First thoughts: Obama's tricky day

Lyle Williams, Ames Iowa — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 13:39:38 GMT

The only tricky part of the day for Barack is to avoid Katie Couric from her throwing her panties at Obama. And yes, its gotten that bad.

First thoughts: Obama's tricky day

Calvin Boone — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 13:40:02 GMT

It's not unusual the Obama is so popular in Europe. They're used to, and have a long history of, being led around by the nose by idiots.

First thoughts: Obama's tricky day

camie — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 13:41:14 GMT

Obama will do fine on this trip in israel and I wish we all stop looking for some gaffe by obama when mccain is make ridiculous gaffes that are news worthy. by the way FOX News isnt reporting mccains gaffe.
how come you guys just cant tell us the results of the poll now?

Video: McCains Daughter doesnt think mccains getting unfair media treatment, media party
http://sensico.wordpress.com/2008/07/23/media-unfair-to-mccain-meghan-mccain-seems-to-differ/
or
http://sensico2.blogspot.com/2008/07/my-blogs.html

First thoughts: Obama's tricky day

Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 13:46:01 GMT

Actually I think the media got more acknowledgement out of North Carolina Republicans than I would have expected.

They are preparing for a competitive race. That alone speaks volumes. Sure, they aren't convinced it will materialize yet. Neither am I. But that they even see a possibility tells me Republicans aren't sure what to expect this time around.

Consider this - could Gore or Kerry have been able to get the North Carolina GOP preparing for a possible fight?

First thoughts: Obama's tricky day

CA Voter — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 13:46:23 GMT

How is is that CBS DID NOT SHOW the main part of the McCAIN GAFFE last night? Unbelievable news bias...

First thoughts: Obama's tricky day

Nashville_fan — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 13:47:24 GMT

According to CNN, as of July 22, 2008, there have been 4,438 coalition deaths in Iraq - -- 4,124 Americans, two Australians, one Azerbaijani, 176 Britons, 13 Bulgarians, one Czech, seven Danes, two Dutch, two Estonians, one Fijian, five Georgians, one Hungarian, 33 Italians, one Kazakh, one Korean, three Latvian, 22 Poles, three Romanians, five Salvadoran, four Slovaks, 11 Spaniards, two Thai and 18 Ukrainians.They also have a detailed list with names.

http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/2003/iraq/forces/casualties/

As of March 2008 there were 8,914 wounded requiring medical air transport. 20,416 wounded did not require medical air transport.

The estimates of Iraqis killed vary wildy, but a September 14, 2007 estimate by ORB (Opinion Research Business), an independent British polling agency, suggests that the total Iraqi violent death toll due to the Iraq War since the US-led invasion is in excess of 1.2 million (1,220,580).

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Casualties_of_the_conflict_in_Iraq_since_2003

In January 2007, Time magazine published the article: A Grim Milestone: 500 Amputees
http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1580531,00.html?cnn=yes

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Let’s all stand and applaud George Bush and John McCain for their history making decision to invade Iraq. As you can see, the results have been breathtaking.

Clearly, the success of the surge negates all of the dead and wounded that came before it. How could it be anything other than a victory for America?

It is so sad to watch human life discarded so carelessly, all the while watching the people responsible pat themselves on the back for a job well done with the media’s help.

What have we become?

First thoughts: Obama's tricky day

Reality Check — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 13:47:39 GMT

First thoughts: Obama's tricky day

Linda. Boston, MA — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 13:48:53 GMT

The McCain campaign is so frustrated and desperate right now that they aren't even thinking straight. Whose brilliant idea was it to make that video about the media being in love with Obama?

RULE #1: When running against an opponent, never make a video that essentially says: "Hey, look how much everyone else loves my opponent."

I mean... wow, what a dumb ass move.

As for the polls - I don't think we'll see anything meaningful until after he returns. He's likely to give a final press conference when he gets back, and there's word that he may even be close to announcing his VP (before the Olympics). So, the interesting polls will be after...

1) his meeting with the Israelis.
2) speech in Germany.
3) State-side press conference.
4) VP announcement.

Then we'll really start to see how the last two weeks have changed the landscape.

First thoughts: Obama's tricky day

JessicaElaine — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 13:49:39 GMT

Your headline should be more about McCain's tricky day yesterday where he clearly lied to Couric about the surge timeline. This just after he disparaged Obama when he said that Obama would rather lose the war to win an election.

First thoughts: Obama's tricky day

Lei Thompson, Holbrook SC — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 13:49:41 GMT

Obama took some time out of his busy day in Israel looking to find a deli that served a decent ham sandwich.

First thoughts: Obama's tricky day

Jack in Washington — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 13:49:42 GMT

First thoughts: Obama's tricky day

BJ, CA — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 13:50:12 GMT

The Quid pro quo ticket..Family Guy and Hellboy...

Out to pasture Mitt but don't wonder to far from the fence...

VP juxtaposition is the most difficult thing the GOP has to do. No one in the GOP finds McCain a viable matchup..and the clock is ticking...

First thoughts: Obama's tricky day

Nashville_fan — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 13:52:28 GMT

So who decided to completely ignore the fact that John McCain once again has demonstrated that he doesn't know what he is talking about when it comes to Iraq?

Not a word about his bogus claim that the Sunni Awakening came after "the surge", when in fact it came before? Is this not just a wee bit relevant?

I guess John McCain is right - the media really won't cover him. Poor baby.

McCain’s confusion on Iraq goes from embarrassing to scandalous
http://www.thecarpetbaggerreport.com/archives/16288.html

First thoughts: Obama's tricky day

Ron Indiana — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 13:53:48 GMT

Great journalism work by Keity Olbermann for exposing CBS's errors in Katie Couric interview with John McCain. A credit to CBS is that entire interview is now on line. John did not "purposely" try to mislead the American people as he misspoke in that interview. I once knew John and he wouldn't do that. But unfortunately what we have is early stages of DEMENTIA. Usually the onset appears in the mid 80's, but early stages can appear sooner. Usually the impairment becomes worse. There is now building considerable evidence for this claim. The latest being the forgetting of the sequence of events that happened in Iraq. Then there is the Czech comments. One time can be an misspeak, but the same mistake on four occasions suggests trouble lerning and remembering. Viagra-gate. The facial expressions said it all. I could go on and on, but as I said, I once knew John and I do respect that friendship.
The point is that independents and moderate republicians need to take heed of the situation and consider the country first, not their party.

First thoughts: Obama's tricky day

jus askin — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 13:54:34 GMT

would mccain run the country like he does his campaign?

First thoughts: Obama's tricky day

CA Voter — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 13:55:53 GMT

Andrew Mitchell yesterday claimed that Obama claimed he knows more than David Petraeus. Andrea, NEWSFLASH: he NEVER claimed that. He said that as President of the United States, one sometimes has to take into consideration issues BEYOND what your commanders are telling you. Her reporting yesterday was stunning in it's ineptitude. She's usually terrific; sleep deprivation?

First thoughts: Obama's tricky day

The - Democrat Soldier — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 13:56:17 GMT

John McCain - Is failing to realize that it's not the Media's fault that he is unpopular.

The more John McCain talks the more he subtracts the sum of human knowledge.

He has to realize it is HE; that creates his own demise. Not the Media, Not the Democrats, and at this stage to some degree - not even George Bush.

John McCain is just not Presidential material - he's too set in his old ways and has an old mind set.

He doesn't understand that after George Bush - America is under a new transformation - with newer ideas and greater expectations.

Most American don't see transformation happening with John McCain -

Barack Obama - is the new wave "if you will" the intelligent man - that fits the younger generation of American (18 - 60) and John McCain he is not a person of our generation.

John McCain’s whining - blaming the media and also his resulting to telling lies in his advertisements

Is a sign of desperation – he’s looking for help in any way possible.

These are the times of intellectual common - sense.

Not continued false or idiotic notions.

Thank you and GOD BLESS AMERICA

First thoughts: Obama's tricky day

Lyle Williams, Ames Iowa — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 13:58:19 GMT

Lyle Williams, get a grip and come back to reality. CBS DID NOT SHOW a major McCain gaffe last night. Curiously, they left it on the cutting room floor. You're about as disconnected from reality as McCain.
Reality Check

RC, you must have me confused with someone else. I didn't say anything about McCain. I know reality blurs for you lefties a lot, but do try use your 3rd grade reading skills before responding to things that only exist in your delusions.

First thoughts: Obama's tricky day

Karen — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 13:58:27 GMT

What's with all the critism about the possiblity of McCain announcing his VP choice while Obama is overseas? Some cable network shows (Hardball for one) referred to the possible announcement by McCain as "devious" and "low." It's exactly what Obama did to Senator Clinton during the primaries. Whenever she won a state (especially one he was predicted to win), he would roll-out his delegates and/or his endorsements. He did it with Richardson and he did it big-time with Edwards. And Obama did this to his own party! This is the general election. Why is the press coming down on McCain? Is it only okay if Obama does it? Can we get some "fair & balanced" reporting of BOTH candidates please!

First thoughts: Obama's tricky day

justthinkinoutloud — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 14:00:24 GMT

CBS news is a disgrace to clean up what McGoo said yesterday, all you have to do is watch any news channel to see what kind of journalists we have. Just watched a weather person reporting on the Hurricane hitting Texas, and she said "the stronger the winds, the more damage occurs" (this is where you slap your forehead with the palm of your hand, and say why didn't I think of that) DUUUHHHHH. I sure miss the good old days and Walter Cronkite.

First thoughts: Obama's tricky day

Gary Schear, bozeman Montana — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 14:00:59 GMT

Calvin Boone (Sent Wednesday, July 23, 2008 9:40 AM)

We, as a country, can speak from seven years of high priced experience about being led around by the nose by idiots.

First thoughts: Obama's tricky day

Gary Schear, bozeman Montana — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 14:02:04 GMT

CA Voter (Sent Wednesday, July 23, 2008 9:55 AM)
Not sleep deprivation. Nomination envy.

First thoughts: Obama's tricky day

DEMOCRATS FOR McCAIN — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 14:04:50 GMT

"...So far, so good for Obama. His campaign got the pictures it wanted from Afghanistan and Iraq. ..."

Yes he did. He also got three (3) different networks to send their 'anchors' to Iraq to cover his visit.
Where were they when McCain went there?
Or, didn't they know that John McCain has gone there severel times?
This is only the first time Obama's been there since he took office in the Senate three years ago.
Its' kind of strange that a guy who talks so much about the war and talks so much about bringing our troops home, hasn't bothered to go there until now.
But then again...that's the way Obama operates. He said he could no more disassociate himself with Reverend Wright than he could a member of his own family.
Then, three weeks later, Obama threw Wright "under the bus" when the polls showed Wright was costing him favorability points.
Obama doesn't care about our troops in Iraq. He went there for the same reason he left Wright's racist cult-religion church; BECAUSE, BARRACK OBAMA WILL SAY AND DO ANYTHING TO GET HIMSELF ELECTED.
McCain is correct. It would be better to lose an election than to lose a war.
But, Barrack Obama would rather win an election, and lose the war in Iraq because he puts himself first, and the rest of the country and the world second behind his own personal ambition.
In Barrack Obama's arrogant mind, it's all about him. It's never about the American People.
Barrack Obama is the wrong man for the job. We need a patriot and a man who'll put "service to the people" first.
You just don't get that with Barrack Obama.

Barrack Obama; 11 years worth of personal ambition. ZERO years worth of patriotic service.

First thoughts: Obama's tricky day

AP from IL — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 14:06:00 GMT

I don't know how anyone, even supporters, can call McCain's behavior this week flattering. For someone with so much "experience" he is acting like a spoiled brat.

On the other hand, I am extremely proud of Obama and how he is handling the pressure of this trip. I can't wait for the event in Berlin tomorrow. I hope he goes all out because I don't see any down side to Europeans having an excited, positive view of our country and our leaders again. It's pretty fascinating to watch Obama virtually undo 8 years Bush damage in just one week.

First thoughts: Obama's tricky day

LENI,MICHIGAN — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 14:06:41 GMT

John McCain just needs to SHUT UP.

First thoughts: Obama's tricky day

Tina, NC — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 14:07:42 GMT

I see others picked up on Andrea Mitchells "bitterness". Maybe she was a bit "cocky" about her chances of scoring an exclusive interview.

Andrea, Katie Couric being bias will come back to bit all of you eventually.

First thoughts: Obama's tricky day

Steve NewYork NY — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 14:07:43 GMT

God Bless Andrea Mitchell .. poor girl, she seems bitter that she was scooped by Lara Logan for the Obama interview.
Now she's showing her anger and being derogatory towards Obama.
Can someone at MSNBC please tell her that her bitterness is transparent ?

First thoughts: Obama's tricky day

margaret,baltimore,md. — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 14:07:49 GMT

Calvin Boone(sent Wednesday, July 23, 2008,9;40 am) So that's why other countries call us "ugly Americans"!

First thoughts: Obama's tricky day

MI Chick — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 14:09:32 GMT

The CYA Network (CBS) should be called out on that editing job. What, they think just because they posted it on their web site makes up for what they aired?

I know we can't trust the news anymore, but we should be able to. Instances like this don't help. Is Les Moonves a Repub or something?

Personally, I am getting sick of the McCheese's camp whining about...well, everything lately. Maybe Gramm was right - he personally knew the biggest whiners of them all.

First thoughts: Obama's tricky day

g`pennsylvania — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 14:09:43 GMT

McCain is in Pennsylvania today? Maybe he thinks he can get Hillary's supportors? `no chance of that. "Mr. Mccain you are no Hillary."

First thoughts: Obama's tricky day

Walt, Ohio — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 14:09:52 GMT

McSame has fundamental comprehension problems with foreign policy:
http://www.consortiumnews.com/2008/072208.html
He is a fraud.

First thoughts: Obama's tricky day

Kate, Atlanta — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 14:10:07 GMT

I have to agree - Andrea Mitchell's coverage of Obama has been disgraceful. It's obvious that she isn't over Hillary losing and she should be reassigned until her healing is done.

First thoughts: Obama's tricky day

Kelly (from Pittsburgh) — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 14:12:30 GMT

McCain's comment about Obama wanting to lose the war are unacceptable. If he thinks the GOP line of attack, your not a patriotic American because you don't agree with me is going to work, he should think again. A majority of the voters in this country didn't support the surge and do want assurances that we are goign to start leaving Iraq. Does he really think that Americans will just forget about all the missteps and that we shouldn't have been there in the first place. Does it really take a military expert to predict that more troops might be able to improve security? Of course not. But the question remains, will security be maintainable once we are gone? Could a similar achievement or even better situation have been secured without a trrop surge. We will never know that now. But the press needs to stop reporting that the surge has been a success. Lots of things have happened to improve security. What will happen once we stop the pay offs and our troops leave? Did we get our money's worth? Was it worth additional soldiers lifes or well being? I know it makes Americans feel good to just say yes we have finally won. But that determination is very subjective.

First thoughts: Obama's tricky day

C.K. Steele Fort Lauderdale, FL — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 14:12:35 GMT

The multi-headed beast has finally regained its equilibrium and has agreed to attack the good Senator Obama with non-stop requests for him to admit that the "surge" is the penultimate reason for "victory" in Iraq. The beast was knocked off balance when all of Barack Obama's foreign policy ideas have been proven to be correct. His trip is already a success even if he does nothing more. The glowing reviews and hope in the eyes of our troops and our foreign allies when seeing Obama have made the beast sick to its stomach and the panic button has been pushed. After goading Sen. Obama into making this trip, the McCain camp is on the verge of total meltdown. Sen. McCain has even gone so far as to accuse the Democratic nominee of treason. Meanwhile the beast has allied itself heart and soul to the McCain campaign and the preservation of a corrupt status quo. At every stop of his tour, a different head of the beast will attack Sen. Obama with "the surge" and continue to miseducate the public about the true description of a Commander-in-chief's duties. The beast can not admit its cowardice in the lead up to this disastrous war for oil and corporate greed because in the last few decades, the beast has become so intermingled that there is no discernible difference. The beast's next attack will be to say that Sen. Obama is attacking and hates our troops because he is not giving the "surge" the 100% credit that it believes it deserves. All other factors must be ignored and marginalized or as Sen. McCain did last night in his interview--lied about. The troops love Sen. Obama and they know that he doesn't want them to be mired in an endless police action of an imperialist colony. I pray everyday that the beast has underestimated the intelligence and goodness of the American people.

First thoughts: Obama's tricky day

gmhussein, Jupiter, fl — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 14:12:42 GMT

There comes a time when the real truth cannot be ignored. Sen. McCain is not the man he used to be and at his age it is not surprising. Where has the maverick gone? Instead we now have a grumpy old man, who has poor memory and a nasty disposition. There is no way he can any longer compete on the world stage. Doesn't matter how many in his campaign want to keep the power, they cannot make him what he now is not, a credidble candidate for POTUS.

The MSM have a job to do, a very important job, to keep the voter informed no matter how little they tune in. To do this as journalists, they have to be objective, sadly that is missing in most cases today.
It is very disappointing to see a well known reporter, such as Andrea Mitchell, show her bias so obviously. I do not believe that if Tim Russert were still alive this would be allowed to continue. Shame on all of you for pandering.

First thoughts: Obama's tricky day

Pat, Boston, MA — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 14:14:14 GMT

nashville_fan: Thank you. Dr. Brzezinski this morning showed to me what a difference between the "experts" and the political talking points commentators we see all over the air waves, both tv and radio. They don't know what they're talking about.

He was outstanding. He is the true expert.

From this morning's newspaper re: Israelis and Palestinians: Senator Obama said he will work to bring the two sides together "starting from the minute I'm sworn into office." But he cautioned it is "unrealistic to expect that a U.S. president alone can suddently snap his fingers and bring about peace."

That is an important statement. We cannot do it alone. Lessons from the past. Learn from our mistakes. Work at it. And above all, listen to all sides.

Lessons from President Carter. And Dr. Brzezinski just this morning.

First thoughts: Obama's tricky day

The Truth — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 14:15:08 GMT

The slavish attention given to Obama's every move by the media is so much biased reporting that it is similar to reading one of those moviestar magazines. Get a grip America. Obama is an inexperienced leftist- leaning-towards-socialist candidate. It is time to wake up, and make people take responsibility for their own destinies instead of thinking the Federal government should do everything for us. Is this America or is it a replay of the Roman dynasty crumbling to the uneducated mob wanting free handouts?

First thoughts: Obama's tricky day

Pat Huntington NY — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 14:16:10 GMT

Does McCain have the right temperment to be POTUS and CIC? No. He has exposed himself as being an angry old man, out of touch and misinformed and misinforming, and just a nasty, crotchety, depends wearing rude kook. What else can you expect from a man who called his own trophy wife a C you Next Tuesday?

First thoughts: Obama's tricky day

Nashville_fan — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 14:16:41 GMT

BREAKING NEWS

General Petraeus was not elected President of the United States.

George Bush was.

Stop hiding behind General Patraeus, George. It's not Presidential - take your lumps like a man - you screwed up and John McCain helped. Deal with it.

ALSO BREAKING
Senator Obama has said REPEATEDLY that the surge has been successful and that Iraq is safer . . . so WHY does the media keep reporting the opposite? WHY? WHY?
WHY?

Oh yeah. I remember now, because JOHN MCCAIN TOLD YOU TO! (So pathetic.)

I still don't know why we have so many channels when they all tell the same government approved lies dailiy - the illusion of choice calms the masses I suppose.

First thoughts: Obama's tricky day

Jane Does, Settle, Wash — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 14:17:32 GMT

I agree with the comments about Mrs Andrea Mitchell. What is she thinking these days? I actually used to enjoy her reporting (even when it seemed outright false at times, like her repeated claims during the primaries that sources close to the Clintons have told her this and that) But she is acting rather strange and utterly unprofessional these days, somebody please let her know.

Couldn't believe my ears yesterday when she called Obama "cocky". He might usually be a cocky guy but one thing i have markedly noticed on this trip of his is how much he has 'humbled himself down', so her 'cocky' comment really hit me. She sounds frustrated. Perhaps she thought she deserved to get one of the interviews with him, with her being the foreign affairs expert and all? Well, piece of advice to her: Start reporting on the foreign affairs that she is an expert of and leave the character judgment calls to the experts. Thanking her in advance for her meaningful Hardball appearance this evening,
The American People

First thoughts: Obama's tricky day

juan,ft lauderdale,fl — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 14:17:41 GMT

The McCain campaign is slowly but surely drowning and it's obviously showing. Desperation brings out idiotic/false attack ads that Obama is to blame for high gas prices and the angrier McCain gets the stupid Bushism comes out: Iraq borders Pakistan and for the last time Czechkoslovakia is not a country anymore. We need a President obviously that will not be another laughing stock of the world.

First thoughts: Obama's tricky day

johnny-gone-crazy for president — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 14:17:59 GMT

"It's not unusual the Obama is so popular in Europe. They're used to, and have a long history of, being led around by the nose by idiots. "

yah - not like Bush / Cheney supporters. Nope - they're not "idiots," being "led by the nose." No way.

First thoughts: Obama's tricky day

judybortell Ovilla Tx — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 14:18:10 GMT

Andrea Mitchell needs to be reassigned. Her reporting on Obama has never been objective and almost always derogatory. NBC has a stable of senior people who are much better than her. Heck even Domenico would be a better choice.
*****************************************************

I have posted several times about Andrea's biased and downright untruthful reporting of Obama. Yesterday, she got pissed at him because she has "old school ideas" about how the relationship between the POTUS and a general. She thinks Obama should bow down to Prateus like everyone else does. Instead he told her that as Commander in Chief, I will listen and consider his opinions, but I make the final decision for the people of the US. To that comment; she reported "remarkable"...translation.."in all my fourty years of reporting around the world..no one has ever left me "speechless".

Considering who she's married to and her support of McCain; it's been a long time since she's been in the presence of anybody that doesn't need a Depends.

First thoughts: Obama's tricky day

Lee in CA — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 14:20:03 GMT

"The point is that independents and moderate republicians need to take heed of the situation and consider the country first, not their party. "

What a wonderful world it would be.

First thoughts: Obama's tricky day

Amy B Portland, ME — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 14:20:11 GMT

"quizzing people on whether or not they are being vetted never gets old" I laughed out loud on that one!

I am an Obama supporter, but even I have to say, I never realized HOW good Obama is until I saw him on this trip. It has nothing to do with the media - they just have to get out of the way and let him talk and he sells himself.

First thoughts: Obama's tricky day

Pat Huntington NY — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 14:22:53 GMT

Where is the Media Outrage over McCain's Sunni Awakening Gaffe? It was on CNN last night. I was amazed that the Media hasn't been more forthcoming and outspoken over this. It proves McCain is losing it! If you don't know about it, McCain blasted Obama for saying he'ld still oppose the Surge. In that context, McCain said, that the Surge was successful beacause it created conditions that led to the Sunni Awakening, when it is a FACT that the Sunni Awakening took place 6 months before the Surge began...the Surge did not bring about the SUnni awakening which is primarily responsible for the low level of violence. Meanwhile, Obama said the SUrge would not work without something like the Sunni Awakening....guess Obama was right, McCAin is wrong as usual. How anyone can vote for McCain is beyond me!

First thoughts: Obama's tricky day

Mitchell Feldman, Vestal, NY — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 14:25:42 GMT

Of course, the Sunni awakening is the reason for the relative stability we have in Iraq at this time. Former Asst. Sec'y of Defense (under Reagan) Korb believes this to be the case. Anyone who knows about guerrilla warfare knows that the guerrillas (Al Qaeda) will have success only as long as the underlying population supports them. The American troops with or without our surge would not have been able to succeed without the change in allegiance by the Sunni chieftains (they rec'd money from the U.S. and were tired of living under the religious fanaticism imposed by Al Qaeda). John McCain has no right to take credit for the present course of events in Iraq which at best, is a repair (temporary, at that) of an unstable condition brought about an illegal invasion of a sovereign state that offered no threat to the U.S. This whole claim to some sort of victorious strategy by McCain is the most twisted logic I have ever seen; and the MSM buys it!...fools that they are!

McCain thinks of the world in terms of the U.S. against the world of islamofacism 'who hate us for our freedoms' – sound familiar? What a crock of sh*t. There are criminals (Al Qaeda) who must be dealt with aggressively - as we would deal with any criminals and there is the rest of the Islamic world which is as fearful of us as we are of them (and really the only Islamic state gov't. that helped the band of criminals, was that of our supposed ally, the Bush family buddies, Saudi Arabia. It was they who funneled funds into the band of criminals - funds provided by the U.S. who is a slave to foreign sources of fossil fuels).

So the way I see it, our goal should not be to stay in Iraq forever to prevent the inevitable Civil War which will likely install another Sunni dictator like Saddam but to leave and commit our troops to the border of Afghanistan/Pakistan (yes Senator McCain, that is the border of interest) and attempt to go after Al Qaeda where they live.

Secondly, instead of trying to continue our dependence on fossil fuels (which will run out soon enough and result in global warming), we should embark on 'an Apollo' type project spoken about by Al Gore and even T. Boone Pickens, to convert to alternative energy sources (this should be able to be accomplished in the same time that it would take to realize any benefit from new off shore drilling). This new energy industry would not only unleash our dependence on fossil fuels but would be a boon to our sagging economy (in so many ways - use your imagination).

If you like the current way of approaching problems, the Republican way, then by all means vote for McCain but a vote for the future, for new thinking and new solutions is most certainly a vote for Barack Obama.
Obama/Biden '08

First thoughts: Obama's tricky day

Roofin Reality, Houston, Tx. — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 14:27:57 GMT

I have to agree with those who say Andrea Mitchell is seemingly biased against Senator Obama. I saw her last night on Hardball (or the Race to the Whitehouse) say that Obama is "cocky." I use quotes because she put just a hint extra emphasis on the word.
The trick for Obama is to NOT have 1 million people show up for his speech. That's possible, considering how popular he is over there.
While still early, the polls are a problem too as they show Obama within 3 points in Arizona. ARIZONA?

Senator McCain has gotten a "free ride" from the press as we just do not hear for more than 30 hours anything about any of his gaffes. And after a while, as some are starting to point out, it becomes obvious. Like CBS yesterday not showing the gaffe of getting the Anbar awakening and then the surge in the right order. Either he was trying to get credit for the surge or he forgot. Both are troubling for someone who we're supposed to trust as the leader. Well, unless you like the current administration, for as you can see for yourselves, fibs quite often.

I'll say it this way, what other senator, congressman, or even President (at least from the US) has been as highly received as Senator Obama? Who amongst us has had the king of a country personally drive (no, not his driver, but the king himself) that person to the airport as a show of comfortability and connectedness with that person?
Dude has simply hit the right chord, and McCain hasn't. With more viagra questions, he'll continue to veer off the road with his straight talk.
We've been off the road long enough under President Bush, it's time, now, to get America back to its prominent place in the world. Senator Obama is that person to lead us.

First thoughts: Obama's tricky day

MI Chick — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 14:28:02 GMT

States Rights (Sent Wednesday, July 23, 2008 9:44 AM)

http://www.merriam-webster.com/

"Main Entry: states·man
Pronunciation: \'stāts-mən\
Function: noun
Date: 1592
1: one versed in the principles or art of government; especially : one actively engaged in conducting the business of a government or in shaping its policies
2: one who exercises political leadership wisely and without narrow partisanship"

one versed in the principles or art of government? check - constitutional lecturer
one actively engaged in conducting the business of a government or in shaping its policies? check - current US Senator
one who exercises political leadership wisely and without narrow partisanship? check. Much more artfully than Bush or McCheese, I might add.

First thoughts: Obama's tricky day

Dorothy Wright — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 14:29:17 GMT

I rhought that you guys monitored these e-mails for appropriate content. I don't believe that you allowed the comment from Lyle Williams from Iowa on to the blog. A comment like that is entirely inappropriate and has nothing to do with the issues at hand. Please do not continue to allow this type of filth to infiltrate our lives and our politics. It has gone on too long and needs to stop for the good of us all. We have too many critical issues at hand, irregardless as to who our next President will be.