The general: Is Obama really up 15?

Diane from Illinois — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 13:40:48 GMT

Finally First Raed! This NewsWeek poll is HUGE! A 15 point lead and it's only June! Not good news for McFossil. And they haven't evena had their first debate where he will look even more senile! WOW! If this holds up, the GOP is in serious trouble! Love it.

The general: Is Obama really up 15?

Obama For President!! — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 13:40:59 GMT

15 Points! The GOP and McClain better start taking Obama seriously. Obama has the Vote of most young Americans!!

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The general: Is Obama really up 15?

Veronica Wheatly, Morganville, OK — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 13:44:30 GMT

Newsweak? They probably did the poll by walking around their own office cubicals. Then maybe they called the msnbc staffers, you know, to get a different viewpoint. I'd trust moveon and the dailykos numbers more then Newsweaks.

The general: Is Obama really up 15?

BJ, CA — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 13:47:05 GMT

Snippets in time...
These are lies that show nothing about the "silent majority" voters..
McCain has Nixon's voters...
He's not a crook either....

The general: Is Obama really up 15?

Imran, Lawrence, USA — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 13:47:09 GMT

The 15 point difference reminds me of those huge leads he had over Hillary in some states that evaporated when the actul primaries were held.

My take however funny it may sound is that Newsweek like Time for that matter is taking sides and knows many in the black community will buy this story and decide voting is worthless in November since he's already as good as home and dry. Guess who will be coming to dinner instead of Obama (and Spencer Tracey may be very happy with this choice) - McCain!

The general: Is Obama really up 15?

John Doe — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 13:48:42 GMT

Obama is proving that he is " a typical politician" and a lying one at that.
Nafta, Campaign finance, Fisa...

I would say spending the campaign's money on Michelle's makeover is pretty low also.

The general: Is Obama really up 15?

David G. — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 13:49:09 GMT

The lead of 15 points is actually low... Look for Obama to open 20 - 25 point leads by August. D.

The general: Is Obama really up 15?

Pam, South Kingstown, RI — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 13:50:18 GMT

It really doesn't matter how Obama is doing with the young voters--large voices but they never show up to vote. If Obama gets in get ready to empty your wallet to fund the lazy....

The general: Is Obama really up 15?

Eric, Salinas, CA — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 13:50:56 GMT

It's still early but it's about time that polls show that Barack Obama has a commanding lead. People are tired of the tyrants in the White House and we don't need another unlucky incompetent fighter jock ruining our military.

I'm laughing so hard at the repugnant ones whining and crying about Barack opting out of public financing. At least he's not so decrepit at raising money that he needs to beg for money from us taxpayers. Barack isn't going to waste $84.1 million in taxpayer dollars the way his beggar opponent will.

Go Obama 08/12!

The general: Is Obama really up 15?

Fran Reid - Pawleys Island, SC — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 13:50:59 GMT

I think Obama did the only thing he could with the 527s lurking in the background. Why is none of that mentioned? Also, I believe last month was low time because things are just beginning to heat up. With Hillary Clinton on board starting this Friday, things ought to improve. I know my husband and I will continue to give our 25.00 a month and I'm sure there are others who feel this is totally necessary.

The general: Is Obama really up 15?

John Reynolds, Austin, TX — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 13:52:31 GMT

And I can tell you why Obama's fundraising "slowed in May" and will continue to slow. I signed up on the Internet and gave them my email address. I am now being bombarded every few days with spam requesting donations. It won't be long before the Internet fundraising approach dries up as a result of these tactics.

The general: Is Obama really up 15?

Pat Huntington NY — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 13:52:34 GMT

Cnn's Poll of polls shows only a 6 point lead for Obama...46% for Obama, 40% for McCain, with 14% unsure. While I would love for Newsweek to be right, its a bit extreme.

The general: Is Obama really up 15?

Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 13:52:37 GMT

I doubt he's really up 15, but seems clear he's got a lead and seems to be extending it in the state by state polls.

The general: Is Obama really up 15?

Nashville_fan — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 13:52:45 GMT

I love the fact that Senator Obama's "worst" fundraising month matches Senator McCain's best month- thatis a WONDERFUL problem to have! :)

Obama/Biden '08/'12

P.S. I also love the way that all polls showing anything bad about Senator Obama are always TRUE, but anything showing something good are QUESTIONABLE! lol

The truth is, all of the polls are suspect, and we should all know that by now. But the news media has placed a HEAVY emphasis on polls showing "trouble" for Senator Obama . . . wonder why that is?

The general: Is Obama really up 15?

Michelle Zee — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 13:55:45 GMT

Ah helllloooo! If McBush was running against Kung Fu Panda, I would bet on the Panda.

I don't see how the republicans can fix this mess they have created. They are not taking responsibility for their actions and they have not apologized to the American people for the failures so far.

Why give them another jab to continue to throw democracy and the economy to the wolves.

I want someone to ask the republicans who are surrogates for McBush, why do they feel they should get another go at it?

The general: Is Obama really up 15?

Lisa, NY — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 13:57:49 GMT

Newsweek has always seemed a little biased toward Obama. The other polls do not reflect the same results.It is still very early in the season to be calling this a win.

As he slowly moves to the center, he will likely lose some supporters. FISA and independent financing could really play against him in the coming weeks.

For many, the realization that he is just another politician will likely come to a head this week.

Just a little advise to enthusiatic first time voters...don't count your chickens before they are hatched. Sadly, many of us have thought we had previous elections in the big only to come up short in November.

The general: Is Obama really up 15?

bryce anderson Forest Park, Illinois — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 13:58:02 GMT

Bush and Cheeney are white collar gangsters.
Bush should be impeached and put in jail, along with
Cheeney. What they have done to this country and the world is unbelievable!

It's the Bush regime!!...that's all....
sicking....

"McFossil"......i liked that one...he's a complete idiot as well.....another war monger.

Let the rest of the world fight it's own wars....
no more aid to other countries....they dont' care about us, they just WANT OUR MONEY!!!!

bda

The general: Is Obama really up 15?

sny la ca — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 13:58:56 GMT

It is not surpreising that he couldn't raise more in June. But I am sure he will be able to raise more whenafter the convention. I am surpreise that he is investing larger amount where he is already strong.
He should invest mor on the places wher he is weakl like rural area's

The general: Is Obama really up 15?

Bonnie Crawford Rex GA — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 14:03:14 GMT

I'm glad to see Senator Obama totally engaged in looking for solutions to the Nation's problems and talking about partnership with America's people. Like many other Americans, my family and I are really struggling at the gas pump, to buy medicine and food. The mortgage, rent and utilities are all that we can afford before the paycheck is gone. We have to make our trips count, running errands on the way to and from work. We pack our lunches instead of going to the local fast food restaurant because it saves money. People in my neighborhood have either already lost their jobs or are afraid of being laid off. Home foreclosures have overwhelmed us. I'm an Obama supporter, but even if he becomes President of the United States he has some daunting tasks ahead of him. We can solve these problems together. But it will take all of us in collaboration and cooperation putting our differences aside for the survival of our Nation. Obama 08

The general: Is Obama really up 15?

DAVID ANDERS TEXAS — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 14:04:06 GMT

THEY ONLY SURVEYED BLACKS, YOUNG WHITES TRYING TO BE HIP HOP AND CANT EVEN UNDERSTAND THE LYRICS, AND ALL THE WHITE LADIES THAT HAVE PURCHASED BLACK TOYS AND TRYING TO GET A FANASTY FULFILLED.

The general: Is Obama really up 15?

Matt, Idaho — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 14:04:30 GMT

To be clear:

Newsweek Nationwide survey, oversampled groups based on census demographics.

1,010 adults, age 18+, and 896 Registered Voters
Margin of error: plus or minus 4
Interviewing dates: June 18-19

Plus or minus 4% means at worst Obama is up by 11, at best he's up by 19.

Don't toy with this being a silly kid's survey.

The general: Is Obama really up 15?

Tom, St. Louis — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 14:04:39 GMT

I love Obama's explanation that he has to have lots of money to defend himself against the 527s. He looks like the wimp that he is. And why is it it's acceptable for him to bring up race in this campaign? Can you imagine the yelps of self-pity if anyone else did that?
Remind me which party is running an attack ad right now. Is it the 'nasty and vicious' GOP?

The general: Is Obama really up 15?

Dave, Lancaster, PA — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 14:05:19 GMT

Um... does no one here study either there statistics or their history?

ITS JUNE, FELLAS! THE ELECTION IS IN NOVEMBER!

A 15 point lead, even IF Newsweek used scientific methods, is largely irrelevent, except if Newsweek is trying to skew the public perception.

Personally, I don't care which one wins - one is an old crook, one a young crook. 6 of 1, 1/2 dozen of the other.

The general: Is Obama really up 15?

Ron Indiana — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 14:07:11 GMT

The poll may be a bit on the high side, but Barack will continue to enjoy some positive numbers. As time goes on, the positive energy of Obama and the lack luster energy of McCain will reveal itsels. With each debate, Obama will improve. In addition to being smarter, Obama is friendlier, more likeable. Also, if the Libertarians get on...45 state ballots, that too will hurt the GOP.

What I am really interested in seeing are the state polling results, expecially from the "swing" states.

I am also watching Iran and the possibility that Bush will Bomb Bomb Bomb Bomb Bomb Iran. That could impact the voting.

The general: Is Obama really up 15?

Concerned — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 14:08:42 GMT

It is of great concern if Obama has a 15% lead! We should be concerned that his lead is not much, much larger. Did we forget that McCain was the 2nd choice of the Republican party in 2000? Did we forget that McCain was second choice to the worst president in recent history? If we thought Bush was better than McCain, then HOW BAD IS McCain GOING TO BE? Pretty scary if you ask me!

The general: Is Obama really up 15?

Monte, Va — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 14:11:27 GMT

Wow! Newsweek didn't call me to ask me what I think! Wonder how many millions don't get that call. I think polls are about as useful as a electric car with no batteries. Wait until election and see what the $5 a gallon gasoline determines. Obama's ethanol companies will only add to the high prices. We'd better begin drilling or in 5 years we will be paying $11 a gallon. Check the videos of the thousands of Chinese autos sitting in a gas station line waiting for their share. We are getting ready to lose 1 million from Argentina to the Chinese. I'm gonna vote for energy, McCains oil,coal,& nuclear verses Obama's ethanol.

The general: Is Obama really up 15?

Amy of IL — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 14:13:11 GMT

I want to know why nobody at MSNBC is pointing out McCains newest ad where he actually alligns himself with President Bush on energy. If this guy is so lacking in judgement to do something as rediculous as to tout Bush's energy policy I pray he doesn't become President. I actually LOVE the commercial because I wasn't voting for him anyway but it is probably the dumbest political ad that I've ever seen. Keep em' coming McCain!

The general: Is Obama really up 15?

Amy B Portland, ME — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 14:13:44 GMT

Newsflash: Democrats had a record breaking turnout during the primaries. George Bush isn't just "disapproved of" across America, he is LOATHED. John McCain has quioxically chosen to adhere to most of Bush's positions. I swear, the news media doesn't interview regular voters very often. The pundits keep saying that poll was an outlier, but everyone I know is voting for Obama.

The general: Is Obama really up 15?

Ed Pagel, FL — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 14:15:17 GMT

Barack Hussein Obama is a leftist liberal product of corrupt Chicago politics who hypocritically preaches all kinds of platitudes for others but in his public life has failed to demonstrate with his own actions.
What happened to his "Old Uncle" Rev. Wright? Dumped! His church of 20 years? Dumped!

A real steady guy. He will do and say whatever it takes to get the prize. The history of his political rise in Chicago is ugly. His record in the Illinois legislature and later in the US Senate contains absolutely nothing but a record of doing what is politically expedient. Look up his countless "Present" votes.

Obama is a product of Old Line Politics. Change America Into what? Judge a man by his actions not his words.

The general: Is Obama really up 15?

Dems are dopey, Leesburg, Virginia — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 14:15:51 GMT

Dukakis and Kerry both had big leads also. The media has put these polls out for decades and has been wrong every time. They once said Hillary was unbeatable. Think for yourselves people---your to smart

The general: Is Obama really up 15?

Curt, Dallas, TX — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 14:16:01 GMT

Look, it's people like bda and his comments that fuel the democrat party.

Please, get informed before you comment on this. If you don't like Bush, fine. But to make comments that "he (Bush) just wants our money is not only uninformed, but very idiotic.

Look, the facts of the matter is that Obama just wants to federalize everything from healthcare to savings accounts.

Question: How do you pay for that?
Answer: The American people need to brace for the largest tax increases (roughly $6,000 for a family averaging $60,000/yr income) seen in a very long time.

So, looking at it that way, ask yourself, who wants our money? Please, keep your hate mongering to yourself.

And yes, Obama is Carter all over again, we will have stagflation, a bloated government, and extreme ineptitude.

Look at the facts, not blind hatred, which seems to drive most democrats now.

The general: Is Obama really up 15?

Hisa,MD — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 14:19:44 GMT

Lisa NY: Newsweek has always seemed a little biased toward Obama.

I guess that's like your little sister saying she's a little pregant.

The general: Is Obama really up 15?

Jim New York, NY — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 14:21:15 GMT

Polls-shmolls. Who cares-can we move onto the more pressing issues of the day...PLEASE!

The general: Is Obama really up 15?

Montell Jordon — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 14:23:11 GMT

Obama... McCain...

WHO CARES?!

We're still going to war with Iran.

The general: Is Obama really up 15?

Bill Marks, Boston, MA — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 14:23:59 GMT

Dream on Democrats!! Obama has proven he is truly the Manchurian Candidate. We now know he has been taking money from the Ethanol industry (today's New York Times) which most likely translated into his caucus win in Iowa.

He has desecrated the Presidential Seal for his political advantage. He is attempting to suppress all opposing points of view - stating that is an attack against "unity." And any opposing view that does make it through the press is called - "racist."

Aside from all the Obmamaniacs that blog on this page, most Democrats and Independents I know are throwing their support to McCain.

Oh, and I forgot to tell you, I'm from Massachusetts - we were intimidated into voting for Barack's mentor - Deval Patrick, and I'm here to state his administration has been an utter disaster.

We had 16 years of Republican Governors in Massachusetts - a liberal? state and after Patrick I can asure you it will be a lifetime before another Democrat wins the Governor's office here.

If I wasn't so concerned that an Obama Presidency would not completely destroy this country, it would almost be worth it to have him elected ensuring that NO De,ocrat will win the White House again in my lifetime.

Jimmy Carter II - no thank you!

The general: Is Obama really up 15?

Greg Augusta, GA — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 14:25:20 GMT

Chuck,

You guys know better than anyone that a poll can be skewed to gain whatever the desired results are by the questions, sampling size, and sampling make-up. I can't believe that Newsweek isn't at least 8 points high in what they are showing Obama leading by. Also let us not forget what many of the primary polls reflected before election day, and usually they favored Obama much greated than the final results. Just food for thought.

The general: Is Obama really up 15?

Sam — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 14:26:34 GMT

Newsweak is a leftist rag of a magazine. Gone are the days of unbias news reporting. Shame on Newsweak for protraying itself as a voice of truth.

The general: Is Obama really up 15?

Jim, the Mississippi Delta — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 14:28:56 GMT

Frankly, I'm somewhat surprised at this First Read. MSNBC is clearly in McCain's camp, and loves the guy--like most of the rest of the media. This story must have slipped by the censors.

The general: Is Obama really up 15?

Independent for McCain — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 14:29:53 GMT

The American people are smarter than poll numbers. I would not trust BO on so many levels. Where to begin - oh, maybe the anti-white, or maybe the anti-semite, or could it be the lying. If you follow BO, you could become a republican - and I am an indepent!

McCain 08'

The general: Is Obama really up 15?

Beverly in Chicago — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 14:31:15 GMT

15 % ? So what if the polls are skewed. Mc Cain has no moral authorities. Mc Cain can’t close the gap at any time. DAVID ANDERS TEXAS (Sent Monday, June 23, 2008 10:04 AM)
THEY ONLY SURVEYED BLACKS, YOUNG WHITES TRYING TO BE HIP HOP AND CANT EVEN UNDERSTAND THE LYRICS, AND ALL THE WHITE LADIES THAT HAVE PURCHASED BLACK TOYS AND TRYING TO GET A FANASTY FULFILLED.
============================================

Where are your values. It appears you have a poll fantasy of your own.
=========================================

The general: Is Obama really up 15?

amy grodin — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 14:31:25 GMT

Thank goodness the American people have come to their senses.I look forward to having Obama being our president next January 20. This contry is sick and tired of Bush ? Cheney ruining our great constitution.

The general: Is Obama really up 15?

adam/Brooklyn New York City — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 14:34:51 GMT

First Read... Obama need not worry about money. There's 1.5 million of us and by the end of the fall there will probably be about 2.5 million. If he needs money, all he has to do is ask.

The general: Is Obama really up 15?

Bob - Arizona — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 14:38:41 GMT

Now it is a 15 point lead? Kinda reminds me of the slam dunk victory predicted for Kerry on election day '04 based on exit poll data derived from the same crowd, most of whom have no idea what they want, or why. They just know they hate Bush.

The general: Is Obama really up 15?

Need To Know — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 14:39:06 GMT

Bonnie Crawford Rex GA - It's admirable that you are belt tighting in tough economic times. But, how do you think gas prices will be affected when Obama, your candidate of choice, raises taxes on the oil companies?

The general: Is Obama really up 15?

J. Ellis, Virginia — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 14:39:21 GMT

Why is it so unbelievable that Sen. Obama is ahead by 15 pts according to Newsweek? I heard Pat Buchanan on Morning Joe giving his usual barely muted bigoted views and doubted the authenticity of the poll. Thank Goodness Joe was absent and Barnacle and H.Ford, Jr. was there or I would have had to turn the channel.

If Obama is not up by 15 now, he will be soon because Sen. McCain has flip flopped on practically every issue and his Straight Talk Express is in the ditch-----upside down.

Obama/Biden 08/12

The general: Is Obama really up 15?

flexx — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 14:39:52 GMT

go OBAMA go!!!!!! we don't need grampa in the white house!

The general: Is Obama really up 15?

The Real Truth — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 14:40:19 GMT

There's one reason for gas prices going so high and I think that it has allot to do many upper or upper-middle groups of individuals. These individuals are buying or giving their children and grand-children calls to drive to high school. This may not sound like much but if you add this process to each family by 1 auto (and some have 2 or 3 autos), the amount of fuel consumption greatly increases. I begin to look at the school buses and they are empty. The cars these kids are driving looks better than mine and I work everyday. We need a leader who addresses this issue and many more. Instead we seek more oil so we can just use it up!!!!Some complain of taxing the rich, it does not seem that they have a leg to stand on. When this country is in trouble, we forget to look below our nose for the resolution.

The general: Is Obama really up 15?

JACK EASSA WEST PALM BEACH,FLA. — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 14:40:24 GMT

IF YOU HAD A LIST OF FRIENDS LIKE OBAMA HAS, WOULD YOU BE TRUSTED TO HOLD OFFICE IN THIS COUNTRY. GIVE THIS A LOT THOUGHT BEFORE YOU COMMENT. RABID MUSLIMS AND TERROISTS ARE NOT SUPPORTERS OF OUR TYPE OF GOVERMENT. THINK ABOUT IT.

The general: Is Obama really up 15?

Columbus , Ohio — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 14:40:44 GMT

I subscribed to the Newsweek magazine for 20 to 30 years and endured the biases for all those years and then I didn't want to read their biased reporting and stopped my subscription. Now, they have the gall to have their representatives: Alter, Wolfe, etc. appear on TV as impartial reporters. Their hypocrisy is appalling. As stated by one of the above posts, their poll was probably conducted among Newsweek staffers.

The general: Is Obama really up 15?

Edward Watkins, Richmond, Va — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 14:43:14 GMT

Two things you need to think about with this NewsWeek poll...

1) It is VERY early in the campaign season and the polls are subject to change...and may change in either direction...

2) You can make polls and statistics say whatever you want them to say regardless of your interview poll...

Let me say that I am, by no means, a big fan of McCain, but at this point, I can't say I would vote for Obama. This has nothing to do with being Republican or Democrat. I have my issues with most politicians. In the end, it is going to come down to a debate on the issues.

We, as a public, need to remember to be cautious of the ads that are posted and the polls that are done. When looking at ads and "so and so voted for this and so and so voted against that," we have to remember that with so many pork projects put into bills, it makes it easy to misconstrue someone's voting record.

I will say the fact that Obama pledged to use the public financing if his opponent used it, and then backing out of using the public financing, upsets me. Already he is changing his word to the American public. This causes me a great deal of unrest.

Know that McCain has done enough to worry me too, though I also see all the bi-partisan work McCain has done with the likes of Joe Liberman and John Warner. People need to remember everything...not just someone's political party affiliation.

The general: Is Obama really up 15?

Pam Hussain Obama — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 14:45:12 GMT

Dear Mr. John Reynolds,

I also donated to Obama (once in February and once on April). I get an occasionaly announcement (maybe 4 times in 4 months) ansd that is it. Perhaps there is some option you can choose to stop "spama" because noone in my family who has contributed gets spams. Check back I hope you can stop it! (I woud not like it either)

The general: Is Obama really up 15?

AJ, Texas — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 14:47:42 GMT

The reason the democrats are giving so much money to Obama is that they are poor. They have figured out that if they give now, they will get it all back and more if Bam Bam gets in. They will just take from the rich and give it right back to the poor. Actually, pretty smart for them.

The general: Is Obama really up 15?

dennis fort myers fl — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 14:47:54 GMT

I have one thing to say to the GOP coat tails coat tails coat tails they seem to be long and we're looking at a big turn in the house and senate and we will have the power to make the changes we need to and Bush better hope it's not enough to look into his mistakes for crimes against America

The general: Is Obama really up 15?

Republicans are so tired and lame — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 14:48:43 GMT

I think people fail to acknowledge all of the new voters that Obama has brought onto the scene. During the primaries, in many states, Obama got more votes than the Republicans and Hillary combined. George Will recently noted this and went on to say that the Republicans are in a lot of trouble if all of those folks vote in November. I think we are seeing that people are really tired of the Bush crime family and want change. I think you are seeing a combination of folks who really like Obama and folks who really dont like Bush and same as Bush.

I love the comparison's to Carter and tax raising which is rather funny when you stop to think Bush has us drowning in debt and scandal with the Saudis and Chinese buying up that debt. Not to mention the billions he is dumping daily into Iraq. It is amazing that the Republicans are still drinking the coolaid as the our country is being run into the dirt. Keeping voting against your best interest and remember racism has a price.

Republican's keep dreaming and drinking the Bush and Same as Bush coolaid

The general: Is Obama really up 15?

Dick — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 14:48:52 GMT

Amazing. Yes, it's very early, and yes, others have had a substantial lead. But this comes on the heels of McCain's supposed "lead" only 2 weeks ago. I have to laugh when some of these people allege that Sen. Obama "wants to federalize everything, and it will cost a huge tax increase". Excuse me, but it's the Republicans who have been robbing us blind for 8 years with their never-ending "war on terror" that has gained nothing, and lost over a million Iraqi and Afghani lives, over 4500 of our troops (in both nations) and produced deficits in the hundreds of billions, and long term debt in the trillions. Ending those wars and turning to diplomacy and constructive engagement will save all that money that can then be turned to working on real health care reform, real infrastructure improvement, and reigning in the runaway spending of the Pentagon and military contractors. That, together with ending the tax breaks for the wealthiest piggies at the trough, will take care of those massive deficits.

The general: Is Obama really up 15?

Yevgeni Stepanov — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 14:50:56 GMT

Come on, a poll from NEWSWEEK? They might as well put "VOTE FOR OBAMA" on ever cover!

Newsweek is so biased it is laughable!

The general: Is Obama really up 15?

gary — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 14:52:59 GMT

There's a huge difference between responding to a phone call saying that you'll vote for someone and actually getting off your butt and schlepping down to a polling station: in the first case, the action comes to you. In the second case, you have to go out and find it.

Bottome line: Saying you would vote for someone doesn't mean that you actually will.

Obama will still win this election, assuming that Bush hasn't invaded Iran (or, re-invaded the US, a la 911) and declared martial law and "suspended" the election to keep himself in power. But Obama will not win by more than four percentage points.

The general: Is Obama really up 15?

Chris, Miami — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 14:53:40 GMT

Obama's lead in the polls is nothing of consequence. It will shrink over the summer and mostly vaporize by October 1st. He is riding the wave of the post-primary season as the dems nominee-apparent, but that wave always crests by the fall. Because McCain has not been in a slug fest with his GOP opponents for a while, he hasn't gotten as much limelight. What he has been doing is quietly shoring up his base while taking the occasional shot at Obama and courting disappointed Clintonistas. Since the majority of the American people agree with McCain on security and energy issues anyway, his close support for the Bush administration on Iraq is unlikely to be a major issue in November. Most people have already fixed their opinions on Iraq and fall into basically two groups: (1) leave now, or (2) leave when the job is done. The (1) group didn't kick out Bush in 2004, and the (2) group is not appreciably smaller now than in 2004. Obama will have to pull a rabbit out of his *ss to win.

The general: Is Obama really up 15?

Jack, Pompano Beach Florida — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 14:54:09 GMT

McCain does have a big problem. I have yet to meet a young voter excited about supporting McCain. The energy and enthusiam I see for Obama is more than I have seen in years and I am a Republican. I don't even talk politics with my kids anymore because they are 150% Obama.

The general: Is Obama really up 15?

John, Long Beach, CA — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 14:54:40 GMT

Who cares? They are both the same. Enough of this stupid two party system. It is just a shell game. Obama will just weaken the military, raise taxes and raise the national debt. The other party will lower taxes and raise the national debt. Hopefully Obama and the congress doesn't try to run the country like California. I just waiting for this state to go bankrupt.

The general: Is Obama really up 15?

tiredofignorance — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 14:55:22 GMT

15 point lead is great and it's probably higher in reality. But thanks to misleading headlines like the one ran today on MSNBC's home page about Obama's ties to ethanol that should keep the numbers down. Whoever ran that article should be ashamed of themselves...that is NOT fair journalism. Be careful MSNBC or you will join the same club as FOX news (or lack of). Let's not mislead the public.
Obama '08

The general: Is Obama really up 15?

Jay Weaver, Raleigh NC — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 14:56:08 GMT

Obama as President ----NOT!!!!!! The majority of Americans who never get polled will show them in November who they will put their trust in....and it ain't gonna be your darling Obama.....he doesn't know what he's doing and will tax everybody.....America deserves better than Obama and they will get that....wait and see.....

The general: Is Obama really up 15?

Independent, Iowa — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 14:57:18 GMT

I like most democrats, but I absolutely despise Obama. He's too inexperienced, arrogant, and naive to be a senator, let alone President. McCain is the only Republican I've ever respected. I disagree with McCain about the war, but I'm much more concerned with domestic issues like ethanol subsidies and reducing government spending and waste. Obama's only appeal to me is his stance on ending the war in Iraq, but that's not enough for me to vote for him. McCain may lose big in more liberal states, but he will lose the election in the working class and midwestern states.

The general: Is Obama really up 15?

Tim, Philadelphia — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 14:58:01 GMT

Funny, yesterday's ABC Washington Post Poll has McCain leading among likely voters.

Traditional pattern by the lefty press. Dukakis had an 18 pt lead and I dont recall him being elected President.