First thoughts: Off the trail

Chuck, NY — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 13:44:59 GMT

Please let this temporary suspension not become the infamous OCT surprise for Senator Obama. Go and take care of your grandmother, and let your running mate and maybe the Clinton’s carry the torch for you for two days. If the GOP or the McCain campaign tries anything negative, may they rot in hell.

You gave us hope last January when this journey started. Now we hope everything works out, and you will be in our thoughts and prayers.

First thoughts: Off the trail

the Pajama Pundit — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 13:48:47 GMT

But writing in Politico, Bachmann denies calling liberals anti-American.
*****************************************************

Right. Just like Palin doesn't mean that Obama is a terrorist sympathizer when she says that he 'pals around with admitted terrorists'. Give me a break.

I hope Bachmann loses her re-election bid... big time.

http://thepajamapundit.com/

First thoughts: Off the trail

pat huntington ny — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 13:49:27 GMT

Lets see if McCain keeps up with his nasty dirty smears while Obama is visiting his dying grandma...if he does, McCain should be tarred and feathered!

First thoughts: Off the trail

Mary, Pittsburgh, PA — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 13:50:52 GMT

Sorry, Michele. It's on tape. Forever. You said it and now you will pay the price of opening mouth and inserting foot. I'm just glad to see that folks are finally fed up with this kind of gutter politics. As a "liberal, left wing" Democrat, I'm sure she would think me unAmerican. Probably wouldn't matter to her that my son served two tours in Iraq, either, because I am, and always have been, very much against the Iraq war. Not the troops, Michele, just the war.

First thoughts: Off the trail

jawillie, Philadelphia, PA. — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 13:51:12 GMT

>>>The RNC is pushing back on a CNN report from yesterday that had a McCain insider saying that the campaign’s prospects in Colorado, Iowa, and New Mexico looked bleak. “‘Gone,’ was the word one top McCain insider used to describe those three states.” Here’s the significance of the story: If Obama wins those three states -- and holds onto the states Kerry won in 2004 -- Obama will become the next president, no matter what happens in Florida, Ohio, Virginia, etc. ...
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This just proves that Obama has a far easier path to the White House than McCain does. Keep measuring those drapes, Michelle.

Obama/Biden '08!
http://jawillie.blog.com

First thoughts: Off the trail

Jen,MI — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 13:52:15 GMT

Hmmm...Sarah Palin at the helm during a crisis?
And please remember..McCain doesn't have to die in office for Palin to be in charge...9/11 when Bush was kept in the air, Cheney was at the helm; Cheney at the helm during medical procedures. Think America, think.

First thoughts: Off the trail

Rick, NC — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 13:52:59 GMT

Actually the reports about what Bachman said are accurate...she in fact claimed that anyone who didn't think like bush was unpatriotic and she said congress should be investigated for a "litmus" test of Americanism...what a twit

First thoughts: Off the trail

katiec Pekin, IL — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 13:57:21 GMT

Bachmann is very deserving of the negative publicity
she is getting. Watched her commenting on how
there should be a study on how un-American our
polilticians are and the voters of this country.
Thought for a moment it was Palin ranting. Mccain/palin have worked very hard to divide
our country at a time we need to be strong.
Their campaign is going down in history as the
sleeziest ever conducted in our country.
Bachmann is right there with them.

First thoughts: Off the trail

Ed, Watertown MA — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 13:57:41 GMT

I used to travel to Minneapolis often on business and really thought Minnesotan's were very level-headed and reasonable people but the fact that they elected a crackpot like Michelle Bachmann makes me question that.

Now, making one of the most outrageous statements I've heard from an elected official in years, Bachmann is just outright lying in her denial and there is videotape to prove that she is lying. I guess she believes in that old saying, "Who you gonna believe, me or your lying eyes?"

I just hope Minnesotan's will end the embarassment and throw this wacko out.

First thoughts: Off the trail

LA in Denver — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 13:58:11 GMT

Ha! The first thing I did after I saw Congresswoman Bachman on Hardball was check out who she was running against in Minnesota. I didn't send money, but I thought about it. We don't need her divisive, lunatic views in the congress. I hope she gets voted out!

First thoughts: Off the trail

Jonah, NM — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 13:59:38 GMT

I've been rooting for Gore in 2000, Kerry in 2004 but a majority of us Americans prefer things that are easy to the eyes and ears --- being wrapped and delivered nicely rather than using common sense to pick the right man for job... anyways, hope is alive and well for us then. McCain had been standing near the helm for quite a long time with a grand view of the things-gone-wrong/thing-gone-right from previous administrations. It's high time we elect him us POTUS to clean up the mess we're in.

First thoughts: Off the trail

Pat, Boston, MA — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 14:00:12 GMT

This is my math for whatever it's worth.

Leave Ohio, PA & Virginia in toss up. Give Missouri to McCain. Obama evidently now has Colorado, NM & Iowa.

This leaves McCain @ 205, Obama 252.

As it stands today, Obama only needs to win one of the following: Florida, Ohio or PA, as each state carries 20 or more EVs.

Some pundits have already put Florida in the blue. If this is accurate, it's over.

First thoughts: Off the trail

Rodney Hopper, Waxahachie, TX — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 14:00:26 GMT

All prayers to Mrs. Dunham, I pray you get to watch your grandson lead this country.

Without CO and NM, they are done, and despite what they're saying, they haven't swung that wildly without a game changing event (debate, conventions).

Leave it to First Read and the rest of the media to leave the other half of Biden's quote out. "They're going to find out this guy has a spine of steel." You guys really need this to end up a horserace, don't you?

Another stupid just askin moment. Why not ask "why isn't Sarah Palin releasing hers?"

Sorry, Michelle, you can't repaint history when it's on tape. You clearly said Obama had anti-American ideas and you blatantly said there were anti-American members of Congress and the media should expose them. you also said they were liberals.

http://www.rodneyhopper.com

First thoughts: Off the trail

Endy Nelson, Walker MN — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 14:01:23 GMT

The media lies about the Republicans continues. Fake polls, fake news stories, attack the ones that ask the tough questions of Obama, cover up all of Bidens loopy sound bites. It never ends.

First thoughts: Off the trail

Paul, Miami, Fl — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 14:01:28 GMT

Is Bachmann the biggest idiot their is, she asks "What does Obama mean by change"? He has only been speaking about it for the last 2 years almost and they still don't get it! Incredible, no wonder the Repubs will go down in Nov. including the down-ballot candidates ! Go Dems, all the way!

First thoughts: Off the trail

Michael — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 14:02:56 GMT

North Dakota is more within Obama's reach than South Dakota, recent polls have ND tied (though I do expect most undecideds would vote for McCain there).

First thoughts: Off the trail

Eric, Salinas, CA — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 14:03:52 GMT

Barack Obama really has expanded the electoral map and McNasty has to keep defending red states. McNasty is a fool to waste so much time and effort in Pennsylvania because that blue state is way out of his reach. But as he wastes time and money there he isn't defending his own turf and that's going to sink him badly.

I sure hope that Obama surrogates pick up the slack while Obama is away visiting his Grandmother. Time for Bill Clinton to really jump in and campaign heartily for Obama.

Go Obama/Biden 08/12!

First thoughts: Off the trail

Michelle Zee — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 14:03:59 GMT

Biden was only tamping up his own resume. Hard to believe there are many people who didn't know who Biden is, so to me that's not a gaffe.

Neither was Palin's comments. She is distancing herself from the snarky tactics, but leaving a window of opportunity open for the future. Maybe Palin is not a dumb as we think. She is on to something, but what that something "is"...we will have to stay tuned.

Bachman is an airhead, I don't understand how people govern? No matter what your party affiliation is, their allegiance is to our country and the citizens of this country; especially the people in their districts. I am tired of the divide to conquer. Well it's pretty evident, she can pack her office. I don't even live in that district or that state, but I donated to help him "throw the bum out!"

First thoughts: Off the trail

Ron Indiana — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 14:04:13 GMT

It was a million dollar mistake for Michele Bachmann to be divisive when talking about liberals as unamerican. Kudos to Keith for his special comments; speaking out against divisive politics. Also credit goes to Chris and Rachel for showing Limbaugh's racist remarks. Colin Powell has had a distinguished career and does not deserve to be insulted by demeaning accusations.

So we have Buchmann and Limbaugh making divisive and racist comments. What MSNBC failed to do was to include Pat Buchanan in their discussion. Buchanan said he agreed with Michelle and last Sunday night on Hardball he was playing the same racist card as was Limbaugh. Now what is MSNBC going to do about this?

Nothing, I sure hope not! Months ago David Schuster made a comment (not racist) against the Clintons and he received a two week leave of absence. With just two weeks left in the campaign, it would be fitting for Pat Buchanan to be put on a leave of absence. Then a birthday/retirement party. Pat is not an analyst, he is not. He is a political hack who has no business spewing his own brand of racism.

First thoughts: Off the trail

Barack My World! — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 14:04:23 GMT

Palin in Reno...how fitting.

First thoughts: Off the trail

Erik, Mechanicsburg, PA — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 14:04:36 GMT

<<"We believe the possibility of NV or NM breaking at the last minute is likely and we have our dominos lined up to knock down the win at the last minute.">>

Key phrase here (used twice): "At the last minute." So you're hoping for a last-minute miracle, eh John?

I'm envisioning another McCain Hail Mary being picked off by the Obama campaign...

First thoughts: Off the trail

C A Wren Routt Colorado — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 14:04:53 GMT

When Chris Matthews was conducting the interview with Michele Bachmann I was quite upset. He just let her go on and on spewing her hate filled nonsense. But now I understand that Mr. Mathews was skillfully feeding her rope. I guess it proves that some voters would vote for a stump if there were some religious agenda tacked to it.

First thoughts: Off the trail

Bobbi — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 14:05:20 GMT

Biden had a valid point. Some shady leaders will push to see what response they get, checking the boundaries. I have no doubt about Obama's ability to push back. Sen. Obama, I hope your grandmother heals quickly.
Bachmann's remarks were unnerving. Echoes of McCarthy and a very ugly chapter in our history. Have we learned anything from the mistakes in our past and will we stand up to this type of smear, inference, intimidation, and bullying in a quest to grasp power?
As for medical records, there is a great deal more about McCain's cancer history that should be known if he is to rise to the highest office. Particularly in consideration of his running mate and her possible ascension should he fall ill again.

First thoughts: Off the trail

notfooled byrhetoric, White Plains, NY — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 14:05:50 GMT

Regarding Biden's statements, there was no mention of Ronald Reagan's first year. Reagan made it well known that when he took office he was no Jimmy (all talk, no action) Carter. It seems pretty amazing that the Iranian hostage crisis ended right after he took office. So who do you think would be tested internationally, someone who advocates talk, hug, talk, hug. His campaigning to pull out of Iraq immediately rather than finishing the job has been observed overseas. It shows that he will be reluctant to take action since his supporters originally got behind him due to his Iraq stance. Obama's reaction to Georgia is also very telling as is Hamas' support for him to be elected. Or someone who has a record indicating that he will not be one to mess with.

Talking is fine at first, but you need a backbone to back it up. Obama has failed to show that backbone.

First thoughts: Off the trail

Nicole — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 14:05:54 GMT

I really hope that Obama's grandmother holds on and lives another 2 weeks to see her grandson elected as first Black President of the United States. It will be sad if none of his Mom's side of the family will be around to see this, my prayers go out for her! Obama 08'

First thoughts: Off the trail

jadavis Smiths, Al. — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 14:07:46 GMT

Ms. Bachmann you are lying thru your big teeth. Its all on tape. Just go to MSNBC CLICK POLITICS CLICK
HARDBALL.Go to Friday Oct. 17, 2008. There you are, Ms.Pro-America. For all the world to see and hear every last word.

First thoughts: Off the trail

Diane from Illinois — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 14:11:57 GMT

Well, I see GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann is keeping up with the Republican lies. Anyone who heard her on Hardball HEARD her say she thought there should be an investigation into Congressmen of who is pro-american and who is anti-american......she NEVER asked what Obama meant by "change". This woman is a whacko and Chris even gave her every opportunity to rephrase or take back what she was saying and she didn't.....THAT'S why her opponent has received $810,000 in contributions since Friday! More of these idiots should go on TV and sprew their hate theme.....seems to be working in reverse this year!
Obama/Biden '08/'12!

First thoughts: Off the trail

JP - Waterloo, WI — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 14:12:00 GMT

Bachmann's statement in Politico is an interesting exercise in trying to put the toothpaste back in the tube. That's ok, Michelle. No need to explain. It is obvious, after all, that the overwhelming number of contributors (including me for $50) to your opponents campaign understand EXACTLY what you meant the first time.

First thoughts: Off the trail

jawillie, Philadelphia, PA. — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 14:12:08 GMT

>>>Interestingly, recent history suggests Biden is right: The last two new presidents were tested by a crisis in his first year? (For Clinton, it was Somalia and first World Trade Center attack; for Bush, it was 9/11.) By the way, could this have been Biden's way of inartfully -- but delicately -- highlighting Palin's own resume?
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In a crisis, I'd rather have Obama and Biden taking the "3am phone call" than an erratic senile old man with clear symptoms of dementia and a woman with the qualifications of onion-dip.

Obama/Biden
http://jawillie.blog.com

First thoughts: Off the trail

Steve Evans, Manchester Center, VT — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 14:12:24 GMT

When the new's channels on election night "say" who won, is it not the exit polls that determine this first call, as opposed to actal vote counts? If so, might racial biasis and prejudices skew the results?
maybe this year we should just be a little more patient and wait for the actual vote counts.
ps
My motivation, as an Obama supporter, is to avoid false hopes, quickly dashed. been there, done that.