
free-floating bellicosity...'

WORD !

'...her media reputation as "nasty" and "ruthless...'
Take me to your leader ...

'...the woman to get closest to the Oval Office has
promised to "obliterate" the toddlers of Tehran...'

THAT'S A NEW LOW !
"obliterate" ?

Genocide a-go-go ?

From theNation.com:

'...Hillary's Gift to Women By Barbara Ehrenreich

May 12, 2008

In Friday's New York Times, Susan Faludi rejoiced over
Hillary Clinton's destruction of the myth of female
prissiness and innate moral superiority, hailing
Clinton's "no-holds-barred pugnacity" and her media
reputation as "nasty" and "ruthless." Future female
presidential candidates will owe a lot to the race of
2008, Faludi wrote, "when Hillary Clinton broke
through the glass floor and got down with the boys."

I share Faludi's glee--up to a point. Surely no one
will ever dare argue that women lack the temperament
for political combat. But by running a racially tinged
campaign, lying about her foreign policy experience
and repeatedly seeming to favor McCain over her
Democratic opponent, Clinton didn't just break through
the "glass floor," she set a new low for floors in
general, and would, if she could have gotten within
arm's reach, have rubbed the broken glass into Obama's
face.

A mere decade ago Francis Fukuyama fretted in Foreign
Affairs that the world was too dangerous for the West
to be entrusted to graying female leaders, whose
aversion to violence was, as he established with
numerous examples from chimpanzee society, "rooted in
biology." The counter-example of Margaret Thatcher,
perhaps the first of head of state to start a war for
the sole purpose of pumping up her approval ratings,
led him to concede that "biology is not destiny." But
it was still a good reason to vote for a
prehistoric-style club-wielding male.

Not to worry though, Francis. Far from being the
stereotypical feminist-pacifist of your imagination,
the woman to get closest to the Oval Office has
promised to "obliterate" the toddlers of
Tehran--along, of course, with the bomb-builders and
Hezbollah supporters. Earlier on, Clinton foreswore
even talking to presumptive bad guys, although women
are supposed to be the talk addicts of the species.
Watch out--was her distinctly unladylike message to
Hugo Chávez, Kim Jong-Il and the rest of them--or I'll
rip you a new one.

There's a reason it's been so easy for men to overlook
women's capacity for aggression. As every student of
Women's Studies 101 knows, what's called aggression in
men is usually trivialized as "bitchiness" in women:
men get angry; women suffer from bouts of
inexplicable, hormonally-driven, hostility. So give
Clinton credit for defying the belittling stereotype:
she's been visibly angry for months, if not decades,
and it can't all have been PMS.

But did we really need another lesson in the female
capacity for ruthless aggression? Any illusions I had
about the innate moral superiority of women ended four
years ago with Abu Ghraib. Recall that three out of
the five prison guards prosecuted for the torture and
sexual humiliation of prisoners were women. The prison
was directed by a woman, Gen. Janis Karpinski, and the
top US intelligence officer in Iraq, who also was
responsible for reviewing the status of detainees
before their release, was Major Gen. Barbara Fast. Not
to mention that the US official ultimately responsible
for managing the occupation of Iraq at the time was
Condoleezza Rice. Whatever violent and evil things men
can do, women can do too, and if the capacity for
cruelty is a criterion for leadership, as Fukuyama
suggested, then Lynndie England should consider
following up her stint in the brig with a run for the
Senate.

It's important--even kind of exhilarating--for women
to embrace their inner bitch, but the point should be
to expand our sense of human possibility, not to
enshrine aggression as a virtue. Women can behave like
the warrior queen Boadicea, credited with slaughtering
70,000, many of them civilians, or like Margaret
Thatcher, who attempted to dismantle the British
welfare state. Men, for their part, are free to take
as their role models the pacifist leaders Martin
Luther King and Mahatma Gandhi. Biology conditions us
in all kinds of ways we might not even be aware of
yet. But virtue is always a choice.

Hillary Clinton smashed the myth of innate female
moral superiority in the worst possible way--by
demonstrating female moral inferiority. We didn't
really need her racial innuendos and free-floating
bellicosity to establish that women aren't wimps. As a
generation of young feminists realizes, the values
once thought to be uniquely and genetically
female--such as compassion and an aversion to
violence--can be found in either sex, and sometimes
it's a man who best upholds them.

First thoughts: McCain's lobbyist purge

John B, Des Moines, IA — Mon, 19 May 2008 13:41:13 GMT

"Senator Obama's associations and what they say about his judgment and readiness to be commander in chief.” So much for the McCain campaign's professed desire to not engage in negative campaigning.

First thoughts: McCain's lobbyist purge

Bob from McLean Va — Mon, 19 May 2008 13:44:28 GMT

Okay Chuck -- You have a day and a half to decide. When the polls close in Kentucky tomorrow will you or will you not declare Obama the PROJECTED WINNER of the DEMOCRATIC NOMINATION based upon his capture of the most pledged delegates? Or will it be another MSNBC wimp out?

First thoughts: McCain's lobbyist purge

Lex Wright, Seattle, WA — Mon, 19 May 2008 13:45:11 GMT

John McSame is corrupt - having swung a huge military deal from Boeing to Airbus is an act of treason - probably hard for Republicans to accept the TRUTH but this represents $40B dollars leaving our country and another reason why McSame's economic policies will be the continued ruination of the US economy.

Obama '08..!!!!!

First thoughts: McCain's lobbyist purge

Pat Huntington ny — Mon, 19 May 2008 13:45:15 GMT

McCain is taking so long with his medical records, because he is still finding a truck big enough to transport them, and he has a team of 100 redacting anything relating to his urinary incontinence problem.

First thoughts: McCain's lobbyist purge

MSierra, SF — Mon, 19 May 2008 13:47:15 GMT

Biden is looking better and better as VP

He's a politician who can shoot back at Republican smears
You need a fighter, not a liar

He's every bit as experienced at foreign policy as McCain, except Biden has LEARNED SOMETHING from HIS experience

And Biden never claimed to have dodged sniper fire or save refugees in Macedonia

Obama-Biden '

Sounds good to me !!

First thoughts: McCain's lobbyist purge

ariel — Mon, 19 May 2008 13:47:42 GMT

George Bush is a coward.

First thoughts: McCain's lobbyist purge

Terry, IN — Mon, 19 May 2008 13:50:12 GMT

What about the totals for campaign contributions for April? I thought those were to be released by May 15th.

First thoughts: McCain's lobbyist purge

BJ, CA — Mon, 19 May 2008 13:52:58 GMT

If this race goes beyond tomorrow...the SD's need to step in and end it....

The Dem's will cause this circus to end....

First thoughts: McCain's lobbyist purge

ROY WILSON, CRESTLINE, CA — Mon, 19 May 2008 13:53:13 GMT

INTERESTING POINT

IF THE DEMOCRATIC PRIMARIES WERE DESIGNED THE SAME AS THE GENERAL ELECTION (ELECTORAL VOTES BY STATE, WINNER TAKES ALL – WHICH MAKES THE MOST SENSE, SINCE THAT’S HOW THE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION IS DONE) CLINTON WOULD HAVE 295 VOTES (ONLY 270 NEEDED TO WIN) AND OBAMA WOULD ONLY HAVE 206. SHE’LL HAVE WELL OVER 300 SOON, A LANDSLIDE IN THE GENERAL ELECTION. ALSO, MOST OF THE STATES OBAMA WON VOTED REPUBLICAN IN THE LAST ELECTION AND PROBABLY WILL AGAIN. THE SILLY CAUCUS SYSTEM REALLY SKEWS THE RESULTS AND ALLOWS ACTIVISTS TO UNDULY INFLUENCE THE NOMINATION, BUT THESE ACTIVISTS STILL ONLY GET 1 VOTE EACH IN NOVEMBER. OBAMA IS EASILY THE WEAKER CANDIDATE, AND IF HE LOSES IN NOVEMBER, THE SUPERDELEGATES WILL BE SKEWERED FOR NOT DOING THEIR JOB OF PICKING THE MOST QUALIFIED CANDIDATE. IS IT TIME TO REVAMP THE SYSTEM???

First thoughts: McCain's lobbyist purge

Houston — Mon, 19 May 2008 13:55:53 GMT

A McCain flak sez: "Just a few years ago when Barack Obama was beginning his career in politics, he was launching it at the home of William Ayers, an unrepentant domestic terrorist… If Barack Obama is going to make associations the issue, we look forward to the debate about Senator Obama's associations and what they say about his judgment and readiness to be commander in chief."
---------------------------------------

Ayers isn't on Obama's campaign staff like these clowns on McCains staff who made blood money off of dictators like the ones in Burma. And Obama never said that he was a "good friend" of Ayers, as McCain gushed about convicted felon and Hitler admirer G. Gordon Liddy. Just a teensy bit of difference there.

Most of the media hasn't gotten around to mentioning McCain's felon problem yet. Maybe it's because McCain gets soft treatment from the press, which he does. But maybe it's also because McCain has so many other scandals going that even the minority of journalists who report objectively on McCain can't keep up with them all.

First thoughts: McCain's lobbyist purge

Pat, Boston, MA — Mon, 19 May 2008 13:55:56 GMT

Good news today for Senator Obama who is ever so close to wrapping this historical primary season up.

Good news so far for Senator Ted Kennedy. Hopefully he'll be out of the hospital soon after what was a very frightful Saturday morning around here.

My opinion of Mike Huckabee has changed drastically. And not for the good. Some things just aren't funny.

First thoughts: McCain's lobbyist purge

Lisa in New Britain, CT Joyfully for Obama — Mon, 19 May 2008 13:56:36 GMT

I actually think Obama can score some great points over Bush/McCain in foreign policy over the next few months. It is amazing to me, but McCain just does not sound that knowledgable of, not decisive about his foreign policy decisions and issues. Color me a little surprised. And clearly, McCain has a problem on FP when he's forced to run along-side Bush.

I think Bush/McCain has severely underestimated where the American electorate's mindset is on foreign policy and clearly, to the extent that they try to make the debate mostly about foreign policy, they risk ceding all the economic (and domestic issue) talking points to the Dems.

Bring it on Bush, bring it on McCain...Obama, your moment is now.

First thoughts: McCain's lobbyist purge

Deward Bowles, Houston, Texas — Mon, 19 May 2008 13:58:16 GMT

McCain seems to not know what everyone else knows, his campaign is completely run and funded by lobbyist.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/21/us/politics/21bundlers.html?em&ex=1208923200&en=24780b6c2f928fad&ei=5087%0A

First thoughts: McCain's lobbyist purge

Lisa in New Britain, CT Joyfully for Obama — Mon, 19 May 2008 13:58:40 GMT

McCain just getting his house in order now...?? I love it. This sounds like another round of Obama campaign (strong, consistent, cohesive) versus one that's not. Deja vu anyone?

Obama for our best future.

First thoughts: McCain's lobbyist purge

gabriella — Mon, 19 May 2008 13:59:14 GMT

some other news sources have different delegate totals (i.e. obama 1909 and 117 away from the magic number on one on-line news source) - why are the counts different depending on who is reporting?

First thoughts: McCain's lobbyist purge

Diane from Illinois — Mon, 19 May 2008 14:01:29 GMT

If Obama's team have beaten the "Clinton Machine" in the primaries, the Straight Talk, Double Talk Express should be a breeze. McFossil's team is no match for Obama's. I can't wait for a debate. McFossil will look old and tired....oh wait, he really IS old and tired!

First thoughts: McCain's lobbyist purge

Dave, Tn — Mon, 19 May 2008 14:02:25 GMT

" Of course, the Bush White House was all about trumpeting the hit on Obama pre-speech."

Really? Where was that? I know once something enters the liberal media filter and finally comes out the other end it's typical liberal talking to liberal echo crap. What I though was funny was Edwards on the today show this morning claiming from his perspective it was an obvious reference to Obama. That says more about Edward's opinion of Obama than anything else. I love this whole stupid argument the democrats and their toadies in the media are making. Bush is a failure because there isn't peace in the middle east, North Korea hasn't been solved, Iran is a threat blah blah blah. Great then Clinton was a failure too, and President OCarter has already told us he plans on being a failure. It would be funny if it weren't so sad.

The cure? New York should stop broadcasting into America :-)

First thoughts: McCain's lobbyist purge

Ralph, Texass — Mon, 19 May 2008 14:02:56 GMT

Birds of a feather...the rightwingnuts had a hissy fit over the reverend wright being involved in the periphery of obamas campaign...but..

they are strangely silent on the constant parade of discredited flag waving chickenhawks being dismissed from mcsames campaign...proving once again that

the republican faithful would rather have a flag waving, cheating pseudo christian blowing smoke up their you know whats than a harmless pastor spewing hatred...gotcha

First thoughts: McCain's lobbyist purge

Jim — Mon, 19 May 2008 14:02:58 GMT

Let's weight the large cities containing big African-American populations w/ MORE DELEGATES than the rest of the state b/c of WHITE GUILT

First thoughts: McCain's lobbyist purge

sem, va — Mon, 19 May 2008 14:04:16 GMT

mccain will still be working on his campaign up to the fall because he is run by lobbyists

First thoughts: McCain's lobbyist purge

Eric, Salinas, CA — Mon, 19 May 2008 14:04:17 GMT

Alright, here's the beef to beef about from First Read for us early birds. Going to be a busy day for the good folks at First Read posting articles and comments.

Looks like "Lobbyist Lover" McCain still has problems with having too many crooked lobbyists who have ties to tyrants around the world. One would think that months after securing his nomination he'd have gotten rid of all the garbage from his campaign, but then he'd have no campaign staff at all if he did that.

Go Obama 08/12!

First thoughts: McCain's lobbyist purge

CANADA — Mon, 19 May 2008 14:05:39 GMT

I THINK HILARY SHOULD JUST GIVE UP AND LET OBAMA BECOME PRESIDENT IF HE CAN..........IF HE IS THE PRESIDENT FOR THE NEXT 4 YEARS HE WILL NOT BE ABLE TO GET A SINGLE THING DONE AND THEN THE WHINING WILL BEGIN...AND YOU ALL WILL SEE THE MISTAKE YOU HAVE MADE ..TOO LATE THEN.... YOU THINK YOU HAVE IT BAD NOW ,WELL YOU WILL HAVE 4 MORE YEARS OF THE SAME AND WORSE WHEN YOU ALL SEE THAT OBAMA WAS NOT READY......YOU WILL GET NO SYMPATHY FROM ANYONE IN THE WORLD... USE YOUR HEAD PEOPLE......

First thoughts: McCain's lobbyist purge

Ron, TX — Mon, 19 May 2008 14:06:22 GMT

The only problem with the "naive and inexperienced on foreign policy" charge is that it implies that McCain and Bush are not naive and have the right kind of experience. America knows that's blatantly wrong. Bush/McCain experience caused us to be stuck in a failed war in the wrong country fighting the wrong people for the wrong reasons. Is that really the experience America wants? Or do we want to try something else? Because, to me, it obviously isn't working.

First thoughts: McCain's lobbyist purge

Gregory Peek, Birmingham, Alabama — Mon, 19 May 2008 14:07:17 GMT

Theodore Roosevelt developed a foreign policy he labeled as "walk softly and carry a big stick." By "walk" softly, I don't think he had arrogance in mind. We do ourselves a great disservice with arrogance. Someone needs to tell Bush.

First thoughts: McCain's lobbyist purge

Eric, Salinas, CA — Mon, 19 May 2008 14:10:49 GMT

"Bush Hugger" McCain thinks he can distance himself from the most crooked presidential administration ever to disgrace the White House.

Notice how yesterday "NeoNazi" Bush told the Arabs that their leaders should show their people "dignity and respect". Yeah just like he did by demonizing anyone who criticized him here, obviously the hypocrit in chief meant that they should do as he says not as he does.

Then the Tyrant says that we should not allow Iran to learn how to enrich uranium and in the next breath said that Iran was enriching uranium. As always he can't even get the facts straight as Iran is already enriching uranium and it started on his watch because he kept shooting off his arrogant ignorant mouth scaring the people of Iran into voting in a radical nutcase leader to counter our radical nutcase leader.

Go Obama 08/12!

First thoughts: McCain's lobbyist purge

Carol, Long Valley NJ — Mon, 19 May 2008 14:11:11 GMT

It is still possible for HRC, but it's not likely. Math, it is what it is.

As of Monday, May 19, 2008

(omitting FL and MI)

There are only 408 available delegates (189 of which will be elected) remaining to get to 2026

BHO needs 125.5 or 30.8% of the total remaining delegates
HRC needs 302.5 or 74.1% of the total remaining delegates

~~~~~ IF you count FL (as is) and MI (59 vs 69 as last proposed)

There are still only 408 available delegates remaining to get to 2182

BHO needs 161.5 or 39.6% of the total remaining delegates
HRC needs 297.5 or 72.9% of the total remaining delegates

~~~~~ IF you count FL (as is) and skip MI

There are still only 408 available delegates remaining to get to 2118.5

BHO needs 157 or 38.5% of the total remaining delegates
HRC needs 303 or 74.3% of the total remaining delegates

First thoughts: McCain's lobbyist purge

Dirk, Brunswick, Georgia — Mon, 19 May 2008 14:12:17 GMT

John McCain reminds me of John F. Kennedy: Naval War Hero; once in a generation politician.

Obama doesn't remind me of John F. Kennedy. Obama's in his rookie Senate term, Kennedy was a second term Senator in '60. Obama's national debut was at the 2004 convention, Sen. Kennedy actually ran for the VP nomination at the '56 convention preceeding his '60 nomination. Obama has no national security credentials--none. Kennedy, on the other hand, had visited Vietnam and several other countries as a Congressman and Senator. Kennedy, as the son of the Ambassodor to Great Britain in 1939, was in the gallery of the House of Commons when Britain declared war against Germany. Kennedy had tons of national security experience, and Obama has none.

So, I'm voting for McCain. McCain's the one who reminds me of John F. Kennedy. McCain is a once in a generation candidate.

First thoughts: McCain's lobbyist purge

Bob, Chicago — Mon, 19 May 2008 14:12:36 GMT

Richard Engel....great job!

Bob, Chicago

First thoughts: McCain's lobbyist purge

Richard, Fort Worth, TX — Mon, 19 May 2008 14:12:47 GMT

Isn’t this crazy! It was just a few weeks ago that the conversation was the Super Delegates picking Hillary against Obama having the most popular votes.
And the big question was, what are the Blacks going to do?
I guess the question now is what are the WHITES going to do?

What is one to do!.

First thoughts: McCain's lobbyist purge

Gary Schear, Bozeman Montana — Mon, 19 May 2008 14:13:25 GMT

I've lived my entire life in Wyoming and Montana. First time I will ever get to hear a presidential candidate speak is Obama, tonight at 7:30 here in Bozeman. Montana always throws it's three to the Right but this time it may be different. If the west votes as a block there is a new CW and a new "Regional" power center.
The times they are a changin.

GObama!

First thoughts: McCain's lobbyist purge

Gary Schear, Bozeman Montana — Mon, 19 May 2008 14:14:05 GMT

65,000 Oregonians can't be wrong.

First thoughts: McCain's lobbyist purge

Senator Obama is my choice — Mon, 19 May 2008 14:15:46 GMT

Senator Obama has already won the foreign debate in my book. When he talked about Hammas being stronger because of bush policies and he mentioned "Fahtah"(sp) I am cemented in my belief that Obama has a firm understanding of the type of political scheme represented in the MiddleEast. I am an American Jew that believes Senator Obama supports Israel and will defend her always as he will the United States of America!

Obama 08

First thoughts: McCain's lobbyist purge

Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA — Mon, 19 May 2008 14:17:45 GMT

Nice to show Iowans that the candidate hasn't forgotten them, just because the caucus is past. Especially when it looks like Iowa might just be in play this year.

First thoughts: McCain's lobbyist purge

Jim — Mon, 19 May 2008 14:20:06 GMT

So many people have been scrambling to spin Obama's naive debate gaffe early on when he said he'd talk directly to enemies. But the fact still remains, Obama had no idea what he was talking about, and he said nothing about preconditions or what he now refers to as "preparation" for such talks.
Our country will be left wounded by the Bush administration only to be led now by an unqualified amateur. But at least, it will be a democrat unqualified amateur;I guess that's something. Just pray that he doesn't refer to some world leader's wife as "sweetie."And remember The flip flopper is Barack Obama. Mr Appeasment Obama was backing the Palestinians just 18 months ago, until one of his aides reminded him of the strong Jewish vote in Florida

First thoughts: McCain's lobbyist purge

the Truth — Mon, 19 May 2008 14:21:55 GMT

A candidate who cannot get elected is being nominated by a party that cannot be defeated, while a candidate who is eminently electable is running as the nominee of a party doomed to defeat.

In this environment, McCain can win by running to the center.

First thoughts: McCain's lobbyist purge

Shirley, PC, Fl — Mon, 19 May 2008 14:23:07 GMT

Obama '08!

First thoughts: McCain's lobbyist purge

Rafael DeJesus, Roswell, GA — Mon, 19 May 2008 14:23:16 GMT

I saw John McBush share on TV how the end of his 3rd Bush term would look like ... another Bush, with a new twist, weekly press briefings and even going before congress to be questioned, just like the PM of the UK! McBush spare us the torture! I'm voting Democrat!

First thoughts: McCain's lobbyist purge

MI Chick — Mon, 19 May 2008 14:24:52 GMT

I watched part of the interview with Richard Engle this AM on "Morning Joe". I don't care what your political leanings are, this guy is an ignoramus of the highest order (as well as a lot of other things I will refrain from stating).

With Engle asked him about the situation on the ground in Iraq, he said that Engle's statement did not match what he had heard from (supposedly) Iraqis on the ground, but that he (RE) was "entitled to his opinion". WHAAAAT? Last I knew, Richard Engle knows of what he speaks BECAUSE HE IS ON THE GROUND covering the story. When's the last time Bush actually talked to one of the people? Oh, yeah - NEVER.

Bush needs to shut up - the sooner the better. I hope KO comments about this tonight. That interview (from the parts I saw) looks like a complete farce.

First thoughts: McCain's lobbyist purge

jesse St.Paul Minnesota — Mon, 19 May 2008 14:25:40 GMT

So the mcbombers are going to try to play hardball .Good because it will make it easier to bring all the skelletons out of the bombers closet.Like what he did to his first wife who was in a car wreck while McCain was in Nam,she never told him about her troubles.She was injured and was on crutches when LIL bomber got home.He divoriced her and married the beer baron a few months later.Her family has taken care of the Mccain ever since.Its all there all people need to do is google John Mccain or Cindy McCain theres plenty there to see.John Please keep G.W.McBush doing your talking for you, the more he talks the closer we can tie you two together.

First thoughts: McCain's lobbyist purge

Walt, Ohio — Mon, 19 May 2008 14:27:22 GMT

If all the McCain campaign has as retort is the lame Ayers comment; they are more devoid of any real ideas than I thought. These are LOBBYISTS with all of their nefarious clients buying influence with McCain's senate term and now with his presidential campaign. A McCain presidency may be owned by totalitarian dictatorships. I would not be surprised if some of his lobbyists did business with the Bil Laden family; George Bush did!
Think of it; a presidency owned by Bin Laden's family. That's what a McCain presidency represents.
If you want to vote for this fraud McCain, check out this site:
http://therealmccain.com/
McCain could debate himself; he has so many flip flops!
McCain is wrong for America.

First thoughts: McCain's lobbyist purge

It's Like Flies to a Bug Zapper — Mon, 19 May 2008 14:29:17 GMT

Obama will say anything to get support. He rides the wind like a bird, tweaking his "position" this way and that depending on the situation. But apparently once you're under the spell there's no turning away.

But if you want to vote for an incapable leader just because he lies really well... I don't know what to tell you.

First thoughts: McCain's lobbyist purge

angry poster — Mon, 19 May 2008 14:29:53 GMT

where are the comments

First thoughts: McCain's lobbyist purge

Eric, Salinas, CA — Mon, 19 May 2008 14:31:32 GMT

I like Barack Obama because he doesn't have all that worthless Washington experience. He hasn't been around Washington long enough to be corrupted the way "Beltway" McCain has. He hasn't been sleeping with the lobbyist enemy the way "Lobbyist Lover" McCain has.

Go Obama 08/12!

First thoughts: McCain's lobbyist purge

Ayfah Quesels — Mon, 19 May 2008 14:31:55 GMT

weiner...hehehe

First thoughts: McCain's lobbyist purge

Mark, NC — Mon, 19 May 2008 14:32:45 GMT

The problem for McCain is - it's not 'nobility on an issue', it's his whole central message of "I'm a maverick, I don't kowtow to lobbyists', etc...

You can't go around saying you aren't beholden to lobbyists and then surround yourself by them. Charlie Black will leave the campaign before this is all over, because McCain himself set himself up with this, with all his 'straight talk'.

First thoughts: McCain's lobbyist purge

Jason Denver — Mon, 19 May 2008 14:34:51 GMT

McCain lead the investigation against Jack Abramoff. K Street can't stand McCain. The media never mentions how if it wasn't for McCain we would have never found out about Abramoff. McCain is not liked by big business. He has gone after drug companies and tabacco companies. McCain is being distorted and will lose the election on lies.

First thoughts: McCain's lobbyist purge

Eric, Salinas, CA — Mon, 19 May 2008 14:36:02 GMT

I just love the new repugnant one's campaign slogan of "The Change You Deserve". Yes I see their new health plan now. They'll promise free prescriptions of Effexor to the whole country.

Yep they'll give us all enough anti-depressant, anti-psychotic pills so we're all too whacked out to care what they do to destroy our democracy with a third Bush term.

Go Obama 08/12!

First thoughts: McCain's lobbyist purge

Joe (NJ) — Mon, 19 May 2008 14:36:49 GMT

Hey NBC and affiliates - Why don't you stop spreading the baseless allegation that Bush's speech last week in Israel was directed at Obama? It reflected the same policies he has been advancing for the last 7 years. White House aides admitted the speech could be seen as a knock on JIMMY CARTER, so they tweaked the speech to downplay those connections. Andrea Mitchell on NBC news last week stated flat out that Bush intended to take a shot at Obama. This is irresponsible partisan journalism.

First thoughts: McCain's lobbyist purge

Amy B Portland, ME — Mon, 19 May 2008 14:43:16 GMT

I watched Meet The Press this Sunday and was astounded by how closely the Republicans are hugging Bush. If I were McCain I would be "defending" Obama against Bush's appeasement charge, not joining with Bush in his ridiculous posturing. I'd be all, like, "Obama has the right to say he'd do thing differently, without being called unpatriotic." If McCain wasn't so fossilized, he'd adapt to Bush's low approval rating by casting himself as a strong man who can afford to be generous to the young whipersnapper. Instead he plays the role of an old king who must be deposed for spring to come again. To tell the truth, I am not so much an Obama fan as I am sick and tired of the Republicans. I SO want to see them punished. I want Rove, Bush, Cheney et al to go down in a landslide.

First thoughts: McCain's lobbyist purge

csh, IL — Mon, 19 May 2008 14:44:00 GMT

Talk about moving the goal post! Since when was winning defined by having the majority of the pledged delegates?

Obama has won barely 50% of the vote in the democratic primaries and less if you count FL and MI.

Should Obama be the nominee, he will be the nominee with the weakest percentage of party support since Jimmy Carter in 1980. And Carter had more democratic support in 1980 then Obama has now.

And so many of those 17 million (49%) democratic voters who supported Hillary will NOT vote for Obama because of his obnoxious Hillary hating supporters. So the Obama supporters will get just what they deserve – President John McCain!

Yes, we can – ugh. No, you can’t - not without the Hillary voters!

First thoughts: McCain's lobbyist purge

Hermine Clouser Middletown PA — Mon, 19 May 2008 14:45:34 GMT

By the way, is one effect of the McCain candidacy that we are seeing more middle-aged bald guys among the punditocracy?..... Buchanan, Murphy, Barnicle, Shrum .. married to one, Obama Grandmama 'o8

First thoughts: McCain's lobbyist purge

Sunshine, Peoria IL — Mon, 19 May 2008 14:46:08 GMT

Obama we love you.Way to go Oregon.We love Oregon too.Thanks for blowing all the pundits steam out of the water that Obama cannot win the white vote.

First thoughts: McCain's lobbyist purge

Steve A Jonesboro IN — Mon, 19 May 2008 14:52:19 GMT

Seems as though mccain is as out of touch with his campaign staff as he is with America! No more free ride, expose mccain for the hypocrite and fraud he is!

First thoughts: McCain's lobbyist purge

twocanpete — Mon, 19 May 2008 14:52:55 GMT

http://twocanpete.blogspot.com/
See the TN Republican commercial everyone is talking about. Link at my blog.

First thoughts: McCain's lobbyist purge

MSierra, SF — Mon, 19 May 2008 15:03:54 GMT

Jim: '...Let's weight the large cities containing big African-American populations w/ MORE DELEGATES than the rest of the state b/c of WHITE GUILT...'

NO !
The districts that got extra weight were those that VOTED CONSISTENTLY DEMOCRATIC !
So many AA districts got extra weight
Jimle as that
States that voted Democratic in the last election got more wieght....
Which state would you weigh more: Republican Texas or Democratic New York ?
Remember, Jim these are DEMOCRATIC priamries...

That said the Primary system needs some adjustments
Continue to allow elected officials to to Super Delegates.... Senators, Representatives and Governors

But, get rid of the party apparatchiks as Super Delegates

Mandate REAL PUNISHMENT for states that vote out of turn...
Michigan and Florida office holders were active in breaking the rules..... Punish them !!

Leave Iowa and New Hampshire as the beginning caucus and primary states
Those voters seem serious and educated about hte election

REWARD THEM

First thoughts: McCain's lobbyist purge

Apples vs Oranges — Mon, 19 May 2008 15:04:10 GMT

ROY WILSON, CRESTLINE, CA (Sent Monday, May 19, 2008 9:53 AM), comparing apples to oranges has not been accepted in any other comparison as of yet. Why would you try to use that with politics?

If you think that your vote totals of the primaries carry over to the General elections then why have primaries.

It make some people look like complete idiots when they try to justify the outcome of events prior to the events.

Just pipe down and vote in November, either choice you make just vote.

First thoughts: McCain's lobbyist purge

RL — Mon, 19 May 2008 15:05:16 GMT

To MSierra, SF,

I would not be on Biden being the Veep nominee. As experienced as Biden is, he is still an easterner and would not add that much to an Obama ticket. He is more likely to get a cabinet post (Defense or State) if he wants it.

The best VP choice for Obama would be Bill Richardson. He would draw Latino voters as well as strengthen Obama's overall position in the West.

First thoughts: McCain's lobbyist purge

Blake, Seattle, WA — Mon, 19 May 2008 15:05:47 GMT

Biden is sounding like a viable VP candidate with each passing day.

A Dissertation on Disillusionment: http://blakeneven.blogspot.com

First thoughts: McCain's lobbyist purge

Gregory Peek, Birmingham, Alabama — Mon, 19 May 2008 15:06:17 GMT

Bush's message to Iran -

(1)we will surround you on both sides, Afghanistan and Iraq, with our military and governments we installed,

(2) we called you part of the "axis of evil,"

(3) we invade unfriendly nations that don't have nuclear weapons.

Why would Iran have an interest in having nuclear weapons?

First thoughts: McCain's lobbyist purge

H.C. — Mon, 19 May 2008 15:13:56 GMT

THE SHEEP ARE GATHERING AROUND OBAMA, FOR THEY HAVE NO MINDS OF THEIR OWN.

First thoughts: McCain's lobbyist purge

Roofin Reality, Houston, Tx. — Mon, 19 May 2008 15:14:45 GMT

Roy Wilson from Monday, May 19, 2008 9:53 AM),
Lot of respect for your opinion and numbers. But, here's the problem. That's not the deal that any of the 2008 Dem nominees agreed upon.
I like the current system but would like to tweak it to ALL primaries. Then, go with a percentage of the popular vote. This way, we don't always end up with politicians from Caly, Texas, Florida and New York (because those states have the most electoral votes and candidates from those states, especially if early, could snuff out others).

Again, the current system is set up as proportional. That's why Obama is leading Clinton right now.

First thoughts: McCain's lobbyist purge

obama 08 — Mon, 19 May 2008 15:17:02 GMT

MCSame and Bush are one and the same.

Anyone with half a brain can see that.

And we are all full aware what GWB has done to this country.

Try as he may, McBush is OLD news.

The Pubs don't even stand a chance. They can't even hold on to their LONG held congressional seats.

OUT with the OLD.

Obama 08

First thoughts: McCain's lobbyist purge

Janelle, Iowa — Mon, 19 May 2008 15:18:53 GMT

As one of the caucus goers from Iowa, I'd like to speak to all the Clinton supporters who want FL and MI votes to count and then say that she won the popular vote.

How is it fair to say that your votes should count to make Hillary the nominee and that the superdelegates should vote for her based on the popular vote when you have to not count my vote in Iowa to make that happen? Each state has their own system and the caucus states are a part of the democratic process. It might interest many Clinton supporters to know that in my district, as well as many others, Obama won much more of the popular vote, which is why he came away with more delegates.

I know everyone wants their candidate to be the nominee, but if you want to claim victory, do it honestly and by the rules. Trying to justify counting a FL vote for Hillary and taking away my legally-cast vote for Obama in Iowa is hypocritical and shows that you don't care about anything but Hillary winning at any cost.

And isn't that characteristic one of the things that has kept many from voting for Hillary in the first place?

First thoughts: McCain's lobbyist purge

Tom — Mon, 19 May 2008 15:20:04 GMT

Gag me out with this "working class whites" BS. You would think the only people who work white or otherwise lived in 3 to 4 states. How do you explain Obama winning 30+ states or are you trying to tell us that the population of these states is all black or that people who work there don't work or all rich? to me it sounds like a easy way for you guys to try and hide your own racism. I don't remember you wailing on in states that he won....some by 40+ points. BTW how many times has Hillary done this compared to Obama. If you want to be racist fine just say so up front and stop hiding behind these meaningless arguements. What every the color of the voters or regardless how hard they work he has put together the winning combination and in the end that is what matters and only that, now and in the GE

First thoughts: McCain's lobbyist purge

dellusional in US — Mon, 19 May 2008 15:30:22 GMT

What about Nader?

Ralph Nader 2008/12!!!

First thoughts: McCain's lobbyist purge

Matt, Boise, ID — Mon, 19 May 2008 15:34:02 GMT

Don't forget Jack B. Johnson's Delegate switch in Maryland.

First thoughts: McCain's lobbyist purge

PATTY,SD,CA — Mon, 19 May 2008 15:36:30 GMT

YES WE CAN.

Vote against the Democratic Party. It’s the only way to send the message that sexism has to be thrown under the bus, “sweetie.”

VOTE AGAINST OBAMA.

NOT SO MUCH FOR MCCAIN AS IT IS AGAINST THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY.

First thoughts: McCain's lobbyist purge

E. Curry, Chesapeake, VA — Mon, 19 May 2008 15:37:33 GMT

To: Roy Wilson, In answer to your question about the system the dems use to elect the nominee, I agree the system has to be revamped a bit, but I disagree that if it were the same as the Republican system that Hillary would have won. The problem was not with the system, the problem was the Hillary and her campaign never read the rules. They just signed all the necessary documents and "assumed" she wouldn't have a problem winning so they picked the wrong strategy and were doomed from the start. Had the rules been identical to the Republican's then Obama's campaign would have adjusted its strategy accordingly. Simply put, Obama, Axlerod & Plouff read the rules and played by them, Hillary and Penn didn't read the rules and after finding themselves being thumped they tried everything they could to change the rules.

The system itself has worked fine. Obama has been "vetted" and learned that he has to toughen up, respond quickly and powerfully and not stand by , like Kerry did, when people attack him. Obama, having to answer for Rev Wright and other stuff, has done more to prepare himself for the Republicans than if Hillary had dropped out ofter Iowa. I have a strange feeling that Hillary knew she wasn't going to win , but by staying in and attacking Obama she has done more to help assure he is ready for November than anyone could have done. In other words, Hillary has already helped Obama immeasurably by making a "vetted warrior out of the junior Senator from Illinois." The woman is smarter than any of us really know. She isn't going to do anything to lose the Whitehouse for the Dems nd thereby damage her power base in the party.

The dems have also registered more voters than anytime in recent history, they have raised more money than any political candidates in world history and the press is almost 95% always about the dems, leaving John McCain to have to resort to corny jokes about his age on SNL just to get some free camera time.

Obama will win simply because he is using those ears of his to listen to what "we the people" are saying.

First thoughts: McCain's lobbyist purge

formerly of NY — Mon, 19 May 2008 15:39:27 GMT

It's not only that McCain's staff are lobbyists, it's that they lobby for groups like the junta of Myammar (trying to improve its image) when that junta has been in the news as keeping aid from its own people, or for Airbus (against US industries like Boeing), taking away US industry jobs.

First thoughts: McCain's lobbyist purge

NoBama! — Mon, 19 May 2008 15:43:07 GMT

Obama has baggage that tops Hillary's baggage - his association with domestic terrorists and an American Hating racist preacher and his unpatriotic wife.

Thanks Obamabots...you handed us a loser candidate worse than Mondale!

First thoughts: McCain's lobbyist purge

Eileen Hamilton, Portland, Maine — Mon, 19 May 2008 15:49:38 GMT

ROY WILSON, CRESTLINE, CA

"IF THE DEMOCRATIC PRIMARIES WERE DESIGNED THE SAME AS THE GENERAL ELECTION (ELECTORAL VOTES BY STATE, WINNER TAKES ALL – WHICH MAKES THE MOST SENSE, SINCE THAT’S HOW THE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION IS DONE) CLINTON WOULD HAVE 295 VOTES (ONLY 270 NEEDED TO WIN) AND OBAMA WOULD ONLY HAVE 206........................ THE SILLY CAUCUS SYSTEM REALLY SKEWS THE RESULTS AND ALLOWS ACTIVISTS TO UNDULY INFLUENCE THE NOMINATION.

Roy, do you not see any difference between 2 Democratic rivals vying for the nomination and the general election between a Republicon and a Democrat?
...Why all of a sudden are caucuses silly? (because they didn't favor Hillary). Why are activists voting in the causcus not a good thing? Aren't the activists the ones who are the most involved in the electoral process, the ones who are most likely to be paying close attention to what goes on in the campaigns as well as the ones most likely to be aware of the 'untruths' that come from the politicians?

First thoughts: McCain's lobbyist purge

Robert Hewson — Mon, 19 May 2008 15:50:52 GMT

Re: The Battle To Stereotype

The error here, as Chris Matthews pointed out in his evisceration of Kevin James, is equating the concepts of negotiation with appeasement--this falls away with any intelligent examination, i.e.:

This issue, like so much, requires a focus on the larger goal--a change to a new Administration, and away from the policies and positions of the past, as illustrated well by the "appeasement" debate of the last week:

From "Head of State"
http://headofstate.blogspot.com/2008/05/hot-bush-injection-brief-history-of.html

Monday, May 19, 2008
Hot Bush "Injection": A Brief History of Appeasement

It was this morning, while on the elliptical machine, that I heard the 20th (when I began counting) reference to Bush having "injected" foreign policy, via his raising of "appeasement" before the Knesset, into the Democratic campaign debate.

Aside from the face that a Bush injection would likely require more investigation from the FDA and CDC than vaccinations laced with 50% thimerosal, the discussion, which has shown surprising legs, has revealed a remarkable lack of basic knowledge about the distinctions between negotiation (e.g. Nixon's intervention with, at the time a rogue Chinese state, which largely prevented conflict and helped to usher China into the family of nations; ) and appeasement--ranging from the Kevin James school of international policy negotiation through utter lack of knowledge to more informed but still significantly incomplete or incorrect understandings of appeasement as it has been used in this context.

Therefore, I provide you with brief, fully accurate history of the "appeasement" that has been raised in these debates, so that those who wish to use actual fact in advancing their arguments can do so (For those who wish to continue to rely on insinuation, distortion, or the ritual, repetitive, seemingly talismanic use of the cry "He's an appeaser! You know! Like Munich! Like Chamberlain!" without knowing what this actually means. Please proceed to Remedial History, room 101B. No gum).

The Munich Agreement:

The Brief Pre-History of Munich:

Hitler, levered into power in January of 1933 (ironically after their first significant national election outcome decrease in 1932, after which they very well may have faded into their earlier insignificance) through the dramatic miscalculations of former Chancellor Von Papen (who, in his proposed role as Vice-Chancellor, hoped to be the "power behind the throne", and to return to the Chancellorship) and prominent Nationalist Alfred Hugenberg, among others to isolate and co-opt Hitler in a cabinet of Conservative Nationalists ("We've hired him"--Von Papen; "We've boxed him in"-Hugenberg), who persuaded the reluctant, aging President Hindenberg to accept this agreement, soon gained primacy and control over the cabinet, government, and increasingly the nation, through a series of questionable legislative (e.g. "The Enabling Act") and viciously revolutionary and counter-revolutionary (i.e., the elimination of other political parties, the Rohm Purge, brutal and cynical anti-Semitic actions by the SA, the Gleischaltung or "Coordination" of virtually all German organizations and press in 1934) actions.

After gaining such control, and with an autarkic economy that, from the start, invested huge sums in rearmament, Hitler brought the German military into coordination as well, under the aegis of the compliant General Blomberg, and with a shared mission of challenging the restraints placed upon German armament under the Versailles Treaty which followed World War I (Hitler's railing against this treaty had been a key element in the rise of the Nazis to power, particularly in the most dire economic phases of the Weimar Republic). In a series of shocking and escalating violations of this treaty, Germany announced the reestablishment of the German Air Force (1935), the reoccupation of the Rhineland (1936) and the Anschluss of Austria (1937), Hitler began an express drive for expansion conveyed as a correction of the Versailles Treaty, but in fact a clearly stated intent to increase the "living space" (Lebensraum) of Germany, and to attain hegemony in Europe (and, eventually, beyond).

In 1938, under the pretext of incorporating the Sudeten Germans who lived in Czechoslovakia (and utilizing Czech Nazi sympathizers to provoke manufactured "incidents" among this group), Hitler continued this expansionist drive by threatening, beginning in the famous "Weekend Crisis" of May 20-22, 1938, to attack Czechoslovakia on behalf of the Sudetens. Months of anti-Czech propaganda created by the Goebbels-controlled ministry continued through June, July and August. Following a vicious tirade at the conclusion of the Party Congress against the Czechs on Sept. 12, threatening action if the "issues" regarding the Sudetenland were not resolved. This provoked a wave of fear and disturbance across France and the Sudetenland.

As a result, on September 15, Neville Chamberlain flew to Munich to meet with Hitler. Hitler, in this first meeting, presented Chamberlain with an apparent fait accompli, stating that he would settle the matter himself "one way or another", clearly implying force. Chamberlain met this with the remark that under such conditions, there was no further point in talking--after which, Hitler tactically receded and stated that if the question of incorporation of the Sudetenland was open, discussions should continue. Hitler's ultimate goal here was to use the tactic of Sudeten independence to force Czechoslovakia to cede the Sudeten potion of its nation to Germany, claiming that "we want to Czechs"--e.g., the remaining part of the country--and that without such an incorporation, he would attack--thus unleashing the protective guarantees of France to Czechoslovakia, and thereby, a second World War.

Under such pressure, France, Britain placed pressure on Czechoslovakia to cede the Sudetenland. Hitler, Mussolini, Chamberlain and Daladier (the French premier) provided the basis for the Munich Agreement--which indeed carved off the Sudetenland, leading to Chamberlain's notorious statement of "peace in our time"--set along side Goebbels statement that "We have achieved everything we wanted according to the small plan, while the big plan is...for the moment, not realizable".

Hitler, in fact, intended to incorporate the rest of Czechoslovakia--and was described as disappointed that the agreement had denied him the opportunity for a war against the Czechs that would allow him this full territorial conquest in a single step. In March of 1939, following a similar propaganda barrage regarding Slovakian nationalist independence, Hitler threatened Czech President Benes with the razing of Belgrade, should he not cede the rest of the nation. Under such threat, Benes collapsed, and the Germans seized the remaining portion of Czechoslovakia without resistance.

Ironically, these constant risk-all gambits led Hitler to his fatal mistake--the conquest of Poland, which, although "victorious", led Britain, France, and ultimately the USA to enter the fight against Germany, and Germany to seek to end the battle against these enemies by removing their most likely ally--the Soviet Union--a combined two front battle which led to the downfall of Nazi Germany.

This was appeasement.

The appeasement here was agreeing to give away Czechoslovakia--carving it into sections, and giving the section, and eventually the nation, away. It was shameful--and wrong.

Negotiation: Talking To Leaders

Despite the endless rhetoric of the past week, negotiation is not appeasement.

Two of many examples:

Nixon's Rapprochement With China:

Despite the well-known failings of the Nixon Presidency, Nixon's engagement with China remains a signal achievement. Note that Nixon, throughout his career, was an ardent fighter of Communism. Thus, we might have fully expected him to take the "negotiation is weakness" position with a country that, at the time, was regarded as a rogue nation in the West.

Nevertheless, this fervent anti-Communist chose to negotiate--a marked change from previous U.S. policy--and continued to do so even as highly inflammatory border attacks occurred between China and the Soviet Union in 1969, stating that "We simply cannot afford to leave China outside the family of nations." (a statement that would likely draw errant fire of commentators from the Right if it were uttered today). With a persistent diplomacy through 1969-1972, culminating in a meeting with Chou en Lai, these negotiations led to a dramatic thawing of relations with both China and the Soviet Union--where, in meetings with Leonid Brezhnev, an anti-ballistic missile treaty, a trade agreement worth a billion dollars, and a SALT treaty were signed.

Here, talk--negotiation--decried as weakness this past week--and at the time of these negotiations--led to success.

Reagan and Gorbachev

Reagan, of course, was noted for referring to the Soviet Union as the "Evil Empire."

Despite this stance, he too was willing to negotiate with Gorbachev in the interests of nuclear disarmament--and despite the objections of many on the Right, whose statements at the time regarding the weakness of negotiation could be easily grafted onto the present debates.

As we know, Reagan's meetings, according to Alan Greenspan, "started the sequence of geopolitical initiatives that led Mr. Gorbachev to figuratively tear down the Berlin Wall", and contributed to the break up of the Soviet Union.

Many from the right called for aggressive military action--for missiles first, rather than negotiation
.
Talk--negotiation--led to success.

Note that in each case, the President talked with a leader who they regarded as hostile--in the face of those who argued then, as they do now, that talking--negotiation--signifies weakness.

In each case, talking--strong, informed negotiation--did not result in appeasement of the aggressor, but instead resulted in the desired outcome--in one case, the component breakup of the aggressor nation--in another the end of a threat of nuclear conflict--without a single loss of life.

Negotiation is not appeasement.

When negotiation is chosen, however, it will be the case that those who simply wished for the visceral strike--the simplistic first solution of subduing an enemy through the use of might--will not find its satisfaction. We have seen the results of this position, throughout the years--from the events recounted in the first section, to the present.

Perhaps, in negotiation, it is *they* who have been appeased.

If so, given history--this was a favorable outcome indeed.

Cite:
Head of State
http://headofstate.blogspot.com/2008/05/hot-bush-injection-brief-history-of.html