First thoughts: McCain's opportunity

Steve NewYork NY — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 13:34:34 GMT

McCain sounds like a baby craving for attention.
It's like he's jealous that Obama is getting all the attention.
Here's why I agree ! The media should report on
1) How McCain joked about how it's a good idea to kill Iranian civilians.
2) His preference to insure VIAGRA over birth-control pills.
3) His unfunny joke about the RAPE of a woman.
4) Bombing Iran.
5) He called his wife the C-word.
6) He would not vote for his own Immigration reform bill
7) His flip-flop on the Bush tax cuts.
8) His lack of knowledge on the Shia-Sunni differences.
9) His opposition to the MLK holiday.
10) His flip-flop on troops in Afghanistan.

So First read, lets start from there.
There is ten more after we are done with those.

Lets burst the myth that Obama is getting a free ride from the media.
(Rev. Right loops, bittergate, Farakhan, the ABC debates, kitchen sink strategy, Bill Clinton, Wolfson, Sean Hannity, Bill O'reilly) etc

He has not got a free ride.

Lets be fair !

First thoughts: McCain's opportunity

Chuck, NY — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 13:34:44 GMT

Sudden thoughts and second thoughts

When will the people of this country wise up? I will give you a dollar for every ballot that has Commander-in-Chief this November. We elect a President. Being CINC is a secondary role of President. Why Americans are falling for this ‘ready to be CINC’ line of horse s*^t is beyond me. If I am the President, why do I have to defer my decision making to GEN Betrayedus? Time and time again we learn the Bush admin does whatever they damn well please despite the recommendations from the military. So next time you hear McWingnut say something about deferring to GEN Betrayedus, wise up.

I hope Senator Obama asks the questions next week, why do we have a War Czar, a 4-star Central Command leader, a 4-star in theatre leader and another proposal to add another 4-star position. Yet still in Washington, we have SECDEF and the JCS and every other support group we always had during the cold war. Maybe it’s time to enact our war time 5-star General of the Army status. If I was a 2 or 3 star flag officer these days, I would be delirious over all the new opportunities to become a 4-star. In case you haven’t noticed, this is W and Dick’s version of packing the Supreme Court. Maybe we should interview the military brass Obama meets next week to see what they think of their new boss!

It was an interesting week of give and take on the issue of the media giving too much leeway to McCain over Obama. Even yesterday I viewed the first variation of FR admitting something might be true to all of this. Still, any sensitive story on Obama will last 4-5 days and a McCain gaffe lasts only 2-3. Go figure.

If all the angels in Heaven came down and issued a ruling that Obama’s policies (foreign and domestic) are accurate and with more merit than McCain’s, would that make a difference? What if they said the Repukes methods of Rovian campaigning are a waste of time and don’t work, would that make a difference? What if they said Limbaugh and all his kind are wrong, would that make any difference?

Bottom line, give me Obama’s intelligence and wisdom any day over a ‘dumbing down’ America politician.

First thoughts: McCain's opportunity

PM — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 13:35:42 GMT

Neither Candidate deserves a summer vacation!

It's time to go to work! Make this economy better. End this war!! Improve HealthCare!!

http://www.MyObamaStore.com

First thoughts: McCain's opportunity

camie — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 13:37:01 GMT

mccain will never be able to catch up with obama when it comes to the economy no matter how long obama is out of the country. mccain should just concede that point.

McCain attacks Hillary's healthcare effort
http://sensico.wordpress.com/2008/07/18/mccain-tries-to-attack-obama-but-hits-hillary/
or

http://sensico2.blogspot.com/2008/07/my-blogs.html

First thoughts: McCain's opportunity

Pat, Boston, MA — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 13:37:53 GMT

For all I know he could be a very busy man, however, I can’t help but get the impression as I watch Mitt Romney on tv that he really hasn’t anything to do. So he runs for office.

$45 million - gone. He must be one rich dude. Yet he felt it better to hire (I prefer the word “exploit”) illegal immigrants to do his yard work.

And the republicans think he’d be a good pick to assist in running our economy?

$45 million. Gone. Just like that.
_____
In Berlin, the Tiergarten (Berlin's Central Park) which is right where the Brandenberg Gate is, it is said that with the arrival of the Nazi Party and WWII, there are thousands upon thousands of dollars worth of valuables hidden thoughout this massive park still to this day.

A little humor: Checkpoint Charlie: It's a very small intersection. On one corner in the western zone was a building which housed the CIA; across the street in the eastern zone was a building which housed the KBG. They would just spy on each other all day.

Wish I was there.

First thoughts: McCain's opportunity

thats a fact jack — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 13:38:32 GMT

one candidate has a VISION FOR THE FUTURE and one cadidate has memory lapses.

First thoughts: McCain's opportunity

Char Rubalt — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 13:40:37 GMT

First thoughts: McCain's opportunity

Clara Kansas City, MO — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 13:40:50 GMT

McCain will be like a yard dog at the dinner table next week; praying and preying for Obama to make some major gaffe. That is the best he can hope for. Otherwise, he should probably lay low so he doesn't put both of his own feet in his mouth. Another article says he's had a rough week; but you'd barely know it; were it not for Maddow and Olbermann

First thoughts: McCain's opportunity

Cindy Lou, TX — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 13:42:04 GMT

I hope bloggers are going to the convention so that viewers/readers will get a less negative picture than the MSM is sure to provide. The MSM's protestations of Obama's doom and failure BEFORE he even sets foot on foreign soil are ridiculous. The man is da--ed if he does, and da--ed if he doesn't. Obama is traveling post-primary and pre-general election, so it's not as though he's ignoring American interests. After all, he's the only candidate in the general election who traveled to all the states and terrorities during the primaries.

Hasn't McCain already done an economic policy tour? Same old, same old.

First thoughts: McCain's opportunity

Jack Facts — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 13:42:27 GMT

one candidate has a VISION FOR THE FUTURE and one cadidate has memory lapses.
thats a fact jack

I wasn't aware Obama has memory problems. All the drugs, right?

First thoughts: McCain's opportunity

BJ, CA — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 13:44:37 GMT

GO JOE!!!
GO JOE!!!
GO JOE!!!
GO JOE!!!
GO JOE!!!
GO JOE!!!
WE WANT JOE!!!
WE WANT JOE!!!
WE WANT JOE!!!
WE WANT JOE!!!
LISTEN TO THAT CROWD!!!!
Obama/Biden '08
We're happy voters and we approve this message..

First thoughts: McCain's opportunity

Sally, Virginia — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 13:45:07 GMT

mccain will never be able to catch up with obama when it comes to the economy no matter how long obama is out of the country. mccain should just concede that point.
--------------------------------------
Camie, what makes Obama so able to handle the economy? Can you please point to one thing that indicates he'll be able to turn it around? Face it, neither one of these candidates is strong on the economy, but I don't think Obama has earned any bragging rights on that front.

First thoughts: McCain's opportunity

Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 13:46:21 GMT

I think its pretty clear Obama just likes shooting hoops. And it shows. I don't know too many guys in their mid-40s who could keep up with the Tarheels, even with the college guys going half-speed against him.

That aside, I'll bet Obama already knows his choice for running mate. And I'm guessing its Evan Bayh.

First thoughts: McCain's opportunity

Stacey — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 13:47:22 GMT

Predictions from the crew who haven't gotten anything right on Obama's candidacy to date. The best you can do is site stuff from the past hoping that he lacks imagination so you can at least call it right once.
Also Montantaro's blog about McCain receiving a polite reception from the NAACP was ridiculous. How else would they receive an invited guest, war hero and nominee for the POTUS. You sound like O'Reilly expressing surprise after eating at a restaurant in Harlem that blacks use forks. Shameful.

First thoughts: McCain's opportunity

Ron Indiana — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 13:49:29 GMT

I agree with Chuck that Obama will pick a VP before the Olympics, but after he returns from Europe/Middle East. If history repeats hitself, I would not be surprised if he does a similar manuever that was done with Hillary. Leave the press on the plane and meet with his VP choice.

The Berlin stopover/speech will be as seamless as the rest of the trip. The watchwords are still, no drama, efficient, teamwork, good communication.

Real question is: How will the McCain spin Barack's trip. How about, Americans should not trust a candidate that is liked around the world. Now that doesn't make any sense. But neither does most of the stuff coming out of the McCain camp.

First thoughts: McCain's opportunity

sotiredofignorance — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 13:50:29 GMT

Give up referencing "Morning Joe", First Read, no one watches it. For those not familiar with Pawlenty, think little Danny Quayle.

And Nobama, you are allowed to think anything you want about the religious being involved in politics. The difference between you and I is that I think that all the fringe religious "leaders" should be avoided by all the candidates. You use Wright as an excuse for attacking Senator Obama, and close your mind to the possibilities for improvement that he might bring to the nation.

First thoughts: McCain's opportunity

Kay P Tempe, AZ — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 13:59:12 GMT

Au Contraire, Sotiredofignorance - you're obviously getting up later, and/or can't figure out how to tape/tivo a show. It is one of the best talk shows next to Countdown, since Hardball went nasty.

First thoughts: McCain's opportunity

Nashville_fan — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 14:00:24 GMT

It is amazing how the McCain campaign criticizes Senator Obama for having a photo op, when running for President is nothing but one photo op after another.

What has John McCain learned from all the "town hall meetings" he's held? As a matter of fact, when was the last time John McCain learned anything at all?

Senator Obama has to be the first Presidential candidate in history criticized for being too knowledgeble, too hopeful, too confident, too visionary, too different, too organized to be President of the United States.

I find the naked envy and pettiness of both the media and the McCain campaign quite amusing. The news coverage has devolved to one simple question: "Who does he think he is?"

That is why the acceptance speech at the stadium, the large campaign rallies, the fundraising, the organizing, and even the simple act of traveling abroad are all ridiculed so much - the media so wants for Senator Obama to be taken down a peg.

And yet, in spite of it all, I have never seen a political candidate and his family wear a bullseye more gracefully than Barack and Michelle Obama. They have earned my support and respect. They are the personification of the American dream.

Obama/Biden '08/'12

First thoughts: McCain's opportunity

McCain = Bush This is true terror! — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 14:01:19 GMT

I have complete confidence in Senator Obama's ability to lead this nation in foreign affairs.

What I am afraid of is the mmcain "bomb Iran" mentality.
I am disgusted and sickened with this current adminstraion and mccain is just an extension of the same ol', same ol'.

McCain = Bush is the scariest!

First thoughts: McCain's opportunity

daniel, St. Louis, MO — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 14:01:37 GMT

How's this for hilarious:

Sen. Obama doesn't want to announce a timetable for his Middle East trip. Security concerns, don't you know. But he'd be happy to announce a timetable for the withdrawal of troops from Iraq. Let's be sure to let the enemy know when we're leaving.

Of course, Sen. Obama is more important than our troops. We must protect the messiah.

Another classic Obama "do as I say, not as I do."

First thoughts: McCain's opportunity

Kay P Tempe, AZ — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 14:03:49 GMT

Ok, Chuck, where does the term 'campaigning overseas' come from? Could it be from A) McCain's camp? B) Rove's buddy in McCain's camp? or C) foreshadowing of coverage. I find it hilarious that McCain had his little 'countdown to Iraq' clock going, until Obama took him up on it - and then, realizing that he had handed Obama an overseas trip on a platter - now we're off to 'campaigning overseas' --
ANd - by the way, McCain will be in the states while Obama is traveling, but he will still be home on the weekends. Doesn't that sound like Poor George? who goes to be at 9pm and spent weekends at Crawford [up until the attack in NY] and spent the week of Katrina on vacation? So, it will be interesting. McCain - home taking a nap while Obama is out on a listening tour, resting up for when the campaign takes off again.
Sorry, McCain, sometimes you get exactly what you ask for -- and it isn't what you expected. So sad - Too bad.

First thoughts: McCain's opportunity

Ira, Freehold, NJ — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 14:08:13 GMT

" There really isn't a precedent for actually holding a campaign event overseas. How does Obama walk this fine line of appealing to the rest of the world without turning off American voters and appearing that he’s already won the election?"

...................................................
The comments Bush made in Israel to the Knesset a few month ago were campaign comments directed at Obama.
So, although prohibited by unwritten law, they do occur.

It is my understanding that Obama is enormously popular overseas. I've read he is as popular in Europe as he is in the U.S. Most Europeans, I believe, think he will win the election and will be the next President. It's a great opportunity for Obama to introduce himself to the European community and give them the same vision of America he has given us.

As for Iraq, can you imagine the impact of a video that shows him getting a standing ovation as he enters a mess hall?

You can't buy that kind of publicity.

First thoughts: McCain's opportunity

Ira, Freehold, NJ — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 14:10:58 GMT

Just to tidy up some comments from yesterday:

Ira, depends on how you look at it. Was he there on the ground commanding? No. In his chairman capacity, though, he had visited in Iraq, conferred with the generals about situation at that time, gathered their opinions about what needed to be done. He then returned and pushed for the "surge". If it weren't for McCain and his bucking up against Rumsfeld and Bush, there wouldn't have been a surge. It was not politically smart for him to buck them. But, he knew that if something didn't change we probably really would have been there 100 years in full war and not in a peacekeeping role. I do wish Obama and his supporters would give McCain credit for having the courage to buck the system on that.
NObama (Sent Thursday, July 17, 2008 5:27 PM
..........................................

With all due respect, the request for the change in strategy called the surge and ordering its execution rests with the President, the Commander-In-Chief.

It's one thing to support the plan and another to order and execute it. McCain supported the strategy but he was not responsible for its success or failure.

Big difference.
…………………………………………………………………………………………

First Read: a serious question: can you guys dig up the coverage of McCain's trip to
Bagdad in 2007--the trip during which the marketplace he visited was sealed off by American soldiers and covered by Blackhawks?
--------------------
to Request: And, do you not think Obama will be surrounded by security/military while he's on this trip? They've said they even have to keep details secret for his protection. So, perhaps, we can put that attack on McCain aside now?
NObama (Sent Thursday, July 17, 2008 5:36 PM)
……………………………………………………………………………………
That’s twice today I have to agree with Nobama and that is scary.

Any VIP going to any war zone is going to be guarded by an extraordinary security force.

Can you imagine the consequences if either candidate was wounded, killed or captured while on their fact finding trips? The retaliation for the attack would be incredible. Neither McCain nor Obama asked for the additional protection it’s automatic and rightfully so. Criticize the comments but not the needed protection.

The only partisan part of this post is that when McCain was in Iraq on the trip after his market tour he announced that Iraq was a much safer place because of the surge. The same day he said that he was denied permission to visit the same market he visited on his first trip as it was just not safe enough for him to walk through. Not safe enough even with rangers guarding him and Apache helicopters overhead.

First thoughts: McCain's opportunity

Beth — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 14:13:57 GMT

I'm going to laugh my butt off when all the people on the wrong side of this election (media included) eat their words and regret their actions when Barack Obama is the President of the United States. It is so pathetic how lopsided this election is. Kudos to Keith and Dan on MSNBC you seem to be the ONLY ones in main stream media who are actually calling out all the foolishness that McCain does on an everyday basis. If Obama would have committed even one of the egregious gaffes that McCain has committed the election would be over. He may have seniority but he shouldn’t get a free pass, especially when you’re running for the most important job in the world. Joking about bombing Iran, killing their citizens, joking about raping women, silence on birth control coverage, he’s a straight up idiot that isn’t fit to be POTUS!

First thoughts: McCain's opportunity

Class Warrior, D.C. — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 14:14:01 GMT

I love the irony of Mcwar trying to make a big deal that Obama's out of the country when it was Mccant himself who badgered him for so long to go oversees and see it all firsthand. As for Germany, no, I don't think it's a great idea either, mostly because he will be greeted with relief and adulation wherever he goes in Europe, because they hope the dark era of Bush and his clones and his policies are finally going to be stopped.

First thoughts: McCain's opportunity

Dookie — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 14:14:40 GMT

Kudos on the "Dodgeball" reference. Gave me a good laugh.

First thoughts: McCain's opportunity

Brian, Wausau, WI — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 14:15:24 GMT

First Read, you need to cover McCains recent interview with the Kansas City Star, where he DENIES changing positions (i.e., flip-flopping) on anything!

Q: But you flip-flop a little bit too.

McCain: No, I didn’t.

Q: You flip-flop on drilling, on tax cuts…

McCain: Actually, I didn’t. Actually, on the drilling issue, when gasoline reached $4 a gallon, we’ve got to do things that we otherwise haven’t done in the past. I have not changed my mind on any other issue. On immigration, I said we need comprehensive immigration reform, it failed twice, so we’ve got to do what’s going to succeed.

Q: But you were against the tax cuts, now you’re talking about making them permanent. Isn’t there flip-flopping on both sides?

McCain: Actually, no.

First thoughts: McCain's opportunity

nuanced — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 14:15:55 GMT

"they will try to "mop the floor" with being the "only candidate in the country."

pathetic, really pathetic

maybe they should try stomping on the floor and holding their breath

First thoughts: McCain's opportunity

Ira, Freehold, Nj — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 14:17:21 GMT

As for Mccain flip-flops here's a partial list from about 2 weeks ago. Don't know where I got it from but fun to read. There have been more since then like Afgansatan, etc. Here goes:

National Security Policy
1. McCain thought Bush's warrantless wiretap program circumvented the law; now he believes the opposite.
2. McCain insisted that everyone, even "terrible killers," "the worst kind of scum of humanity," and detainees at Guantanamo Bay, "deserve to have some adjudication of their cases," even if that means "releasing some of them." McCain now believes the opposite.
3. He opposed indefinite detention of terrorist suspects. When the Supreme Court reached the same conclusion, he called it "one of the worst decisions in the history of this country."
4. In February, McCain reversed course on prohibiting waterboarding.
5. McCain favored closing the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay before he was against it.
6. When Barack Obama talked about going after terrorists in Pakistani mountains with Predators, McCain criticized him for it. He's since come to the opposite conclusion.
Foreign Policy
7. McCain was for kicking Russia out of the G8 before he was against it.
8. McCain supported moving "toward normalization of relations" with Cuba. Now he believes the opposite.
9. McCain believed the United States should engage in diplomacy with Hamas. Now he believes the opposite.
10. McCain believed the United States should engage in diplomacy with Syria. Now he believes the opposite.
11. McCain is both for and against a "rogue state rollback" as a focus of his foreign policy vision.
12. McCain used to champion the Law of the Sea convention, even volunteering to testify on the treaty's behalf before a Senate committee. Now he opposes it.
13. McCain was against divestment from South Africa before he was for it.
Military Policy
14. McCain recently claimed that he was the "greatest critic" of Rumsfeld's failed Iraq policy. In December 2003, McCain praised the same strategy as "a mission accomplished." In March 2004, he said, "I'm confident we're on the right course." In December 2005, he said, "Overall, I think a year from now, we will have made a fair amount of progress if we stay the course."
15. McCain has changed his mind about a long-term U.S. military presence in Iraq on multiple occasions, concluding, on multiple occasions, that a Korea-like presence is both a good idea and a bad idea.
16. McCain said before the war in Iraq, "We will win this conflict. We will win it easily." Four years later, McCain said he knew all along that the war in Iraq war was "probably going to be long and hard and tough."
17. McCain has repeatedly said it's a dangerous mistake to tell the "enemy" when U.S. troops would be out of Iraq. In May, McCain announced that most American troops would be home from Iraq by 2013.
18. McCain was against expanding the GI Bill before he was for it.
Domestic Policy
19. McCain defended "privatizing" Social Security. Now he says he's against privatization (though he actually still supports it.)
20. McCain wanted to change the Republican Party platform to protect abortion rights in cases of rape and incest. Now he doesn't.
21. McCain supported storing spent nuclear fuel at Yucca Mountain in Nevada. Now he believes the opposite.
22. He argued that the NRA should not have a role in the Republican Party's policy making. Now he believes the opposite.
23. In 1998, he championed raising cigarette taxes to fund programs to cut underage smoking, insisting that it would prevent illnesses and provide resources for public health programs. Now, McCain opposes a $0.61-per-pack tax increase, won't commit to supporting a regulation bill he's co-sponsoring, and has hired Philip Morris' former lobbyist as his senior campaign adviser.
24. McCain is both for and against earmarks for Arizona.
25. McCain's first mortgage plan was premised on the notion that homeowners facing foreclosure shouldn't be "rewarded" for acting "irresponsibly." His second mortgage plan took largely the opposite position.
26. McCain went from saying gay marriage should be allowed, to saying gay marriage shouldn't be allowed.
27. McCain opposed a holiday to honor Martin Luther King Jr. before he supported it.
28. McCain was anti-ethanol. Now he's pro-ethanol.
29. McCain was both for and against state promotion of the Confederate flag.
30. In 2005, McCain endorsed intelligent design creationism, a year later he said the opposite, and a few months after that, he was both for and against creationism at the same time.
Economic Policy
31. McCain was against Bush's tax cuts for the very wealthy before he was for them.
32. John McCain initially argued that economics is not an area of expertise for him, saying, "I'm going to be honest: I know a lot less about economics than I do about military and foreign policy issues; I still need to be educated," and "The issue of economics is not something I've understood as well as I should." He now falsely denies ever having made these remarks and insists that he has a "very strong" understanding of economics.
33. McCain vowed, if elected, to balance the federal budget by the end of his first term. Soon after, he decided he would no longer even try to reach that goal. And soon after that, McCain abandoned his second position and went back to his first.
34. McCain said in 2005 that he opposed the tax cuts because they were "too tilted to the wealthy." By 2007, he denied ever having said this, and falsely argued that he opposed the cuts because of increased government spending.
35. McCain thought the estate tax was perfectly fair. Now he believes the opposite.
36. McCain pledged in February 2008 that he would not, under any circumstances, raise taxes. Specifically, McCain was asked if he is a "'read my lips' candidate, no new taxes, no matter what?" referring to George H.W. Bush's 1988 pledge. "No new taxes," McCain responded. Two weeks later, McCain said, "I'm not making a 'read my lips' statement, in that I will not raise taxes."
37. McCain has changed his entire economic worldview on multiple occasions.
38. McCain believes Americans are both better and worse off economically than they were before Bush took office.
Energy Policy
39. McCain supported the moratorium on coastal drilling; now he's against it.
40. McCain recently announced his strong opposition to a windfall tax on oil company profits. Three weeks earlier, he was perfectly comfortable with the idea.
41. McCain endorsed a cap-and-trade policy with a mandatory emissions cap. In mid-June, McCain announced he wants the caps to be voluntary.
42. McCain explained his belief that a temporary suspension of the federal gas tax would provide an immediate economic stimulus. Shortly thereafter, he argued the exact opposite.
43. McCain supported the Lieberman/Warner legislation to combat global warming. Now he doesn't.
Immigration Policy
44. McCain was a co-sponsor of the DREAM Act, which would grant legal status to illegal immigrants' kids who graduate from high school. Now he's against it.
45. On immigration policy in general, McCain announced in February 2008 that he would vote against his own bill.
46. In April, McCain promised voters that he would secure the borders "before proceeding to other reform measures." Two months later, he abandoned his public pledge, pretended that he'd never made the promise in the first place, and vowed that a comprehensive immigration reform policy has always been, and would always be, his "top priority."
Judicial Policy and the Rule of Law
47. McCain said he would "not impose a litmus test on any nominee." He used to promise the opposite.
48. McCain believes the telecoms should be forced to explain their role in the administration's warrantless surveillance program as a condition for retroactive immunity. He used to believe the opposite.
49. McCain went from saying he would not support repeal of Roe v. Wade to saying the exact opposite.
Campaign, Ethics, and Lobbying Reform
50. McCain supported his own lobbying-reform legislation from 1997. Now he doesn't.
51. In 2006, McCain sponsored legislation to require grassroots lobbying coalitions to reveal their financial donors. In 2007, after receiving "feedback" on the proposal, McCain told far-right activist groups that he opposes his own measure.
52. McCain supported a campaign-finance bill, which bore his name, on strengthening the public-financing system. In June 2007, he abandoned his own legislation.
Politics and Associations
53. McCain wanted political support from radical televangelist John Hagee. Now he doesn't.
54. McCain wanted political support from radical televangelist Rod Parsley. Now he doesn't.
55. McCain says he considered and did not consider joining John Kerry's Democratic ticket in 2004.
56. McCain is both for and against attacking Barack Obama over his former pastor at his former church.
57. McCain criticized TV preacher Jerry Falwell as "an agent of intolerance" in 2002, but then decided to cozy up to the man who said Americans "deserved" the 9/11 attacks.
58. In 2000, McCain accused Texas businessmen Sam and Charles Wyly of being corrupt, spending "dirty money" to help finance Bush's presidential campaign. McCain not only filed a complaint against the Wylys for allegedly violating campaign finance law, he also lashed out at them publicly. In April, McCain reached out to the Wylys for support.
59. McCain was against presidential candidates campaigning at Bob Jones University before he was for it.
60. McCain decided in 2000 that he didn't want anything to do with former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, believing he "would taint the image of the 'Straight Talk Express.'" Kissinger is now the honorary co-chair for his presidential campaign in New York.
61. McCain believed powerful right-wing activist/lobbyist Grover Norquist was "corrupt, a shill for dictators, and (with just a dose of sarcasm) Jack Abramoff's gay lover." McCain now considers Norquist a key political ally.

First thoughts: McCain's opportunity

Tucker Bounds — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 14:17:30 GMT

While hardworking families are hurting and employers are vulnerable, Sen. Barack Obama has promised higher income taxes, Social Security taxes, capital gains taxes, dividend taxes, and tax hikes on job creating businesses. Barack Obama doesn't understand the American economy and that's change we just can't afford.

First thoughts: McCain's opportunity

James, TX — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 14:17:52 GMT

See, here's where the liberals get it wrong. Germany, France, etal., don't tell us what direction to embark on, we tell them. If they want something different, then let them become another superpower in the world and then they too can do what they please. I don't see Germany or France spreading much freedom around the world, so until they do, we should hearless talking and more listening from them.
Char Rubalt (Sent Friday, July 18, 2008 9:40 AM)

Um, that's kind of the point. I am a Republican and so I am very confused by this whole notion of "spreading democracy" as you and my party has so eloquently put it...NOT OUR JOB!!!! Nobody spread it to us, we had to fight for it. That's why I am voting for Obama, cause he seems to get that. True conservatives should not want to "spread democracy" but unfortuneately the party has been hijacked by jackels who want to tell the rest of the world how to do their business...sounds VERY unAmerican to me.

First thoughts: McCain's opportunity

Gary Schear, bozeman Montana — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 14:19:27 GMT

Through bleary eyed grogginess this morning I thought I heard Chuck Todd opining that Obamas American audience would like to hear him demand that the Europeans do more to help us in Iraq and Afghanistan. ?
I guess he could ASK them to help us recover from the stupidest foreign policy blunder in our history but I certainly don't begrudge the Europeans for their intelligence in not following us over an obvious cliff. If this Country had been lead coherently I am sure the Europeans and the Canadians would have been solidly in our camp as they were in supporting our initial effort in Afghanistan. I think he just needs to reassure them indirectly that as soon as the idiot is returned to his village we will begin to put our house in order. Any help would be appreciated.

First thoughts: McCain's opportunity

MAMMA MIA — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 14:20:08 GMT

Why hasn't any of the MSM talked about this new cover of the Inquirer magazine. "Plot to kill Obama" when his plane had the emergency landing. I really hope, hope that is not true.

First thoughts: McCain's opportunity

Leroy, Woodbury, NJ — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 14:20:45 GMT

Char Rubalt:
What do you mean by this is where the liberals get it wrong? Who gave the United States the power to be telling the rest of the world what to do? It's not just about the United States anymore, this is now GLOBAL. We used to be a great leader, but that's not true anymore. So therefore, let's knock off all the crap about who has superpower and start working together as global. Obama is doing the right thing by taking this foreign tour. It's his way of showing the rest of the world that he's ready, willing and able to be a part of this global atmosphere. I have no doubt that he will be gladly welcome where ever he goes.

First thoughts: McCain's opportunity

Nj — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 14:20:56 GMT

Chuck you are getting WORSE
McCain has had a bad 3 weeks but the media gives him a PASS. Rape jokes, absent from meetings, SS is a disgrace, Grahamm soft porn movies etc...
What will it take for you to get it right?? If Obama said ANY of these things he would be done and Hillay would be back.

First thoughts: McCain's opportunity

Jamie, Elmwood Park, IL — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 14:21:50 GMT

First thoughts: McCain's opportunity

Suburban Mom paying attention, IL — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 14:22:07 GMT

Interesting summer plans for the McCain campaign.

One piece of advice- when Senator McCain wants to give a big speech on jobs and the economy, make sure he is in this country when he does so! Watching him make that speech in, oh, let's say Mexico or Colombia, won't resonate well- trust me.

Of course, that's presuming that his actual location will be reported accurately.

First thoughts: McCain's opportunity

NObama — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 14:22:47 GMT

You use Wright as an excuse for attacking Senator Obama, and close your mind to the possibilities for improvement that he might bring to the nation.
---------------
sotiredofignorance: Wright is only one of many reasons I do not support Obama. We do have freedom of speech; Wright can say what he wants. What is more problematic for me re: Obama and Wright is that Obama lied to us about their relationship and his knowledge of Wright's positions. In the beginning, I was in awe of Obama. But, after the 10th "hope and change" speech with nothing behind it, I began to wonder about his ability and his policies. I'm still wondering about his policies because he changes them so frequently. If you don't think that's true, watch the You Tube video on Iraq that was featured here yesterday. Your head will be spinning before it's finished. Re: religion, I frankly don't believe religion should be mixed with politics. But, if a candidate like Obama wants to tout his religion, then it's open for discussion and as a way to judge his character and judgement.

First thoughts: McCain's opportunity

Laura, Boston — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 14:24:09 GMT

Give up referencing "Morning Joe", First Read, no one watches it.

sotiredofignorance (Sent Friday, July 18, 2008 9:50 AM)
_________________________
I happen to enjoy "Morning Joe". It is a fun start to my day. I can still hear the news but get humor as well.

I think John McCain is as capable (with a running mate who is good on the economy)as Obama. Okay we now know that Obama worked with Dick Lugar on Nuclear sites....that has nothing to do with creating jobs, bringing down gas prices, the mortage mess. Can anyone name one economic bill he co-sponsored?

All he is concerned about is being like JFK. I grew up in Massachusetts and let me tell you Obama you ain't no JFK!!! Every idea he has, Hillary had first.

Wake up America!!!

First thoughts: McCain's opportunity

Fiberman — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 14:24:36 GMT

The George W Bush Sewage Plant.
Way to go San Fran.

First thoughts: McCain's opportunity

GA,Edgewood,Kentucky — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 14:25:14 GMT

The Audacity of Hope... What a great line of bs! The people of Iraq have hope that their country will be far better than the one before it. Does Mr. Obama share their hope? It is wonderful to say that you are a President for all people, but along with that you are also the leader of the world. Mr. Obama, you appear to want to vanguish that hope from the Iraq people based on politics not on your feel good slogan. Just my opinion brother.

First thoughts: McCain's opportunity

mary, maryville, tn — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 14:26:43 GMT

No more McSame, McShame, McDumb, McBush, etc....the CHANGE comes as of today...it's.....McGOO!

Watch this and see if you don't agree that it's Sen. John McGOO http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PQWmM-OLkDM

First thoughts: McCain's opportunity

NObama — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 14:27:10 GMT

That’s twice today I have to agree with Nobama and that is scary.
---------------------
I know, Ira, I got hives agreeing with you on a couple of things this week!. LOL! Though we disagree, I do appreciate your comments and opinions.

First thoughts: McCain's opportunity

Sherri Hussein, Charleston WV — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 14:27:16 GMT

Hold on folks. I've observed all this talk of Morning Joe so decided to delay my workday a couple hours and tune in. Joe wasn't there this am--we had Tiki, Mika(whatever, I think that's it), Mike, and that redhead gent. They spent literally ten minutes on the steps McCain needs to take to maximize the feed that Obama's trip abroad is nothing but photo op. ARE YOU FREAKIN KIDDING???? Mika had the gall to pipe up and say even though these trips are planned weeks in advance, it still looks like Obama is an opportunitist because "folks are feeling it in the wallet, not overseas". I now agree with most of you all. THis program is a pile of junk--Joe didn't even need to show up and it is still drivel. WHen they started to take a serious look at The View's meltdown between WHoopie Goldberg and who the hell cares, I decided an 11 hour workday was much better and I tuned out.

First thoughts: McCain's opportunity

nuanced — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 14:27:45 GMT

I picture a bunch of little irritating yappy dogs nipping at Obama's heals. He is too nice to kick the dogs and send them yipping.

First thoughts: McCain's opportunity

Diane from Illinois — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 14:30:35 GMT

One might ask: McCain had a 3 month head start on Obama during the long, drawn out Democratic primary....what did he do with THAT time? Nothing. By all rights it's McCain that should be way ahead of Obama in the polls, however the question always asked is, Why isn't Obama further ahead? Give me a break. But the media hasn't given McCain a pass, has it?

First thoughts: McCain's opportunity

kenn — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 14:34:29 GMT

There is no difference between Macain and Obamma both work for the MAN.BOW DOWN and pay the man will be their message to you simpletons that believe that things will change not with the two parties robbing you together and helping each one get away watch how the democrats help the puckers escape their justice and no one goes to jail PERFECT YOU ARE THE FOOL

First thoughts: McCain's opportunity

Watching — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 14:34:41 GMT

nuanced: I picture a bunch of little irritating yappy dogs nipping at Obama's heals. He is too nice to kick the dogs and send them yipping.

Just so others recall this guy. He's the one that was dancing on Tony Snow's grave, even before he was buried. nuanced, change your name to noclass.

First thoughts: McCain's opportunity

sotiredofignorance — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 14:38:23 GMT

Sherri Huessin:

Exactly. What I SHOULD have said is no one who has any intellectual curiosity watches it. I spend that time with my horse. SHE is smarter than the people on that show.

First thoughts: McCain's opportunity

dwmulenex,savannah, ga — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 14:42:38 GMT

McCain can use the time while O is wowing the eurepeans to brush up on his history of Eastern Euope after the cold war, read a history of Islam that explains Sunnis and Shias, learn a few words of Arabic and Persian, and trade in his abacus for an on line economics 101 course for his new computer with the really big red button that looks like launching a nuclear missile on/off switch. I recommend he set his home page to Red State update to remedify the evils of Huffy Post, Salon, and of course, First read. Has anyone ever seen a video of McCain on line? No Photo Shop allowed.

First thoughts: McCain's opportunity

MI, NY — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 14:44:38 GMT

Speaking of Morning Joe. NO ONE noticed that Dan Rather referenced Barack Obama as Osama Bin Laden. No on the panel, no one behind the camera, NO ONE corrected him. HELLO???

He said he liked Jesse Jackson and that he paved the way for the rise of Osama Bin Laden (meaning Barack)

NO ONE????????

First thoughts: McCain's opportunity

Sally, Virginia — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 14:47:56 GMT

To Sally-Virginia
The one thing Obama doesn't have is former Sen. Gramm giving him economic advise which automatically gives him an edge. Remember Gramm is the one who pushed all the banking deregulation that has caused this mortgage failure nightmare and the failure of many banks.
-----------------------------------------
You're absolutely correct there Jamie. Gramm is a buffoon and is indefensible. But that doesn't answer the question: what gives anyone the idea that Obama is prepared to turn the economy around? The fact that McCain had a knucklehead advisor doesn't automatically tip the scale to Obama. This is a fair question.

First thoughts: McCain's opportunity

SJB — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 14:48:42 GMT

Au Contraire, Sotiredofignorance - you're obviously getting up later, and/or can't figure out how to tape/tivo a show. It is one of the best talk shows next to Countdown, since Hardball went nasty.

Kay P Tempe, AZ (Sent Friday, July 18, 2008 9:59 AM)

It's only good if Scarborough isn't there. That's the only time I watch - can't stand that hack Scarborough - too much of a downer that early in the morning.

First thoughts: McCain's opportunity

les rio rancho nm — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 14:54:15 GMT

at least obama was respectfull to biden. compare that with the large number of negative comments that went between mccain and romney.

First thoughts: McCain's opportunity

benvictor — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 14:57:44 GMT

So, Obama has 300 foreign policy advisers. Since no two people agree on anything, this results in a multitude of "best guesses" and in the flip flops every day by Obama. Who's in charge? You say, Mr. Change Agent is in charge? May God protect America from this insanity.

First thoughts: McCain's opportunity

Wake Up MSNBC — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 15:00:34 GMT

Wow, if anyone thinks McCain has superior knowledge of foreign matters over Obama, I'm sorry, you're an idiot. McCain has made it clear the past two months that he has no idea what's going on in Iraq, or who the key armies and groups are.

First thoughts: McCain's opportunity

Barbara C. - Fort Lauderdale, FL — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 15:02:38 GMT

Too bad all these famous reporters couldn't dress as the clowns they are and inbed themselves at all these events as they wait for what I call...."The Big Gaffe". It's a 3-ring circus following the Obama Campaign and I find it amusing.

First thoughts: McCain's opportunity

Suburban Mom paying attention, IL — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 15:08:53 GMT

To Sally, VA

I was personally encouraged by Obama's introduction of The Shareholder Vote on Executive Compensation Act of 2007. Here is a portion of what he had to say about it:
-----------------------------------------------------
"S. 1181 would require a nonbinding shareholder vote on executive compensation packages. I believe public discussion and debate over executive compensation packages would force corporate boards to think twice before signing over millions of dollars to CEOs. Certainly, many CEOs are ably steering their firms and deserve their paychecks. But the rate at which executive pay has grown, as compared to stagnating wages among American workers, is rightfully frustrating shareholders and employees alike, especially given the lackluster performance of many of the companies paying these high salaries."
-----------------------------------------------------

You may not agree, but I think this helps many of us.

First thoughts: McCain's opportunity

noclass — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 15:15:46 GMT

"nuanced, change your name to noclass."
--Watching

Done!

By the way, I threw a wet blanket on the veneration of Jesse (I love death squads and hate gays) Helms before he was in the grave but it missed the posting cutoff. I hope to be dancing when GWB is planted. Do you really think being a likable person negates the evil we do in our life?

First thoughts: McCain's opportunity

Stephen, Missouri — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 15:19:51 GMT

There is two questions a dare McCain people to answer...what war did McCain ever win? It is lways said that McCain is very knowledgeable about the world, what exactly does he know? It is true that McCain knows more than average Americans, but that does not qualify him as knowledgeable about the world and he is still too old to learn.

For heaven's sake Americans, let us not elect another ignorant politician as President...look at the Bush experiment and learn from that.

First thoughts: McCain's opportunity

Dave, Tn — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 15:21:42 GMT

While you're following Obama around Europe and the middle east ask him who these little "Obamanation watchers" are going to be that make up his new "civilian national security force"

The comment is between the 16 and 17 minute mark of the video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Df2p6867_pw

"We cannot continue to rely on our military in order to achieve the national security objectives we've set. We've got to have a civilian national security force that's just as powerful, just as strong, just as well-funded."

First thoughts: McCain's opportunity

Kathy P, Southbury, CT — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 15:22:58 GMT

No one can name 1 significant accomplishment that Obama has done piece of legislation, armed service, governor of state) His arrogance to think that he knows how to run Iraq better than the commanders is ridiculous. He has gotten preferential loan for a 5 bedroom, 5 bath luxurious house, has finally started wearing his US pin but only after a handicapped veteran gave him one. Have we forgotten that the reason we haven't been attacked since 2001 is because of aggressive military and covert operations which Obama opposes. Get a clue. it's ok to have strong conviction for someone, but you should have some definitive rationale other than he can restore "hope". He is playing so many people and just hoping he can ride the wave till November than will buyers remorse happen. Again, name 1 thing major he has accomplished for someone other than himself.

First thoughts: McCain's opportunity

matt — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 15:26:55 GMT

Best thing for the McCain campaign would be to lay low, applaud Obama for visiting the war zones, then wait for some inevitable gaffe to be picked up the the oppressive media coverage of the trips.

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