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<?xml-stylesheet type="text/xsl" href="http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/rss.xsl" media="screen"?><rss version="2.0" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/" xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/"><channel><title>Obama’s five steps</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/22/233649.aspx</link><description>
From NBC's Lauren Appelbaum





Obama strayed from the stump speech today, unveiling a “five-step” plan to end what he called the emergence of a "second Gilded Age in America" in a Manchester, N.H. speech centered on government reform.His plan:</description><dc:language>en-US</dc:language><generator>CommunityServer 2.0 (Build: 60608.1)</generator><item><title>Obama’s five steps</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/22/233649.aspx#233676</link><pubDate>Fri, 22 Jun 2007 20:54:50 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:233676</guid><dc:creator>Amy B Portland, ME</dc:creator><description>These 5 Reform Steps absolutly address the issues I care about. I want them to be implemented in '09. Can Obama win? Will enough Independents vote for him? </description></item><item><title>Obama’s five steps</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/22/233649.aspx#233678</link><pubDate>Fri, 22 Jun 2007 20:57:48 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:233678</guid><dc:creator>Russell in Maryland</dc:creator><description>What a wonderful change in government that would be. I can dream.</description></item><item><title>Obama’s five steps</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/22/233649.aspx#233688</link><pubDate>Fri, 22 Jun 2007 21:09:51 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:233688</guid><dc:creator>ER, Seattle</dc:creator><description>WOW! &amp;nbsp;Go Obama! &amp;nbsp;Wish I could have been there. Real change is on it's way to the White House, just what this country and the world needs. &amp;nbsp; </description></item><item><title>Obama’s five steps</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/22/233649.aspx#233699</link><pubDate>Fri, 22 Jun 2007 21:28:13 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:233699</guid><dc:creator>Katie, St. Paul, MN</dc:creator><description>Obama is again addressing the fundamental need for people to take back their government. &amp;nbsp;He is the only candidate who is talking this way, the only candidate who is shining light in dark places. &amp;nbsp;He has disclosed his financial records and tax returns. &amp;nbsp;He has disclosed the earmarks that he has requested since becoming a Senator. &amp;nbsp;Where are Hillary Clinton's and John Edwards' tax return disclosures? &amp;nbsp;Why has Hillary Clinton not explained her earmark requests? &amp;nbsp;It's simple. &amp;nbsp;They cannot stand up to the light.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Wouldn't it be refreshing to be proud of our country once again?</description></item><item><title>Obama’s five steps</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/22/233649.aspx#233701</link><pubDate>Fri, 22 Jun 2007 21:29:31 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:233701</guid><dc:creator>Mark G, Petersburg, IL</dc:creator><description>What a hypocrite! Obama’s political godfather and closest ally has been blocking these same ideas in Illinois and the guy can’t take 10 minutes out from campaigning in Illinois to weigh in. &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;When Illinois Senate President Emil Jones lets the state Senate vote on Pay-to-Play and budget disclosure reforms then maybe Obama can be taken seriously. Until then, he’s just another pandering politician with empty promises and no substance.</description></item><item><title>Obama’s five steps</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/22/233649.aspx#233707</link><pubDate>Fri, 22 Jun 2007 21:34:39 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:233707</guid><dc:creator>ya</dc:creator><description>is goot ya?</description></item><item><title>Obama’s five steps</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/22/233649.aspx#233727</link><pubDate>Fri, 22 Jun 2007 22:12:40 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:233727</guid><dc:creator>Laura Vines, Fairbanks, Alaska</dc:creator><description>Sounds good, but I want more than words. &amp;nbsp;I applaud his courage in even saying these words in a political arena that will eat him alive for saying them. &amp;nbsp;But I still need some hard evidence he's really committed to the people, not to his own agenda. &amp;nbsp;</description></item><item><title>Obama’s five steps</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/22/233649.aspx#233735</link><pubDate>Fri, 22 Jun 2007 22:23:38 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:233735</guid><dc:creator>Alex</dc:creator><description>This is what I like to see, someone who puts their money where their mouth is when it comes to responsible government. And not in a way that sounds off base or too lofty. These are all realistic goals now will all these beltway elites let this happen? IDK but I know I here some boots shaking in every other political camp right now.</description></item><item><title>Obama’s five steps</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/22/233649.aspx#233737</link><pubDate>Fri, 22 Jun 2007 22:31:18 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:233737</guid><dc:creator>Ronnie, Portand, Oregon</dc:creator><description>This is a good start. I'm all for setting higher standards in government. </description></item><item><title>Obama’s five steps</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/22/233649.aspx#233740</link><pubDate>Fri, 22 Jun 2007 22:33:22 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:233740</guid><dc:creator>Yiannis, Baltimore, MD</dc:creator><description>The only politician I know who is not commited to his own agenda is Russ Feingold and he is not running for president.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Running for president requires thick skin and changing the way y ou present your values. It is an exercise in realism.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Which of the candidates you know is more transparent than Obama?&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Edwards uses his poverty foundation to avoid FEC funding, pays his haircut from his poor donors money and works for hedge funds immediately after telling us how they are evading taxation.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Hillary is drenched in lobbyist money forever.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Elections have consequences and this time you can elect someone who'll change America and the world vs some more of the same. Have you heard how transparent Clinton is when it comes to her funding?&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;And by the way noone is scrutinizing any republicans yet. That's when the big laughter begins...</description></item><item><title>Obama’s five steps</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/22/233649.aspx#233770</link><pubDate>Fri, 22 Jun 2007 23:06:32 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:233770</guid><dc:creator>Jeff Friedman, Tustin, CA</dc:creator><description>Whoever gets elected, Democrat or Republican, will look wonderful by comparison to the most dishonest, secretive, and corrupt administration in American history.</description></item><item><title>Obama’s five steps</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/22/233649.aspx#233779</link><pubDate>Fri, 22 Jun 2007 23:16:28 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:233779</guid><dc:creator>Ken Collins</dc:creator><description>I am truly inspired by Barack Obama.&lt;br&gt;This young man is &amp;quot;HONESTLY&amp;quot; giving us back AMERICA &amp;nbsp;!!!</description></item><item><title>Obama’s five steps</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/22/233649.aspx#233781</link><pubDate>Fri, 22 Jun 2007 23:18:30 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:233781</guid><dc:creator>Wayne - Los Angeles, Ca. </dc:creator><description>What I like about Senator Obama is that he is an honest man and that he really believes in the American people. He is really trying to give us a chance to stop living in the muck and unsavory slime that our government has become. We are supposed to have the full access to our government and everything that they (unless it is some secret missions to stop our enemies - that are legitimate operations), otherwise we are the people and we should be able to see and know what they are doing at all times. By our vote we are simply hiring them to bring in the best people with the skills needed to do what we want and need done. &amp;nbsp;Instead of congress planning to issue 40 million visas to foreigners to come in and work in the technology fields in the up coming years ahead, so that corporations can pay them less to do the work and then send them back to their countries and the corporations get to collect the profits (this way the corporations can bypass American workers to keep Americans from being involved and developing these skills in American workforce and they don’t have to pay American workers or share in the profits with American workers) and they can have more power to abuse the American workers. If they can keep workers unskilled, workers will have less power to demand fair wages. Obama can see what they’re doing and he will stop them. That’s why corporations want Hillary and not Obama. &amp;nbsp;Ask Corporations who they would prefer between Hillary and Obama and see if they can look anybody in the eye and tell the truth.</description></item><item><title>Obama’s five steps</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/22/233649.aspx#233793</link><pubDate>Fri, 22 Jun 2007 23:43:23 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:233793</guid><dc:creator>jerry/corpus christi texas</dc:creator><description>This is some group you libs have put togather. &amp;nbsp;Hillary and her money machine and Obama and his ties to Chicago Mobsters. &amp;nbsp;Throw in Joe Biden and his all weekend benders in new Hampshire and Mike gravel and his star trek stare commercial and you have more nuts running around the country then there are in san franscisco.</description></item><item><title>Obama’s five steps</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/22/233649.aspx#233806</link><pubDate>Sat, 23 Jun 2007 00:06:33 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:233806</guid><dc:creator>Ted L. Loda, Evanston, Illinois</dc:creator><description>Obama has the right message and the conviction needed.</description></item><item><title>Obama’s five steps</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/22/233649.aspx#233840</link><pubDate>Sat, 23 Jun 2007 01:09:11 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:233840</guid><dc:creator>David Udonkuku</dc:creator><description>Transparency, open government, shared responsibilities. any sane being that does not applaud this plan is certainly hating on this essential movement and if you feel these wonders and shining lights yet deliberately refuse to do your bit in promoting &amp;quot;IT&amp;quot;, I say you're a natural embarrassment that ought to quit claiming the &amp;quot;patriotic american tag&amp;quot; </description></item><item><title>Obama’s five steps</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/22/233649.aspx#233858</link><pubDate>Sat, 23 Jun 2007 01:36:30 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:233858</guid><dc:creator>Michael Sebastian</dc:creator><description>John Adams, Alexander Hamilton etc must feel mighty comfortable wherever they are to hear some straight talk about Noble American values and the ideals that fired what is commonly termed the perpetual American dream. Best reagards and take care Obama-san. &amp;nbsp; </description></item><item><title>Obama’s five steps</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/22/233649.aspx#233889</link><pubDate>Sat, 23 Jun 2007 03:08:47 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:233889</guid><dc:creator>Julie, Elizabeth City, NC</dc:creator><description>It would be nice to believe in a politician again. &amp;nbsp;But I guess I am too old and too jaded. &amp;nbsp;My trust in his words is limited (but the words sound great if they mean something long term for our future -- if Obama is/could be elected that is).</description></item><item><title>Obama’s five steps</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/22/233649.aspx#233904</link><pubDate>Sat, 23 Jun 2007 03:45:03 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:233904</guid><dc:creator>Nathaniel, Kalamazoo, MI</dc:creator><description>Barack Obama is the perfect candidate for this moment in American history. &amp;nbsp;The swamp in Washington needs so badly to be drained, and Barack Obama is the only candidate on either side who can say credibly that he's interested in cleaning it up. &amp;nbsp;And like Lincoln, Reagan, and Kennedy, Barack Obama is a listener, and America needs nothing more now than a president who knows how to listen.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;a rel="nofollow" target="_new" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rueHv8yXFVc"&gt;http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rueHv8yXFVc&lt;/a&gt;</description></item><item><title>Obama’s five steps</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/22/233649.aspx#233922</link><pubDate>Sat, 23 Jun 2007 04:25:01 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:233922</guid><dc:creator>maria miami fl</dc:creator><description>shame on the people who hate hillary,shes by far the best out there ,some people must be blind ,by seeing a waman doing so well.i hope hillary wins and all haters have to stop talking about her private life .lol</description></item><item><title>Obama’s five steps</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/22/233649.aspx#233925</link><pubDate>Sat, 23 Jun 2007 04:28:25 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:233925</guid><dc:creator>maria miami fl</dc:creator><description>hillary is the best candidate to be president ,i hope you all can see it </description></item><item><title>Obama’s five steps</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/22/233649.aspx#233926</link><pubDate>Sat, 23 Jun 2007 04:31:16 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:233926</guid><dc:creator>maria miami fl</dc:creator><description>the candidate tha is more transparent than obama is hillary clinton.</description></item><item><title>Obama’s five steps</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/22/233649.aspx#233934</link><pubDate>Sat, 23 Jun 2007 04:46:38 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:233934</guid><dc:creator>Everaldo Jones</dc:creator><description>This May Hurt Obama. If the deocratic nomination is too close or the presidential election results are too close, he is going to need support from superdalegates (congress) I think if I were a congressman with a hidden agenda, I would vote for Hillary and keep things status quo.</description></item><item><title>Obama’s five steps</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/22/233649.aspx#233948</link><pubDate>Sat, 23 Jun 2007 06:18:08 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:233948</guid><dc:creator>J. Smith, Portland, OR</dc:creator><description>I'm more interested in the speech content than in audience applause. And, so what if this audience applauded 'politely' at times, as compared to the 'usual loud cheers' from other audiences? Why should it matter? Please Lauren Applebaum, let your readers know. &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;As for Obama's '5 Step Reform Plan' - - it could be a refreshing change, and change is badly needed now. And, compared to the status quo, it's got a lot of appeal! &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;His plan sounds like it aims to serve America, be trustworthy, be ethical, be non-partisan, and be transparent. WOW! Sound too good to be true? Not in the case of Obama. It looks like he has embedded his personal characteristics in future policy content. &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Because of his sound ethics, Obama's the best '08 presidential candidate. It's time for a change; away from abusive dynasties - - Bush, Clinton, Clinton, Bush, Bush; up to authenticity and hope - - to Barack Obama. &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;By the way, read both of Obama's books: the primer, &amp;quot;Dreams From My Father&amp;quot; and then, &amp;quot;The Audacity of Hope&amp;quot; &amp;nbsp;. You'll discover, as many have, who Obama is, how he thinks, what his background is, what little 'baggage' he'll bring to the Oval Office, what his vision is, what his passion is, and what his priorities are. &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;This guy's for real; and Americans badly need both he and his leadership as our next president! &lt;br&gt; </description></item><item><title>Obama’s five steps</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/22/233649.aspx#233968</link><pubDate>Sat, 23 Jun 2007 10:15:20 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:233968</guid><dc:creator>UmValli Lowenthal, Randallstown, MD</dc:creator><description>Obama represents unity, clarity, honesty, and most of all humanity. What Obama have said and done so far as a young 45-year old son of America indicates that he is ready and capable of bringing a positive change not only to American politics but to the world at large.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;What nation on Earth will not gladly welcome such an&lt;br&gt;honorable man to the helm of its leadership if it truly believes in Liberty and Justice for all or government for the people, by the people and of the people?&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;America must elect Obama if she expects to lead the World again.&lt;br&gt; </description></item><item><title>Obama’s five steps</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/22/233649.aspx#233998</link><pubDate>Sat, 23 Jun 2007 13:44:14 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:233998</guid><dc:creator>TERRY SEATTLE WA</dc:creator><description>what a lying and fake hypocrite...do you Democrat Obama supporters ever do any homework on this guy, what he has done vs. what he has said, where his money comes from and which corporations are backing him and waht they expect out of him</description></item><item><title>Obama’s five steps</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/22/233649.aspx#234018</link><pubDate>Sat, 23 Jun 2007 15:03:29 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:234018</guid><dc:creator>TERRY SEATTLE </dc:creator><description> &amp;nbsp;FACT:&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp;Obama has raised money from MANY corporations &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; INCLUDING:&lt;br&gt; &lt;br&gt; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp;Exelon, UBS, Citigroup, Morgan Stanley, Goldman Sachs, along with tobacco rich law firm Kirkland &amp;amp; Ellis, Time Warner, Viacom, Williams &amp;amp; Connolly, Level 3 Communications, Credit Suisse Securities, Lehman Brothers and Ariel Capital.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;FACT: Barack Obama believes nuclear power is &amp;quot;green&amp;quot; and told the Senate Committee on Environment &amp;amp; Public Works, (of which Barack is a member) that Congress should allow &amp;quot;nuclear power to remain on the table for consideration&amp;quot;... (Employees of Exelon, which is the nation's largest nuclear power plant operator, have donated over $159,000 to Obama's presidential campaign as of March 31, 2007) &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;FACT: Obama, in one of his earliest Senate votes, departed with his own party and voted for class action &amp;quot;reform&amp;quot; legislation&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;FACT: &amp;nbsp;Obama may not allow PACs to donate DIRECTLY to his presidential campaign, but he started a PAC of his own, which has donated to many other Democratic Party members, many of whom are &amp;nbsp;staunch conservatives like Sen. Joe Lieberman&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;FACT: Obama backed Lieberman over Ned Lamont&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;FACT: Obama's leadership PAC is and has been loaded with the help of credit card lobbyist Jeffrey Peck, who opposes a cap on credit card interests and big oil proponent Rich Tarplin&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;FACT: Obama stood down and did not help while only California Senator Barbara Boxer stood up to challenge the clear cut theft of black voting rights in the 2004 election&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;FACT: &amp;nbsp;Obama supports capital punishment&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;FACT: &amp;nbsp;Obama voted FOR EVERY SINGLE war funding bill except the last one, and ONLY AFTER most every other senator had voted and the outcome was no longer in question</description></item><item><title>Obama’s five steps</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/22/233649.aspx#234031</link><pubDate>Sat, 23 Jun 2007 15:50:15 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:234031</guid><dc:creator>Paul Servelle, Palm Springs, CA.</dc:creator><description>Let me be transparent: I believe, in both my heart and my head, that electing Obama president would transform our nation into one that is truly envied by ordinary people everywhere around the globe. Who am I: a 64 year old white male who, despite all the evidence to the contrary, still believes in our potential to realize the &amp;quot;one day we will all join hands&amp;quot; dream so eloquently articulated by Martin Luther King, Jr. some four decades ago.</description></item><item><title>Obama’s five steps</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/22/233649.aspx#234064</link><pubDate>Sat, 23 Jun 2007 17:50:14 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:234064</guid><dc:creator>george neidorf, defuniak springs, fl.</dc:creator><description>terry seattle wa: would you please list &amp;quot;where his (obamas) money comes from and which corporations are backing him and waht (sic) they expect out of him.&amp;quot;?&lt;br&gt; it's one thing to make a statement, it's quite another to offer proof of that statement.&lt;br&gt;</description></item><item><title>Obama’s five steps</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/22/233649.aspx#234081</link><pubDate>Sat, 23 Jun 2007 18:50:16 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:234081</guid><dc:creator>Rosemary Farmer, Simi Valley, Calif.</dc:creator><description>Good for Obama. &amp;nbsp;We need to at least feel as citizens of this Great Country that we have some say in our Government. &amp;nbsp; Hopefully, he can lead the way. &amp;nbsp; The country does not need to be in the hands of just two families. &amp;nbsp;There are other well qualified candidates. &amp;nbsp;Obama is one of them.</description></item><item><title>Obama’s five steps</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/22/233649.aspx#234082</link><pubDate>Sat, 23 Jun 2007 18:52:08 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:234082</guid><dc:creator>Lisa</dc:creator><description>Yes - Obama is a good speaker.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&amp;gt;&amp;gt;&amp;gt;&amp;gt;&amp;gt;Obama's courting of lobbying firm employees who aren't branded with the scarlet &amp;quot;L&amp;quot; comes close to the $280,450 take of presidential rival Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton of New York.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&amp;gt;&amp;gt;&amp;gt;&amp;gt;Judging by the numbers, former North Carolina Sen. Edwards has spent less time cultivating the lobbying community, picking up only $46,900. And, his campaign said, most of those donors live outside Washington.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;a rel="nofollow" target="_new" href="http://dyn.politico.com/printstory.cfm?uuid=26C8259D-3048-5C12-005A5ED8A3B9BDE3"&gt;http://dyn.politico.com/printstory.cfm?uuid=26C8259D-3048-5C12-005A5ED8A3B9BDE3&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;</description></item><item><title>Obama’s five steps</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/22/233649.aspx#234086</link><pubDate>Sat, 23 Jun 2007 18:54:56 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:234086</guid><dc:creator>Anthony,  Jacksonville, FL</dc:creator><description>Obama is a hypocrite!&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;a rel="nofollow" target="_new" href="http://www.opensecrets.org/pres08/sector.asp?id=N00009638&amp;amp;cycle=2008"&gt;http://www.opensecrets.org/pres08/sector.asp?id=N00009638&amp;amp;cycle=2008&lt;/a&gt;</description></item><item><title>Obama’s five steps</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/22/233649.aspx#234097</link><pubDate>Sat, 23 Jun 2007 19:15:59 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:234097</guid><dc:creator>Lyn, MD</dc:creator><description>Terry you may want to check out the Huffington Post column (6/23) today. &amp;nbsp;Hillary has the largest number of Lobbyist on her payroll (8)next to Mccain (11). &amp;nbsp;Obama has none</description></item><item><title>Obama’s five steps</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/22/233649.aspx#234117</link><pubDate>Sat, 23 Jun 2007 20:32:41 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:234117</guid><dc:creator>Jake B</dc:creator><description>Yeah, I know what Obama's done:&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&amp;quot;Obama has made ethics reform a central part of his political career. Two years into his first term in the U.S. Senate, he has had limited opportunities to leave a mark at the federal level, especially as a member of the minority party. But he has worked with Republicans on new good-government laws. He co-sponsored one, signed in September, that will create a federal spending database so Web users can track all grants, loans and awards greater than $25,000. He also pushed to limit the Federal Emergency Management Agency's authority to award open-ended, no-bid contracts in the wake of major disasters — a reaction to post-Katrina abuses. More to the point, last year Senate Democrats tapped Obama as the chief negotiator for their caucus in talks over post-Abramoff ethics reforms, though those negotiations faltered. Ethics reform was one of Obama's signature issues in Springfield, as well. Beyond the Gift Ban Act, he helped push Democratic Gov. Rod Blagojevich's 2003 ethics reforms. The gift ban law, the first broad ethics reform in Illinois since the Watergate era, prohibited politicians from using campaign funds for personal use, barred fundraising on state property, established ethics commissions, curtailed fundraisers in Springfield during legislative sessions and mandated online reporting of campaign finances. The 2003 ethics package created independent inspectors general with subpoena powers to look into abuses by legislators, statewide officeholders and their employees. It further clamped down on the types of gifts lawmakers can receive and prohibited lobbyists and their spouses from sitting on state boards and commissions. Obama also touted publicly financed judicial campaigns, an idea that was approved by the Illinois Senate but languished in the House.&amp;quot;&lt;br&gt;Obama has made ethics reform a central part of his political career. Two years into his first term in the U.S. Senate, he has had limited opportunities to leave a mark at the federal level, especially as a member of the minority party. But he has worked with Republicans on new good-government laws. He co-sponsored one, signed in September, that will create a federal spending database so Web users can track all grants, loans and awards greater than $25,000. He also pushed to limit the Federal Emergency Management Agency's authority to award open-ended, no-bid contracts in the wake of major disasters — a reaction to post-Katrina abuses. More to the point, last year Senate Democrats tapped Obama as the chief negotiator for their caucus in talks over post-Abramoff ethics reforms, though those negotiations faltered. Ethics reform was one of Obama's signature issues in Springfield, as well. Beyond the Gift Ban Act, he helped push Democratic Gov. Rod Blagojevich's 2003 ethics reforms. The gift ban law, the first broad ethics reform in Illinois since the Watergate era, prohibited politicians from using campaign funds for personal use, barred fundraising on state property, established ethics commissions, curtailed fundraisers in Springfield during legislative sessions and mandated online reporting of campaign finances. The 2003 ethics package created independent inspectors general with subpoena powers to look into abuses by legislators, statewide officeholders and their employees. It further clamped down on the types of gifts lawmakers can receive and prohibited lobbyists and their spouses from sitting on state boards and commissions. Obama also touted publicly financed judicial campaigns, an idea that was approved by the Illinois Senate but languished in the House.&amp;quot;&lt;br&gt;&lt;a rel="nofollow" target="_new" href="http://illinoisissues.uis.edu/features/2007feb/obama.html"&gt;http://illinoisissues.uis.edu/features/2007feb/obama.html&lt;/a&gt;</description></item><item><title>Obama’s five steps</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/22/233649.aspx#234127</link><pubDate>Sat, 23 Jun 2007 21:15:48 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:234127</guid><dc:creator>Stanton Davis, Philadelphia, PA</dc:creator><description>Terry I think you meant DemocratIC. Or should we Democratic Obamma supporters start referring to you and your ilk as 'Republic' Bush supporters. Or I could call you “Tare” instead of “Terry.”I know it is vogue in political circles to denigrate and diminish the opposition. What ever happened to collegiality? What ever happened to civility? If you want politics to work ever again you must have enough respect for you opponents to at least call them by their chosen name. Otherwise good luck ever getting anything done in a bipartisan way. Face it we are a divided nation. I will never support some of the things you defend avidly and vice versa, but if this country is ever to find the common ground necessary for it to work again we must start with civility and common courtesy. So,Terry,please don't call me Stan. My name is Stanton. And my party is the “Democratic” party not the &amp;quot;Democrat&amp;quot; party. That would be a good start. Thanks &amp;nbsp; </description></item><item><title>Obama’s five steps</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/22/233649.aspx#234157</link><pubDate>Sat, 23 Jun 2007 23:50:38 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:234157</guid><dc:creator>anjan muhury</dc:creator><description>Typical political spin. This guy Obama is a master manipulator who has the gift of oratory without any deep knowledge of our culture. He has no knowledge of foreign affairs. This man is not white enough to know America, and its values. He is an actor, and has no strength in his convictions. Let a true American rule America !.</description></item><item><title>Obama’s five steps</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/22/233649.aspx#234173</link><pubDate>Sun, 24 Jun 2007 00:50:59 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:234173</guid><dc:creator>Brad, Austin, TX</dc:creator><description>With all do respect Maria in Florida, I will not vote for Hillary. &amp;nbsp;I am a Democrat and cannot support someone like her. &amp;nbsp;Although I do not expect perfection in a candidate, she is simply too calculating and manipulative to be trusted. &amp;nbsp;I put personal integrity above party. &amp;nbsp;I hope the Democrats can do better than nominating Hillary to be our nation's chief executive. &amp;nbsp;To quote Senator Obama, &amp;quot;It is time to turn the page.&amp;quot; &amp;nbsp; </description></item><item><title>Obama’s five steps</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/22/233649.aspx#234190</link><pubDate>Sun, 24 Jun 2007 02:38:19 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:234190</guid><dc:creator>Joanna, Fairfax Virginia</dc:creator><description>I have really enjoyed everything I have read about Obama. If Obama doesn't get the democratic nomination (which would be an absolute shame), then I do hope that whoever does get the nomination; has enough sense to at least listen to his ideas and at most use him in their administration. &lt;br&gt;It is my belief that he will be able to serve us best in the White House.</description></item><item><title>Obama’s five steps</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/22/233649.aspx#234191</link><pubDate>Sun, 24 Jun 2007 02:38:23 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:234191</guid><dc:creator>Lisa Dayton, Ohio</dc:creator><description>This is the first time in my voting life I have been this excited about a canidate. I believe Obama is what he says he is and will do what he says he will. You can clearly see his passion for America, I hope and pray he will win, he is a badly needed breath of fresh air! Thank God for Obama! I can`t help but compare his style to JFK.</description></item><item><title>Obama’s five steps</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/22/233649.aspx#234233</link><pubDate>Sun, 24 Jun 2007 05:48:50 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:234233</guid><dc:creator>Lundy </dc:creator><description>I like what Im hearing from Obama. There are some interesting candidates on both sides of the fence this time around but I believe Obama has the most honest feel so far in this early campaign. I can only hope the American people in their hardened wisdom can now get past the 'liberal' vs. 'conservative' game that this current administration (circa Carl Rove) has manipulated so well. </description></item><item><title>Obama’s five steps</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/22/233649.aspx#234240</link><pubDate>Sun, 24 Jun 2007 06:28:38 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:234240</guid><dc:creator>Foxy, Phoenix, Arizona</dc:creator><description>To Terry is Seattle:&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Yes, I've done my homework on Obama, and he comes out as a great guy. Now if you have some negative facts that would like to share with us, do so. Otherwise please do not call him a liar and a hypocrite unless you have facts to support that statement. Come on Terry, be nice, and be fair. Obama is a class act, I hope you will take the time to get to know the person he is. Give him a chance and I think you will really like what you learn about him. Please start by reading his speech about why he didn't support going to war with Iraq. You will be amazed how right he was about everything he stated in that speech, he is a very smart man. Terry, join with us in supporting Obama, I know we can make you a believer if you will learn more about him!(PS I love the Seattle Mariners)&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;</description></item><item><title>Obama’s five steps</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/22/233649.aspx#234247</link><pubDate>Sun, 24 Jun 2007 07:50:23 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:234247</guid><dc:creator>gstahl, santa maria</dc:creator><description>I can see a leader, here! &amp;nbsp;Its time for change. &amp;nbsp;This man is not bluffing for a vote, unlike the other side of the coin (Hillary). &amp;nbsp;Go Bama</description></item><item><title>Obama’s five steps</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/22/233649.aspx#234261</link><pubDate>Sun, 24 Jun 2007 12:49:48 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:234261</guid><dc:creator>Cory</dc:creator><description>Hey Jerry,..or we could have your crowd,who put us into a unnecessary and costly war.A crowd of folks who can't do government..i.e. Katrina.&lt;br&gt;I don't think so.It'll be hillary or Obama as president in '08.Take your choice</description></item><item><title>Obama’s five steps</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/22/233649.aspx#234262</link><pubDate>Sun, 24 Jun 2007 12:55:29 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:234262</guid><dc:creator>Cory,Silver Spring,MD</dc:creator><description>Hey Jerry,..or we could have your crowd,who put us into a unnecessary and costly war.A crowd of folks who can't do government..i.e. Katrina.&lt;br&gt;I don't think so.It'll be hillary or Obama as president in '08.Take your choice</description></item><item><title>Obama’s five steps</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/22/233649.aspx#234290</link><pubDate>Sun, 24 Jun 2007 15:21:45 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:234290</guid><dc:creator>Ken Collins</dc:creator><description>BARACK OBAMA FOR PRESIDENT OF &amp;quot;OUR UNITED STATES&amp;quot; !!!&lt;br&gt;IMPEACH BUSH !!!</description></item><item><title>Obama’s five steps</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/22/233649.aspx#234296</link><pubDate>Sun, 24 Jun 2007 15:56:44 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:234296</guid><dc:creator>Sam, Sequim WA</dc:creator><description>I feel the audacity of hope, when I read and see the speeches Obama makes, and the hope for our youth when he draws such large crowds at colleges, and to see them hang on to his every word. Most days it seems that hope is all we have to hang on to. Obama is the best person, to take our country into the honorable direction our forfathers intended.</description></item><item><title>Obama’s five steps</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/22/233649.aspx#234297</link><pubDate>Sun, 24 Jun 2007 15:59:03 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:234297</guid><dc:creator>Stephanie Felton, Nashville, TN</dc:creator><description>It's more than just a notion. &amp;nbsp;We can once again hold our elected officals accountable for their action. &amp;nbsp;They are in service to us and not the other way around; and Sen. Obama's plan will restore the balance that once made this country unique and great. &amp;nbsp;I want a govenment that is truly concerned with the best interest of the people and not the narrow, self serving and greedy demands of the corporations of the country and the world. &amp;nbsp;It is my hope that the true patriots of this country are ready to rally behind a candidate like Sen. Obama. &amp;nbsp;I hope we can get past the color of his skin and look at the content of his character, and; once again take our true place in history as leaders in technology, science, education, health, and service. Please help us fix this country, future President Elect Barack Obama so that we will be better able to reach a helping hand to the rest of the world. &amp;nbsp;</description></item><item><title>Obama’s five steps</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/22/233649.aspx#234307</link><pubDate>Sun, 24 Jun 2007 16:45:18 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:234307</guid><dc:creator>victor,seoul,south korea</dc:creator><description>I strongly believe obama is sending the right message and truely he is what the american people need at this present situation.</description></item><item><title>Obama’s five steps</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/22/233649.aspx#234414</link><pubDate>Mon, 25 Jun 2007 02:51:17 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:234414</guid><dc:creator>J. Smith, Portland, OR</dc:creator><description>With regard to Senator Clinton: As recently as today on both 'Face the Nation' moderated by Chris Wallace, and 'Meet the Press' moderated by Tim Russert, their round-table, bipartisan guests' general consensus was that Senator Clinton's another version of hubby 'Slick Willy'; she dodges questions about her first Iraq War vote, prevaricates on issues, and sidesteps others, all the while hoping America &amp;nbsp;believes her answers.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Some of her supporters say she's strong on creating policy. But, she's questionable in personal ethics and character. Writing policy necessarily links to her ethics and character; therefore, the policy's very questionable &amp;nbsp;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;In her pursuit of the presidency she will reinvent herself for political expedience; be all things to all people; say whatever serves her campaign purposes.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;One Clinton campaign strategy I don't like: get to know her like Bill does. My question: Why now? Why wasn't she known as the 'softer, gentler, self-depricatingly humorous' wife of Bill Clinton of Campaigns '92 or '96? Where was that Hillary? This strategy feels fake and phony. &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Those are some of the reasons why I won't vote for her.&lt;br&gt; &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;</description></item><item><title>Obama’s five steps</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/22/233649.aspx#234493</link><pubDate>Mon, 25 Jun 2007 12:57:36 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:234493</guid><dc:creator>Bush Republican</dc:creator><description>I hate Hillary Clinton. If the dems are dumb enough to nominate her the WH will remain in Republican hands.</description></item><item><title>Obama’s five steps</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/22/233649.aspx#234507</link><pubDate>Mon, 25 Jun 2007 13:15:34 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:234507</guid><dc:creator>Buzz</dc:creator><description>Geez, I hate to detract from the good qualities of Barak and Hillary, but it seems to me that a turnip, ruttebega, parsnip or some other root-type vegetable would be a better choice for America than what we'vehad for the last several years. &amp;nbsp;Hey, Jerry- you agree with that??</description></item><item><title>Obama’s five steps</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/22/233649.aspx#234508</link><pubDate>Mon, 25 Jun 2007 13:15:40 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:234508</guid><dc:creator>TERRY SEATTLE WA</dc:creator><description>I voted for Ralph Nader , and please do not talk to me about civility and fairness and working together as I voted for Nader and we know how the Democrats treated him.</description></item><item><title>Obama’s five steps</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/22/233649.aspx#234569</link><pubDate>Mon, 25 Jun 2007 14:30:26 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:234569</guid><dc:creator>H P Boston</dc:creator><description>OH YOU ARE SO AFRAID OF HILLARY, Can the BS shrub repug.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;BUZZ:&lt;br&gt;I don't know about jer BUT I do agree. VOTE DEMOCRATIC&lt;br&gt;SAVE OUR COUNTRY! VOTE EARLY AND VOTE OFTEN. &lt;br&gt;WOMEN ARE THE MAJORITY!!!&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;</description></item><item><title>Obama’s five steps</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/22/233649.aspx#234635</link><pubDate>Mon, 25 Jun 2007 15:31:33 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:234635</guid><dc:creator>Lynn</dc:creator><description>HP Boston, Terry ( and all the other names you troll under)- please go back to your day job working for Hillaryis44.org a shadow Clinton 'hit job site' dubbed warroom II. &amp;nbsp;As Peggy Noonan stated a &amp;quot;back door&amp;quot; to the Clinton campaign. &amp;nbsp;We are not listening.</description></item><item><title>Obama’s five steps</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/22/233649.aspx#234654</link><pubDate>Mon, 25 Jun 2007 15:56:22 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:234654</guid><dc:creator>TERRY SEATTLE WA</dc:creator><description> &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; Lynn, I am not for Hillary or Obama, and I am not a &amp;quot;hit&amp;quot; person of any sort, I voted Nader in 2000 and 2004 and am proud of it.&lt;br&gt;And it is VERY obvious nobody is listening to me as many of you would rather be &amp;quot;Democrats&amp;quot; than Americans.&lt;br&gt; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; You are supposed to put your nation FIRST not your candidate or political party.&lt;br&gt; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; And everything I said about Obama is true and is verifiable with a few minutes of research.&lt;br&gt; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; At least back Kucinich jeeez.</description></item><item><title>Obama’s five steps</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/22/233649.aspx#234856</link><pubDate>Mon, 25 Jun 2007 18:50:10 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:234856</guid><dc:creator>H P Boston</dc:creator><description>Lynn..sooo funny, I love it!! &amp;nbsp;I &amp;nbsp;had better start charging the Clinton campaign, please tell them what a great job I am doing, maybe I can get a RAISE!&lt;br&gt;</description></item><item><title>Obama’s five steps</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/22/233649.aspx#234859</link><pubDate>Mon, 25 Jun 2007 18:51:02 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:234859</guid><dc:creator>H P Boston</dc:creator><description>Lynn..sooo funny, I love it!! &amp;nbsp;I &amp;nbsp;had better start charging the Clinton campaign, please tell them what a great job I am doing, maybe I can get a RAISE!&lt;br&gt;</description></item><item><title>Obama’s five steps</title><link>http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/22/233649.aspx#234924</link><pubDate>Mon, 25 Jun 2007 19:49:48 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:234924</guid><dc:creator>Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA</dc:creator><description>Terry in Seattle - none of that stuff you listed bothers me too much, except the capital punishment thing, but I'm used to giving in on that one. The more I'm seeing of this guy, the more he impresses me. I would like to see him bring in a few more hired guns, because I'm not sensing his campaign is ready for the negative barrage that's coming his way sometime around August, September and October. He's up against some masters of the tricks.</description></item></channel></rss>