First thoughts: The turnout effect

Chuck, NY — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 13:23:18 GMT

My sudden thoughts and second thoughts.

Does anyone understand why the RNC and McCain campaigns always say the DEMs will raise taxes and spend without ever offering any explanation or defense of their positions? Is this response as natural to them as a heartbeat?

Does anyone besides me, and I am a retired Naval officer, refuse to accept any retired General or Admiral as Obama’s VP, no matter what?

Does anyone disagree with the Obama and DNC 50 state strategy?

Does anyone besides me hope to see Obama and Clinton together very soon, and it doesn’t matter what the event might be?

Isn’t the thought of impeachment of Bush and Cheney a delicious one?

Can former Vice President Gore serve more terms as Vice President, or is he precluded from doing so by the 25th Amendment?

If you could have Barack and Michelle Obama over for supper one night without any press or paparazzi, would you? What about John and Cindy McCain?

Does Chuck Todd seem to have an anti-Obama bias?

Will Keith Olbermann be as good to watch after JAN 20, 2009 after Obama starts his presidency?

First thoughts: The turnout effect

Don LA — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 13:25:06 GMT

Since the Veep talk started........ Obama/Biden 08/12!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jPev5sEdTjg

First thoughts: The turnout effect

Obama For President!! — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 13:25:23 GMT

Obama needs to stay away from anyone with a bad or even questionable history! He should even toy with the option of Jim Johnson!!!

No way!!! Barack is already pushing it close!!!

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Coupon - Obama-X2Y9-10 (10% OFF)

First thoughts: The turnout effect

Eric, Salinas, CA — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 13:29:01 GMT

Jim Johnson's below market interest loans are not illegal and did not help tank the economy so I don't see the problem. Rather weak attack for the repugnant ones if that's all they've got.

Not like "Lobbyist Lover" McCain's problem with Phil Gramm who did much to deregulate banking so that the current subprime mortgage credit crisis has blown up our economy. Now that's criminal and "Big Banking Lobbyist" Gramm ought to face criminal charges and jail time for his role is screwing up our economy.

Go Lakers!
Go Obama 08/12!

First thoughts: The turnout effect

Cindi in Louisiana — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 13:29:46 GMT

One site has Democratic/ Republican poll numbers for each state. They projected that if the election were held today, Obama would have 303 electoral votes to McCain's 235. He was handily winning Ohio, so he does NOT need Billary OR Strickland on the ticket!

First thoughts: The turnout effect

jerry/corpus christi texas — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 13:29:49 GMT

Obama sure has a rough time with people who are either murderers, thieves or people that use their power in ways that look unethical. This might be fun if he is elected, he would pick people that would always be investigated to death.

First thoughts: The turnout effect

Cindi in Louisiana — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 13:30:02 GMT

First thoughts: The turnout effect

Pat, Boston, MA — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 13:31:15 GMT

I can distinctly remember a time when Keith Olbermann was very supportive of Hillary Clinton. Chris Matthews was. I was as well. Many of us were. And I don’t remember exactly when I switched my support from Senator Clinton to Senator Obama, but it was early on in the campaign. I think what sealed the deal for me was a major speech Senator Obama gave last summer where he spoke about how he would pursue Osama Bin Laden. He seemed to be the only candidate who spoke of Bin Laden. Kucinich may have as well, but I’m not sure. What I remember of the Clinton campaign in those days was hearing over and over what a huge lead she had. And that’s all I heard. I was convinced because of the media that it would most likely be Clinton/Guiliani in the general election.

Well, things change. And when they do, you can’t look towards the media. You have to look within.

Certainly there have been remarks made this primary season which were uncalled for towards Senator Clinton. It happened with Barack Obama as well. But I don’t believe any of the comments were anywhere near as bad as the comments we heard over the years coming from the conservatives towards Senator Clinton.

So I don’t know why the Clintons feel it necessary to have a so-called enemies list. When you run for the presidency, you’re going to get hit. And hit hard. Male or female. Black or white.

First thoughts: The turnout effect

KJ, Dallas, TX — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 13:31:25 GMT

Rep. Dan Boren is an idiot. He is clearly fishing for attention with his non-sensical rationale. You failed to finish the man's statement that "he would not endorse Sen. Obama, but he would vote for him in the GE. Yeah, this is a guy that I want to represent me- NOT!

OBAMA/BIDEN, 2008!

First thoughts: The turnout effect

Linda. Boston, MA — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 13:32:39 GMT

I don't understand all this uproar over Jim Johnson - all he is doing is providing information on potential VP candidates. He is not an adviser on ANY policies, nor would he be serving in Obama's administration. Essentially, his only job right now is: "find out what's wrong with this potential VP." There is no conflict of interest there. McCain has 10x more lobbyist in his campaign who ARE in a position to influence his policies - THAT is a conflict of interest.

First thoughts: The turnout effect

Karen — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 13:32:46 GMT

"He (Obama) basically said Johnson was a volunteer. While technically true, isn't he volunteering for arguably the most important job on the campaign right now: helping select Obama’s vice president? Seriously, this may be the worst answer Obama has ever given in print. Overall, the campaign seemed surprisingly unprepared for the vetting of the vetter."

AMEN! Thank you for saying what no-one else has seemed to notice. I was floored by Obama's response. Unfortunately, I was not surprised. Obama has a bad habit of dismissing the big elephant in the room.

First thoughts: The turnout effect

Steve L., New Jersey — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 13:32:54 GMT

How about vetting the press that writes about vetting the vetters, and who vets the vetters who vet the vetters-is there no end to this nonsense? How about reporting on something with substance.

First thoughts: The turnout effect

Diane from Illinois — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 13:33:05 GMT

For those of you who keep blogging about Obama's lack of experience, think about this:

We were promised $20 a barrel oil and that the Iraq war with reconstruction would pay for itself. Remember Iraqi oil was to pay for the costs. Instead we have $138 barrel oil and a $3 Billion per week taxpayer cost.

Cheney was supposed to be the one with all the Washington "experience" to guide idiot Bush through his presidency..........so how much has this so called "experience" helped YOU out for the last 7 years?

Obama finished at the top of his class from HARVARD; McCain barely made it through the naval academy. Obama is articulate and classy. McCain can barely put together a sentence, then denies it an hour later. Obama has a economic plan that benefits 95% of AVERAGE Americans. McCain admits no knowing much about economics. Obama is Pro-Choice. MaCain would appoint conservative judges to the Supreme Court in order to overturn Roe vs. Wade.

This shouldn't even be a close race. Unless the REAL reason you'd vote for McCain is just that....race.

First thoughts: The turnout effect

Ralph Malph, madison — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 13:33:18 GMT

The last time a nation started kowtowing to a bunch of generals and "military" men we got Nazi Germany so be very very careful going from adoration to actually electing people like this...they don't know how to play nice with others

First thoughts: The turnout effect

Carrie in TX — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 13:33:29 GMT

Glaringly off the VP list for Obama is my pick, Bill Richardson. Any ideas on why?

Mepublicans posters need not respond. Lisa from New Britain, CT maybe???

First thoughts: The turnout effect

Eric, Salinas, CA — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 13:34:23 GMT

Yep it's time to clean up banking with more government regulation. I hope that these new slimy reverse mortgage loans get hammered. How despicable to see old actors lying about how great these predatory reverse mortgage loans are. Just more of the repugnant ones trying to fool people into wasting the inheritances of their children to live it up now and screw their children out of inheritances that help them compete in the future.

Time to stop this selling off of our future by piling up credit now. Time to level the economic playing field by jacking up taxes on the rich and greedy, especially capital gains taxes. Why should people getting interest income, which is once again pathetic, have to pay the same tax rates as working people while the rich and greedy CEO's cash in millions of capital gains and pay a low flat rate below what working people pay?

Go Lakers!
Go Obama 08/12!

First thoughts: The turnout effect

Nashville_fan — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 13:35:11 GMT

Dear First Read:

I could not disagree more about Senator Obama's answerm about "vetting the vetters" being " the worst answer Obama has ever given in print."

The simple fact is what this guy did or didn't do with his mortgage is a bunch of media driven, irrelevent drivel that is a LARGE PART of the reason our government has become so ineffective.

Are you telling me that unless EVERY person that Senator Obama has EVER known or meets in the future is PERFECT, then we must waste precious time pointing out their flaws, and questioning Senator Obama's judgment for not taking time away from policy decisions or campaign strategy to find out if some yahoo in research didn't pay his traffic tickets?

It is PAST time for the media to get over your collective selves - I wonder if all of your lives could pass the same standards you subject others to?

I doubt it.

First thoughts: The turnout effect

donna — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 13:36:00 GMT

*** Shameless promotion time:

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

Here's another shameless promotion. However, this one is unAmerican! Since no one else has touched it, I will respond.

**********************************************
I welcome John McCain as an extension of the Bush era. Shame on all of you that vote on the basis of economic policy. Are you really willing to allow the world to continue down its path of following the false teachings of Islam just so you can have a new TV, better job or save a few cents at the pump? Only America can save the world for future generations. It's not about the economy stupid!
CD Plumber (Sent Tuesday, June 10, 2008 11:52 AM)

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

'Ah, CD, it is 2008 in the United States of America, not 1153 in medieval Europe when Louis lead the crusades.

Remember 1776, when our nation adopted the tenet of separation of church, and state?

By the way, you openly admit that you sanctioned the war waged by Bush, out of hate, and blood lust.

You are not a follower of Christ Jesus, The Son Of Mary. You will be one of those on that Great Day to whom he will say, "depart from me, I never knew you".

First thoughts: The turnout effect

Lisa, NY — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 13:36:56 GMT

I have said this before and will again, Barak needs to think before he speaks, the speeches and rhetoric don't work in the GE). This Johnson thing could play out very negatively, afterall it's only June...the GOP is just starting their attack march.

With regard to Dems not endorsing BO...please Obama fans, don't do the "if you aren't with us you are against us thing" today.

First thoughts: The turnout effect

Nate, Upper Midwest, Where Common Sense is as Plentiful as the Corn — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 13:38:28 GMT

Obama did give an awkward answer to this Johnson dude, but cmon its the worst answer on print? I don't know if thats exactly fair, but I will say that if every campaign (including Republican ones) has to vet their vetters and then have those vetters vetted, we are screwed. These people aren't going to be the next HUD director so the media needs to quit sensationalizing these 6th degree connections

First thoughts: The turnout effect

Harley Woodson, Pine Bluff AR — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 13:41:07 GMT

So we've figured out that Obama one of the most, if not the most, liberal Senator in recent history. And we've also figured out that McCain is a moderate that is comfortable working on both sides of the aisle. And somehow this is news?

First thoughts: The turnout effect

Keep an eye on Ohio for voter fraud — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 13:41:35 GMT

I think Mr. Strickland has something to hide! I'm glad he's off, never took him as a serious contender anyway! I think Strickland may have riled the African-American community. It is possible they will come out full force for Senator Obama. If I were on the Obama team (I'm not) I would make it clear to all election officials in Ohio that they will be under close scrutiny due to the accusations of voter fraud by the republican party and evidenced by the Articles of Impeachment of George W.Bush in the House of Represenatives.

First thoughts: The turnout effect

Ron, TX — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 13:41:44 GMT

The "vetting of the vetter" is the most stupid and idiotic McCain attack point to date. The man's grasping at teeny straws here, First Read, and everyone knows it. Johnson isn't a policy advisor, he isn't controlling policy decisions, he isn't writing legislation for Obama, he isn't advising Obama on policy positions, and he even isn't advising Obama on campaign strategy. His job is to do background checks on potential VPs. How that creates some conflict of interest? Who knows, no one will be able to explain any coherent reason why it's a negative. And why the media seems more concerned with this, than the fact that the ranks of McCain's -campaign managers- was flooded with lobbyists he adamantly "rejectS", is beyond me.

First thoughts: The turnout effect

Obama08?, Newport Beach, CA — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 13:43:08 GMT

politics
The Johnson Test
Will Obama show us the instruction manual for his new kind of politics?
By John Dickerson
Posted Tuesday, June 10, 2008, at 1:48 PM ET
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Jim Johnson, the man Barack Obama has picked to lead his vice-presidential vetting team, has gotten preferential treatment for personal loans from Countrywide Financial, a company Sen. Obama and others have blamed for helping to create the subprime mortgage mess. How big a deal is this for the Democratic nominee? The Republican National Committee, as you might expect, is diving for the fainting couches. Here is an assessment, based on three different standards:

The Obama Standard
Barack Obama called out Countrywide by name on the campaign trail during the primaries. He particularly criticized the company's CEO for his excessive compensation and more generally "infecting the economy and helping to create a home foreclosure crisis," which he linked not only to the 2 million who lost their houses but to school districts that couldn't purchase supplies and pay teachers. This is the same CEO who gave Johnson his sweetheart deal. Obama's aides also criticized Clinton's then-campaign strategist, Mark Penn, for giving PR advice to the company.

Now the man Obama has entrusted with what he has called the most important decision of his campaign is wrapped up in Countrywide and tied to the CEO. There are lots of unanswered questions about the Johnson deal, though no evidence as yet that he did anything wrong. But the Obama standard isn't wrongdoing. It's mere connection to the company. By that standard, this is bad news.

Since Obama has just held a national seminar for 16 months on changing politics and shedding the old insider way of doing things, you might expect that he'd take these disclosures seriously, if for no other reason than to show that even when it might hurt him, he's committed to letting the light shine on his associates. Nope—his campaign has called the issue irrelevant. Double bad.

The McCain Standard
Jim Johnson is a powerful insider who has friends in high places. The Countrywide deal is evidence that they can get things done quickly and extra-smoothly for him. John McCain has lots of similarly connected friends like Johnson. Many of them raise money for him. Some of them work these kinds of connections professionally, are called lobbyists, and McCain hangs out with them. A former lobbyist is vetting his vice-presidential picks. He also has former lobbyists on his staff, some of whom worked for free while being paid their regular salary by their lobbying firms. This amounts to a subsidy (it's also legal, and Obama volunteers do it, too).

None of this should stop McCain from pointing out Obama's hypocrisy about Johnson. It makes sense for McCain to balance out the hit he's been taking for his special-interest ties by pointing out Obama's difficulty here. But because of his own operations, he can make only so much of this. If McCain gets too self-righteous, he'll open himself up to the same charges of hypocrisy Obama now faces.

The Objective Standard
There are lobbyists, and then there are friends. Both can influence the president. The latter can actually influence him more then any paid lobbyist. Far more, because influence peddling is a lot subtler than people think. Obama has called Johnson a "friend," and if he helps the young senator navigate this crucial decision (including the sticky Hillary Clinton issue), they're going to be good friends, or at the very least, Johnson will become a fixer.

Presidents, like the rest of us, rely on friends to give them trusted advice about their areas of expertise. Friends can also get their calls returned by presidents or the men and women who work for them. The advice-givers never show up on a lobbying disclosure form, but they can deeply influence a president's thinking because they come to issues with an outside-the-bubble perspective and the credibility, often, of having been right before.

This is part of the Washington system, which as a whole Barack Obama is running against and promising to change. It's also part of the Chicago system he comes from. But it's not a factor of political life that Barack Obama talks about very much. He rails against lobbyists at length, but where does he draw the boundaries for himself on these other kinds of relationships? And where should the boundaries be? How does Obama, who says his mistakes with his friend Tony Rezko represent a lapse in judgment, show us he's grown?

I'm not suggesting we have to vet every friend. But it would be great if Obama could show us the instructions for how his new kind of politics works on this front. He has a chance now. And he could see this as a political opportunity, too, to outdo McCain, who has sometimes responded to questions about his ties to lobbyists by saying that we should trust that he's never done anything that would harm the public interest. The Johnson business is hardly the national crisis the Republican National Committee claims it is. But it's worse than the brushoff Obama is giving it.

John Dickerson is Slate's chief political correspondent and author of On Her Trail. He can be reached at slatepolitics@gmail.com.

Article URL: http://www.slate.com/id/2193292/

Copyright 2008 Washingtonpost.Newsweek Interactive Co. LLC

First thoughts: The turnout effect

hjp — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 13:43:09 GMT

Look, nobody cares about the Jim Johnson non-story.
It makes you look petty and unserious.

First thoughts: The turnout effect

BJ, CA — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 13:44:27 GMT

Why does McCain keep telling us how proud it is to shot down into enemies hands...
When he came back from Vietnam he was apologizing for being shot down...he regretted it in many speeches...
What's changed?
Is it good to be shot down now?

First thoughts: The turnout effect

Matthew, Houston, TX — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 13:44:53 GMT

MSNBC,

Jim Johnson is NOT an issue. The economy is an issue, the Iraq war is an issue, taxes are an issue, Social Security is an issue, Medicare/Medicaid is an issue, medical insurance is an issue. Let me repeat, Jim Johnson is NOT an issue. Shame on you for buying in to a non-issue the McCain campaign wants to use to distract from the real issues.

First thoughts: The turnout effect

twocanpete — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 13:47:22 GMT

http://twocanpete.blogspot.com/
Exactly as I said. Obama is picking a 'safe' older white male for V.P. Now he waits for McCain to screw up and pick a female former CEO and he eats his lunch. McCain has one choice to counter, Mike Huckabee.

First thoughts: The turnout effect

Stacey Reach — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 13:47:45 GMT

Moderate centrist Democrats that recently defeated Republicans in House now have a problem. They, the Dems, ran on fiscal conservatism, strong defense, and kind of kept the abortion issues at arms length. Now though they have a dyed in the wool, purely socialist, as far left as they come in this country liberal at the top of the ticket. So how do these Democrats spin that to their districts? They either abandon Obama, or they go down with the ship either this year or in 2010. This is why Obama will have no free ride if elected. His battle won't be with the Republicans, it will be with his parties moderates.

First thoughts: The turnout effect

Blake, Denver, CO — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 13:50:24 GMT

Obama/Biden would be the greatest thing since Adams/Jefferson

First thoughts: The turnout effect

Lex Wright, Issaquah, WA — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 13:50:36 GMT

Repugnant Republicans are desperate - they know that McSame is going to get beaten in the general like the second coming of Bob Dole..!! LOL..!!

Hey old man.., take it to the old folks home and let a new, smart team of people get to work fixing 8 years of Bush/Republican damage.

Obama will crush McSame..!! Looking forward to better years in the US ahead my friends...

First thoughts: The turnout effect

Elaine B — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 13:51:22 GMT

Wow, your plan on the number crunching sounds great. It's exactly what I'd want. I totally agree about the 2000 vs 2004 numbers, not just because of high Republican turnout, but also because Kerry didn't campaign in the South, so it wouldn't be an accurate reflection of what might be done at the presidential level.

Thanks for the hard work.

First thoughts: The turnout effect

adam/Brooklyn New York City — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 13:51:23 GMT

Jim Johnson does not have the most important job right now. All he's doing is digging up dirt on potential VP choices. He's not making the choices. Why would this get more play than McCain's miles and miles of conflicts.

First thoughts: The turnout effect

John Doe, Seattle Wash — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 13:51:30 GMT

So much for Change in Washington. Obama had a chance to be transparent with the problems in his VP selection committee, but he just dodged the questions. Isn't this the type of behavior he's running against? Not even in office yet and he's covering up. And his VP committee sure looks a lot like old Washington insiders. Wasn't Obama supposed to bring new ideas and change to that city?

First thoughts: The turnout effect

Truth for Our Times — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 13:51:54 GMT

Parties are fun but voting is the work that justifies the celebration...

First thoughts: The turnout effect

Lisa, New Britain, CT YES WE CAN! — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 13:52:06 GMT

OK, who here feels that Chuck, Mark, and Domenico have too much time on their hands!! A show of hands...

(still, good job on the first paragraph numbers...I will eagerly await your follow up analyses and projections and just good old playing around with your spreadsheets)

First thoughts: The turnout effect

LB, Virginia — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 13:53:40 GMT

Obama folks have a list too, and Congressman Boren is on it. Obama supporters needs to support his competitor in November!

First thoughts: The turnout effect

MI Chick — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 13:53:50 GMT

maggs. Oklahoma (Sent Tuesday, June 10, 2008 7:31 PM)

JIM WHITTAKER, Hemet, CA (Sent Tuesday, June 10, 2008 7:49 PM)

Mark,Seattle (Sent Tuesday, June 10, 2008 7:50 PM)

Kelly, CT (Sent Tuesday, June 10, 2008 7:51 PM)
##############################################

I just wanted to say "bravo!" to your posts last night RE: Dem Unity. Hopefully this will get posted.

Personally, I am independent, but I am still sick of all this hostage talk of HRC supporters voting for McCain.

If you are that stupid, more power to you, I guess.

Newsflash! McCain is NOT middle of the road. He's kissing up to the neocons like you wouldn't believe. He flip flops on everything, and is downright creepy looking. You talk about Obama not being able to speak w/o a teleprompter, well Johnny-boy definately needs to stay on script, either via teleprompter or via Joe Lapdog/Lieberman. If he doesn't he's already proved he will say something stupid.

BTW - can you ladies honestly tell me that you would support a man who called his wife a C___ in public? Or who left his first wife for his current trophy wife? Get real.

First thoughts: The turnout effect

Nicky, New York, NY — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 13:54:00 GMT

I agree that Obama's answer on Johnson was not great, but I also don't understand why MSNBC (on Morning Joe today, and now here) is making such a big deal about this. I honestly don't see what this man's ties to the mortgage crisis have to do with his ability to RESEARCH possible VP candidates. That's what he's doing. He's not a decision-maker, he's only one of the people involved, and again, what one thing has to do with the other kind of escapes me. You must be bored, post-primary season, to be trying to push this as a substantive story.

First thoughts: The turnout effect

Kelsey Five — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 13:54:08 GMT

And Barack, that Libby guy that worked for Cheney and Bush? He was a volunteer too! And Rove? Again, a volunteer! So, you know, call off the dogs already.

First thoughts: The turnout effect

Lisa, New Britain, CT YES WE CAN! — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 13:54:25 GMT

I agree on your worst answer selection...I had the same thought when I heard it. I understand the point he was making...but he stated it inartfully. Hopefully, he'll think before he speaks next time! I think he probably took this guy as recommended by the DNC without checking him out. I don't think he'll be making that mistake again.

First thoughts: The turnout effect

Pat Huntington NY — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 13:55:47 GMT

McCain's Southern Florida ad just shows he's a typical Rovebot Republican. Misleading the ignorant into voting for the repukes with scare tactics. Please. What the heck does his POW days have to do with Cuba? If anything, his being in a prison for most of his time in Vietnam, shows he's not qualified to be president. First, how good of a commander in chief can he be if he was not a good enough soilder to evade capture? Second, since he was sitting in a prison for 5 years, he didn't do much fighting, so he has no real combat experience. And third, don't you all think that being a POW for all that time, and supposedly being tortured, means he's not all wound up tight in the head, and he may have some serious Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome? That's all scary to me. A war hero? I think not. Remember, he graduated in the bottom of his Academy class. And, Obama never said he'd appease our enemies, nor just sit down and have tea with them. He's promoting purposeful diplomacy, which should be tried out, since the current lack of diplomacy which McWar would continue, hasn't worked, and has only made more US enemies.

I'm a Hillary supporter, and I approve of this message.

First thoughts: The turnout effect

Pete - Albany, NY — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 13:56:06 GMT

RE: Obama's bad answer on Jim Johnson

Keep your eye on the ball here, gang. We have to vet the vetters? Well, gee, then we'll have to vet the vetters of the vetters...and so on.

Please.

First thoughts: The turnout effect

Shana, Texas — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 13:57:48 GMT

I seriously think McCain has the disadvantage when it comes to whose party hates who more. :)

First thoughts: The turnout effect

Matt, Idaho — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 13:58:03 GMT

First Read:

How about you show some balancing in your reports, and vett McCain's chief vetter too, Arthur B. Culvahouse, Jr..

Not only was this guy also part of Fannie Mae, but as reported yesterday by Kieth Olbermann, he has been a part of numerous lobbying firms over the past 6 years, and only stopped lobbying immediately before McCain's "no lobbying" policy went into effect.

I smell a really big biased rat, and if you aren't reporting it, then shame on you.

First thoughts: The turnout effect

Houston — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 13:58:27 GMT

Obama's bad answer on Jim Johnson: Obama's response on this issue yesterday was odd.
---------------------------------------------------

What's very odd is how you're still trying to help the Republicans manufacture a controversy out of nothing. It looks like you and the Repubs are attacking Johnson for being an astute businessman. Is McCain going socialist on us?

It's interesting that FirstRead rarely acknowledges any of the REAL controversies swirling around John McCain, such as his campaign chief Charlie Black being a former lobbyist for the terrorist organization UNITAS and it's blood-thirsty leader Jonas Savimbi:

http://obsidianwings.blogs.com/obsidian_wings/2008/05/mccain-and-char.html

And then there is McCain's friendly relationship to G. Gordon Liddy, the convicted Watergate felon and Hitler lover:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/_100134.html

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/chi-oped0504chapmanmay04,0,6238795.column

And those two disturbing associations just begin the long list of McCain scandals that you and most of the corporate media are refusing to cover in what appears to be an attempt to dupe the public about this frightening man.

First thoughts: The turnout effect

Pat Huntington ny — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 13:59:42 GMT

McCain's new ad to hit senior citizen complexes in Florida will tout his tax credit program for depends purchases.

First thoughts: The turnout effect

Dirk, Brunswick, Georgia — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 14:00:21 GMT

Chuck Todd, now show a model with McCain raising turnout by 20%---breaking 60%-40% for McCain.

Your pro-Obama bias is staggering.

MSNBC is in the tank for Obama.

First thoughts: The turnout effect

bill, okla — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 14:01:37 GMT

Vote Obama 08. McCain's a loser unless the elections are botched. I worry more about similarities to Florida in 2000 than anything the War Gnome has to offer. You know...oops there were so many voters everything just broke down. Are we ready to hold a fair election?

First thoughts: The turnout effect

Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 14:02:04 GMT

That floated short list for Obama's running mate includes Tony Zinni. I'm glad Obama is looking his direction. Zinni may not be the most campaign pragmatic pick, but he'd be great - and the thought isn't too far out of the box.

s/f
Obama/Zinni 08

First thoughts: The turnout effect

Maddog, Charlotte NC — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 14:02:15 GMT

Hey Chuck...you guys in the beltway are just out of touch. Vetting the vetter isn't going to put bread on my table, gas in my tank or money in my pocket. It's not going to bring our troops home from Iraq or protect our borders!

Obama was correct when he said the RNC and McCain where going to try and distract us from the important issues facing the country....and once again, the media falls for this trick hook line and sinker.

Vetting the vetter is a non-issue!

First thoughts: The turnout effect

Eric, Salinas, CA — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 14:02:33 GMT

People need to excercise their constitutional right to vote as that's the only time their opinion is really counted. I get so frustrated with people who say their vote doesn't really count because it's only one vote. While one vote may not be so influential in a large election just consider that millions of people don't vote because of this bogus idea. If millions of people who don't vote do vote they'll discover that many are like minded and the repugnant ones would never win any election.

Make sure to excercise your constitutional right to vote so that we can change the country for the better by getting a lot more new voters voting for Barack Obama. Together we can make a difference and change the country for the better for all of us instead of a rich few.

Go Lakers!
Go Obama 08/12!

First thoughts: The turnout effect

FedUpDem, Washington, DC — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 14:05:25 GMT

*** Obama's bad answer on Jim Johnson: Obama's response on this issue yesterday was odd. "Well, look ... first of all, I am not vetting my vice presidential search committee for their mortgages," Obama answered. "I mean this is a game that can be played -- everybody you know who is anybody who is tangentially related to our campaign I think is going to have a whole host of relationships… These aren't folks who are working for me. They are not people, you know, who I have assigned to a job in the future administration.” He basically said Johnson was a volunteer. While technically true, isn't he volunteering for arguably the most important job on the campaign right now: helping select Obama’s vice president? Seriously, this may be the worst answer Obama has ever given in print. Overall, the campaign seemed surprisingly unprepared for the vetting of the vetter.

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No teleprompter, no script he may as well have stuttered, "duh, heyyyyyy George"

First thoughts: The turnout effect

REMEMBER I TOLD YOU SO. — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 14:05:54 GMT

YES JUST IN... ### BREAKING NEWS ### OBAMA IS THE DEMOCRATIC NOMINEE.SO WHAT ? IT WILL BE ANOTHER 4 YEARS OF THE BUSH FIASCO, WITH MCCAIN AS PRESIDENT. HOPE EVERYONE IS HAPPY :>) .

First thoughts: The turnout effect

john,lakeland,fl. — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 14:07:22 GMT

Obama web site
larrysinclair0926.wordpress.com

First thoughts: The turnout effect

Hillary/McCain Democrats — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 14:08:02 GMT

"Typical white people" will turn out in mass to counter the high black turnout.

Vote against vague promises of change.
Vote against old liberal ideas.
Vote against higher taxes.
Vote against Jimmy Carter's second term.

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

First thoughts: The turnout effect

Kilted1 Edinburg, Va — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 14:08:11 GMT

As a Va resident from the traditional republican stronghold of the Shenandoah Valley, I can tell you that Va is going blue this year. All one has to do to find evidence of this is drive around in this rural, working class, conservative area and count the yard signs and bumperstickers for Obama. I have always been a lifelong Democrat and living in this area has sometimes been very frustrating as a voter due to it's conservatism. I must say though that the level of support for BO in this red valley is unprecedented. I can't say for sure if this is direct support for him personally or just outright frustration with the GOP, but if McCain is counting on Va to help win the GE, he's in serious trouble in the Old Dominion.

First thoughts: The turnout effect

Jeremy KS — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 14:09:01 GMT

I guess I don't see the importance of the fact finder's background. As long as he is presenting Mr. Obama with facts, how exactly are those facts tainted by he who finds them? He isn't telling Obama who to choose, he is giving him a context in which to make that decision. Much ado about nothing in my opinion.

First thoughts: The turnout effect

Ken S — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 14:09:14 GMT

Why isn't Caroline Kennedy meeting with the Obama VEEP team on Capitol Hill? If she's part of the selection committee why isn't she there? Or was she put on the team just to look good?

First thoughts: The turnout effect

Cindy Lou, TX — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 14:12:57 GMT

I've said it before, and I'll say it again. America has an odd way of picking a president. No wonder Strickland (and others) don't want to be VPs or anything else. Candidates have to withstand the worst sort of mudslinging rather than prove they are intelligent, articulate leaders who have the best policies for our country.

Jim Johnson sounds like a financial opportunist, someone whom Obama would normally abhor. I guess Obama didn't vet him, like he said. However, I'm sure McCain has people with similar backgrounds working on unpaid status in his campaign, so people in glass houses shouldn't throw stones.

Finally, I do think the general election will be about the generational divide. I am under 50 years old, and I struggled with understanding McCain's comparison of Obama to Jimmy Carter, and Vietnam and the Cuban embargo seem like ancient wars that don't need to be fought in the 21st Century. Thus, McCain's comparisons and arguments reconfirm his age to me. He would do better to talk about the future.

First thoughts: The turnout effect

L - MI — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 14:13:10 GMT

Hey FR - back off the Obama response to Jim Johnson. Are you KIDDING? It was hardly the "worst ever".

His mortgages were legal, he's not being paid, he's not a lobbiest...what more do you want? The guy's giving an educated opinion, not helping him set policy.

There is not conflict of interest there - stop trying to create a story where there isn't one!

First thoughts: The turnout effect

Not George Soros — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 14:15:03 GMT

You could wrap General Patton around Obama, but Obama would still be pacifist. Obama will get walked on by all these little dictators around the world who will have Obama siging phony treaties at phony summits. It will be the Clinton years all over again.

First thoughts: The turnout effect

New Wave — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 14:18:00 GMT

FirstRead - where is the story about Phil Graham and his association with financial institutions?

Andrea Mitchell is always introduced as 'Chief Foreign Affairs Correspondent'. I have not heard any foreign news from her for over 6 months. What's her actual role @ MSNBC?

First thoughts: The turnout effect

Kilted1 Edinburg, Va — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 14:18:14 GMT

Here’s an excerpt of the radio spot that McCain is running in South Florida: "As someone who has survived the harsh conditions of the Vietnamese prisons, John McCain knows that freedom in Cuba won't be achieved with concessions to dictatorships."

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This is the kind of sillyness that isn't going to get McSame anywhere. We have been levying sanctions on Cuba for almost 50 years now, and to no visible effect, unless you you count the fact that we have prevented them from getting modern cars lol! We need to take a serious look at our relationship with Cuba and realize that we can better bring about change there through the exporting of our culture and values. Dont threaten them anymore, just send them McDonald's and Walmart, Blockbuster and Starbucks. We influence billions around the world with our culture. It wouldn't take very much exposure at all to these things before the people of Cuba begin to look around and wonder why they are lacking these things.....its part of what caused the collapse of the USSR. Our culture is our most valuable weapon against entrenched communism.

Obama/Warner 08

First thoughts: The turnout effect

kily — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 14:20:08 GMT

turnout will be extremely high

What about the Asian Americans.
Candidates on equal pay.
Kerry, Kaine, Webb on Sunday talk shows.
What McCain doesn't want to talk about.
McCains Temper Tantrum.

http://sensico.wordpress.com/

First thoughts: The turnout effect

Mister Anderson (The Matrix) — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 14:21:14 GMT

Give me a break First Read. You're the only one trying to force this Jim Johnson story down everyone's throats. Three straight days of coverage for a volunteer???? That is two more days more coverage than you have given to Falwell, Hagee and Parsley combined!

NO ONE, I mean NO ONE, is going to switch from Obama to McCain over Jim Johnson. 99% of the American public wouldn't know who this guy is if they were related to him!

First thoughts: The turnout effect

William, Dallas, Texas — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 14:22:28 GMT

Hillary as VP = Unity

First thoughts: The turnout effect

End Game — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 14:23:18 GMT

MSM is pushing GOP distraction on Johnson. This was done to divert attention from McCain's 'no solution on economy' speech.

First thoughts: The turnout effect

jim — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 14:24:26 GMT

I also heard that Jim Johnson got a good deal on a car loan because he is rich and has great credit. Wow what a huge story!