http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/23/165537.aspxFrom NBC's Mark Murray and Chuck ToddJust three days before the Democratic presidential debate in South Carolina, a new poll by South Carolina NBC affiliate WIS-TV finds that Clinton and Obama are running neck and neck in the state. In the poll, whichen-USCommunityServer 2.0 (Build: 60608.1)http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/23/165537.aspx#165646Mon, 23 Apr 2007 23:28:33 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:165646PATRIOTHILLARY CLINTON WILL BE THE FIRST WOMEN PRESIDENT IN THE UNITED STATES AND ONE OF THE "BEST" LEADERS WE HAVE EVER HAD.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/23/165537.aspx#165670Mon, 23 Apr 2007 23:39:54 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:165670milyou wishhttp://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/23/165537.aspx#165676Mon, 23 Apr 2007 23:45:59 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:165676ConnieAMEN TO THAT!!http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/23/165537.aspx#165678Mon, 23 Apr 2007 23:46:16 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:165678NisslIt's not suprising; Hillary has been sliding ever so slowly for months though the erratic nature of the polls has obscured it at times. She just got caught for the first time in a national poll too (Rasmussen.) All she has left is a couple million dollars extra and an implied promise to return to the pragmatic government of the Clinton era.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/23/165537.aspx#165706Tue, 24 Apr 2007 00:05:09 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:165706Fritz. Durham, NC.Obama is the one who can unify the nation. He is the candidate for this generation - the joshua generation.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/23/165537.aspx#165720Tue, 24 Apr 2007 00:14:08 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:165720Janie Behr, Florence, SCHillary is very much a part of the political machine, while Obama is a new, fresh idealist who refuses donations from lobbyists; therefore, Obama is increasingly catching on with grass roots voters. White Republicans in Chicago's suburbs crossed over to elect him US Senator, as his message transcends racial and party lines. The same thing can happen in the Presidential election... http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/23/165537.aspx#165744Tue, 24 Apr 2007 00:32:15 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:165744Independent, TexasFrankly, I'd rather have both of them stay in Congress. Who would replace either of them should s/he win? The executive office certainly needs to be cleaned out but we need these strong people in the Senate as well.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/23/165537.aspx#165749Tue, 24 Apr 2007 00:36:39 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:165749Soleand Heel, Instep, IndianaImelda Marcos for president...she's a shoe-in...http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/23/165537.aspx#165773Tue, 24 Apr 2007 00:53:44 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:165773joseph pierreHas anyone noticed that this country has been run by white men for 200+ years? Why is everybody making a big deal out of Obama or Clinton winning. Are white guys supposed to rule this country ad infinitum? After Blacks, Jews, Browns, latinos, and asians all pay taxes and contribute to the advancement of the nation. It's about time they get their say.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/23/165537.aspx#165784Tue, 24 Apr 2007 00:57:47 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:165784D. Brown, Tulsa, OklaDemocrats must consider the fact that we have two strong candidates; both electable and both will bring America back to her grandness. Obama and Clinton bring a serious challenge to Democrats. I have decided to support Obama, but I can honestly understand anyone that supports Clinton. I became loyal to the Obama camp because of his realness. He's clear with his positions, he clearly unites and not divide and he is a complete opposite to the current administration that has this country upside down. Honestly, when it's all said and done I hope to see an Obama-Clinton ticket. http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/23/165537.aspx#165801Tue, 24 Apr 2007 01:14:27 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:165801Amy B Portland, MEWe'll be so sick of these people in a year we'll forget to vote and the stupid Republican will slide in again.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/23/165537.aspx#165812Tue, 24 Apr 2007 01:21:16 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:165812Still Crazy After All These YearsFritz, a song for you. The Joshua Tree-album by U2http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/23/165537.aspx#165814Tue, 24 Apr 2007 01:22:39 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:165814Robert Catalano, Salem, ORThe poll I'd like to see is how many southern Republicans would vote for a black man or a woman for President.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/23/165537.aspx#165895Tue, 24 Apr 2007 02:29:28 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:165895PATRIOTHILLARY CLINTON HAS THE EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE AND DETERMINATION TO BE ONE OF OUR NATION'S "GREATEST" PRESIDENTS.AND AFTER TAKING OVER FROM THE BUSH ADMINISTRATION WE SURE WILL NEED HER.GO TO HER WEB SITE AND LEARN WHY.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/23/165537.aspx#165956Tue, 24 Apr 2007 03:16:48 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:165956Lee in MVWith our recent history it would be such a shining example of our belief in our system if we could screw up the courage to elect a black man named Barrack Hussein Obama to the WH - it would be our greatest moment.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/23/165537.aspx#165989Tue, 24 Apr 2007 03:56:31 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:165989JIrby, ColoradoThe next three presidents will be up to their eyeballs cleaning up after Bush. That's going to take some world class elbow grease. And that doesn't include the Roberts and Alito filth Bush shoveled on the Supreme Court. That filth won't come off for a while. Forget about trying to win back our allies. Right now, Bush and Cheney are making messes that won't show up for five to ten years. I don't believe Bush thinks it will be years before history can determine what kind of president he is. That's just one more lie. Months maybe. I second the motion on the Obama-Clinton ticket.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/23/165537.aspx#166012Tue, 24 Apr 2007 04:29:47 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:166012BrandonIf you are a married man like I am, you know that Hillary was already president for two terms. But then you start thinking of how good things where when Clinton was in office and you think that it wouldn't be so bad if she was president again.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/23/165537.aspx#166109Tue, 24 Apr 2007 11:17:34 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:166109Wendy Holmes, S.F., CARevision: Imelda Marcos as Prez and Hillary as the pure vice on her shoe.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/23/165537.aspx#166301Tue, 24 Apr 2007 15:24:30 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:166301Carrie, NW IowaJanie - When you say Obama does not take money from lobbyists, who do you classify as lobbyists? Between 20001 and 2006, 8% of the campaign funds he received were from PAC's, a total of approximately $1.3 million. Those were predominantly from business and labor groups. Are PAC's not included in your definition of lobbyists?http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/23/165537.aspx#166403Tue, 24 Apr 2007 16:25:59 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:166403JWilson, Atlanta, GARobert, I would definitely like to see the same thing. I don't think Clinton or Obama stand a chance in the south, sad to say.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/23/165537.aspx#166410Tue, 24 Apr 2007 16:28:12 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:166410Michael M., Haddonfield, NJJohn Edwards, with his emphasis on rural economic recovery, universal health care, and better treatment of veterans at home, best represents the interest of South Carolina voters; and, of course, he was born in South Carolina.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/23/165537.aspx#166725Tue, 24 Apr 2007 19:00:44 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:166725Obama NationObama is the best choice by far. He has a clear vision, he's brilliant, and he's been against the war from the start. Carrie, it's interesting that you should include his other races in your calculations...I believe Janie was speaking in the context of this Presidential Campaign. I believe he recently returned over $50,000 from lobbyists last quarter...how much has Hillary returned? All in all, these concerns are not as relevent as his stances on issues important to the American people, and I would encourage you to look at his page www.barackobama.com. http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/23/165537.aspx#166744Tue, 24 Apr 2007 19:08:53 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:166744Linda G., Chandler, AZBarack Obama will be the first black president of the United States, and perhaps the BEST leader we have ever had. And that's the truth. Sit back and watch the magic happen.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/23/165537.aspx#166808Tue, 24 Apr 2007 19:38:18 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:166808Brian, Storrs, CtWhich subgroup votes at the highest rate in democratic primaries white liberals. I believe Edwards will win the nomination and will choose Richardson or Obama as his V.P. http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/23/165537.aspx#166901Tue, 24 Apr 2007 20:19:41 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:166901Timothy, Utica, NYClinton would do a good job, bought she isn't as honest as Obama and she doesn't have his integrity. Not to say she's bad, I think she's very good, but nowhere near as good as Obama. Obama is about the people, he cares about the issues we face and he cares about our ideas. Clinton has more of an interest in special interest groups and the such where as Obama is not. Hilirary's run would be a copy cat of Bill's presidency, and although Bill did a good job I think we are all ready for a fresh start with fresh ideas. Obama is our man.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/23/165537.aspx#166915Tue, 24 Apr 2007 20:24:56 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:166915Amazed, Atlanta GABrandon.. BINGO!http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/23/165537.aspx#167008Tue, 24 Apr 2007 21:08:33 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:167008anne - Jacksonville, FLUnlike Obama and Clinton - John Edwards has NEVER received PAC donations - and was therefore not indebted to anyone. If you'd like to check which industries donated to these candidates - go to - www.OpenSecrets.org - at the top of page "who gives" - and it's obvious Obama and Clinton are owned by the Corporate World. Edwards has the most specific plans and is the ONLY one I trust for America's best interests. http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/23/165537.aspx#167022Tue, 24 Apr 2007 21:15:14 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:167022Carrie, NW IowaObama Nation - And what did he do with the rest of it? Oh that's right...he KEPT it. I assume then that this renouncing of PAC money is a new thing, drummed up for the presidential race. Is there a breakdown available of the contributions for his presidential campaign yet? I would be interested in seeing it, if anyone has a link or any information (credible, of course) about it. Thanks. http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/23/165537.aspx#167041Tue, 24 Apr 2007 21:24:54 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:167041Carrie, NW IowaI located the breakdown on Obama's presidential funds. While it is true he has only accepted about $3000 from PAC's, the "individual contributors" are not exactly Mr. and Mrs. Jones from down the road. Citibank, for example. Maybe not a lobbyist but not exactly a private individual either. There were several such organizations listed there. I'm just saying - let's not pretend like any of the candidates are renouncing donations from big business and the like, because they are not. http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/23/165537.aspx#167111Tue, 24 Apr 2007 22:07:31 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:167111BobbyG, Sarasota, FLObama is the only candidate on either side who can unify and inspire ALL of us to go after our underlying problems -- dependence on imported oil and runaway healthcare/retirement costs. His numbers will only improve after the debate as his superior intelligence, charisma, historical perspective and eloquence becomes more evident. http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/23/165537.aspx#167642Wed, 25 Apr 2007 13:10:40 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:167642Shadow, Mansfield, CTBig business contributes to everyone, Edwards as well as Obama. However, both men have swore off federal lobbyist money and PAC money for the Presidential campaign, and should be commended for that; Hillary Clinton and the Republicans have not (and would never) do the same. Both men have also endorsed public financing for campaigns, which is even more important. Obama in particular is trusted by people because of his genuine nature, and because he never really was in the machine long enough to get "bought" by anyone; his appeal has always been chased by big donors, not the other way around. After all, big business donates for two reasons, either to buy into a candidate who's positions they agree with, or to simply hope for some seat at the table with someone who disagrees with them. Detailed scrutiny of Obama's record suggests he is strongly in the second category; he voted against CAFTA, and he has a consistently better record of over a decade as a legislator compared to even Edwards' six years in the Senate. Therefore, I lean heavily towards Obama at this point; only someone with that degree of intellect, diverse background, modesty, and conciliatory nature can really put a dent into the half century the Bush Administration's foreign policy has set us back. http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/23/165537.aspx#168647Wed, 25 Apr 2007 23:47:08 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:168647Paul Moore, Greensboro, NCLet us not forget... Obamas rallys have been record breaking and historical where ever he go's. When he was in Atlanta, GA the crowd was counted at 20,000. The largest political rally that state has had EVER IN THE HISTORY OF THIS COUNTRY! HOW ABOUT THEM APPLES! http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/23/165537.aspx#171776Fri, 27 Apr 2007 13:19:08 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:171776Job Moore, Germantown, Maryland.Obama represents the change we badly need. A visionary leader who connects to his people, not a corporate owned politician that Hillary is. Obama's prophetic words against the war in Iraq, even before our military hit the ground and back when the war idea was still popular, will stand out as true testament of his wisdom. He will certainly restore America's international standing. Domestically, his plans on healthcare, education and energy resonate with a majority. This makes Corporate lobbyists and their sidekicks planted in the media (Fox, CNN, NBC, MSNBC, ABC) a bit nervous. From the trend of his campaign donations which are primarily from grassroots "individual contributors", I predict Obama will send millions of unconventional and first time voters to the voting booths. The democratic grassroots must carry his nomination through.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/23/165537.aspx#172890Fri, 27 Apr 2007 22:03:09 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:172890ButterFly, TXI don't know why you call Obama " black man" . Actually, he is half black and half white. Look his biography up first then you comment. http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/23/165537.aspx#183299Sat, 05 May 2007 15:25:00 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:183299Joe ShmoeGet informed! Can you truly define the word Liberty? Are you aware of the implications of a truly free society? Do some research into Dr. Ron Paul. He has won the MSNBC polls for the first debate and is currently leading the CSPAN poll by a very large margin. Please don't elect a socialist like Hillary. Do you know what socialism truly is? Resarch!!http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/23/165537.aspx#403556Tue, 09 Oct 2007 16:34:36 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:403556Melle BlattnerDo any of the Clinton supporters remember Whitewater.  Seems as though there is selective memory.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/23/165537.aspx#566945Thu, 10 Jan 2008 06:14:27 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:566945Robert Nashville, TNYou are completely wrong to say the south want support Hillary. I'm from the south and can tell you that Bush has made such a mess, We will gladly support hillary to clean up after him. I here and I can tell you that all my Republican friends have been supporting her and will vote for her.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/23/165537.aspx#638156Tue, 05 Feb 2008 02:03:32 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:638156phillip carrollbut what about the south voting for barock obama or does that sound to far fecthed to you.i think that it is time to get with it already.