First thoughts: McCain's rough weekend

Chuck, NY — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 13:24:43 GMT

It is not often you get to meet the new boss before he or she takes over the job. Did you see the look of inspiration and hope in the eyes of our service personnel in Afghanistan and now in Iraq? I don’t believe for one second our military has any misgivings concerning Senator Obama becoming the next President and CINC. From Flag Officers to raw recruits, I believe the military welcomes an administration with the vision, intelligence and strategic purpose the Obama presidency promises..

I can bet the WH put a lot of pressure on ADM Mullen to change his tune on Iraq at the same time Obama is in the Mideast. It is a shame he mentioned how dangerous a precipitous drawdown would be in Iraq. I suspect he, and many others, can hardly wait to take rudder orders (pardon the pun) from Obama starting Jan 20, 2009 at Noon.

First thoughts: McCain's rough weekend

Linda. Boston, MA — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 13:28:49 GMT

Can someone please explain to me why McCain keeps calling a withdrawal a 'defeat'??? We went into Iraq, took out Saddam and established a new government. Why is it 'defeat' to now hand the country back over to that new government and say "you guys take it from here". McCain keeps saying that we "have succeeded", but how can that be if we are unable to hand the government back to its people? McCain is bending over backwards to find a way to justify continuing a war; without a war, he has nothing to run on as a presidential candidate. It's pathetic. He talks about how much he "hates war", but he, more than anyone, is the one who is most determined to keep us in some kind of military conflict.

I think people are too afraid to say this because of the political blowback it wouild have, but in all honesty, I think John McCain's time as a POW has negatively influenced his decision making with respect to war. I think he is determined to beat the enemy - any enemy. He just wants to WIN and to make someone else pay the price for his suffering. Yes, he was a "war hero," but it was in a war that we did not win, and I think he's hell bent on winning a war before his time is up. Simply put, McCain wants some kind of revenge, and he'll send as many troops out there to die as he needs to in order to finally get his war victory. Last week when he told a group of GM workers "I know how to win wars, I know how to win!" it sounded more like he was trying to convince himself of that. But the reality is, he's never won a war. No disrespect intended, but it's true - there is nothing in his past that supports the claim that he knows how to win wars. But that is the one thing right now that he wants to be able to prove, no matter how many lives it takes.

First thoughts: McCain's rough weekend

Steve NewYork — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 13:30:23 GMT

It should be obvious to everyone that Sen. Obama will be the next president.

He hit the tri-fecta this weekend.

1)The US sent it's high rankung diplomat to talk with Iran, just as Obama has been urging us to do.

2)Maliki wants a time-table for troop withdrawal... and even Bush wants a troop Timetab...no troop time horizon.

3)He was right about the need to increase the troop levels in Afghanistan ! with McCain following behind on that issue.

Obama is in Iraq, meeting soldiers and looking presidential.
His policy positions on Iraq and Afghanistan make the most sense.

Your move Mr. Cain

First thoughts: McCain's rough weekend

L Roberts Taylor, Bufaalo, NY — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 13:30:30 GMT

Lost in all this because the media struggles with complex thought processes is why the US can leave in 2010. The surge worked, there will be a new democracy in the middle east, the war was worth getting rid of a brutal dictator, a staging area for terrorists staging is now gone, and now other countries in the region are being pressured to follow suit.

If Al Gore or John Kerry had ever been President, we'd be talking about Saddam being at the White House signing worthless treaties.

First thoughts: McCain's rough weekend

A Charles, LA, CA — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 13:31:22 GMT

Re Hillary: I am amazed that no one has noticed that the amount of her debt is about equal to the amount she has for the general election. She really never considered she would lose the nomination. With that type of thinking, what she did makes sense. But I doubt history will be so kind towards her record breaking, glass shattering debt.

First thoughts: McCain's rough weekend

jerry/corpus christi texas — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 13:35:31 GMT

Whiners LOL.....
I think Phil was talking about all the whining Liberals do....

top five liberal whines.......

1. Why can't gasoline be $10 a gallon???????
2. Why can't I be poor and get free money???????
3. why can't I pay higher taxes on my hard earned
money?????
4. why does my country have to protect me from
terrorists?????
5. all of the above and more

First thoughts: McCain's rough weekend

sotiredofignorance — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 13:36:06 GMT

Senator Obama's trip to the Mideast is a "be careful what you push for" message to McCain. Do you think he is sorry that he made that an issue?

First thoughts: McCain's rough weekend

Linda. Boston, MA — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 13:36:07 GMT

This whole SURGE BS needs to stop. The McCain campaign would like us to believe that the "surge" represents 7 years of military strategic decisions. It doesn't. It was but ONE decision among dozens over a 7 year period. They also, INCORRECTLY, continue to call it the 'most important' decision in the war so far, and brag about the fact that McCain was right. The problem is, it was NOT the most important decision: the most important decision was whether or not to go to war in the first place. And who got that one right? I rest my case.

First thoughts: McCain's rough weekend

Rick, NC — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 13:37:00 GMT

Poor senator mcsame...he is stuck with the bushleague albatross...and now even the country he wants to occupy for a hundred years wants is out sooner rather tha later which sounds more like barrys 16 months rather than johns 1200 months

First thoughts: McCain's rough weekend

Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 13:37:10 GMT

Big win for Obama.

Not only did Maliki confirm his support for Obama's approach, but he also confirmed for the American people that the Bush Administration was trying to spin the meaning of Maliki's words.

First thoughts: McCain's rough weekend

thats a fact jack — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 13:38:48 GMT

OBAMA WINS BIG TIME!!!

First thoughts: McCain's rough weekend

Linda. Boston, MA — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 13:41:36 GMT

"the war was worth getting rid of a brutal dictator, a staging area for terrorists staging is now gone,"
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

That's easy to say when you aren't one of the 4000+ troops who is now dead because of it. Not to mention a few thousand who have taken their own lives. Ask their families if it was worth it.

And by the way, Iraq was not a "staging ground for terrorist" until we invaded and made it one. You clearly do not know what you are talking about.

First thoughts: McCain's rough weekend

Pat, Boston, MA — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 13:42:09 GMT

I am very very happy to see all the good news that is coming out of Iraq. They have suffered enough these last 5 years because of us.

So as far as I'm concerned, I don't care who gets the credit. There is good news. Finally. That is what is important.

I just hope they can wrap this up politically, and soon.

It's time to go.

First thoughts: McCain's rough weekend

Nashville_fan — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 13:43:01 GMT

"On the bright side for McCain, his campaign seized on remarks from Joint Chiefs Chairman Mike Mullen that withdrawing US troops over the next two years would be “dangerous.”"
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
You don't say? I think everyone agrees on that.

Senator McCain is clinging to the "surge" for dear life, and it has been successful on some levels. But the surge represents a shift from "Bring it on!", kick down the doors, de-Baathification, and the "shock and awe" approach to paying former insurgents to work with us instead of agaisnt us.

The "surge" is the triumph of reason for rhetoric - finally sending in enough troops to get the job done (like General Shinseki suggested before the invasion), negotiating with our former "enemies" to find common ground - the very approach that Senator Obama has advocated all along.

I don't really care who takes credit for the breakthrough - I just want to do what makes the most sense for our troops. They deserve so much better than being political footballs sacrificed to save face for the Bush Adminsitration and the Republican Party. This is too important to play games with.

Time has already proven that Senator Obama's approach is the better approach. But I take no glee in the debacle that has been the Iraq War. It is a great tragedy, no matter who is "right" in a political sense.

First thoughts: McCain's rough weekend

camie — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 13:43:30 GMT

yeah bad weak for mccain. mccain is trying to back track but he just cant, he was against a timetable and now we have a time horizon, he was against troops being out of iraq but the iraqis are now requesting we get out. obama is the right person for the job because of his judgement and plans for america.

Video of unenthusiastic anti-obama Protest
http://sensico.wordpress.com/2008/07/19/video-of-puma-just-say-no-deal-losers-hold-a-protest/
or
http://sensico2.blogspot.com/2008/07/my-blogs.html

First thoughts: McCain's rough weekend

Yawners Jennings, CO — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 13:45:11 GMT

Nice job First Read. Not even 10 minutes into the new week, and already 100% positive Obama articles and/or negative McCain articles. I guess that's called 'Doing your part'.

First thoughts: McCain's rough weekend

Matt, Idaho — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 13:46:53 GMT

I KNEW that all of these Iraqi "assistants" of Maliki were just Bush surrogates trying to put out fires that Makiki himself was creating.

Obama had to go in person to get the truth from the horse's mouth, so to say. And in English, to boot. Very, very smart.

First thoughts: McCain's rough weekend

matt — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 13:47:14 GMT

McCain will need to completely re-tool his Iraq strategy in accordance with Maliki's comments. He just slammed Obama for not accepting the facts on the ground, so he certainly cannot afford to do the same just a few weeks later. He must address it.

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

First thoughts: McCain's rough weekend

Clara Kansas City, MO — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 13:48:32 GMT

Nashville Fan had an EXCELLENT post yesterday regarding the surge and Iraq. Recommended reading for all.

Obama is having a great trip. He is looking and acting presidential and I am proud to have him as my candidate.

PS. Attended an Obama house party this weekend. It was pretty cool. People from the National campaign were there. Attend or host one, if you are inclined, very informational.

First thoughts: McCain's rough weekend

Brother Odd — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 13:48:35 GMT

Linda, Boston, Ma,
The reason McCain keeps calling a withdrawal a defeat, is because his goal, like Bush, is to stay in a war. So if we withdraw it would be a defeat for him.

First thoughts: McCain's rough weekend

Nashville_fan — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 13:49:50 GMT

This morning on Morning Joe, Mika asked Andrea Mitchell how Senator Obama was received by the troops. Instead of answering the question, Andrea went off on a strange tirade about not being sure because she has only seen footage shot by the military, and how only footage shot by JOURNALISTS would be fit for her to analyze.

HUH?

Were the Reverend Wright tapes recorded by journalists? How about Father Phlager? What about those famous "bitter" comments? And yet I have heard Andrea comment on ALL of these AD NASEUM!

Instead of answering the question, Andrea pointed out how many times the senators accompanying Obama had been to Iraq, how many times John McCain had been to Iraq, and how the troops would be happy to see "any politician".

Andrea, last time I checked, the "journalism" you claim to hold so dear is about reporting what you do see not whining about what you didn't. Your lack of objectivity is the problem, not who taped the news footage.

First thoughts: McCain's rough weekend

Clara Kansas City, MO — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 13:53:32 GMT

Linda, Boston:

You are so right. McCain was in full on 'embrace' mode of Bush's Iraq policy as recently as August of 2006 (pre surge). Nashville Fan covered this yesterday and he was spot on. They are acting like they should get a cookie for finally addressing a five year blunder. Plus, everyone fails to mention the bribe money we paid to reduce the violence (in addition to the increased troop levels). It is just ridiculous that the '...surge worked...' but we can't leave. We've been asked to pack our bags, and it is time to head out.

First thoughts: McCain's rough weekend

ge`pa` — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 13:57:30 GMT

This morning on today Mccain totally ignored Meredith questions and just kept on talking over her, and she let him get away with. I'm surprise she let him get away with it, because she was always so confrontational with Hillary every time she interviewed her. Maybe she was afraid Mccain would go into one of his rages and we all know he often does. He is a bit of amental case.

First thoughts: McCain's rough weekend

Brian, Atlanta, GA — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 13:57:35 GMT

Chuck, I'm tired of your "comfort" angle on the veep picks. I heard you pumping it yet again on one of the Sunday shows, and was convinced even less. Who doesn't like to surround herself with someone she likes and respects? I think the updated conventional wisdom on veep picks is simply that (1) while formerly a candidate might have wanted someone on the ticket to pick up a particular state or boost electability in a particular geographic region, that rationale has probably expanded to include picking up a particular ideological or issue-based constituency group, and (2) at the end of the day, it has to be someone who will sign on to the candidate's vision for America, and be prepared to play his limited role well in addition to being ready to carry that vision forward if the tragic happens. Period.

I guess your point is that each candidate might like to pick certain people who would not be consistent with (1) above, because they feel comfortable with them personally? Fair enough, I guess, but I just think that's obvious.

After all is said, I am thinking the likelihood is that McCain will choose Romney, because he's well-coifed, well-known by now, and has been a decent surrogate.

I'm totally uncertain who Obama will pick though. All I can say is that this report from last week about a conversation in which he admitted he is still considering Hillary shows anxiety. Not that she wouldn't be a decent pick in various ways, but I don't think he wants her on Bill, and it's only McCain's upward-inching poll numbers that keep him thinking about it.

First thoughts: McCain's rough weekend

Alan, NJ — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 13:57:57 GMT

Is Maliki playing Obama? He apparently knows how to negotiate. It's easy to say get the troops out by 2010, the issue is what constitutes (the size of) a residual force, what is it's mission/status of force agreement?

This is what Maliki is negotiating right now and he using Obama as a chip. Obama has not specified what will be left in Iraq after 16 months. Residual forces can cover a multitude of configurations. I am beginning to see another parsing of terms similar to preconditions and preparations.

BTW So far, just in the military sphere, BO has promised
1) To increase the size of the Army and Marines
2) Replace/Rebuild all the equipment worn out in Iraq
3) Move troops to Afghanistan as needed (2 Battalions at least)
Where is the peace dividend he was going to spend on domestic programs?

First thoughts: McCain's rough weekend

Ron Indiana — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 13:59:41 GMT

It sure is refreshing to see what meeting face-to-face and listening can do to solve problems. Al-maliki and the Iraqi people really do want US soldiers to no longer remain in their country. We cam leave victorious right now. Why victorious? Because our goals have been accomplished. On to Afghanistan to fight the real enemies of the US.

The surge is yesterdays news, the withdrawal is on the table. Yes, it was a tough weekend for McCain. and it will only get tougher.

I was facinated that the two candidates will go to church on August 16th. That will be another blow-out for Obama. The fact that Dobson will eventually endorse McCain will mean only one more vote for John. Others do not listen to Dobson like they used to.

VP selection: How is that going to play out? Obama put the press on a plane and he go visit his first choice...Kinda like the Hillary visit. Obama will want to have some quiet time with his new VP, without the press. Personally, I think he has already decided and the contacts have already been made. Obama is frequently two steps ahead of the press. I bet he is again this time.

First thoughts: McCain's rough weekend

A.Brocco,Albuquerque,NM — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 13:59:54 GMT

Perspective...It appears it would be a win-win for both Obama and McCain if McCain would concede that he has no chanced to win this election. It would be an eye opener for Republicans and it would allow the RNC to shift their millions to the senate and house races that are in the "undecided" column. To lose the presidency along with many house/senate races would be horrific for the Republicans. Pouring more money into McCain's disorganized campaign amounts to nothing more than wishful thinking.The conservatives have destroyed the Republican party to the point where a major retrofit is required and they need to start now.

First thoughts: McCain's rough weekend

Rick,Ky — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 14:00:13 GMT

Let's see, Bad weekend for McCain. A little over 20% of the country, still believe in GWB, so the 4 Wrong's & 1 Right for Mccain over the weekend is about the Norm.

1st Read, the Occupant of 1600 pennsylvania ave was already Nut's, so that metaphor is accurate.

As for the poster who said, would saddamm be at the WH signing Occupation Treaty's, No he would'nt, But Bin laden's A$$ would'nt have got away neither.

Chuck, in NY, the Troop's now know that Playing in the Sandbox is shortly coming to an End. They're excited to have someone who know's where the Real Fight is & has always been.

Help is on the way to our Troop's in Afghanistan, who've fought Bravely!!! Thier Frustration with the current Idiot in chief(GWB) is coming to an End.

POTUS Cred's disappeared, are ya happy now Mccain. Next time, be careful what You ask for, you may just get it.

First thoughts: McCain's rough weekend

BJ, CA — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 14:00:52 GMT

Whiners Rule!!!!!

Look who's whining now....
The GOP ... why are thet still here?
To show us what not to do?....good answer..

Obama'08

First thoughts: McCain's rough weekend

bill, okla — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 14:01:06 GMT

John McCain is not up to being president...period. His age, temperment and lack of intellectually grasping and ability to work with all the necessary details of the job are obvious negatives. Jerry in Corpus who is obviously enamored with Limbaugh speak, labelling anything he's not seen posted in a soldier of fortune magazine as something liberal and therefore evil. If John McCain's rhetoric really touches him then he must be just as out of touch with the majority of us.

First thoughts: McCain's rough weekend

Nashville_fan — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 14:01:25 GMT

"Obama has the easier fact to sell: Maliki wants troops out in 16 months. But how about the fact that this weekend -- after a yearlong boycott -- a key Sunni bloc rejoined the Iraqi government? Doesn't this mean that the surge which, coincidentally started over a year ago, provided breathing space for political reconciliation?"
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
As much as the media likes to make Iraq an all or nothing, either or proposition - it's not.

The much ballyhooed surge is just the 5 year late addition of the troops the military requested at the beginning of the War. It also represents the negotiation with Al Sadr and other locals - something the Bush Administration was loathe to do.

But regardless of all that, here is the most ignored fact:

America CAN NOT AFFORD to stay in Iraq another 5 years! We will be suffering the consequences of the misadventure in Iraq economically, militarily, and diplomatically for YEARS.

The damage has been done - and no amount of face saving and hiding behind the surge will change that.

First thoughts: McCain's rough weekend

dk in tn — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 14:01:34 GMT

Obama the rock star--just what we don't need. I don't trust the man, never have and never will. Obama wants to establish a <i>new world order.

MSM are so bamboozled it is pathetic. They have tried to ram Obama down the throat of voters.

<B>Vote McCain for the security of the USA

First thoughts: McCain's rough weekend

Rodney Hopper, Waxahachie, TX — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 14:01:42 GMT

What else is there to say?

The Iraqis embrace Obama's position on a 16 month timetable. We want out. They want us out. I don't really see where McCain has any wiggle room on this one.

Sure, they can tout the surge, but what did that prove that if you add more of the most advanced, well-trained, well-equipped, and tactically sound soldiers on the ground that you'd see a reduction in violence? No kidding. The thing that they don't share on the "surge has worked" front is that we're still at about a 150,000 troop level over there, compared with the 132,000 we had before the surge. We still haven't seen much evidence of the Iraqis taking over their own security, which is the end goal.

Also, First Read left out Reagan adviser Larry Hunter, author of the Contract with America, endorsing Obama. I'd say that would add to an abysmal weekend.

First thoughts: McCain's rough weekend

Houston — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 14:02:09 GMT

...a key Sunni bloc rejoined the Iraqi government? Doesn't this mean that the surge which, coincidentally started over a year ago, provided breathing space for political reconciliation?
----------------------------------------------------

No. It mostly means the civil war burned itself out and paying off the Sunni insurgents not to attack Americans worked. Violence was already on the decline when the surge began. The surge provided no glorious victory, despite the spin that the corporate media wants to give it. All the escalation in military violence did was to get hundreds more Americans and thousands more Iraqis killed needlessly.

First thoughts: McCain's rough weekend

Nashville_fan — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 14:02:20 GMT

Thanks for the kind words Clara!

First thoughts: McCain's rough weekend

MK,MO — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 14:02:27 GMT

L Roberts Taylor, Bufaalo, NY in typical neo-con fashion proclaims / "If Al Gore or John Kerry had ever been President, we'd be talking about Saddam being at the White House signing worthless treaties."

it's also worth noting if we would have not invaded iraq under false pretenses iran would not be enriching uranium because saddam would not have allowed it, which is worse chief, iraq was a greater u.s. blunder than vietnam

First thoughts: McCain's rough weekend

Diane from Illinois — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 14:03:17 GMT

jerry/corpus christi texas,

You're starting to sound desperate! LOL

First thoughts: McCain's rough weekend

BJ, CA — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 14:03:43 GMT

Let's have a Withdrawal Surge...

That's the best of both solutions...

Obama/Biden'08

First thoughts: McCain's rough weekend

Judy Bortell Ovilla TX — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 14:04:55 GMT

I saw McCain this morning on NBC talking to Meredith. The guy is just like Bush. He wouldn't 1)answer any questions about Grahamn;2) kept giving himself credit about the Surge working while trashing Obama;3) refused to respect Maliki's opinion about his own country and 4) does not have a clue about Afghanistan. This guy lives the past. He feels because he was a POW; he's earned being POTUS. There are too many people that are "afraid" to challenge his "credentials"; because they don't want to be labeled "unpatriotic". Well, I say give him a "war museum" to manage. McCain is just "too old school" and dangerous. How can any rational thinking American want someone representing them worldwide in the 21st Century looking and acting like McCain?

First thoughts: McCain's rough weekend

Obama is a bamboozler (and that is just the half of it) — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 14:05:30 GMT

<b>Obama promises much---will deliver nothing.

Listen to the comments he made about the military in the primaries.

Obama is scary---read his books and be afraid.

First thoughts: McCain's rough weekend

New Wave — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 14:06:06 GMT

McCain is stuck with Bush's foreign policy, which even Bush himself has started running away from.

First thoughts: McCain's rough weekend

Sherri Hussein, Charleston WV — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 14:08:14 GMT

Nashville fan, I completely agree with you. Me thinks Mrs. Greenspan needs an editorial gut check. ANd while we're on the Greenspan subject: Anyone out there care to comment on Mr. Greenspan's culpibility in all of this economic train derailing?

First thoughts: McCain's rough weekend

CITIZENS FOR HONEST JOURNALISM — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 14:08:31 GMT

Well, I see the three little harlets who run this website are at it again. Cheerleading for Barrack Obama, that is.
Couldn't you three little pigs at least have the common decency to openly state your endorsement of his candidacy? That way, we would be able to put what you write about this campaign into its' proper perspective.
Isn't kind of silly for you to continue this charade of journalism, when in fact you have rather overtly become a part of his campaign?

First thoughts: McCain's rough weekend

Barbara C. - Fort Lauderdale, FL — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 14:09:22 GMT

So...as an Obama Supporter, why are the national polls so tight? Are they waiting on the conventions? Is the rest of the country NOT tuned in as we are? These polls this tight at this point, sigh....only make me work harder down here in GOP land - the State of Florida. But, I find it so hard to fathom that the rest of the country does not see it my way....and so, I am calling this one....God help me...a RACE ISSUE.

First thoughts: McCain's rough weekend

Brendan D, Niles, IL — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 14:10:10 GMT

I'm not entirely sure how this post is "pro-Obama." McCain had a bad weekend, and he has been misspeaking right and left (including one giant misspeak regarding Obama's "unconditional" commitment to pulling troops out of Iraq, which First Read pointed out earlier).

There hasn't been much positive that McCain could take out of the last week. But that's kind of how I see this election going. Despite the fact that anachronistic social conservatives like James Dobson, seem to despise Obama because of the big "D" parenthetical next to his name, most independents who lean conservatives, as well as many other Republicans and small-party conservatives, have not warmed up to McCain. While it's true (as I heard Lou Dobbs point out over the weekend) that the enthusiasm for Obama has gone down, it certainly has not gone up for McCain. That's got to be depressing for his campaign.

First thoughts: McCain's rough weekend

Matt, Idaho — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 14:13:16 GMT

First Read, please report this, this is huge:

Up to a MILLION people could be showing up to listen to Obama at Victory Column in Berlin, Germany.

http://www.thelocal.de/13177/20080720/

First thoughts: McCain's rough weekend

J. Merle Stanley, Westchester, NY — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 14:15:37 GMT

This website is becoming more and more useless as a reliable source of truthful, unbiased information, with each day that passes.

First thoughts: McCain's rough weekend

Polly, Tampa — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 14:15:48 GMT

I think John MccCain broke CODEL protocol in announcing the timing of Barack Obama' trip because he is old and fogetful. What are the other choices? He wanted to endanger the other candidate? I don't believe this for a moment. He didn't know what protocol was? Oh, gosh, I hope this isn't it. Look, we've got an old man who can't remember some very important things and can't use a computer. We've got a young, very intelligent man with a vision and a world view and an empathy for the downtrodden. Good Lord, this is the most important job in the world. Don't elect the doddering (and not that smart to begin with) old man. Mind you, I have nothing against someone being older but Mr. McCain demonstrates so often that it has taken it's toll on him. Others might remain capable and young at heart - he hasn't. The contrast is so remarkable that the whole thing would be funny if it weren't so deadly serious.

First thoughts: McCain's rough weekend

banko — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 14:19:06 GMT

John McCain is a War Monger no question about it. He keep saying " I hate wars, I know how to win wars". Folks that says it all.
All in your head
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_lu4dcxl4GY

John McCain: No, You Can't
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EUKINg8DCUo&eurl=http://stephencrosehome.blogspot.com/

Here's what four more years would sound like (McCain mashup)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1iWYAOMYmp0&eurl=http://www.jedreport.com/

First thoughts: McCain's rough weekend

MI Chick — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 14:19:48 GMT

"Liberals like the misery of like minded whiners.
Chuck Pearson, Lincoln, NE (Sent Friday, July 18, 2008 4:07 PM)"

Yeah - just like repubs fat cats like anyone who is as rich and puffed up as they are. They're laughing all the way to the bank...right?

First thoughts: McCain's rough weekend

Nelson, Knoxville, Tenn — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 14:21:11 GMT

Hello Mr Todd,

I know my message may not be publish as usual but I have made a point of duty to daily send you and your team my thoughts.

I think you and your team has in your hand a rare opportunity to contribute your quota to the progress of this country and I believe posterity will judge if you use this opportunity well.

I want to say that what Andrea Mitchel is doing in this election will be judged sooner or later. I do not need to go into details but I am very sure she has a heart and conscience. As a journalist, of course you have the right to like or hate a candidate but you still have to understand that you are speaking to a diverse public hence you own it as a duty to report the truth. She has chosen to be bias in this election and it is very glaring, we all can see it. I will advise her to adjust or she will do herself, her image and the organization she works for a lot of damage by the time she realises it. Uncle Tim did not plan what happened to him but I wish he was alive to see the way everybody from both aisle were celebrating him, nobody knows what can happen in the next minute and that is why is good to use every opportunity very well. Yes she is making some people happy by choosing to be biased but she must do some soul searching and ask herself hard questions about what she is doing or what her motives are. I have purposely put my email address here, she can mail, I will even give her my phone number if she wants. The bottom line is that she is too biased and she must change.

First thoughts: McCain's rough weekend

Scott, Sane in Wisconsin — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 14:22:24 GMT

Hey Nashville Fan- I am skeptical about anything that I hear, or see, from the US Military. They have gone a long way to control what the American people are told about their activities. Many recent examples of that from Jessica Lynch (is she the plucky little fighting non-com rescued in a dramtic raid or a simple country girl who did nothing extaordinary and was rescued from an undefended compoint without a shot fired?) to Pat Tillman (hero who gave up a lucrative career to fight for the US tragically killed in a fire fight or hero shot to pieces by his own outfit because of multiple errors. They lied to us about this for months!). I am completely suspicious after watching the softballs being lobbed by Faux New's Chris Wallace to Joint Chiefs Chairman/Political General Mike Mullen. That whole episode was set up to assist McCain! Don't lecture us about the veracity of the military.

First thoughts: McCain's rough weekend

too much politics when reason is in order — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 14:24:40 GMT

the surge was part of the strategy of the iraq study group (ISG). however it was supposed to be accompanied by agressive diplomacy.

bush was emphatic about NOT using the agressive dplomacy especially as it involved "the neighbors."

in essence the ISG said send more now but tell them you are leaving. Talk to the neighbors and get some buy in as its their mutual gaol to avert chaos. The surge will give them some time to stamp out rampant violence curb militias and get reconcilitaion, oil sharing and the governemnt going.

unforutnately what we did was only the surge really. So the "time horizon" was never improved for leaving which was the goal. That is McCAin warns that things can revert precisely BECAUSE he does not follow the rest of the ISG advice.

McCain wants to keep this part of the failure (IGORING ISG other than the surge) alive.

ISG had it right

...agressive diplomacy
...tell em were outta here soon if you dont get a handle
...surge then plan for troops to leave.

the Obama plan is basically the ISG but he was not in favor of the surge per se. SO IMO both MCAin and Obama erred in that regard. If Obama was for the ISG he should have supprted the surge and THEN his plan whih is the rest of ISG. even the ISG said you need a surge to avert chaos.

but now Obama's plan is the ISG and McCain is not.

Go figure.

First thoughts: McCain's rough weekend

Nj — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 14:28:21 GMT

McShame cant remember AGAIN

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/07/21/mccain-owns-first-foreign_n_114013.html

First thoughts: McCain's rough weekend

Amy B Portland, ME — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 14:28:34 GMT

Where has Senator Reed been all my life? Why haven't I heard of this politician before? I like this guy!

PS How awesome were Al Gore and Tom Brokaw on Meet The Press? What a joy to hear two people speaking intelligently and with civility on TV, about matters crucial to our country and the world.

First thoughts: McCain's rough weekend

Nelson, Knoxville, Tenn. — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 14:33:29 GMT

Chuck,
There is no point arguing about what Maliki said or how it is bein spinned. Everybody in this country can speak and understand English. Most of us also know that what the chairman of the joint chief of staff were not totally his mind and most especially Iraq is a sovereign nation which means dangerous or no dangerous, they have the right to ask us to leave.
I can believe Sen. McCain is talking about judgement. Let us look at the facts.

*Whose judgement was it to go into this war which turned out to be the wrong war?
*Have we forgotten so soon that we lied to and decived into going to this war?
*Why can't we give credit to the man that saw all this and was able to make the right judgement by opposing this war from the beginning?
*Agreed the surge has reduced violence and kudos to our men ans women in the uniform but hasn't this war last long enough?
*Have forgotten that afganistan is the home of alqaeda?
*McCain has always opposed military surge in afganistan until last week
I believe win or loose in Nov. Sen. Obama has used good judgement in all these and should be creditted for it.