First thoughts: Pivoting to the economy

Chuck, NY — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 13:46:44 GMT

Do you think the Palin bubble has burst? Do you think it is a sign a weakness that McCain & Plain campaign together, because separately they are weak? Does McCain look like someone who needs to be in an adult day care center? Does McCain’s constant “my friends” comment bother you as much as it bothers me? Do you wonder what everything will be like a year from now? What would a McCain presidency be like at that point? Would our ‘fundamentally strong’ great depression ruin McCain? Can you foresee a Palin scandal or resignation?

Why doesn’t Obama fight back hard? Does he really think taking the high road all the time will get him elected? Why won’t he campaign with President Clinton? Senator Clinton? Does he need a big super campaign rally right now, say the size of the Denver acceptance speech? Senator Biden is great, but should he have chosen Hillary? Will the media support an Obama presidency, or would they try to tear it down? A year from now if Obama loses, what will his Senate career be like?

First thoughts: Pivoting to the economy

More to the Point than David Brooks — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 13:47:19 GMT

Sarah Palin is McCrypt's Harriet Myers. And it's stunning to watch some of our fellow Americans swooning like this is American Idol. This is a nice woman. This is not a woman ready to be President.

First thoughts: Pivoting to the economy

dl, exeter, nh — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 13:47:42 GMT

there is one big blame for this mess

deregulation

the overwhelming captain of deregulation?

the guy who wrote Mccain's economic platform.

the same guy who received 750k last year alone to fight for deregulation in the banking sector.

Phil Gramm

Same team

same tactics

same outcome

9th year/

throw these bums out.

First thoughts: Pivoting to the economy

Remarkable Really — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 13:49:05 GMT

And tomorrow the catnip media will be played for fools again and spend the entire day talking about "Hollywood elites" and Obama.

First thoughts: Pivoting to the economy

GDI in michigan — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 13:49:26 GMT

Off Subject**************************************************************
From yesterday
MICHIGAN: "Michigan's history of racial tensions is tugging against its Democratic tendencies, giving Barack Obama fits in a state where almost everything else -- a soaring unemployment rate, a shrinking auto industry and a depressed housing market -- potentially benefits Democrats," the AP writes. "The first minority candidate with a serious shot at the presidency is not running as well as his Democratic predecessors among working-class whites in this pivotal Midwestern swing state, partly because of the color of his skin."

I read this story on the AP last night. Seems the author sights 1 source for the assertion that Michigan is full of poor white racest. A guy who said he has friends who wont vote for Obama because of his color. This was a hit job on my state. We are not racest up here and the fact that the MSM is making excuses for “If Obama loses is totally BS. There are plenty of reasons Obama is not doing so good here from the Goveinor to the biggest citys mayor scandle. But this lazy jurnalist (and with work like this I hesetate to even call her that) just mailed in her article and in the process slandered my state.

First thoughts: Pivoting to the economy

Jerry Williams, Miami,Fla. — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 13:50:44 GMT

SENATOR MCCAIN, CAN I BORROW ONE OF YOUR 7 HOMES TO LIVE IN ? SINCE THE "FUNDEMENTALLY SOUND" ECONOMY, HAS PUT MY FAMILY OUT ON THE STREET.

First thoughts: Pivoting to the economy

Hillary Democrats for McCain/Palin — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 13:50:46 GMT

Obama has more problems than just Sarah Palin. Obama WILL lose because support for him is soft. Here's why: Obama gamed the primary/caucus system and his campaign committed out & out FRAUD in the caucuses. His campaign thugs bussed in out-of-staters, intimidated and bullied Clinton supporters and filed fraudulent reports. He cheated Hillary out of enough votes to have made a difference in the overall delegate count.

There is now a complete report on ALL of this despicable behavior & videos of interviews with caucus workers. The most poignant is a black woman in video #3, who describes 2 black men preventing anyone but Obama supporters (including several elderly black women) from passing them on their way to the caucus. She is terribly sad about this, remembering how black folks suffered the same way in past elections. Everyone should be aware of this. Please view the 4 videos & read the report: http://wewillnotbesilenced2008.com/ http://www.lynettelong.com/ The delegates Obama got in the caucuses do not represent as many voters as the ones Hillary got in the primary wins. So that's why his support out there is soft. The end NEVER justifies the means, when the means are dishonest. Black people have worked long and hard to have fair elections, and Obama has broken this trust. Rumor has it that the Obama crew is planning some surreptitious fraud for the GE, too. They are scrambling to register any college student they can, arming them with a absentee ballot application, and out of the side of their mouths, telling them that no one can cross check if they register in their college state & vote there, too. Politics, Chicago style. Just imagine what kind of President he'd be. We'd wish we had Bush back!

First thoughts: Pivoting to the economy

Nashville_fan — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 13:50:52 GMT

The media looked into John McCain's soul and saw a "good man".

Now John McCain is DARING the media to say anything while he attempts to lie and cheat his way to the White House.

Sarah Palin and John McCain are two of the most prolific liars in American History.

What's that sound I hear?

The silence of the media. The silence of the Republican Party. The silence of the Democratic party. The silence of our financial "leaders". The silence of our military "leaders".

Sitting back once again and letting it all happen on their watch.

Just like Iraq.

Just like Enron.

Just like the Housing Crisis.

Just like the S & L scandal.

Just like the current Stock Market Crash.

And Americans just keep voting for them so they can feel "safe".

Soon there won't be anything left to protect.

First thoughts: Pivoting to the economy

Midwest Mom — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 13:51:35 GMT

Is this the time for Obama to unveil Bubba?
---------------
Regardless of whether you supported Hillary Clinton's primary campaign, you must admit that there are few campaigners as adept as Bill and Hillary Clinton. There is a power and simplicity to their words that will resonate on economic issues in this election. I say, yes, Unleash Bubba on hometowns across the US. I am ready for less distraction and more issues-focused debate.

BTW, Joe Biden was *inspired* yesterday. I am looking forward to seeing and hearing more from him as we move closer to election day.
----------------------
What Women (Voters) Want
http://ilfamilypolitics.blogspot.com

First thoughts: Pivoting to the economy

the Pajama Pundit — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 13:52:02 GMT

McCain joins Palin on the campaign trail again, in the battleground of Ohio.
*******************************************************

He won't win without her. People don't come to the town halls or rally events to see him, they come to see her...

http://thepajamapundit.com/

First thoughts: Pivoting to the economy

Pat Huntington NY [going Red for '08] — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 13:53:09 GMT

Obama losing his double digit lead in NY to a statistical tie! This means start practicing, President McCain, President McCain, VP Palin, VP Palin, and then President Palin, President Palin...

First thoughts: Pivoting to the economy

JAB — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 13:53:21 GMT

Love the women angle!...especially Debbie Wasserman Schultz....she can tear anyone to shreads!
OBAMA/BIDEN 08

First thoughts: Pivoting to the economy

Pat, Boston, MA — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 13:53:52 GMT

Interesting segment last night with Keith Olbermann and Chuck Todd. I can’t say I was particularly pleased with Chuck’s map, but at least I know I’m getting a fair, professional, in-depth look into the electoral numbers and what the future may or may not hold for us in the upcoming weeks. That’s all we can ask for just about now with everyone on edge.

Thanks Chuck. Thanks Keith. Thanks Rachel. I don't know about anyone else, but I'm about as optimistic as I can be. And at the same time a little terrified. This country cannot survive with 4 more years of a republican party that is unwilling and unable to govern.

Go Obama.

Everyone, do what you can to help, even if it means going over state lines to swing states. This election is that important. Obama started strong; he now has to finish strong. With our help.

First thoughts: Pivoting to the economy

amy — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 13:54:02 GMT

I highly recommend following the link to the Brooks editorial for anyone who hasn't read it -- fascinating assessment of the country and Palin's readiness, written by a staunch conservative.

First thoughts: Pivoting to the economy

KJ, Dallas, TX — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 13:54:35 GMT

...and who was the one who helped create this nightmare... PHIL GRAMM(sp). Just as Bill Press alluded to this morning, Phil Gramm deregulated the financial institutions which caused them to take advantage of the situation. As usual, big business only cares about one thing, MONEY. Big business and financial institutions cannot be trusted to do the right thing which is why government HAS to regulate. The Repugnants caused this problem, but THEY CANNOT BE TRUSTED TO FIX THIS PROBLEM.

Low information voters, and "OTHERS" had better get a clue in this election. Forget about the color of the skin and do the right thing for this country. We will either prosper together or perish together.

OBAMA/BIDEN, 2008!

First thoughts: Pivoting to the economy

Palin's Army — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 13:54:37 GMT

Keep throwing the mud at Palin liberals. Just keep it up. It worked so well when running against Bush (forged National Guard documents, 30 year old drunk driving arrest) that it will surely work well against Palin. You guys are looking like a bunch of idiots going after Palin this way.

First thoughts: Pivoting to the economy

Janet, Texas — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 13:54:56 GMT

First read, can you elaborate on the "bridge to nowhere" now moving forward? Is this true?

First thoughts: Pivoting to the economy

Feisty Redhead Roselle, IL — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 13:55:28 GMT

Parakeet Palin REALLY needs a new speech… this one is as old & tired as she is…same old Republican song and dance. Once again we get the shtick ‘thanks but no thanks’ even though it’s been proven it’s an outright LIE! But then again that’s all they have to offer – NOTHING! DO THEY REALLY THINK THE MAJORITY OF AMERICANS NEEDED TO WIN ARE THAT STUPID??

BTW – I was out canvassing DEEP in supposed McCain territory this weekend in Southern Wisconsin and was pleasantly surprised at the number of Obama supporters – regardless of the lawn signs that proclaimed ‘Democrats for McCain’ and my personal favorite:

‘Families for McCain’… yeah riiiight… the party of family values my a@@!!

So Chuck T can say all he wants about Wisconsin being a ‘toss up’ trust me it’s going ROYAL BLUE this year. I have been there every Sat for the last month and plan to continue helping out my neighbors from now until election day!

It’s easy to sit in a chair in front of a camera all the time and repeat the ‘talking points’ that have been handed to you (since there’s not a journalist out there that really GOES after a story)… So say what you want… but I’m out talking to the ACTUAL voters there in WI – and they are voting for Barack Obama!!

And a quick SHOUT OUT to my group last Sat – NICE JOB!

Obama/Biden – This is OUR TIME!

First thoughts: Pivoting to the economy

Nashville_fan — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 13:55:37 GMT

How about some investigative reporting about how the Republican Party's deregulation of the banking industry created the environment where abuses could take out not just a bank or two, but the entire U.S. economy?

Can we get some FACTS? Some RESEARCH? Some TRUTH?

Enough of the speculation, time for some recent HISTORY.

This was all predictable and preventable. But we let the corporate wolves run the hen house - AGAIN - and now we've got alot of dead hens with more to come.

Reading these polls is like playing the slot machines - it's all a big gamble.

It's been almost two years and no one has EVER called me. The polls have been erratic and inaccurate this year - why do we waste so much time analyzing them instead of the candidates RECORDS?

DO YOUR JOBS PLEASE!

First thoughts: Pivoting to the economy

Mr Eko — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 13:55:52 GMT

"a McCain spokesman said that Palin is unlikely to cooperate with investigators looking into the matter."
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

What happened to reforming government? What happened to transparency and holding people accountable? Being secretive and running from investigators is NOT new - it's the exact same method of operation that the Bush/Cheney administration employed.

More. Of. The. Same.

Palin is just as corrupt as all the other politicians that she's been railing against.

First thoughts: Pivoting to the economy

Scott Larson, Beachwood, FL — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 13:57:30 GMT

First Read: " anyone notice what a lower profile Michelle Obama has been taking since the naming of Palin?"

Two reasons. MO has a real problem shooting her mouth off in public. The Obama campaign doesn't have enough time to clean up her messes anymore. And two, she's not running for anything!!!

First thoughts: Pivoting to the economy

Pete - Albany, NY — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 13:58:19 GMT

Did it ever occur to anyone that the reason both McCain and Palin are running on their acceptance speeches is that they have nothing else to say?

First thoughts: Pivoting to the economy

Andrea, New York City — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 13:58:25 GMT

Does it occur to the public and the media that Palin's appearance on the scene coincided with "back to school".

Knowing Michelle Obama—that is her goal right now: Her girls and getting them settled at school.

The Obamas are very interested in education and the importance of same.

First thoughts: Pivoting to the economy

Whos really the elitist? McLIAR... — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 13:59:37 GMT

We have someone that has more than 5 homes, admitted he doesn't know much about the economy and has other people to look to (meaning he doesn't want to know about it), says thing are fundementally good, says he is not in touch with the normal people...
HOW DO YOU EXPECT HIM TO TURN THINGS AROUND?

HE DOESN'T CARE, BECAUSE HE DOESN'T HAVE TO.

Please elect someone that does give a damn about us!

First thoughts: Pivoting to the economy

Ron Indiana — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 13:59:55 GMT

The Economy: It is "fundamentally" so bad that even wealthy Republicans are losing money. Declining stock investments, Difficulty borrrowing money. Declining home values.

The middle class American is also having difficulty with high gas prices, high food prices, their smaller homes devalued, high mortgage rates.

The less fortunate are out of work, more lay offs. Yes, the economy is in meltdown mode and will not get better by November 4th. The banking/mortgage market collapse rests at the feet of Phil Gramm, McCain's economic advisor. There is no question about it. On CBS McCain lied over and over again regarding the GOP's desire to regulate. It was a "sin".

Thinking of lying. Since the Republicans continue to indiscriminately lie. I'm wondering if FactCheck could be used in the Debates? The debators give an answer and when it does not fit the facts, the moderator do a follow-up on the lie. The technology is there. We have never had an election with so many blantant lies and the only way they will be stopped is for someone to call them on it, right then...in front of the viewing audiance.

The country cannot have another administration that lies, disregards supeonas, covers up truth. It is indeed time for a change in economics and the way government does business.

First thoughts: Pivoting to the economy

Whos really the elitist? McLIAR... — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 14:00:11 GMT

First thoughts: Pivoting to the economy

KJ, Dallas, TX — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 14:00:57 GMT

As an Obama supporter, I think that it is a sad commentary on the American IQ that this election is even close, given the mess the Republicans have gotten us in after the past eight years. Please, people, think with your brain and your pocketbook and you will see the light!!

First thoughts: Pivoting to the economy

KJ, Dallas, TX — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 14:02:53 GMT

Silly "women" are really doing this country a disservice. After being witness to this GE, and seeing how women react, I can honestly say that it will be a cold day in hell before I vote for a woman. It is clear that we are absolutely not ready to make clear and informed decisions. Unfortunately, we still allow "feelings" to get in the way and cloud our better judgement.

First thoughts: Pivoting to the economy

BJ, CA — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 14:03:24 GMT

The Alaskan Bear
Either fact or fiction could the bear express,
for being there we could only guess.
Everyone looked and buzzed with amaze,
for bear was there with us in a daze.
There was no fear in the bear we saw,
we heard, we stared with all our awe.
The bear took a moose and then some fish,
to our surprise we were all in a bliss.
Chefs and jets were made to take a hike,
and lipstick and bulldogs were our delight..
Pipelines and gas were the purpose of life,
the bear needed to tell us all of that strife.
The bear smiled has to eat our delight,
we jumped and sang to take that flight.
After St. Paul we could hear the bear growl,
the same old stuff to all our howls.
Trouble and talking of this past awful trooper,
may turn out to be a bears really big pooper..
Money and travel to home to per diem
can't tell if the bear should have ever receive'm
Venture not far and be on this leash ,
for the bear is not quite ready to take that release.
Keep giving those songs of praise and token,
your handler will keep you always well spoken .
As the days go by for bear walks alone..
we start to see that the bear is only a clone
We must look to see if the bear will follow..
for someday we vote for the bear in the hollow..

First thoughts: Pivoting to the economy

Howard, NYC — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 14:03:50 GMT

So Palin is not going to cooperate with investigators, eh?

This really is sounding more and more like McCain-Palin is campaigning for Bush-Cheney's third term.

First thoughts: Pivoting to the economy

Kathie, woman -- CT — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 14:03:51 GMT

regarding women -- I think many of us were taking a deep breath and waiting for more of substance to come out on Palin. Now that we know more we're collectively throwing up.

N.O.W. just endorsed Obama and offered a scathing analysis of Palin's views on women -- equal pay, abortion, etc.

She is NOT the woman we need in the white house and more of us need to start being vocal about that.

First thoughts: Pivoting to the economy

Sherry M, Charleston WV — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 14:04:38 GMT

Michelle Obama is home taking care of her little girls..its the beginning of the school year. She has the AUDACITY to put her children first.

First thoughts: Pivoting to the economy

Obama Is Best For America — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 14:05:37 GMT

On "Wooing Women"........don't forget Cecile Richards (daughter of Gov. Ann Richards). How about Susan Eisenhower (granddaughter of Pres. Eisenhower)? She was terrific at the Dem Convention.

WOMEN HAVE TO UNDERSTAND HOW DETRIMENTAL A MCCAIN/PALIN ticket is to their issues!!

WOMEN.....WAKE UP!

OBAMA/BIDEN '08

First thoughts: Pivoting to the economy

BJ, CA — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 14:06:04 GMT

Warning....Do not attemp to adjust your natural gas pipeline.
Alaska has plenty of gas for you..McCain will bring it to you.
Be sure to not light any matches by this action.
Pressure is building and there will not be any delay.
The gas must pass thru those pipes but be aware it has potential of

blasting effects butt SBD's might occur..
Please no drilling in that area needed. Just breath deeply
and worry not, there is always more where he produces it.
As Alaska is so very proud by how much gas it produces there are rumors

at our friends from South of the Border can too. These are only rumors

but we should get John McCain to sniff it out for us...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HwTKM_u-7j4
Check this out too...It has to have something to do with POW.
What's John McCain hiding about his time in a Vietnam Prison Camp?

First thoughts: Pivoting to the economy

BJ, CA — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 14:06:52 GMT

Did anybody McPunk on Morning Joe..

Cheap shot...that's you calling you you.

This guy is always looking for a fight..well he'll find one someday.. I hope not with our military...

John McCain as the biggest Napoleonic personna I've ever seen...and that scares me..

I wonder what he thinks about Brigadier General MacArthur?
Hero or loose cannon?

First thoughts: Pivoting to the economy

Suz in KS — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 14:07:45 GMT

I'm seriously beginning to wonder about the mental acuity of McCain for him to keep saying that. How many economic systems have to FAIL for him to acknowledge that the fundamentals of our economy are NOT strong right now. We are at a tipping point. We can decide to continue on the way we have been or we can realize that the last time our economy was sound was under a Democratic president. We've continually struggled under the Bush administration push for de-regulation, huge tax breaks for the wealthiest of the US population, fewer opportunities for the US worker to pull themselves out of poverty, and complete government incompetence. And now we are faced with even MORE of these policies in McCain. He needs to stop saying the fundamentals are strong. Its asinine to say he was only talking about the US work. No one is stupid enough to buy that malarkey. And now we're hearing about more incompetent cronyism in the Alaska government! Geez...these Republican REALLY think the American electorate is stupid. Its insulting. We aren't sheeple! Tell us the truth and how you're going to deal with it! Obama has.
No way. No how. No McCain. No Palin!!!!!!

First thoughts: Pivoting to the economy

D.M. Jonesboro, Ar. — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 14:08:11 GMT

I Didn't know where to put this E Mail so I will put it here. While watching morning Joe this morning I saw McCain take a low blow at Mikka . What disturbed me is that the other people on the panel did not call his hand on it. I have watched Fox for years, but have figured out they our truly one sided and the difference between them and the other network news is they claim to be fair and balanced. The news media has made Palin a star on every network. I am ashamed as a woman that no one on the panel on morning Joe came to her defense I assume they are scared of McCain. I have always voted Rep. for president, but will vote for Obama this year. I am a 49 year old woman.

First thoughts: Pivoting to the economy

Eric, Salinas, CA — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 14:08:14 GMT

"Bush Hugger" McCain certainly doesn't get the economy. His clueless repeating of the Bush mantra that the economic fundamentals are strong shows just how out of touch with reality he is. If the fundamentals were strong then we wouldn't be seeing Wall Street in crisis, or the housing market tanking, or the auto industry begging for government bailout loans, or mortgage foreclosures at a record pace.

It is so comical hearing "Bush Hugger" McCain talkng about more government regulation and oversight, something he has spent his whole career destroying. Just campaign talk and if he gets elected it will be back to business as usual of massive deficit spending, you know stealing from our children and grandchildren, and gutting government regulations meant to keep the white collar criminals from ripping the rest of us off.

Go Obama/Biden 08/12!

First thoughts: Pivoting to the economy

thats a fact jack — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 14:08:20 GMT

palin is just more of the same ol bait and switch, first she will co-operate with and wants a full investigation now she wont talk, she was for bridge to no where now against it but kept the $ instead of returning it to American taxpayer, she is a tough pit bull dog but wont talk to anyone and answere question, I guess cause she either does not know any answeres or does not want anyone to hear her answeres and also does not want tough questions asked even tho she is tough.

First thoughts: Pivoting to the economy

Andrea, New York City — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 14:08:54 GMT

McLiar and his Bush clone side-kick really need to go!

Obama/Biden really care about us.

First thoughts: Pivoting to the economy

drill it, nj — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 14:09:08 GMT

Obama fundraising is like the sun rising in the east: it isn't news.

The economy IS fundamentally strong, First Read. This latest 'bubble' is not going to have a longlasting effect; however, the energy crisis WILL.

And American's already know who has the answer for that-it ain't Obama.

First thoughts: Pivoting to the economy

B. OBAMA — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 14:09:41 GMT

A DAY A THE BALL PARK $75.00, A NEW HAIR DO $ 95.00, A GALLON OF GAS $ 7 BUCKS AND A QUOTE FROM SENATOR MCCAIN SPEECH ON THE ECONOMY...PRICELESS !

First thoughts: Pivoting to the economy

mike — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 14:09:54 GMT

Bring on the debates. All this other rhetoric is smoke and mirrors by both sides. At this point I am not supporting either candidate, but I do agree with McCain that more combined town-hall meetings should be held, so the voters can ask the candidtes for specifics.

First thoughts: Pivoting to the economy

MickeyD, Tampa FL — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 14:11:26 GMT

Would first like to say that it's about time the media focus on the issues. I don't see why you cover any campaigns, if they are not willing to answer questions on issues.
Comments on the Economy: Let's make the first debate on the economy.
Comments on 2 Better than One: We all know it's really one person on the Republican side. Get to issues.
Comments on a star is born: Celebrities live, breath and pay taxes in this country. Nothing wrong with that fundraiser.
Comments on Wooing Women: I wish the media would focus on how truly Palin will affect women's issues. As far as I know, she's hasn't voted "FOR" many women.

First thoughts: Pivoting to the economy

swallace — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 14:11:26 GMT

Chuck - Why are the press not pressing for Palin interviews.It seems like you guys are happy just to let this woman slide into the WH without being vetted. Other than Rachel Maddow I don't hear anyone pressing the McCain campaign on why this woman is being wrapped in red white and blue bunting and allowed to repeat her ies on the stump.

What is going on with our media.