First thoughts: Now here's the bounce

Chuck, NY — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 13:59:13 GMT

If Republicans want to get their brand name higher than discount dollar store dog food, maybe they should learn to stop blaming and attacking all the time. When was the last time they ever defended their position and policies?

McCain and the RNC better rethink their strategy. You cannot win by the old fear and smear tactics. Maybe you should try some clear, concise, intelligent discussion of your policies and positions; and make sure they have merit.

First thoughts: Now here's the bounce

Linda. Boston, MA — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 13:59:30 GMT

Holy crap! In the most recent polls Obama is up in:

FL ..... 47-43, +4 (Quinnipiac 6/18)
OH .... 48-42, +6 (Quinnipiac 6/18)
PA .... 52-40, +12 (Quinnipiac 6/18)
MI ..... 45-42, +3 (Rasmussen 6/9)
VA .....45-44, +1 (Rasmussen 6/12)
IO .... 45-38, +7 (Rasmussen 6/10)

While these numbers can always change between now and Nov, it shows at the very least that Obama is VERY strong in these states and they will definitely be in play come Nov. If McCain can't lock down FL and OH, he has no chance whatsoever. This election could very well be a landslide for Obama.

First thoughts: Now here's the bounce

Ron, TX — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 14:01:00 GMT

McCain's way of "catching Osama" sure the heck doesn't seem to be working... Bush has tried it for 8 years and failed. McCain graduated in the bottom 1% of his class at Anapolis. Is that the military genius we want chasing Osama? Or do we want someone with some common sense and excellent judgment? Someone who knew the Iraq War was a ruse? McCain's idea of "catchin' Osama" is probably to bomb Iran. Not very logical, just very reationary.

First thoughts: Now here's the bounce

Obama For President!! — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 14:01:15 GMT

Obama has a 12% lead in Pennsylvania! Now.. That's motivating!!!!

I guess it will really count in November!!! The media sure does know how to excite us!!

** 20% JULY BLOW-OUT SALE on Barack Obama products $8.99 & Up ( up to 80% Off). Use this coupon at this Obama Store.
http://www.MyObamaStore.com
Coupon - Obama20Now (20% OFF)

First thoughts: Now here's the bounce

Midwest Mom, Illiana — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 14:03:00 GMT

Yesterdays 9/11 comments by the republicans were disgraceful.

The presidential oath of office states that s/he promises "to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution".

Perhaps the McCain people should start by reading it.

http://ilfamilypolitics.blogspot.com

First thoughts: Now here's the bounce

BL, Cincinnati OH — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 14:03:21 GMT

With those new polls factored in at http://www.electoral-vote.com/ that would put the current snapshot of the Electoral College at:

Obama 344
McCain 194

Giving Obama a 74 EV margin should he lose a state or two of that bunch. Also he's polling 2% down in Nevada and North Carolina at this time, if those flip blue it'd be 364-174, or a 94 EV margin.

First thoughts: Now here's the bounce

Jim, Santa Cruz — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 14:05:34 GMT

Obama is a like a well trained, disciplined boxer. He stays on the offensive, keeping his opponent on his heels. He immediately counterpunches when attacked. He learned from Kerry's mistakes and will not let McCain corner him.

First thoughts: Now here's the bounce

Pat Huntington NY — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 14:07:37 GMT

This former Hillary supporter is more than willing to admit when we were wrong on the electability issue for Obama, and the above polls in the battle ground states suggest that we were wrong indeed. However, what is the percentage of undecideds? Are those who made up their minds making up the polls figures mostly democrats and republicans such that the Independents have yet to decide and thus, are not reflected in those polls? This is why polls are sometimes not always right. However, I am very excited at the polls results in Obama's favor in any event.

First thoughts: Now here's the bounce

Pete - Albany, NY — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 14:07:58 GMT

"Of course, McCain’s support for lifting the ban on off-shore drilling is a reversal from his stance in 2000."

Uncle Fluffy reversing his position on an issue between 2000 and 2008? Say it ain't so!

First thoughts: Now here's the bounce

BJ, CA — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 14:08:31 GMT

McCain..Drilling rhymes with killing

Obama.. Change rhymes with McCain...he that's what he needs to do...

First thoughts: Now here's the bounce

CJ — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 14:08:36 GMT

The battleground states are NOW switching to Obama..and the campaign has barely began. This fits with my prediction...Obama's numbers will continue to rise as McCain and his right wing policies completely suffocate him by November. Obama is a clean politician who is strong on the issues. The haze Clinton caused is beginning to clear and once ALL Democrats realize Obama's strength it will be no stopping him. McCain you are no maverick.

First thoughts: Now here's the bounce

Dale, Detroit — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 14:09:56 GMT

The off-shore drilling issue is just more pandering, like the gas-tax gimmick a couple months ago. Not only is refining capacity the main issue but its not like we can start drilling tomorrow... Also the Bush endorsement of McCain's off-shore drilling idea can't be good, my feeling is there is a fundraising sales pitch going on here (just a feeling, im not sure how Bush's donors have warmed to McCain, my guess is they haven't)... and why Crist would change his position so quickly is beyond me.

First thoughts: Now here's the bounce

mike ca — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 14:10:22 GMT

i saw the move on ad thats a good message if you couple it with the fact that mcain is really not reaching women voters anyway mcain is in trouble
is it just me or does it seem like mcain is takeing the least popular stance a person could take

First thoughts: Now here's the bounce

Sherri, Charleston WV — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 14:10:34 GMT

As soon as McCain and the RNC denounce the sock monkeys and the Texas convention racist buttons, I'm sure Obama may say the ad is a little over the top. As for Guiliani, here he goes again, whoring the sanctity of 9/11 for political points. Those poor people did not choose to die their way by jumping off the 88th floor in order to be in a halfa$$ed speech by the Big Spender with Mendoza average delegates.

First thoughts: Now here's the bounce

Nashville_fan — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 14:10:40 GMT

I find the "no attacks on US soil" argument quite hollow. It is as if the 4000+ US soldiers who have died, and the tens of thousands more who are injured are disposable. It is as if all the money that has been thrown away in Iraq never happened.

There is no need to attack on US soil if we go to them, leave our soldiers as sitting ducks in a missionless pseudo-war, and pretend like we are "winning" because Americans are dying abroad instead of at home. Ridiculous.

And yet the media blindly repeats the talking points just like they did in the run up to invading Iraq. So much for learning from the past. Here's hoping the American people are smarter than the media.

First thoughts: Now here's the bounce

Flip-Flop Express — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 14:10:44 GMT

Crist might be betting the farm on the VP slot. The damage to the tourist industry in FL will be immediate--any reduction in gas prices (which most likely won't happen at all) won't happen for 5 to 10 years. By then Crist will be toast.

First thoughts: Now here's the bounce

CJ — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 14:10:50 GMT

I think Iowa was a huge catch for Obama. He really made that state a political home of sorts..and he seems to an adopted son to them. When was the last time you seen a Democrat do that.

First thoughts: Now here's the bounce

Eric, Salinas, CA — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 14:11:13 GMT

Now we're finally seeing the bump Barack Obama was expected to get after winning the grueling primary race. This bodes well for Obama to win in November.

I thought MoveOn.org's new tv ad was powerful and well done. About time we tell the repugnant ones they can't keep murdering our children just to have political advantage.

Just pathetic the way "Bush Hugger" McCain tries to ride "War Lover" Bush's coattails while trying to distance himself from the tyrant. It's not going to work. Just more short term pandering by the repugnant ones whining about offshore drilling which will cause a long term problem. Hey dummies we need to preserve our oil reserves for the future and burn up OPEC's while it's still comparatively cheap.

Go Obama 08/12!

First thoughts: Now here's the bounce

John, Tampa, FL — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 14:11:28 GMT

I attended a school finance officers meeting last week here in Florida and anybody who thinks Crist is popular in these parts is badly mistaken. The guy is just a be panderer -- the property tax issue has helped kill our school budget and now he wants to risk damage to our coast for the sake of saving a few pennies at the pump. We need a concerted, comprehensive and intensive research wean us off oil period. Hell, one of the first things JEB did when he became governor 9 years ago was to take the bullet train idea off the table. That was really forward thinking!!!!!????? Forget about what you think concerning global warming, we need an energy policy to make us independent within the next decade...we put a man on the moon in less time than that. YES WE CAN! Vote the BIG "O".

First thoughts: Now here's the bounce

Sweet Polly — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 14:11:28 GMT

It's always a good thing to be the underdog early in the race. Just ask Obama.

First thoughts: Now here's the bounce

Senator Obama for True Leadership — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 14:12:19 GMT

These polls are exciting! Better get ready for some more mudslinging by the McCain camp.
Get ready for some serious, ridiculous mudslinging--desperation mudslinging.

I don't care what accusations are launched by the McCain camp--there is no excuse for bin Laden to be at large while 4,000 dead soldiers are in their graves.

Obama 08

First thoughts: Now here's the bounce

Nashville_fan — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 14:14:20 GMT

And about those poll numbers . . . LOVE IT! :)

Obama/Biden '08/'12

First thoughts: Now here's the bounce

TLA — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 14:17:46 GMT

Fool us once, shame on the warmongers........

This gimmick of off-shore drilling is like the gas tax holiday. They try to give voters a feel-god placibo.

First thoughts: Now here's the bounce

Jen, MI — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 14:17:56 GMT

Simply...OBAMA 08

First thoughts: Now here's the bounce

Mandy — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 14:18:16 GMT

Guess those surburban woman had a chance of heart.

BTW maybe Joe should go back to his day job, he doesn't seem to be helping much in FL.

That old CW proved wrong again.....

First thoughts: Now here's the bounce

Gil Brett, Macon GA — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 14:19:53 GMT

Soros is trying to buy the election to get the Marxist Obama in office. Soro's contributions to moveon and other radical left wing operations totals into the hundreds of millions of dollars. And. maybe someone should explain to mommy in the commercial that the US has an all volunteer military. If her little boy doesn't want to serve his country, he can grow his hair long, carry a protest sign, and p*ss and moan about how hard life is, just like mommy is doing.

First thoughts: Now here's the bounce

The Truth Hurts — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 14:20:38 GMT

McCain's No I Can't moment.

http://tinyurl.com/6mwo9n

First thoughts: Now here's the bounce

C A, Tuscaloosa, AL — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 14:20:55 GMT

All Obama has to do is maintain his cool, speak to the Amercian people about his policy proposals, respond immediately to any attacks by the McCain camp and/or the McCain supporters, be firm yet cordial towards McCain, don't allow McCain to take him off course from those things he wishes to talk about, and the election will be his.

McCain and his camp will become desparate and will continue to make errors and mistakes as well as personal attacks against Obama that will backfire. We already have the first example, McCains desparate suggestion to lift the ban on drilling for oil along our coast lines. McCain just lost Florida big time. Floridians do not want oil rigs and oil spills off their coastline, PERIOD! The McCain camp is ignorant. Although the cost of gas is high the lack of drilling is not the problem. It is the lack of refineries. And forgetting that people vote on emotion McCain should know better then to suggest to the people of Florida that he supports drilling off their beautiful coastline. Won't happen. I'm waitng for the TV Ads in Florida that will show their wonderful sealife wallowing in thick gooey oil from an oil spill following a hurricane.

First thoughts: Now here's the bounce

Chris, Dorr, Mi — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 14:21:09 GMT

These numbers are great! Go Obama! I know we have a long way to go but I am really impressed with our next President's strategy. I've got a feeling this could be the most historic landslide election in our country's existance.

First thoughts: Now here's the bounce

NObama — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 14:21:22 GMT

First Read: Can we pls ask Obama for President to quit advertising their products for sale? If you're going to let them continue, then require them to add mcCain products for sale, too

First thoughts: Now here's the bounce

Hillary Democrats — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 14:21:24 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.

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

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

First thoughts: Now here's the bounce

jerry/corpus christi texas — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 14:21:27 GMT

Hillary was not going to be in the kitchen baking cookies and was not a stand by man type of woman.

Michelle was never proud of her country and has problem saying words that are almost racist.

First thoughts: Now here's the bounce

Beverly in Chicago — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 14:21:49 GMT

Ron, TX (Sent Wednesday, June 18, 2008 10:01 AM)
Someone who knew the Iraq War was a ruse? McCain's idea of "catchin' Osama" is probably to bomb Iran. Not very logical, just very reationary.
-------------------------------------------
Yes,
The nutBush/Cheney/McCain's position is to create as much fear as possible to retain their war profiteering.

Remember Bush said invasion of Iran. I have more faith in the American voters!

First thoughts: Now here's the bounce

SeaBass — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 14:23:25 GMT

The reason women are viewed as not being able to be president is because of shows like The View and Oprah. If the women on those shows are representive of the population at large, then we can assumme that all women are complete nit-wits.

First thoughts: Now here's the bounce

CB, Hadley, NY — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 14:23:43 GMT

Is it just me, or does it seem that McCain & Co. is doing EVERY thing in their power to lose this election? I keep looking at these bumbleheaded statements and strategy decisions and shake my head in bewilderment. Maybe it's just a matter of not being able to teach Old Dogs new tricks? I'm for Obama, but I want him to earn it and learn in the process. McBush seems to just be handing it to him.

First thoughts: Now here's the bounce

Bruce, NV — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 14:24:08 GMT

Mark, why don't you post the rasmussen tracking polls, which show that the bounce is over? www.rasmussenreports.com

First thoughts: Now here's the bounce

RD, Spooner, WI — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 14:24:37 GMT

For McCain, it’s "How many people thought we'd go this long with an attack on US soil. So the Bush Administration has been doing something right, right?"

It was 8 years before another attack on US soil while Clinton was in office (between the first attack on the towers and the second), until they beat that record they haven't proven a thing.

First thoughts: Now here's the bounce

Sean, Seattle — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 14:26:50 GMT

Every hour that goes by is an hour where Clinton's big dollar donors become less and less important. The train has left the station, and these people were left there having boarded another train sitting on the wrong track. Oops, maybe they should read the signage a little more closely next time.

If they want to support Obama, they should, if they don't, they should just take their checkbooks and go home; there are a million plus of us who'll be more than happy to take care of funding his campaign this fall. But I hope that no one in his camp is being overly solicitous of her high-dollar donors; THOSE are some of the same people who were behind the politics that the rest of us despise.

First thoughts: Now here's the bounce

Diane from Illinois — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 14:27:10 GMT

These numbers will only continue to grow in favor of Obama as the summer continues. All we have to do is put a microphone in McFossil's face every chance we get. He's the best weapon the Democrats have! Can't wait for the debates.......Obama will make him look old.....wait, he IS old......okay, older and more inept. He's a creepy old man with a cheesy, creepy smirk.

First thoughts: Now here's the bounce

VT Barney — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 14:28:53 GMT

I guess we could try terrorists in our civil courts and treat them as if they are US citizens. That worked so well in the '90s, nothing bad ever happened after that.

First thoughts: Now here's the bounce

Rick, NC — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 14:28:59 GMT

The fear mongering game and pandering to the lamest instincts of America's uninformed voters seems to be the big john mcsame campaign plan.

Its going to be constant barrage of fear of the muslim boogeyman or nifty slogans like gas tax holidays and 'drilling offshore'...by the way, anyone reading this actually own any property that would have a picturesque view of oil platforms with their waterview?

First thoughts: Now here's the bounce

Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 14:29:18 GMT

Obama's ahead in Florida? I didn't see that one coming.

But I suggest we not fixate on numbers just yet. Its still a bit early. Maybe we should take another look after both have gotten their post-convention bounce.

First thoughts: Now here's the bounce

Nashville_fan — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 14:30:33 GMT

Yeah, so, I why is no one at MSNBC offended about all the 18 year old babies that are dying and being maimed in Iraq every day? Why are you not offended that John McCain advocates staying in Iraq "until we win", even though he offers no strategies for how to do that? Why are you not offended that our country is spending BILLIONS of dollars in Iraq, while the current adminsitration and John McCain want to CUT taxes? How in the hell is that going to work? Is anybody ever going to ask John McCain, or are we going to allow him to keep hiding behind the fact that he served in the military and was a POW? How exactly does being a prisoner prepare you to be the leader of the free world?

First thoughts: Now here's the bounce

Sally, Virginia — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 14:32:09 GMT

Dukakis was 18 points ahead in the polls at this time many years ago. Refresh my memory-how'd that turn out for him?

First thoughts: Now here's the bounce

Barack My World!, ORLANDO, FLORIDA — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 14:35:10 GMT

Anyone who think that Crist is going to help McCain secure FL is SO highly mistaken. Floridians are extremely frustrated with Crist and his approval level is VERY low. So anything he endorses, we're pretty much choosing the opposite at this point.

First thoughts: Now here's the bounce

Keith, PA — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 14:38:17 GMT

The Florida poll results are an absolute shocker. You can be guaranteed that with polls like that McCain will pick Florida Governor Charlie Crist in an effort to keep Florida in the GOP column. There's no scenario for a Republican win without Florida.

Don't tell Mamma... I'm voting for Obama!!

First thoughts: Now here's the bounce

bill, okla — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 14:38:47 GMT

Ron Paul is the conservatives only hope in the fall. John McCain cannot draw the independent voters in with his empty change claims. Paul offers real change from Bush and would give republicans back their foundation.

First thoughts: Now here's the bounce

Nate, Upper Midwest, Where Common Sense is as Plentiful as the Corn — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 14:40:57 GMT

I think Iowa was a huge catch for Obama. He really made that state a political home of sorts..and he seems to an adopted son to them. When was the last time you seen a Democrat do that.

CJ (Sent Wednesday, June 18, 2008 10:10 AM)
----------------------------------------------------

As an Iowa resident who caucused for Obama, that post was a 'feel-good' one for me so I thank you for that CJ.

Otherwise, I have noticed that McCain hasnt switched gears from a primary to general election campaign. He continues his right side shift to help hims raise money (which he is to an extent), and to codify the leary conservative base around him (which they do so lukewarmly).

Notice where he announced the off-shore drilling proposal, Houston Texas--where big oil companies call home. So far McCain has run an abysmal campaign to my surprise and delight!

First thoughts: Now here's the bounce

CJ — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 14:42:26 GMT

I just figured out McCains fault and his flip flops. He was supposed to be a maverick but to appear as a centrist on some issues..that means conceding some points to Obama. McCain and his advisors refuse to do so..and so McCain moves farther to the right on every issue. Not only does that erode his Independant support, as he castigates Bush, conservatives still don't trust him. He is simply another Bob Dole. It's also fascinating how often Bush has jumped into the campaign...providing ample targets for Obama and his team.

First thoughts: Now here's the bounce

GDI in Michigan — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 14:46:00 GMT

History lesson.
in 1979 at this time Carter was up 26% in national polls.
So these numbers mean nothing

First thoughts: Now here's the bounce

Chuck, Centerville, OH — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 14:47:20 GMT

"I am perfectly willing to mislead and tell untruths, if it will help us win the war."

- FDR

110,000 Japanese Americans were imprisoned in the U.S. during WWII.

First thoughts: Now here's the bounce

Linda Davidson, Dunbar WEst VA — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 14:48:28 GMT

GeorgeBush has shown somw really distasteful things during his 8,(that seem like 80)years, but to go on TV to talk about the oil crisis,at the very SAME time as Tim Russetts funeral ---HOW VERY DISRESPECTFUL this man has no feelings about our goverment, nor any one else EXCEPT GEORGE!!! Shame on him! Why isn't he at the Funeral?

First thoughts: Now here's the bounce

The Truth Hurts — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 14:49:28 GMT

Don't get to excited yet Obamabots, Obama has always polled much better than the actual election numbers...

First thoughts: Now here's the bounce

Bret, Litchfield, IL — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 14:51:24 GMT

These pro-Obama messages make me laugh. I am from Illinois and just found out that the factory where I work is going to be shut down and outsourced to China and the rest will move to Mexico. Obama is nothing more than a product of the Chicago political machine. We have not seen any of his promised "change" since he has been a senator here. He votes purely along party lines and has the most liberal voting record in the senate. Change indeed!

First thoughts: Now here's the bounce

Linda, Farmington, CT — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 14:51:50 GMT

I guess Sean in Seattle doesn't want Clinton supporters to switch to Obama either. Support is not just about money, it's about votes. The more Obama supporters disrespect Hillary Clinton (booing at the mention of her name at rallies, naming calling, etc.) and her supporters, the less likely those supporters will be to vote for Obama in November.

I read these posts every day and feel more and more that I cannot support a candidate that generates this sort of vile hate in his supporters. You Obama supporters should grow up and realize your candidate needs Hillary Clinton's 18 million supporters to win in November.

First thoughts: Now here's the bounce

donna — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 14:52:02 GMT

Thank you Dear G-D in Heaven.

I wish Pat Buchanan were here. I'd laugh in his, not so exotic, mean face.

First thoughts: Now here's the bounce

It is foolish to slander — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 14:52:56 GMT

I just read where someone said that Senator Obama fits the description of the anti-christ. Well, let me tell you that I have heard people say that "Barney" -yes, the purple dinasaur, was the anti-christ!
Senator Obama has made a profession of faith in Christ. To make those statements is slanderous and refects complete ignorance of the Bible that states clearly in Proverbs 10:18 "...whoever slanders is a fool" Republican religiosity has nothing to do with Christ.

Obama 08