First thoughts: Can the center hold?

Chuck, NY — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 13:38:53 GMT

As we approach our nation’s 232 birthday, it is time to reflect that we have come together more in tragedy than triumph. Certainly in my lifetime, the assassination of President Kennedy, (and to a lesser extent Dr. King, Senator Bobby Kennedy), natural disasters like Hurricane Katrina, and the penultimate tragedy of 9/11 have brought the nation together. I can only vouch for myself, but in triumph the nation has only rallied once in a non-violence driven event, Neil Armstrong walking on the moon. Sure, there have been moments in sports or entertainment we have rallied together, but not like Armstrong’s walk on the moon. I guess it is human nature to rally in the wake of tragedy.

Do you give pause in your hectic lives to think about what happened 232 years ago in our country? Have you ever seen the Liberty Bell? Ever seen The Declaration of Independence and the Constitution at the National Archives? Ever been to Arlington National Cemetery and seen the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier & the changing of the guard? Ever been to Valley Forge or Gettysburg? Ever wondered why we are so blessed as a nation?

I mention this because we as a nation are on the verge of a monumental moment in our history, the election to President of an African-American. This is a triumph that will be unrivaled against anything I might see in the rest of my life.

If you attend a parade on Friday or see a flag waving somewhere, give thanks and remember to be ever faithful to “all men are created equal” and “in order to form a more perfect union.” Have a safe and Happy Independence Day.

First thoughts: Can the center hold?

Biased — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 13:41:48 GMT

"One can tell the Post isn't sure how big of a deal it is since the paper chose to put it on A-3 instead of the front page."
Or one could tell the Post as most Media is in the bag for Obama.
HMMMMMMM I wonder which.

First thoughts: Can the center hold?

the Pajama Pundit — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 13:43:39 GMT

How is Barack Obama RESPONSIBLE for Clark's remarks? Someone please explain this to me.

http://thepajamapundit.com/

First thoughts: Can the center hold?

Obama For President!! — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 13:47:15 GMT

Obama has had a long week. McClain was on the attack this week. He hit Obama with some good issues: Lack of Military experience, Lack of knowledge in the financial sector, flip flopping on issues.

Obama has some work to do to clean up McClain's issues.

** 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: Can the center hold?

Brendan D, Niles, IL — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 13:47:16 GMT

>>Does this mean that the only effect the last three days have had is rule out any chance Clark had in being Obama’s veep?<<

YES! For God's sake, yes, Domenico! That is all this ever meant, and all it was ever going to mean. Thank you, finally, for pointing it out.

First thoughts: Can the center hold?

Rainy, Ohio — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 13:47:51 GMT

How does the Washington Post know what kind of interest rate anybody has on their mortgage? That's private! I mean John McCain isn't even paying the taxes on his houses! You guys never report anything about John McCain.

First thoughts: Can the center hold?

Dan, McFarland, WI — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 13:49:49 GMT

Carl H. Lindner Jr., the billionaire Cincinnati businessman was of a recent top-dollar fundraiser for Sen. John McCain oversaw the payment of roughly $1.7 million to a Colombian paramilitary group that is today designated a terrorist organization by the United States."

How dare John McCain talk about National Security and then turn around and take terrorist money!!!

First thoughts: Can the center hold?

New Wave — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 13:53:44 GMT

FirstRead, where is the story on a top McCain fundraiser paying money to terrorists and was even found guilty of doing so?

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/07/02/mccain-fundraiser-oversaw_n_110354.html

First thoughts: Can the center hold?

camie — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 13:53:53 GMT

oh please i got my car insurance for $200 less because companies were competiting for a customer, so obama getting a loan for less is no big deal. also im sick of hearing about FISA with the net roots its stupid just leave it alone and let obama move to the center.

http://www.sensico.wordpress.com

First thoughts: Can the center hold?

Ron Indiana — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 13:54:43 GMT

I agree with Politico's Roger Simon, with a footnote. Obama's campaign is purposeful. By that I mean that what he has been doing and is doing is well planned. The Patriotism Speech was planned.(They didn't plan on Clark steping on Obama's speech.) The faith based initiatives is planned. Going to Europe and the Middle East is planned. The FISA vote is to cover his backside in case there is a terrorist attack. He is getting the support of Wall Street as well as Main Street. He is serious about winning and he is getting his ducks in a row to neutralize any future debate arguments. Also he is not telegraphing his next move so it will be new and the media will have something to chew on. Barack would win today if the election were held today and he will win by a landside in November. Bank on it...If you have any money left in the stock market.

First thoughts: Can the center hold?

think — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 13:55:14 GMT

So, did Chris Dodd hook Obama up with the Sweetheart deal at Countrywide? Let's see Rezko bought half the property and paid more for an empty lot than Obama paid for a huge house. Then, later, Obama buys a small strip of the empty lot for $100,000 from Rezko's wife. And, now we see it was a discounted loan none of us could get. Obamatons, are you seeing the light? He takes deals just like all politicians. He says whatever the group he's with wants to hear. I like Simons comment that Obama was a candidate running for President and not the leader of a movement. Same old politics. He's no Messiah; he's a POLITICIAN and a dirty, sleazy Chicago one at that.

First thoughts: Can the center hold?

ZachJonesIsHome — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 13:55:33 GMT

Senator Obama’s Patriotism – What it means to this Navy Veteran. I hope you consider the following article: Senator Obama's Patriotism - a Veteran's Perspective
It is found at:
http://zachjonesishome.wordpress.com/senator-obama%e2%80%99s-patriotism-a-veteran%e2%80%99s-perspective/

First thoughts: Can the center hold?

Nashville_fan — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 13:55:38 GMT

Great post Chuck, NY! We are definitely living in historic times - and I am proud to be alive to witness it all!

I don't really have much to add today - shocking I know! (lol)

I will disagree with one bit of conventional wisdom in the above article however:

"Of course, any day that John McCain gets to talk about his military service is a good day for him. And McCain's had three good days on that score."

I don't think the McCain campaign has had three good days. On the contrary, I think they have seemed defensive, irrational, and petty. I think that the entire attitude of the McCain campaign and the media that ANY comment about John McCain's military service is an "attack" is ridiculous. And I think the way it has been handled smacks of a sense of entitlement that I find very unappealing. But what do I know? :)

P.S. The Obama mortgage story? Funny how that gets printed, but John and Cindy McCain not paying their taxes doesn't. How do you square that First Read? Isn't it illegal to not pay your taxes? How can you handle the Federal Budget if you can't even pay your property taxes? Why do the McCain's have/need so many houses? Who's elite now?

First thoughts: Can the center hold?

LENI,MICHIGAN — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 13:58:14 GMT

Will Obama alienate his base? NO NO NO NO. Am I thrilled with some of his actions of late? NO. Will I continue to support him? YES. Don't worry about his base, we're just fine.

First thoughts: Can the center hold?

Clara Kansas City, MO — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 13:59:16 GMT

Chuck NY,

Nice post. I feel guilty for taking the gutter a minute ago. Some days I am more angry than others. I took my 7 year old daughter to see Obama in KC in January. We waited for three hours winding around buildings, garages etc. The whole time I saw every possible representation of our country and we all felt SO bonded. We kept smiling and saying to each other, "This just feels like I'm a part of history!" So I know what you mean. This is the perfect week to reflect on that. Thank's for keeping it real.

First thoughts: Can the center hold?

BJ, CA — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 13:59:33 GMT

Colombia...is Mark Penn there?..
Trade and Crime...still trying to learn those evil ways McNut...most voters in this election, I do believe, are in the US and it territories...Has Colombia or Mexico or Canada gained that status?
Not very effective voter collaboration and weak partner building ...GOP same old stuff different day...Deals for the rich...
Change in Washinton is comming..
GOP's biggest nightmare

Obama'08

First thoughts: Can the center hold?

Teresa, Defiance OH — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 14:00:05 GMT

Good Lord !!!
It's only the first of July, and I'm sick and tired about McCain. He and his military record have been shoved down our throats until I'm just about to choke.
My son served in Iraq, and my nephew is a fighter pilot with the Marines, and believe me, you wouldn't want either one of them as your president. I'm just sick to death of hearing about McCain's record. And what about that record?????? Has he released his entire military record?? What about the 600 plus pages that are confidential? Enough already!!!!!

He doesn't have a clue or a plan !!!!

First thoughts: Can the center hold?

Sherri, Charleston WV — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 14:00:38 GMT

Are you guys serious? Okay, allow me to submit a few thoughts for you all at First Read. I read this morning that one of McCain's MAIN fundraisers, Carl Lindner of Chiquita Brands is responsible for terrorist payouts in Columbia......care to even go there FR? How bout this for a rebut to Wes Clark. Grover Norquist ignorantly calls Obama ******with a tan-do I ven need to insert the name? do I hear McCain rebuffing that buffoon at all? WTF? Not to mention that every site, blog, news release has spoken of McCain's tax problem in CA, yet not one peep from you. Obama's bargain for a mortage? Well let's talk some more of McCain's bargain for his Strait (no, I spelled it how I see it)Talk jet.....where did it come from? did the money he saved frm using Cindy's Lear for pennies on the $ enable him to do that? Quit giving JM a pass people---you are showing your backside.

First thoughts: Can the center hold?

Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 14:02:42 GMT

Obama built his initial base of support in early 2007 on the premise that he was an adult who could avoid the childish partisan trench-warfare foodfights. That's why independents embraced him initially, and exactly what made him the anti-Clinton.

In that sense, his tack to the center is completely consistent.

That said, the faith-based stuff caught me by surprise.

On the Clark thing, it was dumb in that it made the issue of the day (or last three) McCain's service. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that's not where Obama wants the discussion. Clark's words also sounded more like those of someone who wants to continue a foodfight rather than someone who wants to get past that silliness.

The Obama message regarding McCain is, yes, he's an American hero but this election is about the pressing issues facing the country today. The implied message is that, no, McCain's background doesn't necessarily better prepare him over Obama for the presidency.

Clark went past the implication and sounded snide. It was, as Obama said, unartful.

First thoughts: Can the center hold?

Linda. Boston, MA — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 14:02:59 GMT

McCain is trying to play the victim because he knows he can't win on the issues. So let's manufacture a controversy where there is none and try to get people to focus on trivial matters. But this whole thing is BS.

For such a brave war hero, McCain sure is acting like a sensitive little pu$$y. No one questioned or belittled his service record. NO ONE. All Clark did was question how relevant that experience is to the office of the presidency - something McCain himself has questioned before!

I've lost SOOO much respect for McCain. I used to love the maverick, but this new McCain is a joke.

First thoughts: Can the center hold?

Houston — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 14:03:02 GMT

*** Obama’s bargain: The Washington Post today writes that Obama secured a discount loan for his home in Chicago.
-----------------------------------------

I just KNEW that FirstRead would seize on this non-story as soon as I saw a brief mention of this in the paper this morning. And yet it took days for you people to breathe a word of McCain's tax problems due to the fact that he lost track of one of the luxury homes he and his obscenely wealthy wife own. And you mentioned it only after he'd been pressured into paying (most of) the back taxes he owed.

But this isn't surprising anymore; everyone knows by now that the corporate media is working to get McCain elected. It's a tough job given what a miserably incompetent candidate McCain is, but the billion-dollar corporate media conglomerate has the financial resources for it.

First thoughts: Can the center hold?

Sunny in TN — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 14:03:15 GMT

First thoughts: Can the center hold?

Nutty B. — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 14:04:42 GMT

I think Nashville fan it it right on the head. I also wonder what has happen to John McCains mom on the campaign trail. She was kinda funny, I remember her saying on C-SPAN of "of course you can vote for my son if you hold your nose". Then to my surprise I saw her doing a Capital One credit comercial as the generals mother.

First thoughts: Can the center hold?

Cindi in Louisiana — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 14:05:14 GMT

I wonder if Wesley Clark is holding out hope that "something will happen to Obama" before the convention and that his first choice, Hillary Clinton, can somehow still have a chance of snatching the nomination away at the convention? He is certainly not acting like an Obama surrogate. His comments were ill-advised and unnecessary and anyone with an IQ of 20 should have known the potential of setting off this distracting firestorm by commenting on McCain's strength, which is his military experience.

First thoughts: Can the center hold?

dk in tn — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 14:05:45 GMT

Obama is so left of left-wing he could NOT find the center with a On-Star System. He is left wing to the point of being Marxist. However, some will fall for his tactics. After all he has 143 days of experience as a senator. That is an extremely thin resume' for sure.

This Hillocrat will be voting for McCain because I trust him and he is a true patriot and doesn't have to give speeches to try and convince anyone.

McCain 2008

First thoughts: Can the center hold?

Keith, PA — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 14:05:55 GMT

In regard to the McCain/Clark controvery... McCain needs to stop being so angry. He looks desperate trying to make hay out of nonsense. The Republican candidates for President had stronger attacks on McCain than what Clark said. I recall Romey attacking McCain's lack of executive experience among other things.

First thoughts: Can the center hold?

Hillary Democrats — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 14:06:49 GMT

Yes, the center will hold since we will see President McCain shortly.

Vote against vague promises of change.
Vote against old liberal ideas. (Google Obama and idea)
Vote against higher taxes. (Google Obama and high tax)

Vote for experience.
Vote for security.
Vote for fiscal restraint. (Google Mccain vs Pork)

Vote for bipartisanship. (Google these bipartisan legislations: McCain-Feingold or McCain-Kennedy or McCain-Lieberman or McCain-Edwards-Kennedy)

Vote for John McCain.

First thoughts: Can the center hold?

ge`pa` — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 14:07:29 GMT

Politico's Roger Simon says Obama is a different kind of democrat?? That means only one thing to me--`he wants to pander to the conservative Repubs. That is a joke, and it will mean suicide for Obama. Repubs always vote for their own, NO MATTER HOW MUCH THE DEM TRIES TO PANDER.

First thoughts: Can the center hold?

class Warrior, D.C. — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 14:08:03 GMT

First off, I don't much like Obama's swing to the middle: his distinction was as a candidate like no other, who plays by different rules---that's why I supported him and voted for him in the primaries. If he's just going to be another Bill Clinton, that disappoints me. I think he should stick with his huge and enthusiastic base: we can put him in office quite well without centrists.
Second: yes, this stupid remark by Clark has doomed his chances to be Veep, and he should retire and go buy a farm somewhere and stay out of the news.
Third, no Dem worth anything is going to vote for Nader after he skewed the numbers in 2000; but very conservative Big Gummint-hating Repigs may well choose Barr, a conservative face they know with a message simplistic and a party murky enough that they can imagine he stands for just what they wwant him to stand for. He WILL take votes away from the tepid and none-too-popular Mccain, and help Obama.
Hagel might be a good choice for Obama, but generally, independents are wild cards that may not be trusted to toe the party line.

First thoughts: Can the center hold?

The Don, Missouri — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 14:08:06 GMT

Has Washington Post being gettign more and more pro-McCain or are they jsut out to get more readers by dishing on Obama for nothing?

Lewts see, tehy might want to go find out if he pays 0% interest on his car loan, and his 3% on his credit card debt..which would make him like the rest of us...

And on McCain's loan's, shousl we even try. Oh never mind, the McCain's loans/debts are under Cindy, and her finances are not public matters. Or are/should they?

First thoughts: Can the center hold?

SMS — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 14:08:11 GMT

So HURRAY to Obama for being willing to take back the Bible, and to use those moral principles as a guide. It's time to remember Jesus was a radical liberal, not a conservative in a suit.

First thoughts: Can the center hold?

Gail, TN — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 14:08:41 GMT

Thank you, Chuck, NY for your poignant remarks. I'm thrilled to be living in this historic time; and you are right, an Obama presidency will be a triumph and will speak of our maturing as a nation.

Regarding Wes Clark's remarks - Sen. McCain's military service is fair game, just as Sen. Obama's work as a community organizer is fair game. I think Wes Clark spoke the truth. Because the media is focused on "gotcha" sound bytes to boost ratings, each of us must consider these remarks/counter-remarks for ourselves and decide how much value to place on them.

I would hate to be a media journalist in these times...chasing the sound byte du jour is robbing all of you of the ability to do in-depth, thoughtful reporting on meaningful matters.

First thoughts: Can the center hold?

100% for Senator Obama — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 14:09:53 GMT

McCain is not just whinning, he is hollerin', because he and his "crew" know full well what they did to Senator Kerry! They know without a doubt how evil they were in what they did to him and they know it caused him to lose the election. They will holler until election day, but it is not Senator Obama's problem. It is McCain's problem, brought on by their own party. You can bet WE will not let this get by us. The republicans have alot to answer for in the way treated Kerry. Let's hear some apologies and retractions for all of those attacks!

Until then, we have deaf ears to the "I'm so offended" for these comments.
General Clark and others can just keep "commenting" on this issue.

Obama 08

First thoughts: Can the center hold?

Brian M. DE — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 14:12:13 GMT

Sunny in TN i have seen those numbers and have a very good explanation for them. AOL is not a site that progressive peope use . It had Hillary winning as well. Not a bash on Hillary. I only keep AOL because I like having a catch all email account. No my other service only a couple of people even have that address and you know what ? NO SPAM mail . So AOL is my spam catcher.

First thoughts: Can the center hold?

The Don, Missouri — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 14:16:31 GMT

Rainy in OH, You would rain on anyone's parade. Check you facts. The taxes on all the McCain properties have been paid.

AOL poll of actual people has shown McCain ahead by 62 to 38%--that is with almost 200,000 votes. The pollster call around 6,000 people, if at all and they probably use Obama's donor list to make the calls. That is how rigged this election is.
Sunny in TN (Sent Wednesday, July 02, 2008 10:03 AM)

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Sunny,

What real people(adults) actually still use AOL? Republicans like you maybe.

First thoughts: Can the center hold?

donna — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 14:16:31 GMT

Look at the level of interesting events which have unfolded since Unity NH, on Friday, and up through to this morning.

I don't agree that the Olympics, or anything else will serve to distract us from the campaign this summer, save, (and G-D forbid), something catastrophic. Lull schmull!

First thoughts: Can the center hold?

EJ — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 14:16:59 GMT

FR... I am disappointed.. .you mention the potential story regarding Obama and his loan but FAIL to mention the fact that McCain and his heiress wife FAILED to pay taxes for four years on his SEVENTH home... How about some sort of mention of this... again... someone who talks about financial responsibility should be financially responsible...

Here let me help you out a bit...

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/06/28/mccains-failed-to-pay-tax_n_109785.html

First thoughts: Can the center hold?

Houston — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 14:18:57 GMT

New Wave: [[FirstRead, where is the story on a top McCain fundraiser paying money to terrorists and was even found guilty of doing so?]]

This sounds like a major story, but my guess is that the corporate media will sweep it under the ever-more-lumpy carpet with the rest of the disturbing facts about John McCain and his cronies. It's interesting, isn't it, how the only critical news about McCain on this blog are from people posting comments, and seldom if ever from any of the reporters.

First thoughts: Can the center hold?

Siegfried, Central Illinois — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 14:19:53 GMT

Sunny--
How was the AOL poll conducted? Were the respondants registered voters? Likely voters? Were they only allowed to respond once? Was it a representitive sample? All those things are taken into account by the pollsters you deride.

First thoughts: Can the center hold?

donna — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 14:19:53 GMT

Of course, any day that John McCain gets to talk about his military service is a good day for him. And McCain's had three good days on that score.
**************************************************

McCain has had three unholy days of media driven drivel. It will backfire, on him, and you.

First thoughts: Can the center hold?

former dem for McCain — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 14:20:20 GMT

AOL poll of actual people has shown McCain ahead by 62 to 38%--that is with almost 200,000 votes.
----------------
Sunny, I pointed this out a couple of days ago. And, it has been at that level for weeks. You have to remember, too, they say Obama has the more "educated" and likely to use internet so what does this poll tell you? It should be biased toward Obama, right, but McCain consistently is up 2-1 over BO. Seems to me BO might not be running away things like people would like you to believe.

First thoughts: Can the center hold?

Walt, Ohio — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 14:20:33 GMT

"*** History repeating itself? The Wes Clark-McCain story has now lasted 72 hours, and it even received a bit more life when Clark yesterday defended his controversial comments to NBC’s Andrea Mitchell, when Obama called those remarks “inartful,” and when McCain demanded that Obama cut Clark “loose.” But does this entire episode remind anyone else of John Kerry’s botched joke before the 2006 midterms -- when Kerry’s mangled swipe at President Bush got twisted into a slap at US troops? In fact, just like now, that incident began after Republicans seized on remarks of debatable controversy and milked them for all they were worth. That event taught us a couple of lessons: 1) that it didn’t alter the overall political environment one iota, as Democrats still went on to rout Republicans in those elections despite plenty of Democratic handwringing; and 2) it politically hurt the person who said it, as Kerry later chose not to run for president again. Does this mean that the only effect the last three days have had is rule out any chance Clark had in being Obama’s veep? Of course, any day that John McCain gets to talk about his military service is a good day for him. And McCain's had three good days on that score."

=========================================================================
With all the talk about McCain getting positive press from his military service, why doesn't the MSM do the due diligence in regards to that service? Specifically, why doesn't the MSM demand that McCain release the 600+ pages of his military record? There is a dispute about his "war hero" status; he is campaigning on his military record. He is implying that his Military service qualifies him for being "CIC". Well, these various groups dispute this CW:
http://www.usvetdsp.com/smith_mc.htm
http://educate-yourself.org/cn/earlhopperinterview08feb08.shtml
http://www.vietnamveteransagainstjohnmccain.com/index.htm

Why doesn't the MSM report on McCain's property tax default on his California home?:
http://www.newsweek.com/id/143775/
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/06/28/mccains-failed-to-pay-tax_n_109785.html

Finally, McCain's terrorist ties through a Cincinnati area fundraiser is getting barely a whisper in the MSM:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/07/02/mccain-fundraiser-oversaw_n_110354.html
If any of the above happened with Obama, CNN, NBC, ABC Fox, etc would have dedicated 24/7 ad nauseum coverage to these stories.

McSame can be a North Vietnamese collaborator, a tax cheat and a supporter of terrorists through a fundraiser, and he is celebrated in the MSM. All because he's a "great guy" to the press. He is nothing more than a weak, amoral opportunist who profited from blatant nepotism, philandering, spouse abandoning and positive press hype.

First thoughts: Can the center hold?

Amy B Portland, ME — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 14:21:23 GMT

Its stunning how the media focuses on the candidates' images, the gotcha stories, the personal tidbits designed to show us what a great guy/lousy creep we are in danger of/hopefully will, elect. I recently saw a documentary on global warming called The Eleventh Hour which scared the heck out of me, but where is there discussion in the media of the rapid changes our society must make if our species is to be saved? Scientists are talking about species extinction, folks, and I mean our extinction, not just some "lowly toad." And all the media asks the candidates is: what other smear stories of your opponent would you like us to run.

First thoughts: Can the center hold?

Keith, PA — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 14:22:06 GMT

Nice post Chuck NY. I agree. It's a great country. It's nice that as a country we can bind up our wounds and move forward. I'm looking forward to the Obama acceptance speech which happens to fall on the 35th anniversary of MLK's "I have a Dream" speech.

First thoughts: Can the center hold?

SMS — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 14:22:35 GMT

Senator Obama is being himself and demonstrating his style of government, common sense solutions and compromise to make real progress on issues that impact the majority of the people. While this does not make him an ideologue on the left or the right (haven't we had enough of that?), it places him firmly in the mainstream of America (left of center), exactly where the President of the United States should be to keep us moving forward (i.e. progressive).

America has had enough highly partisan fights that lead to both sides getting none of what they want and with us paying the price...literally. Get off Obama's back and get behind him. Holding him accountable doesn't translate into child-like tantrums when you disagree with him.

Stay focused Barack. We've got your back.

First thoughts: Can the center hold?

think — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 14:23:02 GMT

How dare John McCain talk about National Security and then turn around and take terrorist money!!!
------------------
Dan, don't know if your story is true or not but how does BO have the leader of the US Hamas listed/linked as a fundraiser on his website? How does he associate with Khalid?

First thoughts: Can the center hold?

Rick,Ky — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 14:23:45 GMT

At McChanger's age, Any day he wakes up, is a GR8 day!

First thoughts: Can the center hold?

think — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 14:24:47 GMT

d just leave it alone and let obama move to the center.
-----------------
Camie, why do you want him to move to center? He's campaigned he's something different. He's been in the twilight zone of the left and now we're supposed to believe he's a centrist? BS. One thing we do know is he's a dirty, sleazy Chicago style politician

First thoughts: Can the center hold?

Diane from Illinois — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 14:26:00 GMT

I am getting extremely irritated with First Read lately. "So what do we make of Obama’s week so far?"
How about what the hell kind of week did McFossil have? Read this entire article. Obama, Obama, Obama. Do you EVER print anything about McFossil EXCEPT to praise his military service? He's been in the Senate for 20 YEARS First Read and hasn't accomplished MUCH in that time either. Has it ever dawned on you to be equal and fair to BOTH candidate and actually talk about the issues of this campaign that AFFECT ordinary people? I'd like to see a different tone from now until November....why do I think that won't happen?

First thoughts: Can the center hold?

donna — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 14:26:29 GMT

*** Obama’s bargain: ?????

We got one too in '04! Our refinanced, morgage has a fixed rate at 5.65. Lots of people did well back then.

The Obama's pay their vendors, and their property taxes, on time.

Report on that 'First Read'.

First thoughts: Can the center hold?

The Truth — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 14:28:01 GMT

Mortgages are not private. They are a matter of public record.

First thoughts: Can the center hold?

think — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 14:28:09 GMT

He and his military record have been shoved down our throats until I'm just about to choke.
---------------
Teresa, sort of like we're tired of hearing BO was raised by a single mother who took food stamps and that somehow that makes him special and qualified to be President?????????//

First thoughts: Can the center hold?

The - Democrat Soldier — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 14:28:28 GMT

Obama for President - Oh Contraire, Barack Obama was not hit hard by John McCain on any issues this week.

John McCain gave alot of BS and we all know it. The person that has a lot of work to do is John McCain and with his flip flopping ways and his continued non-sense.

I see I have to watch you - you sometimes seem to misrepresent - what you actually say.

Think about it.

Thank you and GOD BLESS AMERICA

First thoughts: Can the center hold?

donna — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 14:29:31 GMT

YAY FOR THE FOURTH OF JULY!!!!!

Tie Nadar to the firework finale, and let 'er rip!

First thoughts: Can the center hold?

Thomas — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 14:30:49 GMT

Cults start with an idea, an idea of deliverence, a hope for the future, salvation. Once the followers have been steeped in that awhile, the leader starts testing their faith with trials to prove their devotion to see if they are blind enough. If the leader sees the people will blindly follow them, and have forgoten the original idea that brought them there in the first place (hope), The leader can then do what they like.

The Libs are still feeding from the Obama trough even though he is now supporting gun rights, wire tapping, and faith based charity. This unabashed blindness by his supporters is bringing me down today. Are we really this dumb as a species?

First thoughts: Can the center hold?

Stacey — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 14:31:02 GMT

MSNBC loves John McCain. Their behavior is disgraceful. What about John McCain's taxes? Can you imagine the Obamas being tainted with the same level of scandal as the Mccains and it not be covered. What's the chance that Mrs. Obama would get a pass if she had had problem with drugs and the law like Cindy McCain..

First thoughts: Can the center hold?

atd — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 14:31:33 GMT

The Wash post story is stupid and does not need to be repeated. People's rates mortgage rates are based on credit history and income/assets and what the rates are on day they lock it in.

First thoughts: Can the center hold?

bennySF, San Francisco, California — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 14:31:52 GMT

I agree that the media seems unable to separate itself from its very long and friendly relationship with John McCain to reach an objective and fair stance to both candidates. It is interesting that even many commentators and reporters are commenting on the difficulty their profession is having doing so. Perhaps the issue is that no one ever thought John McCain would win the Republican party's nomination so the friendships never boded any problems.
If First Read, The Washington Post, etc. are going to report the discount given Senator Obama on his home loan, then responsibility to the voter dictates that they also examine all of the loans given to Mrs. McCain (who owns all of the McCain's real estate) on her loans and mortgages, though she seems to have paid outright for most of them. Also, it would behoove the press to notice if it is just politicians who get discounted loans or the majority of people with networth over a million dollars, who show the ability to pay the loans/mortgages. Traditionally lenders charge higher rates for higher risk.

BennySF, San Francciso

First thoughts: Can the center hold?

GO- AWAY SO CALLED HILLARYDEMOCRAT — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 14:33:35 GMT

Hillary Democrats - why would you degrade Hillary's and name, by calling yourself a Democrat.

It's obvious you are a repubican that is still trying to use the Hillary post primary election lost as a tool to sabotage voters.

IT WON"T WORK...WE ALL KNOW HILLARY WOULDN"T WANT TRAITORS LIKE YOU AS A SUPPORTER.

Since you dislike Barack Obama so much - why don't you tell us why you like John McCain.

Thank you and GOD BLESS AMERICA

First thoughts: Can the center hold?

Jimbo — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 14:33:35 GMT

Efff off Linda. You are so like your idol Barak, a panderer. You're never been a McCain voter to begin with.

First thoughts: Can the center hold?

Laura, Norfolk VA — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 14:34:59 GMT

Paul Miller in Woodbridge, thank you for your thoughtful posts. While I admit I usually disagree with you, hearing a reasonable argument on here is what this place should be for, not the nasty rants from Eric in Salinas et al.
As far as Clark goes, someone really needs to tell him that his 15 minutes has expired. While he's absolutely right that being a POW gives you no qualification to be president, it is part of McCain's narrative and character that, whether we love him or hate him, we must tip our hat to. And we do vote on character issues. With Obama's patriotism constantly in question, fairly or unfairly, he and his camp should stay about a million miles away from anything like this. Obama has done the right thing the last few days w/his comments, but that's a message that his surrogates need to pick up on too...unless it's intentional.

First thoughts: Can the center hold?

NOBama — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 14:36:17 GMT

If foodstamps and being raised by a single parent qualifies a legal age individual to be president of the US, how may qualified candidates are out there today ?