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Chuck, NY — Thu, 22 May 2008 13:27:18 GMT

I hope the AP reports that HiLIARy is planning on taking her fight all the way to the convention are untrue. If true, she is truly a sociopath, delusional, and completely void of all ethics, morals and party loyalty. You can kiss her hopes of a political future goodbye.

There are 3 people who have the horsepower to shut her down. One is Bill, and he won’t do that. Two is Harry Reid, and he can threaten to place her so far in the back of the Senate she will need radar assistance to come out. Three is Nancy Pelosi, and I don’t want her to get involved in case she gets the VP nod. But if she doesn’t accept the VP nod, she has the horsepower to shut her down. Notice I did not mention Howard Dean. Enough said.

She is so delusional she will probably declare herself an independent, and start caucusing with the GOP in the Senate so that the DEMs would no longer be the majority party.

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Lewis Danials — Thu, 22 May 2008 13:31:48 GMT

See where Kevin Spacey was on Moring Joe today pumping his Recount movie? It's amazing the Democrats and liberals like Spacey will put up such a fuss about a few hundred votes in 2000, and so casually will dismiss millions of votes in FL and MI in 2008. As for me, I will watch Kevin's silly little movie Sunday. I can't wait to watch the part where the Democratic lawyers try to disenfranchise the military vote.

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the Pajama Pundit — Thu, 22 May 2008 13:31:56 GMT

How can people sanely argue that the president of the United States should NOT talk with our enemies? Ludicrous I tells ya.

Reagan talked with Gorbachev. Bush I talked with Iraq. Bush II talked with Kim Jong Il. The list goes on and on....

There's a difference between talking with our enemies and 'appeasing' them.

http://thepajamapundit.com/

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Carrie Means, NY NY — Thu, 22 May 2008 13:32:36 GMT

So just where exactly is that flood of super delegates for Obama?

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Ron, TX — Thu, 22 May 2008 13:37:02 GMT

Obama is absolutely right that we cannot keep giving people we don't like the silent treatment. McCain doesn't want diplomacy. McCain wants to continue the same strong-arm tactics that got us where we are right now with the Bush administration. To act like McCain is "winning" this argument is hilarious, because Bush's historical record lows, lowest of any President since polling began, suggests, to me at least, that "continuing Bush's failed foreign policy doctrine" is a losing argument.

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Michelle Zee — Thu, 22 May 2008 13:37:17 GMT

The way I see it...AFSCME’s Gerald McEntee, and all his money has not done Clinton a favor and it is not about them.

When are they going to get it, people are tired of being lied to? What kind of union would back a person who for one did not stand up for rights of the Walmart workers when she could? Absolutely crazy!

Obama gets cheers, because people have been in fear for 8 years and the same ole politics is not making us safer. We are not talking to people we call dictators and we labeled them dictators because they don't jump to our beat.

Diplomacy has always been a way to peace and it has been entirely diminished in the last 8 years. You can't get diplomacy down the barrel of a gun and the American people (well I am tired of the lies from this admnistration).

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Obama For President!! — Thu, 22 May 2008 13:37:51 GMT

McClain needs to pick Mitt Romney as his running mate.

Mitt Romney is very knowledable. He is the candidate that should be running against Obama!

However, our vote is still going to Obama. Obama in 08!!

-------------
http://www.MyObamaStore.com ( Coupon: Obama-X2Y9-10 - 10% Off)

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Sick of all of them, OH — Thu, 22 May 2008 13:39:27 GMT

This country is in a mess, and you (the media, Wall Street) is trying to tell me that we want four more years of the same? That if we choose Barack, McCain will win? We all know who YOU want, we hear it all day long on how weak Barack is, but I do not think this country is that stupid, again, to elect John McCain. And now John McCain is talking to Mitt Romney. Will the media (Wall Street)do some investigating as to how many jobs Mr. Romney shut down? He made a boat load of money, he bought companies for their assets, then shut them down, and you say that is good economic business. We need somebody to care about the American people, and worry about my children, and stop trying to make billions. I cannot get enough money to buy a load of wood to heat my house, and they can make billions. We need to take care of America!!!!

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Pat, Boston, MA — Thu, 22 May 2008 13:42:57 GMT

What was once an exciting democratic primary season no longer is. Hillary Clinton is dragging this whole election season through the mud.

She ran a terrible campaign. She's being disingenuous about Michigan and FL. She should have fought for their vote back in October.

I for one am sick and tired of everyone bowing down to her and her nonsense.

She's staying in to save her reputation. Period. Now everyone's saying she's tough, she's fighting for this one, she's fighting for that one.

None of which is true. She's just trying to go out with a bang, instead of a whimper, which would have happened if she left a few weeks ago.

She's succeeding. All we hear now is Hillary this, Hillary that.

It's all nonsense. She's fighting for her own self-interests. And Bill's.

She doesn't want to hear the truth - her campaign was one of the worst run campaigns in history.

She had it all - and lost it all - by sheer arrogance on their part. And no message.

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Cathy, Ashburn, VA — Thu, 22 May 2008 13:44:01 GMT

I AM SO TIRED OF HILLARY CLINTON'S SELF-SERVING AND INVALID ARGUMENTS. SHE HAS LOST THE NOMINATION FAIR AND SQUARE. I AM EVEN MORE ANGRY THAT THE SUPERDELEGATES DON'T SEEM TO HAVE THE COURAGE TO PUT A FORK IN HER AND CALL AN END TO THIS UGLY, UGLY SITUATION. WE NEED TO WORK HARD FOR NOVEMBER, AND THERE IS NO TIME TO SPARE.

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Gregory Peek, Birmingham, Alabama — Thu, 22 May 2008 13:44:26 GMT

To compare the sacrafices of participants in civil rights struggles to Hillary Clinton's desperate effort to maximize her own personal gain from Florida and Michigan delegations is truely offensive. People often lost their lives in civil rights campaigns for which they could not be direct personal beneficiaries. Nothing could be in greater contrast with Senator Clinton's efforts.

Senator Clinton has trivialized our civilization's most selfless heroes. I would hope she would have the decency to apologize.

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Pat Huntington NY — Thu, 22 May 2008 13:44:36 GMT

Charlie Crist is NOT a centrist moderate republican. He's a typical neo-con, and having just been to Florida a couple of weeks ago, I can say, people there don't like him much and therefore, he won't necessarily deliver that state for McCain. Also, Crist is a self-hating homosexual.

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Michael — Thu, 22 May 2008 13:44:37 GMT

The other problem for Clinton and these poll numbers: no one's running against her, if anything they're praising her hoping to give her a graceful exit, artificially driving up these numbers. No one's questioning her ties to shady characters while her people and McCain's people are attacking Obama over Ayers and Wright, the only criticism is why won't she give up, which is endearing to some folks. Wolfson may tout those numbers, but knowledgeable folks like the SDs aren't buying it.

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Stephen — Thu, 22 May 2008 13:45:20 GMT

Hillary has dragged many who see through her divisive strategies through our own grief. She has changed her game constantly revealing self contradictions numerous time. She has been patently dishonest in twisting the figures while trying to win the election via propaganda, and false perceptions. Seh has fallen back on white priveledge as a way to stop her downhill slide, which is disgraceful and disrespectful to everyone whether they realize it or not. Now she is trying to paint her opponent in her own colors in Florida and is likening the situation there to failed elections in Africa...Its the ultimate in pathological elitism and entitlement to take other peoples burdens and history of oppression, put them on as sheeps clothing, then as a wolf does, try to devour the sheep. The saem applies to how she and Bill tried to manipulate the regard they once had among the African American communityin the US. I restrain myself from calling her what she is outof respect for other bloggers and this service.

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Micah, Grand Rapids, MI — Thu, 22 May 2008 13:45:40 GMT

Lets just call a spade a spade. This "unmarried" remark with regard to Charlie Christ is a tacit "he's gay". Lets not euphemise it, just admit it. I for one think it's great that the Republicans are willing to consider a gay man for Vice-President. It's unfortunate that the only way a gay man can be taken seriously in that party is for him to shovel his sexuality down into a deep dark hole.

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EJ, VA — Thu, 22 May 2008 13:46:34 GMT

First Read...

How about something on McCain's Pastor Problem... How is Hagee's comments not getting more attention... for as much attention as Wright got... I would think that Hagee would get the same...

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Pat Huntington NY — Thu, 22 May 2008 13:47:54 GMT

Polls showing Hillary beating McCain is the big battle ground states should wake up the Super Delegates out of their Obama spell, get them to put down the BHO kool aid, and support her and give her the nomination.

I said once, I'll say it again, the will of the people is not Obama because two huge states, Michigan and Florida, were unduly penalized...had their primaries been permitted to proceed as scheduled, Hillary would've won them given her stature at the time, and such big wins would've propelled her with unstoppable momentum.

Thanks Obamabots for handing us an unelectable flawed candidate.

Obama is inexperienced. He can't be trusted with the presidency.

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KJ, Dallas, TX — Thu, 22 May 2008 13:48:16 GMT

"McCain appears to be winning it right now".
====================================================

By whose assessments are you basing this on??? Apparently, not the American voters. Sen. Obama hasn't waivered from his policy regarding diplomacy so I don't know where you and/or these supposedly "campaign surrogates" are getting this information. Sen. Obama has ALWAYS stated that he's for strong diplomacy which includes careful preparation. He might change up his wording somewhat but the message is still the same.

OBAMA/BIDEN, 2008!

OR...

OBAMA and anyone but Clinton, 2008!

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Sick of corruption, sick of the Clintons — Thu, 22 May 2008 13:48:24 GMT

Carrie Means NY NY:

Four months ago, Hillary had a 100+ superdelegate lead. Today, Obama has a 20 superdelegate lead on Hillary.

That is a flood, and it is not over yet. The supers are trying to let Hillary exit the race with what little dignity she has left. They will run out of patience soon, and the dam will burst.

Obama/Anybody but Hillary Clinton in 2008. Integrity matters and the Clintons have none.

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Class Warrior, D.C. — Thu, 22 May 2008 13:48:53 GMT

I won't discuss Clinton; she's out, finito. Mccain, however, needs answering, and that's a great question to ask him---how will continuing Cush's failed policies with Iran and N. Korea (and Cuba and Syria and...)change these countrys' behaviors? It seems to be another case of the definition of insanity being trying the same thing over and over, expecting different results.

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Rider — Thu, 22 May 2008 13:48:58 GMT

Lewis Danials: Show me the part of the constitution that covers party primaries, thanks in advance.

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Greg — Thu, 22 May 2008 13:50:05 GMT

You say they wish they would have polled other states like Colorado. Well there are plenty of polls out there for states like Colorado, Iowa, Virginia, Oregon, Washington. You could easily talk about these, but choose not to. Why not?

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gg, fl — Thu, 22 May 2008 13:52:40 GMT

Did anyone watch Morning Joe this am? This is not my favorite but again they got it right. Morining Joe had the courage to bring on an expert in foreign policy to give us well rounded view of the current status of our foreign policy situation. They actually provided us with a superior expert who was frank and gave us eye opening expertise. That took guts! For Morning Joe to lay aside partisan politics and do what was in the best interest of the country was commendable. We would hope other media outlets would follow suit. We the people need to hear the truth not just a daily grind of the age old partisn battle while the American people are left in the dark only to hear form those who command the media or continue to convenience us that they are right yet they have no expertise to make such policy.

This am. Meca's father a world renound foreing policy expert gave us a "wake up" call relative to the current foreign policy tactics used by the administration. He gave us an honest look into the future of the US and our relationship with our foreign neighbors.

He clearly stated that should we continue the course of isolating these rogue countries and those we don't like this will not bold well for the US going forward. Our current gas situation is the perfect example.

He also noted that Israel is currently in talks with Hammas, as are other countries. Yet the administration keeps tounting that they will stay the isolation course which has placed us in a negative light with the rest of the world.

Dr. Berlinski pointed out that the current stay the course of action is the most dangerous course for the U.S. to pursue. He further indicated that other world countries are coming together and the US will be completed isolated from the world.

As many of us listened we were in awe of the Dr' foreing policy expertise. For once we get the "Big Picture for a real Foreign Policy Expert" and not from those who have absolutely no foreing policy experience and continue to feed Americans their positions that are completely in direct contrast from other Presidents on both sides of the isle.

It's time we listened to a balanced view of where we are headed because if we don't with gas at $28 a gallon prior to the Iraq war and now at $4.00 a gallon that's enough to tell us something is wrong.

Additionally the Dr. pointed out that Iran has all the oil and why on earth would the US want to continue to aggraviate this country.

Before the war in Iraq gas prices were $28 a gallon now it is $4.00 a gallon and rising daily. We were told they would not be and the Iraq's would love us they do not.

The Dr. also talked about the saber rattling of going to war with Iran and stated that would be the biggest the U.S. could make and would send us into war for the next 20 years. He pointed out that other countries in the region would join the fight, just not for us.

Listen up America, and put partisan feelings aside this is our beloved country and no one side has ultimate authority in forieng policy expertise so we must listen to those who have SERVED and listen well. We cannot stay divided as we have for so many years it tearing our country apart inside the US and outside with other countries. We need to hear and consider what's best for our country not partisan politics as usual.

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donna — Thu, 22 May 2008 13:53:34 GMT

Nothing could distract us from that 'fright of facts'. McCain's medical records will be just one of many of his undoings.

His health condition is very alarming. The fates have already stepped in to drive that point home to American's in the specter of Senator Kennedy's recent news.

He should retire. He deserves it. What is he trying to prove.

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Independent in TN — Thu, 22 May 2008 13:53:45 GMT

2 questions:

1) How can anyone argue at this point in time that the continued Clinton candidacy is not harming the party???

2) How can anyone argue that the Democratic party should take the nomination away from the man who will have won it fair and square by the rules that all agreed to before the contest began? Even IF it is true that Clinton is more electable (dubious and cetainly not provable). To have the party power structure take the nomination away from a minority candidate under these circumstances would be the death of the party. period.

I've never been a huge fan of the Democratic party anyway . . . but they are proving to be completely inept at handling this mess . . . the superdelagates are cowards to not take on the Clintons directly and forcefully

I will NOT vote for, or provide any funding for, a democratic ticket that has a Clinton as either Pres. or VP

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Diane from Illinois — Thu, 22 May 2008 13:56:22 GMT

Did anyone else see Rachal Maddow last night? What she said made my stomach turn. She stated that Hillary's ONLY reason for pushing so hard for FL and MI is to have to take it to the Convention. Apparently the number of delegates needed to win the nomination could NOT be decided until the Credentials Committee does so and that could not be done until the Convention. She equated it to give Hillary 3 months "overtime" and ANYTHING can happen in overtime. My stomach actually flipped. If the Super delegates don't end this after June 3rd, I, for one, will be writing, calling, emailing, etc. the DNC and telling them I will be registering as an Independent. I have been a Democrat my entire life and the way this primary has been handled is just nauseating. Hillary wants a place in history? How about ruining the Democaratic Party.....will THAT do?

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Lisa, New Britain, CT Lisas for Obama :) — Thu, 22 May 2008 13:57:08 GMT

Heavens, Crist unmarried. Well, yeah, that's a clear disqualifier LOL. Think of all the unmarried FL women that would be so mad at him moving to DC that they would vote Dem.

I'm JOKING PEOPLE, what a thing to say ROFL.

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MSierra, SF — Thu, 22 May 2008 13:58:04 GMT

Lloyd, Canada: '...Keep on pounding away Hillary.
You are the only answer to Save America...'

Hey Lloyd, how about Superman ?
Can't HE save America, too ?

What about Captain America ?
I think he saved us from the Nazis...

Don't forget the Incredible KissAs*...
Now, THERE'S a super hero !
He'll save us !!

Hillary iClinton sn't even a member of the Justice
League !!

And she's only intersted in saving 'hard working'
white people !!

PS What happened to my gas tax rebate ?
O'm LOSING $.30 a DAY !!

PPS
In California
Obama leads McCain by 17 points
Clinton leads McCain by 12 points

Obama is more popular than Clinton at this point
Buyer's remorse for California Clinton voters

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rita forte — Thu, 22 May 2008 13:59:09 GMT

"...judging by body language alone, McCain appears to be winning..."

What kind of nonsense is this? Now we decide the validity of foreign diplomacy by "body language"???

If that's the case, then STIFF and STILTED must be a 10 in your book.

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Lisa, New Britain, CT Lisas for Obama :) — Thu, 22 May 2008 14:00:02 GMT

I actually have been very impressed with Obama's responses on this. McCain has been distorting Obama's words on this to make Obama's views seem more extreme. But with Obama knowing this, he can have his prepared responses down pat (and consisely put). McCain can keep raising this but let's think of all the things he's not talking about as he raises this time and time again.

Meanwhile, Obama can quickly deflect and pivot off this and move on to many other equally important domestic and foreign policy issues.

McCain is at risk for becoming a one-note Johnny!

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Sick of corruption, sick of the Clintons — Thu, 22 May 2008 14:01:40 GMT

Pat in Huntington

Hillary is one of the most corrupt politicians in America. She cannot be trusted with the Presidency. She is a defendant in a major campaign finance fraud lawsuit in California. How can anyone support someone like that for the highest office in the land?

Florida and Michigan were penalized because they broke the rules. If you do not penalize states that break DNC rules, then there is really no point in having DNC rules.

Obama leads in every metric: pledged delegates, supers (after spotting Hillary a 100+ super lead), and yes, popular vote. If the DNC steals the nomination from him, Hillary will be toast in November. The African American community will not support her, and she cannot win without them.

Obama/Anyone but Hillary Clinton in 2008. Integrity matters and the Clintons have none.

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Linda. Boston, MA — Thu, 22 May 2008 14:02:09 GMT

"McCain appears to be winning it right now".
------------

Is that why McCain is falling further and further behind Obama in the polls? And speaking of polls, what's the point of mentioning PA? They BOTH beat McCain by an amount that's outside the margin of error. And other polls in OH show only a 1-2 point difference, which, at this point bodes well for Obama seeing as there are 6 months to reverse that (assuming Hillary doesn't selfishly drag this out to the convention).

Obama's path to 270 doesn't need to go through FL. He, unlike Hillary who is only a 2-state solution, has a number of different combinations to get there.

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Pat Huntington NY — Thu, 22 May 2008 14:03:59 GMT

I will NOT vote for, or provide any funding for, a democratic ticket that has a Clinton as either Pres. or VP
Independent in TN (Sent Thursday, May 22, 2008 9:53 AM)

-----------
Apparently, more people in this country feel the opposite as you do, since Hillary beats McCain for president on the Electoral College Map, while Obama gets beaten by him.

Wake up Supers! Don't support a flawed candidate. Don't support Obama.

Hillary is the only one who can beat McCain!

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No More Liars Please — Thu, 22 May 2008 14:04:08 GMT

Wow first McBush goes on the Ellen Show ,Now he is having Charlie Christ out to the ranch for a broke back moment. McBush is there something you want to tell us? Man this guy is almost as good as Hillary when it comes to pandering for votes. Next he will tell Gays that he has the Prince Albert piercing. Please do no take offense to my statement, I am mearly pointing out the fact that The Straight Talk Express has come off the tracks. Lost it's bearings, a shame a phony. Somebody tell me why Hillary cant keep money ??? How would that translate to her balancing the National Budget??? Face it she has turned on her Party since they did not vote for her .

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Terry, IN — Thu, 22 May 2008 14:04:55 GMT

Are we safer after Bush's reign?

There are various ways terrorists can attack a country. Attacks like 9/11 is an overt, and dramatic, way. Destroying an country's economy isn't as dramatic, because it's more gradual, and sneaks up on you, but it is more sinister, and destructive. I think the main reason we haven't had more physical attacks, is because they are sitting back, watching the Bush administration doing their work for them. Because of foreign affairs, and economic policies, we are on the brink of destruction.

The real terrorist has been running the country.

A guest on Morning Joe, Zbigniew Brzezinski, former United States National Security Advisor, spoke on the subject of negotiating with foreign leaders. His take on our situation is very frightening. I believe if we elect Clinton, or McCain, we are doomed. We need a level-headed negotiator to avoid a real crisis.

I'm hoping a video of the Zbigniew Brzezinski interview will be made available soon.

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Lisa, New Britain, CT Lisas for Obama :) — Thu, 22 May 2008 14:05:39 GMT

How many candidates in history have run in the red like that for so long? No body does that, do they? I'm really asking, not being a student of political campaigns, I don't know. But I'm guessing hardly anyone does that, many of course CAN'T.

And how does that fact (the continuing to run in the red) square with the sexism and anti-media whining her campaign has been doing. The fact is, this candidate has been tacitly "allowed" by the media and other forces to stay in the race much longer than other candidates would have been.

And guess what, Obama gets to ask his fundraisers and supporters to pay for it...isn't this a wonderful land.

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Think about it — Thu, 22 May 2008 14:06:10 GMT

It's funny how the only one causing all the problems in the Democratic Party is Hillary Clinton...!

SHE'S WORKING FOR THE GOP NOW!!!!!!

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aleese — Thu, 22 May 2008 14:06:51 GMT

*** The Woman In Red

*************************************

That syas it all. In the red financially. Losing in every metric possible with the math, and personal character.

The only bunch of stuff Hillary has plenty of is 'baggage'. How is she more electable? American's would have to be into S&M to want the Clinton's drama in our everyday lives again.

That is why she is losing.

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Senator Obama is behaving honorably — Thu, 22 May 2008 14:08:19 GMT

Bush met with Putin his first year in office. Please remind your readers of this fact. Also, in reference to Hillary, I'm way past sick of hearing and seeing her. I push the mute button on every show I'm watching when she comes on it. She is sickening. Her surrogates equally are ridiculous. They are really tainting themselves -- all for a loser. What a shameless farce she has become. This is a US Senator? It is becoming clear to me that she is not worthy of any office with this type of unethical, unjust, illegal behavior. "Remember, she signed an agreement" Can you say "Breach?"

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BJ, CA — Thu, 22 May 2008 14:09:58 GMT

McBlame can't even be in Washington to oversee the military hearing on Gen. David Petraeus ?
OH he's in touch with what's going on in the Military.

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Jerry, Iowa — Thu, 22 May 2008 14:11:25 GMT

"Making their lobbying pasts a major issue. This has to be a frustrating issue for the McCain camp, because most voters likely don't care."
***********************************************

We don't care about this issue??? are you serious?
This speaks to what McCain is. Take the kid gloves off when reporting on little Johnny. He's no maverick, lobbyist should be his middle name, he built his political career on it, that and of course the trophy wife’s fortune. Keating 5 is not a forgotten deal.

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James, Prov RI — Thu, 22 May 2008 14:12:57 GMT

What a shame she's ruining this for him. I don't think I will ever look at the Clinton's the same way again.

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Thu, 22 May 2008 14:14:02 GMT

It probably is best that McCain not talk with our enimies because I am sure he will say the wrong thing. He also doesn't appear to know what to say to them. His personality type (easily aggitated) will get us into more wars. He is correct--he shouldn't be talking with any of our adversaries.

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BJ, CA — Thu, 22 May 2008 14:14:47 GMT

Like that old Army double time marching song-

"the woman in red makes her livin'in bed!, sound off
one two, bring it on down , one two.. three four!"

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laughaday — Thu, 22 May 2008 14:16:07 GMT

What about her fraud trial on the fall horizon???? Never mind the debt, never mind "vote for me cause I have a uterus", never mind obliterate Iran, never mind her husband slowly cooking his and her legacy, never mind her staff effng it up for her, never mind her signing that agreement that FL and MI don't count...............

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jeremy rosen, wantagh, ny — Thu, 22 May 2008 14:16:19 GMT

This is unbelievable. What is wrong with all of you people who are saying that hillary clinton should get out of the race and that she is damaging the party? Its pretty evident that you just dont like her character and her personality. Maybe at times, she does not come off as being the most amiable orcharismatic person, but you can be assured that she is a tough strong leader with great substantive policies. I believe that the electoral college system needs to be eliminated and the president should be elected through the popular vote. Each person's vote should count equally no matter what state they are from. From this point of view, if Hillary has more popular votes than Obama at the end of this election process, there is no question that she should be the nominee for president. More people will have voted for her than Obama, and in reality thats the most important metric. That is a true deomocracy. Everyone's vote is equal, and whoever has the most votes wins. Perhaps, there needs to be another primary done in michigan to count the popular votes there since obama's name was not on the ticket there. If Hillary clinton wins the popular vote, she should be the nominee. Its really that simple people.

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what color are your flip flops, Obama — Thu, 22 May 2008 14:17:34 GMT

Sen. Obama hasn't waivered from his policy regarding diplomacy so I don't know where you and/or these supposedly "campaign surrogates" are getting this information. Sen. Obama has ALWAYS stated that he's for strong diplomacy which includes careful preparation. He might change up his wording somewhat but the message is still the same
*********
KJ in Dallas: REally? Did you not listen to the debate when he said he would meet with all the rogue world leaders without preconditions. Of course, as soon as he started getting slammed in the press for his naivete, he said they're be preparing before but still not preconditions. The man seems to turn in circles, day after day, saying what he needs to say at the time. Sunday, Iran was a tiny country that could pose no serious threat to us. Of course, after getting hammered in the press and by pols again, by Tues Iran was very, very dangerous. Obamatons, meet YOUR POLITICIAN.

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shirley, san jose, ca — Thu, 22 May 2008 14:18:49 GMT

The President of the US has an obligation to use diplomacy when dealing with all other heads of State, we should expect no less. We cannot afford another leader who ignores diplomacy and rushes into war.

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Matthew — Thu, 22 May 2008 14:20:54 GMT

These editorials above exemplify EXACTLY why we need Obama.

Abortion

These wedge issues like abortion have decided elections in the past. Democrats have traditionally demonized anti-abortion groups. That is a mistake. Did no one watch the Compassion Forum in PA? Please people go back to his answers concerning abortion and the like. His answers did NOT imply that roe vs. wade is in jeopardy in fact he stated directly that it would be preserved. BUT that the discussion needs to be had to bridge the gap, reach some common ground on this issue, effectively taking it off of the table for the future, allowing people anonymity and freedom CHOICE on an INDIVIDUAL basis! THAT is a sensible answer. Done. No more government deciding if a woman has the right to choose AND if you don't want to do it then YOU DON'T HAVE TO. THAT is why the antiabortion group backed Obama. c'mon that is the most sensible and DOABLE response to the question that we've had from either side in like NEVER. But no if the anti-abortion groups are backing him that's a problem? be worried? Please people! We've spent so much time demonizing each side of this issue that we forgot WHY the whole thing started and that was to find some middle ground with all this.

Foreign Policy

People: The Foreign policy of the last 8 years has not made ANYBODY SAFER including ISRAEL!! Something must be done. What is wrong in principle with what the man said???! The pre-conditions that the RNC and the media is so bellicosely, disingenuously, Micro-interpreting and, in some cases, distorting are why N Korea has the bomb, it is why Pakistan and India acquired it back in the day, is why Iran is trying to acquire it. Naive?? Any country that thinks that attacking Israel directly or the United States isn't suicide is naive. N. Korea and Iran know this. This is all tough talk to dissuade an invasion the likes of what Iraq has suffered. Bush has virtually enveloped the planet with FEAR of the United States during his tenure. "You don't behave . . . you'll see!" The only time during Bush's tenure where we've stood down from the rhetoric of the now famous 'axis of evil' was when N. Korea went nuclear. The rest of the world saw this including Iran. NO ONE WANTS TO GO TO WAR WITH THE US or ISRAEL. If the people on this post REALLY believe the Iranian President is some stereotypical, crazy 'towel head' then YOU guys are crazy!! The people of the Middle East may be fervent in their religious beliefs but they are NOT crazy. The Specifics that Rove and Woodward are bait for 'gotcha' politics as usual. A foreign policy that is going to get us out of this planetary moral morass we find ourselves in HAS to include something NEW and DIFFERENT, as well as UNTRIED. We are so stuck in formula's for this and that, that even though it doesn't work and makes things worse we STILL continues because " . . . well that's just how it's done . . .!" There are plenty of great minds out there that have during the past 8 years have been stifled, marginalized, ostracized for not pulling the GOP status quo. Obama has already started pulling out of their 'coma' back into alertness. Hence his broad crossover appeals. The time is now for real patriotism: CHANGE!

First thoughts: Shiny object time

Joe Vidden — Thu, 22 May 2008 14:22:04 GMT

There is nothing to look forward to whether HRC or BO wins --- the entire nation loses in any one of them. The only sensible solution is to put McCain in the White House because he can set us back in the right direction. He is experienced enough to know what missteps Bush made and wise enough to remedy it. The Republican party (nor the Democratic Party) is not perfect. McCain in several cases disagrees with Bush but since he has no authority over him, what can he do? I don't think switching parties to become a Democrat from a Republican will solve the problem. The only way is to bide his time within the party and if he is elected, IT BECOMES THE RIGHT MOMENT TO SOLVE THE PROBLEMS OF THE NATION (so technically I don't believe he's flip-flopping but more of positioning himself at the right place and at the right time). With his '...bomb,bomb, Iran' fiasco that some simpletons are trying to promote that it is his real agenda are gravely mistaken. This is tantamount to letting the majority believe that the "Message of Hope" will solve our problems --- pipe dream! Common, let the old chap have his candid moments, he's just human and in fact he cannot wage war alone without the approval of the legislative/executive body in the government. He's not that dumb to make the same mistakes Bush made (by deceiving us) and most of all, he has seen the horrors of war being a veteran. He is actually open minded in terms of diplomacy but not an appeaser for the sake of a 'band-aid' solutions that will unravel for a short span of time. I truly believe in my heart that if ever he ends up waging war with some other nation, he is forced to do it for our own survival due to no options left for mutual agreement.

Vote using your head, not your heart. The Democratic Party is trying to run this election like a soap-opera by tugging the hearstrings of the majority of NAIVE Americans that are not satisfied with the Bush legacy !!!

Points to remember:
* Being so overly passionate by hating Bush can make you reckless having that "anything but Bush/Republican" or "No to HRC" mentality. Most people in this nation are falling into that big bear trap that will get us deeper into the mire.

* BO + Selfish Delegates = Total destruction of a nation whose mess was started by GWBush

* Don't be a lemming! Just because BO is the flavor of the month, he is the solution to our problems. Let's face it, the next President will need to fix Iraq and economy first and then face the rogue states. The only change needed in DC is to identify the road blocks and remove the person(s)/policies causing the red tape. This is totally different from what BO is harking because total change can ONLY MAKE MATTERS WORSE THAN EVER. A good case are several 3rd world nations where dictatorial leadership/administration is totally changed thru votes, uprising, etc. and nothing came good out of it (Iraq, Philippines, Haiti, etc).

Please...let there be common sense.

First thoughts: Shiny object time

dellis stuttgart, ar — Thu, 22 May 2008 14:23:16 GMT

Obama is making his way to Denver by dividing the democratic party over race. This time the witch hunt is coming from our side. It is not only sickening but really heartbreaking. Obama supporters want you to think Bill and Hillary Clinton are lifelong members of the kkk. The audacity of hope campaign has had the audacity to go there....Obama means to avoid the "divisiveness" of the Clinton years by blaming it on them. That's a despicable lie and he knows it. His campaign will try to make nice and talk unity, but the people his campaign and supporters have alienated in the most hateful way won't be there in November.

First thoughts: Shiny object time

Pat, Milton, Florida — Thu, 22 May 2008 14:25:59 GMT

A lot has been said recently about Hillary Clinton and the Florida voters...not being counted. No one seems to be addressing the issue that a lot of Florida voters didn't even vote in the primaries because they were told it wouldn't count. Then you have a group of Independent voters, like me, who couldn't vote because it was a "closed" primary. I think someone needs to address these issues before anyone says that Florida votes weren't counted...some didn't even vote!

First thoughts: Shiny object time

Kelly (from Pittsburgh) — Thu, 22 May 2008 14:29:30 GMT

I am sickened by Hillary, Geraldine Ferraro, and her supporters alleging that she has been the victim of sexism. If anything, Hillary has benefited greatly in votes by being a woman. She needs to take responsibility and stop looking for someone or something else to blame. She ran a terrible campaign. She had high negatives going into the campaign and she has only made them higher. It's not the media's fault, Obama's fault, or Mens' fault. She is losing not because she is a woman but because she is Hillary CLINTON. Her personality, former actions and last Name are not acceptable for a majority of Americans.

First thoughts: Shiny object time

Marihelen — Thu, 22 May 2008 14:30:02 GMT

Thanks for the update!

I did think this other comment by McAtee was relevant:
http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/05/21/union-leader-has-advice-for-obama/
EXCERPTED QUOTE:
"Hillary Rodham Clinton’s biggest supporter in the labor movement has some pointed advice for Barack Obama.

That supporter, Gerald McEntee, president of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, said, “You have to reach out to the group we call the Reagan Democrats.”

Mr. McEntee, whose union has 1.4 million members, added: “He’s got to do this. He’s got to reach out to the white working class, these type of folks. He hasn’t been able to make good contact with them.”

Mr. McEntee said it was doubly important that Senator Obama figure out a way to connect with these voters because, he said, Senator John McCain, the presumptive Republican nominee, “can reach these people.”"

First thoughts: Shiny object time

Obama 08 — Thu, 22 May 2008 14:30:13 GMT

why did you write your article as if hillary still has a chance??? The media has been more than generous to hillary clinton. This race is over....YOUR MATH says it loud and clear. Dont give the impression that Hillary is still in this game.

First thoughts: Shiny object time

TLA — Thu, 22 May 2008 14:32:23 GMT

Watch video too

Daily Kos: 8/25/07: Clinton DNC operatives strip FL of all 210 delegates

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/5/22/0226/35614/632/520082