First thoughts: Gotta have faith

Chuck, NY — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 13:25:47 GMT

I am glad Senator Obama gave his speech on patriotism yesterday. Patriotism is like water; everybody needs it and everybody already has some inside themselves. Check out this link if you want to see patriotic http://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/16753798/detail.html?dl=mainclick

I am reminded about the Cowardly Lion in the Wizard of Oz. The wizard gave him a medal, and said he had no more courage than the rest. Like this guy, he is no more patriotic than the rest, he just has a lot of flags.

First thoughts: Gotta have faith

Stacy — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 13:29:34 GMT

Stopping the Obama bounce is like trying to keep the world from spinning. I think MCCain announcing his vp pick after Obama does ... not only shows Mc as weak.... it proves it! LOL

First thoughts: Gotta have faith

Obama For President!! — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 13:30:14 GMT

It's good to see B. Clinton helping Obama! Clinton has alot of good insight about how to win this election. He did win it twice!!

Obama still shouldn't choose Hillary as the VP!!

** 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: Gotta have faith

the Pajama Pundit — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 13:31:15 GMT

The Mississippi Dem Party believes it can run an anti-Bush campaign against McCain (and Wicker). This ain’t Ohio or Michigan or even New Jersey -- it’s frickin’ Mississippi.
*******************************************************

Frickin' Mississippi indeed. This is what I've been saying for months: the GOP is in DEEEEEP trouble this November. There is nobody to blame more than President Bush.

http://thepajamapundit.com/

First thoughts: Gotta have faith

Pete - Albany, NY — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 13:33:09 GMT

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/christine-pelosi/mccain-flip-flops-again_b_109703.html

Everybody, sing along...

Everyone loves the king of the sea,
ever so kind and gentle is he,
tricks he will do when children appear,
and how they laugh when he's near!

They call him Flipper! Flipper! Faster than lightning!

First thoughts: Gotta have faith

matt — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 13:34:55 GMT

While pushing Bill out on the trail is far from what Obama wants, he must be used in some fashion to prevent awkward Q's about his whereabouts. Send him with Hillary to a few swing states and leave it at that.

http://www.political-buzz.com/

First thoughts: Gotta have faith

EJ — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 13:39:56 GMT

Just asking... is First Read going to cover the fact that the McCain's defaulted on their taxes for the lats four years on one of their SEVEN homes? It just seems like this would get more play, considering how much Obama was covered regarding Reverand Wright and flag pins. For someone who tauts financial accountability and responsibility, to not pay taxes and then make excuses seems very contradictory.

First thoughts: Gotta have faith

Andrea, New York City — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 13:40:00 GMT

First thoughts: Gotta have faith

Dave, Tn — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 13:45:04 GMT

Unity, New Hampshire for Him and Hilary to come together. Independence, Mo for his patriotism & now Zanesville, OH for evangelicals? what's he trying to say about the way he "feels" about them?

First thoughts: Gotta have faith

Clara Kansas City, MO — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 13:45:16 GMT

First thoughts: Gotta have faith

Class Warrior, D.C. — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 13:46:16 GMT

Obama will do well with young evangelicals, who are tired of putting in anti-social justice Repiglicans because they're just voting on Abortion. He can do the "I feel your pain" bit with rural Ohioans, but Southern Ohio might as well be Alabama, its attitudes are so conservative and racist (why does no one mention next-to-Kentucky Southwestern Ohio? Because it's a racist loss for Obama.) And, yes, Clark screwed the pooch just before Obama's speech, and now has a snowball's chance in the tropics of being chosen as Veep. And, yes, you can attack Bush and his hidden fundraisers because of why the fetes are hidden---everyone, but EVERYONE hates Bush, and thinks he screwed up royally. Even in the Deep South the Repiglican brand smells like cow manure.

First thoughts: Gotta have faith

KJ, Dallas, TX — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 13:46:18 GMT

Bill Clinton needs to give it a rest, and try to act post-presidential. He was the one that started the race baiting in the primaries, and now he has the audacity to blame Sen. Obama for smearing his name??? Clinton did a great job at doing this all by himself so how can he blame Obama for it??? This guy never seizes to amaze me.

First thoughts: Gotta have faith

OIL IS THE WAY FOR JOHN McCAIN TO DEFEAT OBAMA ... — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 13:49:43 GMT

WHICH IS THE BETTER SOLUTION TO OUR OIL & ENERGY CRISIS?

1.) DRILL FOR OIL, ON USA LANDS & WATERS, WHERE THERE IS A KNOWN & VAST AMOUNT OF OIL (estimated 20 billion barrels)?, and
2.) BUILD NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS TO SUPPLY A VAST AMOUNT OF OUR ELECTRIC POWER NEEDS?

- OR, as OBAMA proposes -

3.) RESEARCH & DEVELOP NEW SOURCES OF ENERGY and DEVELOP THE MEANS TO UTILIZE THOSE NEW ENERGY SOURCES?

Obama argues that drilling for oil will not yield results for 10 years. How long does Obama think it will take to develop and implement the “new energy sources” so as to yield significant results? Probably longer since it is “unproven.” (Remember the idea of using ‘corn’ to produce a renewable energy source has caused a shortage of farmlands and increased prices for corn!)

IF WE LIFT THE CONGRESSIONAL BAN ON DRILLING FOR OIL ON USA LANDS & WATERS ---- IT WILL HAVE AN IMMEDIATE EFFECT TO LOWER IMPORTED OIL PRICES BECAUSE IT WILL SEND A CLEAR MESSAGE TO THE OIL PRODUCING COUNTRIES THAT “WE MEAN BUSINESS” TO RELIEVE OURSELVES OF DEPENDENCE ON FOREIGN OIL.

A long-term energy plan must be developed, which includes cost-effective and renewable energy sources ---- but we cannot fool ourselves into thinking that our economy and way of life can suffer the current oil & gasoline prices, for long, without irreparable harm TO OUR ECONOMY AND STANDARD OF LIVING..

THE WAY FOR JOHN McCAIN TO DEFEAT OBAMA IS TO ……………………..
“MAKE OIL AND ENERGY THE TOP ISSUE IN THIS CAMPAIGN”.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

First thoughts: Gotta have faith

On the fence. — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 13:52:29 GMT

You MSNBC are too much! Barack is damned if he does or damned if he doesn't. I did not see anyone being thrown under buses. He disagreed with a statement and made a wonderful speech. You all could have focused on his speech. One thing I have noticed that when Barack does something truly inspiring or positive you trash him. Why is that??

-- Andrea, New York

Obama did nothing inspiring --- he read prepared remarks. Oh wow! I'm inspired! You democrats really need to find something to cling to, like our guns or religion. It's more than probable that Clark made those comments to give the Obamination the chance to denounce them and make a pretty speech. It's how the game of politics is played, and McCain has done the same thing. Seriously, cut the cord.

First thoughts: Gotta have faith

Amy B Portland, ME — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 13:52:34 GMT

I have a knee jerk dislike of evangelicals, you know, those hypocrites who follow Christ but who supported a President who chose war over diplomacy, and all in a quest to secure our oil supply. BUT, I happen to be related to some very nice evangelical Christians, so I have to forgive them for voting Republican. It's also not healthy to be judgmental and hold on to blanket stereotypes. I'm glad to see Obama actively asking for their vote. I'm working on his behalf on my relatives, as well.

First thoughts: Gotta have faith

Nashville_fan — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 13:52:35 GMT

"Did Wes Clark mess up a good speech or what? "
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Wes Clark didn't mess up a good speech. The media messed up a good speech. Wes Clark didn't say anything that he hasn't said before. He didn't say anything that wasn't true. He said something that THE MEDIA didn't like him saying. And the media attempted to put him in his place and PUNISH him for speaking up. Of course, we are not going to get any analsis of that here.

You say that Senator Obama threw Wesley Clark under the bus, but I disagree. There was indeed a bus, and Wes Clark was definitely under it, but Senator Obama wasn't driving it - the media was.

It is regrettable that in our current "reject and denounce" culture, the only way for a campaign to wrestle the news cycle back from the all-spin-all-the-time media is to "distance" themselves from the media created crisis of the moment in an attempt to get back to the real issues at hand.

If the Obama campaign had not clarified their positions on John McCain's military service, the media would surely be still obsessing about it today (probably are anyway). The reality is, to control the narrative with today's media, you have to play by their rules. Sad but true.

P.S. The irony is, after the media-demanded bounty is paid, the spin cycle then turns on the "throwing under the bus" of whoever the media was just attacking moments ago. Suddenly the media anointed culprit is magically transformed into the victim, and the cycle begins again. It would be funny if it weren't so sad.

First thoughts: Gotta have faith

Andrea, New York City — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 13:54:03 GMT

Okay, why no mention of the sudden "open embrace" and crediting of McCain with the GI Bill that the Bush idiot HAD to sign yesterday? Is anyone paying attention to how sleazy and snake like the repukes are? Priceless that Bush and McCain are both taking credit. I hope someone, anyone saw Jim Webb on Countdown last night! Good grief, it really is true, they can say anything and get away with it and the media totally gives them a pass. It's embarassing. Clara
**********************************************************************************

Hi Clara: Yes—I saw that. I thought I was hearing things.

We need to vote these folks OUT OF OFFICE!!!!!!

We have to give HOPE and Barack a chance!!!!

First thoughts: Gotta have faith

laughaday — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 13:54:05 GMT

Can you at FR comment on the irony of McCain speakig to a Sheriff's Association? Doesn't your local sheriff collect property taxes? Doesn't McCain owe mre than five years worth of property taxes in La Jolla, CA? That particular sheriff, if he or she is in attendance, should step orward to the mike and ask for a check, or an explanation--we could be nice enough to give McCain the choice.

First thoughts: Gotta have faith

AfAm Woman Loves America — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 13:54:19 GMT

I hope tha MSNBC is covering the candidates equally. I may not endorse a candidate or a party, but I love Firstread, and I am an African-American female. I would hate to think that the reputable MSNBC and Firstread were slanting things based on race, and calling it journalism. Both candidates have flaws, missteps, and gaffes, but both candidates also have something to offer in their character, achievements, and stances on policies. Hope you capitalize on that. I would like to know more about McCain's tax issue, so I can make informed decisions. Hope you post this. Thanks.

First thoughts: Gotta have faith

Ron Indiana — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 13:54:46 GMT

Remember the Indiana primaries when Hillary squeeked out a victory. Well, in the general Obama will squeek out a victory in Indiana over McCain. It will be an example of a pink state turning light blue. It will happen.

Now for the faith based issue. McCain will get about 65% of the evangelicals to Obama's 35%. That will be a sizeable shift toward Obama. Moderate Christians care about other topics, as well as abortion. They are opposed to the war, want their leader to be able to speak up about his faith. Fact is no one is for abortions to take place. The real issue is whether the government should interfer with rights of women.

First thoughts: Gotta have faith

Houston — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 13:55:39 GMT

After watching and then later re-reading Obama’s remarks on patriotism yesterday, we have this reaction: Did Wes Clark mess up a good speech or what?
----------------------------------------------

No. The media invented another bogus controversy and talked about it endlessly (like you're doing). Clark simply gave a rational response to Bob Scheiffer's stupid question.

The media will always find some trivia to fixate on so they won't have to report any signficant facts, like the fact that McCain's off-shore drilling plans will not do a darn thing to lower gas prices.

First thoughts: Gotta have faith

Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 13:56:08 GMT

Holding the Republican evangelical edge to under the 78-21 split is a real possibility. And so is the potential for this bloc not coming out to the polls like they did in past elections.

That said, I'm not sure about the faith-based initiative sequel. I don't think I like it as a policy, and not sure I even like it politically.

First thoughts: Gotta have faith

C.K. Steele Fort Lauderdale, FL — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 13:58:16 GMT

I truly hate to see any kind of vet vs. vet fighting. The unwritten code was always that vets stuck together but we must remember that the recent seeds of this internecine sniping were planted by that honorless scoundrel Karl Rove in Mr. Bush's 2000 and 2004 campaigns. Sen. Obama would be wise to remain clear of any of this mess and to continue the good work he has been doing to insure that our troops get the best medical care possible and opportunities when they return home. Also our military deserves a Commander-in-Chief who will use intelligence and judgment instead of sending our troops to fight wars of choice and ideology.

As for the Middle East tour, I would take Biden and Hagel. Those two guys have way more bite than McCain's travel buddies and could help Obama to deliver the argument with more force and gravitas.

I like the fact that Mr. Bush is being booed in MS but, if more people have been paying attention--he's disliked pretty much everywhere. He has been doing many fundraisers under the cover of night and behind closed doors. The real question is what role will Mr. Bush have at the convention. You can't hide the 2-term President of your own party, can you?

First thoughts: Gotta have faith

ID,GA — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 14:01:57 GMT

To Stacy....I agree with you .... Obama has bounced to far ahead of McCain for anything that MCain does to matter. McCain looks like he has really given up on winning the election in Nov.....pitiful performance by the McCain camp.

To Clara......I saw what that low down snake [Bush] said yesterday.....gave McCain credit for passing a BILL that he didn't even vote on because he was in CA at the time.

First thoughts: Gotta have faith

Pete - Albany, NY — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 14:01:57 GMT

OIL IS THE WAY FOR JOHN McCAIN TO DEFEAT OBAMA ... (Sent Tuesday, July 01, 2008 9:49 AM)

What, you don't have a real name?

Maybe Big Oil should explore the land they've already leased. Of the approximately 90 million acres they already lease it's believed that 70 million acres sit idle.

Either way, it doesn't solve the REAL problem. Would you honestly hope to cure a crack addict by giving him more crack?

First thoughts: Gotta have faith

thats a fact jack — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 14:04:42 GMT

the so-called liberal press certainly seems to be a right wing rethugnutz pawn

First thoughts: Gotta have faith

Diane from Illinois — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 14:05:20 GMT

Does anyone else think it's interesting that McCain is going to Mexico and South America instead of concentrating on the swing states he's actually going to need in Novemeber? Yeah, I know, he says it's courting the latino vote, but come on, he's BEHIND in almost every poll. Why not spend the time, energy and money that ACTAULLY are going to vote for you? He and Barbie also need to pay their taxes. If I didn't pay mine, I'd be hauled off to jail.

First thoughts: Gotta have faith

Pete - Albany, NY — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 14:07:24 GMT

While I'm hesitant to crack on Senator McCain's service record (something distasteful about bashing a former Vietnam POW) if he's going to tout his experience in the military and, in doing so, exaggerate that experience somebody needs to call him out on it.

First thoughts: Gotta have faith

Thursday — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 14:08:32 GMT

Obama is not a Muslim.

---But, He's also not a Christian.

He's a universalist who embraces the Christian Scriptures. BIG difference.

First thoughts: Gotta have faith

Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 14:10:13 GMT

Nashville fan - I do think Obama threw Clark under the bus, and for good reason. Clark screwed up big-time. Doesn't matter if what he said is true or not. There's no reason to shift the conversation back to Vietnam, and an episode for which most of the nation finds McCain a sympathetic figure.

This is at odds with the Obama message on this point, which in simplist terms is 1) yes McCain's service should be honored, but 2) this election is about other issues.

The Democratic Party needs to adopt a little message discipline, and if it takes a few loose cannons getting tossed aside, fine.

First thoughts: Gotta have faith

donna — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 14:11:22 GMT

Barack is a leader for the ages. He is a positive thinker, not a quitter. He'll face his challenges now. He'll face the challenges for the Nation, as well as, with the same vision, and faith that America can overcome her enormous difficulties.

McCain has already quit on us. He focus is on redeeming Bush's decision to invade Iraq; an agenda full of folly on John's part.

First thoughts: Gotta have faith

BJ, CA — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 14:12:13 GMT

Seek the love in your heart..and fear not those changes...
The past mistakes are bound to be repeated if we keep electing the same old stuff different day government....vote for change that we need, vote for
Barack Obama for President....
...
Obama'08

First thoughts: Gotta have faith

Banko — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 14:13:12 GMT

Equal Pay Difference Obama and McCain: Under John McCain, women will never be respected.
McCain Puts 14-yr-old Girl on the Spot, Disses Fair Pay Act
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lnzqpVWC2-o&eurl=http://sensico.wordpress.com/

Barack Obama On Equal Pay
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0MGdMazrInw&eurl=http://sensico.wordpress.com/

Under John McCain, women will never be respected. This is a serious concern for women. McCain is totally against what Hillary stood for.

John McCain Votes to Filibuster Minimum Wage Hike
http://news.aol.com/elections-blog/2007/01/24/john-mccain-votes-to-filibuster-minimum-wage-hike

First thoughts: Gotta have faith

Obama Grandma — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 14:13:30 GMT

I totally agree with 'Houston' and 'Nashville Fan'... Obama didn't throw anyone 'under the bus'... the media did...

I know you have to fill the 24/7 news cycle, but you certainly know how to make mountains out of molehills. I guess this is more sensational than the issues... Sad...

First thoughts: Gotta have faith

Typical white person — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 14:14:17 GMT

People are not voting for Obama,

they are voting against Bush,

they are voting against plunging home prices,

they are voting against 4 dollar gasoline,

they are voting to get $4000 to go to college,

they are voting to have their earned income tax ,credit expanded,

they are voting to have the minimum wage expanded,

they are voting to get free health care,

they are voting to get bailed out of their subprime mortage loan,

Daffy Duck would have the same lead in the poll that Obama does,

Daffy Duck probably has more experience,

18 months in the US Senate does not a president make!

First thoughts: Gotta have faith

Stay on the Porch, McCain — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 14:15:14 GMT

If polls don't matter why would McCain care to "time" his VP pick? Sounds like another case of of McCain being the tail wagged by the Big Dog Obama.

First thoughts: Gotta have faith

Matthew, Phila, PA — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 14:16:03 GMT

Bush steers taxpayer money to faith-based programs and Democrats go into a frenzy (rightfully so).

Obama now vows to EXPAND these programs? Where is the outrage from the Democratic Party???

No taxpayer money for exclusionary, faith-based programs!

First thoughts: Gotta have faith

Lexi, Mississippi — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 14:19:21 GMT

Hey....I live in frikin Mississippi. When I first moved here, people asked me 1. What religion are you? 2. Are you a Republican? There are a lot of Democrats hiding behind the bushes somewhere down here, at least according to the last election!

First thoughts: Gotta have faith

Mark, Salem,CT — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 14:20:14 GMT

Why doesn't Obama just give his partiotism speech again. Isn't the speech recycleable and a new source of renewable energy for the campaign?

He should give the speech on the 4th of July.

He's a tremendous orator and should take advantage of his gift. He should use the best snippets of his abstract speeches (race, patriotism, etc.) when he's giving speeches on policy.

First thoughts: Gotta have faith

MSierra, SF — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 14:21:02 GMT

Clara Kansas City, MO : '...Okay, why no mention of the sudden "open embrace" and crediting of McCain with the GI Bill that the Bush idiot HAD to sign yesterday?...'

Great point, Clara
It would be great for Youtube, McCain and Bush opposing the GI Bill, then later taking credit for it

McCain didn't disavow Bush's statement about them facilitating the GI Bill
It only works if the media and Democrats let them get away with it

Having Bill clinton campaign would be good.....
But, why no mention of Jimmy Carter campaigning ?
Jimmy's post-presidential work has been wonderful
I'm sure HE could help with evangelicals
How about Carter ?

First thoughts: Gotta have faith

The - Democrat Soldier — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 14:22:35 GMT

I am convince to a certain degree; that the media is going to shift their focus to whatever is remotely negative when it comes to Barack Obama, no matter how positive he is or what postive message he gives.

They will do this because he is popular and well-liked and some will do this because they want to damage his image and help McCain.

But regardless - we smart Americans must be able to listen to what is being said by the candidates and use our own Judgement in deciding who we vote for; the media has lost their way - it's not the way it use to be - where they informed us - now it's about digging in our emotions and getting us to react so that we can respond and boost the ratings.

Some media venture ..even spread proproganda for the government. ALL I am saying is we need to be smart and research and use our best judgement. Because, it may come a time that the only person you can trust. Is yourself.

Thank you and GOD BLESS AMERICA

First thoughts: Gotta have faith

donna — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 14:23:26 GMT

*** When you’re getting attacked in Mississippi…: President Bush heads to Mississippi to raise money -- behind closed door...........................

*******************************************

-First Read

Has anyone else noticed how conspicuosly quiet Bush has been since the fire storm in the Isreali Knesset?

Does it seem that the 'Bush third term' talking point is not as prominent as a result? I've noticed that in the comments posted here, we seem to have eased up a bit on our zeal in tying the huggin cousins together.

What do you think?

First thoughts: Gotta have faith

think — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 14:23:57 GMT

Stopping the Obama bounce is like trying to keep the world from spinning. I think MCCain announcing his vp pick after Obama does ... not only shows Mc as weak.... it proves it! LOL
-------------------------
Stacy , if Obama could figure out a way to do the same, he would. IT'S POLITICS!

First thoughts: Gotta have faith

LB, Newark, NJ — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 14:28:52 GMT

Where is FirstRead's reporting on John McCain not paying property taxes on one of the 10+ homes owned by him and his wife? This information has been out there for days and not a peep yet. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/06/28/mccains-failed-to-pay-tax_n_109785.html

First thoughts: Gotta have faith

Roofin Reality, Houston, Tx. — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 14:32:39 GMT

The more you look at the Obama campaign, you realize that the organizers have really put a complete blue-print on how to win an election.
They court evangelicals (by the way, anyone notice how Senator Obama met with Franklin Graham but DID NOT ask for a photo op, unlike Senator McCain?)

They talk about patriotism in ways that have not been talked about

They defend against anything and everything that is absolutely false or misleading

They are trying to compete in every state possible, and not allowing the other side to marshall their resources to just a few states.

Dude has a very strategic gameplan and is unfolding it very carefully and tactfully.

McCain is going to Europe to fund raise, and then his wife goes to Europe to fundraise. Just last week, McCain was in Canada - to fundraise.
Heck, he even went to California for a fundraise instead of going back to DC to vote on the GI Bill that he opposed. But then took credit for passing.

I say let President Bill Clinton go to those rural areas in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Indiana, Wisconsin and Virginia as well as the ethnic minority areas of Texas, New Mexico, Colorado and Nevada.

As it stands now, things are totally undecided. But, I'd rather be ahead (in Obama's shoes) than behind (in McCain's shoes) with momentum and more endoresements to come for Obama.
Let's Barack the vote in late October (early voting) and Novermber 4, 2008.

First thoughts: Gotta have faith

Matthew — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 14:32:55 GMT

As I said yesterday . . .

The media is deliberately NOT trying to correctly state what Wes Clark was saying. The ONLY person that got it right was Pat Buchanan this morning: Being in the military is not necessary to be POTUS. The media is aiding the republicans with their ruse. If you look at McCain's early campaign adds and his biography tour is he NOT IN FACT TOUTING HIS MILITARY SERVICE AS A REASON TO BE POTUS??? What do you call an add with footage of him reciting his military serial number when he was at last 'rescued'?

McCain is touting Military Record as a qualification for POTUS!

He even attacked Obama earlier on with something to the effect that Obama didn't feel "the responsibility to have served".

And frankly: It is all he's got, to quote Buchanan!

Wes Clark NEVER denigrated his service! He just said that he shouldn't be using it as qualification for POTUS. What the hell is wrong with that?? McCain loses all other issues. Why isn't it fair game to go after HOW he is using his service vs the FACT or CONTENT of his service, which is what Rove and Co. did to Kerry in 2004, which was much more despicable!?
If he wants to prostitute his otherwise honorable service record in this fashion then he should be prepared when true military patriots like Clark call him on it!! Clark is right: POTUS has everything to do with judgement! McCain's record showing judgment shows one thing:

He has none

He's running on the natural respect that we American's give our service men and women. And I'm sorry THAT ALONE DOES NOT QUALIFY YOU FOR THE WHITE HOUSE!

McCain is hollow, ethereal and full of empty platitudes! He lost his 'soul' along time ago when he chose to 'suck up' to Bush and Rove despite what they did to him! Integrity is seriously lacking on McCain's part . . . but there is no shortage of ambition. YOU McCain will do anything to be President! How could you after how they slandered and savaged you in 2000 come around to be their lap dogs!?

You know that you're morally bankrupt so you chose to run on the one thing that on it's face is unassailable : Your military record. But McCain you tarnish even that the way you've tried fool the American people into trusting you.

It's all you've got and Wesley Clark is doing you a favor by calling you on it so you don't misconstrue the one shred of decency that you have left!

First thoughts: Gotta have faith

Steve A Jonesboro IN — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 14:33:00 GMT

Don't forget..mccain/pow! mccain/pow! mccain/pow!! Kind of like rudy9/11!

First thoughts: Gotta have faith

camie — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 14:36:16 GMT

Obama is definitely going to get a big chunk of the faith vote because he is the only candidate talking about his faith, I never hear anything from mccain like bush did in 2000, we dont even know if mccain goes to church.

Black republicans play race card
Bush gives mccain credit for GI bill
Worst web ad everrr
http://sensico.wordpress.com/

First thoughts: Gotta have faith

Roofin Reality, Houston, Tx. — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 14:44:21 GMT

By the way, does it in any way seem odd that some Christians would automatically flock to Senator McCain when we have no idea if he even attends church on a semi-regular basis? We all know, thanks to the Rev. Wright coverage, that Senator Obama IS a man of faith and has attended religious services regularly since early adulthood.

I wonder why no one ever questions McCain on that?
Unless, he like some other "Christians" do *bedside* religion. You know, get out the bed and step on a beer can or wine glass or other "exotic things" in the room and say God before asking if the damn was breached.

Just asking, that's all.

First thoughts: Gotta have faith

Midwest Mom, Illiana — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 14:44:42 GMT

Wes Clark has earned the right to comment on another military man's service. With that said, I will not do it, and Obama shouldn't. You cannot expect Obama to do anything but what he did -- focus attention on the true debt we owe to those who work here and abroad to uphold the American ideal. I don't think Gen. Clark was 'thrown under the bus'. (and what's this bus obsession about, anyway?!?)

However, an important element of patriotism should be, for all of us, to hold our government accountable and provide a clear sense of mission for our men and women in Iraq and Afghanistan. That does not include keeping them there indefinitely. I want Obama to say this outright -- even this week, amid the parades and fireworks. We honor them when we are honest about their situation and what got us there in the first place.

The vast majority of us could not do what these soldiers and their families have done and continue to do. I think it's important not to lose perspective on that, especially this week.

http://ilfamilypolitics.blogspot.com

First thoughts: Gotta have faith

Matthew — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 14:46:44 GMT

And to continue what I said the campaign had to distance themselves from Clark's comments(even though they were correct) to take away any prolonged opportunity for McCain to divert the public attention from the issues. The Republicans are DELIBERATELY misinterpreting what Clark said so that they may engage in a back and forth about character instead of any concrete plan to get the country out of the debacle we find ourselves in!

There will be time to blow the roof off of McCain. And Clark has put a few cracks in the beams.

Wesley Clark was Right!!! But a little Ill-timed

Oh and by the way Mika Obama DID NOT throw Clark under the bus. Stop interpreting for the GOP!!

First thoughts: Gotta have faith

Matthew — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 14:47:30 GMT

First thoughts: Gotta have faith

micheal — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 14:55:59 GMT

I have seen on a couple of blog posts that Obama will be announcing his VP by the end of the week, I also read a short article on the rumor at http://www.theveep.com I was wondering if any one else has heard this rumor>?