Obama fires back at GOP

Michael R., Sacramento, CA — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 22:23:25 GMT

The republicans truly are so out of touch. Properly inflating your tires may not save the world, but it is one of a whole host of things we should all be doing. Replacing all the bulbs in your house with CFL's, curbside recycling in all areas, walking to the store when you can, avoiding unnecessary trips, carpooling, etc. etc. And yet the republicans mock Obama and in turn, mock me for doing these things. All they care about is pleasing Big Oil who are in their pockets.

And score one for Obama. Twice recently I have heard of him eloquently and professionally handling hecklers at an event of his, while McCain is just rude and temeramental. Who would you rather have at the negotiating table with world leaders?

Obama fires back at GOP

iowan — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 22:23:27 GMT

Obama then asked the heckler to lead the crowd in doing so, immediately putting his hand over his heart.

You know what: I like this guy.

Obama fires back at GOP

Liz, NY — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 22:24:22 GMT

Go Obama! It sounds like Sen Obama is rapidly getting tired of the lies and dirt coming from the McCain campaign. (I can hear the McCain camp saying today (because for the 1st time in 4 ads - the ad was not a negative one; "who us"?). Good for him that he has answered back in this way!

Good answer to the heckler too!

Obama '08

Obama fires back at GOP

Gregory Peek, Birmingham, Alabama — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 22:26:39 GMT

Why was the Bush administration in such a hurry to stop UN weapons inspectors in March, 2003, if not to end their disclosure that Iraq had no WMD?

Obama fires back at GOP

Jamie, Elmwood Park, IL — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 22:26:51 GMT

"RNC urged him to call Congress back into session to vote on an energy bill. “Obama is wrong: Inflated tires are no substitute for oil drilling and a comprehensive energy plan,” said RNC spokesman Alex Conant." Message to Republicans - the REPUBLICAN president can call an emergency session of Congress. So, it's their party, their president - why hasn't it been done? Also Obama does have a comprehensive plan, perhaps they should learn to read.

Obama fires back at GOP

Clara Kansas City, MO — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 22:27:08 GMT

"It’s like these guys take pride in being ignorant." and it's proven every day, day in and day out.

We've had the dumb guy for eight years and accordingly to the ravings of delusional minds in the empty chamber of Congress we are in a 'crisis'. This time, let's vote for the smart guy.

I can't imagine that McCain wants to have a battle of words, he is ill equiped for that one. I don't think he'll fare well in a battle of wits, either. Better let him use bombs. That's what he knows. Might is Right, no matter how WRONG he is.

Obama fires back at GOP

Lou R — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 22:29:09 GMT

The Grand Old "Republican" Party is the party of gross distortions. Any resemblance to truths or fact is purely coincidental when brought forth by the Rovian minions within the DNC and the McCain campaign. Send those folks a carton of soap bars for some old fashioned mouth washing.

Obama fires back at GOP

Mister Anderson (The Matrix) — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 22:33:05 GMT

McCain drilling right below his feet......LOLOLOLOLOLOLOL!!!

I hope he's on his game like this in the debates!

Obama fires back at GOP

D. Casey — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 22:33:28 GMT

The disdain that Republicans show for this simple and documented gas saving tip is the same disdain and know-it-all attitude they use when making decisions for this country day after day after day.

They don't PUT the air into their tires any more than they worry about the price of a gallon of gasoline. And they don't worry about the cost of hospitals, food or education -- THEY are rich. They don't worry about THEIR jobs being out-sourced or getting a raise in pay to keep up with inflation.

These are the same people who vote down CAF standards because they buy into lobbies for the auto industry and big oil... their REAL constituents (lobbyists) don't want you to save gasoline OR drive a gas-saving car... what's in it for them?

Vote the bums out! McCain = Bush = More of the SAME

Obama fires back at GOP

Sam, Reno, NV — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 22:34:00 GMT

Obama owns hecklers like a good stand-up comedian. Don't get flustered, don't get angry, just make it part of the act and roll with it.
John McCain should take notes.
Michael Richards, too

Obama fires back at GOP

Beverly in Chicago — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 22:34:39 GMT

Obama is right; and John McCain probably doesn't know what's right below his feet. McCain's slow again on the thought procesess; if he thinks that's Obama's only solution. That's no joke.
So don't blame Obama for tire gauges and high gas prices for Obama's Energy Plan voter's are real savvy.

Obama fires back at GOP

Vox — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 22:36:51 GMT

Okay let's see . . . 1% in twenty years or 3% now? It doesn't get any simpler than that folks.

Obama fires back at GOP

nery Queens NY — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 22:36:54 GMT

I will not be able to vote on this election, but he is someone I would like to have as a president in Guatemala.

Obama fires back at GOP

Norm MD — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 22:38:22 GMT

Does the old white haired dude know that??? Probably not.

Obama fires back at GOP

ERIC, MN — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 22:39:09 GMT

Way to go Obama. He doesnt demean the heckler, just puts his hand over his heart, and lets the man lead the way. Unlike the McCain camp, who a few weeks ago made a little old lady leave one of his town halls. She was a librarian who was holding a sign that said McCain = Bush. She liked Bush and couldnt see what the big deal was. Or just yesterday the McCain camp had a black reporter removed from one of his events. They said it was because he was a local reporter, not a national one. There is only one problem, all the reporters there were local reporters. Yet the only local reporter who was asked to leave was a black man. Go figure!!

Obama fires back at GOP

Norm MD — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 22:39:47 GMT

Check out Paris Hilton's campaign ad at Huffington Post - its great.

Obama fires back at GOP

Peter, San Francisco, CA — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 22:40:49 GMT

Thank you, First Read, for posting this!

the GOG counter-counterattack, typically, misses the point. Inflating tires is more than a replacement for offshore drilling, it's better in every way. 1) it lowers our exports 3 to 4%, whereas drilling only lowers it 1-2%; 2) it would have an immediate and sustainable effect, where offshore drilling wouldn't produce any oil for 7-10 years and would buy us only a few more years of production, and 3) it saves tires, does not increase the amount of carbon in the atmosphere, and doesn't increase risk of new oil spills, none of which can be said for drilling.

It's a no-brainer. Unless you don't have a brain.

Obama fires back at GOP

Beverly in Chicago — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 22:41:18 GMT

Why was the Bush administration in such a hurry to stop UN weapons inspectors in March, 2003, if not to end their disclosure that Iraq had no WMD?

Gregory Peek, Birmingham, Alabama (Sent Tuesday, August 05, 2008 6:26 PM)
============================================

So the oil companies would get to the refiners first. Nobody, but Obama.

Obama fires back at GOP

Erin, Biloxi, MS — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 22:42:35 GMT

"It’s like these guys take pride in being ignorant."

That was a brilliant synopsis of the entire Bush Administration. Keep it coming, Senator Obama. You've got them on the ropes.

Obama fires back at GOP

Marilyn Carter — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 22:46:09 GMT

Why does David Gregory constantly maintain that no one knows Barack? He does this every day. Please help him to find another issue where his hate won't so obviously shine through.

Obama fires back at GOP

NoMcCain — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 22:51:21 GMT

And the republican response will be, as always ... Mock, disparage, ridicule, distort.

Obama 08

Obama fires back at GOP

Dave in OC, Vets for Obama — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 22:53:37 GMT

Barack, you're all over it.

McSame doesn't do math apparently.

Don't you love it when Obama can fend off these ridiculous arguments like flies?

I can't wait for the debates, it's going to be a laugher with this very cranky jealous old man.

Vets for Obama!

Obama fires back at GOP

Obama: CHANGE you can rely on DAILY — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 22:54:22 GMT

Obama links energy troubles to Cheney
Critical of McCain, Democratic candidate quiet on his own energy vote

Alex Brandon / AP
Barack Obama says Vice President Dick Cheney helped draft an energy policy that was biased in favor of big oil. But in 2005, Obama voted for an energy bill that included large tax breaks for oil companies, as well as investments in renewable energy.
View related photos

Video: In his own words
Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., speaks to the primary themes of his presidential campaign.
Cartoons: Obama
MSNBC.com's editorial cartoonists weigh in on Obama's candidacy.

Polaris Slide show: A call to serve
Sen. Barack Obama answers the call to public service.

Make predictions on news events
Barack Obama will win the presidency

Slide show

Race for the presidency
The trips, the speeches, and the moments of Decision ’08. A look at the campaigns of Barack Obama and John McCain.
more photos

updated 1:59 p.m. CT, Tues., Aug. 5, 2008
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio - Democratic candidate Barack Obama criticized Republican John McCain on Tuesday for taking a page out of "the Cheney playbook" on energy, overlooking his own support of oil-friendly policies that the unpopular vice president helped to craft.
-------------
Reconcile for us, mr Obama, why you voted for the Cheney energy bill. Also, people keep saying doing the things you recommend would save 850,000 barrels of oil per year. Please prove that, Mr Obama. And, you do forget that many, many people already watch their tires and have their vehicle serviced. The fact is you said it. You said that after you said you'd not touch the Strategic Reserve due to $4/ gal gas and BEFORE you said we should tap the Strategic Reserve. So, what is your policy today? Is that how you justify calling people liars: If you change your policy every day and they were speaking to yesterday's policy then maybe so. I'm sorry, Mr. Obama, you're a fake and fraud. You will do/say anything to get elected.

Obama fires back at GOP

Gen. Presley (ret) Army — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 23:00:05 GMT

Back in the '60s, we had a Missile-Gap. Today, we have a Tire Gauge Gap. Next Obama will be giving a very important lecture about 'Bodily Fluids'.

Obama fires back at GOP

Beverly in Chicago — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 23:00:30 GMT

Message to Republicans - the REPUBLICAN president can call an emergency session of Congress. So, it's their party, their president - why hasn't it been done? Also Obama does have a comprehensive plan, perhaps they should learn to read.

Jamie, Elmwood Park, IL (Sent Tuesday, August 05, 2008 6:26 PM)
==================================================
Jamie, that's right you tell 'em!
=========+=========+=========+=========+=========+
Andrea Mitchell: Obama is not sifting. You’re a big fraud too. Report the truth that would be the compromise instead of half-truths. You now Obama's compromise is still for alternate methods and no tax breaks for oil companies. Your republican millionaire husband may be against Strategic Oil Reserve since you won’t experience financial crises. Other Americans do therefore, a 1000 dollar check is a good short term alternative until we have long term. You're a better journalist; do a better job!

Nobody, but Obama!

Obama fires back at GOP

Heartland — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 23:04:06 GMT

Well, we are certainly glad Time magazine backs up Obama's claims. They're about as unbiased as NewsLeak and the NY Slimes. I bet Moveon comes out soon and gives Barack a hearty backing of his tire program.

Obama fires back at GOP

Ed, 1SG, Retired Peoria, IL — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 23:07:28 GMT

The don't take pride in being ignorant - they take millions of dollars from big oil for being arrogant.

Obama fires back at GOP

Ruth, Portland, Oregon — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 23:08:48 GMT

Three cheers for Obama! Speaking the truth, a great sense of humor, and able to handle hecklers and all the crap the Republicans are throwing at him in their desperation.

Obama fires back at GOP

M H Robinson, San Diego, CA — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 23:08:51 GMT

McCain does not want a battle of wits either, he is unarmed.

Obama fires back at GOP

Mark, Milwaukee, WI — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 23:08:52 GMT

Go Barack, hit them hard, hand cuff McCain and the RNC to Bush and Cheney - consistently and relentlessly at every opportunity. I expect to see more Obama surrogates come out to agressively hit McCain and the RNC on the issues in line with the message of the week - consistently and relentlessly

Obama fires back at GOP

hilldem4mccain — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 23:10:35 GMT

Crossing Over
Celeste Christi
Tired of the presidential campaign? Want the race to end? That's easy. Join John McCain and Hillary Clinton. Not since Lincoln has a Republican reached across party lines for VP. With a McCain/Clinton Ticket America gets the best of both parties and bi-partisanship on a grand scale No campaigning necessary. McCain/Clinton would wipe the floor with Obama/Whomever.

usweekly.com

Obama fires back at GOP

Jim, Santa Cruz — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 23:12:07 GMT

Obama is smooth and cool. He is heads above McCain in conducting an intelligent discussion and articulating the issues before us. Rick Davis, McCain and the rest of the GOP "brain trust" are prime examples of children that were left behind.

Obama fires back at GOP

Daley, SF, CA — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 23:16:06 GMT

"It's like these guys take pride in being ignorant."

Finally! An expression that sums up the GOP's strategy this election cycle. Thank you Senator Obama!

Obama fires back at GOP

Barb, Missoula, Mt — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 23:16:11 GMT

Last night after listening to the McCain campaign make fun of checking the tire pressure my husband and I went out and checked all of the cars and my oh my our tires were not properly inflated. How simple to fix and why not do it? I grow weary of the cynicism and the prevaricating. John McCain is a befuddled curmudgeon who cannot figure out what has made Obama emerge with such force. The politics of old has finally met its match. The public is pissed off and no one is going to take it anymore. Go Obama!!!

Obama fires back at GOP

DV, CA — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 23:17:22 GMT

"It’s like these guys take pride in being ignorant.”

And THAT..ladies and gentleman...is the republican strategy in a nutshell.

Obama fires back at GOP

Richard, Washington State — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 23:21:28 GMT

I think the truly ignorant are those who seem to believe this is something new or that Obama had some sort of epiphany.

Millions of people already do those things because they've known for since before Obama was born that it's standard car maintenance.

So, keep inflating your tires and tuning your cars and drilling for more oil.

Do it all, do it here.

The enlightened one gets more arrogant every day.

Obama fires back at GOP

Bobby H., Miami, FL — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 23:22:02 GMT

Obama is opening a can of whup-ass.

Obama fires back at GOP

Michelle Ferenz, Bentleyville, PA — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 23:22:27 GMT

Im glad Senator Obama is finally hitting back. It's about time that the American public see the Republican Party for what they are and what they do: liars who will say or do anything to manipulate the low-information voting public into voting for them.

Obama fires back at GOP

Ruth from Washington State — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 23:23:24 GMT

I remember past energy crises where we all knew what little things we could do to save energy, and we all happily changed bad habits and started turning off unneeded lights, taking mass transit and turning down the thermostat. Now I think the public needs some fresh reminders. I appreciate the fact that Obama's comment about properly inflating car tires and having regular engine tune-ups was made in response to a similar audience question. It annoys me that McCain and the RNC can only ridicule this idea and twist it around. Of course Obama didn't mean for it to be a substitute for oil drilling or a comprehensive energy plan - he was just mentioning a simple way we, as individuals, can do something right now. I'm sure the GOP spinners know Obama's idea makes sense, but their own politics are getting in the way of a useful idea. Ridiculous!

Obama fires back at GOP

Mel — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 23:32:01 GMT

I really do not understand how this election is even CLOSE. Are people simply NOT paying attention?

McCain and the Republicans would not continue to insult our intelligence if we would not KEEP FALLING FOR IT.

Obama fires back at GOP

Richard, Washington State — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 23:33:12 GMT

Michael R.,Sacramento:

I inflate my car tires properly and get tune-ups when needed and have my car serviced regularly. All the car manuals recommend this.

I use curbside recycling, I'm riding a Honda Metropolitan scooter to work. I haven't changed my light bulbs because I believe there are other unresolved issues with CFL's. I've been driving the same two vehicles for 10 years plus. Many of us evil Republicans do such things and have always done so.

When you insult and demean Republicans as you have in your post, as with so many others appearing here, you insult and demean good neighbors and Republicans everywhere.

Have it your way, but don't give me the sanctimonious, arrogant elitist sh**. You're just a Democrat mirror image of your imagined evil Republicans.

Obama fires back at GOP

Leah in ALA — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 23:36:16 GMT

Everyone keeps saying the republicans haven't done anything for years- congress has been controlled by the dems for two years now, Nancy got in there with her "secret plan" to lower gas prices. The bottom line is this- 70 percent of americans support offshore drilling- the people in congress are suppose to accomplish the will of the people. to think that you can close up congress when THE PEOPLE are demanding a vote is unbelievebly audacious to think that her personal feelings outweigh the will of the people. Quit blaming repubs. the dems have also let down the people. I WANT THAT VOTE AND I WANT IT NOW- OR BELIEVE ME DEM. RUN CONGRESS IS GOING TO BE IN FOR A SURPRISE COME NOV. FOR ALL THEIR SEATS!!! SINCERELY AN INDEPENDANT AMERICAN

Obama fires back at GOP

Anne in Washington — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 23:38:31 GMT

"It’s like these guys take pride in being ignorant.”

OR...ARE WE THE IGNORANT ONES?

To me, it seems as though the media is assuring that we, the voters, remain IGNORANT ABOUT McCAIN. Daily, I listen to the political "reporters" tell us 'We KNOW John McCain's biography - this race is all about Obama'. Is that really true? DO WE KNOW McCAIN???

Many who will vote in this election were not even alive when the "war hero" left his disabled wife and children to marry Cindy. hmmmm...doesn't sound like traditional family values. Has this issue been deemed unreportable or "off limits"? It seems that JMc is counting on assassinating Obama's character, combined with reminders that he is the true MAVERICK, to win. So, shouldn't we be talking about the Maverick's character also?

I understand he was a prisoner of war and I appreciate his service, but does that give him a pass on bad behavior? I currently have a son who is serving one tour after another, so I have the freedom to write these words and speak my mind. However, as voters, I believe we must be responsible for educating ourselves, rather than only listening to the hot topics of the day. Actions matter. Check out the web sites below:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-1024927/The-wife-John-McCain-callously-left-behind.html

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-divorce11-2008jul11,0,5924926,full.story

Obama fires back at GOP

Lyn, KCMO — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 23:39:07 GMT

First Read? Your preferences are showing...

Why is the Repub convention showing on your map in MPLS, but nothing for the Dem's convention in Denver?

And, the Dem convention is first...

Of course after hearing David and Pat going on and on about Obama not 'sealing the deal' and being an 'unknown' to people... Can't you read and listen like the rest of us?

Obama fires back at GOP

Keith, American Fork, UT — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 23:40:12 GMT

I have an idea: LET's DO IT ALL.

1. We need to conserve. Car maintenance, good driving habits, tire inflation, etc.
2. We need to expand ability to get current technologies, such as through offshore, ANWAR, oil shale, etc.
3. We need to utilize alternative forms that are practical, such as wind, solar, hybrid, etc.
4. We need to step away from our paranoia about nuclear power. It's cheap and safe.
5. We need to innovate!

Let's not stand in the way of any of it. We need to move forward. As in the past, new technologies and efficiencies will emerge and old will fall off as they do. Let's not stand in the way.

Obama fires back at GOP

Richard, Washington State — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 23:40:13 GMT

Can anyone tell me one lie about Obama that has come out of the McCain campaign?

Can anyone tell me anything said about Obama that is worse than what appears here on a daily basis from Obama supporters about McCain and "Repukes"?

Obama fires back at GOP

Eric R. McCarroll — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 23:41:01 GMT

Since McCain appears to be hell-bent on accusing Mr. Obama of the old 2004 strategy o flip-flopping, the Obama camp should make commercials that clearly show the "changing of positions" by Mr. McCain. Mr. Obama has to become more aggressive as this campaign moves forward because Mr. McCain is definitely a wise-old fox. No presidential candidate has experience to be president because they've obviously never been president. Americans need to let all politicians know that we're tired of them insulting our intelligence by thinking we'll believe anything they say.

Obama fires back at GOP

RENEA — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 23:41:08 GMT

Mccain has been absent 60% of the time for any Senate vote.Mccain has not voted on one thing since April.Mccain is a hypocrit to scold anyone for not doing there job.

Obama fires back at GOP

RENEA — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 23:41:24 GMT

Mccain has been absent 60% of the time for any Senate vote.Mccain has not voted on one thing since April.Mccain is a hypocrit to scold anyone for not doing there job.

Obama fires back at GOP

PoliticoWatch — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 23:45:38 GMT

GOP'ers please give us a break with the "tire pressure" comments. Its silly. For the last time that was a response to a specific question by an individual. Its not part of his energy policy!