First thoughts: Iraq is back

Win the War — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 13:18:09 GMT

I wonder what the polls will say if Obama manages to be President and he pulls the troops too early, and the price of a barrel of oil goes to $300/barrel because of the insatability in the mid-east?

First thoughts: Iraq is back

Steve NewYork NY — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 13:23:50 GMT

Anyone else sick of how the media is treating "Teflon John?"

He joked about killing Iranian civilians with cigarettes .. but the media was obsessed with how Jesse Jackson adressed Obama.

Morning Joe has now become unwatchable, with Joe Scarborough constantly trying so find out how much Obama loves America, Pat Buchanan constantly talking about Kentucky and West Virginia and Rev. Wright.

And Yes, sadly, Rep. Harold Ford Jr. is looking more everyday like a man who is not an analyst, but a Tenesse senate candidate still running.
He's always second-guessing Obama and "giving him public advice"

Im sorry but I think that the Obama camp should get another surrogate. He appears on these shows as the democratic side but turns out looking neutral as the republicans keep pounding Obama.

When Pat Buchanan is on the other side, we need another bulldog, not a neutral politically-ambitious wannabe who would love to be in Obama's place.

Obama has a big speech on Iraq, I'd rather watch him as opposed to finding out what happened to Christie Brinkley during a divorce.

Last night he has a speech to the NCAAP, no one showed it, just analysts talking on TV,getting their incorrect views as opposed to watching the actual candidate.

MSNBC clean up your act, we want to watch the candidates, not the analysts.

First thoughts: Iraq is back

Diane from Illinois — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 13:27:24 GMT

The only ones buying into your Baseball metaphor First Read, is YOU. Neither Obama nor his supporters think this race is over. It's not over until November and while we anticipate a huge victory in November, we are NOT taking it for granted. Neither is Obama. I also see that you just can't resist keeping the New Yorker magazine AND Jesse Jackson in the spot light AGAIN at the top of your article, while Phil Gramm's "Nation of whiners" comment goes untouched. You continue to be biased and it's not appreciated by those of us wanting fair and balanced coverage. Guess that won't happen with First Read. I continue to be disappointed.

First thoughts: Iraq is back

Clara Kansas City, MO — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 13:27:32 GMT

I am just laughing out loud at all of the preemptive chatter. Obama is expected to outline his plan for the trip and McCain is expected to respond specifically to what Obama is expected to say. Can we report on what has been said? If and when it is said? or is that too reactionary? I've heard of proactive; but this is a bit much.

First thoughts: Iraq is back

Get it right, already! — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 13:28:32 GMT

"I wonder what the polls will say if Obama manages to be President and he pulls the troops too early, and the price of a barrel of oil goes to $300/barrel because of the insatability in the mid-east?
Win the War (Sent Tuesday, July 15, 2008 9:18 AM)"

...and McCain is going to stop this HOW exactly? It's going to go to $300/barrel because of GREED, and that has nothing to do with who's president of the U.S. It has to do with who's president of Exxon, Shell, Citgo, etc.

First thoughts: Iraq is back

bill, okla — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 13:31:18 GMT

Hey dummie "win the war", what's to stop oil that is in a natural (that means there's only so much on earth and now there's more people sharing it) decline from going that high with or without wars!? Personally, I believe that the Bush/Cheney oil boys wanted a war just for this reason, though. Markets are unstable, people are unstable, and John McCain is an unstable candidate. Vote Obama.

First thoughts: Iraq is back

Clara Kansas City, MO — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 13:31:29 GMT

Win the War - this is not a supply issue, it's a prospecting issue. Close the Enron Loophole and your rhetoric is unnecessary. Iraq is not controlling oil prices.

First thoughts: Iraq is back

Ron Indiana — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 13:31:33 GMT

It all depends on the spin you want to put on it, doesn't it Chuck Todd. My spin is that Iraq is supposed to be McCains strong suit and Obama is right up there at 50%. The Obama trip and his comments on the war given today will help Obama. Unless you spin it in another direction. At the debates Obama will outscore McCain on both the economy and the war!

By the way, good for Chris Matthews last night on Hardball. He personally and openly expressed his disapproval of the New Yorker Cover. Thank you Chris!
Also, Chris is right-on with regard to the VP choices. It will be Biden v Romney.

Call me slow, but I don't get the baseball metaphor. Maybe someone can help me with that.

First thoughts: Iraq is back

Nashville_fan — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 13:31:47 GMT

"Still, the facts on the ground have benefited McCain now and Obama needs to be careful that he isn't looking too much like an average politician who will say whatever he has to, to get elected."
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
The facts on the ground have benefitted McCain? How is that? Troops are still dying daily, the White House is still barring the media from troop funerals (why?), no political reconcilliation in site, spending 10 to 12 BILLION dollars a month, no Iraqi oil revenues paying for their countries protection, private contractors pocketing fat profits, the Iraqis want us to leave and want a TIMETABLE.

Please explain how this works for Senator McCain? And what does walking through the streets of Iraq and glad handing with the soldiers do to help set policy? Senator Obama has consulted with members of the military to assess the situation.

This is just more carping from McCain and the media to distract the public from the real problem - the Taliban is retaking Afghanistan AND Pakistan, and we are too bogged down in Iraq to do a damn thing about it. Spin that.

First thoughts: Iraq is back

Donna, Lincroft, NJ — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 13:34:39 GMT

It's the economy, all right. I majored in economics in college, and what the democrats are doing is called'jawboning'-talk it up so people feel good and spend, or talk it down and people become worried and save. (This is called 'rational expectations'). Unfortunately, Sen. Obama seems to have no understanding the the economy. Every dollar taed in the U>S> takes two out of the economy. Therefore, when the economy is slowing down, the worst thing to do is to raise taxes. We now have a slowing economy, and are dealing with cost-push inflation due to the price of oil, (this is different from demand pull inflation, which is driven by too many dollars chasing too few goods). The only way to alleviate this type of inflation is to increase the supply of oil. Yes, it will show immediate benefits; more than half the price of a barrel of oil is currently taken up by price speculation based on DECREASING supplies. If the speculators were sure that the supply would go up, they would lose their shirts on the futures they now hold, and the price per barrel would go down. Unfortunately for the country, last week Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley held closed door meetings with the Democratic leadership of both houses hoping to hald congressional investigations into oil speculation and lobbied to keep drilling off the table. I guess the 'party of the poor' considers Wall Street millionaires part of the unwashed masses.

First thoughts: Iraq is back

Joe Don, Topeka, KS — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 13:35:55 GMT

Would you mind reviewing the structure of your first sentence? You're saying Obama has been "mesmerized by shiny metal objects, " when in fact it's pretty clearly your media colleagues are the ones who went whole hog for the distractions.

First thoughts: Iraq is back

Nashville_fan — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 13:36:04 GMT

"And Yes, sadly, Rep. Harold Ford Jr. is looking more everyday like a man who is not an analyst, but a Tenesse senate candidate still running.
He's always second-guessing Obama and "giving him public advice"

Im sorry but I think that the Obama camp should get another surrogate. He appears on these shows as the democratic side but turns out looking neutral as the republicans keep pounding Obama. "

AMEN! AMEN! AMEN!

Harold Ford is working for himself, not Obama. Period. Anyone think he would have that job if Hillary Clinton was the nomineee? I doubt it.

What is he basing all this advice on by the way? What are his political accomplishments?

I can't think of one - Harold Ford is an opportunist.

First thoughts: Iraq is back

LENI,MICHIGAN — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 13:37:58 GMT

YO, Steve New York N.Y. THANK YOU. Your take on Joe and company were right on target.

First thoughts: Iraq is back

Jonathan — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 13:41:00 GMT

This blog is increasingly unreadable. Obama is trying to coast to victory? How? Is it because he is giving a major policy speech today, hiring hundreds of grassroots staff, opening dozens of state offices? The narrative of the media is so transparent and MSNBC is slowly deteriorating in to a less than "exotic" Fox News. MSNBC does not need to hire anyone beyond the idiot putting, "What is wrong with Obama?" in to the daily teleprompter and the guy reading it.

First thoughts: Iraq is back

Sherri Hussein, Charleston WV — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 13:41:41 GMT

Hey Dom, your baseball metaphor is batting below Mendoza. Just saying...........what? Your backside is shining bright today.

First thoughts: Iraq is back

Sandra, Tennessee — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 13:41:59 GMT

Chuck, the baseball metaphor was beneath you. Sadly it is getting to the point where I don't recognize the FIRST READ which I use to enjoy reading each morning!

First thoughts: Iraq is back

MK,MO — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 13:42:32 GMT

general motors needs to talk to mccain and his economic guru phil gramm before they close all those plants, general motors must be suffering from one of those physiological whining problems the good republicans talk about endlessly, the economy is fine for 5% of the nation and according to mccain and the republican party the other 95% need to just stop whining.

First thoughts: Iraq is back

eNews Reference — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 13:42:41 GMT

I don't understand why both candidates are not talking seriously about taking the troops out of Iraq in a cautious way...given the state of our economy, education and health care in this country the focus should be here at home and Afghanistan should be the central front on the war on terror. Al-Qaeda is in France do we attack them there and overthrow the government? http://www.enewsreference.com

First thoughts: Iraq is back

MK,MO — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 13:42:48 GMT

First thoughts: Iraq is back

Brendan D, Niles, IL — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 13:44:34 GMT

Jeez, Domenico, haven't you been paying attention? Since his Senate run in 2004, Obama has been saying we need to increase troop strength in Afghanistan. He's not trying to change the subject, or, as you so eloquently put it, "shift the war debate." This has been his position all along! How is that "shifting" the debate when he defined that as a part of the debate four years ago?

First thoughts: Iraq is back

GP chicago — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 13:45:01 GMT

I wonder what the polls will say if Obama manages to be President and he pulls the troops too early, and the price of a barrel of oil goes to $300/barrel because of the insatability in the mid-east?
Win the War (Sent Tuesday, July 15, 2008 9:18 AM)
---------------------------------------------------

Hate to burst your bubble but...

We are the instability in the middle east, and a drawdown of troops will mean less oil being used.

Oil speculators are worried about our conflict in Iraq, and moreso the possible conflict in Iran. Barrack Obama in office means we wean ourself off our addiction to oil...we move forward as a leading nation and we don't look back.

Let the rest of the world deal with oil when way down the road it finally hits light sweet crude hits $300...we'll be long gone and independent

First thoughts: Iraq is back

laughaday — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 13:45:24 GMT

You guys are losing it here on FR. Shiny objects? This isn't kindergarten: YOU are the ones who are crying 'cause the real issues get in the way. You people practically drool over the lame Jesse Jacksons and Andrea Mitchell-like stammering. Could we discuss some real issues, like this pesky ole recession that's all in our heads?

First thoughts: Iraq is back

John, MI — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 13:45:37 GMT

...and McCain is going to stop this HOW exactly? It's going to go to $300/barrel because of GREED, and that has nothing to do with who's president of the U.S. It has to do with who's president of Exxon, Shell, Citgo, etc.
-------------------------------------------
It has more to do with the greed of OPEC and the Middle east. The presidents of Shell, Citco, etc are reaping profits because of the refining capability, not the cost of oil (they are the ones directly buying the oil)

I don't have a problem with you claiming greed, but atleast understand who is actually being greedy (Middle East Leaders)

First thoughts: Iraq is back

Marihelen TX — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 13:46:07 GMT

I think this line of attack against Obama on Iraq is flat out silly. As President you have to rely on experts on the ground who pick up the phone and tell you the situation. You can't fly to every emergency and evaluate it on the ground. It's unsafe and a waste of time.

Decisions need to be made ASAP based on what the military folks tell you. As a Senator, Obama has access to the information necessary to make a judgment on the situation. Period.

I guess everyone in Congress shouldn't have voted on that Iraq resolution, as they all didn't go over and find out the situation on the ground before they voted. I guess we as Americans can't have a valid opinion on Iraq because we haven't seen it on the ground. That is what military officials, military briefings and the press is for -- to inform us of the facts so we don't all have to go into harm's way to learn the situation.

I don't want a President who thinks that they can't trust the military to tell him the truth without him having to personal make a trip to the area of unrest.
It may be useful, but it is NOT a requirement for a valid and well-reasoned opinion.

If we are going to use this standard, how many presidents in the past would fail it because they didn't go to a dangerous area and evaluate it on the ground before making a decision? Let's see, we can start with FDR in WWII, I imagine...

First thoughts: Iraq is back

BJ, CA — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 13:48:04 GMT

Yeah let's hope Romney runs with McNuts...That'll be like the "Hellboy and Family Guy" ticket...

And Obama will win more southern states

First thoughts: Iraq is back

Brendan D, Niles, IL — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 13:49:01 GMT

Domenico, this doesn't need to be posted... but your baseball metaphor is so ridiculous, you ought to be embarrassed. Yeesh, dude. You're smarter than that.

First thoughts: Iraq is back

MI Chick — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 13:49:15 GMT

"Or the ex-governor of Mass, Guy Smiley.

http://ilfamilypolitics.blogspot.com
Julia Kelly, Illinois (Sent Monday, July 14, 2008 10:36 PM)"

OMG! TOO FUNNY!

First thoughts: Iraq is back

Mark Murray — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 13:51:54 GMT

Joe Don -- thanks for the catch. We revised the first sentence. Appreciate it.

First thoughts: Iraq is back

Houston — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 13:52:48 GMT

McCain has vowed to protect Czechoslovakia, a counry that ceased to exist in the early 19902. He still seems unaware that Iranians are Shia while Al Qaeda, which he accused the Iranians of traing, are Sunnis and bitter enemies of Iraan. Shouldn't we have a commander-in chief who knows a little more about current events than the average 8th-grader?

BTW: While FirstRead won't admit it, Obama has now been proven right on Afghanistan as well as Iraq. The Iraqis want a timetable for us to leave, and after 7 years of war in Afghanistan and while the US was bogged down in the Iraq quagmire, the Taliban are resurgent and spreading into Pakistan. Thanks to Bush's "strateegery," which was enthusiastically enthusiastically backed by McCain, if Obama somehow makes it to the presidency, he'll have a real mess to clean up.

First thoughts: Iraq is back

Polly, Tampa — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 13:53:32 GMT

Steve NewYork.

You're on the money today. I agree Morning Joe is unwatchable so that's exactly why I quit watching - I suggest you do the same. Harold Ford Jr. hasn't been helping anyone, least of all himself. I'm very tire of listening to him and have started to fast-forward my TiVo during his comments when he appears on Race to the White House. However, Rachel Maddow makes up for at least 6 dumb people.

First thoughts: Iraq is back

Steve, Lakeside Park, KY — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 13:54:48 GMT

McCain points out that Obama shouldn't speak about Iraq before going there. Ironicly, McCain is commenting on an Obama speach that hasn't been given yet.

First thoughts: Iraq is back

C.K. Steele Fort Lauderdale, FL — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 13:55:36 GMT

After Mark Sanford's meltdown, it does seem that it is a +90% chance that Mitt Romney will be chosen as McCain's VP. I am actually somewhat relieved because Sanford would have garnered many "brain-dead" votes. What I mean by "brain-dead" is that a lot of people (especially in the South) would have seen good 'ole Mark Sanford on the ticket and said "He's one of us." and then cast a binary vote. Mitt does have some advantages--mostly pertaining to his wealth but he has some glaring weaknesses as well. The flip-flop reel of McCain and Romney would make for good comedy. I think that the problems that the GOP had with Romney's religion will surface as well. I believe that they now lose GA, VA, and NC but pick up NV and AZ. For Obama, that is a good trade. I'm really looking forward to see some of these bigots get an aneurysm trying to figure out whether to vote against Sen. Obama because of his race or against Gov. Romney because of his religion. I think that the ultimate good of that McCain/Romney ticket (even though they would go down in blazes) is that it will forever break the stranglehold that the fanatical fake Christians of the Far Right have on the Republican Party.

First thoughts: Iraq is back

Cole Proter, NYC — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 13:56:43 GMT

Win the War - this is not a supply issue, it's a prospecting issue. Close the Enron Loophole and your rhetoric is unnecessary. Iraq is not controlling oil prices.

Clara Kansas City, MO

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

Sounds like a job for Congress. I'm certain Nancy and Harry on on top of getting this done. When will they be getting that bill on President Bush's desk for his signature?

First thoughts: Iraq is back

Dave, Tn — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 13:58:35 GMT

"Unfortunately for the country, last week Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley held closed door meetings with the Democratic leadership of both houses hoping to hald congressional investigations into oil speculation and lobbied to keep drilling off the table. I guess the 'party of the poor' considers Wall Street millionaires part of the unwashed masses. "

College endowments. State employee pension funds, and banks trying to make up for their bone headed loans?
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601109&sid=a1liVM3tG3aI&refer=home
"Nowhere mentioned in the accompanying 66-page handout were the additional $1.1 trillion of assets that New York-based Citigroup keeps off its books"

If it comes from New york it's rot.

First thoughts: Iraq is back

Walt, Rogersville, MO — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 13:59:02 GMT

Seems to me the baseball metaphor is a reflection on HRC's inability to overcome Senator Obama, after being touted as the "inevitable".

By the way, doesn't Chelsea work for one of those hedge funds who are merrily bidding up the price of oil? Who's looking into that?

First thoughts: Iraq is back

camie — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 13:59:57 GMT

yeah i can see mit romney as VP. but he will drive down conservative votes so I hope he does chose romney

mccain has missed more votes in the senate then any other senator
http://sensico.wordpress.com/2008/07/11/mccain-hasnt-voted-in-the-senate-since-april-8-2008/
or
http://sensico2.blogspot.com/2008/07/my-blogs.html

First thoughts: Iraq is back

Carlton Frisk — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 14:00:39 GMT

The 'shiny objects' reference comes from Obama supporters getting easily distracted by the fluffy and rhetorical speeches given by their hero. Obama supporters can't see the trees for the forest because of their (lack of) mentality.

First thoughts: Iraq is back

Democrat — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 14:05:06 GMT

Senator Obama must be mindful. Senator McCain suggested that Senator Obama should visit Iraq. Now he is doing just that. Recently Senator McCain suggested that Senator Obama should visit Central and South America. He must not go. It will appear to the public that Senator Obama is dutifully listening to Senator McCain's suggestions. This is not the stance of a leader, but the actions of a follower.

Senator McCain is trying to make Senator Obama appear weak on foreign policy by wasting our tax dollars gallavanting around the globe and visiting old friends in bad places. It is shameful that he is going to places that do not matter when he should be addressing the economy ("It's the economy, stupid," right?)and staying right here at home.

In Iraq Senator Obama will be getting the super-protected sight-seeing tour of Iraq that most senators get. He must not allow any perceived quiet as any reason to continue the war. His attention on Afghanistan and Pakistan is exceptional and shows his insight into a war on terror that Senator McCain appears very naive about. If he comes back to the US with a different opinion than his previous "responsible withdrawal under a timetable of 16 months with options for change based on ground conditions" it will seriously strain my opinion of him.

First thoughts: Iraq is back

Houston — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 14:05:38 GMT

I don't think that Harold Ford is actually an Obama "surrogate" formally working for Obama. He's just a conservative Democrat who was hired to give the Scarborough show the illusion of balance.

If they wanted real balance, they'd get someone like Rachel Maddow, who's doing an excellent job as Olbermann's stand-in. But Scraborough doesn't want anyone on his show who really disagrees with him.

First thoughts: Iraq is back

donna — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 14:07:42 GMT

Harold Ford is working for himself, not Obama. Period. Anyone think he would have that job if Hillary Clinton was the nomineee? I doubt it.

What is he basing all this advice on by the way? What are his political accomplishments?

I can't think of one - Harold Ford is an opportunist.

Nashville_fan (Sent Tuesday, July 15, 2008 9:36 AM)
******************************************

Nashville, and Steve,

I don't know what his motivation is, but if he is for Obama, he acted stupidly today on 'Joe'.

I couldn't believe he was soliciting advice from Murphy as to how McCain could more effectively get his foreign policy chops out there.

And Harold, if your listening, your are a very handsome man. But please, either get a hair cut, or buy a brush.

First thoughts: Iraq is back

Read My Lips: Bush Policy stinks — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 14:08:03 GMT

Perhaps we should be speaking about the value of the dollar instead of Oil, Gas prices, and politics.

It is amazing how no one seems to get that the value of the dollar being so little compared to other foreign currencies is our biggest problem right now and is the root of the economic downturn we are experiencing in this country. The loss of value has been caused by the loans the US government have continued to take from China to fund the war. Sure it looks like we spend less on military now than we ever have. We don't spend our money on the war. We borrow someone elses money to pay for it and when those debts come in the American people will be the ones who suffer for it.

George Bush and Dick Cheney are scum and should be dragged out into the street for these attrocities against America.

First thoughts: Iraq is back

Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 14:14:43 GMT

At the moment, I think Iraq might be a side story. The crisis of the day is the economy. The Dow dropped today a couple hundred points so far, meaning institutional investors aren't too collectively confident about the Fannie/Freddie stock purchase bailout.

This is bigger than Republicans and Democrats, and the question of which knucklehead gets to live in the White House next year.

First thoughts: Iraq is back

donna — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 14:15:43 GMT

The baseball metaphor is a reference to McCain, Right?

Afterall he hasn't accomplished anything other than campaign shakeups with all the staffers he's hit out of the park!

First thoughts: Iraq is back

getting it right. — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 14:16:15 GMT

First thoughts: Iraq is back

Clas Warrior, D.C. — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 14:18:57 GMT

Obama makes perfect sense, that we're spending billions/week in one country when we're losiing the war in another country that actually has Al Quaeda, and may still have Bin Laden. I know Obama will go see Al-Maliki and say, "you want a timetable? Well, here it is!" and then divert some of those troops to the country we REALLY need to be fighting.

First thoughts: Iraq is back

Hillary Democrat for McCain — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 14:20:11 GMT

TO BE A GOOD DEMOCRAT OR TO BE A GOOD AMERICAN. John McCain is not the same as George Bush; in fact a few years ago he was going to leave the Republican party become an Independent and joining the Democratic caucus in the Senate. The Democrats will control Congress so there is no need to worry about Roe v Wade or ultra conservative justices being appointed to the Supreme Court. As for Iraq, nobody will be able to pull out all the troops within 16 months; we will have a presence there just like we do in other foreign countries. We need to earn the respect back of the American citizens and world leaders by electing the right person to be the President of the United States; he/she should have demonstrated good judgment, honesty, and integrity.

Country first, then party.

First thoughts: Iraq is back

Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 14:20:30 GMT

"With the press mesmerized by shiny metal objects like the New Yorker’s controversial magazine cover or what Jesse Jackson said while wearing a hot mic..."

That's about as convincing a self indictment as I remember seeing.

First thoughts: Iraq is back

elizabeth SF, San Francisco, California — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 14:20:38 GMT

Thank you Steve New York NY. You have said exactly what I have been thinking for weeks.

1. The media, and certainly MSNBC's political analysts, consistently give John McCain a "pass" on his gaffes, inappropriate humor and campaign in general. I believe it comes from being Washington based, for the most part, and too insulated from the general public, as well as wanting to be part of what is always touted as John McCain's senate "club."

His humor is mean-spirited at best, dangerous at worst. Senator Obama got clobbered for distancing himself from General Clark's remarks, which he did without sarcasm. The press chuckled at Senator McCain's saying his best friend Phil Gramm should be Ambassador to Belarus (both nasty and undiplomatic in terms of Belarus). More chuckles with his remarks about killing Iranians with our cigarettes (can you imagine if Obama had said that), and now an interpretation of a sarcastic remark about Mitt Romney as being a sign that Mitt is "in." Senator Obama would have been called "cocky," "lacking judgment" and on and on for any one of those "jokes." The bomb, bomb, bomb Iran dance would have ended his run for the Presidency. Where is the media's judgment?

And, I've thought Harold Ford's commentary to be opportunistic and patronizing for months and often wondered which party he represents.

First thoughts: Iraq is back

Ronald, Tampa, Fl — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 14:23:03 GMT

I wonder who is really listen to the canidates. When McCain makes a mistake it goes unnoticed,on the other hand when Obama does the same it becomes national news for days. I enjoy listening to MSNBC , here lately it's beginning to sound like FOX NEWS. If anyone believe that you can't refine you message then we are all in trouble. The news media should do their job and report the news.

First thoughts: Iraq is back

sue — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 14:23:53 GMT

why is every speech Obama gives a "major speech" how is it that his speeches are more important than McCains.

As far as McCain being protected to 100s of soldiers during his trip to Iraq - of course he was he would be a prime target for the terrorist to hit. Would you say that a place Obama gives a speech is not safe just because he is surrounded by secret service. The media knows this and is just trying to add fuel to the fire.

First thoughts: Iraq is back

squintz, philly, pa — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 14:27:23 GMT

Guys...I think the metaphor was about Clinton. Sheesh.

First thoughts: Iraq is back

kenn — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 14:29:24 GMT

He will get Osamma bin laden dead or alive where have I heard that before? BUSH LEFT that should be his slogan another bunch of losers who know more than everyone.See you in a few years when your spinning like Bush is now everything is beautiful

First thoughts: Iraq is back

kenn — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 14:36:43 GMT

Leave Obamma alone he is sooooooooo great he can do no wrong just like the great divider I mean uniter BUSH look at how Obamma unites us BLACK and WHITE for that matter look how he brought the Blacks together lately gender need I say more SWEETIE or how about republicans and dems or democrats for that matter religious people are split can they trust him on gays abortion nope he is the great uniter.