First thoughts: All eyes on Congress

the Pajama Pundit — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 13:38:34 GMT

The latest Washington Post/ABC poll has Obama with a clear nine-point lead nationally over McCain, 52%-43%
*****************************************************

Wow. What happened to that 'Sarah Palin bounce'?

http://thepajamapundit.com/

First thoughts: All eyes on Congress

Billy, MI — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 13:38:53 GMT

First thoughts: All eyes on Congress

twocanpete — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 13:40:52 GMT

http://twocanpete.blogspot.com/
Congress must refuse to act! Let the market take it's course. Come to my blog to see a picture of Barney Frank and company laughing as Bill Clinton repeals Glass-Steagall back in 1999!

First thoughts: All eyes on Congress

KJ, Dallas, TX — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 13:42:21 GMT

NO BAIL-OUT
NO BAIL-OUT
NO BAIL-OUT

Big business/RepubliCons along with predatory lenders, and silly homeowners who purchased homes that they knew darn well they couldn't afford made the mess, so let them clean it up.

OBAMA/BIDEN, 2008!

First thoughts: All eyes on Congress

CA Voter — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 13:43:03 GMT

On the heels of the new ABC poll, get ready for the most vicious mudslinging yet. Rovian politics knows no other way: when you're down, turn up the volume on the lies and the garbage.

First thoughts: All eyes on Congress

Earl Weaver, Manager, Baltimore Orioles — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 13:43:10 GMT

"I'd rather have you walk with the bases loaded" I replied to one of my outfielders when he said to me: “It’s great to walk with the Lord.”

First thoughts: All eyes on Congress

Obama Is Best For America — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 13:50:12 GMT

Senator Obama has shown true LEADERSHIP regarding his comments about the bail-out.

He is looking out for ALL citizens ---- this is what we need --- a comforting leader that is watching the store!

Attention all racists ----GET OVER IT! His blood is red, too. McCain and Palin would be disastrous for this country.

VOTE OBAMA/BIDEN '08 --

First thoughts: All eyes on Congress

Danny - Salt Lake City, UT — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 13:51:11 GMT

Hmm, things don't seem to be looking so great for the McPalin campaign. Now that people and the media are focused on the issues (you know, those things that matter) instead of makeup on farm animals the candidates true colors are showing. On one side you have someone who is cool, calm, and intelligent in a crisis situation and another who wants to create commitees and fire people. America and the world are going to see an amazing change when the Obama/Biden ticket is voted into office.

First thoughts: All eyes on Congress

matt — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 13:51:41 GMT

Will swing voters go for track record on the economy or experience? Do they just want a generic "change" after the Bush disaster, or is a steady hand - no matter how similar to Bush - more desirable? Those are the key questions a little over a month out from 11/4...

http://www.political-buzz.com/

First thoughts: All eyes on Congress

jawillie, Philadelphia, PA. — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 13:51:43 GMT

Great news for team Obama. Up in polls across the board. However, keep in mind that Obama needs to be up by at least 10pts on Election Day to win. That's because many of the people polled may not vote the way they say they're going to vote when they get in the booth. There's still plenty of campaign left, including 4 debates, and plenty of time for an October surprise. Let's keep it real.

Also, note to Obama: PLEASE TALK TO YOUR BOY, BIDEN! Pull this clown aside and smack him upside his head before he loses this thing for you.

And the question of the day: Where's Sarah?

Obama/Biden '08!

First thoughts: All eyes on Congress

Ron Indiana — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 13:52:15 GMT

A lot to talk about: The bailout: Rank and file Americans really don't support the current bailout package as presented to Congress. There is and will be a growing loathing of Wall Street for "doing shoddy business" and the American people have no desire to bail-out wealthy bankers. Also the amount of the bailout is outrageous. Any republican who ever supported (McCain) deregulation may just as well pack up his tent. Some economist see other alternatives to the proposed bailout and they may be put on the table. If that happens, the waters will really get muddy and it will take at least 2 weeks to find any solution. Obama is again on the right side of the issue by wanting to take care of middle America and still giving tax breaks to middle America. I recall Clinton had a similar economic problem as he wanted to initiate health care, but had to first deal with financial problems left by Bush 41.

The other issue that makes me angry is the Palin V press/media issue. It simply is not right that the media is not allowed to ask some hard questions to this candidate. Certainly if the media waits long enough she will have learned the Karl Rove answers and we will never know what she really thinks. Never in the history of this country has a candidate been able to avoid the press the way she has. My solution would be for the media to boycott the McCain/Palin entirely (Yes, All events)until the media has access to her. The McCain camp would back down in a heart beat.
Final comment: Yes, something is happening in Indiana. It will be very close. Maybe a few thousand vote will determine the winner.

First thoughts: All eyes on Congress

Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 13:52:38 GMT

Obama needs to drive home the point Friday that our economy is intertwined in foreign policy - you can bet a lot of other countries are watching our markets right now and hoping we can pull these stabilizing attempts off - as well as the fact that our economy ought to be our top national security focus.

A currency collapse most likely would be more devastating than any terrorist attack we can imagine; even one with a nuclear device.

Also, at a time when it isn't hard to foresee that we'll have to tighten our belts in the future, dealing with international situations from a position of leadership will require having the cooperation of other nations.

It simply isn't the right time to be wondering if Spain is a friend or someone we need to stand up to - it isn't the right time for a president like McCain who emotionally defaults toward kneejerk, gut decisions about foreign policy.

We need a foreign policy aimed at defusing tensions rather than one based on cowboy belligerence.

First thoughts: All eyes on Congress

Mia in Miami — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 13:53:24 GMT

I hope these polls are accurate but then again who knows? My thing is, I really hope people are starting to look at the real issues and not these "stupid" a** ads trying to tear down the other candidate.

Seriously, Bush is just tossing out things at the last minute because he is leaveing office soon. This country is in a huge financial crisis and people need resolutions. I just hope the $700 billion isn't to help bail out big corporate execs but they really think it through and come up with a good plan.

First thoughts: All eyes on Congress

Trey, Indianapolis, In — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 14:13:22 GMT

Note to Republicans . . . if the RNC or McCain have to spend a dollar in Indiana, you've got a problem.

Of course failing your first 3 p.m. phone calls on the economy as a Presidential candidate so badly that George F. Will doesn't think you'll make a good President will do that to you.

I live in Indiana, home of the Republicans, and I have to ask you; what does a McCain sign look like???

I have only seen one and I've been all over the state including small town Republican strongholds. One would think the Palin bounce could have produced a few yard signs.

First thoughts: All eyes on Congress

Full Moon — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 14:14:58 GMT

Investor and businessman Warren Buffett seems to thinks the worst is over concerning the banking and investment collapse on Wall Street. He has just invested several million in stocks to prove it.
But then again, Warren has millions to lose, should it come to that.

First thoughts: All eyes on Congress

The Truth — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 14:17:52 GMT

First thoughts: All eyes on Congress

John Bohlman — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 14:18:59 GMT

Hopefully the republican "brand" will be forever tarnished by moral, ethical, and financial scandals.
Where is the outrage, when 700 billion is being proposed to bailout wall street, where will we get this money?
My best guess- China, or some middle east oil rich country who may or may not support terrorism.
When you buy only with a credit card sooner or later you must make payments, looks like after 8 years the buying on credit has caught up to us!
ENOUGH!!!!!
THIS INSANITY HAS TO STOP!!!
VOTE OBAMA FOR A CLEAN BREAK WITH THE PAST, A CLEAR VOTE FOR A BETTER, THOUGHTFUL FUTURE!!!

First thoughts: All eyes on Congress

Dagny in Chicago — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 14:19:35 GMT

"it now appears that McCain misspoke when he told John Harwood of CNBC and the New York Times that Davis had no involvement with either Fannie or Freddie in the past several years"

Why can't you just say he lied. Again.

First thoughts: All eyes on Congress

Sara, Cedar Rapids, Iowa — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 14:20:46 GMT

I have searched and find no McCain co-sponsor legislation regarding Fannie and Freddie, he did speak ONCE on the Senate floor, and indicated he would join as a co-sponsor but none of the legislative drafts include his name as a co-sponsor. Is first read accepting McCain's or an NBC intern word (who maybe accepting McCain's word on this) on this, or has it actually verified McCain's claim. It'd be great to see the actual legislation he co-sponsored, date, SF #, etc. Because my search on the Washington Post's congressional records, Votesmart.org, and Thomas websites have failed to find any such legislation. Votesmart is where I found his one speech, and that really related to the scandal regarding lobby activity and cooked books.

First thoughts: All eyes on Congress

Ed, San Antonio — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 14:21:43 GMT

It has been reported that a lot of these BIG institutions are being invested by the FBI, for fraud!

Since there is such a crisis, they must be guilty of something!

Congress should not bail them out until and after the investigation is complete....GUILTY until proven INNOCENT.

Victims (John Q Public) of criminal acts usually receive compensation. Not the other way around!

First thoughts: All eyes on Congress

Full Moon — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 14:24:35 GMT

Iran's leader Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who wants Israel and all of western civilization dead (for you left-wingers, that's means us), was interviewed by CNN's Larry King last night.

Ahmadinejad seemed sane because he needed to make it a civil interview, otherwise he preaches death to the U.S. and it's allies.

King asked him everything except what kind of pie he likes. It wasn't even an interview as much as it was "nice to meet you, let's talk about your family."

The conclusion here is that, at least for this interview, King was the out of touch and partially insane one in the room. Go CNN ... you idiots.

First thoughts: All eyes on Congress

Al, Houston, TX — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 14:28:19 GMT

One of the arguments for the bailout is to avoid a recession. Sorry, most of the country has been in a recession for over a year. During the economic growth period from 2000 to 2007 all but the top 20% of earners saw flat or declining wages. Since last year all but the top 2-5% has been suffering. It’s no longer a question of recession—we’re facing a depression. Per Marriner Eccles (FDR’s Federal Reserve Chairman) what kicked off the depression of the 30’s was; 1) an extreme income gap promoted the use of credit to maintain a lifestyle, 2) consumers stopped consuming to pay off their credit debt, 3) lack of consumption reduced the demand for products, 4) reduced product demand put workers out of work and 5) everything spiraled down from there. It sort of sounds like our current economic situation. At the other end of the spectrum, the years from 1948 to 1962 was economically our strongest period. It was strong because of a large middle class with true buying power—a result of post WWII policies benefiting our GIs. Obama’s programs (health care, education, tax breaks for 95% of works, incentives to grow alternative energy industries,…) will again grow our middle class.

First thoughts: All eyes on Congress

MO, El Reno, OK — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 14:30:00 GMT

Here's the truth about the "best liked governor." What a loser she is. At least a loser chose his counterpart. Check out these links about the anti-Palin rally in Alaska. It wasn't covered by the media.

http://www.adn.com/news/alaska/story/525008.html

http://flickr.com/photos/aliza/sets/72157607272845163/

First thoughts: All eyes on Congress

Dave, Tn — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 14:30:39 GMT

The North East won't throw out their trash. Hopefully the FBI will clean the FannieCrats out. Let it hit the wall.

First thoughts: All eyes on Congress

KT, Austin, Tx — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 14:32:09 GMT

Someone said the bailout was equal to 10,000 dollars per household. Suggestions: Give each household that money and let it trickle up to the big boys on Wall Street. Or put it into an account and let citizens or businesses apply for aid if and only if they individually have a crisis. Third, go back to allowing for easier bankruptcy for individuals who get caught in a credit crunch, and amend bankruptcy laws to allow everyone in every state to keep their homes. The bailout proposed is sheer gall and idiocy.

First thoughts: All eyes on Congress

Dave, Tn — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 14:32:27 GMT

Big business/RepubliCons along with predatory lenders, and silly homeowners who purchased homes that they knew darn well they couldn't afford made the mess, so let them clean it up.

OBAMA/BIDEN, 2008!
KJ, Dallas, TX (Sent Wednesday, September 24, 2008 9:42 AM)
_______________________________________________

http://www.motherjones.com/washington_dispatch/2008/08/compucredit-cfsa-payday-loans-core-sclc-civil-rights.html

First thoughts: All eyes on Congress

Diane from Illinois — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 14:34:26 GMT

I think they should change the topics of the debate to the economy. I know it would be practically impossible, because of all the preparations going into it, but this is really what American's want to hear about right now.
Billy, MI
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Sit back and enjoy Billy. Watch how Obama will skillfully bring this debate right back to the economy. It's McCain's weak point and Obama will ppoint out that we can't be strong of the foreign front if we aren't strong at home and we can't be strong at home with this banking crisis or spending ungodly sums of money {borowed from China you know)on a "we should have never gone there" war in Iraq. Have no fear; Obama will handle it like the next President should! I can't wait until he buries McFossil!

First thoughts: All eyes on Congress

NO WAY to socialist republicans — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 14:37:50 GMT

Let the companies go under. They didn't and don't care about people losing their homes and being homeless. As far as I care, they can be jobless. Oh, well, to bad, should have planned better and shown more responsibility. Isn't that the talking points with the republicans when any social program is brought up before congress?

Democrats- you better say NO, and NOT THIS TIME to these thieves!

First thoughts: All eyes on Congress

The Real Truth!!!! — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 14:45:22 GMT

Let's fast forward.... There is a total collapse of the economic structure within the U.S. ... The rest of world has pushed to the dollar's value to 15 cents....Hmmmmmm, Keep Gambling... Just look at your stock!!!!

First thoughts: All eyes on Congress

rick maryland — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 14:45:45 GMT

what are these dire consequences that hover over us . what could be more dire than the last eight years.fat cats lose their jobs , does this trickle down to the tradesman as the other trickle trickled us . dems in congress please show some gumption that is why you were elected two years ago .bernanke i don't want confidence in our financial markets, i want an end to the b.s. humor us explain what this means to me . you may find we're not as mindless as the experts. enough enough give me a man who finished in the top 5% of his class (obama) as opposed to the bottom 5% (mccain ,bush ) and didn't have to be appointed to college by their power laden daddies. thanks for letting me vent!!!

First thoughts: All eyes on Congress

Clara Kansas City, MO — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 14:47:18 GMT

King asked him everything except what kind of pie he likes. It wasn't even an interview as much as it was "nice to meet you, let's talk about your family."

The conclusion here is that, at least for this interview, King was the out of touch and partially insane one in the room. Go CNN ... you idiots.
Full Moon (Sent Wednesday, September 24, 2008 10:24 AM)
-----
I am guessing King thought that was what the American people wanted to know since that is the exact topic your Vice Presidential pick discussed with him for her five minutes of 'fame' - well it wasn't fame so much as pain.

First thoughts: All eyes on Congress

Scott Pa — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 14:49:05 GMT

At least Biden is allowed to fend and think for himself. I kinda like that he doesn't necessarily have to fall in lock-step with everything that Obama does....this makes me trust this relationship more..

First thoughts: All eyes on Congress

J. Ellis, Virginia — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 14:50:15 GMT

As a rabid Obama supporter, I don't trust any polls right now, although I am greatly encouraged. The same polls can change overnight to reflect just the opposite.

I refuse to put much stock into the debates because I don't trust the Rethuglicans to play fair. John McCain, with the help of Rev. Rick Warren, stacked the deck of the faith forum in his favor. McCain's expectation is so low in the debates that he could make all kinds of mistakes and still be declared the winner.

I hope that the voters are acutely aware of the great risk a Palin*McCain administration would present. They are far too risky to govern, when clearly they have no idea how to lead.

OBAMA/BIDEN 08

First thoughts: All eyes on Congress

WR, HB, CA — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 14:50:57 GMT

Look at the demographics. The Republican Party is the party of the old Confederacy, at home down in the deep south. The republicans think Obama is "uppity" and should be picking cotton on Miss Sarah's plantation. Call a spade a spade.

First thoughts: All eyes on Congress

Bobby, Shelby, NC — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 14:52:11 GMT

....these arrogant farts from Wall Street didn't even have the courage to admit their failure and apologise to the American people. Their only bailout should be someone bailing them out of jail! We should call their bluff, let the free market take its course, elect a new administration, clean house, and THEN restructure our finacial system.
This same type of fear mongering got us into Iraq. And to think that the Bush administration planned this bailout months ago. Now they want to end their failed two terms with a 700 billion dollar bonus. Maybe the word fail doesnt apply to them because Cheney and the gang have made so much money in these last years its ridiculous. Failure should only apply to whats happening to this country.

First thoughts: All eyes on Congress

Danny - Salt Lake City, UT — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 14:56:10 GMT

A former FBI agent recently stated that Obama would not even pass a backround check to become an Agent because of his radical associations. This should be all that's necessary to disqualify him from any chance of becoming President of the United States. It's freightening that he has gotten this far.

The Truth (Sent Wednesday, September 24, 2008 10:17 AM)

****************************************************

Right... and John McCain once stated that Vladimir Putin is the president of Germany so whats your point?

First thoughts: All eyes on Congress

Andrew, Denver, CO — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 15:01:48 GMT

Guys, why mention that Talking Points Memo is "liberal leaning" when their story is solely on objective numbers? Who cares?

Just a small quibble; otherwise, keep up the good work - I'm addicted to First Read.

First thoughts: All eyes on Congress

Rick,Ky — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 15:03:14 GMT

Even tho this Poll is encouraging for us who back Barack, we're smart enough to know that national polling does'nt win election's, State by state voting does.

It's very encouraging also that the American taxpayer is holding our representatives feet to the fire in giving Cowboy George a 700 Billion Golden parachute.

No Golden Parachute for cowboy George !

First thoughts: All eyes on Congress

Yola, CT — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 15:06:49 GMT

The problem is, we have grown accustomed to Obama's message discipline that every Biden gaffe is a big deal. Obama, your must admit, is a disciplined politician and I think Biden is learning this lesson the hard way.