First thoughts: New, aggressive Obama?

Stanley Grover, Proctor, Ohio — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 13:24:23 GMT

9% drop in the polls may not make Obama more aggressive. Probably would make him more constipated though.

First thoughts: New, aggressive Obama?

Chuck, NY — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 13:25:09 GMT

How do you get family, friends, acquaintances, co-workers and the like to stop drinking the McGrouchy/GOP attack ad Kool-Aid? It’s not as simple as turning off Limbaugh, other neo-cons and Fox Noise. It bothers me immensely that so many people fall for this stuff, get scared, and vote out of fear. I guess when your brand name is dog food, you go back and scare the hell out of everyone, blame the DEMs for all the world’s woes, and never once defend with intelligent debate your proposals.

Watch carefully. McGrouchy won’t change much from here on out, and will constantly attack Obama and the DEMs. Even if you think you are going to lose, employ the Rove tactics and go down with your guns blazing. Their new motto is “straight talk expressly to scare you away from Obama.” All the GOP and McGrouchy can hope for is that 20% of Americans remain dumb enough to buy this (they already have a rock solid base of 30%).

They are going to stand up and say “We are God fearing Republicans, and we approve this message.” I will stand up and say “We fear Republicans, and we disapprove their message.”

First thoughts: New, aggressive Obama?

the Pajama Pundit — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 13:27:40 GMT

Can this break through in the way McCain broke through last week? Probably not, but if he can control the message debate for a few days, it will be seen as a good week for Obama.
*******************************************************

After McCain's negative ads and rhetoric last week -- Obama could wipe his butt on national TV and it would still be a good week for him (but probably not the viewers).

Obama needs to control his message AND hit McCain HARD on any number of issues. If he just sits there and takes the attacks the way that Kerry did in '04, then McCain will win this campaign.

http://thepajamapundit.com/

First thoughts: New, aggressive Obama?

HT Rowlings, Boston MA — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 13:27:52 GMT

Aggressive, passive, makes no difference. Obama is losing on the issues. Does anyone believe Obama when he says he's open to offshore drilling? Thought not. The man is turning into a cartoon.

First thoughts: New, aggressive Obama?

John, MI — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 13:28:46 GMT

I know I will get alot of flack for this since I don't see the great "messiah" being a good president, but why does he seem to move to the middle on alot of things in the past month

Honestly, if I knew he was moving towards the middle because he sees that a straight 100% left winged view will get him no where as president and wants to do what is actually good for the people, or is he just moving to get votes and really doesn't care.

I'm going with the second as that seems to be his personality, but if it was the first then I might say he wouldn't be such a bad president.

Granted I'm not voting for him either way. Just my thought of the day.

First thoughts: New, aggressive Obama?

Ronald Clarke, Baltimore MD — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 13:30:01 GMT

Is anyone going to ask Obama how in the world does taxing the oil companies and handing out rebate checks solve the energy problem?

First thoughts: New, aggressive Obama?

The - Democrat Soldier — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 13:30:16 GMT

Great, Barack Obama has to come back even stronger...every time. John McCain has no real policy, except character assassination.

Barack Obama has to expose John McCain for who he really is - a pawn for the big oil companies.

John McCain does not care about the average American - the Democrat need to hammer that point.

Thank you and GOD BLESS AMERICA

First thoughts: New, aggressive Obama?

Jane Doe, Brooklyn, NY — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 13:32:18 GMT

♪♪ Happy Birthday to You ♪♪
♪♪ Happy Birthday to You ♪♪
♪♪ Happy Birthday dear Barry ♪♪
♪♪ Happy Birthday to You ... ♪♪

Happy Birthday Sen. Barack Obama and here is to praying that next year I will be singing a different tune which will be ..

♪♪ Happy Birthday Mr. President ♪♪

First thoughts: New, aggressive Obama?

Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 13:34:04 GMT

Obviously McCain will be able to force Obama into a negative campaign. If not, the entire campaign degenerates into one side attacking, and the other explaining why those attacks aren't accurate.

In the end, the constant explanations start sounding old and drown out whatever message the attacked candidate was hoping to deliver. And that candidate loses.

So Obama will have to counter McCain's constant, persistent negativity. And we'll end up with the same old childishness we've always had.

Disappointing - I thought Obama v McCain had a chance to be something more - as McCain himself said, a campaign the American people crave and deserve. But McCain, faced with the prospects of losing, decided in the end he is just a typical politician.

First thoughts: New, aggressive Obama?

MIA in Miami — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 13:34:28 GMT

Happy B-day Senator Obama.

First thoughts: New, aggressive Obama?

Pat, Boston, MA — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 13:35:01 GMT

McCain defended his "The One" ad, which mocks Obama as akin to Biblical Moses".
_______________________________
Movie - Oh God

John Denver to bad eye sight, cigar chomping, polo shirt wearing George Burns (aka God): You’re really God? Aren’t you supposed to have long hair and a beard and wear a robe?
George Burns: No, you must be thinking of Charlton Heston.
______________
Now that's funny.

First thoughts: New, aggressive Obama?

Ron Indiana — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 13:35:05 GMT

Yes, its true. Last week SMEAR AND FEAR did knock Obama off message. The dynamics are interesting. McCain focuses on Obama, Obama focuses on the country. They say negativity works, and to some degree it hurt Obama last week. I watched Barack's interview Saturday in Florida. Here he said McCain was not racist, but cynical. If negaativity works a little bit, campaigns often make the mistake of overplaying it and it backfires. It backfired on Hillary and it will backfire on McCain also. SMEAR AND FEAR will not work this time.

First thoughts: New, aggressive Obama?

Paul Wilson, Rapid City SD — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 13:36:03 GMT

Obama would never show up in Sturgis. Those people are kind of dusty and dirty, and they smell bad, and their bikes cause Global Warming.

First thoughts: New, aggressive Obama?

Obama: CHANGE you can rely on DAILY — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 13:36:19 GMT

First thoughts: New, aggressive Obama?

Ron, phila. pa. — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 13:37:00 GMT

First thoughts: New, aggressive Obama?

Simba Cells — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 13:37:02 GMT

How old is Obama, 8? Or is that just how old he acts?

First thoughts: New, aggressive Obama?

Matthew — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 13:38:52 GMT

First Read it is a shame that you would actually admit to this . . .

"Can this break through in the way McCain broke through last week? Probably not, but if he can control the message debate for a few days, it will be seen as a good week for Obama."

So because his 'comeback' of sorts will not be in kind with the GOP's he won't 'break through' huh?

Wow. You guys have no interest in upholding Tim Russert's humble request to give real coverage and importance to the candidates' issue debates, do you?!
For the good of the country can't you guys 'ignore' the nonsense and distraction that the GOP is trying to put out there and put it where it belongs?! Give a passing mention but my God: No more 1 hour analysis filled with replays upon replays of this divisive vitriol, which amounts to free advertising for the GOP!!

Can't you guys for the good of the country, challenge BOTH sides when they are slanting things, call them out on things?? Ask them substantive questions so that the American people can further understand just what EACH STANDS FOR!?

Can't you guys be substantive . . . for once?!!

First thoughts: New, aggressive Obama?

Jonathan — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 13:39:25 GMT

Gee MSNBC I wonder why Obama will not be able to push a message through?!? Is it because he is talking about an important issue and not engaging in character assasination. Issue ads and negative smearing are not the same and the media has the responsibility to point that out. MSNBC should learn its audience -- FAUX News has and that is why they win the rating wars.

First thoughts: New, aggressive Obama?

The - Democrat Soldier — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 13:40:08 GMT

HT Rowlings, Boston MA - it's people like you that are closed minded and selfless.

You have no real issue with Barack Obama when it comes to the issues.

You don't care about the state of our country. You are probably an investor getting pay major dollars from the suffering of the average American.

Most Republicans are not patriotic - they are pathetic money grubbing baboons.

That will lie, cheat, steal (Just what John McCain and his cronies are currently doing) to keep stealing the average American money.

People like you are too weak to work hard and earn your money - You wouldn't join the military to fight for our country if we were really in serious trouble.

But, you would set home in your nice house and call names and slander others if you thought it would stop your money flow.

Repukes are not Americans -

Thank you and GOD BLESS AMERICA

First thoughts: New, aggressive Obama?

Get Your Head out of the Sand — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 13:40:26 GMT

If you think that the average shareholder is getting the lion's share of Exxon's profits, then I've got some lovely sub-prime mortgages to sell you...

First thoughts: New, aggressive Obama?

New Independent — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 13:42:27 GMT

Obama: CHANGE you can rely on DAILY (Sent Monday, August 04, 2008 9:36 AM)

I think 11Billion is plenty enough to go around to the shareholders! What about the people who can't afford to pay for gas at the pump to get to work???? I'm supposed to feel sorry for shareholders? Give me a break - why don't you list how much the ceo's and big-wigs in the oil companies make? This country is becoming more and more fascist every day.

First thoughts: New, aggressive Obama?

The - Democrat Soldier — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 13:43:26 GMT

How could I forget - a fellow LEO - happy birthday Barack Obama - our next President.

First thoughts: New, aggressive Obama?

Heather — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 13:43:28 GMT

I think it's about time that Obama goes on the offensive. I know that if I can put together the many gaffes that McCain has made and put them on a loop his people should be able to do the same. i know that Obama wants to stay about the fray but he must sometimes fight fire with FIRE!!!!!!!!!!
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Good idea. And then the GOP can put together an ad talking about Obama's 57 states, his work on the Banking Committee, his confusion with vets who paid the price and are with us today, and his great energy plan to pump up our tires.

First thoughts: New, aggressive Obama?

Jim Patrick, Buffalo, NY — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 13:43:52 GMT

Can't expect relief at the pump long as we got 2 big oil men as President and Vice President.

First thoughts: New, aggressive Obama?

Kim W Virginia Beach, VA — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 13:45:14 GMT

Okay Obama, now that you see how low this slimeball and his handlers will go, it's time to rip them to shreds. Show some of that "testicular fortitude". No more Mr. Nice Guy. Mr. "not going to run a negative campaign because that happened to me in 2000" McGrumpy isn't, so use that still functioning, intellingent, educated brain and rise above this MSM and these childish ads.

And..I'm still having a hard time with this 9% drop. Really? Who is being polled because even in Virginia Beach, VA, part of the military capitol of the country, I see Obama stickers on cars and on lawns and I seldom see a McCain sticker. Maybe bumper stickers and lawn signs should mean nothing, but I am in Thelma Dranke territory and when I go on a naval base and see Obama stickers on cars instead of the "war hero", kind of makes me wonder who is being polled, the demographic, the affiliation to special interest groups, etc.

I'm not delusional, but I can't see how half the people are for McCain and half for Obama..I think it's a lot less but the MSM wants it to look close and these polls are most LIKELY FIXED. I know, something rigged in an election? Impossible..

But I figure in 3 weeks, Obama is going to blow them all away in the convention and McSCUMHEAD will stoop to an even lower low..I anticipate it and hope most do the same.

First thoughts: New, aggressive Obama?

Colleen, Ithaca, NY — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 13:45:22 GMT

I decided to tune in to Morning Joe today for the first time in a good while. I was appalled to see Joe ridicule Obama for a seeming eternity (with his dutiful cronies cheering him on). Scarborough has some gall calling Obama "arrogant." Joe drips with arrogance.

In other words: the pot says to the kettle "you're BLACK"

I will not watch Morning Joe again. It's a shame, I used to enjoy it...

First thoughts: New, aggressive Obama?

Elise Denton, tx — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 13:46:06 GMT

Despite those ridiculous ads, Obama had a great week. Anyone who is able to stand up against the Clinton machine can take McCain any day.

Sadly enough, during the Obama/Clinton showdown, McCain was doing publicity tours and signing autographs when he should have been taking notes.

If he had stopped taking glamour shots long enough, he would have noticed that this young, brilliant, and charming Obama effectively AND gracefully kicked Hillary's butt.

First thoughts: New, aggressive Obama?

Elise Denton, tx — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 13:47:34 GMT

First thoughts: New, aggressive Obama?

Clara Kansas City, MO — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 13:49:06 GMT

Pat, you crack me up! practically daily,...

Second thoughts, carried from Friday:
WOW, so much happened Friday – I can’t even take an afternoon off! N_Fan, Hope your family is well!

"Affirmative action is in the eye of the beholder," McCain began. "I think the United States of America has reached a point where we should provide equal economic opportunities for all Americans, and I do not and Americans have rejected a quota system…”. Yet, in McCain World, this comment isn’t race baiting? I guess this entire election will be a referendum on whether or not the goals of Affirmative Action have been achieved. Can I get a witness?
You guys totally pulled an MSM Friday by not calling me on my “nonsense”. I was trying to head out the door at work and I totally botched my “Immodest Proposal” of flat taxes. I said SS taxes are proportional; but I meant to say a fixed percentage; but they should be proportional. Also, they should be a regressive tax. Boy, I confused even myself when I read it. Sorry about that. I expect you guys on this board to hold me to task. (You already know I’m returning the favor.).
In response to “The One” ad: I’m no career politician or anything; but I feel pretty certain that you don’t solidify your base by mocking their Values. How dumb do you have to be to piss on your own constituents? PS. Mr. McCain, what exactly are YOUR religious beliefs? I notice YOU don’t wear a flag pin. Are you now, or have you ever been a Commie Pinko? Is it true you are really old? Can you name three symptoms of Dementia?
Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA (Sent Friday, August 01, 2008 4:49 PM) I’m qualified to speak to this one, NO we in MO are not happy to see this nut job on a daily basis. His obsession with Obama is starting to seem kinda’ Larry Craig-like in nature. Let’s see how wide his stance is during the debates.

First thoughts: New, aggressive Obama?

A Charles, LA, CA — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 13:51:09 GMT

The comments today are not nearly at the level they normally are. McCain's ads have retarded the entire political discourse.

First thoughts: New, aggressive Obama?

Gregg T. Nelson — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 13:53:02 GMT

Can't expect relief at the pump long as we got 2 big oil men as President and Vice President.
Jim Patrick, Buffalo, NY

And both are leaving in January, and both McCain and Obama aren't 'oil men'. McCain though has a plan, while Obama has lofty rhetoric and rebate checks.

First thoughts: New, aggressive Obama?

Brendan D, Niles, IL — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 13:54:38 GMT

BO wants the windfall profit tax. Yes, the oil companies had profits last quarter--$11b for Exxon. But, did you know they also paid $33m in taxes that quarter only? This "profit" is the net after all expenses. Do you know who these profits belong to? The shareholders. A large portion of the money is part of pension funds. So, indirectly, Obama is saying the elderly, who are already struggling, should take a loss so you and I can get a rebate check? That's really sad.

Obama: CHANGE you can rely on DAILY (Sent Monday, August 04, 2008 9:36 AM)
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You're entitled to your own opinion of the windfall tax (it, in fact, happens to be one I share). However, you're not entitled to your own facts. The truth about the obscene profits oil companies are making is that much of that money is NOT going into pensions. Exxon, for example, has cut many of its employees' benefits down to the minimum with which they can get away.

You're right that much of that money goes to stockholders. And most of the stock in these companies is not held by the public; it's held by executives and board members. Many board members need only to show up at annual or semi-annual meetings, but they get a big dividend check at the end of the year -- not to mention that income from stocks isn't taxed the way income from a job is. That's why Steve Jobs can pay no payroll taxes, since he only makes $1 in salary, but can still be among the richest people in the world thanks to his investments, meaning he doesn't pay nearly the kind of taxes that other billionaires like Warren Buffet do.

I'm not in favor of the windfall tax. But anyone who tries to pretend that average Joes and Janes are the ones making money on huge oil company profits simply doesn't understand the facts.

First thoughts: New, aggressive Obama?

Clara Kansas City, MO — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 13:54:43 GMT

First thoughts: New, aggressive Obama?

Cindy Lou, TX — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 13:55:40 GMT

Whether or not Obama can stay on message depends in large part on the MSM, which gave free primetime space to McCain's negative ads all last week and which appears to be working to raise McCain's poll numbers by slamming Obama. It seems to me negativity is rewarded if you're McCain, but negativity, positivity, and success are detriments in the MSM if you're Obama.

First thoughts: New, aggressive Obama?

Steve Norris (Rockville, MD) — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 13:55:54 GMT

Wasn't Geraldine Ferraro a sitting House member when Walter Mondale picked her in 1984?

First thoughts: New, aggressive Obama?

HT Rowlings, Boston MA — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 13:56:18 GMT

The - Democrat Soldier <long rant deleted>

I love the smell of desperation in the morning.

First thoughts: New, aggressive Obama?

Lisa, NY — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 13:56:47 GMT

To John, MI:

I don't think any of us really know know what Obama stands for. It seems that every stance he has taken(FISA, guns, off shore oil drilling)can be changed with the "this is not really a change from my original opinion" soon to follow.

Sadly very good marketing has proven that Americans are inheriantly lazy and believe whatever they are told.

Most won't know what Obama stands for until he has been president for a while and the Obama biased MSM (Olbermann, Maddow, etc) begin complaining about his actions.

Unfortunately in this very important election our choices are less than great.

First thoughts: New, aggressive Obama?

Brendan D, Niles, IL — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 13:57:26 GMT

Hey Democrat Soldier:

You're not helping. You're not being a soldier; you're being the same kind of closed-minded baboon you're accusing others of being. In other words, dude, unless you can contribute something positive, please shut up.

First thoughts: New, aggressive Obama?

Nashville_fan — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 13:58:02 GMT

Just briefly, I wanted to say that I was somewhat disappointed by Tom Brokaw on MTP this weekend because:

1. He continued giving the McCain campaign a pass on LYING about which came first, the surge or the Anbar Awakening. And then to add insult to injury, he repeated the ridiculous question "Why won't Senator Obama just admit the surge was a success?" Why does the media have to dumb everything down to oversimplified pablum?

2. Why oh why did Tom Brokaw show General Clark's comment OUT OF CONTEXT yet again, and then imply that Senator Obama had not rejected it, when of course (to my dismay) he DID reject it? Why is the media attempting to distract from the fact that the McCain campaign has ran a series of ads feature LIES?

There is nothing that ANYONE from the Obama campaign has done or said that can be equated to the smear campaign that the McCain is running. It's not apples to oranges, it's unicorns (which of course DON'T exist - kind of like Czechoslovakia) to Uranus (becasue Senator Obama is in a class of his own and the McCain campaign and the media DON'T LIKE IT!)

P.S. Thanks for all the well wishes for my grandad - so far so good!

First thoughts: New, aggressive Obama?

Oil is Good for the Soul — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 13:58:43 GMT

If you think that the average shareholder is getting the lion's share of Exxon's profits, then I've got some lovely sub-prime mortgages to sell you...

Get Your Head out of the Sand

What are you talking about? Of course much of profits go to the shareholders. I'm heavily invested in energy and I'm up significantly for the year in a down market.

First thoughts: New, aggressive Obama?

Obama: CHANGE you can rely on DAILY — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 14:00:10 GMT

If you think that the average shareholder is getting the lion's share of Exxon's profits, then I've got some lovely sub-prime mortgages to sell you...
Get Your Head out of the Sand (Sent Monday, August 04, 2008 9:40 AM)

Obama: CHANGE you can rely on DAILY (Sent Monday, August 04, 2008 9:36 AM)

I think 11Billion is plenty enough to go around to the shareholders! What about the people who can't afford to pay for gas at the pump to get to work???? I'm supposed to feel sorry for shareholders? Give me a break - why don't you list how much the ceo's and big-wigs in the oil companies make? This country is becoming more and more fascist every day.

New Independent (Sent Monday, August 04, 2008 9:42 AM)

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in response to the above statements, I did not give any opinion about what their CEOS make. What I do care about is that this represents Obama's income redistribution belief. Why does he have any right to take the shareholder's earnings? And, he wants to tax this twice because the individuals will have to pay tax on their earnings. For many of the elderly, this IS their paycheck. How would you feel if somebody came and took YOUR paycheck? It is a good example, though, that making a change in one area will have impact in others. Obama better go slowly. New Independent: you need to read the definition of fascism.

First thoughts: New, aggressive Obama?

Rick, NC — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 14:02:45 GMT

The poorly educated and easily conned are at it again...old McLame has no ideas and is head of a morally and fiscally bankrupt party so they have to wave the flag and scare the heck out of a few million more...boo

First thoughts: New, aggressive Obama?

Gregory Stroud, Bennington, Vermont — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 14:03:03 GMT

Why exactly should we assume that McCain would "feel at home" at Sturgis? I know that he is meeting with a group of biker-veterans, but McCain is hardly a biker or average joe... he is the son and grandson of admirals, for three decades a senator, married to the heiress of a large fortune. What exactly are you implying? The Sturgis rally, though certainly more corporate now, is notorious and beloved for its debauchery, naked and topless exhibitionism etc.

Really what you are doing here, is echoing McCain's talking points, which emphasize that Obama is not one of "us" (and thus out of place at a biker rally). But McCain is hardly one of "us" with his $500+ Italian loafers and his huge line of no interest credit. McCain, unlike Obama, is white... is that what you have in mind when you suggest that he fits in at Sturgis?

First thoughts: New, aggressive Obama?

justwaitandsee — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 14:03:47 GMT

Let see if Morning Jealousy plays Senator Obama Ad has much as they have promoted McCain’s Ad

I seriously doubt if it get the same amount of coverage.

First thoughts: New, aggressive Obama?

Obama: CHANGE you can rely on DAILY — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 14:04:53 GMT

The truth about the obscene profits oil companies are making is that much of that money is NOT going into pensions. Exxon, for example, has cut many of its employees' benefits down to the minimum with which they can get away.
---------------
Brenden, i wasn't talking about employee benefits. I was talking about funds where people invest their retirement money. Again, I don't agree with huge CEO salaries, etc. But, this "windfall" belongs to the investors and there are many, many investors and retirements funds that belong to those not associated with the oil business.

First thoughts: New, aggressive Obama?

MIA in Miami — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 14:05:20 GMT

As I watched the local news Sunday night, I saw a white male in his mid 70's telling his story of how he couldn't afford his daily medications any more because of the economy and how hard it is now and he had to start taking half his prescribed dosage of medication in order to have enough money for other monthly medications.

This is what this country has come to thanks to all the big "greedy" oil and drug companies. Dan A. says it best on Verdict of "Why America hates Washington". This country is in turmoil and I hope Bush and "bobblehead" Cheney can live with themselves for doing what they have done to this country.

First thoughts: New, aggressive Obama?

juan, ft lauderdale,fl — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 14:06:30 GMT

It's sad but obvious the majority of Americans like negative campaign ads and not ones that addresses the sorry state of affairs we found ourselves compliments of the GOP.The enabling Kool-aid drinkers will always fault the Democrats, accept no responsibilities, revert back to lame/old stereotypes, and if all else fails use fear mongering tactics than followed by tax cuts for the richest 2%, record deficits, higher unemployment, record oil profits and less checks and balances; however; the masses love those negative campaigns.

First thoughts: New, aggressive Obama?

C A, Tuscaloosa, AL — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 14:06:31 GMT

Oh please, lumping Obama in with McCain on the "here we go again" comments is ludicrous. You guys remind me of two brothers. The younger one aggravates, hits and teases the older brother for weeks until the the older brother finally gets tired of it and pushes the younger brother back. The younger brother runs to mommy and daddy crying and blaming the entire state of affairs on the older brother who is promptly punished for picking on the younger brother. Stop giving the younger brother a pass. If the aggravation continues it will be the McCain camp doing the teasing an hitting. How about a little punishment for the real culprit (the younger brother) and give the older brother a break.

First thoughts: New, aggressive Obama?

Elise Denton, Tx — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 14:08:16 GMT

The comments today are not nearly at the level they normally are. McCain's ads have retarded the entire political discourse.

A Charles, LA, CA

--------------------------------

You're right Charles. That's what happens when you have a retard running for president.

First thoughts: New, aggressive Obama?

The - Democrat Soldier — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 14:09:12 GMT

You should HT - Rowling ...you seem desparate.

I hope you enjoyed the last 7 1/2 years.

Because after the November election - you may have to start working for a living - like the rest of America.

Thank you and GOD BLESS AMERICA

First thoughts: New, aggressive Obama?

Clara Kansas City, MO — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 14:09:13 GMT

“BO wants the windfall profit tax. Yes, the oil companies had profits last quarter--$11b for Exxon. But, did you know they also paid $33m in taxes that quarter only? This "profit" is the net after all expenses. Do you know who these profits belong to? The shareholders. A large portion of the money is part of pension funds. So, indirectly, Obama is saying the elderly, who are already struggling, should take a loss so you and I can get a rebate check? That's really sad.” Obama: CHANGE you can rely on DAILY (Sent Monday, August 04, 2008 9:36 AM)

33million is 3/10ths of 1% (.003) of 11BILLION. Most corporations are taxed in the 25-28% range. No one is saying steal grandma’s stock dividends. Just pay your FAIR share. If the OIL companies were taxed at a greater rate, maybe they would be incented to open more refineries, or actually invest in alternative energy, create new jobs, whatever. No one has a problem with profit in this country; but RECORD profits while most Americans have sold a car, or moved from their homes and are struggling to make ends meet are bearing the burden of the cost at the pump. PS. This notion of opening up more off-shore drilling is ridiculous. What we pump goes to the global market. It is NOT ours. International events determine the cost of fuel, (including the devaluation of our dollar – due to our piss poor credit rating and the borrowings from China). Oil companies should have a Mr. MOM type ‘morality moment’. You all remember, “The tuna with a heart”? If corporations would make moral decisions, we wouldn’t even NEED regulation. But, heaven forbid something like a conscious interfere with business. You know, paying women equivalent to men for the same job, etc. I am repulsed DAILY by big business and the Republican answer to raping and pillaging the rights of citizens.

First thoughts: New, aggressive Obama?

John, MI — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 14:11:18 GMT

John, MI (Sent Monday, August 04, 2008 9:28 AM)

I think you have a valid point. I am still gonna' support Obama; but I am feeling a little like the sprint to the center is pretty contrived.

Would you really vote for McCain, though? I mean he has been making Bush seem s-m-a-r-t (had to spell it out for the children in the room). McCain is far too scary and senile. He is showing a complete lack of judgment with his advertising. I would much rather hear what he is for, not just that he's NOT Obama or that he's against Obama. After the last 7 1/2 years in the dessert with Bush, we should at least demand that much.

Good luck, and I hope you change your mind about Obama. We need to change the way and means with which we campaign.
Clara Kansas City, MO

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Well for one I honestly don't view McCain as another Bush Term. I voted for Bush in 04 cause I thought Kerry would be a terrible president. Obama I atleast view as better than Kerry. I just wish one of the Candidates wouldn't run towards to latest polling and just tell us how they really feel. Atleast Bush doesn't play games with people's heads, and alot of his policies would have worked well if he hadn't gotten us into this war for so long. He actually had a few good ideas (just one really big bad one)

First thoughts: New, aggressive Obama?

Diane from Illinois — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 14:11:51 GMT

It's very disappointing. I thought for sure Obama was going to represent a change in politics; but the GOP will not allow it. The GOP is stuck in the Rove era where you lie, cheat and steal your way to the White House through negative advertising. And apparently they have completed the "dumbing down" process of most Americans because it is clearly working if Obama is dropping in the polls to a man who is clearly suffering from the beginning of dementia. How, in the world, can ANYONE vote for this poor excuse of a human being, John McCain? I cringe at the thought of all the young people that Obama has inspired in this election and what they must be thinking as they see this election unfold. No wonder they give up on politics and end up staying home and not voting. This smear campaign of John McCain is exactly what he said he would NOT do in the beginning. The man is a classic GOPer and he needs to sent away....far, far away.

First thoughts: New, aggressive Obama?

The Truth Hurts — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 14:12:06 GMT

That was the best web ad from McCain last week. If you can't have a laugh, what have you?!?

Obama really doesn't get it. McCain's ads are mocking Obama's self-created "we are the ones we've been waiting for", tingle up my leg, people fainting in the crowds image. The point is to show America how flimsy Obama really is and you bet your butt it's working. Obama's response is laughable because he sounds like a 5th grader pretending to have a grasp of the issues.

First thoughts: New, aggressive Obama?

tina,dardanelle, ar — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 14:13:33 GMT

I would like to know if anyone is going to Sturgis? Do you think we could get a picture of McCain with the Wet-n-Wild girls, or video of him downing a couple of beers and ranting one of his inappropriate jokes? What some consider american about McCain I find unbecomming of a possible president. What is it with people wanting to be able to feel as if they can have a beer with their president. I want to feel as if they are confindent, intellegent, able to discern a situation to come up with the most effective and plausable solution. When I hear McCain that is not what I hear, why can't he ever tell us his plans? I'm tired of hearing my opponent, well tell me your plans dingbat. What is he going to do? Where are the policy papers? Why does no one cover the lack of paper work from McCain or answers from him and his campaign. I mean serious solutions, if in the MSM's words this is the most important election in a very long time don't you think you should be giving us detailed information on where they stand on issues and how they are going to solve the problems. Just because you guys like to National Enquirer like campaign that McCain is running it isn't helping us make a decision. What is your job? Is it to spread smack or is it to inform?

First thoughts: New, aggressive Obama?

Anna Molly — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 14:15:01 GMT

When republicans accuse democrats of playing the race card, it makes me laugh out loud. The real question is why the republicans keep referring to Obama as a "celebrity." Obviously, it would be to their strategic advantage NOT to call attention to Obama's popularity, both here and around the world, and obviously they would avoid it if they could.

So why don't they? The next time someone uses that term to describe Obama, ask them WHY they say he's a celebrity -- or a "phenomenon," as Mitt Romney referred to him this morning on Morning Joe. Exactly how did he become a "phenomenon"? After an uncomfortable pause, they'll say he makes great speeches, he has a charismatic personality, or something equally vague. But the fact is that he a celebrity as much as anything because he came from out of nowhere to become the first African American presidential candidate.

The fact is that "celebrity" is code. And most people, I'm sorry to say, understand, at least on a subliminal level, what it's code for.

Now tell me who played the race card first.

p.s. to C A -- Sorry for my role in the brouhaha you're referring to. You know that sometimes I just can't help myself. I should have known you don't need any help from me. McCain does not speak for his campaign, but you are obviously capable of speaking for yourself.