Obama to deploy volunteers to help victims

David Kolva, MD Oswego/Syracuse, NY — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 18:46:08 GMT

The responses of both campaigns scream the differences between them.
McCain wants photo ops, and Obama wants to keep first responders on task.
If one person dies in Mississippi because McCain and Barbie, oops Cindy, were diverting troopers for guard duty instead of road patrol, then the media should point this out to the world.

Judgment matters, and McCain lost his years ago....

Obama to deploy volunteers to help victims

LB, Virginia — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 18:53:27 GMT

As always, Obama uses good judgement while McCain dismisses it and goes for the photo op. Please America, don't fall for this crap. Obama is right, stay out of the area so they can do their jobs!

Obama to deploy volunteers to help victims

Rodney Hopper, Waxahachie, TX — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 18:54:13 GMT

As a native Mississippian, I think Obama's version is best.

We all remember the Bush 'distraction' that happened during Rita.

Stay out of the way, let the folks on the ground do their job.

I have to say, this shows McCain to be quite the opportunist unfortunately.

Given his record on Katrina, I can see a reason to shore up his credentials.

http://www.rodneyhopper.com

Obama to deploy volunteers to help victims

Scrapper — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 18:54:40 GMT

Hey Barack, don't ever assume anything going on with McPain!!
Thanks for doing it the right way the first time.
And maybe they'll get it right second time around.
See ya at the White House !!

Obama to deploy volunteers to help victims

C.B. Everson — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 19:00:40 GMT

I agree with the above comments from syracuse ,ny. The media should point to this type of judgement when describing the judgement of the candidates, in the anticipation of a crisis on the U.S. main land.

Obama to deploy volunteers to help victims

Sue, Bloomington,IN — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 19:01:25 GMT

I think Obama is exactly right on this. I hope whichever side we all support, we all do what we can to help in the aftermath.

Obama to deploy volunteers to help victims

Dee of VA — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 19:01:51 GMT

Pass-after-pass the MSM gives to McCain. If Obama had made such an exploitive opportunistic move like this, the MSM would have skewered him. But it's ok for grand daddy McCain to take his new trophy into a hurricane zone distracting police and first responders who need to be devoted the citizens of the state. Unbelievable!

Obama to deploy volunteers to help victims

Evelyn, St. Louis, MO — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 19:06:59 GMT

I think Senator Obama has the best plan. I agree that McCain just wants the photo op. What in the world can he and two women do down there? Sounds ludicrous!!

Obama to deploy volunteers to help victims

SUZANNE JEFFERSONVILLE, INDIANA — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 19:07:40 GMT

I WILL GLADLY VOLUNTEER FOR ANYTHING THAT THE OBAMA/BIDEN TEAM WANT ME TO DO!!

I'M SURE I'M NOT ALONE, OBAMA STEPPED UP TO THE PLATE FIRST...WHILE MCPALIN'S TO WORRIED ABOUT THEIR CONVENTION!!!! THEY NEED TO CANCEL THE WHOLE THING ALL TOGETHER....

COUNTRY FIRST MY A--

Obama to deploy volunteers to help victims

Rick,Ky — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 19:08:26 GMT

What is it with this Split Screen stuff 1st read? Either the people living in the path of Gustav mean more than the GOP convention, or they don't !

Country 1st right, Mr Mccain & the Corparate MSM right wing Political machine.

Ya can't have it both ways, so decide now, whether it's American's or the GOP !

America can't stand 4 more Year's of the last 8 Year's !

Obama to deploy volunteers to help victims

Wendy in NC — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 19:09:15 GMT

Sen. Obama has a HUGE grassroots network of hard working people. His judgement on this issue, mobilize volunteers and donate money, speaks volumes about his caring nature. He's right to stay out of the way and not be a distraction and turning to his supporters to be on notice to go help if their is an aftermath, just drives home the fact that this man does care about US.

Obama to deploy volunteers to help victims

twocanpete — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 19:12:11 GMT

Let's see if the Obama supporters are allowed to help the hurricane victims this time. The last time the idiotic law enforcement down there actually prevented volunteers from helping while they (law enforcment) blocked the escape routes with armed gaurds.

Obama to deploy volunteers to help victims

Chuck, Hattiesburg MS — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 19:12:55 GMT

The ones woh wrote the first 4 blogs should take there heads out of Obama's butt. I was born and raised in Mississippi and I have gone thur a lot of these things if you knew the state Jackson isn't even close to the coast. The Gov. ask him to come, I guess he didn,t need Barack's help he didn't do anything the last time!

Obama to deploy volunteers to help victims

Sharon, Antioch, TN — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 19:13:47 GMT

Barack Obama always applies thought and consideration before he decides what to do. That's why he should be president. He thinks about the consequenses of his actions.

I will not accuse John McCain of going just for a photo op. He just didn't think. And that's the problem with voting him president.

Obama to deploy volunteers to help victims

gracerichardson, midwest city, ok — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 19:14:10 GMT

Just what we need, a person whom thinks with his head and not a person that doesn't think at all. It is sad for McCain to prey on another person prey. And then he have to take Barbie(Cindy) with him. What kind of leadership does that show Americans?

Obama to deploy volunteers to help victims

tammy mpls, mn — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 19:15:53 GMT

Obama has the judgement and temperament to be commander in chief. McCain does not. That is the difference America.

Obama to deploy volunteers to help victims

candi california — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 19:22:38 GMT

Clear example of the McCains and ms. congenality putting america first. Yeah right putting america first. Stay away for god's sake. If you want to help have Palin and her evangilicals do a prayer group and turn the storm around. Wasn't it McCains friends who were praying for bad weather? Perhaps they got the dates wrong in their prayers.

Obama to deploy volunteers to help victims

Nicky Mehta, Scarsdale, NY — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 19:24:41 GMT

Hey Mr. Obama, This is a very wise move on the part of the future President of the United States. As a nation we need to stay focused on what the citizens Of Louisiania need and the assistance that both parties can aid them with. With the donations that The Obama campaign can collect could be used to ais those needed. We have to stay united and focused. This is not a photo Op seession for Ms. Alaska. It is a time when we have towork together in a cause that will help our country. It is a time for CHANGE.
GO Obama/Biden Go!!!

Obama to deploy volunteers to help victims

C, in PA — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 19:27:49 GMT

Can someone please suggest to me what we need to do to get the bone heads that do not support Obama to get their heads off their a** and think for just an hour. When Obama and McCain go anywhere, they utilize security agents and considering the times we live in, these can drain quite a resource from that area. So now that McCain is traveling to the storm hit area with his wife and running mate, the amount of security needed to protect them will be enormous and therefore divert needed resource from the area. Sure you can say that you were invited to come but if you understand the impact that your visit may cause, then it will make sense to prefer staying on the phone through the tough period. For all of you Obama supporters, what you have to understand is that in our country, some people benefit from the failures of government and some people benefit from the suffering of others. I will only assume that these boneheads are specifically the ones asking for the rotten state of the country to continue and are threatened that things will get well in Obama’s presidency. God help me if they are not, we really need to do something because I will in my life not understand how idiotic and moronic a human cell can even exist.

Obama to deploy volunteers to help victims

Eva, VA — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 19:31:55 GMT

Love Ya Prez Obama. I'll be checking my emails - let me know how I can help in any way.

Obama to deploy volunteers to help victims

Kevin, SF, CA — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 19:35:58 GMT

The ability to email millions of people who are actively involved in making America better, and asking for volunteers to help out, is... well, AWESOME. Obama's campaign is genius.

Obama to deploy volunteers to help victims

John Denson, League City, Texas — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 19:38:14 GMT

Too bad Obama has zero responsibility for reacting to the Hurricane. It is first Louisiana's job and then the federal government. I don't recall anywhere that is the responsibility of a junior senator running for president. After Berlin, don't ever accuss McCain of a Photo Op.

Obama to deploy volunteers to help victims

Eric, Wichita KS — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 19:39:02 GMT

You guys need to lay off McCain.

You know, John McCain didn't get to hamper hurricaine preparations for 5 years...because he was a POW.

POW POW POW!

Obama to deploy volunteers to help victims

Jay, San Antonio, Texas — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 19:39:25 GMT

Um... duh?

Where are you republican sheep on this one?

Obama to deploy volunteers to help victims

Kathy, Simi Valley CA — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 19:42:43 GMT

McCain is looking for pictures with his new "soulmate" and Obama wants to help.

Obama to deploy volunteers to help victims

Grace, NY — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 19:47:50 GMT

Good man, good team, good plan. Very telling that Obama's reaction is to let the trained service agencies do their job. He's now put his volunteers on notice, and they'll be ready to provide the non-specialist services as soon as they're needed.

The whole thing's impressive.

Obama to deploy volunteers to help victims

Paul Oates, Chicago, Illinois — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 19:49:21 GMT

This really shows exactly how both gentlemen would handle things. McInsane diverts necessary focus and law enforcement that will now have to protect him, Barbie, and Calamity Jane. Obama on the other hand will help when and how its needed. With the POWER of his internet community, we will help the good people of the Gulf states.
Way to go my brother!
November 4th can't come soon enough!

Obama to deploy volunteers to help victims

Matt Shirley, Ewa Beach HI — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 19:51:12 GMT

Hmm, this is interesting. I'm not sure what to make of the McCain campaign/Rep Convention response (other than a God-sent opportunity for an unpopular Pres & VP, that the Obama campaign has been trying to hang on McCain, to NOT show up at the Party Convention). Could be a photo op; could be a demonstration that McCain, the grown-up, grasps life & death situations better than the denizens of the current Administration.

The Obama offer to sent campaign volunteers to the Gulf is fascinating. Can pollsters and letter stuffers and campaign event coordinators help? However, what if they can, and what would it mean if he actually does pull people off of working on a campaign and responding to a real need? Might this signal a new level of maturity about the relative importance of campaigning? Would it be a more effective demonstration of seriousness than a thousand denunciations of negative campaigning, and wonky answers to substantive debate questions? (Same/same if the McCain campaign finds a substantive way to help with disaster relief/recovery.)

Obama to deploy volunteers to help victims

Konrad, Houston, Texas — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 19:52:34 GMT

This is what his speech last Thursday was about--taking care of our communities, and each other. I can think of no better thing for the Obama volunteers to do than to head to Gulf Coast to help storm victims. As a matter of fact, I think I might just head off myself.

Obama to deploy volunteers to help victims

Ann M, OK — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 20:03:28 GMT

How is it that we "ordinary" folks out here can ALL determine that QuickDraw McGraw should just stay away from the Gulf and let the professionals take care of things, and he and his advisors cannot? He is a candidate, for heavens sake--not the head of Homeland Security. Once again, Barack is showing intelligence, savvy, reason and McCain is showing that he is ---well, none of those things.

Obama to deploy volunteers to help victims

amy, Boston — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 20:09:55 GMT

Obama speaks like a true Commander and Chief. McCain acts and sounds like an ego maniac jerk! Look at his VP choice. That speaks volumes to his lack of judgement.
Again Obama shows solid judgement and is the voice of a leader!
Obama/Biden all the way to the White House!

Obama to deploy volunteers to help victims

Harmony — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 20:11:35 GMT

The leader - Obama assesses the situation then leads his army of followers to volunteer. t
McSame McGame- gives lip service, prepares for photo op and a ride in a helicopter - whoopie!

Obama to deploy volunteers to help victims

dp in PHX — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 20:13:51 GMT

Per his campaign spokesperson, McCain is making plans to use the upcoming devastation as a "dramatic backdrop" for his acceptance speech...meaning as his campaign spokesperson was describing, that he literally has been completing arrangements in order to deliver his acceptance speech in the middle of the newly devastated site where Gustav will have laid waste to everything in its path. He feels that it will add something special to his speech. “It will be a dramatic back drop for McCain’s call to action.”
I think that is about the most deplorable thing I have ever heard. During the devastating spring flooding in the Midwest, Barack Obama brought hundreds of volunteers to the towns IN FRONT of the flooding and they spent several hours filling sandbags in order to help residents trying to save their homes/towns (he explained that he did not want to provide a distraction or add to the suffering of those upriver who were already flooded, but had come instead to help those who were preparing for the worse. Upon seeing this McCain diverted his campaigning and swooped in on helicopters directly to the flooded areas so he could do the photo op thing with the dramatic backdrop of a flooded town. Due to the large escort his arrival required, McCain diverted valuable police and local resources away from their communities, just so that he could get pictures of himself pretending to give a d*mn.
When is America going to wake up and see him for what he is, a self-centered, opportunistic, world class cad! Shame on him!!!!

Obama to deploy volunteers to help victims

TB Roseville — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 20:19:01 GMT

Barak, Thanks for having great judgement. I know you will make a great President. Obama/Biden '08-16

Obama to deploy volunteers to help victims

melli ny — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 20:24:26 GMT

Yes, you are a sensible leader. THANK YOU.
The attention that Mccain & his wife gets, can go to the innocent people who are getting heart. They have to stop this idiotic things at least at a devastating situation. Mccain is a such a selfish idiot, he douse not get it. He should go to one of the 7 houses and have a party like last time, katrina came.

Obama to deploy volunteers to help victims

Shirley, Ohio — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 20:24:57 GMT

God bless the gulf coast. I hope everyone is evacuating safely, and preparing for the next few days. And God bless Obama for knowing it's the people of this good country that get the real work done.

Obama to deploy volunteers to help victims

Stephen Missouri — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 20:25:03 GMT

McCain loves to pander for everything...I am dismayed that this guy even has a chance at the Presidency...he is so clueless. He does not get it...Even the President is staying away for now...Whom does McCain think he is?

I hope Americans will wake up and make sure McCain gets nowhere near the whitehouse. This guy is a loose cannon.

Obama to deploy volunteers to help victims

Jean — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 20:29:36 GMT

Please report this!!!

Obama to deploy volunteers to help victims

Leslie, Seattle, WA — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 20:30:34 GMT

All of the previous comments were right on target. I am appalled at McSame's choices in the last week. Sarah Palin is a sham, and this sham visit to Mississippi should be considered the most aggregious lack of understanding of what is right for the American public -- what does he think we are, idiots? He should be ashamed of what he is doing -- I know I am.
And Obama? He is showing the statesman-like qualities that we have not seen in a politician in a long time. He is keeping us in the forefront of his decisions. And keeping the soon-to-be victims in his prayers.

Obama to deploy volunteers to help victims

AD, Dallas — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 20:33:27 GMT

Its should be obvious that Mccain only went to that area as a photo-op. His judgment is sorely lacking in every sense of the word. What did he go there to do. He nor Cindy, or that other lady will fill one sandbage. They need to get out of the way so those folks can do their job. On the other hand Bush needed to go because he's the one that can ensure that the coastal region gets every resource available to prevent the last disaster.

Obama to deploy volunteers to help victims

Paul C — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 20:35:12 GMT

If McCain really cares so much, then why is it three years ago he was attending his birthday bash while the city of New Orleans was drowning?

Could it be because there is an election this year?

Obama to deploy volunteers to help victims

Bob Furino, Anamosa, Iowa — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 20:35:38 GMT

Bravo to Senator Obama for putting the needs of the local population first in his choice not to go to the gulf coast himself. He is correct. A visit by either of the presidential candidates would draw away hundreds of local and state law enforcement officers who would need to be diverted to protect the candidate. Using your network of supporters to assist, if needed, is a brilliant idea. I have watched you over the last year and a half, and every decision you have made has shown excellent judgment. You have won me over, and I will definitely support you in November.

Obama to deploy volunteers to help victims

McCain 08 — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 20:51:57 GMT

You go John. Dems won't see anything you do as positive. Your service is outstanding and you leadership is exactly what we need.

Obama to deploy volunteers to help victims

Kirk, Shreveport, La. — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 21:21:16 GMT

Glad to see that Obama didn't race off to Miss. or La. before the storm for an photo op like McLame! We still can remember McLame and Bush eating birthday cake together during Katrina while Americans drowned in the streets of our cities!

Obama to deploy volunteers to help victims

Doreen Augusta Maine — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 21:37:50 GMT

It is so true that Obama has the right judgment yet again. McCain-Palin want photo ops, Obama offers real assistance.

Obama to deploy volunteers to help victims

Dennis Boyle, Dallas, Texas — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 21:57:37 GMT

Don Quixote McCain and Sally Panza Pallin

There he goes again tilting a Windmill called Gustav. He is going to need a long lance to reach it from Jackson Mississippi. Another Carp Shoot? I suggest he rides a helicopter this time, at least Sally has a lot of experience shooting bears and wolves from one.

Sorry I couldn’t help it. I respect any Veteran that has served his Country. But I would have a whole lot more respect if his voting record showed he supported Veterans. It takes more than being a Veteran and a POW to be qualified to be President. Oh, ans osrry but I can;t respect anyone that says they are a hunter and shoots animals from a Helicopter.

It’s time for a Proactive Government that really understands our needs. If McCain wants to prove something to me, he should camp out on one of the oil rigs that he says never get damaged in Hurricanes. Just one more lie and more Grandstanding. Talk about a Celebrity.

I have some experience is Disaster Preparation, the last thing I would want is a politician and a mob of Media mucking things up. It reminds me of Field Grade Officers in Vietnam, visiting the front when things were quiet. Just so they could get the right medal for their career. They tied up a Helicopter and a Gun Ship that could have been saving lives. . .

Obama to deploy volunteers to help victims

Roger Evans Springville, In — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 22:05:40 GMT

Has anyone noticed that whenever Mrs Palin gives a speech with Mccain around her that he is looking at her backside alot? Is it the viagra? What a goofball.

Obama to deploy volunteers to help victims

Thank you Barack and Joe — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 22:09:39 GMT

Thank you Barack and Joe...

Thank you for being about the people and not yourselves (just like you said you'd be).

No Beauty and the Beast ticket!

God Bless the Gulf Region

Obama to deploy volunteers to help victims

American Voter — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 22:15:34 GMT

All we hear from what McCain is doing is blah, blah, blah. He says Country First but Obama is the one who is doing it. McCain is using it as a photo op with his sidekick, Cheney, I mean, Palin. Obama announced way before McCain's photo op opportunity that his supporters were to wait for instructions on giving financially or with time and resources to help whatever area is hardest hit and in need.

It is exhausting quite frankly how much the media replays all of their GOP talking points, including Tom Brokaw, who you would think would be above showing prejudices. The media is owned by GOP corporations plus make such enormous salaries they prefer to keep their wealth. Just because it was supposed to be the GOP Convention does not mean that they get to dictate what happens in the nation this week in terms of all issues like natural disaster. Last time I looked McCain was not president. But who would know that from the way you report. And from McIdiot doing presumptive stuff like sending Cindy McCain to Georgia to meet with I am sure his campaign's lobbiest interests. Where is the formal investigation into Putin's arguement that McCain/Bush started this confrontation in order to help further their election chances??? I believe it is totally within the realm of reason.

That Maria character from CNBC is that most disgusting excuse for a reporter. She is so over the top in the tank for McCain. CSPAN and PBS are looking better and better. MSNBC and NBC better get their act together. America is saying in collective mass - not this time. You will not use GOP propaganda to sway another election.