Jim Johnson steps down

evie — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 18:47:37 GMT

Too bad, I hate caving to the Republicans. It just emboldens them. The public couldn't care less about the person vetting the VP.

Couldn't. Care. Less.

Jim Johnson steps down

Matthew, Michigan — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 18:47:42 GMT

R we all happy now? NOW LET'S MOVE ON FOR CRYING OUT LOUD....

PS...WHAT DID MCCAIN SAY THIS MORNING....AHHH YES....REAL NEWS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

Jim Johnson steps down

KJ, Dallas, TX — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 18:48:30 GMT

Let's see what other non-issue item comes to the fore-front next. GEEZ!

OBAMA/BIDEN, 2008!

Jim Johnson steps down

Zelda, Pittsburgh PA — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 18:48:42 GMT

Good move...

Jim Johnson steps down

Muguabe, Trenton NJ — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 18:48:48 GMT

Sheesh....

Jim Johnson steps down

Missy — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 18:48:58 GMT

Let the silliness begin! So much for McCain not playing dirty. This is truly ridiculous.

Jim Johnson steps down

Pete - Albany, NY — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 18:49:31 GMT

There...is everybody happy now?

Now, if we can only do something about the infestation of lobbyists in Uncle Fluffy's campaign...

Jim Johnson steps down

d aller Winona MN — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 18:49:33 GMT

no big deal

Jim Johnson steps down

ron-sarasota-fl — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 18:49:33 GMT

without h.r.c. obama will not, i repeat will not, carry ohio, pennsylvania, florida, new york or new jersey.

Jim Johnson steps down

Bob, NC — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 18:49:44 GMT

It is a mistake to let the republicans frame the structure that Obama uses - but I do respect that he picks his battles - and is building up capital for something "important" to spend it on... unlike McSame and his "bringing the troops home is not important" rhetoric.

Jim Johnson steps down

Rick, Los Angeles — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 18:49:47 GMT

wtf?

Jim Johnson steps down

Robert Craig — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 18:49:54 GMT

Another example of Obama finding the best and brightest. What a joke. Put Michelle on the veep team.

Jim Johnson steps down

glory — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 18:50:13 GMT

It's sad to see this story has become so overblown that the guy had to step down.

Jim Johnson steps down

David - Plano, TX — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 18:50:18 GMT

It is because Jim wanted Hillary for the VP slot and Obama (and his wife) did not. End of story.

Jim Johnson steps down

Karen, Duluth — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 18:50:20 GMT

That's interesting. If there's nothing shady about this guy, why step down?

Jim Johnson steps down

KG — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 18:50:21 GMT

What next---is Michelle going to hae to step
next? These skeletons are making themselves out
of the closet---and their will be more to come.
When the republicans decide to release the
"whity" video of Michelle---Obama will be stepping
down---Thanks DNC you guys chose yet amother winner.

Jim Johnson steps down

Lynn - Alhambra, CA — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 18:50:25 GMT

Seriously? Sometimes these things are trivial and it is made into such a big deal! There are other pressing issues out there that need our attention!

Jim Johnson steps down

S.B. Stein E.B. NJ — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 18:50:51 GMT

Johnson showed that he realized his distraction factor to the campaign. It would have been good for Clinton if her husband Bill understood that. It is better for Johnson to do that now then have Obama be continously hammered on that by the Republicans who can't find anything else to harp on.

Jim Johnson steps down

Dave S. — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 18:51:17 GMT

Would be nice to know what exactly the nature of the "distraction", but as usual, only half the story gets told

Jim Johnson steps down

Jonathan Edwards — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 18:51:32 GMT

Wow, didn't Obama vet Jim Johnson before naming him to lead the Obama VP search committee? Another example of Obama's lack of experience and poor judgement!

Jim Johnson steps down

Pat, Boston, MA — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 18:51:35 GMT

I guess Mr. Johnson didn't live up to the right wingers' high standards. Oh wait a minute, I get it. They have no standards. And they never will. Never.

My goodness those people are nasty. God forbid they actually go after substance issues. I guess they wouldn't really know how to actually "work" for a living. Like reporting on issues important to the nation.

Their producers don't want much do they?

Just the ratings please. At any cost. And we'll pay you well.

What a catastrophe these people are. Complete travesty.

Jim Johnson steps down

Joel — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 18:51:40 GMT

Are we now in the general Silly Season?

Jim Johnson steps down

Eric, Levittown, PA — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 18:51:42 GMT

My votes for McCain!

Jim Johnson steps down

another mama for obama — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 18:51:49 GMT

Thanks, Mr. Johnson. I appreciate that you took this task seriously, even if I didn't think you were the best guy to do the job.

Would it be impossible for the Obama campaign to select just some regular person to join Ms. Kennedy and Mr. Holder. I mean, it's not like they wouldn't be in good hands and totally screw things up. Now that would be participatory alright.

Jim Johnson steps down

donna — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 18:52:00 GMT

McCain will not score points with this. He has shown himself to be a liar, and a hypocrit.

I will not list his many indiscretions here.

However, for someone who has been as steeped in scandal, and corrupt behavior as John McCain, well let me just say, I can hear the chickens clucking in the distance, on their way home...........

Jim Johnson steps down

Dean Smith, Upland, California — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 18:52:13 GMT

Rush Strikes Again!

Jim Johnson steps down

kenn — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 18:52:19 GMT

AND OBAMMA quits his religion and puts a lapel pin on and calls hilliary a great person ANYTHING TO GET ELECTED

Jim Johnson steps down

MJH Lansing, MI — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 18:52:21 GMT

OMG, this is lame. He should have stayed. So what if he has mortgages. Almost every home owner has one, two, and sometimes three. Now everyone who has a CountryWide Mortgage in both campaigns needs to step down too.

Jim Johnson steps down

George Toulouse, Renton, WA — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 18:52:26 GMT

This is no surprise. The changes will continue as Obama consolidates. The decision to find the correct veep candidate is going to be difficult and crucially important if Obama expects to win.

Jim Johnson steps down

Young Democrat — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 18:52:28 GMT

Well what do you know! It took Firstread 6 seconds to report this story and 6 hours to report the McCain flap about bringing troops home! HMMMMMM

Jim Johnson steps down

Annie — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 18:52:44 GMT

It sounds like a euphemism for Jim Johnson being closely associated to the person Obama has already picked but not yet announced.

Jim Johnson steps down

Texan — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 18:52:45 GMT

Playing the outsider, no connections, underdog is hard; isn't it.

Jim Johnson steps down

MitchT — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 18:52:52 GMT

Mccain doesn't understand, that being in Iraq for 15 or even 50 years, isn't just about casaulties, its about the money being spent and selling our country out for a half effort at imperialism.

Jim Johnson steps down

Jebbo, Ashland Oregon — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 18:52:53 GMT

If he has people stepping down already he will have larger issues in the future. Look at the Bush presidency and the reasons those folks chose to step down. Wonder what Barrack Hussein Obama is up to behind the scenes.

Jim Johnson steps down

Bobby H., Miami, FL — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 18:52:59 GMT

Are McBush's lobbyists and corporate insiders who are connected to his campaign going to step down now?

Jim Johnson steps down

Jason — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 18:53:00 GMT

who cares

Jim Johnson steps down

mr.tse/denver,co — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 18:53:09 GMT

What was the controversy? Maybe I'll go check at democraticunderground to see whats up...

Jim Johnson steps down

kenn — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 18:53:10 GMT

Lynn thats what republicans always say

Jim Johnson steps down

Larry Charleston, SC — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 18:53:12 GMT

He ought to be in jail. Now Eric Holder and the Marc Rich pardon becomes center stage. Obama's associates and friends are so cool !

Jim Johnson steps down

scott chicago — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 18:53:23 GMT

another one of Obama's shady relationships.......

Jim Johnson steps down

Bee — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 18:53:24 GMT

This is double standard...when is McCain's lobbyist going to step down? When is Charlie Black going to step down? I am sick and tired of media double standard...

McCain has been getting a free ride for the past 4 months. Gaffe upon gaffe, yet, Chuck Todd and his fellow journalist refused to call him out

Jim Johnson steps down

Benjamin Bollinger, Kings Mountain, NC — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 18:53:49 GMT

I support and voted for Obama during his race for the White House, but the truth remains that only He and Clinton together have a chance to get there. They fought so diligently that they have divided the democratic party and they must unite in order to unite the party and win the election.

Jim Johnson steps down

Jebbo, Ashland Oregon — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 18:53:49 GMT

Jim Johnson steps down

Micky D. San Diego — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 18:53:55 GMT

I realize that the Media is in love with Obama and want him to win but when will they give obama the same scrutiny they give to the republicans. Why is it that every time obama defends someone around him that has been accused of some type of wrong doing that soon after they resign or he "quits" them? It seems that Obama is merely the figure head of a much bigger machine. The all powerful Oz. You take away his teleprompter and he is as lost a little red ridinghood in the forest.

Jim Johnson steps down

George Toulouse, Renton, WA — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 18:54:07 GMT

This is no surprise. The changes will continue as Obama consolidates. The decision to find the correct veep candidate is going to be difficult and crucially important if Obama expects to win.

Jim Johnson steps down

Tevis Tumulty, Goodyear, AZ — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 18:54:07 GMT

Obama is one mistake after another--the Democrats are so dead in the water, although McCain is almost a Democrat, so I guess they'll still win in the end.

Jim Johnson steps down

Denver Bob — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 18:54:08 GMT

And that's that.

The Republicans will now have to find some other tangentially-related Obama volunteer and dig through his or her personal life for dirt.

It's a tough battle when you can't compete on the issues...

Jim Johnson steps down

kenn — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 18:54:10 GMT

To everything SPIN SPIN SPIN there is a season SPIN SPIN SPIN ............SUNG to the song turn turn turn

Jim Johnson steps down

Eric, Salinas, CA — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 18:54:14 GMT

This is sad but it shows that only Barack Obama can bring back honesty and integrity to the White House. Jim Johnson did the honorable thing by resigning from this important post.

Now when will "Lobbyist Lover" McCain dump those two slimy lobbyists, Charlie Black and Phil Gramm? These two dishonest shills need to show if they have any honor by resigning from "Bush Hugger" McCain's campaign. Otherwise we will all know that the repugnant ones are the BFF of all white collar criminals.

Go Obama 08/12!

Jim Johnson steps down

Brad Stevens — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 18:54:20 GMT

I was told long ago, show me your friends and I will know what you are like. McCain surrounds himself with Lobbyists, Obama surrounds himself with the likes of Rev. Wright, Wm Ayers, Michelle and Jim Johnson. Those around you influence how you think, what you stand for and what direction you will go. Comparing the lobbyists agenda with the agenda of the friends of Obama, I would take the lobbyists.

Jim Johnson steps down

Gary — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 18:54:21 GMT

It seems as though our search for that perfect person (to find that perfect person) has failed again.

Jim Johnson steps down

mcnorman, west TX — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 18:54:24 GMT

I think he got pushed aside. LOL

Jim Johnson steps down

Nicky, New York, NY — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 18:54:34 GMT

Now can we all go back to what's really important? At least until it comes to light that one of Obama's staffers stole a pack of Dentyne from the 7-11 back in junior high?

Jim Johnson steps down

Jon, Cumming, GA — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 18:54:37 GMT

Glad he did step down. Eric Holder and Caroline Kennedy are two excellent names without the baggage of Jim Johnson.

Jim Johnson steps down

Obama Supporter from NY — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 18:54:48 GMT

A class act - on both sides. Obviously, Mr. Johnson thinks the job of vetting Sen Obama's VP candidates is too important to risk any sort of protracted debate or distraction.

Well done Mr. Johnson and Sen Obama! You have shown the way in showing how a distraction like this should be handled.

Obama '08

Jim Johnson steps down

Michelle Kowal Grove city Pa — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 18:54:51 GMT

I am a Democrat, but with Obama, my extended family and I will be voting republican because I don't feel he is right for the job.

Jim Johnson steps down

DJB, IN — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 18:55:02 GMT

Let's get this straight... if everyone who has any connection to someone or was, is, or soon will be a lobbyist can't serve in any capacity for either campaign, then who is going to work on the campaigns? If each campaign must fully vet the people who are doing the vetting, who is going to vet the vetters for the VP vetting?
I play a game like this with my friends- we all know this ends up back to square one - Kevin Bacon. So the fundamental question remains, Is Kevin Bacon a lobbyist? If so, we may as well all give up!

Jim Johnson steps down

markus, Boston, MA — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 18:55:26 GMT

I'm sure McCain thinks it was "very important" for the GOP to nail this guy, since it's "not too important" that we bring our troops home....

could we talk about that?

How this senile WARHAWK wants to keep this going indefinitely????

Jim Johnson steps down

Obama 08, Philly PA — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 18:55:27 GMT

I'm kind of dissapointed that Obama gave into the Republican party and John McCain on this issue. I dont think having Jim on Obamas VP vetting team has anything to do with Obamas candidacy... Obama should have stuck to his guns on this one...
OBAMA 08

Jim Johnson steps down

S Tracy, South Holland, IL — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 18:55:28 GMT

This is ridiculous. Jim Johnson should not have stepped down. The McCain camp hasn't done a thing about Phil Gramm whose hands are as dirty as ever in the mortgage fraud crisis.

Jim Johnson steps down

Mike — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 18:55:37 GMT

Well the right wing Republicans win again. The MSM jumps on this non-story and makes it a big story. They totally ignore the major problems with John McCains top advisors: Here is a story:

Black’s Firm Lobbied for Somalia’s Dictator. Common Cause Magazine reported, “The well-connected Washington lobbying firm of Black, Manafort, Stone and Kelly has seen dictators such as Somalia’s Mohamed Siad Barre” as its clients. [Common Cause Magazine, Winter 1993]

• While Black Lobbied for Somalia, Siad Barre’s Army Killed 40,000 – 50,000 Civilians. The Associated Press reported, “The Somali army killed 40,000 to 50,000 unarmed civilians between June 1988 and January 1990, according to human rights group Africa Watch.” [Associated Press, 1/2/95]

Black Lobbied for Zaire’s Dictator. Black, Manafort, Stone lobbied for “Mobuto Sese Seko of Zaire.” The “military dictator, Mobuto, was a $1 million-per-year Black, Manafort client until December 1990.” [Common Cause Magazine, Winter 1993; Department of Justice, FARA database, accessed 2/26/08]

Jim Johnson steps down

Obama Supporter, Chicago IL — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 18:55:38 GMT

I wish they had hung firm on this. It looks worse, IMHO, for Johnson to step down than for Obama to say, "Listen. This isn't what's important. Let's move on."

Jim Johnson steps down

JB, Boston — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 18:55:42 GMT

Obvioulsy Johnny Boy Kerry isn't on the internal memorandum distribution list. What a fool he looks like now.

Jim Johnson steps down

Brendan D, Niles, IL — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 18:55:57 GMT

Well that was a stupid idea. Although it also could be rather smart -- get this taken care of now, and you don't have to deal with it in a month, when you announce your veep.

Meh. It's still a non-story. Thank you, Chuck, Mark, and Domenico, along with your colleagues at the other major media organizations, for turning a fake story promulgated by the Idiot Right into a major news item that has screwed pointlessly with a process. Honestly, I respect all three of you, but the way you guys reported on and stuck with this story was completely abhorrent. Why couldn't anybody (even the much-lauded David Gregory) have been as tenacious during the buildup to the War in Iraq?

P.S. Anybody who says that this changed their mind, and that they're now voting for John McCain specifically because of this incident, is a liar.

Jim Johnson steps down

Brave Souls — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 18:55:57 GMT

What do you have now McCry-Baby? Are you ready to accept the termination of all of the lobbyists in your camp?

Oh, that right then that you just leave you and your wife. I stand corrected, she states that she would not participate either, I guess that just leaves you and Keating.

Jim Johnson steps down

Greg Augusta, GA — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 18:56:10 GMT

It was only a "non issue" when his dealings were exposed.

Jim Johnson steps down

Bee — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 18:56:16 GMT

When is McCain going to fire his chief lobbyist? Charlie Black lobbyist for terrorist, yet, he sit on McCain's team.

Jim Johnson steps down

Steve Bernard — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 18:56:39 GMT

Yet another scandal for this sham of a candidate. However he has duped all his supporters. He sat in a church which preached radical and racist views for 20 years. All he has to do is cancel his membership and everyone thinks that's fine. What if a candidate had been a member of the KKK, would canceling that membership be acceptable? No way.

Jim Johnson steps down

Randy Gough — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 18:56:45 GMT

More step downs to come. No more honest people left.

Jim Johnson steps down

Anthony, Seattle — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 18:56:47 GMT

As usual the critics are all bluster and no substance. Lets focus on what really matters and not these distractions. The critcis only need to look into the mirror to see their hypocrisy, but they are tied to the past and playing with the facts is what they know. You can say the same for the current administration, all play, no game.

Jim Johnson steps down

M. Parker, Tampa, FL — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 18:56:55 GMT

Obama is starting to find out about the real world of politics, unfortuately due to our precarious position in the world ranging from economic to energy to terrorism issues, does not allow for untested or freshman politicians at this juncture.

Jim Johnson steps down

Brian, Cour'dalene, ID — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 18:57:25 GMT

A wise move, especially so because of the importance of the months ahead. The VP candidate is the second most important part of the presidential race, hopefully our candidates will pick good running mates. The votenic VP poll is now open at http://www.votenic.com Last weeks results up now!
Run by a kid.

Jim Johnson steps down

Harold, Mississippi — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 18:57:42 GMT

This is evident of the cartoonish, sad state of our country. This is exactly why our country is in the sad state it is in with George W. Why do we let our news outlets (Fox, CNN and MSNBC)continue to dictate to us what is important to the welfare of our country. This guy will not have a job in this administration, all they are doing finding out information on Veep Candidates. That's it! It's because of these games why Kerry wasn't elected and reelected possibly one of the worst 5 presidents ever. To be honest nothing has been proven about Mr. Johnson's mortage at Countrywide..it's still speculatory. I guess to run for president now..you have to PERFECT, AND EVERYONE YOU KNOW OR HAVE SPOKEN TOO MUST NOT HAVE ANY SPOTS EITHER. Guess what there has been only 1 Perfect person who walked the earth and his name is Jesus, and he could not even be president by our definition because he knows close to 6 billion imperfect people. What a sad state we have become in determining who is a good president. W. Durant said" Great civilizations are not conquered from external enemies but rather crumble from within" We are people that are making this country crumble. Blame ourselves for our state of recession and moral depression this country is now in! ****PLEASE POST***** maybe someone will wake-up!

Jim Johnson steps down

Jim Dowsey, Ellicottville, NY — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 18:57:59 GMT

Now how to we keep Hillary off the ticket. Caroline as wonderful as she is can't stop Eric a Clinton fanatic or gofer who directly aided in the disgraceful pardon of Mark Rich. As an independent if Hillary joins the ticket that is the end of any thought of supporting Mr. O'Bama