First thoughts: The opening ceremonies

the Pajama Pundit — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 13:29:45 GMT

Why haven’t we heard much from the campaigns yet about the news that the US “has agreed to remove combat troops from Iraq cities by next June and from the rest of the country by the end of 2011 if conditions in Iraq remain relatively stable?” This is a timetable for withdrawal, no…?
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GREAT question. I'm waiting with baited breath for someone in the media to ask it. Oh wait -- VEEPSTAKES! Nobody cares about Iraq so long as Joe Biden is giving the press-arazzi some bagels, right?

http://thepajamapundit.com/

First thoughts: The opening ceremonies

Clara Kansas City, MO — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 13:30:51 GMT

"...It really wasn't until 2004 when McCain looked comfortable supporting Bush..." and the promise of the nomination in 2008 - Anyone who thought McCain was a stand up guy in 2000 knows he made a devil's deal to 'let' Bush steal his nomination in 2000 - by any means necessary.

McCain of 2000 wouldn't recognize, vote for or like McCain 2008.

First thoughts: The opening ceremonies

Pat Huntington NY — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 13:31:12 GMT

First thoughts: The opening ceremonies

Barack's Half Brother — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 13:31:25 GMT

Democrats despise people that have been successful in life from being in office. That's why they love Barack Obama.

First thoughts: The opening ceremonies

Dave Dragon, Tampa Bay, Florida — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 13:31:27 GMT

Great analysis, it's going to be a fun weekend!

<a href="http://davedragon.rilysi.com">Ride it like you stole it</a>

First thoughts: The opening ceremonies

camie — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 13:31:56 GMT

I cant wait til the convention. everyone is going to be so happy and screaming supporters. I cant wait to see michelle Obama. And the Obama campaign decided to have a regular working class voter from michigan speak at their convention...this will be great.

Clinton Creates “Whip Team” 4 Convention
http://sensico.wordpress.com/2008/08/21/clinton-creates-whip-team-4-convention/
or
http://sensico2.blogspot.com/2008/07/my-blogs.html

First thoughts: The opening ceremonies

City Mom — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 13:32:12 GMT

Looking forward to Hillary's convention this coming week!!

First thoughts: The opening ceremonies

Mr. Eko — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 13:33:04 GMT

"And if Rezko gets legs, then expect the Dems to fire back with Keating."
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

What legs? Obama has already answered every question that's been put to him on this issue, and everyone has concluded that there was NO wrongdoing on Obama's part. There is no "story" here, just another desperate guilt-by-association smear from the McCain campaign.

First thoughts: The opening ceremonies

Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 13:34:35 GMT

First Read: "If the old rules apply, then having the last convention will be the advantage. But realize this: The old rules on conventions just may no longer apply. We have a new calendar, and there are just 74 days to go."

Do we all realize what an indictment of democracy is represented by these words? Here in the United States, with our long-established system of education, and in a race to determine the most powerful government officeholder, voters will be swayed by who gets what kind of coverage a week before or after the competitor?

No wonder these guys don't talk much about issues. It doesn't seem like many voters care much about them.

First thoughts: The opening ceremonies

voter — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 13:35:13 GMT

good point first read. Obama should discuss how he was correct in his foreign policy of having a 16 month timetable for withdrawl which the republicans just agreed upon. It appears the republicans are endorsing Obama's plan. Great way to empahsize his foreign policy credentials and counteract the notion that experience matters. It is judgement which Obama clearly has.

First thoughts: The opening ceremonies

Harry R., San Jose CA — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 13:35:16 GMT

The Democrats might as well bring in Cirque du Soleil to their convention. Anything to entertain the mindless masses and keep them distracted from their lousy candidate.

First thoughts: The opening ceremonies

MIA in Miami — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 13:36:22 GMT

I feel bad for Dan A. He is getting the boot. "Verdict" was one of the best shows on MSNBC next to Keith O. You will be missed Dan A. and good luck on all future endeavor's

First thoughts: The opening ceremonies

JessicaElaine — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 13:36:46 GMT

Cue Clark as VP in 5..4..3..2..

(Biggest head fake possible)

What does McComplain have left after blowing his wad on Rezko and Ayers on the same day? Wright right? Wrong...

Oh and I'm officially throwing a flag on the POW card-playing from McComplain's camp. Enough already.

Obama/Clark 08

First thoughts: The opening ceremonies

Nashville_fan — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 13:37:08 GMT

"No doubt, he's got a good answer now if he's asked ("I have one home and we own a few investment properties" probably would have sufficed)"
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
I hope you guys are getting SOME compensation for all the free spin you provide for the McCain campaign.

Geez.

First thoughts: The opening ceremonies

Pat, Boston, MA — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 13:38:52 GMT

Chuck, Mark & Domenico: This is no time to sleep. Evidently you're all going to Denver. How I envy you guys. You will have a great time; I would give almost anything to be able to see Senator Obama's acceptance speech live. Hope you give us all the goings on next week. It's such an exciting time to be a journalist. Reminds me of what it must have been like during the 1960 Convention in LA.

2008 - The NYY Dynasty ends. The Bush Dynasty ends.

It will in the end be a very good year. (I would have liked it if Senator Obama selected Sen. Reed. But Sen. Biden will be a good fit if in fact he is selected.)

First thoughts: The opening ceremonies

joe johnson Concord NH — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 13:39:27 GMT

The VP watch has been a "split-screen" affair this past week? On which planet!? NO ONE is spending any time around the water cooler talking about who McCain will pick except a few media types who are trying to stroke the McCain camp. And, if you're going to talk about Romney's pros and cons as a VP candidate, don't you need to add that he was largely regarded as an empty suit as Governor of Massachusetts, with only an out-of-control health care plan as a major "accomplishment?" After about two months of scrutiny, Romney will earn nationally the rep he developed in MA - he looks and sounds the Leader part, there's just not enough "there" there to pull it off.

First thoughts: The opening ceremonies

Reality Check — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 13:40:02 GMT

It's ABOUT TIME somebody in the Democratic Party showed some backbone and demonstrated an ability to attack and attack hard. BUT, there's a key question outstanding: the reason the GOP gets its message through to the American people is because it repeats it over and over and over and over again. EVERYONE regurgitates the same talking points. Then, remarkably, 3 weeks later, every mainstream "journalist" is saying the same thing.

First thoughts: The opening ceremonies

Ron Indiana — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 13:42:05 GMT

Yesterday's FR headline said it all..."It's all about Hillary." Hillary is for Hillary. If she can't be a team player, she is only hurting her self...and women in general. Like the end of the primaries...time is running out for her and she wants to deny it. The convention is planned, the VP will be picked, events could pass her by. My advise for Hillary..."Don't be dumb!"

It's time for Obama and surrogates to get tough, be tough, and I think they will. MeCain has already gone negative so there is no where for him to go but stay negative. He is not going to turn around and start being positive! So he got ya game has started. It is important for the country that real issues are sprinkled in now and then. Let the games begin.

First thoughts: The opening ceremonies

Eric, Salinas, CA — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 13:42:47 GMT

Why doesn't the media make more of "Lamebrain" McCain not knowing his own mind and his constant lack of facts? Way too many times the Alzheimer Geezer has replied to questions that he doesn't know his own mind and has to check with his staff. The man is really ignorant if he can't tell a reporter what his position is on some issue and that he has to check with his staff to see what he thinks.

Yeah if the old Alzheimer Geezer gets a 3AM phone call he'll have to tell the caller that he doesn't know what to think and that he has to check with his staff to find out what he does think about what should be done. We don't need another idiot in the White House, the current fool has done more damage to our country than a thousand Al Qaeda's put together!

Only Barack Obama can bring intelligent thinking back to the White House, something that's been missing since 2000.

Go Obama 08/12!

First thoughts: The opening ceremonies

J. Ellis, Virginia — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 13:42:55 GMT

So, you surprised that Hillary's heart isn't in it when it comes to campaigning for Obama? No shocker at all here.

She is not trying to convince her supporters to be behind Barack when she keeps using terms such as "my opponent". She is hoping that people hold out for her as was demonstrated by the JustSayNoDeal organization that was showcased on Hardball last night. Hillary and her supporters would rather lose the election based on their perception of sexism by Sen. Obama, when they have no proof that he did anything but support her graciously and enthusiastically. Too bad she and Bill have not done the same.

If Barack loses, and if Hillary runs again in 2012, I'll vote for Ralph Nader or stay at home. We will remember her backstabbing and that of her misguided supporters.

Hillary, this is not about you! This election is too important to be blinded by your own ambitition. This is about our country and the fact that it is going to hell in a handbasket under Repub rule.

OBAMA/BIDEN 08/12

First thoughts: The opening ceremonies

curious — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 13:43:00 GMT

Obama said he was wanting somebody strong on economy. How would Clark fill that bill? I'm curious, too, how Biden and Bayh are choices since they voted for the war. Obama pummelled HRC for that. Disingenious at least for him to "excuse" these two. Sexist?

First thoughts: The opening ceremonies

Casey, West Virginia — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 13:43:06 GMT

Romney was a pathetic Mass. governor, he's a pathetic businessman, he's a pathetic mormon, he's a pathetic ken doll clone, and he's nothing more than a slick snake oil sales man who'll say anything to get elected.
Pat Huntington NY (Sent Friday, August 22, 2008 9:31 AM)

Then how do you explain his net worth in the 100's of millions? Or maybe you have a different defintion of success perhaps?

First thoughts: The opening ceremonies

Michelle Zee — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 13:44:54 GMT

Only one convention matters and its the Democrats! It definitely won't be the Shady Acres...I mean Rethuglican convention.

I am sure after the convention, things will really heat up between the 2 campaigns.
Even if McMad has Mr. You Can Knock out my Teeth, but Don't Touch the Hair Romney, it won't make a difference; the rehuglicans are toast this year.

If many are just tuning in, that means more votes for the Dems with the economy and the war; people are fed up and McMadness is not the answer.

First thoughts: The opening ceremonies

Rodney Hopper, Waxahachie, TX — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 13:45:44 GMT

Please McCain... pick Mitt... I can't wait to see Biden wipe the floor with him.

Again, I like this new aggressive edge the Obama campaign has taken. Taking the fight right to McCain.

http://www.rodneyhopper.com