What's not on Obama's schedule...

Ira, Freehold, NJ — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 18:43:21 GMT

World….meet Barack Obama.

“People of the world, now do your duty. Look at Berlin”

“There is no challenge too great for a world that stands as one.”

“The old divisions, the old walls cannot stand. The old religious divisions cannot stand”

"This is the moment when we must defeat terror and dry up the well of extremism

“Let us remake the world again”

This was a speech meant for the world. It’s a whole different dynamic. The size and the enthusiasm of the crowd, not just in Germany, but around the world. Call it charisma. Call it intellectual curiosity. Call it what is, a vision of global politics that re-engages our now antagonized allies and looks forward to engaging those nations we have differences with. The Europeans see this huge pivot in American policy. American’s, at least according to the most recent polls, still need to be convinced. According to the foreign press, European leaders are eagerly awaiting an Obama presidency. There is no enthusiasm gap.

In Iraq, Afghanistan, Israel and now Europe, he has demonstrated a Presidential presence that we have not seen in 8 years. The visuals have been incredible. His reception by foreign leaders and their enthusiastic rhetoric for his positions is unceasing. IF he hasn’t closed the gap on both his commander-in-chief and foreign policy credentials he never will. Just compare the multiple gaffes McCain has made in both areas, just this week, and the choice becomes relatively easy.

If anyone questions his patriotism, listen to this speech and his description of his love for this country, his affirmation of American values. His biography. His unprecedented journey.

Yep, this is our moment, this is our time. This is our chance to change the direction of global diplomacy and define the direction the US should be headed in for the 21st century.

Obama ’08.

What's not on Obama's schedule...

Donna — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 18:44:59 GMT

If he'd gone, McCain would have criticized it. If he doesn't, McCain's going to criticize it.

He can't win. All McCain knows is how to criticize.

What's not on Obama's schedule...

Christine Hussein Nolte — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 18:46:22 GMT

Listening to his speech made my heart explode with pride and patriotism.

Obama/Biden '08

What's not on Obama's schedule...

Matt, Idaho — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 18:47:04 GMT

He's not doing it for a very honorable reason.

But we've already seen McCain go to campaign stops, expending the area's much needed resources on more important things (Iowa floods, anybody)?

What's not on Obama's schedule...

Jennifer — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 18:47:31 GMT

That was an incredible speech. Obama has the vision and judgement to lead the United States, and the world, and to recapture the respect we have lost over the past eight years. I'm so proud.

It also was pretty nice to see an American leader received so well without a burning effigy or protester in sight!

What's not on Obama's schedule...

Toni — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 18:47:38 GMT

Please ask Chuck Todd "What drugs is he taking" He stated McCain could give the speech Obama gave. Yeh right!!!!! i'm sure all 5 people who would show up to hear it would think so too

What's not on Obama's schedule...

El Taylor, Bay LA — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 18:49:27 GMT

The State Department told their people not to go see Barack, so I guess he thought he should follow what the State Department was telling government employees.
The Bush White House would have made something out of him going.

What's not on Obama's schedule...

Pat, Boston, MA — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 18:50:42 GMT

Senator Obama's speech was sensational. Even better than I had thought it would be. He looked presidential. He looked like someone we Americans would be proud to see travel all around the world, representing us.

Senator McCain, have you any other good ideas?

I'm sure Senator Obama's campaign is always open to suggestions on how best to portray Senator Obama as someone who is quite different from GWB and the entire Republican Party. A party which is not liked, anywhere.

That was obvious during the Senator's trip.

What's not on Obama's schedule...

Rodney Hopper, Waxahachie, TX — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 18:51:01 GMT

And thank you First Read for forwarding along the RNC's email alerts.

Do you get these in plain text or do you have to use your special RNC decoder rings?

What's not on Obama's schedule...

El Taylor, Bay, LA — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 18:51:09 GMT

What's not on Obama's schedule...

donna — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 18:51:55 GMT

I love my candidate. Surely we are blessed to have him.

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

Diane, Illinois

Sorry for the misspelling of you name yesterday.

What's not on Obama's schedule...

MR — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 18:52:11 GMT

WHY IS THIS A BIG DEAL?

HE SHOULDN'T EXPLOIT WOUNDED SOLDIERS.

IT IS A CLASSY MOVE, QUIT MAKING EVERY LITTLE THING POLITICS, FIRST READ...YOU'RE GETTING A BIT TABLOID THIS TIME!

What's not on Obama's schedule...

Charlotte — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 18:52:54 GMT

Why in the world would it be inappropriate to visit troops? This is wrong-he should be visiting the troops he purports to care so much about.

What's not on Obama's schedule...

Colleen, Ithaca, Ny — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 18:53:11 GMT

I think Obama is right to respect the wounded troops and not use them as political props.

Wow, First Read: any thoughts on the speech? Isn't that the real news?

What's not on Obama's schedule...

Michael Furlong, LI NY — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 18:53:30 GMT

How disrespectful! He should've visited those poor injured soilders. McCain would've done so!

What's not on Obama's schedule...

Brian M. De. — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 18:54:36 GMT

You know what after the stunts pulled by McBush ,his campaign staff yesterday trying to kick at Obama. To hear that the RNC wants in on the mudd slinging is not surprising. To those people that talk about media bias.That is the same tricks pulled on Gore and Kerry against Bush. They were treated kinda poorly by the Left leaning media and screwed over by the right . Kinda like the way Obama gets more coverage but it is not always positive.

What's not on Obama's schedule...

Pat, Boston, MA — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 18:55:44 GMT

Joe Scarborough evidently calls bloggers cheetos eating something or other. Nothing could be further from the truth, Mr. Scarborough. They are people who actually care about their country and every single citizen in every single state. They actually care about citizens in other parts of the world who we kill. Why else do you think they take the time to be informed? And my question to you is: why arent you?

They are not far left liberals anything. Theyre just plain Americans.

Keith Olbermann was correct on the surge story. He gets it. The same can be said for a handful of other journalists and commentators. But only a handful out of the thousands we have here in this country.

What's not on Obama's schedule...

James Jonah Jameson — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 18:56:12 GMT

What's behind this story? Is it First Read Confidential exposed? HHHMmmmmm (raising my eyebrow).

What's not on Obama's schedule...

Paul Pertone — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 18:56:45 GMT

"Obama hasn't done anything as a legislator, now it appears he did nothing as a student.

Barack Obama - The Nothing Candidate"
Paul Pertone (Sent Thursday, July 24, 2008 1:51 PM)
****************************************************
Yeah, Paul. Being President of the Harvard Law Review is an empty, meaningless title given to just any old student. I'm pretty sure they just draw a name out of a hat. Then even McCain would have a chance. Talk about your Nothing Candidate - 894th out of 899 in his class.

KJ, CR, IA

==========

I guess some people are impressed by trival things. How else to explain Obamas popularity.

What's not on Obama's schedule...

Liz, NY — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 18:57:08 GMT

Donna

Exactly! That is exactly the point. If Senator Obama had visited the troops as he wanted too, the RNC and McClain would have been crying foul and slamming him for campaigning and using the troops for points! It's too bad. Because I think the troops would have really enjoyed meeting him - and I think Sen Obama really wants to see them. Maybe somehow, they can figure out a way to do it.

What's not on Obama's schedule...

Liz, NY — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 18:57:22 GMT

What's not on Obama's schedule...

Jonesy Jones, Kentucky — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 18:58:43 GMT

Obama is sinking fast. Losing ground in the polls on daily basis. The more Americans learn about Obama, the less they like him.

What's not on Obama's schedule...

Nashville_fan — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 18:59:09 GMT

If Senator Obama had visited the military facilities, he would be criticized.

Now, that he isn't visiting the military facilities, he will be criticized.

And it will be this way for another 3 months.

God help us.

What's not on Obama's schedule...

Maria Wr — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 18:59:19 GMT

So, First Read, a very powerful and uplifting speech has been given, and you have NOTHING to say but "uhoh, he didn't "use the troops for a photoop.What's wrong with Barack?"
Journalism, please.

What's not on Obama's schedule...

Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 18:59:31 GMT

Does the RNC have anything to say about McCain?

Well... if you were running the RNC, wouldn't you rather talk about Obama, too?

What's not on Obama's schedule...

Elaine, Virginia Beach — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 19:01:15 GMT

Disrespectful to the servicemen and women? Are you kidding me? He's gone all that way and he can't be bothered with visiting injured servicemen? This gives us a great glimpse into the man. Sorry, folks, he is dead wrong on this one.

What's not on Obama's schedule...

Diane from Illinois — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 19:02:22 GMT

Can't wait to get home and listen to his speech tonight! Although I'm pretty sure I know how he'll look.......presidential! This man is a beacon to the world and shame on us if we don't elect him come November purly because of race. The United States NEEDS this man. The WORLD needs this man.

What's not on Obama's schedule...

Paul Revere — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 19:02:24 GMT

For the Obama dog-and-pony-show, pictures with foreign leaders and large crowd is more important than spending quality time with the US soldiers... only naive Americans will be bamboozled by his phony acting...

What's not on Obama's schedule...

Lisa Bennett, Scottsdale AZ — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 19:02:33 GMT

Whats not on Obamas schedule? Victory in Iraq. An answer to high gas prices. Finding new sources of oil. Giving any more details to his plan other then just chanting Hope and Change. Lowing taxes. Explaining why he sat in that pew for 20 years. Explanation for a voting record that is on a par with how Lenin would vote.

What's not on Obama's schedule...

Elrod, Maryville, Tennessee — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 19:02:45 GMT

Chuck Todd's point about McCain giving that speech was a way to say that it was safe and uncontroversial. And that's a good thing.

This was a speech fraught with risk. The symbolism was going to be great for Obama, but the speech could have been trouble. Instead, it chided Europe for not doing enough in Afghanistan. And it showed that America can be a leader for freedom and not an ashamed hypocrite.

What's not on Obama's schedule...

Paul Revere — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 19:02:49 GMT

What's not on Obama's schedule...

Brian M De. — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 19:03:50 GMT

Michael Furlong the only reason McPendulum would have went to see them is to get a nap in one of the beds. It was not disrespectful. No disrespectful was not voting for the GI bill to help wounded GI's then try and walk in and take credit for it . That is disrespectful , or may be he is so senile that he cant recall if he voted for or against , just like he is having trouble remembering the timeline of the surge or the fact that the Sheik that he said the surge was put in place to protect actually died during the surge. Or how about the fact the he claims that Putin was the pres. of Germany ,have you heard any good Czechoslavakia stories lately . Charlotte you and Micheal need to climb on the Crap Talk Express right out of town.

What's not on Obama's schedule...

Ira, Freehold, NJ — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 19:04:51 GMT

How disrespectful! He should've visited those poor injured soilders. McCain would've done so!
Michael Furlong, LI NY (Sent Thursday, July 24, 2008 2:53 PM)
........................................

Did you miss the part where Obama said it would be inapropriate to visit the Army hospital as this portion of his trip was being paid for by his campaign.

He has too much integrity to allow the sacrfices of these heroes to become the subject of political rhetoric.

You are right though. McCain would have gone to po;licize these men and women. The RNC is already doing it.

After this week, I didn't think McCain could sink any lower. I was wrong.

What's not on Obama's schedule...

Charlee Vance — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 19:05:27 GMT

> I think Obama is right to respect the wounded troops and not use them as political props. <

I guess Obama would sooner use a bunch of unemployed Germans as his props.

What's not on Obama's schedule...

Virginia, Winchester, Va — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 19:05:38 GMT

So we got the RNC talking points, but we missed the speech?

First Read, you gotta upgrade your sources.

I read the entire transcript at that other major cable network's website about 30 seconds after he stepped away from the podium

What's not on Obama's schedule...

Independent Texan — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 19:05:56 GMT

HOW ARE YOU PEOPLE GOING TO FEEL WHEN OBAMA LOSES THIS ELECTION. MY GUESS VERY DEPRESSED.

What's not on Obama's schedule...

MSierra, SF — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 19:05:56 GMT

John McCain.... EAT YOUR HEART OUT !!

Admit it, John: Obama's a better man than you are

Obama's a better candidate than you are

Obama will be a better President than you ever could be

Tell me again now, John:

Why ARE you running for President ?

Why should Americans elect John McCain President?

GAME OVER !!

Obama/Edwards '08

What's not on Obama's schedule...

Art Blankenship, Hoover, MO — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 19:07:39 GMT

Obama told the Germans he just came from Israel, and asked them why they couldn't have just finished the job years ago.

What's not on Obama's schedule...

Chris, Dorr, MI — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 19:07:59 GMT

It was an amazing speech. Watched it on CNN.com
I can't wait to get home and hear all the analysis.
Just a few other points I would like to get out there and hope it makes it to post. As pointed out by many lately; it is so infuriating to write and want to engage here and hit submit and never see a thing.

My sincerest thanks to you Pro-Obama posters: you know who you are; donna, karen, mark, (where's Lisa), diane...I'm sorry I missed many of you. All of you make my day and I thank you for your contributions.

MSNBC: Joe has got to GO. PLEASE...

Andrea: needs serious help

Someone pointed out earlier that Doc Bloc is useless and if MSNBC wants to compete with Fixed news they should become a 24 hour news outlet. I wish they would. Fix news is not the way to inform the world or our blessed troops around the world.

When is someone at MSNBC going to make a real story out of McSames lame excuse of a surge timeline? I mean really. Do some real work.

Chuck Todd: I am a huge fan and wish we could get more of you on a regular basis. I just started checking out Newsvine and it looks pretty cool.

Chuck, Mark, Domenico: Why can't you guys hire a few more folks and improve the posting quantities and times? This is very frustrating! Pull the obscene, but put everyone's posts on here.

Thank you for listening

What's not on Obama's schedule...

Suburban Mom paying attention, IL — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 19:08:14 GMT

Obama was right not to provide an attack point for the McCain campaign. The visits with troops in Iraq, Kuwait, and Afghanistan occurred with a bipartisan congressional delegation. The European visits would have been called out by John McCain (and his base of pundits) as an exploitation of American soldiers for political purposes. It's best not to involve the troops in that predictable ugliness.

What's not on Obama's schedule...

Katie — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 19:08:36 GMT

Good God...why don't all you Obama supporters pool your money and just "get a room" already! And by the way, Pat, from Boston. Being a "blogger" and being "informed" are not mutually exclusive.

What's not on Obama's schedule...

BL, Cincinnati OH — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 19:08:48 GMT

Either way I'm sure the McLame campaign would have made it into an attack.

It would be nice if they actually talked about why we should vote FOR McCain, instead of against Obama. Tell us why McCain's policies are better.

Oh... that's right... they can't tell the truth about their policies or no one but the rich would vote for them.

Take a look at history on Tax Rates...

- During World War I the top rate rose to 77%; after the war, the top rate was scaled down to a low of 25%.
- During the Great Depression and World War II, the top income tax rate rose again. In the Internal Revenue Code of 1939, the top rate was 75%. The top rate reached 94% during the war and remained at 91% until 1964.
- In 1964 the top rate was decreased to 70% (1964 Revenue Act), then to 50% in 1981 (Economic Recovery Tax Act or ERTA).
- The Tax Reform Act of 1986 reduced the top rate to 28%, at the same time raising the bottom rate from 11% to 15% (in fact 15% and 28% became the only two tax brackets).
- During the 1990s the top rate rose again, standing at 39.6% by the end of the decade.
- The top rate was cut to 35% and the bottom rate was cut to 10% by the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001 (EGTRRA).

During a time of war we RAISED taxes, mostly on the rich, to pay for the war effort. This allowed us to come out of the war in good shape. But Bush did the exact opposite... reducing the tax rate on the rich. You see where that got us.

Look at our national debt. From Kennedy till Reagan we had a tax rate of 70%ish on the rich. They did just fine. The national debt was fairly low. Then Reagan slashed the top rate on the super rich from 70% to 28% and RAISED the tax on the lower/middle class from 11% to 15%. Reagan also eliminated tax deductions on interest paid on standard loans and credit debt, which impacted the middle class the most as the rich didn't generally carry debt. The national debt TRIPLED under Reagan because of his massive tax cuts.

Clinton raised the top rate on the super rich from 28% to 39.6%. This resulted in a budget surplus and a very strong economy where the middle class grew immensely and the rich did extremely well too.

Then GWB decided to go back to cutting the tax rate on the rich, spending like crazy, and the national debt went from being a $5 trillion surplus, to being a $10 trillion debt.

McCain will take it even further. Cutting the top rate on the rich even more, driving up the debt to a level where a nation like China could destroy our economy by dumping our dollars on the world market and driving the value of the dollar to a tiny fraction of what it is worth now. Of course the rich don't care... they have their money in tax shelters and swiss banks in Euro's and commodities.

What's not on Obama's schedule...

John Addams — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 19:08:49 GMT

What's not on Obama's schedule...

Brian M. De. — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 19:09:21 GMT

Yeah, Paul. Being President of the Harvard Law Review is an empty, meaningless title given to just any old student. I'm pretty sure they just draw a name out of a hat. Then even McCain would have a chance. Talk about your Nothing Candidate - 894th out of 899 in his class.

KJ, CR, IA

==========

I guess some people are impressed by trival things. How else to explain Obamas popularity.
Paul Pertone (Sent Thursday, July 24, 2008 2:56 PM)

No Paul people are impressed by a leader of substance that has a vision. Not a vision handed down to them by their Party leaders. I used to like McCain But he is not even a shell of the man that he used to be. You seem to be so accomplished that you can critisize and trivialize Obama. May we ask what you do for a living ? What accomplishments you have made for our great nation? Being a whining RNC plant does not count.

What's not on Obama's schedule...

C A, Tuscaloosa, AL — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 19:10:10 GMT

I did not get a chance to see the speech. For those who did how did the crowd react?

What's not on Obama's schedule...

voter — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 19:10:37 GMT

WOW, all of the ourtage from some of the bloggers about Obama not visiting the troops in Germany. Uh, that is shocking considering that McCain has voted aganist every bill to increase healthcare and education for our troops. He now wants to ration healthcare for veterns. So where is the outrage on McCain's deplorable treatment of our troops.

What's not on Obama's schedule...

Anthony in ATL — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 19:11:16 GMT

He'll be criticized either way. I would go visit them, but would close it to the media.

What's not on Obama's schedule...

Carmen Colorado — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 19:11:57 GMT

McCain and the Bush administration critizie no matter what. If the Republicans would treat people with respect and not try to get rich when they are in office, but we (the USA) is in the worst shape we could ever be. This we can thank the "cowboy" and his oil freinds. Obama did not speak as a candidate, he spoke as a "Citizen". I wish it was January so we could sent that cowboy back to Texas and all his oil buddies.

What's not on Obama's schedule...

Carter Wallace, NY — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 19:12:00 GMT

The WORLD needs this man.

Diane from Illinois

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

Good. Then give him to the UN. They're used to guys that give endless speeches and do nothing.

What's not on Obama's schedule...

Dreams of McfreakishGrins for Andrea — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 19:12:10 GMT

Once again Andrea misses the mark. Discribing Sen. Obama's speech in Germany as "lofty rhethoric". Then going on to stroke McSames ego. Good job fair, and balanced. I vote Mrs. Mitchel leave the campain coverage to the professionals. MSNBC should just leave her on assignment in a pup tent outside McEdits house where she will truly shine.

What's not on Obama's schedule...

Proud to support Senator Obama — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 19:12:49 GMT

I will not repeat the hate-filled statements of art blankenship, but I will say that it is people like him that cause us to need gated communities in America.

What's not on Obama's schedule...

BobW Mendon, NY — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 19:13:12 GMT

"How disrespectful! He should've visited those poor injured soilders. McCain would've done so!"

McCain should visit them...after all, he helped put them in those hospitals! Obama did not want to exploit those troops after they were exploited by Bush and McCain to fight a war designed to force feed the Iraqis western style democracy.

What's not on Obama's schedule...

Suburban Mom paying attention, IL — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 19:14:32 GMT

From Charlee Vance:

I guess Obama would sooner use a bunch of unemployed Germans as his props.
------------------------------------------------------

Charlee, I know Senator Obama is able to get a lot done in a very short amount of time, but even he couldn't drag over 100,000 Germans to hear him speak. They showed up willingly and independently.

Seriously- many were waving American flags. Can you get past the hate for one minute and feel good that Europeans are CHEERING for the U.S.?