First thoughts: The economy, stupid?

Chuck, NY — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 13:30:59 GMT

What is the psychology, at its basic roots, of the upcoming election in NOV? Is it something that cannot be polled, measured or determined? Will voters continue to turn out in record numbers based on any psychological need?

Is the basic psychology rooted in repudiation? It seems like this started in the 2006 elections, and voters started repudiating everything W and the neo-con portion of the GOP represented. Is the basic root change? After all, both Obama and McCain would be a change to some degree. Or is Obama’s vision of change that strong in voter’s minds to be a huge factor. A co-equal byproduct of change if you are a Democrat is desperation. Are DEMs so desparate to win back the WH they ensure whatever is necessary to win? What if retaliation rules the day? Again this weekend, and even after Hillary’s nice speech, many of her backers state they will vote for McCain or not vote; which equals retaliation. What if fear once again is the root psychological reason people either vote one way or not at all? This fear could manifest itself also in terms of racism, and voters simply will not vote for an African-American.

If you were marketing your candidate this summer and fall, what implicit psychological messages would you use?

First thoughts: The economy, stupid?

Ron, TX — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 13:37:16 GMT

The McCain economic policy is no different than the Bush economic policy. The plain and simple truth: the Bush economic policy, combined with the Bush foreign policy, has gotten us into this massive hole we are in right now. It's time for something new. Bush/McCain policy obviously doesn't work.

First thoughts: The economy, stupid?

Michelle Zee — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 13:38:50 GMT

The repukes think people are stupid. How can we continue to spend Billions of dollars in Iraq a MONTH and not take care of our own country.
Not to mention, spend billions of dollars there while those people have a surplus.
The tide is rushing in and the repukes better run for cover. We as Americans will only have ourselves to blame if we let that McBush in that White House to continue those failed policies of do nothing.

First thoughts: The economy, stupid?

Steve NewYork — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 13:40:48 GMT

There will not be much of a bounce if you guys in the media don't stop obsessing over Hillary Clinton.
I mean Chuck , I think Pat Buchanan needs some therapy.
He's a bigot and a just does not like women.
He needs help.

First thoughts: The economy, stupid?

dusual tx — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 13:42:27 GMT

Yes, the economy is in trouble and will get worse if we lose in Iraq. John McCain is a real navy man and will never ever surrender and that will after it's said and done bring back the dollar. Obama doesn't have a clue how to fight a war and will lose and then so will the economy.

First thoughts: The economy, stupid?

Nashville_fan — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 13:45:18 GMT

I find it quite funny that after such a long and grueling nomination fight, where Senator Obama essentially was fighting 5 opponents, one of which was a former two term President of the United States, and one which was the current President of the United States, not to mention members of foreign governments interested in impacting the U.S. elections, the media has the NERVE to now exclaim that if Senator Obama doesn't get a huge bounce in the coming week, he is somehow a failure.

The fact that he has weathered this tremendous storm and is still ahead of John McCain, by whatever margin, is infact a TREMENDOUS accomplishment, no matter how the media tries to frame the debate to create a different impression.

Obama '08/'12

First thoughts: The economy, stupid?

LB, Virginia — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 13:45:30 GMT

Chuck, NY: I really believe that Hill's supporters will come around once they realize what is at stake. If they don't, they will need to accept that they alone put personal vindictiveness over the best for the country. If they can live with that, then there is nothing real Dems can do, except bring out the younger vote, who sees Obama as a true hope and Hill's loss correctly: poor management and too much baggage. As a woman and a feminist over50, I am embarrassed by those women--they have made it much tougher for the next woman candidate, who will be looked at with a lense colored with, GEEZ, WHAT DOES SHE WANT NOW....Hillary didn't break any glass ceiling with her feminism, it was with her shrill voice!

First thoughts: The economy, stupid?

Pat, Boston, MA — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 13:45:32 GMT

Chuck Todd, I was fascinated by your remarks yesterday on Meet the Press when you spoke about Hillary losing the "inside" game early on when she was up against Howard Dean and Nancy Pelosi.

It really does look like there were more people than we realized who were looking for an alternative to Senator Clinton and Barack Obama was just the right person at just the right time.

And I do agree with your sentiments also that without the Iraq War, there is no Barack Obama. Now he's going to have to go out there and connect with every day working class people and their concerns, which are growing each day.

He can do it. I learned a great deal about FDR and Eleanor Roosevelt when I visited their library in Hyde Park, NY. It was stunning how well they reached out to the American people during the depression, even though they themselves were born into an old aristocratic family. They were able to be successful with their message, which was to do everything in their power to feel as though they were the people's friend. We have nothing to fear but fear itself. They could connect with everyone. That was their greatest success.

Senator Obama can do it as well.

First thoughts: The economy, stupid?

BJ, CA — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 13:46:56 GMT

Ten out of ten will vote their wallet (or purse)
this November...the candidates have to best explain how they're going to put that money in there...

It plays to pay....

First thoughts: The economy, stupid?

Ron Indiana — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 13:47:25 GMT

The polls will give Barack a boost...but it will not be his ceiling. Barack is more likable than McSame, he presents himself in a more approachable manner. He is on the right side of the issues. Barack will tie McSame to Bush. In debate he will make McOld look...old. As the campaign goes on, red will turn to purple and purple will turn to blue.
I know I have some bias, but this is becoming more and more obvious.

First thoughts: The economy, stupid?

Jennifer, MI — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 13:47:46 GMT

A vote for McCain is a vote for business as usual and a Bush 3rd term, a war and occupation that will never end, unprecedented deficits, lies and deception by our government, fear-mongering and continued deline of our reputation abroad.

All you ladies out there (and I am one, 56 yrs old and a feminist)...remember these two words - SUPREME COURT. McCain is Pro-Choice and doesn't believe equal pay for women is important...

First thoughts: The economy, stupid?

pam, phila — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 13:47:58 GMT

YOU HAVE TO WATCH THE WHOLE VIDEO, THIS IS A 2- 4 -1

Senator Graham: McCain's Policies Would "Absolutely" Be An Extension Of Bush's

1. NOT ONLY ARE THEY GOING TO CONTINUE THE BUSH POLICIES...
2. BUT WHO ARE THE BAD AMERICANS?

THE ONES WHO LOST THIER HOUSES?
NOT THE LOBBYIST?
WHICH TAXPAYERS?
THE PEOPLE WHO GO TO SCHOOL?
EVERYBODY IN WASHINGTON?
MY FRIENDS, MY FRIENDS?

http://abcnews.go.com/Video/playerIndex?id=5023714

Annnddd...
GIVE MCCAIN THE MEMO'S
I THINK MCCAIN/ AND FRIENDS MISS THESE MEMO's TOO!
Iraqi prime minister: Iraq will not be used to 'damage' Iran His remarks come as the United States and Iraq are trying to reach a bilateral (100 Years Was True?) agreement on how long the U.S. military will remain in Iraq and what role it will play in Iraq's security. But al-Maliki media adviser Ali Hadi said negotiations between Iraq and the United States are in their "very early stages" and were not part of Sunday's talks...Al-Maliki and Ahmadinejad met Sunday afternoon, with Ahmadinejad calling on Iraq's neighbors and the United Nations to help restore security and stability to Iraq, IRNA reported. And al-Maliki thanked Ahmadinejad for his call for an end to longstanding U.N. sanctions against Iraq that date back to the 1991 Persian Gulf war.

http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/meast/06/08/iraq.iran/index.html

Israelis, Palestinians agree to work on peace pact
Israeli and Palestinian negotiators have agreed to start drafting elements of a proposed peace accord, the chief Palestinian negotiator said Friday.

http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/meast/06/07/israel.palestinians.ap/index.html

EVERYBODY'S TALKING, BUT NOT TO US OR WITH US, BECAUSE WE DON'T TALK...WE JUST____________FILL IN THE BLANK, USE ADDITIONAL PAPER IF NEEDED!

First thoughts: The economy, stupid?

Matt, Tx — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 13:52:01 GMT

Obama is NOT the future. He's too inexperienced and his economic views may reduce the national debt but the increase in taxes will burn a hole in the American people's pockets. Also, his foreign policy of dealing with terrorists is weakness and a lack of his desire to take the hard, firm road that McCain will take. Bush's policies were not his alone but the product of his cabinet advisors pushing him one way or the other he was just the scapegoat for thier failures; the American people don't realize this but McCain's staff will and they will advise him in a better direction.

First thoughts: The economy, stupid?

class Warrior, D.C> — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 13:52:11 GMT

Sounds like, as everyone suspected, Clinton's organization was a mess. Obama needs to hit the economy HARD, because, not only does Mcsame not have any really new plans for the economy, the economy itself is the biggest reason not to vote for Mcsame's rehash of the failed Bush policies. The economy is the 800-pound gorilla that Mcsame can't get around and Obama can---IF he's truly got some new solutions for puling the Bush recession out of the toilet. Mcbane needs to be baptized in Pat Boone's pool or something to convince Evangelicals---but then that would scare off the moderates and the independents; so basicaly, he's screwed. Al Franken getting an endorsement from Obama would be kind of cool; I think they'd work well together.

First thoughts: The economy, stupid?

Jennifer, MI — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 13:53:29 GMT

Typo on my comment McCain is NOT pro choice.

First thoughts: The economy, stupid?

jesse St.Paul Minnesota — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 13:55:02 GMT

the mcbush spokesman Tucker Bounds says that Obama has promised to raise all those taxes that he says "thats change that we can't afford.No tucker those are taxes that will be needed to level the playing field.Those taxes are mostly on higher income earners,mostly those making over 200.000$ a year.Capital gains,dividend gains are not the things that regular folks talk about.So keep up the scare the tax out of them tatics,keep up your plan to tax the middle class until there is nothing left while our rich repub friends get richer,and gas hits 10.00$ a gallon and we keep srending 5000$ a second to fight the Bush oil war.What I think is even more intersting is the Bomber campaign thinks they can convince the people that there canidate feels there pain,LOL.His beer bride pulls down 500.000 a month,try making ends meet on that kind of dough,I'm sure that won't sell in some of the rust belt states.

First thoughts: The economy, stupid?

Walt, Ohio — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 13:56:45 GMT

If the Hillary supporters who claim they will vote for McCain actually do so, then they were not true Hillary supporters. There is no way that that they would vote for someone that is diametrically opposed to their candidate's campaign positions. So those Hillary "supporters" who claim they will vote for McCain would have never voted for Clinton in a general election.

First thoughts: The economy, stupid?

Senator Obama -the Change to True Leadership — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 13:57:07 GMT

I'm amazed that the so-called economists seem to think we are not in a recession. Everytime these gas prices go up, they throw us deeper and deeper towards a depression. I believe there is some rangling with the numbers on Walstreet and what's on paper does not match reality. Investors are in for a huge shock. But then the investors have sat greedily back and allowed our economy to be raped. I do believe the proposals by Senator Obama are worthy efforts and not once would I entertain the idea of accepting anything said by McCain. He is decitful and dishonest. He sat on and closed down an investigation on his transportation committee to protect lobbyist that channel money to the RNC.

On Bill Clinton, I believe he is the reason Hillary did as well as she did these past few months, no matter what he said. He was constantly out there defending her in small groups. It was powerful. Senator Obama should get him to work and put a detail man with him to keep him on track--if you know what I mean.

Obama 08

First thoughts: The economy, stupid?

MSierra, SF — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 13:57:56 GMT

From Real Clear Politics:

Latest national polls...

CNN 06/04-06/05 49 46 Obama +3.0
Rasmussen 06/04-06/06 48 45 Obama +3.0
Gallup 06/01-06/05 46 45 Obama +1.0
CBS News 05/30-06/03 48 42 Obama +6.0
USA Today 05/30-06/01 47 44 Obama +3.0
Cook/RTStrat 05/29-05/31 44 43 Obama +1.0
Pew Research 05/21-05/25 47 44 Obama +3.0
Newsweek 05/21-05/22 46 46 Tie

Gee, John
Why don’t people like dirty old warmongers ?
Don’t they know we have to bomb, bomb, bomb... bomb,
bomb Iran ?

John McCain, more of the same
John McCain, Endless War
John McCain, Bush’s evil twin brother

Latest State polls only...

CA Field 05/16-05/27 52 35 Obama +17.0
NH Rasmussen 05/21-05/21 43 48 Obama +5.0
PA Rasmussen 05/21-05/21 45 43 Obama +2.0
NJ Monm/Gannett 04/24-04/28 56 32 Obama +24.0
OH SurveyUSA 05/16-05/18 48 39 Obama +9.0
WI SurveyUSA 05/16-05/18 48 42 Obama +6.
IA SurveyUSA 05/21-05/22 47 38 Obama +9.0
MN SurveyUSA 05/16-05/18 47 42 Obama +5.0
MO Rasmussen 06/03-06/03 42 43 Obama +1.0 all past
polls McC
NM SurveyUSA 05/16-05/18 44 44 Tie
CO Rasmussen 05/19-05/19 48 42 Obama +6.0
VA SurveyUSA 05/16-05/18 42 49 Obama +7.0

NV Rasmussen 05/20-05/20 46 40 McCain +6.0
FL Quinnipiac 05/13-05/20 45 41 McCain +4.0
NC PPP (D)* 05/28-05/29 43 40 McCain +3.0
MI EPIC-MRA 05/19-05/22 44 40 McCain +4.0

It’s too early for polls to matter....
But, Obama will probably win Calif and NJ fairly
easily
Michigan is troubling
Florida is closer than I’d have expected
McCain has won all previous polls in Missouri

A Virginai or Missouri Senator on the ticket might
help
Maybe Richardson for New Mexico, Latinos and foreign
policy experience

First thoughts: The economy, stupid?

Dems become Indies..go McCain — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 13:58:30 GMT

Once again, not all HRC supporters will go to Obama. Tomorrow, Jun 10, is Independents Day, when Dems will become Indies. Change your voter registration to send an en masse message we will not vote for Obama.

First thoughts: The economy, stupid?

LB, Virginia — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 13:58:31 GMT

Jennifer MI, you are so right! We feminists need to make sure that our friends and family who are threatening to vote for McCain understand his incredibly bad record on rights for women. He also has used derogatory language against his wife, and tried to strangle a collegue, so maybe we can use that if common sense doesn't naturally prevail for Hill's supporters!

First thoughts: The economy, stupid?

teopa — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 13:59:03 GMT

for those who've seen mcain's latest ad: mcain hates war the way a sadist hates pain.....

First thoughts: The economy, stupid?

Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 14:01:57 GMT

I disagree with the bounce analogy. Obama is less known, and there's a few misconceptions out there, so what we see now wouldn't seem to represent his ceiling.

There's still a lot of folks who suspect he just might be a Manchurian Muslin Marxist, etc., and it will take a full campaign season for some to satisfy any such nagging concerns they may have along those lines.

Also, the part about whether or not he needs Clinton is running afoul of conventional wisdom, which holds that no one votes for the running mate, though some may vote against him or her.

First thoughts: The economy, stupid?

PC — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 14:05:10 GMT

The Iraq war IS the economy, stupid!

The war has directly affected the economy in a way that makes it impossible to separate the two.

First thoughts: The economy, stupid?

Jerry Youcom, Ft. Wayne, Indiana — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 14:06:43 GMT

I'm pretty much a middle of a roader, but for me too, that's all Barack Obama's economic plan seems to be is to socialize the country and raise everyone's taxes. The federal government already owns the education system and the farms, but Obama now wants to take over the banks, any remaining portion of health care that the government doesn't currently own, raise taxes on all business, and generally have the a central government control everything. On top of this, he's going make the country green, which sounds good on the surface, until we get the bill. A lot of people are going to be unemployed if Obama is in office.

First thoughts: The economy, stupid?

C.Beitz / Atlantic, VA. — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 14:06:57 GMT

MSNBC appears more inept each day they have Pat Buchanan on the air. His interruptions and comments are SO programmed & sometimes racist, that it is astounding that he is permitted to speak.He has been proven wrong SO MANY times this year, and they still ask his opinion as if he were accurate. Tiny Tim would have better guesses than Buchanan.

First thoughts: The economy, stupid?

jackieblu Seattle — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 14:07:05 GMT

Obama has been talking about the economy, and Iraq, all the issues etc.. However, he was having to fight off Billary, and MCcain at the same time. Now he can focus on beating MCsame in the general. Finally, MCcain will be called on all the stupid things he says. I thought it was funny how he tried to steal Obama's thunder with his "mean green" speach, but Obama won the nomination so his coverage was cut, Hillarbee tried to do the same, but that didn't work out so well either... I'm sure MCcain would love to do some debates - town meetings, or whatever, with Obama, that way MCcain's staff won't have to go labor ready to fill the room. Hillarbee's speach was good, however, not as good as Obama's on Tues. In addition, she still should have conceded on Tues. Maybe that's what the secret Obama, Hillary meeting was - he was helping her write her speach!
Obama Rocks!

First thoughts: The economy, stupid?

No more free rides! — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 14:07:19 GMT

Enough of the 3 issue voters:
Anti-abortion
Pro guns
Anti-gay
These are the issues that helped Bush get 2 terms.
You know who you are. Thanks a bunch.
Can we please vote on REAL issues and stop this fanaticism? We are in deep doo- doo in this country.
The churches are getting rich and not paying taxes. Where is the fairness in this? They are multi-billion dollar corporations. Charity begins at home.

First thoughts: The economy, stupid?

Gail, TN — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 14:09:11 GMT

Our economic policy and foreign policy are so intertwined that there is no separating the two.

They are both tangled up in our addiction to OIL.

If Sen. Obama develops that theme and presents it in an understandable way to the American people, he will win both arguments.

Our addiction to oil has had, and will continue to have, disastrous consequences for our economy and foreign policy if allowed to continue.

You think gas prices are high? Wait until this winter, when folks are faced with paying for heating oil. What will the poor and those teetering on the edge do? Our economy is not going to get better any time soon, people, and it will only worsen if we don't address it properly and immediately with real solutions and not panaceas like stimulus checks.

McCain cannot overcome his complicity with Bush in feeding our addiction to oil. Our only chance right now to transition to different sources of energy and distance ourselves from our "dealers," the oil-producing nations, is with a Democratic president and a Democratic congress.

When Exxon-Mobil takes more in profits in a year than the combined profits of ALL AUTO MAKERS IN THE WORLD, you can trace that right back to President Bush and Sen. McCain. Thank for NOTHING, guys.

"McCain Missed Opportunity To End Big Oil Tax Breaks to Invest in Clean Energy. In 2007, McCain was the only senator who failed to vote on a motion to invoke cloture (thus limiting debate) on the Energy Independence and Security Act. This vote was about whether to close $13 billion in tax breaks for major oil and gas companies to invest in new clean energy technologies such as wind and solar, and efficiency. Sixty votes were required for passage. The motion was rejected 59-40." [CQ.com; HR 6, Vote #425, 12/13/07]

"McCain Receives "0" on League of Conservation Voters 2007 Scorecard. The League of Conservation Voters rates senators and representatives on the most critical environmental votes, with scores ranging from 100 – voting with the environment every time – to 0 for voting against the environment on every vote. Absences count as a vote against the environment since the legislator did not cast a vote for the environment. In 2007, Sen. McCain missed all 15 critical environmental votes in the Senate, so he received a "0." [LCV, 2/08]

"McCain Opposes Three Fourths of Environmental Votes. Sen. McCain has a lifetime LCV score of 24 percent. Even if one excludes his 2007 missed votes, his lifetime score only rises to 26 percent." [LCV Scorecard, 2007, LCV Scorecard 2006]

Obama can lead on these issues - and if you enjoy breathing and are willing to help wean America off oil, please support him.

Obama '08

First thoughts: The economy, stupid?

Cindy Lou, TX — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 14:09:12 GMT

I wonder if Republican voters would have chosen McCain if they knew that Obama would be the Democratic nominee rather than Hillary? It just seems to me that had Republicans thought Obama would win, they would have chosen a younger candidate who exemplified change, rather than a grumpy, old warmonger who wants to stay the course.

Also, another news outlet is reporting that Obama's numbers have shot up among Latinos, so he's getting a bump already as the nominee.

Finally, while Obama is interested in a foreign policy discussion, he is also quite good on the economy. McCain's policy is more of the same, which hasn't worked.

I realize McCain will get the racist vote and the vote of those he can frighten into believing the U.S. is in danger of being obliterated by countries that can't even feed their countrymen, much less create nuclear bombs. However, the rest of us will not be fooled by McCain's warmongering and fear tactics.

First thoughts: The economy, stupid?

Mary, maryville, tn — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 14:09:22 GMT

To the supporters of Hillary that think their answer is McCain...watch this and then ask yourself, "is this guy for women? Was that really a snicker from McCain when Hillary was called a bitch?" McCain is no friend of women

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLQGWpRVA7o

First thoughts: The economy, stupid?

Jarrett, Los Angeles — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 14:09:24 GMT

Matt, Tx:

What about Phil Gramm? McCain LOVES to mention Phil Gramm as us economic ace in the hole. Have you heard how Phil Gramm has helped orchestrate and defend the sub prime mortgage mess?

How will Americans react when they find out that McCain has been such a huge supporter of the sub prime mortgage failure?

Please tell us Matt.

First thoughts: The economy, stupid?

LB, VA — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 14:10:04 GMT

Matt TX: McCain is not all there. Sorry, but he's not. I also would not recommend my dad, who I love dearly, and is also a war hero, to be president. Many suffer PTSD long after the wars they were in. McCain was great 8 years ago, but now he's just a sad has-been.

First thoughts: The economy, stupid?

Mister Anderson (The Matrix) — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 14:10:50 GMT

Obama can own the economic message by linking our bad economy to the Iraq War and score double points. I mean if we're sending $12 billion a month to Iraq, how is it that we can't afford ANYTHING at home? He started out with that message a couple of months ago but didn't stick with it. He needs to keep hammering it home like he does with Bush/McCain.

Bad War + Bad Economy = Bad for America

First thoughts: The economy, stupid?

The Truth — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 14:11:29 GMT

Look, Senator McCain is different than President Bush. That's a fact. The American people and espcially Hillary Democrats understand that Sen. McCain's campaign will reflect his policies and his vision for the future of the country.

It's worth remembering that President Bush's father didn't exactly emulate President Reagan. Vice President Gore did not exactly copy President Clinton. Even Hillary Clinton demonstrated differences from President Clinton - and she's married to him.

First thoughts: The economy, stupid?

Hillary/McCain Democrats — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 14:11:47 GMT

Senator McCain is clearly the best choice for this great nation.

Vote against vague promises of change.
Vote against old liberal ideas.

Vote for security.
Vote for fiscal restraint.
Vote for experience.
Vote for bipartisanship.
Vote for John McCain.

First thoughts: The economy, stupid?

JCar — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 14:14:33 GMT

Clinton's organization was the definition of disorganization...Penn leaves but he's still around! And Bill, omg, he insults everyone and takes the credit for Hillary's successes! This are some of the big RED flags as to why Obama SHOULD NOT have Hillary as VP. We don't need to talk about the Clinton's anymore, at least not until their trial.
As for McCain and Obama...it's not even a contest. Obama has direction and he has the support of the American People. McCain admitted the economy wasn't his strong suit. I still can't believe he said that. Obama is just so much smarter than McCain. Let's see, do I want to pay higher gas and food prices, have my home foreclosed, answer to lobbyists and stay in Iraq 100 more years?????
Obama '08/12

First thoughts: The economy, stupid?

Norton Stiles, NYC — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 14:15:31 GMT

Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA:

There's still a lot of folks who suspect he just might be a Manchurian Muslin Marxist, etc., and it will take a full campaign season for some to satisfy any such nagging concerns they may have along those lines.

If Barack Obama is not a Marxist, then what is he? Obama makes Kennedy and Kerry look like moderates. His voting record is 100% liberal. There is not a big government social program that Barack Obama disagrees with. It is no great stretch to say that Obama is anti-capitalist. Name one thing that he wants less government control of. It addition to being a socialist, Obama is also a passivest. It certainly sounds good to some that we talk with people who's ultimate goal is to kill us, but just what is Obama going to talk about? In short Obama looks like the exact wrong guy for the job at exactly the wrong time.

First thoughts: The economy, stupid?

jackieblu Seattle — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 14:18:53 GMT

Hillarbee did not win the popular vote! She was in PR for a week, and they can't vote in the general, she was only there to run up her numbers. In addition, the cacaus states numbers aren't included, most of which would have went to Obama. A lot of states had early mail in ballots, and picked Hillarbee before they really new Obama, just because of the Clinton brand name. He is way ahead in Ca now, where HRC won, for example.

First thoughts: The economy, stupid?

Obama Drama — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 14:19:53 GMT

McCain should win - Obama now says it will take him 16 months to start getting our troops out of Iraq. In the begining I think he was saying within the first 30 days of becoming President. This should make Americans think hard. Do you want McCain or Obama as Commander in Chief. McCain has 2 grown sons in Iraq - Obama wants tea with the terrist - My vote will be McCain. Think about it - McCain for 4 years - Obama 4 years. Of that 4 years 2 years is going to be spent ending the war and bringing our troops home. I think McCain is overly qualified, experienced and has a very personnal reason for making Iraq safe for our troops. Obama keeps saying "4moreyearsofBush" McCain is nothing like Bush. Do yourself a favor and look up facts - vote on the facts.

First thoughts: The economy, stupid?

OBwan, IN — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 14:27:34 GMT

Let me make this clear.

Jobs, Jobs, Jobs ....
Tax money used to support companies send jobs out-of-USA.
Large amount of dollars sent to IRAQ daily.
Declining dollar
Bail out of large corporations in housing crisis.
No money for individuals or American citizens.
Loss of 390,000 jobs since Jan 2008.
Creation of minimum wage jobs.

Is there a pattern - If you are the Repubs do you really want to run on current admins policies? That is what Sen. McCain will be doing.

First thoughts: The economy, stupid?

Dan, Columbia SC — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 14:27:44 GMT

Pat - Boston, I completely agree with your 945 post. The Roosevelt's were so successful in connecting with the average citizen that they were re-elected 4 times. I think Barack can connect on that same level with people, however he will need the help of the Clinton's. Yes we can in November!

First thoughts: The economy, stupid?

andy marrin, coos bay, or — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 14:28:36 GMT

We're in our 8th year with a president who got into Yale because of daddy and was a mediocre student there. Now the Repubs offer us John Mccain who got into Annapolis because daddy and grampa were Navy Admirals and finished at the bottom of his class.

Contrast those two with Obama who demonstrated determination, effort and intelligence in college and since. We must make a change.

First thoughts: The economy, stupid?

CitizenJ — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 14:30:03 GMT

Want to read about John McCain's "character"?

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-1024927/The-wife-John-McCain-callously-left-behind.html

Enjoy.

First thoughts: The economy, stupid?

dusual tx — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 14:30:49 GMT

Liberals and taxes go together and Obama wants to press his religion on all of us. Navy man McCain will bring down the prices of oil because he'll win in Iraq and we'll run the oil there. Obama and his wife are not capable of having a white house respected. Do you want a hero or a zero.

First thoughts: The economy, stupid?

OBwan, IN — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 14:31:43 GMT

Obama Drama (Sent Monday, June 09, 2008 10:19 AM)
------------------------------------------------------
I did look up the facts and you are right he is nothing like Pres. Bush.

He flip-flops and changes on a hourly basis where he stands.

The bottom line is that he will be much worse than what we presently have.

First thoughts: The economy, stupid?

JM, TAMPA, FL — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 14:32:11 GMT

Well said LB(VA.) And I will re-iterate.
Clinton backers must really look at what is the best interest for themselves and this country, and NOT out of spite or revenge.
Obama maybe young and new to Washington politics, but he is intelligent and refuse to cower to lobbyist and big corps who are backing McCain. I'd rather take the unbeaten path of hope versus staying in the same hell hole we are in.
McBush criticized Obama for lack of experience, but I am not seeing any propositions of how he will fix the economy and bring jobs, and provide healthcare for everyone from this old gizzard, except for "we must stay the course" on Iraq on what money we don't have to continue to do so.
My attitude is - before we can take care of other countries, we have to take care of our own and secure our own. And yes bring the troops home. They of all people deserve more respect and gratitude.

Florida woman for Obama

First thoughts: The economy, stupid?

Pete - Albany, NY — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 14:34:23 GMT

To Senator Clinton's diehard supporters, remember, if you're planning on voting for Uncle Fluffy, you're voting for this guy...

"Why is Chelsea Clinton so ugly? Because her father is Janet Reno.”
- Senator John McCain speaking at a Republican dinner in June 1998

First thoughts: The economy, stupid?

Terri Poulans, Rock Ridge Tn — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 14:39:52 GMT

The 'McCain is Bush' blather that Obama is trying just won't stick. McCain has worked both sides of the aisle for decades, and is more of an Independent then a Republican. McCain is his own man, and always has been. It's actually very disrespectful to compare McCain to Bush, or anyone else for that matter. John McCain is his own man.

First thoughts: The economy, stupid?

dusual tx — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 14:40:55 GMT

You read that these liberals hate real navy heros like McCain. It's because democrats can't win a war and the economy is a problem they only want to tax tax tax. McCain's mother is almost a hundred and hes young compared to her and will be a real president not a Clinton wimp like Obama would be.

First thoughts: The economy, stupid?

Walt, Ohio — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 14:41:31 GMT

"If Barack Obama is not a Marxist, then what is he? Obama makes Kennedy and Kerry look like moderates. His voting record is 100% liberal. There is not a big government social program that Barack Obama disagrees with. It is no great stretch to say that Obama is anti-capitalist. Name one thing that he wants less government control of. It addition to being a socialist, Obama is also a passivest. It certainly sounds good to some that we talk with people who's ultimate goal is to kill us, but just what is Obama going to talk about? In short Obama looks like the exact wrong guy for the job at exactly the wrong time."

Norton Stiles, NYC (Sent Monday, June 09, 2008 10:15 AM)

So the fear mongering begins in earnest. McCain cannot win on his "tax cuts for the rich, spend government money on Iraq and Halliburton" policy, so minions will spread the "Obama is a Marxist/Muslim/ militant/liberal/pacifist/bogeyman" blog terrorist campaign. so predictable.
Your boy McCain is going to have to try to defend that BS one on one with Obama. You think his Tuesday speech was bad, wait until he tries to defend the failed Bush/Cheney/McCain economic and war policies. Wait until he has to actually demonstrate clear knowledge on foreign policy (Sunni vs Shiite, Bomb Iran, 100 year "occupation of Iraq. etc.). Or true economic policy ("I have to read Greenspan's book").
His own party doesn't like him; you can't dress him up as a "war hero"; even that honor is questionable:
http://www.usvetdsp.com/smith_mc.htm
Good luck with all that.

First thoughts: The economy, stupid?

VEW5 — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 14:41:39 GMT

It's the economy, the lies, the murdering of innocents and sending our troops off to fight an unnecessary war, it's the torture and black prisons, it's the dishonesty and crookedness of everything they do thinking they are above the law, it's the refusal to tell the truth or even testify in most cases, it's the graft and most of all, a dishonest election that was based on morals, religion, trust, and togetherness of which we never saw one little iota of either!!!!!(There is much more!)