First thoughts: McCain's map blues

jaycee, Ventura, CA — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 13:34:06 GMT

Who is bested suited to lead in these difficult times? The two candidates have had to deal with both a major presidential level decision and a global crisis in the past couple months. On the critical matter of selecting the backup who would step into the presidency in an emergency, John McCain picked an unschooled mediocrity for clearly political purposes. John’s buddy Joe Lieberman said on Friday: “Thank God she's not going to have to be president from day one. McCain's going to be alive and well.” I feel better already.

We just witnessed about as good a side by side crisis test as you could ask for. Both candidates had to respond to the global financial meltdown, which John’s campaign manager Rick Davis called potentially “the worst financial crisis in our nation's history.” It was John McCain who was late to recognize what was happening and then couldn’t figure out how to respond. He made a dramatic show of suspending his campaign because he knew he needed to seize the initiative politically, but then didn’t seem to have any coherent position once he took charge. It doesn’t inspire confidence when you say you’re going to do something and then back down within days.

John’s horrendous POW experience did nothing to prepare him for the job of president. A captive soldier must cope with a situation in which he or she has no control and can decide nothing. A president of the United States must do nothing but make good decisions over and over again. Barack Obama has demonstrated the calm consistency, intelligence, and good judgment we so desperately need in a leader for these troubled times. He has been tested repeatedly in this marathon campaign and he has risen to meet every challenge.

First thoughts: McCain's map blues

Chuck, NY — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 13:35:47 GMT

I thought I would never remember what it is to be like a child before Christmas. That is how I feel now while awaiting the election next Tuesday. If my county early voting station wasn’t so far out of my way, I would early vote today. Obama’s huge rallies these past 2 weekends are awe inspiring. I am sure his 30 minute ‘visit to my house’ on Wednesday will put the final candle on the celebration cake for me.

You made us believe in hope last January, and you have reaffirmed it again in your closing arguments. Hope triumphs fear this election.

First thoughts: McCain's map blues

the Pajama Pundit — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 13:37:47 GMT

Palin had “gone rogue” -- ignoring the McCain campaign’s advice, as well as seeming to break with McCain on a few issues (like raising Jeremiah Wright and the campaign’s decision to give up on Michigan).
******************************************************

A campaign in disarray. Infighting.

Bad news for ANY campaign -- much less a presidential one. Wasn't this the real sign that the Clinton campaign was going down earlier this year? Lots of finger-pointing, etc?

http://thepajamapundit.com/

First thoughts: McCain's map blues

Pat, Boston, MA — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 13:38:35 GMT

I don't know what's going to be more emotional for me: voting for Senator Barack Obama next Tuesday or the announcement later Tuesday evening that he has won the election.

All I do know for certainty is that I can't wait.

Cheers everybody.

First thoughts: McCain's map blues

Eric, Salinas, CA — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 13:38:38 GMT

I am so laughing that Chuck Todd has finally pushed Obama over the magic 270 electoral vote total on his electoral map. With a week to go that's a wonderful sign that Obama will score a much bigger victory than "NeoNazi" Bush did 4 years ago.

It was 4 years ago that the repugnant ones were bragging about having control of the White House and Congress for a generation. It only took 2 years to lose Congress and now 4 years later they will lose the White House. Now it will be the Democrats that will have total control of Washington so that they can undo all the damage of the past 8 years.

We can now throw back that saying from 4 years ago when we lost the White House "Get Over It"! Now for some progressive 21st Century style government by Obama, Biden, Pelosi and Reid!

Go Obama/Biden 08/12!

First thoughts: McCain's map blues

Ms Jenny — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 13:39:03 GMT

"One of those issues that McCain didn’t mention in the interview was his votes against the 2001 and 2003 Bush tax cuts."
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

LOL yeah that was back when McCain was still a "socialist". It's such a joke that when McCain opposed those tax breaks, he was taking a principled stance. But when Obama opposes those same tax cuts, he's a "socialist". But while we're on the subject...

PLEASE look at the candidates tax plans.

http://media3.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/graphic/2008/06/12/GR2008061200193.gif

Notice how they BOTH have a graduated tax break. With Obama's plan, the less you earn, the bigger your break. With McCain's plan, the MORE you earn, the bigger your break. With Obama's plan, tax breaks for the middle class are payed for by letting the Bush tax cuts expire on the wealthiest 3%. With McCain's tax plan, tax breaks for the upper 3% are payed for by only giving a VERY SMALL tax break to the middle class. Technicallyt, they BOTH "redistribute" wealth, because NIETHER plan is a FLAT tax! The difference is, Obama is trying to give the middle class some relief, while McCain wants to distribute that wealth to people who already have it!

First thoughts: McCain's map blues

jawillie, Philadelphia, PA. — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 13:39:57 GMT

>>>After moving the battlegrounds of Colorado and Virginia from Toss-up to Lean Obama, the Democratic presidential nominee now has crossed the 270 Electoral Vote threshold in NBC’s electoral map.
==========
People, PLEASE DO NOT GET COMPLACENT! THESE ARE ONLY PROJECTIONS! THE ONLY POLL THAT REALLY COUNTS IS THE ONE TAKEN ON NOVEMBER 4TH! PLEASE REMEMBER TO VOTE ASAP!

From another post...
>>>...McCain attacking Bush for his economic policies was like “Robin getting mad at Batman.”
==========
Does anyone remember the Batman episode where Robin is hypnotized by Catwoman and turns against Batman? Reading this reminds me of that episode.

Maybe John McCain was suddenly "hypnotized" by Sarah Palin and the extreme right-wing.

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

First thoughts: McCain's map blues

Obama Is Best For America — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 13:40:52 GMT

The reality is to vote for McCain IS A HUGE RISK!!

When you vote McCain, you get Palin. This person should never be our V.P., no less President.

Vote for a steady, mature, intelligent leader who will bring us to a better future. Senator Obama has VISION and hope for our future.

GET OUT THE VOTE, AMERICA ----stand in long lines in the rain, bring your snacks and lawn chairs and GET THE JOB DONE !!!!

OBAMA/BIDEN '08

First thoughts: McCain's map blues

no joe, no bo, nj — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 13:42:31 GMT

Here's some news that should keep you up nights, as well as make you really THINK about what you are voting for:

On Friday, The Wall Street Journal reported that house Democrats have been holding hearings about seizing our 401k's, and rolling them into the Social Security system. The plan, as now constructed, would mandate that ALL of these funds be turned over to SS in fiscal year '09; they would be invested in government bonds which yield no higher than 3%; if the 'contributor' died before collecting these funds, 50% of the INITIAL contribution could be WILLED to a beneficiary; naturally, the 401k tax deduction would be eliminated.

My question is, why is this the best kept secret of the campaign?

First thoughts: McCain's map blues

subgruvet, ok — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 13:42:36 GMT

Chickens with their heads off run all over the place before they keel over. That's the McKeating Five and moose momma campaign....a soon to be dead chicken.

On the other hand Sen. Obama is running on message in a composed, steady campaign. His ads are on target. This navy vet is for Obama and urges any vet still thinking of voting for the republican to check out the Rolling Stone article The Make Believe Maverick.

First thoughts: McCain's map blues

Mon, 27 Oct 2008 13:42:47 GMT

EARLY VOTING IN FLORIDA IS "VERY" HEAVY. IT'S NOW ONLY 85 DAYS UNTIL OBAMA/BIDEN TAKE OFFICE. CHANGE IS COMMING WHETHER YOU LIKE IT OR NOT.THE REPUBLICAN PARTY IS DEFINITLY OVER.

First thoughts: McCain's map blues

Eric, Salinas, CA — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 13:44:19 GMT

There's no doubt that "Sinner" Sarah has been out for herself and 2012. What a clueless fool she is if she thinks she has a future here in the lower 48. If she becomes the head of the repugnant one's party then they will keep on losing as she has become the most reviled national candidate in history. She will never unite the repugnant one's party, all she'll do is attract the evangelical christian lunatic fringe while alienating the moderates.

McNasty was pathetic on Meet the Press yesterday. Just more whining about everything. This is no country for angry old men!

I see that his tyrant pal "Warmonger" Bush is trying to help out McNasty by bombing Syria trying to create a false international security problem. It's not going to work! It's the Economy Stupid!

Go Obama/Biden 08/12!

First thoughts: McCain's map blues

Nashville_fan — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 13:44:59 GMT

I am just so very proud of Senator Obama for remaining true to himself and his vision for America for the past two years.

Despite constant calls for him to change who he is and attack and pander, he has continued to stick to his message of hope and encouraging us all to disagree without being disagreeable.

It is this steadiness of purpose that leads me to believe that Senator Obama can bring this same focus and organization to the problems America is now facing.

Yes he can.

Obama/Biden '08/'12

First thoughts: McCain's map blues

Midwest Mom — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 13:46:10 GMT

The question is whether this tension ends up damaging her [Palin] for 2012…
_____________________________________

I find it amusing to believe that Sarah Palin will be anything but a "you betcha" radio talk show host in 2012. Unless she's willing to do the work to gain some policy expertise, that winning smile isn't going to get her far beyond Juneau. Huckabee speaks more convincingly to the evangelical base and Romney has a better charm to expertise ratio. Perhaps she'll be asked to be a veep candidate again? Oops. Probably not. Even the Republicans are capable of learning *that* lesson.
***************

http://ilfamilypolitics.blogspot.com

First thoughts: McCain's map blues

Diane from Illinois — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 13:48:00 GMT

I would LOVE to see McCain lose his own state of Arizona next Tuesday. Wouldn't that be the final slap in the face to one of the most dishonest, slimy campaigns I can remember in a long, long time? I can't even stand looking at either him or Palin anymore on TV and turn the channel whenever they're on (much like I do when Bush is on. I can't wait for this to be over and we can begin to mve forward with President-Elect Obama. Obama/Biden '08/'12

First thoughts: McCain's map blues

Ron Indiana — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 13:48:42 GMT

It's about time MSNBC changed their political map to show Obama has the numbers to win it all. Even now, their numbers are lower than many other polls. I encourage people to go to Pollster.com for a complete update. Intrade is a facinating website as people are spending their own money on who they believe will win. Intrade has Indiana a light blue, with Obama getting 375 EVs. Might be a bit high, maybe not.

Glad to see Palin talking about her clothes. This story (of all things) had legs that lasted for a week. When you are talking about pantsuits and blasting your opponent, you don't have much to offer.

There will be a lot of finger pointing. But McCain took some really bad advise by selecting Sarah. She wasn't vetted and advisors had to have push her on John. So John is responsible for agreeing and the advisors are filling out their resume, blaming Sarah or someone. I personally know John McCain and I know in about 2 months he will be hating himself. He made exactly the same mistake in North Carolina 8 years ago...and didn't learn his lesson.

Obama will likely get in the 350 EV neighborhood. That's pretty much a landslide.

First thoughts: McCain's map blues

Midwest Mom — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 13:49:51 GMT

Downballot -- Watch Illinois' 15th District for relative newcomer Steve Cox(D) to challenge Tim Johnson (R). Cox has Washington experience, although he's new to political campaigning. His 'yard sign' presence is visible, and Johnson has not been campaigning heavily in the district, especially on the East side. Johnson voted 'no' on the bailout, too... it may come back to bite him.

First thoughts: McCain's map blues

orlando, florida — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 13:50:26 GMT

Last I checked Dems were leading the House, how are they doing?

First thoughts: McCain's map blues

Essie — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 13:50:33 GMT

Show's how unorganized that Republican Party is. They are really screwed up! Open your eyes everyone!

First thoughts: McCain's map blues

Nashville_fan — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 13:52:32 GMT

Funny how the media is trying to create a sense of dread at "unchecked" Democratic power.

Looking at the results of unchecked Republican power, there really isn't much left to lose.

America's foreign policy and economy are in shambles, and I don't see how a bunch of self serving politicians constantly fighting and trying to save their own behinds at our expense is a good thing.

America won't be voting for unchecked Democratic power. America will be voting for the return of competence and common sense to Washington DC, thus freeing Sarah Palin to consingment shop to her heart's content.

First thoughts: McCain's map blues

Erik, Mechanicsburg, PA — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 13:52:44 GMT

<<"There will be a lot of Wednesday-morning quarterbacking next week, if he loses, about how McCain spent the first four months of his general election campaign.">>

Funny..."Operation Chaos" (the protracted battle between Obama and Clinton in the primaries) was supposed to give McCain a landslide victory.

Even funnier...the term "Operation Chaos" can now be applied accurately to the McCain campaign.

First thoughts: McCain's map blues

RD, ALEXANDRIA, VA — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 13:54:28 GMT

GO OBAMA/BIDEN '08/'12

A RABID REPUBLICAN VIETNAM-ERA VETERAN FAT OLD PREDJUDICED WHITE GUY NOW FOR OBAMA/BIDEN

First thoughts: McCain's map blues

laurel kasson — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 13:54:36 GMT

Unless he wins (and even then, it's a stretch), the name of the town, Waterloo, isn't ironic, it's coincedentally somewhat appropriate.

First thoughts: McCain's map blues

BJ, CA — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 13:55:37 GMT

Did anyone see "Meet the Press" on Sunday..Poor Tom Brokaw putting up with that arrogant a$$...
McCain needed a straight jacket and a padded cell..Please change your Med's John..those macho pills your on now make your attidude multiplied times stupid look BAD..and forgetful..
George Schultz Whoppie I remembered!!!

First thoughts: McCain's map blues

Harold Mitnick — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 13:55:37 GMT

By the time the people of Alaska digest all of facts uncovered about their governor, she won't be able to get elected Moose catcher. She should be a footnote by 2012.

First thoughts: McCain's map blues

mike ca — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 13:56:10 GMT

this will get buried but your early story on "first read" had palin say her favorite clotheing store was "out of the closet" we have one here too and it serves mostly the gay comunitiy thats why the store has nice clothes. I wonder if she knows that

First thoughts: McCain's map blues

thats a fact jack — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 13:56:37 GMT

palin running in 2012 as rethugnutz leader that just ensures dem victories in 2012, I sincerly hope repubs can get some decent honest American loving folks to run in the future.

First thoughts: McCain's map blues

Rick,Ky — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 13:57:08 GMT

Do we as American's want Integrity restored to the Oval office? If so, there's only one choice for President.

Barack Obama for President !

These next several days are gonna be topsy-turvy for all political junkies.

We have Cowboy George attacking inside Syria! Why? My thought is that attacking Iran at this point would only show the complete Ignorance of Cowboy George. So he( along with dead-eye Dick Cheney) instead goes after Iran's partner in International terrorism in the Hopes of stirring up sympathy for McCain.

American's understand the missles targeted at sites inside Pakistan, but to pull such a stunt 8 days from electing a New President, is complete Ignorance. Why now was it so imperative to attack this site in Syria?
Was Bin Laden lurking on the Syrian border of Iraq? I doubt it, but Cowboy George & the GOP are Desparate for anything these days.

Delusional Thinking By Commonsense American's Is Over !

First thoughts: McCain's map blues

Say it ain't so average Joe — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 13:57:20 GMT

If you look at Palin's career, she had done everything she could to advance her Political rise. Now that she has tasted the National scene and is sure her ticket is going down, I would not be surprised if she jumps off the ship and promotes herself more prominently this week to help set the groundwork for her Palin/Witchdoctor 2012 campaign.

The McCain campaign is finished.

First thoughts: McCain's map blues

George Vollmann, Sioux Falls, SD — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 13:58:29 GMT

Your coverage is a useless tribute to a dead mainstream media in print, radio, TV, and the internet! RIP

First thoughts: McCain's map blues

Catherine Charlottesville, Virginia — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 14:00:42 GMT

Why no mention of the Joe Biden interview with Barbara West? Isn't that blog worthy?

First thoughts: McCain's map blues

Dennis Umphrey Pottsville PA — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 14:01:17 GMT

I would like to know why haven't the press persue Palins health record? This is important if Mcain can't continue god forbid.Also why haven't the press persude Mcains conection to Iran-Contra scandel and his accosiation to G. Gorden Litty and his meeting with the dictator of Chile that murderd all those people? I would also like to know is Mcain going to react to Iran nukes like he did the stock market crash? In the real world plumers are luky they make 40,000 a year Mr Mcain needs to walk a mile in a average Joes shoes.

First thoughts: McCain's map blues

Rob Harris, Buckeye, AZ — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 14:01:33 GMT

LOVIN the updated map today guys, but when do ya think you'll be turning Ohio to a lovely light shade of blue?

RCP Average - Obama +6.0

Reuters/Zogby - Obama +5
Politico/InAdv - Obama +10
Ohio Newspaper Poll - Obama +3
Big10 Battleground - Obama +12
CNN/Time - Obama +4
FOX News/Rasmussen - McCain +2
Quinnipiac - Obama +14
Suffolk - Obama +9
NBC/Mason-Dixon - McCain +1

Come on Chuck, you know ya want to!

First thoughts: McCain's map blues

donna — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 14:01:37 GMT

From Chuck Todd, Mark Murray, Domenico Montanaro, and Carrie Dann
*** Obama crosses 270:
***************

Realclearpolitics has had Obama/Biden at 308 for a week.

First thoughts: McCain's map blues

J. Merle Stanley, Westchester, NY — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 14:01:40 GMT

"*** Obama crosses 270: After moving the battlegrounds of Colorado and Virginia from Toss-up to Lean Obama, the Democratic presidential nominee now has crossed the 270 Electoral Vote threshold in NBC’s electoral map. "

Gee, and all this time I thought the electoral vote was decided on election day, by the voters in each state.
Imagine my surprise when I found out this morning that msnbc's FIRST READ is who awards electoral votes and they have decided to give Barrack Obama 270 of them!
Your coverage STINKS. You are BIASED and UNFAIR. You aren't journalists or political analysts you are OBAMA-LACKEYS and you're trying to create history by pushing for him to win the Presidency.
You've been doing this since last year, and everyone can see it.
Is this the kind of journalism we can expect if he takes the oval office? I hope not. I would hope that "Pravda" and "TASS" died along with the soviet union....but maybe if you try hard enough you can revive them here.
MSNBC and FIRST READ's coverage of this election SUCKS. Neither would know the truth if it jumped up and bit them on their asses.

First thoughts: McCain's map blues

katiec Pekin, IL — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 14:02:36 GMT

American voters, am very distured and worried about an article I just read about the republicans trying to suppress thousands upon thousands of votes in Colorado. This is going on all across our great
country.
Isn't it sad that in the United States of America
we have a party that is so intent upon winning,
they will stoop to any level to win?
We cannot allow these unscrupulous people to
get into office or steal this election from the
American voters.

First thoughts: McCain's map blues

Pat Huntington NY [VOTE! VOTE! VOTE!] — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 14:02:42 GMT

My biggest concern with all this good polling news for Obama is the voting issue...registered voters illegally getting purged from voting lists with no time to fix the problem, and voting machine glitches and rigging. I will not feel comfortable until after election day. I don't think anyone should count their chickens until then. And one more thing....

VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE

First thoughts: McCain's map blues

andy zaller — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 14:03:37 GMT

As usual, informative, info for a political junkie like myself. Your First Read column is a must for people who really want to find out what's going on.
You don't hear much from Karl Rove these days. Maybe he's crawled into the Cheney bunker to avoid jail time.

Speaking of Cheyney, he seems to have also disappeared
from the light of day. It's okay, though. We've had quite enough of him! Palin won't be the standard bearer for the Republicans in 2112 if McCain loses. They will hopefully learn and choose a sensible, articulate moderate (NOT Romney!).

First thoughts: McCain's map blues

Mrs. Jones, Chicago, Illinois — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 14:03:44 GMT

This is exactly what McCain gets... "I picked her because she was a Maverick"... well now she's getting all Mavericky on him. She is running the show!

She has her own plane, it is the Palin & McCain Campaign, she is having press conferences without his approval, she is adding lines to speeches they didn't write, she is going places they said not to go... wow..

The bad part for her is, you can never be a good leader, until you are an outstanding follower. The number one task of this job is to SUPPORT THE PRESIDENT (in this case the Presidential nominee). I think she is confused on why she was asked to come... or is she?

First thoughts: McCain's map blues

jesse St.Paul Minnesota — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 14:03:52 GMT

This is starting to sound like The end for the bomber.The Pit bull unleashed,running on her own, looking out for her self,ummmm.I see that the home town paper in Alaska has endorsed Obama.That has to hurt.Bomber you can't have it your way,you hugged up to Bush,we've seen the tape of all the hug and kissing.You supported him 90 % of the time,you supported his war,his tax cuts for the rich,His torture and his tactics,His wiretapping,his finger prints all over the Justice scandal .Enough said.

First thoughts: McCain's map blues

Greg Robinette, North Branch, Michigan — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 14:04:11 GMT

It would be nice if your information wasn't so biased. Obama didn't need to spend a lot of money of ads because he has had main stream media backing him the entire time he's been running. You followed him overseas, your reporting is slanted for him and against anything that deals with McCain/Palin. Of course you pointed out how inexperienced Palin is but seem to forget the Sen Obama has 143 "days" of experience prior to the campaign. I don't know about you but I would be more concerned about how much experience the Presdential candidate has and not the VP. Maybe main stream media could report the facts as they are and not as you want them to be seen. The American public should be entitled to facts and not your opinions. Try following Hemingway's lead, Write one true sentence and follow it up with another and another, and another. Since you deal with opinions so much, this was mine. Even though this goes against your "position" hopefully, you have the guts to print this.

First thoughts: McCain's map blues

Rob — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 14:04:20 GMT

McCain sent up the white flag this week when he was playing defense by saying vote McCain Palin to keep a check and balance in play. The Republicans have treated the country like second class citizens since 1996 by thinking it was a country for business and the extremely wealthy. The Republicans put their votes up for sale since Tom Delay and Newt Gindrich were in charge. You can go back to Reagan and see the down slide of this country. When you quit caring about the workers along with creating a seperation of wealth through bad legislation. Free trade, low wages, Wal Mart, K-Street, greed of the politicians, Wall Street thinking working people are expandable. Wages create the base economy of any country not business. Business isn't very economically smart because the workers they pay are there consumers. Cutting taxes for business is good however lower workers taxes causes a positive cashflow up to the top. When wealthy people are long term greedy by allowing money to flow from the workers, small business, etc up word creates the economic conditions of the 90's. Bush's economy has been on credit not a cashflow economy.

First thoughts: McCain's map blues

Jani Littler — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 14:06:43 GMT

I am an independant and vote for the person I think will do the best job.It baffles me immensly how anyone can even consider Obama's tax plan and not understand how it will affect them in the long run. It might sound good to them now,but down the road maybe they'll start to understand how he talks out of both sides of his mouth.

First thoughts: McCain's map blues

donna — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 14:07:00 GMT

What’s more, Obama will call for changing the tone in Washington. (But haven't we heard this before? Both Bush 43 and Clinton 42 promised this.)
*******************

Yes, but Obama has done it time, and again. As the President of The Harvard Law Review, and as a Community Organizer he brought Whites, Blacks, and Hispanics, etc., together. As a result, they worked together for the greater good of them all.

First thoughts: McCain's map blues

Hazel Boyd — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 14:07:01 GMT

8 days to go but some recent developments came up...
Can you write about the following:
1) 2001 Barack Obama radio interview in Chicago where is explaining his plan for 'spreading the wealth' by using our judicial system.
2) Obama campaign pulling the plug on Joe Biden interview after he fails/struggles with an answer to simple question made by a local Florida TV station.

Thank you very much!

First thoughts: McCain's map blues

Larry Gould, Raleigh, NC — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 14:07:13 GMT

McCain has no option but to support Bush's tax cuts for the wealthy; if he loses the conservative vote he
will surely have no hope of winning the election. This decision was in lockstep with his decision to select Sarah Palin as his running mate. As one can see
McCain believed he could "sell" these choices to the
electorate without hurting him image.

No matter to him that he gave up his good name and
reputation as a maverick.

First thoughts: McCain's map blues

Rick, NC — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 14:07:17 GMT

I encourage everyone to vote straight Democrat this year up and down the ballot..I am a former Republican (until 2003) and the party has lost its way pandering to the most racist and ignorant of our population...they hate Americans and can't govern

First thoughts: McCain's map blues

Full Moon — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 14:09:15 GMT

"I ceased to advertise my mother's race at the age of 12 or 13, when I began to suspect that by doing so I was ingratiating myself to whites."

- Barack Hussein Obama

First thoughts: McCain's map blues

Seattle Sue — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 14:09:49 GMT

Just heard McCain at his rally say when he is elected he will get the government out of the banking business. Didn't McCain just vote to put government in the banking business? Is this man senile or what?

First thoughts: McCain's map blues

Casey H., Douglas, Arizona — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 14:09:56 GMT

After reading the post about Arizona moving from likely McCain to lean McCain I couldn't help but think how Sen. McCain should forget about Ohio and Florida and all the other "Swing States" and focus on his home state. As a Arizona Democrat, I truly believe Arizona could vote for Obama, by a slim margin if McCain forgets his own state and by a little push by the Obama-Biden ticket. An article in Sunday's Arizona Daily Star reported how Arizona is turing from deep GOP red, to a light shade of Democratic blue. With a little push,(and money), McCain's home state could end up in the Obama column.

First thoughts: McCain's map blues

Steve Turner Cedar Falls Iowa — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 14:10:01 GMT

Looks like we might have to wait until 2016 to see Hillary and Sarah go at it.

First thoughts: McCain's map blues

Sad for my dying country Anywhere USA — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 14:10:11 GMT

We will get what the Obama campaign and all of his donors paid for. Radical Islam Socialism. How much did he pay you guys? I know you block a lot responses to this debate on First Read, but I guess thats fascism.

Welcome to the new world order. I wonder if Louis Farrakhan will be Secretary of State.

First thoughts: McCain's map blues

Doug OH — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 14:10:17 GMT

Here is some things to consider;
1. How many new voters will turn up to vote ?
2. How many people will change their minds about canidates
3. How accurate have the polls been
4. How will the race card play out
and
5. Dems like me , when polled say they are voting for Obama, when I have actually already voted McCain

First thoughts: McCain's map blues

megan, ball ground, ga — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 14:10:39 GMT

Obama will be shot if he wins so who cares.

First thoughts: McCain's map blues

Mike, Boston — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 14:10:56 GMT

Todd,

All of this information is interesting - but someone needs to get on top of the emerging voter purge activities in Republican battleground states. Purging voters, many of them legally registered, just weeks prior to an election smells of voter suppression at its best and of unabashed election stealing at its worst. Do we live in the USSR or the USA? What has this country devolved into - or should I say, what two countries do we really live in today?

First thoughts: McCain's map blues

donna — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 14:12:17 GMT

*** McCain Meets the Press:
++++++++++++

He did not help his image as being erratic either. He was combative, surly, and resentful.

Brokaw was clearly intimidated. At one point he even asked McCain's permission to show a clip to the audience.

Brokaw moved from the polls, to Bush, to Palin, to clothing-gate, to Powell.....

It was an interview that just went from bad to worse for McCain.

McCain did his campaign no good, on 'free' TV!

First thoughts: McCain's map blues

Check this out — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 14:12:42 GMT

VOTERS BEWARE: Obama has a "spread the wealth" plan from his radio interview last 2001 in Chicago.

http://www.stoptheaclu.com/archives/2008/10/26/audio-obama-the-marxist/

First thoughts: McCain's map blues

Steve in Portland — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 14:12:57 GMT

The clothes I can understand. But the $11,000 a week make-up artist...that's over the top. Perhaps she'll donate the clothes to a charitible women's organization that helps women enter the professional workplace, like this one...

http://www.thewomensalliance.org/

But somehow I doubt she will.

First thoughts: McCain's map blues

Brian Smith, Deux-Montagnes, Quebec — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 14:13:06 GMT

Perhaps one of the most important things for all of us to remember as we vote is the fact that after 26 years in Congress and with 8 days to go before the election, John McCain is still looking for a message. "Remarkable!"

First thoughts: McCain's map blues

Union Baby, Tennessee — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 14:13:36 GMT

Maybe folks are like me: All Bushed out!

First thoughts: McCain's map blues

James Williams , Alex city ,Al — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 14:13:53 GMT

Has the voting taken place yet?

Just wanted to ask because everyone is saying that Obama has won and I am here thinking as alot of people are, we have not voted yet .Why would you say that Obama has it in the bag.

Does our vote count?

First thoughts: McCain's map blues

aleese — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 14:13:56 GMT

Palin has had a long history in politics sliding up to politicians, and then turning on them.

First thoughts: McCain's map blues

James Portland Oregon — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 14:13:59 GMT

I have trouble believing the polls are all that accurate this time around. Its a good thing McCain/ Palin continue to tank because I would like even more breathing room.

First thoughts: McCain's map blues

Dr. Tim Peterson, Walnut, Iowa — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 14:14:13 GMT

Can this article be any more Democratic biased? It sounds like the campaign is over and we republicans should just stay home and not bother to vote. It’s amazing how we have forgotten the blunders by Michelle, Joe , the reverend, and Bill Ares.

First thoughts: McCain's map blues

Max in Lawrenceville GA — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 14:14:59 GMT

No wonder Palin is going rogue. She let Sean Hannity and Rush Limbaugh infiltrate the MCCain campaign by the back door. The people she listens to now are not the Strategists but the "non-sense, economy is secondary, so what if I lost my job or my house and go live in a trailer" pundits like Hannity.

First thoughts: McCain's map blues

Son Of Liberty, United States of America — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 14:15:58 GMT

Todd Palin is the real diva. Puppet master pulling her stings, she no doubt has a blind self serving ambition, a notion she is somehow superior from a divine stand point, but it's like the rest of them, they are not states men, they are looking out for the legacy of their family name, not the country, which is bass ackwards

First thoughts: McCain's map blues

Rodney Fresno,CA — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 14:16:39 GMT

McCain on MTP was so defensive and jumpy he almost didn't let Tom Brokaw remember and honor him for his service when he was shot down in Viet Nam. A message that you'd think his campaign would want to have in the minds of voters as the campaign winds down.

I am still voting for Obama though.

First thoughts: McCain's map blues

Thomas — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 14:16:57 GMT

Clothing-gate is back because Palin, and Hasselbeck could not resist an opportunity to trash________(fill in the blank)!

DUMB, DUMB, DUMB!

I guess a barracuda cannot act contrary to it's nature.

First thoughts: McCain's map blues

bj, Indianapolis, IN — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 14:17:48 GMT

I am 70 years old and having a hard time trying to determine why so many people believe that Obama is going to be our "savior". We've heard it all before! He cannot possibly have any mysterious answers to our problems that have not been tried and/or discussed before. My bigger problem.....all the money he has spent on his campaign. What he raises in two hours would have sustained many non-profit needy agency for years. Our best interest at heart? I think not. Nice guy but appears to be all about greediness and making a name for himself.

First thoughts: McCain's map blues

Paul Richey, Portland, OR — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 14:18:07 GMT

As Ross Perot wrote in 1992, "That great big sucking
sound" is your job being sent somewhere else. I'll
admit I'm paraphrasing. But I am hearing a gigantic
sucking sound that seems to be undecided voters running, not walking, away from McInexperienced's campaign. I am now believing some of that sound is
previous McCain solids jetting away toward Obama. I
understand Chris Buckley (of Late William fame) has
converted. I am sure The National Review will miss
him.
Answer me one question: Why do we have to experience
complete collapse (1929, 2008)before we see the light
that Republican means greedy, means mean, and it all
seems so innocent when they sing to us??!!

First thoughts: McCain's map blues

Union Baby, Tennessee — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 14:18:52 GMT

Saw an interesting statement from Mccain yesterday, he said Joe the plumber won't pay higher taxes under his plan. Ok, does that mean Joe will finally pay his back taxes? Will he finally pay them on time like most of us (me included)? will he finally understand that paying your taxes and paying them on time is one of the most patriotic things you can do?
I doubt it. and just for the record, he'll have less of his income (considering his base income)taxed under President Obama than he will under mccain. Wake up Joe, if you are that dumb, then I know why you are an apprentice at your age instead of a real plumber.

First thoughts: McCain's map blues

Dr. Sam — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 14:19:12 GMT

McCAIN’S LAST DESPERATE PLEA

JOHN McCAIN THINKS THAT THE ONLY REASON WE SHOULD VOTE FOR HIM is fear of one party rule. We should forget in this stroke of fear-mongering, his ineptitude, temperament, anger, incompetence, wrong ideas for the time, bellicose attitude, Palin's unfitness to be President should anything happen to him, his mostly upper-crust concern for the rich, his strong alliance for the Bush policies that brought us into this economic mess, and more! He is dreaming in technicolor! What Democrats need is a strong mandate that will break the gridlock in Washington. Then they can implement a true agenda for change. Then as well, under a possible Obama Presidency, the United States can begin to rebuild its sullied image abroad under Bush. Say no to McCain!

First thoughts: McCain's map blues

Don R., Albuquerque, NM — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 14:19:48 GMT

Obama drew 100,000 in Denver yesterday. What MSNBC or other outlets haven't mentioned is he also spoke to between 45,000 and 50,000 in Albuquerque the night before. McCain held a rally earlier that day in ABQ and drew an estimated 1,500 supporters!

Maybe it is time for Obama to start measuring the White House windows for those drapes after all.

First thoughts: McCain's map blues

Hall Hately, Crest Hill Il — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 14:20:00 GMT

These type of numbers that are being shown, could keep people (Democrats) at home, since the election seems to be in thier pocket. This could lead to a Republican turn out that would or could turn the eletion in thier favor. The media needs to be careful with this type of polling and calling of elections , before the event.

First thoughts: McCain's map blues

Dee Va — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 14:20:05 GMT

I am excited at the prospect of a Democratic (Obama) win, however, as a true Democrat, I am also worried about the voting process. For the past two elections there has been very disappointing results due to voter suppression and vote counting with the Supreme Court deciding to stop the counting. This is still a reminder of what can happen and I, as one, will not be satisfied until the voting is done.

First thoughts: McCain's map blues

William Broo — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 14:20:06 GMT

Why doesn't MSN just post the headline - "Obama Wins in a Landslide!!" The arrogance of MSN will be it's downfall. Your propaganda is being noted and after the election I really want to know how you are going to spin your way out of this when McCain wins.

I am sickened by the bias! I cannot believe a news institution wants a socialist/communist in the oval office. The first thing that will go is freedom of speech. I suspect your writers and editorial staff aren't concerned about it since you support the Marxist running for office. You will continue to be a voice for his lies and deceptions if he becomes elected.

First thoughts: McCain's map blues

J. Ellis, Virginia — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 14:20:12 GMT

The only poll that will matter is the one on Nov. 4th! Go out and vote, preferably vote for Obama and any democrat. The Repubs have lost all credibility and I simply don't trust them to do the right thing. There are far too many stories of legitimate voters being thrown out of the system. No coincidence that most of them are minority, democratic voters.

Vote Obama/Biden and the Democratic Ticket!