Obama: McCain camp cynical, distracting

Eric, Beaverton OR — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 15:45:34 GMT

Obama: McCain camp cynical, distracting

CB, Hadley, NY — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 15:46:02 GMT

Kudos for pointing out to the media that they were played by the McCain campaign! Although I think additional drilling isn't going to anything more than make the oil companies richer (#1 - we don't have refining capacity #2 they will sell it over seas and we won't see a drop of it) I accept that sometimes you have to make compromises. I guess this shows me he's more grounded, realistic, pragmatic than the McCain camp asserts....

Obama: McCain camp cynical, distracting

Leah in ALA — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 15:59:02 GMT

a 9 point drop in the polls made him decide that drilling was important, that man is no different than any other politician, except that he never admits that he was wrong or that he changed his mind, he actually said this morning on a clip that " drilling was not a new idea for him" pleeeze, can't you just say it's obvious thats what the majority want's, It will make a difference, I can't stand this phoney!!!McCain is certainly not my first choice but he is the lesser of two evils in 08!!

Obama: McCain camp cynical, distracting

A Latte Lover, Seattle, WA — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 15:59:26 GMT

Some will see Obama's stance on off shore drilling as a flip flop. That is what I thought when I first read the headline. But, if you take time to read the article, he's not flip flopping, he is willing to compromise in order to get something done. If we don't compromise, obviously nothing will get accomplished. I for one have been against offshore drilling... As he states though, he still remains skeptical of offshore drilling being the cure all... As the old saying goes, sometimes you have to take the gooder with the badder, or something to that effect.

Still for Obama/Biden, 08

Obama: McCain camp cynical, distracting

Bill Jones — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 15:59:27 GMT

The Northern Slope AK is full of Oil and natural gas..
States rights preclude any manadate by the federal government...This one could be tied up in the congress and the courts for years...
Again, John McCain supports lawyers and lobbyist...read the writing..this has all been done before...
The pumpers loser round one because of stupidity.....
Dr. Pumper Song
Your a pumper, I'm a pumper, wouldn't you like to be a pumper too...
No, I'd like to pass on the pump myself....

Obama: McCain camp cynical, distracting

BJ, CA — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 16:00:20 GMT

Obama never said he won't...his approach isn't half cocked....there are no easy answers to difficult problems...
Off shore drilling will take 10 to 15 years to see any benefits...It's hardly the answer...Obama's approach brings the profiteers to their knees...the oil companies...Oil is a strategic commodity for the economic welfare of the country..
Obama's agressive plan get's us away from the usage..
It's like an addict...you don't keep giving them more dope..they must we must be weened away from hoping there is a never ending supply...electric cars fed by solar and wind generation and hydro...
The best way to bring prices down is to lessen the use and demand...This by giving tax credits and incentives to change...
Oil use has dropped by 13% over the last two years...we're on the right track..the oil companies are scared because they see a weaker market for oil in the future....
Remove the demon and the problem goes away...
Demon oil..demon oil companies...Bye Bye...

Obama: McCain camp cynical, distracting

Grace, New York — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 16:00:22 GMT

The media's going to have to actually cover things in a nuanced manner if they want to keep up with this guy. Makes perfect sense to me: offshore drilling sucks and is stupid, but Republicans are convincing large groups of Americans that it's the magic bullet. How do you defuse that? Harness it to a huge energy initiative and limit it, while making it totally clear that you don't think it's any sort of solution, but it's the lesser of two evils (the more evil being, NO legislation gets passed because of tantrums on both sides).

He's so damn reasonable, it makes me wonder how the press will adjust to having to cover a politician who actually speaks sensibly on topics. Did he flip on offshore drilling? No. He just defused it.

Obama: McCain camp cynical, distracting

FL — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 16:01:43 GMT

McCain has been playing the media for the last two weeks now because the media is clueless. Why don’t they ask him why his campaign said they would choose their VP pick last week but never did? Opps.

Obama: McCain camp cynical, distracting

G Cruz — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 16:03:51 GMT

I agree he can't be all things to all people. I don't like the idea of offshore drilling but understand that the only way we are going to move forward is to comprise and i have a great deal more confidence in him then i do McCain. He was right on the McCain camp played the media this week.

Obama: McCain camp cynical, distracting

Kate, Boise, Idaho — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 16:07:37 GMT

That's my future president. Barack Obama is warm-hearted, respectful, brilliant, and mature.

Obama: McCain camp cynical, distracting

BJ, CA — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 16:11:16 GMT

Why is gasoline cheaper in Mexico than in the USA?
There's a glut of gasoline in Mexico...
If you offshore pumpers need you quick fix...Mexico is offshore...dah...go after Mexico Pumpers...

Obama: McCain camp cynical, distracting

FL — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 16:14:30 GMT

McCain flip-flopped on every issue he once stood for

Torture
Tax cuts for the wealthy
Drilling in ANWAR
Supports the agents of intolerance
The list goes on

John McCain has no credibility on any issue because he is George Bush’s lap dog. Just a little man with a huge ego.

Obama: McCain camp cynical, distracting

Amy B Portland, ME — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 16:14:57 GMT

I love Obama. He hits the nail on the head. I want a President I can trust, not a Bush hugger like McCain. I am so disgusted with the McCain campaign. The gas tax holiday was a farce, claiming lifting the ban on off shore drilling would lower gas prices was a flat out lie, now we get treated to personal attacks on Obama's character. Why would I vote for another four years of not being able to trust the leadership of this country? McCain isn't even trying to convince me he's better than Bush. I think he may be worse.

Obama: McCain camp cynical, distracting

Pat, Boston, MA — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 16:15:00 GMT

This is an extraordinary election year. We have the first African American who could quite possibly be elected as our next president.

And because of this, I think this is also a year in which it is essential that the media give significant air time to pundits/journalists who actually lived through the civil rights movement. It is their perspective that is essential.

They lived through it. For a journalist/commentator these days to simply say "so and so is playing the race card" is too simplistic.

Racism is the issue.

I can also bet that baby boomer generation pundits can probably recognize the obvious here: we are seeing a McCain campaign that feels as if we are re-living the Nixon-like tactics that divided this country.

As I read this morning, the GOP uses the "unpatriotic" thing to its fullest - i.e. the Vietnam War demonstrators were "not one of us".

That's what they are doing to Senator Obama. Exploitation.

This writer also wrote that now is the time to show that we the American people are "not one of them" - meaning we are not going to buy into the Nixon/Karl Rove type tactics anymore.

And it's too simplistic for us to blame McCain's campaign. It was he who said Senator Obama would rather lose a war than lose an election. It was Senator McCain who said he was proud of the ads.

Someone who wants to be President of the United States should never ever say these things. It's hateful.

That's how Richard M. Nixon felt about most of us who did not support him. We were considered "enemies".

It's happening again. Stick to the issues Senator McCain if you want to get elected.

Obama: McCain camp cynical, distracting

Dennis Mcd — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 16:16:35 GMT

Thank you Mr Obama for being a voice of reason amongst all the noise. It is true that the media were lured into the race issue by McCain. Maybe they should be more cautious in the future considering how slippery McCain can be.

Obama: McCain camp cynical, distracting

Kelly, Seattle, Wash — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 16:17:04 GMT

At what point will the NY Times, the Washington Post, CNN, and NBC realize that they bear an enormous amount of responsibility for how this country is run?

They are the ones who promote the ridiculous lies that Obama is playing the race card, or that John Kerry didn't serve honorably in Vietnam, or that Gore is a bore, etc. Meanwhile they completely ignore reporting the truth about McCain, Bush, Cheney, etc.

The people in this country deserve facts, not sensationalism. The job of so-called journalists like Brian Williams and Wolf Blitzer is to actually report the facts, and to be wise about not giving voice to blatant lies.

If they can't do their job we are going to end up with another 4 years of Republicans running the country into the ground.

PS: Obama, you need to punch back. Remind the country that McCain is a HUGE Bush supporter. Remind the country that on the day Katrina was destroying New Orleans, those two idiots were eating cake in Arizona.

Obama: McCain camp cynical, distracting

Vote McCain--the right thing to do. — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 16:18:40 GMT

Whine, whine and whine some more. Maybe the DNC and Obama should take into effect that the dems have had a majority in the senate and the house for 2 sessions and have done NOTHING.

Obama is a weak candidate. He is arrogant but anyone running for president would have to be. Obama cockiness and elist attitude are the traits that turn one off toward him. Along with is inexperienced, poor judgement i.e. Wright, Rezko etc.

Say NO to Obama and Soros and Socialism and the New World Order.

Obama: McCain camp cynical, distracting

Voting for Obama ~ a sane Leader — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 16:19:50 GMT

Poor John, he just can't help himself, he has Sadistic personality disorder disease!

Obama: McCain camp cynical, distracting

Voting for Obama ~ a sane Leader — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 16:20:02 GMT

Poor John, he just can't help himself, he has Sadistic personality disorder disease!

Obama: McCain camp cynical, distracting

Voting for Obama ~ a sane Leader — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 16:20:34 GMT

Poor John, he just can't help himself, he has Sadistic personality disorder disease!

Obama: McCain camp cynical, distracting

Debbie in Phoenix — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 16:22:07 GMT

Bravo! Sen. Obama has found his new counter-attack groove in a way McNasty and the Rovian spin masters thought/hoped he never would. They're cheering from the cheap seats.... Go Barack go....^^^and Sen. McCain if that clown costume from central casting is still available, you might want to trade in your $520 Ferragamo loafters for a really big pair of shoes and a great little horn for today's campain stops. At least you'll have a better chance of keeping the audience awake. Honk honk..clap now, friends.(Did anyone see that Urban League speech... yikes!)

Obama: McCain camp cynical, distracting

Underdog ... we love em — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 16:22:13 GMT

I do tend to agree, McCain feeds the media and they repeat everything they hear verbatim without any attempt to inform whether the basis of the accusations have any grounds. However, alot of people love the underdog (probably because we have all been underdogs at one point or another in our life), its the same reason we all root for the underdog in sports. So McCain painting himself as the underdog is a good ploy.

Obama: McCain camp cynical, distracting

Terry, Great Plains — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 16:23:27 GMT

I beleive this is an evolved position. It is based upon a bi-partisian legislation discussion that emphasizes a total energy solution. Also ,as I read his comments, he is for drilling ,if environmetaly safe, on EXISTING leases.

McCain in his his evolved stance wants drilling by issuing new leases without presure on the oil companies utilizing current leases to drill on. This is not an encompassing plan McCain also want a gas holiday taken from the general funds. Obama wants a $1,000.00 credit offset by a tax on oil company profits. I ask which idea makes more sense?

Obama: McCain camp cynical, distracting

Falcon, Singapore — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 16:28:57 GMT

It's a good area to compromise on. Allowing more drilling isn't going to cost America a huge amount of money and, with the proper provisions, will do acceptably little damage to the environment. If that's the price that must be paid for higher fuel efficiency standards and investment in wind, solar and other forms of alternative energy, then so be it.

Obama: McCain camp cynical, distracting

Kim W Virginia Beach, VA — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 16:32:44 GMT

And again, he has a point. McCain has run such a nasty, cynical, mean, downright low campaign, that he mirrors that of Hillary Clinton's. Yet..the MSM sides with him and has more negative to say about Obama and has articles that are supposed to inspire us about the Man MCcain USED to be..50 years ago

Obama: McCain camp cynical, distracting

leon houston — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 16:33:37 GMT

it must be great to be king of the castle where you can censor what you want and only print you want to.

mccain has received over 1.1 million in campaign cash from big oil since he flipped on off shore drilling. yet the news media including first read remain oddly silent. this smacks of quid pro quo. there are no coincedences.

now that I have your attention. we are refining at 98% even though the media will not tell you this.
higher gases prices are bushed by two things:
1. enron type speculators which includes the iraq war.(is our memory truly so short that we have forgotten these unscrupulous folks?)
which by the way phil gramm and co. was a big part of

2. lack of refining capacity... clearly the most important over the long term.

lower gas prices by regulating the speculators and force oil companies to invest in new refineries with the threat of nationalization. new refineries can be built in a year or two at the most and then units can be added as needed. this is more than politics, this is NATIONAL SECURITY

we can discuss greener solutions but they are more long term after 8 years of two texas oil men.

drilling will accomplish nothing except allow big oil to sell even more to china and india unless there is a refinery waiting to refine it.

America made its choices... gore... we would already have electric and hydrogen cars
edwards... by the end of his term... cure for cancer but once again.... America has made her choices.

for once, put country over party.

Obama: McCain camp cynical, distracting

Daniel Brown — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 16:34:00 GMT

Glad to see Obama calling the media on the way they lap up anything controversial that the McCain campaign throws out there--no matter how off base it might be. We seem to have lost any tradition of journalistic integrity, particularly on cable TV.

Obama: McCain camp cynical, distracting

norma,arlington, tx — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 16:35:50 GMT

Obama shows day after day, that HE is what America needs. Mccain will do anything to WIN.

Obama: McCain camp cynical, distracting

Leni,Michigan — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 16:35:52 GMT

Off TOPIC: please post. To CA: Thank you and welcome home.

Obama: McCain camp cynical, distracting

Gary Schear, Bozeman Montana — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 16:37:17 GMT

It is a frustrating period of the campaign. The McMudmonster rises from the gutter to throw his desperate tentacles around the front runner soiling his message in an attempt to drag him into the filth so that we can't tell which one is which.
This is the most critical challenge that Obama's competent campaign has faced. I gotta believe they will rise to the challenge and handle it deftly.
If you support Obama it is time to go down to the local HQ and get your assignment. It is time to represent.
When you hear the lies jump in and refute em. Put out that yard sign and stick on that bumper sticker. Grass roots is every one.
The status quo will fight to the death to maintain itself.
Lets tip it over.

Obama: McCain camp cynical, distracting

Andrew Dzeguze, Springfield, Illinois — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 16:37:25 GMT

McCain does a 180 on off-shore drilling, not as part of a strategy but a stand-alone, WE MUST DO THIS, and gets away with claiming it somehow shows his maturity and judgment. Obama says look, if we have to give the GOP a bone we will, and suddenly he's a flip-flopping unprincipled empty suit. Having seen the hatred like this any time Obama suggests he is open to compromise, I have to ask what people really want in a President? A demagogue insistent on having his own way (as McCain did on this, public financing, the town hall issue, the recent tax issue and just about every other opportunity to show a true willingness to work together rather than just claim he'll have a talk with Speaker Pelosi and Maj. Leader Reid) or a man who has principles, but openly states he won't let perfection become the enemy of good results? The former stance is GWB and Andy Jackson - Iraq, DOJ follies, deregulation, the rejection of a strong central banking system (both of them) and the Trail of Tears. The latter is Lincoln, FDR's later terms, LBJ on his better days - you know, the guys who brought you the Emancipation Proclamation, an end to the Great Depression, and implementation of civil rights legislation. Your choice, America.

Obama: McCain camp cynical, distracting

Harmony — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 16:37:41 GMT

I'm glad he put a name to the mindset of the GOP - cynical - that fits well. He needs to drive home the point that McCain is focusing on negative tactics instead of their lack of effective solutions on the issues. He needs to point out how their policies will not work. Drive it home Obama!

Obama: McCain camp cynical, distracting

Pat, Boston, MA — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 16:39:24 GMT

CA, Tuscaloosa, AL: I sent you a note a few days ago, but it didn't post. I have known you the longest. You are a very special person, and one of those rare individuals we can find on sites as these - very supportive of well intentioned people who end up getting their rears kicked in by the Repubican Party supporters. I remember well.

You have the ability to take it all one step higher than most of us. You must see that by all the kudo's you receive. And not too insignificant - despite the acceptability of the cruelty on not only these boards all across the internets, but in life as a whole - you have a big heart and I find it refreshing. We all should.

We need to keep fighting. Every one of us. You and I come from the same generation. We have a pretty good perspective of what exactly we have lost these last 8 years.

Don't go anywhere CA. Three months. That's it.

Obama: McCain camp cynical, distracting

Cheryl, Wisconsin — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 16:40:06 GMT

Why on earth would we want another Republican in office...look what they allowed Bush to do to this country.

The GOP can attempt to distance themselves from Bush and his cronies, but if it were not for them allowing him to run over America and our constitution, we would not be in the terrible situation we find ourselves today.

We need a change with a new leader and McShame is not that leader.

Obama '08 - '12

Obama: McCain camp cynical, distracting

Nj — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 16:42:51 GMT

BRAVO Obama but if you want to change the conversation, Pick your VP NOW.

And it has to be an attack dog so you can stay above this nonsense.

Hagel is the best choice IMO
Biden, Clarke and then Hillary. I dont like Hillary but she can be a real attack dog and will bring many people to the fold.

Obama: McCain camp cynical, distracting

OneOleMan - Seattle, Washington — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 16:45:26 GMT

I'm vehemently opposed to allowing the oil companies more land for drilling; they should be required to use the land they currently lease and I can't believe that any oil they produce will be sold in the United States. Then hearing that Barack was willing to "compromise" on his stand to offshore drilling really upset me. Once I calmed down and realized the only way we're going to reach a solution to our energy problem is by compromising I had to give him credit for "adjusting" his position.

Now let's see if McCain will accept this as a compromise or call it a flip-flop.

Obama: McCain camp cynical, distracting

CMSgt P — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 16:59:03 GMT

Wow. An articulate, intelligent leader for a change. I'm not sure America is ready for that. Especially after the past eight years. Sometimes it's hard to stop your momentum when you're heading for a cliff. It takes effort to change your direction. It takes nothing to keep going head first over the cliff. We'll have to see where America's head and heart are come November. After the past eight years and the closeness of the current polls, Obama has a lot more hope and faith in the American electorate than I seem to have. We were the greatest, most honorable nation in the world before. I hope we want to be again.

Obama: McCain camp cynical, distracting

lenny — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 16:59:57 GMT

The media should be unbias when doing thir jobs but sometimes i wonder.Andrea Mitchel need to be in charge of her show instead of having Mcsame cronies running over her like that..unless it's not her show but McSame?????

Obama: McCain camp cynical, distracting

BJ, CA — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 17:02:45 GMT

There's nothing to be learned here but contests show the true test of the candidates metal...
So far Johnny, your metal is made
with up-see-dasium...
floating thru space with Rocky and Bullwinkle...

Obama: McCain camp cynical, distracting

Liz, NY — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 17:10:26 GMT

Credit to Senator Obama for being ready to compromise. Sometimes, as he said, in order to get anything done, you have to.

There isn't anyone on this earth who hasn't compromised about something. Who hasn't said "I will never do such and such" is there? If everyone is honest with themselves, the answer would have to be no. Grown ups sometimes have to do things they don't agree with or don't like in order to accomplish things. And I think that Sen Obama understands that.

I don't think for one minute Sen Obama thinks offshore drilling is the way to go (does anyone really?) or that it will help much in any way. But if compromising can help get a better energy plan - any energy plan - passed that includes solar power, biofuels, etc., well, let's do it. It's called being pragmatic. It's called being realistic. It's called being a leader who can reach across the aisle and get something done.

Let John McCain and the Republicans say "our way and the highway" (and if people want to point the finger at Sen Obama as a flip-flopper. Well, ditto for John McCain).

Sen Obama is being a leader here. I say, good for him!

Obama '08

Obama: McCain camp cynical, distracting

mrs j - illinois — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 17:11:24 GMT

Silly me! I actually trusted Senator McCain. I actually believed him when he said that he would conduct a "clean" campaign.

Now - - - not so much!!!

I've been so upset by this negative attitude of Senator McCain's campaign that I have finally decided how to solve my dilemma. Until I READ that his campaign has changed their attitude and their tactics, I will just turn him off or tune him out. That may not be "pc", but it's a decision with which I can live!

Senator Obama once again proves that he is willing to take the high road, to listen to the opinions of others, and for thoughtful consideration of all things. He is absolutely correct when he says that compromise is the way that the government of our country works. We can look back at the past eight years and see what a stubborn attitude has given us. I don't like what I see around me now.

Senator Obama is also correct when he lists the problems of the American people now. I don't have a problem with either Brittany or Paris Hilton - - but I do have a problem when I go to the grocery store or to fill up my little car that gets 37mpg (highway). (It's old, it's beat up, it's tiny - - - but it does the job!)

Me? I want change!
Me? I want something better!
Me? I want Obama in '08!

Oh - by the way. It doesn't make much difference to complain to others. So, I did write the McCain campaign headquarters to express just these thoughts. Wonder if my feeble thoughts will make a difference. - - - doubt it!!

Obama: McCain camp cynical, distracting

Diamond — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 17:14:30 GMT

Thank You for staying on the high road.

The McCain team is trying to bait him to not only tarnish his reputation, but cause him to spend most of his money of defensive ads. McCain on the other hand, has to spend all his money before the convention, since he's accepted public finance.

Obama: McCain camp cynical, distracting

Sherri Dallas, Texas — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 17:27:50 GMT

Obama is arrogant...his book should be titled "The Audacity of Ego"! Obama is in fairyland to believe no one has that perception of him, everyone I know does!As a dem for 30 years this will be the first time I vote not for a candidate but against one...Nobama!

Obama: McCain camp cynical, distracting

rhoward, Elgin, SC — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 17:33:41 GMT

The media is not so stupid that they don't realize that the negative remarks made by Senator McCain and his surrogates are meant to generate controversy. The Republicans know that for as long as they can focus the media on this stuff, they don't have to talk about real issues or spend money for advertising because they're getting the publicity for free. After all, controversy sells.

The Republicans also know "low information" voters are not going to take the time to determine the validity of the remarks. Once these people accept this stuff as "fact", it will be almost impossible for anyone to get them to change their minds no matter how much proof there is to the contrary.

It's a real shame that these tactics seem to work quite well as witnessed by the fate of Vice President Gore and Senator Kerry's campaigns. It's also sad that the media will assist in perpetuating these tactics because it helps their ratings.

The real loser in all of this is our country.

Obama: McCain camp cynical, distracting

Flagwigglers Chicago, IL — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 17:36:33 GMT

Folks,
All McCain knows is distraction now that his campaign is being run by Rove's boys. Yesterday another 50,000 jobs were lost and all McCain does is issue personal attacks. Of course, he doesn't care, not with his 8 houses and $150M wife. Talk about being aloof and arrogant!
Regards,

Flagwiggler

Obama: McCain camp cynical, distracting

Mark Thieme — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 17:41:09 GMT

Cynical. As usual Barrack has the the right word, the right term, to fit the crime.

Face it. John McCain was wounded again in 2000 by a deserter. Who knows which wounds are deeper, Bushco's rape of John McCain and his family in South Carolina or the North Vietnamese prison camp horror show? A close call.

McCain is a severely wounded man. Angry. Tired of being used as a doll for someone else's voodoo.

So he is cynical. Yes. And dangerous. A ticking bomb.

Watch your back America!

Obama: McCain camp cynical, distracting

Mark Thieme — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 17:50:49 GMT

Obama: McCain camp cynical, distracting

Dan, New York, NY — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 17:54:54 GMT

The media is falling down on the job again. Here's a voter from an Obama town-hall today:

"The media says you don't get substance, but he answered everyone's questions with substance."

Doesn't that capture the race perfectly?

More here:

http://strategy08.wordpress.com/2008/08/02/the-media-says-you-dont-get-substance-but-he-answered-everyonewith-substance/

Obama: McCain camp cynical, distracting

William Iowa City IA. — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 18:02:08 GMT

There he goes again being reasonable. I mean have you ever seen anyone play so unfairly in a politcal campaign as to not actually acting in the manner as he is being portrayed in the press releases of the republican smear machine. This guy is more formidable than they thought. Is nothing beneath him? Next thing you know he'll try to sound like a honest choice for moderate Republicans who have been embarressed by the "Bush" years.

Obama: McCain camp cynical, distracting

Teri from Ohio — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 18:04:02 GMT

Obama has always talked about working across the aisle to get things done! If things continue the way they are NOTHING gets done! Bush keeps blaming the Democrats for not getting anything done, but when they do he vetoes everything. Obama wants to work in a bipartisan way to get things done. I hope people understand this!

McCain has had his "fun" and said he is "proud" of his ads. He has only proven he will do anything to get elected. He will lie, mislead and he will use our troops for political gain! WE DON"T NEED 4 MORE YEARS OF THAT!

As former Senate Minority Whip Trent Lott, R-Miss, told Roll Call, "The strategy of being obstructionist can work or fail...and so far it's working for us."http://www.huffingtonpost.com/robert-l-borosage/congress-the-roots-of-obs_b_115669.html

Obama: McCain camp cynical, distracting

LB, Virginia — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 18:08:27 GMT

Eric is right, the states won't actually vote for offshore drilling unless they release the leases they have now. The oil companies see a real plum here to get the country frantic and then add juicy new leases they will NEVER drill--as long as oil prices are rising. Obama knows that winning in Nov is one thing, but winning in 2012 is another--Dems have to compromise to get things done, or we will go down like the house of cards the Republicans are now!

Obama: McCain camp cynical, distracting

Diana,Palmdale,CA — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 18:08:42 GMT

I for one am thankful that Obama is willing to truly work on bipartisan things in order to get things done. He will NEVER be able to be all things to all people and I think most of America is honestly somewhere in the middle not far left or right. As for drilling, I doubt it will happen outside of the areas already set aside. I am puzzled as to why the media has allowed themselves to be played so sharply by the McCain camp, but then realized that if the media doesn't spin this stuff they won't have the ratings they want and to heck with the fact it may give the McCain camp enough momentum to put him over the top. Hope not.

Obama: McCain camp cynical, distracting

R.Merrell — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 18:10:18 GMT

McCain-Bush and the Republicans obviously have nothing to offer but more of the same dismal policies, crooked politics, and contempt for the Constitution that thay have exhibited over the last 8 years. So it's not surprising that they keep going back to the Karl Rove playbook of smear politics. They have no ideas, they despise middle americans and constantly attempt to paint Sen. Obama as wrong for the country. But Bush and Co. have run this country into a financial and moral ditch and no amount of smear politics can detract from their dispicable "leadership". They have no where to go but to their deep well of nasty, non-issue politics as usual. Sen. Obama is a leader, a person with ideas and ideals and honesty - and those traits are the Republicans worst nightmare.

Obama: McCain camp cynical, distracting

YOLA, CT — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 18:11:25 GMT

Brilliant point Eric, Beaverton OR! I disagree with Barack on a few things but I just about disagree with everything the other candidate has to say.

Obama: McCain camp cynical, distracting

Mary Schoolcraft — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 18:15:22 GMT

McCain must think we are all stupid. His mind is not alert, he isn't good at concentrating, He is very forgetful, get's his words very mixed up while speaking, and reminds me of myself. The only difference is I know I am guilty of all these symptoms that happen to some of else as we age; why can't anyone else see these symptoms in McCain. I certainly would not want him to be in the oval office when a catastaphy happened-I really don't think he could make a quick, dependable, safe decision for this country.

Obama: McCain camp cynical, distracting

SMB, Phila PA 19064 — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 18:18:33 GMT

McCain played the race card by accusing Obama of playing the race card. It couldn't have worked out better for the GOP campaign - to make *themselves* the victim of racism.

Obama ought to conclude each speech until the end of the campaign but signing off, "By the way, I'm black". Until now, it's been the big while (!) elephant standing squarely in the room. While Obama's been dealing with it by using self-deprecating humour, McCain turns it into the big bad monster.

Obama: McCain camp cynical, distracting

Sherip, Texas — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 18:20:56 GMT

Not recognizing that there is a perception that he is arrogant only reinforces the fact that he is. Maybe he should watch Letterman's Top Ten to see that the perception is there. Only a raging egomaniac continues to think he is infallible in the face of so much evidence to the contrary.

Obama: McCain camp cynical, distracting

Kathy — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 18:21:53 GMT

Once again Obama takes the high road.

I am so disappointed with John McCain he is a total sold out to the GOP/Bush philosophy.

Thanks you Barack for thinking about this election in terms of people.

Obama: McCain camp cynical, distracting

Leroy, Woodbury, NJ — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 18:23:37 GMT

You can't be everything people want you to be. First of all, we all have different views. Therefore, Obama is trying to get us all to come together and look at our over situation as one. It's going to be hard to accomplish,but we can do it if we put our minds to do it. We will never stop all of this negativity because that's the way the republicans play the game.
When they see themselves losing they will go to any means to paint the picture that they are the right ones. This as Obama (and many others) have stated is "same old politics."

Obama: McCain camp cynical, distracting

Beverly in Chicago — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 18:24:23 GMT

I may not agree with all his ideas positions (FISA, cut NASA funding, and now off-shore drilling). But, he's the best we got. He can't be all things to all people. Besides, any state they want to drill off of won't vote for it.

Eric, Beaverton OR (Sent Saturday, August 02, 2008 11:45 AM)
Kudos for pointing out to the m
Eric,
I agree with you whole heartedly. There is no flawless individual; however, I don’t what Obama’s position on energy is a flop. Obama is very cerebral, given this ability to think things thru, he see so many excellent qualities in him. These qualities are good to take our country in a change that our country needs after nearly eight years.
Also, I’m sure when and after he gets in; his job won’t be easy. To clean up behind the mess Bush has done is going to be hard for anybody. Obama will be fought tooth and nail every step of the way

Obama told the Post he would be open to expanding the current drilling boundaries if it meant winning approval for more fuel-efficient cars, developing alternative energy sources and making the country more 'energy independent.

Obama: McCain camp cynical, distracting

Benny, SFBayArea, California — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 18:28:37 GMT

That's what I want to hear. The forth-right notion of compromise. If its going to take giving up a little to get to a working compromise that gets America going in the right direction, then that's what governing is about. It may not be what politics are about to some (my way or the highway) but the new politics is about what AMERICA needs and we need solutions.
I know for a fact that offshore drilling isn't going to do anything for the short term because G.W. Bush, John McCain and Big Oil have all said so. Also, the industry analyst have already pointed out that refinery CAPACITY is at 100% so no matter how much oil you have to refine, there is but a finite amount that can be refined. But the Republicans in Congress have constituents (who refuse to educate themselves) who think it may help so they are stuck in that position. They know its not a solution to anything. Even Pickens said we can't drill our way out of this crisis. If Obama softening on that position enables the Republicans to sit down and come up with real solutions with the new administration, then so be it.

Obama: McCain camp cynical, distracting

waitn4chg, Waldorf, MD — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 18:30:33 GMT

In addition to being cynical, McCain is sacrilegious.

Obama: McCain camp cynical, distracting

B, New Jersey — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 18:31:03 GMT

I just dont want ANWR opened up AT ALL. I think existing leases should be all he should compromise on--not new leases. I wish this didnt have to be though...

Obama: McCain camp cynical, distracting

Damon, New York — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 18:35:04 GMT

And Barack is right, the Reps are the best for negative ads, nasty campaign and the shameful attacks, that's all they know and are best at.
Instead of talking about real issues, what he wants to do, McBush is spending all his time attacking Obama.

I dare anyone here to tell us about McNasty's plan to help young people of this country for their college fees...

I dare anyone here to tell us about McNasty's plan to lift people out of poverty...

We don't know, so instead of telling us what he plans to do for the country (in fact he has no solutions) he plays the same old and shameful republicans' tactics, "attack the opponent and distract the voters", but it won't work this time.

They won't hoodwink us this time, not this year...

Obama: McCain camp cynical, distracting

Liz, NY — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 18:38:43 GMT

Can I just say something (and this is off-topic) but I just read something about Sen Obama and it points out how misleading headlines can be - and I think the frustration a lot of Sen Obama supporters are feeling right now. AND why some of the ads from the McCain camp (stupid and vile as they are) appear to be sticking.

Here is what the headline says: "Obama Backs Away from McCain's Debate Challenge". The short article goes on to say that the Obama camp has sent a letter to the Commission on Presidential Debates confirming that Sen Obama will particpate in the 3 debates proposed. The letter states that these debates will likely be the only ones held. And it goes on to give the reason why. (short time between end of the conventions and election day). Nowhere did the Obama campaign say that they are NOT open to doing more - they just said it probably won't happen.

The article also doesn't mention either John McCain's proposal of 10 or Barack Obama's counterproposal of 2 (or 3?). Thankfully Sen Obama's spokesperson made a point of saying that this letter DID NOT mean that Senator Obama WOULD NOT agree to more debates.

But if you just read the headline (as so many people do) you get just that impression. And that's my point. This is what is so frustrating. This headline is misleading and unfair.

Thanks for letting me have my say -

Obama '08

Obama: McCain camp cynical, distracting

Grant, Edmonds, WA — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 18:41:03 GMT

The willingness to compromise is essential if we
want to move forward. That's at the heart of
what Senator OBama is saying, i.e. I may have to
give something to get some other things that we
really need.

The media should focus more on this kind of
pragmatic approach and contrast it with Senator
McCain, who usually has a "one answer only"
strategy, e.g. Irag = "surge", Iran = "bomb",
energy crisis = "drill", education problems =
"vouchers" etc etc etc. The man has not
demonstrated any capacity for nuance.

Obama: McCain camp cynical, distracting

Bill L. Flower Mound, Texas — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 18:43:22 GMT

Good Point that Obama made. The McCain attack machine is feeding the media and creating something that just isn't there. The press has become "corporate" tools and they are too lazy to dig into the real issues which are affecting most Americans like healthcare, the ecomony, energy, and Iraq. It is easier to hype the fluff. The consolidated corporate media is not as blantant as FOX they are much too subtle. Obama gets more press, yes negative press.

Obama: McCain camp cynical, distracting

ERIC, MN — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 18:47:54 GMT

ONCE AGAIN, OBAMA SHOWING WHY HE IS DEFINATELY THE BETTER CHOICE. JUST LISTEN TO WHAT HE HAS BEEN TALKING ABOUT ALL WEEK. THEN COMPARE IT WITH WHAT MCCAIN HAS BEEN TALKING ABOUT ALL WEEK. NOW, WHICH ONE DO YOU THINK IS MORE PRESIDENTIAL. THE ONE TALKING ABOUT ISSUES(OBAMA), OR THE ONE TALKING ABOUT BRITNEY SPEARS(MCCAIN). YOU DECIDE!!!

Obama: McCain camp cynical, distracting

Bruce becker — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 18:52:28 GMT

Knight-Ridder papers say that McCain's staff photoshopped a face of Obama upon the 100 dollar bill, and that that was what Obama was referring to, not race.
McCain's camp then pretended not to have done the dirty trick, and acted as though it were about another topic. Two dirty tricks.

Obama: McCain camp cynical, distracting

Bruce becker — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 18:54:27 GMT

any oil that comes up from leases goes to the highest bidder.

The way out of price gouging is to STOP leasing US lands. Make a sovereign company, like Singapore does, and our sovereign company will provide low cost oil to Americans, like Venezuela does for its citizens.

Anything else is mental masturbation, just pulling our weasle, to get a rise out of the rubes in Kansas.

Obama: McCain camp cynical, distracting

Stephen Missouri — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 18:56:50 GMT

A true leader recognizes that you have to compromise once in a while to gte things done...To all of you Obama supporters the way to beat McCain and company is to register more voters and turn the largest number of people to come out and votre. To win we have to reach out in our communities.

I wish Obama well...I know he will be a great president.

Obama: McCain camp cynical, distracting

George Cesal, Tucson, AZ — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 18:57:00 GMT

no - he can't mean that a senile old loser would be cynical. In 2004, the reps called Kerry a gigolo for being married to the Heinz fortune. Whet does the make OLD man mcbush for sucking off simple cindy - the beer lady?

Obama: McCain camp cynical, distracting

Sue, Bloomington, IN — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 18:58:23 GMT

Obama has shown himself to be, dare I say it, presidential in his measured response. What a difference from the childish, petulant, low-road McCain campaign. If Obama insists on keeping his campaign about the issues, he runs the risk of hijacking McCain's 'Straight Talk Espress'--but, what the heck, McCain isn't using it!

Obama: McCain camp cynical, distracting

Capt. Smash, Salt Lake City, Utah — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 19:04:14 GMT

IQ Data web site:
http://chrisevans3d.com/files/iq.htm

Republicans rely on the stupidity and ignorance of voters to get elected, while Democrats assume that voters couldn't possibly be as stupid and ignorant as they actually are. Take a look at the following and draw your own conclusions.

State Avg. IQ 2004
1 Connecticut 113 Kerry
2 Massachusetts 111 Kerry
3 New Jersey 111 Kerry
4 New York 109 Kerry
5 Rhode Island 107 Kerry
6 Hawaii 106 Kerry
7 Maryland 105 Kerry
8 New Hampshire 105 Kerry
9 Illinois 104 Kerry
10 Delaware 103 Kerry
11 Minnesota 102 Kerry
12 Vermont 102 Kerry
13 Washington 102 Kerry
14 California 101 Kerry
15 Pennsylvania 101 Kerry
16 Maine 100 Kerry
17 Virginia 100 Bush
18 Wisconsin 100 Kerry
19 Colorado 99 Bush
20 Iowa 99 Bush
21 Michigan 99 Kerry
22 Nevada 99 Bush
23 Ohio 99 Bush
24 Oregon 99 Kerry
25 Alaska 98 Bush
26 Florida 98 Bush
27 Missouri 98 Bush
28 Kansas 96 Bush
29 Nebraska 95 Bush
30 Arizona 94 Bush
31 Indiana 94 Bush
32 Tennessee 94 Bush
33 North Carolina 93 Bush
34 West Virginia 93 Bush
35 Arkansas 92 Bush
36 Georgia 92 Bush
37 Kentucky 92 Bush
38 New Mexico 92 Bush
39 North Dakota 92 Bush
40 Texas 92 Bush
41 Alabama 90 Bush
42 Louisiana 90 Bush
43 Montana 90 Bush
44 Oklahoma 90 Bush
45 South Dakota 90 Bush
46 South Carolina 89 Bush
47 Wyoming 89 Bush
48 Idaho 87 Bush
49 Utah 87 Bush
50 Mississippi 85 Bush

Obama: McCain camp cynical, distracting

W,HB,CA — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 19:06:58 GMT

Follow McCain's line of "logic": If being in the military qualifies for President, then the more time you spend in the military qualifies you even more. Therefore, only Generals should run for President. Why do we even have elections anyway? Maybe the Army Chief of Staff should run the Nation. America could be one big badass boot camp. Like it? I don't.

Once, Johnny was a war hero. Now's he a disgrace.

Obama: McCain camp cynical, distracting

CA Voter — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 19:15:08 GMT

Looks like the messages have been turned off, but on the chance, you're still posting, thought FR's readers would be interested in checking out an article written by McCain's new campaign chair called "The Anatomy of a Smear Campaign," in the Boston Globe on 3/21/2004. In it, Rick Davis articulates that even though Americans don't like smear campaigns, they are effective because they usually work. As the last week has shown, here we go again...

Obama: McCain camp cynical, distracting

Citizen of Rome — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 19:18:59 GMT

Admit it, right wingers - he's the voice of reason, and it drives you (more) insane.

Eric - right.

Obama: McCain camp cynical, distracting

Jared, Tallahassee, Fl — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 19:19:21 GMT

You know, I never thought I would say this, but Obama may want to reconsider putting Hillary on the ticket with him. Why, you may ask? Because although Obama may want to take the "high road" this election, he's going to need a running mate that is scruffy, cut throat, and plays down right dirty. I think Obama found his soulmate in Hillary. And if not Hillary, he needs someone that isn't afraid of a fight, and who can help on the economy. In that case, I'd recommend Michael Bloomberg. The fact that Bloomberg visited South Florida in June (it appears only the NY Times reported this story) and told the Jewish community to cut the crap about Obama's supposed Muslim upbringing, I think Bloomberg is going to be a top surrogate for Obama. Either way, Obama needs a fiesty New Yorker to throw it back in McCain's face.

Obama: McCain camp cynical, distracting

Mark, Salem. CT — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 19:21:36 GMT

Obama has a vision and is willing to compromise to get there. Compromising is the only way how bipartisanship will work and how Congress will change.

He maybe at odds with Pelosi but that's a good thing when Independents and swing voters go to the pols in November.

Obama: McCain camp cynical, distracting

Marie, Salina, KS — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 19:22:01 GMT

Didn't we do the whole "race card" thing during the Dem primary. I'm over it and want to hear about McCain's positions and not his accusations. Compromise is something Obama has said he would do if elected president; will McCain do the same?

Obama: McCain camp cynical, distracting

James, Wichita, KS — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 19:30:07 GMT

Speaking of cynical... heard the new pro-McCain country song?

“Raising McCain” is about McCain's POW service and starts with “He stayed strong, stayed extra long til they let all the other boys out. Now we’ve got a real man with an American plan….”

But it is missing a verse that goes like this "He saw his first wife, after her car crash, she was ugly so he made a mad dash. Cheated with a bunch until the day he met is rich rodeo queen, divorced the ugly one and then she was never seen. For all his strife, the public turned a blind eye and now he has cashed in for life."

Not that is real celebrity behavior! Explain those values to your kids.

http://laststopmidwest.blogspot.com

Obama: McCain camp cynical, distracting

Barack H Pinocchio — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 19:45:24 GMT

he can blame it on the McCain camp if he wants to. But, I thought it was race baiting the second I heard him say it! He's such a fake. He got caught at it, and he doesn't like that. A man who cannot own up to his mistakes or take criticism ought not be President of the US

Obama: McCain camp cynical, distracting

LEE — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 19:45:57 GMT

I AM ASKING YOU CALM DOWN AND WORK HARD ! DONT LISTEN TOO MUCH TO THE MEDIA AND GOP NEGATIVE ATTACKS ! THE MEDIA R TRYIN TO MAKE MORE MONEY ON OBAMA COMP ! GOP TRYIN TO MAKE YOU LOSSIN YOUR MIND AND YOUR CONTROL WITH ALL THOSE NEGATIVE AD ! BARACK THE LAST HOPE FROM THE SKY ! DO NOT BELIEVE IN POLLS ! I AM ASKIN YOU TO BELIEVE IN THE GROUND WHATS GOING ON IN THIS COUNTRY IN THIS WORLD ! I SEE BARACK WALKING TALKING FINE TO WHITE HOUSE ! OBAMA SUPORTER YOU HAVE BE MORE POSITIVE AND CONFIDENT TRUST YOURSELF !

Obama: McCain camp cynical, distracting

bj, newport OR — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 19:47:55 GMT

Let's face it: When certain Republicans say "arrogant" they mean "uppity." Now, some people may honestly think Obama is arrogant - more arrogant than McCain, who also thinks he's superior enough to lead the free world. However, the constant repetition of "arrogant," "presumptuous," and "elitist" for many people just plain means Obama is not staying in his place.

Obama: McCain camp cynical, distracting

Craig, Charlotte, NC — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 19:49:12 GMT

“if we want to have true energy independence then we’re going to have to become much more efficient in terms of how we use energy.”
Part of the proposed compromise is dropping the tax protection from the oil companies which makes sense in this day of unheard profits. The tax revenue can go towards a tax credit for Americans or alternative energy research.

Obama: McCain camp cynical, distracting

Ed, FW, TX — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 19:49:58 GMT

For some reason many of the bloggers here and elsewhere along with the majority of the media, and of course the Rove inspired McCain campaign do not seem to get that Barack DOES NOT speak in sound bites! Read his positions completely BEFORE making your vacuous, venial attacks.

Barack has said from day one that he wants to both win AND govern via consensus. Consensus means seeking compromises. An effective compromise is one that neither side is thrilled with but that everyone can live with.

COYOTP (Cut Out Your Old Tired Politics) The mindless smear style has had it's time. Send the Roveites back to their ranches, Their time is DONE!!!

BE THE CHANGE YOU CAN BELIEVE IN!!

Obama: McCain camp cynical, distracting

Albert Johnson Jr, Altadena Ca. — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 19:56:29 GMT

A lot of the talking heads wanted to find out who the "they" were when Obama spoke. I wonder if they live in America or are they purposely dense. The Texas Republican party was sending around buttons saying Obama would paint the white house black. North Carolina's, and Tennessee's also started blowing the dog whistles as well as 527's and people selling Barack is a monkey dolls.

I'm actually very disappointed. I remembered John McCain from his 2000 episode. I know he does have a child of color. I had hoped he wanted to see it's color not an issue in the world she has to live in. Too bad he's not doing anything to help it.

Obama: McCain camp cynical, distracting

Brent Crude-Oil — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 19:58:22 GMT

Any one that talks of their second term as president, before they even have a first term, is arrogant. Anyone that says while in Europe that they are 'What the world has been wating for', is arrogant.

Barack Obama is arrogant.

Obama: McCain camp cynical, distracting

fafa, amsterdam — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 19:58:45 GMT

t what point will the NY Times, the Washington Post, CNN, and NBC realize that they bear an enormous amount of responsibility for how this country is run?

They are the ones who promote the ridiculous lies that Obama is playing the race card, or that John Kerry didn't serve honorably in Vietnam, or that Gore is a bore, etc. Meanwhile they completely ignore reporting the facts about McCain, Bush, Cheney, etc.

The people in this country deserve facts, not sensationalism. The job of so-called journalists like Brian Williams and Wolf Blitzer is to actually report the facts, and to be wise about not giving voice to blatant lies.

If they can't do their job we are going to end up with another 4 years of Republicans running the country into the ground. And how is Republican rule helping anyone, including the very reporters (and the media companies) who tolerate Republican lies?

PS: Obama, you need to punch back. Remind the country that McCain is a HUGE Bush supporter. Remind the country that on the day Katrina was destroying New Orleans, those two idiots were eating cake in Arizona.

Obama: McCain camp cynical, distracting

Dylan Nightly, Compton CA — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 20:01:00 GMT

Typical Obama. Always trying be be one both sides of the fence. He's against drilling, but maybe, he's also kind of for it. He says he's going to get things done, but he's hever gotten anything done his entire life, while besides himself getting rich.

The man is a mistake waiting to happen.

Obama: McCain camp cynical, distracting

Ralph Stanton, Phoenix, AZ — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 20:01:03 GMT

What?! This is now Obama's FOURTH explanation of his race card playing, race-baiting comment about McCain saying Obama does not look like the other presidents on the dollar bills, as www.notwrightforamerica.com has noted.

Obama is not WRIGHT for America!

Obama: McCain camp cynical, distracting

Charles B — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 20:02:44 GMT

CB, I think you are right on in regards to what will actually happen with additional oil drilling (no refining capacity and if it manages to get changed into oil, then Inda or China will buy up the excess), but I also think Obama is being very smart here...politics is the art of getting the best deal for all sides to claim a win. If we allow states like VA, GA that want to off shore drill, and in the compromise is to get the Oil Industry to fund alternatives, then all can take victory. That is what statemanship use to be about. "grounded, realistic and pragmatic" are great qualities in a leader, which Obama has. Some I use to think McCain had this also, but sadly he does not appear to now.