First thoughts: A Man in Amman

Pat, Boston, MA — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 13:37:34 GMT

I was so happy to hear that Zbigniew Brzezinski will be a guest on Morning Joe Wednesday morning. I adore this man. Considering he is the man who inspired me to travel to Eastern Europe three times, “adore” is an appropriate word to use.

It is one thing to read books and watch movies and documentaries about WWII and hear our veterans who over the years spoke of fighting in Europe and the Pacific. But it is quite another story to actually visit Warsaw, Berlin, Prague, Budapest, etc. and see the scars. To learn about the bravery of so many thousands of people all across Europe as they struggled to just survive. Especially the children. There are people of my own generation in Germany, who to this day, feel a great deal of guilt and shame over what had happened under the Third Reich. Things which happened when they were either just children, or not even born yet. It is they who have to still live with the shame to this day.

War in Iraq was senseless and brutal.

And we cannot start on our long road to recovery until we all begin being honest about our past, especially our foreign policy blunders. There are good and bad things we can say about every single one of our presidents, including Adams, Jefferson, Lincoln, FDR, Truman, etc. Actually, this can be said of every single leader in every single country all over the world throughout history.

And naive is a word that can be used to describe just about every president we have ever had as far as their foreign policy at some point in time, especially when it pertains to the Middle East.

Every single leader is allowed to change his position if the circumstances warrant it. It’s crucial that they do.

There is so much Mr. Brzezinski has to offer our current leaders. He is a jewel.

First thoughts: A Man in Amman

Rick,Ky — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 13:37:46 GMT

Watching CNN last night, a well respected David Gergon gave an anaylisis that somehow Barack was trying to negotiate as tho he was President already.Now i'm not privy to internal conversation's from abroad, but what's been shown so far about this trip, Statement's are coming from the Soveriegn Iraqi & Afghanistan government's, Not Barack Obama. Gergon saying that Presidential candidates acknowledge only 1 President ata time when on Foriegn soil goes back many year's.However, the same could be true for President Bush's attack on Barack from the Israeli Knesset a couple month's ago. So the MSM will probably now run with this line of attack on Barack, because, so far, thier CW about this trip has backfired on all of them.
The bar has been set so high for Barack(anyone with an iota of a Brain knows why also)that until he's Elected POTUS in november, the MSM will try everything to continue to bring this good man down. I agree with those of you that say Barack's campaign is more worth watching than Mccain's(therefore the Media bias)because it sell's. I'm still waiting till the MSM start's calling him by his name, which is Barack.All thru the Primaries & continuing to date,he is refered to as Obama by the MSM. So again, CW has been turned upsidedown.
Being reprted this morning,Sec Rice has issued a statement to American Embassy personal worldwide, to Only offer Minimal help with Congressional delegation's when oversea's.Playing politic's is Ok, but issuing a directive from Our Government to Only offer minimal help to our government Representatives is Unheard of. Again, CW turned upsidedown! This did'nt happen with McCain, Grahm, Leiberman's trip a couple month's ago. Why Now then?
Maybe it's the socalled Liberal MSM only reporting damaging news about Barack, but avoiding Mccain's many gaffes, just because he's John.
Stay vigilant American voter, we have Only 182 days left of President Bush( Thank God). The powers that be are gonna continue on this path they've chosen, it's gonna remain in our hand's(series of tubes) to put an end to the Nonsense we've witnessed for almost 8 year's.

News conference around 10 am this morning from Jordan. Maybe the MSM can then blame King Abdullah for even hosting Barack, Chuck, & Jack.Guarenteed the World will be watching this news conference, i know i'll be watching.

" Delusional Thinking By Common Sense American's Is Over"

Barack Obama for POTUS !!!!

First thoughts: A Man in Amman

dl, Exeter, NH — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 13:38:48 GMT

Chuck and team speakign of NH ...maybe you all would like to take a look at the fact that the Republican opwned subcontractors and franchises that run the cable industry there have made a switch this past week to remove MSNBC from the basic cable line up...

interesting that this move comes now.

First thoughts: A Man in Amman

Clara Kansas City, MO — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 13:39:27 GMT

Did anyone notice how OLD the gas pump is in McCain's new ad. Just a little something he uses down on the ranch? Everything about this candidate is so 'decades ago'. He has nothing original to say and his continual pandering to the low information voters (what Bush would call - "my base") is just so hard to watch. I shake my head everyday and wonder - WHO is running his campaign. Is he not even reading his own message for content?

They keep underestimating their opponent while he walks off with the title. It is dysfunctional on SUCH a grand scale, I just can't believe it.

Don't get me wrong - I am happy about it; but it is very surreal.

First thoughts: A Man in Amman

banko — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 13:39:29 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.
McCain or Mr. McGoo Goes to See Obama
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PQWmM-OLkDM

John McCain Gets Testy With Vet Over GI Bill
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hzr3pdXqZ98&eurl

Union Vets Speak Out Against McCain
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/7/10/152638/680/650/549557

http://www.vietnamveteransagainstjohnmccain.com/index.htm

Vietnam Veterans Against McCain
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vFM1xqqTX_g

Link is to flickr. It shows people Fired Up all around the globe!
http://www.flickr.com/groups/bridgesforobama/pool/

First thoughts: A Man in Amman

BL, Cincinnati OH — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 13:41:53 GMT

Chuck Hagel won't be VP. If he was a liberal or moderate Republican it would be possible. But he's too conservative to be possible.

I do expect him to be either Secretary of Defense or Sec of Veterans Affairs.

First thoughts: A Man in Amman

Michelle Zee — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 13:42:54 GMT

I don't understand the repubs pushing this surge issue. Majority of America can care less. The sad part about this the repubs won't realize this until Inauguration Day when Obama will be sworn in.

Even Bush has abandoned the normal repub talking point about troop withdrawals, he is now considering one. That party is seriously lost at this point.

First thoughts: A Man in Amman

Houston — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 13:46:13 GMT

On the PBS nightly news yesterday, Lawrence Korb said that the surge was not a major factor in the decrease in violence in Iraq. He attributed most of it to the pay-off made by the US to the non-Qaeda Sunni insurgents, who were tired of their viciousness anyway and wanted to get rid of them. The second important factor was the decision of the Sadrists to refrain from armed resistance to the Iraqi government.

But what does Korb know? He was only the Assistant Secretary of Defense under Ronald Reagan. His opinion doesn't matter compared to the "experts" working for McCain who specialize in lobbying. When they're not cutting big-money deals, they work as military geniuses on the side.

Same goes for Andrea Michtell, who said last night that no one can argue the surge hasn't succeeded (even though Korb was arguing exactly that on another station). She's military expert on account of being Mrs. Alan Greenspan.

First thoughts: A Man in Amman

Nashville_fan — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 13:46:19 GMT

"So far, there hasn’t been a misstep, as the New York Times front-pages this morning. And Obama has certainly benefited from the news over the past few days. Does that continue with today’s press conference, tomorrow’s jam-packed day in Israel, and Thursday’s speech in Berlin (which produced plenty of questions at today’s pen-and-pad with reporters in Jordan)? "
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
lol

I can literally feel the disappointment the media feels at not having a good opportunity to nail Obama to the wall yet. I guess the news of a press conference today offers you all an opening - I wish you luck! :)

First thoughts: A Man in Amman

BJ, CA — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 13:49:16 GMT

Chuck's refreshing outlook on life is needed where ever bold men must travel...

Good choice for Obama's cabinet...

First thoughts: A Man in Amman

Ann J Utica NY — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 13:49:37 GMT

Did anyone see Andrea M on Hardball last night? She said that since there are no reporters with Obama in Iraq the coverage is not fair. (not exact words) I think she is jealous that Lara got the interview in Iraq and not her. Is that fair?

First thoughts: A Man in Amman

Joe Don, Topeka, KS — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 13:51:12 GMT

"Is the McCain campaign too focused on this week's Obama narrative to the point that they've taken the eye off their long-term campaign message ball?"

McCain's long-term campaign message is, in sum and substance, "Obama's even worse than I am." He's wrong, but that's all he's got.

Pathetic.

First thoughts: A Man in Amman

Mister Anderson (The Matrix) — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 13:51:41 GMT

So McCain will announce his VP pick this week instead of after the Dem convention?

He's really in panic mode isn't he? That doesn't change the facts on the ground though. LOL

First thoughts: A Man in Amman

Tree Resoulte, Cambridge, MA — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 13:52:03 GMT

A 'Man in Amman'. More like a 'boy playing with his toys.'

First thoughts: A Man in Amman

BJ, CA — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 13:52:13 GMT

the surge does not equal votes...

Boasting about the past looks like someone's
"but I" is coming up...

First thoughts: A Man in Amman

Nashville_fan — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 13:55:15 GMT

"Of course, as we mentioned yesterday, Republicans want to redirect the narrative back to the surge (which tends to benefit McCain) versus withdrawal (which tends to help Obama). "
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
I posted this yesterday, but it's worth repeating. Besides the fact that the belated diplomatic outreach the the Sunni and Shia is a large part of the "surge's" success, here is why I find the Republican talking point "the surge worked" so offensive:

Invading Iraq was bad judgement. Ignoring General Shinseki's call for a much larger invasion force was bad judgement. Firing the Iraqi Army was bad judgement. Stubbornly trying to fight the war with outdated techniques and not enough soldiers was bad judgement. Waiting 5 years while we lost 4000+ soldiers to alter the strategy because the Bush Admininistration wanted to save face was not only bad judgement, it borders on criminal.

And now that everything that was done and said in the Iraq War has been discredited, now that all the lies have come to light, all the corruption has been revealed, the last act of hubris from George Bush, John McCain, and the Republican party is to request a pat on the back for the "success" of the "surge"?

It is beyond ridiculous. It is blasphemous.

http://vetsforobama.org/2008/07/14/marketing-a-myth-how-john-mccain-actually-got-the-surge-wrong/

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/01/12/washington/12shinseki.html

First thoughts: A Man in Amman

A Charles, LA, CA — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 13:55:54 GMT

Houston I think there is a concerted effort by the MSM not to report that violence is down because we are paying them not to fight.

Surge or no surge there would be no violence.

Problem: when we stop paying what happens?

The democrats are not noticing this. If we pull out, stop paying, the next president will look like he blundered.

The dems are being out maneuvered. The press is useless. And the people are fooled again.

First thoughts: A Man in Amman

Pat Huntington NY — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 13:58:33 GMT

Why would McCain postpone his VP announcement because his wife is out of the country? Isn't this the same woman he called a See You Next Tuesday during an interview some years ago?

First thoughts: A Man in Amman

kenn — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 13:58:35 GMT

When will you people come to your senses WAR is HELL if your fighting make it hell on earth for the other side like SHERMAN in the south during the Civil war now if you are against war then so be it BUT to be for one war where innocents get killed but not another because of your moral code I suggest to you your code is BULL be anti war or for war but OBAMMA is in the middle killing for some not killing for others seems to me he wants to become the almighty well egotists like Obamma can have it and as you will learn he will be no different you have bought the pony show from MR TELECOM from MISTER CHRISTIAN from MISTER the RIGHT WAR. EITHER your for war and you sign up and take care of business or you oppose it ,FUNDING ,TROOPS,everything wishy washy feelings get people killed SO I say make up your minds demorats and either sign up when he gets in or shut up and continue the war in IRAQ and Afganistan and let the generals and MACAIN who said fire rummsfield and get a new plan, which seems to have worked to the dems sadness a WIN makes em sad.

First thoughts: A Man in Amman

kenn — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 14:00:22 GMT

CHICKENHAWK demorats AND CHICKENAWK repuckers run this country,OBAMMA voting to fund the war he is against SPIN SPIN SPIN

First thoughts: A Man in Amman

Michael — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 14:00:36 GMT

"Think about it: After his overseas trip this week, what happens if -- as we mentioned yesterday -- Obama decides to make his VP pick the week of July 28 or August 4? That would mean two- or three-straight weeks of Obama dominating the news before the Olympics, which begins on August 8. And after the Olympics comes the Democratic convention."

For McCain, it's not just about capturing the news cycle, it's about seizing momentum now and then reinforcing it with a strong campaign while he still has the funds. If he has no momentum, all his campaing expendatures on advertising will fall flat, and he needs to spend it before the end of the Republican convention. The prospect of Obama dominating the news until the week before that with positive coverage and then being limited in funds afterwards really puts his back against the wall.

First thoughts: A Man in Amman

Diane from Illinois — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 14:01:35 GMT

Watching the news coverage last night about Obama made me smile most of the evening! Did you see the faces on the soldiers lucky enough to get a cahnce to see him? They were all smiles and happy that he was there! Probably thinking, "What a relief from the idiot currently in charge." And his 3 point shot made me laugh out loud! Couldn't have been better! Look at this man compared to McCain who can't even lift his arm up when he talks (yeah, yeah, I KNOW, he was tortured as a POW....sang like a bird, too, I hear!)Anyhow, my point being, who would you rather see represent the USA....this young, intelligent, articulate man or the grumpy old guy that gets confused over every foreign policy (including borders)in the current news? Haven't we had enough stupidity in the White House for the past 8 years? I say we upgrade to Obama!

First thoughts: A Man in Amman

leslie, indiana — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 14:03:33 GMT

The McCain and republicans arguing about the surge just shows how out of touch they are with how the world operates in the 21st century.

First thoughts: A Man in Amman

kenn — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 14:04:03 GMT

I love it when demorats quote repuckers to prove their point which we can clearly see is on top of their head,by the way why not Hagel for VP ohhh yea hes a conservitive that stands for everything you dems hate anti abortion,deregulation funding the IRAQ war as he talks it down sounds just right for the NEW demorat party GOD GUNS AND BUTTER

First thoughts: A Man in Amman

air of arrogance...Obama — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 14:04:54 GMT

But he will still carry the biggest stick on earth. Germans might want to read the foreign-policy chapter in Obama's book "Hoffnung wagen" ("The Audacity of Hope"). There are paragraphs in there that are pure Bush doctrine. On pre-emption: "We have the right to take unilateral military action to eliminate an imminent threat to our security." On American power: "There will be times when we must again play the role of the world's reluctant sheriff. This will not change—nor should it."
-----------------
Doesn't sound like a sit down and talk attitude to me.

First thoughts: A Man in Amman

kenn — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 14:06:06 GMT

HINDSIGHT HAHAHAH didnt obamma say he would have voted against the Iraq war but as soon as he could vote he funded it makes you go hhhhmmmm GOD DAMN AMERICA as his mentor used to say it makes me proudto be an american finaly

First thoughts: A Man in Amman

Matthew — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 14:07:22 GMT

Even CNN is trying to to diminish the obvious fervor that Obama is being received when he met the troops. What is with this obvious, deliberate attempt to dull out the enthusiasm that the troops AND the world leaders feel to towards Obama? The Military is doing the filming and because they aren't journalists I think that their footage is less prone to visual bias and visual editing.

They are showing things AS IS!!

And it lets the cat out of the bag that Obama is more on point with his ideas and and his appeal WAY more than McCain is! If that keeps happening the drama and the myth that this is close race, the raison detre for the bump in network ratings will die!

It will be a Barrack-Tzunami of epic proportions in terms of public perception . . . McCain's buddies that own these different media outlets won't be able to manufacture the 'story' that this race is close and their sales and profits will drop.

That is why CNN and Andrea Mitchell and trying to dump on Obama so much. "No misteps . . ."

Boo-hoo!

Report the facts! Make Tim Russert Proud!

First thoughts: A Man in Amman

NObama — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 14:08:12 GMT

Why would McCain postpone his VP announcement because his wife is out of the country? Isn't this the same woman he called a See You Next Tuesday during an interview some years ago?
-------------------
Pat, asked before and asking you again. Please name the time, place, interviewer of your alleged nasty remark. If you can't produce, then stop.

First thoughts: A Man in Amman

class Warrior, D.C. — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 14:08:42 GMT

I wathed Fox this am, just to see what The Enemy is doing. They spent literally two seconds on Obama's trip and then made a big deal that the Sunnis were finally trickling into the Iraqi gov't, and then the propogandist/reporter asked the question; is Obama's trip just a calculated distraction from the good news in Iraq? Since the Surge---which had NO effect on the Iraqi gov't, as it was designed to---the Repiglicans started up this slow but steady drumbeat that we're winning the war! And, eschewing the logic that, since we're winning, why don't we leave, they've got a counter-logic, that says, since we're winning, we need to stay so the country doesn't fall into chaos if we leave. To have anything more realistic than a "time horizon" is not to their liking, because endless war gives them endless opportunities to grab power and demolish the constitution, because, afterall, we're at war, you know. But Obama gave Maliki a timeline, and he rather liked it, since he's become tired of America messing with his mythically "sovereign" country. And so the White House and its clone/candidate Mcwar are hopping mad that their lovely war---and its attendant power-grab---might actualy end. Too frigging bad, Repigs!

First thoughts: A Man in Amman

No mccain ever — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 14:11:49 GMT

Mccain the maverick has officialy become Mccain the desperado.
Mccain's bragging about the surge, which is only one of several factors responsible for the reduction in violence, now has him in the position of declaring an American occupation of Iraq.
Mccain's stubborn insistance that the "surge is working" demonstrates his shortsightedness in how to take advantage of the gains made by all factors.

First thoughts: A Man in Amman

Lulu Nemo — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 14:13:29 GMT

Obama looks like a wuss every time media shows him with foreign leaders... totally a big pretender as if he knows how the world runs.

First thoughts: A Man in Amman

C.K. Steele Fort Lauderdale, FL — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 14:14:45 GMT

The media's new attack on Sen. Obama..."How dare he look so presidential?!" The lack of a gaffe by Sen. Obama is causing the media to throw a tantrum. They are manufacturing more hoops for Obama to jump through at this very moment. All future questioning of Obama will start off with "Will you admit that the surge was a success?" Most educated people would be able to smell the dishonesty of that question but at this point, the corporatists and the GOP are only targeting the lowest of the low-information voter possible. If Al-Sadr was to call off the ceasefire then we would have a hell of a fight on our hands and then the GOP would be calling for a second troop escalation. Now the good senator is being accused of acting as a "shadow president". This is blatantly dishonest as well. Just because these foreign leaders agree with Sen. Obama's views and then give their opinion doesn't mean that Barack is being manipulative, it just means that Barack is right. These leaders are sick of the "cowboy diplomacy" of the last 7+ years. Most objective people would agree with Sen. Obama. The MSM is just angry because the presence of foreign media obfuscates their spin. Think about it. Would the Der Spiegel article have even been possible in America?

First thoughts: A Man in Amman

Paul Revere — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 14:16:15 GMT

Pat(Boston, MA), Rick (Ky) et al... if you are true Americans, please stop propagating your commie mindset. You are very much welcome to live in China, Venezuela or Cuba (much nearer).

First thoughts: A Man in Amman

no thanks to King O — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 14:17:43 GMT

King Barack meets King Abdullah. Wonderful. Obama needs a president not a kind. vote mccain.

First thoughts: A Man in Amman

donna — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 14:18:01 GMT

"What McCain’s advisers might be worried about, however, is Obama dominating the news cycle over the next two or three weeks. Think about it: After his overseas trip.........." -First Read

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

Maybe McCain will think twice the next time before he double dog dares Obama.

First thoughts: A Man in Amman

Unbelievable--Shiny Objects Anyone? — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 14:18:10 GMT

So First Read: are you making fun of YOUR website editor? You know McCain is doing this simply to try to get some attention back. You say it yourselves. And yet your editor puts the McCain non-story on your front page. Idiotic.

First thoughts: A Man in Amman

No Obama ever — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 14:21:09 GMT

You would think that a community organizer, who has no clue in foreign affairs, goes to Europe and the Middle East to learn something; but it turns out it's a campaign commercial for Obama from major news networks, and they are staging it for for free!!!

I am so sick of the left-wing media.

First thoughts: A Man in Amman

Houston — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 14:21:15 GMT

A Charles "Houston I think there is a concerted effort by the MSM not to report that violence is down because we are paying them not to fight."
------------------------------------------------

One problem is that the Democrats cannot speak this truth because it would mean that hundreds of Americans died for nothing during the intensified violence in the first months of the surge.

Of course, most people agree now that the 4,000+ Americans have died for nothing in a war that should never have been started, so it would seem logical to conclude that the additional deaths in McCain/Bush surge were also for nothing.

But logic has little to do with politics, especially when the corporate media is helping the Republicans grow their most important voting bloc: the "low information" voters, who don't want to waste a whole lot of time on logical thinking. The Andrea Mitchell has proclaimed the surge to have been a great success, and no number of _real_ military experts can dispute her final verdict. She is practically a goddess of the corporate media.

First thoughts: A Man in Amman

Amy B Portland, ME — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 14:21:58 GMT

Anybody else worried what will happen to our standing in the world if Obama ISN'T elected after this glowing International tour? oops. Can you say death of American democracy as an ideal, death of hope, death of goodwill towards the US?

First thoughts: A Man in Amman

NOBAMA — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 14:22:07 GMT

Obama has no experience and no outstanding achievements and he has a history of shady dealing and poor judgment.

(1) He's been wrong on key issues (the surge, for example - he's just scrubbed his website to take down all references to his opposition to the surge in hope that we won't realize exactly how wrong he was).

(2) His time working for a "civil rights law firm" wasn't spent working on civil rights cases - he was representing shady developers such as Rezko who took government money to build "affordable" housing and then ran, leaving the "affordable" housing to fall into ruins.

(3) At one point during this spring, he even said he thought $5/gallon gas would be a good thing (as long as the price rise was "gradual") because high priced gas would encourage conservation. So he's not exactly a populist.

Why is ANYBODY planning to vote for this man?

First thoughts: A Man in Amman

air of arrogance...Obama — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 14:22:09 GMT

So curious about the "congressional delegation" that just visited Afghanistan and Iraq. Where was the delegation? All I saw was Stinky sitting by the officials. Did manage to see Hagel and Reed stuck off in the corner in one of the pictures. In Kuwait, Obama promised troops more support and benefits "if elected". In Afghanistan, he promised officials more support "if elected." They've even put an Obama sticker over the US flag on the exterior of t he plane. This is a campaign photo op and nothing more. As a citizen, I RESENT paying for this. I've written my senators and others asking that Obama be billed for the full cost of this charade. I encourage all others who feel the same to contact their officials and stop this BLANTANT misuse of taxpayer funds.

First thoughts: A Man in Amman

Michael — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 14:23:57 GMT

kenn- learn something about grammar, sentence structure, and spelling before embarassing yourself and your cause again in these posts.

First thoughts: A Man in Amman

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 14:26:22 GMT

No matter what Obama does or says, you harlets will report on it as if it was the best thing since sliced bread.
You are dishonest, your'e deceitful, and quite frankly....you're just plain full of shit.
It would be a sad, sad day if he were ever to become President of this great country.
Perhaps he would take one of you three jerk-offs as his Minister of Propaganda.

First thoughts: A Man in Amman

Amy B Portland, ME — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 14:26:25 GMT

"There is so much Mr. Brzezinski has to offer our current leaders. He is a jewel."

Pat, Boston, MA. I think you are a jewel too. I really appreciate your posts.

I look forward to a better crop of leaders coming to the fore in the new administration. I know they are out there. And better pundits too.

First thoughts: A Man in Amman

John Alexander,PA — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 14:29:58 GMT

Let us deconstruct the republicant 'surge' message;
"LOOK, we finally got something right over there".
Let us all forget the years of hubris and mismanagement.
Let us all forget the laziness, lock step votes and outright lies from this current administration and the republicant party, Why, because we finnally got something to work, for now!
Thanks for nothing boys, even a monkey can create a painting if given enough time!

First thoughts: A Man in Amman

Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 14:30:44 GMT

New Hampshire represents McCain's best chance to turn a blue state red? Don't think I agree with that one, because New Hampshire is hardly a blue state.

Its pretty much purple, and as anyone who lives in either Vermont or New Hampshire will tell you, New Hampshire is the conservative one of the two.

New Hampshire also is McCain's best primary state. It allowed him to be seen for the first time as a credible challenge to Bush in 2000 and it allowed him to rise from the ashes in 2008.

As for this winning of daily news cycles, that's about as petty and cynical an approach to campaigning as I've heard. It may be effective, but still petty and cynical. It kind of denotes a view of the electorate that can be swayed by the side that gets the best attack one-liner out in the last e-mail of the day. I really didn't think McCain would be like this.

First thoughts: A Man in Amman

Daniel, NY — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 14:32:05 GMT

The latest polls in North Carolina and Alaska also bring good news to Obama who is very close in both: http://campaigndiaries.com/2008/07/21/risks-and-rewards-of-obamas-red-state-strategy/

First thoughts: A Man in Amman

Tony in New Orleans — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 14:33:26 GMT

Why would Obama pick a Republican as VP? Are you suggesting that the two parties are really the same deep down and that voters have the illusion of choice when in reality both parties answer to the same corporate masters once they get elected?
To those in the media who are so fixated on the potential Obama gaffe: why do you ignore the Bush gaffes, which he makes on a daily basis?

First thoughts: A Man in Amman

Michael — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 14:34:57 GMT

Such anger and hatred from the conservatives posting today, lots of name calling and pettiness, no substance...they must all read the writing on the wall....

First thoughts: A Man in Amman

camie — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 14:36:38 GMT

i think if were quiet enough, we can hear McCain crying over the fact that Obamas doing great overseas

Video of unenthusiastic PUMA, Just Say No Deal 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: A Man in Amman

A real American Hero — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 14:37:53 GMT

Kenn? i'm surprised. i thought you and jerry were suiting up to go fight in Iraq. On leave already soldier? lmao

First thoughts: A Man in Amman

MI Chick — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 14:38:04 GMT

"MI Chick,
Go play on a GOP website, you don't belong here. How have the republicans helped this country, people are suffering and spouting off GOP party line crap.
Angela - NJ (Sent Monday, July 21, 2008 4:51 PM)"

Umm..Angela? If you read my post again, you will see that I am mocking the conservative positions. I have been on this board quite a while now, and I don't think ANYONE will tell you that I side with the Gullible Old People's party.

First thoughts: A Man in Amman

Pat Huntington NY — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 14:40:47 GMT

Obama looks like a wuss every time media shows him with foreign leaders... totally a big pretender as if he knows how the world runs.
Lulu Nemo (Sent Tuesday, July 22, 2008 10:13 AM)
----------
And Grandpa McGeritol looks like he's about to keel over and drop dead.

First thoughts: A Man in Amman

Benny, SFBayArea, California — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 14:42:11 GMT

Of course, as we mentioned yesterday, Republicans want to redirect the narrative back to the surge (which tends to benefit McCain) versus withdrawal (which tends to help Obama).

The "surge" narrative benefits John Sydney McCain III because the media is still too damn lay to report on ALL of the events that have taken place over he last year which have contributed to the decrease in violence like "the Awakening", for example. They also refuse to note that a true surge would have resulted in troop levels increasing and then decreasing. The fact is that we have 17,000 more troops in Iraq RIGHT NOW than we did before the surge. If we are going to "benefit" McCain with the surge narrative, then it should be the WHOLE story, not bits and pieces.

First thoughts: A Man in Amman

Just Telling it, Midwest USA — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 14:47:27 GMT

Hi Diane from Illinois - FYI: McGoo hurt his arms himself when he ejected from his plane. He did not hold them in like he was taught in training. That was NOT part of any torture.

First thoughts: A Man in Amman

Walt, Ohio — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 14:48:08 GMT

Wow. Posters like "air if arrogance...Obama" and "Nobama" are in a real pickle. They know their chucklehead candidate McSame couldn't draw a crowd in a shoe box, and that he has changed positions more than a Las Vegas stripper. Yet they have to support this poster boy for incompetence through nepotism. Tell me guys, is McSame going to defend that Iraq-Pakistan border from the Sunnis or Shi'ites? Maybe he's going to bomb Czechoslovakia! Or was it Iran?
Maybe he's going to give "the nation of whiners" a "gas tax holiday" this summer because of the "psychological recession". Better hurry chucklehead, summer's almost over.
Your "war hero" candidate is pathetic. Be thankful the MSM gives him a daily pass:
http://mediamatters.org/issues_topics/john_mccain?f=h_hot
The Vietnam Veterans do not:
http://www.vietnamveteransagainstjohnmccain.com/index.htm
McSame/Bush: time for you to go.

First thoughts: A Man in Amman

Nashville_fan — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 14:49:09 GMT

Dear Air of Arrogance:

Everytime you hear a Senator bragging about how many times he or she has been overseas, you paid for it. Why is Senator Obama any different?

Oh yeah, because you don't like the contrast of him being Presidential with your candidate being a bumbling idiot like our current President.

I suggest you get over it and quit wasting your Senator's time - he or she is probably overseas right now anyway - somewhere tropical.

Stop being so ridiculous.

First thoughts: A Man in Amman

NObama — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 14:52:34 GMT

Just heard that Obama's advisor not going to give a "political" speech in Berlin, that he's just going to talk about "personal" things. I'd read yesterday that the speech was going to be about transatlantic relations. Maybe a little to pretend president in tone and told to "cool his jets"? But, if it's "personal", then will be a campaign speech? But, now, we have another flipflop for Stinky.

First thoughts: A Man in Amman

NObama — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 14:54:34 GMT

just want folks to know I normally post as NObama. There is somebody posting as NOBAMA. Not the same person though I don't necessarily disagree with them.

First thoughts: A Man in Amman

Rick,Ky — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 14:54:53 GMT

Democratic nominee Barack Obama has Effectively neutralized the Mccain ( and GOP)argument of " Cut & Run", by refocusing attention to the Real 911 perpetrator's in the mountains of Afghanistan-Pakistan border.

Sure is nice to see a Democrat on the Offense for a change on National Security.

Hey Paul Revere, go back to your Grave. Your time is past, just like Mccain!!