63 million watched town hall debate

LoOK — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 22:34:44 GMT

I think these numbers are important. More people tuned into the second debate becasue more people saw Palin fall flat.

More people tuned in to see a knockout punch but it didn't happen. What did happen is Barrack Obama continued his successful jabbing at McCain. The knockout will come November 4th.

Feel free to comment:
http://lastofourkind.blogspot.com

63 million watched town hall debate

Jim, Mesa, AZ — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 22:38:41 GMT

I'm tired of this campaign to label the Democrats as the reason were in this economic crisis. The reality is the reforms Democrats pushed did help lower income people into homes. It was the deregulation that caused the financial institutions to take risks beyond their means. Remember this wasn't just a Fannie and Freddie mac problem. That was the direct result of Republican control for the past 8 years. Incidentally, McCains campaign manager's lobbying company accepted money from Freddie and Fannie as late as last month.

63 million watched town hall debate

Kevin — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 22:42:02 GMT

Not a surprise to me. The media kills it. Media expectations of nasty and ugly debate shunt viewers away from the event. So thanks MSNBC.

63 million watched town hall debate

KJ, Dallas, TX — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 22:42:31 GMT

And to think McCain made a fool of himself in front of millions of people. He is a lying, despicable, and angry man. I'm sure his mom is ashame at what he's become.

OBAMA/BIDEN, 2008!

63 million watched town hall debate

Barb, LA — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 22:42:54 GMT

Wow, that's a whole lot of American Prisoners, er, citizens.

What's up with McCain's darting tongue and lurching walk, and now the whole "My fellow prisoners" thing? Perhaps Parkinson's or presenile dementia? We have a right to know if this man is physically up to the task of POTUS. Evidence seems to be indicating that he is not.

63 million watched town hall debate

Mark,Seattle — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 22:45:19 GMT

For the second time in three days, the speaker at a McCain campaign rally used Barack Obama's middle name "Hussein" in a demeaning fashion to ignite the crowd.

Speaking in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, Bill Platt, the GOP chair of Lehigh County, twice referred to "Barack Hussein Obama" minutes before John McCain and Sarah Palin were set to take the stage.

Yahoo another right wing racist pig! Hey folks! Let's drop him a line and tell him what we think! Here's his e-mail address.

http://lehigh.mygopsite.com/contact-us/

63 million watched town hall debate

ffoffeds, Seattle, WA — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 22:48:12 GMT

It's being suggested that so many watched the vice presidential debate because they like Palin. Let's be honest, the reason so many people watched the vice presidential debate was to see if Palin would say more stupid things. Last night's debate was for serious voters that wanted to hear about the issues which is why it was the biggest draw.

63 million watched town hall debate

David, Baltimore, MD — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 22:48:39 GMT

The McCain camp is now claiming that Obama is a crossdresser - a transvestite. Cindy McCain asked Obama to wear her shoes!!

How disrespectful!!!!

63 million watched town hall debate

That One is The One — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 22:52:12 GMT

As one of the 63 million that watched the debate--This One is voting for "That One."

63 million watched town hall debate

Nor Cal Teacher — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 22:53:23 GMT

The more people watch, the better off it is for Obama. This country needs a person of intelligence and thoughtfulness to help pull us through this mess and the more Obama is seen by huge TV audiences, the better.

Obama/Biden 08' to save our country.

63 million watched town hall debate

GP Chicago — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 22:53:23 GMT

Which means if polling is a standard sample, then over 40 million thought obama won the debate :)

63 million watched town hall debate

Kristi, NE — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 22:56:41 GMT

Get Mika OFF of Race for the White House and NEVER allow Morning Joke on in the afternoon again! I intentionally do not turn MSNBC in the morning because I can't stand either one of them. To see them seeping into other time slots is very disturbing!!!! I would hate to have to switch to Fox to try and get better balance than either of these two can offer. Save us Keith, Chris and Rachel!!!

63 million watched town hall debate

sharon Walker, Folsom, CA — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 22:57:17 GMT

Dear Friends:
How should parents talk to children and in front of them each and all ages about the present economic and financial crisis, election and all the lost homes?
Christmas is coming and Thanksgiving keep them from non believe. A child lost to fear, anger, anxiety, confusion, how and what to say and to give for gifts or basic needs to offer real security! A nation and a world lets not make it go into another generation!
Hurricanes, tornadoes, real professionals, psychologists and psychiatrists the time of desperate need is nigh! I say cloths, a bed, blankets, food, roof, a toy, a book, one for each and a library! Faith and friends! Can we give and share and help!
Right in your own family guilt for having when others lose or are they consious of this? Friends our children and do not forget the teens. Keep them safe and out of trouble and drugs or depression.
Share with a friend. You too college students or age!

63 million watched town hall debate

Watched with Interest, Idaho — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 23:03:14 GMT

Not quite the yawner the conservative commentators wishfully charaacterized it, eh? Obama was masterful. So much so that the neutral town hall participants gathered around him after the debate in what looked rather like a victory celebration!

63 million watched town hall debate

nuanced — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 23:08:12 GMT

That probably doesn't count the number of people, such as myself, who didn't watch it live but instead recorded it for later viewing

63 million watched town hall debate

just the facts — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 23:11:09 GMT

Old man gasbag just can't pull his own weight

63 million watched town hall debate

Danny, Louisville, Ky — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 23:12:10 GMT

John McCain is saying when he is President he will instruct his people to buy bad mortgages directly from homeowners.

The homeowner does't own the Mortgage. The Lende owns it.

63 million watched town hall debate

Democratic Tribune, Tipton, IN — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 23:13:08 GMT

Please check out my debate analysis at:

http://democratictribune.com

63 million watched town hall debate

BTK - KS — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 23:14:00 GMT

Lots of commie pinkos tuning into to see their man obama. Then they take a few hits off their bong and pass out again.

63 million watched town hall debate

bob — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 23:16:51 GMT

obama 08

63 million watched town hall debate

LesG, Cayucos, CA — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 23:31:09 GMT

That's actually a total of 66.7 million people who watched the debate last nite. Nielson's numbers don't include PBS. PBS counts approx. 3.5 million viewers nationally. Add that to Nielson's estimate, and you get 66.7 million.

63 million watched town hall debate

kathy, charlotte — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 23:32:35 GMT

Has anyone in the media ever asked Obama about his admitted cocaine use while in college???? Guess this makes him more an an authority on health care than does McCain, huh?
John McCain (Sent Wednesday, October 08, 2008 4:34 PM)

NO, JUST MORE HONEST. HIS MARTIAN LOOKING WIFE is STILL A DRUG ADDICT. Probably high right now. Probably why she always looks so strange.

Freshman Senator Running our country. No thanks. Ask Obama when he was worn into office why he didn't place his hand on the Bible, instead he used the Koran.
Pete Fowler Clayton,NC (Sent Wednesday, October 08, 2008 4:44 PM)
THAT'S A LIE YOU IDIOT! THAT WAS ANOTHER COLORED BOY -- NOT OBAMA!

63 million watched town hall debate

Buzz — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 23:33:06 GMT

......And angry old man yelled at cloud.

Repeatedly.

And failed to name Brokaw as Secy of Treasury.

63 million watched town hall debate

kathy, charlotte — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 23:34:15 GMT

63 million watched town hall debate

KATHY, charlotte — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 23:47:15 GMT

CHECK IT OUT REPUGS. I DARE YOU...
http://www.rollingstone.com/news/coverstory/make_believe_maverick_the_real_john_mccain/page/1

http://www.johnmccainrecord.com/

63 million watched town hall debate

sotiredofignorance — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 23:53:27 GMT

Here's what I'm thinking MSNBC. Ignore the advice of Brokaw (who is RUINING Meet the Press) and bring back Olberman, Matthews and Maddow to do the coverage. Gregory is boring. Then your ratings will improve.

63 million watched town hall debate

One opinion — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 23:55:25 GMT

It seems almost unbelievable. As McCain point out last night Obama took three times as much lobbiest (bribe) money from Freddie Mac/Fannie Mae as any other senator. When given a chance to respond Obama didn't deny it. He actually did it. The free fall in our economy leads to his door step and still people flock to him. After taking this bribe money he voted against regulation of these companies. This free fall didn't have to happen to the extent it is happening, but Obama's greed got in the way. He is now out spending McCain by a factor between 2X to 8X in different states as NBC reported tonight. He said he would take public financing of the election, but evidently when he saw the cash available to him he turned that into another of his many lies.

63 million watched town hall debate

bob lafayette — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 23:56:55 GMT

I look in my little poor areaI live in Lafayette, Indiana and there is Obama/Biden signs everywhere, I feel a surge and the timing is perfect.

Obama/Biden 2008 2012 Hillary/Bayh 2016

63 million watched town hall debate

Andy Seattle — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 00:05:22 GMT

More than anything else, John McCain looks old, tired, bitter and frustrated. All the more reason why we should be very wary of putting Palin so close to the White House

63 million watched town hall debate

seattle mike — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 00:09:11 GMT

With the usual caveat that this does not include PBS or C-SPAN viewers, plesae

63 million watched town hall debate

Sadie Mason — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 00:12:31 GMT

Please consider that Obama is going to raise the Capital gains TAX (double it, according to his own words) When this happens what do you think will happen to the stock market? Think about that for one moment...Jobs lost - I've never known a poor person that would hire anyone. Think about the shift in trillions of $ because of that one policy change. McCain...NOW!

63 million watched town hall debate

JohnWinNC — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 00:15:32 GMT

What is more significant is what has happened since the debate (i.e., Today). John McCain, Cindy, and Sarah Palin all went into attack-dog mode. Not only have they focused their efforts on character assasination, but also they used distortions of Obama's record to launch those "slings and arrows." I am totally disgusted! This kind of politics is exactly the reason I am supporting Obama/Biden! Every reasonable American with an ounce of decency needs to protest this kind of trash. In the words of Joe Biden, "It is wrong!"

63 million watched town hall debate

Sadie Mason — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 00:18:24 GMT

With the economy the way it is (both Dems & Repubs are to blame)...I think it is frightening that Obama pledges that he will raise the Capital Gains TAX (double it by his own words!). 1000 pts lost in the Dow this week, $1,2 Trillion lost. What do you think will happen if he does this? Think about this for a moment... Who would want to invest in the stock market? McCain '08.

63 million watched town hall debate

MaraM — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 00:19:21 GMT

Today I just turned Democrat. MCCAIN You are an angry old man, who does not care about anyone but the wealthy. Palin, you are a disgrace to women everywhere. Your scare tactics wont work on anyone!! You are DISGRACE to this country!!!! If you vote for McCain/Palin and you loose everything you own. BLAME YOURSELVES. He DOESN'T CARE ABOUT YOU ! He doesn't even care about the poor vets that are back from IRAQ. He's voted against every bill to help our vets!!! You HORRIBLE TROLL !!! The Govt already planned to buy up the mortgages in trouble (it's in the bailout plan) you freakin idiots!!!! He already sold you a bridge that was already brought (BY US).

63 million watched town hall debate

Sadie Mason — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 00:21:03 GMT

63 million watched town hall debate

jawillie, Philadelphia, PA — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 00:21:30 GMT

Latest stats from RealClearPolitics.

Gallup Tracking: Obama - 52 McCain - 41
Rasmussen Tracking: Obama - 51 McCain - 45
Reuters/CSpan/Zogby Tracking: Obama - 47 McCain - 45
Hotline/FD Tracking: Obama - 45 McCain - 44
GW/Battleground Tracking: Obama - 49 McCain - 45

Electoral Stats:
New Jersey - Was LEAN OBAMA, Now SOLID OBAMA
Obama/Biden - 264, McCain/Palin - 163

Obama/Biden '08!

http://jawillie.blog.com

63 million watched town hall debate

Josh Gardner, Springfield, Missouri — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 00:47:25 GMT

Well, I'm glad to hear that 63.2 million people watched as Obama demolished McCain. I don't see how anyone could think McCain won that debate. He was so tense and really looked angry. He didn't come off as someone that you could trust to deal with our economic issues. On top of that, he spent the whole night attacking Obama instead of addressing the issues which matter the most to the voters.

63 million watched town hall debate

Natashia Comeaux, Houston, Tx — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 01:00:20 GMT

Did any of the other 63.2 million people see how after the debate Mrs. McCain did not shake the hands or mingle with any of the people in the audience?? She just walked behind her husband with her hands crossed behind her back and smiling, like she was too good to shake hands and meet these everyday Americans..... Maybe I was the only one who noticed. Mr. and Mrs. Obama stayed long after the McCains left (which did not take very long to happen) to talk with these people. This is just another example to show how McCain is so out of touch and does not care about real Americans.

63 million watched town hall debate

John B., Columbus, Ohio — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 01:04:07 GMT

How can we permit an under-educated, near-sighted, vindictive, neo-fascist dressed in a skirt pretend that she will protect and defend the constitution against all enemies foreign and domestic when she has already shown contempt for the right to free speech?

Wake Up America! Senator McCain is a great American who has served his country faithfully and honorably. Nonetheless, we cannot allow Palin to be within one heart beat of occupying the Office of the Presidency. Enough with this dangerous farce!

63 million watched town hall debate

MissouriMom — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 01:04:27 GMT

You know how McCain is always lying about Obama being linked to fannie and freddie? Here's ANOTHER McCain supporter inside Fannie:

Herbert M. Allison, Jr.
President and Chief Executive Officer
Fannie Mae

Herbert M. Allison, Jr.Herbert M. Allison, Jr. was appointed as President and Chief Executive Officer of Fannie Mae in September 2008 by Director James Lockhart of Federal Housing Finance Agency, as conservator of Fannie Mae.

Prior to being appointed to Fannie Mae, he was Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of TIAA-CREF from 2002 until his retirement in 2008.

He began his professional career in 1971 as an associate in the investment banking division of Merrill Lynch in New York. After postings in Paris, Tehran and London, Mr. Allison served at various times as Treasurer, Director of Human Resources, Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President for the Investment Banking, Equity and Debt Divisions before being elected President, Chief Operating Officer and a member of the Board of Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc., in 1997.

After leaving Merrill Lynch in mid-1999, he served as National Finance Chairman for U.S. Senator John McCain's first Presidential Campaign.

Mr. Allison is a director of Time Warner Inc., and a member of the Advisory Board of the Yale School of Management, the Advisory Council of the Stanford Graduate School of Business, and the Federal Reserve Bank of New York's International Advisory Committee.

He was a director of the New York Stock Exchange from 2003-2005.

Mr. Allison earned a B.A. in Philosophy from Yale University. Following four years as an officer in the U.S. Navy, including a year in Vietnam, he received an M.B.A. from Stanford University.

----------
Fannie Mae campaign staffers back then, too! Rick Davis for Freddie Mac now...

John McCain.... BUSINESS AS USUAL.

63 million watched town hall debate

MM from Virginia — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 01:07:51 GMT

Let's hope the people watching were also thinking. Whoever McCain was -- or whoever we thought he was -- died sometime between the South Carolina primary in 2000 and the vitriolic, hate-filled campaign we're witnessing today. I see nothing honorable today from a man who once served his nation with humility and respect.

Sign me a moderate Republican ashamed of the GOP

63 million watched town hall debate

KH, HI — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 01:47:44 GMT

Good things come when citizens pay attention to elections. When they watch and listen from the candidates, not the spinmeisters, people make very good choices.

Democracy Rules! It also shows that when people feel they have a stake in the outcome of an election they pay attention and then vote.

Obama 08, can't wait.

63 million watched town hall debate

Exsuperat Veritas Omnia — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 01:58:02 GMT

Why Obama is good for Conservatives Hotlist
by Exsuperat Veritas Omnia

Senator Barrack Obama has been accused of being by far the most liberal senator by John McCain several times. While a simple fact-check has refudiated this, the fact remains that by his voting record, Senator Obama is decidedly on the left of many issues, both on social and fiscal matters. There is no doubt that a win this October has the potential to shift an entire generation to liberalism the same way that Reagan gave Republicans a decades-long boost.

As a conservative, I say thank goodness.

This is not to say that I am a swing-voter. That very notion implies that loyalty to a brand (Republican or Democrat), rather than a set of ideals. This is the intellectual equivalent of saying that if Pepsi switched their formula to include arsenic, people who then switched to Coke would be "swing" drinkers, rather than people who simply enjoyed their carbonated sugar water without poison in it. I am overjoyed about Obama leading not because he is the exact candidate that I envisioned leading our country but rather because he is the better candidate at this juncture, and the loss of the Republican candidate has the potential to completely shake up the Republican party.

I've seen many liberal sites, including DailyKos, continuously put down "the conservatives" when discussing Republicans. The problem is, the people that they hate are not conservatives at their core. Sure, on a few key social issues (abortion and gay rights, most notably), they appear as such. Yet we must ask ourselves-- would a true fiscal conservative preside over the largest growth of government in decades? Would true conservatives put themselves in a position where spending billions in tax payer revenue is the only way to "save" the free market? No. What we have in the highest halls of our government is not a true conservative movement, but instead a distillment of the noble traditions of the great Republicans and the concepts of a truly populist approach into a frame of governance that accepts only a few absolutes: small towns values are "true" values, gays shouldn't be married, and abortion is wrong.

With the transformation of Senator John McCain from "maverick" to the latest puppet of the neo-con movement, we have seen the trends and tactics of the Republican party begin to falter. Like it or not, most of America does not live in rural areas. The reliance upon the old "small-town America" theme is begining to show cracks around the edge. The wedge issues, while important to many people, have taken a back seat to issues that affect all of us, directly, on a daily basis. People, generally, are less inclined to argue about who should or should not get married when they are worried about paying for their house. There's less time to worry about which denomination of a church one belongs to when there is a national crisis that people of all faiths (including those who believe only in science) can agree needs fixing.

These are all good things. Conservatism is not about one or two issues. It is not about the complete abandonment of the people to the free markets. It is about making wise decisions that allow the government to steer clear of affecting peoples individual liberties. It relies upon a strong military, but also upon strong diplomacy. In its' best form, conservatism can provide the tools for social progress in ways that liberalism, which heavily relies upon government intervention, cannot. With that said, what the Republican party has become is the antithesis of most, if not all, of the values which I hold dear.

The way the Republicans have gone about conjuring votes is despicable, and though I do not support many of the things that Democrats stand for, there is something appealing about a person running on hope rather than fear, on the future rather than the past, and on what is to come rather than the grand old days of yore. How can Republicans invoke the greatest conservatives with a straight face, knowing what they've done to their legacy?

John Wain wrote in Samuel Johnson that: All of us know the man (or, just as frequently, the woman) who maintains, and appears sincerely to believe, that if only this or that political system were to swallow all its rivals and prevail the millennium would arrive immediately. What makes the rest of us faintly suspicious is not that we have any cut-and-dried counter-arguments but merely that we do not believe that any political system, by itself, can make humanity entirely fulfilled and contented.

What this boils down to is that I, like many people, have values that I consider near and dear to my heart. I believe in conservatism in many things, but I will be the first to admit that it does not contain the solution for every social ill. It is, like every other belief, a system that must be evlolved and changed as times goes on. Believing in conservatism no more implies a loyalty to a political group than liking the way something tastes implies loyalty to a restaurant, especially if they begin serving their food a new way.

I am a conservative at heart. There is no doubt of this. What I believe is that the things that matter most to me- an honest, open government, a belief in the strength of the American worker without the acceptance of only "small town" values, the acceptance of religion without the reliance upon it, a government that believes in serving the people without binding the people- is better served in these times by a liberal candidate. Not because he shares my concept of governance, but because he shares my priciples and my values for what America can be.

Senator Barrack Obama does not believe in everything I do, nor does he intend to create a conservative government. But the tennets which I have built my political beliefs upon are much closer to Senator Obama than they are to the neo-con movement. So don't call me a Swing voter. I am voting for Obama because my beliefs in conservatism dictate to me that he is the better choice. I am voting for Obama because he represents a chance for the end of the neocon movement and the return of a true(mainstream) conservative party.

I am voting for Obama to save conservatism. I urge any Republican who truly believes in the tennets of conservatism to do the same.

63 million watched town hall debate

N Gunn — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 02:05:25 GMT

It's not clear what Leslie Neilsen has to do with the ratings.

63 million watched town hall debate

James, Wichita, KS — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 02:06:18 GMT

Does this count Internet viewing?

63 million watched town hall debate

Lyn, KCMO — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 02:15:09 GMT

The interest in this election equals none other. Maybe we'll finally have a president chosen by the many, rather than the 'well connected' few...

63 million watched town hall debate

AD — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 02:21:06 GMT

Obama cleaned house

63 million watched town hall debate

Cathy, Asheville, NC — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 02:26:10 GMT

I watched the debate wanting to see how McCain would respond in "his venue". He looked like an agitated old man...pacing, writing little notes to himself, making wisecrcks that were inappropriate for this audience. Obama sat back and watched McCain. When Obama spoke, he spoke to the person. He answered their questions and yes, at times went off on a tangent.

I did not like the format. I want to see a debate where they are asked questions, have time for responses and rebuttals. I want the canidates to answer the questions that are asked. I want their answers to be direct and truthful.

I am looking forward to the next debate. Maybe that format will make the debate more exciting. It won't change my mind; it will just be more exciting watching Obama aggrevate McCain.

Obama/Biden 08!!

63 million watched town hall debate

carol, burlington, ma — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 02:48:11 GMT

This has been such a long campaign, even for us junkies - how will we ever fill the void when this election is all over????????????

63 million watched town hall debate

mark,rensselaer,in — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 03:19:51 GMT

Yes 63 million people watched the debate..whats more incredible is that 62 million of them simultaniously fell asleep during that debate!

63 million watched town hall debate

Roxie, Austin TX — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 03:28:21 GMT

Too bad McCain wasn't man enough to bring up all the issues for which he has had his "wimmin" attacking Obama.

63 million watched town hall debate

Stevecb — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 03:53:53 GMT

I am more interested lately in how many people watch the follow up shows where the facts are separated from the fiction. The information offered in these programs goes much farther in chosing a candidate than the debate itself. However the number of people watching the debate itself does indicate the level of interest, on the part of the voters.
Another interesting number would be one that tells who watched what follow-up. It's clear to me that your going to get different info from MSNBC than you would get from the one sided FOX.
Each of these debates should be, as they are, preceded and followed by programming that would offer the obvious conflicting statements made by either candidate, as well as the whole story on each statement. Of course many news agencies try to do just that, but my point is that much more informed decisions are made by people who watch all of the coverage offered than by those who watch only the debate itself. Too many of the debates only raise more questions than they answer.
So instead of counting only the number of people watching the debate, take it to the next level. Give us a count on the number of people who watch the additional related programming and maybe even tell how many watch each network.

63 million watched town hall debate

schmeck, Orlando — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 04:27:02 GMT

"Not all Democrats agree with Mr. Frank that such policies are off-limits to criticism. Last week Rep. Artur Davis of Alabama said in a statement: 'Like a lot of my Democratic colleagues I was too slow to appreciate the recklessness of Fannie and Freddie. I defended their efforts to encourage affordable homeownership, when in retrospect, I should have heeded the concerns raised by their regulator in 2004. Frankly, I wish my Democratic colleagues would admit when it comes to Fannie and Freddie, we were wrong.'

"Mr. Davis is a member of the Congressional Black Caucus."

'Rank snobbery'

Camille Paglia, who supports Sen. Barack Obama, has nothing but scorn for the way the media has treated Sarah Palin.

"The mountain of rubbish poured out about Palin over the past month would rival Everest. What a disgrace for our jabbering army of liberal journalists and commentators, too many of whom behaved like snippy jackasses," Miss Paglia writes at www.salon.com.

"The bourgeois conventionalism and rank snobbery of these alleged humanitarians stank up the place. As for Palin's brutally edited interviews with Charlie Gibson and that viper, Katie Couric, don't we all know that the best bits ended up on the cutting-room floor? Something has gone seriously wrong with Democratic ideology, which seems to have become a candied set of holier-than-thou bromides attached like tutti-frutti to a quivering green Jell-O mold of adolescent sentimentality."

63 million watched town hall debate

BJ, CA — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 04:28:13 GMT

To bad we didn't see anything new ...
McShakey against
That One Cool Calm and Presidential ...

63 million watched town hall debate

Joe, CA — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 05:10:47 GMT

Good, so more people see mccain getting bombed, bombed, bombed and annihilated by "THAT ONE." Next stop, the White house.

63 million watched town hall debate

Deborah — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 05:12:35 GMT

I watched this debate and I have to say that I was completely disappointed with Senator McCain's performance. He seems so incredibly bitter and nasty. I used to like him as a person now I don't like him at all. It's sad that he's allowed himself to become so overcome with winning that he has seemingly sold his soul just for sake of winning.

63 million watched town hall debate

Chris, Richmond,Va — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 05:28:02 GMT

just curious... where's the Rachel Maddow clips tonight????

63 million watched town hall debate

Joshua Robertson, San Bernardino, CA — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 06:14:44 GMT

Does these figures include people who watched the debates over the internet?

63 million watched town hall debate

PAN EX Repub CA — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 08:29:58 GMT

Question? Why does the GOP complain that "Hollywood" supports Democrats? 1. Just look at each candidates websites and see what "stars" support whom. 2. Many of these stars make much, much more than $250,000.00 per year (so, they'll be taxed more), & 3. Are these 'stars' fools? These stars, singers, actors, producers, directors, media moguls (print, internet, books, tv...)all trend towards democrat....Why??? I think many, maybe most, of these individuals came from poor & humble beginnings and realize that even though they are now "super-rich", they still hold their upbringing to heart. They know that us poor folks, lower to middle class people go to movies, watch tv, back magazines, so, yes, these celebrities are more intune with us common folk. These 'stars' are subjected to every race, sex, ethnicity, background, they go to different "locations", etc. etc. Yeah, they're rich, but "THEY" haven't sold out their roots. McCain was born into the military...his grandfather was in the Navy, he's actually lived a sheltered, controlled life....God bless him, he's not in touch with average Americans. Has his water well run dry and to lug water in buckets from the creek? Has he been on food stamps when his father tore up his back saving what possessions we had during a house fire? Has he had to eat TopRamen noodles because he can't afford anything else? Yeah, he was a POW, so were hundreds, maybe thousands of other vets, but he came back to a "pretty" bankroll. Many vets, POWS, came back with nothing! For God's sake, he has 13+ houses, 8+ vehicles, He's had health care since he was born, His 5 yrs as a POW is sad, we applaud his survival, but how has he "survived" in our "America"? Has he rode the bus for 5 years? Has he foresaken his medications because he has to feed his children and grandchildren? Has he written a "bad" check, just to buy bread, butter, milk and a pound of processed cheese so his children didn't go to school hungry? He is not in touch. Yeah, Oprah is a Multi-millionaire, but she busted her butt to get there...so, she supports a candidate? Good for her...Everyone talks morals?...Obama...one wife, one house, two beautiful children, hardwork, great education, gave back to his community, speaks his mind, supports his position, etc etc....Yeah Obama and Mrs. Obama have $$ but they worked hard, had their heads on straight, and realize who's who in America. Mrs. Obama has always looked beautiful and regal...yet, her attire doesn't exude wealth, extravagance, or elitism. She has said she loves the GAP....what does Cindy McCain do, wear a $300,000 dress to the GOP convention....Yeah, she "understands" me....Heck, I can't even afford the GAP, but a $ 60.00 dress looks 100x's better than the $300,000.00 one!!!

OBAMA/BIDEN '08/'12

I can't wait until I see First Lady Michelle Obama's White House Christmas!!!

63 million watched town hall debate

Sarah Jane (Am ashamed to be called Sarah) — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 08:53:28 GMT

McCain has never been able to pull any kind of crowd. Plus, his fake campaign suspension is the reason so few people watched the first debate. Doggone it, they thought the debate was cancelled.

Betcha 7 million more people watched the VP debate just to see Palin fall on her face. She managed to make good use of her journalistic skills.

Crash some other day.

63 million watched town hall debate

D ANDERS TX — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 10:46:27 GMT

BROKAW LIKE T BALL MATTHEWS AND BULL MADDOW SUPRESS THE FACT OBAMA HAD A LONG RELATIONSHIP WITH TERROSIST AYERS, IT WLL BE BROUGHT OUT DESPITE THE FACT THE ABOVE SUPPORTS TERROSISM, IF YOU PROMOTE OBAMA.

THIS RACE IS OVER BECAUSE SARAH IS GETTING THE MESSAGE OUT AND I CANT BELIEVE AMERICA WILL SUPPORT A FRIEND OF A TERROSIST OVER A WAR HERO.

IT AMAZES ME HOW LOW JOURNALISTS WILL GO WHEN IT COULD DESTROY OUR COUNTRY

63 million watched town hall debate

Christian, Boca Raton, Florida — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 10:56:31 GMT

Sorry MSNBC, I was just watching CNN and the "Ask Gerri" segment had "Freddie" from Florida ask the question about whether or not the Fed cutting rates would have an impact on his credit card. Gerri replied and said the truth that this rate cut was for the financial institutions and not "for you." A few seconds later while trying to continue the segment she appeared to tear up and had hold off speaking further.

It was so real and genuine to this rediculous crisis.

63 million watched town hall debate

C. Lobban — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 10:59:57 GMT

I'm surprised that no one called out McCain for talking down to the African American who posed the first question from the audience. He looked him right in the eye and said "Well you've probably never heard of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac...." What a racist comment!

63 million watched town hall debate

Brenda — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 11:19:12 GMT

Out of the 63 million I know I am definately voting for THAT ONE!!!!!

63 million watched town hall debate

Tom, Edison, NJ — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 11:23:11 GMT

...And 63 million people all agreed that McCain looked like a creepy old man.

63 million watched town hall debate

Please let the thruth come out — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 11:30:48 GMT

http://myspace.com/bodysugaringlexingtonsc YOu have to hear this!!!!!!

63 million watched town hall debate

Casey — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 11:46:12 GMT

The bigger crowd for the VP debate was due to so many people wanting to see if Sarah Palin could walk and chew gum at the same time... given her pathetic performance with Gibson and Couric, it was a valid question.

I'm not sure that the question was answered, either, but she does seem able to stand and snark at the sme time... but not much more.

63 million watched town hall debate

Democratic Tribune, Tipton, IN — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 11:59:57 GMT

In the end, Obama’s unparalleled ground game will be the difference in the battleground states. Please read my views on the Obama rally in Indianapolis yesterday at:

http://democratictribune.com/obamaownsindiana.html

63 million watched town hall debate

D ANDERS TX — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 12:13:16 GMT

THE NEXT DEBATE SHOULD BE INTERESTING, NOT BORING LIKE THIS ONE. OBAMA SAYS FOR MCCAIN TO SAY IT TO HIS FACE ABOUT AYERS=IM SURE THE OLD HERO WILL KNOCK HIM BACK TO DIAPERS. HE WILL HAVE TO CANCEL HIS PLANS TO RENOVTE THE BOWLING ALLEY. IS AYERS A BOWLER, IM SURE ALL HIS FRIENDS WILL COME OVER, ESPECIALLY THE MAN THAT THREW HIS POLITICAL PARTY AT HIS HOME. MORNING JOE SAYS ITS NOT IMPORTANT=IS HE DOING DRUGS.

63 million watched town hall debate

Mark Marlin,Rensselaer,In — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 12:16:32 GMT

Yes 63 million watched it..but the amazing thing is that 62 million people simutaniously fell asleep during that debete!

63 million watched town hall debate

American Voter — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 12:26:42 GMT

Great article on what McCain means when he talks about idolizing Teddy Roosevelt (I don't think the majority of Americans know about Teddy's policies):

"John McCain idolizes Theodore Roosevelt. Let's set aaside the reality that Roosevelt was an imperialist who wrote:

Nations that expand and nations that do not expand may both ultimately go down, but the one leaves heirs and a glorious memory, and the other leaves neither.

Instead, I'd like to focus on John McCain's view of democracy and our Constitution. It is documented fact that, acting without presidential or congressional authority, Roosevelt issued orders for the invasion of the Philippines two months before the U.S. Congress declared war on Spain. I think McCain's worship of Roosevelt, and his argument about Pakistan, need a lot more scrutiny.

The conventional historical wisdom is that the Spanish-American War (1898) was fought to enforce the Monroe Doctrine of U.S. hegemony in the Western Hemisphere. Specifically, most histories say, the war was fought to evict the Spanish Empire from Cuba. In fact, as John Costello exhaustively documents in The Pacific War, Cuba was merely the sideshow. The Spanish-American War was fought to seize the Philippines as a forward base from which the U.S. Navy could enforce and protect U.S. business interests in China.

What even conventional historians agree upon, however, is that the Spanish-American War opened when Admiral George Dewey spoke the fateful words, "You may fire when ready, Mr. Gridley," and began the assault on Manila. (In the same battle, Dewey uttered the now immortal "Damn the torpedoes! Full speed ahead!")

That assault had been ordered on February 25, 1898, not by President William McKinley, but by the Assistant Secretary of the Navy, Theodore Roosevelt, acting in the absence of Secretary John Long. Roosevelt did not even inform Long or McKinley that he had ordered Dewey to invade the Philippines until Dewey's fleet had put to sea. In a time before radio, this all but assured that the orders would not be rescinded. Thus, two months before Congress declared war on Spain (on April 25), without notifying his government, Theodore Roosevelt unilaterally ordered the U.S. Navy to begin the Spanish-American War.

This, apparently, is what McCain means by "Speak softly and carry a big stick." McCain's message to voters seems to be: Foreign policy is none of your business.

The U.S. Constitution reserves to Congress the authority to declare war, and for good reason. The Framers recognized that war was the greatest threat to our liberties, as it endowed the president with extraordinary powers as Commander in Chief of the armed forces. They recognized that presidents would want to exercise those powers, and in order to restrain that impulse they withheld to Congress the authority to declare war.

Their assumption was that such declarations would only occur after public debate, and thus that ultimately the American people - speaking to and through their elected representatives - would have a voice in whether and when they would go to war. For the entire premise of our constitutional republic was that the people were the ultimate sovereign. That's why our Constitution begins with the words "We the People."

That is the premise Barack Obama honors when he publicly states his intentions. By doing so, he invites the American people to debate the question of whether the U.S. should strike into Pakistan to capture or kill bin Laden, if we have actionable intelligence as to bin Laden's location, and the Pakistani government is unable or unwilling to act.

John McCain, by contrast, says "I'm not going to telegraph my punches." Presumably he means not only before he's elected, but once in office as well. "I know what to do," McCain says. "And I'll do it."

For far too long, the rubric of "national security" has been used as an excuse to keep secrets from the American people. McCain's arrogant claim that "I'm not going to telegraph my punches" ought to be a red-lights-and-klaxons warning to the American people: Foreign policy is none of your business. I will act on my own authority, secretly, just like my hero Teddy Roosevelt did in 1898.

Thank you, but no thank you, Senator McCain. We're not electing a dictator, despite your admission that you wish you could be one. And your opponent isn't "telegraphing his punches." He's honoring the core principles of American democracy."

63 million watched town hall debate

Bob, Farmington Hills, MI — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 12:31:30 GMT

I have never seen a debate where the GOP lied so much.... McCain and Palin are con artest's. They'll do anything to get the GOP to stay in control.

I alrady know what a lier McCain is but
I'd like to know Who and what is the real Sarah Palin?

63 million watched town hall debate

Arlene, Magnolia, De — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 12:39:40 GMT

I watched the debate for a half hour and found it was great for insomnia. slept like a baby:)

63 million watched town hall debate

EV Koehler, Mooresville, NC — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 12:49:31 GMT

I like "First Read", but because "First Read" is not up and running each day until 9a or after, I "Read" CNN, Politico.com, NYT, Washington Post and Huffington Post "First". If you want to be "First Read" why are you so late in putting up the first post? It is now Thursday, 8:50 am and nothing yet.

63 million watched town hall debate

Susan in SC — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 12:50:03 GMT

Picture this altered moment in history:

McCain, Stalin, & Churchill meet for the post WWII conference. While debating the division of Europe, McCain points to Churchill and say, "well "That One" voted for...."

Is McCain really the man we want representing our country to other nations, meeting with other national leaders, being the "leader of the free world"?

Really?

63 million watched town hall debate

Elvis Aaron Hemphill — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 12:56:10 GMT

The debate solidified any "fence sitters" and McCain is now toast. He appeared to be the dottering old man, who is angry...angry that he's having to debate "that one".....you know, the Negro.
And while this seems silly, don't you think someone on the team would buy McCain some Crest Whitestrips for his yellowing teeth?

63 million watched town hall debate

Casey — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 12:57:27 GMT

All those people tuned into the VP debate to see the freak show that is Sarah Palin... for her inability to walk and chew gum at the same time... and her whacko religious beliefs:

Such as:
Palin's religious background initially was surely seen as a positive by McCain campaign vetters, who assumed that her faith would appeal to the conservative base of the party that has always been suspicious of McCain. But ever since she joined the ticket in late August, the Alaska Governor's various religious affiliations have caused headaches. First came reports that her pastor at the nondenominational Wasilla Bible Church was connected to Jews for Jesus, an organization that seeks to convert Jews to Christianity. Prominent Jewish leaders, including the co-chair of McCain's Jewish outreach effort, have since demanded to know whether Palin also believes that Jews must be converted. The Bible Church became an issue again when Katie Couric asked her about the church's promotion of a program to help gays "overcome" their homosexuality.

And finally a videotape surfaced of a 2005 service at the Wasilla Assembly of God Church, the Pentecostal church that Palin attended for most of her life. In the scene captured on video, Palin stands at the front of the sanctuary while a visiting African pastor prays that God will help her gubernatorial campaign and protect her "from every form of witchcraft." Later in the same service, the pastor complains that "Israelites" held too many prominent positions in business, a comment that has further alienated Jewish voters.

63 million watched town hall debate

lalo cameron - oaxaca - mexico — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 12:58:53 GMT

I just voted for Barack obama - absentee ballot.
Here is why i think You - Everybody...!!! -
should vote obama 08.
We as a nation need to send a message to the world.
that we as a people support our President unanimously.
that we will support his efforts on our behalf.
and most importantly - that we as Americans are united.
i voted for obama because his intelligence is obviously head and shoulders above mccain.
obama has the intelligence and the Will to
define the Real Problems that face the american people. and i guarantee he will work hard to achieve solutions.
i think he will choose the best and brightest to work for him. we will be in Good hands with obama as president.

Mccain - he's a sorry old relic from the Cold War.
not intelligent at all. You want him making decisions for You and this country - Please -
You are a Traitor if you vote for john mccain.
He's a proven liar - uninformed - erratically
switching from one statement to another contradicting the first and then blaming barack obama and the press.
Please - john mccain - he's an old man, who has completely abandoned any principles he ever had- and is willing to lie cheat and steal to Win.
Unfortunately mccains latest victory quest happens
to be for president of the united states.
He's insane with lust for power and Payback oppurtunities.
he has no friends in the republican or democratic party. he is not a maverick.
he's an old Downer Cow wants to make a mess in a china shop (the world).
don't waste your vote - let's unite behind barack obama - a man with real vision and real ideas,
and most importantly Real solutions!!!

63 million watched town hall debate

C A, Tuscaloosa, AL — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 13:03:43 GMT

63 million watched town hall debate

MartaK Hollywood, FL — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 13:09:41 GMT

So 63-million people watched the (non)debate? Here's a question for you; What was the average IQ of those 63-million people? Are Americans really smart enough to be choosing their leaders? From some of the outlandish stuff circulating around the Internet about the candidates, one would think not.

As a matter of history, it used to be that only landowners could vote presumably because the outcome of the elections would have more of an impact on their lives than non-land owners. Maybe it's time we consider a National Intelligence Test in order to qualify to vote. Immigrants have to take a test to become citizens. Numerous professional jobs require a license. Getting married requires a license. Every student takes some form of standardized test prior to applying to colleges. Heck, in order to drive you have to pass a test. Why aren't we requiring voters to have at least a basic level of knowledge prior to voting?

63 million watched town hall debate

Diane from Illinois — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 13:20:01 GMT

The only reason the Biden/Palin debate had more viewers was because Palin is such a dope and people wanted to see her crash and burn. She didn't do that, but she was pure entertainment for us afterall with her unprofessional sentences (don'tcha knows) and her winks. Pleeze. There's something about having a potential president winking at me that sends chills down my spine......and NOT good ones! Let's put the SMART guys in the White House this time rather than the Dumb and Dumber ticket of McCain/Palin. Obama/Biden '08/'12

63 million watched town hall debate

Mark San Rafael,Ca — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 13:54:39 GMT

"but is less than the Biden-Palin VP debate, which watched by 69.9 million"
they wanted the trainwreck but got the "you betcha's" and the stupid winks instead.
We are a nation of lookie-loo's after all...