First thoughts: The Georgia test

camie — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 13:29:57 GMT

of course McCain is a celebrity, hes been in more movies and Obama has been in none.Also I dont think goergia will be a campaign issue, I think they both win.

clinton campaign memos: paint obama as foreign, find out more
http://sensico.wordpress.com/2008/08/10/leaked-clinton-memos-portray-obama-as-foreign/
or
http://sensico2.blogspot.com/2008/07/my-blogs.html

First thoughts: The Georgia test

Dan, New York, NY — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 13:32:13 GMT

John McCain is a celebrity, but he is NOT a "known quantity" the way the press keeps going on about. In fact, I think more people on the streets know more details about Obama's life than McCain's. And tell Democrats to stop repeating this lie to:

http://strategy08.wordpress.com/2008/08/11/bob-kerrey-needs-to-stfu/

First thoughts: The Georgia test

the Pajama Pundit — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 13:32:32 GMT

Finally, the Obama campaign is hitting back on the ridiculous 'celebrity' charges. Although, if I had my way -- both campaigns would be talking about more substantive issues.

It is nice to see Obama hit back though.

http://thepajamapundit.com/

First thoughts: The Georgia test

Hunter Riellie — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 13:36:52 GMT

No, John McCain is not a celebrity, no matter how much the media tries to tar and feather him with that nonsense. Barack Obama is the Paris Hilton of politics though. Fun to watch, but do you really expect anything important to come out of his mouth?

First thoughts: The Georgia test

Clara Kansas City, MO — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 13:37:03 GMT

this is bizzarre, I got my first read text a full 23 minutes ago. Expect delays, my friends.

PS. I saw McCain's Celebrity ad that has been debunked by factcheck.org. It really was a downer during some really great international goodwill with the sportsmanship being displayed. He is just not a statesman who raises the discourse, at all.

First thoughts: The Georgia test

banko — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 13:37:12 GMT

John McCain is a War Monger no question about it. He keep saying " I hate wars, I know how to win wars". Folks that says it all

Republicans and miltary men on John McCain
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PdJUCU1UH2w&eurl

McCain: Britney & Paris Ad Parody
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-fvvNU7fBxk&feature=related

Bush on lobbyists and McCain - 2000
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bZGanXje3UE&feature=related

First thoughts: The Georgia test

Bee, NH — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 13:37:31 GMT

McCain's Ad tells me he doesn't have any good thing to say about America. He is not a visionary but only running because he wants to be President.

The guiy is a fraud.

First thoughts: The Georgia test

SMB Phila PA — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 13:38:06 GMT

McCain's ad during the opening ceremony (ironically, right after the USA team marched into the stadium) was such a buzzkill. I've talked to alot of people and they all feel the same - it just felt out of place during what should be an inspirational and uplifting event. And the fact it keeps running over and over, I think viewers are just going to tune it out....or groan like I did when it aired AGAIN after last night's 400 m. mens relay.

First thoughts: The Georgia test

Poll Vaulter — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 13:38:11 GMT

First Read: With Obama in Hawaii and the Olympics going on, we’re going to spend this week looking at some of the more compelling downballot races this cycle.

Yeah, nothing going on with McCain. Just ignore him. Even though he's starting to lead in some polls.

First thoughts: The Georgia test

sotiredofignorance — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 13:40:43 GMT

Why is First Read so surprised that poor pathetic Shrub has no idea what to do with Russia? He looked into Putins soul and decided that he was a heckuva good guy, and didn't seem to notice that Putin is a big giant Commie. Bush is probably stamping his feet in a major tantrum that the little fracas got in the way of his vacation. I can't believe that people voted for this idiot not once, but TWICE!!!

First thoughts: The Georgia test

John Lemaster Houston TX — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 13:40:48 GMT

First thoughts: The Georgia test

Leroy, Woodbury, NJ — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 13:42:33 GMT

Camie:

Please tell us, what movies has John Mccain been in?
I can thing of only one, "Mr. Magoo."

First thoughts: The Georgia test

Cindy Lou, TX — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 13:43:45 GMT

The Georgia test? If Obama took a position, the MSM would call him presumptous, arrogant and inexperienced, not matter what the position was. Instead, let the MSM darling--McCain--publish a position, if he has one. Obama is away all week, and old man McCain had been complaining about lack of MSM attention. Let's see if McCain has a proactive idea while he has his "base" all to himself rather than just reacting badly to whatever Obama does.

I'm glad to see Obama FINALLY hitting McCain back.

First thoughts: The Georgia test

Ann J Utica NY — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 13:44:09 GMT

Thank God for the Olympics. No repeating topics on MSNBC all day. No Joe (UGH) No David Gregory (He's awful) Chris at 7 is back (no Mike B yipee) and KO at 8. Their shows are the only ones I like.

First thoughts: The Georgia test

C.K. Steele Fort Lauderdale, FL — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 13:44:16 GMT

The signs are all there showing that McCain doesn't have much of a chance at all. Russia's invasion of Georgia is indeed a crisis but it seems that the American people have already decided that George Bush is not important anymore. People can't wait to turn the page on this disastrous Administration. Sen. McCain would only be an angrier continuation of what we have now. Bush is too busy on vacation in the Olympics taking pictures and laughing along with the very man whose nation is the aggressor in the conflict. Instead people are more concerned to hear what Obama thinks. People are even saying that Sen. Obama needs to get off of his vacation to DO SOMETHING. Mr. Bush by his own sorry record has created a huge vacuum of leadership but when Obama acts "too presidential" the pundents(pundits) blast him for it. The Pundents have it wrong again--the American people are crying out for a true leader. Obama is looking like one while McCain is looking like a scorned child. A very good read about McCain. http://phoenixnewtimes.com/content/printVersion/848709 This account really goes along with the McCain I remember from my time in Phoenix during the 80s-early 90s.

First thoughts: The Georgia test

2ez — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 13:44:24 GMT

Why cant Obama come up with some ads of his own. He looks like a little kid trying to fight back but can't come up with anything of his own.

Surprising BHO "citizen of the world" didn't vacation at the Olympics. It would have such a great stage for his run for leader of the world.

First thoughts: The Georgia test

Jasper Zeigler Jr - Montco , Pennsylvania — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 13:44:40 GMT

First of all the real reasons about changing deeds between Russia and Georgia aren't known to American citizens and whatever the concerning emotions entail , politicans are going to transmit as little as possible , while their backs aren't up against a wall yet.

First thoughts: The Georgia test

Pete - Albany, NY — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 13:44:41 GMT

The McCain ad is totally out of place during the Olympics. People want a positive experience watching the Olympics on TV and then here comes McBuzzkill with his negative ad.

Sorry, it's disgusting...of all times when you should have something positive to say for yourself, he becomes GOP (Grumpy Old Person).

First thoughts: The Georgia test

Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 13:45:40 GMT

McCain's answer to the Georgia test? Tough talk. That's all the guy knows.

He doesn't wait for details. He doesn't wait for confirmation of anything. He just views the situation in terms of good guys and bad guys, and talks tough.

Sound familiar?

First thoughts: The Georgia test

Keith Richards — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 13:46:21 GMT

John McCain talks serious issues with smaller gatherings.

Barack Obama is no different then the Rolling Stones. A lot of noise, a lot of jumping around, adoring crowds, no content, no ideas, no clues.

First thoughts: The Georgia test

McLame — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 13:46:28 GMT

http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalpunch/2008/08/shrum-on-clinto.html

SOUND FAMILIAR???

McCain had affairs... Not one

First thoughts: The Georgia test

Brian, Cedar Hill, TX — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 13:47:19 GMT

So I hear dimwit Bush had another one of his sit-and-stare-for-7-minutes moments again.

First thoughts: The Georgia test

Free-man — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 13:47:50 GMT

Free Tibet

Free Georgia

Free Iraq

First thoughts: The Georgia test

banko — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 13:48:02 GMT

Dazed and Confused. John McCain Says He Needs More Sleep.
From the left….Talking Points Memo has compiled a low-lites video of Sen. John McCain,
R-Ariz, appearing "dazed and confused" on the stump -- though it's what Brit Hume called a "senior moment," not cannabis, that Democrats suggest is at play. Watch
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iWX5u69hmzY&eurl

John McCain Says He Needs More Sleep
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/8/9/18235/05966/990/565497

First thoughts: The Georgia test

Senator Obama can fix this mess! — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 13:48:32 GMT

This is Bush's responsiblity to handle. He is still the one in office. This is a reflection on republicans, all republicans. Even if we wanted to send assistance, how can we? We are working on the 'surge' in Iraq! WE do not have the man power to give assistance. What a devastation to our military and a mess Bush/Cheney have created.
It will take a democratic president by the name of Barack Obama to get this mess fixed!

First thoughts: The Georgia test

jesse St.Paul Minnesota — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 13:48:39 GMT

While the russians flex there muscles, some thing you call a 3 am call moment you have the bomber saying that if he dos'nt sleep until 8.00 am he dos'nt do very well.Here is a guy that wants to be prez but wants to pick what hours he will be available.This is the POTUS we are talking about, not your current job that you haven't seen in months Senator,this would be more like a real job.With real issues,and real tough choices are made,and being alert and ready 24 hours a day.This is no job for the eldery.

First thoughts: The Georgia test

Senator Obama can fix this mess! — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 13:48:58 GMT

First thoughts: The Georgia test

Pete - Albany, NY — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 13:49:44 GMT

"And so far, President Bush -- who was in Beijing watching the Olympics -- appears to be as frozen on how to respond as either McCain or Obama would be."

Bush isn't frozen...he's just waiting to find out how much oil is in Georgia.

...either that or he's trying to find out how close the Russians are to Atlanta!

First thoughts: The Georgia test

converse — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 13:50:01 GMT

CUBAN MISSLE CRISIS???

Where do you guys get this stuff? Out of the "Stupid Thoughts" vending machine?

The Cuban Missle Crisis involved the very real possibility of having nuclear missle from the USSR, our biggest enemy at the time, placed 90 miles off the coast of Florida.

What possible similarity is there between the current Russia/Georgia dust-up and the Cuban Missle Crisis?

PAY ATTENTION! We may expect you to actually report some news one of these days!

First thoughts: The Georgia test

MK,MO — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 13:50:07 GMT

No one will answer. Did McCain realy have an affair and leave his wife. This is no way for a Family Values Candidate to behave. Please somebody report the truth so we don't have to rely on unfounded accusations. Edwards is no longer a candidate but McCain is. Someone report the truth
John Lemaster Houston TX (Sent Monday, August 11, 2008 9:40 AM)

Yes Mr. Mccain did have an affair while married to his first wife, but for some reason the powers that be in the media refuse to discuss the details, which to me seems somewhat suspect, Mr. Mccain receives a pass by the media on all too many things such as his sub par military record which is never discussed, Mr. Mccain’s moral standards are questionable at best by anybodies standards but don't expect to hear much about it from the press.

First thoughts: The Georgia test

MK,MO — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 13:50:15 GMT

First thoughts: The Georgia test

dl, Exeter, NH — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 13:50:43 GMT

why does Dick Cheney seem to be so much closer to John Mccain suddenly ...all the time. someone need to look at how close Dick Cheney and mccain have been on issues for the last 8 years.

you suddenbly realize it is not Bush that McCain is close to ...but Dick Cheney.

First thoughts: The Georgia test

thats a fact jack — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 13:52:24 GMT

-5% change by 2012 in after tax income of the top 0.1% of US earners under Baracks plan. +12% change under mccains plan. Its about the $ folks, do you want to keep yours or give to the ulra rich.

First thoughts: The Georgia test

Pat Huntington NY — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 13:52:24 GMT

The Media is scared to report on MCCAIN'S AFFAIR! More people need to know he had an affair while married to wife 1 while she was recovering from car crash injuries, with wife 2, Cindy, because of her money.

First thoughts: The Georgia test

Nashville_fan — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 13:53:17 GMT

On the Georgia-Russia situation, I feel that it is very serious in that it demonstrates how much goodwill and political power has been bled out of the United States of America during the Bush Adminstration.

The way the wars in both Iraq and Afghanistan have been conducted have raised questions throughout the world about the power and competence of the American military. That will go down as the most devasting legacy of the Bush Administration - taking the American military from one of the most feared fighting forces on earth to one of the most overworked and misused fighting forces on earth.

Only time will tell how high the price we pay for the Iraq folly will go, but the actions by Russia this weekend are much bigger than politics.

Republicans and Democrats had better figure out a way to work together and unite America - our competitors in Russia and China are unifying and consolidating their power even now. American can no longer afford the luxury of being divided.

First thoughts: The Georgia test

afraid to report the TRUTH — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 13:53:25 GMT

John Lemaster, I want to know also. I think the press is afraid to report the TRUTH about mccain.

First thoughts: The Georgia test

MSierra, SF — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 13:53:31 GMT

'...the Bush Administration appears to be acting more paralyzed than either candidate. Can McCain continue to be more hawkish on backseat driving Bush on this'...

Ther's a good reason for 'paralysis'....
There IS nothing for the US to do
GEORGIA ATTACKED !
The Georgians started this because they thought we'd back them up
Remember the Argentine junta and the Falklands ?

The Bush Admin is trying to push NATO into the Warsaw pact area and now into the 'ex-Soviet empire'

That's stupid. but typical Bush/Republican
The Bush Admin is trying to install anti-missile rockets in ex-Warsaw pact Czech Republic and Poland
These are extremely provocative moves

You can't do ANYTHING about Gerogia !!
Would NATO have been more secure had Gerogia already been part of it ?
We'd be obligated to support an unstable state in an unstable area

Foreign policy shouldn't be a test of the highest testerone levles

Maybe McCain is not qualified to be President

John McCain, Endless War

First thoughts: The Georgia test

thats a fact jack — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 13:54:04 GMT

75% of all income gains during bush administration that have gone to top 1 % of earners.

First thoughts: The Georgia test

Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 13:54:16 GMT

John Lemaster: "No one will answer. Did McCain really have an affair and leave his wife."

I'll answer. Yes, he did. Actually from what I understand, he admitted several if not more affairs.

First thoughts: The Georgia test

thats a fact jack — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 13:54:26 GMT

75% of all income gains during bush administration that have gone to top 1 % of earners.

First thoughts: The Georgia test

subgruvet, ok — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 13:54:30 GMT

Ever give a .357 to a 4 year old? McCain is a careless old elitist that given enough power would be just that troubling. I'm a vet and served as long as Sen. McCain who has had everything served up pretty nicely in his life except in one of those careless moments he became a POW...cudos for surviving. I'm voting for solid judgement and understanding...Obama. Check out McCains bio and record, including Annapolis. He's a careless man. Beware.

First thoughts: The Georgia test

MIA in Miami — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 13:54:32 GMT

Jeezzzz, I saw the news over the weekend and Obama was being stalked by the paparazzi playing golf. Give it a rest! Can the man have some peace and quiet with his family?

You guys go around stalking his every move, then paint him as a celebrity! Give the man a break. I didn't see McSurge in the news with his "Sunday" off.

The media makes this mess then blames Obama for the end results. **pitiful**

First thoughts: The Georgia test

Nashville_fan — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 13:55:56 GMT

"And during the commercial breaks, we saw plenty of those Obama-is-the-biggest-celebrity-in-world TV ads hitting the presumptive Democratic nominee. But almost every other TV ad we saw -- whether it was from Audi, Coke, or the now foreign-owned Anheuser-Busch -- was positive and upbeat. Just asking: Are McCain’s ads tonally off for the Olympics?"
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
I had the exact same thought when one of John McCain's LIE FILLED ads came on during the Olympics - it felt like a slap in the face. But I guess some folks like that kind of thing, right?

First thoughts: The Georgia test

Brian, Cedar Hill, TX — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 13:56:20 GMT

I guess I'm way behind times here, but I just read an article about Carol McCain (McJerk's first wife) and his dispicable treatment of her after all she had been through and his womanizing. How dare they call this guy a hero - he's just self-centered, gold-digging scum. They should post portraits of Carol everywhere to remind people of what a low-class piece of trash this guy is.

First thoughts: The Georgia test

Nomorefratboys for Pres, MA — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 13:56:43 GMT

Yes, it is true that John McCain had affairs on his first wife I think that he admitted that in his autobiography. Check out his biography on Wikopedia. It doesn't come right out and say he had an affair but it gives you a time line of when his marriage ended and that just 1 1/2 months after his divorce was final he married the wealthy and much younger Cindy. There is lots of information on the web about John McCain's early life. Check it out and then make a decision if this is the man that you want to be our next president.

First thoughts: The Georgia test

Lynn W., Redding CA — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 13:59:04 GMT

MK,MO: No one will answer. Did McCain realy have an affair and leave his wife.

I thought you libbies we're tired of talking about this stuff? Apparently not.

So do you still trust John Edwards? Would you still like him to be AG? Do you think he'll lie to you as easily as he lies to his cancer ridden wife?

First thoughts: The Georgia test

Sad about my country — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 13:59:39 GMT

Negative or positive - which direction do you want for the country?

McCain - negative campaign.
Obama - positive campaign.
McCain - providing false information to America like the Bush Administration. (Bush on Iraq. McCain on Obama)

First thoughts: The Georgia test

Slappy Reid — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 14:00:33 GMT

I had the exact same thought when one of John McCain's LIE FILLED ads came on during the Olympics - it felt like a slap in the face. But I guess some folks like that kind of thing, right?

---------

I don't know. Why don't you ask Edwards mistress.

First thoughts: The Georgia test

Tina,NC — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 14:01:20 GMT

This ad war is getting rediculous.
Here I am trying to enjoy the olympics and all I see is McCain's stupid negative ads. Obama's ad was positive and forward thinking.

At this point Nov can't get here fast enough!

First thoughts: The Georgia test

Eric, PHX — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 14:01:28 GMT

You are truly some of worst reporters I have ever encountered. Any attempted link between the events in Georgia and the Cuban missle crisis shows a complete and utter failure to understand history. Let's try to be a little more accurate and a little less sensational. Russia is slapping down an unruly child who got out of line. W looked into Putin's eyes and saw a good man, he called Georgia a beakon on democracy. More examples of why we need a change from this McSame regime.

First thoughts: The Georgia test

Rick,Ky — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 14:01:42 GMT

Tabloid journalism at it's finest .As John Lemaster points out, Mccain(who is running for President)had an affair, but the MSM fails the Public in reporting the Family Values man. However, John Edwards ( who is only running from the Tabloids now)is being Crucified by the MSM. Go Figure! All i can say is, the MSM will pay heavily for the non-Coverage of this Mccain story(and other non reported) when Barack is in Office come 1-20-09.

GWB has had the Deer in the Headlight look for almost 8 year's now, no need to change at this time of World Crisis

Delusional Thinking By Common Sense American's Is Over!!

First thoughts: The Georgia test

Heather — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 14:02:48 GMT

No one will answer. Did McCain realy have an affair and leave his wife. This is no way for a Family Values Candidate to behave. Please somebody report the truth so we don't have to rely on unfounded accusations. Edwards is no longer a candidate but McCain is. Someone report the truth
--------------------------------------------------
John Lemaster, John McCain talks about this in his book and it's also been written about in The Nightingale's Song. McCain returned from Vietnam and by his own admission behaved badly. He was separated but not divorced from his first wife (who was in a horrible accident during his imprisonment) when he met Cindy McCain. He has been very upfront and admits that his first wife has every right to be bitter. Yet she still speaks highly of him and supports him (as mentioned last month in Newsweek). I think the difference with Edwards is is McCain's been honest about his failings. And since the first wife is not bitter, I don't really understand why anyone else would be.

First thoughts: The Georgia test

Dan, McFarland, WI — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 14:03:43 GMT

Thank you for pointing out McCain's negativity ads during the Olympics.
The Olympics have always been a time for the world to set aside their differences and see hope for the future. When McCain ran ad after ad after ad... (at least here in Wisconsin), it felt like McCain was focused only on despair.

Every time I see McCain's ads on Sunday, it deeply saddens me. McCain seems to have no religious faith or he would not run such negative ads on Sunday.