http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/25/167605.aspxFrom Chuck Todd and Mark Murray*** The Tie That Binds Them: Perhaps it's only fitting that on the very day McCain officially kicks off his White House bid in New Hampshire, the Iraq supplemental makes its way to the House floor. As we (and others) haveen-USCommunityServer 2.0 (Build: 60608.1)http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/25/167605.aspx#167612Wed, 25 Apr 2007 12:25:19 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:167612Ginger in MEAmazingly, no "Bomb Bomb Bomb Bomb Bomb Iran" references in any stories this morning about McCain! Hmmm. Conversely, Howard Dean never saw his name mentioned again in the media without that audio-enhanced scream, used to destroy his candidacy. Sorry, John, we saw you do it, we heard you sing it, it's not going to disappear just because the media stops talking about it. You and your cronies need to get a life. http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/25/167605.aspx#167617Wed, 25 Apr 2007 12:35:12 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:167617Rick Lapin, Albuquerque, NMThe "Un-Bush"? McCain's job has always been to put up what seems to be a spirited and principled opposition to a very few of Shrub's more repugnant moves before inevitably folding like the cheap suit of clothes he is -- thus proving to the rest of us the futility of resistance. It's all just part of the show-biz of convincing us provincials that we still live in an actual, functioning republic; much like the Kerry candidacy, in which Johnny Mac's good buddy pulled a tank job in August so his fore-ordained "defeat" would look more believable. But then, there are those who still believe pro wrestling is a deadly serious encounter between two equally-matched and implacable foes, with the Best Man winning by virtue of his strong arm and pure heart ... http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/25/167605.aspx#167629Wed, 25 Apr 2007 12:55:32 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:167629Brett, Fairfax, VAIt's amazing how people complain about the current leadership lacking military experience and sending our kids to war. But then the same people find every reason to hate the only military combat veteran, John McCain. By the way, I happened to be on a flight with Senator McCain recently and he sat in coach with the rest of us. I'd love to see any of the Democratic prima donnas try that. http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/25/167605.aspx#167649Wed, 25 Apr 2007 13:18:40 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:167649Amy B Portland, MEVery good point Ginger. I saw the video of McCain joking with the conservatives about bombing Iran. I was willing to cut him some slack before I saw it, however that clip sent a chill up my spine. I can just imagine the McCain administration attacking Iran, then coming on the TV all straight faced and serious and telling us how Iran forced them to do it. http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/25/167605.aspx#167661Wed, 25 Apr 2007 13:32:43 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:167661Mary, IllinoisI read something about an investigation into Carl Rove's activities relating to the Hatch Act. Is there any more to that story yet? http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/25/167605.aspx#167666Wed, 25 Apr 2007 13:37:20 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:167666Kal, NJI would have voted for McCain. Really. Would have though, past tense, when he was a man before losing his testicles to the GOP and pandering to everyone and their mother. The "manly" McCain had convictions and would stand by them. This new "neutered" McCain goes wherever the political wind takes him. I would rather vote for someone I know where they stand (regardless if I agree with them) then an acrobat ("talk like this, and walk like that" U2), for example ... hmmm ... Bush!!!http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/25/167605.aspx#167669Wed, 25 Apr 2007 13:39:40 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:167669Ravine Force, Kissimmee, FLAnd now we are back to the induced Republican fears of having a Democrat leading the country equating to another 911 attack happening. http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/25/167605.aspx#167731Wed, 25 Apr 2007 14:22:32 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:167731Lisa Fort Worth TXI don't feel safer just because we have a Rep. CIC. I WOULD feel safer if we secured our borders, trained many more anti-terrorism agents, and coupled our military efforts with common sense, negotiation, and better tactics. Even though I didn't vote for him, George HW Bush always had my respect. His success at building a multi-national coalition following the invasion of Kuwait is just one example of the actions of a mature leader. Just being Rep. doesn't = competent commander, nor guarantee a safe USA. http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/25/167605.aspx#167734Wed, 25 Apr 2007 14:25:03 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:167734Brian, Cedar Hill, TXDid anybody see McCain on The Daily Show last night? Stewart had him repeating his Bush mantras and eventually so crossed that it appeared at times that McCain was going to go over the desk at Stewart. He did throw several air-karate chops in his direction. I truly think that McCain can actually be more dangerous in office than that idiot Bush.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/25/167605.aspx#167742Wed, 25 Apr 2007 14:31:00 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:167742rick,kyO boy, rudy playing to the base of 30% now, that beleive the Boogeyman is gonna getcha if you vote Democratic in 2008.Terrorist have tried in My lifetime for the sensational shock witnessed on 9-11 many times.They succeeded then because our Government would'nt or did'nt beleive the Warning's of there OWN agencies.Blindsided (BS)! With that said, did anyone see McCain get chewed up one side & down the other on the Daily show last night?It is no wonder that most under 30 years old get their news from Jon Stewart.At my age, i watch him also, if i'm still awake at 11pm. His comical veiwpoint of worldly news is a needed break from the blah of All the cable news outlets. Mr McCain, i beg you to take your experience & knowledge of everything back to arizona, Delusional thinking by Common Sense American's is past. We ( I never did) no longer drink the Kool-Aid.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/25/167605.aspx#167744Wed, 25 Apr 2007 14:32:10 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:167744Lee in MVSo Rudy Tutti says another 9/11 is likely if the Democrats win. It seem like even the dimmest Americans would eventually catch on to "smear and fear" tactics that are the life blood of the republican party. Yup - another democrat, like GWB. Did he speculate how the democrat would waste 15 mnutes after an attack? This is all the right has to offer?http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/25/167605.aspx#167747Wed, 25 Apr 2007 14:34:00 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:167747Susan, NebraskaABSOLUTELY DISPICABLE**Giuliani is using the George Bush play book when it comes to scare tactics. To literally guarantee another attack WHEN the Democrats take over is absolutely dispicable. Shame on you Giuliani. There isn't a decent republican candidate in the lot. If anyone of these men wants to win they should distance themselves from the current clown as much as possible.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/25/167605.aspx#167794Wed, 25 Apr 2007 15:10:09 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:167794Darren Pope, MB, SCI remember, in the late '70's, early '80's, during the Iran Hostage Crisis, a song entitled Bomb Iran, and a T-Shirt with the same motto. Many Americans wore it and sang it. It was pretty much in agreement with public sentiment. Now, almost 30 years later McCain is catching much flak for reviving it. I won't vote for McCain in the SC primary, but I see it as a total non-issue.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/25/167605.aspx#167829Wed, 25 Apr 2007 15:32:14 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:167829sandra wilton erie,ksRudys remark about being safer with a Republican president is outrageous. Not likely to win friends with that remark. I hope he or McCain is the nominee, neither one will be elected president.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/25/167605.aspx#167832Wed, 25 Apr 2007 15:35:17 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:167832Sierra, San FranciscoGinger: I hope you watched the Daily Show last night. John Stewart really stood up to that clown. McCain tried to repeat his usual inanities, but John Stewart wouldn't have it. Why can't the "real media" do that kind of job? They all seem like a pack of lap dogs.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/25/167605.aspx#167869Wed, 25 Apr 2007 15:50:57 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:167869Carrie, NW IowaWow, so Rudy is a psychic now? It's funny that he can guarantee another 9-11 if a Democrat is elected president but he doesn't say anything about how 9-11 actually happened with a Republican in the White House, not to mention serving as governor of NY and mayor of NYC. http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/25/167605.aspx#167881Wed, 25 Apr 2007 16:01:16 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:167881Susan, NebraskaDarren, I don't see it as an "issue" in regards to the much larger things we should be focusing on. However, it does give us a glimpse of the senseless rhetoric we abhor with Bush that we would voting back into the white house if the Republicans were so lucky. I don't think we can afford either monitarily or with human lives to make the same mistake twice. You know the old adage--Fool me once, blame on you, fool me twice, blame on me. We don't need another commander in chief who is pounding his fists and kicking and screaming wanting a war.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/25/167605.aspx#167883Wed, 25 Apr 2007 16:01:48 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:167883Dave, TnRudy is wrong. We'll get more terrorist attacks if a democrat doesn't win the white house in 08. http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070425/ap_on_re_us/gop_threat_1http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/25/167605.aspx#167885Wed, 25 Apr 2007 16:02:03 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:167885Darren Pope, MB, SCI think Al-Qaeda and other groups probably do see the dems as weaker on defense, even most Americans do. Does that mean we are more likely to see another large-scale attack if a dem wins the White House? That would require if not a psychic ability, an ability to think like the terrorists do, which thankfully I do not. It may be just as possible that they would want to hit us hard if a rep wins just to show that they won't be intimidated. More likely though, they will hit us whenever they can no matter who is in the oval office. Their goal is "Death to America", not helping or hurting one political party or the other.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/25/167605.aspx#167895Wed, 25 Apr 2007 16:07:53 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:167895Bob, OrlandoChuck and Mark, last night on Hardball it was mentioned that there was a "Debate Do's and Don'ts" for the candidates on the MSNBC website but I cannot find it. Can you help me or was I imagining things? http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/25/167605.aspx#167900Wed, 25 Apr 2007 16:12:35 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:167900David Eccles. Lompoc, CAI find it to be absolutely despicable the major news organizations (MSNBC inlcuded) continue to serve the will of the administration by not telling the truth about the current proposed supplemental spending bill for the wars. I find both major political parties guilty of the illegal carnage that has taken place in Iraq and Afganistan since 2001. Democrats on the hill have done an outstanding job of hiding the truth about this spending bill while pretending to be tough on the president. Nothing could be further from the truth. They furthermore have abdicated their sworn oath of office by allowing the president to continue to decide for himself when and how this war will be fought, which laws they will ignore, and feel comfortable in walking away a war criminal with no repercutions whatsoever. This president has been denied nothing by Congress in the way of financial underwriting for this boondoggle, yet he seeks to cast even the mildest attempt to hold him accountable for the results as unpatriotic. That is all that the Democratic congressional leadership has proposed with its timetable—marks to measure progress on the ground in a war that, as Hawaii Sen. Daniel Inouye pointed out, has lasted longer than World War II. It is a very limited, nonbinding attempt to hold the president accountable, for it does not ban him from using any portion of the whopping $124 billion in new funds; it requires only that he publicly and specifically defend his claims of progress. On top of this, he has meticulously avoided any responsibility whatsoever for this mess that he created, and in doing so is essentially blaming our troops for the mess we're in. Is this what you would call an administration with "integrity"?http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/25/167605.aspx#167904Wed, 25 Apr 2007 16:14:18 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:167904Lee in MVInternational war is a "non-issue." Thanks for sharing.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/25/167605.aspx#167918Wed, 25 Apr 2007 16:19:27 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:167918Mary, Eugene, ORI saw McCain on The Daily Show also. I thought that McCain was overbearing and really wouldn't let Jon Stewart ask his questions. McCain would talk over the questions and didn't really answer then except to say the war was mishandled but we are there so now we have to stay until we win. There is no win for a third party in a civil war (which the WH refuses to acknowledge). Also, if the terrorists want to attack this country again, it won't matter to them which party is in the White House. I, for one, am tired of hearing the Republicans play that card.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/25/167605.aspx#167935Wed, 25 Apr 2007 16:27:43 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:167935Bob, OrlandoRudy's remarks regarding Rebublicans being better at "anticipating and stopping terrorist attacks" come from the man who did such a great job of anticipating that he failed to make sure his "first responders" were able to communicate amongst themselves on 9/11. What a blowhard! http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/25/167605.aspx#167941Wed, 25 Apr 2007 16:31:01 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:167941JWilson, Atlanta, GAActually Mary, I don't think we are the third party in this mess: Sunni, Shia, Kurds, Al Qaeda and then the US....but then again, we got there before Al Qaeda, so i guess that would put us in fourth place.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/25/167605.aspx#167942Wed, 25 Apr 2007 16:31:02 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:167942J. Merle Stanley, Westchester, NY"Rappin' Rudy 'G' The Gigolo of The G.O.P." should watch himself. Because, The "you'll be safer if I we win the election" tactic worked for Bush and the republiCANTS in 2004. But, they tried using it again in the off year election of 2006, and it was firmly rejected by the American People. I'm surprised FIRST READ didn't mention that. The scare tactics are sure to turn people off. Especially now that Democrats have been empowered to "speak back" to the CANTservative rhetoric. But if Gigolo Rudy "G" wants to make a fool of himself, I say go for it. http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/25/167605.aspx#167944Wed, 25 Apr 2007 16:31:34 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:167944Beachdog, CoastingInternational war is a "non-issue"? Wow. I guess sometimes you when you make that left turn you can never find your way back.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/25/167605.aspx#167957Wed, 25 Apr 2007 16:37:42 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:167957John Doe, The Peanut Gallery@ Mary, Illinois: The guy who is running the investigation of Karl Rove's violation of the Hatch Act is a Bushie who has, himself, been accused of partisan bias on the job. I wouldn't really expect a heck of a lot to come out of that news story. Here's a link if you want to know more: http://www.talkleft.com/story/2007/4/24/18442/2850http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/25/167605.aspx#167966Wed, 25 Apr 2007 16:45:46 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:167966Susan, NebraskaMr. Todd and Mr. Murray, where are the talking points around Jessica Lynch and Pat Tillman. Would make for some stimulating conversation don't u think?http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/25/167605.aspx#167970Wed, 25 Apr 2007 16:47:26 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:167970sierra, San FranciscoDarren: There is a difference between a mindless 15 year old wearing a T shirt and a 70 year old teenager. At the time, Iran was holding our hostages. We've already had one reckless fool dragging us into a costly, unnecassary and demoralizing war. Why elect another reckless fool ? What kind of gravitas does McCain have ? He's the Republican equivalent of the Democrats Al Sharpton. What will potential allies think about his little song ? How big a "coalition of the willing" will he start out with ? What will the UN vote be when President John leads our crusade into Iran ? (will we be greeted as liberators?) The bigger question: Do you endorse a war with Iran ? Before or after "Victory in Iraq" ? How will agression against Iran be viewed by the (majority) Shias in Iraq ? HOW ARE WE GOING TO PAY FOR THIS WAR ???? Can we raise your income taxes to pay for it? What right does the US have to decide who can and can't have nuclear weapons ? The South Africans EXPLODED A NUCLEAR BOMB in 1979!!! Why didn't the US object, then ? Why did racist, apartheid South Africa "deserve" a nuclear bomb ? Because they're white ?http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/25/167605.aspx#167972Wed, 25 Apr 2007 16:49:25 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:167972Mary, IllinoisDarren, I agree completely that if we are going to be attacked it will have nothing to do with who is in the White House. http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/25/167605.aspx#167982Wed, 25 Apr 2007 16:52:46 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:167982Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VAIsn't this like the third time this year McCain launched his campaign? Bottom line is that he's the Iraq guy, which is a liability even for his party's nomination. He's done. Problem is, who else is there? This field of candidates, from both parties, is further proof that the folks who should be president are probably the same folks who would never run for office, even at the local level. I'm starting to wonder about this whole democracy thing.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/25/167605.aspx#167987Wed, 25 Apr 2007 16:53:57 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:167987Susan, NebraskaAnd threw them to the wolves after. Let's not forget Bob, that the firefighters and policemen of New York detest him. They even revoked his invitation to a function the other candidates were invited to a few months ago. There is no love loss there.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/25/167605.aspx#167996Wed, 25 Apr 2007 16:57:27 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:167996PeepsBob in Orlando - I don't particularly like Rudy, but to knock him for 9-11 is a bit unfair. Nobody could have predicted - or prepared properly for what happened that day. I'm still surprised there wasn't all-out anarchy in the city later that day.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/25/167605.aspx#167997Wed, 25 Apr 2007 16:57:43 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:167997kim, crofton mdIf Rudy's remarks about being safer under a GOP president are true- why didn't President Bush heed the CIA's warnings about an attack on domestic soil prior to 9/11? Did anyone feel safer when the US abandoned the Framework Agreement with North Korea, shortly after he came into office? This is just partisan pablum.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/25/167605.aspx#168022Wed, 25 Apr 2007 17:14:01 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:168022AsadSo if I change political parties today and become a Republican, will I automatically become better at stopping attacks by extremists? Are there instructions included in the GOP Welcome Packet? Do I have to take special supplements? http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/25/167605.aspx#168042Wed, 25 Apr 2007 17:28:23 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:168042Bob, OrlandoPeeps, any major city mayor (or small town mayor for that matter) should make sure that his or her city's first responders are full equipped to meet a major disaster. I would be the first to admit that most cities still fall short in this area. However, when you base your presidential candidacy on the popularity you gained from a terrorist attack and claim to be the best at "anticipating and stopping" further attacks you had better make sure that you had done everything in your power to respond to such an attack. The fact that NYC's first responders did not have the equipment necessary to communicate tells me that Rudy wasn't and still is not very good at "anticipating"! Especially considering this was not the first attack on the World Trade Center in his city. http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/25/167605.aspx#168053Wed, 25 Apr 2007 17:35:52 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:168053Amy B Portland, MEI'll explain it to you Beachdog (she said in her most condescending manner): Lee in MV was being sarcastic when he posted "International war is a 'non-issue'?" See, cause Darren said the threat to bomb Iran is a "non-issue" in the decision over who to nominate for President. I just love explaining things! Makes me feel superior!http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/25/167605.aspx#168055Wed, 25 Apr 2007 17:36:46 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:168055Mark ThiemeSierra: that's just it, mindless adolescents have broken into the West Wing, trashed the Constitution, splattered the walls blood red, plugged in the lava lamp and turned out the lights, and won't leave until the adults come back home. Perhaps it is not too late to point out that the party is getting a tad out of hand.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/25/167605.aspx#168062Wed, 25 Apr 2007 17:39:58 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:168062Lee in MVBeachdog - I was quoting one of my favorite "never-got-near-the-fight" righties profound statements. Please make a note of it.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/25/167605.aspx#168073Wed, 25 Apr 2007 17:47:19 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:168073John Doe, The Peanut GalleryPeeps: Your comments regarding preparing for such an attack are reasonable and I definately agree that when a catastrophy of that magnitude strikes, all the prep in the world isn't going to save you from a large amount of chaos. However, considering the whole "Bin Laden Determined to Strike Inside the United Sates" intelligence breifing I would dispute your assertion that no one could have predicted 9/11. At the end of the day, the largest terror attack in our nation's history happened on the Republican's watch...http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/25/167605.aspx#168077Wed, 25 Apr 2007 17:49:56 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:168077T. Hill, Carrollton, TexasAll Waxman is missing now is a "Gone Fishing" sign on his office door. Nothing will come out of any hearings or subpoenas except one more day of bogus media headlines and "analysis". In the end it will be the same Code Off-Pink ladies or cross-dresser in one case yelling,"Bush lied, people died, bla, bla, bla". The loudest one will make the nightly news and some politician will announce that they will offer an impeachment charge based on some wild personal views of what they think the law says instead of the actual law. Cheney will be rushed to the hospital because his hemorrhoids flaired up and some one on Huffington's blog will claim it's the big one this time. Bush will still be negotiating with the Mexicans while Pelosi has moved on to negotiating with the Iranians. More car and truck bombings will happen in Iraq with the media claiming it was worse than yesterdays. MSNBC's Engel will compete with CNN's Michael Ware to see who can give the most dramatic details of death from murder while Fox News will trot out some hot lady claiming to know everything about everything, including the weather. The Global Warmist will still be trying to justify their positions when there's 6 ft. of snow in New York. Gas prices will still go up and people will gripe, nothing follows. The Democratic President Hopefuls will have some sort of debate where the only thing with more Bobbing and Weaving are boxing matches. I'll offer my apologies before hand but if we're lucky maybe someone will slip with a "nappy-headed ho" comment. Wow, what a wonderful country. After all is said and done I will conclude by saying, our troops still won't be funded because of the traitors that claim to be our leaders don't really care about our troops when politics stand in the way. http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/25/167605.aspx#168078Wed, 25 Apr 2007 17:50:42 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:168078AsadAll, I went to the GOP website to convert to Republican. The moment I submitted my name, the answer came to me by divine inspiration. I am now better at stopping attacks by extremists than I was at 1:14 PM (EST). I understand now that we need to stay "there". You see, "they" are only located over "there". Right now, we have "them" contained over "there". If we leave, "they" will follow us here. We are lucky that "they" don't know how to come here by themselves. The only way "they" could come here is by following us. So we can't leave until the "job" is done. This logic makes complete sense to me now.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/25/167605.aspx#168082Wed, 25 Apr 2007 17:53:06 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:168082Russell in MarylandAsad, all you need is a media willing to not challenge your rewriting of history and as a Republican you will have the reputation of being better at stopping attacks.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/25/167605.aspx#168096Wed, 25 Apr 2007 18:01:04 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:168096Robert Catalano, Salem, ORI am agreeing with you again, Darren. It doesn't matter who is in the White House if al-Quaida chooses to attack us. They go by their schedule, not ours. I also agree the McCain comment is really a "non-issue". However, what will make it important or not is how it is perceived by voters. Peeps, while it is true Giuliani could nnot have prevented 911 from happening, he did put the emergency response center in the Twin Towers which did cause some problems for a few days in responding to problems. He went against the wishes of police, firefighters and other emergency management people in doing so. The miracle that there was not more anarchy is that the people of the city of New York pulled together to get things done which just goes to prove the old adage that "humans are at their best when things are worst."http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/25/167605.aspx#168119Wed, 25 Apr 2007 18:14:50 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:168119Darren Pope, MB, SCSierra, sadly, war with Iran may become neccesary. Hopefully there is time for meaningful diplomacy, but it is difficult to have meaningful dialogue with a government that advocates our destruction, and that of Israel. Iran is sending arms and combatants to attack our soldiers in Iraq now. If we do go to war with them it will be they who started it. I wish that we lived in a world where war was never considered as an option. We do not. That is reality. I wonder when, if ever, you would think that the US has a right to use a military option. As for South Africa, I don't recall any of their leaders openly calling for the destruction of America. Also, the US played a leading role in ending Apartheid there. By asking me if I believe they deserved a bomb because they're white leads me to believe that you're implying I'm racist, which I am not. Irainians are white too, you know. They are not Arabs, as many people wrongly believe, so skin color plays no part in it. I will close by saying that I am not a war-monger, a "chickenhawk", a racist, or evangelical. I am an American. A proud American who only want America to still be here, as strong as ever, for my children, and theirs.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/25/167605.aspx#168127Wed, 25 Apr 2007 18:17:28 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:168127Carrie, NW IowaPeeps - Maybe nobody could have predicted it, but after the first attack on the WTC, you would think they would have made emergency response a priority, at least to the extent that there was some sort of plan - any sort of plan - in such a situation. The fact that the first responders were almost completely unable to even communicate with each other is evidence that they did not do any such preparation. You can't blame Rudy for what the terrorists did, but you can blame him for failing to have any sort of response system in place, particularly at a place that had previously been attacked by terrorists.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/25/167605.aspx#168131Wed, 25 Apr 2007 18:19:53 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:168131Still Crazy After All These Yearssong for McCain "I Just Wasn't Made For these Times"-Beach Boyshttp://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/25/167605.aspx#168165Wed, 25 Apr 2007 18:38:45 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:168165JJ in NJGiuliani should be ashamed of himself. This is the same crap that Rove and Cheney pulled in 2004: "Vote for them and you're gonna die." Unless they KNOW that another terrorist attack can happen any time THEY say so (and I wouldn't rule out that they pulled the trigger on the last one), this is just stupid, craven fearmongering for cheap political points. The question is whether the American people are stupid enough to allow these clowns to tap the reptilian brain.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/25/167605.aspx#168220Wed, 25 Apr 2007 19:06:41 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:168220JIrby, ColoradoIt seems to me that all Giuliani is doing is dipping into the Bush voter base that McCain has been going after. Even half of that misguided demographic has departed since '04, so these two guys are fighting over a base that has dwindled to the mid thirty percent figure. That leaves the type of voters who voted for Bush twice and would do it again, which represents only about sixty percent of America's enormous population in the sub 100 IQ bracket. So they're going after the kind of people who will be camping out in front of movie theaters for two or three days to get a good seat at Spiderman III. These are the only people left who still believe that crazy Brit Hume BS Guiliani is cranking out.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/25/167605.aspx#168227Wed, 25 Apr 2007 19:09:29 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:168227Ginger in MENot only will those instructions come in your GOP Welcome Packet, but you'll be instantly smarter and more moral than anyone on the planet! (Just kidding of course. They only tell you that so you'll join up.)http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/25/167605.aspx#168265Wed, 25 Apr 2007 19:29:20 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:168265Connie, Tn.This administration has spent the last 6 years preaching "scare the people". I think some of us are catching on to their tricks. I felt safe when we had a Democrat in office.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/25/167605.aspx#168274Wed, 25 Apr 2007 19:34:09 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:168274Mark ThiemeAt a community college theater production a few years ago, a rather pompous young attorney pranced on stage and sang off-key, which was embarrassing to watch. Beyond embarrassing was the fact that he performed this little act before hundreds of people with his fly wide open. It was hysterically funny, the entire audience was in stitches to the point of tears, and yet it was sad too. There are similar conflicting emotions as we watch the pathetic performance of chickenhawks regaling us with stories of personal bravery and manliness. Someone needs to tell them their fly is open and direct them off-stage, but indeed, the show must go on. They soak up attention, but have no idea what sort of attention it is. Once again, it is entertaining, but for all the wrong reasons.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/25/167605.aspx#168279Wed, 25 Apr 2007 19:36:28 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:168279ex-marine,vietvetmccain is doddering old fool and guili instead of using common sense and sound logic tries the lies of fear and smear. dems are using sound common sense tactics to find the truth about lies and deceit used to get into iraq. When the truth is known repubs who back bush/iraq war will go down in defeat.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/25/167605.aspx#168307Wed, 25 Apr 2007 19:51:16 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:168307Robb, STLAsad, You get the recipe to that speshul koolaid...http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/25/167605.aspx#168380Wed, 25 Apr 2007 20:25:46 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:168380J. Merle Stanley, Westchester, NYOkay somebody decipher this one for me; Gigolo Rudy "G" says America would be safer with a Republican President. BUT.....we had a REPUBLICAN Mayor in New York City, a REPUBLICAN Governor in NY State, a REPUBLICAN Majority in Congress, and a REPUBLICAN President when we were "hit" on 911. Is it just me, or does anyone else see just a little inconsistancy to "Gigolo Rudy G's" statement, in lieu of the fact that Republicans were in charge of EVERYTHING when 911 happened? http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/25/167605.aspx#168442Wed, 25 Apr 2007 21:08:19 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:168442Jane, Southern MississippiYou know, Republicans look at crystal balls and "know" what will happen "if" we pull out of Iraq, "if" the Democrats win the presidency in '08, etc. Maybe they don't use crystal balls, but have an eight-ball and ask it just "yes" or "no" questions. They are so certain of what will happen. I didn't think they believed in that sort of thing. http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/25/167605.aspx#168460Wed, 25 Apr 2007 21:21:26 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:168460Still Crazy After All These Yearsa song for McCain."I Just Wasn't Made For These Times"- Beach Boyshttp://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/25/167605.aspx#168467Wed, 25 Apr 2007 21:24:01 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:168467Russell in MarylandInteresting hearing talk about which party the terrorists would favor and also hearing the Iran hostage crisis brought up. The Iranian terrorists definitely refused to release the hostages (even though the release had been negotiated) until right after the election of Ronald Raygun either to avoid affecting the US elections (noble of them) or because they wanted to help the Republicans get elected. I've never heard a good answer as to their motivation. The Iranians did benefit from arms sales under the Republicans which they would have never gotten from the Democrats because the Republicans would have accused the Democrats of treason.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/25/167605.aspx#168518Wed, 25 Apr 2007 21:58:43 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:168518L. ClementsI think most candidates are showing us how they intend to continue the divisiveness that has plagued us and eroded this country from within. I am voting for the one who seems interested in getting things done diplomaticaly instead of maligning other points of view like children. So far, it's Obama.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/25/167605.aspx#168573Wed, 25 Apr 2007 22:46:24 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:168573DesmondAn administration theat uses the death of one soldier (Pat Tillman) and the capture of another (Jessica Lynch) to promote their own agenda for war should deserve no one's respect.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/25/167605.aspx#168578Wed, 25 Apr 2007 22:48:25 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:168578Lee in MV"Sierra, sadly, war with Iran may become neccesary. " Too profoundly sad to contemplate. Possibly, with some adult supervision in the WH it can be avoided. I really don't think war is what they want. Save us, Obama.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/25/167605.aspx#168621Wed, 25 Apr 2007 23:20:36 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:168621Lee HolmesI continue to hear ''adult supervision''in the WH,if or when the Dems retake control of that branch,but I doubt it,based merely upon how ''adult''the Dems have been acting since they grabbed Congress[the audience will bear in mind that this branch was also supposed to return to ''adult ''leadership after the takeover].Thus far,we haven't seen it.Pelosis leadership crises,Reids truly immature remarks,a Dem clampdown on pork oversight and public knowlage of same,tit-for-tat cutting out the minority party from any discussion of bills,as the GOP once did to them,none of the major demands of the 9/11 Commission even remotely headed for adoption,none of the ''6 for 06'',fear of adressing illegal immigration,and the like.I cannot see this transferring to those running for president.Obama is stentorian in the old manner,but is not concrete in his solutions regarding terrorism and resorted to a lame criticism of Guiliani rather than using the opportunity to nail down actual policy.Hillary,apparently boning up on her faux Southern,blew it as well.The real fear is that we are not dealing with ''adults''at all.That they will merely engage in smooth soundbite and attempt to coast their way to the election without offering real solutions in response to what will be a signature jihadi victory upon the American retreat from Iraq.[whereupon they will use their successful methods in Afghanistan to drive us from there,knowing that merely upping the American body count will have Americans calling for retreat from that nation as well despite its prima facie position as being a launchpad for the 9/11 attacks].Finally,they can turn to consolidating their takeover of the nuclear Pakistan and commence a program of ICBM blackmail.What has occurred already will be rather minute,a ''sideshow of a sideshow''for what is yet to come.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/25/167605.aspx#168655Wed, 25 Apr 2007 23:57:10 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:168655ex-marine,vietvetI see the chickenhawk lieing again, I'm not warmonger i'm not a chickenhawk, next he will say he never told dispocable lies about my military service and that he really really did all those things he says he did. more beak flapping chickenhawk bull from the lead chickenhawk .http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/25/167605.aspx#168666Thu, 26 Apr 2007 00:07:39 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:168666DesmondOr , they can listen to Kissinger like Nixon did and Bush does and see how that all plays out.These adults already did that. Not in the game plan this time.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/25/167605.aspx#168898Thu, 26 Apr 2007 04:31:50 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:168898Mark ThiemeRussell: Yes indeed. Terrorists do seem to favor Republicans. Good for business. They also never forget a favor. If it weren't for GWB's "Axis of Evil" rant, the moderates would have already squeezed out the Islamic radicals who have re-established their unhindered dominance of the Iranian political landscape. They owe our President a lot. Also right on the the Raygun reference. It was evident to Carter's hostage negotiation team in 1980 that the Ayatollah had perceived an opportunity for regime change in America and was leveraging the deal. That's something else radical Iranians haven't forgotten: How to manipulate American politics. Watch for an Iranian gift to the Republicans sometime between now and our next (scheduled) regime change.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/25/167605.aspx#169157Thu, 26 Apr 2007 14:17:10 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:169157Vince Williams, Dubuque, IA Once upon an early century time there was an "emperor" whose abilities with learning the important lessons of history were all generally missing. The emperor's name was George Dubious Botch who held it in his mind that he was always right, right, right; and anyone who suggested otherwise was fair game for excoriation (a word entirely foreign to Dubious). In fact his political party was often referred to as the GAP (Grand Arrogant Party) because of its stubborn conviction regarding its own goodness and chosen of God status. Moreover, George Dubious believed in his very heart that his VICE Emperor, Richard of the Chains was one who could do no wrong (irrespective of his talent for cynical attack dog dishonesty). And so, mainly on the advice of Richard (who often brooked no scruple to reward his obscenely wealthy corporate cronies), HELPED as well by another "good idea" guy Karl Meander, it came to pass that a quirky "let's have ourselves a war" idea (titled "The IrackMYbrain War") was decided upon, one that could benefit the very wealthy; AND one that sought to rectumfy what Dubious thought of as "some unfinished business" when his daddy was emperor. [This gets a little convoluted here, but try to follow along.] Dubious, you see, had always had problems "PLEASING" his daddy, and so he thought he could set things aright by professing to hate dictator Sadman Who'sInsane?, the emperor, of IrackMYbrain (that other empire). "But," cautioned Karl, "We really don't have a justification for starting such a war. We need to look for one." Just then, the empire suffered a TERRIBLE TERRORIST attack from a completely different organization that called themselves the "All-MisGUIDA Terror-is-Who-We-Are" group. "Ah-HAH!" exclaimed Karl. "If you'll first go squash All-MisGUIDA, you can follow that up by going to have your other war. Just be sure to also blame Sadman for this TERRIBLE TERRORIST attack first." Now among those who were certainly well positioned to reap the benefits of such a war was a GENERAL CONTRACTOR and clothier named Hal E. Burton who pledged to the emperor that he would design a wondrous and splendiferous new set of clothes. Hal fondly called his new suit design THE WMD SUIT (which stood for "We Must Deceive"). The threads of this suit were to be SO invaluable (which is the same thing as "VALUABLE") as to be completely invisible. Well, . . . time . . . passed, as time is frequently wont to do, and at length the suit was ready. Dubious was thrilled! "That bad old guy, Sadman . . . not only was he sorta responsible for the TERRIBLE TERRORIST attack, but he's also planning on worser things like raining "We Must Deceive" stuff on our parade. Which reminds me OH, guess what! ACCORDING TO OUR BIG defense guy, Donaldo Rumfilled, we can start a war that will be over before you know it. AND . . . there's gonna be a parade! YEP!!! I'm gonna wear this new suit for ALL TO SEE and admire; and, guess what else: the parade route will symbolize my famous 'Turn the corner and win the war' theme: we're gonna go around and around the same city block. [Giggle.] That was MY idea." Soon the day for the parade arrived and there was Emperor Dubious riding along IN PLAIN VIEW proudly sporting his remarkable, (albeit invisible) new WMD suit, occasionally standing and turning to wave to all who lined the route. Media, both national and international, were there to pundit (and PUNNED it they did: some calling the suit ... I GUESS it was in reference to the suit: "Much ado about nothing"). Members of the GAP party, on the other hand, spoke of its wondrously natural and necessary fashion and even, as George Botch himself characterized it, "an absolutely perfect fit with wonDERous color." Opponents, however, took a different view ("DIM" I think we could say). In fact, they were SUITably chagrined and (EXCEPT for a few jokers in the crowd who sang "Happy Birthday") downright embarrassed, as well as saddened by the cost. Members of the GAP party made sure to repeatedly extend their "heartfelt acclaim", And Dubious was so proud! OH, SO proud!!! After all, wasn't that AWE he observed on the faces in the crowd? And Karl, after deleting incriminating emails on his computer, figured out a way to spin it, by releasing, "George Dubious Botch's shivers might have given some the false impression that he was 'OUT IN THE COLD'. an unpatriotic misinterpretation by our opponents. Don't be deceived by those who want us to lose in IrackMYbrain AND cut off funding for our troops. Actually, his new WMD SUIT is a BLUE SURGE." [to be continued. The WAR, not the story.] http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/25/167605.aspx#169181Thu, 26 Apr 2007 14:33:09 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:169181Scott in South TexasAnd we all live unhappily ever after.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/25/167605.aspx#169205Thu, 26 Apr 2007 14:54:04 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:169205Lee in MVVince - that whole Iraq war rational was fairy tale stupid. I'm glad Kindalousy Rice got a subpoena - stand by for nuclear-powered brow furrowing and Grand Canyon-sized forehead crinkling.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/25/167605.aspx#169216Thu, 26 Apr 2007 14:59:25 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:169216Vince Williams, Dubuque, IAYou're absolutely right, Lee ... I just thought it'd be a good idea to step back and take a "fairy-tale" look at this stupid administration. Sometimes taking a longer view helps to see ... nekkid is as nekkid does.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/25/167605.aspx#169395Thu, 26 Apr 2007 16:48:47 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:169395Lee in MVLee Holmes: showing a little spine by Congress was very "adult." I was getting a little sick of the rubber-stamp Roman Senate - I thought it made us all look like fools who didn't believe in our own system (while forcing dit own Iraq's throat because it's so great).http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/25/167605.aspx#169438Thu, 26 Apr 2007 17:13:43 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:169438Mark ThiemeVince, that was no fairy tale, it was closer to truth than our "news" media were to the real story. I read where Phil Donahue claims that MSNBC insisted that he have two wingers to every "liberal" on his (canceled) show. Nekked indeed. Yes, Lee, stand by.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/25/167605.aspx#169755Thu, 26 Apr 2007 19:55:05 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:169755Lee HolmesLee:What makes you think that a ''Roman Senate''is not what you have now?Even the above First Read observes that all of the Democrat candidates are alike in policy.No original thinkers in that bunch.''Spine'' would be to remove the corrupt William Jefferson[D-La] from his committee post in the House.''Spine''would be to allow the Senate to pass Coburns[R-OK] bill that would allow more public oversight of what campaign recipient is benefited by Pork.''Spine''would be to adopt all of the provisions of the 9/11 Commission,without bickering over union cronyism.''Spine''would be to call our leaving Iraq a ''retreat''instead of a ''strategic withdrawl''and ''spine''would have allowed Reids defenders[Chuck Schumer,chief among these] to stop making excuses for the man and simply allow that he actually said what he said and meant it.A newsflash on this last indicates that a letter released by al Qaeda[Al-FAJR MEDIA,Apr.25,2007] yesterday with no suprise at all,endorses Reids remarks.I warned Reid that the wrong people would be backing his play even before the release of this letter.It is unfortunate to have been proven correct.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/25/167605.aspx#169800Thu, 26 Apr 2007 20:29:50 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:169800Lee in MV"Lee:What makes you think that a ''Roman Senate''is not what you have now?" ....Because they are finally standing up to a fraud who fiddles while Rome burns. "It is unfortunate to have been proven correct. " ....I wouldn't feel too bad about it just yet.