http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/08/218064.aspx BROWNBACK: Still optimistic. In a conference call with Kansas media, Brownback was asked about his missed Senate votes. “What I am trying to do is balance the work back and forth. Being in the U.S. Senate, being on the campaign trail, I’men-USCommunityServer 2.0 (Build: 60608.1)http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/08/218064.aspx#218133Fri, 08 Jun 2007 14:07:14 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:218133Still Crazy After All These Years"In a little while from now, If I'm not feeling any less sour. I promised myself, to treat myself, A visit to a nearby tower...I may as well go home, As I did on my own, alone again, naturally."Alone Again, Naturally"-Gilbert O' Sullivanhttp://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/08/218064.aspx#218225Fri, 08 Jun 2007 15:10:16 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:218225Rob BostonThanks for the comment at the end of the story about McCain losing a fundraiser, to reveal that Rudy lost a fundraiser to Fred too. I would like to see more stories/analysis of how the media is manipulating the public's view of the candidates. The media is following a script and not reporting. Edwards is always portrayed as a rich pretty boy, but there is very little discussion of his anti-poverty agenda. ROn Paul is described as a kook but he has clearly differentiated himself from the other Republicans (Iraq, libertarian). (even if he is a kook why not report that he has excellent organizational skills so that he wins all these on line polls, despite his standing in more traditional polls). Fred T is a humble plain spoken man carrying Reagan's mantle, but little talk of his K Street lobbyist background. Once the media outlines a story there is little initiative to write a different story on a candidate. http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/08/218064.aspx#218480Fri, 08 Jun 2007 18:09:29 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:218480Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VAKudos to Brownback for at least giving honest answers. "I'm doing the best I can" between being a senator and a presidential candidate. However the rest of his answer illustrates the difficulty facing all second-tier candidates. He's running an old-fashioned presidential campaign out of necessity, and seems to have no plan for dealing with the new Tsunami realities. More so than in the past, candidates will need more name awareness jumping in, so they can do well in early fundraising, which will solidify their claims to the top tier, which will be necessary for media acknowledgement, which is mandatory to run an early, national campaign. There just isn't time to pull a strong second in Iowa or New Hampshire and then hope voters at large start to look you over.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/08/218064.aspx#218594Fri, 08 Jun 2007 19:08:11 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:218594Russell in MarylandMaybe Thompson can wear a light colored suit. It would be harder to change white and male.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/08/218064.aspx#219227Sat, 09 Jun 2007 03:29:03 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:219227Bryan, Boston MaI never tire of Romney. What a visionary, stellar, educated leader. He was a revolutionary rain-maker in Boston as Governor. I am so excited that a leader of his magnitude has stepped up to offer his leadership to our nation. He has my vote.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/08/218064.aspx#221562Mon, 11 Jun 2007 14:41:14 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:221562Still Crazy After All These Years"Hey look me over, Lend me an ear. All out of clover Mortgage up to here."-from the stage musical "Wildcat"