First thoughts: Groundhog Day?

jaycee, Ventura, CA — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 13:19:05 GMT

John McCain demonstrates one more time how utterly unsuited for the job of president he really is. I don’t care how much “experience” he supposedly has, John just careens from one tactic to the next hoping something will work. He apparently didn’t check out Joe the Plumber before hanging his campaign on this flimsy hook, any more than he checked out Sarah Palin.

Turns out the story Joe told Obama on the trail, and the story John McCain swallowed whole and repeated to the country on television, is simply a fabrication. Joe isn’t actually a licensed plumber and the business he really isn’t buying doesn’t really net more than 250,000 dollars. In fact, Joe is just one of those working stiffs that Republicans have managed to dupe into voting against their economic interests, because “…I hope someday I’ll make that,” as Joe told reporters yesterday. "If you believed (Obama), I'd be receiving his tax cuts. But I don't look at it that way. He'd still be hurting others." Save your sympathy for people like you, Joe. The folks you’re crying over don’t need it.

McCain’s whole argument about Obama wanting to redistribute the wealth is particularly galling. That was the whole idea behind the Bush tax cuts that Obama intends to let expire. All the data show that the Bush/McCain tax policy has worked like a charm. The rich have definitely been getting richer while the nation’s debt has soared and the economy collapses around us. And some feeble fiction about Joe the Plumber is supposed to make us forget all this? Not likely. The last thing we need right now is someone winging it day by day in the Oval Office.

First thoughts: Groundhog Day?

K Rove — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 13:20:43 GMT

Colin Powell is black. All blacks support Obama. And somehow this is news.

First thoughts: Groundhog Day?

Chuck, NY — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 13:20:57 GMT

Sudden thoughts and second thoughts

With about 2 weeks to go, are we beginning to see a (too tense for my liking) slight tightening of the race? Will there be one final bounce for Obama from Wednesday night’s debate that just hasn’t shown up yet? Are my projections made many months ago of Obama reaching the mid 300s in the Electoral College still true? To be honest with you, I have been so consumed with the presidential race I have not spent much time on my state and local races/ballot initiatives.

In your neighborhood and community, are there more Obama or McCain signs? It is slightly an Obama advantage in mine. What about bumper stickers?

Shouldn’t someone from the McCain campaign have bothered to check out their candidates chair with him before the debate started? Didn’t McCain look like a little kid in a high chair Wednesday night?

Just once I would like to see the Dems take a hard look at winning Texas. I have not seen any polling numbers for Texas, but I would guess it is closer than some might think for Obama. You just cannot let that big a prize state go uncontested forever. Then again, the GOP hasn’t made much effort to win CA or NY recently either.

If McCain wins, does Cindy McCain have to be in the background of every meeting, speech, and the State of the Union address? Can’t she just video stream from the ranch in Sedona since she has two COWs (Cell On Wheels) on her property? I’ve heard the expression ‘trophy wife’, but this is ridiculous.

First thoughts: Groundhog Day?

Mad About You — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 13:21:51 GMT

Thats right MSNBC, throw that cold water on the real numbers from a real poll. Wouldn't be doing your job if you didn't.

First thoughts: Groundhog Day?

Nj the investigator — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 13:23:38 GMT

A McCain source said Thursday that the campaign read about Wurzelbacher on the Drudge Report, while another campaign aide confirmed that he was not vetted. Senior McCain adviser Matt McDonald told Politico after the debate that Wurzelbacher was not aware that he would become central to the candidates’ third and final showdown, although Wurzelbacher told reporters Thursday that the McCain campaign contacted him earlier in the week to ask him to appear with the candidate at a Toledo rally scheduled for Sunday. (He may not make it, now that he's scheduled to be in New York for TV interviews.)

According to Anchorage Daily News, Joe is from Alaska. His son was born there and his relatives live in or near Wasilla.

http://community.adn.com/adn/node/132881
AND, Joe the Plumber whos real name is SAM made only 40,000 in 2006
HiE owes back taxes AND the so called business he said he wanted to buy only makes little over 100,000 a year.

MCSHAME IS TRYING TO FOOL EVERYONE. TOO BAD WE ARE ON TO HIS LIES

First thoughts: Groundhog Day?

Eric, Salinas, CA — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 13:24:02 GMT

What a red herring whining about ACORN. This same stunt gets pulled every election cycle when the repugnant ones feel the heat of defeat. We need an investigation into their criminal voter supression frauds.

I sure hope that Colin Powell will finally show some backbone and endorse Obama, especially after how he has been trashed by the repugnant ones.

Go Obama/Biden 08/12!

First thoughts: Groundhog Day?

RD, ALEXANDRIA, VA — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 13:25:21 GMT

Caution...Yes, and complacency... NO = LEADERSHIP and STATESMANSHIP...DEFINITELY!!! OBAMA/BIDEN '08/'12

A RABID REPUBLICAN OLD FAT PREJUDICED WHITE GUY NOW FOR OBAMA/BIDEN

First thoughts: Groundhog Day?

Jimmy Gallups — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 13:25:27 GMT

First Read: The GOP finally gets the headline it’s been looking for, courtesy of the AP: “Officials: FBI investigates ACORN for voter fraud.” (But it’s voter-registration fraud, not voter fraud, right AP?)

---------------

Gee, where exactly do you think voter fraud starts? Why not get back to tearing down Joe the Plumber before you start in on trying to wipe out the Democrats voter fraud problem? You don't want to spread your resources too thin now do you?

First thoughts: Groundhog Day?

Pat Huntington NY — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 13:26:20 GMT

Simply stated, if the youth that propelled Obama to the nomination don't show up on Election Day, then they should be ashamed of themselves...because it will be how much these people actually make good on their promise to vote that will determine Obama's fate.

First thoughts: Groundhog Day?

jodi, central jersey — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 13:26:38 GMT

The ACORN investigation won't get very far until well after the election is over. That's what I heard on the news last night. I don't agree with what happened with their registration efforts but I do give them credit for pointing it out. The GOP didn't bust anyone like some conservative sites are saying! And for goodness sake, Barack and his campaing had nothing at all to do with it.

First thoughts: Groundhog Day?

Eric, Salinas, CA — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 13:26:44 GMT

Never believe anything on the Sludge Report. It is garbage news for small minded fools.

I hope that "Criminal" Stevens gets his just desserts as the jury finds him guilty of fraud. Let's hope his next stop is prison. We need to get rid of this putrid foot soldier of Tricky Dick Nixon.

Go Obama/Biden 08/12!

First thoughts: Groundhog Day?

OBAMA WILL RAISE OUR TAXES ..... — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 13:27:07 GMT

.
OBAMA'S "SPREADING THE WEALTH" ---- CODE WORDS FOR TAKING MONEY FROM THOSE WHO

HAVE EARNED IT ... AND GIVING IT TO THOSE WHO HAVE NOT! ALSO KNOWN AS "SOCIALISM."

.
50% OF OBAMA'S SO-CALLED MIDDLE-CLASS TAX CUTS WILL GO TO THOSE WHO PAY NO

TAXES!!! ... SPREADING THE WEALTH! ... SOCILAISM THRU TAXATION!
.
===>>> SPREAD THE WORD ---- OBAMA WILL RAISE OUR TAXES.

First thoughts: Groundhog Day?

jawillie, Philadelphia, PA. — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 13:27:33 GMT

What's up with comments? You guys haven't posted anything since late yesterday afternoon.

First thoughts: Groundhog Day?

Uncle Buck — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 13:28:40 GMT

Obama --> (“For those of you who are feeling giddy or cocky or think this is all set, I just have two words for you: New Hampshire.”)

Joe Biden has a three letter word for us - J-O-B-S.

This character Biden is going to make Quayle look like Einstein.

First thoughts: Groundhog Day?

Thom Dowting, Ithaca, NY — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 13:29:24 GMT

How about a Joe the plumber watch. Huffington's Elisberg says that he has an interesting family tree. Turns out, his dad is the son-in-law of Charles Keating. Yes that Charles Keating of the Keating 5 fame. I seem to remember something to do with the Keating 5 scandal and John McCain...

I'd say this guy is about as much of a swing voter as a tire.

First thoughts: Groundhog Day?

Andrew, Monticello, NY — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 13:30:38 GMT

If you read the methodology, the "expanded" version of the Gallup poll that shows Obama up six assumes about a 75% turnout. That's ridiculous when turnout is usually around 50-55%. Even the "traditional" version assumes 60% which is higher than usual but a for more likely scenerion. These polls based on "registered" voters should be looked at with great skepticism.

First thoughts: Groundhog Day?

sotiredofignorance — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 13:32:05 GMT

General Powell has the opportunity to make history by endorsing Senator Obama on Sunday. Hope he takes this opportunity.

First Read: If you are not going to post comments any more maybe you could let us know? I like to see what others think and First Read is becoming a waste of my time. Will be looking for other things to read.

First thoughts: Groundhog Day?

Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 13:32:12 GMT

"As it was ACORN that on its own accord brought these issues to the attention of relevant law enforcement officials, we are 110% confident that any legitimate review of ACORN by any law enforcement entity..."

There's something funny about an organization that is accused of strange quantities making a claim about being 110 percent confident.

That said, this is such a non-story - another case of faux indignation by Republicans - unless Mickey Mouse actually shows and tries to vote.

First thoughts: Groundhog Day?

JAB — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 13:35:00 GMT

So far I have seen nothing to implicate ACORN other than Republican operatives and the Republican led FBI.

First thoughts: Groundhog Day?

Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 13:36:41 GMT

FR, about Colorado: "Nearly half of the state’s registered voters have requested ballots by mail, compelling the Obama and McCain campaigns to kick-start their get-out-the-vote efforts."

Not enough has been reported and punditized about this. This early voting stuff is fundamentally changing the nature of campaigning, and it would be interesting to hear how both parties are adapting to it.

While a lot of people assume the way to win an election is to have the best message, insiders know elections are often won by organization and the tasks those organizations do - and none more important than GOTV.

First thoughts: Groundhog Day?

George Soros — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 13:38:08 GMT

It's looking more and more like Geroge Soros has bought himself a President.

First thoughts: Groundhog Day?

John B, Des Moines, IA — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 13:38:47 GMT

The Republican machine has done its best to keep this thing close, but all the fundamentals favor Democrats. Ultimately it was inevitable, this thing will continue to turn in Barack's favor.

First thoughts: Groundhog Day?

Eric, Salinas, CA — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 13:39:56 GMT

I'm glad that ACORN has done such a great job oif registering poor voters. They are far more high quality voters than the evangelical christian lunatic fringe voters that have given us two terms of the worst president in history.

Go Obama/Biden 08/12!

First thoughts: Groundhog Day?

Sophia ABeck — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 13:41:18 GMT

The polls don't reveal everything. I have been volunteering in Colorado and you will find that
the polls numbers are different due to increase
voter registration. I am canvassing and it is
very telling. Obama is right-we can not let up
and we have to keep knocking on doors.

GO OBAMA/BIDEN

First thoughts: Groundhog Day?

John B, Des Moines, IA — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 13:42:16 GMT

It's a strange world indeed where the progressive income tax, a concept that has been accepted throughout the developed world for almost 100 years, is defined as "socialism". As it is the tax code has been perverted to the point where wealth is actually redistributed upward. We are past time for a correction of that fundamental unfairness.

First thoughts: Groundhog Day?

ST Lawton, Indiana — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 13:43:41 GMT

That said, this is such a non-story - another case of faux indignation by Republicans - unless Mickey Mouse actually shows and tries to vote.

Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA (Sent Friday, October 17, 2008 9:32 AM)

Isn't "Mickey Mouse" the Secret Services code name for Barack Obama?

First thoughts: Groundhog Day?

Jacie, NY — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 13:44:32 GMT

McCain is not like Truman...no where near it...more like Hoover...think about it...and as far as the Polls...Obama warned everyone..but with Fox news, CNN and CBS, NBC, ABC all reporting the "tightning of the race" people will actually believe it...Fox uses that as "Breaking News"
This Acorn thing has taken off because the RNC via Fox News and CNN have at nauseum reported it was voter fraud...it doesn't matter what the states are saying, they, the news organizations, are saying it and will continue to do so until the RNC gives up - after the election that is if McCain actually wins...this is nothing but a ploy to try and change the subject from the Economy - remember the Economy we are still in trouble...no one is reporting THAT.
The focus is on McCain - or hasn't anyone noticed...the headlines are all about the RNC and the McCain Campaign....Joe the fake plumber, Palin, and very little about the Obama campaign...if I noticed...so have millions of others...

First thoughts: Groundhog Day?

Nashville_fan — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 13:46:11 GMT

Hard to believe we are down to almost 2 weeks after close to TWO YEARS of SLOGGING this thing out . . . I'll be THRILLED to vote and have the verdict finally in . . . but I must confess . . . I'm gonna have one HELL of a political hangover after this! :)

Obama/Biden '08/'12

P.S. So, how long will it be before Sarah Palin (or John McCain) cries on the stump? Let the countdown start . . . NOW! lol

First thoughts: Groundhog Day?

Ron Indiana — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 13:46:22 GMT

It is not surprising, in fact, it's expected that the poll numbers will tighten up. That will
be motivation for the Obama nation to work hard the last two weeks to get out the vote. With that said, it should be noted that Obama has hovered around 50
% and McCain cannot seem to break the 47% barrier. A bottom line is that Obama supporters have been there through the very long primaries and are not about to quit early.

Obama has pretty much stayed on issues and avoided personal attacks. In contrast, McCain is still playing the Ayres card through robocalls. That ploy will not work. Neither will his negative ads. The republicans played that card with Bush and Americans are not interested in going there.

It was refreshing to watch the fundraiser that included McCain and Obama trading jokes. Each ended their remarks with positive things to say about their opponent. That was good to see.

Some say two weeks is a lifetime in politics. Not this time. There are no more arrows in the republican quiver, and Obama did not use all his. The American peopole want change and Obama capitalized on that early in the primaries.

It is not surprising that Palin will have a large crowd in Indianapolis. There are a lot of conservatives in this state. The big crowd should not be interpreted as a republican victory in Indiana.

First thoughts: Groundhog Day?

Pat Huntington NY — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 13:46:48 GMT

Republicans crying voter fraud is a bit ironic, actually, its hysterical, since they hold off on their voting fraud tactics until the actual Election Day, by rigging voting machines, making sure minority districts get only one working machine that breaks down after every other vote, and ooops! forgetting to give highly democrat districts enough provisional ballots. Please! Give me a break already with this ACORN stuff!

First thoughts: Groundhog Day?

BJ, CA — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 13:47:30 GMT

It ain't over until we vote..
YES WE CAN
YES WE CAN
YES WE CAN
YES WE CAN
YES WE CAN
YES WE CAN
YES WE CAN
YES WE CAN

Obama/Biden'08

First thoughts: Groundhog Day?

Pat Huntington NY — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 13:50:12 GMT

Oh, and one more thing...if Powell were smart, he would NOT endorse either candidate. If he endorsed Obama, he would be unwelcome among his fellow republicans and most would say he's just doing that because he's black. If he endorsed McCain, he would get a real backlash from the black community, and it would go against his core foreign policy beliefs, since they are more akin to Obama's than McCain. So, if I were his advisor, I would say both candidates are worthy of holding the office of president, and will reserve his right to keep his vote secret.

First thoughts: Groundhog Day?

MSierra, SF — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 13:52:30 GMT

I'm a little uneasy about the tightening of the polls

What has happened that would lead to that tightening ?
McCain FLOPPED in the debate
He looked mean and bitter with his smirks and sneers
NOT PRESIDENTIAL

The economy is tanking

Why would the race tighten ?

I hope Obama concentrates on battleground states and forgets about Georgia and South Dakota
I know, it helps 'down ticket' Democrats....

But, let's get a Democratic President !!

Obama / Biden

First thoughts: Groundhog Day?

Chris, Dorr, MI — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 13:52:47 GMT

The greatest feeling one can experience as an American is exercising one's right/responsibility to vote. On Wednesday I proudly cast my ballot for Obama/Biden. What a great feeling. What an honor.
I really enjoyed the levity from last nights Al Smith fundraiser. Both candidates looked great and both were hilarious. It was a nice break from the filth being promoted by the McSame campaign. It breaks my heart when I see the clips of the white people that are so ignorant and hateful towards our next President, Barack Obama. Get used to saying America! President Barack Obama.
Don't let up now. Everyone: Please vote!
Obama/Biden 08'

First thoughts: Groundhog Day?

BJ, CA — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 13:55:14 GMT

McCain's Mantra
Proverbs16:25-30
25 There is a away that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.
26 He that laboureth laboureth for himself; for his mouth craveth it of him.
27 An ungodly man diggeth up evil: and in his lips there is as a burning afire.
28 A froward man soweth astrife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends.
29 A violent man enticeth his neighbour, and leadeth him into the way that is not good.
30 He shutteth his eyes to devise froward things: moving his lips he bringeth evil to pass.

First thoughts: Groundhog Day?

Rodney Hopper, Waxahachie, TX — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 13:55:26 GMT

The traditional 'likely voter' model is so bogus. It almost completely eliminates first time voters.

Guess who those folks are voting for? That's right, Barack Obama.

http://www.rodneyhopper.com

First thoughts: Groundhog Day?

BJ, CA — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 13:58:12 GMT

General Colin Powell..a bottom to top kinda guy too.
Read his book.

Obama/Biden'08

First thoughts: Groundhog Day?

G.W. — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 13:59:14 GMT

JOHN, IT'S THE ECONOMY STUPID !

First thoughts: Groundhog Day?

gmhussein, Jupiter, Fl — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 14:00:45 GMT

First Read, what's up with not posting comments.

Just like 'Sotiredofignorance' I'm disappointed. I too like to read others opinions and ideas. I have posted several in the past week that have not appeared, you all cant be that tired, I hope not, we still have lots to read and talk about.

To all you loyal Obama supporters, you know who you are, keep up the great postings and remind all you encounter in your daily lives to VOTE FOR CHANGE, VOTE OBAMA.

First thoughts: Groundhog Day?

BJ, CA — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 14:00:55 GMT

You know what comes from acorns...

The mighty Oak..