Obama on economy, McCain negativity

Obamaramaramadingdong — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 17:59:14 GMT

Obama on economy, McCain negativity

Pat Huntington NY — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 17:59:35 GMT

Obama, stop preaching to the choir! All the people you speak to at these town hall meetings are supporters who merely want to hear you speak.

You need to reach out more effectively to those who will make or break this election for you...Independents!

Web-casts and Internet based and press release responses to McCain's slime mud slinging TV ads, will not due to the trick! The people you need to get see McCain's stuff, and that's it, because they see it during prime time, 6 to 10 pm, and then they are asleep...they are not catching your "responses" on teh nightly news after 10 nor are they watching web casts on the internet!

Who ever is strategizing for Obama, needs to get fired...and don't hire someone from Kerry's campaign...he lost!

Obama on economy, McCain negativity

C A, Tuscaloosa, AL — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 18:00:22 GMT

MR (Sent Friday, August 01, 2008 12:38 PM) - From the Previous Comment - You're Proud of that Ad

MR:

That's what makes the Dem party unique and special and progressive. Yes, there is infighting among the Dems as you say. They do have various groups that argue and fight and so on. They do not act like robots and follow the same piper's song. Now who does that sound like, the Republicans perhaps? The Dem party is made up with many differing peoples and interests groups and social factions and there is a lot of bickering that goes on. Sometimes one wonders how they would get anything done. But on the other hand that is what makes the Dem party special and unique versus the Republican party whose members are closely related too if not replicas of the StepFord Wives.

In their travels the Dems may come to a ravine and they might bicker to the point that they do not find a way across for weeks and therefore fall behind their schedule of travels. On the other hand as the Republicans travel and come across the same ravine because they are so robotic and easily led they follow along like Wildebeest and before discussing or even bickering over how best to cross the ravine they just go blindly tumbling over the edge to their danger or demise. Kind of like the invasion of Iraq don’t you think?

Obama on economy, McCain negativity

Leslie Shileds, Ocala FL — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 18:00:26 GMT

Barack H. Obama: "The first thing I’m going to do, Florida, is just ask you a very simple question: Do you think that you are better off now than you were four years ago or eight years ago?” "

How would Brack answer that question?

Obama on economy, McCain negativity

JAMES PROFFIT — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 18:00:48 GMT

NOW LET US SEE HOW ANDREA MITCHELL AND HER COHORT CAN PUT A NEGATIVE SPIN ON THIS WITH THEIR LITTLE DEVILISH SMILES.

Obama on economy, McCain negativity

Pat, Boston, MA — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 18:02:30 GMT

Speaking of Exxon and Mobil and Ronald Reagan - (better known as the actor, the celebrity, the gipper).

By Richard Cohen
July 2008

“Those of you with keen memories may recall that the energy crisis is not new. In 1977, Jimmy Carter called it the "moral equivalent of war." In the sort of speech a politician rarely delivers, he told a not particularly grateful nation that his energy program was going to hurt, but "a policy which does not ask for changes or sacrifices would not be an effective policy." The core of his initiative was conservation. Carter had earlier asked us to lower the thermostat and wear a sweater. He wore one himself.

Ronald Reagan, who followed Carter to the White House, wore only a smile. For him, there was no energy crisis. Whereas Carter had insisted only the government could manage the energy crisis, Reagan in his first inaugural demanded that government get out of the way. Speaking of general economic conditions at the time, he said, "Government is not the solution to our problem." He went on to call for America to return to greatness, to "reawaken this industrial giant," and all sorts of swell things would happen. It was wonderful stuff.

To contrast the two speeches is like comparing the screeching of a cat to the miracles of Mozart. Yet today, Carter's speech reads as prescient. Most of his dire predictions - "It is a problem we will not solve in the next few years, and it is likely to get progressively worse through the rest of this century" - have generally come true, although not quite as soon or calamitously as he warned. The pity of it all is that in American politics, BEING RIGHT IS BESIDE THE POINT.

It is not my intention to pummel the late Mr. Reagan for what he did or did not do back in the 1980s. It is my intention, though, to suggest that Reaganism - to which all Republicans now swear allegiance - has outlived its very short usefulness and ought to be junked. This is not to say that government is the answer to all our ills. It is only to note that if you think the answer is private enterprise, then push your car to the nearest gas station and see what happens.
The worst part of Reaganism was its political success. It left behind a coterie of panting acolytes who learned from Reagan himself that optimism, cheerfulness, an embrace of magical thinking and the avoidance of the painful truth was the formula for victory at the polls. For a time, it worked - the cost of gas went down - and Carter, that scold in the silly sweater, was banished. As they say in New Orleans, Laissez les bons temps rouler! (Let the good times roll!) Upbeat? You bet. But not a business plan.

In "The Age of Reagan," Princeton historian Sean Wilentz posits that Reagan was the transformative President of our times. I don't know about that. But I do know that in the recent primary debates, Republican after Republican invoked Reagan the way Democrats once did Roosevelt and they vowed, knock on wood, to be a similar kind of President. If they meant what they said, that would mean no energy plan worth its name and, worse, chirpy assurances to the American people that all would be well.

This is the doleful legacy of Reaganism. We have become a nation that believes that you can get something for nothing. We thought that the energy crisis would be solved ... somehow - and no one would have to suffer. We still believe in the magical qualities of America, that something about us makes us better. Yet we have a chaotic and mediocre education system that desperately needs more money and higher standards, but we think -don't we? - that somehow we will maintain our lifestyle anyway. Hey, is this America or what?

Somewhere in his peripatetic travels, the much-maligned Jimmy Carter - an artless politician, to be sure - must scratch his head at the reverence still accorded Ronald Reagan. The way things are going, the Gipper's visage will be added to Mount Rushmore. Not that anyone will notice. It'll be too expensive to drive there.”

Obama on economy, McCain negativity

the Pajama Pundit — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 18:02:32 GMT

At least Obama is talking about substantive issues. I can't say that much for McCain. What a disappointment.

http://thepajamapundit.com/

Obama on economy, McCain negativity

Rodney, Gaithersburg, MD — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 18:02:50 GMT

I hope those who claim his speeches are baseless see what his intiatives are. Go to his website and read his economic plan before calling him an "empty suit"

Obama on economy, McCain negativity

McWherethewhitewomen — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 18:03:14 GMT

UPDATE: Response from McCain campaign:

John McCain knew Ronald Reagan. John McCain served Ronald Reagan. You sir are no Ronald Reagan.

UPDATE II: Response from American populace:

Thank God that he isn't.

Obama on economy, McCain negativity

Kay, Melville — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 18:03:33 GMT

Thank You!!!! for sticking to issues this time around...I think if we continue like this every American will know what both candidates stand for (please do the same for McCain) instead of sound bites we've being hearing for the past 2 weeks. Keep it on the issues.

Kay

Obama on economy, McCain negativity

Matthew — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 18:03:48 GMT

From "Obama Interrupted" and also relevant to the race card debate . . .

Post this. what's up?

Being black myself . . .

I have to say: Sometimes Black Folks LOVE to look a gift horse in the mouth!!

Is this another one of those 'not black enough' nut jobs I've heard on the radio?

Do they watch the news? Do they see that McCain is trying what Hillary tried to do and paint him as the 'Black' Candidate? Don't they know that that will make him unacceptable to some in middle America because he'll be seen as too pro black? He is running to be president of the USA not just for black people. Blacks are simply a PART of the USA; it is not THE USA. WTF? And then they complain that they're not getting a fair shake, and the 'man' is holding them back!?

WHAT FAIRER 'SHAKE' DO YOU NEED BUT TO HAVE ONE OF OUR OWN BE A REALISTIC, VIABLE CANDIDATE FOR PRESIDENT??!!

I deplore the covert racial baiting that McCain is doing and will NOT accept it.

BUT . . . I WILL NOT ACCEPT THIS SORT OF GARBAGE COMING FROM THE OTHER SIDE EITHER!! They are so MYOPIC in their world view that they don't even realize that by doing 'that' they are only hurting their own 'professed' cause! It is NO different, in the effect, than those folks in Appalachia that refuse to vote for Obama because he's black . . . even though the Republicans are responsible for the fact that after 30 yrs at the mill they are now living on food stamps with no health care and a job is now a distant dream YEARS OLD!!

Yeah We've been victimized, beaten, deliberately kept back, deliberately infected (remember Tuskegee?) and all sort of vile experiences are a part of our history.

But when you have one of your own that has a chance ascend, raise your visibility, raise expectancies of the group you DO NOT apply 'crab in the pot laws'! Or what I call Fatal Idealism! Get a grip people!

Shut up, take it for what it's worth (and it's worth a lot!) and let the man focus on McCain and his BS for Christ’s Sake!!!

He already has enough to deal with: The 'Tabloid' MSM, McCain, and good old fashioned institutional and perceptional prejudice!

I wonder what Tim Russert would say about this one . . .?

Obama on economy, McCain negativity

Joy for Obama, Virginia — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 18:03:55 GMT

Yesssss!!!! Obama, Obama, Obama, Obama!

Has McRelic said anything substantive today? Dollars to donuts, when he does, it won't be about the issues and it certainly won't be substantive.

Obama needs to wrap Bush around McShame's neck like a noose and never stop tightening the knot.

Change!

Obama on economy, McCain negativity

Terry, Disabled Vet, Des Moines, IA — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 18:04:15 GMT

This is what experience I want to lead this country: Confusion on what country is what and involved with what; Confusion on what plan to execute involving the troops in Iraq; Confusion on what plan to execute to either drill or not drill; Confusion on what plan to execute in fixing the ailing economy; Confusion on what plan to execute in fixing the problems in Washington. These are all examples of what McDunce himself has stated, he has changed his position on many things so one would be confused on what ground he stands on. McDunce leading--------I THINK NOT!!!!!!!Tired of the same old song and dance of negative from the repukes

Obama on economy, McCain negativity

GP chicago — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 18:04:41 GMT

Sounds like about 100 billion, the windfall tax amount wouldn't cover the whole bill...so that would actually contribute to the deficit...I hope my choice for president works toward making sure that deficit goes bye bye...

Still an obama supporter!

Obama on economy, McCain negativity

Matt, Idaho — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 18:05:33 GMT

But, when are you, Mr. Obama, going to agree to a debate or town hall meetings?
******************************
He's already offered a pcounter proposal of 3, versus mccain's innane proposal of 10. Mccain never accepted. The ball is in Mccain's court for not wanting to debate.

Obama on economy, McCain negativity

mark, Salem, CT — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 18:05:35 GMT

Obama's on target.

1. Debunk the McCain maverick myth
2. McCain = Bush
3. Economy, economy and economy
4. Educate the people why drilling is not the answer

All he has to do is take off his tie and roll up his sleeves :-)

Obama on economy, McCain negativity

Dillion Bartell, Holmes, Tx — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 18:05:54 GMT

Just when you think you've reached the last of the inane ideas Obama comes up with, he comes up with yet another rebate scheme. How does taxing the oil compaines to pay for this scheme find one more drop of oil? And what's next, the banks being forced to give $1000 rebates to everyone that holds a mortgage? The telephone companies being forced to give $1000 rebates to their customers? The grovery stores being forced to give $1000 rebates to their customers?

What do you thinks going to happen if Obama ever implements this scheme? Gas prices will go up? Probably.

Obama has no clue on how the economy works or how a capitalistic society works.

Obama on economy, McCain negativity

Yetty — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 18:05:56 GMT

Simple as A-B-C. No need for talking about race. Just use the "risky" line.

Obama on economy, McCain negativity

Terry, Disabled Vet, Des Moines, IA — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 18:06:07 GMT

Hey dingdong----reality check the Obama camp did agree to do some but your camp would not agree to anything less. OLD GRAMPS IS GRUMPY. See Grumpier old men

Obama on economy, McCain negativity

Obama Voter — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 18:06:27 GMT

I can't believe these poll numbers. What is wrong with people?! You have a choice between a smart candidate and a dumb candidate. We've already had a dumb president for the last 8 years why do people want another dumb president.

First Read and MSNBC when are you guys actually going to cover these two candidates fairly? You guys are driving the race and arrogance and celebrity crap. You all should be ashamed of yourself. This election is too important. I still post but I no longer can stand to watch any of you on MSNBC. I can't stand to watch all of you helping McCain with his racist agenda.

I sure hope this country will do the right thing in November and put Obama as president instead of a mean,double talking,sexist and racist jerk like McCain.

http://www.artwearactivist.com

Obama on economy, McCain negativity

rosie, crestview, fl — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 18:06:43 GMT

Obama is going to stomp old man McBush into the ground. The pollsters who are manipulating the polls are just doing themselves a disservice. Obama is winning all the states that matter and more than enough of the red states that matter no matter how much McBush is negative.

Obama on economy, McCain negativity

tj — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 18:07:24 GMT

you guys you are not talking to Obama. What kind of world are you living in if you think he is reading your talking points?

Obama on economy, McCain negativity

Lee-- Dallas, TX — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 18:07:29 GMT

It's sad the turn the McChump camp has taken. They have no real platform to run on, no new ideas with realistic results, no simple solutions, no distinct direction—other than going negative and heading down the same path as Bush.

Barack continues to try to stay on message while defending his integrity as a candidate against the attacks lodged by McNonomics. McCan’t even buy a clue, but he can afford $500 loafers. I’d like to take that money and put it toward this next semester of college.

Obama on economy, McCain negativity

MR — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 18:08:02 GMT

HEY ALL OF YOU GREAT ADVICE TEACHERS...GOT A QUESTION. WHERE WERE YOUR BRILLIANT "ONE LINERS" AND DEEP THOUGHTS, WHEN YOU ALLOWED PRESIDENT BUSH TO GET ELECTED...TWICE!

I THINK ANYONE WHO VOTED FOR GWB, SHOULD HAVE THEIR VOTER REGISTRATION CARD REVOKED!

YOU DIDN'T HAVE GOOD JUDGEMENT THEN...WHY IN GOD'S NAME SHOULD ANYONE LISTEN TO YOU NOW!!!!

OBAMA IS SMARTER THAN ANY POLITICIAN WHO HAS RUN FOR OFFICE IN QUITE SOMETIME!

WHAT THE HECK HAVE YOU DONE TO MAKE THIS COUNTRY BETTER?

DRIVE A SUV, PUT "W '04" STICKERS ON YOUR CAR!

LOOSERS...THAT WHAT ALL OF YOU REPUGS ARE...LIVE WITH THAT!

Obama on economy, McCain negativity

donna — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 18:08:15 GMT

It is good to have a good hearted, competent, talented candidate. Senator Obama is a once in a lifetime political gift. I'm absolutely thrilled to be on his side.

I can't imagine the misery of Senator McCain's supporters.

Obama on economy, McCain negativity

ralph — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 18:08:26 GMT

we know mccain does not read them because he does not know how to get on the world wide web

Obama on economy, McCain negativity

Yetty — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 18:09:06 GMT

The problem Obamaramaramadingdong (Sent Friday, August 01, 2008 1:59 PM) is that McCain just wants Obama off the campaign trail and not talking to the people who would actually decide this race. Just because McCain proposed 10 Town Hall meetings does not mean Obama has to agree to all 10. He agreeed to 2 and McCain's campaign did not agree to it. It's called compromise McCain and you can't always get what you want!

Obama on economy, McCain negativity

Juanita, TX — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 18:09:44 GMT

Under Bush tax cuts, more American jobs have been lost than at any time during history.

McCain's solution is to sign trade agreements with Colombia. The average worker in Colombia makes $200 a month.

Two simple questions...
Do Americans think they will be buying US goods?
Do Americans think big business will lay off US workers and move the jobs to Colombia?

Obama on economy, McCain negativity

Obama, the better candidate for President — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 18:10:02 GMT

Obamaramaramadingdong

Your lies and negativity are not going to win this election. Fact: Obama offered to do two town halls with McCain, McCain refused. Fact: Obama and McCain will be squaring off in debates soon, just as Presidential candidates have always debated. Fact: Obama mentioned proactive ways to reduce energy consumption; McCain wants to lift off shore drilling operations which will only boost oil company profits, it will not lower prices. GOsh, I can see why you rely on negativity and lies, that's all you've got?

Obama on economy, McCain negativity

sotiredofignorance — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 18:10:17 GMT

NO. I am not better off now then I was four or eight years ago. Neither are my friends.

Obama on economy, McCain negativity

Are we better off than 8 years ago? No! The economy is trashed by republicans! — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 18:10:51 GMT

Isn't mccain preaching to his choir? We do get some coverage of these meetings. I like what Senator Obama has been saying. It is important for him to be out and talking directly to the people. We still have all of August, Sept. and Oct. to go! mccain has started attacking first and negative. Rick Davis told bold face lies on TV tday when he said that Senator Obama named mccain specifically. No, he did not, he said "they". Why doesn't someone call Davis on his lies? Keep asking it like you do about Senator Obama.

Obama on economy, McCain negativity

Drill for my oil — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 18:11:13 GMT

The Florida economy is struggling because fuel prices are high Barack. Until the price of gas goes down, less tourists are going to go to Florida. Please explain how taxing the oil companies reduces the fuel prices?

Obama on economy, McCain negativity

Larry, Roseville CA — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 18:11:49 GMT

“And frankly, I say this respectfully, he’s doing that because he doesn’t have any new ideas.”
- - - -

Actually, Senator, he does have some new ideas. OK, ideas. Trouble is, from their internal polling, the McCain camp has to know that they are loser ideas in today's environment. So why would you want to talk about them!

Talk about a bankrupt campaign and candidate!

Oh, and Pat: Doesn't what you say go triple for McCain? What even is your point? That campaign meetings ought to attract the "opposition"? That's just silly. And that's what the press is there for-- to wake up when something slightly fresh and/or controversial and/or [possibly] contradictory is said by someone in the room and do their best to report on it.

Obama '08

Obama on economy, McCain negativity

C A, Tuscaloosa, AL — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 18:12:33 GMT

Obamaramaramadingdong (Sent Friday, August 01, 2008 1:59 PM)

Obamara:

Who says the two have to have town hall meetings where Mccain wants to control the agenda. How about just straight up debates where both candidates are asked some tough questions by various media personalities. Just because McCain suggests town hall meetings does not mean that is the best platformm or criteria to get some answers from both candidates. Voters at town hall meetings are not professional questioners and ask too many open ended questions allowing the likes of McCain to skip around answering the real question. How about stand up debates where closed ended questions are ask and that will require a straight answer. McCain can't handle that kind of a debate and you know it.

Obama on economy, McCain negativity

Are we better off than 8 years ago? No! The economy is trashed by republicans! — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 18:12:46 GMT

Obama on economy, McCain negativity

Dottie Swarthmore PA — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 18:13:27 GMT

Everthing Senator Obama said today was on the positive side. How long do you think it will take the McCain Campaign to find something negative? Whatever statement the Campaign issues you can be sure the talking heads on MSNBC will repeat it starting at 4PM and ending at 8PM when Keith starts his program. I'm sure Pat Buchanan will be spewing his hateful rhetoric, will somebody give him a new script, he has been using the same talking points for months.Old age setting in Pat?

Obama on economy, McCain negativity

New Independent — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 18:13:39 GMT

I really wish Obama would stop saying McCain is an "honorable" man. He certainly hasn't acted honorable lately and he definitely never returns the favor!

Obama on economy, McCain negativity

Banko — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 18:13:58 GMT

Sen. John McCain's comment from last year that he doesn't understand economics "as well as he should" has dogged him all the way to South America today during a foreign trip meant to burnish his standing as a presidential candidate ready to be a world leader.
The Republican senator from Arizona smiled as he denied he ever dissed his understanding of economics and said he was "more experienced than my opponent."

"You have admitted that you're not exactly an expert when it comes to the economy," Roberts began.

"I have not. I have not. I actually have not," McCain interrupted. "I said that I am stronger on national security issues because of all the time I spent in the military. Very strong on the economy. I understand it. I have a lot more experience than my opponent."

McBullsh*t Busted Lying about Lying on Economic Incompetence
http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2008/7/2/165221/4740/567/545564

McCain's budget figures don't add up. So how would McCain balance the budget?
http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/editorial_opinion/oped/articles/2008/07/11/mccains_budget_figures_dont_add_up/

Straight Talk On The Economy?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QVVIw7oZEyk&eurl

Obama on economy, McCain negativity

Twin — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 18:13:59 GMT

Yes, Obama, you and McCain can have a serious debate about the issues. And, he answered your challenge to a "duel" (how mature of you!). But, when are you, Mr. Obama, going to agree to a debate or town hall meetings? I'd sure like to see a debate on energy. We'll all be sure and air up our tires on the way to the debate.
Obamaramaramadingdong (Sent Friday, August 01, 2008 1:59 PM)

Haven't you heard of the 'Dueling Banjos'? It was a famous song from a movie soundtrack. I can't imagine McCain, and his supporters had an issue with the title of that wonderful piece of music.

It's just phraseology. It was cool then. What happened?

Obama on economy, McCain negativity

Vote For Barack and Make Fast Money — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 18:14:19 GMT

GP chicago -- Sounds like about 100 billion, the windfall tax amount wouldn't cover the whole bill...so that would actually contribute to the deficit...I hope my choice for president works toward making sure that deficit goes bye bye...

Smart man/woman. The quick and simple fact checking math proves the above to be true. So just what exactly is Obama proposing?

GP chicago: Still an obama supporter!

One wonders why.

Obama on economy, McCain negativity

Yetty=Job Security=Energy problem solved=no iraq war=Obama 08! — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 18:14:43 GMT

McCain adviser Taylor Griffin issued this response to Obama's economic remarks today: "The higher taxes that Barack Obama supports are one of the surest ways to kill jobs and exactly the wrong approach to a slowing economy. While American jobs and families suffer from high gas prices, Barack Obama stubbornly opposes additional oil drilling, more nuclear power, and the gas tax relief we need."

Really what is the difference between Bush's Policy and McCain's policy. What is great about McCain policy (Same As Bush's) and why is not yielding jobs right now. Why are the so called tax breaks for the wealthy no helping the economy now. This is why we need to change our system fundamently and look beyond the color of his skin. People think about your pocket books for a change and think about your children's future. If you can think about this No-partially, then you know who to vote for

Obama on economy, McCain negativity

Community Organizer — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 18:15:31 GMT

So Obama's plan for the economy is to continue to send out checks? Brilliant, just brilliant.

Obama on economy, McCain negativity

Stevens 08 — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 18:15:54 GMT

Just how are Republican senators going to extort new gas grills out of Obama's plan?

Drill now!!

Obama on economy, McCain negativity

billy smith — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 18:16:07 GMT

Obama will squash McCain in townhall setting. He is just waiting for McCain to fall into his trap of demanding him to debate in that type of setting.
Once there is a big build up, McCain will get what he asked for (like he did when he challenged Obama to go to Iraq and was trounced for a week by good press for Obama). McCain is falling for it and will be outshined. I'd say the townhall match up will happen right after labor day. just a prediction.

Obama on economy, McCain negativity

C A, Tuscaloosa, AL — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 18:17:01 GMT

"Presidential races are not decided at the national level -- not by the pundit buzz about Barack Obama's world touring or atrocious ads from the John McCain campaign.

They are state-by-state contests for electoral votes, 270 to be exact, and we've got a stack of new polls to tell us what is really happening as this eternal campaign begins ticking through its last 100 days.

Here they are by category:

1.) SWING STATES WHERE OBAMA IS DOING BETTER THAN EXPECTED:

FLORIDA [Quinnipiac]: Obama - 46 percent, McCain - 44 percent.

PENNSYLVANIA [Strategic Vision]: Obama - 49 percent, McCain - 40 percent. (A new Quinnipiac survey has Obama up 49-42.)

OHIO [Quinnipiac]: Obama 46 percent, McCain 44 percent.

MONTANA [Rasmussen]: Obama 47 percent, McCain 47 percent.

2.) NON-SWING STATES THAT LOOK A LITTLE CLOSER THAN USUAL:

KENTUCKY [Rasmussen]: McCain - 52 percent, Obama - 43 percent.

MISSISSIPPI [Rasmussen]: McCain - 52 percent, Obama - 41 percent.

TEXAS [Rasmussen]: McCain - 52 percent, Obama - 44 percent.

3.) NON-SWING STATES THAT ARE FOLLOWING PATTERN:

IDAHO [Research2000]: McCain - 53 percent, Obama - 37 percent.

NEBRASKA [Rasmussen]: McCain - 50 percent, Obama - 32 percent.

WASHINGTON [Strategic Vision]: Obama - 48 percent, McCain - 37 percent.

The best news for Obama are those figures from Florida and Ohio -- states that were in the Republican column, legitimately or not, in 2000 and 2004. If a Democrat wins Ohio, Pennsylvania and Florida, he's headed for the White House. Obama is certainly not there yet, but these numbers are encouraging.

Honest Obama backers will acknowledge that Ohio is still too close for comfort. But even a narrow lead in the state that gave Hillary Clinton the primary win that kept her campaign alive to the end is evidence of progress for the presumptive Democratic nominee.

The most sobering news for Obama's sometimes over-the-top enthusiasts should be those numbers from Nebraska. If Rasmussen's right, the senator is no longer competitive in a Plains state that, like Kansas, his aides have long suggested might turn blue for Barack. (At the very least, they had hoped that, under Nebraska's unique rule for giving electoral votes to candidates on the basis of House districts carried, they might pick up at least one. Even though Obama's working Omaha, this poll can't be encouraging.)

The most sobering news for McCain? A Republican presidential candidate can only muster a tie in Montana is in serious trouble."

Obama on economy, McCain negativity

Whitey — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 18:17:44 GMT

Obama has no clue on how the economy works or how a capitalistic society works.
--------------------------------------------
That's because he dreams of a socialist society Dillon. That's why electing Obama would be an utter disaster for this country.

Obama on economy, McCain negativity

Brian, Clinton, Iowa — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 18:17:45 GMT

Pat Huntington NY, I don't think he was preaching to the choir when he addressed the demonstrators at the town hall meeting.

Obama on economy, McCain negativity

Dottie Swarthmore PA — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 18:18:09 GMT

Obama on economy, McCain negativity

Tanisha, Los Angeles, CA — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 18:18:12 GMT

Matthew (Sent Friday, August 01, 2008 2:03 PM)

But when you have one of your own that has a chance ascend, raise your visibility, raise expectancies of the group you DO NOT apply 'crab in the pot laws'! Or what I call Fatal Idealism! Get a grip people!
__________________________________________________

AMEN!! AMEN!!! AMEN!!! We really need to check ourselves. I understand that those men had legitimate questions, but they need to ask McInsane the same questions. I am pleased to see Barack take the high road, answer the questions and move on. John McInsane can only put out mud-slinging ads because he has no issues to deal with. In his world, everything is Peachy!!!!! He's got money.. his wife's got money, they can have anything they want. Nevermind us working-class folks losing our jobs and our homes!!!

Obama on economy, McCain negativity

Robert — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 18:18:17 GMT

Who cares about this election? We all know that middle america and the rust belt is never going to vote for an african american. The media will never allow a president that doesn't fall in with the corporate bottom line since the large corporations own most media outlets.

We'll be stuck in republican wars for alteast another 4 years. We'll get our off shore drilling and our gas will continue to go up and our environment will still be in decline. McCain will get his $6,000 health care credit so our jobs won't offer health care any long and we'll be on our own (considering is costs $12,000 a year to insure a family of 3), but Wall Street will become stronger. So the media outlets will portray our economy to be in good shape.

Obama on economy, McCain negativity

Eric, Indiana — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 18:18:46 GMT

Good stuff from Obama. It's nice to see at least one candidate is willing to talk about the issues.

Obama '08

Obama on economy, McCain negativity

Yetty hates Grumpy old man McCain — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 18:19:04 GMT

An eagle-eyed Democrat notes that in the document McCain's camp sent out to reporters blasting Obama on economics, there is this bullet point up high:

Barack Obama Would Raise Social Security (Payroll) Taxes On Families. "Obama's proposal would impose social security taxes on income above $250,000 per year. He would continue to exempt income between $102,000 and $250,000 from social security taxes." (Teddy Davis, Sunlen Miller, and Gregory Wallace, "Obama Kisses Billions Goodbye," ABC News' "Political Radar" Blog, blogs.abcnews.com, 6/18/08)

This is pretty rich given the back-and-forth this week regarding McCain and taxes. In an interview Sunday on "This Week," the GOP nominee pointedly refused to rule out raising the payroll tax to reach a compromise on fixing Social Security

Can you imagine this about McCain. The pot calling the Kettle Black