http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/11/06/10998.aspx From Elizabeth Wilner, Mark Murray, Huma Zaidi, and Jennifer Colby.No party has ever retaken the House without winning the Senate, but that may change tomorrow.  A tightening of a handful of key Senate races, per the latest round of MSNBC/McClatchyen-USCommunityServer 2.0 (Build: 60608.1)http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/11/06/10998.aspx#11000Mon, 06 Nov 2006 14:31:32 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:11000John, Manchester CTI was involved in get-out-the-vote efforts over the weekend. The enthusiasm on the Democratic side was amazing--the best I have seen in 20 years of campaign work. Also, two Republican voters told me that they normally vote Republican, but will be voting to throw the GOP out this time. Mainly, people are SICK of Bush. I have never seen such hatred or disgust related to a president since Nixon. Also, the GOP congress is viewed in various negative terms, ranging from "out of touch", to "too ultra-right wing" to corrupt criminals and unindicted co-conspirators.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/11/06/10998.aspx#11002Mon, 06 Nov 2006 14:41:50 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:11002mikeeg,abdn,watrow da bums OUT...http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/11/06/10998.aspx#11004Mon, 06 Nov 2006 14:45:03 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:11004Tim, Atlanta GAI really wish I was able to participate in a GOTV effort over the next two days, but work has taken me overseas. John, I really thank you for your work in CT, and hope that your candidate is successful in whichever House district you are in. And that goes to Dems across the country! Let's bring sanity back to Washington!http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/11/06/10998.aspx#11007Mon, 06 Nov 2006 14:51:44 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:11007PJohn Adams worried over the election process because he was keenly aware even two centuries ago that the person who had the most money to spend in a campaign would probably win. What saddened him deeply was the knowledge that the candidate with the most money was not necessarily the better person. He had hoped back then that they had taken care to create for the people a government run by men of character, not men of means. From the latest polls, it looks as though the Democracts are unlikely to win the majority in the Senate. The party who ran an unbelievable campaign to destroy Harold Ford, Jr., Michael J. Fox and Senator Kerry will be running our country for another two years. And just where does the fault lie? In ourselves of course. http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/11/06/10998.aspx#11010Mon, 06 Nov 2006 14:58:53 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:11010Mark, Midland TXNo matter the outcome, unless this country truly learns that legislation and policy is FOR THE PEOPLE and not FOR THE PARTY, we will never get anything resolved. It sickens me to hear Howard Dean, Karl Rove, et al, as though they "are the bosses of us" and that the universe orbits around them. This election should be on the betterment of the country, not which corrupt, greed filled party has the power stick. I do not think that even a Democratic majority will get too much done, for once these elections are through, then the Presidential wannabes will forget their promises and start jockeying for 2008. W/o bipartianship, true democratic bipartianship work, we will get more stale bread and spoiled milk from Capitol hill.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/11/06/10998.aspx#11011Mon, 06 Nov 2006 15:00:39 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:11011PJohn Adams worried over the election process because he was keenly aware even two centuries ago that the person who had the most money to spend in a campaign would probably win. What saddened him deeply was the knowledge that the candidate with the most money was not necessarily the better person. He had hoped back then that the Founding Fathers had taken great care to create for the people a government run by men of character, not men of means. From the latest polls, it looks as though the Democracts are unlikely to win the majority in the Senate. The party who ran an unbelievable campaign to destroy Harold Ford, Jr., Michael J. Fox and Senator Kerry will be running our country for another two years. And just where does the fault lie? In ourselves of course. http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/11/06/10998.aspx#11014Mon, 06 Nov 2006 15:08:08 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:11014Barbara PentonyI have been a registered voter for more than 30 years. I have NEVER been polled or involved in any type of voting "survey". Neither has my family, my friends or relatives. And just like us, there are thousands upon thousands of UNHEARD voices out here across America who I can tell you without a doubt are SICK TO DEATH OF GEORGE BUSH, HIS BROTHER JEB, CHENEY, RUMSFELD, CARL ROVE (THE SICKO) AND THE ENTIRE GOP. Frankly, this really is the first time I can say that I feel completely nauseated and ill from an administration such as this. Crooks, thieves, liars, users and abusers - that's what this administration is all about. Not only are they dangerous to our planet for environmental reasons, they are insulting in every way to the working people of this country. I still haven't forgotten how they intefered with the Terry Schiavo case in Florida up to and including the disaster in Iraq. There is a tremor happening, and we the working people of this country must begin to take it back starting on November 7th, 2006. Thank you. http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/11/06/10998.aspx#11015Mon, 06 Nov 2006 15:10:54 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:11015kim. Crofton , MdP- Don't give up yet.It aint over until its over. One of the reasons Republicans keep winning is they never give up. Democrats have to fight with everything they've got---its like David and Goliath. I think that was Clinton's message to Dems when he spoke out on Chris Wallace's show. We have to learn to give as good as we get, or be resigned to our minority status. All Americans should be able to read the hypocrisy and negativity in these ads and learn to look beyond it to the truth---and go reclaim their country. Republicans put out this type of garbage because they have nothing better to run on-no record of accomplishment. Most of all - remember to voice your concerns by voting tomorrow! BTW, Harold Ford should move to a more progressive state and run again-he's got the "it" factor, Kerry should learn to campaign in a more skillful way.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/11/06/10998.aspx#11019Mon, 06 Nov 2006 15:26:48 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:11019Karen, Gaithersburg, MDIf the American public cannot see that the current administration is a diaster, then they are 'dumber than dirt'. We cannot have two more years of a government controlled by one party. We need some 'checks and balances' and that is every reason to vote Democratic and at the very least get one house under opposition control. Nothing worse than a 'lame duck' president with noboby to throw any road blocks in his path.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/11/06/10998.aspx#11021Mon, 06 Nov 2006 15:30:19 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:11021Black FlagMark - you're absolutely right about bi-partisanship. The first step is to remove, like the festering cancer that it is, the Repug criminals that have so successfully used divisive politics to split this country, as the "uniter" has done. No leader should intentionally divide the people - I can only hope that someday justice will be served for that unmitigated act of treason.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/11/06/10998.aspx#11029Mon, 06 Nov 2006 15:47:45 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:11029Gary Schear, Bozeman, MontanaOn November 7, VOTE! I won't presume to tell you how but if you fail in your civic duty to at least care enough to vote then you have failed, dishonored, and spit upon every young American that has stepped up to defend you. The have your back. Now get some backbone and vote them some competent civilian leadership! Those that now control all three branches of government have had their chance. Our only option is the other party. Whoever is elected let us resolve to NEVER look away again. Whoever is elected let us resolve to grasp them by the short hairs on the back of their neck and never let go to assure them that we are always watching. That we are governing through them. http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/11/06/10998.aspx#11030Mon, 06 Nov 2006 15:47:59 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:11030Steve Turner Cedar Falls IowaIt's coming down to "Stay the Plan" vs "Anything But Stay the Plan".http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/11/06/10998.aspx#11032Mon, 06 Nov 2006 15:52:17 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:11032Olivia Elizabeth Burdon, Peoria, Ill.The nefarious Karl Rove once said, "Republicans have a post-9/11 view of the world; Democrats have a pre-9/11 view of the world." To which I must reply, Democrats have a POST-KATRINA view of the world; Republicans have a PRE-KATRINA view of the world. The Bush Administration's bungled response to Katrina and the failure of New Orleans' levees and the slowness of the recovery should be a major campaign issue at the top of the list along with Iraq and the economy and be receiving the news coverage these issues have been getting. But it hasn't been, due to skillful media manipulation by the Bush Administration of its loyal corporate-run media lackeys. Even the polls which now seem to be on the news every other night don't have anything on how possible voters think about the Bush Administration's handling of Katrina's aftermath. News out of Louisiana and Mississippi which would show the miles of devastation remaining in New Orleans and on the Mississippi Gulf Coast and the continuing hardships endured by the people in these places who are still in a world of hurt is not being aired because it would show the Bush Administration and the GOP in an unfavorable light. There hasn't even been any campaign news out of Louisiana and Mississippi even though both have House races that could be covered. Nor has there been any mention of where candidates in other states would stand on Katrina recovery. When such trivia as celebrity news on Tom Cruise and Madonna is being covered instead of news out of the areas affected by Katrina or where candidates stand on this issue, censorship is obviously taking place. This is not helpful to voters. I mean, obviously candidates in Louisiana, Mississippi, and perhaps a handful of neighboring states would be strongly in favor of Katrina recovery regardless of party affiliation because they would not be good representatives of their constituencies otherwise so it would go without saying. (And some may literally be in the same boat, like Rep. Gene Taylor of Mississippi, who's now rebuilding after having lost his home to Katrina.) But, there's no way a voter in Illinois, Idaho, Hawaii, Rhode Island, or any other state distant from the storm zone who cares about Katrina recovery can find out where his/her candidates stand on this important issue. The other day there was a story in the Peoria Journal-Star about how our candidates including those for Congress stood on several issues--but unfortunately Katrina recovery was not among them. Katrina recovery should be seen as a NATIONAL issue, not a local one only of interest to voters in Louisiana and Mississippi. Reason being, the way Katrina response was bungled and the recovery has been so slow has implications regarding how America's next big disaster (or in the new normal, terrorist attack) which can happen anywhere, at any time, is handled. Wouldn't you like to know how your elected representatives would handle such an emergency situation?http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/11/06/10998.aspx#11036Mon, 06 Nov 2006 16:08:48 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:11036Pete Caloger Bushkill, PA I watched Meet the Press yesterday and could barely contain my incredulity when Elizabeth Dole stated that she did not believe that the Republican "Call me, Harold" ad in Tennessee was racist. Wake up, you hag. Repulicans will no longer be able to lie throught their teeth and expect us to buy it. There is a difference between wishfully thinking that your party will retain control of Congress, and pretending that your party stands for what is moral, patriotic, and just in this country. When are you up for reelection, Liz? http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/11/06/10998.aspx#11037Mon, 06 Nov 2006 16:11:35 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:11037Ricardo, Los Angeles, California When one party controls both ends of Pennsylvania Avenue, we get corruption, scandals, liars, hypocrit and arrogant politicians who only care about themselves. This happened years ago when the Democratics were in power and it is even more blatant now with the Republicans in control. The current Republican leadership are all yes men to Bush and the White House. They dare not stand up to the White House regime or they commit political suicide. Look what happen to Katherine Harris of Florida in her bid to become the next senator of Florida. She went against the wishes of the White House and the Bush/Rove people left her out to dry. On Tuesday, November 7 the voters of this great nation have the opportunity to turn the tables and tell President Bush, "You're either with us or you're not". The Republicans have failed this nation miserably and now it needs to change. How many americans in Iraq have to die before Bush understands that we can no longer 'stay the course". http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/11/06/10998.aspx#11039Mon, 06 Nov 2006 16:15:28 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:11039TimeToSwitchJohnnyThis is one republican who has also seen enough. The current administration is a disgrace and poor examples of what republicans are. This group is FAR extreme right...and have NO resemblence to true republicanism. FISCAL conservatives??? you've GOT to be kidding. I do agree...it is time for a change and a major one. i am going to vote DEMOCRATIC. my grandfather will probably turn over in his grave....but at least I will feel that I did the right thing. Good luck to all the DEMS out there running in races tomorrow. http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/11/06/10998.aspx#11040Mon, 06 Nov 2006 16:19:34 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:11040Mark ThiemeTREASON: breach of faith with nation or persons from whom trust has been granted, implying great risk or harm to same. Upon proof of guilt, punishable by deportation or, in the case of loss of life resulting from treasonous activities, capital punishment may provide remedy. TRAVESTY: producing or inciting mockery or disrespect to persons or entities with whom trust has been breached. A mistake or series of mistakes causing great harm to reputation or persons.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/11/06/10998.aspx#11043Mon, 06 Nov 2006 16:35:06 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:11043sandra wilton, erie, ksI can't believe this country is not ready for a change. Stay the course is not working, billions of dollars in debt, global warming, corrouption, an illegal war that is killing Americans in a civil war. If we don't vote for change tomorrow, then heaven help us we deserve what we have. http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/11/06/10998.aspx#11045Mon, 06 Nov 2006 16:40:06 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:11045Kal, NJJoin the G.R.I.P Movement. "Get Rid of Incumbent Politicians". This "rubber stamp" Congress must go. Republicans and Democrats alike. http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/11/06/10998.aspx#11053Mon, 06 Nov 2006 16:57:31 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:11053PPete/PA: I have to admit I was feeling pretty down this morning until I saw your email about Senator Dole. Boy did you make me laugh. She's awful.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/11/06/10998.aspx#11054Mon, 06 Nov 2006 16:58:35 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:11054J. IrbyYes, this election is a referendum on Bush and the war in Iraq. The question is, how many of his former supporters will be coming over to vote Democrat. Since his voter base has always ranged from very intelligent morons through goldfish brained to totally brain dead, the question seems to be, how many of his intelligent morons have seen enough to rouse them out of their comas, leaving the Republicans with those who consider any move made by the Bush White House as an act of God? Probably not enough to give us the senate, I say. Never, ever overestimate the intelligence of a Bush supporter.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/11/06/10998.aspx#11066Mon, 06 Nov 2006 17:32:07 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:11066Dumb Guy with a PhD in Math in Jupiter, FLIt certainly is funny to see the Dems on this board talking about how the GOP are nothing but dividers and when the chips are down the GOP resorts to name-calling. Well, so far on this particular board, anyone supporting the GOP has been called anything from "dumber than dirt" to "brain dead" to a "moron". Face the facts...this nation is pretty much evenly divided and has been for years. Just because someone disagrees with your side of the issues doesn't make them "dumber than dirt". Do I personally think Bush is doing great? No. But when I look at issues that are important to me, the GOP candidate for the house in my district is much more in line with me than the Dem candidate. I helped with some GOTV activities this weekend as well, and their is GOP enthusiasm in my district.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/11/06/10998.aspx#11073Mon, 06 Nov 2006 17:53:41 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:11073Desmond, Akron, Ohio It is a miracle. All of a sudden, all those polls show the Republicans gaining ground and maintaining control of the Senate. After watching how the polls matched up to the actual results in the last two Presidential races, I think it is a farce that anyone would use them to tell who is going to win. The only way you will know if you win, is to go and vote. Just voting makes you a part of the process. And , oh yes, Strickland is going to become Governor of Ohio. He is a Democrat. And Sherrad Brown , a Democrat, is going to win over Senator DeWine. He is a Republican. Amazing how things have chnaged in Ohio. But then we had a Republican Governor admit to misdemeanors, those freebie golf trips in exchange for who knows what. And oh yes, Rep. Ney only resigned from his House seat last Thursday. Word was that he wanted to collect another month's pay on the taxpayers expense. So, I do not see these polls changing in Ohio. And alsi, we have a man named Mr. Noe who was a rare coin deoler that was suppose to invest money from the State's Workman's Comp fund in rare coins. Guess he took the money and ran there. Unclear where he got the money (around $50,000) that he used to contribute to The Bush campaign in 2004. He is on trial right now. So, take it all together and that is why the House Senate and governship races are going to be changing hands. Thought you all might like to know what has been going on in Ohio. See you in another life, brother.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/11/06/10998.aspx#11076Mon, 06 Nov 2006 18:07:03 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:11076Desmond, Akron, Ohio As an addendum to my previous post about Ohio. Congresswoman Deborah Pryce, who represents a southern district, in Ohio, often referred to Mark Foley as a good friend of hers. In that conservative part of the State, it looks like that is not going down too well. and oh yes, the famous Deibold founder and maker of machines comes from here,those machines are manufactured here also. In the Presidential election of 2004, he said he would do everything possible to make sure Mr. bush won. Guess, he gave it the old college try and did. See you in another life, brother.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/11/06/10998.aspx#11078Mon, 06 Nov 2006 18:10:06 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:11078PDear Dumb Guy: I do not have a college education. And because of that, I have made it a priority throughout my entire life to never be ignorant or uninformed. With all due respect, this is one election in which we just can't look at issues that are important to you and me; we need to look at issues that are important to the entire country. We are truly divided and it's not right, it's not good. I for one am tired of being labeled by the right wing tv and radio stations. It's insulting. Truly insulting. Perhaps if we never mention their names they will just go away. That's my hope.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/11/06/10998.aspx#11081Mon, 06 Nov 2006 18:21:31 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:11081Ryan, MichiganJupiter FL - Amen! I was just thinking about the very thing you mentioned in your post. I have many people that I work with who are Democrats and I have nice conversations with them about national issues. I, a Republican, definitely don't agree with everything Bush has done but when all is said and done my views match up more closely with the GOP then with the Democrats. I'm not sure why people have to be so attacking in their posts, and I'm talking about people posting for both parties. I can take well thought out opposition, but when you start calling Liddy Dole a "hag" and demanding that everyone in the administration be shot, or calling Democrats "terrorists", that's just stepping way over the line. http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/11/06/10998.aspx#11086Mon, 06 Nov 2006 18:29:23 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:11086Pete Caloger Bushkill, PAI have voted in every election since 1971, for every office from President to County Clerk. I have had serious concerns in the past for our nation's well-being, but never have I been as angry as I have been the last few years. The republican administration has failed the country, again. But the country is not and never has been the primary concern of the republicans. Their job is to intermittently assume power at the national level and adjust the political and economic climates to suit the needs of their real masters, big business. And in order to keep us engaged and distracted, fire up the population over wedge issues such as flag burning, Terri Schiavo, gay marriage, and "values". In the meantime the war industry is booming, the economy has been very kind to those with money and power, and in-your-face moralists throughout the country are feeling emboldened. But also in the meantime, almost 3,000 Americans soldiers have been led to a slaughter to accomplish absolutely nothing, the middle class and those less fortunate have seen no improvement in their situations, and one by one the loudest and most sanctimonious among the republican and religious right leaderships expose themselves for what they really are - criminals, hypocrites, and manipulators whose contempt for their fellow countrymen could be the only legitimate explanation for their actions. Let's all give them all a rip-roaring sendoff tomorrow, and take our country back. And vow never ever to allow the republicans or ANY party to lie, steal, cheat, and kill at will while convincing the majority of us that they are doing what is best for the country. http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/11/06/10998.aspx#11089Mon, 06 Nov 2006 18:37:09 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:11089Robert (Chippewa Falls WI)I too am a Democrat and I jazzed up. This year I have donated close to $700.00 to the Democratic Senator in Minnesota, Patty Wettling running for Congress in Minnesota, Tammy Baldwin in Wisconsin. Two other democratic congress candidates in Conn. I hope though when the Democrats DO take control they don't 'MUCK' it up. They could learn from how the Repubs when they took control in 1994 with their "Contract with America" PLEASE NO CUTE LITTLE SLOGANS ANYMORE to solve the problems with have in this country. Affordadble healthcare, affordable education for middel class, immigration reform. Security and no more crooks in the house or senate.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/11/06/10998.aspx#11090Mon, 06 Nov 2006 18:37:32 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:11090!You reap what you sow, Dumb guy. http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/11/06/10998.aspx#11091Mon, 06 Nov 2006 18:38:48 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:11091Sebastian, Beverly Hills CADear Dumb Guy in FL - While I agree with you that it's not constructive to engage in name-calling, I think the reason you see so much of that is because anyone who is not ultra-conservative cannot believe the erosion of our country over the past 12 years of Republican stewardship and cannot fathom how it is possible that more people would vote Republican than not. The Republican policies haven't helped the people who voted them into office - in most cases it's hurt them and gone against the very ideals of conservatism, so it's unreal to the rest of us that they continue to get votes. Which of course leads to name calling, because what other explanation can there be? If you are not a multi-millionaire who is voting solely for your own personal economic reasons, it seems to me that there is no logical explanation why you would ever vote Republican. Which leads me to you: you say that "on issues that are important to me, the GOP candidate...is more in line with me." My question is: what issues are most important to you and what is it about your Republican candidates' stance (vs. the Democratic candidate) that makes him/her appeal to you? I need to know. Please respond. Thanks!http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/11/06/10998.aspx#11095Mon, 06 Nov 2006 18:43:12 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:11095Mark Kinder, MOThe Dem's are going to sweep both the house and the senate no matter what the pollsters say. I look for millions of tax payer dollars being spent to prove otherwise though.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/11/06/10998.aspx#11096Mon, 06 Nov 2006 18:43:17 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:11096MWRegardless of who wins on Tuesday, the issue of oil dependence and oil wars will plague the USA until purchasers embrace burning less fuel. For some, burning less fuel means economy cars, for others, burning less fuel means luxury hybrids. For all, plug in hybrids are the best. Efforts like Plug in America and Plug in Austin must succeed.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/11/06/10998.aspx#11099Mon, 06 Nov 2006 18:49:24 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:11099Dumber Guy with an MS in Industrial Engineering in PittsburghDear Dumb Guy, Perhaps our side is calling your side dumb because your side is calling us traitors and terrorists. PS the Unibomber had a math degree too.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/11/06/10998.aspx#11100Mon, 06 Nov 2006 18:54:43 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:11100MW TNJust as the flight training of the 9/11 terrorists was quietly overlooked, the Bush Administration allowing publication on a US government web site of arabic instruction on building nuclear weapons is being overlooked. According to a recent MSNBC interview, the web site was the most detailed ever with regard to constructing nuclear weapons. While most likely hits on the site were monitored and the site might be considered "bait" for terrorists, one might wonder if surveillance could be outsmarted as pre-9-11 and thus, President Bush has enabled our enemies to be further along in threatening us with nukes. One plane into the WTC was horrible enough. One nuke, even a small one would be magnitudes worse. Shame on the media for ignoring this.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/11/06/10998.aspx#11102Mon, 06 Nov 2006 18:57:11 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:11102M Shephard, WPB, FLIn the "October/November Surprise" department, I suspect that the plan to announce the death sentence for Saddam Hussein 2 days before the US election has been on Karl Rove's calendar for months. Ditto the plan to move the Aircraft Carrier USS Intrepid from Dock-to-Shipyard 1 day before the US elections. Now the mighty ship is stuck in the mud. The Republicans must've left the planning for the USS Intrepid move up to Donald Rumsfeld. Karl, you should've known better!!http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/11/06/10998.aspx#11109Mon, 06 Nov 2006 19:18:26 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:11109Salvatore S. RussoUnfortunately, the latest polls suggest that the Dems will not take the Senate and the House is still up for grabs, with momentum apparently swinging toward the GOP. How disappointing that the Democrats have failed to make the case of the incompetence of this administration and Congress. Since Bush has been in office, the country has suffered the worst attack on American soil in its history, the botched preparation for and recovery from Katrina, the disastrous and unncessary war in Iraq and the mismanagement of the federal budget creating huge deficits where there once was a surplus. The Republicans consistently failed to address each of these issues until the damage had been done. In the case of 9/11, terrorism was barely a blip on the radar screen of the GOP until the attacks occurred despite as George Tenant stated all the bells and whistles sounding in the summer of 2001. Immediately prior to Katrina, the warning bells were sounding but the Republicans, led by Bush, ignored the warnings. When the UN inspectors esposed the view that Iraq had no nuclear capability, it fell on deaf ears once again. And the country is facing a major and potentially disastrous situation with the rising costs of Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security. Once again, the GOP is deaf to the sound of an oncoming train wreck. Why the Dems have failed to attack, as viciously as the GOP has, is not only perplexing but politically bizarre. If the Democrats fail to recapture the Senate and the House, it will be a time for a major shakeup in the leadership structure of the party. This loss will be the result of weak kneed campaign startegies, and nothing else.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/11/06/10998.aspx#11110Mon, 06 Nov 2006 19:19:57 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:11110Ryan, MichiganSebastian - If you don't mind I'll answer you, as far as Republican stance vs. Democratic stance. I'm not familiar with Jupiter, FL's canadites but I can let you know how I feel on a national basis. 1.) I align closely with Rep. in regards to the economy. It is my opinion that a global, free trade, capitalist economic plan works better in the long run then the more higher tax, unniversal healthcare, distribution of wealth socialist type plan that I hear many Democrats speak about. 2.) I believe that it is in our best interest to have a strong national defense. I also believe that, while diplomacy has its place and should be exhausted before additional measures are taken, the use of force is very necessary. In what I have observed about today's Democrats (post-LBJ) they are not very compelling when it comes to a strong national defense. 3.) This does not apply to the current administration but I believe that government needs to be much smaller, as our founding fathers intended. 4.) I am also pro-life and believe that when a baby can be killed can be debated but in my opinion a baby should not be killed after the first trimester at the latest or if the life of the mother is in danger and the mother and potentially the father elects for the procedure (which is less then 3% of all abortions). I also believe that for children under the age of 18 they must have parental permission to undergo an abortion. Needless to say I don't believe that the government should fund abortions in any way. That is just a small snapshot and thus is the problem with blogs because you can never fully expound on things like you could in a live conversation but I hope that gives you an idea.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/11/06/10998.aspx#11112Mon, 06 Nov 2006 19:21:26 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:11112Rick, Lincoln, NEDear Mr. I'm-o-smart-because-I-have-PhD, you say: "Do I personally think Bush is doing great? No." Then what do you do? "I helped with some GOTV activities this weekend as well, and their is GOP enthusiasm in my district." And you wonder why people think your stupid?http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/11/06/10998.aspx#11123Mon, 06 Nov 2006 20:10:28 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:11123AWC Memphis,TNI would be confident that the Democrats would take both Houses tommorrow but there is one fact that cannot be ignored. There is serious concern that Harold Ford Jr. will not be able to maintain a wise distance from his family as shown by not publicly going against his younger brother who decided to run as an independent against a veteran and deserving Democrat congressional candidate. Thus it will be Senator Bob Corker R-TN and the Republicans keep the Senate majority. http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/11/06/10998.aspx#11125Mon, 06 Nov 2006 20:14:00 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:11125kim, Crofton mdDumb guy- Once upon a time there was a governor from Texas who decided to run for president. He seemed fairly moderate had worked well with Democrats in his state. He promised to "be a uniter not a divider". But his right-hand-man was an evil dwarf named Karl Rove. The dwarf told Bush he should rule by divide and conquer. He told him he didn't need to reach out to the other side--especially after he became president and his party won big in 2002. Well the uniter took his advice and became a divider--the biggest one we had ever had. Soon Republicans hated Democrats and Democrats hated Republicans. The Republicans said the Democrats were traitors and cowards and greedily kept all the power for themselves-never sharing. The Democrats' feelings were hurt-they tried to ignore it --and didn't fight back even when their own candidate for president in 2004 was discredited by the evil dwarf Rove. They decided they would fight back with their swords and do whatever was necessary to regain the kingdom. Tomorrow they will. Don't forget to vote.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/11/06/10998.aspx#11128Mon, 06 Nov 2006 20:18:53 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:11128Justin, Lawton, OKI feel like I've just entered into a support group for the Liberal party. After listening for the last year of the imminent Democratic "wave" coming, you folks don't sound too confident. In regards to Russo's comments, briefly: 1. We did have an attack on our soil and President Clinton was just as much if not more to blame for that one (he had 8 years). 2. We've beat the odds and the naysayers since then and our economy and job growth is booming after only 5 short years. Stocks are up to the highest ever. The pending housing collapse never materialized and probably won't. In the end, the tax cuts have given families more money and more oppourtunity. By the way, more people can say they own their own home. Trust me, both my sisters bought their first homes these past 2 years. Now, back to the polls. We keep hearing about the polls closing and now the Democrats are suddenly getting worried. Why is that? I guess it's because the election is upon us and people are really starting to think hard about what they're going to decide tomorrow now that its staring them in the face. The choices are simple: 1. Vote for pulling out of Iraq or vote for winning the war. 2. Vote for higher taxes ("rolling back tax cuts") or vote to keep the tax cuts going along with the economy. 3. Vote against surveillance of terrorist phone calls from overseas or vote for surveillance of terrorist phone calls from overseas. These are just some of the reasons the polls are shifting so dramatically and suddenly Dems are getting cold feet about tomorrow. Truth be told, if the Dems win it will be the final nail in their coffin. Sure it would look good for Dems tomorrow, but what about the day after? You'll try to pull out of Iraq and if your successful the country will collapse. The U.S. will be embarassed in front of the entire world and we'll be more vulnerable to attack. You'll raise taxes and take money away from those who need it. We'll roll down the hill into recession. In summary: Iraq will be devestated, the U.S. will be humiliated, more people will have less money, and you'll probably end up wasting countless hours on taxpayer dollars investigating and unsuccessfully impeaching President Bush. What then? If you do win tomorrow, celebrate all you want - seriously. I mean your victory party has been falsely reported for 6 years - your about due. Starting the day after tomorrow, though, the sun won't shine so bright. If Dems do win - 2008 Result: We have a Republican President and a huge Republican takeover unlike anything witnessed in the history of our country. Will it be worth it come Wednesday? http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/11/06/10998.aspx#11135Mon, 06 Nov 2006 20:51:54 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:11135USAJustin, you're reasoning is why we're all worried. You just don't get it do you? At long last, you just don't get it. http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/11/06/10998.aspx#11142Mon, 06 Nov 2006 21:01:28 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:11142!Unsuccessful impeaching Prezidunt Liar? We'll just get that grinning fool Ken Starr to forge some court papers. (How many Dems have told you they will raise taxes or did you get that from reading pig entrails?)http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/11/06/10998.aspx#11144Mon, 06 Nov 2006 21:09:50 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:11144Rick, Lincoln, NERyan from Michigan, although we don’t agree on a number of points, I respect your reasoned arguments and civil tone of discussion. Further, I agree with your point that having a full discussion on a blog is much tougher than in a conversation where there can be further expounding and questioning on critical issues. Just a couple of thoughts on your points: 1) I appreciate your opinion that a global free trade capitalist economy works best. However, then you set up a “straw man” argument that Democrats speak out for higher taxes, universal healthcare, and distribution of wealth socialist-type plans. That’s right from the Karl Rove playbook, accuse the opposition of being socialists. Please show me any examples of Democratic Senate, Congressional or Gubernatorial candidates exposing state ownership of the means of production and distribution. You can’t. I feel the economy did much better under Clinton then it’s ever been during the Bush administration. Yes, Democrats favor higher taxes on the top 1% of earners. Fair taxation and a balanced budget led to much of the economic success under Clinton. And recall that it was passed with Democratic votes only. Virtually every Congressional Republican claimed Clinton’s program would lead to recession instead of the eight years of prosperity that resulted. 2) If you believe that the current administration is strong on national defense, then we see the current situation in Iraq very differently. I believe the Republicans wild adventures have hurt our national security. I’m not sure what you are referring to when you say from what you’ve observed Democrats are not compelling on national defense. How did you like how Clinton handled the Bosnian situation? No US fatalities and the war ended. I can only wonder how you consider the service record of any of the Republican leaders to be a record of being strong on defense. They were all busy avoiding military service when they had a chance to serve. What they are good at is sending other people’s children off to die in foreign lands. 3) You’ve already agreed that those Republicans in power are not exponents of smaller government. Personally, I think history has shown that unchecked capitalism concentrates economic power in the hands of the very few and invariably they abuse that power. It happened in the 20’s. Today, we are all familiar with Enron. Government is needed to check those excesses that will always happen when regulation is lacking. 4) I appreciate that you are pro-life. I do notice that you inject your personal/religious feelings into the discussion by characterizing as any abortion as baby killing. However, the Democratic Party has both pro-choice and pro-life candidates (Casey in Pennsylvania and Nelson in Nebraska, for example). Ryan, the positions you support are not those being put in place by the extreme right neocons who now control the Republican Party. There is a lot of room for someone of your thoughtfulness and your positions in the Democratic Party.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/11/06/10998.aspx#11145Mon, 06 Nov 2006 21:12:11 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:11145Sallyare we forgetting the Joe Lieberman vote? we;ll see just how loyal he is to the dems (if he wins). They may not even need Dick Cheney's vote. http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/11/06/10998.aspx#11148Mon, 06 Nov 2006 21:21:18 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:11148Len, HoustonWhy should Democrats be expected to have a plan to fix Iraq? Bush broke it into a million bloody little pieces and there's no way it can ever be put back together again. The main reason to elect Democratic majorities is to prevent Bush and his rubberstamp Congress from doing furhter damage to the country and to the world. http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/11/06/10998.aspx#11151Mon, 06 Nov 2006 21:27:26 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:11151bobf, Savage MN Ryan, so we are doing better economically now then when Clinton was in office. You seem to really beleive that trickle down economics actually works. Here is my take on this. You give money to the poor people like Clinton did, then that money is spent in the local economy. So now jobs and goods are generated. Give that same money to rich people and they will invest it in stocks. People that own stocks only care about their dividend checks. They want to squeeze every dime out of that company as possible. Well what is the number 1 expense for any business: Employee's. So the less employee's you hire the more profit for the rich person. You then say you like a strong defense. What has president Bush done to our military. We are running out of parts, sending soldiers without gear, and running the whole Iraq war on the cheap. Do you remember how many soldiers we used to win Gulf War 1. The basic premise was to use overwhelming force to defeat our enemies. Did we use this known winning strategy in the Iraq war. So where is the committment to the miltitary and a winning strategy. I agree we need a smaller more efficient government. Check the statistics on Federal Government employee's. Since Bush took office over 1 million more federal jobs have been created. So tell me is Bush reducing or increasing the size of government. Clinton made the federal government a lean mean machine. No complaints about how hurricanes were responded to during Clinton's time. I can only think of Katrina during Bush's time. Last I have to agree with your 4th point. I do not want to see a baby aborted after 3 months, but I bow to the parents and the medical profession if an abortion is needed beyond that. I am sure they have been given the facts and will make the best decision for them. I can not force my opinions or religious views on other people.I will quote the democratic response on abortion. It should be safe, legal and most important RARE. Remember being Pro-Life is also being against the death penalty and war. Do you beleive that both of these options should be used or are you truly Pro-life. Thank you for giving me the oppurtunity to respond to your views. http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/11/06/10998.aspx#11167Mon, 06 Nov 2006 21:58:17 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:11167Olivia Elizabeth Burdon, Peoria, Ill.Salvatore--"Weak-kneed campaign strategies" on the part of the Democrats are only part of the picture. The GOP has been getting a leg up from the drive-by media. For example, let's not forget how the corporate-run, pro-Bush Administration, pro-business-friendly GOP mainstream media has been helping Republican candidates by editorial policies that have been keeping news coverage of Katrina recovery out of network newscasts. For at least the past 6 months (with a brief hiatus for Katrina 1-year-anniversary coverage) little if any post-Katrina news has been on nightly news broadcasts even though Katrina and the flooding of New Orleans have been the most historic and tragic thing to happen in this country since 9/11, and the story of the people's valiant struggle to rebuild their shattered communities has been ongoing. I know there has still been much that is newsworthy going on in the Great Britain-sized area hit by Katrina because I regularly read the New Orleans Times-Picayune, the Baton Rouge Advocate, and other Louisiana newspapers online and visit the blog "Rising from Ruin" which is about Bay St. Louis and Waveland, Mississippi. The way stories about the immense hardships people in Louisiana and Mississippi still are experiencing has been censored from newscasts is shameful--but even more despicable is the fact that this news blackout is in support of the do-nothing policies an evil Bush Administration who could not care less that a beautiful, historic city and an important area of this country are going down the tubes due to their neglect. If the media were truly principled, it would cover news out of Louisiana and Mississippi that shows how the storm survivors there truly need help. But instead, the media has joined the Bush Administration in abandoning the people of the region in much the same way as people awaiting rescue from the rooftops of New Orleans had been abandoned by those who should have rescued them. The media has overridden any concern for the people of Louisiana and Mississippi on the part of its members with the desire to ensure that Congress still stands behind an administration which has the attitude that because Louisiana and Mississippi are the 2 most impoverished states in the union (with the least potential contributors to the GOP) with very few electoral votes and consequently very little political clout that would help the GOP, they aren't worthy of a great deal of aid with rebuilding. And don't matter, period. Remember how Bush once said something like "$85 billion is a lot of money in that part of the world" as though Louisiana and Mississippi were in Africa or South Asia or some other far-flung corner of the world--not American states. I'd say the Bush Administration and their media lapdogs have been treating Louisiana and Mississippi as though they were on the other side of the world, if it weren't for the fact that they and the media have been far more generous with their money and their news coverage towards several places on the other side of the world than they have been with Louisiana and Mississippi. Take a look at how this country has been spending $2 billion PER WEEK in Iraq. If it can find the money to do that, certainly it can free up some funds that would help people in New Orleans, the rest of Louisiana's storm-ravaged parishes, and Mississippi's Gulf Coast rebuild and get their infrastructure and institutions such as schools and hospitals back into shape. In conclusion, what I said earlier bears repeating because it is so true: The nefarious Karl Rove once said, "Republicans have a post-9/11 view of the world; Democrats have a pre-9/11 view of the world." To which I must reply, Democrats have a POST-KATRINA view of the world; Republicans have a PRE-KATRINA view of the world. http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/11/06/10998.aspx#11169Mon, 06 Nov 2006 21:59:34 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:11169Robert Catalano, Salem, ORLiberal support group!!!Geez. The guys who need the support groups are those who preach their hatred of gay marriage, then go out and have gay relationships, the guy who starts a war in order to get back at someone who threatened his Daddy, the guy who keeps saying he's doing the right thing wheneverybody else knows it's wrong, the guys who keep proclaiming their innocence all the way up until the day they plead guilty, and the guys who think it's OK to say nasty, untrue things about others and then scream the loudest when someone does the same to them. They are the ones who need the therapy and the support group. It sounds like a whole lot of "over-compensation", "projection", "delusional and grandiose" behavior to me. Can anyone say, "personality disorder".http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/11/06/10998.aspx#11170Mon, 06 Nov 2006 21:59:53 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:11170Len, HoustonJustin: "I feel like I've just entered into a support group for the Liberal party. After listening for the last year of the imminent Democratic 'wave' coming, you folks don't sound too confident." The reason why many people outside of the media elite lack confidence in what the polls indicate is the many voting irregularities and "glitches" in past elections that always seemed to favor Repub candidates and effectively disenfrancised Blacks and other people suspected of Democratic tendencies. The media elite, however, has steadfastly refused to acknowledge there have been any serious problems, writing off all complaints as "conspiracy theories." I hope the media's faith in the legitimacy of the voting process is vindicated tomorrow because the Democrats would certainly win the House and end the Repubs' ruinous one-party rule. But unfortunately, some conspiracy theories do turn out to be correct from time to time.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/11/06/10998.aspx#11188Mon, 06 Nov 2006 22:29:16 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:11188Brandon Makoroff, Los Angeles, caRyan, On the talk about abortion, eveybody says that life begins and the embro has a soul. I do not believe until after the baby is born does he or she have a soul. But outside of that, if people want kids so badly why don't they adopt one of the thousands that are currently in foster homes. No one wants to think about them, but everybody wants a baby. Let people decide for themselves how they want to live their lives and let women decide how they if they want the baby.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/11/06/10998.aspx#11201Mon, 06 Nov 2006 22:43:53 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:11201Desmond Akron, Ohio Well, let me put this another way. The Republican Party has won in Ohio for the last 12 years. I was realy amazed that the Democratic Party will be winning here. Senator DeWine has nothing controversial in his background. I was very suprised when the race brode for Rep. Brown in late summer. This Senate race, and the Senate race in Pennsylvinia, was not on anyone's radar map. As a Midwesterner, I am looking at all of us here in the Midwest, and am suprised to see that Minnesota, Wisconsin Michigan illinois, Indiana (of all these states) and Ohio will be voting for Deomcrats. More suprisingly, in the local district races, where Republicans hold seats, in Indiana and Ohio, of all places, these seats are leaning Democratic. So, pollsters, take your polls. Mr. Buchanan just said on Hardball, that this is going to be a Tsuanami. The corruption in my state by the Republican Party is beyond comprehension. Therefore, a lot of Republicans will be voted down. Of course, you could always be Mr. Steele in Maryland, running away from his party, the President of his party, and our country. Call him the generic candidate. If he felt that strongly, he should have run as an Independent. See you in another life brother. I am not 'lost."http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/11/06/10998.aspx#11235Tue, 07 Nov 2006 00:05:42 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:11235Black Flag"The Republican Party has won in Ohio for the last 12 years." ahhh, in '04 Bush won Ohio by 100,000 votes. Ohio had 300,000 more votes than voters. Here's a link to a GAO report the determined there was voter fraud. THe Republicans didn't WIN anything. Haven't in a long time. http://www.rockrivertimes.com/index.pl?cmd=viewstory&id=11529 I kid you not - a vote for a Republican is a vote for near-future police state. ...."Of course, you could always be Mr. Steele in Maryland, running away from his party, the President of his party..." You inadvently describe Bush perfectly: "president of his PARTY." That's what he cares about, my sleepy little countrymen. ANd running from BushCo is a LOOOONNNNGGG way from "running from our country." After what you just said about corrupt Republicans, you stop to defend The Great Enabler? Industry has its arm so far up Bush's back you can see their finger tips behind that blank stare. Any one of the space program monkeys would have made as good a president. A monkey wouldn't have done as much damage, and competent people might have stayed the hell out of Iraq. This may be the announcement of the creation of the Flying Monkey Party.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/11/06/10998.aspx#11236Tue, 07 Nov 2006 00:16:36 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:11236Dr. B GoneRobert Catalano, he's a full blown psychotic, no doubt partly due to the fact that the staff wrap him in a big, fuzzy blanket, and he only sees crowds that ADORE him, can't or won't read a paper, only uses his computer to down load NSA satellite images of the ranch....I think Bush has been driven pretty crazy between what he says he's doing and what he knows he really is doing. That sociopathic behavior and unrelenting lying only makes Cheney stronger, but I think little untreated addict George is crazier than a tick.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/11/06/10998.aspx#11307Tue, 07 Nov 2006 05:22:11 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:11307Jane, Southern MississippiDumb Guy with a PhD in Florida, I agree that just because people disagree doesn't make them stupid, but I've heard that if you disagree it makes you Godless and the "enemy." Wouldn't it be nice if we could work together for the good of the country instead of being so left or right? We need a Congress that will work together and we need moderates on both sides. Our country is in trouble and we had better start doing something about it.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/11/06/10998.aspx#11316Tue, 07 Nov 2006 08:26:05 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:11316William W. Pittsburgh, PARemember "hanging chads?" Well there are electronic "hanging chads" now. You will see why Karl Rove never looked stressed. Because Diebold will make SURE the Republicans win. Just wait and see. While I hope I am wrong, I fear voting issues and discrepancies, followed by courts, are going to be in the news again. And we all know how that worked out the LAST time! *sigh*http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/11/06/10998.aspx#11568Tue, 07 Nov 2006 15:47:08 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:11568Mary JacksonI don't care if you are Republican or Democrat. I'm American. I don't want our beautiful kids dying in a foreign land,(for what good reason) I cry for their mothers. I also cry for more than 600,000 Irac mothers. I'm sure it will be over one million dead in Irac by the time this war ends. I don't like owing other countries 10 trillion dollars, I hate that so many of our jobs have been sent to other countries (India) where terrorist have better access to our personal data. We need those jobs here (they are more and better paid than the jobs we claim illegals are taking from us) and we need unskilled workers to earn a decent minimum wage. I want my kids to be able to get Pell Grants and afford college. I know poor people who can't save two cents and Social Security is their only hope in old age. I don't want to see American's dying because they can't afford health care or medication. I want our taxes to help pay for programs that make America healthy and strong, not used for tax cuts for wealthy, gready individuals and companies. God, Guns, Gays, sounds good but it doesn't put food on the table. Can George Bush deliver this. The answer is a resounding NO. He has fought all of this. He is a selfish imcompetent, misguided, powerhungry politician who believes his mission as president is to force our brand of Democracy on the world the tough way - with troups and has ignored our needs. Live and let live! There will always be dictatorships and some people prefer to live under a ruler, and many women believe they were born to serve man and have children. (I know it's hard for some of us to accept this truth.) Our mission should be to help feed and provide clean water for the poor of the world. There will always be suffering and there will always be terrorism. We would do more good using our might and power in a joint effort with the free world (yes, with the United Nations. Where else does the world come together to discuss world problems.)to fight terrorism, poverty and global warming. I couldn't believe that the UN took a vote against arms in space and the result was 359 to l (guess who that one vote was from - correct...the US). George Bush has declared that we OWN (yes OWN) space. Did God tell him this. You don't make friends by calling them Evil and you don't threaten the world with Nuclear War and not expect the same in return. Give me any candidate who thinks clearly and has America's best interest at heart, and I will vote for him...I don't care what party he represents.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/11/06/10998.aspx#11658Tue, 07 Nov 2006 16:44:32 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:11658G.H.Nelson, North CarolinaHas anyone stopped to think what a bunch of idiots we must look like to the rest of the world. The name calling, the threats and the "voter intimidation and fraud allegations" all serve no one except those around the world already who hate our form democracy. we should celebrate and show the world that we can disagree on issues and policy and openly debate our thoughts with out all the hatred that is currently in the headlines. However, the mean vicious and down right vile nature that our election process has evolved into makes me think I may be safer in Iraq than in America when stating my opinion. We as voters need to tell the Democrats and the Republicans alike enough is enough. We want to vote on what their plans and solutions are, not on how dirty one side or the other is. Our right as Americans is to disagree or agree with the people we voted for last time and if we don't like the way things are going, vote differently next time. When did it become so important to be nasty to each other rather than be informed on the issues that have an impact on our daily life. Why can't we have an intelligent discussion and not a mud slinging, name calling, spitting match. We as Americans should show the world what our founding fathers had envisioned as a CIVIL SOCIETY, not the Wack JOB that we have become.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/11/06/10998.aspx#11666Tue, 07 Nov 2006 16:50:24 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:11666Hannah, Teays Valley, WVQuit preaching your veiws to me! Preach them to the person you vote for! They are the ones who need to know how you feel!http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/11/06/10998.aspx#11802Tue, 07 Nov 2006 17:38:52 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:11802Salvatore S. RussoIn response to Justin, let me ask if you read the 9/11 commission report. If you did you'll recall that the alarms about a possible attack were sounding in the spring of 2001. Bush was President. Doesn't the buck stop on the President's desk? Or does that axiom only apply to Democrats? Let me also remind you that the Republicans accused Clinton of "wagging the dog" when he attacked Bin Laden. They were more concerned with the President's sex life than the security of the nation. As far as Iraq is concerned, this administration has consistently failed to seek international assistance. After 9/11, the countries of the world were almost unanimous in supporting The United States in its fight against Al-Quaeda. This administration took its eye off the ball and attacked Iraq based on bad information. Now, it continues to fail to internationalize the effort to stabilize Iraq and finish the job in Afganistan. Bush has turned the US into a paper tiger, and still can't function effectively in its diplomacy. Turning to your economic argument, we now have a huge deficit with the prospect of huge expenditures in Social Security and Medicare. And once again, this administration is not dealing with the problem. The Republicans are great at winning elections. Too bad they can't apply those talents to governing.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/11/06/10998.aspx#11827Tue, 07 Nov 2006 17:48:55 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:11827Salvatore S. RussoOlivia, I agree with your comment and sentiment. I do feel we democrats can focus the Media on reconstruction in the gulf region by talking about it. Why didn't we democrats present that issue as part of our campaign to retake Congress? Why not raise it in the various debates held around the country? Democrats need to get their talking points together like the Republicans do. We've got to market our policies like the Republicans. Maybe then, the electorate will see that it's the democrats who are more able to deal with the complex problems facing our country.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/11/06/10998.aspx#189990Sat, 12 May 2007 21:41:33 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:189990Katelynn NJ Newarkhey hannah