First thoughts: Entering the lull

Steve NewYork — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 13:28:27 GMT

Wow MSNBC.
Your reporters/analysts and anchors have done it again.
Mika Bresisnki and Andrea Mitchell were constantly commenting today on Morning Joe about how dumb of a move it was to question John McCain Commander-in-Chief credentials.

Are you serious?

Now as an Obama supporter, I have the view (just as 4 STAR GENERAL WESLEY CLARK ) that being shot down and taken as p.o.w is heroic and honourable, BUT it does not give you automatic Commander-in-chief status.

But that's my view, and General Clarks.

The shameless condensending tone of Mika made me regret tuning in to MSNBC. It reminds me of what goes on the FOX News Network.
You are supposed to be neutral Mika !
And if you disagree with the campaign strategy, then do so without being condensending.

WE finally have a nominee who is willing to take the fight to the republicans. And who is not willing to ceede the National Security fight to McSame.

So you at First Read and MSNBC should take note.
Obama doesn't like being pushed around. There is a new kind of Democrat in town, and WE ARE LOVING EVERY MINUTE OF IT.

The media confusion is priceless... just when they think they can pin him down and brand him, he shows them that they still have no clue !

First thoughts: Entering the lull

Obama For President!! — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 13:30:07 GMT

McClain miliatay record is definitely in question.

** 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: Entering the lull

the Pajama Pundit — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 13:30:25 GMT

I think that talking about patriotism is a good thing for Barack Obama. I don't doubt that he's a patriotic person - but to address it in such a public forum will work wonders to quell those hateful Internet rumors that get passed around. The flag-pin. The Pledge of Allegiance. Ick.

This will do a lot of good for his campaign.

http://thepajamapundit.com/

First thoughts: Entering the lull

laughaday — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 13:35:15 GMT

Hey Mark, instad of touting the low info voters and Wesley Clark (last time I looked he was just Wes, not an Obama surrogate, paid staffer,or ANYTHING), how 'bout reporting the fact that McCain, who supposedly loves the American Way, will lose a home he owns in La Jolla due to absolute failure to pay taxes on it going back FIVE YEARS. Hows that for Stars n Stripes, apple pie behavior?

First thoughts: Entering the lull

Democrat — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 13:35:58 GMT

Senator John McCain's miliary record is very important for the American public to know. How he served his country and his attitude toward it is a direct reflection of his true dedication to his service of his country.

He should release his entire military record (to date, only about 60 select pages out of several hundred have been released). If he has nothing to hide, all is well. If, however, it shows that he really wasn't the patriot he claims he was, he should stop peddling his military service as a reason for his preparedness to lead. The American public has a right to truly know who might be leading our great country.

First thoughts: Entering the lull

GP Chicago — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 13:36:48 GMT

"McCain's doing it by heading south -- to places like Colombia and Mexico, hoping the Spanish-language media coverage gets him positive (and wall-to-wall) Spanish language media coverage. "

So this is McCains Immigration reform, go to the country before they enter ours and turn them off to the idea of being in america...this is one man that could do that, I know if he were elected I'd be less than enthralled with opportunity in this country.

First thoughts: Entering the lull

thats a fact jack — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 13:36:58 GMT

bush/cheney/rove/mccant broke it so they own it but have yet to pay, however many good Americans have paid with their lives and limbs and all hard working Americans have paid $$$, iraq is 1 big reason for high oil prices, but do not worry as bush/cheney/rove/mccant and oil companies are laughing all the way to the bank

First thoughts: Entering the lull

Alan, NJ — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 13:38:23 GMT

Think Wes Clark has a hard sell on this one. If it wasn't a wartime squadron how the hell did he get shot down? Does this mean that Wes Clark didn't command wartime battalions in Bosnia because officially there was no war? I think he overreached.

First thoughts: Entering the lull

Pat Huntington NY — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 13:38:55 GMT

Obama doesn't have an Iraq problem - if the surge is working, and things are going well in Iraq [which they aren't, just as the Iraqis living without working sewage systems and electricity and dodging femail suicide bombers], then Obama's message that McCain is wroing to want to stay there for 100 years, has credibility.

McCain is dead wrong for the country.

Obama is the man!

First thoughts: Entering the lull

BJ, CA — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 13:42:32 GMT

McCain only makes it seem that way..
my freinds....

Obama'08

First thoughts: Entering the lull

Keith, PA — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 13:43:02 GMT

Republicans will try to make the election about anything other than jobs, the economy, the deficit, healthcare, the war, the environment, and education. They have a record of failure so they don't have a choice.

First thoughts: Entering the lull

Rick, NC — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 13:45:35 GMT

uh uh...it was mccain who kicked it off by pushing his military service as a proof of his bona fides and it was mccain who was inching towards making this an election about his military service and whether it mattered...

Along comes a general who says that mccain was no military genius or anything...I'd say the 4 stars trumps mccain eagle

First thoughts: Entering the lull

The Other Ed — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 13:47:52 GMT

I watched Face the Nation live yesterday and Bob Schieffer was specifically implying that flying a fighter and getting shot down in some way made McCain more likely to become a good President. Wesley Clark responded that it was largely irrelevent as a qualification. I think Schieffer's remark is the one that deserves rebuke. It was a ridiculous statement on his part.

Republican Congressman Duke Cunningham was a vastly superior fighter pilot in Vietnam than John McCain becoming the first Ace of the war.

Where is Duke Cunningham right now? Sitting in prison for taking bribes as a congressman.

George H. W. Bush was trained as a pilot, was shot down and then had a largely ineffective presidency.

George W. Bush was trained as a jet fighter pilot and he's the consensus choice for the most incompetent president in American history.

Does being a jet fighter pilot in fact qualify you to be a corrupt, ineffective and incompetent politician? There is at least history to support that conclusion but to tell you the truth, I think it is probably irrelevent to your qualifications as a politician and leader.

Just what Wesley Clark said.

First thoughts: Entering the lull

B. Blatz, Chicago, IL — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 13:48:20 GMT

McCain's appearance in Pipersville is no townhall. It's an appearance on the private grounds of a company (Worth) which has been found to have been paying its workers less than minimum wage on no fewer than half a dozen projects. Might endear him to the new 'robber baron' vote (though I can't see many of those failing to vote Rebublican), but I doubt it would impress many working people.

First thoughts: Entering the lull

Eric, Salinas, CA — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 13:48:50 GMT

Being a POW does not qualify anyone for president. If anything we don't ever want some unlucky incompetent pilot ruining our military again. "War Lover" McCain is the worst thing that could happen to our military and our war against Al Qaeda and the Taliban.

"NeoNazi" Bush has failed utterly in bringing Osama bin Laden to justice. Now they're wringing their hands trying to get lucky during an presidential election cycle hoping they can help their warmonger pal in the election with news that Osama has been captured or killed. They desperately try to tell us that if there's another terrorist attack in America that they are the ones who can keep us safe when in fact if there's another attack that would prove they are incompetent at keeping our country safe or of defeating the terrorists.

Go Obama 08/12!

First thoughts: Entering the lull

Nashville_fan — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 13:52:27 GMT

So I'm trying to read this post, and I'm trying to come up with a coherent response, but it is just FULL of so much that I find RIDICULOUS I barely know where to start . . .

- Why is John McCain considered successful if he is able to keep himself BEHIND Obama in the single digits, but the standard of success for Senator Obama is double digit leads?

- When asking the question about whether Senator Obama is "one of us", who the hell is "us"? Senator Obama is a natural born American citizen, he went to school, got a job, ran for office. What is so exotic about that?

-"If Barack Obama wants to question John McCain's service to his country, he should have the guts to do it himself and not hide behind his campaign surrogates. If he expects the American people to believe his pledges about a new kind of politics, Barack Obama has a responsibility to condemn these attacks." - SAY WHAT? First of all, why is it an ATTACK to point out the TRUTH that John McCain's military service is not equivalent to executive experience? Second of all, the GUTS to not HIDE behind his surrogates? Who are you to question anybody's guts? Why is it that when John McCain's surrogates question Senator Obama's religious faith, his patriotism, his "exoticness", John McCain is not called a coward? This is the most RIDICULOUS THING I have EVER READ on First Read. You should be ashamed.

- Does Obama have an Iraq problem? Iraq is NOT stabilized. There is NO government, no agreement between the warring factions, and no plan for Iraqi independence that would lead to our withdrawal. AMERICA has an Iraq problem, because we cannot AFFORD to stay there forever. Simple as that.

I can see how the media plans to fill the "lull" in this campaign - doing John McCain's dirty work for him by accepting everything the McCain says as fact because he has been around Washington longer. It didn't work during the primary and it won't work now either. However, you should be ashamed of yourselves for trying.

What happened to the media not taking sides and reporting the news? Guess that's all in the past now.

First thoughts: Entering the lull

charles — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 13:52:38 GMT

I think you guys forget to mention that General( should I underline General with four stars0 Clark is an MSNBC analyst. BTW I sae the WHOLE thing in the beginning he talked about honoring McBushes record and honoring his POW service. However that in an of itself does not make qualify as the experience to be CIC and I agree. If anything he probably walked away with PSD. That would explain the bad temper and mood swings and maybe why he forgets to pay his bills ( 4 yrs late on property taxes in CA)

First thoughts: Entering the lull

McCain a Hero — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 13:53:05 GMT

So is the Dems playing the reverse Swiftboat game? I used to respect Wesley Clark. I cannot believe he would even go near disrepecting McCain's service. I agree, too, that if Obama wants to take that route, she should have cajones enough to do it himself. The way it goes with him, he reminds of a little kid hiding behind their mama's skirt.

First thoughts: Entering the lull

Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 13:53:24 GMT

Wes Clark is an idiot and shouldn't be allowed to speak on behalf of the Obama campaign again.

What he said is all factually correct but politically counter-productive. Perhaps the same points could have been made effectively if done so with more subtlety, but the way he did it made Clark sound like he was criticizing McCain because McCain doesn't have Clark's command experience, raising the obvious head-scratcher when the candidate he's supposedly backing obviously doesn't either.

There's something very Clintonian in that, and one of my concerns is that as Clinton supporters come into the fold they'll bring with them the same in-your-face chirping style that is just not right for this time.

First thoughts: Entering the lull

Stacey — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 13:53:58 GMT

MSNBC wrong or silent on the run-up to war and wrong on Senator Clinton's inevitability. I'd like Mika Bresisnki and Andrea Mitchell to articulate McCain's commander in chief credentials. He is a hero, however every hero is not suited to be the President of the United States. These political pundits often show just how average they really are. Mika is a joke really, but Andrea keeps disappointing me. She even did the hair toss today.

First thoughts: Entering the lull

obama 08 — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 13:54:29 GMT

Hahahahahahahah!!!!!

The surge is working?????? If the surge is working, then why are American troops still DYING?????? If the surge is working then why do we STILL have more troops in Iraq????? If the surge is working then what about Afghanistan??? Why was June THE DEADLIEST MONTH IN AFGHANISTAN??????

GWB is a freaking IDIOT and So is McBush.

And now they plan to strike Iran.

Can't wait to pay $10.00 a gallon for gas, as Iran is promising to attack our oil supply should we strike them. Yet that seems to be GWB genius plan.

WHat a freaking IDIOT LOSER.

First thoughts: Entering the lull

enough said — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 13:54:39 GMT

Obama is the problem !

First thoughts: Entering the lull

ge`pa` — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 13:56:01 GMT

All Obama has to do these last few months is say, `I will do just the opposite of what the Repubs. have been doing the last 8 years. "Like making the rich get ALOT RICHER & the poor get alot POORER; and our country falling apart from the inside out.

First thoughts: Entering the lull

Houston — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 13:58:53 GMT

"The relative success of the surge is one of the few issues going McCain’s way"
-----------------------------------------

Iraq is a success like a catastrophe is a success relative to a cataclysm. The fact that the war has generated 2 million desperate refugees straining the resources of the neighboring countries like Syria and Jordan seldom gets mentioned when these breathless claims of "success" are made. Neither does the actual toll of Iraqi civilian deaths, because apparently they don't really count very much.

Talking about things unmentioned: Another McCain problem has come up that most of the corporate media is trying to sweep under their increasingly lumpy carpet: McCain defaulted on taxes for one of his seven (or more) homes. (Newsweek reported the story, but there's no link to it on the MSNBC web site, I notice).

If it were Obama defaulting on his taxes, the media pundits would be opining loudly with alarm and consternation how whether we shouldn't trust someone with the nation's finances when he can't manage his own.

But in McCain's defense, I guess you could argue that if a guy is so obscenely rich that he needs 7+ homes, it does get hard to keep track of them all.

First thoughts: Entering the lull

C, NY — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 13:59:07 GMT

I don't see why MSNBC have Mika hosting The Morning Joe anyways. She seems clueless about everything and to play it safe, she agrees with EVERYTHING Joe believes.

First thoughts: Entering the lull

McBush is a joke — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 13:59:30 GMT

uuuh..... McBush was SHOT DOWN AND CAPTURED BY THE ENEMY. He didn't complete his mission. HE FAILED. Thats means he wasn't doing what he was supposed to be doing.

How in the heck does not doing your job right and getting shot down and captured by the enemy supposed to make me feel safe?

Sounds like he was an incompetent pilot and messed up.

That sure doesn't sound like Presidential qualifications to me.

Sound like LOSER.

First thoughts: Entering the lull

Steve A Jonesboro IN — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 14:00:09 GMT

As a VietNam combat veteran, I too question mccain's so called hero" status and military record. His campaign wants to bring it up at every opportunity, but thinks no one should dare question it. The same people who disgraced and made a mockery of John Kerry's service. Mccain claims "experience" but what has he ever accomplished? He is a fraud.

First thoughts: Entering the lull

Ed, Independence, MO — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 14:00:57 GMT

To Alan of NJ--I just finished reading McCain's Faith of my Fathers in which he tells of his wartime/pow experiences. He was not the squadron commander when he got shot down. Also, he admits of giving away the name of his ship and his squadron within the firts week of capture. As a veteran, I was told that to only give name, rank, and serial number. McCain also bragged about taunting his captors so that they would torture him (I guess to show his man-hood). Anyway, he finally broke and signed a confession that he was a war crminal and had intentionally bombed a school. I had read some of this on a blog, and didn't believe it. I checked out several of his books and in Faith of my Fathers, he admits all of this stuff.

First thoughts: Entering the lull

Pat Huntington NY — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 14:02:57 GMT

McCain's war record makes him utterly UNQUALIFIED to be commander in chief. McCain failed as a soilder. He got himself shot down and caught. Not the kind of person I want running my military. If anything, it makes him a loose cannon....someone more likely to shoot first and never ask questions, someone more likely to reject objective evidence that the enemy is not the enemy, just because he wants to start war for the heck of it, someone who must have a few screws loose from all those POW days.

McCain - a failed depends wearing so called soild-er.

Obama for president!

First thoughts: Entering the lull

Why no questions? — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 14:05:41 GMT

First Read,
How come no reports about how June was the deadliest month in Afghanistan???

Why aren't we asking McBush about that????

Why aren't we demanding explanations from the administration??

Seems to me like that is real news.

Guess no one cares about that.

First thoughts: Entering the lull

jstipich, Perry, Ohio — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 14:06:04 GMT

Again the MSM and CW is wrong. Obama does not have an Iraq problem, McCain has an Iraq problem. Obama's Iraq position is the same as a majority of America's -We need to leave Iraq, slowly, carefully and responsibly. He has been saying this for 18 months. And General Wesley Clark was right. Why would getting shot down in a plane qualify someone to be president ?

Not even a mention of McCain's 7 houses and defaulting on the taxes ?

First thoughts: Entering the lull

donna — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 14:06:37 GMT

The, "is he one of us", with regard to Barack is a disgrace. It is evil, and sinful to arbitrarily smear someone because they are not the typical fair some insist upon; ie., a playing field that favors their kind, to the absolute exclusion to all others.

First thoughts: Entering the lull

No country for old m*n — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 14:09:45 GMT

If Mccain is so good in a military sense... why are there vets groups against him? hmmmmm?

First thoughts: Entering the lull

Chuck, NY — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 14:10:25 GMT

Great post Nasville Fan.

First thoughts: Entering the lull

donna — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 14:10:39 GMT

Obama has always honored McCain's service.

First thoughts: Entering the lull

Houston — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 14:10:55 GMT

But did Clark go too far since now even Obama supporters will have to acknowledge McCain's military service honorably?
-------------------------------------

What a STUPID question. Obama himself constantly says he respects McCain's service almost every time he speaks. But what does this have to do with pointing out the fact that flying planes and dropping bombs and being a POW is not a qualification for the presidency?

It's amazing how the corporate media helps out the GOP. Now they're trying to turn Wes Clark's common-sense observation (which was NOT an attack on McCain's war record) into something controversial.

I'd think there was some big corporate media conspiracy behind this nonsense, but the old saying is: never suspect conspiracy when stupidity is sufficient explanation. It seems that a lot of these very important "journalists" are just plain dumb.

First thoughts: Entering the lull

Jackieblu Seattle — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 14:11:57 GMT

McCain was at the bottom of his Navy class of 800, but because of his Daddy - he was flying planes he wasn't really qualified for, I think he's 0 for 5. Then he got shot down and was a Pow. A hero maybe, fit to lead the country, NO! He's milked that Hero bit for a little too long. When a General brings it up, I'm listening. McCain supports the failed policies of Bush. Futhermore, talk about flip flop, he's changed positions on Bills he has written! PS pay your taxes McCain!
Obama Rocks!

First thoughts: Entering the lull

Jackieblu Seattle — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 14:14:02 GMT

MSNBFOX! What is up w/ you guys. I miss Tim!
RIP Buddy!

First thoughts: Entering the lull

Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 14:14:36 GMT

And here's one reason why Clark's words were so damaging. They give false direction to Obama supporters, who start to echo the same points. Many of this will reflect only ignorance, and when McCain supporters argue against the attacks... the bottom line is the conversation stays on McCain's strongpoint of his military service.

Obama supporters - please don't go down the road of arguing that McCain screwed up by getting captured. You'll lose a few more independents every time you say that.

First thoughts: Entering the lull

camie — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 14:16:50 GMT

Go Obama. I don't like this argument that just because mccain is a war hero that somehow he knows more about foreign policy, he isnt even on the foreign policy committee like obama is. McCain also has never held a high ranking position in the military.

GOOGLE IS CLOSING DOWN ATNI-OBAMA BLOGS YAY!
http://sensico.wordpress.com/2008/06/29/score-1-for-google/

First thoughts: Entering the lull

Elizabeth — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 14:23:10 GMT

I am an Obama supporter and I have always - and will always - acknowledged McCain's military service honorably. It is genuinely heroic and he deserves that honor. But that, really, has nothing to do with leadership or command experience. -- As General Clark - correctly - pointed out, McCain is running in part on his military experience and knowledge, his ability to be Commander in Chief. So it is very legitimate to question the bredth and depth of that experience, and Gen. Clark has standing to do that in a relevant way. ---- Obama is not claiming vast military experience and knowledge. He acknowledges that McCain has that more than he ... the question is does he have *enough*? Obama is running on judgment, leadership and ability to learn. It is legitimate to question him on those issues ... as has been done. Why is it not legitimate to question McCain on the attributes that he points to? ------- Maybe folks are surprised seeing Democrats taking the lead on asking some of these hard questions.

First thoughts: Entering the lull

Jessica, Washington DC — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 14:23:15 GMT

The shameless condensending tone of Mika made me regret tuning in to MSNBC. It reminds me of what goes on the FOX News Network.
You are supposed to be neutral Mika !
------------------------------------------------------
You Obamabots are hysterical. You have no problem when the rest of MSNBC swoons over everything Obama does. But you somehow draw the line when someone dare breathe even a hint of criticism toward an Obama surrogate.

First thoughts: Entering the lull

Patrick, Houston, TX — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 14:24:13 GMT

Having served in the military in Europe during the time that General Clark was there I would be hard pressed to think of military leader who was respected less than Wes Clark.

His first thought has always been what is good for himself and his career. Always. Read up on him, or ask Richard Holbrooke sometime.

Or better yet, ask Wes if he ever got his hat from Ratko Mladic back.

First thoughts: Entering the lull

Ira, Freehold, NJ — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 14:24:14 GMT

John McCains service to this country was honorable and beyond reproach. He was repeatedly tortured for 5 years, almost died because he was denied medical assistance and, as a result, can barely lift his arms today.

Having said that, I don't think his POW status gives him commmader-in-chief credentials. Admiral Stockton (a Medal of Honor Winner) was his commanding officer and when Stockton ran for VP with Perot he clearly was unqualifed toi be VP. Status as a POW, does not qualify you for VP.

He rose to the rank of Captain (Colonel is the equivalent rank). He never commanded a fleet, task force, etc. He commaned a sqaudron. Media reports (true or not) state he would not have made admiral and then subbsequently resigned. Clark was a 4 star general, NATO commander and won the Setbian war without the loss of a man. His qualification as a military expert are beyond reproach.

Since McCain has opened the door about his qualifications for Commader-In Chief through by his constant reminders in his speaches and ads (including yesterday with Graham), why is it not fair to question his qualifications, NOT his pariotism.

I think the comments were fair, but ill-timed and certainly could have been phrased in a more thoughtful fashion.

This was not a swiftboat attack. This was a truthful summary of his service.

First thoughts: Entering the lull

Sarah — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 14:24:50 GMT

To Steve NY. You are so right.

First thoughts: Entering the lull

sal — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 14:24:53 GMT

Morning Joe, you guys are hillarious, why why are you guys so negative about Obama, I used to get up every morning and watch you, now not so much First of all, are you guys trying to stir up some false drama about Obama so your ratings will out do Fox,Cnn, And Andrea Mitchell wasn't she with Hill when the snipper fire was going off and said nothing while Hill was lying. Be fair with the reporting, leave your personal opinion at home. You guys have become disgusting.. Maybe Todd should read some of the blogs going around about your show.

First thoughts: Entering the lull

LENI,WESTLAND,MICHIGAN — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 14:25:23 GMT

Gotta say First Read, You missed the boat today.

First thoughts: Entering the lull

Jill Doe — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 14:27:07 GMT

All of these people have not done there homework..

First thoughts: Entering the lull

jesse St.Paul Minnesota — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 14:27:28 GMT

McCain.what country are you running for,seems that you have more interest in Mexico,and Colombia and wasn't that the beer baron in Europe last week.Have you tapped out in the U.S, and now are looking for funding outside of the country.As for the comments made by Wes Clark I agree,he was a pilot,he screwed up and paid a high price,but does that make you prepared for The office he is running for??????

First thoughts: Entering the lull

Don Neuenschwander — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 14:30:04 GMT

Clark is absolutly correct-McCain's war experience is of no value-he is a war hero-but his background is more of a detriment than an asset. The media is AFRAID to admit that Clark is right.

First thoughts: Entering the lull

Susan E, North Branch, MN — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 14:30:46 GMT

Chuck, calling "is he one of us" the real hit of the bunch of ridiculous questions blatently says that he isn't. I see you like this one.

First thoughts: Entering the lull

Rick,Ky — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 14:31:45 GMT

The media confusion is priceless... just when they think they can pin him down and brand him, he shows them that they still have no clue !
Steve NewYork (Sent Monday, June 30, 2008 9:28 AM)

This analyisis of the MSM is Priceless. Good one Steve !

It will be up to All American's to confuse the MSM in it's attempt to make McChanger a War hero.

If Iraq is a success, then I guess Cancer will add year's to anyone's Life that has it.

The MSM is several freedom Fries short of a Happy Meal ! Lazy & Overrated to say the least!!

No American Troop's Killed in Bosnia (Enough Said)!!!

Delusional Thinking By Common Sense American's Is Over!!!

First thoughts: Entering the lull

PITA, Charlotte, NC — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 14:34:12 GMT

We won't get a break from the Obama campaign, it's all about the MONEY,and does he ever have it to spend! If you're not sick of him now, just wait.
Tell the DNC this isn't right:
http://charlottefrontandcenter.com/post_card_project

First thoughts: Entering the lull

Ira, Freehold, NJ — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 14:34:31 GMT

....as an after thought, why is it that McCain's service record is so sensitive, bringing out this moral outrage by Neo-cons and others. Obama's religion, patriotism, and he allegience to this country have been repeatedly questioned (John Kerry with a tan) and the media and all the republican candidates are not morally outaged. Not a single condemnation for the MCCAIN surrogate who said it.

War service OK. Racism, who cares.

First thoughts: Entering the lull

We have the power to change the direction of the country - Vote Obama — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 14:34:43 GMT

I don't think the media is listening to the majority of Americans. Iraq began on propaganda and is continuing on propaganda intended to misleadd the country. As far as I am concerned, this war needs to end today. Senator Obama was against it from the start and he will at least begin to end it.

I like "the other Ed's" comments--Bush was a pilot and McCain was a pilot. Too many similarities for me. How can a POW not support or vote for the GI bill? This is a clear demonstration of McCain's mentality towards soldiers--that they are pawns to use and discard. I have always believed that the war was wrong and done only for oil ever since it began.
Now, I sincerely believe that if McCain is elected, he will begin day-one with attempts to begin the draft,because he will engage in aggravating rhetoric with Iran. Wake up America--this warmongering has to stop now!

First thoughts: Entering the lull

Jim Patrick, Buffalo, NY — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 14:35:44 GMT

McCain may lack executive experience, as Gen. Wesley Clark contends. But if you look at his manifest ability to organize his campaign, and take this as a stand-in capability for executive leadership, then you may come up with a different conclusion than Gen. Clark's.

Why McCain has them so well organized that he's able to take weekends off and let his surrogates issue statements for him.

First thoughts: Entering the lull

Walt, Ohio — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 14:36:39 GMT

Why is the media calling McCain a war "hero"? He was a North Vietnamese Collaborator!!:
http://www.usvetdsp.com/smith_mc.htm
http://educate-yourself.org/cn/earlhopperinterview08feb08.shtml
He needs to release ALL 600+ pages of his military record, not just his cherry-picked highlights. If he is a "hero" by crashing 5 jets, burning his shipmates on his aircraft carrier, and selling out his fellow soldiers by collaborating with the North Vietnamese, then gas is currently 50 cents/gal; and Bush II was the greatest president ever...
McBush is such a pathetic fraud, and the MSM keeps giving him a free pass.

First thoughts: Entering the lull

Brendan D, Niles, IL — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 14:40:38 GMT

Look, I'm getting tired of this perception that you have to be some kind of military mastermind to be President. George W. Bush was not a military hero; John Kerry was. Why is it that Kerry's, not Bush's, patriotism was questioned? Because the media has been complicit in this ridiculous argument that Republicans are patriotic and Democrats are not. Even the supposedly left-leaning MSNBC (I see no evidence of this, by the way) can't get out of their collective heads this absurd notion.

I believe John McCain served his country with valor and honor. That means exactly what it says. It does NOT mean that he is qualified to be president; nor is it a swipe against his military service to say so.

And by the way, last time I checked, Wesley Clark FAR outserved and outranked Senator McCain.

First thoughts: Entering the lull

Sam, New Orleans, LA — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 14:41:46 GMT

It really sickens me how MSNBC has been parsing General Wes Clark's words to make him seem like a moron when he was just speaking the truth. On Face the Nation, the bonehead moderating responded to Clark's talk of how McCain had no executive military experience by saying that neither does Barack, and that he wasn't in a plane and got shot down. He blatantly tried to make it seem that being shot down makes McCain more qualified to be president, and Wes Clark responded and said no, I dont think it does (coming from a 4 star general who graduated top of his class at West Point, not 5th to last like Generalissimo John McSame). I loved to see this, it showed to me that Wes Clark can be an attack dog. He should be Barack's running mate, and it looks as if he wants to be. You guys at First Read seemed smarter than to attack Clark on this so hard.

First thoughts: Entering the lull

Bob Norton , North Platte NE. — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 14:41:55 GMT

Obama and McCain have issues to deal with,but Obama has a new and refreasing out look on the way we should go. The war is a issue for Obama and so is Bin Laden,but so is the oil and gas prices and homes, Jobs many things we need to deal with. Gen. Clarks coments was his coments, Obama not that nieve to have Gen. Clark insult McCains service to his county.

First thoughts: Entering the lull

banko — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 14:42:22 GMT

John and Cindy McCain Lied
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hv7LUT1ezm0

John McCain the Double Talk Express. Flip Flopper.
McCain the Straight Talk Express Re-Writes History on Social Security.
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/6/12/204230/248/931/535022

First thoughts: Entering the lull

Charles F. Kercher Ellenton, Florida — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 14:43:27 GMT

The experience argument is problematic on the surface. There are no persons in our current government with more foreign policy experience than Cheney, and Rumsfeld. Also there are no persons more inept than the aformentioned.
True foreign policy excellence demands that a leader knows or is equipped to learn cultures and the histories of other countries. It requires a person that is slow to anger, posessing an ability to speak to his or her country and also the rest of the world in a compelling and effective way that promotes understanding, cooperation, and focused effort in both the leader's citizens and those of the rest of the world in pursuing peace, fair trade, compassion, and understanding. There are no publicly known aspects to McCain's career that give an interested observer to feel that he possesses these qualities to any compelling degree. However they are not only plainly evident in the person of Barack Obama but also the ability to expand these traits each and every day. There is, however, every reason to doubt that McCain possesses any of these qualities to any great degree or that he has the qualities that would make one comfortable that he could or would want to learn and change in office.