First thoughts: A focus group in York

Rainy — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 13:25:53 GMT

Haha. Okay, so they don't like Obama because his name is Barack Hussein OBAMA! OH, somebody stop the presses. Give me a freaking break with this crap! All they know about McCain is what they are being told by his stupid ads. They don't know anything else about him! Why do you give these idiots a voice? They are the most retarded people in the world. It is not Obama's problem to bring around people who refuse to support him because of his name. This burns me up!

First thoughts: A focus group in York

Frantz, New York — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 13:27:14 GMT

How would you know if anybody is a true American or not. Beware of the hypocrite out there.

Obama 08

First thoughts: A focus group in York

Joe B, Boston, MA — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 13:27:28 GMT

From the focus group:

the Clinton supporter and a female Bush voter -- had very negative opinions of him. “I don’t trust Osama … Obama. It’s only a letter difference,” said Charles, the Hillary backer. “His middle name is Hussein.” Observed Terry, the female Bush voter: “I don’t feel he’s a true American.”

Wow, how infuriating...poeple actually think like this? What the heck makes someone a "true american?" Luckily the other participants seemed much more intelligent.

First thoughts: A focus group in York

gepa` — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 13:28:10 GMT

the focus group should focus on one thing -- anything is better in the white house, than another repub.

First thoughts: A focus group in York

The Real Truth — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 13:29:46 GMT

Some of you are so negative about Senator Obama, the notion that his name is only one letter away from a terrorist is JUST plain DUMB and PREJUDICE.....and this was a Hillary fan. I wonder if they ever think when they make these dumb remarks, how people of any color thinks of them. It confirms that there are still some very prejudice people in this world and yes they are Democrats!!! There’s one thing that I love about this country, which is no matter how strong you are, you CAN NOT stop a moving train!!!!! Lead, Follow or Get out of the way!!!!

First thoughts: A focus group in York

Biased — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 13:30:28 GMT

Obama fared pretty well in this focus group, which was striking given that it was all white, that not a single person voted for him in the primary, and that it took place in a region not considered a strength for him.

WOW white people who dont support Obama and arn't racist.......
wouldnt know it if you read/watched the media
watching the coverage of this

First thoughts: A focus group in York

hs — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 13:31:25 GMT

I totally agree with Rainy. The word that comes to mind is ignorance. Voting for someone based on their name and not their political points of view just doesn't say much for someones intelligence.

First thoughts: A focus group in York

Blake, Denver, CO — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 13:31:28 GMT

I'm not voting for McCain because his name has "Cain" in it, and in the Bible, Cain was the son of Adam & Eve who committed the first murder in Biblical history by killing his brother Abel.

First thoughts: A focus group in York

Nashville_fan — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 13:32:30 GMT

Not to second guess you guys - but its hard to understand how a focus group of 12 voters trumps 3 polls showing Senator Obama with a double digit lead over John McCain.

After all the bellyaching about "Where's the bounce?" and all the states that Obama can't compete in, why can't the pundits just say "Maybe we were wrong?"

Yes I know that it is early and that polls aren't always accurate and that Dukakis had an 18% point lead and all the other blah blah that the "chattering class" uses to try to create the illusion that John McCain is a viable candidate for President.

But once - just once - I would love for the media to give Senator Obama his WELL EARNED respect. He has run a GREAT campaign, and now he is reaping the rewards. You have 5 months to tear him down - can we just take a moment to acknowledge his accomplishments - just this once?

Maybe the pundits will believe he is for real after the Inauguration. . .

Obama/Biden '08/'12

First thoughts: A focus group in York

JIM WHITTAKER, Hemet, CA — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 13:37:01 GMT

Bill Clinton needs to grow up (finally!) and just
accept the fact that his time in the spotlight is
over.

This is no longer HIS Democratic Party, and there
is a new Alpha Dog in town and his name is Barack
Obama.

The "Age of Clinton" is over! Now Bill Clinton needs
to act his age, if at all possible.

First thoughts: A focus group in York

Mark,Seattle — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 13:37:28 GMT

You guys are the biggest cowards in the world. You are afraid of Pakistan for god sakes! You call them our number one ally on the war on terror as they happily protect the number one terrorist in the world! Explain that to me Trevor.

Mark, Seattle

-------------

Okay, who can help Mark out here . . . , hands, . . . okay, you in the back. The question again is why can't we invade Pakistan, just like Barack Obama said he would do last year? And the answer, . . . ., correct! The answer is that if we invade Pakistan we run the huge risk of destabilizing Musharraf's fragile government, and Pakistans nuclear weapons could fall into the hands of militants (another word for terrorists Mark) that are not so friendly to the US.

Hope this helps explain the problem to you Mark,Seattle.
Tinsel Town (Sent Tuesday, June 24, 2008 5:25 PM)
****************************************************
Oh yea genius. Thank you so much for enlightening me. I forgot how important it is to the stability of the world that Pakistan makes peace treaties with war lords and taliban tribal leaders in the border region. Well guess what! Right after Obama said he would do that, Your boys sent a drone in and took out a taliban encampment. So what is your point? I know the standard right wing answer to my question. Do you think that somehow an idiotic attempt at sarcasm will sway me to see things your way?

First thoughts: A focus group in York

Pat Huntington NY — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 13:38:03 GMT

the trully ignorant, ie., those who dont' educate themselves by reading political websites, the newspaper beyond the sports pages, and watching news stations other than Fox Noise [all of which adds up to an alarmingly high number], are those who still think that Obama is muslim, that his middle name is a big deal, that just because at times, he didn't wear the pin, all means he's not a real American. Whatever! The sad thing is that I know actual people who think this way...and unfortunately, they are members of my extended family...and yes, they are idiots. But they are voting idiots. As for the comments made by the female Bush voter, please, she voted for Bush, enough said.

First thoughts: A focus group in York

Act now for oil supplies ..... — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 13:40:00 GMT

WHY WAIT FOR TERRORIST TO BLOW UP OIL INSTALLATIONS BEFORE WE ACT?
————————————————————————————————————–

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia - Saudi officials say authorities have arrested hundreds of suspected al-Qaida-linked militants this year. Some of those arrested are suspected of plotting attacks against the kingdom’s oil and economic installations.
————————————————————————————————————–
Are we waiting for oil to reach $300 a barrel and gasoline $10 a gallon — before we take definitive action to improve our oil and energy supplies?

Facts about U.S. Oil and Natural Gas Resources Closed To Development:

• 38 Billion Barrels of U.S. Oil Resources Inaccessible BECAUSE OF LAWS.
• 1 Trillion Barrels of U.S. Oil Shale Illegal to Develop BECAUSE OF LAWS.

Research:
• Rasmussen: 67% Support Offshore Drilling, 64% Expect it Will Lower Prices
• New Poll: 81% of Americans Support Greater Use of Domestic Energy Resources
• 73% of the American people agree that with appropriate safeguards to protect the environment, we should drill for oil off America’s coasts to reduce our dependence on foreign oil.
————————————————————————————————————–
AN ECONOMIC DISASTER IS JUST A COUPLE OF BOMBS AWAY.

First thoughts: A focus group in York

I support Obama, name and all — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 13:40:08 GMT

Of the two candidates the one least American would be McCain because he was not born on American soil.

To say that Senator Obama is not American enough because of his middle name is so shallow.
I would like to remind people that King Hussein of Jordan married an American Arab woman and she is Queen Noir of Jordan. She is active in her husband's foundation and remains in Jordan.

Senator Obama could have had a legal name change, but it appears that he believed he lived in "America" where we are a melting pot of many peoples that have civil liberites. Why should he dishonor his deceased father because of our predjudice?

Obama 08

First thoughts: A focus group in York

Ron Indiana — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 13:40:23 GMT

"Bill's beef with Obama" It is understandable that Bill is upset...Barack beat Hillary. How many out there hold negative feelings (grudge) when your spouse has lost or "beaten" Chris Matthews big number. 17 days since Hillary dropped out of the race. After working your but off for 18 months, going to small towns across the US, sure it still hurts.
Give it some time. Bill and Hillary are not used to losing. It is not surprising that Hillary is accepting the situation quicker than Bill. By convention time, Bill will be on the platform with Barack.

First thoughts: A focus group in York

Vote for Obama — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 13:40:34 GMT

For the most part the focus group is great news. There will always be some idiotic bigots but I think for the most part most people will vote for Obama because they are sick and tired of the way things have gone in the past 7.5 years.

Great Obama stuff!

http://www.artwearactivist.com

First thoughts: A focus group in York

Kathy in Michigan — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 13:40:53 GMT

Bill Clinton needs to get over his anger over losing. As an African American woman, I can tell you personally, that the comments that came out of Bill Clinton's mouth in January, again in March and over the course of the Primary were his own words and they are what made him a racist, not one thing that Senator Obama said. He should pick up a copy of author "bell hooks" book "Breaking Bread: Insurgent Black Intellectual Life." His mistake is believing that PBS Host Tavis Smiley spoke for all blacks when he called him the first "Black President." Factually, many, many black leaders chastized Smiley for saying that publicly at a funeral. They realized that many of Clinton's policies were detrimental to the African American community and that he had not earned the title. He could not by virture of the effects of his policies. He assumed that everyone would accept his explainations of his outrageous statements. He was so very wrong and was duly warned by Rep. James Clyburn on more than one occassion. The remarks actually became stronger and more offensive as Senator Obama continued to lead in the Democratic Primary. He even stopped saying his name!!! If you can't find bell hooks (small b - small h) read the paper "White Male Ways of Knowing" by Clifford Staples of the University of North Dakota. He discusses how some "established" white males believe that the fact that they have it "together" gives them the corner on knowing how "things" should be in the black community. Well, we know where that is going don't we. That is where Bill Clinton is. He has his office in Harlem, the real estate market has boomed there but people who grew up there can no longer afford to live there. He helped Gentrify one of the most historically black communities in the country. We are sore over that also.

First thoughts: A focus group in York

Tadd West New York — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 13:42:03 GMT

Identity politics is back again this election cycle. To dislike a candidate because u have doubts about that person's patriotism and middle name is just plain dumb...it tell you, American voters really are dumb voters.

First thoughts: A focus group in York

Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 13:42:49 GMT

I'm still not sure about those Irish immigrants. Someone with a name like McCain? Fo'gitaboutit.

First thoughts: A focus group in York

obama 08 — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 13:43:05 GMT

I don’t trust Osama … Obama. It’s only a letter difference,” said Charles, the Hillary backer. “His middle name is Hussein.” Observed Terry, the female Bush voter: “I don’t feel he’s a true American.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Wow, they really let people like this vote?

Hopefully after the interview, Charlie and Terry ran out to play in traffic.

And hopefully neither of them have children to pass along their idiot gene.

How sad.

First thoughts: A focus group in York

Anne, PA — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 13:43:06 GMT

I am a Clinton supporter. BO has done nothing to garner my support. Come November he will not get my vote. What is he doing to get the Clinton loyalists votes. Does he think we will go blindly to the polls for him because he is Barack Obama , the heir apparent to the White House-How arrogant!

Anne,Pa

First thoughts: A focus group in York

Rob, Denver — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 13:43:23 GMT

“I don’t trust Osama … Obama. It’s only a letter difference,” said Charles, the Hillary backer. “His middle name is Hussein.” Observed Terry, the female Bush voter: “I don’t feel he’s a true American.”

As if electing GWB twice wasn't evidence enough, this comment is an testament to the ignorant and obtuse thought process that still guides many of America's voters.

As an Obama supporter, I'd prefer that the types of people who spew this racist blather vote McCain, so they will be buried in November's impending landslide.

First thoughts: A focus group in York

George McFly, Hill Valley, California — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 13:44:09 GMT

First thoughts: A focus group in York

A Charles, LA, CA — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 13:45:08 GMT

Maybe there should be a test to be able to vote for president. Democracy doesn't work when dumb people vote against their own interests out of fear.

Truth is most people are not qualified to choose the president & have no idea what a president needs to know or what skills he/she should have.

First thoughts: A focus group in York

Josef Steinberg — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 13:45:42 GMT

Too far to tell if Obama can win at all. At the rate he is doing right now, he might implode before November. What keeps him going is his handlers telling what to do as if he's a puppet... and his eloquence hides this fact.

First thoughts: A focus group in York

Robert N.Y. — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 13:47:19 GMT

And then we go to the wonderful Clinton years the 90's,strange I don't remember them being all that great, jobs flooding out of the country,wages taking a nose dive most being cut in half and of course another hugh tax increase while the corruption on wall street was running like that old era the roaring twenties.Maybe my view is clouded by the fact that where I had worked for forty years closed their doors,they had already stole our retirement and lo and behold when I applied for other jobs I was told that I had been over paid now they were only paying half that with no benefits.Nope I don't remeber the so called roaring 90's as being that great at all...

First thoughts: A focus group in York

sotiredofignorance — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 13:47:58 GMT

"It is only one letter different from Osama?" Someone said that for publication? This guy is allowed to vote, drive a car, go through the motions of life?

People like that are why I sign myself...

First thoughts: A focus group in York

Tired Dem. OKC — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 13:49:27 GMT

Of all the PETTY, NARROWMINDED, SHALLOW, CHICKENSH#T reasons to NOT vote for someone..... HIS NAME?????

GIVE ME A FREAKING BREAK.

These people on this focus group are supposed to represent a cross-section of America??????

I have heard MANY legitimate concerns about voting for Obama, some shallow, some with merit, but NEVER so stupid a reason as “I don’t trust Osama … Obama. It’s only a letter difference,” said Charles, the Hillary backer. “His middle name is Hussein.”

This demonstrates the ( I apologize for saying it outloud) ignorance of the uninformed Hillary supporters. I am saddened and apalled to learn theat a large majority of Hillary Democrats are so backwards in their thinking.

This tops everything I have seen so far.

First thoughts: A focus group in York

Brendan D, Niles, IL — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 13:52:04 GMT

Oh, my GOD, Mark! Are you really going to try to use a focus group as an indicator? Focus groups are what give us generic garbage on television, in film, on radio... You're using this as some sort of bellwether of what's going on with the election? That's ridiculous. Right now, polls are showing that Obama bounce that all you pundits were waiting for. So for you to try to create news by reporting the findings of a 12-person focus group that isn't even close to representative of the population is not only manufacturing the news; it's downright intellectually dishonest. I expect more from Chuck Todd's team. I expect more from the only mainstream blog that's usually worth its salt.

I guess my question is, then, why are 12 white people more representative of the country's opinion than, say, the two polls that suggest Obama leading McCain in almost every category, most importantly in, as y'all call it, the Race for the White House?

First thoughts: A focus group in York

nuanced — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 13:52:29 GMT

Incredible that you could find that many people who were not only stupid enough to vote for Bush but also stupid enough to admit it.

First thoughts: A focus group in York

Kate, Atlanta — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 13:53:24 GMT

Hmm, Terry-Kerry, just one letter difference. Why would she vote for Bush since she's EXACTLY like John Kerry???? Someone should really call these people on their stupidity instead of letting them get away with those comments as if they are legitimate.

First thoughts: A focus group in York

Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 13:54:35 GMT

Anne, PA - what do you want Obama to do for you? Will you only vote for someone who panders personally to you?

As an alternative, you could compare the two candidates and see which is proposing an agenda closer to your own thinking. Just a suggestion.

First thoughts: A focus group in York

Pete - Albany, NY — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 13:54:57 GMT

“I don’t trust Osama … Obama. It’s only a letter difference,” said Charles, the Hillary backer. “His middle name is Hussein.” Observed Terry, the female Bush voter: “I don’t feel he’s a true American.”

--------------------------------------------------

Yes! Congratulations, America, we are that stupid!

Osama - Obama?! That's your criteria?

If your basing your decision on whose name sounds closest to "Joe Smith" is suggest the most patriotic thing you can do for your country in November is to not vote.

First thoughts: A focus group in York

Expelliarmus, OH — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 13:56:04 GMT

Eisenhower...hmmm...sounds too German...might be a nazi...!

First thoughts: A focus group in York

Class Warrior, D.C. — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 13:57:32 GMT

Some of the questions in that poll were absurd; who would you rather ride on a bicycle built for two? Who would you rather share a double potty with? I mean, come on! How do some of those questions reflect the reality of Joe Blow From Kokomo? Do they really tink any of us will ever have a beer with either of these candidates?

First thoughts: A focus group in York

adam/Brooklyn New York City — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 13:59:53 GMT

My question to Chick Todd (and other reporters)

Why does it seem like this election is all about Obama, and McCain just wins or loses by default?

First thoughts: A focus group in York

Doles, Miami, FL — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 14:00:15 GMT

One person said that they like McCain because of "love of country"? So, Obama does not love the country? When he went to the south side of Chicago to work with deprived Americans he wasn't serving his country, right? If anyone thinks these people would've voted for Colin Powell, think again.

First thoughts: A focus group in York

gmhussein, Jupiter Fl — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 14:00:27 GMT

The depth of ignorance of the American voter never ceases to astound me. By now, one would think I'd have heard it all.

I truly believe we should have a test of voters' intelligence before registering to exercise their franchise. I guess it is a testament to how awful the American educational system has become. Couple that, with being 'carefully' taught by family and environment and you have an ignorant voter for which there is no cure. No wonder we have had 8 yrs of GWB.

First thoughts: A focus group in York

Jennifer T., Chicago, IL — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 14:01:45 GMT

I find it reprehensible that you newspeople craft this manufactured story, then report on people who confuse Obama's name with Osama bin Laden's as if these kinds of people are normal, right, or in some way acceptable. These people are cruel, and while they may not be overt racists, they are certainly bigots.

I won't be back, First Read. Just like Fox, then CNN, you've lost me with this phony story.

First thoughts: A focus group in York

CJ — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 14:02:41 GMT

Brilliant idea by Obama:
He also proposed to charge oil companies an undefined fee for every acre that they lease but fail to drill on. Oil companies now lease but are not drilling on about 68 million acres, according to the Obama campaign.

“If that compels them to drill, we’ll get more oil,” Mr. Obama said. “If it doesn’t, the fees will go toward more investment in renewable sources of energy.”

First thoughts: A focus group in York

Patrick F., Austin, TX — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 14:03:48 GMT

I wish it would be hard for me to believe that someone wouldn't vote for Obama because of his middle name. But given that Bush still has a 30% approval rating, I have decided long ago that 30% of the American population are dumb as rocks and can't be count on for rational thought.

First thoughts: A focus group in York

thats a fact jack — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 14:03:48 GMT

those ignorant voters who would vote because of a name are the ones the rethugnutz cater too and depend on, they fooled enough ignorameces to elect bush 2 times BUT America has learned from the mistakes of the past and wont be fooled a third time.

First thoughts: A focus group in York

obama 08 — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 14:03:52 GMT

This is SOOOOO typically FIRST READ;
You use a focus group with all of TWELVE (12) voters who supported Hillary in the primaries, to demonstrate that her supporters are "coming around" to Obama.
I have two words for you idiots; GET REAL!
Hillary's supporters nationwide WILL NOT vote for Barack Obama.
As much as 30% of us will cross the aisle because the NEO-DEMS nominated themselves an underqualified, inexperienced candidate with ties to domestic terrorists, convicted political racketeers, and bigoted cult-religion leaders.
Sorry, FIRST READ, all the LYING in the world won't change that.

*DEMOCRATS FOR McCAIN
*VETERANS AGAINST OBAMA
*911 VICTIMS FOR A STRONGER AND SAFER AMERICA
George McFly, Hill Valley, California (Sent Wednesday, June 25, 2008 9:44 AM)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Hey McFly,

Not sure what parallel universe you are living in, but if you really think that 30% of Hillary supporters are as dumb as you seem to be and would actually vote against their own best interest then please keep dreaming, as MOST people (with the exception of Charlie and Terry) that supported Senator Clinton are intelligent people concerned with their own best interest.

Go ahead and whine and complain if it makes you feel better and like I told Anne, vote for McBush if you must.

I'll see you in November when Obama wins by a landslide. And then you can thank the rest of us for thinking about YOUR best interest.

First thoughts: A focus group in York

Rich, Austin, Texas — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 14:04:06 GMT

I was a Hillary supporter and I will not be supporting Obama, for me and for many, Obama never was an option. For a man with such little experience his plans could possibly devastate an already fragile nation. For many of us, it is simply about Republican or Democrat, it's who you believe in, and many of us believed in Hillary, and now that she's gone, the second on the list is McCain. This is not out of spite, but rather, the decision many of us Hillary supporters would be best for the nation. Sometimes, what's more important is not Republican or Democrat, rather, what's best for Americans as a whole. Right now, we need stability, and Obama is anything but that.

First thoughts: A focus group in York

Mark Murray — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 14:04:45 GMT

Hey Brendan -- thanks for the feedback. We do mention the LA Times poll in another post below. Focus groups, even those consisting of 12 people, can complement public polls. We got to spend 2 1/2 hours with these folks, and learn some things you might not be able to from polls. Moreover, despite the comments from two of the 12, I think the focus group was pretty positive for Obama -- especially given that this was York, PA and not Philadelphia or Pittsburgh. That said, he still needs to make the sale with some people.

First thoughts: A focus group in York

Paul A Trouve, Montague, NJ — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 14:04:59 GMT

It seems between Bush, McCain, the Republican label, the Iraq war and the economy, this should be an election for Democrats to walk away with. But since the nominee is Obama, it is not. He maintains a marginal lead over McCain largely within the margin of error according to the Rasmussen daily tracking polls. But race really has little to do with it? Yeah, right!

First thoughts: A focus group in York

The Truth — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 14:05:05 GMT

One was fiercely opposed: “I don’t trust Obama,” he said.

This pretty much sums up the Hillary and Independent voters.

No experience.
No solutions, only speeches.
No love of country.
No higher taxes.
No keeping his word.
No new kind of leader.

NOBAMA!

First thoughts: A focus group in York

Erik, Mechanicsburg, PA — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 14:07:06 GMT

First thoughts: A focus group in York

Linda, Atlanta, GA — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 14:08:01 GMT

Why would you pick 12 old white people out of PA for a focus group? No they don't trust Obama. They don't trust anybody Black (they told us that during the PA Primary)! Is that supposed to be Obama's fault? Why don't you pick a focus group whose responses are not known to be anti Obama? Your First Reads are on a fast track to the toilet!

First thoughts: A focus group in York

Ralph Malph — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 14:09:41 GMT

York PA is one of the most backward places in PA, let alone the rest of America..."Terry" is smack dab in the middle of ignorant white folks who cling to their guns and religion

First thoughts: A focus group in York

abby — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 14:10:43 GMT

I won't vote for obama - has nothing to do with his name - or - race - he is NOT qualified to lead our country. Is McCain - don't know - BUT - we have to vote for a new President and I am not sure yet - but I do know I will never vote party - only the BEST person qualified.

First thoughts: A focus group in York

The Real Truth!!! — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 14:11:09 GMT

For the people who will not vote Obama and will cross the line, you sound like you must have been some spoiled kid. The terrible thing is that when you did not get your way, you went away with your arms cross. You all were never really Democrats; you just had a hidden agenda. If Hillary would have won, we would have supported her. So here's my recommendation, cross your arms and just go away!!!

First thoughts: A focus group in York

Tim, Harrisburg, PA — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 14:12:25 GMT

I'm not at all surprised by the comments made by the focus group from York County. As anyone from Central PA knows, York County is a haven for racism, and has for a long time had a strong presence from the KKK. I graduated college in 2002, at a campus not far from York County. I can remember seeing flyers and leaflets being dropped on the campus occasionally, from groups connected with KKK in York County. And this was 2002! So this isn't surprising.

First thoughts: A focus group in York

Obama 08/12 — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 14:13:42 GMT

Why is McCain spending so much time OUT of the country these days? Because he can't win votes at home, maybe he can at least win some praise from other countries? Perhaps he saw the international 'polls' that felt Obama would be a stronger leader in the US than McBush...

Is he running for POTUS or POTWorld...

It will be nice when school starts again... I swear, half the 'posters' on the blogs seem to be 13.

First thoughts: A focus group in York

C. Thomas, No. VA — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 14:20:06 GMT

Why isn't Obama a true American? Because his name is Barack and not Bob!!! That is the stupidist thing I have ever heard. What a bunch of ignorant people they found to participate!!!!

First thoughts: A focus group in York

Golden Girl in CT — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 14:20:44 GMT

I'll admit, I was fearful of the man with such a different name. Time is warming me to it. After all, he did not choose his name, it was given to him. His name does not define his character, or his values, he does. I am listening carefully to all sides and trying to know this man and give him a fair look. He should not be judged by his name, but by who he is.

First thoughts: A focus group in York

Connie, Memphis, TN — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 14:20:46 GMT

People come on! Don't support the two -party system if you don't like what the candidate represents! Americans have to be the one to show our government that there are other options! Because the mainstream media purposely neglects to mention them and the fact that you are being manipulated to vote "either or" should make you mad! Please check out Chuck Baldwin in the Constitution Party, Bob Barr in the Libertarian Party and Ralph Nader. Even if one of them doesn't win, the more votes they get will show that other parties are becoming a force to be reckoned with. If you're adamantly against the Iraq War, check the others out. If you believe our Congress has gotten WAY out of control, the other two are FAR better than what the media is shoving on us. Right now, our government is circumventing the rule of law, our Constitution, that guarantees Americans have individual rights and freedoms. "We the People" are in charge; not them. Let's send them a message! If you're worried about "wasting" a vote, don't worry. McCain wants to continue war. Obama wants to move troops to Afghanistan (not out of the Middle East and is threatening Iran too). Let's not get sidetracked by third world nations 6,000 miles away while neglecting our own borders and economy! If our leaders don't stop catering to lobbyists and corporate interests/spending money like we have it (we're borrowing from foreign nations folks!), we are rapidly approaching an economic crisis! My suggestion is look to whichever candidate will give solid plans to work on our economy first and foremost! Everything else affects it and it will affect us personally! Good luck Americans!

First thoughts: A focus group in York

Jim, Corvallis, OR — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 14:21:27 GMT

A lot of sound and fuzzy signifying nothing is what sums up Barack Obama. He's indecisive when it comes to jettisoning "friends" like Jeremiah Wright, he's hypocritical in his treatment of the American Muslim community, his principal campaign strategist is senior partner in a firm that, ahem, lobbies for the nuclear industry in Illinois, and the list goes on.

McCain won't get my vote in November. But neither will Obama, who isn't at all the "agent of change" that adoring supporters and media have made him out to be.

First thoughts: A focus group in York

Rob Robbins, Saline, Michigan — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 14:22:22 GMT

I'm a liberal, but wouldn't it be fun if all the Clintonistas voted for, and elected, McCain who would appoint the Supreme Court justices who, when confirmed by the cowardly Democratic-controlled Congress, would overturn Roe v. Wade?

My only comment regarding the Clintonistas who would vote for McCain is nuttier than a squirrel's cheeks in October.

GET OVER IT! HILLARY LOST, and she lost because she couldn't sell four more years of her serial adulterer husband to enough Democratic voters which indicates there's some hope for the Demorcatic Party.

First thoughts: A focus group in York

Dr. D — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 14:22:36 GMT

June 24, 2008
Gallup Daily: Obama Holds Slight Edge, 46% vs. 43%,

Still anyones win, no clear leader yet.

McCain/08

First thoughts: A focus group in York

Brendan D, Niles, IL — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 14:23:17 GMT

Mark, It's a fair point, but I'm not sure it's an entirely right-headed one. I mean, yeah, he needs to win over some people if he wants to get EVERYBODY'S vote. But all he needs to win is 50%+1 of the electoral votes. If he can do that, he's the president, plain and simple. Now, that may not be a sexy way to win the way it was back in 2000 (since I think a lot of people are kind of hoping for a seismic shift that would necessitate a landslide victory for either candidate), but it's a win nevertheless. And if we're going to rely on polling data the way we should (with the known caveat that it's simply a snapshot of a specific time and place), we can see that, at least in the early goings-on, it's not even a contest, especially if you ignore "national" polling data and instead focus on state-by-state data. As we know, a close popular vote race could still result in a landslide for either candidate.

First thoughts: A focus group in York

CJ — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 14:23:17 GMT

Rich if you think McCain will represent stability then you aren't looking beyond this year at all. To spell it out for you, a McCain administration would result in political turmoil btw GOP and Dems, a constant threat of war with Iran, the continued lack of resources for troops in Afghanastan, more favors for big oil with no puase in rising gas prices, no responsive economic action from a McCain administration content with Bush's current policy. This image of McCain you have in your head is not based on reality. It's rather astounding anyone claiming to vote Clinton would display such a lack of understanding of the candidates. As you have witnessed Congress is often ineffectual for guiding this country..it resides in the POTUS and their administration to send us in the proper direction.

First thoughts: A focus group in York

Tim K. Denver, CO — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 14:23:26 GMT

I was planning on running for office this year - any office, because, you know, we need a change. Then it was pointed out to me that the typical voter would note my first name (Timothy) and the ethnicity of my last name (Irish) and would automatically connect me to Timothy McVeigh. We all know this makes me someone with a penchant for blowing up buildings on Hitlers birthday, so I have no chance.
I am so happy that most "true Americans" know better than to vote for someone as subversive as me.

First thoughts: A focus group in York

Chuck — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 14:23:45 GMT

Some of the best con artists are very articulate and give great motivational speaches, but they have no clue how to do things. They are given a script and present the script just like any actor in Hollywood.

This is what Obama does, it scares me how many people actualy think that he has a clue. Obama is just a prop, a puppet on a string so to speak. If you think the economy is bad know just wait for the liberal left to pull Oboma's strings and people will curse the day that Obama is in the position he is now!

First thoughts: A focus group in York

Joe Don, Topeka, KS — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 14:23:49 GMT

Rich:

Fine. Vote instead for the candidate who wants to continue the policies that left us "an already fragile nation. See how that works out.

First thoughts: A focus group in York

Kae, North Suburbs of Milwaukee — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 14:24:17 GMT

I'm a Hillary supporter in Wisconsin who will not back Obama. My family is primarily democratic, and 8 of us strongly backed Hillary and all 8 of us will NOT be voting in November. We just cannot vote for Obama. We don't trust him, we don't think he has enough experience and we plain old don't like him.

First thoughts: A focus group in York

mcm, rutland, VT — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 14:24:35 GMT

Attn Rich in Austin....If you were a Hillary supporter why not stay that way? I supported her in the primary of my state and I will be voting for her in November. She is still the best qualified and, as we know, she'll be ready on day one. If it's not about party loyality, vote your convictions!

First thoughts: A focus group in York

christian — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 14:25:37 GMT

Anne, PA,

Get over yourself.

You are NOT that important.

I am sure you would vote for Bush if he could run for a 3rd term anyway (in many ways he IS).

First thoughts: A focus group in York

Jessi Thompson, Seattle, Washington — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 21:58:37 GMT

Obama's name aside, I think he is the NEXT Bill Clinton if he is voted into office. He's a smooth talker with no plan and no experience. Hell, if he's lucky he might have time to squeeze in a couple blow jobs in the oval office, on my tax dollar time if elected!

First thoughts: A focus group in York

A Gonzalez, Brooklyn, New York — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 22:12:22 GMT

I'm so disgusted on how i hear people say they'll vote for mccain because he seems "more American" or "patriotic" now why's this? ---because they're white and he's white!!! SORRY people that's just racism in disguise...when are these people finally gonna see people for what they can bring to the table and not the color of their skin, or last name etc... we need to remember that America would not be America without all it's diverse ethinicities and their contributions to this nation!!!

First thoughts: A focus group in York

Chuck, Memphis, TN — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 22:16:09 GMT

Obama is the "NO" canidate.

No to offshore drilling.
No to drilling in ANWAR.
No to drilling anywhere.
No to Nuclear Power Plants (France has 80% of it's energy supplied by Nuclear Power (and they consider the greatest econmic decision they ever made).

Yes to raising Social Security taxes
Yes to raising income taxes
Yes to a Payroll Tax

Recent discoveries have found we have more OIL in the United States then ANYWHERE ELSE IN THE WORLD!

Advances in techology allow us to drill in a small area (used to be the state of Rhode Island) Today it is the size of an airport. In ANWAR they would drill in a an area 1/10 or 1% the size of ANWAR.

OPEC is scared to death we will start drilling.

We should drill and at the same time invest in alternative sources of fuel. Just the announcement that we will begin drilling will send prices down and the reserves we have could be used in anticipation of the oil to come.

Obama's answer is a Windfall Tax on Oil Companies.

What!! Who do you think is going to pay for that windfall tax? YOU AND ME. His ideas will not put a single gallon of gas in your tank at a cheaper price.

It will riase the Price.

Does anyone except those who know Economics realize this?

First thoughts: A focus group in York

Diann Pollack W. Frankfort, Il. 62896 — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 22:35:53 GMT

To Hillary Supporters Against Obama: As an Illinoisian, I would be happy to tell you more about
Obama's three terms as a state senator. Inexperienced?
The same was said of JFK: During the Cuban Missile Crisis, he resisted pressure from the Joint Chiefs and
the CIA to attack Cuba. We now know that those missile
silos weren't being built, but rather were complete and fully armed. Had it not been for that "inexperience" president, we wouldn't be here to have this discussion. Senator Obama had the courage, intelligence and common sense to be against the invasion of Iraq when it was not a popular stance and
was politically dangerous. Yet the reasons he gave then have been proven true: Osama bin Laden is free,
the military is stretched thin, our debt is outrageous, our infrastructure decaying, and we have a
POTUS who believes the Constitution is a "(explitive
deleted) piece of paper." Obama is a professor of
just that: Voting for 4 more years of the same. If disgruntled Hillary suppoters are so bitter that they
would put their personal feelings before the welfare of America, then their lives will be very rocky. As the Stones sang, "You can't always get what you want,
but if you try sometimes you just might find...You get
what you need." SI for Obama

First thoughts: A focus group in York

John — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 22:37:47 GMT

A wise person, overhearing a conversation with a lot of back stabing, inuendos and false statements, told the people "don't poisen the water, soon no one will drink it". This is where this whole 'blog?' is going. Why would I listen to a person who cann't understand that someone could ligitametly be concerned with Sen. Obama's lack of experiance. He has a great message but I don't think he is going to ask any long term Dems to step down so true change can take place. Congress has a rating just about as low as the President.
Why cann't some people understand that Sen. Obama is a motivating speaker and may be able to get people to stop thinking just about themselves and start doing something for their country and fellow citizens as well as our children.
Most of you are just blind to the thoughts and concernes of other people. You deride anyone who doesn't think just like you and you could never explain the other persons point of view, that is sad.
We need to have understanding in this country and few people here show any inclination to try it.