First thoughts: Obama opts out

Politivine (SC) — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 13:25:41 GMT

Opting out of public financing is a smart move I believe. Obama has the support behind him to raise most any amount of money he would need.

http://www.politivine.com

First thoughts: Obama opts out

andrew wham, lewisville, tx — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 13:26:43 GMT

I am fed up with lies, and twisted answers from our politicians. I feel that they should be strapped to a lie detector any time they are making statements. They are going to be pretty much in control of everyone lives. I feel it is a small thing to ask of our canidates.

First thoughts: Obama opts out

Tex Mex — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 13:27:36 GMT

Of course Obama opts out. He said he wouldn't, but yet he did. That is Change You Can Believe In!

First thoughts: Obama opts out

BJ, CA — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 13:27:40 GMT

That money will stimulate the economy also....

Wise choice...Dem's need the money too...85 Million

0bama'08

First thoughts: Obama opts out

Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 13:28:44 GMT

People need to understand drilling couldn't even begin for two years (heard that from a Diamond Offshore company rep last night on a business report), and refining any crude discovered probably couldn't take place for a decade after that.

But that aside, its yet another flip-flop for McSybil.

First thoughts: Obama opts out

Pat Huntington NY — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 13:30:21 GMT

The Truth About Cindy's Vietnam Visit: to come back with intelligence regarding that country's national security, as McCain plans to re-invade Vietnam as payback for his POW days...and, to win the war he says could've bene won if we only put in more troops and fought differently.

First thoughts: Obama opts out

voter — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 13:30:24 GMT

good for Obama. I still believe that rasing money on-line from average americans is public financing. the money is not coming from lobbyiest or pacs. my undestanding of public finance is that the money comes from the people which Obama is doing. It does not matter if the money comes from people's taxes or they donate themselves on-line. it is the same thing. Obama did not back down from his word. Second, mccain cannot opt for public finance because he owes them money. this is the law suit the dems are putting forth that mccain broke public finance laws.

First thoughts: Obama opts out

Lilly, Las Vegas, NV — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 13:30:28 GMT

Having worked on the issue of offshore drilling, I can tell you that people in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and every other state in the union enjoy visiting the beaches along our coasts. Offshore drilling is a losing issue for McCain/Bush because people throughout the country believe that the risks don't outweigh the benefits.

First thoughts: Obama opts out

Linda. Boston, MA — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 13:31:22 GMT

Obama SHOULD opt out of public financing! McCain said that he wanted to run a civilized campaign, but he has sat by while others in his party have made some really despicable attacks on both Barack and Michelle. He acts as if he's completely powerless to do anything about it. So why should Obama just sit back and take it? If McCain is going to run a negative campaign, then Obama should at least be able to defend himself.

And besides, I fail to see the problem with letting the American people finance his campaign. There are no PACs or lobbyists, just average Americans who are passionate about their candidate. If McCain can't seem to find the same level of passion among his supporters to be competitive, then that's a sign right there that he's probably not the leader we are looking for right now anyway.

First thoughts: Obama opts out

sotiredofignorance — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 13:31:23 GMT

Since I am from MN I remind people that Pawlenty's reelection only happened because his opponent imploded at the end. He is not that popular, and if anyone decent runs against him, he will be gone.

Anyone who thinks that MN is a battleground state is delusional. There is real anger here about Shrub. Norm Coleman, whether he wants to believe it or not, is very vulnerable to Franken.

Good for Senator Obama for opting out of public financing. I totally agree with him. Don't think for a minute if McCain could raise the kind of money that Obama can, that he wouldn't opt out too.

First thoughts: Obama opts out

Tyrone Joe, NY — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 13:32:40 GMT

The Democrats are calling solid and sensible moves for energy independence "gimmicks"? What are the Democrats plans for energy independence? [sound of crickets chirping]. Collecting our own oil on our own land, building nuclear plants, and using good conservation techniques are all good ways to make ourseleves less dependent on foreign energy. And the Democrats are calling that a "gimmick". And the Democrats plan? [More crickets chirping]

First thoughts: Obama opts out

New Wave — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 13:32:42 GMT

Republicans have failed to catch Bin Laden with all their tough talk. But they have the guts to argue what do to him when he is caught.

Catch him first. Stupid !

First thoughts: Obama opts out

sotiredofignorance — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 13:33:11 GMT

Repeating a version of the Nazi War Criminal trials is exactly the model to follow. But the coward Bin Laden will not be taken alive.

Still not watching "Morning Joe"....

First thoughts: Obama opts out

Eric, Salinas, CA — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 13:33:47 GMT

It's nice to see that Barack Obama is opting out of public financing, he won't be wasting $85 million taxpayer dollars the way "Beggar Boy" McCain will. Ofcourse the beggar can't raise money the way Obama can on the free market so he has to go on the federal dole to finance his pathetic losing campaign.

Time for Congress to end the "Enron Energy" loophole and just say no to the stinking Wall Street lobbyist elitists. Time to stop a few speculators from making huge amounts of money while they cost all of us a big chunk of our money at the gas pump.

Arnold knows it's political suicide to back offshore drilling here in California. "Bush Hugger" McCain can kill his fantasies of Arnold helping him win the largest state in November.

Go Obama 08/12!

First thoughts: Obama opts out

Calling a spade a spade — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 13:34:20 GMT

You guys are being generous: this off-shore drilling is a "voters that pay attention and have a clue" vs the opposite.

First thoughts: Obama opts out

Brendan D, Niles, IL — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 13:37:14 GMT

There's a great clip from "Meet the Press" in September '07 where Gen. Jones discusses Iraq. It shows that the General is both extremely intelligent when it comes to military strategy, seeing things in three, and often four, dimensions; and exceedingly boring to listen to. He's like a brilliant professor who makes you fall asleep in class. That doesn't make Gen. Jones unqualified; it just makes me question whether he has the mettle for politics.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=a3hqvTyqQBQ

First thoughts: Obama opts out

Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 13:37:45 GMT

Gen Jones? Right branch of service, wrong general.

Tony Zinni.

Operationally, Zinni is more experienced. Jones was Commandant, which used to be the top spot to which a Marine officer could rise. But since the creation of geographic commanders in chief, the Commandant is really just in charge of recruiting and administrative policies of the Corps. He has no operational control of any combat units.

Zinni by contrast was a CINC. He was once decribed as Bill Clinton's favorite general because of the professional manner with which he extracated forces from Somalia, following the debacle there.

An interesting side note - a past Commandant, Gen Krulak, came out with a recruiting poster that said, "Making Marines, Winning Battles." Another Marine, Gen Jones, who was a CINC at the time, reportedly sent a barbed message back to the Commandant saying, "Just focus on making Marines and leave the battles to us warfighters."

First thoughts: Obama opts out

Veena Dheli, Michigan City, IN — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 13:37:58 GMT

Lets start adding this all up. The Democrats are against fighting terrorism, against stopping illegal aliens from crossing our borders, against finding additional fuel sources on our own land and against building nuclear plants, against private sector health care, against private schools, and against private citizen gun ownership. Just what are the Democrats for again? Oh, wait, I know, higher taxes.

First thoughts: Obama opts out

Scott — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 13:38:33 GMT

First Read Fellahs: Couple Facts: Nha Trang may sound like an impoverished town to most Americans, but here's the reality: it's a gorgeous and elite resort city where the wealthy of Saigon go to holiday. Sports Illustrated shot their swimsuit issue in Nha Trang a few years back. Cindy McCain flew on her private jet to a resort town in SE Asia. This is a photo stunt by a woman who's a multi-millionaire. How is that trumping anything?

First thoughts: Obama opts out

Clinging to my Gun in PA — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 13:39:25 GMT

Wow, opting out of public financing after he said he wouldn't. Could it be...is it possible...no, no way...is he just a typical politician after all?

First thoughts: Obama opts out

bill, okla — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 13:40:12 GMT

As a former union steward and present member I believe Obama has been our best choice for president throughout the campaign. The middle class and any American aspiring to the middle class will fall further into decline under a war promoter like McCain. His economic priorities are more Bush policies and tax breaks for the wealthy. Vote Obama!

First thoughts: Obama opts out

Get a clue — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 13:40:14 GMT

Tyrone Joe, keep lining up behind the GOP plan for nothing. Didn't you read the fine print? Offshore drilling does NOTHING for 20+ years. Meanwhile, the Bush/McCain energy policy has us shipping billions every month to the very part of the world that is breeding our enemies.

First thoughts: Obama opts out

vote — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 13:41:29 GMT

whoa.....look at that fish flop! Yes, as stated above this is "change you can believe in". You can be assured Obama will keep changing, flopping.

First thoughts: Obama opts out

Nashville_fan — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 13:41:38 GMT

Dear Cindy McCain:

Please spare us all the "patriotic wife" bit. It's not attractive. It just plays into the idea that you are some sort of cold, heartless, ice princess.

Creepy.

First thoughts: Obama opts out

REality check — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 13:41:38 GMT

Obama is opting IN to REAL campaign finance reform: 1.5 MILLION Americans donating to his cause.

First thoughts: Obama opts out

MI Chick — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 13:41:42 GMT

"Two Muslim women at Barack Obama's rally in Detroit Monday were barred from sitting behind the podium by campaign volunteers seeking to prevent the women's headscarves from appearing in photographs or on television with the candidate
Change? don't think so!!! (Sent Thursday, June 19, 2008 9:03 AM)"
*************************
And you blame him WHY?

It's not like people like YOU would take that photo op, had those volunteers allowed it to happen, to say "Look! He loves Muslims! He's not American!"

Who says that those people weren't asked to do what they did so that this could become an issue?

At least he pays attention to the fact we have YouTube, internet archives, etc. McSame just flat out lies about what he votes for and ignores the fact that we can all Google it. Not that he know what that is, of course, since he can't use a computer.

First thoughts: Obama opts out

MSierra, SF — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 13:42:03 GMT

'... the Nazi war crime trials at Nuremberg after World War II would be a good model. ‘I think what would be important would be for us to do it in a way that allows the entire world to understand the murderous acts that he's engaged in and not to make him into a martyr...'

WOW !!
That would work well for George Bush and Dick Cheney !
Don't let them become martyrs, either

The American people should been shown the full extent of their crimes and savagery !!

Nuremberg for BUSH !!

First thoughts: Obama opts out

MI Chick — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 13:42:28 GMT

I tried to post this yesterday - hopefully FR will allow it today...

"Good post: MI Chick (Sent Wednesday, June 18, 2008 9:58 AM)
Chris, Dorr, MI (Sent Wednesday, June 18, 2008 10:12 AM)"

Thanks, Chris!
************************
"MI Chick it's not just THAT part of the world that hates us...we are despised all over this planet! Didn't you hear that the idiot on his European trip was booed and protested in Italy???!
Thisstopped being funny long time ago. VA (Sent Wednesday, June 18, 2008 10:30 AM)"

Yes, I did. He deserved it, too. That's why other countries hope we have our head screwed on straight during this election. I only cited the ME countries because that is the region where the "threat" is.
*******************************************
Questions I have, maybe someone could enlighten me.

1) After 9/11, I seem to remember a lot of talk of a connection that Bush had to Bin Laden's family via oil. Why does no one mention that anymore?

2) I have been hearing a lot about "security moms" over the last few days. I hadn't heard that term before. Does anyone know what that refers to?

3) Does it surprise anyone that our oil is so high while we have oil barons in the WH? Oil is a finite resources - why is pursuing other energy sources such a bad thing? If we kill the planet and we run out of oil anyway, who wins?

4) How long DOES it take to get a sign on authorized on HuffPo? I have been waiting two wks!

That's all. Thanks for listening.

First thoughts: Obama opts out

John, MI — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 13:42:31 GMT

Who cares how he gets his money. Spending 200+ million dollars to get a job which pays $400k/year salary doesn't really help anyone. And all the morons who are in debt yet still want to contribute due to thinking change will come....Go buy food, cause when Obama wins your taxes will increase to the point you wish you saved that money you "donated"

First thoughts: Obama opts out

Kim W, Virginia Beach, VA — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 13:43:20 GMT

Because McCain cannot raise the funds, he is going to spin this and twist this and say Obama flip-flopped on his earlier word about public financing.. I say use the taxpayers money on something else and both should forgo the 85 million. If peope would rather give their money to a winning cause (Obama) than McCain, then too bad for McCain.

First thoughts: Obama opts out

ya know — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 13:45:32 GMT

All I have to say is "Snowflake" (from Ace Ventura)has left the building!

John "Snowflake" McCain.... to read more about the man, the myth...

read here...

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/06/18/mccains-offshore-drilling_n_107872.html

First thoughts: Obama opts out

Kim W Va Beach Va — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 13:46:32 GMT

Belay my last..I got my words twisted. I meant that they both should raise their own money. And McCain et all will spin it because they can't raise that much..

First thoughts: Obama opts out

Teddy Godwin-Hall, Branch Hills PA — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 13:48:12 GMT

Why does Doris Goodwin even have a job anymore? Plagiarism to a journalist is like a bank teller stealing money. Both should never work in their profession again.

First thoughts: Obama opts out

Terry, Great Plains — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 13:48:32 GMT

Let's see follow the judgment of Winston Churchill and Harry Truman versus George Bush and John McCain on bringing terrorists to justice ? I think I will side on true statesmen and vote for Churchill and Truman.

Does any one belirve that if Bin Laden would ever be caught by this group of incompetents that he would not have been killed. But for arguement sake let's say he is caught will a U.S.court not find CAUSE to hold him for trial. That is all the Great Writ requires to show cause to hold a suspected criminal for trial it does not mandate to let them go. Of course Mr. " Law an order" Thompson played a prosecutor but in real life all he is is an actor. We can not afford play acting we need leaders who will actively capture terrorists or eliminate them. Regretfully this is not what all talk and no action Bush/McCain have done.

First thoughts: Obama opts out

Obama For President!! — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 13:48:52 GMT

WOW... 1.5 million supporters!! That's amazing!!!

** 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: Obama opts out

Senator Obama has my vote! — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 13:50:45 GMT

I believe that Senator Obama said he would "consider" public financing and did not give a 100% confirmation. He chose not to do it. Fine by me.

I bet McCain is hitting hard on bin Laden! Senator Obama sounds really strong and effective in his statements. McCain is trying to sound stronger than Senator Obama-- but instead sounds pathetic -- like "me too, me too"

I love the Obama campaign. They certainly have my vote!

First thoughts: Obama opts out

Tim, Reading, PA — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 13:50:55 GMT

John, MI....
Atcually because most of the people that are sending in 5 and 10 dollar donations tend to fall into the middle class they would actually get tax breaks over 1000 dollars a year under President Obama. Under a President McCain they would get a tax break of about 15 dollars a year, while the majority of the tax break will go to McCain's coorperation buddies along with the uber-rich he hangs with.

First thoughts: Obama opts out

Bridget Ohio — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 13:51:21 GMT

Why is going to Vietnam TRUMPING what Michelle Obama did on the view clearly you are trying to start something with that comment.

First thoughts: Obama opts out

gene eagle bear, tombstone az — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 13:52:29 GMT

Let John McCocain stew in his ignorance, and all his supporters. He has been all over the fence dropping inconsistent remarks all month. Let him have his public finance and let Obama have his private funds.

Mc Cain has yet to release his psychological evaluations, he is obsessing about his POW days in Vietnam, why else would we see Cindy going there,
to refresh the memory in the boomers.

I had the opportunity to represent Michael Branch when he returned from Vietnam, as legal counsel answering the charges lodged for his alleged assistance. He was made to stay in tiger cages.
How has Mccains time in activity any different on the
lasting damage and memories than my friend Michael Branch. I can almost assuredly tell you Mc cain is as loonie as they come. He will respond with harsh measures instead of tempered pressure on our enemies.
See how he views his campaign as a popularity contest, a beauty contest of Patriotism. we shall wake up America and enter a new age.

I have witnessed two times now the dangerous effects of war abroad in my lifetime, on the lives of those returning and becoming Veterans, my Father was a ww2
survivor as were my uncles. I have no use for more war and McCains Gunfighter mentality and Teddy Roosevelt abandon does not bode well for my country.

Obama 08

First thoughts: Obama opts out

Dora Everett, Cambridge. MA — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 13:52:46 GMT

PMiller: People need to understand drilling couldn't even begin for two years (heard that from a Diamond Offshore company rep last night on a business report), and refining any crude discovered probably couldn't take place for a decade after that.

But that aside, its yet another flip-flop for McSybil.

================

So what if it takes two years. If you don't ever start, it will never get done.

And as for McCain "flip-flopping" . . . why, do liberals like yourself call McCains changes "flip-flops" and Obama's changes are called "Change You Can Believe In." See Obamas flip flop, ehh, change, on using public funds to run his election for details.

First thoughts: Obama opts out

Arnold S., Sacramento, CA — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 13:55:03 GMT

First thoughts: Obama opts out

Robert, Anderson Twp, Ohio — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 13:56:46 GMT

Totally indefensible. Obama is a fraud and a liar.

Zero respect for anyone who can't keep his word about something he stated as unequivocally and publicly as he did with regards to this issue.

I guess its anything to win/buy an election. He is just as bad as all the other crooks. So much for change.

First thoughts: Obama opts out

Kyd70, SC — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 13:58:03 GMT

Hey Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA!

You think if Dems hadn't started the ban on offshore drilling in 1981 we might be rifing some of the stuff by now????

McCain '08 Securing our Future!

First thoughts: Obama opts out

Jim Patrick, Buffalo, NY — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 13:58:56 GMT

"Obama and McCain are now battling over whether to lift a federal ban on off-shore drilling.... Obama -- joined by most experts and the New York Times editorial page -- calls it a gimmick, while McCain (who once opposed this idea and also supports the gas-tax holiday) now sees it as an important way to reduce fuel prices."

But remember, at least McCain opposed this gimmick before he supported it.

First thoughts: Obama opts out

Jack, Cambridge, MA — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 13:59:31 GMT

Fred Thompson! I loved him in "Curly Sue."

First thoughts: Obama opts out

dk in tn — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 14:00:57 GMT

Obama needs to opt out of the race. That would be news.

Obama the flip flopper.

First thoughts: Obama opts out

GDI in Michigan — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 14:02:25 GMT

Wasn’t the Dems who said stopping the shipments of oil to our "Strategic Reserve" was a good idea because it will put more oil on the market? Yet any time you talk about drilling they say it won’t make a difference, I am confused which it is.

First thoughts: Obama opts out

tina ,ar — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 14:03:01 GMT

Oh, give up you whimpy Repugnant's, I'm glad he's not taking the public finance, we know how the 527's act, I saw one of them on Dan Abrams show last night. I will send money to the Obama campaign every month until the election just like I have from the begining. Also, Cindy McCain is a joke. A rich barbie look alike who chased a married man 20 years her senior while his wife was recuperating from an accident. If you think Cindy McCain represents women in America you are wrong. She represents the nasty little cheerleader in highschool who no body liked. Rich, white, blonde, blue eyed, elitist. Oh, and husband stealer, no I don't like her and everyone I know can't stand her. The other question why does she keep pretending she cooks? Please the woman has never cooked.

First thoughts: Obama opts out

tony, scottsdale, az — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 14:04:35 GMT

wow.. going to a photo-op in Viet Nam.. somehow "trumps" a day guest hosting the view?

Uhh..

Maybe in certain ways it does but definitely not politically.

First thoughts: Obama opts out

The - Democrat Soldier — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 14:05:12 GMT

Any decision Barack Obama makes is most than likely the best decision that can be made.

So, whatever he decides is fine by U.S. and I will donate as often as I can.

Thank you and GOD BLESS AMERICA

First thoughts: Obama opts out

Diane from Illinois — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 14:05:23 GMT

I, as an Obama supporter wrote several emails to his web site encouring him to opt out of public financing.
Earlier in the campaign no one in his campaign could have foreseen how much financial support he truly would be given by millions of excited people across the nation. Now that they trust this will continue, it's a smart move to opt out. Who cares what McFossil's camp says? They can't raise $1.50 let alone match what Obama will bring in over the next several months. Who wants to put their hard earned money on a 71 year war monger who can't keep what he says straight from day to day when they could supporting the next POTUS? Go Obama '08! All the polls are leaning your way.....let's keep it going!

First thoughts: Obama opts out

Kim — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 14:05:51 GMT

I'm so glad he made this decision. He doesn't need that money. He's financed by the public already to record-breaking levels. John McCain has to take dirty money to win. We saw that this week when he accepted money from a man who jokes about rape. The Republicans have lost this election already. Anyone who thinks Obama won't win in the fall is a fool. I don't have a short memory. I know all about John McSame. About his perfect wife Cindy who is a reformed drug addict and thief. I know he left his crippled wife Carol for Cindy McCain. I haven't forgotten that John McCain refused to continue to support the search for POWs after Vietnam. I haven't forgotten about the Keating Scandal. I don't want this man to be our President. He'll be worst than Bush I think. I'll never vote for John McCain. America will fall under McCain's leadership for sure. I wonder if he still hates "gooks". If you're voting for John McCain, you don't really know John McCain.....

First thoughts: Obama opts out

Suburban Mom paying attention — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 14:07:36 GMT

What a surprise- the GOP whining about Obama "changing his mind" on public financing. This man has seen what's coming- and he is not going to limit himself when the 527's go after his family. Those lying cowards are going to resort to every filthy trick in the book; and Obama is right to fight back in defense of his wife and children with every weapon in his arsenal. It's what any honorable family man would do. What's that you say? The GOP is the party of family values? Not from where I'm sitting...

First thoughts: Obama opts out

DCortez — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 14:08:59 GMT

The only change is the change of money from one hand to another. Meet the new boss, same as the old boss.

First thoughts: Obama opts out

Pat Huntington NY — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 14:09:08 GMT

McCain's energy solution:

1. Build more nuclear reactors...so we can give terrorists even more targets to destroy our country, and so we can pollute our soil with more radioactive waste...wonder where we gonna put it all McCain?

2. Drill offshore oil...so we can put the final nail on our sea shores coffin, completely wipe out all sea life, and provide those living in coastal areas the pleasant view of hundreds of oil rigs.

3. Clean coal...its a proven fact there is no such thing, and never can be.

Only Obama has the real judgment on this issue...the answer is not to destroy our environment and pump more CO2's into the air and escalate the climate crisis...no...its found in renewal energy resources.

Sorry McBush, not only are you flip flopping on this issue to pander to oil interests to get money from them, not only is this a policy from the only US president to lose money in the oil business, it appears that this is only an election gimmick, because:

1. this oil will take years to get out of the ground.
2. it will not have any effect on gas prices for the foreseeable future.
3. it will help with our energy needs because no new refinaries means no increased output.

McCain wants to follow the lead of Bush? That's poor judgment.