First thoughts: The week that was

Ron, TX — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 13:40:40 GMT

When does all this "guilt by association end"? Are you serious, First Read? Don't be so daft! It ends when the media stops feeding it. It ends when those talking heads on TV say "this is ridiculous". It does NOT end when you all push it and say "Oh my god! A guilty-looking association!"

Seems pretty obvious to me, and I think America's getting sick of it as well...

First thoughts: The week that was

Liz — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 13:40:50 GMT

Fiorino has so much more baggage than Johnson ever did. Is the MSM afraid to rile the McBush temper? Why are they ignoring this???

First thoughts: The week that was

Steve B. NewYork NY — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 13:40:51 GMT

Hello First Read !

We need you guys t look at what Pat Buchanan says both on air and on his blogs.
It's disappointing to see that he still throws out his racially charged comments about Obama. Last night he said that White Americans find him too "EXOTIC"

His comments are getting more and more upsetting and unbearable.

I also think that you should try and conduct some polls on Obama without including Hillary Clinton.

It is unfair to conduct polls while Clinton was still in the race and analyse them with as much vigour as you did !

Thanks !

First thoughts: The week that was

Sean, Austin TX — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 13:42:45 GMT

You ask:

"Just asking… when does all this tangential guilt-by-association end when there really ARE such major issue differences?"

Well the answer is, it stops when you folks stop blathering over it like it is real news and actually COVER the policy differences. For example the gaffe-a-thon that is the McCain campaign's statement about bringing the troops home "not being that important." All we got out of the media was how it was taken out of context, and a pretty general dismissal of the whole affair while you eagerly reported the Johnson non-story. That perpetuates the guilt by association meme rather than focusing on Iraq, John McCain's ever shifting position on it and Obama's opposition to it which is a true policy difference.

So if you're wondering why we just can't get to those darn policy issues, take a look in the mirror.

First thoughts: The week that was

John, MI — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 13:42:50 GMT

MSNBC should re-label their Politics Page to "Liberal Sided Bias" I'm not saying McCain was ever my candidate of choice out of the Republican Stable, but he is being treated quite unfairly by this website.

Why don't you just come out and say you want Obama to win so the day after Inauguration you can headline "First Black President"

Way to self promote.

First thoughts: The week that was

dave — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 13:42:55 GMT

You might want to check that line

"I'll see your johnson-holder"

First thoughts: The week that was

Jeff, Dallas TX — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 13:42:56 GMT

Fight the smears. Fight the repugs every step of the way, in every community and every state. They have earned their bad name, and they need to be sent home. And take Limbaugh, and his kind, with you.

First thoughts: The week that was

sotiredofignorance — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 13:43:16 GMT

Is Senator McCain going to take a page out of Bush's book and only talk to people who agree with him? If he does, it will appear to me that he is going to put himself in the same bubble that Bush did, you know, the "only tell me what I want to hear" bubble.

Pretty sad for a guy who claims to be a straight talker.

First thoughts: The week that was

John, MI — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 13:43:37 GMT

Follow up to my first gripe...We shouldn't have to worry about race, this country is better than that. It should be a mute point!!!

First thoughts: The week that was

tols — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 13:48:11 GMT

McCain townhalls are the most boring meetings you could ever attend. mccain and obama aren't going to have anyone working for them if they continue this guilt by association thing

What about the Asian Americans.
Candidates on equal pay.
McCain Getting Special treatment
DNC Should be more like RNC
Most unattractive states during the primary

http://sensico.wordpress.com/

First thoughts: The week that was

twocanpete — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 13:48:27 GMT

http://twocanpete.blogspot.com/
After this week we only know that we are voting for dumb or dumber.

First thoughts: The week that was

B, New Jersey — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 13:48:33 GMT

Huh-loooooo. where does it end?!!?? How dare you. Now that democrats are starting to put some rubber up and bounce these stupid GOP attacks back at them, thats when all of a sudden you want it to stop. WTF. You all are ridiculous at times.

I am not usually one to criticize the media, because I dont really buy into the "bias" argument because the "media" is not a concrete thing, but rather made of individuals. I just had to comment on that though.

First thoughts: The week that was

Texan for Obama — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 13:49:21 GMT

I like to watch Morning Joe, as long is Joe is
not there. When is Fox going to make him an offer
to come over?

First thoughts: The week that was

America for Obama — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 13:50:04 GMT

We learned that the main topics will be the economy, Iraq, Oil and Gas prices.

We haven't heard alot about health care, and many social reforms!!!

It will be interesting to see how McClain fare against Obama in those testy debates.

** For discount on Obama t shirts $8.99 & Up. Use this coupon at this Obama Store - [http://MyObamaStore.com](

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

First thoughts: The week that was

Linda Hussein. Boston, MA — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 13:51:19 GMT

IF MCCAIN CAN'T LEAD HIS OWN PARTY, WHY SHOULD WE THINK HE CAN LEAD THE COUNTRY???

Why is no one questioning McCain's leadership abilities in light of the RNC's recent statement that they fully intend to go negative? This is VERY significant, because McCain says that he is opposed to such tactics, yet when he was asked about it he basically acted as if it were out of control. If he can't even control his own party, as their new standard bearer should be able to, then what does that say about his ability to lead this country?

Obama, on the other hand, has already shown they he can command the respect and loyalty of his party. He insisted that the DNC no longer accept donations from lobbyists or PACs, and they complied, following the lead he has set. He has also made some key decisions about the DNC members and moved many of the offices to Chicago. In other words, he has taken command and has already shown that he is able to lead his party. Meanwhile, McCain can't even get his own people to listen to him.

That says a lot to me, and I'm surprised none of you pundits have addressed this yet.

First thoughts: The week that was

Pat, Boston, MA — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 13:51:23 GMT

Dear Cindy McCain:

If this election is going to be about change, then this is your opportunity to help.

This election season has made us as a country deal with a number of important issues. We had the first woman with a real shot a winning the presidency; we now have the first African American with a real shot at winning the presidency; we also have a nominee in the Republican Party who is 71 years old and who many years ago was a tortured POW. He too has a real shot at being elected our next president.

And as you know, we as a country have not always handled these issues to the best of our abilities. Sometimes we just don’t know how to. And to add to that, we have a large segment of the media who are unprofessional to say the least, which is not in any way going to help either your husband or Senator Obama stay on message as they continue forward.

You are going to do everything in your power to help your husband get elected. As you should. But you said something recently that I thought was a little troubling. You said you have always been proud of your country, which to many of us was a direct hit at Michelle Obama.

I don’t think you realize the different circumstances in which you and Michelle were brought up. I would hope that you would take the time and get to know Michelle a little better. Needless to say, your father and her father did not have the same opportunities in life. Yet Michelle appears in every way to be a strong, proud, intelligent woman.

At some point in time we all need to show some humanity towards each other. And if you want to be our First Lady, then I think this would be a good time to show some humanity. Michelle is going to have to carry her “proud American” statement with her everywhere she goes. Her statement makes me curious as to her family background and I would very much like to understand her ancestors’ journey. As you can see, not everyone is so curious.

I just hope that you - who have been given so much - will speak up at some point in time as a woman and recognize the differences in your family history and Michelle’s. She is going to be treated much worse than you will ever be.

We're in the 21st Century. There are some things that are just unacceptable. Many people don't get it. They don't care. You could make a little bit of difference in the unfair racist way Michelle is being treated and will continue to be treated.

Thank you.

First thoughts: The week that was

R Laverty, Wilmington, NC — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 13:51:26 GMT

Please edit your work, and think over all the smart-ass word play and snide 'commentary'. On a fundamental level, the misspellings, comma splices and oddly nonsensical half-edited sentences made this tedious to read. It's not really so much to ask; most undergraduate English students are more competent, and careful, than the interns now doing your writing and editing.

First thoughts: The week that was

Amy B Portland, ME — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 13:52:19 GMT

" former HP CEO Carly Fiorina and her ties to Iran."
!!! Okay, I'd say a potential Republican VP nominee having business interests in Iran beats a volunteer vetter's overly generous CEO salary scandal any day.

First thoughts: The week that was

Nashville_fan — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 13:52:28 GMT

"Meanwhile, Obama has given his critics more fuel on the, "is he ready" charge since he couldn't vet his vetter nor could he stand by him out of loyalty."

*****************************************************
You guys are hysterical! Loyalty huh? Well the gentleman chose to quit, so his kids pre-school records wouldn't be released . . . what was Obama supposed to do - lock him in a room and make his stay? Obama already stood behind him and said he wasn't going to vet the vetters, what else should he do?

You folks simply have too much air time to fill - too bad you can't do some old-fashioned reporting on the issues. Interesting that Michelle Obama is attacked non stop based on a single sentence in a speech, and yet Senator McCain complains of being "taken of context", while the media sits by mutely and pretends not to notice.

Why is Michelle Obama being held up for ridicule, but Cindy McCain - former adultress, drug addict, and thief - is off limits because she is "proud of her country"? Strange standards we have there.

When the history of this campaign is written, there will be many people who wonder how so many news channels and news personalities talking constantly could never made it around to exploring the real issues. It's a mystery to me.

First thoughts: The week that was

JWHICK, American Fork, UT — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 13:52:45 GMT

First Read, you are looking more and more like a Faux news blog these days. The Johnson fiasco was so utterly contrived. The guy got loans that any person with his income, worth, and presumably credit could have gotten. You and other McCain outlets turned nothing into a scandal, and you continue to work for McCain by not pointing out all the lobbyists working (paid) for McCain. If Johnson is a problem because he took out a loan from a company involved in the mortgage crisis shouldn't you be pointing out that McCains chief economic advisor is a former senator who is chiefly responsible for enabling the crisis. Graham left the senate to go to work as a lobbyist for one of the chief mortgage crisis banks.

If it is so important as McCain has said to vet your vp vetter then why aren't you doing any write ups on McCain's LOBBYIST vetter?

You're showing your colors, and your leaving the blue and white out of the patriotic theme.

First thoughts: The week that was

Midwest Mom, Illiana — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 13:53:00 GMT

The DNC move is interesting. I think, if Clinton were proposing a re-vamped "New Politics" strategy, she could make a claim that reorganization of the DNC was in order. If the Democrats are truly interested in making a different model, not Us v. Them, they need to re-tool.

http://ilfamilypolitics.blogspot.com

First thoughts: The week that was

Seabird — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 13:53:16 GMT

Why are the networks still having Pat Buchanan as a guest? isn't it obvious he's racist and an idiot?
enough of him already!

First thoughts: The week that was

matt — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 13:53:32 GMT

I think it's safe to assume that the rest of the fight between McCain and Obama will not be clean - nor pretty. McCain has given the green flag to conservative side groups to go after anything and everything on Obama. The Dem nominee is bound to do the same sooner or later.

http://www.political-buzz.com/

First thoughts: The week that was

H. Rod Clements, Gregson, VA — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 13:55:14 GMT

The truth is not smears BHO. You will significantly raise taxes on all Americans. You will pull the troops out of Iraq causing a major destabilization in that region, and the world. You are an extreme left wing ideologue with Marxist tendicies. You do want to have the government have full control over the major institutions of the country. You do have close associations with people that do not love and respect this country.

These are all truths about you BHO. Rather then deny them, why not just deal with them?

First thoughts: The week that was

Kim W, Virginia Beach, VA — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 13:55:48 GMT

Here's some things I am not understanding here so explain it to me like I am a 4 year old:

Why is McCain after Obama's vetters or staff when his campaign is run by lobbyists? Isn't that a bit hypocritical? Is that all he has?

And why should McCain dictate how Obama runs his campaign? Obama just clinched the nomination last week..Maybe he hasn't quite reached the point where he is ready to do town hall meetings. On McCain's terms no less..

And the attacks on Obama are going to increase but McCain has "no control" over them. WHATEVER!!

I thought McCain was a mean old grumpy man, but last night his actions are making him seem like a certain part of the male anatomy..or the name of our current VP

First thoughts: The week that was

Linda Hussein. Boston, MA — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 13:55:56 GMT

You people in the media are COMPLETELY missing the point here. The problem with lobbyists isn't merely that they are lobbyist, but that traditionally they have been able to influence policy. So shouldn't these lobbyist connections ONLY be of any relevance when it pertains to someone who may have such influence? Because Johnson was NOT in that position - his job was merely to find dirt on potential VP picks. So where is there any conflict of interests? How does the fact that he's a "lobbyist" - in THIS capacity as vetter - even matter? The only lobbyist connections that are bad and need to be eliminated are when said lobbyists are ADVISORS on matters of POLICY! Johnson was not. So this whole episode was completely pointless.

Next you'll be saying that lobbyists are unfit for position of Campaign Chef.

First thoughts: The week that was

Terry, IN — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 13:56:31 GMT

McCain Supporter Fiorina Deserves The Same Scrutiny As Obama Veep Vetter

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/06/11/mccain-supporter-fiorina_n_106561.html

First thoughts: The week that was

Pat Huntington NY — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 13:57:29 GMT

McCain in New Jersey? Probably headed right one of those $4.99 all you can eat buffets in the Atlantic City casinos with all the other old folks.

First thoughts: The week that was

donna — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 13:59:22 GMT

Noe that Jim Johnson is out, Now McCain is going after Eric Holder....

They will try to do a hatchet job on Michelle too! I hate that!

****************************
Obama really needs to vet Michelle unfortunately. I like him...I am inspired by him...but I want to slap her and her high and mighty self....not proud of America? Get out!! If Obama doesn't address this issue soon the repubs will beat him to it and it will be very bad.
Shana, texas (Sent Thursday, June 12, 2008 9:59 AM)
*************************************************

Why is it that when African Americans give voice to what we all know to be true, that our Nation is not always perfect, then as surely as night follows day, the command to GET OUT issues forth?

Timothy McVeigh, and other like minded militia types are disgruntled to the point of readiness to wage domestic warfare. So violent in their rage , that some of them committed the horrific bombing of the Oklahoma Federal Building, killing innocent American men women, and children,

Yet they are never ordered back to Ireland, or Britain, or Germany, etc. Can we see the bigotry in the inequitable reaction to Americans of color, when they point out that America, at times is in default of her best intentions as defined by The Founding Fathers, versus Caucasian American’s largely unchallenged right to gripe? I think an attitude of ownership is being demonstrated toward Blacks with every command to, GO BACK TO AFRICA?

You want to slap Michelle, Shana? If you could, would you lay a whip on her bare back? Both are acts of violence perpetrated on her ancestors as a result of their status as slaves.

It is not my intention to be inflammatory folks, but I think this is something we should ponder.

First thoughts: The week that was

Ron Indiana — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 14:00:00 GMT

First of a the "Best Person in the World" last night was Keith Olberman. GREAT presentation of McOld's gaffes and the implication of these misspoken statements.
Yes, I call John "McOld", not because of his age, but issues associated with age. i.e forgetfullness, loss of new ideas, mental inflexibility.

Now for the notion that Barack handled the "vet the vetter" question poorly. Granted I am an Obama supporter, but damn it, Barack answered the question honestly. I'm sure given a few moments he could have given a smoother answer. But his comment was HONEST. That's better than the slippery answers you get from McOld. MSNBC this is a non-issue. Please stick to the relevant.

Another question to MSNBC: What will it take to "can" Pat Buchanan? If I recall he did run for President, lost early due to wrong on the issues and often showed signs of bigotry. Surely you can do much, much better. Cut your loses.

First thoughts: The week that was

Class warrior, D.C. — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 14:00:26 GMT

Mcaine is so much like Bush, he even had a Bush-style town meeting, with only hand-picked friendlies in the audience, a Bush trick from way back. I like that major Repigs are assuming they're going to lose big in Novemeber, and are just hoping to pull procedural dirty tricks in the Democratically-controlled Congress. And I like Obama's idea of a rumor-crusher web site to deal with the smears and lies the RNC will try to dump into cyberspace. Good thinking!

First thoughts: The week that was

Dale, Detroit — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 14:04:54 GMT

I do not think that this campaign will be about being defensive for the duration. Obama proved that he can learn and adapt over time. McCain had three months and is still on the defensive. Obama will have his machine in high gear in a couple months. McCain better take advantage now because his window is going to close.

First thoughts: The week that was

Houston — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 14:07:54 GMT

McCain's core strength with voters is his authenticity; getting criticized by Fox News on the authenticity front is not good day for the campaign.
-----------------------------------------------------

McCain's core strength is NOT his "authenticity." His core strength is the PERCEPTION of authenticity that you corporate media people have manufactured for this phony. This "First Thoughts" article is a good example of the manufacturing process: always make sure any article about McCain uses his name and the word "strong" or "strength" in the same sentence. And always make sure that every article on Obama uses his name with the word "weak" or words that convey weakness such as "lacking a spine."

McCain is a creepy guy who knows nothing about the economy and nothing about foreign policy except which foreign countries he wants to bomb. He's being dragged down by his dubious associations with the worst of the lobbyists, by walking lockstep with Bush, and by his many lies and gaffes. The corporate media are trying to keep his head above water because he is one of the best friends the telecom industry every had.

Maybe you people need to grow a spine and do some honest reporting.

First thoughts: The week that was

Bridget ohio — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 14:10:31 GMT

Chuck I want to know what is you obession with Pat Buchannan he clearly needs to go to a MSNBC sensitivity training.He had the nerve of calling Barak EXOTIC.

First thoughts: The week that was

Dan, McFarland, WI — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 14:11:39 GMT

Thank you Senator Obama for coming to Wisconsin yesterday and sharing in our grief over the flooding.

Senator McCain, I'm ashamed that you were in New York City saying that Obama should be there instead of where the flooding is.

Senator Obama showed compassion and came to the midwest to share our grief over the flooding.
I'm proud to say I expect a president to show this compassion.

Senator McCain, you need to learn what compassion means.

First thoughts: The week that was

Dave, Tn — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 14:11:58 GMT

Been a typical worthless first week in news. The media can only play the neener neener game because if they actually looked into the causes of our problems in this country they'd find the dirty finger prints of do-gooder liberals. Personally I can't wait to have to take off work, stand in line, fill out forms to TRY to get relief from the government who took my money in the first place through cap and trade sin taxes. These socialist schemers know most working poor and middle class people won't take the time off work and family for this relief. Please all Liberal do-gooders go climb the NYT building and then jump.

First thoughts: The week that was

Walt, Ohio — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 14:12:49 GMT

McSame has no relevant ideas; he is reduced to trying to smear Obama and schedule bogus Town Hall meetings. He is a fraud and a pseudo "war hero" collaborator who has no clue about economics, foreign policy, or domestic policy.
I hope he comes to my city with that bogus town hall meeting concept.

First thoughts: The week that was

BJ, CA — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 14:16:21 GMT

Mud slinging is the GOP's trademark...
Clinton read their book and was badly mistaken there was any gain in it...
The GOP will smear and rub until they find a weak spot...
Rush Limbo has make a career out of it..Shows how sad this country loves dirt and defamitiy...
I'll sound smarter than you by putting you down...
I just calling it leveling...bad ideas usually attract, stink migrates to stink and in Rush Limbo's case..worthless thoughts occupy empty minds...
To Rush Limbo;
If what you say does not pay the rent I ain't listening...

First thoughts: The week that was

The Truth — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 14:21:15 GMT

I am and will continue to be astounded by Obamas nomination. I have been following both the democrat and republican campaigns and cannot believe how much has been ignored by both the media and Obama followers. I cannot believe this man has lost so many states by such big margins and the democrats actually believe he will win in Nov. What the heck am i missing here? Obama is going to re-write the electoral map-are they serious? Many of the states he won in have been red for decades and Obama is going to change all of that? how? by turning water into wine. The caucus states don't reflect the electorate. What are the democrats thinking. Speeches in front of huge crowds don't translate into votes-we know that.

First thoughts: The week that was

More of the Truth — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 14:21:42 GMT

Obama's only real achievements of national significance in his entire career have been media achievements and rhetorical achievements. His greatest achievement has been running as a candidate with an image wholly incompatible with what he has actually been doing for decades. This man who is now supposedly going to "unite" us has for years worked hand in glove, and contributed both his own money and the taxpayers' money, to people who have sought to divide us in the most crude demagogic ways.

First thoughts: The week that was

Banko — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 14:23:21 GMT

McCain the Straight Talk Express Re-Writes History on Social Security.

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/6/12/204230/248/931/535022

Jedreport: John McCain can't keep his story straight about George Bush
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fm9rLDU-SiE&eurl

Equal Pay Difference Obama and McCain: Under John McCain, women will never be respected.
McCain Puts 14-yr-old Girl on the Spot, Disses Fair Pay Act
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lnzqpVWC2-o&eurl=http://sensico.wordpress.com/

Barack Obama On Equal Pay
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0MGdMazrInw&eurl=http://sensico.wordpress.com/

Under John McCain, women will never be respected. This is a serious concern for women. McCain is totally against what Hillary stood for.

First thoughts: The week that was

BudInTexas — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 14:24:28 GMT

Last evening on Dan Abrams show, Pat Buchanan (much to my horror!) called Barack Obama "exotic". Exotic!

If Don Imus, or Chris Matthews called an African American exotic, they would be fired immediately.

Buchanan should be fired immediately form MSNBC!!!!!

First thoughts: The week that was

Threee cheers for Keith — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 14:25:07 GMT

There was a foxnews townhall special? Gee, I missed that, guess I was watching Keith Olberman and paying close attention to his special comment. I'm sure that Keith's ratings were much higher.

First thoughts: The week that was

CJ — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 14:25:08 GMT

Obama stand your ground call the McCain campaign out on their hypocrisy. Stop the guilt by association dead in it's tracks. The American people are suffering and we don't care about inside the beltway staff positions in campaigns, especially when they have nothing to do with forming policy!

First thoughts: The week that was

Richd — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 14:27:25 GMT

Awwww the obamatoids are out in fgorce. Talking Points :" How dare You" " Liberal Bias " and "When does it all end." God these Obamorons are pathetic. Gee their tactics seem strangely reminiscent of a movement in Europe circa 1940.That is they shut down the oppositionon thru smears and intimidation and take over as much of the media as possible. Seem familiar Zieg Hiel

First thoughts: The week that was

Daniel, NY — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 14:32:32 GMT

A wave of presidential polls was released yesterday bringing some very good news for Obama in diverse states like Wisconsin, Iowa and North Carolina. Full roundup here: http://www.campaigndiaries.com/2008/06/polls-dems-get-good-presidential-day.html

First thoughts: The week that was

NObama — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 14:32:58 GMT

You are an extreme left wing ideologue with Marxist tendicies. You do want to have the government have full control over the major institutions of the country.
***********
Rod Clements: You're right. And, if people need proof, this blog mentioned he has "taken over" the DNC, he's moving it to Chicago. Interesting, I didn't know Obama OWNED the DNC. Soros buy it for him?

First thoughts: The week that was

Bobbi, Eau Claire, WI — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 14:35:25 GMT

Awesome! Now your guy is moving the Democratic Party to Chicago. Smooth move! Chicago, the city he "organized" into a bastion of crime, gangs, and drugs. Cool.

First thoughts: The week that was

Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 14:37:36 GMT

I'm a little confused by the "driving the message" thing.

Isn't it really more a function of the media not being distracted by silly stuff - like Obama's unvetted vetting team or McCain's campaign songs - than a function of anything the campaigns do?

First thoughts: The week that was

sotiredofignorance — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 14:37:46 GMT

Amen Texan for Obama!

First thoughts: The week that was

Linda Hussein. Boston, MA — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 14:42:33 GMT

<i>"The truth is not smears BHO. You will significantly raise taxes on all Americans."</i>
***************************

You are totally misinformed. Either cite a source, or keep quiet. The FACTS are are follows...

MCCAIN OBAMA
Income Avg. tax bill Avg. tax bill
Over $2.9M -$269,364 +$701,885
$603K and up -$45,361 +$115,974
$227K-$603K -$7,871 +$12
$161K-$227K -$4,380 -$2,789
$112K-$161K -$2,614 -$2,204
$66K-$112K -$1,009 -$1,290
$38K-$66K -$319 -$1,042
$19K-$38K -$113 -$892
Under $19K -$19 -$567

Obama's is MUCH more generous to lower/middle income workers than McCain's, who essentially gives the most money to the people who already have a bunch. McCain's tax plan does nothing but increase the gap between the have's and the have-not's.

First thoughts: The week that was

Fri, 13 Jun 2008 14:45:04 GMT

Timothy McVeigh, and other like minded militia types are disgruntled to the point of readiness to wage domestic warfare. So violent in their rage , that some of them committed the horrific bombing of the Oklahoma Federal Building, killing innocent American men women, and children,
**********
Donna, let's not forget Obama's good buddy Wm Ayers who bombed the Pentagon, the US Capital bldg and NYPD. Just another of Obama's anti-American associates and that includes his wife who says America is a mean place, that BO could get shot going to the gas station, that she's just now proud of her country. She IS a problem. And, when she speaks on the stump about MY country, I have just as much right as she does to speak and to call her out on her idiotic statements.

First thoughts: The week that was

Linda Hussein. Boston, MA — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 14:45:56 GMT

"What they'll do to your tax bill"
http://money.cnn.com/2008/06/11/news/economy/candidates_taxproposals_tpc/index.htm?cnn=yes

First thoughts: The week that was

Anne/Ohio — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 14:46:19 GMT

First of a the "Best Person in the World" last night was Keith Olberman. GREAT presentation of McOld's gaffes and the implication of these misspoken statements
Ron Indiana (Sent Friday, June 13, 2008 10:00 AM)

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

I could not agree more with you Ron on this matter!
Thank goodness someone is paying attention, the stories of guilt by assoc. is getting out of hand and the media is not helping it! I really think that the media should pay more attention to the folks that McCain has working for him! By the way why aren't you?