First thoughts: Analyze this

Chuck, NY — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 13:28:17 GMT

Let’s check the scoreboard for last week.

Candidate O has successful trips to 2 war zones, tells a 4 star General who he will work for starting JAN 20, has another successful trip to another Mideast hot spot, gets everyone to adopt his foreign policy objectives, re-validates America’s commitment to the Golden Rule in front of 200,000 people and makes a jump shot right out of the box.

Candidate M has successful trips to the cheese aisle and a sausage house, tells tales about a Colonel, has a gaffe a day, can’t remember which countries border Afghanistan, enters a new dementia, re-defines the word surge and hasn’t seen the football since the kickoff.

Standby, the judges are ready to declare their scores…
Scarborough- passes because he is too jaded to accurately analyze
Matthews- candidate O was cocky and gets a zero, candidate M gets a free pass and a 10
Todd- Agrees with Matthews, and swears his wife doesn’t work for candidate M
Mitchell- Agrees with Matthews & Todd but lowers candidate O’s score to -10
All the Angels in Heaven- liberalism is the cure to the Neo-con plague
American electorate- gives candidate O the White House and candidate M the outhouse.

‘Nuff said.

First thoughts: Analyze this

Ken Price, Iowa — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 13:28:25 GMT

Funny that when Obama had to make a priority call on what he should do in Germany, he chose to play in a gym rather then visit the troops. Couldn't fit enough cameras into a hospital room Barack?

First thoughts: Analyze this

Pat, Boston, MA — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 13:30:03 GMT

"There are two types of education. One should teach us how to make a living, and the other how to live." -- John Adams --

As we have seen time and time again, how much money someone may make does not determine automatically that they know more than anyone else. It usually comes down to how good of an education you receive. In particular, how much of US & world history you have studied.

Because in the end, this will determine the road you decide to travel down in life. These factors will be the guiding light for anyone who goes into the public arena, whether it be a politician or a journalist or a tv commentator. Because without the benefit of being able to measure for yourself historical facts throughout history, without the benefit of the "big picture", whether it be war, race relations, working class v. corporate, or religion (to name just a few), you end up becoming someone with no real clear principles to go by on how to progress as a person. You also end up in a very limited role in the progress of a nation. Which leaves you with one option - you make things up. And the worse the lies are, the more it makes you feel important. This is what you do to get ahead. You exploit people. Because you really don't know any better. And as we all know, after you have been exposed, after years of attempting to make people believe that you "have all the answers", in the end, it will take others to come in and clean up the mess you have created.

Karl Rove
Education: Attended nearly half a dozen colleges without getting a degree.

Sean Hannity
Education: HIGH SCHOOL EDUCATION.
His previous careers included bartender and construction worker.
__________________
These are the two who will do everything they can to try and stop Barack & Michelle Obama. And they will use Rupert Murdoch's big media machine to do it. And as far as Karl Rove and Sean Hannity are concerned, the ends will justify the means. Of that we can be sure. And how exactly do we know this? We know our history.

Rupert Murdoch, the most evil man in this country.
Murdoch owns Fox Broadcasting Company and 35 local TV stations, 16 cable channels (including Fox News Channel), as well as Dow Jones, Wall Street Journal - to name just a few.

Notable mention:
Rush Limbaugh -
Education: Dropped out of college after two semesters. His mom said he "flunked everything".
Worked as a top 40 music disc jockey

History will show us that you three sold out your fellow citizens. In other words, your own country. All for the sake of money and ratings and power. Not a very patriotic thing to do, now is it.
___________________
Barack Obama
Education: Graduated from Columbia University in 1983.
He later earned his law degree from Harvard in 1991, where Barack Obama became the first African-American president of the Harvard Law Review.
Obama became a civil rights lawyer and taught constitutional law in Chicago. His advocacy work led him to run for the Illinois State Senate, where he served for seven years.
In 2003, Barack launched an improbable race for the Senate. Even with many primary contenders and a budget six times smaller than his opponent’s, Barack won a landslide victory; he stood out alone among the major candidates, opposing the war in Iraq. Obama is the fifth African-American Senator in U.S. history and the only African-American currently serving in the Senate.

McCain/Rove - gotta go

First thoughts: Analyze this

J. Rancher, Elon, NC — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 13:31:23 GMT

The non visit of wounded soldiers by Obama will not affect this election. Most of Baracks voters are liberal, and they could give a cr#p about the military or the troops. And, most them are angry and will show up at the polls as they have a lot of time on their hands seeing most are unemployed.

First thoughts: Analyze this

camie — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 13:33:00 GMT

why is it that we even care about national polls when this election is won electorally? I already know what they are going to say...Obamas not getting votes from old people, Voters think mccain is too old. remember the primary you guys implied that latinos, jewish, and white women weren't going to vote for Obama in the general election because he black. You guys were wrong then in over analyzing the polls since obama is doing well with all these groups, what make you think your going to be right now. Can you stop putting voters in a box.

Video: McCains response to gay adoption...
http://sensico.wordpress.com/2008/07/27/mccains-response-to-gay-adoption/
or
http://sensico2.blogspot.com/2008/07/my-blogs.html

First thoughts: Analyze this

Suzy Thomas, Concord ,MA — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 13:33:20 GMT

First Read: They made the decision that they'd get more criticism for politicizing a visit with wounded troops than not going at all.

So why didn't Obama used that over-sized (over-stuffed??) brain of his, and go in without the cameras?

First thoughts: Analyze this

Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 13:33:35 GMT

When its all said and done, I really doubt anyone will look back on the timing of the veep announcement as a significant campaign decision for either candidate.

However, McCain's growing testiness and irritability may well become the conventional wisdom for what drove that final nail in the coffin.

First thoughts: Analyze this

BJ, CA — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 13:34:54 GMT

Lastest News flash...

McNuts saw Obama punch Santa Claus...!

McNuts accuses Obama of negative attack ads...

McNuts saw Obama stealing Tooth Fairy cache...

McNuts saw Obama drink the Priest Wine

McNuts blames Global Warming on Obama

McNuts blames Global Cooling on Obama

McNuts blames Obama for being Obama

Details at 11 o'clock news..back to you in the studio..

First thoughts: Analyze this

Pat Huntington NY — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 13:35:55 GMT

Obama blamed for high gas prices? Uh, no, the blame goes to the current Idiot in Chief and his Party of Oil obsessed Merry Men.

Obama should've visited wounded troops? Uh, its the policy of the medical facility not to allow politicians travelling on the campaign leg of an overseas visit. And, the troops wouldn't be there, wounded, but for McCain's/Bush's war.

McCain is loosing it, and he's not even 73 yet!

As for the VP pick...I think it should be quite clear by now that it won't be Sen. Clinton. I suspect he'll pick someone with military credentials, however.

First thoughts: Analyze this

GA GUY — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 13:35:57 GMT

""*** A little sensitive, are we? By the way, seeing the Obama campaign’s cancellation of the troop turn into a controversy is a reminder of just how sensitive Democrats are regarding the troops. They made the decision that they'd get more criticism for politicizing a visit with wounded troops than not going at all. Our question: Why not dare your opponents for criticizing you for visiting troops if you really thought that? It seems like a decision made due to lack of sleep… For what it's worth -- and this will be the thing the McCain campaign takes away from this weekend back-and-forth -- McCain does seem to have gotten some traction on this attack, even if the facts aren't clearly on his side. But in order to win this back-and-forth, the campaign had to put up an attack ad doing and use the candidate to attack Obama personally as well. Was it worth the news cycle win?""

Chuck,

Whoever is responsible for this little bit of circular thinking needs vacation time!!

First thoughts: Analyze this

Patriotic — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 13:36:21 GMT

Only in America can you attack someone for not visiting the troops by showing a picture of Obama visiting with the troops BUT blurring out the troops to make a political point!

First thoughts: Analyze this

Kalie Westmore — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 13:36:36 GMT

I guess the wounded troops are a little sensitive. They want to know that there personal losses mean something to the country, but when Obama keeps saying he's going to have a controlled surrender that gives the country back to the terrorists, then yes, I guess the troops do get a little sensitive. And maybe thats why Obama didn't visit the troops, wouldn't want any of them to ruin his little party.

First thoughts: Analyze this

Pete - Albany, NY — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 13:36:37 GMT

RCP Average of Polls: Obama +5

First thoughts: Analyze this

Houston — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 13:36:57 GMT

The claim made in this latest disgusting McCain ad was the Obama didn't go to the hospital in Germany because cameras weren't permitted. But Sen. Reed said they did go to hospitals in Iraq. There's no visual proof that they went because there were NO CAMERAS.

I don't deny that the garbage McCain's thugs can "have traction." That's how we ended up for the past 8 years with the worst president in history. These hateful Republican attack ads appeal to the lowest common denominator, and the lowest common denominator votes.

First thoughts: Analyze this

Andrea, New York City — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 13:37:01 GMT

“I'm going to want somebody with integrity; I'm going to want somebody with independence, who's willing to tell me where he thinks or she thinks I'm wrong; and I'm, I'm going to want somebody who shares a vision of the country where we need to go, that we've got to fundamentally change not only our policies, but how our politics works, how business is done in Washington.
****************************************************
This does not say that the person can't be someone that has been around. A lot of folks that have been in the political arena maybe have not had a chance to display their forward thinking attitudes because of the prevailing climate.

I am impressed by the thinking and sincerity of many of Barack supporters. Biden, Bayh and Kaine sound good to me.

First thoughts: Analyze this

Michelle Zee — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 13:39:30 GMT

Yes, let's talk about the economy, enough about the surge. I want to see the McCritic camp weasle their way out of this one. McCritic can't find his way out of a paper bag, let alone help this economy.

Amazing to me that Obama has to go above and beyond what McCritic has to do and still the media constantly criticizes Obama. At least this morning on Morning Joe, Buchanon (while karate chopping) admitted McCritic is in trouble on many issues.

No matter what Obama would have done as far as seeing the troops, he would have been criticized. The same way Condi Rice told the embassies to provide limited resources to a seated Senator is the same way they handled this case. The pentagon should not have issued any warning...end of story. This is not a photo op for Obama as it was for McCritic and his motorcade riding into Walter Reed to show he cares about service members when he votes against every bill to help service members and their families.

First thoughts: Analyze this

Janis White, Joplin MO — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 13:40:44 GMT

Obama hadn't quite got enough positive face time with the media, it was only at 98.78%, so Meet The Press pushs Bafack over the top with a softball interview with Mumbles Brokaw. Now we see why you retired Tom.

First thoughts: Analyze this

Rick, NC — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 13:40:56 GMT

the poor war hero has been reduced to tv ads that are full of lines and innuendo because he has nothing to offer this nation but more of the same...mcsame has nothing but fear itself to offer America...it does appeal to the chickenhawks who cheer the war but don't serve in the war

First thoughts: Analyze this

Judy Dallas TX — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 13:41:17 GMT

I hated MTP yesterday!! I have never seen Tom Brokaw so rude!! He keep interupting and demanding! Then he brings up an "op ed" by a conservative!! Hello!! He was just too jealous to say anything good about a fabulous trip by Obama. Old man shows green streak. Morning Joe is just terrible. He implied that Obama might need a "hip replacement". As far as MTP, when they get a new host, I'll come back. Tim is "looking down" and is in tears as these "jerks" tear down what he built. Sad.

First thoughts: Analyze this

Clara Kansas City, MO — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 13:41:39 GMT

"Why not dare your opponents for criticizing you for visiting troops if you really thought that? "

I couldn't disagree more. Obama has taken a principled stand on this one. He WILL NOT politicize the wounded troops. He has visited many hundred over the past three years and has actually got a BETTER rating than McCain on GI issues. Ironically, the POW candidate has a horrible rating; but continues to use GI's as a bludgeon - basically the opposite of what his ads claim.

His campaign is so lost and devoid of character, he will use any possible thing as a wedge. His advisors are idiots if they think America is going to fall for it again. The base may be polling at 40% for him; but I just don't believe true Independents are going to drink the Kool Aid.

First thoughts: Analyze this

Pete - Albany, NY — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 13:42:06 GMT

Factcheck: The Truth On Troop Support

http://www.factcheck.org/elections-2008/the_truth_on_troop_support.html

The contrast between the campaigns is clear...

Obama is talking issues.

McCain is talking about Obama.

Hey, Old Man River, you were the smart guy who triple-dog-dared Obama to make the trip. You claim you'll always be there for our troops but you opposed the GI Bill and didn't bother to show up to vote when it was passed in the Senate.

You are not fit to run this country, sir!

First thoughts: Analyze this

Cheryl, Wisconsin — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 13:44:10 GMT

McShame is a mean spirited, bad tempered man of moderate intelligence. He will be unable to run the White House without many advisor. Just look at who is currently surrounding him and his campaign.....lobbyist and neocons. Sounds a lot like someone we know, currently in the White House....and we know how that has worked out.

We need person of intelligence in the White House...someone who will work in our interest and bring the world back to the table. The choice seems clear to me and I find it mind boggling that the party that has historically attacked the middle class and ignored the poor, has any chance at all to win this election.

Come on people...do your homework and stop falling for the dishonest, divisive republican tactics that the GOP continues to spew!

Obama '08 & '12

First thoughts: Analyze this

GEL New London, NH — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 13:45:23 GMT

I am not convinced the Obama tour last week will pursuade undecided voters. I found him arrogant when he attempted to speak on behalf of Americans and behave as if elected. Yes he's a Senator but I didn't elect him to represent me. Nor would I.

First thoughts: Analyze this

MIA — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 13:45:32 GMT

Well, Well, Well...The price of gas has gone down a significant amount and without offshore drilling. How long is the MSM going to let Bush and his crooked administration get away with their lies and deciete of the American people? Americans have suffered enough under his rule. He and his administraton should be jailed for their abuse of power.

The MSM should be ashamed and do a better job in seizing those conceiled documents the Bush administration has been hiding for the past several years and expose those criminals as they should be.

I know the MSM are overruled by the GOP and big money but you all should not be afraid to let the American people know the TRUTH!

First thoughts: Analyze this

JP, milltown, nj — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 13:46:33 GMT

mccain and mccain campaign.

ugh.

same old, same old repug attacks.

ugh.

First thoughts: Analyze this

Ron Indiana — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 13:47:09 GMT

So much to comment about...First of all. The McCain negativity will not work!! Hillary tried it and it only hurt her. When McCain goes negative, he just looks like a grumpy old man. If a McCain surrogate did it, well maybe... The negativity just makes McCain look like he is on the wrong side of the issues and desperate.
VP pick...Hillary has not been in the mix of over a month now. Obama will win or lose without Hillary. I believe Biden is still in the mix. He will say what's on his mind, yet support the wisdom of the Obama team. He is a Washington insider, but that's OK.
Poll ceiling: Except for a few states, McCain's poll ceiling is around 45%. If you factor in Barr and Nader, his ceiling drops. Again, except in a few states, like West Virginia, Kentucky, Obama's ceiling could reach 55%. The potential for votes is much higher for Obama.
The war: McCain believes Maliki does not mean 16 months and McCain is saying before the end of his first term...4 years. McCain is on the wrong side of the issuee and is too stubborn to change.
The Economy: Classic Obama--Bring in the experts, find concensus, create talking points. Repeat the talking points for the next 3 months. A winning combination. McCain would rather attack Obama and have Phil Gramm feed him some GOP talking points. Actually I think Obama will hold a 6 to 8 point lead in the polls.

First thoughts: Analyze this

Andrea, New York City — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 13:47:32 GMT

McCain is really showing himself to be childish, jealous, mean, lying, and unprofessional. What a line-up in attributes for president.

I prefer to go with "intelligent, resourceful, professional, well organized, good judgement, loving father and husband.

OBAMA/08

First thoughts: Analyze this

Bee for OBAMA — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 13:47:47 GMT

It is so odd to me that people don't listen to all the facts. Obama was told he could not go see the troops by the Pentagon. It looks to me like a complete set up by the Bush administration favoring John McCain. They let Obama get all the way over there and then told him he had to have a different staff with him. Some of the bloggers here just don't have the facts right. I guess they can't read or just don't!!!

First thoughts: Analyze this

Voting for Senator Obama — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 13:48:35 GMT

No, it was not worth it for the Mccain camp to go after Seanator Obama on visiting the troops. The pentagon interference is directly responsible for Senator Obama making the decision not to go on the visit to that particular site. He did visit with troops on his visit. Mccain and his handlers couldn't disrupt the trip through the foreign governments, but they were able to use the pentagon for their own personal advantage. This should be the talking points for the media. Why did the pentagon allow themselves to a pawn for the GOP?

Mccain can get just as nasty as he wants. He looks riduiculous when he laughs to the point of chocking on his own jokes against Senator Obama. He has demonstrated his mean-streak which I find very alarming. Very frightening.
Why does the media keep asking the questions from the Mccain camp? That is the bias we see. Can't the media stop parroting the mccain camp and come up with their own questions?

Senator Obama will have one huge mess to clean up when he becomes president. I would not want the job, but I am thankful that someone of his skill and ability is willing to put up with this process in order to help America and not hurt her anymore.
BTW~
I drink coffee, thank you very much!

First thoughts: Analyze this

Voting for Senator Obama — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 13:49:06 GMT

First thoughts: Analyze this

demos — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 13:50:02 GMT

Wow, election day only one hundred days behind? WOW it is coming fast.

First thoughts: Analyze this

Gas Man vs. Tax Man — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 13:50:33 GMT

Obama blamed for high gas prices?

Pat Huntington NY (Sent Monday, July 28, 2008 9:35 AM)

No one is blaming Obama for high gas prices. How could they, he hasn't done anything.

What people are concerned about is that Obamas plan to reduce fuel prices is to send out rebate checks and tax the oil companies. It's confusing to the public how doing that reduces the price of fuel.

First thoughts: Analyze this

John Doe, Seattle, Wash. — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 13:50:42 GMT

Friend --

Barack Obama was proud to thank American troops in Kuwait, Afghanistan, and Iraq on his recent overseas trip.

But there's a new smear spreading on the internet that Barack didn't take the time to meet with the troops at all.

Learn more about this smear and help fight back with the truth:

http://my.barackobama.com/troops

Together we can make sure these negative and divisive attacks don't affect this campaign.

Thanks for your help.

First thoughts: Analyze this

Clara Kansas City, MO — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 13:52:17 GMT

"Funny that when Obama had to make a priority call on what he should do in Germany, he chose to play in a gym rather then visit the troops. Couldn't fit enough cameras into a hospital room Barack?"
Ken Price, Iowa (Sent Monday, July 28, 2008 9:28 AM)

And, the real problem with the Repubs is that this low information voter above "Ken" has not been paying attention and of course, he believes the vapid, insincere 'Ad bite' that Obama was too busy playing b-ball to visit troops. Ken, if you had been paying attention you'd know that the footage used in the ad was from Kuwait on day 2 of the trip. Not Germany, buddy. I know it's asking a lot; but you really need to keep up on this website. We don't loft softballs here.

First thoughts: Analyze this

J. Ellis, Virginia — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 13:52:23 GMT

John McCain's desperation is so thick, it can be cut with a knife. To latest McCain ad regarding Obama's decision not to visit the troops borders on slanderous. Not to worry though, the voters are much smarter than McCain gives them credit. Sorry we can't say the same about him.

Today on Morning Joe, Scarborough and Pat Buchanan were having a field day high fiving each other on the number of slams they could get out against Obama. Pat Buchanan's determination that Obama was "not one of us" is both sleezy and bigoted. They should have Harold Ford, Jr. or Tikki Barber on to counter "punch" both of them on their pitiful remarks. I will just have to stop watching Morning Jerk at all just to keep my blood pressure down.

GO OBAMA/BIDEN 08/12

First thoughts: Analyze this

Poll Watcher — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 13:52:33 GMT

RCP Average of Polls: Obama +5

Pete - Albany, NY (Sent Monday, July 28, 2008 9:36
AM)

You can't average polls. Why this is true is left as an exercise to the ones that try to.

First thoughts: Analyze this

Terry, IN — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 13:54:28 GMT

Pentagon lies?

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/art-levine/how-will-obama-progressiv_b_115162.html

There seems to be no limit on how low the repubs will go.

First thoughts: Analyze this

Jane - Ohio — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 13:56:54 GMT

If the McCain campaign and the GOP have started attack ads with incorrect information in them 100 days out from the election, how ugly and mis-information is there going to be as we get closer to the election.
The concerning part is many voters belive these type of mis-information ads so will vote on mis-information versus fact. (this would be interesting polling to do and Report on versus just the campaigns polling and focus groups on such ads.)
What type of ads will the 527 be doing if this type of mis-information ads are being done by the candidate?

First thoughts: Analyze this

Terrell — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 13:57:54 GMT

Obama has a very fine line to walk period. I think he has done a great job for the most part. At times I do think he seems a tad bit presumptive. I think the McCain Campaign try to find any little thing and tries to make it a issue on the trail.

Obama took the same overseas trip that McCain took but since he had more people to turn out they say he looks to presidential. It is amazing that a Junior senator can gather that many people together without being president. Kennedy and Regan had similar tours overseas in Europe, but they were presidents.

I find it totally ridiculous for McCain to say that Obama rather lose the war and win an election and he prefers the opposite. Well genius if this is the case why don't you drop out now. Many people say John McCain has the experience to be Commander in Chief, but the fail to realize that this is not you typical war. When McCain was in combat it was Army against Army as you can plainly see this is not that kind of war. That being said, will the same strategies that the army used in McCain war days work today........it hasn't yet. So again do he really have the experience to win this war.

On another note, what the hell is victory in Iraq. What is the indicator that will let us know we have won. Most victories won their is a prize to be claimed, Can Mr. McCain please tell us what we are winning. The only way I see victory is if we get that oil and gas prices go back to $1.15/gal.

First thoughts: Analyze this

C.K. Steele Fort Lauderdale, FL — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 14:00:08 GMT

This last week should have taught us much about Sen. John McCain (the 2008 edition). His campaign has been somewhat lukewarm but now they have made a definite decision to run a dishonorable campaign. They are scared and have no identity past clinging to a tactic(surge) that they truly don't understand. Sen. McCain's problem is that he is not well informed and he has made his career to this point through being a child of privilege and through very unorthodox methods. No one in America believes that Sen. McCain has the expertise to be able to sit on this same economic panel that Sen. Obama is going to do. Without Phil Gramm whispering in his ear, this man is clueless on the economy. There was an article in the right-leaning Jerusalem Post last week that also said that McCain had to constantly defer to Lieberman or his aides when he was in Israel for foreign policy discussion but Obama, in contrast, needed no assistance because he clearly understood what he was doing. They said that Sen. McCain was lost when he had only his vague knowledge to rely on. This is the same situation when it comes to the economy. "Pork-barrel spending" is his "surge" response to anything economy-related. I've said it before that the emperor (McCain) really has no clothes and the media out of respect or gratitude for the candidate's many BBQs will not expose his dearth of knowlege of any subject in detail. He never gets any tough follow ups and is permitted to spout stale, sometimes unrelated talking points for the length of the interview. Because McCain is not a good national candidate, every wedge issue in America is about to be exploited whether McCain was on a different side of the issue as few as 2 months ago or not. Watch carefully because he is already starting to do so.

First thoughts: Analyze this

Obama 08 — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 14:00:15 GMT

Memories must be short and selective over in McBushLand.
They make a BOGUS ad about Obama not supporting the troops, yet John McBush's voting record on Veterans healthcare seems less than supportive:

McCain Voted Against Veteran’s Health Care At Least SIX Times. [SCR 18, Vote #55, 3/16/05][SCR 95, Vote #40, 3/10/04][S1689, Vote #379, 10/14/03][SCR 23, Vote #81, 3/25/03][SCR 23, Vote #74, 3/21/03][S 936, Vote #168, 7/10/97]

McCain Voted Against Increasing Veterans’ Health Care By $2.8 Billion.
In 2005, McCain voted against an amendment that would have increased funding for veterans’ health care by $2.8 billion for fiscal 2006 and reduced the deficit by $2.8 billion. The amendment failed 47-53. [SCR 18, Vote #55, 3/16/05]

McCain Voted Against $1.8 Billion In Veterans Health Care Funding.
In 2004, McCain voted against an amendment that would create a reserve fund to allow for an increase in veterans medical care by $1.8 billion. The amendment failed 46-51. [SCR 95, Vote #40, 3/10/04]

McCain Voted Against Increasing Funding For Veterans Health Programs By $1.8 Billion.
In 2003, McCain voted against an amendment that would reduce the amount provided for Iraqi reconstruction by $5.03 billion, and redirect that funding for domestic programs, including $1.8 billion for veterans’ health benefits. The motion to table the amendment passed 59-35. [S1689, Vote #379, 10/14/03]

McCain Voted Against Increasing Veterans’ Health Care Funding By $20.3 Billion.
In 2003, McCain voted against increasing spending on the veterans’ health care program TRICARE by $20.3 billion over 10 years to give members of the National Guard and Reserves and their families greater access to the health care program. The amendment failed 46-51. [SCR 23, Vote #81, 3/25/03]

McCain Voted Against Increasing Funding For Veterans Programs By $1 Billion.
In 2003, McCain voted against increasing spending on veterans’ programs by approximately $1 billion and putting the same amount toward deficit reduction. The amount would be offset by a reduction in tax cuts. The amendment failed 49-51. [SCR 23, Vote #74, 3/21/03]

McCain Voted Against Shifting Funds To Provide Improved Veterans’ Health Benefits.
In 1997, McCain voted to table an amendment that would require the Defense secretary to transfer $400 million to the secretary of Veteran’s Affairs in fiscal 1998 for veteran’s benefits. The motion to table passed 58-41. [S 936, Vote #168, 7/10/97]

Not to mention the latest GI bill that McBush voted AGAINST and then G-Dub gave him credit for.

The GOP are LYING HYPOCRITES.

McBUsh needs to get a freaking clue.

First thoughts: Analyze this

Sarah, State College, PA — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 14:00:41 GMT

I just wanted to add that "churlish" is a great word, and exactly sums up McCain's demeanor of late.

First thoughts: Analyze this

dl, exeter nh — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 14:00:59 GMT

Obama said he viewed the VP position as someone who would have a resource of knowledge...and that he wanted someone who would answer him...

It's Biden...

how you interpret that sentence as not picking a senator is whacked. How'd you get this job.

First thoughts: Analyze this

Nashville_fan — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 14:01:18 GMT

U.S. Senator John McCain is continuing his LONG history of PIMPING OUT the military for his own political gain. How long will the mainstream media allow this hack to hide behind the U.S. military before you call him on his BS?

He PIMPS his time as a POW - leaving out all parts of the story that don't make him look like a saint.

He PIMPS the number of times he has visited war zones (apparently learning little to nothing).

He PIMPS the Generals and Commanders BY NAME and creates the illusion that THEIR knowledge is his.

He PIMPS soldiers wounded in the battles that he is largely responsible for, all the while DENYING RESPONSIBILITY for their fate.

He PIMPS out the media with incessant whining designed to accentuate the already glowing coverage he receives with shallow digs at his rival.

John McCain the "maverick" is a media created confection. John McCain the man is a person who has always had a coatail to rid - his father, his wife, and now the media.

What a sterling example of leadership.

First thoughts: Analyze this

Bee from Memphis — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 14:01:47 GMT

I agree about McCain's mean streak, and it is scary. He does look rediculous when he laughs at his own jokes. He makes my skin crawl. Plus, he had an affair with Cindy while he was married to his first wife, Carol Shepp. No one ever brings that up. Father of three at the time...great family values! He is creepy!

First thoughts: Analyze this

Nicholas: Minnesota — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 14:02:31 GMT

"I'm going to want somebody who shares a vision ..."
--I think Biden would still fit, I know Bayh to a lesser extent. But he said 'shares a vision', which leaves the door quite a bit open. But then again, in F-R's own words "1) over-analyzing the veepstakes ..."

[*** A little sensitive, are we?]
--I agree with the Chuck Todd team on this one.

First thoughts: Analyze this

MI Chick — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 14:04:38 GMT

"Then ask some of the terrorists in the world if they think the US hasn't won the war. Oops, you can't. They're all dead.
Bev Thomas, Memphis (Sent Saturday, July 26, 2008 10:56 AM)"

Really? OBL is dead? I hadn't read that. Got that from Fixed Noise, did you?

Talking points are usless if you can't back them up with facts.

First thoughts: Analyze this

Biased — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 14:05:28 GMT

Pat in Boston-I didn’t know you were such an elitist.
I have a MBA it doesn’t mean I am any better then my fellow man, but hey what do i expect from the bunch of Limo Liberals running with Berry fever these days.

First thoughts: Analyze this

Banko — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 14:07:59 GMT

McBush is such a pathetic candidate.
This is DISGUSTING and can't be allowed to go unanswered.
One wonders if America can really be that stupid to vote for a man in the 1st stages of Alzeimers or dementia. He doesn't get historical events correct, he forgets he's been in foreign countries as a candidate, he opposed troop withdrawal and then supports it....the man is a LUNATIC and the Republicans should be ashamed . Just because he's a WHITE person is not a reason to vote for this pathetic person....

Obama Quietly Visits Wounded War Vets
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/06/28/politics/main4216681.shtml

Video: Obama Talks to Fox from London
http://thepage.time.com/video-obama-talks-to-fox-from-london/

About that gym visit cited in McCain's new ad
http://www.politico.com/blogs/jonathanmartin/0708/About_that_gym_visit_cited_in_McCains_new_ad.html

Pentagon prevents Obama from visiting troops in Germany
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YyXt2RsNShI&eurl

Senator Obama With U.S. Troops in Kuwait
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bimTBZPYvWM

Troops? McCain exposed.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=StvCkAFKu4w

First thoughts: Analyze this

jesse St.Paul Minnesota — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 14:08:34 GMT

Once again the Bomber shows how off coarse he is.While being on the constant attack he has affirmed that the repuks have resorted to the Old Mcbush tatics.If we could just find something new, or real , or something differant about the Bomber,but they seem content with following the same BUSH,ROVE,CHANEY,attack and smear campaign that was used the last two elections.Even the G.O.P. strategist called his baseless attacks" churlish" whice means "ill mannered,in a peasantlike fashion".What i see in Obama is a man that knows what he is talking about,where he's talking about,and who he;s talking about.Bomber has displayed none of this and seems to have more gaffs and out right lies as his campaign cranks out this B.S.

First thoughts: Analyze this

Gary Schear, Bozeman Montana — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 14:12:02 GMT

"J. Rancher, Elon, NC (Sent Monday, July 28, 2008 9:31 AM)
Most Liberals are unemployed? Oh yeah?!
Well my dad can beat up your dad! Grow up!

Sincerly,
A 50 year old liberal EMPLOYED Engineer who is married to a 48 year old liberal EMPLOYED RN BSN who have 5 EMPLOYED children, amongst them a Son-in-law Marine veteran of Iraq and a daughter who is a disabled Navy Veteran.

You need to realize that the time of generalizing about a group of people that you want to demonize is coming to an end. The problems that we face are to great to allow fear and loathing to dominate our political discourse anymore.
If you can't lead then follow.
If you can't follow then get out of the way.

First thoughts: Analyze this

Pat, Boston, MA — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 14:14:31 GMT

Pat in Boston-I didn’t know you were such an elitist. Biased (Sent Monday, July 28, 2008 10:05 AM)
________
? Not even close.

My point was if you're going to reach out to millions of people on a daily basis, be a little more concerned with the direction our country is taking instead of always trying to divide this country up. Be a little more responsible. STOP MAKING UP LIES.

First thoughts: Analyze this

subgruvet, ok — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 14:14:31 GMT

John McCain looks and acts about as presidential as the cookie monster. The GOP would have been better off with Huckabee or Romney on the top of the ticket. I beieve Bob Barr and Ron Paul are going to drain off just enough support from the whining McCain that it's going to landslide for Obama.

First thoughts: Analyze this

Brian, Cedar Hill, TX — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 14:16:15 GMT

I am sorely disappointed with Tom Brokaw on MTP yesterday. He sounded more like one of McNuts stupid attack ads. Goodbye, MTP.